Yeah, I just went to a panel on contemporary issues in evolution. I have thoughts.
I'm going to disagree with Darwin on this one and say that there is an evolutionary advantage to altruism not stemming from some sort of basic good instinct.
I'll start with the obvious argument: altruism is mutually beneficial. If you're good to someone, there's a chance that they will be good back and therefore save you from being devoured by the horrors of anarchy or, to put it less melodramatically, offer you valuable services that you can't offer yourself. Altruism is about protecting individuals by creating the protective coccoon often known as 'society.' Keep people busy helping each other, returning favors, and there's no way they'll have the time to think of killing you. And yes, you do then have to consider whence arose the notion of 'favors' and 'mutuality'--well, primates display a ton of group behavior, and there is what I would call cultural dimorphism in humans, even back from the hunter-gatherer days (males former, females latter), so there is a huge mutual benefit simply from the understanding that the Y chromosome does one job, the X another.
But anyway. Onward to a more recent topic I find most intriguing (and just discovered while looking for links between MS and the immune system).
This journal paper mentions, to summarize, links between what I'll call the "emotion molecules" (serotonin (5-HT), dopamine) and certain factors released during immunological attack.
So what I'm thinking is, shouldn't this work both ways? In Immunobiology, I learned that the brain basically has no role in the immune system...but this doesn't seem right, considering especially the hypothalamus and pituitary glands and their roles in, well, everything.
I propose that altruism may have arisen as a simple way to alter the mood, by which of course I mean the chemical balance in the brain, and promote certain types of immune responses for better health.
Yay!
2.26.2009
2.25.2009
The Barack Pose
I think it's time this term was coined.
Head uplifted and turned sideways, eyes not looking at the camera, stern expression. Works best on a backdrop of the American flag.
And even if it is a classic pose, I think he's really appropriated this one, just as Napoleon appropriated a rather classic gesture of having one hand inside the jacket. Think about the words "yes, we can" and you will probably see this pose in your mind. Even if you didn't vote for him. (Although yes, this is probably limited to American citizens.)
How long has it been since America equivocated itself with the whole of Europe...?
Head uplifted and turned sideways, eyes not looking at the camera, stern expression. Works best on a backdrop of the American flag.
And even if it is a classic pose, I think he's really appropriated this one, just as Napoleon appropriated a rather classic gesture of having one hand inside the jacket. Think about the words "yes, we can" and you will probably see this pose in your mind. Even if you didn't vote for him. (Although yes, this is probably limited to American citizens.)
How long has it been since America equivocated itself with the whole of Europe...?
2.24.2009
Not the State of the Union
(live blogging--I'm not psychic so the quotes aren't always perfectly correct)
(It's not actually the State of the Union address, but President Obama is addressing a joint session.)
Goddammit but NBC has the most annoying commentary...and the best sound quality.
The President is rather popular during the aisle, apparently. Really I'm more curious about the Republicans...okay, they've finally gotten to that. Pretty awesome that his popularity has gone up despite the giant crisis: I think many are blaming Bush's neglect for this and are instead lauding President Obama's efforts to get things done.
Studying FDR's fireside chats: more parallels to the Depression. I'm starting to wonder if it is even possible to escape this entirely.
8.15--finally at the podium. Still clapping, though. It's really funny (strange) to see President Obama not towering over everyone (Biden and Pelosi are behind him on an elevation). And it turns out that that wasn't even the official introduction...more clapping. For the record, the House of Representatives has incredibly comfortable seats.
(Addressing everyone: Michelle Obama gets her own standing ovation. Definitely a Jackie O feel.)
"...to speak frankly and directly to the men and women who sent us here." Plain words time. Avoiding the numbers: the qualitative cost of the horrible economy.
"The United States of America will emerge stronger than before." Standing ovation. I keep forgetting how awesome his voice sounds with good bass...turning that up. Definite call for real, fundamental change. "The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation...." YES! He mentioned that the future rests in the laboratories first! Of course, universities, etc. as well. This has got to be the most consistent campaigning ever.
'For too long, we have avoided certain responsibilites'..."our economy did not fall into decline overnight." "We have known for decades..."--accusations of the Bush and Reagan administrations?
"We have lived through an era where too often short-term gains were [valued] above long-term prosperity." Definitive accusations of the previous administration. "Regulations were gutted...", etc. People blamed, but not nearly as much as banks and, above all, the avoidance of "critical debates."
The "day of reckoning" has arrived--Biblical, clever rhetoric, or both?
