Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Mercury fly by
Cool! Space is "the final frontier" and we really should be doing more space stuff, more often.
Chemical Reactions Create Undulating Brew
Everyone may have seen this already but I don't care. I think it is pretty cool and is the type of thing that can get someone interested in science so I am posting it.
This is an example of complexity in a chemical reaction that most would think far to complicated to occur. It is fascinating that we are still uncovering areas of such wonder in this field. I used to work with someone who's husband was a chemist in VA and his job was to create custom foam for specific purposes. Light weight, dense, flexible, stiff, all kinds of foam. He created foam with specific properties for each specific job requirement. I thought that was pretty cool too.
This is an example of complexity in a chemical reaction that most would think far to complicated to occur. It is fascinating that we are still uncovering areas of such wonder in this field. I used to work with someone who's husband was a chemist in VA and his job was to create custom foam for specific purposes. Light weight, dense, flexible, stiff, all kinds of foam. He created foam with specific properties for each specific job requirement. I thought that was pretty cool too.
Monday, January 14, 2008
NYT shows why its circulation continues to fall
Poor reporting from the NYT is becoming so common place that one gets tired of reading about it. Maybe that is their "master plan" to run so many bad, ill conceived and factually wrong stories so often that is just becomes so much white noise (like all of the untruths that the Clintons told so often during his presidency) and no one will care.
The cartoons that would not be stopped...
Watch these videos. This is yet another reason why we can not let the Mohammad cartoons drop. Why we must continue to publish them and not bend to pressure or threats.
WD My Book World Edition
I picked up one of these last week from eBay and expect it to arrive mid-week. It is a network storage device that can be accessed from any computer on the network. I purchased the 1.5T model and expect to use the RAID-1 mirroring giving me ~750Gig storage. It will mostly be used for computer backups (I will miss Norton Ghost) and for photo storage.
Sams Club has the 1T unit for about $300 now but I was able to get the 1.5 from eBay for only slightly more and as I plan to use mirroring by getting the 1.5, I still have a fairly usable amount for files and photos. I could not quite talk myself into getting a 2T unit though in a few years I may wish that I did.
This model has a nice feature in that I can create a folder on the drive and designate it as Internet accessible. It can then be accessed via a web page or PCAnywhere style client software. In this way, instead of having to compress or reduce photos to share with friends and family, we can just send them to the web site or the client access software. Like a mini-myspace or youtube.
The device plugs right into my wireless router and when I hook it up, I will put both on a UPS. All of the computers that are on my network are now wireless and so even if the power goes out, my network will stay up. As soon as I get another UPS for the HP all-in-one, all of my network resources will be available 24/7 regardless of the power situation outside. I just want to make sure that the printer UPS allows me to turn off the alarm as it will be in the bedroom closet and we have brown-outs and mini-black outs all of the time where I live in Florida.
Update: 2/3/2008
I purchased a 1.5TB unit from an eBay seller at a pretty good price. The unit turned out to be used, not new and broken to boot. I returned it, they replaced it with the SAME unit and I returned it a second time for a refund. I picked up a 1TB unit from SAMS but it turned out to be a World Edition, not a World Edition II. The difference being the IIs have support for RAID 1. I will wind up retuning it and most likely get a 2TB unit from COSCO. During all of this, I tried to get the various drives to work with limited success. I can access the drives using a direct IP path but the included MioNet software never seems to be able to find the drive. When I get the (hopefully) final drive from COSCO I will give it another attempt and then call WD support. From my limited experience with this system it is a real good idea but I am not very happy with or impressed with the MioNet client software.
Update: 2/23/2008
I am going to have to give up on this for a bit. It is just not working out right. I tried yet another unit but could not get the software to work and apparently the drive was more than 6 months old and as such, the "free" support ran out so I could not get support for getting the software working properly. I returned it and will try sometime in the future after these have been out longer and have had the kinks worked out (of the software and support chain).
Sams Club has the 1T unit for about $300 now but I was able to get the 1.5 from eBay for only slightly more and as I plan to use mirroring by getting the 1.5, I still have a fairly usable amount for files and photos. I could not quite talk myself into getting a 2T unit though in a few years I may wish that I did.
