tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89790142024-03-05T19:28:51.702-06:00Blogger BeerCommenting on Global Politics, items of concern to Marcus Aurelius, and everything in between!Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.comBlogger2504125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-63009780608251325682010-08-07T13:10:00.002-05:002010-08-07T13:19:36.452-05:00Sick of It!On my Facebook page I am seeing quite a bit of people ripping on the First Lady for her trip to Spain. All I can manage is a <em>meh</em> I could care less one way or another. The common theme is with so much unemployment here in the US the First Lady and the President should bypass their ostentatious living and pursuits and save the taxpayer some money. Again I say unto thee <em>meh</em>.<br /><br />I got quite fed up with hearing the lefties criticize President Bush every time he left Washington DC. They carped about his spending money, they carped about him being on too much "vacation" (yeah, if the President is ever needed they will find him even if he is on "vacation"). You know, the President and his family need that away time too, probably more so than the average schlub working a 9-5er at the mill.<br /><br />I know, the left has the wheel rolling over them on this, but I elect the President to lead a great and large nation not to commiserate with us in our misery. Remember, Bill Clinton tried that tack, "I feel your pain" but what did it earn him?Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-48528319459511214412010-02-23T22:36:00.002-06:002010-02-23T22:42:07.900-06:00Karma Visits Sven KramerSven Kramer after winning gold the first full day of the Olympics was asked his name & country by an NBC reporter. Sven then asked the reporter "Are you stupid?". Well today, Sven switched lanes at the wrong time and was disqualified from a race he was on track to gold medal in.<br /><br />So funny!<br /><br />Reminds of that one reporter who laughed it up when President Bush fell of of the Segway. That same reporter a year or so later fell off a Segway and broke a leg. My delight ends when the reporter falls down, but don't be so secure, smug, or arrogant.<br /><br />I was working one night and saw the town's police officer with a motorist pulled over. I chuckled it up over the other driver's misfortune. A week later on the other side of town, it was me on the side of the town awaiting a ticket.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-15364230853144704402010-01-20T20:33:00.002-06:002010-01-20T20:40:13.839-06:00Tea Partying It UpThe Tea Partys are coming of age.<br /><br />Scowling lefties can call the movement "teabaggers", "angry", whatever. Fact is, the core of the tea party movement is one that unifies a lot of people. While viewing tea party signage there is no doubt a lot of signage espousing the whole range of conservative causes, it is not those causes that are the root of its success.<br /><br />The original tea party was about taxes and hence spending. This one is similarly rooted in taxation and spending policy. Tea Party leaders need to remember this, keep your rallies focused on limiting government taxation and spending.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-17225628589132877482010-01-20T20:02:00.002-06:002010-01-20T20:27:49.885-06:00Same Excuse Different SideHmmm,<br /><br />A lot of lefties are trying to rationalize Scott Brown's victory by trying to tell us (actually I suspect it is more for themselves) the voters of Massachusetts voted for Scott Brown rather than the Dem because the Senate was not left enough.<br /><br />Now, doesn't THAT sound familiar? Starting in 2006, I heard that rationalization being used a whole lot on our side. The typical, line went "Well, the GOP did not deliver on the promises of <INSERT PARTICULAR & TYPICAL GOP PLATFORM OR PLATFORM ITEM HERE>, so instead of voting for Democrat lite might as well vote for the real thing.<br /><br />That, is what the left is now saying — we were not rejected for being too left, we were rejected for not being left enough.<br /><br />Does either make sense?Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-17765814216204358452010-01-19T20:43:00.002-06:002010-01-19T20:52:43.304-06:00Brown Beats Coakley!Wow,<br /><br />Deep Blue Massachusetts votes for Scott Brown (R) to replace Teddy Kennedy (D). Reading Twitter is great fun, especially #masen.<br /><br />Congratulations to Scott Brown on his victory over Martha Coakley.<br /><br />The Democrats and more specifically President Obama are feeling the first tingle of a slap on their hands. No doubt, the same tingle was being felt in 2006 by the GOP. One fellow (former Obama voter) this evening on the Luntz section of Hannity said I wanted change back to the center not a far left lurch.