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Wednesday, April 30, 2003 Apple Computer: Music To Our Ears Apple Computer has launched a new online music service, called the iTunes Music Store. Right now it only works on Macs, and the average song price is $.99. See my March 5 post under the archive. However, the service offers unprecedented flexibility and uses an industry standard song format, Dolby AAC, rather than a proprietary format like Microsoft's Windows Media Audio. For a good explanation of what Apple has done and how they did it, check out this MacCentral article. For an excellent commentary on what Apple's service might mean to the industry and Microsoft, check out this CNET article.
A Short Break With the academic semester winding down here in D.C., I have a lot of work to get finished and I have to get packed up to go back home again to Indiana. Nevertheless, I'll try to make a post here and there, but I won't have much dedicated time until Sunday. Until then, please check out some of the other blogs I've linked to on the right side of the page. Lots of cools stuff to be seen. Tuesday, April 29, 2003 See I Told You So Here is a really interesting story in the New York Times 'health' secion, regarding vitamins. Apparently, says the article, the concern among experts is no longer with vitamin deficits but with vitamin excesses. With many people taking fancy multivitamins and supplements, along with vitamin fortified foods (such as Total brand cereal), they actually are receiving too much of certain vitamins. This raises the risk of certain diseases, negating any health benefits from the vitamins. Now, if I were Rush Limbaugh, I'd say "See I told you so." Of course, I haven't mentioned the vitamin thing on Daily Contentions before, so I wouldn't be founded in saying that anyways. But I assure you that I have mentioned this concern about vitamins to my family, on repeated occasions. Many of the new multivitamins I see around the house have like 500% of the FDA recommended level of Selenium, or 900% of Vitamin whatever, etc. My claim is that these amounts cannot really be healthy, and that the vitamin companies are just trying to make a few bucks by distinguishing their product from others. Sunday, April 27, 2003 "Say Uncle, Walter" In my never-ending efforts to critically analyze the press, I came across this excellent article on FrontPage Magazine.com. It was written by Noemie Emery for the Wall Street Journal. The final paragraph sums it up: Pity the left. In the 1960s, it was sent on the Long March through the institutions of information and culture; hoping in time to control all the bullhorns: the schools and the churches; the films, arts, and music; the publishing houses; the networks and press. And now that they have them, they turn out to be worthless. Their worst fears have been realized, and the country is growing in power and confidence. The Long March to sell us on fear and failure is ending in freedom and flags. I don't know if I agree with all of her assertions, but the general point is compelling. In our time of hypermedia and hyperdemocracy, I can't help but wonder if the public gains independence of thought, or rather if the tail is simply wagging the dog. Friday, April 25, 2003 More Criminality Stats: Two more readers have sent me their scores on the "How Criminal Are You?" test. One (who's name is the same as a famous television talk show host) received a '15' (basically legit). That makes her the lowest score of the bunch so far. The other reader, who I will refer to as Tiff, received a remarkable '35.' This places her easily as the highest respondent and gives her the dubious honor of being the only "criminal" in our group. Perhaps Ms. Milligan summed it up best herself when she said, "I'll just take any opportunity I can to stick it to the man." update (4/27): Shortly after making the last post, three additional readers responded. The first, an Irish lass, who's last name rhymes with 'Burphy,' received an astounding 39 points. She is now the most criminal reader of mine, and I fear that her time out on bail will be fleeting. The second reader, who I won't name for her own good, scored a criminal 32. Its worth saying that she was quite dismayed and surprised upon receiving this score. She expected much lower. Crikey!! The third was impressed by the Criminality Quiz's accuracy, saying that Tiff was indeed the most criminal person she knew. But then again, this repondent reported getting a score of 36. This newest score makes 50% of the respondents 'criminal'. Thursday, April 24, 2003 Daylight Savings Time: Appendix One reader, DP, felt that my previous post's claim to be an "exhaustive