Yes
The right way to oppose Trump.
Every sign I see from the Democrats and the Democratic party, however, signals they will not take any of his suggestions.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Both
Democrats have cried wolf too many times regarding racism, so nobody listens to them anymore (including me). An incredibly detailed piece (note: I didn't read the entire thing) suggesting the exact same thing. For someone who argues Trump is opening racist and bringing all this to the fore, it's a must read.
That said, in the story, the wolf comes to town. Has the wolf arrived? Perhaps. But I don't think the wolf is Trump. The wolf is inside all of us and the impulse to demonize the other. This applies to BLM and to high schoolers graffiting various anti-immigrant stuff. How do we combat this? Not by shutting down speech, not by opposing Bannon, not by calling everyone and anything racist. We combat on the local, specific issue at hand. It's about nuance, tolerance, discussion, and education. Most of all, it's about convincing people and not panicking, especially if you think your ideas are superior. They will win out. But the hysterical stuff turns people off and the overblown rhetoric and outright untruths (such as fake hate crimes) really make people close their ears.
How anyone can really be worried about the KKK is a bit beyond me, especially because these are same people who are silent on Islamic Terrorism.
Democrats have cried wolf too many times regarding racism, so nobody listens to them anymore (including me). An incredibly detailed piece (note: I didn't read the entire thing) suggesting the exact same thing. For someone who argues Trump is opening racist and bringing all this to the fore, it's a must read.
That said, in the story, the wolf comes to town. Has the wolf arrived? Perhaps. But I don't think the wolf is Trump. The wolf is inside all of us and the impulse to demonize the other. This applies to BLM and to high schoolers graffiting various anti-immigrant stuff. How do we combat this? Not by shutting down speech, not by opposing Bannon, not by calling everyone and anything racist. We combat on the local, specific issue at hand. It's about nuance, tolerance, discussion, and education. Most of all, it's about convincing people and not panicking, especially if you think your ideas are superior. They will win out. But the hysterical stuff turns people off and the overblown rhetoric and outright untruths (such as fake hate crimes) really make people close their ears.
How anyone can really be worried about the KKK is a bit beyond me, especially because these are same people who are silent on Islamic Terrorism.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Slippery Slope of Language
When did middle school bullying and graffiti become "hate crimes?" I remember when I first heard the term "hate crime" when Tina Brandon was murdered for dressing up like a girl. It was supposed to be a special category of crimes that were somehow worse than other crimes (yet, I fail to see how murdering someone because they are gay/lgbt is somehow worse than murdering someone because they talked shit, or murdering a spouse, or so forth). Nevertheless, it was coined to deal with serious issues. Now, the idea of hate crimes are being used to categorize any foolish utterance or middle school bullying. Ridiculous.
Meanwhile, Paul Schraeder, writer of Taxi Driver advocates violence and taking up arms against Trump, comparing himself to John Brown.
Of course, a major difference would be John Brown was murdering folks to make a point against SLAVERY and Schraeder wants to murder people because of...graffiti...being called a "cuck"...and enforcing immigration policy. I'd be surprised if he found much support.
When did middle school bullying and graffiti become "hate crimes?" I remember when I first heard the term "hate crime" when Tina Brandon was murdered for dressing up like a girl. It was supposed to be a special category of crimes that were somehow worse than other crimes (yet, I fail to see how murdering someone because they are gay/lgbt is somehow worse than murdering someone because they talked shit, or murdering a spouse, or so forth). Nevertheless, it was coined to deal with serious issues. Now, the idea of hate crimes are being used to categorize any foolish utterance or middle school bullying. Ridiculous.
Meanwhile, Paul Schraeder, writer of Taxi Driver advocates violence and taking up arms against Trump, comparing himself to John Brown.
Of course, a major difference would be John Brown was murdering folks to make a point against SLAVERY and Schraeder wants to murder people because of...graffiti...being called a "cuck"...and enforcing immigration policy. I'd be surprised if he found much support.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Time for the Left to Reexamine Them(our)selves
On Left, Right, and Center, David Frum has some good thoughts for the left and those protesting Trump. Rather that indulging in "fear" and other emotions, or identity (I, as a woman, am terrified), start reclaiming American values, institutions, and symbols, and your(our) own. That is, protest not against the American Flag, but by carrying the American Flag. Appeal to American ideals. An agenda might look something like this:
1) Opposing mass deportation
2) Opposing logging Muslims into databases
3) Opposing abandoning our NATO treaty commitments
And focus on the specific, problematic ideas Trump endorsed in the campaign. In short, try to be appealing as opposed to divisive.
Kneeling and supporting kneeling for the National Anthem is looking even more foolish today. Because why the hell should the darker forces behind Trump get to claim the Flag as theirs? It's not. It's ours. It represents values of liberty, freedom, opportunity, all the things Liberals used to believe in. It doesn't break us into identity groups, it doesn't mean smashing cars and stopping traffic. Why get excited by this type of anti-social vandalism? Why protest the election results when Trump played by the rules and won. It is YOUR message that stinks. It is the way you deliver the message that stinks. If you cannot believe Trump won, it is because the Left chose to isolate itself into certain pockets of America and only engage in its own echo chamber. The Left chose emotion over rationality, it chose identity politics over individual rights, it chose relativism over patriotism, and guess what? Those ideas are rightly unpopular. Change. Adjust. Stop protesting Halloween costumes. Stop being crybabies. Stop rooting for American to lose wars. Grow up. Start acting like adults and people will start listening to you like adults.
On Left, Right, and Center, David Frum has some good thoughts for the left and those protesting Trump. Rather that indulging in "fear" and other emotions, or identity (I, as a woman, am terrified), start reclaiming American values, institutions, and symbols, and your(our) own. That is, protest not against the American Flag, but by carrying the American Flag. Appeal to American ideals. An agenda might look something like this:
1) Opposing mass deportation
2) Opposing logging Muslims into databases
3) Opposing abandoning our NATO treaty commitments
And focus on the specific, problematic ideas Trump endorsed in the campaign. In short, try to be appealing as opposed to divisive.
Kneeling and supporting kneeling for the National Anthem is looking even more foolish today. Because why the hell should the darker forces behind Trump get to claim the Flag as theirs? It's not. It's ours. It represents values of liberty, freedom, opportunity, all the things Liberals used to believe in. It doesn't break us into identity groups, it doesn't mean smashing cars and stopping traffic. Why get excited by this type of anti-social vandalism? Why protest the election results when Trump played by the rules and won. It is YOUR message that stinks. It is the way you deliver the message that stinks. If you cannot believe Trump won, it is because the Left chose to isolate itself into certain pockets of America and only engage in its own echo chamber. The Left chose emotion over rationality, it chose identity politics over individual rights, it chose relativism over patriotism, and guess what? Those ideas are rightly unpopular. Change. Adjust. Stop protesting Halloween costumes. Stop being crybabies. Stop rooting for American to lose wars. Grow up. Start acting like adults and people will start listening to you like adults.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Fake Hate Crimes Spread Across America
Someone ought to do a study of the ratio of hate crimes of fake hate crimes.
Someone ought to do a study of the ratio of hate crimes of fake hate crimes.
News: Young Men Almost Get Into Barfight
It's going to be the end of the country.
They got called a "cuck," a term I've never heard. But it's good we're finding new, made up terms to find offensive.
It's going to be the end of the country.
They got called a "cuck," a term I've never heard. But it's good we're finding new, made up terms to find offensive.
White Power Gone Viral
If one is a relativist, or an advocate of identity politics in general, it isn't clear to me on what grounds one can oppose white nationalism. If one cannot utter the term Islamic Terrorism, much less denounce it, or finds Black or Latino Power attractive, the only argument against White Nationalism is that they belong to a different, less desirable tribe. But that of course, won't do the job of convincing anyone to not subscribe to the ideology. My suggestion would be to return to the principles of individualism vs. collectivism and focus on individual rights versus group rights, ideas which this country was founded upon and the initial civil rights movement espoused.