<br /><br />I am quite sure the Congressional leaders (both houses) and the President will come out redoubling their grip on the national steering wheel. They believe they need to get their agenda done within the next year or it will be at least another 12 years before they get another opportunity. You bet they will work to ram this stuff down our throats. Scott Brown's win made that harder for them to do.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-72006756944580361992009-12-18T21:18:00.002-06:002009-12-18T21:20:07.133-06:00Comment on CommentsThe free lunch is over. Haloscan is converting their blog comment & trackback service from free to a paid for service. I say "bye-bye"!<br /><br />In the meantime, comments are closed until I figure out what code I took out to install the Haloscan commentary & trackback system.<br /><br />MAMarcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-24903075732486019832009-12-08T18:46:00.003-06:002009-12-13T13:25:03.263-06:00Brown County ZZ<a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Wrightstown&state=WI&country=US&latitude=44.325802&longitude=-88.162804&geocode=CITY" target="_blank">Drive it with caution.</a> I used to drive Brown County ZZ on a regular basis but have not been on it for sometime. <br /><br />Brown County ZZ is a very picturesque road that winds it way generally in a north — south direction. The road is very curvy and sits very close to the Fox River. Back when I drove the road, if the weather was questionable I would avoid the road taking an alternate route. Usually that was no big deal because it was usually at night so the scenery was not apparent.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091207/APC0101/312070062/1003/APC01">Here is why I avoid this road if conditions are questionable.</a>Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-16305787678553150952009-12-08T16:23:00.002-06:002009-12-08T16:38:47.709-06:00The Great Snow DumpWe are at the front end of our first big snow dump of this current winter season. I escorted The Empress home from work (I tailed her) and I talked her through it via our bluetooths and cell phones. She did fine, though I had to push a bit (she was reluctant to drive).<br /><br />Now were the roads bad? Not so much in Appleton, even though a lot of people claimed otherwise. The roads & conditions demand respect right now. Respect translates into low acceleration (which in my mind includes -- speeding up, slowing down, and turning -- i.e. any change in velocity), lots of distance between the vehicles around you, and anticipating stops and turns.<br /><br />Being the first significant snowfall of the year there are bound to be a lot of fender benders. We'll see lots of smashed headlight, signal light, and tail light reflectors on the road.<br /><br />One thing the authorities always say is <em>stay in unless you have to go out</em>, well, that is always a good idea. However, I would be okay with going out in this weather even in the Impala, at least until the snow starts to pile up then I would take the suburban out.<br /><br />I intend to stay in this evening sitting next to the Empress near our fireplace.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-67546362849853453112009-12-07T17:23:00.006-06:002009-12-07T17:53:03.906-06:00Mara Liasson, Juan Williams, FNC, & NPR<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_Liasson">Mara Liasson</a> makes regular appearances (and so too <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Williams">Juan Williams also from NPR</a>) on the Fox News All Star Segment of Brett Baier's Special Report. I like the regular appearance of both commentators on the segment.<br /><br />However, <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29892.html">this story points out that NPR is very uncomfortable with their stars appearing on FNC</a> and is trying to get Liasson and Williams to cease appearing on FNC. Liasson only appears on The All Stars but the Politico story I link to notes that Juan Williams makes regular appearances on The O'Reilly Factor (a show I rarely watch) and even guest hosts The O'Reilly Factor. <br /><br />Fortunately, neither is obligated to heel to NPR's wishes on this matter. Even more interesting is NPR notes the Whitehouse war on FNC is influencing their discussions with Williams and Liasson. However, the story notes that the Whitehouse is claiming victory in its war against FNC.<br /><br />I do not believe NPR, I believe Whitehouse pressure on them spurred this move.<br /><br />Bravo to Williams and Liasson for giving NPR the raspberry on this!Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-46964225322981317182009-12-04T22:27:00.002-06:002009-12-04T22:31:58.085-06:00Old Obama Had a FarmWith a whack whack here and a whack whack there here a whack there whack everywhere a whack whack -- Old Obama had a farm e-i e-i e-i-OH S#!+ there goes my job.