cost-benefit analysis" was somewhat rash. First, he took issue with my claim that a majority of Indiana's population were farmers. He said, "they are like 3 percent." While my claim was a little high, the actual percentage is much closer to my assertion than his. According to the Census site's Indiana Quick Facts section, Indiana's non-farmer employed persons is 2,580,408. Since the total population is 6,114,745 and around 38% are either below 18 yrs. old or above 65 (both mostly non-employed) then the percentage of farm workers in the state comes to 38%. While this is not a majority, it is certainly a dramatic plurality. In other words, no single occupation in Indiana has the same numbers as farmers do. Also of note is that the number of non-farm jobs has increased 20% over the last decade. Conclusion, while farmers should not have the sole voice in Indiana politics, their voice should still carry much weight. DP then went into a speil regarding the "future of Indiana." He said, "Why not let the future [non-farmers] decide? like the tech industry." Evidently DP does not consider farmers important to the future. In my humble opinion, I think farmers are an integral part of this nation's economy and well-being and will continue to be so in the future. He then states, "many prospective businesses have elected to NOT move to this state because of the [time] confusion." Additionally, he said that the rest of the nation sees Indiana as backwards partly because of our adherence to Standard time. I will contend both of these assertions as well. First, I beleive that a one hour time-difference twice a year could not possibly be enough to deter a company from moving to Indiana. It simply is not that much of a hassle at all. The reasons many tech companies do not move to Indiana exist in deeper historical, geographical, and political reasons. The biggest obstacle right now could very well be Indiana's antiquated property tax system. Second, I do not believe that the "rest of the nation" sees Indiana as a backwards state. Do many on the coasts and in urban areas look on the midwest and plains with disdain? Of course. They look down on predominantly farm states just as predominantly farm states often look down on urban areas for different reasons. Conclusion, Indiana's politics should not be governed by cultural feelings across the country, but by policies that have real effects and help the citizens of Indiana the most. To DP's credit, he did say that I presented the best case for the farmers that he had yet heard. He understood and agreed with the logic regarding farmers' hours versus store hours. Now to add two more questions to any prospective legislator's plate. First, how much political weight should be given to farmers, especially considering their decreasing numbers? Second, what are the actual effects of Indiana's adherence to Standard time on attracting businesses? Answers to these two questions in addition to yesterday's two questions will provide the ultimate answer to whether or not Indiana should switch to DST. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 So, how criminal are we? I've gotten a few responses back so far from The Observer's criminality test. One person got a 19, one got a 20, and the other a 21. The quiz reports that a 19 and 20 mean that you are "basically legit." And that: You would never knowingly hurt anyone but you will take your chances with the law where you can, especially where you don't agree with it or you don't think you'll get caught. But take a good look at yourself - you're hardly Robin Hood, this is not big league stuff. The most trouble you'll ever get is a parking ticket. The 21 was reported to mean "borderline criminal." Which elaborated upon means: You may hold down a respectable job and have never been in trouble with the law in your life but you push at it sometimes, opportunities may occasionally incline you not to play by the rules. Let's just say you'll sometimes beat the system but you're not the kind who could make a career out of it. If you do, you should probably first sit down to a plate of grey mashed potatoes and a bland stew to see if you could stomach prison food. I won't say which categorary I fell into, but I will say that I take contention with it :)