If one is a relativist, or an advocate of identity politics in general, it isn't clear to me on what grounds one can oppose white nationalism. If one cannot utter the term Islamic Terrorism, much less denounce it, or finds Black or Latino Power attractive, the only argument against White Nationalism is that they belong to a different, less desirable tribe. But that of course, won't do the job of convincing anyone to not subscribe to the ideology. My suggestion would be to return to the principles of individualism vs. collectivism and focus on individual rights versus group rights, ideas which this country was founded upon and the initial civil rights movement espoused.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Twitter and Facebook Calls For Killing Trump
Not just on infowars. Seems to me, these accounts ought to be shut down for committing a crime and for hate speech. They did the same for Milo, Glenn Reynolds, and a number of others for far less severe statements. But, I won't be holding my breath.
Not just on infowars. Seems to me, these accounts ought to be shut down for committing a crime and for hate speech. They did the same for Milo, Glenn Reynolds, and a number of others for far less severe statements. But, I won't be holding my breath.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Thank You, Stephen A
"I'm not interested in a damn word he has to say and quite frankly I hope he goes away." Steven A on Kaepernick.
I will point out that there were a number of us who identified him as a moron from the get-go, but I'm nevertheless pleased the Johnny-come-latelys recognize it as well now...
"I'm not interested in a damn word he has to say and quite frankly I hope he goes away." Steven A on Kaepernick.
I will point out that there were a number of us who identified him as a moron from the get-go, but I'm nevertheless pleased the Johnny-come-latelys recognize it as well now...
Uncivilized and Undemocratic
For all those "worried" about anger and hate spewing from Trump supporters, the rioting and threatening to kill the President suggest "Hillary supporters" are no better and no different.
For all those "worried" about anger and hate spewing from Trump supporters, the rioting and threatening to kill the President suggest "Hillary supporters" are no better and no different.
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
Kap
Kaepernick isn't voting. Great role model. Calls Clinton and Trump "evil." Guy is a huge fool and needs to read a history book. Any book about anything that's happened in human history. In fact, he might want to start with a book about countries with other political systems and how those operate versus democracy. Jesus. I need to stop with this guy.
Kaepernick isn't voting. Great role model. Calls Clinton and Trump "evil." Guy is a huge fool and needs to read a history book. Any book about anything that's happened in human history. In fact, he might want to start with a book about countries with other political systems and how those operate versus democracy. Jesus. I need to stop with this guy.
Election
I suspected this could happen. The writing's been on the wall and for those who are shock need to desperately reevaluate their understanding of the country and world we live in:
1) Clinton is a bad, unlikeable candidate. She's lost every real election she's attempted. New York Senator is a celebrity glamour position, not a real grassroots election. She went from frontrunner against Obama to getting crushed by him. She could barely fend off a socialist in the primary that was rigged in her favor from the beginning. Every step of the way, Dems were looking elsewhere - Biden, etc. She was a problem candidate from the beginning and suffered from a lack of competition.
2) On the flipside, Trump was a joke in the beginning and kept gather converts. He kept over performing. He nailed two big issues: immigration and the assault on political correctness. He didn't really trip up because he never came across as a hypocrite. All of his gaffes were consistent with what we expected of him. And his supporters were passionate in the way Obama, Bill Clinton, and GW supporters were passionate.
3) The Breexit was a warning shot that ordinary folks are deeply disillusioned with the progressive, urban, global vision of free trade, liberal immigration, environmentalism, diversity, etc, epitomized by institutions like the UN, Davos, TED, Aspen ideas, etc.
I urge people to not despair. This is democracy in action. The result may not be to our taste, but it's a pretty amazing f--- you to the political and media power structure who all thought it unfathomable Trump could win. And that's kinda cool and how it's supposed to work. It is a reckoning for the outrageous level of arrogance amongst coastal elites and should be read as a humbling reevaluation of certain sacred principals such as non-enforcement of immigration, identity politics, and thought-police levels of political correctness.
I want to add two final notes: I do not believe this is about tacit or overt racism or "hate" as you will hear people say for the next weeks, or perhaps years. There is demographic anxiety about the future of American culture and we need a new language to discuss these issues without calling it racism, which it is not. The concept of enforcing and limiting illegal immigration is not an inherently racist idea. Nor is wearing halloween costumes. Enough already. 56 million Americans are not racists and nor is Donald Trump.
538 and other pollsters were giving Hillary between 75-95% chance of winning. Now, I ask...what is more impressive - 538 picking the 2008 election breakdown right (which is really like going 8 for 8), or Public Musings predicting Trump? I'd argue Trump. I guess my point is that "data analysis" is good for telling us predictable information, but much less able to tell us unpredictable information. In short, it tells us the information least worth knowing.
UPDATE: One other tea leaf -- the tea party movement. It was dismissed and mocked by the coastal elites. This was a movement centered around the idea that government's gotten too big and unwieldy. Nothing particularly controversial. It was a popular, civil form of protest not taken seriously and Trump is the reaction.
I suspected this could happen. The writing's been on the wall and for those who are shock need to desperately reevaluate their understanding of the country and world we live in:
1) Clinton is a bad, unlikeable candidate. She's lost every real election she's attempted. New York Senator is a celebrity glamour position, not a real grassroots election. She went from frontrunner against Obama to getting crushed by him. She could barely fend off a socialist in the primary that was rigged in her favor from the beginning. Every step of the way, Dems were looking elsewhere - Biden, etc. She was a problem candidate from the beginning and suffered from a lack of competition.
2) On the flipside, Trump was a joke in the beginning and kept gather converts. He kept over performing. He nailed two big issues: immigration and the assault on political correctness. He didn't really trip up because he never came across as a hypocrite. All of his gaffes were consistent with what we expected of him. And his supporters were passionate in the way Obama, Bill Clinton, and GW supporters were passionate.
3) The Breexit was a warning shot that ordinary folks are deeply disillusioned with the progressive, urban, global vision of free trade, liberal immigration, environmentalism, diversity, etc, epitomized by institutions like the UN, Davos, TED, Aspen ideas, etc.
I urge people to not despair. This is democracy in action. The result may not be to our taste, but it's a pretty amazing f--- you to the political and media power structure who all thought it unfathomable Trump could win. And that's kinda cool and how it's supposed to work. It is a reckoning for the outrageous level of arrogance amongst coastal elites and should be read as a humbling reevaluation of certain sacred principals such as non-enforcement of immigration, identity politics, and thought-police levels of political correctness.
I want to add two final notes: I do not believe this is about tacit or overt racism or "hate" as you will hear people say for the next weeks, or perhaps years. There is demographic anxiety about the future of American culture and we need a new language to discuss these issues without calling it racism, which it is not. The concept of enforcing and limiting illegal immigration is not an inherently racist idea. Nor is wearing halloween costumes. Enough already. 56 million Americans are not racists and nor is Donald Trump.
538 and other pollsters were giving Hillary between 75-95% chance of winning. Now, I ask...what is more impressive - 538 picking the 2008 election breakdown right (which is really like going 8 for 8), or Public Musings predicting Trump? I'd argue Trump. I guess my point is that "data analysis" is good for telling us predictable information, but much less able to tell us unpredictable information. In short, it tells us the information least worth knowing.
UPDATE: One other tea leaf -- the tea party movement. It was dismissed and mocked by the coastal elites. This was a movement centered around the idea that government's gotten too big and unwieldy. Nothing particularly controversial. It was a popular, civil form of protest not taken seriously and Trump is the reaction.
Sunday, November 06, 2016
Why Are Football Ratings Down?
A ton of reasons have been mentioned, but the whole "election" argument doesn't seem as strong given the World Series ratings were the highest of all time.
1. Kaepernick is annoying.
In the words of Dave Chappelle, sometimes I just want to read stats. Or, just watch a game. Social justice ideas are out there in the world. They aren't hard to find. If people are interested in them, they can find them. Social justice advoctates people want celebrities and famous people to promote their causes because they think celebrity will bring their causes attention. The problem is, they don't grasp WHY people are celebrities -- and it's precisely because they don't get on soapboxes and lecture. Kap WAS a celebrity because he was exciting to watch play football. Now that he sucks and talks out of his ass, should it be a surprise people are tuning out.
