Good Parody of a SNL Skit onboard the USS John Paul Jones. Good times
NPR News Headlines
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Lily Sure Does Enjoy Her Walker
She now chases the cat and dog. I think the cat enjoys it and the dog is beginning to get sick of being harassed.
Legs of a champion...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I Am a Nerd
And so is everyone i know who occasionally reads this. So for your viewing pleasure, a simple explanantion of the 10 dimensions. Get a cup of coffee before you watch or it will really blow your mind too early in the AM.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Logicality
There's a reason why I voted for Bob Barr...and also why I don't have cable. Why people pay $60+ bucks a month for it baffles my mind.
When opinion replaces TV news
by Bob Barr
as published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Monday, August 17, 2009
Were he alive, Abraham Lincoln would not likely be a regular viewer of the major cable news stations. The former president is reported to have remarked that, "it is the man who does not want to express an opinion whose opinion I want." Given that a great many of the programming slots offered up each day by cable news stations are forums for nothing more than the incessant and repetitive offering of opinions, it is unlikely Lincoln would be tuning very much to the opinions so eagerly offered up by those networks.
Students of and experts on journalism and broadcasting certainly will argue over the causes for the explosive growth of opinion programming on cable news stations. Opinion shows, which rely less on in-depth reporting in favor of scanning the day's stories already reported for those most likely to generate "buzz," are - perhaps aside from the salaries of their stars - cheaper to produce than hard-news shows.
Whether financial concerns are the primary cause of this phenomenon, or simply the changing viewing habits of viewers, the bottom line is that so-called 24/7 news increasingly translates into "less news, more opinion."
It is not simply the plethora of opinion programs that is raising concerns, but the style and conduct of those offering their opinions. As noted in a recent article by former CBS evening news anchor, Dan Rather - one of the far-right's favorite punching bags - television news has been reduced largely to "opinion, commentary and marketing masquerading as news." This has, in turn, says Rather, led to "more in-studio shouting matches between partisans, moderated by openly partisan talking heads."
While many Republicans and conservatives will discount these observations by one of television's longest-serving former news anchors, few could legitimately argue that such antics breed understanding. The more likely result is hardening of opinions already settled, while advancing neither understanding nor tolerance. This "ceaseless blowing of hot air," so described in a recent op-ed eulogizing news anchor Walter Cronkite, has created what that writer termed an "infotainment nightmare."
Perhaps nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in the programming schedule for CNN's HLN (formerly, "Headline News"). For nearly half of each 24-hour news cycle, HLN bounces between "showbiz" stories, pulp crime reporting by Nancy Grace, and "Issues" with fast-talking newcomer Jane Velez-Mitchell. From 7 p.m. in the evening until 6 a.m. the next morning, HLN viewers have only those three options for their viewing pleasure; a line up interrupted only once, during the 4 to 5 a.m. hour, for "Prime News."
The impact of these constant "opin-news" programs on traditional, non-cable network news has been profound - and negative. Since 1980, the year CNN launched as the country's first all-news, all-the-time station, evening news viewership has fallen by well more than 50 percent and the ratings of the three network channels (ABC, CBS and NBC) have dropped even more precipitously - some 64 percent. Perhaps even more ominous for the networks is the fact that during that same period in which their ratings and viewership have dropped significantly the median age of its viewers has risen, to more than 61 years.
The fast-talking, high-volume pace of cable opinion shows may be having effect beyond the TV screen. Attendees at recent town halls, for example, and at other forums, mimic the sloganeering and rudeness so perfectly honed by cable commentators.
Solutions will be difficult to come by if we as a nation are to reclaim a focus on true news reporting that educates and enlightens; and which CNN promised 29 years ago. While many may not agree with Dan Rather's call for a presidential commission "to assess the state of the news as an institution and an industry," at least he is proposing a process of deliberation rather than entertainment.
When opinion replaces TV news
by Bob Barr
as published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Monday, August 17, 2009
Were he alive, Abraham Lincoln would not likely be a regular viewer of the major cable news stations. The former president is reported to have remarked that, "it is the man who does not want to express an opinion whose opinion I want." Given that a great many of the programming slots offered up each day by cable news stations are forums for nothing more than the incessant and repetitive offering of opinions, it is unlikely Lincoln would be tuning very much to the opinions so eagerly offered up by those networks.
Students of and experts on journalism and broadcasting certainly will argue over the causes for the explosive growth of opinion programming on cable news stations. Opinion shows, which rely less on in-depth reporting in favor of scanning the day's stories already reported for those most likely to generate "buzz," are - perhaps aside from the salaries of their stars - cheaper to produce than hard-news shows.
Whether financial concerns are the primary cause of this phenomenon, or simply the changing viewing habits of viewers, the bottom line is that so-called 24/7 news increasingly translates into "less news, more opinion."