This model has a nice feature in that I can create a folder on the drive and designate it as Internet accessible. It can then be accessed via a web page or PCAnywhere style client software. In this way, instead of having to compress or reduce photos to share with friends and family, we can just send them to the web site or the client access software. Like a mini-myspace or youtube.
The device plugs right into my wireless router and when I hook it up, I will put both on a UPS. All of the computers that are on my network are now wireless and so even if the power goes out, my network will stay up. As soon as I get another UPS for the HP all-in-one, all of my network resources will be available 24/7 regardless of the power situation outside. I just want to make sure that the printer UPS allows me to turn off the alarm as it will be in the bedroom closet and we have brown-outs and mini-black outs all of the time where I live in Florida.
Update: 2/3/2008
I purchased a 1.5TB unit from an eBay seller at a pretty good price. The unit turned out to be used, not new and broken to boot. I returned it, they replaced it with the SAME unit and I returned it a second time for a refund. I picked up a 1TB unit from SAMS but it turned out to be a World Edition, not a World Edition II. The difference being the IIs have support for RAID 1. I will wind up retuning it and most likely get a 2TB unit from COSCO. During all of this, I tried to get the various drives to work with limited success. I can access the drives using a direct IP path but the included MioNet software never seems to be able to find the drive. When I get the (hopefully) final drive from COSCO I will give it another attempt and then call WD support. From my limited experience with this system it is a real good idea but I am not very happy with or impressed with the MioNet client software.
Update: 2/23/2008
I am going to have to give up on this for a bit. It is just not working out right. I tried yet another unit but could not get the software to work and apparently the drive was more than 6 months old and as such, the "free" support ran out so I could not get support for getting the software working properly. I returned it and will try sometime in the future after these have been out longer and have had the kinks worked out (of the software and support chain).
3D color printing for under $50K
All I can say is WOW. The ability to turn CAD drawings into physical 3D parts, in color, in just a few hours for less than $50K is unbelievable. If this continues, one day soon, these machines will be cheap enough so that the serious hobbyist will be able to afford one.
Here is a video of the printer being demostrated.
This is already happening with laser cutters and automatic CNC machines. Small shops can afford these types of systems today and you can home build a laser cutter your self.
I have seen a couple of home built 3D printers created with Lego parts (one was a chocolate printer). High end hobby versions can not be far behind.
Here is a video of the printer being demostrated.
This is already happening with laser cutters and automatic CNC machines. Small shops can afford these types of systems today and you can home build a laser cutter your self.
I have seen a couple of home built 3D printers created with Lego parts (one was a chocolate printer). High end hobby versions can not be far behind.
Friday, January 11, 2008
"spray on" displays and related things
This is an older story but wow the possibilities are endless. I tried to find an update but was not able to. May search more when I have time...-
Researchers have filled an off-the-shelf inkjet printer with semi-conducting polymer "ink" to print computer displays and solar cells on to a multitude of different surfaces.
The researchers have so far used the technique to make simple organic LED arrays that display images when connected to a power supply, as well as power-generating solar cells. But Jabbour believes the technique could be used to create many different types of device.
Researchers have filled an off-the-shelf inkjet printer with semi-conducting polymer "ink" to print computer displays and solar cells on to a multitude of different surfaces.
The researchers have so far used the technique to make simple organic LED arrays that display images when connected to a power supply, as well as power-generating solar cells. But Jabbour believes the technique could be used to create many different types of device.
Care clinics in retailers
The decision by the state Public Health Council, "jeopardizes patient safety," Menino said in a written statement. "Limited service medical clinics run by merchants in for-profit corporations will seriously compromise quality of care and hygiene. Allowing retailers to make money off of sick people is wrong."
Well he certainly sounds like a politician. Oh and ummm I hate to break this to you but that is the same definition of a doctor's office, hospital or emergency care facility, people making money off of sick people. No one does it for free. And no, when hospitals treat those that can not pay, they are not doing it for free. They just charge everyone else that can pay a little more. There ain't no free lunch.
Walmart did a lot of good with their drug programs, some would say better than what the government did. Who is to say that they can not do the same for medical care?
Dr. Paula Johnson, a board member and physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said episodic visits to a drug store clinic could defeat efforts to provide patients with a reliable continuum of care.
