Anti-Science House Republicans Introduce Bill to Gut National Science Foundation

Eating the future
Politics • Views: 19,735

The party that denies climate change and still refuses to accept the theory of evolution after more than a century is now planning to gut the National Science Foundation. Because of course they are.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration and the scientific community at large are expressing serious alarm at a House Republican bill that they argue would dramatically undermine way research is conducted in America.

Titled the “Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science, and Technology (FIRST) Act of 2014,” the bill would put a variety of new restrictions on how funds are doled out by the National Science Foundation. The goal, per its Republican supporters on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, would be to weed out projects whose cost can’t be justified or whose sociological purpose is not apparent.

For Democrats and advocates, however, the FIRST Act represents a dangerous injection of politics into science and a direct assault on the much-cherished peer-review process by which grants are awarded.

“We have a system of peer-review science that has served as a model for not only research in this country but in others,” said Bill Andresen, the associate vice president of Federal Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania. “The question is, does Congress really think it has the better ability to determine the scientific merit of grant applications or should it be left up to the scientists and their peers?”

Shudder. This means that one of the people on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee who will be deciding which scientific research should be funded is: Paul Broun, who believes the Big Bang, evolution, and embryology are all “lies straight from the pit of hell.”

YouTube

UPDATE at 5/6/14 11:48:02 am

Other Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee:

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), who drafted a resolution for Americans to “join together in prayer to humbly seek fair weather conditions” after a series of destructive tornados and droughts, is also on the House Science Committee, as is Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), who suggested “dinosaur flatulence” may have caused climate change 55 million years ago.

They’re joined by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), who has characterized climate science as an “international conspiracy,” as well as Rep. Sandy Adams (R-Fla.), who supports having public-school science teachers offer lessons on “theories that contradict the theory of evolution.”

Jump to bottom

435 comments
1 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 11:34:53am

Time to gut the Republican Party.

Two science careers among my siblings were launched with NSF grants.

2 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 11:35:20am

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

3 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 11:36:01am
4 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 11:36:52am

re: #3 Pie-onist Overlord

[Embedded content]

As she demonstrates the reason.

5 freetoken  May 6, 2014 11:37:26am

They’ve been at this a while, really quite a long while. Politicians have often taken jabs at academic research.

These days the paleo-right is particularly angry at social science research, though it takes up but a tiny fraction of NSF funding. They’ve objected strongly to political science funding (though it’s almost non existent), as well as the other “soft” sciences.

Psychology - another thing the paleo-right doesn’t like.

6 Kragar  May 6, 2014 11:37:38am
“weed out projects whose cost can’t be justified or whose sociological purpose is not apparent.”

These fuckers don’t recognize climate change, the age of the planet, or evolution. They’re supposed to be trusted to understand what science will benefit society the most?

Fuck them.

7 Kragar  May 6, 2014 11:38:08am

re: #2 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

But our intellectual purity would be upheld.
///

8 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 11:38:17am

re: #2 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

We’ll still have the bible.

9 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 11:38:52am

Paul Broun is far from the only creationist Republican on the House Science Committee, by the way. He’s just the most well known.

10 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 11:39:07am

re: #2 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

That’s a feature, not a bug. Who needs science when they have the Bible?

No different than Boko Haram, really…..well, OK; they’re not selling kidnapped schoolgirls.

Not yet.

*smh*

11 Kragar  May 6, 2014 11:39:46am

re: #8 Skip Intro

We’ll still have the bible.

Who needs science when you have the protective hand of God?

Plus, with all the money we save, we can fund prayer in school, morality police, and a national abstinence only sex ed program.

12 Lidane  May 6, 2014 11:40:16am

re: #2 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

American Exceptionalism!

13 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 11:40:32am

The only good science is science that can be used immediately by the Koch Brothers to make more money.

14 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 11:42:04am

I fully expect this effort to be choked in the cradle once Merck, 3M, Dow Chemical, Boeing, etc. start making some calls.

There are just waaaaaaaay too many big-money industrial concerns that damned well know they depend on a symbiotic relationship with a healthy academic community.

It’s still horrifying it got even as far as this, of course.

15 jaunte  May 6, 2014 11:42:18am

Committee Members, 113th Congress
science.house.gov

16 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 11:42:56am

re: #14 Testy Toad T

The stupidity of the Republican Party is truly boundless.

17 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 11:44:03am

The teen in Texas who got off in the DWI trial due to “Affluenza” now gets to watch his parents start paying out to settle the various civil cases.

Still doesn’t make it right, but this is better than them not having to pay anything at all.

nbcdfw.com

18 Decatur Deb  May 6, 2014 11:44:09am

re: #15 jaunte

Committee Members, 113th Congress
science.house.gov

Revenge of the ‘C’ students.

19 jaunte  May 6, 2014 11:44:32am

re: #18 Decatur Deb

Steve Stockman!

20 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 11:45:14am

Let’s hope they can finally stop these egghead scientists from studying fruit flies in Paris, France.

21 Lidane  May 6, 2014 11:45:25am

re: #16 Skip Intro

The stupidity of the Republican Party is truly boundless.

Challenge Accepted!

Just wait until the 2016 primaries start.

22 philosophus invidius  May 6, 2014 11:45:30am

Who needs the NSF? If the science were any good it would have private funding. Like from the oil industry and tobacco industries, for example.

23 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 11:47:59am

re: #3 Pie-onist Overlord

They should just go to work at WalMart.
Or flip burgers.

24 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 11:48:08am

Other Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee:

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas), who drafted a resolution for Americans to “join together in prayer to humbly seek fair weather conditions” after a series of destructive tornados and droughts, is also on the House Science Committee, as is Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), who suggested “dinosaur flatulence” may have caused climate change 55 million years ago.

They’re joined by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), who has characterized climate science as an “international conspiracy,” as well as Rep. Sandy Adams (R-Fla.), who supports having public-school science teachers offer lessons on “theories that contradict the theory of evolution.”

25 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 11:49:00am

Company
#Descriminates
by banning homeschooled workers

If it’s on World Nut Daily, it’s gotta be confirmed true facts. /

26 allegro  May 6, 2014 11:49:14am

The wall of heads behind that dude is even creepier after watching the Hannibal series. Kind of an appropriate connection, too. These assholes are sociopathic ghouls.

27 Decatur Deb  May 6, 2014 11:49:34am

re: #24 Charles Johnson

Other Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee:

Who said the TPGOP has no sense of humor?

28 Kragar  May 6, 2014 11:50:30am

re: #20 Charles Johnson

Let’s hope they can finally stop these egghead scientists from studying fruit flies in Paris, France.

[Embedded image]

Why study fruit flies? Its not like they can decimate crops or anything?
///

29 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 11:51:09am

Good news!

U.S. Sends Team to Nigeria to Find Girls

The White House announced Tuesday that U.S. military and law-enforcement personnel will be dispatched to Nigeria as soon as possible to assist with the search for nearly 300 teenage girls taken from their school by Islamist militants three weeks ago.

31 teleskiguy  May 6, 2014 11:52:03am

This is THE VERY BIG STUPID that Frank Zappa warned us about. Eating the future is right.

The anti-science bad craziness among so-called conservatives probably scares me more than anything right now. Intellectually neutered folks have power and are using it to make people dumber and more hostile.

I leave the following in LGF comments frequently, but there are no other words: I. Just. Can’t.

32 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 11:53:32am

re: #15 jaunte

Committee Members, 113th Congress
science.house.gov

My congresscritter Thomas Massie is on that committee.
He is an MIT graduate and benefited greatly from those grants, to the point that he’s a millionaire today.

33 jaunte  May 6, 2014 11:55:01am

Lamar Smith (R)TX, Chairman:

“Global temperatures have held steady over the past 15 years, despite rising greenhouse gas emissions.”

34 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 12:00:04pm

re: #28 Kragar

Why study fruit flies? Its not like they can decimate crops or anything?
///

THEIR CALLED FRUIT FLIES BECAUSE THEY ARE TEH GHEY & ABOMONATION UNTO JESUS LIKE TEH FLY THAT CRAWLED ON OBAMA’S FACE!!!!!!!!

35 jaunte  May 6, 2014 12:00:08pm

Lamar Smith, chief vandal, in 2013:

“…Earlier this month, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, authored the High Quality Research Act, a draft bill that would require the NSF to publicly certify that each project it funds, along with meeting the agency’s current standards of intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, meets three additional criteria:

1. [The project] is in the interests of the United States to advance the national health, prosperity, or welfare, and to secure the national defense by promoting the progress of science;

2. is the finest quality, is ground breaking, and answers questions or solves problems that are of utmost importance to society at large; and

3. is not duplicative of other research projects being funded by the Foundation or other Federal science agencies.

The draft bill provides no clarification as to how a project should be judged by these criteria — there are no explanations as to what qualifies as “finest quality” or whether “duplicative” refers to the need to prevent the federal government from paying for the same research projects twice, or whether the committee believes any project that is similar to another, already funded project should not receive funding. And the bill doesn’t stop at politicizing the decisions of the NSF. It also goes on to state that, after it’s put in place, other federal science agencies should adopt the same standards.
thinkprogress.org

36 First As Tragedy, Then As Farce  May 6, 2014 12:01:21pm

re: #28 Kragar

Why study fruit flies? Its not like they can decimate crops or anything?
///

But there’s no doubt that, because of her personal connection to the issue, she would be more than happy to support research that can help understand the causes of genetic birth defects. I bet.

37 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 12:04:04pm

Cable news outrage!
Anti Syrian regime analyst offended by pro-Syrian analyst, breaks studio table at his opponent.
Liveleak Video

38 jaunte  May 6, 2014 12:05:43pm

Lamar Smith in 2009:

“We now know that prominent scientists were so determined to advance the idea of human-made global warming that they worked together to hide contradictory temperature data. But for two weeks, none of the networks gave the scandal any coverage on their evening news programs. And when they finally did cover it, their reporting was largely slanted in favor of global warming alarmists. The networks have shown a steady pattern of bias on climate change. During a six-month period, four out of five network news reports failed to acknowledge any dissenting opinions about global warming, according to a Business and Media Institute study. The networks should tell Americans the truth, rather than hide the facts.”

39 Dr. Matt  May 6, 2014 12:06:12pm

re: #2 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

This would destroy the US as a scientific powerhouse.

The GOP congresses have been VERY successful at doing that from 2000 to 2008 and from 2010 to present. Over the last 14 years, we have only observed two good years of decent funding levels (2008 to 2010).

40 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 12:06:54pm

The NSF seems to be an awfully popular target. I think the nature of some of the studies have bad optics despite worthwhile science.

The Golden Fleece Award

The National Science Foundation (NSF) won the first Golden Fleece Award, for spending $84,000 on a study on love.[1][4] Proxmire reasoned that:[16]
I object to this not only because no one—not even the National Science Foundation—can argue that falling in love is a science; not only because I’m sure that even if they spend $84 million or $84 billion they wouldn’t get an answer that anyone would believe. I’m also against it because I don’t want the answer.
I believe that 200 million other Americans want to leave some things in life a mystery, and right on top of the things we don’t want to know is why a man falls in love with a woman and vice versa.

The NSF for spending $103,000 to compare aggressiveness in sun fish that drink tequila as opposed to gin[24]
National Institute for Mental Health for spending $97,000 to study, among other things, what went on in a Peruvian brothel; the researchers said they made repeated visits in the interests of accuracy[1]

The Coburn Report-Republican 2011

The report fingered several studies that exemplify “waste and duplication”; those cited in the press release included: “$80,000 study on why the same teams always dominate March Madness”, “$315,000 study suggesting playing FarmVille on Facebook helps adults develop and maintain relationships;” “$1 million for an analysis of how quickly parents respond to trendy baby names;” “$50,000 to produce and publicize amateur songs about science, including a rap called “Money 4 Drugz,” and a misleading song titled “Biogas is a Gas, Gas, Gas”;” “$2 million to figure out that people who often post pictures on the internet from the same location at the same time are usually friends;” and “$581,000 on whether online dating site users are racist.”[1] Ineffective management examples, cited in report, included “Hundreds of millions of dollars lost to ineffective contracting”; “$1.7 billion in unspent funds sitting in expired, undisbursed grant accounts;” “At least $3 million in excessive travel funds”; “A lack of accountability or program metrics to evaluate expenditures” and “Inappropriate staff behavior including porn surfing and Jello wrestling and skinny-dipping at NSF-operated facilities in Antarctica”.[1]
The report has put forward several recommendations, such as clarifying and establishing guidelines on what is meant by “transformative science”, measuring success and ensuring accountability, improving grant accountability, reducing duplication, consolidation of the Directorate for Education & Human Resources and most controversially, elimination of the Social, Behavioral, and Economics Directorate (which receives a total of $200-300 million per year).[1] The press release accompanying the report noted that “The social sciences should not be the focus of our premier basic scientific research agency”.[1] Coburn questioned whether “these social sciences represent obvious national priorities that deserve a cut of the same pie” as the natural sciences.[4]

41 Decatur Deb  May 6, 2014 12:11:10pm

re: #40 Political Atheist

The NSF seems to be an awfully popular target. I think the nature of some of the studies have bad optics despite worthwhile science.