Daylight Savings Time: the Verdict In my earlier two posts regarding Daylight Savings Time (DST), I tried to present each side in the debate. Yet, it seems that I did not frame the debate as narrowly as I should have. One cannot simply ask 'Is Daylight Savings Time a good thing?' But should ask 'Is Daylight Savings Time a good thing for a particular area?' Take, for instance, Indiana and Arizona. Each has elected to primarily not use DST, and each has pretty good reason. Indiana is at the western edge of the Eastern time zone and therefore already gets more hours of light in the evening than the east coast. Simply put, it does not need DST as much. Also, its population is highly rural. In my last post, I believe I understated the farmers' case: "In the end I can sympathize with the farmers' position that they have to follow the natural sunrise and sunset, and therefore their schedule is missed up from DST. However, I see this mostly as a minor inconvenience to them that could easily be corrected through small changes in the daily routine." In talking with a former farmer, I see that it is not just a minor convenience. A farmer often has to work for every minute of daylight during peak seasons. Without DST, stores will be open often times at least an hour past sundown, but with DST, this is not as often the case. Therefore with DST, a farmer has less chance to buy the things he needs to without cutting into his invaluable work time. Apparently, farmers have to make such errands often, to get equipment, supplies, etc. One counterpoint is that many convenience type stores are now staying open later, which would negate the negative effect of DST on farmers. In Arizona, a state which is also at the western edge of its time zone, the second reason for its reluctance towards DST is different. Arizona workers are concerned about heat. DST would move their off-period one hour further under the sun, and would actually make it more difficult for them to participate in outdoor recreation. On the other hand, if they get off an hour later, then it will be cooler outside and more conducive to activity, hence supporting the same goals as DST, without it. In each state, very good reasons exist for sticking with Standard time and not changing to Daylight Savings. Over time, some of these reasons might fade away or gain importance. My final point is that neither state should be condemned or mocked (or somehow seen as backwards by other states) for choosing Standard time. As a resident of Indiana, I see a balance of priorities as to whether or not we should stay on Standard time. With a modest majority of its population being farmers, Indiana must consider what is best for them. On the other hand, not switcing with the rest of the time zone can cause some confusion (as can switching the clocks twice a year, coincidentally). Finally, if I were an Indiana state legislator, I would feel it necessary to ascertain the following information before voting on any proposed switch to DST. First, what hours are typical now for stores that farmers use? And second, how many people feel they are noticably confused by the lack of switch to Savings time (farmers and non-farmers). Hence, we have just performed an exhaustive cost-benefit analysis. Tuesday, April 22, 2003 How Criminal Are You? asks The UK Observer. Take their online quiz to find out, just for fun.
The New York Times bends the definition of 'news' In this NY Times article under the Health section, Mary Duenwald completely fails in the objectivity department. This article regarding partial-birth abortion should be labeled commentary or gotten rid of all together. The article's first paragraph starts it out on a bad note: As a ban on a procedure that opponents call partial-birth abortion makes its way through Congress, many of the doctors who provide abortions say they remain confused about what will be banned and fear it will apply to other procedures used in the second trimester of pregnancy. First, the procedure is partial-birth abortion. The baby is partially born into the birth canal before it is killed. Opponents are right in using this terminology, because it most accurately describes the procedure. Why must this reporter mix words? Could it be her bias on the topic? Second, she states that many doctors who perform abortions are confused about what will be banned. Then purhaps they have not read the exact text of the legislation. The bill clearly applies only to the D & X procedure. In fact, later in the article, Ms. Duenwald admits that only one doctor that she interviewed regularly practiced partial-birth abortions, and therefore would know enough to comment for the article. How then can the article purport to express the concerns of numerous doctors? And what about the doctors out there who oppose using partial-birth abortion? Whatever happened to including both sides of an argument? Its painstakingly clear to me that too many reporters use the guise of journalism as a sham-- to the detriment to the few honest journalists out there, and to the detriment of the nation in general.
