Another quick one today. Hey, this weekend I only have to catch up with house work and study for a final and a licensing exam, so light schedule. I might get a little caught up. How've you been doing?
Neil Gaiman's interview of Stephen King.
Eleven rivers forced underground. There's some interesting urban exploration projects there. (Grokked from matociquala)
You know how conservatives like to talk about "competition" and "market forces" making government more efficient and bring lower costs, etc? How government "shouldn't be picking winners and losers"? How we should cut out all the fat and not waste your tax money on projects we don't need or want? How running your government like a business creates jobs, yadda yadda yadda? Yeah, not so much when it comes to NASA's budget. Thanks, guys, for fucking over our future in space. Hey, where's the Tea Party group that was all about handing more of NASA over to commercial interests? :: listens to crickets :: (Pointed to by John)
The true cost of the Wal-Mart-ization of the economy. (Grokked from someone, ChiaLynn I think)
"To anyone who believes in the Western concept of freedom, Islamism by its nature cannot be legitimate. The White House needs to answer the question: If Islamism is a legitimate political movement (in the Middle-East), should it come to America, and if so, how soon?" Sigh. So much crazy, so few straight jackets. Do we need to continue to beat this particular dead horse with such vigor? You know, I'm beginning to see the legitimate point of those people who want to begin aerial spraying of Prosac. (Pointed to by John)
The myth of the self-made person. Yes, this. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Ted Nugent gets upset when he's confront with not being a moderate. Um, really Ted? A kidney stone made you go off on that non-sensical rant? Look, I've had kidney stones. They were right at the medical edge of needing surgery, so man, I feel the pain you must have been in. But here's the thing, cancel the goddamn interview and get medical help. Yeah, I know that pain. For you to sit in that chair for however long the interview was (with set up and take down), that took a lot. But WTF does not being a moderate mean you're not an okay human? How does not being a moderate mean you don't like kids and do work for Make a Wish? Are you saying that extreme right-wingers are inconsiderate, selfish bastards? 'Cause I know a few people on the left that would agree with you on that, I'm not one. People are people, and there's dicks and nice people at all levels of the spectrum of politics. (Pointed to by John)
Tweet of my heart:
@jennyandteets: Behind Every great man, there's an even greater woman miming jerking off as he talks.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Linkee-poo sings the virtues of the Red Solo Cup
A Flash-based clock that's kinda cool. (Pointed to by John)
Ten things to remember when publishing in multiple genres. It's a topic that has been trending in things I've been reading (how not to get type cast as a writer is the most common topic).
A story about bookstores (I and) the author would like to read. But more than likely will never be reported on because it's pretty deep and would require work on the part of the reporter and reader. (Grokked from Tobias Buckell)
Because all the cool kids are doing it. Geek and Sundry. When I first saw them burst onto the screen, I looked for them in the iTunes store, still not there. And I don't have much time to "watch" a video cast (I typically listen to the podcasts I subscribe to at work). And I don't yet watch YouTube the way others do. (Grokked from, oh, let's say it was the John Scalzi link that got me to finally check it out)
Something I've talked about before; are sugar substitutes worse than the real thing? Dr. Jampolis' answers? Mostly, "not enough data to say one way or the other" (Please note, that's the intermediate state going from, "no connection has been shown" to "why, yes, there might be a causality here, warrants further study"). Some good things on how animal tests don't always translate to human reactions, etc. Notice his caution on giving these substitutes to children, however. And his cautionary statements on pops/sugary drinks. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Those Florida Stand-Your-Ground Laws don't apply when it comes to domestic violence. Hey, great. Okay, that's the way they want it. Tip for girls, when you draw a firearm on someone, don't shoot to warn, don't shoot to wound, shoot to kill. Unfortunately Marissa Alexander fired the weapon into the ceiling, and for that she'll get 20 years. If she had shot her abusing husband dead, she might have qualified for the stand-your-ground. Dear Florida Legislature, you have a fucked-up system because you did't think these things through. (Grokked from ChiaLynn)
Jesus Heals Cancer. Except when he doesn't. The advertising council made the right decision, the sign made an empirical statement that was demonstrably false. Be glad the FDA wasn't brought into it, they could have fined the church for false statements of efficacy (yes, there have been studies, nope, the Jesus hasn't been shown to effect health outcomes any more than "positive thought" by the patient). The church wanted to make the choice about the offended (we upset some people, we're sorry they're upset, but we have a 1st Amendment right to say what we want), the council looked right by that and went to the law. The 1st Amendment doesn't grant you the right to lie to people. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Sometimes it's about the truth and how to screw it over. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
The oldest living thing on earth is 6-tons of grass, man. And not that grass either. Although, it does look a little like Cthulhu spawn, if you tilt your head. (Grokked from Camille Alexa)
"That kind of validation of women’s right to be free, independent human beings is and always has been what (the War on Women) is over, which is why anti-choicers have to create this elaborate code language… it’s just politically unfeasible to state outright that you think it’s better to keep the patriarchal boot on women’s necks… This is why I doubt that Republican Party leaders are going to be able to put a lid on the overflow of misogyny we’ve been witnessing… It’s hard to say… why these past couple of years have seemed like the breaking point for reactionaries, causing them to lose all sense of what they look like… But if you step back and look at the big picture, why they’re so upset seems crystal clear: All their worst fears about feminism are coming to pass." Personally, I think it's because they're so close to their goals, but are now seeing that as they grip harder, the sand runs out faster. So at the same time they feel they can be more honest with themselves (the war is almost over), they're also feeling like they could lose everything (it should have been a done deal by now). But I am glad to see more and more people realize what I did back in the late 80's, that the anti-abortion movement is not really about limiting abortions, it about rolling back feminism and the sexual revolution. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: Whistling past the gator farm only works if they aren't piled on top of you.
Ten things to remember when publishing in multiple genres. It's a topic that has been trending in things I've been reading (how not to get type cast as a writer is the most common topic).