The Golden Fleece Award

The Coburn Report-Republican 2011

Hard to get ‘worse’ optics than the ’70s physical anthropologist who landed a sweet gig measuring airline stewardesses. Proxmire crucified him. It didn’t matter that his work became the basis for crash-worthy crew jumpseats—the kind that kept Sully’s cabin attendants in the game when he set the airliner in the Hudson.

42 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 12:11:32pm

re: #40 Political Atheist

The NSF seems to be an awfully popular target. I think the nature of some of the studies have bad optics despite worthwhile science.

The Golden Fleece Award

The Coburn Report-Republican 2011

People aren’t actually looking at the science, though. The kind of people that will flip out over that, the “Fruit fly” kind of Palin-esque freakouts, will freakout with or without that.

The NSF is about a quarter of the basic science research in the US. We cannot afford to lose that to politics.

Ironically, this is the GOP advocating increased government control, too.

43 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 12:13:10pm

re: #39 Dr. Matt

The GOP congresses have been VERY successful at doing that from 2000 to 2008 and from 2010 to present. Over the last 14 years, we have only observed two good years of decent funding levels (2008 to 2010).

Business can always import scientists from countries that haven’t been completely taken over by religious fundamentalism, and they will.

The losers here will be American students, who will have a much harder time getting government grant money for their research.

Which is probably the whole point of this.

44 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:13:14pm

re: #42 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

People aren’t actually looking at the science, though. The kind of people that will flip out over that, the “Fruit fly” kind of Palin-esque freakouts, will freakout with or without that.

The NSF is about a quarter of the basic science research in the US. We cannot afford to lose that to politics.

Ironically, this is the GOP advocating increased government control, too.

They have no problem with strong Federal controls as long as they set the rules.

45 Shiplord Kirel  May 6, 2014 12:14:36pm

re: #35 jaunte

Craven luddites like Lamar Smith (R-Inquisition) should get down on their knees and pray that I don’t win the Powerball lottery. I am doing all the damage I can to these know-nothings and grifters with GOTV and small contributions (small compared to oil barons and Kochs, that is). They need to be reduced to begging outside porn theaters and rummaging through Walmart dumpsters as payback for what they are trying to do this country and to human progress in general.

46 CriticalDragon1177  May 6, 2014 12:15:49pm

Charles Johnson,

The party that denies climate change and still refuses to accept the theory of evolution after 100 years

Its been around for more than a 150 years actually, and the evidence for evolution has kept mounting since Charles Darwin published “the Origin of Species.” So it makes them look even worse.

47 Lidane  May 6, 2014 12:16:24pm

re: #35 jaunte

3. is not duplicative of other research projects being funded by the Foundation or other Federal science agencies.

Because who needs peer review? Fuck it. Let’s see what happens.

48 b.d.  May 6, 2014 12:16:26pm

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

49 jaunte  May 6, 2014 12:17:05pm

re: #45 Shiplord Kirel

I think people who deny the efficacy of medicine should recuse themselves from serving on science & technology committees, but that would be logical.

50 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 12:17:49pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

[Embedded content]

Actually, anyone who thinks climate = weather is deep in moron world.

51 Dr. Matt  May 6, 2014 12:18:12pm

re: #43 Skip Intro

Business can always import scientists from countries that haven’t been completely taken over by religious fundamentalism, and they will.

The losers here will be American students, who will have a much harder time getting government grant money for their research.

Which is probably the whole point of this.

Not just students, but also post-docs, junior faculty, and seasoned senior faculty. All my colleagues throughout the country are struggling regardless of their degree, field, seniority, and institution. Scientists are leaving the universities and research institutions for pharma/industry or even Europe. The damage the GOP is inflicting is going to be devastating if it’s not reversed soon.

52 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:19:30pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

[Embedded content]

53 CriticalDragon1177  May 6, 2014 12:20:33pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

Anti science extraordinaire.

Youtube Video

54 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 12:20:35pm
Lamar Smith, Texas*
Dana Rohrabacher, California**
Ralph M. Hall, Texas+
F. James Sensenbrenner, Wisconsin
Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma
Randy Neugebauer, Texas
Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Paul Broun, Georgia
Steven Palazzo, Mississippi
Mo Brooks, Alabama
Randy Hultgren, Illinois
Larry Bucshon, Indiana
Steve Stockman, Texas
Bill Posey, Florida
Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming
David Schweikert, Arizona
Thomas Massie, Kentucky
Kevin Cramer, North Dakota
Jim Bridenstine, Oklahoma
Randy Weber, Texas
Chris Collins, New York
Bill Johnson, Ohio

Nearly everyone on that list has pushed an anti-science agenda or demonstrated a refusal to accept settled science, including evolution, the age of the planet and universe, and otherwise would unleash all kinds of mayhem in math, science, and technology fields. It would effectively put the brakes on the US economy, and we do so at our own peril.

Besides Broun, you’ve got Hall. And Brooks. And Rohrabacher. And Weber. And Posey. Climate change denier Schweikert heads the environment subcommittee.

In the last Congress, 17 of 22 GOPers on the Science Committee denied the existence of climate change. Earlier this year, all 24 GOPers on the House Energy Commitee denied that climate change was occurring, voting down a measure that would have conclusively found it to be so.

What’s particularly galling is that some of these nitwits are staunch supporters of defense technologies and the Defense Department. That’s all while the DoD is moving towards renewable energy systems to avoid logistics nightmares, solar and other energy generating technologies, and recognizing that they may be fighting wars down the line due to climate change.

55 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 12:24:17pm

I don’t know what the weather will be next week in Winnipeg, therefore I surely cannot predict that the weather in January in Winnipeg will be “cold”.

Seems legit.

56 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 12:26:23pm
57 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 12:27:16pm

re: #54 lawhawk

It really is mind-boggling. These are the people the GOP thinks are best qualified to legislate how America approaches science.

58 b.d.  May 6, 2014 12:28:59pm

re: #52 Kragar

Heh, looks like you got a live one.

59 iossarian  May 6, 2014 12:29:29pm

The Republicans want you to care about the ~0.1%* of NSF funding that is apparently trivial in content** to distract you from the 99%* of their time that they spend circle-jerking over BENGHAZI.

* Non-scientific estimate

** Which is usually, in any case, highly useful research (e.g., the airline stewardess measurements cited above)

60 Ian G.  May 6, 2014 12:30:39pm

I may be paraphrasing, but doesn’t Neil deGrasse Tyson say something like “the good thing about evolution is that it is true, whether you believe it or not”.

Apparently these clowns think it will go away if they just defund any research into biology, among other things.

61 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 12:31:15pm

And to be clear, having a 90%-Democrat Congress make these sorts of decisions would also be (less) terrible.

I would suspect you could count on two hands the number of advanced STEM degrees held by members of this Congress. That’s unfortunate, but it only crosses over to HOLY SHIT VERY BAD when they attempt to act like they have any business determining what is and is not good scientific research.

Politicians should politic. Health care professionals should care for health. Scientists should science. But nope, we all have to bow and scrape to some nutbag fuckhead’s interpretation of three-thousand-year-old goat-herder storytime.

62 Ian G.  May 6, 2014 12:31:29pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

[Embedded content]

There aren’t enough desks in the world for me to slam my head into over this bit of genius.

63 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:31:32pm

re: #58 b.d.

Heh, looks like you got a live one.

64 Ian G.  May 6, 2014 12:33:03pm

re: #63 Kragar

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

65 Ian G.  May 6, 2014 12:34:28pm

re: #20 Charles Johnson

Let’s hope they can finally stop these egghead scientists from studying fruit flies in Paris, France.

[Embedded image]

On that note, I’m so glad Slate has kept Christopher Hitchens’ archives intact, since Palin’s idiocy about fruit flies got him to savage her in a column from the 2008 campaign. You almost want to look away:

slate.com

66 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 12:36:28pm
67 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:41:07pm
68 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 12:41:12pm

re: #57 Charles Johnson

It really is mind-boggling. These are the people the GOP thinks are best qualified to legislate how America approaches science.

No, these are the people who run the GOP think are the “best”. People with big investments in old technology and fossil fuel.

The Koch Brothers come to mind, just like they always do.

69 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 12:42:37pm

re: #60 Ian G.

I may be paraphrasing, but doesn’t Neil deGrasse Tyson say something like “the good thing about evolution is that it is true, whether you believe it or not”.

The good thing about science.

70 Lidane  May 6, 2014 12:43:14pm

re: #60 Ian G.

I may be paraphrasing, but doesn’t Neil deGrasse Tyson say something like “the good thing about evolution is that it is true, whether you believe it or not”.

Apparently these clowns think it will go away if they just defund any research into biology, among other things.

71 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 12:45:56pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

[Embedded content]

Yeah. That is the stupidest argument possible. I can’t predict the fall of a single coin, but if you flip it 1000 times, I can predict it will be close to 1:1.

72 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 12:46:17pm

If we stop funding basic research, it will adversely affect applied research, and undermine US technology, business, and enterprises across the nation. The effects will be worst in those places that rely heaviest on federal funding for research, especially colleges and universities, but it also will hurt those states with national labs and other facilities do basic research.

The sequester already hit these areas hard, but the Committee is looking to compound the damage.

73 jaunte  May 6, 2014 12:46:28pm

re: #63 Kragar

She’s in Texas. In two weeks the weather will range from warm to hot.

74 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 12:47:59pm

Anybody who believes the
#ClimateChange
propaganda is a moron. Weatherman can’t even predict the weather next week more or less 20 yrs out

And these are the folks who want us to take the BEngHAzi!! trutherism seriously?

75 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:48:24pm

re: #73 jaunte

She’s in Texas. In two weeks the weather will range from warm to hot.

76 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 12:51:18pm

re: #68 Skip Intro

No, these are the people who run the GOP think are the “best”. People with big investments in old technology and fossil fuel.

The Koch Brothers come to mind, just like they always do.

I guess they’re the main reason the GOP hasn’t tried to gut the US Geological Survey yet. Still useful for helping find gas, oil, and other mineral resources to potentially exploit.

77 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 12:53:09pm

Besides being a racist, and anarchist, and a tax deadbeat, Cliven Bundy and his Quiverfull are also hoarders of large quantities of junk, much of which seems to have wandered off the Bundy hacienda and onto government land.

Have a peek yourself.

gisgate.co.clark.nv.us

78 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:54:28pm

Ah, now I’m a “culty”

79 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 12:55:02pm

re: #74 Bulworth

Climate change, which over 90% of the climatologists who actually study this for a living, know to be ongoing and accelerating due to human actions.

You have multiple sources of information and data sets corroborating the existence of changes in the atmosphere, temperature changes, composition of the atmosphere, sea levels, sea temperatures, waxing and waning of polar ice, glacial retreat, etc., and the evidence all points to the fact that human actions have propelled changes to the climate around us.

80 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 12:57:08pm

Fruit flies are wonderful for studying evolution.
That’s why we study them.

81 Kragar  May 6, 2014 12:57:29pm
82 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 12:58:46pm

re: #81 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Good grief, they still cling to that?

83 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 12:59:16pm

re: #72 lawhawk

If we stop funding basic research, it will adversely affect applied research, and undermine US technology, business, and enterprises across the nation. The effects will be worst in those places that rely heaviest on federal funding for research, especially colleges and universities, but it also will hurt those states with national labs and other facilities do basic research.

The sequester already hit these areas hard, but the Committee is looking to compound the damage.

