The author of this article is obviously against a single-payer system in health care.
She obviously wishes to scare everyone with the title to the article.
However, she makes a good point at the end by begging us to ask the hard questions.
Here are some hard question for the author to answer.
Is it better to have rationed health care or no health care? Too many people are without health insurance and they can't afford it either.
Does it make sense for us to have the best health care system in the world if only a small percentage of our population can participate in it?
Our health care system has a fundamental flaw. The profit motive.
Profit is not a panacea and to place people's lives at risk for profit is immoral.
So as a last hard question: What's more important, people or profit?
Single-payer system places people above profit, while our current system values bottom-lines.
Health care reform should never be about profit because that's basically placing a dollar value on lives.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saltsman is an idiot...apparently the appropriate choice to lead the RNC
Here's why I constanty wring my hands over the state of politics in Tennessee.
Apparently, this Republican from Nashville, Chip Saltsman, is running for the RNC Chair.
In a fit of parochial idiocy, Saltsman sent a CD containing a song entitled "Barack the Magic Negro".
Of course Rush Limbaugh is all over this accusing the liberal media of applying a double standard because they supposedly supported Gangster Rapper Ice-T when he released a song called "Cop Killer".
Saltsman gives Tennessee a bad name. His asinine decision reflects poorly on Tennessee painting an image of us to the world as backward hicks. Thanks Chip for destroying any progress the state has made in repairing our image to the rest of the world. Chip is apparently unaware or at least oblivious to the fact that the KKK was born not 80 miles from Nashville.
Let's straighten something out about the Ice-T issue: Americans are by history anti-establishment. "Cop Killer" was an honest response reflecting the irritation certain communities had with the establishment as represented by the police.
Saltsman's idiocy, even if the song was not technically a slur against the President-Elect, did carry the stain of racism by virtue of its title.
The song was sent in a wink-wink sort of way with an eye toward laughing as a result of racial issues associated with it. THAT'S THE PROBLEM!
Not the intent behind it. Few are accusing Saltsman of being a racist. He's just an insensitive boob without any sense of history or discretion.
The bozos on the Right deserved to lose and they'll end up longer in the wilderness for lining up behind Saltsman's foolishness.
I'll say it again: Thanks Saltsman. Thanks RNC. Thanks right-wing morons for making us all look bad to the world.
Apparently, this Republican from Nashville, Chip Saltsman, is running for the RNC Chair.
In a fit of parochial idiocy, Saltsman sent a CD containing a song entitled "Barack the Magic Negro".
Of course Rush Limbaugh is all over this accusing the liberal media of applying a double standard because they supposedly supported Gangster Rapper Ice-T when he released a song called "Cop Killer".
Saltsman gives Tennessee a bad name. His asinine decision reflects poorly on Tennessee painting an image of us to the world as backward hicks. Thanks Chip for destroying any progress the state has made in repairing our image to the rest of the world. Chip is apparently unaware or at least oblivious to the fact that the KKK was born not 80 miles from Nashville.
Let's straighten something out about the Ice-T issue: Americans are by history anti-establishment. "Cop Killer" was an honest response reflecting the irritation certain communities had with the establishment as represented by the police.
Saltsman's idiocy, even if the song was not technically a slur against the President-Elect, did carry the stain of racism by virtue of its title.
The song was sent in a wink-wink sort of way with an eye toward laughing as a result of racial issues associated with it. THAT'S THE PROBLEM!
Not the intent behind it. Few are accusing Saltsman of being a racist. He's just an insensitive boob without any sense of history or discretion.
The bozos on the Right deserved to lose and they'll end up longer in the wilderness for lining up behind Saltsman's foolishness.
I'll say it again: Thanks Saltsman. Thanks RNC. Thanks right-wing morons for making us all look bad to the world.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Real Housewives of the OC takes the cake.
I think I've witnessed either the most vacuous piece of television in my life or one of the most brazen. I'm speaking of: The Real Housewives of the OC.
The women on that show have to be some of the most shallow and lacking in insight that I've ever seen.
At first I thought the show was just as shallow as the cast, but on second thought, I realized that the producers probably pulled a fast one.