And you think occasionally visiting a hospital emergency room for treatment leads to "a reliable continuum of care"? If my choices are wait 30 minutes to see someone in CSV or 3 months to see my doctor or 8 hours at the emergency room, well just take a guess at which I will choose. For a bonus question, guess which is likely to be cheapest.
Well he certainly sounds like a politician. Oh and ummm I hate to break this to you but that is the same definition of a doctor's office, hospital or emergency care facility, people making money off of sick people. No one does it for free. And no, when hospitals treat those that can not pay, they are not doing it for free. They just charge everyone else that can pay a little more. There ain't no free lunch.
Walmart did a lot of good with their drug programs, some would say better than what the government did. Who is to say that they can not do the same for medical care?
Dr. Paula Johnson, a board member and physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said episodic visits to a drug store clinic could defeat efforts to provide patients with a reliable continuum of care.
And you think occasionally visiting a hospital emergency room for treatment leads to "a reliable continuum of care"? If my choices are wait 30 minutes to see someone in CSV or 3 months to see my doctor or 8 hours at the emergency room, well just take a guess at which I will choose. For a bonus question, guess which is likely to be cheapest.
Ms. Magazine's Kerfuffle
Yet another left wing, liberal agenda at any price group. They will gladly promote any women involved in peace activities as long as they are against the west and will gloss over how Islam denigrates women but let us do NOTHING to promote the good that comes from the only true democracy in the middle east because they are on the wrong side of all of the 'right' issues.
Shame on them!
Shame on them!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The reason I haven’t gone all out attacking Islamism in my art is because I feel real fear that someone will slit my throat.”
That is why it is so much easier to pick on the religions of Christians and Jews as they generally don't slit throats any more regardless of what you do, whereas radical Islam will (in some instances) just for saying "radical Islam".
And what does that say about these "artists"? They are willing to "be bold and take risks" as long as there are no real consequences for those risks. Kind of like all of the "truthers" that speak truth to power so boldly in a country that protects the right of free speech. Actually speaking truth to power would be going to Iran and protesting in the street about how radical Islam has become or how oppressive to women it is. But like our "daring" artist above, that could ACTUALLY get one killed so most truthers will leave that sort of truth telling to the other guy.
And what does that say about these "artists"? They are willing to "be bold and take risks" as long as there are no real consequences for those risks. Kind of like all of the "truthers" that speak truth to power so boldly in a country that protects the right of free speech. Actually speaking truth to power would be going to Iran and protesting in the street about how radical Islam has become or how oppressive to women it is. But like our "daring" artist above, that could ACTUALLY get one killed so most truthers will leave that sort of truth telling to the other guy.
A car for the masses?
Indian automaker Tata Motors has finally unveiled the Tata Nano -- its already legendary $2,500 (1-lakh)car. As expected, the car that Tata claims will change the face of not only the Indian car market, but the global auto industry will be a four door, five seat hatch, powered by a 30 HP Bosch 624 cc four stroke engine...
Poster child for voter ID opponents registered in two states
This is too perfect! One of the people held up by those opposed to voter ID laws as a reason why those laws are not needed and is the first person mentioned in the Supreme Court brief opposing Indiana's law ... (wait for it) ... is registered to vote in TWO states.
She has also been claiming a homestead exemption in both states, something else you are not allowed to do.
Kind of proves why we DO need these laws, eh? Oh and in case you were wondering she is a registered Democrat.
She has also been claiming a homestead exemption in both states, something else you are not allowed to do.
Kind of proves why we DO need these laws, eh? Oh and in case you were wondering she is a registered Democrat.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Impressive technical skills and craftsmanship!
This is a long video but if you are at all interested in electronics, this is worth a watch. The video is of a skilled home hobbyist building his own vacuum tubes from scratch. Very impressive!
GA: Second Amendment Protection Act of 2008
Good deal! I hope it passes. We need more "common sense" gun laws on the books in more states. Any gun law that makes it easier for lawful citizens to obtain guns is the best crime deterrent you can have.
As others have noted, draconian gun laws are not only bad but discriminatory. Wealthy people can afford lawyers and/or body guards as well as the ability to not live in high crime areas. Poor people can not afford any of these things. In some cases a gun is the only form of protection these people have. DC is a prime example of bad gun laws gone crazy. DC is a two-fer. They have some of the toughest gun laws and greatest restrictions as well as about the highest murder rate in the nation. Anyone else see a correlation? Especially when compared to Michigan. It should not take a rocket scientist!