The entire biotech industry arose from basic research of the kind that Proxmire would have made fun of - who cares how the bacteria that make up most of your shit replicate and repair their DNA?

You don’t know where the next big breakthrough’s going to come from. My old boss got a lot of patents by combining ideas that didn’t have much commercial utility until they were put together. The idea that you can determine that is madness, and the idea that The Market will do that is a double scoop of madness with madness sauce and whipped madness on top.

84 Mattand  May 6, 2014 1:00:12pm

re: #81 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Is this woman for real?

85 Gus  May 6, 2014 1:01:32pm

re: #81 Kragar

[Embedded content]

86 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 1:01:45pm

re: #75 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Too dumb to realize when she’s losing. This is often the case. It’s like you’re playing poker, and suddenly she throws down her cards and yells “Gin!”

87 aagcobb  May 6, 2014 1:03:35pm

re: #72 lawhawk

If we stop funding basic research, it will adversely affect applied research, and undermine US technology, business, and enterprises across the nation. The effects will be worst in those places that rely heaviest on federal funding for research, especially colleges and universities, but it also will hurt those states with national labs and other facilities do basic research.

The sequester already hit these areas hard, but the Committee is looking to compound the damage.

Whenever I see news out of the Large Hadron Collider, like the confirmation of the Higgs-Boson, I think about the fact that Americans could’ve made those discoveries years ago if penny-pinching politicians hadn’t killed the superconducting super collider.

88 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 1:03:39pm

re: #80 Varek Raith

Fruit flies are wonderful for studying evolution.
That’s why we study them.

Short generation time, simple genetics, long, long history of studying them, really cool gene names. A lot of what we know about how our bodies know where to put arms and ribs and such comes originally from Drosophila.

89 b.d.  May 6, 2014 1:04:18pm

re: #81 Kragar

WNDs?

World Net Dailys?

90 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 1:04:25pm

re: #87 aagcobb

Whenever I see news out of the Large Hadron Collider, like the confirmation of the Higgs-Boson, I think about the fact that Americans could’ve made those discoveries years ago if penny-pinching politicians hadn’t killed the superconducting super collider.

OTOH, when I see “Large Hadron Collider”, my mind turns it into ‘Large Hardon Collider”.

91 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 1:05:59pm

re: #79 lawhawk

Climate change, which over 90% of the climatologists who actually study this for a living, know to be ongoing and accelerating due to human actions.

You have multiple sources of information and data sets corroborating the existence of changes in the atmosphere, temperature changes, composition of the atmosphere, sea levels, sea temperatures, waxing and waning of polar ice, glacial retreat, etc., and the evidence all points to the fact that human actions have propelled changes to the climate around us.

But Phil Jones said nasty things in emails, so we know it’s all a ruse.

92 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:06:17pm
93 aagcobb  May 6, 2014 1:07:20pm

re: #90 GeneJockey

OTOH, when I see “Large Hadron Collider”, my mind turns it into ‘Large Hardon Collider”.

Get your mind out of the gutter!

94 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 1:08:45pm

One wonders how the tiny handful of GOPers who are apparently sane are going to try to spin this garbage.

95 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:09:03pm

re: #90 GeneJockey

OTOH, when I see “Large Hadron Collider”, my mind turns it into ‘Large Hardon Collider”.

That’s not what she said…

96 sattv4u2  May 6, 2014 1:10:48pm

re: #90 GeneJockey

OTOH, when I see “Large Hadron Collider”, my mind turns it into ‘Large Hardon Collider”.

Yeahhhhhh,,, NO!

I don’t want my hardon colliding with another

NTTAWWT!!!! Just not in my wheelhouse!!

97 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 1:11:00pm

re: #92 Kragar

If Obama isn’t Phil Hartman’s Reagan from SNL, orchestrating every single lever of government power, and acting to rescue the Ambassador and the other Americans in Benghazi from doom, impeach!

98 CriticalDragon1177  May 6, 2014 1:11:43pm

re: #85 Gus


Why am I not surprised?

99 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:13:06pm

re: #85 Gus

[Embedded content]

I’m far more worried about RW militias.
I bet ya these Muslim ‘enclaves’ are harmless.
The militias?
Not so much.

100 sattv4u2  May 6, 2014 1:13:15pm

SO anywho

Going to the golf course alone has it’s risks/ rewards

You never know who they’ll pair you with

TODAY,,,, I got to play a round with ex-NBA player/ coach and current TV analyst Sam Mitchell

Very good golfer. Better person

101 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:13:58pm

re: #93 aagcobb

Get your mind out of the gutter!

The LHC was built in collaboration with over 10,000 scientists and engineers from over 100 countries, as well as hundreds of universities and laboratories.[3] It lies in a tunnel 27 kilometres (17 mi) in circumference, as deep as 175 metres (574 ft) beneath the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland.

Big gutter is big.

102 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:14:21pm
103 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:14:42pm

re: #92 Kragar

[Embedded content]

There is some Derp that even I won’t step in.

104 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:15:54pm

re: #102 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Figures.
When the going gets tough, the ‘tough’ run away.

105 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 1:16:27pm

“dinosaur flatulence”

that’s what i call it

106 CriticalDragon1177  May 6, 2014 1:16:35pm

re: #99 Varek Raith

I’m far more worried about RW militias.
I bet ya these Muslim ‘enclaves’ are harmless.
The militias?
Not so much.

Much of the time the Muslim ‘enclaves’ don’t even exist. The entire ‘counter jihad’ is a joke.

107 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:16:36pm

re: #99 Varek Raith

I’m farm more worried about RW militias.
I bet ya these Muslim ‘enclaves’ are harmless.
The militias?
Not so much.

Yeah, this. I’m more worried about a bunch of drooling, slack jawed yokels walking around with their AR-15s thinking they’re America’s last line of defense from the invading horde of brown people.

American Muslims? Not so much.

108 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:18:10pm

Oh, I found me a Neoconfederate:

twitter.com

109 Cheechako  May 6, 2014 1:18:46pm

Some of us are old enough to remember when the Russians sent up the Sputknik satellite. From Wikipedia:

“The Soviet Union launched it into an elliptical low Earth orbit on 4 October 1957. It was visible all around the Earth and its radio pulses were detectable. The surprise success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis and triggered the Space Race, a part of the larger Cold War. The launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.”

Congress then threw billions of dollars into “…new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.”

110 NJDhockeyfan  May 6, 2014 1:19:35pm
111 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:21:03pm

Oh wait here is one.

112 sattv4u2  May 6, 2014 1:21:20pm

re: #110 NJDhockeyfan

[Embedded content]

That kid better be careful as to how he sends it back!!!!!
/

113 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 1:21:32pm

re: #109 Cheechako

Some of us are old enough to remember when the Russians sent up the Sputknik satellite. From Wikipedia:

“The Soviet Union launched it into an elliptical low Earth orbit on 4 October 1957. It was visible all around the Earth and its radio pulses were detectable. The surprise success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis and triggered the Space Race, a part of the larger Cold War. The launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.”

Congress then threw billions of dollars into “…new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.”

Stephen King commented on that in his book Danse Macabre; he was in a movie theater when the news broke, and as he recalled, people were genuinely alarmed because everyone knew the Russians “sure as hell didn’t put Sputnik into orbit with a potato masher.”

114 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:23:32pm
115 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 1:24:26pm
116 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:26:00pm

Gish Gallop in one Tweet

117 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:26:30pm

Well, the Neo-Confederate guy just accused me of being a pedophile, so that was fun.

118 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:28:01pm

Oh, another one

119 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 1:28:04pm

re: #109 Cheechako

World war II combined with the Sputnik launch is probably the reason that the know-nothingism that is characteristic of US conservatism was in abeyance for several decades.

Now it has come back, based on arrogance and lazy assumptions about continued US superiority and no further scientific/technological game changers.

120 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 1:28:13pm

re: #117 Kragar

Well, the Neo-Confederate guy just accused me of being a pedophile, so that was fun.

Accuse him of being a labtebricolephile.

121 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 1:28:56pm

re: #116 Pie-onist Overlord

What the hell is a Pigford?

122 NJDhockeyfan  May 6, 2014 1:29:10pm
123 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 1:30:19pm

re: #120 Fairly Sure I’m Still Obdicut

Accuse him of being a labtebricolephile.

Coprophage is a good insult to send someone off to their dictionary to look up.

124 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 1:30:31pm

re: #114 Lidane

[Embedded content]

Says a man who has his salary paid for by the people. Fuck the GOP seriously. Fuck them and their bullshit.

125 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:32:43pm

re: #118 Kragar

Oh, another one

[Embedded content]

WTF is up with wingnuts who tweet teeny tiny infographics that are impossible to read?

126 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 1:32:53pm

re: #121 Testy Toad T

What the hell is a Pigford?

The underreported scandal referenced is generally identified as “Pigford.” Pigford’s germination occurred in 1997 as a lawsuit (Pigford vs. Glickman) alleging that 91 African-American farmers were unfairly denied loans by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to racial discrimination which prevented the complainants from farming. In 1999, the black farmers won their case.

Pigford has the distinction of being an out-of-control waste of taxpayer funds and/or a cynical attempt by the Obama administration to curry favor with certain minority groups to which neither President Obama nor Attorney General Eric Holder can plead ignorance of involvement. Both have had knowledge since the court ruled on the Pigford lawsuit; in 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama supported and voted for the funding of the initial settlement. Since then, Eric Holder (and Obama) have been involved in overseeing and managing the Pigford “judgment fund.”

127 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:34:14pm

And this ever popular, ever stupid meme:
HURR HURR!!!!! LIBRUL WIMMENS IS TEH FUGLY BUT ARE WIMMENS IS TEH HAWTS!!!!!!

128 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 1:35:27pm

re: #126 dog philosopher

LOL. Okay. Sure.

129 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:35:55pm
130 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:36:05pm

Brains>>>Beauty.

131 AntonSirius  May 6, 2014 1:36:09pm

re: #30 Backwoods_Sleuth

Overview of H.R. 4186, the Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science and Technology Act

They even cleverly named it after a Biblical verse, Matthew 20:16.

Since clearly the goal of FIRST is to make the US last in scientific research.

132 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 1:36:33pm

re: #109 Cheechako

Congress then threw billions of dollars into “…new political, military, technological, and scientific developments.”

Some of that spending was the ‘National Defense Student Loan’ program, later renamed the National Direct Student Loan program, which helped put me through college.

133 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 1:36:35pm

re: #127 Pie-onist Overlord

And this ever popular, ever stupid meme:
HURR HURR!!!!! LIBRUL WIMMENS IS TEH FUGLY BUT ARE WIMMENS IS TEH HAWTS!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

He can’t even make his own lame collage. That’s just sad.

134 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 1:37:49pm

re: #127 Pie-onist Overlord

For a political party that abhors solar power, the GOP sure seems to love a nice leathery over-tan.

135 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 1:38:40pm

re: #126 dog philosopher

How incredibly scandalous for the government to pay off a judgement according to a court order.

To the fainting couch, stat.

136 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:40:07pm

re: #130 Varek Raith

Brains>>>Beauty.

Unless she pays for dinner. Then she’s disgusting.

/Tucker Carlson

137 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 1:40:17pm

re: #135 EPR-radar

How incredibly scandalous for the government to pay off a judgement according to a court order.

To the fainting couch, stat.

It’s pretty damned scandalous for the government to pay off a judgement to blah people.

138 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 1:40:50pm

re: #123 EPR-radar

Coprophage is a good insult to send someone off to their dictionary to look up.

And a pretty accurate description as well of a lot of people.

139 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:41:29pm
140 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:42:05pm

re: #136 Lidane

Unless she pays for dinner. Then she’s disgusting.

/Tucker Carlson

OMFG, the hell is wrong with him???
:/

141 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 1:42:26pm

re: #135 EPR-radar

How incredibly scandalous for the government to pay off a judgement according to a court order.

To the fainting couch, stat.

What do clutching pearl futures look like through 2016?
:p

142 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:43:56pm
143 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 1:43:57pm

re: #139 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Er, Krakatoa blew its top before, yet here we are.
Besides, Krakatoa’s not the threat, it’s Anak Krakatau.

SCIENCE!

144 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 1:44:35pm

re: #140 Varek Raith

OMFG, the hell is wrong with him???
:/

He’s a stupid twit. He can’t help himself.