I imagine their pitch meeting going something like this: "Okay, imagine we get a bunch of rich bitch housewives from the most vapid and shallow place in the country--Orange County--and we put them on display. It'll be perfect. The housewives will do it because televising their lives and how good they have it will appeal to their vanity. They'll practically leap at the opportunity to show the world how good they have it. While the rest of the world will watch because of the stupendous display of vacuity and self-absorption."
Well Bravo gave the green light.
I've seen the show once and I was thoroughly appalled by these women. They do nothing but shop, tan, and figure out ways to entertain themselves. They display histrionics at the drop of the hat for no apparent reason other than to get attention.
They behave in ways most of us would find ridiculous and narcissistic. For example: One housewife's husband was in the hospital dying with leukemia, but instead of being by his side, she couldn't deny herself the opportunity to go the lake and party. Of course she got called out on her selfishness and cried that "others shouldn't judge her."
Huh?
This is the very stuff people judge you for; it's the type of stuff you should be judged for.
Another cried that she was a bad mother because her tattooed son got the inside of his lip tattooed. No, she's a bad mother because she set the example that it was okay for her son to have a sense of entitlement and that he could live a life of dissipation at another's expense.
I don't know what it is about these shows, but I have difficulty watching shallow people doing shallow stuff and being paid for it.
No wonder the U.S. has hit a snag. Too many people cocooning in material excess.
The women on that show have to be some of the most shallow and lacking in insight that I've ever seen.
At first I thought the show was just as shallow as the cast, but on second thought, I realized that the producers probably pulled a fast one.
I imagine their pitch meeting going something like this: "Okay, imagine we get a bunch of rich bitch housewives from the most vapid and shallow place in the country--Orange County--and we put them on display. It'll be perfect. The housewives will do it because televising their lives and how good they have it will appeal to their vanity. They'll practically leap at the opportunity to show the world how good they have it. While the rest of the world will watch because of the stupendous display of vacuity and self-absorption."
Well Bravo gave the green light.
I've seen the show once and I was thoroughly appalled by these women. They do nothing but shop, tan, and figure out ways to entertain themselves. They display histrionics at the drop of the hat for no apparent reason other than to get attention.
They behave in ways most of us would find ridiculous and narcissistic. For example: One housewife's husband was in the hospital dying with leukemia, but instead of being by his side, she couldn't deny herself the opportunity to go the lake and party. Of course she got called out on her selfishness and cried that "others shouldn't judge her."
Huh?
This is the very stuff people judge you for; it's the type of stuff you should be judged for.
Another cried that she was a bad mother because her tattooed son got the inside of his lip tattooed. No, she's a bad mother because she set the example that it was okay for her son to have a sense of entitlement and that he could live a life of dissipation at another's expense.
I don't know what it is about these shows, but I have difficulty watching shallow people doing shallow stuff and being paid for it.
No wonder the U.S. has hit a snag. Too many people cocooning in material excess.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I knew it! Religion has brain damage as a cause!
This study paints an interesting picture about religion.
Apparently, those who experience high levels of selflessness are experiencing decreased activity in part of their brains.
I suspected that religion was about brain damage all along.
Apparently, those who experience high levels of selflessness are experiencing decreased activity in part of their brains.
I suspected that religion was about brain damage all along.
TV networks are shooting up with Reality programming to avoid profit losses--too bad
I've noticed a troubling change in the programming on many television channels lately. Favorite channels, like SciFi and so on are moving toward more Reality shows.
This is troubling for a number of reasons.
Reality t.v. is a low cost option for networks. This type of programming appeals to the younger crowd.
Reality t.v. is a low-cost option used to buttress the bottom line through cost control. It comes at the expense of long-term viewership and long-term quality.
Once a network comes to rely on Reality programming, they lose a core audience (like me) making it difficult to regain viewership from hardcore fans.
Reality programming is nothing more than giving in to short-term financial demands at the expense of long-term profitability.
Yes, the younger demographic is a hot commodity, but to ignore the loyal older demographic--you know, the one with $ to spend is to sew the seeds of decline.
I know why networks resort to Reality programming: It's hard to resist the low cost of production. Plus, it doesn't require a network to actually make a commitment to Real programs of substance requiring an executive to stick their neck out.