2. No Peyton Manning
This ought to be mentioned as a major factor. Manning was fun to watch play QB, even when his skills deteriorated because he knew the position and game so well.
A ton of reasons have been mentioned, but the whole "election" argument doesn't seem as strong given the World Series ratings were the highest of all time.
1. Kaepernick is annoying.
In the words of Dave Chappelle, sometimes I just want to read stats. Or, just watch a game. Social justice ideas are out there in the world. They aren't hard to find. If people are interested in them, they can find them. Social justice advoctates people want celebrities and famous people to promote their causes because they think celebrity will bring their causes attention. The problem is, they don't grasp WHY people are celebrities -- and it's precisely because they don't get on soapboxes and lecture. Kap WAS a celebrity because he was exciting to watch play football. Now that he sucks and talks out of his ass, should it be a surprise people are tuning out.
2. No Peyton Manning
This ought to be mentioned as a major factor. Manning was fun to watch play QB, even when his skills deteriorated because he knew the position and game so well.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Absurd
Kap is one really strange dude.
He hands out t-shirts to kids with the following:
1. You have the right to be free.
2. You have the right to be healthy.
3. You have the right to be brilliant.
4. You have the right to be safe.
5. You have the right be loved.
6. You have the right to be courageous.
7. You have the right to be alive.
8. You have the right to be trusted.
9. You have the right to be educated.
10. You have the right to know your rights.
Whatever his good intentions may be, this betrays an utter foolishness and misunderstanding of the world and of the meaning of "right." How can one have the "right" to be healthy? Does this mean Kap plans to sue the flu virus every time it strikes? Good luck with that. See if the Supreme Court will take that case. You have the "right" to be loved. Really? So, can someone force someone else to love someone, now? How's that gonna work? You have the "right" to be trusted? I'd like to see Bernie Madoff use that argument when his victims ask for their money back. This guy is utterly clueless.
One can be blessed with love and good health. One can earn trust. One can become brilliant through hard work and luck. One can be educated. But none of these - other than freedom - is a right someone, anyone is born with.
It's obvious he's never read anything about political philosophy and to listen to such an ignoramous is a deeply dumb idea.
And perhaps the weirdest element of all is Kap giving kids DNA tests. If a public school did such a thing, there would be an uproar about invading their privacy. I just think the entire thing is very strange.
Kap is one really strange dude.
He hands out t-shirts to kids with the following:
1. You have the right to be free.
2. You have the right to be healthy.
3. You have the right to be brilliant.
4. You have the right to be safe.
5. You have the right be loved.
6. You have the right to be courageous.
7. You have the right to be alive.
8. You have the right to be trusted.
9. You have the right to be educated.
10. You have the right to know your rights.
Whatever his good intentions may be, this betrays an utter foolishness and misunderstanding of the world and of the meaning of "right." How can one have the "right" to be healthy? Does this mean Kap plans to sue the flu virus every time it strikes? Good luck with that. See if the Supreme Court will take that case. You have the "right" to be loved. Really? So, can someone force someone else to love someone, now? How's that gonna work? You have the "right" to be trusted? I'd like to see Bernie Madoff use that argument when his victims ask for their money back. This guy is utterly clueless.
One can be blessed with love and good health. One can earn trust. One can become brilliant through hard work and luck. One can be educated. But none of these - other than freedom - is a right someone, anyone is born with.
It's obvious he's never read anything about political philosophy and to listen to such an ignoramous is a deeply dumb idea.
And perhaps the weirdest element of all is Kap giving kids DNA tests. If a public school did such a thing, there would be an uproar about invading their privacy. I just think the entire thing is very strange.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
I'm Suspicious of Any Notions with "Post-" In It
Article tagline: Finding Love in a Postromantic Postmarital Age
As Instapundit says, it reads as propaganda for old social conventions.
Article tagline: Finding Love in a Postromantic Postmarital Age
As Instapundit says, it reads as propaganda for old social conventions.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Beyond Absurd
Rapist of 10-year old boy has his sentence overturned.
Meanwhile, in America, the feminists are outraged over the Stanford student actually found guilty of rape, but not punished severely enough. One wonders whether this will yield equal outrage. I somehow doubt it.
Rapist of 10-year old boy has his sentence overturned.
Meanwhile, in America, the feminists are outraged over the Stanford student actually found guilty of rape, but not punished severely enough. One wonders whether this will yield equal outrage. I somehow doubt it.
Los Angeles
Plastered with anti-Hillary posters.
I drove past Amoeba in Hollywood yesterday and all four corners of the street were populated with Trump supporters urging people to get out and vote. I was a little surprised, but then again, Trump supporters are more passionate.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Look Away
Despite denials by the media, the NFL, and his supporters, the Kap protests are hurting NFL ratings according to a poll of the fans.
Turns out people don't like being called racists, especially when they're not.
Despite denials by the media, the NFL, and his supporters, the Kap protests are hurting NFL ratings according to a poll of the fans.
Turns out people don't like being called racists, especially when they're not.
Low Interest Rates
Low rates are often cited as a reason to buy. I actually think they're a reason to sell because it props up the home prices. A study shows low rates do not provide savings over time to home owners, but owning still saves money over renting in the long term.
Like all things, it does until it doesn't.
Low rates are often cited as a reason to buy. I actually think they're a reason to sell because it props up the home prices. A study shows low rates do not provide savings over time to home owners, but owning still saves money over renting in the long term.
Like all things, it does until it doesn't.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Passion
When I overhear people talking in Los Angeles about Trump, it's all negative. No one can fathom he has a chance. But if ground level politics matters, he's dominating Hillary in terms of rally attendance, nearly 5 to 1.
I dunno...
When I overhear people talking in Los Angeles about Trump, it's all negative. No one can fathom he has a chance. But if ground level politics matters, he's dominating Hillary in terms of rally attendance, nearly 5 to 1.
I dunno...
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Kaepernick
Bills fans boo Kaepernick. ESPN refuses to show the boos. They only show the kneeling. This is what is called media bias.
Kap says, "I don't understand what's un-American about fighting for liberty and justice for everybody, for the equality this country says it stands for," Kaepernick said. "To me, I see it as very patriotic and American to uphold the United States to the standards that it says it lives by."
He doesn't see what's not patriotic about kneeling during a moment designed to show love for his country. In other news, I'm giving my wife the silent treatment for not living up to her own standards and I don't understand why she doesn't see this as a sign of love.
Bills fans boo Kaepernick. ESPN refuses to show the boos. They only show the kneeling. This is what is called media bias.
Kap says, "I don't understand what's un-American about fighting for liberty and justice for everybody, for the equality this country says it stands for," Kaepernick said. "To me, I see it as very patriotic and American to uphold the United States to the standards that it says it lives by."
He doesn't see what's not patriotic about kneeling during a moment designed to show love for his country. In other news, I'm giving my wife the silent treatment for not living up to her own standards and I don't understand why she doesn't see this as a sign of love.
Rigged Election
We should all be concerned the Trump supporters are already calling the election rigged. This is a classic move by conspiracy theorists and paranoid delusional maniacs to make claims that cannot be refuted without helping "prove" the conspiracy. What's worrying is the scale of these claims and the fact Trump himself is amplifying them.
But here's another problem: he's not entirely wrong. It's clear the media is in the bag for Clinton and trying to help her win. We know this by the leaked emails and how CNN provided her debate questions in advance of her debate with Bernie Sanders. This would be akin to a teacher telling one student the test questions before a test.
We also know the number one issue where Trump has more popular support than Clinton is immigration. This is the issue he has ridden to the nomination and could ride to the Presidency. No one is talking about it -- not in the press, not in the debates, etc. The press and the Democrats know the issue is a loser and seeks to make the election about Trump's personality and not the issues. Trump loses on personality, but could win on issues.
And it's not as if this just came about on this election. People will erroneously make the argument, well shouldn't the "responsible" press be in favor of Clinton because Trump is such a volatile person? First of all - that's not what we want from the press, although they've taken it upon themselves to play that role. Go back to Romney and McCain who now look like centrist candidates -- and see how the press treated them. They shit all over Romney for being rich, out of touch, racist, etc. They make McCain seem too old with too many health issues to be President.