<br /><br />Actually not mine. However this is probably the worst week in terms of job loss with respect to people close to myself. A former UAE colleague and his department got shut down (and from his reports very unceremoniously let go), my cousin and a colleague (a friend) of hers and their department got shut down too this week. Funny thing is my cousin's colleague survived downsizing when her outfit shut down that location -- however she had to move here to keep her job (however, she does like it here -- cheaper living) six months later WHACK!Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-25328885031005997412009-12-04T22:16:00.003-06:002009-12-07T15:56:31.902-06:00It is not Ethanol it is WelfanolThere is a store no simple market,<br />between the Tech and the Subway,<br />and if you go no woman may follow,<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mills_Fleet_Farm" target="_blank">Fleet Farm is meant for men alone!</a><br /><br />Kidding aside, I have started going to <a href="http://www.fleetfarm.com/" target="_blank">Fleet Farm's</a> gas station. At first, it was for the discount but very quickly I noticed something. Recently a buddy told me he goes to Fleet Farm for his fuel too, noting Fleet Farm's 87 octane fuel is <em>ethanol-free</em>! Now, he is a small engine freak and says even E10 is hard on small engines and their components.<br /><br />My Suburban was getting roughly 15 mpg when it is rated at about 17 mpg. However, after switching to Fleet Farm gas I am now get close to 18 mpg! That is a 20% improvement for no extra cost. So, on a 25 gallon fill I can range about 450 instead of 375.<br /><br />Sometime ago I did the numbers on E85 versus E10 and noticed a decrease in mileage that was not offset by the E85 prices. In fact, the cost is higher considering one needs to stop and fuel up more often. If I can get E0 for just as much as E10, guess which one wins? In fact, access to E0 and the 4 cent coupon are affecting my shopping patterns and this program is pulling some of my business from Menards!<br /><br />I am interested in minimizing my cents per mile -- plain and simple. Any other result is a waste of money. The only possible benefit is ethanol increases the demand for corn which helps out my friends and neighbors. However ethanol, despite heavy governmental subsidies ethanol is too expensive. Even E85 is overpriced (it should be about 25% cheaper than E10) at most stations and only one station in my area approaches a reasonable price. The Kwik Trip off of College Avenue near HWY 41 practices thievery in its E85 prices.<br /><br />Ethanol has a place in our energy supply but what we currently have is welfanol and I say just say no to welfanol.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-31449895646467637922009-12-03T22:51:00.004-06:002009-12-03T23:29:33.260-06:00The Family Album of the Maquindanao MassacreI am on an a Filipino mailing list. The focus of the list is the hometown of The Empress.<br /><br />I do not pay the list too much attention but from time to time there is an item we look at. I took a look today and found a number of e-mails with the subject: <em>GRABE OI!!!! PHOTOS FROM THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE</em>. I interpret "Grabe OI" roughly as "OMG", it isn't but it signifies serious shock.<br /><br />Now, I have had my hand in death at least animal death. I've shot and gutted birds and I've caught and cleaned fish. However, I ordered my e-mail client to load images. I then scrolled down.<br /><br />The first and only image I gazed upon was of a person I had to gaze a bit to put the pieces together. Then it came into focus, I was looking at a head caked in mud. The head was butterflied open and an eyeball was apparent and very much out of place. I did not lose my cookies or anything but I quickly got out of that e-mail, put the laptop down, and walked away.<br /><br />I am conflicted about looking at the rest and further conflicted about saving them or to let them purge out of the folder they are in when the time comes.<br /><br />One thing my psychology 101 professor talked about was human cognitive development. She noted infants (can not recall what age) work on <em>out of sight, out of mind</em>. Images such as the one above informs me that <em>out of sight out of mind</em> is not just for infants. To bury that poor wretch does not change facts or <em>the truth</em> it just obscures it, puts it out of mind. <br /><br />The large speculative finger points at the Ampatuan clan as the perpetrators and they attempted to bury their participation along with the dead in those pits and pin the blame on <a href="http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/milf.htm" target="_blank">the MILF</a> whom the Ampatuans helped the central Filipino government fight against.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao_massacre" target="_blank">Here is the Wiki entry on the massacre.