I worry that the short-term greed will kill the long-term viability of certain networks. For those like the SciFi network, a good portion of the viewership wants shows with some aspect of real science and less of the fiction.
Why the hell do I want to watch Ghost Hunters--a show with nothing but camera tricks designed to build tension. Not one show has provided any evidence of ghosts. It's all bullshit and no science fiction.
This is troubling for a number of reasons.
Reality t.v. is a low cost option for networks. This type of programming appeals to the younger crowd.
Reality t.v. is a low-cost option used to buttress the bottom line through cost control. It comes at the expense of long-term viewership and long-term quality.
Once a network comes to rely on Reality programming, they lose a core audience (like me) making it difficult to regain viewership from hardcore fans.
Reality programming is nothing more than giving in to short-term financial demands at the expense of long-term profitability.
Yes, the younger demographic is a hot commodity, but to ignore the loyal older demographic--you know, the one with $ to spend is to sew the seeds of decline.
I know why networks resort to Reality programming: It's hard to resist the low cost of production. Plus, it doesn't require a network to actually make a commitment to Real programs of substance requiring an executive to stick their neck out.
I worry that the short-term greed will kill the long-term viability of certain networks. For those like the SciFi network, a good portion of the viewership wants shows with some aspect of real science and less of the fiction.
Why the hell do I want to watch Ghost Hunters--a show with nothing but camera tricks designed to build tension. Not one show has provided any evidence of ghosts. It's all bullshit and no science fiction.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Inhofe is a complete moron on climate change.
I'm not one for political correctness. Unfortunately, most of those who complain about political correctness are just wanting to wear their racism and bigotry openly, but feel constrained by polite society.
I'm neither a bigot nor a racist, so my irritation with the pc crowd boils down to the fact that I feel constrained from calling people idiots, when in fact they are...this includes bigots, racists and truth deniers.
I don't know about you, but I think America is over-endowed with idiots.
I just read an article about NASA scientists talking about global warming.
This article concerns me, because I recall that James Inhofe, the Republican Senator from Oklahoma thinks climate change is a hoax.
I'm gonna say it clearly: James Inhofe is a complete moron for publicly claiming actual facts are a hoax. If he claimed the sky was green we'd say he was mistaken, but no one will point out his error on global warming? Come on people!
When it comes down to NASA scientists or James Inhofe, I'm believing the scientists BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY STUDY GLOBAL CLIMATE! Inhofe is pandering to the idiot constituency.
How do I know Inhofe is pandering to idiots?
1) He's a Senator from Oklahoma
2) He's a Republican
3) He's not a scientist
This reasoning is definitely not PC. So be it.
Sometimes the truth isn't pretty nor will it win one many friends.
Someone needs to turn off the talk radio and actually learn something.
I'm neither a bigot nor a racist, so my irritation with the pc crowd boils down to the fact that I feel constrained from calling people idiots, when in fact they are...this includes bigots, racists and truth deniers.
I don't know about you, but I think America is over-endowed with idiots.
I just read an article about NASA scientists talking about global warming.
This article concerns me, because I recall that James Inhofe, the Republican Senator from Oklahoma thinks climate change is a hoax.
I'm gonna say it clearly: James Inhofe is a complete moron for publicly claiming actual facts are a hoax. If he claimed the sky was green we'd say he was mistaken, but no one will point out his error on global warming? Come on people!
When it comes down to NASA scientists or James Inhofe, I'm believing the scientists BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY STUDY GLOBAL CLIMATE! Inhofe is pandering to the idiot constituency.
How do I know Inhofe is pandering to idiots?
1) He's a Senator from Oklahoma
2) He's a Republican
3) He's not a scientist
This reasoning is definitely not PC. So be it.
Sometimes the truth isn't pretty nor will it win one many friends.
Someone needs to turn off the talk radio and actually learn something.
Deja vu for the French Revolution in our current economic state
It's easy to ignore the lessons of history--especially if you benefit from the present's largesse.
Corporate executives should be reminded of Marie Antoinette's famous display of obliviousness when she said: "Let them eat cake."
It seems that America's corporate executives are falling into the trap laid bare by the French Revolution.
While the rest of us suffer from unbridled greed, those who view themselves through the lens of narcissistic entitlement fail to countenance the reality of their situation.