A story about bookstores (I and) the author would like to read. But more than likely will never be reported on because it's pretty deep and would require work on the part of the reporter and reader. (Grokked from Tobias Buckell)
Because all the cool kids are doing it. Geek and Sundry. When I first saw them burst onto the screen, I looked for them in the iTunes store, still not there. And I don't have much time to "watch" a video cast (I typically listen to the podcasts I subscribe to at work). And I don't yet watch YouTube the way others do. (Grokked from, oh, let's say it was the John Scalzi link that got me to finally check it out)
Something I've talked about before; are sugar substitutes worse than the real thing? Dr. Jampolis' answers? Mostly, "not enough data to say one way or the other" (Please note, that's the intermediate state going from, "no connection has been shown" to "why, yes, there might be a causality here, warrants further study"). Some good things on how animal tests don't always translate to human reactions, etc. Notice his caution on giving these substitutes to children, however. And his cautionary statements on pops/sugary drinks. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Those Florida Stand-Your-Ground Laws don't apply when it comes to domestic violence. Hey, great. Okay, that's the way they want it. Tip for girls, when you draw a firearm on someone, don't shoot to warn, don't shoot to wound, shoot to kill. Unfortunately Marissa Alexander fired the weapon into the ceiling, and for that she'll get 20 years. If she had shot her abusing husband dead, she might have qualified for the stand-your-ground. Dear Florida Legislature, you have a fucked-up system because you did't think these things through. (Grokked from ChiaLynn)
Jesus Heals Cancer. Except when he doesn't. The advertising council made the right decision, the sign made an empirical statement that was demonstrably false. Be glad the FDA wasn't brought into it, they could have fined the church for false statements of efficacy (yes, there have been studies, nope, the Jesus hasn't been shown to effect health outcomes any more than "positive thought" by the patient). The church wanted to make the choice about the offended (we upset some people, we're sorry they're upset, but we have a 1st Amendment right to say what we want), the council looked right by that and went to the law. The 1st Amendment doesn't grant you the right to lie to people. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Sometimes it's about the truth and how to screw it over. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
The oldest living thing on earth is 6-tons of grass, man. And not that grass either. Although, it does look a little like Cthulhu spawn, if you tilt your head. (Grokked from Camille Alexa)
"That kind of validation of women’s right to be free, independent human beings is and always has been what (the War on Women) is over, which is why anti-choicers have to create this elaborate code language… it’s just politically unfeasible to state outright that you think it’s better to keep the patriarchal boot on women’s necks… This is why I doubt that Republican Party leaders are going to be able to put a lid on the overflow of misogyny we’ve been witnessing… It’s hard to say… why these past couple of years have seemed like the breaking point for reactionaries, causing them to lose all sense of what they look like… But if you step back and look at the big picture, why they’re so upset seems crystal clear: All their worst fears about feminism are coming to pass." Personally, I think it's because they're so close to their goals, but are now seeing that as they grip harder, the sand runs out faster. So at the same time they feel they can be more honest with themselves (the war is almost over), they're also feeling like they could lose everything (it should have been a done deal by now). But I am glad to see more and more people realize what I did back in the late 80's, that the anti-abortion movement is not really about limiting abortions, it about rolling back feminism and the sexual revolution. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: Whistling past the gator farm only works if they aren't piled on top of you.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
And This Little Piggy Cried All the Way Home
I'm tired of hearing conservatives rending their garments over the reminder that President Obama did what President G W Bush couldn't, despite all the latter's tough talk. Look, give it a rest already. Put on the big boy pants, clap at the president, and move on. Instead, continuing to beat this particular dead horse drives the small percentage of real independents into Obama's camp. So, I should be happy that you continue to play the world's smallest violin, except for the fact that I hate hearing children whine, and that's all it comes off as/
Finally, um, did you watch TV last night. The President, after arriving in Afghanistan earlier that morning, stayed all day to give his televised speech, live. Think about that for a moment.
While the President was well guarded with what was possibly overkill protection, he was in an active war zone, on the ground, at a US Base that continues to take fire 10 years since the start of hostilities. That base was just outside a city that experienced a daring and bold attack just the week before. Within reach, in a real way, of people who would sell their own souls to just make an attack directly against him (let alone being able to get close, or have a chance of harming him). And then gave his speech without wearing visible body-armor.
Do you really want to go toe to toe on national security and ballsiness with someone like that. To paraphrase a running joke at work, the president just unzipped and used the ruler to find out that, yes, his was bigger. He wins. Game over.
But, unfortunately (for the world, but fortunately for those of us who want to see a second term) conservatives are constitutionally unable to concede this ground. After blowing a budget surplus, wracked up astounding debt, threw the country down a well financially, they can't really claim "fiscal responsibility" (note the continued hand-wring over incumbents who have strayed form the purer faith). Plus, having overseen the largest government expansion and Presidential power grab since the new deal, they can't claim the smaller government mantel. So being the "tough guy" is the last bastion they can legitimately lay claim to (well, not really but they haven't been called out in public about it). And now the President has pulled that carpet out from under them.
So, like Jon Stewart said, "Wah."
Finally, um, did you watch TV last night. The President, after arriving in Afghanistan earlier that morning, stayed all day to give his televised speech, live. Think about that for a moment.
While the President was well guarded with what was possibly overkill protection, he was in an active war zone, on the ground, at a US Base that continues to take fire 10 years since the start of hostilities. That base was just outside a city that experienced a daring and bold attack just the week before. Within reach, in a real way, of people who would sell their own souls to just make an attack directly against him (let alone being able to get close, or have a chance of harming him). And then gave his speech without wearing visible body-armor.
Do you really want to go toe to toe on national security and ballsiness with someone like that. To paraphrase a running joke at work, the president just unzipped and used the ruler to find out that, yes, his was bigger. He wins. Game over.
But, unfortunately (for the world, but fortunately for those of us who want to see a second term) conservatives are constitutionally unable to concede this ground. After blowing a budget surplus, wracked up astounding debt, threw the country down a well financially, they can't really claim "fiscal responsibility" (note the continued hand-wring over incumbents who have strayed form the purer faith). Plus, having overseen the largest government expansion and Presidential power grab since the new deal, they can't claim the smaller government mantel. So being the "tough guy" is the last bastion they can legitimately lay claim to (well, not really but they haven't been called out in public about it). And now the President has pulled that carpet out from under them.
So, like Jon Stewart said, "Wah."
Linkee-poo runs with the bull
Still trying to catch up. Next week is the final for Nutrition, I still need to schedule the PTCB test for certification, and by the time I probably get my (web content and links) to-read-list down to 0, I'm going on vacation for a week. Go me.