Time for the economic agenda. (Definitely covering for Geithner's messing up.)
First things first--jobs. He claims to not believe in bigger government and is also mindful of the debt we're in. "A failure to act would've worsened..." the crisis. The American Economic Recovery & Investment Act is now law. (This doesn't say that much, though, because the Democrat majority could've pushed this all by themselves.)
Definite plans familiar of the New Deal, with the notable addition of laying broadband (important nowadays).
95% of Americans receive a tax cut! Refunds arriving starting April 1st. Tax credit for four years of college...goddammit, where was Mr. Obama four years ago (when I started college)? To the skeptics: he understands "how quickly good intentions can turn into broken promises, wasteful spending...". VP Biden will lead a "tough" oversight, "because nobody messes with Joe." Applause, smiles. Mayors & governors will be held accountable: new website, recovery.gov for easy access to find out where the money's going. Yes! Use that technology!
"No real recovery unless we clean up the credit crisis..." Speaking plainly and candidly: "every American should know that it affects you and your family." But the concern is the importance of restarting lending: "the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy." Banks are afraid of lending money because of debts...but this is pretty much just a vicious cycle. Based on everything that has been said about Wall Street, this seems to be perfectly true.
New lending fund ("largest one ever") for college, auto, small business loans.
A housing plan for responsible families facing foreclosure--lower interest rates to combat lowered house values. Chance of saving at least $2,000 a year on the mortgage (this really isn't that much).
"Wall Street may be more comforted by a bailout...with no strings attached." But the real appeal will be made to--dare I say it--Main Street. "This time, they will have to clearly demonstrate" how their use of money will "help the American taxpayer." No more fancy jets, upholstery, etc. Standing ovation for this standard of accountability. "Still, this plan will require significant resources from the federal government." "The cost of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that sputters along...for a decade.... I refuse to let that happen." Another standing ovation from the floor.
"In a time of crisis, we cannot afford to govern out of anger or yield to the politics of the moment." All, take heed. It's time to dump this excessive partisan bullshit and do something. "It's not about helping banks, it's about helping people."
Building houses is the awesome is what this is coming down to. I think the real idea here is to not only encourage lending but also to reinspire spirit in home ownership--it's funny, because this used to be a real big part of the "American Dream."
Asking Congress to "move quickly." "It is time, it is time"--Another standing ovation. No shortcuts, no abuse. These steps are the immediate ones, but the long-term investments are the most important.
The submission of a budget to Congress: "I see [this document] as a vision for America, a blueprint for the future...it reflects the stark reality of what we've inherited." Again, reminders that this is from the last administration. Even though things will have to be put in the backburner, we still have to pay attention.
The best part: "I reject the view that things will take care of themselves." "In the midst of the Civil War, we laid railroads...."--the bailout doesn't mean that his campaign promises will be dropped. The opposite, in fact, since he thinks that this really is the only route for America.
Energy, healthcare, education. (Remember 9/11, 9/11, God Bless America? I most certainly prefer this version.)
"We invented solar technology but we've fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it." "I do not accept a future where [our production has] fallen beyond our borders." Why is America inventing things but not making them? Americans are so reluctant to hard, tedious work: a sacrifice that Obama hasn't specifically mentioned. Talk of research, etc. But still, menial labor has to happen here.
"Clean, renewable energy" has to be "the profitable kind of energy." A market-based cap on carbon emissions: interesting idea.
$15 billion/year to develop wind, solar, biofuels, clean coal, and American-built efficient cars and trucks.
About the auto industry: "we should not and will not protect them from their own bad practices. But we are committed to a reimagined, retooled" auto industry. "The nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it."
"This is America; we do what's necessary to move this country forward."
Healthcare--"the crushing cost of healthcare." Goddamn, premiums are rising like college tuition. What's that? Nationalized healthcare is socialist? :P Who cares. "We can no longer afford to put healthcare reform on hold."
Awesome and highly deadly drinking game: every time he gets a standing ovation. At least six shots by now...and two in 30 seconds, just now (8.43).
AAAUGH. "a cure for cancer in our time." Have I mentioned how impossible this is? Hell, Wired--which really is ahead of our time mentioned this...oh, good. "Preventive care." That's where all the money should be going...that and EARLY DETECTION.
"Nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt called for reform..." things still suck. Healthcare reform 'must not, cannot' wait another year. (That's another standing ovation.)
Education.