America--despite her failings--will not allow the prideful and ignorant to live long at a feast while the masses scavenge.
Robespierre will be reborn from the egos of the well-situated should they ignore their history.
Corporate executives should be reminded of Marie Antoinette's famous display of obliviousness when she said: "Let them eat cake."
It seems that America's corporate executives are falling into the trap laid bare by the French Revolution.
While the rest of us suffer from unbridled greed, those who view themselves through the lens of narcissistic entitlement fail to countenance the reality of their situation.
America--despite her failings--will not allow the prideful and ignorant to live long at a feast while the masses scavenge.
Robespierre will be reborn from the egos of the well-situated should they ignore their history.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Caffeine consumption can affect the heart of unborn children throughout their lives
Here's a story that my significant other will not want to hear about.
Basically, consuming caffeine while pregnant risks creating life-long heart problems for the child.
Considering the degree to which some people consume soft drinks and Starbucks, we could be in for some serious heart issues in our future populations.
Good rule of thumb: Consume no unnecessary chemicals while pregnant. And no, caffeine isn't necessary.
Basically, consuming caffeine while pregnant risks creating life-long heart problems for the child.
Considering the degree to which some people consume soft drinks and Starbucks, we could be in for some serious heart issues in our future populations.
Good rule of thumb: Consume no unnecessary chemicals while pregnant. And no, caffeine isn't necessary.
Caroline Kennedy for Senator.
I'm in no position to have anything to say that could either hurt or help Caroline Kennedy in her bid to assume the interim appointment to New York's senate seat.
What I will say has more to do with personal attributes Ms. Kennedy possesses. I would also like to shine a light on the attitude of some in the press and in politics that is highlighted by this article questioning Ms. Kennedy's qualifications.
I'll do the latter first: Where do all these idiots get off thinking that they are somehow entitled to the Senate seat? Can someone please point out to me where it says in the Constitution that one must have paid dues in politics in order to receive the award of an interim appointment? I have serious concerns about such an attitude in a Democracy where an expectation is encouraged that one gets a political position based solely on time put in. It's contrary to American politics and this notion should be shed or at least pointed out as anathema to the American polity.
That being said: Ms. Kennedy has every qualification necessary for the office she seeks. With many of the idiots who get elected I think she'd bring a dose of idealism and integrity to the office. She would not owe anyone for her position, save the governor.
On to the former issue of her qualifications: Ms. Kennedy is smart, down to earth, and capable. After meeting her once, I can say from personal experience that she's without artifice and exactly the type of personality we need in elected office. She's honest and without hidden agenda. I don't think anyone can top her when it comes to being the ideal personality for the job. Unlike other senators, she carries herself with a modest self-assurance instead of an in-your-face narcissism.
I think Caroline Kennedy is the best choice because she is seeking the office for the good of our country.
What I will say has more to do with personal attributes Ms. Kennedy possesses. I would also like to shine a light on the attitude of some in the press and in politics that is highlighted by this article questioning Ms. Kennedy's qualifications.
I'll do the latter first: Where do all these idiots get off thinking that they are somehow entitled to the Senate seat? Can someone please point out to me where it says in the Constitution that one must have paid dues in politics in order to receive the award of an interim appointment? I have serious concerns about such an attitude in a Democracy where an expectation is encouraged that one gets a political position based solely on time put in. It's contrary to American politics and this notion should be shed or at least pointed out as anathema to the American polity.
That being said: Ms. Kennedy has every qualification necessary for the office she seeks. With many of the idiots who get elected I think she'd bring a dose of idealism and integrity to the office. She would not owe anyone for her position, save the governor.
On to the former issue of her qualifications: Ms. Kennedy is smart, down to earth, and capable. After meeting her once, I can say from personal experience that she's without artifice and exactly the type of personality we need in elected office. She's honest and without hidden agenda. I don't think anyone can top her when it comes to being the ideal personality for the job. Unlike other senators, she carries herself with a modest self-assurance instead of an in-your-face narcissism.
I think Caroline Kennedy is the best choice because she is seeking the office for the good of our country.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Foreclosures tied to job losses.
About a year ago, many were blaming the rise in foreclosures on borrowers taking on more house and debt than they could afford. Typical of blame the victim mentality.