The wax seal re-emerges for the modern age. (Grokked from Joe Hill)
Here's a few connected links (in my head, probably no where else). First up is a little historical perspective on the current polarization of politics. Which is party responsible for Romney's supposed non-shift "back" to the center. Mix in a little truth to power about what is really wrong in the current discourse. And in case you don't really want to say it's the GOP's fault, here a little on some of the complete bat-shit insanity that has infected the party; in this case, the "war on the (nonexistent) religion of secularism." That kind of philosophy spring from a party obsessed with retrograde myopic dream-quests and a continually reactionary stance to anything new (okay, I'll admit, I like that they helped rescue Coke "Classic", but I think that was part of Coke's plan all along). But it's a good thing the guy sittin' in the big chair is ready for the fight.
Dial-a-bullet chain-guns in development. Okay, it's cool tech, but a step back, IMHO. And at 5 rounds/sec, I'd rather have the 1200 rounds of mix than 400 rounds that I can select from (and run out "green tipped" rounds I want). Seriously, are there gunners out there that are really asking for this? (Grokked from John Scalzi)
Wow, there's a whole lotto shaking going on in Romney's closet of skeletons. Sigh. Time to don the fire-proof hip-waders. We might need a whole fire-proof positive-pressure chemical suit this election season. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
I remember talking about Islamic misogyny and the "culture of the male" with someone who couldn't see beyond their own cultural blinders and they told me that things like that don't happen in the US or in Christianity. Uh, yeah, Bob.
A while back, during a discussion regarding Sharia Law, I made the comment that the US already acknowledges several religious laws, and people work within and seek appeal to many more. I've also made the comment that Islam isn't the only religion that oppresses women, and that it's really a cultural thing (and not tied to religion, although the proponents of those religions would argue that their views come from their religious tradition). Some people challenged me on this. Well, here's another first hand view into one of those non-Islam religious law and cultures within the US. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
And, in case you missed it, Jon Stewart delivers an excellent take down of the recent GOP talking heads "controversy" over Obama's ad. While he didn't say it during this episode, I think it was last year when he complained, "You're not even making this hard. We've taken to hissing the video tape around the office just to make this sporting."
So, in the past I've linked to charts showing how the top 10%'s income has risen drastically when compared to all other income brackets. But, you may be asking yourself, what about wage gains for the workers? Okay, how about a chart that compares productivity against wage gains. Want to guess where all those profits from the productivity gains since the 70s went?
So let's check in with Massachusetts, "In the tight U.S. Senate race… Democrat Elizabeth Warren has been playing defense because of allegations that she used her Native American heritage to advance her career…Warren… says she did not know that Harvard Law School touted her as a member of a minority group back in the 1990s, when the school's faculty came under criticism for being too white… Warren was also identified as a minority in professional legal directories for years… (historical documents) suggests that Warren is 1/32 Native American." This is an issue? Ah, your liberal media at work, "ZOMG, your opponent says you used your questionable minority status to get where you are, because obviously you aren't smart enough or good enough on your own, what do you say to that?" To which the correct answer is, "Bwa, wait, what?" But do you know what this really is? This is more of the war on women, because guess what other protected minority status she could claim? But the Brown Campaign knows that attacking her success on those grounds will lose them the election, they start spreading this rumor. Here's what the reporters should say to those spreading the rumors, "You're making a substantial claim, what evidence do you have that she used her Native American Heritage to get, keep, advance, or otherwise influence her superiors?" You know, like PolitiFact does routinely (and reports also used to do).
Alligator Quotient: the problem with crazy is it's just like Doritos, the people manufacturing it "just make more."
The wax seal re-emerges for the modern age. (Grokked from Joe Hill)
Here's a few connected links (in my head, probably no where else). First up is a little historical perspective on the current polarization of politics. Which is party responsible for Romney's supposed non-shift "back" to the center. Mix in a little truth to power about what is really wrong in the current discourse. And in case you don't really want to say it's the GOP's fault, here a little on some of the complete bat-shit insanity that has infected the party; in this case, the "war on the (nonexistent) religion of secularism." That kind of philosophy spring from a party obsessed with retrograde myopic dream-quests and a continually reactionary stance to anything new (okay, I'll admit, I like that they helped rescue Coke "Classic", but I think that was part of Coke's plan all along). But it's a good thing the guy sittin' in the big chair is ready for the fight.
Dial-a-bullet chain-guns in development. Okay, it's cool tech, but a step back, IMHO. And at 5 rounds/sec, I'd rather have the 1200 rounds of mix than 400 rounds that I can select from (and run out "green tipped" rounds I want). Seriously, are there gunners out there that are really asking for this? (Grokked from John Scalzi)
Wow, there's a whole lotto shaking going on in Romney's closet of skeletons. Sigh. Time to don the fire-proof hip-waders. We might need a whole fire-proof positive-pressure chemical suit this election season. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
I remember talking about Islamic misogyny and the "culture of the male" with someone who couldn't see beyond their own cultural blinders and they told me that things like that don't happen in the US or in Christianity. Uh, yeah, Bob.
A while back, during a discussion regarding Sharia Law, I made the comment that the US already acknowledges several religious laws, and people work within and seek appeal to many more. I've also made the comment that Islam isn't the only religion that oppresses women, and that it's really a cultural thing (and not tied to religion, although the proponents of those religions would argue that their views come from their religious tradition). Some people challenged me on this. Well, here's another first hand view into one of those non-Islam religious law and cultures within the US. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
And, in case you missed it, Jon Stewart delivers an excellent take down of the recent GOP talking heads "controversy" over Obama's ad. While he didn't say it during this episode, I think it was last year when he complained, "You're not even making this hard. We've taken to hissing the video tape around the office just to make this sporting."
So, in the past I've linked to charts showing how the top 10%'s income has risen drastically when compared to all other income brackets. But, you may be asking yourself, what about wage gains for the workers? Okay, how about a chart that compares productivity against wage gains. Want to guess where all those profits from the productivity gains since the 70s went?