145 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:45:44pm

re: #140 Varek Raith

OMFG, the hell is wrong with him???
:/

Tucker has a hatred of free food, apparently.

146 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:46:42pm

Ended up blocking those 2. I could only handle so much dumb

147 Cheechako  May 6, 2014 1:47:12pm

re: #132 wrenchwench

My wife also used a National Defense Student Loan to obtain her R.N degree. Loan had a whopping 1% interest rate!

148 b.d.  May 6, 2014 1:47:33pm

FARTING COWS ARE TEH REAL PROBLEM!!1!

149 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 1:47:52pm
150 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 1:47:58pm

re: #145 Lidane

Tucker has a hatred of free food, apparently.

Yeah. What a weird thing to get one’s panties bunched up over though.

151 b.d.  May 6, 2014 1:48:06pm

re: #146 Kragar

I applaud your effort Kragar.

152 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:48:31pm

Heh.

153 Kragar  May 6, 2014 1:51:02pm

re: #151 b.d.

I applaud your effort Kragar.

154 Lidane  May 6, 2014 1:53:14pm

re: #150 HappyWarrior

Yeah. What a weird thing to get one’s panties bunched up over though.

It’s part of a larger pattern emerging on the right:

—Women paying for dinner makes men weak and emasculated
—Female breadwinners are a recipe for disaster
—Women voting undermines the fabric of the family and will destroy America
—Women earning equal pay will never find husbands
—Etc.

But I’m supposed to believe the Republican party cares about women. ROFL.

155 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 1:56:31pm

re: #154 Lidane

It’s part of a larger pattern emerging on the right:

—Women paying for dinner makes men weak and emasculated
—Female breadwinners are a recipe for disaster
—Women voting undermines the fabric of the family and will destroy America
—Women earning equal pay will never find husbands
—Etc.

But I’m supposed to believe the Republican party cares about women. ROFL.

Yeah I’ve noticed that. Anything that remotely considers a woman a man’s equal is bad, bad, bad. Why any woman would think about casting her lot with these asses is beyond me.

156 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 1:58:15pm

re: #154 Lidane

It’s part of a larger pattern emerging on the right:

—Women paying for dinner makes men weak and emasculated
—Female breadwinners are a recipe for disaster
—Women voting undermines the fabric of the family and will destroy America
—Women earning equal pay will never find husbands
—Etc.

But I’m supposed to believe the Republican party cares about women. ROFL.

—Democrats mandated insurance companies cover birth control without co-pay/deductibles because they don’t believe women can control their libidos.

157 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:00:16pm

Yet they’ll say this stuff and yet they’ll be the first ones to brag about how they were once quite progressive on woman’s issues. Yeah, GOP, your politicians from a century ago were more progressive on women’s issues than your current crop. That’s nothing to brag about. Just like the fact that Bob Dole thinks he’d be too liberal to get nominated today.

158 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:04:15pm

re: #157 HappyWarrior

Yet they’ll say this stuff and yet they’ll be the first ones to brag about how they were once quite progressive on woman’s issues. Yeah, GOP, your politicians from a century ago were more progressive on women’s issues than your current crop. That’s nothing to brag about. Just like the fact that Bob Dole thinks he’d be too liberal to get nominated today.

Bob Dole thinks Bob Dole should be getting more respect from the current GOP.

159 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 2:05:09pm

re: #155 HappyWarrior

Yeah I’ve noticed that. Anything that remotely considers a woman a man’s equal is bad, bad, bad. Why any woman would think about casting her lot with these asses is beyond me.

I’ve been thinking about that, and I haven’t dug up the stats yet, but I think the blame lies mostly with white women. And even moreso, white Christian married women. They may not identify as ‘women’ first, but ‘Christian’ and ‘white’ first and second.

160 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 2:06:46pm

I saw up thread where Lawhawk mentioned that cutting science funding isn’t going to go over too well with universities. Here is Columbus we have a ton of research facilities. Ohio State and Battelle Memorial Institute two of the largest. Many in those institutions are very conservative and Republican.

Sooner or later the nuts in congress are going to run straight into their supporters and get their heads handed to them. That time will come. Trying to run on the stupid ideals of Tea Partiers and WIngnuts isn’t going to go down with some of what is left of their real base.

But that is okay Republicans. May you kill you own party.

I just hope it happen quickly to keep the damage down this will all cause.

And to the Koch Bros and others in the energy business. Science funding and climate study are important to them. They don’t show it now as they want to control the game board. But you can be sure if the nut jobs get too out of hand the Kochs will stamp that shit out. Its all about the money…and science sure as hell is money.

You can’t tell me the Koch aren’t aware of this stuff. Part of the control they want is to allow them to make as much money as they can off of existing energy while at the same time they will be using science to advance new ways for them to control new energy sources. They like to make money. They like to keep control of it all. If anyone gets in the way of them making money, they will get whacked.

The Kochs need their monkeys to do their bidding. Once the monkeys get in the way of that, they no longer will needed.

Ghomert, Cruz, Paul, all of those types are just grist in the Koch mill. They really are not needed when they get in the way. I don’t think they realize that. And if they do, well, then they are just in it for the money.

161 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:07:06pm

re: #159 wrenchwench

I’ve been thinking about that, and I haven’t dug up the stats yet, but I think the blame lies mostly with white women. And even moreso, white Christian married women. They may not identify as ‘women’ first, but ‘Christian’ and ‘white’ first and second.

Followed heavily by not caring due to immediate concerns and ignorance in not knowing or understanding that there is an alternative - probably due to lack of education or access to information indicating there is a positive alternative.

162 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:07:17pm
163 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:08:18pm

Is it just me or is it amusing hearing Elizabeth hasselback who makes much more money than her husband a former NFL third string journeyman NFL QB complain about female breadwinners? I think that’s the most amusing thing re: #159 wrenchwench

I’ve been thinking about that, and I haven’t dug up the stats yet, but I think the blame lies mostly with white women. And even moreso, white Christian married women. They may not identify as ‘women’ first, but ‘Christian’ and ‘white’ first and second.

Good point. Honestly what’s weird to me as a guy is seeing some of the worst sexism directed towards women come from other women. Take Elizabeth Hasselback complaining about female breadwinners. Here’s a woman in 99% of households and I’d assume her own household(knowing how her husband’s NFL career turned out) is the primary breadwinner yet here she is complaining about women who make more than her husband. If a woman makes more than her husband more power to her.

164 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 2:09:27pm

re: #161 Feline Fearless Leader

Followed heavily by not caring due to immediate concerns and ignorance in not knowing or understanding that there is an alternative - probably due to lack of education or access to information indicating there is a positive alternative.

Yeah, a lot of people who would be liberals and Democrats are just not politically engaged at all. It’s tough to convince people their vote matters when they are faced with immediate concerns.

165 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:10:46pm

re: #158 Feline Fearless Leader

Bob Dole thinks Bob Dole should be getting more respect from the current GOP.

He actually should be. Hell even W Bush to some extent. But they prefer ot worship Reagan. You know the guy who single handly ended the Cold War on his own.

166 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 2:10:51pm

Some polls have said we want autonomous cars. Did anyone consider the ethical issues? For example-In traffic at speed an accident starts to happen. The computer might have to choose between a mini, a school bus, and a garbage truck to swerve towards. A pedestrian steps out in the way on her cell phone, no time to stop only swerve. But what if traffic is in the way? What or who is making the possibly life and death choices?

Self-driving cars could reduce human errors that cause accidents, but crashes will still happen. Transportation research scientist Noah Goodall discusses whether cars can be programmed to make ethical decisions in cases where an accident is unavoidable.

HT Noah Spark via wired

167 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:11:20pm

re: #162 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Like that matters.
Lol.

168 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:12:04pm

re: #167 Varek Raith

Like that matters.
Lol.

169 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:12:05pm

re: #166 Political Atheist

Some polls have said we want autonomous cars. Did anyone consider the ethical issues? For example-In traffic at speed an accident starts to happen. The computer might have to choose between a mini, a school bus, and a garbage truck to swerve towards. A pedestrian steps out in the way on her cell phone, no time to stop only swerve. But what if traffic is in the way? What or who is making the possibly life and death choices?

HT Noah Spark via wired

VW Droid: “You are having an accident.”

170 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:12:10pm

re: #164 wrenchwench

Yeah, a lot of people who would be liberals and Democrats are just not politically engaged at all. It’s tough to convince people their vote matters when they are faced with immediate concerns.

There’s just so much ignorance out there. The best example of this is asking voters how they feel on Obamacare versus the Affordable Care Act. The latter gets high marks even among conservatives but bring Obama into the equation and then they get raging.

171 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:12:58pm

re: #167 Varek Raith

Like that matters.
Lol.

America a terrible police state and just like Nazi Germany under Obama but can’t even turn Texas into a police state. Yeah, okay.

172 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 2:13:21pm

re: #169 Feline Fearless Leader

VW Droid: “I’m sorry, Dave; you are having an accident.”

FTFY.

173 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 2:13:58pm

re: #163 HappyWarrior

…

Good point. Honestly what’s weird to me as a guy is seeing some of the worst sexism directed towards women come from other women. Take Elizabeth Hasselback complaining about female breadwinners. Here’s a woman in 99% of households and I’d assume her own household(knowing how her husband’s NFL career turned out) is the primary breadwinner yet here she is complaining about women who make more than her husband. If a woman makes more than her husband more power to her.

I think a big part of that is that some women who have accepted sexism in their own lives (most likely grudgingly) and stopped trying to fight back get irked when they see other women fighting back, especially if this fight is successful or has a reasonable chance of making progress.

174 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 2:14:12pm

Happy Warrior posted:

Take Elizabeth Hasselback complaining about female breadwinners. Here’s a woman in 99% of households and I’d assume her own household(knowing how her husband’s NFL career turned out) is the primary breadwinner yet here she is complaining about women who make more than her husband. If a woman makes more than her husband more power to her.

I think her husband is on the ESPN gravy train for ex-NFL’ers, so he makes some money, but yes, undoubtedly ABC Faux pays a pretty ransom for the Mrs. here but never mind you just shutup you and your facts you and libtars are real war on woman!!!1

//

175 Mike Lamb  May 6, 2014 2:15:57pm

re: #167 Varek Raith

Like that matters.
Lol.

Apparently, the military doesn’t exist in Texas.

176 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:16:00pm

re: #173 EPR-radar

I think a big part of that is that some women who have accepted sexism in their own lives (most likely grudgingly) and stopped trying to fight back get irked when they see other women fighting back, especially if this fight is successful or has a reasonable chance of making progress.

Sure, good point. Perhaps they get especially nasty because of over-compensation? I for one have always been amused by Phyillis Schalfry who has been raving and ranting about women being outside the household since the mid 60’s when my own mother was just a little girl. All the while Ms. Schalfry has made a career outside the home telling women they shouldn’t be outside the home. I guess it’s some kind of weird Stockholm Syndrome. I mean there were many women who opposed suffrage too.

177 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:17:01pm
178 Floral Giraffe  May 6, 2014 2:17:33pm

re: #152 Lidane

Heh.

[Embedded content]

And to everyone on the forum, HAVE AT IT!

179 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 2:17:42pm
Take Elizabeth Hasselback complaining about female breadwinners. Here’s a woman in 99% of households and I’d assume her own household(knowing how her husband’s NFL career turned out) is the primary breadwinner yet here she is complaining about women who make more than her husband. If a woman makes more than her husband more power to her.

Hey hey hey here we ask the Questions here shutup libtard BLOCK#ED

180 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:17:51pm

re: #174 Bulworth

Happy Warrior posted:

I think her husband is on the ESPN gravy train for ex-NFL’ers, so he makes some money, but yes, undoubtedly ABC Faux pays a pretty ransom for the Mrs. here but never mind you just shutup you and your facts you and libtars are real war on woman!!!1

//

Come to think of it, he is but yeah it’s just funny hearing a woman who as I said in 99% of households would definitely be the primary breadwinner complaining about breadwinners. It’s just like how many on Fox and the RW media as a whole complain about elites I guess. Hearing someone who wants policies that coddle the wealthy complaining about elites amuses me.

181 AntonSirius  May 6, 2014 2:18:20pm

re: #149 Pie-onist Overlord

182 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:18:22pm
183 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:19:24pm

re: #164 wrenchwench

Yeah, a lot of people who would be liberals and Democrats are just not politically engaged at all. It’s tough to convince people their vote matters when they are faced with immediate concerns.