Now, it appears that job losses are responsible for 50% of all current foreclosures.
Who're you gonna blame now, when the victims of foreclosure are twice victimized, once by the job loss and then next by the loss of their homes and stability?
I've said it before: We must focus our attention on job creation and domestic infrastructure to stop the bleeding.
It's getting worse. Scrooge has come home to roost this Christmas.
Now, it appears that job losses are responsible for 50% of all current foreclosures.
Who're you gonna blame now, when the victims of foreclosure are twice victimized, once by the job loss and then next by the loss of their homes and stability?
I've said it before: We must focus our attention on job creation and domestic infrastructure to stop the bleeding.
It's getting worse. Scrooge has come home to roost this Christmas.
Tesla may have sold us all an electric Edsel. Hope not
Those of you who know me obviously know that I'm a big fan of the Tesla Roadster.
Well, it seems that Tesla has fallen into the same trap many entrepreneurs find themselves in when building capital--Tesla has given in to making excessive claims for reliability and range on their Roadster.
Shame, shame, shame.
Here's video from youtube that shows what I mean.
I'm saddened by this. Tesla may have built false hope for an electric car all of us would want, but that we'd probably get pissed off at on the first trip.
The video is a little long, but I encourage you to watch it through.
Well, it seems that Tesla has fallen into the same trap many entrepreneurs find themselves in when building capital--Tesla has given in to making excessive claims for reliability and range on their Roadster.
Shame, shame, shame.
Here's video from youtube that shows what I mean.
I'm saddened by this. Tesla may have built false hope for an electric car all of us would want, but that we'd probably get pissed off at on the first trip.
The video is a little long, but I encourage you to watch it through.
False prophet is an idiot, but not as bad as those who believe him
In yet another stunning example of morons in the media...a self-proclaimed prophet in Utah says that Obama will never be president because riots will start before Christmas and that Russians will use it as an opportunity to nuke the U.S.
I don't know what's worse, the so-called prophet or those who listen and believe him.
I have a challenge for anyone who believes in prophets: If they are dead wrong, then you have an obligation to ignore them. Failing to do so makes you more of an idiot and you deserve all the ridicule that I'll heap upon you.
Here's why the "prophet" is wrong: Obama's approval rating is over 60% right now. Who the hell is going to protest? The other 40%? Not hardly.
I suspect the prophet is engaging in a little wishful thinking, informed in large part by his rural constituency and some latent racism prevalent in the rural and un-educated masses.
Fortunately, the rest of us don't need some nimrod who claims to have access directly to God telling us stuff that can't possibly be true.
If I'm wrong then it won't matter, but I'm willing to guarantee that I'm right. How can I guarantee that I'm right and the good prophet is wrong?
God rewards those who use their heads, not idiots who exploit fellow morons for some small measure of social power.
I don't know what's worse, the so-called prophet or those who listen and believe him.
I have a challenge for anyone who believes in prophets: If they are dead wrong, then you have an obligation to ignore them. Failing to do so makes you more of an idiot and you deserve all the ridicule that I'll heap upon you.
Here's why the "prophet" is wrong: Obama's approval rating is over 60% right now. Who the hell is going to protest? The other 40%? Not hardly.
I suspect the prophet is engaging in a little wishful thinking, informed in large part by his rural constituency and some latent racism prevalent in the rural and un-educated masses.
Fortunately, the rest of us don't need some nimrod who claims to have access directly to God telling us stuff that can't possibly be true.
If I'm wrong then it won't matter, but I'm willing to guarantee that I'm right. How can I guarantee that I'm right and the good prophet is wrong?
God rewards those who use their heads, not idiots who exploit fellow morons for some small measure of social power.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Keynes to the rescue...again. Out of the wilderness and into our hearts.
I've said it for a time now that we get out of our economic mess through government spending on infrastructure.
The New York Times offers a story about how the last time we faced such a big crisis and what economist got us out of it.
I love it that the laissez-faire types were all down on Keynes before the market meltdown, but now it's Keynsian policies we need to cure their profligacy.
Keynes had it right when he said government must step in and spend in order to overcome banks' and the public's fears about spending liquid assets (cash).
Now, it seems the old is once again new....the worm turns.