As others have noted, draconian gun laws are not only bad but discriminatory. Wealthy people can afford lawyers and/or body guards as well as the ability to not live in high crime areas. Poor people can not afford any of these things. In some cases a gun is the only form of protection these people have. DC is a prime example of bad gun laws gone crazy. DC is a two-fer. They have some of the toughest gun laws and greatest restrictions as well as about the highest murder rate in the nation. Anyone else see a correlation? Especially when compared to Michigan. It should not take a rocket scientist!
Voter ID, its the right thing to do
A grand jury report prepared by then-Brooklyn District Attorney Elizabeth Holtzman in the 1980s revealed how difficult it is to catch perpetrators. It detailed a massive, 14-year conspiracy in which crews of individuals were recruited to go to polling places and vote in the names of fraudulently registered voters, dead voters, and voters who had moved. "The ease and boldness with which these fraudulent schemes were carried out shows the vulnerability of our entire electoral process to unscrupulous and fraudulent misrepresentation," the report concluded.
Those opposed to voter ID requirements using arguments like disenfranchisement are throwing up a smoke screen.
U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who first upheld Indiana's photo ID law in 2006, cited a state study that found 99% of the voting-age population had the necessary photo ID. Judge Barker also noted that Indiana provided a photo ID for free to anyone who could prove their identity, and that critics of the law "have produced not a single piece of evidence of any identifiable registered voter who would be prevented from voting."
Those opposed to voter ID requirements are not so worried about legitimate people being refused the ability to vote as much as they are worried that the "right" people won't be permitted to vote and in some cases vote multiple times. This includes illegal aliens and felons.
Those opposed to voter ID requirements using arguments like disenfranchisement are throwing up a smoke screen.
U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker, who first upheld Indiana's photo ID law in 2006, cited a state study that found 99% of the voting-age population had the necessary photo ID. Judge Barker also noted that Indiana provided a photo ID for free to anyone who could prove their identity, and that critics of the law "have produced not a single piece of evidence of any identifiable registered voter who would be prevented from voting."
Those opposed to voter ID requirements are not so worried about legitimate people being refused the ability to vote as much as they are worried that the "right" people won't be permitted to vote and in some cases vote multiple times. This includes illegal aliens and felons.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Please Mr. Bush, have the guts!
"President Bush could ignore the 90% of earmarks that never make it to the floor of the House or Senate for a vote," says Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, who has read the CRS report. "He doesn't need a line-item veto."
Michigan sees fewer gun deaths -- with more permits
Well, who would have thought, more carry permits equals lower gun crime? ... Just anyone who has been paying attention!
Academic studies of concealed weapons laws that generally allow citizens to obtain permits have shown different results, Lott said. About two-thirds of the studies suggest the laws reduce crime; the rest show no net effect, he said.
So, one third of the studies show no change and two thirds of the studies suggest they reduce crime. This would mean that worst case, carry laws have no detrimental effect and best case, reduce crime. Why now allow it everywhere? It would seem to be a no-brainer (meaning those that don't get it, have no brains).
Academic studies of concealed weapons laws that generally allow citizens to obtain permits have shown different results, Lott said. About two-thirds of the studies suggest the laws reduce crime; the rest show no net effect, he said.
So, one third of the studies show no change and two thirds of the studies suggest they reduce crime. This would mean that worst case, carry laws have no detrimental effect and best case, reduce crime. Why now allow it everywhere? It would seem to be a no-brainer (meaning those that don't get it, have no brains).
Friday, January 4, 2008
Hellgate London
I acquired a new PC (yes PC not console) video game over the holidays, Hellgate London. It is by some of the same team that created Diablo II. I was and am a big fan of Diablo II and continue to play it online. I got a copy of Titan Quest on the advice of a friend that is was what Diablo III would have been if it had been released. I liked it OK but just OK. It did not catch me like Diablo did. Having spend a week or so with Hellgate London I have to say that this IS what Diablo III might have been. I have enjoyed it a lot. I am not thrilled with their online model where you can play for free for basic content and can upgrade via a subscription to enhanced content, but nothing is perfect. The online game still has a few minor bugs in it but so far I have not run into any show-stoppers. The bugs I have found have mostly been graphics clipping issues and one time a bit of network comms problems but for the most part it plays smooth and well. If you play both, you can get some of the "inside" jokes whereas the Hellgate London world references the Diablo world. Cute. I like what they have done with the weapons mod feature which is their variation of the socketted items. You can (for a price) undo your mods and reuse them in another item. I have not progress far enough to know if they have a version of the Diablo Horadric Cube recipes in this game but it would be nice as I liked that part of Diablo quite a bit. Overall good story and good play, nice selection of character types and the skills look interesting as well.