</a>Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-75701581321360708072009-12-03T22:28:00.002-06:002009-12-04T22:38:13.209-06:00The Tiger HuntTiger Woods is human after all.<br /><br />Yes, I am sure I am not the first to make that observation. However, I am not at all interested in his affairs and his marital problems. On the other hand, when the inevitable discussion about his fading (this is a discussion that is not yet started) golf skills starts that is one I will listen to and perhaps participate in.<br /><br />This fascination we have the personal lives of celebrities is something worth talking about. Celebrities are often set up as larger than life as infallible and when they fail we need to talk about it. To some extent I think some of that talk and focus is due to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_mentality" target="_blank">crabby mentality</a> that people see Tiger failing at something and harumphing over that.<br /><br />Another aspect is a desperate attempt to connect ourselves to him. We want to know as much about the celebrities we admire because we would like to become acquainted with them and would like the opportunity to become their friends. Most of us will never become "friends" with Tiger Woods so we do the next best thing, we try to know as much about him as possible. A lot of money is made in publishing and selling fan magazines and this fascination with Tiger's problems should be taken to mean this phenomena is not limited to children or teens.<br /><br />However, there is an irony in this. If a person starts to pry into your affairs what is your reaction? It is to become offended and accuse them of prying and perhaps of being a gossip. The golden rule states <em>do unto others as you would have them do unto you</em>. So, this is my approach on the Tiger Woods affair(s). It is none of my business and while I hope him and his wife can patch things up I am not going to follow the story. In short, I'ld sooner watch The History Channel's UFO Files than ESPN's coverage of the Tiger affair.<br /><br />Of course, some will point out Tiger's celebrity earns him millions and that he needs to understand with those earnings comes life in a fish bowl.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-29131790579045879302009-11-26T22:13:00.006-06:002009-11-26T23:44:37.999-06:00Maguindanao Massacre - Theory Frame Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7c6KWvR-7wLtSrelHIK5KdrDtBrMKuhUn_odSyS4uJlUx-wMg3Iyh4QykjqrCoOdsz1dSq2_8sHlkU5Y6zNSOLAx9xeSRqdKx_ALrLGWWifbM_VP8JAIVW1lduJgxbDVB80-/s1600/filflagburning.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7c6KWvR-7wLtSrelHIK5KdrDtBrMKuhUn_odSyS4uJlUx-wMg3Iyh4QykjqrCoOdsz1dSq2_8sHlkU5Y6zNSOLAx9xeSRqdKx_ALrLGWWifbM_VP8JAIVW1lduJgxbDVB80-/s320/filflagburning.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408631876491607714" /></a>If you have been following the story you will note people are generating many bits over the story.<br /><br />Watching some of my Filipino contacts on Twitter I am noticing various theories put forward to explain the massacre. The first is put forth by <a href="http://bangsamoro.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/the-maguindanao-massacre/" target="_blank">The Bangsa Moro Blog</a>: <center><div class="quote">The Mangudadatus, it must be noted, were very close to the Ampatuans and were therefore part of the power clique in Maguindanao.</div><span class="source">Source: <a href="http://bangsamoro.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/the-maguindanao-massacre/" target="_blank">Bangsa Moro Blog — The MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE</a></span></center> The theory being this was a frame up to make the <a href="http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/milf.htm" target="_blank">MILF</a> look bad (NO MILF in this case has nothing to do with hot mothers).<br /><br />Another story out there being pushed by <a href="http://ruffybiazon.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/malacanang-was-warned-about-the-maguindanao-massacre-three-months-ago/" target="_blank">Ruffy Biazon</a>: <center><div class="quote">About three months ago, August 28, 2009 to be exact...n his statement to the Committee, Vice Governor Piñol revealed that he had warned Malacañang about the potential for the outbreak of hostilities between the MAngudadatus and the Ampatuans in relation to the 2010 elections. It was a warning which was explicit and clear. But in spite of that, it was ignored.</div><span class="source">The Way It Is (Congressman Ruffy Biazon) — Malacañang Was Warned About the Maguindanao Massacre Three Months Ago</span></center> When and where have we heard of such accusations before? However, I will admit in this case things are more actionable at least the Filipino central government could have looked into things a bit more and most likely could have done so without having to be clandestine about it.