"In a global economy, where the most valuable skill you can sell is your own knowledge...." Wait, our high school dropout rate (one of the highest among industrialized countries) and college finish rates ("half") are that high?! Welp, the Republicans definitely didn't stand for that standing ovation (they zoomed to McCain for a moment, he has this weird smile on his face).
"We need to make college affordable for 7 million more students." "Our schools don't just need more resources, they need more reform." New incentives for teacher reform--a little unclear there. Higher standards, closed achievement gaps--extended to charter schools. "It is our responsibility as lawmakers--and as educators--to make the system work. But it is also the responsibility of every American to participate." "Dropping out of high school is no longer an option." Also attending beyond that--I mean, really not going to happen for people who have been out of the system. We'll see if this actually affects people in school now. (I wish they'd show whether or not the Republicans were standing...I think they just stood for both of the ovations.)
A new goal: "By 2020, America will have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world."
"A bipartisan legislation" from Sens. Orrin Hatch and Edward (?) Kennedy. Definitely a shout-out to that whole terminal thing that Kennedy doesn't want discussed.
"Responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That's not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue." Also, the responsibility of not passing on a giant-ass debt.
We must "do what it takes" to bring this debt down.
He's proud of passing a plan "without earmarks." Pledge to cut the deficit in half by 2012 (hey, maybe that's why the Apocalypse will happen!)
Allegedly, the staff has already identified "2 trillion dollars" in wasted budget money. Elimination of bad education, agribusiness, big contracts in Iraq, and reform of defense budgets "so that we're not spending on Cold War* defense systems we don't use." No more tax breaks for corporations that ship jobs overseas! (What about offshore businesses.)
No tax breaks for the wealthiest 2% of Americans--annoyed about the allegations of massive tax increases. Under $250k households will "not see [their] taxes increased by one single dime." "These checks are on the way"! O hai.
"To preserve fiscal health": the growing cost of Medicare and Social Security; the former can be dealt with by comprehensive healthcare reform. Something needs to be done about the latter, though.
"Accountability and honesty" in the budget: including the "full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan...no longer will we hide its price". The budget will also look 10 years in the future. Soon to announce a withdrawal from Iraq "that leaves Iraq to its people": McCain stood for this one.
God, I love that he knows how to pronounce the 'a' in Pakistan. More full-room ovation for discussion of national security.
For the troops: "We honor your service...and you have our unyielding support." Definitely.
"My budget increases the number of soldiers and Marines." Expanded healthcare, benefits, and pay raise for the veterans/servicepeople. Which should be quite possible "To overcome extremism, we must also uphold values"--"Living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer, and it makes us stronger." Why Guantanamo was closed. "The United States of America does not torture." (Standing ovation from everyone.) (Shatner on the last bit, there...and of course he's used the. one. word. sentence throughout tonight.)
Hey, Kerry!
An envoy to sustain the effort of creating peace between "Israel and her neighbors." Fighting all threats...including cyber ones, good, good. Working with the G20 (wait, seriously?!) to restore the economy.
"The world depends on us having a strong economy, just as ours depends on..." the world having a strong one. Lots of how important America is (yes, it is inevitable)...finally, an acknowledgment on how that goes both ways.
The entire world is watching us. (Vox dramatis. I made that Latin up.)
It's easy to become "cynical and doubtful"...any emos watching this?
Description of some cool bank dude. Anecdotes, etc. I'm not really that interested in the inspiration because I am nobody at the moment, nor do I need an emotional appeal where rationality does the job.
*ABOUT FUCKING TIME. I have much to say about the stupid legacy post-Cold War generations have been saddled with.
(It's not actually the State of the Union address, but President Obama is addressing a joint session.)
Goddammit but NBC has the most annoying commentary...and the best sound quality.
The President is rather popular during the aisle, apparently. Really I'm more curious about the Republicans...okay, they've finally gotten to that. Pretty awesome that his popularity has gone up despite the giant crisis: I think many are blaming Bush's neglect for this and are instead lauding President Obama's efforts to get things done.
Studying FDR's fireside chats: more parallels to the Depression. I'm starting to wonder if it is even possible to escape this entirely.
8.15--finally at the podium. Still clapping, though. It's really funny (strange) to see President Obama not towering over everyone (Biden and Pelosi are behind him on an elevation). And it turns out that that wasn't even the official introduction...more clapping. For the record, the House of Representatives has incredibly comfortable seats.
(Addressing everyone: Michelle Obama gets her own standing ovation. Definitely a Jackie O feel.)
"...to speak frankly and directly to the men and women who sent us here." Plain words time. Avoiding the numbers: the qualitative cost of the horrible economy.