So let's check in with Massachusetts, "In the tight U.S. Senate race… Democrat Elizabeth Warren has been playing defense because of allegations that she used her Native American heritage to advance her career…Warren… says she did not know that Harvard Law School touted her as a member of a minority group back in the 1990s, when the school's faculty came under criticism for being too white… Warren was also identified as a minority in professional legal directories for years… (historical documents) suggests that Warren is 1/32 Native American." This is an issue? Ah, your liberal media at work, "ZOMG, your opponent says you used your questionable minority status to get where you are, because obviously you aren't smart enough or good enough on your own, what do you say to that?" To which the correct answer is, "Bwa, wait, what?" But do you know what this really is? This is more of the war on women, because guess what other protected minority status she could claim? But the Brown Campaign knows that attacking her success on those grounds will lose them the election, they start spreading this rumor. Here's what the reporters should say to those spreading the rumors, "You're making a substantial claim, what evidence do you have that she used her Native American Heritage to get, keep, advance, or otherwise influence her superiors?" You know, like PolitiFact does routinely (and reports also used to do).
Alligator Quotient: the problem with crazy is it's just like Doritos, the people manufacturing it "just make more."
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Linkee-poo is banging on the bongos like a chimpanzee
Want to know how important poetry is? Afghani women court death to write it. Yeah, it's that important. (Grokked from matociquala who was making the point, "Why it's shit when writers say they can't show women in oppressive societies as people w/agency.")
Chuck Wendig crows about Blackbirds with plenty of links which include some good writing advice.
Dean Wesley Smith on respect in contracts. A little commentary on the traditional publishing marketplace. I don't agree with all his says, but then I don't have very much experience here. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
A conversation with novelist Saladin Ahmed about muslim fantasy, transcending tropes and writing women. Just a general note, I had two meals with Saladin Ahmed (and a bunch of others) this past weekend, you should listen to what he says (not because of the meals, but because he's a damn interesting person with well thought out positions - which is why I begged to go on the second meal with him).
How to write a perfect (not)first draft." Jodi Meadows on how writing is not a performance art (per Elizabeth Bear). Repeat after me, your draft is allowed to suck. Probably your submissions will suck too, but the amount of suck should be an occasional breeze that disturbs the curtains as compared to the Dyson cyclone technology, "We're not in Kansas, anymore" suck of the first draft. (Grokked from matociquala)
What's the big problem with smaller government and bigger, freer markets? This. As I hope I've been pointing out, and that we're all seeing with just how much money is flowing into political campaigns (screw you, Justice Alito, President Obama was right on target with his analysis of Citizens United opening the flood gates). (Grokked from Jay Lake)
I expect this will be the story those of us in the Cleveland area will be talking about for a while (group of anarchist try to blow-up a bridge). As I've said before, thankfully we have the dumbest criminal class in this country. (Pointed to by Dan)
The Hugo Award Infographic. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Stephen King takes on the ridiculousness of the "if they want to pay more in taxes, they should pay more (and leave the rest of us alone)" meme. (Grokked from Absolute Write)
"'November’s election is 195 days away. We will keep the majority as long as we realize it’s on the line and act accordingly,' (House Speaker John) Boehner told those in attendance (of a closed-door GOP conference), according to a source familiar with his comments." This is one of the big differences between conservative and progressive thought. Progressives believe we win wars, settle the issue, and move on. Conservatives are constantly fighting wars they've won and wars they've lost. This is why we're still discussing women's rights, abortion/birth-control, the Cold War with the Soviet Union, unions, public sector spending, civil rights, and every other damn thing most progressives thought, "We won that, didn't we?" The article has a lot of inside baseball going on there, but that was the quote that stood out for me.(Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: I don't want to play pinochle with them, they cheat.
Chuck Wendig crows about Blackbirds with plenty of links which include some good writing advice.
Dean Wesley Smith on respect in contracts. A little commentary on the traditional publishing marketplace. I don't agree with all his says, but then I don't have very much experience here. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
A conversation with novelist Saladin Ahmed about muslim fantasy, transcending tropes and writing women. Just a general note, I had two meals with Saladin Ahmed (and a bunch of others) this past weekend, you should listen to what he says (not because of the meals, but because he's a damn interesting person with well thought out positions - which is why I begged to go on the second meal with him).
How to write a perfect (not)first draft." Jodi Meadows on how writing is not a performance art (per Elizabeth Bear). Repeat after me, your draft is allowed to suck. Probably your submissions will suck too, but the amount of suck should be an occasional breeze that disturbs the curtains as compared to the Dyson cyclone technology, "We're not in Kansas, anymore" suck of the first draft. (Grokked from matociquala)
What's the big problem with smaller government and bigger, freer markets? This. As I hope I've been pointing out, and that we're all seeing with just how much money is flowing into political campaigns (screw you, Justice Alito, President Obama was right on target with his analysis of Citizens United opening the flood gates). (Grokked from Jay Lake)
I expect this will be the story those of us in the Cleveland area will be talking about for a while (group of anarchist try to blow-up a bridge). As I've said before, thankfully we have the dumbest criminal class in this country. (Pointed to by Dan)
The Hugo Award Infographic. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Stephen King takes on the ridiculousness of the "if they want to pay more in taxes, they should pay more (and leave the rest of us alone)" meme. (Grokked from Absolute Write)
"'November’s election is 195 days away. We will keep the majority as long as we realize it’s on the line and act accordingly,' (House Speaker John) Boehner told those in attendance (of a closed-door GOP conference), according to a source familiar with his comments." This is one of the big differences between conservative and progressive thought. Progressives believe we win wars, settle the issue, and move on. Conservatives are constantly fighting wars they've won and wars they've lost. This is why we're still discussing women's rights, abortion/birth-control, the Cold War with the Soviet Union, unions, public sector spending, civil rights, and every other damn thing most progressives thought, "We won that, didn't we?" The article has a lot of inside baseball going on there, but that was the quote that stood out for me.(Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: I don't want to play pinochle with them, they cheat.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Linkee-poo on a sobering Monday
With the time gone this weekend and having Friday off of work, Busy Steve is busy dodging 8-balls on what feels like a bumper-pool table.