It is not simply the plethora of opinion programs that is raising concerns, but the style and conduct of those offering their opinions. As noted in a recent article by former CBS evening news anchor, Dan Rather - one of the far-right's favorite punching bags - television news has been reduced largely to "opinion, commentary and marketing masquerading as news." This has, in turn, says Rather, led to "more in-studio shouting matches between partisans, moderated by openly partisan talking heads."
While many Republicans and conservatives will discount these observations by one of television's longest-serving former news anchors, few could legitimately argue that such antics breed understanding. The more likely result is hardening of opinions already settled, while advancing neither understanding nor tolerance. This "ceaseless blowing of hot air," so described in a recent op-ed eulogizing news anchor Walter Cronkite, has created what that writer termed an "infotainment nightmare."
Perhaps nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in the programming schedule for CNN's HLN (formerly, "Headline News"). For nearly half of each 24-hour news cycle, HLN bounces between "showbiz" stories, pulp crime reporting by Nancy Grace, and "Issues" with fast-talking newcomer Jane Velez-Mitchell. From 7 p.m. in the evening until 6 a.m. the next morning, HLN viewers have only those three options for their viewing pleasure; a line up interrupted only once, during the 4 to 5 a.m. hour, for "Prime News."
The impact of these constant "opin-news" programs on traditional, non-cable network news has been profound - and negative. Since 1980, the year CNN launched as the country's first all-news, all-the-time station, evening news viewership has fallen by well more than 50 percent and the ratings of the three network channels (ABC, CBS and NBC) have dropped even more precipitously - some 64 percent. Perhaps even more ominous for the networks is the fact that during that same period in which their ratings and viewership have dropped significantly the median age of its viewers has risen, to more than 61 years.
The fast-talking, high-volume pace of cable opinion shows may be having effect beyond the TV screen. Attendees at recent town halls, for example, and at other forums, mimic the sloganeering and rudeness so perfectly honed by cable commentators.
Solutions will be difficult to come by if we as a nation are to reclaim a focus on true news reporting that educates and enlightens; and which CNN promised 29 years ago. While many may not agree with Dan Rather's call for a presidential commission "to assess the state of the news as an institution and an industry," at least he is proposing a process of deliberation rather than entertainment.
Friday, August 14, 2009
OK, Back to Bikes
Being a Huge Nerd, Bike Dork, and General Do-It-Yourself enthusiast, I really like Travis' Brown's Franken-Mountain-Bike he built up for the Leadville 100.
Got to love the ingenuity and clever use of parts to make it all work. I used to love when bikes like this would come in the shop. The right tool for the job isn't always what's in the latest catalog...check it out at the above link...
Got to love the ingenuity and clever use of parts to make it all work. I used to love when bikes like this would come in the shop. The right tool for the job isn't always what's in the latest catalog...check it out at the above link...
I've opened the floodgates...
I've stayed pretty quiet on the whole healthcare thing up to know. Trying to understand the different viewpoints, and I think I've got it. Both sides stretch the truth. One side sprinkles fairy dust on the entire non-existent proposal. The other side, sprays shit all over anything they can get their hands on. From both sides there is lots of rhetoric, no details.
However, one branch of government seems to actually function effectively: The CBO (Congressional Budget Office)
In the latest report summeed up at the prvious link they describe why Obama main talking point that preventive gov't healthcare is good and saves money is a fallacy.
Additionally, Obama lacks a clear understanding of the healthcare system in general. He describes a situation where we pour money into primary care for diabetics instead of giving surgeons "$30,000, $40,000, $50,000" for a later amputation "that will save us money."
Yes your bill for an amputation is probably around $30,000 but what Mr. Obama implied was that the surgeon gets this money. They don't, below is the current medicare reimbursment rate for amputations...
Medicare Payment -
28800. Amputation, foot; midtarsal (eg, Chopart type procedure) $493.14
28805. Amputation, foot; transmetatarsal $655.87
This is the professional component (i.e. how much the surgeon makes), a fraction of the total cost. Some of the remaining money will go to the surigcal team (nurses, techs, etc) but the lions share goes to the hospital, not the doctor. Remember, doctors don't run hospitals--administrators (i.e. MBA's and JD's) run them. In fact the term "doctors bill" is a misnomer because if you dig through your bill you'll see it's more accurate to call it a "medical bill" given how small of a pie the doc is getting out of the deal.
Basically, Mr. Obama has shown exactly how little he understands about medical economics and billing issues. The reason our system cost so much is all the thrid party, non-healthcare profession parasites trying to profit off the system (and you haven't heard any plans to cut them off since they are the biggest donors to politcal campaigns). I would imagine that very few in the Obama camp are any better versed in the system either, yet these are the people tasked to fix it....
However, one branch of government seems to actually function effectively: The CBO (Congressional Budget Office)
In the latest report summeed up at the prvious link they describe why Obama main talking point that preventive gov't healthcare is good and saves money is a fallacy.