"The United States of America will emerge stronger than before." Standing ovation. I keep forgetting how awesome his voice sounds with good bass...turning that up. Definite call for real, fundamental change. "The weight of this crisis will not determine the destiny of this nation...." YES! He mentioned that the future rests in the laboratories first! Of course, universities, etc. as well. This has got to be the most consistent campaigning ever.
'For too long, we have avoided certain responsibilites'..."our economy did not fall into decline overnight." "We have known for decades..."--accusations of the Bush and Reagan administrations?
"We have lived through an era where too often short-term gains were [valued] above long-term prosperity." Definitive accusations of the previous administration. "Regulations were gutted...", etc. People blamed, but not nearly as much as banks and, above all, the avoidance of "critical debates."
The "day of reckoning" has arrived--Biblical, clever rhetoric, or both?
Time for the economic agenda. (Definitely covering for Geithner's messing up.)
First things first--jobs. He claims to not believe in bigger government and is also mindful of the debt we're in. "A failure to act would've worsened..." the crisis. The American Economic Recovery & Investment Act is now law. (This doesn't say that much, though, because the Democrat majority could've pushed this all by themselves.)
Definite plans familiar of the New Deal, with the notable addition of laying broadband (important nowadays).
95% of Americans receive a tax cut! Refunds arriving starting April 1st. Tax credit for four years of college...goddammit, where was Mr. Obama four years ago (when I started college)? To the skeptics: he understands "how quickly good intentions can turn into broken promises, wasteful spending...". VP Biden will lead a "tough" oversight, "because nobody messes with Joe." Applause, smiles. Mayors & governors will be held accountable: new website, recovery.gov for easy access to find out where the money's going. Yes! Use that technology!
"No real recovery unless we clean up the credit crisis..." Speaking plainly and candidly: "every American should know that it affects you and your family." But the concern is the importance of restarting lending: "the flow of credit is the lifeblood of our economy." Banks are afraid of lending money because of debts...but this is pretty much just a vicious cycle. Based on everything that has been said about Wall Street, this seems to be perfectly true.
New lending fund ("largest one ever") for college, auto, small business loans.
A housing plan for responsible families facing foreclosure--lower interest rates to combat lowered house values. Chance of saving at least $2,000 a year on the mortgage (this really isn't that much).
"Wall Street may be more comforted by a bailout...with no strings attached." But the real appeal will be made to--dare I say it--Main Street. "This time, they will have to clearly demonstrate" how their use of money will "help the American taxpayer." No more fancy jets, upholstery, etc. Standing ovation for this standard of accountability. "Still, this plan will require significant resources from the federal government." "The cost of inaction will be far greater, for it could result in an economy that sputters along...for a decade.... I refuse to let that happen." Another standing ovation from the floor.
"In a time of crisis, we cannot afford to govern out of anger or yield to the politics of the moment." All, take heed. It's time to dump this excessive partisan bullshit and do something. "It's not about helping banks, it's about helping people."
Building houses is the awesome is what this is coming down to. I think the real idea here is to not only encourage lending but also to reinspire spirit in home ownership--it's funny, because this used to be a real big part of the "American Dream."
Asking Congress to "move quickly." "It is time, it is time"--Another standing ovation. No shortcuts, no abuse. These steps are the immediate ones, but the long-term investments are the most important.
The submission of a budget to Congress: "I see [this document] as a vision for America, a blueprint for the future...it reflects the stark reality of what we've inherited." Again, reminders that this is from the last administration. Even though things will have to be put in the backburner, we still have to pay attention.
The best part: "I reject the view that things will take care of themselves." "In the midst of the Civil War, we laid railroads...."--the bailout doesn't mean that his campaign promises will be dropped. The opposite, in fact, since he thinks that this really is the only route for America.
Energy, healthcare, education. (Remember 9/11, 9/11, God Bless America? I most certainly prefer this version.)
"We invented solar technology but we've fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it." "I do not accept a future where [our production has] fallen beyond our borders." Why is America inventing things but not making them? Americans are so reluctant to hard, tedious work: a sacrifice that Obama hasn't specifically mentioned. Talk of research, etc. But still, menial labor has to happen here.
"Clean, renewable energy" has to be "the profitable kind of energy." A market-based cap on carbon emissions: interesting idea.
$15 billion/year to develop wind, solar, biofuels, clean coal, and American-built efficient cars and trucks.
About the auto industry: "we should not and will not protect them from their own bad practices. But we are committed to a reimagined, retooled" auto industry. "The nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it."