The Auto Critique Wizard. I haven't played with it, but I'll agree with Jay Lake (from whom the link is grokked), that this is something that has been sorely needed. I do have a lot of trepidations, however, that it's not going to be much more than a "Microsoft Word Grammar Check" and "Wordle" analysis, maybe on steroids. There is a free level of membership, but it's very limited (3 submissions of less than 400 words per day). Four-hundred words is barely two pages of text, and while the "pacing" and other checks might work, it's not a very helpful level for a novel (even if you're only producing 1000 words a day). Looking at a manuscript narrowing your focus to 2 pages doesn't help much (of course, they offer to critique more for actual money). But it's there to let you see if the tool is worth your while. If you're having a problem finding a critique group, this may be a good option (again, I haven't tried it). But I'll restate my ever standing luddite status regarding tools of this kind (you may remember the "Are you a Man or Woman in writing" tools a fe wears ago). What they state it will check for can be reduced to some simple metrics (active verbs, word frequency, sentence length and prevalence of conjunctions, passive constructions, etc). If that's all they do, I wouldn't recommend using it (other than the free level). If there's some actual AI going on underneath, it might be good. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
"The House of Representatives just proposed to cut more than $169 billion from SNAP, formerly the food stamps program. Some representatives argued that feeding hungry people is really the work of the churches… These representatives are essentially saying that every church… needs to come up with an extra $50,000 dedicated to feeding people — every year for the next 10 years — to make up for these cuts… each congregation will have to spend approximately $50,000 to feed those who would see a reduction or loss of benefits." You know that whole sub-argument going on about how "charity and social help is the providence of churches" which started with G. W. Bush and his Faith-Based initiative/cabinet post? Here's the check and the fiddler is tapping his foot impatiently. So, America's Churches, are you up to the task? Here is the bed you made (okay, not all of the churches held to this idiocy, but they didn't really speak out about it either), now lay in it. And for everybody else, this is why the government is involved in the social network, because churches aren't up to the task. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
I'm awfully sorry you're having a heart attack, but would you mind paying your outstanding hospital debt before we treat you? Okay, it may not be that bad, but embedding debt collectors in the hospital? Doesn't the phrase "shake-down" bring shame to these people? I know, I know, gotta make those deadbeats pay and it's the result of the rise of the MBA in management. Nope, the health industry doesn't need any stinking help or regulation (note, some of these non-health related people may have had access to healthcare PII because of where they are physically located - that's a violation of federal law). Also, please notice some of the industry inside information on there. "As hospitals struggle under a glut of unpaid bills… financial pressures are altering the collection landscape so that they are now letting collection firms in the front door… To achieve promised savings, hospitals turn over the management of their front-line staffing… and their back-office collection activities… The more than 5,000 community hospitals in the United States provided $39.3 billion in uncompensated care — predominately unpaid patient debts or charity care — in 2010, up 16 percent from 2007…." I wonder if the Churches can help pick up that bill (see link above about hunger)? And definitely read the second page of the article. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: They didn't even miss me.
The Auto Critique Wizard. I haven't played with it, but I'll agree with Jay Lake (from whom the link is grokked), that this is something that has been sorely needed. I do have a lot of trepidations, however, that it's not going to be much more than a "Microsoft Word Grammar Check" and "Wordle" analysis, maybe on steroids. There is a free level of membership, but it's very limited (3 submissions of less than 400 words per day). Four-hundred words is barely two pages of text, and while the "pacing" and other checks might work, it's not a very helpful level for a novel (even if you're only producing 1000 words a day). Looking at a manuscript narrowing your focus to 2 pages doesn't help much (of course, they offer to critique more for actual money). But it's there to let you see if the tool is worth your while. If you're having a problem finding a critique group, this may be a good option (again, I haven't tried it). But I'll restate my ever standing luddite status regarding tools of this kind (you may remember the "Are you a Man or Woman in writing" tools a fe wears ago). What they state it will check for can be reduced to some simple metrics (active verbs, word frequency, sentence length and prevalence of conjunctions, passive constructions, etc). If that's all they do, I wouldn't recommend using it (other than the free level). If there's some actual AI going on underneath, it might be good. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
"The House of Representatives just proposed to cut more than $169 billion from SNAP, formerly the food stamps program. Some representatives argued that feeding hungry people is really the work of the churches… These representatives are essentially saying that every church… needs to come up with an extra $50,000 dedicated to feeding people — every year for the next 10 years — to make up for these cuts… each congregation will have to spend approximately $50,000 to feed those who would see a reduction or loss of benefits." You know that whole sub-argument going on about how "charity and social help is the providence of churches" which started with G. W. Bush and his Faith-Based initiative/cabinet post? Here's the check and the fiddler is tapping his foot impatiently. So, America's Churches, are you up to the task? Here is the bed you made (okay, not all of the churches held to this idiocy, but they didn't really speak out about it either), now lay in it. And for everybody else, this is why the government is involved in the social network, because churches aren't up to the task. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
I'm awfully sorry you're having a heart attack, but would you mind paying your outstanding hospital debt before we treat you? Okay, it may not be that bad, but embedding debt collectors in the hospital? Doesn't the phrase "shake-down" bring shame to these people? I know, I know, gotta make those deadbeats pay and it's the result of the rise of the MBA in management. Nope, the health industry doesn't need any stinking help or regulation (note, some of these non-health related people may have had access to healthcare PII because of where they are physically located - that's a violation of federal law). Also, please notice some of the industry inside information on there. "As hospitals struggle under a glut of unpaid bills… financial pressures are altering the collection landscape so that they are now letting collection firms in the front door… To achieve promised savings, hospitals turn over the management of their front-line staffing… and their back-office collection activities… The more than 5,000 community hospitals in the United States provided $39.3 billion in uncompensated care — predominately unpaid patient debts or charity care — in 2010, up 16 percent from 2007…." I wonder if the Churches can help pick up that bill (see link above about hunger)? And definitely read the second page of the article. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: They didn't even miss me.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Con Ho!
Okay, we'll, I'm actually there already. We're (the royal we're) at Penguicon on the outskirts of Detroit. Enjoying a bunch of good talks both formal and barcon. Got to hang with friends last night. Penguicon is an interesting mix of tracks from literature (where I'm on the docket), coding, environmental, personal development, costuming, gaming, and a few lectures. So it's got an unique vibe.
Right now I'm sitting in a panel on fanfic, something that's always fascinated me.