It reminds me of when lunatic gamblers lose and claim the refs are in the bag, but it turns out Tim Donaghy WAS is the bag. This doesn't make the gamblers right, it makes both sides wrong.
We should all be concerned the Trump supporters are already calling the election rigged. This is a classic move by conspiracy theorists and paranoid delusional maniacs to make claims that cannot be refuted without helping "prove" the conspiracy. What's worrying is the scale of these claims and the fact Trump himself is amplifying them.
But here's another problem: he's not entirely wrong. It's clear the media is in the bag for Clinton and trying to help her win. We know this by the leaked emails and how CNN provided her debate questions in advance of her debate with Bernie Sanders. This would be akin to a teacher telling one student the test questions before a test.
We also know the number one issue where Trump has more popular support than Clinton is immigration. This is the issue he has ridden to the nomination and could ride to the Presidency. No one is talking about it -- not in the press, not in the debates, etc. The press and the Democrats know the issue is a loser and seeks to make the election about Trump's personality and not the issues. Trump loses on personality, but could win on issues.
And it's not as if this just came about on this election. People will erroneously make the argument, well shouldn't the "responsible" press be in favor of Clinton because Trump is such a volatile person? First of all - that's not what we want from the press, although they've taken it upon themselves to play that role. Go back to Romney and McCain who now look like centrist candidates -- and see how the press treated them. They shit all over Romney for being rich, out of touch, racist, etc. They make McCain seem too old with too many health issues to be President.
It reminds me of when lunatic gamblers lose and claim the refs are in the bag, but it turns out Tim Donaghy WAS is the bag. This doesn't make the gamblers right, it makes both sides wrong.
Money Where Your Mouth Is
For those who argue a Trump presidency will be a "disaster," I wonder how many of these people are selling equities in advance of the election. If one truly believes Trump would be a chaotic disaster in the White House, it would make tremendous sense to hedge this potential outcome. Even if one believes Hillary will win, one must acknowledge a reasonable chance (even as low as 25%) that Trump could win.
I doubt many are doing this, which I why I consider their predictions of disaster to be hyperbolic.
For those who argue a Trump presidency will be a "disaster," I wonder how many of these people are selling equities in advance of the election. If one truly believes Trump would be a chaotic disaster in the White House, it would make tremendous sense to hedge this potential outcome. Even if one believes Hillary will win, one must acknowledge a reasonable chance (even as low as 25%) that Trump could win.
I doubt many are doing this, which I why I consider their predictions of disaster to be hyperbolic.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Logging
New HBO
Westworld - Fallen asleep twice trying to watch the first episode. Not that it was bad, but I wasn't a fan of the Groundhog Day element. Second episode, however, was pretty awesome. Probably the one show I'll be keeping up with weekly.
Divorce - Ouch. Painfully bad. Again, the HBO trend of mistaking awful people for "realism." Too bad, because I enjoyed Catastrophe.
Insecure - A mumblecore movie with African American female characters. Made without dramatic craft. Pitch for pilot: a girl tries to cheat on her boyfriend. Maybe Issa Rae is a compelling personality...and I emphasize the maybe...I could see an Ellen DeGeneres like future for her.
Random other things:
The Good Wife - I can see why people like it.
Midnight Run - ages really well. Probably better than any movie released this summer.
Ray Donovan - definitely in a league below the great cable dramas, but watchable nonetheless. Jon Voigt stands out.
New HBO
Westworld - Fallen asleep twice trying to watch the first episode. Not that it was bad, but I wasn't a fan of the Groundhog Day element. Second episode, however, was pretty awesome. Probably the one show I'll be keeping up with weekly.
Divorce - Ouch. Painfully bad. Again, the HBO trend of mistaking awful people for "realism." Too bad, because I enjoyed Catastrophe.
Insecure - A mumblecore movie with African American female characters. Made without dramatic craft. Pitch for pilot: a girl tries to cheat on her boyfriend. Maybe Issa Rae is a compelling personality...and I emphasize the maybe...I could see an Ellen DeGeneres like future for her.
Random other things:
The Good Wife - I can see why people like it.
Midnight Run - ages really well. Probably better than any movie released this summer.
Ray Donovan - definitely in a league below the great cable dramas, but watchable nonetheless. Jon Voigt stands out.
Monday, October 10, 2016
I'm Not Alone
Ruth Bader Ginsberg says the NFL protesters are "dumb."
I'd add ignorant to the mix as well.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg says the NFL protesters are "dumb."
I'd add ignorant to the mix as well.
Saturday, October 08, 2016
A Local Story
Caught this story in my local newspaper that comes with the Saturday LA Times. A man killed by cops after getting tasered. When you read the story, the incident makes sense. And while it's sad someone died, maybe it wasn't the greatest idea by him to attack the police. Or for his brother to pull a gun on the cops. Nevertheless, one wonders why this is a local story rather than a national one that garners protests by NFL players. You tell me.
Caught this story in my local newspaper that comes with the Saturday LA Times. A man killed by cops after getting tasered. When you read the story, the incident makes sense. And while it's sad someone died, maybe it wasn't the greatest idea by him to attack the police. Or for his brother to pull a gun on the cops. Nevertheless, one wonders why this is a local story rather than a national one that garners protests by NFL players. You tell me.
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Not About Free Speech
This article is correct: Kap's protest isn't about free speech. He concludes:
It’s wonderful that this young man wants to use his privileged position to call attention to the nation’s continuing scar of race. I’m just not sure it’s working. The jeers from the stands and the vehemence on the talk shows do not suggest any elevation of dialogue. Nor does it make sense to blame those who boo. The booers may be boors, but for all that Kaepernick’s intention might be to provoke conversation about race, he has instead provoked conversation about himself and his rights -- the very problem of which Doctorow warned.
The principle of diminishing returns applies to protest as it does to other investments of resources. When the focus of the debate becomes not the issue but the protester, it is not unreasonable to consider a change in tactics.Here's where I disagree: this was always about Kaepernick. It is about his feeling about what's "happening in this country," not about what's actually happening. It's attention seeking, pure and simple. It's a public display of narcissism and it's not a mistake about the way it's going down.
How It Works
NFL ratings are down 20% and the protests are a factor.
Kap's gesture is deeply unpopular because it is ill informed and ignorant. Of course he has a right to do it, but it doesn't mean we need to like it. Or watch it.
I support those who are tuning out. I'm not so up in arms about it, so I' still watch with mild annoyance and less enthusiasm. In general, I'm already annoyed with big sports.
Side note: I also support people dropping off twitter and facebook for it makes the culture worse, imo.
NFL ratings are down 20% and the protests are a factor.
Kap's gesture is deeply unpopular because it is ill informed and ignorant. Of course he has a right to do it, but it doesn't mean we need to like it. Or watch it.
I support those who are tuning out. I'm not so up in arms about it, so I' still watch with mild annoyance and less enthusiasm. In general, I'm already annoyed with big sports.
Side note: I also support people dropping off twitter and facebook for it makes the culture worse, imo.
Monday, October 03, 2016
Almost Famous
Been a long time since I saw this one...and I always liked the film, but can't say I loved it. Still don't. But damn, it's a hell of a movie. All heart. It made me deeply sad to finish the film because it feels like it was made ages ago...and I cannot imagine it getting made today. There's just a million reasons why it wouldn't work - no stars (or, all stars, could be another way of looking at the casting), I can see it being taken apart on the internet for being too white. It's a period piece. A drama. Funny to see how many character actors went on to headline tv series from the movie - Zooey Deschanel, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Anna Paquin, Jay Baruchel.
I don't know. A lament for an era of cinema that's gone.
Been a long time since I saw this one...and I always liked the film, but can't say I loved it. Still don't. But damn, it's a hell of a movie. All heart. It made me deeply sad to finish the film because it feels like it was made ages ago...and I cannot imagine it getting made today. There's just a million reasons why it wouldn't work - no stars (or, all stars, could be another way of looking at the casting), I can see it being taken apart on the internet for being too white. It's a period piece. A drama. Funny to see how many character actors went on to headline tv series from the movie - Zooey Deschanel, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, Anna Paquin, Jay Baruchel.