"This is America; we do what's necessary to move this country forward."
Healthcare--"the crushing cost of healthcare." Goddamn, premiums are rising like college tuition. What's that? Nationalized healthcare is socialist? :P Who cares. "We can no longer afford to put healthcare reform on hold."
Awesome and highly deadly drinking game: every time he gets a standing ovation. At least six shots by now...and two in 30 seconds, just now (8.43).
AAAUGH. "a cure for cancer in our time." Have I mentioned how impossible this is? Hell, Wired--which really is ahead of our time mentioned this...oh, good. "Preventive care." That's where all the money should be going...that and EARLY DETECTION.
"Nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt called for reform..." things still suck. Healthcare reform 'must not, cannot' wait another year. (That's another standing ovation.)
Education.
"In a global economy, where the most valuable skill you can sell is your own knowledge...." Wait, our high school dropout rate (one of the highest among industrialized countries) and college finish rates ("half") are that high?! Welp, the Republicans definitely didn't stand for that standing ovation (they zoomed to McCain for a moment, he has this weird smile on his face).
"We need to make college affordable for 7 million more students." "Our schools don't just need more resources, they need more reform." New incentives for teacher reform--a little unclear there. Higher standards, closed achievement gaps--extended to charter schools. "It is our responsibility as lawmakers--and as educators--to make the system work. But it is also the responsibility of every American to participate." "Dropping out of high school is no longer an option." Also attending beyond that--I mean, really not going to happen for people who have been out of the system. We'll see if this actually affects people in school now. (I wish they'd show whether or not the Republicans were standing...I think they just stood for both of the ovations.)
A new goal: "By 2020, America will have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world."
"A bipartisan legislation" from Sens. Orrin Hatch and Edward (?) Kennedy. Definitely a shout-out to that whole terminal thing that Kennedy doesn't want discussed.
"Responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That's not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue." Also, the responsibility of not passing on a giant-ass debt.
We must "do what it takes" to bring this debt down.
He's proud of passing a plan "without earmarks." Pledge to cut the deficit in half by 2012 (hey, maybe that's why the Apocalypse will happen!)
Allegedly, the staff has already identified "2 trillion dollars" in wasted budget money. Elimination of bad education, agribusiness, big contracts in Iraq, and reform of defense budgets "so that we're not spending on Cold War* defense systems we don't use." No more tax breaks for corporations that ship jobs overseas! (What about offshore businesses.)
No tax breaks for the wealthiest 2% of Americans--annoyed about the allegations of massive tax increases. Under $250k households will "not see [their] taxes increased by one single dime." "These checks are on the way"! O hai.
"To preserve fiscal health": the growing cost of Medicare and Social Security; the former can be dealt with by comprehensive healthcare reform. Something needs to be done about the latter, though.
"Accountability and honesty" in the budget: including the "full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan...no longer will we hide its price". The budget will also look 10 years in the future. Soon to announce a withdrawal from Iraq "that leaves Iraq to its people": McCain stood for this one.
God, I love that he knows how to pronounce the 'a' in Pakistan. More full-room ovation for discussion of national security.
For the troops: "We honor your service...and you have our unyielding support." Definitely.
"My budget increases the number of soldiers and Marines." Expanded healthcare, benefits, and pay raise for the veterans/servicepeople. Which should be quite possible "To overcome extremism, we must also uphold values"--"Living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer, and it makes us stronger." Why Guantanamo was closed. "The United States of America does not torture." (Standing ovation from everyone.) (Shatner on the last bit, there...and of course he's used the. one. word. sentence throughout tonight.)
Hey, Kerry!
An envoy to sustain the effort of creating peace between "Israel and her neighbors." Fighting all threats...including cyber ones, good, good. Working with the G20 (wait, seriously?!) to restore the economy.
"The world depends on us having a strong economy, just as ours depends on..." the world having a strong one. Lots of how important America is (yes, it is inevitable)...finally, an acknowledgment on how that goes both ways.
The entire world is watching us. (Vox dramatis. I made that Latin up.)
It's easy to become "cynical and doubtful"...any emos watching this?
Description of some cool bank dude. Anecdotes, etc. I'm not really that interested in the inspiration because I am nobody at the moment, nor do I need an emotional appeal where rationality does the job.
*ABOUT FUCKING TIME. I have much to say about the stupid legacy post-Cold War generations have been saddled with.
2.23.2009
Get Over Getting Over Race
(Yes, this is pretty meta.)