<br /><br />Bangsa Moro claims the Ampatuans and the Mangudadatus were allies or at least cooperating with each other, whereas Ruffy Biazon says he has reliable claims they were at odds with each other. Ruffy provides a person and documented testimony that nastiness is imminent.<br /><br />What really destorys Bangsa Moro's case is a cell phone call blows the operation up. That is all it took? The PNP &/or AFP had a backhoe ready, a large contingent of gunmen and did not order the local cell tower operators to shut down? It is not like cell phones are rare in the Philippines (they are in fact NOT rare). Plus, frameups require lots of people keeping their stories straight. It is easy enough to imagine motives — it is not easy to imagine it really succeeding. What is hard to imagine is there is only one cell phone call reported instead of many and text messages.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-28119441375076869742009-11-26T22:09:00.000-06:002009-11-26T22:12:27.826-06:00Hide The DeclineCheck this one out: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nEiLgbBGKVk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nEiLgbBGKVk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-50955339816721267372009-11-26T07:47:00.002-06:002009-11-26T07:47:59.095-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Hey all -- here is wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-35426830138353993032009-11-25T20:53:00.009-06:002009-12-09T17:31:47.501-06:00The Maguindanao Massacre<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfHYdAlrmBnMXCOoYOV0Mzp8ef9aUKK5jxLFvv1GA0ZqCMNMPwqK0Ob8gURsp_iuir5vINdFpxxBlRPPzMyJJMQH1PnZuR2_x0EbJ2gyzCNCETsWfpAFXSEzxiHfkB5SJh5xz/s1600/filflagburning.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfHYdAlrmBnMXCOoYOV0Mzp8ef9aUKK5jxLFvv1GA0ZqCMNMPwqK0Ob8gURsp_iuir5vINdFpxxBlRPPzMyJJMQH1PnZuR2_x0EbJ2gyzCNCETsWfpAFXSEzxiHfkB5SJh5xz/s320/filflagburning.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408249501267612178" /></a><br />Some of you may have heard of the recent massacre in the Philippines. It took place in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao" target="_blank">the province of Maguindanao</a>.<br /><br />To sum up, an entourage of reporters, low level politicians, women, and children were taking a gubernatorial candidate's candidacy papers to the concerned office to declare himself a candidate for governor of the province. The entourage was stopped and massacred — the suspect and speculation center on the current governor. The reason the candidate sent others to file his papers is because he figured a busload of reporters, women, and children would be immune to such attack. How horrible to be wrong in such a calculation.<br /><br />As of this writing <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091126-238426/Maguindanao-massacre-death-toll-climbs-to-57" target="_blank">57 are reported dead</a>, however my recollection is that near 100 people accompanied the convoy and it seems rather realistic to believe all are dead.<br /><br />Now, some of you will undoubtedly know or come to know that Maguindanao is in Mindanao and the more knowledgable of you may also be aware that Maguindanao is in the <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Region_in_Muslim_Mindanao">Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao</a></em>. However, and I can not stress this enough — the massacre is <em><strong>not</strong></em> due to jihadism. The massacre is due to <em><strong>warlordism</strong></em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://pajamasmedia.com/richardfernandez/2009/11/24/wild-wild-east/">Here is a good discussion the event</a> with at least one person who has in depth experience in the region.<br /><br />I have read about the massacre in a number of different forums and saw <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/25/philippines.danger/" target="_blank">a discussion about it between Chistiane Amanpour and Maria Ressa.</a> The early part of the discussion is the most informative. Maria makes it clear she believes this event is nothing more than political violence. That is exactly what it is..<br /><br />While occurrences of political violence in my corner of the world are typically "candidate e candidate" there is a closer analogy. Street gangs. The scale of gang-related killings here is not on the scale of the Maguindanao attack, but the most vicious of street (motorcycle clubs, prison gangs, etc) gangs are similarly unconcerned about the murder of those they view as being in their way or a challenge to them. Innocents? Well, that is just too bad for them. If you challenged the likes of El Rukn on their streets and you and those in your presence would be similarly dealt with.