I did like the ability in Titan Quest of reallocating skill points and would like to see that added to this game. I would also like to see them add the ability for a player to trade items with other characters that belong to the same account as in if I have two characters and one finds something that would be real useful to my other character, let me trade it to that other character. That is not currently possible as you have to be online to trade. You could get around that in Diablo II by creating a private game under the first character, dropping your trade item, log out, log in under the second character and pick up the dropped item. If after creating the private game you waited at least 2 minutes, the game would persist long enough for you to exit out your first character and re-enter with your second. A lot of players have mule characters for just such a purpose as well as to store excess items that you wanted to save but did not have room in your active characters to store. A larger "locker" in Hellgate London would help with that as well.
Again, overall a good game that I would recommend to any current Diablo II players out there looking for something related but new.
Update: 2/6/09
Apparently there were financial issues with the U.S. distributor of this game and the online servers have been taken down. It does not seem possible for U.S. game owners to connect to any of the games servers hosted in other countries. The single player version still functions but I liked the online play. Hope it gets resurrected. We shall see.
I did like the ability in Titan Quest of reallocating skill points and would like to see that added to this game. I would also like to see them add the ability for a player to trade items with other characters that belong to the same account as in if I have two characters and one finds something that would be real useful to my other character, let me trade it to that other character. That is not currently possible as you have to be online to trade. You could get around that in Diablo II by creating a private game under the first character, dropping your trade item, log out, log in under the second character and pick up the dropped item. If after creating the private game you waited at least 2 minutes, the game would persist long enough for you to exit out your first character and re-enter with your second. A lot of players have mule characters for just such a purpose as well as to store excess items that you wanted to save but did not have room in your active characters to store. A larger "locker" in Hellgate London would help with that as well.
Again, overall a good game that I would recommend to any current Diablo II players out there looking for something related but new.
Update: 2/6/09
Apparently there were financial issues with the U.S. distributor of this game and the online servers have been taken down. It does not seem possible for U.S. game owners to connect to any of the games servers hosted in other countries. The single player version still functions but I liked the online play. Hope it gets resurrected. We shall see.
I donated to Fred, did you?
I think that of all of the current candidates running for president, Fred is the best man for the job. He seems to have a clear understanding of the issues, realistic plans to address the issues, is not afraid to articulate those plans, does not talk down to people or settle for sound bites and by word and deed stands for most of the things that I stand for. He comes across more as seeing the need to run than wanting to run which sets him apart from your average politician. I personally like the way that he says what is on his mind in a straight way with little hedging which is quite refreshing. I don't agree with Fred on everything. For instance I wish he would support the Fair Tax plan.
I am not a single issue voter though I do have my "show stopper" issues. I think that all of the amendments to the Constitution should be honored and protected, not just the first. I don't believe in the judiciary creating public policy. Their job is to rule on existing law not make law. Out of all of the current candidates, I believe that Fred runs closest to my beliefs and to what I think the role of government should be.
If you have not yet looked at Fred, please do. If you did give him a look and were left wanting, please look again. You just might realize that he is your candidate too. He could really use your donations now, to help keep his campaign running.
I am not a single issue voter though I do have my "show stopper" issues. I think that all of the amendments to the Constitution should be honored and protected, not just the first. I don't believe in the judiciary creating public policy. Their job is to rule on existing law not make law. Out of all of the current candidates, I believe that Fred runs closest to my beliefs and to what I think the role of government should be.
If you have not yet looked at Fred, please do. If you did give him a look and were left wanting, please look again. You just might realize that he is your candidate too. He could really use your donations now, to help keep his campaign running.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
More armed citizens in action
As much good as the police do, they are not everywhere and in some areas, they only have time and resources to clean up after crimes occur. Armed citizens help stop crimes in progress. Right to carry reduces crime.