The New York Times offers a story about how the last time we faced such a big crisis and what economist got us out of it.
I love it that the laissez-faire types were all down on Keynes before the market meltdown, but now it's Keynsian policies we need to cure their profligacy.
Keynes had it right when he said government must step in and spend in order to overcome banks' and the public's fears about spending liquid assets (cash).
Now, it seems the old is once again new....the worm turns.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Iceland is a microcosm of the excesses of capitalism.
The story of Iceland's fall from Euro-Econo-Powerhouse to a country on the brink in such a short span of time should be instructive for those who advocate unfettered economic growth.
When the primary driver of an economy is unrestricted growth fueled by capitalism's only motivator, greed, then boom and bust cycles are the natural consequence.
Here's why I think unfettered growth is a problem for capitalism:
1) Growth is great when there is an unlimited potential.
2) When the potential reaches limits, then the contraction of the economy creates significant, broad-scale, economic disruptions.
Why do those issues create a problem for capitalism?
Issue number 1 is a fantasy. It is more wishful thinking than reality because unlimited potential is a myth. In essence, it sets people up for failure.
Issue number 2 sets the stage for socialism. Socialism is not always bad, it helps people weather a storm, but it can stifle future capitalistic development.
I've said all the above to say this: For capitalism to prosper and provide its fruits, then it must be tempered with some government oversight.
Government oversight is really the only way the public can put brakes on exploitation and the ever-present boom and bust cycles that unfettered capitalism brings.
We're now seeing a correction in the excesses of capitalism. It's not that capitalism is bad or wrong, just that too much of anything without some adult supervision results in imbalance.
When the primary driver of an economy is unrestricted growth fueled by capitalism's only motivator, greed, then boom and bust cycles are the natural consequence.
Here's why I think unfettered growth is a problem for capitalism:
1) Growth is great when there is an unlimited potential.
2) When the potential reaches limits, then the contraction of the economy creates significant, broad-scale, economic disruptions.
Why do those issues create a problem for capitalism?
Issue number 1 is a fantasy. It is more wishful thinking than reality because unlimited potential is a myth. In essence, it sets people up for failure.
Issue number 2 sets the stage for socialism. Socialism is not always bad, it helps people weather a storm, but it can stifle future capitalistic development.
I've said all the above to say this: For capitalism to prosper and provide its fruits, then it must be tempered with some government oversight.
Government oversight is really the only way the public can put brakes on exploitation and the ever-present boom and bust cycles that unfettered capitalism brings.
We're now seeing a correction in the excesses of capitalism. It's not that capitalism is bad or wrong, just that too much of anything without some adult supervision results in imbalance.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bettie Page passes away. Great loss,
It's a sad day. Pin-up icon Bettie Page passed away in California after suffering a heart attack.
You'll remember Bettie Page as the black haired pin-up who often did bondage photos in the 1950s.
For those of you interested, Bettie grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended a local high school, Hume Fogg graduating salutatorian of her senior class. She was reportedly upset that she wasn't top of the class because that assured her a full scholarship to Vanderbilt.
Bettie did receive a full scholarship to George Peabody College (now a part of Vanderbilt) and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught school for a short time (I would have loved to been her student...). Bettie wasn't just a pretty face, she was smart and academically inclined, albeit with a Southern drawl.
Betty was from East Tennessee, but left because of an abusive father.
She married a few times and finally wound up in New York as a secretary. She did some modeling and finally met the man, Irving Klaw, who turned her into the icon we know today.
Time has a few photos of Bettie here.
Bettie was queen before plastic surgery, before botox, and before photoshop. She was a rare bird.
So long Bettie.
You'll remember Bettie Page as the black haired pin-up who often did bondage photos in the 1950s.
For those of you interested, Bettie grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended a local high school, Hume Fogg graduating salutatorian of her senior class. She was reportedly upset that she wasn't top of the class because that assured her a full scholarship to Vanderbilt.
Bettie did receive a full scholarship to George Peabody College (now a part of Vanderbilt) and graduated with a teaching degree. She taught school for a short time (I would have loved to been her student...). Bettie wasn't just a pretty face, she was smart and academically inclined, albeit with a Southern drawl.