I don't know. A lament for an era of cinema that's gone.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Trump
I'll admit to being clueless about elections...for instance, I thought Romney would beat Obama (although I thought Obama would beat McCain), but my instinct is that Trump will win simply because his supporters are more passionate about him than Clinton's supporters are for her. Looking back on my lifetime, I think passion is what wins out.
Bill Clinton's supporters were more passionate than George Bush. GW's were more passionate than Al Gore. Obama more than McCain.
Clinton is the logical choice. I'll probably even vote for her because I like to protect my downside and think Trump offers more downside, but I nevertheless cannot shake the fact that a good number of her supporters have - since the beginning - been looking elsewhere (biden, sanders, warren, etc), whereas Trump, on the other hand, seems to be gathering converts.
I also find it pretty discouraging that liberal outlets think Clinton won the debate and conservative outlets think Trump won the debate. What kind of surreal country do we live in where we all see what we want to see? Maybe the debates aren't even competitions at all, but just a tv shows where opinion is gonna be split.
I came away thinking less of Trump and the same of Hillary. The small things stuck out to me. Trump doesn't pay his Federal taxes. He can't both be proud of being a successful businessman and also proud of not paying taxes. Not to me, anyway. Hillary annoyed me with her bringing up the women getting paid less than men lie and this idea of "implicit bias" suggesting everyone is racist, which of course, means the idea of being racist has zero meaning if you take it to a logical conclusion.
I'll admit to being clueless about elections...for instance, I thought Romney would beat Obama (although I thought Obama would beat McCain), but my instinct is that Trump will win simply because his supporters are more passionate about him than Clinton's supporters are for her. Looking back on my lifetime, I think passion is what wins out.
Bill Clinton's supporters were more passionate than George Bush. GW's were more passionate than Al Gore. Obama more than McCain.
Clinton is the logical choice. I'll probably even vote for her because I like to protect my downside and think Trump offers more downside, but I nevertheless cannot shake the fact that a good number of her supporters have - since the beginning - been looking elsewhere (biden, sanders, warren, etc), whereas Trump, on the other hand, seems to be gathering converts.
I also find it pretty discouraging that liberal outlets think Clinton won the debate and conservative outlets think Trump won the debate. What kind of surreal country do we live in where we all see what we want to see? Maybe the debates aren't even competitions at all, but just a tv shows where opinion is gonna be split.
I came away thinking less of Trump and the same of Hillary. The small things stuck out to me. Trump doesn't pay his Federal taxes. He can't both be proud of being a successful businessman and also proud of not paying taxes. Not to me, anyway. Hillary annoyed me with her bringing up the women getting paid less than men lie and this idea of "implicit bias" suggesting everyone is racist, which of course, means the idea of being racist has zero meaning if you take it to a logical conclusion.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Freedom of Speech for Me, Not for Thee
Seattle Mariners back up catcher suspended for the rest of the season without pay for tweeting that the Charlotte protesters ought to be locked up like animals.
Explain why Kaepernick's "freedom of speech" is important to protect versus this guy's.
Seattle Mariners back up catcher suspended for the rest of the season without pay for tweeting that the Charlotte protesters ought to be locked up like animals.
Explain why Kaepernick's "freedom of speech" is important to protect versus this guy's.
Thursday, September 08, 2016
Big Data
Irony:
Irony:
The irony? More questions are being asked, more data is being collected and more randomized experiments are being run in the effort to win the presidency than will ever be used to choose policy by the presidency. Sad.
Friday, September 02, 2016
I'm Glad
Kaepernick spent some quality time talking to people about how to clarify his message and make it not about the military.
I just wish he'd spend equal amount of time and passion memorizing the playbook.
Kaepernick spent some quality time talking to people about how to clarify his message and make it not about the military.
I just wish he'd spend equal amount of time and passion memorizing the playbook.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Trouble
If this is true and a distant space signal indicates a civilization vastly more technologically advanced civilization than our own, I would say we need to start figuring out ways to hide.
If this is true and a distant space signal indicates a civilization vastly more technologically advanced civilization than our own, I would say we need to start figuring out ways to hide.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
A Mom Takes Down Kap
On Twitter.
If I were the Niners, I would've cut him yesterday. He's too much of a distraction and not good enough.
On Twitter.
If I were the Niners, I would've cut him yesterday. He's too much of a distraction and not good enough.
Kaepernick
Sits for the National Anthem to protest racial inequality. Notice something about the timing of this. This is a personal reaction to Kaepernick's career plummeting fast. Here is a great example of how millennials confuse personal neuroticism and immaturity with political issues.
Kap is a basketcase and unloved by his teammates. He does not work hard to learn the craft of being a QB. He is stubborn and when faced with challenges to his decision making, doubles down on excuses. He is immature. His protest, IMO, is a personal reaction to assign blame for his personal and professional failures and frustrations elsewhere. BLM is simply a vehicle for that. And by the way -- that's what all these alt-left and alt-right movements are at their core.
Sits for the National Anthem to protest racial inequality. Notice something about the timing of this. This is a personal reaction to Kaepernick's career plummeting fast. Here is a great example of how millennials confuse personal neuroticism and immaturity with political issues.
Kap is a basketcase and unloved by his teammates. He does not work hard to learn the craft of being a QB. He is stubborn and when faced with challenges to his decision making, doubles down on excuses. He is immature. His protest, IMO, is a personal reaction to assign blame for his personal and professional failures and frustrations elsewhere. BLM is simply a vehicle for that. And by the way -- that's what all these alt-left and alt-right movements are at their core.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Ivy League - Grandiosity and Depression
An interesting article, much of which I suspect is correct. I look at it from a bit of a different angle -- I work in film and there's no shortage of Ivy Leaguers doing the same. But I look at the great filmmakers and writers in the world, the people I truly admire, and a shocking few come from the Ivy League. Given the Ivy League's estimation of itself vs. tangible accomplishment, I'd say they score pretty low. Perhaps the theory expressed in the article goes part of the way to explain.
An interesting article, much of which I suspect is correct. I look at it from a bit of a different angle -- I work in film and there's no shortage of Ivy Leaguers doing the same. But I look at the great filmmakers and writers in the world, the people I truly admire, and a shocking few come from the Ivy League. Given the Ivy League's estimation of itself vs. tangible accomplishment, I'd say they score pretty low. Perhaps the theory expressed in the article goes part of the way to explain.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Never Cry Wolf
Yep. How liberal pundits made Trump possible.
His convention was called “one of the worst ever.” Chris Matthews deemed him “dangerous” and “scary,” Ellen DeGeneres said “If you’re a woman, you should be very, very scared.” His opponent ran an ad against him portraying him as uniquely dangerous for women. “I’ve never felt this way before, but it’s a scary time to be a woman,” said a woman in the ad. He was frequently called a “bully,” “anti-immigrant,” “racist,” “stupid,” and “unfit” to be president.
I’m referring, obviously, to the terrifying Mitt Romney.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Obama's Legacy
Leaving us more racially divided.
My view of America is that we are a place of great promise and opportunity, where someone like me, who is the grandchild of illiterate black Southern sharecroppers, can achieve success and reach the American dream. We are a place occupied by fair-minded, hard-working people whose culture and values have built a nation that is the envy of the world. I am proud to be a part of that culture.
Our Founders, while imperfect and a product of their times, were visionary heroes who made hard choices and compromises to give us the successful system we have today. Because Americans are good, we’ve worked hard over time to right the wrongs in our society that our Founding Fathers could not eliminate in their time. In summary, we are a fundamentally decent people blessed to live in a phenomenal land with a rich heritage.
But not so for President Obama. His view of our nation seems to be very different than mine and that of many other Americans. I believe that when President Obama thinks of America, more so than a place of hope or opportunity, he thinks of a place where racist white Christian fundamentalists came here from Europe, committed genocide against Native Americans, enslaved and segregated black people, denied women, gays, and other minorities their rights, and used capitalism and a rigged legal system to oppress poor people for centuries. He also believes this is still continuing today.I believe that's what you call "nailing it."