Additionally, Obama lacks a clear understanding of the healthcare system in general. He describes a situation where we pour money into primary care for diabetics instead of giving surgeons "$30,000, $40,000, $50,000" for a later amputation "that will save us money."
Yes your bill for an amputation is probably around $30,000 but what Mr. Obama implied was that the surgeon gets this money. They don't, below is the current medicare reimbursment rate for amputations...
Medicare Payment -
28800. Amputation, foot; midtarsal (eg, Chopart type procedure) $493.14
28805. Amputation, foot; transmetatarsal $655.87
This is the professional component (i.e. how much the surgeon makes), a fraction of the total cost. Some of the remaining money will go to the surigcal team (nurses, techs, etc) but the lions share goes to the hospital, not the doctor. Remember, doctors don't run hospitals--administrators (i.e. MBA's and JD's) run them. In fact the term "doctors bill" is a misnomer because if you dig through your bill you'll see it's more accurate to call it a "medical bill" given how small of a pie the doc is getting out of the deal.
Basically, Mr. Obama has shown exactly how little he understands about medical economics and billing issues. The reason our system cost so much is all the thrid party, non-healthcare profession parasites trying to profit off the system (and you haven't heard any plans to cut them off since they are the biggest donors to politcal campaigns). I would imagine that very few in the Obama camp are any better versed in the system either, yet these are the people tasked to fix it....
Worth the 10 Minutes
Want to Understand the Health Care Debate?
Two Qoutes and a Video:
The first, from Obama at a rally in NH describing why Private Insurers shouldn't worry about a National Healthcare Program:
"UPS and Fed Ex are doing just fine it's the Post Office that's always having problems"
And this is an argument for National Healthcare how?
The second, from a brilliant female politician:
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.”
—Margaret Thatcher
And finally, a video, that's well worth the 10 minutes:
Two Qoutes and a Video:
The first, from Obama at a rally in NH describing why Private Insurers shouldn't worry about a National Healthcare Program:
"UPS and Fed Ex are doing just fine it's the Post Office that's always having problems"
And this is an argument for National Healthcare how?
The second, from a brilliant female politician:
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.”
—Margaret Thatcher
And finally, a video, that's well worth the 10 minutes:
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Great (Flat) Rides
Well, I've done it! I've figured out a way to get home from work that has a grand total of 100 feet of elevation change over 21 miles. For those who don't ride much, this means it's pancake flat. For reference, I think it's more than 100 feet of elevation change to ride from Center City to the top of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Sure, it might add a mile to my ride, but not only does it allow me to run a bigger gear on the fixie, but also the roads are a bit less congested, due to the fact that in two places the road technically ends (but you can ride on the grass to where it starts again). Map My Ride is a great tool. I would have never figured this out without being able to map a few ways and instantly view the elevation change.
Yes, this offically makes me a fatty. And I'm totally ok with that.
Totally changing gears for a moment: The rain we had in the past week (including some while I was in...wait for it...Hawaii) really caused some havoc in the area. In addition to the mudslide on the Expressway, the bike path was in pretty horrendous condition. By Monday afternoon, Montgomery County had taken care of their part of the trail but Philly in typical fashion had yet to acknowledge the trails existence. (Amazing how in MontCo you pay less taxes and get more services, but I digress...)
I mean it was bad, we're talking 8+ inches of mud paired with giant rock slides where the hil basically gave way on the paved section, and whole sections of the tow path literally just gone into the river. Made the Monday commute really suck.
But, where Philly lacks an ability to do anything except subsidize crackheads and the unemployed with my tax dollars, the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia picks up the slack. Yesterday afternoon, three hard working folks were out there cleaning and repairing the trail. I recognized one gentleman who often sweeps the area right at the trail head where Port Royal very often washes out, but their effort was above and beyond. They probably moved 20,000 lbs of mud and rocks over a 2 mile stretch of trail.
So there you have it. The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia rocks.
Yes, this offically makes me a fatty. And I'm totally ok with that.
Totally changing gears for a moment: The rain we had in the past week (including some while I was in...wait for it...Hawaii) really caused some havoc in the area. In addition to the mudslide on the Expressway, the bike path was in pretty horrendous condition. By Monday afternoon, Montgomery County had taken care of their part of the trail but Philly in typical fashion had yet to acknowledge the trails existence. (Amazing how in MontCo you pay less taxes and get more services, but I digress...)
I mean it was bad, we're talking 8+ inches of mud paired with giant rock slides where the hil basically gave way on the paved section, and whole sections of the tow path literally just gone into the river. Made the Monday commute really suck.
But, where Philly lacks an ability to do anything except subsidize crackheads and the unemployed with my tax dollars, the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia picks up the slack. Yesterday afternoon, three hard working folks were out there cleaning and repairing the trail. I recognized one gentleman who often sweeps the area right at the trail head where Port Royal very often washes out, but their effort was above and beyond. They probably moved 20,000 lbs of mud and rocks over a 2 mile stretch of trail.
So there you have it. The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia rocks.
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