Remember, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away...
Remember, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away...
Friday, December 21, 2007
Micro Nuclear reactors
Now we are talking! I want one for my house!
I can already hear the environmentalists screaming about this. As a group they have been against every attempt at building more nuclear reactors for the past 30 years. If they are really worried about the environment and pollution, they would be for nuclear power but they are not. This is because they are not so much pro-environment but are actually anti-capitalism. They don't want to see the US or any other democratic, capitalistic society succeed and concern for the environment is their excuse. Otherwise, they would not only be pro-nuclear power but pro-hunting as well. Hunting is the most efficient way to control native animal populations. It is the least expensive and has the added benefit of generating locally produced, all natural meat.
I can already hear the environmentalists screaming about this. As a group they have been against every attempt at building more nuclear reactors for the past 30 years. If they are really worried about the environment and pollution, they would be for nuclear power but they are not. This is because they are not so much pro-environment but are actually anti-capitalism. They don't want to see the US or any other democratic, capitalistic society succeed and concern for the environment is their excuse. Otherwise, they would not only be pro-nuclear power but pro-hunting as well. Hunting is the most efficient way to control native animal populations. It is the least expensive and has the added benefit of generating locally produced, all natural meat.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Just say yes to Fred
For what it is worth, Fred is in my opinion (and that is all that it is) the best man for the job of President. He has the will and the integrity to say what he means and do what he says. He may not be as smooth as Reagan but based on what I know about him, they are of the same cloth. For me, Fred is preferable to all of the other running candidates of either party. He is for smaller government and a stronger homeland. He is against illegal immigration and for the military. I think he is a little soft on his support of the 2nd amendment but can live with that based on everything else. I am not a single issue person and at this point, Fred is the whole package.
Religion of peace
When it is a basic tenant of your religion that it is OK to denigrate and kill non-believers (read Jews and Christians) is it such a stretch to think that to some within your religion other “believers” qualify too?
Many Muslim leaders in the Middle East and elsewhere have spent generations instructing the populace that those that do not believe as you do are less than animals and do not deserve to live. It is on the placards at every demonstration, “death to the non-believers”. As any wildlife specialist can tell you, when push comes to shove eventually even wolves eat their own. In this case, as the French would say, bon appetite.
Many Muslim leaders in the Middle East and elsewhere have spent generations instructing the populace that those that do not believe as you do are less than animals and do not deserve to live. It is on the placards at every demonstration, “death to the non-believers”. As any wildlife specialist can tell you, when push comes to shove eventually even wolves eat their own. In this case, as the French would say, bon appetite.
Mitt Romney and guns
It seems to come down to that same tired old argument that if it looks "mean" it is bad and we should ban it.
Often it is a matter of context. Like that scene in the original "Men in Black" when Will Smith was being evaluated at the firing range with the other candidates. They all start shooting at targets except for Will who scans the scene and finally shoots a silhouette of a little girl. His reason is the books she was carrying were far too advanced for a girl her age and what was she doing out so late in such a bad neighborhood? She must have been up to no good.
The assault weapons ban did nothing but ban guns that contained things that looked mean and bad and war like. All legal guns since the 1940s have been single shot. You pull the trigger and a bullet is fired. You want to fire another bullet, you pull the trigger again. Regardless of how they look nearly all civilian rifles still operate just that way. You need a special government permit to own a true, fully automatic rifle. When a criminal uses a fully automatic rifle during the commission of a crime (which is rare in and of its self) it is typically an illegally modified weapon. Again, not something a criminal is going to care about anyway. So banning lawful citizens from owning “mean” looking rifles is nothing but a political feel good gesture that accomplishes nothing constructive.
Often it is a matter of context. Like that scene in the original "Men in Black" when Will Smith was being evaluated at the firing range with the other candidates. They all start shooting at targets except for Will who scans the scene and finally shoots a silhouette of a little girl. His reason is the books she was carrying were far too advanced for a girl her age and what was she doing out so late in such a bad neighborhood? She must have been up to no good.