Never Cry Wolf
Perhaps Trump is racist, but calling it out has no impact because everyone not properly politically aligned is accused of being racist these days. Reports of his racism cannot be trusted because reports of racism are so commonly overused and overemphasized, the word is being stripped of meaning.
Perhaps Trump is racist, but calling it out has no impact because everyone not properly politically aligned is accused of being racist these days. Reports of his racism cannot be trusted because reports of racism are so commonly overused and overemphasized, the word is being stripped of meaning.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Losing the Intelligence War
How the terrorists are winning.
I'm sick of losing to these clowns. I'm for whatever will work. The deportations idea at the end of the article is interesting.
Also, why are we hesitant to carpet bomb the Islamic State?
We can accept two options:
1) Play by the niceties of peacetime, and live with terror ebbing away at the West, destroying Muslim countries in the process, and making civilians unsafe, OR
2) Commit to winning a war against Islamic Fascism and being the strong horse in the fight.
The only other option is surrender.
I'm for 2). It'll might be ugly for a bit. But war is ugly.
How the terrorists are winning.
I'm sick of losing to these clowns. I'm for whatever will work. The deportations idea at the end of the article is interesting.
Also, why are we hesitant to carpet bomb the Islamic State?
We can accept two options:
1) Play by the niceties of peacetime, and live with terror ebbing away at the West, destroying Muslim countries in the process, and making civilians unsafe, OR
2) Commit to winning a war against Islamic Fascism and being the strong horse in the fight.
The only other option is surrender.
I'm for 2). It'll might be ugly for a bit. But war is ugly.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Logging
Film: Neon Demon and Midnight Run
Neon Demon was enjoyable for 2/3s as a stylistic exercise and by the end I wanted the film to end. Not what you want, IMO.
Midnight Run is fantastic. I loved the movie as a kid and it grows better with age. When DeNiro passes on and we need to reflect on 3 quintessential roles...I'll be in the minority, but I'll go with Mean Streets, Midnight Run, and Heat.
Obvious other candidates: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas (overshadowed by Pesci), Silver Linings (his David O'Russell films), Cape Fear/Untouchables (crazy DeNiro), Meet the Parents (comedy DeNiro)
For me, it breaks down this way - there is Scorcese-DeNiro and you get to pick one performance. Taxi Driver or Raging Bull are the obvious ones, but I pick Mean Streets and I'll tell you why. Story goes - when studio execs first saw Mean Streets they thought Scorcese found DeNiro in an insane asylum. That does it for me.
Heat is the greatest film of the past 25 years and DeNiro out acts his rival, Pacino, in the quintessential coffee shop scene. This is DeNiro in his last "great" role, better than his Oscar winning Godfather 2 performance, IMO.
And lastly, comedy-DeNiro deserves a nod. He's been doing it now for 15 years and it basically encompasses the final act of his career. But who gives a shit about Meet the Parents and his roles in David O'Russell films are great, but really part of a ensemble and secondary. I go back to Midnight Run, a film where he's fucking hilarious and carries the movie. His scenes with Alonzo Mosley, the FBI agent are brilliant, including the genius physical comedy bit when he walks down the street with Mosley's FBI badge and stops and flashes it to no one in particular. The film also mixes in a great deal of emotion and the awkwardness of the scene between DeNiro and his daughter/ex-wife is painful to watch even today.
Film: Neon Demon and Midnight Run
Neon Demon was enjoyable for 2/3s as a stylistic exercise and by the end I wanted the film to end. Not what you want, IMO.
Midnight Run is fantastic. I loved the movie as a kid and it grows better with age. When DeNiro passes on and we need to reflect on 3 quintessential roles...I'll be in the minority, but I'll go with Mean Streets, Midnight Run, and Heat.
Obvious other candidates: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas (overshadowed by Pesci), Silver Linings (his David O'Russell films), Cape Fear/Untouchables (crazy DeNiro), Meet the Parents (comedy DeNiro)
For me, it breaks down this way - there is Scorcese-DeNiro and you get to pick one performance. Taxi Driver or Raging Bull are the obvious ones, but I pick Mean Streets and I'll tell you why. Story goes - when studio execs first saw Mean Streets they thought Scorcese found DeNiro in an insane asylum. That does it for me.
Heat is the greatest film of the past 25 years and DeNiro out acts his rival, Pacino, in the quintessential coffee shop scene. This is DeNiro in his last "great" role, better than his Oscar winning Godfather 2 performance, IMO.
And lastly, comedy-DeNiro deserves a nod. He's been doing it now for 15 years and it basically encompasses the final act of his career. But who gives a shit about Meet the Parents and his roles in David O'Russell films are great, but really part of a ensemble and secondary. I go back to Midnight Run, a film where he's fucking hilarious and carries the movie. His scenes with Alonzo Mosley, the FBI agent are brilliant, including the genius physical comedy bit when he walks down the street with Mosley's FBI badge and stops and flashes it to no one in particular. The film also mixes in a great deal of emotion and the awkwardness of the scene between DeNiro and his daughter/ex-wife is painful to watch even today.
Duncan Retires
There is no athlete for whom my feelings have radically altered over time more than Tim Duncan. Part is him, part is me. In the old days, I disliked the twin towers style of bball played by the Spurs. I didn't care for Duncan's ugly, gangly post play.
But over time, he and the Spurs evolved as a player and team. He stayed relevant, was a great teammate, and avoided drama on the court. They played beautiful basketball the last couple years. And Duncan had grit. I'll never forget game 6 in the Miami series 2013 - the game Ray Allen hit the 3. Duncan was incredible the first half. He ended up with 30 points and 17 rebounds and was probably the best player on the court that game, despite facing Wade and LeBron at the peak of their powers and he being 37 years old. If it weren't for that Ray Allen 3, we'd be talking 6 NBA titles for the guy.
He did it his way all these years and his retirement announcement was no different. His career paralleled Kobe. They were opposites in so many respects, from how they played, to how they treated teammates and coaches, to how they grew old, to how they officially retired. Basketball fans during this era could be broken up into two types: Kobe-guys or Duncan-guys. I started as a Kobe guy, but now I'm a Duncan guy. It's no contest.
There is no athlete for whom my feelings have radically altered over time more than Tim Duncan. Part is him, part is me. In the old days, I disliked the twin towers style of bball played by the Spurs. I didn't care for Duncan's ugly, gangly post play.
But over time, he and the Spurs evolved as a player and team. He stayed relevant, was a great teammate, and avoided drama on the court. They played beautiful basketball the last couple years. And Duncan had grit. I'll never forget game 6 in the Miami series 2013 - the game Ray Allen hit the 3. Duncan was incredible the first half. He ended up with 30 points and 17 rebounds and was probably the best player on the court that game, despite facing Wade and LeBron at the peak of their powers and he being 37 years old. If it weren't for that Ray Allen 3, we'd be talking 6 NBA titles for the guy.
He did it his way all these years and his retirement announcement was no different. His career paralleled Kobe. They were opposites in so many respects, from how they played, to how they treated teammates and coaches, to how they grew old, to how they officially retired. Basketball fans during this era could be broken up into two types: Kobe-guys or Duncan-guys. I started as a Kobe guy, but now I'm a Duncan guy. It's no contest.
Tuesday, July 05, 2016
Bill Clinton
Meets with the AG and then charges against his wife are dropped.
Jesus.
Americans are going to vote "f--- you" for Trump.
What do we think just happened with the Brexit. It's no fun being played. The Clintons have played the American public to the tune of their 100 million dollar fortune. How does a couple who's basically been in public service for 30-40 years accumulate that much money? Off paying to play access.
Meets with the AG and then charges against his wife are dropped.
Jesus.
Americans are going to vote "f--- you" for Trump.
What do we think just happened with the Brexit. It's no fun being played. The Clintons have played the American public to the tune of their 100 million dollar fortune. How does a couple who's basically been in public service for 30-40 years accumulate that much money? Off paying to play access.
Monday, July 04, 2016
All Against All
The future: minority wars.
Hobbes warned about this, but none of these people have ever read Hobbes.
The future: minority wars.