Just a thought in passing on fandom, if you're a fan and you have doubts about how going to a con to see your favorite author or scientist or whatever, or want to dress up as one if their characters, and you think it doesn't affect that author or mean anything, perish the thought. While the object of your "affection" (for the lack of a better word) may have some trepidation (as in, who is this stalker, and do I have a lawyer to get a restraining order kind of way) they totally get geeked and stoked on such things. It's like a level up moment. This was a sub-discussion at dinner, so you're hearing this second-hand.
Conversions are good for several other things, on the attending side. If you think your the only one who likes certain things (computers, sf/f, horror, comics, dressing up as yor favorite characters, dressing up fantastically, have a fuzzy love, whatever) here is your community. And if you like parts of that and other parts squick you out (fuzzies still give me a weirded out feeling, but it's not so pronounced any more - do what thou wilt, dudes), cons normally have clauses on participation and consent. Currently in this room the ages span from probably late teens/early twenties to fifty, there are three code-heads (one of whom made a comment about soldering before the panel) there's a person with a staff, one Leia (white princess dress), numerous "normal" people, and one proto steam punk. Nobody is judging. This is your tribe.
Right now I'm sitting in a panel on fanfic, something that's always fascinated me.
Just a thought in passing on fandom, if you're a fan and you have doubts about how going to a con to see your favorite author or scientist or whatever, or want to dress up as one if their characters, and you think it doesn't affect that author or mean anything, perish the thought. While the object of your "affection" (for the lack of a better word) may have some trepidation (as in, who is this stalker, and do I have a lawyer to get a restraining order kind of way) they totally get geeked and stoked on such things. It's like a level up moment. This was a sub-discussion at dinner, so you're hearing this second-hand.
Conversions are good for several other things, on the attending side. If you think your the only one who likes certain things (computers, sf/f, horror, comics, dressing up as yor favorite characters, dressing up fantastically, have a fuzzy love, whatever) here is your community. And if you like parts of that and other parts squick you out (fuzzies still give me a weirded out feeling, but it's not so pronounced any more - do what thou wilt, dudes), cons normally have clauses on participation and consent. Currently in this room the ages span from probably late teens/early twenties to fifty, there are three code-heads (one of whom made a comment about soldering before the panel) there's a person with a staff, one Leia (white princess dress), numerous "normal" people, and one proto steam punk. Nobody is judging. This is your tribe.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Linkee-poo is driving through the city tonight, through the lights in a hot, new rental car
Depending on the wifi and my schedule, I'll probably be gone for this weekend, too. If you're in Detroit, come out to Penguicon and see me there. Or not. Or come to see the other cool* people I'll be hanging out with. (*for certain values of "cool" which equated to geeky and nerdy)
Mur Lafferty finally put up the critique template (well, a while ago when I bugged her about it, but the page is finally working for me so I could check it out). So if you ever felt yourself stumbling for what to talk about during a critique of someone's writing, here is a good start (look for the link "critique template from producer Patrick"). Thanks, Mur. Also, just a general note, don't forget to find at least one positive thing to say about the work, and not in the "this book can stand next to any other on the shelf" vein. Even on a devastating critique I had to give where I explained that I knew where the person copied their story from (slightly less than outright plagiarism, but cribbed enough that it was the exact same story - not derivative), I found one thing nice to say. And that was hard.
And speaking of Mur, yes, this. Writing, the actual putting words on the screen, is a lonely job (even when done in the presence of others, 'cause unless you're lips move while you write, nobody knows what's going on in your head). In our loneliness, we sometimes forget there are people out there who are having the exact same types of thoughts that you are, that they may be in the exact same hell. To quote the end of the story, "You: 'Why did you jump down, now we're both in the hole?' Friend: 'Because I know the way out.'"
Because you'll need a handy guide heading into the November election… once Romney is able to "relaunch" himself in a way that sticks (I'm up to 3 "relaunching the campaign" moments in the past week - it might be a born again thing, I don't know), here's one on rhetological fallacies. Make up your bingo cards early, kids, there's tons of prizes to win. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
"But these (people demonizing people who disagree with them) aren’t just fringe characters telling us that liberals are Nazis who murder babies and love the Satan whom they serve. These are Roman Catholic bishops, state governors, influential clergy and elected officials saying this… So either the threat of the Satanazis is real, or else we’ve reached the point at which Roman Catholic bishops and Republican state governors have become indistinguishable from the lunatic fringe." I'll take, "Who Are the neo-Whackaloons" for a $1000, Alex. Oh look, it's a daily double.
"Not even Republicans want to go back to the Bush years, which is why you will hear Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich or Rick Santorum or All The Rest talk about the Bush years approximately never, plus or minus one 'when hell freezes over.'… The first rule of Republican Fight Club is that you do not talk about George W. Bush." But we'll talk up the exact same economic policies that got us into the mess in the first place, and talk about them like we had never tried them before. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Here's an interesting story about a state test and a talking pineapple. Can I get a "harrumph"? Anyway, what I think is hilarious is that people are upset about the question, in which I think their problem is the improbability of an actual talking pineapple and completely gloss over the talking animals with gambling problems (queue the "would you look at that, a talking horse" jokes now). But here's the thing, the state basically threw up it's hands and said, "We can't come up with a good test, you do it, here's some money." And then they get pissed when that company comes up with a test. Maybe it's confusing because the teachers, principles and parent "contacted by The News" aren't all that bright to begin with, and so it's no wonder they're also confused. But probably it's because they didn't know the question was there and so didn't drill their students in the ethics of talking animals and fruits. (Note, I'm soon to take a test administered by the testing company detailed here) (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: They're probably wondering where I went. Don't worry, guys, I'll be back in the pile Monday.
Mur Lafferty finally put up the critique template (well, a while ago when I bugged her about it, but the page is finally working for me so I could check it out). So if you ever felt yourself stumbling for what to talk about during a critique of someone's writing, here is a good start (look for the link "critique template from producer Patrick"). Thanks, Mur. Also, just a general note, don't forget to find at least one positive thing to say about the work, and not in the "this book can stand next to any other on the shelf" vein. Even on a devastating critique I had to give where I explained that I knew where the person copied their story from (slightly less than outright plagiarism, but cribbed enough that it was the exact same story - not derivative), I found one thing nice to say. And that was hard.