<br /><br />Another angle I have seen talked about is that of <em>rido</em>. While there is much about this event that does not fit that model, can anyone doubt the dynamics of rido will be present? The whole situation is likely to lead to a large number of reprisals which will be returned in kind. Of course, a bigger boss could prevent such reprisals, and <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091126-238472/Gunmen-in-Maguindanao-massacre-arrestedPNP-chief " target="_blank">this report indicates a bigger boss is definitely going to be stepping in.</a> <br /><br />Even so, will it amount to more than a few low level operatives <em><strike>being thrown under the bus?</strike> being blamed for the entire operation?</em> [editorial note: I had forgotten for a moment how much I detest the stricken cliche!] What would be a just outcome and how likely is it to materialize?<br /><br /><em>[Update]</em> 2009-12-09:<br />The sentence reading <em>...can anyone doubt the dynamics of rido will be present?</em> used to read <em>...can anyone doubt the dynamics of rido will be absent?</em>. The former sentence conveys the meaning I intended and NOT the later sentence. I apologize for the error.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-12917117069480202422009-11-19T20:59:00.003-06:002009-11-26T11:27:37.693-06:00A New Writing Gig!Some months ago The Badger Blog Alliance shut its doors. Since then, I've essentially had only this outlet for writing. As far as venues go it is not that significant.<br /><br />However, today I was invited and I accepted to contribute to <a href="http://philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/">Philippine Commentary</a> owned by Dean Jorge Bocobo. Dean is obviously a Filipino but has resided in Pewaukee in the past. Dean's blog and perspective in the Philippines is an august one.<br /><br />I am honored by his invite!Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-19414149910950748352009-11-15T23:48:00.000-06:002009-11-15T23:43:02.911-06:00Insurance and Risk - Post II have blogged on the generalities of insurance and risk in the past but a quick search turns up my last comments on pre-existing conditions and how Obama's ideas "do away" with them. However, I want to write a series on risk and how insurance works. It is obvious a lot of people do not get insurance.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.greenvillelions.org/events.html">The Greenville Lions host an event entitled <em>The Greenville Catfish Races</em></a>. It is standard outdoor Northeast Wisconsin picinic bands, beers, and food, and yes catfish dinners are on the menu.<br /><br />I do not know how they made it interesting other than having children participate by standing next to a tank. They had seven long tanks set up, they'ld put a glass plate on one end about 10" from the end and drop a catfish into the 10" portion of the tank, and when the start was sounded adults at each end of the tank would raise the glass plate. The first catfish to cross the line on the other end of the tank would be deemed the winner. Nothing remarkable in any of that.<br /><br />However, let us say I was keeping book at this event. Furthermore let us say I charged $1.00 per play and offered a $10 prize if your pick won the race. I ask you would you play? Why or why not?Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-60346338157682124182009-11-15T23:14:00.002-06:002009-11-15T23:35:38.467-06:00Analogies -- Seth Godin's Comments<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/11/learning-by-analogy.html">Seth Godin takes a quick look at of analogies</a><br /><br />Analogy is a very useful tool. When I was in taking physics in college one of my professors noted that success in <em>English</em> was a better predictor of success in college level physics than success HS math and physics. The reason he stated is that one of the things English courses make you do is to <em>analogize.</em> I do not know if Dr. Lind was exactly right about that notion, but I one thing I did notice was that certain mathematical themes kept recurring and while the actual physical components did not match up, the math did rather well.<br /><br />For example, if you understand the math behind bouncing a weight attached to a spring you are well equipped to understand how microwave ovens heat your food and drinks. Still, if you are not quick to pick up on the mathematical analogy you would be learning essentially the same math all over again -- essentially having to start the race all over again.<br /><br />When looking at a new experience try to recall what you have learned. Take a look at similar situations you have encountered in life and attempt draw analogies. They do not have to be perfect just approximate.