...and I'm back So I had a good time over Easter break. Got to see some of my friends from back home, which is always nice. Saturday I went hiking with some of my family in Clifty Falls, a state park in Southern Indiana. Those critics who say that Indiana does not have any natural attractions have never been to the southern half of the state. Hills, waterfalls, caves, rolling forests; make for some nice scenery. I was unable to see the Pacers' first game in the NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics, but that is for the best because they lost on Saturday. Luckily, they came back on Monday for a necessary victory. Then on Sunday, we met with our relatives to have the annual Pascal Feast; and when our family gets together, we have a true feast indeed. Anyways, I have some good stuff coming for the blog later today: Shiites in Iraq, partial-birth abortion, and NY Times criticism; it will all be here. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 A Short Break... I'm going home for Easter and will probably not be making any postings until Tuesday of next week, April 22. Sunday, April 13, 2003 A Reader Responds... to my comments on the media and shares his own thoughts on the matter: An active media is an important thing because it makes the government justify itself to it at every turn. What's the point of watching if it doesn't? Thats why there is no point in watching Fox News, because you know what is going to be shown: liberated people, support for the administration, justifications for war, and minimal mention of civilian casulties attached to comments about how its all Saddam's fault in the first place. To which I'd say: what's wrong with showing liberated people and justifications for the war? If the war seems to be successful in giving freedom to the people of Iraq, discovering and eradicating Weapons of Mass Destruction, or simply toppling an evil-bent anti-US regime and terrorist hotbed, then I damn well expect the media to cover those things. I will grant that Fox News leans to the right with many of its commentators and in some of the events they cover, but isn't that a healthy counterbalance to the left leanings of CNN, the New York Times, etc.? Furthermore, I'll make more observation. I think the entire U.S. media has been fairly supportive of the war, and have also not shown civilian casulties as much as I would expect them to. Go to the other side of the ocean and read papers like The Independent. That will certainly give you a perspective apart from Fox News. Saturday, April 12, 2003 To Prove That I'm a Gigantic Nerd ;) ... I'll offer up the following intriguing fact and mathematical proof. If you take a standard chess board, which has 64 spaces, and place one grain of wheat on the first square, two grains of wheat on the second square, four grains on the third square, and so on doubling the number of grains of wheat on every square; you will have enough wheat on the chess board to fill the entire Grand Canyon! Don's believe me, eh? Well, typically humans' minds are not capable of understanding large multiples or durations so thats not a surprise. Now the proof: volume of the Grand Canyon (V1) length (l) = 277 miles average width at rim (w) = around 10 miles average depth (d) = around 1 mile therefore, the total volume (V) = (l x w) / 1.2 you divide by 1.2 to approximate the taper of the canyon's width V1 = 2308.33 cubic miles total volume of chess on wheat board (V2) number of grains of wheat on the chess board (n) = (2 ^ 63) + (2^62) + (2^61) + ... = around 1.75 x 10^19 volume of 1 grain of wheat (v) = around .03 cubic inches V2 = n x v = 5.25 x 10^17 cubic inches convert to cubic miles and... V2 = 2064 cubic miles finally V1 = aproximately V2... 2308 is remarkably close to 2064 considering the approximations made throughout this exericise. the important thing to notice is the similarity in scale between the two numbers
Hyperdemocracy and Hypermedia According to a New York Times article, Karl Rove had some critical words regarding the media's coverage of the war in Iraq, while he was speaking in front of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Mr. Rove's central point touches on a point that I made earlier on this blog: the American media has been too fickle covering the war-- displaying too much negativity and overstating the resistance that the U.S. military was encountering. Rove went even further. He 'observed' that there was too much polling going on during the war, and the overall effect on the media's coverage seemed to be negative. I have long pondered a broad question: how much media is too much? Is our American democracy being helped by the massive size of the American news media as well as the insane number of think tanks, policy institutes, NGO's, etc.? The acclaimed Notre Dame American Studies professor, Robert Schmuhl, has written an excellent book on the topic. The book, Indecent Liberties, refers to 'hyperdemocracy' and 'hypermedia,' two words that Schmuhl coined to highlight the excesses that have arisen in our public society. He provides an awesome number of provocative examples of American public excess throughout his book. He does not strive to provide a solution, but he superbly identifies the problematic nature of this trend. Thursday, April 10, 2003 Daylight Savings Time (2nd Take) I must admit that the amount of material out there against DST is scarce. Nonetheless, I found a flagship website presenting this side of the debate-- hence the rebuttal. The website, End Daylight Savings Time, made several arguments against DST, including taking the position of many farmers, including the Indiana Farm Bureau. In the end I can sympathize with the farmers' position that they have to follow the natural sunrise and sunset, and therefore their schedule is missed up from DST. However, I see this mostly as a minor inconvenience to them that could easily be corrected through small changes in the daily routine. So in the end, with the lack of a credible counter-argument, my position on DST has officially been changed to support it. Perhaps, when I go home for Easter break and visit with many of my extended relatives (who are predominantly farmers), I will be persuaded otherwise. We'll wait and see I guess.