I know a number of people who in my opinion should be *much* more frightened than me about national politics. They are in touchier job and financial situations, have parents with health issues, and have young children that are starting into the education systems that are being shredded. Lots of places where their situation can go south quickly compared to mine.

And their concern viewpoint is very locally oriented. (One has referred to it as like ripples on a pond. Home and family first, then local environment, and outward from there.) Township, county, and state elections hold temporary interest, but the national issues are more distant and at a remove where they see a low marginal return in spending a lot of effort there. I also expect there is a good dollop of libertarianism combined with a view of “a pox on both their houses” regarding the two main political parties.*

* - Which I admit was pretty much my viewpoint for the mid-2000s. Financial conservative and social liberal where neither party offered me much of what I wanted to see. And then the GOP ran off the rails.

184 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 2:19:31pm
Voter fraud
@Kragar_LGF
Many already caught & convicted directly related to both elections.

Oh dear, do we have a voter fraud truther here?

Are Jails full of races and nonamericans caught voter frauding!!

185 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:20:09pm

Voter fraud of course but don’t talk at all about the 2000 election.

186 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 2:20:19pm

re: #165 HappyWarrior

He actually should be. Hell even W Bush to some extent. But they prefer ot worship Reagan. You know the guy who single handly ended the Cold War on his own.

And one of the ways he ended the cold war.

SCIENCE!

Yep, advanced military and the threat of Starwars. And how much was spent for all that?

187 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:20:31pm

re: #182 Kragar

[Embedded content]

Funny, where’s the convictions? The stories? Everything?
Morans.

188 Testy Toad T  May 6, 2014 2:21:13pm

re: #187 Varek Raith

Funny, where’s the convictions? The stories? Everything?
Morans.

INTENTIONALLY SUPPRESSED BY THE LIBTURD MEDIA OF COURSE

189 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 2:21:21pm

Many already caught & convicted directly related to both elections.

—-

MANY Many thousands upon thousands caught FACT but many MOAR HUndreds thousands NOT caught steal elections Confirmed!!

190 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 2:21:35pm

re: #177 Kragar

[Embedded content]

What is this voter fraud he is speaking of?

COVERUP CONSPIRACY ACORN!!!!!!!!

191 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:21:36pm

re: #186 ObserverArt

And one of the ways he ended the cold war.

SCIENCE!

Yep, advanced military and the threat of Starwars. And how much was spent for all that?

Yeah that modern military that they cherish so much wouldn’t be possible without scientific research.

192 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:21:46pm

The amount of voter fraud needed to sway the 2008 and especially the 2012 elections would’ve been so blatantly obvious. We’re talking millions upon millions of willing conspirators. All keeping this hush hush.
Yeah fucking right.

193 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 2:22:13pm

re: #187 Varek Raith

Funny, where’s the convictions? The stories? Everything?
Morans.

The voices in this fool’s head told him all about the trials and convictions for massive voter fraud in 2008 and 2012.

194 Mike Lamb  May 6, 2014 2:22:43pm

re: #188 Testy Toad T

INTENTIONALLY SUPPRESSED BY THE LIBTURD MEDIA OF COURSE

Banana Republic!

195 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:22:45pm

re: #184 Bulworth

Oh dear, do we have a voter fraud truther here?

Are Jails full of races and nonamericans caught voter frauding!!

Yuppers

196 HappyWarrior  May 6, 2014 2:22:48pm

re: #192 Varek Raith

The amount of voter fraud needed to sway the 2008 and especially the 2012 elections would’ve been so blatantly obvious. We’re talking millions upon millions of willing conspirators. All keeping this hush hush.
Yeah fucking right.

They don’t know anyone who voted for Obama so it had to be fraud! Of course, when you think your predominately white Christian conservative area is the only real American, one can see why one may jump to tehse kind of conclusions.

197 Bulworth  May 6, 2014 2:23:01pm
Funny, where’s the convictions? The stories? Everything?
Morans.

You got Innernet libtard I not going to do research 4 U look up moran!!1

198 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:26:40pm

re: #172 Dr Lizardo

FTFY.

Better. Though I believe in the movie “I, Robot” a robot does say that to Will Smith’s character right before *causing* the accident.

199 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:27:37pm

re: #198 Feline Fearless Leader

Better. Though I believe in the movie “I, Robot” a robot does say that to Will Smith’s character right before *causing* the accident.

Correct.
“You are experiencing an accident.”

200 Feline Fearless Leader  May 6, 2014 2:29:12pm

re: #192 Varek Raith

The amount of voter fraud needed to sway the 2008 and especially the 2012 elections would’ve been so blatantly obvious. We’re talking millions upon millions of willing conspirators. All keeping this hush hush.
Yeah fucking right.

Look how well it worked for Putin in Crimea!
:p

201 jaunte  May 6, 2014 2:35:50pm

re: #195 Kragar

Another loudmouthed neo-Confederate from Texas. Groan.
People like this are the reason idiots like Steve Stockman and Gohmert keep getting elected here.

202 thedopefishlives  May 6, 2014 2:38:00pm

Evening Lizardim.

203 Kragar  May 6, 2014 2:38:11pm

*Head Desk*

204 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 2:41:21pm

Someone has a a lot of explaining to do.

White House entrance placed on lockdown after suspicious vehicle passes through barricades

DEVELOPING: - The Pennsylvania Avenue gates at the White House were placed on lockdown Tuesday, after a car apparently followed Secretary of State John Kerry’s motorcade through the initial barricades.

205 BeenHereAwhile  May 6, 2014 2:41:39pm

re: #201 jaunte

Another loudmouthed neo-Confederate from Texas. Groan.
People like this are the reason idiots like Steve Stockman and Gohmert keep getting elected here.

They’re jus’ honoring the memory of John Bell Hood.

206 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 2:47:18pm

re: #48 b.d.

HUR HUR DUMB BUTT SCIENTISTS

I see someone there failed statistics, if they were ever in college to take it…

207 thedopefishlives  May 6, 2014 2:50:44pm

re: #206 TedStriker

I see someone there failed statistics…

Or never took it, which is depressingly common.

208 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 2:52:14pm

re: #189 Bulworth

Many already caught & convicted directly related to both elections.

—-

MANY Many thousands upon thousands caught FACT but many MOAR HUndreds thousands NOT caught steal elections Confirmed!!

FACT. IN CHICAGO DEAD PEOPLE VOTE 10, 100, 1000’S OF TIMES!!!!

209 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 2:53:22pm

re: #203 Kragar

*Head Desk*

[Embedded content]

Definitely the stupidest person in Texas.

210 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 2:53:41pm

Time to tender your resignation. Spend some time with family and friends. Whatever. Get with the program or get out Out Of The Way.


Obama’s DEA Chief Refuses To Support Drug Sentencing Reforms

WASHINGTON — The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration is refusing to support a bill backed by the Obama administration that would lower the length of mandatory minimum sentences for federal drug crimes, putting her at odds with her boss Attorney General Eric Holder on one of the criminal justice reform initiatives he hopes to make a centerpiece of his legacy.

During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart about the role of mandatory minimums in drug cases. Grassley cited the opposition among some law enforcement groups to the Smarter Sentencing Act, a bipartisan bill that would reduce the length of mandatory minimum sentences for some drug crimes.

“Having been in law enforcement as an agent for 33 years, [and] a Baltimore City police officer before that, I can tell you that for me and for the agents that work for DEA, mandatory minimums have been very important to our investigations,” Leonhart said. “We depend on those as a way to ensure that the right sentences are going to the … level of violator we are going after.”

The Huffington Post asked a DEA spokeswoman on Monday whether, given Leonhart’s remarks, the DEA administrator supported the position of the Obama administration on the Smarter Sentencing Act.

211 Eventual Carrion  May 6, 2014 2:54:34pm

re: #127 Pie-onist Overlord

And this ever popular, ever stupid meme:
HURR HURR!!!!! LIBRUL WIMMENS IS TEH FUGLY BUT ARE WIMMENS IS TEH HAWTS!!!!!!

[Embedded content]

My vote is for the Conservative Women any day of the week.

Certainly you do, because intelligence is so unattractive.

212 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 2:54:45pm

re: #57 Charles Johnson

It really is mind-boggling. These are the people the GOP thinks are best qualified to legislate how America approaches science.

What’s worse is that millions of low information voters and culture warfare wingnuts keep putting them there.

I am starting to understand why so many people in Europe regard us with horror and amazement. It’s like handing a bottle of gin, a loaded handgun and keys to a sports car to a 13 year old. We have power that we do not use wisely or well, and we are screwing over people all over the world based on the fecklessness of our own voters.

213 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:57:05pm

re: #203 Kragar

*Head Desk*

[Embedded content]

Oh geez.

214 Teukka  May 6, 2014 2:57:20pm

re: #143 Varek Raith

Er, Krakatoa blew its top before, yet here we are.
Besides, Krakatoa’s not the threat, it’s Anak Krakatau.

SCIENCE!

Actually, Anak Krakatau is not that bad a boy, at worst it can produce a VEI-7 bonfire.

On the other hand, Lake Toba a stones throw away from Krakatau can greet you with an nice toasty VEI-8.

It has even been theorized that the last tantrum Lake Toba threw almost wiped humanity out. And it’s not the only VEI-8 capabable baddie out there.

*Whispers to Kragar*: “The DERP is strong in that one.”

215 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 2:57:50pm

re: #214 Teukka

Actually, Anak Krakatau is not that bad a boy, at worst it can produce a VEI-7 bonfire.

On the other hand, Lake Toba a stones throw away from Krakatau can greet you with an nice toasty VEI-8.

It has even been theorized that the last tantrum Lake Toba threw almost wiped humanity out. And it’s not the only VEI-8 capabable baddie out there.

*Whispers to Kragar*: “The DERP is strong in that one.”

Thanks for the correction.

216 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 2:58:01pm

JSMFH

217 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 2:58:43pm

re: #214 Teukka

Actually, Anak Krakatau is not that bad a boy, at worst it can produce a VEI-7 bonfire.

On the other hand, Lake Toba a stones throw away from Krakatau can greet you with an nice toasty VEI-8.

It has even been theorized that the last tantrum Lake Toba threw almost wiped humanity out. And it’s not the only VEI-8 capabable baddie out there.

*Whispers to Kragar*: “The DERP is strong in that one.”

If Yellowstone goes sky high, we won’t have to worry about AGW for awhile…

218 Mattand  May 6, 2014 2:58:54pm

re: #210 Political Atheist

Time to tender your resignation. Spend some time with family and friends. Whatever. Get with the program or get out Out Of The Way.

[Embedded image]
Obama’s DEA Chief Refuses To Support Drug Sentencing Reforms

I know someone in the DEA. Known him for a long time. Can’t say for certain, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think much of a woman running the DEA.

I do know for a fact that he hates Obama and that has a lot to do with Obama daring to PWB (President While Black). It’s a safe bet to throw Holder in there as well.

So his woman boss is telling the black President and his black AG to piss off.

My DEA acquaintance should be vapor locking right about now…

219 Jack Burton  May 6, 2014 2:59:41pm

re: #212 Aunty Entity Dragon

We aren’t quite that bad. Either that or we have Forrest Gump luck. Otherwise the country would have been a smoking crater many decades ago.

220 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 2:59:57pm

re: #211 Eventual Carrion

Certainly you do, because intelligence is so unattractive.

Meh…..it’s wingnuts. Look at their gun-porn; the images they post are mostly laughable, yet they drool over it. If they see a photo like this:

Pam Grier gonna fuck you up

they’d lose their damned minds.

221 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:00:22pm

re: #217 Aunty Entity Dragon

If Yellowstone goes sky high, we won’t have to worry about AGW for awhile…

I don’t think we’ll have much to worry about at all in that case.

222 Kragar  May 6, 2014 3:02:29pm

Apparently, I’m just jealous I’m not a neo-confederate shitckicker living in Texas

223 Mattand  May 6, 2014 3:03:19pm

re: #220 Dr Lizardo

Meh…..it’s wingnuts. Look at their gun-porn; the images they post are mostly laughable, yet they drool over it. If they see a photo like this:

Pam Grier gonna fuck you up

they’d lose their damned minds.