Hobbes warned about this, but none of these people have ever read Hobbes.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Brexit
I suppose when all the spoils of economic integration go to upper and upper middle classes, you can expect the rest of the folks to be against it. No one's figured out how to get globalization to actually trickle down and I see more of these type of movements happening around the globe.
Also, is this how World Wars start?
I suppose when all the spoils of economic integration go to upper and upper middle classes, you can expect the rest of the folks to be against it. No one's figured out how to get globalization to actually trickle down and I see more of these type of movements happening around the globe.
Also, is this how World Wars start?
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Faith Left
A nice story about random plane passengers supporting a grieving grandmother.
I teach. And I hear a lot about these insane, coddled students in the media. But in my experience, most students aren't like that. Not even close. When you talk to people, it's shocking how rational, friendly, kind, and smart most Americans are. You wouldn't know it to read the papers or to view our national political discourse. So here's the thing - I have a lot of faith in our people, still. What I have nearly zero faith in these days is our political system working on behalf of our people. There's some type of enormous disconnect. Our problems are solvable. I don't even think they are particularly difficult compared to problems other human beings faced throughout history. Nevertheless, they remain unsolved. Islamic terrorism shouldn't be this difficult to defeat. We must decide to do it. Reigning in the national debt isn't even hard - all we need to do is spend less than we make. It's actually quite simple. I could go on.
A nice story about random plane passengers supporting a grieving grandmother.
I teach. And I hear a lot about these insane, coddled students in the media. But in my experience, most students aren't like that. Not even close. When you talk to people, it's shocking how rational, friendly, kind, and smart most Americans are. You wouldn't know it to read the papers or to view our national political discourse. So here's the thing - I have a lot of faith in our people, still. What I have nearly zero faith in these days is our political system working on behalf of our people. There's some type of enormous disconnect. Our problems are solvable. I don't even think they are particularly difficult compared to problems other human beings faced throughout history. Nevertheless, they remain unsolved. Islamic terrorism shouldn't be this difficult to defeat. We must decide to do it. Reigning in the national debt isn't even hard - all we need to do is spend less than we make. It's actually quite simple. I could go on.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Teaching
I'd expect this is one of biggest low hanging fruits in America today: how improving teaching craft would impact the students.
I'd expect this is one of biggest low hanging fruits in America today: how improving teaching craft would impact the students.
In many countries the way to get ahead in a school is to move into management. Mr Fryer says that American school districts “pay people in inverse proportion to the value they add”. District superintendents make more money than teachers although their impact on pupils’ lives is less. Singapore has a separate career track for teachers, so that the best do not leave the classroom. Australia may soon follow suit.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Islamic Terror
I haven't done any type of analysis, but my impression is that since we left Iraq in 2011 the size and scope of attacks against the West has increased.
Similarly, it was the time of "peace" in the Middle East when the original Al Queda grew into the group that took down the twin towers.
Rather than endlessly bickering about the legitimacy of removing Saddam, the western world would've been better off figuring out how to win the war.
I haven't done any type of analysis, but my impression is that since we left Iraq in 2011 the size and scope of attacks against the West has increased.
Similarly, it was the time of "peace" in the Middle East when the original Al Queda grew into the group that took down the twin towers.
Rather than endlessly bickering about the legitimacy of removing Saddam, the western world would've been better off figuring out how to win the war.
Interesting and Weird
After Orlando, gay support goes to Trump.
The frustration with political correctness is real, but so is the fact that Trump sees himself as a monarch.
Also, file this under more evidence Trump can win.
After Orlando, gay support goes to Trump.
The frustration with political correctness is real, but so is the fact that Trump sees himself as a monarch.
Also, file this under more evidence Trump can win.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
A Very Bad Sign
Births in the US were down to the lowest rate EVER in 2015. Check out the chart on the article and births have been in decline ever since the Great Recession.
And then there's this: we're richer than ever (because of inflated asset prices).
So what's the verdict? Are we poor and uncertain about the future and thus not having babies? Or, are we richer than ever and declining birthrates have to do with something other than economics.
Here's a theory: older, non-birthing aged adults are reaping the money from inflated asset prices (stocks and homes) at the expense of birthing aged adults.
Births in the US were down to the lowest rate EVER in 2015. Check out the chart on the article and births have been in decline ever since the Great Recession.
And then there's this: we're richer than ever (because of inflated asset prices).
So what's the verdict? Are we poor and uncertain about the future and thus not having babies? Or, are we richer than ever and declining birthrates have to do with something other than economics.
Here's a theory: older, non-birthing aged adults are reaping the money from inflated asset prices (stocks and homes) at the expense of birthing aged adults.
McDonald's
A nice article (ironically, British) about how McDonald's provides a cheap space for communities to gather. If I had to guess, I'd say McDonald's brings more joy and well being for the poor and lower middle classes than any non-profit in America.
A nice article (ironically, British) about how McDonald's provides a cheap space for communities to gather. If I had to guess, I'd say McDonald's brings more joy and well being for the poor and lower middle classes than any non-profit in America.
Thursday, June 02, 2016
San Jose
Trump supporter egged and yelled at by Trump protesters carrying the Mexican flag.
Making me want to vote for the guy.
Trump supporter egged and yelled at by Trump protesters carrying the Mexican flag.
Making me want to vote for the guy.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Political Correctness
Is it the biggest problem facing the nation today?
Half the country seems to think so.
Is it the biggest problem facing the nation today?
Half the country seems to think so.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Shot Fired At Trump Rally
Funny, when Obama was running for President, a number of liberal friends predicted/worried he would be assassinated/attempted assassinated because he was black. I guess they saw Mississippi Burning too many times as a youngster and can't differentiate between 1955 Mississippi and 2008-2016 America. But, whatever.
I wonder where they'll stand on this.
Funny, when Obama was running for President, a number of liberal friends predicted/worried he would be assassinated/attempted assassinated because he was black. I guess they saw Mississippi Burning too many times as a youngster and can't differentiate between 1955 Mississippi and 2008-2016 America. But, whatever.
I wonder where they'll stand on this.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Yep
Obama's been a failure in terms of Middle East policy.
He'll leave the place in considerably worse shape than he inherited it.
Obama's been a failure in terms of Middle East policy.
He'll leave the place in considerably worse shape than he inherited it.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Doesn't Seem Right
As part of BofA and Citigroup's bailout, the Obama required the banks to fund community groups backing his political agenda.
They realize the bailout was done with taxpayer money, right?
As part of BofA and Citigroup's bailout, the Obama required the banks to fund community groups backing his political agenda.
They realize the bailout was done with taxpayer money, right?
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Onion or the New York Times
They NYT tries to do a hit piece on Trump. My favorite bit:
They NYT tries to do a hit piece on Trump. My favorite bit:
He simultaneously nurtured women’s careers and mocked their physical appearance. “You like your candy,” he told an overweight female executive who oversaw the construction of his headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.Are they trying to get me to vote for him?
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Old Shit
An incredibly prescient letter written in 1969 about the effects of "affirmative action," ie quotas.
An incredibly prescient letter written in 1969 about the effects of "affirmative action," ie quotas.
No one can be expected to accept an inferior status willingly. The black students, unable to compete on even terms in the study of law, inevitably will seek other means to achieve recognition and self-expression. This is likely to take two forms. First, agitation to change the environment from one in which they are unable to compete to one in which they can. Demands will be made for elimination of competition, reduction in standards of performance, adoption of courses of study which do not require intensive legal analysis, and recognition for academic credit of sociological activities which have only an indirect relationship to legal training. Second, it seems probable that this group will seek personal satisfaction and public recognition by aggressive conduct, which, although ostensibly directed at external injustices and problems, will in fact be primarily motivated by the psychological needs of the members of the group to overcome feelings of inferiority caused by lack of success in their studies. Since the common denominator of the group of students with lower qualifications is one of race this aggressive expression will undoubtedly take the form of racial demands–the employment of faculty on the basis of race, a marking system based on race, the establishment of a black curriculum and a black law journal, an increase in black financial aid, and a rule against expulsion of black students who fail to satisfy minimum academic standards.See the campus protests this year. I'm always amazed at how smart the old timers were about things in general.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Sickening
A story about Venezuela where they lack toilet paper and are putting a businessman in jail because of it. This story would be funny if it weren't true. Anyone with firm liberal redistributive beliefs ought to seriously examine the last 15 years of Venezuelan social history as a case study of what happens when these ideas are put into practice in the real world. But I very highly doubt many of them will. Instead, they will vote Bernie.
