Provenzo is right...

Imagine this. A person shows up at your door with a gun, takes your money by force for their own purposes. Maybe even saying "I'll die if I don't do this".

What right does that person have to threaten you?

What right does that person have to your money?

This isn't a trade. You get nothing of any value or meaning in return. Just as the thief above, representatives of our government will show up at your door if you don't pay your taxes. They may act on the government's behalf and throw you in jail, or otherwise take your money by force...for the good of everyone.

A woman has the right to control her own body. She has the right to decide whether or not to carry a baby to term. That decision may be driven by a multitude of factors, including whether or not she (and her family) have the ability (or even desire) to care for the child that may result.

We don't need more laws or regulation on how we can or can't live our lives. We need only for productive rational individuals to be allowed to do the work they are capable for their own benefit, without the sanction to burden others by the force of the state.

Nicholas Provenzo is right. Palin made her choice. Other people can make the choice that fits their individual situation -- just don't make me pay for it.

rootie

Determinism is hard?

Just for fun:
What could be easier than determinism? Medical school?

The Seinfeld of Rube Goldberg machines...?

You have to see this. (via Wired)

It isn't as seamless as the Honda commercial, but still quite entertaining.

You can do things like count the number of different forms of "recreational equipment and pastimes" that are represented. Darts, golf, polo, contact juggling, snooker, violin playing, IM'ing, playing chess, weight lifting, soccer, eating, drinking, listening to music, what did I miss?

The more inventive among you can contemplate alternate designs for a ramp to launch a slinky down the stairs...

rootie

Missing Context in the Media

Many news reports indicate "Vladimir Putin Hailed as a Hero" for tranquilizing a tiger. It would seem the tiger escaped from its cage and was charging a news crew. Good thing Putin was there, with a tranquilizer gun at the ready!

The only information I've been able to find on the web is that large animal tranquilizers take roughly 3 minutes to take effect (at the fast end of the spectrum).

Let's do the math...If a charging tiger can run 15 miles an hour, (yes, I made that number up, but it seems reasonable for a moderate distance of a stalk and pounce hunter), how far away was the news crew for the tranquilizer to take have taken effect in a life saving fashion? (3 minutes at 4 minute mile pace == 0.75 miles)

I won't go so far as to say the news reports are incorrect. It is very obvious, however, that the news reports are missing important details that could provide useful context to understand the event fully.

If you actually know something about large animal tranquilizer efficacy or how the news crew would have otherwise been in mortal danger, but still safe for the 3 minutes it might have taken for the tranquilizer, or perhaps even how long it would take Putin to have realized the nature of the situation and obtained and used a tranquilizer gun, feel free to leave a comment.

I am highly skeptical.

rootie