Betty was from East Tennessee, but left because of an abusive father.
She married a few times and finally wound up in New York as a secretary. She did some modeling and finally met the man, Irving Klaw, who turned her into the icon we know today.
Time has a few photos of Bettie here.
Bettie was queen before plastic surgery, before botox, and before photoshop. She was a rare bird.
So long Bettie.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Too much cleanliness is a bad thing.
I follow the George Carlin philosphy on cleanliness, namely, if I get poop on my hands I wash, but otherwise I don't.
Carlin pointed out to humorous effect that when growing up he swam in the East River where people dump sewage. He swears he never got sick and the experience made his immune system stronger.
Well, it seems George was correct. Studies suggest that too much cleanliness actually makes allergies worse.
I couldn't agree more. I have a friend that carries Purell and washes incessantly when in public. It doesn't seem to work because he gets sick more than anyone I know.
Me, on the other hand? I get a cold or the flu maybe once every 3 years, if that.
I'd much rather pass up the regular dose of disease and if that happens because I don't sanitize myself to death, then goody for me.
Carlin pointed out to humorous effect that when growing up he swam in the East River where people dump sewage. He swears he never got sick and the experience made his immune system stronger.
Well, it seems George was correct. Studies suggest that too much cleanliness actually makes allergies worse.
I couldn't agree more. I have a friend that carries Purell and washes incessantly when in public. It doesn't seem to work because he gets sick more than anyone I know.
Me, on the other hand? I get a cold or the flu maybe once every 3 years, if that.
I'd much rather pass up the regular dose of disease and if that happens because I don't sanitize myself to death, then goody for me.
Glad to be in America with an expansive view of liberty
When I read articles like this one I thank the stars that be that I live in America.
Why?
In America, wing nuts have the burden of proving why something should be banned. Those of us who advocate for an expansive view of freedom as opposed to some moral watchdog's limited notion of free speech breathe a sigh of relief.
America, despite all her faults, requires that wingnuts expose themselves to the public square and potential ridicule in order to push their agenda.
Transparency can never be underestimated as a valuable tool for freedom.
Why?
In America, wing nuts have the burden of proving why something should be banned. Those of us who advocate for an expansive view of freedom as opposed to some moral watchdog's limited notion of free speech breathe a sigh of relief.
America, despite all her faults, requires that wingnuts expose themselves to the public square and potential ridicule in order to push their agenda.
Transparency can never be underestimated as a valuable tool for freedom.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Pre-election prophecy about Cindy McCain's disdain for the working family comes to pass
Here's confirmation of what I warned about in the lead up to the election.
I told the story of Cindy McCain, as a shareholder of Anheiser-Busch, supported the sale of the company to foreign company InBev.
I warned that Cindy wasn't interested in helping working families since she supported the buy-out. Buy-outs must be paid for so job cuts are necessary to help finance the borrowing necessary to complete the purchase.
Well, I have been proven correct.
So, the McCains are not for the working families of American, just their own bottom line.
I told the story of Cindy McCain, as a shareholder of Anheiser-Busch, supported the sale of the company to foreign company InBev.
I warned that Cindy wasn't interested in helping working families since she supported the buy-out. Buy-outs must be paid for so job cuts are necessary to help finance the borrowing necessary to complete the purchase.
Well, I have been proven correct.
So, the McCains are not for the working families of American, just their own bottom line.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Shinseki choice highlights Rumsfeld's and Wolfowitz's ignominy
Here's a notable piece about General Shinsheki possibly getting a job in the Obama administration.
The General behaves with integrity and character and that serves to highlight the utter lack of integrity and character of his former boss Donald Rumsfeld and the latter's neo-con butt buddy Paul Wolfowitz.
Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz were nothing but scumbags and they deserve the ignominy their loser asses will get.
Thank God I never voted for the man who so sacrificed his obligation to the country when he hired such incompetent boobs in the first place.
The General behaves with integrity and character and that serves to highlight the utter lack of integrity and character of his former boss Donald Rumsfeld and the latter's neo-con butt buddy Paul Wolfowitz.
Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz were nothing but scumbags and they deserve the ignominy their loser asses will get.
Thank God I never voted for the man who so sacrificed his obligation to the country when he hired such incompetent boobs in the first place.
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