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-13566745038544370812009-11-04T17:39:00.002-06:002009-11-04T17:54:39.884-06:00Election 2009 CommentaryThe one thing clear from last night's results is President Obama can get people to come out and vote for him but if he is not on the ballot forget it. That is a bad omen for the Democrats next year.<br /><br />Obama spent a fair amount of time in New Jersey and while he was less conspicuous in Virginia it is not like he was completely absent.<br /><br />Now, the left is focusing on NY 23 in fact I just saw David Axelrod try to claim NY 23 was a microcosm of the national debate and how it favored the Democrats and the other two were strictly local races and did not reflect on the national debates.<br /><br />Now, here is why David Axelrod is wrong about NY 23. Hoffman lost the race 49%-45% with Dede Scazzofava taking about 5.5% of the vote. In my earlier post on this I pass on a report by Jim Geraghty that Hoffman was absolutely clueless on issues of direct concern to the NY 23. That is, it is much more arguable that NY 23 was decided on local issues rather than national ones.<br /><br />Now, last night on FNC on Hannity's show they had a focus group run by Frank Luntz. One man in the room stoutly declared his vote on the Virginia governor's race was only that. However, the rest of the discussion in that "focus group" was IMO unfocused and allowed Luntz and Hannity to say whatever they wanted.<br /><br />One last thing. A lot of people were indignant about Scazzofava endorsing Owens after she left the race. Why does anyone expect her to do otherwise? The Republican Party cut her off at the insistence of the base activists -- loyalty is a two way street.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-46636561761833386492009-11-03T21:42:00.004-06:002009-11-04T10:20:04.268-06:00Red Storm Rising?Or at least, I think it is safe to say the blue tide is now ebbing.<br /><br />The two important items from last night are:<br /><ul><li><em>What impact does this have on President Obama</em></li><li><em>What impact does the results of NY23 have on the GOP?</em></li></ul><br />Well, to answer item number one, I would respond this has a huge impact. Do you think President Obama was trying to get things passed too quickly before? You have seen nothing, there will be a lot more pressure now that there is a real signaling that President Obama's popularity is due to personal matters rather than policy matters. Does anyone believe if Corzine and Deeds (either or both) won their races the Democrats wouldn't be talking of vindication?<br /><br />On item 2 and this one is the more contentious of the two questions I raise. Democrats are holding on to this one like a Titanic passenger holding onto a piece of flotsam. Was it a defeat for conservatism and does this mean the blue tide continues to rise? It was not a win there is no doubt about it but I think partisans from both sides are reading too much into Owen's victory there.<br /><br />Dede Scozzafava is what most people consider very liberal, but she is a resident and presumably knowledgeable of the issues in the district. Hoffman, (according to reports I have seen) is from out of the NY23 district and <a href="http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NjIzYTQ1NzEyZTAwYjVhZjUxNjc5ZGUyMzQ4NmIwODQ=">Jim Geraghty has an interesting post on Hoffman's weaknesses as a candidate.</a> Hoffman was not knowledgeable of the issues of direct concern to the NY23rd district and for what other reason do we elect representatives to congress for? Yeah, I want them to hold right views on taxes, medical care, national defense and so on, but they also need to understand about the things that directly affect their constituent's lives.<br /><br />I have this notion that NY23 is like my district the WI-08. Most of the district is dominated by the local Republican Parties. If you want to win a local election in WI-08 counties you had better be a member of that county's Republican party. This means, if you hold leftist political views but want to become sheriff you need to join the Republican Party. It works this way in Democratic controlled counties too. <br /><br />In addition, we see the country club effect too -- someone wants access to the business connections membership in the local dominant party confers. So you even though you may be a doctrinaire Democrat you end up being a power-player in the local Republican party. This sounds a lot like how Dede Scozzafava was tapped to be the candidate in the NY23.<br /><br />While I would have preferred Hoffman to win, Owens is an improvement over Scozzafava.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-77450196988973970722009-11-03T13:08:00.002-06:002009-11-03T13:16:08.012-06:00Bud Light Collateral AdvertisingHow many of you have seen the advertisements for the goofy Bud-Light collateral? You know, <a href="http://www.tailgateapproved.com/tg/#/grooler-game" target="_blank">the grooler</a> -- the combination cooler & grill?