The assault weapons ban did nothing but ban guns that contained things that looked mean and bad and war like. All legal guns since the 1940s have been single shot. You pull the trigger and a bullet is fired. You want to fire another bullet, you pull the trigger again. Regardless of how they look nearly all civilian rifles still operate just that way. You need a special government permit to own a true, fully automatic rifle. When a criminal uses a fully automatic rifle during the commission of a crime (which is rare in and of its self) it is typically an illegally modified weapon. Again, not something a criminal is going to care about anyway. So banning lawful citizens from owning “mean” looking rifles is nothing but a political feel good gesture that accomplishes nothing constructive.
Since banning guns costs lives, shouldn't the individuals who ban self-defense pay the price?
This sentiment is a growing trend, thank goodness.
When a property owner denies a visitor the right to self defence, that property owner assumes the responsibility for that visitor's protection and well being. In too many recent cases, they have failed miserably in that responsibility.
When a property owner denies a visitor the right to self defence, that property owner assumes the responsibility for that visitor's protection and well being. In too many recent cases, they have failed miserably in that responsibility.
Batteries 10X better
Interesting article and it would be fantastic if this can get into production. If a two hour laptop battery lasted 20 hours using this new technology, what will most likely happen is the batteries will be made 4 times smaller saving a lot of weight and size and still give you over twice the life.
This will have applications in many spaces besides this. I can see much more powerful RC planes and helicopters as a result of the additional power that will be available as well as things like (as noted in the article) better electric cars but also longer lasting cell phones (not necessarily a good thing) and other portable electronic devices. Maybe we can finally have an battery operated leaf blower that is actually worth getting.
This will have applications in many spaces besides this. I can see much more powerful RC planes and helicopters as a result of the additional power that will be available as well as things like (as noted in the article) better electric cars but also longer lasting cell phones (not necessarily a good thing) and other portable electronic devices. Maybe we can finally have an battery operated leaf blower that is actually worth getting.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
This might just clinch the democratic ticket for him...
NATIONAL ENQUIRER WORLD EXCLUSIVE: JOHN EDWARDS LOVE CHILD SCANDAL!
Galactic "ray gun" blasts neighbor
Interesting and fascinating. The "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" had a line in it about the universe being so large and so vast that anything you could create, existed as a creature somewhere. This sort of thing can lead one to almost believe that. The exhaust jet from a galactic black hole striking another near galaxy.
One of the possible results of such a thing, as mentioned in the article, is the destruction of the ozone layer that protects life from space radiation. The Earth's ozone hole was at one time a "very big deal" and many people spent a lot of time fretting over it. I often wondered that since we know how to produce ozone and it can in fact be a pollutant when close to the surface of the Earth, could we not come up with a way to produce ozone in the upper atmosphere where it is useful? Using high altitude balloons or high altitude electronic planes? The generators could be either nuclear or solar powered and generate ozone as needed based on analysis of ozone quantities in the vicinity of the generator. Just a thought.
One of the possible results of such a thing, as mentioned in the article, is the destruction of the ozone layer that protects life from space radiation. The Earth's ozone hole was at one time a "very big deal" and many people spent a lot of time fretting over it. I often wondered that since we know how to produce ozone and it can in fact be a pollutant when close to the surface of the Earth, could we not come up with a way to produce ozone in the upper atmosphere where it is useful? Using high altitude balloons or high altitude electronic planes? The generators could be either nuclear or solar powered and generate ozone as needed based on analysis of ozone quantities in the vicinity of the generator. Just a thought.
John Stossel and Ron Paul on war
I was looking for reasons to like Ron but his answers to John related to Muslim fanaticism and no concerns if Islamic fanatics get the bomb are disturbing. This argument if false. Russia knew that there was a high likelihood that if they bombed us, we would bomb them. That if a nuclear device was detonated in a U.S. city, we would "know" it was from Russia "with love" and would retaliate. If fanatics get the bomb, against whom do you retaliate? These are people that see strapping on a bomb vest and blowing up a crowd of women and children as something to celebrate. What does Ron think will stop them from putting a bomb in a freight container and setting it off in New York harbor? Talk? With this as his outlook, I don't think the country can afford Ron Paul.
speaking on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment.
This is turning into one of the most often read/heard phrases in any news article produced on just about any subject you can imagine. If this were a truly righteous world, 99.999% of the time that this phrase appeared in a story a reporter and a news editor would be fired. This phrase has come to represent the worst aspects of and most of what is wrong with the news. It is a cheap, lazy way for a reporter to complete a story. They speak with someone not authorized or allowed to speak to the press to get an angle. It is both intellectually lazy and dishonest and a REAL reporter would not do this nor countenance its use.