So recently there's been a deal of controversy about how there's still racism in the media, &c. The main argument has been, we need to do more to get over it.
To which I say: getting over race is like fighting a war on terror.
It is ridiculous to try and eradicate something that does not exist as any sort of institution--is, in fact, not allowed to exist as any sort of institution--because what can you tell people? Racism exists in a million different forms, from the way people cringe and clutch their bags when they go south of Roosevelt (12th street south of the Chicago River) and the way people look at Asians studying for their Econ exams. There's no way to get rid of a stereotype when it is partially promoted: there are far less poor whites in the inner city area, and Asians have a thing about respectable, solid career choices.
So what can we do?
I think the only answer is to recognize racism as an inevitable part of culture and reach for the root of the problem instead of just trying to pretend it's not there. Stupid to try to not be prejudiced when more African-Americans live in poverty than whites: that's a problem that should be fixed, not ignored.
Even if race disappeared, there would still be socioeconomic distinctions. For a long time now, it's been popular to identify with specific groups, and that identification ensures that there will always be some form of discrimination around.
Addendum: New House, MD episode "The Softer Side" (thanks, IMDB) is already compensating for last week's suckage. Yaaaay! (Terminator reference? Yesplease. Major drama involving major characters? Yesplease!)
And about new Heroes episode: I swear a good show goes bad as soon as they insert fake military. And why has no one thought of just killing anyone with the surname Petrelli yet?
So recently there's been a deal of controversy about how there's still racism in the media, &c. The main argument has been, we need to do more to get over it.
To which I say: getting over race is like fighting a war on terror.
It is ridiculous to try and eradicate something that does not exist as any sort of institution--is, in fact, not allowed to exist as any sort of institution--because what can you tell people? Racism exists in a million different forms, from the way people cringe and clutch their bags when they go south of Roosevelt (12th street south of the Chicago River) and the way people look at Asians studying for their Econ exams. There's no way to get rid of a stereotype when it is partially promoted: there are far less poor whites in the inner city area, and Asians have a thing about respectable, solid career choices.
So what can we do?
I think the only answer is to recognize racism as an inevitable part of culture and reach for the root of the problem instead of just trying to pretend it's not there. Stupid to try to not be prejudiced when more African-Americans live in poverty than whites: that's a problem that should be fixed, not ignored.
Even if race disappeared, there would still be socioeconomic distinctions. For a long time now, it's been popular to identify with specific groups, and that identification ensures that there will always be some form of discrimination around.
Addendum: New House, MD episode "The Softer Side" (thanks, IMDB) is already compensating for last week's suckage. Yaaaay! (Terminator reference? Yesplease. Major drama involving major characters? Yesplease!)
And about new Heroes episode: I swear a good show goes bad as soon as they insert fake military. And why has no one thought of just killing anyone with the surname Petrelli yet?
2.19.2009
Great Depression Redux?
I'm still having a hard time believing that the U.S. (rather, the world) is undergoing the worst depression since at least the '80s. I guess part of the problem is that all the stories of the Great Depression, all those stupid kid books they make you read in elementary school, are about poor farmers' children and one of the most dramatic parts of that era, the Dust Bowl. Considering that the U.S. job market is now primarily service-based, it's harder to see these obvious signs--droughts and famine have little meaning when we import most of our crops. And it's still hard for me to pay attention to price fluctuations when I never have to buy anything except clothes, which are all cheap right now.
People don't hear the stories of the middle class dudes who were largely unaffected by the Depression. Why is everything about extremes?
On another note, you'd think by now the Republicans would have noticed that, every time a recession has not been major, it has been because the President chose to interfere in the economy--and I'm including a war under the heading of interference. The problem with Bush's whole "preemptive strike" is that it took place during a budget surplus, so instead of stimulating a failing economy it simply screwed a healthy one. And there's always the question of whether or not we needed World War II to get out of the Great Depression: FDR's plans were doing something, but was it enough?
All in all, people should probably think before they criticize. I seem to vaguely remember that history has this tendency to repeat itself.
EDIT 02/21/09: AARGH
People don't hear the stories of the middle class dudes who were largely unaffected by the Depression. Why is everything about extremes?
On another note, you'd think by now the Republicans would have noticed that, every time a recession has not been major, it has been because the President chose to interfere in the economy--and I'm including a war under the heading of interference. The problem with Bush's whole "preemptive strike" is that it took place during a budget surplus, so instead of stimulating a failing economy it simply screwed a healthy one. And there's always the question of whether or not we needed World War II to get out of the Great Depression: FDR's plans were doing something, but was it enough?