Is the Taliban Making a Comeback? We must not be distracted from our others efforts in the war against terrorism. This story from the Washington Times is an ominous reminder that the war on terror must be a dedicated, and lengthy, endeavor. Who out there thinks that Pelosi, Kerry, Edwards, Dean, et al. really understand this?
And It Begins With 9... Yesterday Evening at 7 PM, all nine of the declared democratic candidates for President gathered in the same venue for the first time in the race for the democratic nomination. On a last minute whim, I decided to attend the event. When I learned that it was open to the public and not invitation only, then it really became a no-brainer. Afterall, the debate/forum was held in the Marriot Wardman Hotel in the Woodley Park area of D.C. (only 2 blocks from where I currently reside). Hosted by the Children's Defense Fund, a liberal policy organization, the program was mostly predictable-- promises to provide this and that, to defend children and senior's rights, to improve the economy, etc. The only area of contention among the candidates revolved around the war, but this issue has pretty much been decided already. Anyways, if I had to give my judgement on each candidate's chances, I'd say the following. Kerry, Edwards, Dean, and Lieberman all seemed strong at times and are viable candidates. Mosley-Braun, Kucinich, Sharpton, Graham, and even Gephardt just seem lacking to me. Kucinich seemed to portray himself as a proud socialist, Sharpton was great for laughs but not to be taken too seriously, and Gephardt just didn't stand out in any fashion. It certainly will be an exciting race to watch. If I were Bush's campaign strategists I'd be watching Dean and Edwards most closely. By the way, Edwards is off to an impressive fund-raising start. I'll wait for all of the candidates to report their campaign funds to link it. Tuesday, April 8, 2003 Daylight Savings Time (1st Take) This previous Monday morning at precisely 2 a.m., I experienced something completely new in my life: the switch to Daylight Savings Time (DST). Being a native of the Hoosier state, Indiana, I have never had to change the clock at this time of year. Indiana does not go on DST, but rather it perpetually remains on Eastern Standard Time. Somewhat out of being stubborn, I have always asserted that Indiana does it the right way, and that nearly every other state, which go to DST, are crazy. Out of this realization that I have not really thought the topic through very much, I'll take the same attitude that I take in regards to most issues: I'll look at both sides and attempt to form a reasoned opinion. Presenting the argument in favor of DST is Daniel Pulliam, a fellow D.C. student who attends Butler University in Indianapolis. Here is his article on the matter as it appeared in the Butler Collegian. I'll find and post a rebuttal to this side later on, along with my own contention, then you decide. Sunday, April 6, 2003 Quote of the Day So I'm changing who I am 'Cause what I am is not good And I know you love me now But I don't see why you should --from the song by Sixpence None the Richer, "I've Been Waiting" [thanks to my friend Jen (with one 'n') for showing me this quote]
Aren't Reporters Good Fodder? ... and Other Political Cartoons, to boot
So, when is a cartoon not just a cartoon?-- when its a political cartoon, thats when. Check out Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonist Index on Slate. Its good for plenty of laughs in the form of some slick political critique.
Post-War Politics and the 21st Century's Newest Democracy As the world's oldest continuous democracy, the United States embarks into virgin territory to create the 21st Century's newest democracy, in Iraq. This article in the New York Post treats the topic pretty even-handedly. Friday, April 4, 2003 More Evidence that Bush was Right 1. U.S. Troops find anti-nerve agents, and instructions on chemical warfare south of Baghdad... click here 2. Throngs of jubilant Iraqis greet American 101st Airborn in Najaf... click here 3. Iraq promises 'Unconventional' attack (with weapons they supposedly don't have)... click here
...and that Kerry is wrong Kerry calls for 'regime change' in U.S... click here Thursday, April 3, 2003 You deserve a pat on the back... So click here
David Horowitz: the War Has Refuted the Opposition Check out this article by David Horowitz regarding the war. I made the contention yesterday that the progess of the war has refuted the naysaying of the leftist media in America. David takes the point even further, saying that the war has uncovered much evidence refuting all of the anti-war opposition. Its concise and difficult to disagree with.