Just so sick!
This is a video that is aimed at children and is being (was being?) sold out of a mosque in Britain. A little girl is singing the song and together with the accompanying video depicts her mother leaving to be a suicide bomber and the little girl ends with how she will follow in her mother's footsteps.
Apparently this is a Hamas production. Yet another uplifting contribution to the world from the wonderful religion of peace.
Apparently this is a Hamas production. Yet another uplifting contribution to the world from the wonderful religion of peace.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Jane Fonda, American Traitor B*tch*
Even after Jane Fonda's 70th birthday, she is still an unapologetic American Traitor B*tch and as noted, nearly all of the media give her a pass. She gave aid and comfort to the enemy in a time of war and faced no consequences. She ever remains unapologetic and firm in her beliefs against America and for our enemies. Even after the hundreds of thousands were killed by the Khmer Rouge she stands firm for her Communist friends. Unlike the lies of John Kerry, our POWs were tortured for real despite what Hanoi Jane said. She has been and remains both a media darling and an American Traitor B*tch.
* As once seen on a bumper sticker
* As once seen on a bumper sticker
Monday, December 17, 2007
Timeline of a fraud
I do not believe as yet that there has been any honest apology or even an admission that this entire episode was used to falsely accuse the Israelis of murder. As with most of these types of stories, world wide MSM is blind to the reality as well. Israel is always the aggressor and never the victim even after there is clear evidence of malfeasance on the part of Palestine.
So much for "no state mandated religion"
At least at at Normandale Community College and as long as the religion is Islam. This is just more of the same.
The school says it is still a multi-use room but I wonder how well it would be tolerated if an unveiled, shoe wearing, Christian, female Cheerleader sat on the "men's" side or if a shoe wearing Jewish man sat on the female side while the "space" was in use by Muslims, what kind of raucous that would cause.
You have to "love" the literature that was left about as well. If this "literature" had said this about Islam, CAIR would be screaming about hate crimes but again as this is from the perspective of Islam it is all right and is tolerated.
The school says it is still a multi-use room but I wonder how well it would be tolerated if an unveiled, shoe wearing, Christian, female Cheerleader sat on the "men's" side or if a shoe wearing Jewish man sat on the female side while the "space" was in use by Muslims, what kind of raucous that would cause.
You have to "love" the literature that was left about as well. If this "literature" had said this about Islam, CAIR would be screaming about hate crimes but again as this is from the perspective of Islam it is all right and is tolerated.
Stand firm Joe!
Three things.
First, is "management reserves the right to refuse service" no longer allowed?
Second, as he paraphrases: To be an American, you have to be American and nothing else. For if you say you’re something else, then you’re not a true American. I have always felt as he does, that you are American or not. You can be an American of Italian descent or Mexican descent or what ever but you are or at least should want to be "an American".
Third, what does the city truly want him to do? Attempt to serve everyone in what ever language they speak? When I travel abroad, I appreciate when people I speak with in other countries can speak English but I don't expect them to be able to and if they do not, it is my loss. I happened to get lucky and be born in America and grew up speaking English. If I were to move to central America, I would surely learn Spanish before going there so as to be able to make my way. I would not "expect" everyone I encountered to be able to speak English. I wonder how many government forms are available in "English" in Germany, France, Columbia or Mexico or are all of their government forms in their respective native languages?
First, is "management reserves the right to refuse service" no longer allowed?
Second, as he paraphrases: To be an American, you have to be American and nothing else. For if you say you’re something else, then you’re not a true American. I have always felt as he does, that you are American or not. You can be an American of Italian descent or Mexican descent or what ever but you are or at least should want to be "an American".
Third, what does the city truly want him to do? Attempt to serve everyone in what ever language they speak? When I travel abroad, I appreciate when people I speak with in other countries can speak English but I don't expect them to be able to and if they do not, it is my loss. I happened to get lucky and be born in America and grew up speaking English. If I were to move to central America, I would surely learn Spanish before going there so as to be able to make my way. I would not "expect" everyone I encountered to be able to speak English. I wonder how many government forms are available in "English" in Germany, France, Columbia or Mexico or are all of their government forms in their respective native languages?
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