A story about Venezuela where they lack toilet paper and are putting a businessman in jail because of it. This story would be funny if it weren't true. Anyone with firm liberal redistributive beliefs ought to seriously examine the last 15 years of Venezuelan social history as a case study of what happens when these ideas are put into practice in the real world. But I very highly doubt many of them will. Instead, they will vote Bernie.
Saturday, May 07, 2016
This Doesn't Smell Right
A 24-year old artist who painted a naked micro-penised Donald Trump claims she was assaulted off La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles.
Here's what makes no sense:
-To know who this "artist" is would require being quite an infovore. I didn't know who she was. You'd have to be following the internet pretty close to be able to spot her.
-The type of person who would pull over and randomly punch a girl for political reasons would be pretty rare indeed.
-The type of person who would do both...that is, know an internet artist and be willing to randomly assault her on the street in Los Angeles...I don't buy it. Are there really that many passionate Trump supporters in LA in this age bracket?
I don't buy it.
A 24-year old artist who painted a naked micro-penised Donald Trump claims she was assaulted off La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles.
Here's what makes no sense:
-To know who this "artist" is would require being quite an infovore. I didn't know who she was. You'd have to be following the internet pretty close to be able to spot her.
-The type of person who would pull over and randomly punch a girl for political reasons would be pretty rare indeed.
-The type of person who would do both...that is, know an internet artist and be willing to randomly assault her on the street in Los Angeles...I don't buy it. Are there really that many passionate Trump supporters in LA in this age bracket?
I don't buy it.
Friday, May 06, 2016
Widespread Mental Illness
Taking over America one bathroom at a time. Yes.
I got a newsflash: if I need to go, the men's bathroom is full, and the women's is empty, I go in already...
Taking over America one bathroom at a time. Yes.
I got a newsflash: if I need to go, the men's bathroom is full, and the women's is empty, I go in already...
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
US Weekly
The wife reads it, so it's around the house. They do this feature "25 Things You Don't Know About Me" and recently featured Hillary Clinton. One of the things she listed: she likes the Beatles. The Beatles! She likes the Beatles!
Good God. We are going to elect this woman President? She would've sided with King George III in 1776.
The wife reads it, so it's around the house. They do this feature "25 Things You Don't Know About Me" and recently featured Hillary Clinton. One of the things she listed: she likes the Beatles. The Beatles! She likes the Beatles!
Good God. We are going to elect this woman President? She would've sided with King George III in 1776.
And Yet, One of Our Top 4 Candidates Is A Socialist
Venezuela does not have enough money to pay for its money.
Venezuela does not have enough money to pay for its money.
We'll See...
Zuckerberg thinks AI will outperform humans in the next decade.
I suppose the big question is: in what? Computers outperform humans in all sorts of things already like counting big numbers.
Zuckerberg thinks AI will outperform humans in the next decade.
I suppose the big question is: in what? Computers outperform humans in all sorts of things already like counting big numbers.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Technology
I'm skeptical of technology until I see the application. I remember the Segway hype and when they cloned the sheep Dolly. Also, I used a toilet today with the auto flush sensor. Does this thing work for anyone? Every time I put the toilet bowl paper on a toilet with the auto flush, the auto flush takes it away. I dunno. I just don't see driverless cars living up to the hype.
I'm skeptical of technology until I see the application. I remember the Segway hype and when they cloned the sheep Dolly. Also, I used a toilet today with the auto flush sensor. Does this thing work for anyone? Every time I put the toilet bowl paper on a toilet with the auto flush, the auto flush takes it away. I dunno. I just don't see driverless cars living up to the hype.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Saturday, April 09, 2016
Super Bowl Ceiling
Bart Scott thinks he would've won 2 maybe 3 super bowls with Alex Smith as QB.
I wonder what he thinks of Kaepernick.
Bart Scott thinks he would've won 2 maybe 3 super bowls with Alex Smith as QB.
I wonder what he thinks of Kaepernick.
Thursday, April 07, 2016
Martini Notes
Gins Tried:
Martin Miller ($28-32): Super smooth, 80 proof. For one with expensive taste, could serve as an awesome baseline gin. If you order a basic martini at Providence (the 2nd best restaurant in America), this is what they use.
Martin Miller Wellsbourne ($30-37): That said, I think the splurge to the Wellsbourne version is worth it. I found a bottle at K&L for $30, which is the same as I paid for the regular MM at a liquor store. Even at $37 (Bevmo), the price difference is still worth it. Basically, the main difference is a higher proof - 94. Again, a super smooth gin. If you meet someone who doesn't like gin, pour them a MM and they will change their minds.
Fords ($25-28): This is my baseline gin right now. For guests or celebrations, I'll use MM. On a regular Thursday night before eating a steak, I'll use Fords. Incredible value. And more gin-like than MM. This is like having a great pair of boots that can be worn at nearly every occasion, except a wedding. If I were buying one gin for the cabinet, I would take Fords.
Beefeater ($16-18): Good enough in a pinch. Can find it at nearly any grocery store. Cheap. If at a crummy bar, or you don't feel like overpaying, Beefeater can do the job.
Bombay London Dry ($20 for a handle): Good value, but I don't love it. Prefer Beefeater at the price point.
St. George's ($35): tastes like a Christmas tree. A neat novelty gin, but I don't drink it on the regular.
Vermouth:
Vya: Highly recommended, but I prefer Dolin. For some reason, it tastes a little sweet to me.
Noilly Prat: Serviceable.
Dolin: My favorite. Dry.
Olives:
Small Spanish: bad
Large Spanish: good
Castelvetrano: inappropriate, but delicious
The other night, I poured a Beefeater (2.5oz), Vya (.5oz), and Large Spanish (.3 juice). Solid, but not spectacular.
The week before, we drank MM Wellsbourne (3oz), .5oz olive, and tried one with Dolin and one with Vya. I preferred the Dolin.
Gins Tried:
Martin Miller ($28-32): Super smooth, 80 proof. For one with expensive taste, could serve as an awesome baseline gin. If you order a basic martini at Providence (the 2nd best restaurant in America), this is what they use.
Martin Miller Wellsbourne ($30-37): That said, I think the splurge to the Wellsbourne version is worth it. I found a bottle at K&L for $30, which is the same as I paid for the regular MM at a liquor store. Even at $37 (Bevmo), the price difference is still worth it. Basically, the main difference is a higher proof - 94. Again, a super smooth gin. If you meet someone who doesn't like gin, pour them a MM and they will change their minds.
Fords ($25-28): This is my baseline gin right now. For guests or celebrations, I'll use MM. On a regular Thursday night before eating a steak, I'll use Fords. Incredible value. And more gin-like than MM. This is like having a great pair of boots that can be worn at nearly every occasion, except a wedding. If I were buying one gin for the cabinet, I would take Fords.
Beefeater ($16-18): Good enough in a pinch. Can find it at nearly any grocery store. Cheap. If at a crummy bar, or you don't feel like overpaying, Beefeater can do the job.
Bombay London Dry ($20 for a handle): Good value, but I don't love it. Prefer Beefeater at the price point.
St. George's ($35): tastes like a Christmas tree. A neat novelty gin, but I don't drink it on the regular.
Vermouth:
Vya: Highly recommended, but I prefer Dolin. For some reason, it tastes a little sweet to me.
Noilly Prat: Serviceable.
Dolin: My favorite. Dry.
Olives:
Small Spanish: bad
Large Spanish: good
Castelvetrano: inappropriate, but delicious
The other night, I poured a Beefeater (2.5oz), Vya (.5oz), and Large Spanish (.3 juice). Solid, but not spectacular.
The week before, we drank MM Wellsbourne (3oz), .5oz olive, and tried one with Dolin and one with Vya. I preferred the Dolin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)