All in all, people should probably think before they criticize. I seem to vaguely remember that history has this tendency to repeat itself.
EDIT 02/21/09: AARGH
2.12.2009
Bad Day For The South
Ok, no, I can't really take credit for that joke, but it's kind of true. :D (Lincoln and Darwin, in case you were wondering.)
It's been 200 years, which is more than long enough to get the facts completely distorted, and there are a couple of things that I think should be straightened out. I think the truth is a bit more to Darwin's credit than to Lincoln's, personally.
For all you Darwin or evolution bashers, get this straight: evolution is not teleological (I just learned that word today!). There is no "end" in sight. This is a random process--if it fits together and successfully reproduces, it survives. Opposable thumbs and big brains are a happy accident.
Actually, there are some scientists who need to remember this too. It's time we stopped looking for progress and instead focused on trends--and I also think that researchers are getting better about that.
About Lincoln: above all, he originally wanted to preserve the Union. I don't remember the exact source, but he did say that he wouldn't free the slaves if it would mean the dissolution of the United States. He did still run on the abolitionists' side (which is what the Republican party was originally created as, and yes both parties have changed a lot since then), so yeah, he was in favor of that. Good for him.
Of course, the U.S. was still behind even Russia (well known as the lagger when considered with other European countries, and anyone who wants to yell at me about it can just take a quick look at the Russo-Japanese War), in that Russia freed its serfs after (or perhaps right around) the Crimean War, which was from 1859-1861.
At this point, I could bitch a lot about how badly American history is taught in schools: the Civil War was not the first modern war and the last thing Americans did before the Europeans was have a revolution....
Anyway, 200th birthday for Lincoln and Darwin both. How often does that happen, where two really famous, controversial people are born on the same day in the same year?
It's been 200 years, which is more than long enough to get the facts completely distorted, and there are a couple of things that I think should be straightened out. I think the truth is a bit more to Darwin's credit than to Lincoln's, personally.
For all you Darwin or evolution bashers, get this straight: evolution is not teleological (I just learned that word today!). There is no "end" in sight. This is a random process--if it fits together and successfully reproduces, it survives. Opposable thumbs and big brains are a happy accident.
Actually, there are some scientists who need to remember this too. It's time we stopped looking for progress and instead focused on trends--and I also think that researchers are getting better about that.
About Lincoln: above all, he originally wanted to preserve the Union. I don't remember the exact source, but he did say that he wouldn't free the slaves if it would mean the dissolution of the United States. He did still run on the abolitionists' side (which is what the Republican party was originally created as, and yes both parties have changed a lot since then), so yeah, he was in favor of that. Good for him.
Of course, the U.S. was still behind even Russia (well known as the lagger when considered with other European countries, and anyone who wants to yell at me about it can just take a quick look at the Russo-Japanese War), in that Russia freed its serfs after (or perhaps right around) the Crimean War, which was from 1859-1861.
At this point, I could bitch a lot about how badly American history is taught in schools: the Civil War was not the first modern war and the last thing Americans did before the Europeans was have a revolution....
Anyway, 200th birthday for Lincoln and Darwin both. How often does that happen, where two really famous, controversial people are born on the same day in the same year?
2.09.2009
That Bailout Thing
O hey it is an Obama address! I keep forgetting that there is still news happening. (Seriously, I was looking for Heroes.)
Um, why the fuck is there a question about major league baseball. They were talking about the economy--where Obama is pretty much repeating all the stuff he's been saying all along, with the added benefit of being allowed to moralize because his opinion has been voted into office now. (Haha, credibility of people who doubled the national debt called into question! We need angrier Democrats!)
Also, the point of a stimulus package is to spend..."ideological blockage" on the part of the Republicans. Obama calls himself the "eternal optimist": I agree. He is fairly idealistic.
I'm pretty worried that I'm excited about this ending now in the hopes that Heroes might still run....
Interesting, because the NBC people argue that they should have done all of this a week earlier. I think they still have enough time, though, since the deadline is automatically set for Presidents Day.
...watching Heroes now. (oh my god Sylar even with his daddy issues. the writing is much better--I'd recommend watching it now.)
Um, why the fuck is there a question about major league baseball. They were talking about the economy--where Obama is pretty much repeating all the stuff he's been saying all along, with the added benefit of being allowed to moralize because his opinion has been voted into office now. (Haha, credibility of people who doubled the national debt called into question! We need angrier Democrats!)