And speaking of Mur, yes, this. Writing, the actual putting words on the screen, is a lonely job (even when done in the presence of others, 'cause unless you're lips move while you write, nobody knows what's going on in your head). In our loneliness, we sometimes forget there are people out there who are having the exact same types of thoughts that you are, that they may be in the exact same hell. To quote the end of the story, "You: 'Why did you jump down, now we're both in the hole?' Friend: 'Because I know the way out.'"
Because you'll need a handy guide heading into the November election… once Romney is able to "relaunch" himself in a way that sticks (I'm up to 3 "relaunching the campaign" moments in the past week - it might be a born again thing, I don't know), here's one on rhetological fallacies. Make up your bingo cards early, kids, there's tons of prizes to win. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
"But these (people demonizing people who disagree with them) aren’t just fringe characters telling us that liberals are Nazis who murder babies and love the Satan whom they serve. These are Roman Catholic bishops, state governors, influential clergy and elected officials saying this… So either the threat of the Satanazis is real, or else we’ve reached the point at which Roman Catholic bishops and Republican state governors have become indistinguishable from the lunatic fringe." I'll take, "Who Are the neo-Whackaloons" for a $1000, Alex. Oh look, it's a daily double.
"Not even Republicans want to go back to the Bush years, which is why you will hear Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich or Rick Santorum or All The Rest talk about the Bush years approximately never, plus or minus one 'when hell freezes over.'… The first rule of Republican Fight Club is that you do not talk about George W. Bush." But we'll talk up the exact same economic policies that got us into the mess in the first place, and talk about them like we had never tried them before. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Here's an interesting story about a state test and a talking pineapple. Can I get a "harrumph"? Anyway, what I think is hilarious is that people are upset about the question, in which I think their problem is the improbability of an actual talking pineapple and completely gloss over the talking animals with gambling problems (queue the "would you look at that, a talking horse" jokes now). But here's the thing, the state basically threw up it's hands and said, "We can't come up with a good test, you do it, here's some money." And then they get pissed when that company comes up with a test. Maybe it's confusing because the teachers, principles and parent "contacted by The News" aren't all that bright to begin with, and so it's no wonder they're also confused. But probably it's because they didn't know the question was there and so didn't drill their students in the ethics of talking animals and fruits. (Note, I'm soon to take a test administered by the testing company detailed here) (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Alligator Quotient: They're probably wondering where I went. Don't worry, guys, I'll be back in the pile Monday.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Linkee-poo takes its protein pills and puts its helmet on
It may be the 9 year old boy in me, but I love this video Random Michelle K pointed to. Who hasn't thought of what would happen if you drop a can of cream on a running lawnmower blade, or sugar on a candle, or popped an over filled water bed?
John Cleese on creativity. Thirty plus minutes on something that he says can't be done. Now, that's creative. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Justine Larbalestier shares some juvenilia.
Diana Peterfreund on revising versus rewriting.
More from Mer on those last edits (that I linked to earlier), asking if it was "worth it."
Twenty-five things writing Blackbirds taught Chuck Wendig. (note to self to go back and read this deeper)
Pixar to make a film based on Day of the Dead? Dangit. My long time reader(s) know I love to decorate for Halloween, and for the past three years I've been wanting to shift to a Day of the Dead theme, but haven't had the time or been able to find the right decorations to do it. And now I'll just look like an "also ran." Sigh. (Grokked from Tor.com)
I don't often do online petitions, but here's one I support. Rick Ferrel Moore has started a petition to define plagiarism for profit as consumer fraud. In case you're wondering, Rick has a dog in this fight (several, actually) having discovered he was being ripped off by the plagiarist David B. Boyer (note: there are two David Boyers who "write" - as far as I can tell, this one is legit and this one who ain't).
So glad this dick didn't make it very far in the primaries. And I say this as someone who wished for the disruption that Gringrich and Santorum made. (Pointed to by Dan)
The camera that gives you a description of your photo. (Pointed to by John)
The current presidential election Game of Thrones mashup. (Grokked from Miranda Suri)
Tweet of my heart:
@ANNELAMOTT: You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should've behaved better.
Alligator Quotient: Wondering if I should teach them to waltz or to boogaloo?
John Cleese on creativity. Thirty plus minutes on something that he says can't be done. Now, that's creative. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Justine Larbalestier shares some juvenilia.
Diana Peterfreund on revising versus rewriting.
More from Mer on those last edits (that I linked to earlier), asking if it was "worth it."
Twenty-five things writing Blackbirds taught Chuck Wendig. (note to self to go back and read this deeper)
Pixar to make a film based on Day of the Dead? Dangit. My long time reader(s) know I love to decorate for Halloween, and for the past three years I've been wanting to shift to a Day of the Dead theme, but haven't had the time or been able to find the right decorations to do it. And now I'll just look like an "also ran." Sigh. (Grokked from Tor.com)
I don't often do online petitions, but here's one I support. Rick Ferrel Moore has started a petition to define plagiarism for profit as consumer fraud. In case you're wondering, Rick has a dog in this fight (several, actually) having discovered he was being ripped off by the plagiarist David B. Boyer (note: there are two David Boyers who "write" - as far as I can tell, this one is legit and this one who ain't).
So glad this dick didn't make it very far in the primaries. And I say this as someone who wished for the disruption that Gringrich and Santorum made. (Pointed to by Dan)
The camera that gives you a description of your photo. (Pointed to by John)
The current presidential election Game of Thrones mashup. (Grokked from Miranda Suri)
Tweet of my heart:
@ANNELAMOTT: You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should've behaved better.
Alligator Quotient: Wondering if I should teach them to waltz or to boogaloo?
The other Washington DC photos
It wasn't until last week that it really dawned on my that I'd be in Washington to see Discovery. There were NASA booths and tables all over the museum, and one of the Imax movies was the shuttle repair of Hubble. And I'll admit, during the launch sequence, I cried.
They have the shuttle in the Space Hanger, and it looks like there were still putting things back in order that weekend. But right next to the shuttle wing is the Freedom 7 capsule, which sat on top of a Mercury Redstone rocket. The whole capsule, including retro-rocket package and parachutes, would fit in my cubicle. So that made for an interesting comparison.