Yeah, there was a conservative here that openly admitted he’d be more scared of a group of black people open carrying than he would any other race.

I’m still upset/disappointed with that. Kinda made me realize if that’s what a “sane” conservative thinks, there really is no going back for the GOP.

224 Teukka  May 6, 2014 3:03:39pm

re: #217 Aunty Entity Dragon

If Yellowstone goes sky high, we won’t have to worry about AGW for awhile…

Yeah, a handful of generations will probably not know what a tan is if Ma Yellowstone or any supervolcano decides to throw a fit. What worries me though, is that the current climate change which still is out of control actually will make the grand old mess a supervolcano blowing its top will cause that much worse.

And actually, from what I’ve read, Yellowstone is not as big a threat as another hotspot in North America.

225 Mattand  May 6, 2014 3:07:06pm

From the Truth Hurts department:

Charlie Crist Says He Became A Democrat Because Of GOP Racism

This is a statement of a man who knows that not only is the bridge burned, it’s been nuked from orbit.

226 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 3:08:23pm

re: #216 Pie-onist Overlord

For ALL the Morons counting Embassy attacks under Bush : Nobody, but NOBODY Blamed those on a YouTube Video !!!!!

your point being?

ok, so you didn’t think that far ahead ok fine

227 Lidane  May 6, 2014 3:08:29pm

‘Scuse me, but imma vent my spleen a bit. Feel free to scroll on by.

So last week a recruiter at an agency I’ve been working with contacted me with a job she thought I was perfect for and submitted me. Apparently the employer liked me but I was told today they’ve decided to go with a more junior candidate instead. Maybe the pay was lower than what they thought I’d expect. Who knows?

I HATE being in this limbo. I apply for jobs where I can tick off the list of requirements one by one and then get told I’m not qualified enough and don’t have the right experience. I have recruiters working on my behalf and I’m overqualified for the same fucking job.

Would it be too much to ask for people to make up their minds? Either I’m overqualified or I’m a total n00b who wouldn’t know Facebook from face painting.

I don’t even know what companies want anymore. I have a resume that stretches back to the early 90’s and I have a ton of experience, but I’m either barely above an intern at some companies and at others I’m, slumming if I apply for a management position. It’s aggravating.

228 Rocky-in-Connecticut  May 6, 2014 3:08:44pm

re: #13 Skip Intro

wrong.

For our Right wing Theocrats the only real Science is the science that directly helps extract oil out of the ground, and the science that directly helps dropping bombs and killing (brown skinned) people.

229 Teukka  May 6, 2014 3:09:31pm

re: #221 Varek Raith

I don’t think we’ll have much to worry about at all in that case.

Actually, much of North America will make it Ma Yellowstone or the new kid on the block decides to go big kabloie. And the rest of the world will also survive it. However the environmental and weather effects could throw a serious spanner in the works as to food production and healthcare.

I don’t know how bad it will be, but a VEI-7 caused the Year without summer in 1816…

230 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:09:44pm

re: #195 Kragar

Yuppers

[Embedded content]

That guy really is a cesspit of bile and hate.

231 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:11:25pm

re: #229 Teukka

Actually, much of North America will make it Ma Yellowstone or the new kid on the block decides to go big kabloie. And the rest of the world will also survive it. However the environmental and weather effects could throw a serious spanner in the works as to food production and healthcare.

I don’t know how bad it will be, but a VEI-7 caused the Year without summer in 1816…

You like volcanoes, eh?
:)

232 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 3:11:26pm

re: #223 Mattand

Yeah, there was a conservative here that openly admitted he’d be more scared of a group of black people open carrying than he would any other race.

I’m still upset/disappointed with that. Kinda made me realize if that’s what a “sane” conservative thinks, there really is no going back for the GOP.

This famous photo out of California in 1967

Black Panther Party demonstrating at California State House in defense of their right to carry arms, May 2nd, 1967.

led to a good deal of gun control legislation being passed in the Golden State. Guess it made some folks…. mighty nervous.

233 Teukka  May 6, 2014 3:12:40pm

re: #231 Varek Raith

You like volcanoes, eh?
:)

Nah, just like to keep track of stuff which may cause the fertilizer to impact the air distribution apparatus.

234 Kragar  May 6, 2014 3:13:35pm
235 Mattand  May 6, 2014 3:14:21pm

re: #227 Lidane

‘Scuse me, but imma vent my spleen a bit. Feel free to scroll on by.

So last week a recruiter at an agency I’ve been working with contacted me with a job she thought I was perfect for and submitted me. Apparently the employer liked me but I was told today they’ve decided to go with a more junior candidate instead. Maybe the pay was lower than what they thought I’d expect. Who knows?

I HATE being in this limbo. I apply for jobs where I can tick off the list of requirements one by one and then get told I’m not qualified enough and don’t have the right experience. I have recruiters working on my behalf and I’m overqualified for the same fucking job.

Would it be too much to ask for people to make up their minds? Either I’m overqualified or I’m a total n00b who wouldn’t know Facebook from face painting.

I don’t even know what companies want anymore. I have a resume that stretches back to the early 90’s and I have a ton of experience, but I’m either barely above an intern at some companies and at others I’m, slumming if I apply for a management position. It’s aggravating.

I hear you.

I basically told a recruiter last week that it’s irrelevant how much talent everyone thinks I have if they won’t hire me, or at least explain to me why they won’t hire me.

236 jaunte  May 6, 2014 3:17:42pm
237 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:18:49pm

re: #224 Teukka

Yeah, a handful of generations will probably not know what a tan is if Ma Yellowstone or any supervolcano decides to throw a fit. What worries me though, is that the current climate change which still is out of control actually will make the grand old mess a supervolcano blowing its top will cause that much worse.

And actually, from what I’ve read, Yellowstone is not as big a threat as another hotspot in North America.

Several locations in the Cascades, and possibly the area around Lake Mammoth in California (which went on volcano alert back in the late 70’s) Yellowstone has the highest potential for really catastrophic damage. (like making several states utterly uninhabitable, worldwide death toll in the hundreds of millions, famines etc)

Something else to watch for is the island of La Palma in the Canaries, which has very real potential to create a mega-tsunami that would wipe out most of our eastern seaboard and a lot of other places according to models by Day et al. (1999) and Ward and Day (2001) (other models suggest landslides may be gradual enough to not precipitate a tsunami or that tsunamis would be limited and not strike North America)

238 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:20:19pm

re: #237 Aunty Entity Dragon

Several locations in the Cascades, and possibly the area around Lake Mammoth in California (which went on volcano alert back in the late 70’s) Yellowstone has the highest potential for really catastrophic damage. (like making several states utterly uninhabitable, worldwide death toll in the hundreds of millions, famines etc)

Something else to watch for is the island of La Palma in the Canaries, which has very real potential to create a mega-tsunami that would wipe out most of our eastern seaboard and a lot of other places according to models by Day et al. (1999) and Ward and Day (2001) (other models suggest landslides may be gradual enough to not precipitate a tsunami or that tsunamis would be limited and not strike North America)

I actually planned for that event…

239 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:22:15pm

Finished my finals today and turned in my paper on Mary of Scots and her relationship with Bess of Hardwick during her imprisonment under the Earl of Shrewsbury.

Yep, it was just as fun as it sounds…

Researching primary documents on that was a chore.

240 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 3:22:36pm

re: #123 EPR-radar

Coprophage is a good insult to send someone off to their dictionary to look up.

This is assuming they can read. Which is sometimes a stretch.

241 Lidane  May 6, 2014 3:22:44pm

re: #234 Kragar

Fun fact: the douche holding the Confederate flag in front of the White House is from Texas.

242 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:22:57pm

re: #238 Varek Raith

I actually planned for that event…

That would be a wave to surf…

243 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 3:22:58pm

re: #229 Teukka

Actually, much of North America will make it Ma Yellowstone or the new kid on the block decides to go big kabloie. And the rest of the world will also survive it. However the environmental and weather effects could throw a serious spanner in the works as to food production and healthcare.

I don’t know how bad it will be, but a VEI-7 caused the Year without summer in 1816…

Who’s this new kid on the block?

244 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:23:27pm

re: #242 Aunty Entity Dragon

That would be a wave to surf…

Yep, up in the Blue Ridge.

245 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 3:23:46pm

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

246 Justanotherhuman  May 6, 2014 3:23:53pm

If we don’t vote out these anti-intellectual, anti-science, anti-rational asshats, this country will be in deeper trouble than we think. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer about it, but we could have done far more—far, far more than we have been doing, even over my life time.

Some of us have been warning the country for many years about consumption of natural resources. My own education about industrialization, oil and our natural resource-consuming lifestyles started over 45 yrs ago. I have tried, with varying success, to live “small” ever since. Earth Day was founded on 4/22/70, and has been pretty much a “tree-hugger” holiday for the past 44 yrs—it slides past the average person every year without notice, except for maybe school kids celebrating it as some sort of unique “holiday”.

Even if we had been seriously exploring renewable energy sources for the last 50 yrs, I doubt we’d be in a much better position than we are today because we can’t force people to conserve, or pay much attention to their lifestyles. We think if we have the money, we should be able to waste as much as we like. And rightwing politicians use global warming as a football to score points, to our detriment.

I don’t know what the answer is, but in a way, I’m glad I’m not going to be around much longer to find out what the result of our inaction is going to be. But I mourn the future for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and those others who will inherit it.

247 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:26:01pm

re: #244 Varek Raith

Yep, up in the Blue Ridge.

LOL, although the models by Day et al suggest wave penetration at around 16 miles inland…which would still be a catastrophe unparalleled in human history. On the bright side, we would 6 hours notice to get the hell out of dodge.

248 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 3:26:46pm

re: #148 b.d.

FARTING COWS ARE TEH REAL PROBLEM!!1!

Then why wasn’t there a problem when millions of bison roamed The Plains? There were probably more of them then than there are of cows now.

Just asking questions. //

249 Teukka  May 6, 2014 3:28:19pm

re: #243 Bubblehead II

Who’s this new kid on the block?

One of the other North-American hotspots that is VEI-8 capable, don’t remember the name at the moment.

250 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 3:28:25pm

re: #155 HappyWarrior

Yeah I’ve noticed that. Anything that remotely considers a woman a man’s equal is bad, bad, bad. Why any woman would think about casting her lot with these asses is beyond me.

Battered Spouse Syndrome. They’ve gotten to believe all the shit that their abusers say to them.

251 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 3:29:07pm

re: #245 Charles Johnson

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

Damn it. I had managed to forget about that bookmark.

252 Dr. Matt  May 6, 2014 3:29:28pm

Does anyone else get sick of seeing the 26.2 and 13.1 bumper stickers?

No?

I think I’m moody today.

253 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 3:31:52pm

Sen. Joe McCarthy was unavailable for comment.

254 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 3:34:05pm

re: #253 Targetpractice

There will be Democrats? Boehner is really slipping.
/// (as if…)

255 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 3:35:03pm

re: #152 Lidane

Heh.

Isn’t Dr. Ruth getting up there to Methuselah old? I wonder if she tweets her own personally or if she has someone handling that for her; in any case, glad to see her still kicking it.

256 urbanmeemaw  May 6, 2014 3:36:46pm

re: #94 EPR-radar

“Plants love Brawndo. It has the electrolytes they crave”.

257 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 3:37:08pm

re: #249 Teukka

One of the other North-American hotspots that is VEI-8 capable, don’t remember the name at the moment.

Found a list. By the way, Mt. St. Helens is recharging.

SEATTLE (AP) - Mount St. Helens is showing signs of long-term uplift and minor earthquake activity, but there are no signs that the volcano in southwest Washington state is likely to erupt soon, federal scientists said Wednesday.

258 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 3:37:18pm

re: #254 Political Atheist

There will be Democrats? Boehner is really slipping.
/// (as if…)

Don’t laugh, there’s talk that Democrats may boycott the committee, as well they should. Nancy wanted it to be at least an even split to be “fair,” but as that seems a bridge too far to John of Orange, it looks like the fix is even before the gavel has even come down.

259 Kragar  May 6, 2014 3:37:25pm

re: #241 Lidane

Fun fact: the douche holding the Confederate flag in front of the White House is from Texas.

Obviously a Democrat.
/

260 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 3:37:30pm

re: #249 Teukka

One of the other North-American hotspots that is VEI-8 capable, don’t remember the name at the moment.