Also, the point of a stimulus package is to spend..."ideological blockage" on the part of the Republicans. Obama calls himself the "eternal optimist": I agree. He is fairly idealistic.
I'm pretty worried that I'm excited about this ending now in the hopes that Heroes might still run....
Interesting, because the NBC people argue that they should have done all of this a week earlier. I think they still have enough time, though, since the deadline is automatically set for Presidents Day.
...watching Heroes now. (oh my god Sylar even with his daddy issues. the writing is much better--I'd recommend watching it now.)
2.07.2009
Coraline
Well, my sister wanted to go and I knew my mother would never say yes to an opening weekend movie, so...ok shut up I wanted to see it too. Animation = awe-some!
The biggest thing you have to keep in mind if you see this, though, is that even if it's a Neil Gaiman story, it's still a kid's book. He hasn't lost his touch for being creative with familiar ideas--but the ending is a little more definitive than, say, that of American Gods (yeah, it's that not very good sequel definitive).
As for the graphics, :O !!!! a) See it in 3D. It'll still be good without, but see-it-in-3D. Seriously. b) The "Nightmare Before Christmas" producer (sad that I don't actually know his name) knows what he is doing with stop motion! Definitely use of digital elements, but still pretty true to the core reality elements (which, honestly, I don't entirely understand--why make it when you can render it)? And of course there's a hint of the macabre/gothic/whatever they're calling it these days, which appeals to the adult crowd--and probably the kids too, I mean it's not like Halloween actually scares anyone these days.
(If the animation were a man, it would be sexier than Daniel Craig.)
So, anyway, rating: full price ticket at Cinemark! That's, like, eight and a half whole dollars. Not AMC full price because the buildup was a little slow and the plot is pretty much classic kids' fare, but yeah it's so pretty pretty pretty. (Oh, and the 3D glasses cost extra.)
P.S. If you're wondering whether or not you should stick around for the post-credit short: it's interesting from a technical perspective. No plot, though.
The biggest thing you have to keep in mind if you see this, though, is that even if it's a Neil Gaiman story, it's still a kid's book. He hasn't lost his touch for being creative with familiar ideas--but the ending is a little more definitive than, say, that of American Gods (yeah, it's that not very good sequel definitive).
As for the graphics, :O !!!! a) See it in 3D. It'll still be good without, but see-it-in-3D. Seriously. b) The "Nightmare Before Christmas" producer (sad that I don't actually know his name) knows what he is doing with stop motion! Definitely use of digital elements, but still pretty true to the core reality elements (which, honestly, I don't entirely understand--why make it when you can render it)? And of course there's a hint of the macabre/gothic/whatever they're calling it these days, which appeals to the adult crowd--and probably the kids too, I mean it's not like Halloween actually scares anyone these days.
(If the animation were a man, it would be sexier than Daniel Craig.)
So, anyway, rating: full price ticket at Cinemark! That's, like, eight and a half whole dollars. Not AMC full price because the buildup was a little slow and the plot is pretty much classic kids' fare, but yeah it's so pretty pretty pretty. (Oh, and the 3D glasses cost extra.)
P.S. If you're wondering whether or not you should stick around for the post-credit short: it's interesting from a technical perspective. No plot, though.
2.03.2009
Republicans are Assholes
First things first: obviously, I exaggerate. It's really the representatives that are the problem. I don't think too many people will argue that Fox is the foremost, if not really the only (although, in general, editors tend to lean conservative), truly visible outlet of conservative media. And yet it allows people to talk about letting the President fail.
What. The. Fuck.
In eight years of bad policy, the Democrats criticized. Wheedled. Demanded changes, protested, so on and so forth. But never did they just sit back and decide that it was alright for the country to go to Hell just because its president was less than competent.
Republicans, you disappoint me. Not only during the campaign trail--KKK much, seriously? --but now, today, when instead of coming up with acceptable alternatives and pushing them forth, you sit back and vindictively hope to enjoy the show. I had no idea that half of this country was composed of whiny little six-year-olds.
What. The. Fuck.
In eight years of bad policy, the Democrats criticized. Wheedled. Demanded changes, protested, so on and so forth. But never did they just sit back and decide that it was alright for the country to go to Hell just because its president was less than competent.
Republicans, you disappoint me. Not only during the campaign trail--KKK much, seriously? --but now, today, when instead of coming up with acceptable alternatives and pushing them forth, you sit back and vindictively hope to enjoy the show. I had no idea that half of this country was composed of whiny little six-year-olds.
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