I still want my jetpack (damnit!).
Here is one of the original anthropomorphic robots used to test space suits.
Just in case you ever wondered about the impact SF/F has on the sciences, there was this display.
A corner of computers used for the early space program. That cabinet in back? That's 4k of memory. Not 4 meg or 4 gig, 4k. The iPod Touch I carried in my pocket held more memory and raw processing power than all of the computers displayed… combined. Heck, the camera I used to take this photo had more computing power.
And I include this shot just so everybody know that rocket scientist also have wicked senses of humor (this was a "green room" for the NASA engineers). You'll have to embiggen to get the joke.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Linkee-poo is only willing to hear you cry because I am an innocent man
Way, way behind in my reading, and it doesn't look good for catching up anytime soon. But here's some cool things I've come across.
Mer Haskell talks about the "last" edit in the process of publishing a book. And for those of you who don't know, Mer's a damn good writer. She knows more about sentence structure and grammar in a few languages than I know about my own. Just in case you're still wondering why books cost so much when the actual paper version costs so little to produce.
James Gurney of magical light effects. Or how to focus attention on what needs attention, and sketch in the rest for impressionism. For which I'll also recommend the paintings of Goya and Valazquez. (Grokked from Jay Lake - which whom I agree, there's much for the writer to learn in that short post)
And because I liberallyrip off his ideas link to his posts, a little link lovin' to Chuck Wendig who's latest, Blackbirds, went on sale yesterday.
And there's another shoe dropping in the ebook wars. Yes, some publishers are starting to "get it". In this case Tor and Forge (imprints of Macmillan) are going DRM free. (Grokked from matociquala)
Continuation of the top ten things you should know about your own book, nine through seven and six. I haven't read them yet, but working through my backlog.
Vince shares with us the Eye of Sauron cake. Hmmm, cake. So, I guess that would answer Eddie Izzard's infamous question with, "Both, please."
Jim Hines, having won fame by contorting himself to match the portrayal of women on the the covers of books, now takes a whack at the men. Please note that while there is some male beef cake being portrayed, what is being shown of men is not equivalent of how women are displayed (notice no bulging "Sticky Fingers" images, nor any assess chaps). Also note how Jim doesn't need to see a chiropractor after this session.
The source code for Apollo and Gemini programs. Some cool computer nepery there. (Pointed to by Dan)
The list of climate denialism and the truth. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
All righty then, I'll go to hell. That's the Slactivist on the morality of "good christians" praying and wishing for people to go burn in hell.
Because not all religious people in the abortion debate are completely insane, some of them remember the actual gospel. And can I say with some pride, it's the UCC (my old church) that stands up for what is right, again. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
The Slactivist puts my thoughts about last week's Ohio campaign trips into better focus that I could. The only thing I would add is it seems strange that the presumptive nominee of the party that espouses "Government can't create jobs" and "Government shouldn't pick winners and losers" is the exact one who is saying not only could he create more jobs if president, but that the government should have reopened that specific gypsum factory. The double-speak, it burns.
Oh noes! Fox News is biased?! So says Gingrich and Santorum? Oh noes! To quote Inigo, "YOu keep using that word. I donna think it means what you think it means." (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Tweet of my heart:
@FearDept: Have the heart of a CIA interrogator and the integrity of an FBI informant. Be drone pilot brave.
Alligator Quotient: Does anybody know if there's a Milkbone product for alligators? Their breath is really bad, being carnivores and all.
Mer Haskell talks about the "last" edit in the process of publishing a book. And for those of you who don't know, Mer's a damn good writer. She knows more about sentence structure and grammar in a few languages than I know about my own. Just in case you're still wondering why books cost so much when the actual paper version costs so little to produce.
James Gurney of magical light effects. Or how to focus attention on what needs attention, and sketch in the rest for impressionism. For which I'll also recommend the paintings of Goya and Valazquez. (Grokked from Jay Lake - which whom I agree, there's much for the writer to learn in that short post)
And because I liberally
And there's another shoe dropping in the ebook wars. Yes, some publishers are starting to "get it". In this case Tor and Forge (imprints of Macmillan) are going DRM free. (Grokked from matociquala)
Continuation of the top ten things you should know about your own book, nine through seven and six. I haven't read them yet, but working through my backlog.
Vince shares with us the Eye of Sauron cake. Hmmm, cake. So, I guess that would answer Eddie Izzard's infamous question with, "Both, please."
Jim Hines, having won fame by contorting himself to match the portrayal of women on the the covers of books, now takes a whack at the men. Please note that while there is some male beef cake being portrayed, what is being shown of men is not equivalent of how women are displayed (notice no bulging "Sticky Fingers" images, nor any assess chaps). Also note how Jim doesn't need to see a chiropractor after this session.
The source code for Apollo and Gemini programs. Some cool computer nepery there. (Pointed to by Dan)
The list of climate denialism and the truth. (Grokked from Jay Lake)
All righty then, I'll go to hell. That's the Slactivist on the morality of "good christians" praying and wishing for people to go burn in hell.
Because not all religious people in the abortion debate are completely insane, some of them remember the actual gospel. And can I say with some pride, it's the UCC (my old church) that stands up for what is right, again. (Grokked from the Slactivist)
The Slactivist puts my thoughts about last week's Ohio campaign trips into better focus that I could. The only thing I would add is it seems strange that the presumptive nominee of the party that espouses "Government can't create jobs" and "Government shouldn't pick winners and losers" is the exact one who is saying not only could he create more jobs if president, but that the government should have reopened that specific gypsum factory. The double-speak, it burns.
Oh noes! Fox News is biased?! So says Gingrich and Santorum? Oh noes! To quote Inigo, "YOu keep using that word. I donna think it means what you think it means." (Grokked from Jay Lake)
Tweet of my heart:
@FearDept: Have the heart of a CIA interrogator and the integrity of an FBI informant. Be drone pilot brave.
Alligator Quotient: Does anybody know if there's a Milkbone product for alligators? Their breath is really bad, being carnivores and all.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
And now is the time on Sprokets…
Where we ask, how's those austerity programs working out? Not so well, eh? Who could've guessed?
Um, everyone who isn't a right wing ideologue?
Um, everyone who isn't a right wing ideologue?
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