The Blake River Megacaldera Complex?

en.wikipedia.org

261 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:38:27pm

re: #260 Dr Lizardo

The Blake River Megacaldera Complex?

en.wikipedia.org

Awesome band name.

262 jaunte  May 6, 2014 3:38:36pm

re: #241 Lidane

Fun fact: the douche holding the Confederate flag in front of the White House is from Texas.

And he doesn’t even have the courage to admit he’s being a troll.

263 urbanmeemaw  May 6, 2014 3:39:40pm

re: #252 Dr. Matt

I think they’re culty, obnoxious and elitist. That said, I have a 26.2 magnet on my car because when I turned 60 I gave myself permission to sometimes be culty and obnoxious. But I totally get why these magnets bug people.

264 jaunte  May 6, 2014 3:40:05pm
265 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 3:40:25pm

The moral bankruptcy on non-interventionism.

266 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 3:40:53pm

re: #220 Dr Lizardo

Meh…..it’s wingnuts. Look at their gun-porn; the images they post are mostly laughable, yet they drool over it. If they see a photo like this:

Pam Grier gonna fuck you up

they’d lose their damned minds.

LOOK…SCARY BLAH WOMAN WITH A G-G-GUN!!!!11ty

///half

267 Mike Lamb  May 6, 2014 3:41:22pm

re: #245 Charles Johnson

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

I hate you.

268 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 3:44:02pm

*venting*
Okay work kinda sucks extra today. I got to manage a product problem call, the tech run down to find the problem, and now my first ever product recall. The terms of returns, the service bulletin the apology and company mea culpas. And of course the calls are really coming as this item hit the market.

Grrrr. A subcontractor screwed up a liquid that goes in plaster to cast platinum. Changed it without proper testing and notice.

269 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 3:45:18pm

re: #245 Charles Johnson

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

That’s pretty cool, and tricky.

270 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 3:45:20pm

re: #268 Political Atheist

*venting*
Okay work kinda sucks extra today. I got to manage a product problem call, the tech run down to find the problem, and now my first ever product recall. The terms of returns, the service bulletin the apology and company mea culpas. And of course the calls are really coming as this item hit the market.

Grrrr. A subcontractor screwed up a liquid that goes in plaster to cast platinum. Changed it without proper testing and notice.

Platinum?
Ouch.

271 Teukka  May 6, 2014 3:47:42pm

re: #260 Dr Lizardo

The Blake River Megacaldera Complex?

en.wikipedia.org

If not the one, one of the causes for concern :)

272 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 3:48:24pm

re: #266 TedStriker

LOOK…SCARY BLAH WOMAN WITH A G-G-GUN!!!!11ty

///half

This beauty would no doubt set the wingnuts heart’s aflutter make them soil themselves:

Every wingnut’s worst nightmare. And she’s a government agent too!

273 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 3:50:12pm

re: #227 Lidane

‘Scuse me, but imma vent my spleen a bit. Feel free to scroll on by.

So last week a recruiter at an agency I’ve been working with contacted me with a job she thought I was perfect for and submitted me. Apparently the employer liked me but I was told today they’ve decided to go with a more junior candidate instead. Maybe the pay was lower than what they thought I’d expect. Who knows?

I HATE being in this limbo. I apply for jobs where I can tick off the list of requirements one by one and then get told I’m not qualified enough and don’t have the right experience. I have recruiters working on my behalf and I’m overqualified for the same fucking job.

Would it be too much to ask for people to make up their minds? Either I’m overqualified or I’m a total n00b who wouldn’t know Facebook from face painting.

I don’t even know what companies want anymore. I have a resume that stretches back to the early 90’s and I have a ton of experience, but I’m either barely above an intern at some companies and at others I’m, slumming if I apply for a management position. It’s aggravating.

Welcome to the frustration. Started to stick in my own rant. instead I’ll just wish you best of luck getting something before you hit the “what’s wrong with you that nobody wants to hire you” stage?

(Long term unemployed. too many applicants for the same jobs. Older than my now-peers. etc., etc.)

274 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 3:50:24pm

i’m seeing yet another eruption of indignation about the amount of taxes that the top 10% pay. let’s get some facts and do a little arithmetic

top 10%, 71% of fed taxes, 45% of income

middle class btw 51 - 89% => about 38%, 17% of taxes, 42% of income

bottom 50%, 2% of fed taxes, 12% of income

wow, the bottom half of income earners in this county all taken together only make 12% of total income???

as for the middle class, if the top 10% take home 45% of the income while the middle 38% takes home 42%, that’s uh about 10% per tenth averaged over the entire 38% of course the bottom takes home less than the top. so we get a rough picture of 45% for the top 10% and then 10% each for the next four 10%, and finally only 12% for the entire bottom half

so are the top 10% still whining?

275 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 3:52:12pm

re: #227 Lidane

‘I have a resume that stretches back to the early 90’s and I have a ton of experience, but I’m either barely above an intern at some companies and at others I’m, slumming if I apply for a management position. It’s aggravating.

I was in your shoes once, and I can tell you that a lot of your problem is having a resume stretching back to the early 90s.

You might want to consider, uh, revising that a bit.

276 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 3:52:30pm

I’ve gotten the 1024 tile a few times, but haven’t managed to get 2048 yet. It gets progressively harder since new tiles always start at either two or four.

277 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 3:53:33pm

re: #253 Targetpractice

What are the Democrats there for, to get the coffee and fill the water pitchers?

278 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 3:53:36pm

re: #264 jaunte

[Embedded content]

And can those little buggers dance!

Youtube Video

279 bubba zanetti  May 6, 2014 3:54:28pm

re: #245 Charles Johnson

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

One way to wean yourself:

Play it by alternating between the up and right arrow to pile everything in the top right corner. When you can’t do any moves, hit the down arrow and then resume your pattern.

When you realize how well you can do with no strategy whatsoever you might move on to another game.

Or you’ll end up in ‘slot machine’ mode.

280 De Kolta Chair  May 6, 2014 3:56:17pm

re: #98 CriticalDragon1177

“Islamberg”? It’s a Muslim/Jew hater twofer!

281 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:56:44pm

re: #251 wrenchwench

Damn it. I had managed to forget about that bookmark.

I just wasted half an hour on that. :)

282 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:57:16pm

re: #276 Charles Johnson

I’ve gotten the 1024 tile a few times, but haven’t managed to get 2048 yet. It gets progressively harder since new tiles always start at either two or four.

I got 526.

283 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 3:58:43pm

Anybody want to join this club?

And I’ve been told, but can not find, there’s a video at MSNBC with the title “Donkeys are Real Party Animals in Mexico”

284 Aunty Entity Dragon  May 6, 2014 3:58:57pm

re: #260 Dr Lizardo

The Blake River Megacaldera Complex?

en.wikipedia.org

I don’t believe that complex is active any longer.

285 Lidane  May 6, 2014 3:59:19pm

re: #273 kirkspencer

Welcome to the frustration. Started to stick in my own rant. instead I’ll just wish you best of luck getting something before you hit the “what’s wrong with you that nobody wants to hire you” stage?

(Long term unemployed. too many applicants for the same jobs. Older than my now-peers. etc., etc.)

I’ve already entered that stage in my head. I had an uncle ask me that at Christmas because I’d been out of work for two months at that point.

Mostly I’m just pissed off. I’m seriously thinking of just taking whatever comes along for money while I establish myself as a freelancer in my spare time, then making the jump out of the market entirely. I can’t stand this constant bullshit. Either I’m overqualified or I’m underqualified for the same goddamn jobs with the same requirements.

286 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 4:00:36pm

HURR HURR!!!!! U R TEH RACIST!!!!!

287 Lidane  May 6, 2014 4:01:23pm

re: #275 Skip Intro

I was in your shoes once, and I can tell you that a lot of your problem is having a resume stretching back to the early 90s.

You might want to consider, uh, revising that a bit.

I’ve already whittled it down to a page and a half, including a summary, my education and my skills up top, then just a few bullet points for each position. I don’t know what else to cut. I’d be getting rid of a lot of valuable marketing experience that underpins the skills I highlight for myself.

288 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 4:01:38pm

re: #284 Aunty Entity Dragon

I don’t believe that complex is active any longer.

Yeah, the last eruption was a little less than three million years ago.

289 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 4:04:14pm

re: #270 Varek Raith

Platinum?
Ouch.

Yeah.

On the huge upside, nobody ever gets hurt. It’s jewelry not car brake parts or the driver side carpet for Toyota. Our mistakes only cost money or some inconvenience. Worst case-Ring is late for wedding.

I can’t help but reflect on how the decent human beings at companies that have inadvertently sent products that hurt a kid or killed someone. I would be inconsolable.

Perspective and balance.

290 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 4:07:22pm

re: #272 Dr Lizardo

This beauty would no doubt set the wingnuts heart’s aflutter make them soil themselves:

Every wingnut’s worst nightmare. And she’s a government agent too!

If I were single… Well neva mind.

291 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 4:08:25pm

re: #287 Lidane

In my case I realized that the companies I was applying to wanted someone with 20+ years of experience, but no older than 30.

It’s a total disconnect on their part, but that’s business.

I got around it the old fashioned way: The guy interviewing me knew my old boss.

In other words, just pure dumb luck.

Just keep pushing.

292 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 4:10:07pm

re: #277 Skip Intro

What are the Democrats there for, to get the coffee and fill the water pitchers?

The usual: The cover of calling the committee “bipartisan,” when it’s obvious from Day One that Democrats are there as window-dressing.

293 BeenHereAwhile  May 6, 2014 4:11:00pm

re: #238 Varek Raith

re: #237 Aunty Entity Dragon

Snip…

“Something else to watch for is the island of La Palma in the Canaries, which has very real potential to create a mega-tsunami that would wipe out most of our eastern seaboard and a lot of other places according to models by Day et al. (1999) and Ward and Day (2001) (other models suggest landslides may be gradual enough to not precipitate a tsunami or that tsunamis would be limited and not strike North America)”

I actually planned for that event…

When asked why I moved to Nashville, my response is “the La Palma mega-tsunami.”

294 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 4:12:10pm

re: #293 BeenHereAwhile

When asked why I moved to Nashville, my response is “the La Palma mega-tsunami.”

I have plans for just about every disaster that could hit here in NoVa.

295 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 4:13:12pm

re: #294 Varek Raith

I have plans for just about every disaster that could hit here in NoVa.

Step 1: Put head between knees.
Step 2: Kiss ass goodbye.

296 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 4:15:27pm

re: #295 Targetpractice

Step 1: Put head between knees.
Step 2: Kiss ass goodbye.

That’s only for extinction level asteroids and WW3.

297 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 4:17:58pm

re: #296 Varek Raith

That’s only for extinction level asteroids and WW3.

It would also apply if the GOP wins the presidency and both houses of Congress in 2016. //

298 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 4:18:10pm

re: #292 Targetpractice

If any Dems show up for this sham, well, I just don’t know anymore.

299 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 4:18:44pm

…

300 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 4:18:51pm

re: #275 Skip Intro

I was in your shoes once, and I can tell you that a lot of your problem is having a resume stretching back to the early 90s.

You might want to consider, uh, revising that a bit.

Age discrimination? Illegal of course and really, really rampant. Or are you saying just go 10 years or so on the resume?

301 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 4:19:39pm

re: #298 Skip Intro

If any Dems show up for this sham, well, I just don’t know anymore.

I figure if they’re not going to boycott, they should at least settle for an even split of committee members. If Boehner can’t even manage that, then tell him where he can stick his committee and let the GOP stew in its irrelevance.

302 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 4:21:51pm

re: #294 Varek Raith

I have plans for just about every disaster that could hit here in NoVa.

In my case very few include “get a gun and get ready to kill people.” That only happens in “disaster ends ability of US to recover, and does it so quickly it’s obvious within a week.” There are very few that meet that level that avoid also being an extinction event.

Having played survival games for far too long, I carry three things consistently. I have a motion-powered LED pocket flashlight. I have a signal mirror. I have a heavy whistle. In the vast majority of survival situations I don’t want to go into stealth, I want to be found. If I have to bring it down to one, the signal mirror wins with the whistle a close second.

303 EPR-radar  May 6, 2014 4:22:36pm

re: #301 Targetpractice

I figure if they’re not going to boycott, they should at least settle for an even split of committee members. If Boehner can’t even manage that, then tell him where he can stick his committee and let the GOP stew in its irrelevance.