Barbershop Politics So I went to Tony's Barbershop today to get my hair cut. Having had a flat-top since second grade, I am quite discerning in the haircuts that I receive. After two dismal failures getting my haircut right at other barbershops, I took a coworker's advice and went to Tony's. I was not disappointed this time. The flat-top was nearly perfect, and the discussion we had was a thought-provoking discourse on political theory and cultural economics of all things. To paraphrase, it went something like this: << Me: So, I bet you don't do too many flat-tops anymore? Tony (in a thick Italian accent): Yeah, used to, I did a lot of them, but not anymore. Me: When I was in second grade and flat-tops were the "in-style" my mom took me and my older brother to get flat-tops. I've had it ever-since. Tony: When I came over here from Italy in the 60s, I was at the tail-end of when flat-tops were first popular. Everybody tried to look the same. Then, everybody grew their hair out long, but they still looked the same. I guess it was to follow the Beatles and then to protest the war. Anyways, barbers lost a lot of money then. Me: Really? I didn't know there was much of an economic impact on barbers from that. Tony: Oh yah, there was. The Beatles made tons of money, and the barbers lost tons of money. But things are better today. I see a good mix of all kinds of haircuts now. Me: Cool. Tony: The same thing goes for politics. Its good to mix it up. Too many people just follow lock-in-step and don't think for themselves. Me: Diversity... Interesting... I must admit that I have never been one to follow pop-culture and the latest styles, as shown by my continued keeping of the flat-top. Tony: Often times, leaders are the ones who don't try to make themselves like everybody else in politics. They might not be recognized as leaders at the time, but today we see them that way. Kids read history books and they want to be leaders like the people they read about, but the irony is that they can't be like them, they have to be different to be leaders. And government leaders are different today than they used to be. Used to, leaders were men, and everyone else were sheep-- not men. Me: Hmmm. Tony: I was watching that show "Starsearch" last night. People go up there and have to sing and dance, and do lots of other stuff, and then they get voted on by a panel, but one person on the panel could be paid off to vote a certain way. That is why having multiple people on a panel is better. And at the end. we can all vote by computer or telephone. Me: Less chance of corruption. Today we vote for our political leaders and that leads to more accountability. Tony: Right... Senators and Congressmen aren't necessarily leaders, but they are essentially hired by their constituents. Me: I think its sad that more people don't vote regularly. Tony: Its not about how many vote; the ones that do vote, that really care, need to be listened to more. >> My muse is found in conversations like this one. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 Quote of the Day I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent. -author unknown
War and Media Today the incessant naysaying of the Washington Post and CNN has been shown to be what it truly is: crap. With numerous sources reporting that the U.S. military has destroyed an entire Republican Guard (which the Post has laughingly called 'elite') division, and severely hurt another one. The impressive feat of the United States' military deserves immense praise. They have marched to Baghdad in under 2 weeks, stopped Saddam from blowing up over 95% of his oil fields, severely hurt Saddam's leadership structure, uncovered evidence of forbidden missiles, taken unprecedented numbers of surrendered soldiers, and granted the most openess ever to the media in a war. I think the American public sees the truth. Tuesday, April 1, 2003 Homosexuality and the Bible: the discussion continues... I was reading the Independent Gay Forum today and came across this article which happens to follow up quite nicely the debate I had on Instant Messenger yesterday. In fact, its conclusion is nearly identical to my own, albeit with slightly different wording. And definitely check out the Biblical passages on slavery that it cites-- enlightening. |
As always, I encourage feedback-- comments, criticisms, arguments... you decide which
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courtesy Daryl
Cagle