<br /><br />Last night, at a farewell party one of the people explained to us what all that goofy gear really is about. It seems like goofy stuff is being pitched but of course by now (if not before or earlier) you know the real product being pitched is the beer. <br /><br />However, you do notice those advertisements do not mention beer, right? Well, the NCAA has a policy of not accepting advertisements for alcohol products or at least more and more colleges have this policy. The Bud Light collateral advertisements are just taking an advantage of a loophole and the brand awareness. The product being pitched is not beer so therefore colleges can take the money.<br /><br />I have yet to see any of that gear on the streets but I am sure sooner or later it will start to show up here and there and in the thrift shops and at rummage sales.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-48635573341732603242009-10-30T11:44:00.002-05:002009-10-30T11:49:16.538-05:00The Latest Wave of 419 ScamsInvolve around a job offer.<br /><br />Typically the pitch involves:<br /><ul><br /><li>We are an international company</li><br /><li>Would you like a lucrative and prestigious jobs</li><br /><li>We need you to process payments</li><br /></ul><br />I never read them all the way through too closely but the scam sounds like you are to take payments, deposit them into you bank account, and then the "company" receives payment via your account. Of course "leaving" some for you.<br /><br />However, anyone with half a brain cell understands if one does receive "payments" they will be "dud cheques" and the Nigerians on the other end will clean out your account for all it is worth.<br /><br />I do not know if that would really be a 419 scam but it is pretty close and in any case it is still obviously fraudulent.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8979014.post-49801254989023871882009-10-29T10:31:00.001-05:002009-10-29T10:57:27.590-05:00Jerry Bader - The Mess He is InI listen to a local talk show hosted by <a href="http://www.wtaq.com/stationfiles/blog/jerry/essay.asp">Jerry Bader on AM 1360.</a> Recently he made a report on air and on his blog about a former Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin. I will not get into the details (you can see them by googling or following the link above). In any event he retracted his report and is now suspended for two weeks and WTAQ and its management is mulling Jerry's future with WTAQ.<br /><br />The report was not widely discussed on the WI Blogs but James Wigderson made this <a href="http://www.wigderson.com/index.php/2009/10/27/dan-bice-please-report-to-your-peephole/">initial post on the story.</a> He is not so much passing it as fact but does note it had better be fact. However, the most interesting commentary is in <a href="http://www.wigderson.com/index.php/2009/10/28/why-blame-the-blogs/">in this post after Bader retracted the story</a>:<br /><center><div class="quote">Also interesting would have been a discussion of why the news organizations waited. They were not saints. WTMJ’s John Jagler wrote on Twitter, “the Barbara Lawton rumors have the entire media world freaking out. Who will be the first major news outlet to break it?” <br /><br /> When I tweeted back to him the link to Bader’s podcast, Jagler responded, “that’s not big enough”.<br /><br /> Not that WTAQ and Bader weren’t credible, or that Jagler didn’t believe what Bader said, or that they were trying to verify the story. Just that Jagler was hoping someone bigger would go with the story, prompting my sarcastic reply, “Really? That’s the excuse? (At this point I’ll refrain from making a joke about the shrinking of Journal Communications.)”<br /></div><br /><span class="source">Source:<a href="http://www.wigderson.com/index.php/2009/10/28/why-blame-the-blogs/">Why blame the blogs? — Wigderson Pub & Library</a></span></center> That is, the news people at WTMJ wanted to run with the story but were afraid to they wanted to run with a herd.<br /><br />Fear of bad consequences is an important human emotion it prevents people from receiving bad consequences.<br /><br />I heard the original reports from Jerry on air and wondered what was really to be gained from public knowledge of the story? Lawton was out of the race and from what we all pretty much know I think it can be assumed at the very least there was tremendous pressure from Democratic bigs on her to withdraw from the race.<br /><br />I like Jerry and if WTAQ sends him packing, I will simply stop listening to WTAQ, I don't even need WTAQ for the 11am - 2pm talk show host, because if I am feeling like Rush I usually pull Rush up via internet stream.Marcus Aureliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12731740191789466205noreply@blogger.com0