Agreed. The Democrats should let the GOP take 100% ownership of this farce, and do what they can to make the media recognize this as another GOP witch hunt.

304 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 4:25:45pm

re: #275 Skip Intro

I was in your shoes once, and I can tell you that a lot of your problem is having a resume stretching back to the early 90s.

You might want to consider, uh, revising that a bit.

Sounds good. Two catches, one personal one general.

Personal. My military service ended in 1994 - started in 1984. Most jobs to which I apply want to know about my military service. Almost as bad is education - I got my master’s in 1990. (and both those are deceptive - I’m older. But that’s old enough.)

General. A _lot_ of jobs these days have a standardized application form that is required in addition to the resume. The fine print on those forms means if you leave off some earlier jobs they have cause to tell you goodbye because you were not “complete and truthful on this application.”

305 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 4:26:24pm

LOLWHUT
Who are the “Liberal Democrats” denying the Holocaust? Do they really mean Juice-hating Libertarian dudebros?

306 klys  May 6, 2014 4:26:57pm

Oh man. I can see the woods for the harp I am having built and now have to decide which set to get.

The current problem is I WANT THEM ALL but I can’t get 5 harps, so …decisions.

307 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 4:27:45pm

re: #306 klys

Oh man. I can see the woods for the harp I am having built and now have to decide which set to get.

The current problem is I WANT THEM ALL but I can’t get 5 harps, so …decisions.

Laminates?

308 GeneJockey  May 6, 2014 4:28:53pm

re: #307 Bubblehead II

Laminates?

Checkerboard inlays! That’ll make one harp more expensive than five!

309 klys  May 6, 2014 4:29:30pm

re: #307 Bubblehead II

Laminates?

No, the harp box. Some very, very sexy possibilities.

All koa, towards the lighter-color range. Some really nice vertical grain patterns.

310 blueraven  May 6, 2014 4:31:29pm

jesus! Fox News is rambling on about the WH focus on climate change.

George Will and Charles Krauthammer are not impressed.

Oh, those scientist just want more money!!
How about the cold winter we just had? Huh, huh?!!!
Cant even forecast next weeks weather!

Meanwhile the once absolutely beautiful lake my kids grew up with, Lake Travis, is drying up. The lake I took them to as toddlers to meet with other Moms and kids, where we spent almost every single warm weather weekend as a family; boating swimming, skiing, wake-skating or just mingling with friends on shore….
We use to have a nice lake view from our back yard. No more.

All the businesses that use to thrive from summer lake traffic; restaurants, boat rental/ski rental, vacation rental, local stores etc… have closed up or are barely hanging on. Even the campgrounds and parks.

It is an emotional issue for me. But much more importantly, it is part of the Highland Lakes chain managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) which is the main water source for much of Central TX.

Doomsday scenarios have it dried up by 2016

myfoxaustin.com

311 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 4:32:13pm

re: #300 Political Atheist

Age discrimination? Illegal of course and really, really rampant. Or are you saying just go 10 years or so on the resume?

No, you can’t do that because they’ll see right through it.

But yeah, age discrimination is a huge problem, and is a lot worse now than when I was looking for work.

From what I can tell now, if you’re over 40 and don’t play golf with a group of CEOs you’re going to have a tough time finding work that meets your abilities, unless you were smart enough to have become a doctor or a pharmacist.

312 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 4:33:08pm

re: #296 Varek Raith

That’s only for extinction level asteroids and WW3.

Like this?

Youtube Video

313 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 4:35:34pm

re: #312 Dr Lizardo

Like this?

[Embedded content]

Video

That last one ain’t no meteor.
What’s that from?

314 Lidane  May 6, 2014 4:39:35pm

re: #311 Skip Intro

From what I can tell now, if you’re over 40 and don’t play golf with a group of CEOs you’re going to have a tough time finding work that meets your abilities, unless you were smart enough to have become a doctor or a pharmacist.

Which is why freelancing is starting to look like an option.

I’m 41. I can’t lie or dance around it because if they ask about my education it’s all there. I graduated high school in 1991. Went to two years of college back then and started working. Finished my degree years later, then got a Master’s on top of it. If I fudge the resume and only offer the last 10 years or so, they’ll ask what I did in the previous years because of the obvious time gap with my education.

315 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 6, 2014 4:43:04pm

re: #314 Lidane

You don’t really have to put the date of your education on your resume, do you? I just put M.A. (field), University of (state), emphasis and title of thesis on mine. It’s a C.V. though.

316 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 4:44:31pm

re: #314 Lidane

That can work. My nephew did that for a while when he was let go during a downsizing. After a couple of years he was able to use the contacts he made to get a permanent job where the resume/application process was just a formality.

317 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 4:45:28pm

re: #313 Varek Raith

That last one ain’t no meteor.
What’s that from?

It was from some BBC series on catastrophism.

318 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 4:47:05pm

re: #317 Dr Lizardo

It was from some BBC series on catastrophism.

Think I found it…

319 Mentis Fugit  May 6, 2014 4:56:39pm

re: #302 kirkspencer

Having played survival games for far too long, I carry three things consistently. I have a motion-powered LED pocket flashlight. I have a signal mirror. I have a heavy whistle. In the vast majority of survival situations I don’t want to go into stealth, I want to be found. If I have to bring it down to one, the signal mirror wins with the whistle a close second.

Whistles work both night and day, in all weather, and in situations where you cannot see your prospective rescuers. Whistle would win for me.

320 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 4:57:10pm

FUCKING MATH, HOW DOES IT WORK?

321 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 4:58:42pm

re: #320 Pie-onist Overlord

FUCKING MATH, HOW DOES IT WORK?

[Embedded content]

ROCKET SURGERY!

322 Dr Lizardo  May 6, 2014 4:58:45pm

Good night, Lizards.

323 Backwoods_Sleuth  May 6, 2014 5:02:38pm

re: #320 Pie-onist Overlord

FUCKING MATH, HOW DOES IT WORK?

[Embedded content]

The stupid is very strong on the twitters today.

324 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 5:04:43pm

Dear God,

I don’t know if you listen to the prayers of agnostics, but please, please, don;t let the Tories win the next provincial election.

I couldn’t survive being homeless again.

325 De Kolta Chair  May 6, 2014 5:05:34pm

re: #320 Pie-onist Overlord

FUCKING MATH, HOW DOES IT WORK?

[Embedded content]

FUCKING IDEOLOGY, WHY DOES IT WORK?

326 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 5:07:35pm

re: #314 Lidane

Which is why freelancing is starting to look like an option.

I’m 41. I can’t lie or dance around it because if they ask about my education it’s all there. I graduated high school in 1991. Went to two years of college back then and started working. Finished my degree years later, then got a Master’s on top of it. If I fudge the resume and only offer the last 10 years or so, they’ll ask what I did in the previous years because of the obvious time gap with my education.

With me if they ask why there is a big gap in my resume I have to tell them, “I was severely mentally ill during that time.”

At which point they start hiding sharp objects, tell me, “Thanks for coming in,” and I never hear from them again.

If you get too far outside the norm, there’s no way back.

327 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 5:07:38pm

It is nice to see the Nigerian Schoolgirls has finally become a newsworthy story.

328 Gus  May 6, 2014 5:07:42pm
329 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 5:09:02pm
330 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 6, 2014 5:09:27pm
Church members along the rim of Lake Travis say they will continue to pray for a long, steady rain.

Read more: myfoxaustin.com

Let me know how that works for you.

331 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 5:10:29pm

re: #327 Killgore Trout

It is nice to see the Nigerian Schoolgirls has finally become a newsworthy story.

MSNBC has been covering it for a few days now. Where have you been?

Oh, wait…you don’t watch MSNBC or cable. You think all the shows all talk about the same stuff from the same script.

333 Gus  May 6, 2014 5:14:39pm
334 Belafon  May 6, 2014 5:16:49pm

re: #320 Pie-onist Overlord

You know what he’s saying: Those poors are receiving money from the government (EIC) for being poor and lazy. He’s tired of paying for them, even though I bet he doesn’t pay much.

335 blueraven  May 6, 2014 5:17:56pm

re: #330 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Let me know how that works for you.

About as well as Rick Perry’s Prayer for Rain did.


Gov. Perry Issues Proclamation for Days of Prayer for Rain in Texas

Total Fail

336 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 5:19:17pm

re: #319 Mentis Fugit

Whistles work both night and day, in all weather, and in situations where you cannot see your prospective rescuers. Whistle would win for me.

As i said I carry all three, and it’s a hard decision which is first. The signal mirror’s advantage is range (though it’s day restricted). Flashlight is night range. Whistle’s disadvantage is that it’s tiring to blow all day and night (even with rests between) hoping someone hears.

If I were in an area with higher chances of being trapped in buildings it’d shift to the whistle, though. Range is immaterial when there’s a tumbled building in the way.

337 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 5:19:51pm

re: #333 Gus

At a certain point what’s the difference?

338 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 5:22:17pm

re: #330 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Church members along the rim of Lake Travis say they will continue to pray for a long, steady rain.

So what’s the point of that? If God controls the weather, obviously he’s decided that you aren’t going to get any rain.

Why make him even more pissed off by badgering him about it?

339 De Kolta Chair  May 6, 2014 5:24:56pm

re: #335 blueraven

About as well as Rick Perry’s Prayer for Rain did.


Gov. Perry Issues Proclamation for Days of Prayer for Rain in Texas

Total Fail

God hates four eyes?!!

340 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 5:26:49pm

re: #314 Lidane

Which is why freelancing is starting to look like an option.

I’m 41. I can’t lie or dance around it because if they ask about my education it’s all there. I graduated high school in 1991. Went to two years of college back then and started working. Finished my degree years later, then got a Master’s on top of it. If I fudge the resume and only offer the last 10 years or so, they’ll ask what I did in the previous years because of the obvious time gap with my education.

I think I mentioned this before but it’s worth repeating.

If you get asked “What is your biggest weakness?” always answer SOME TECH SKILL that they can send you for training. Because why do they have to know your phobias?

341 dog philosopher  May 6, 2014 5:28:29pm

re: #330 Rev_Arthur_Belling

Church members along the rim of Lake Travis say they will continue to pray for a long, steady rain

doesn’t work unless you sacrifice a chicken

342 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 5:30:20pm

re: #332 Killgore Trout

Gov. John Kitzhaber helps save heroin OD victim: How it happened (video)

Kudos to the Gov. But you and I (as well as the rest of the Lizards) know the cesspools on the right will (if not already) claim (regardless of the facts) that this was a staged event *spit* to bolster his re-election.

343 Targetpractice  May 6, 2014 5:31:24pm

re: #341 dog philosopher

doesn’t work unless you sacrifice a chicken

I thought it was a virgin we had to sacrifice to an angry volcano?

344 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 5:31:44pm

re: #338 Skip Intro

So what’s the point of that? If God controls the weather, obviously he’s decided that you aren’t going to get any rain.

Why make him even more pissed off by badgering him about it?

They’re not doing it right.

Human sacrifice.

It worked for the Toltecs and Aztecs (at least for a while).

I say we start with the nitwits who think that praying for rain will change weather patterns. ////

345 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 5:31:54pm

Iran’s Hard-Line Lawmakers Grill FM on Holocaust

The questioning was prompted by an interview Mohammed Javad Zarif gave to German media in February in which he said the Holocaust was a “horrifying tragedy” that should never happen again.

In Tuesday’s parliament session, aired live on state radio, Zarif defended his stance, saying that Holocaust denial had given Iran’s archenemy Israel a tool to use against it.

It was the second time Zarif was summoned to parliament and questioned about his stance and comments.
…
Zarif told the Iranian lawmakers on Tuesday that as long as he is foreign minister, he will not allow Iran’s reputation to be damaged with statements about “Holocaust denial.”

While he did not outright acknowledge the Holocaust, Zarif said such denials only serve Israel and the “Zionists’ projects against Iran.”

“From the point of view of the Iranian people, massacres of innocent people anywhere and in any form are to be condemned,” said Zarif.

That’s pretty bold. The usual pattern is to hint at acknowledgement in English to foreign press and keep up the denial at home.

346 Justanotherhuman  May 6, 2014 5:32:01pm

There is hope, folks.

The 4 yr old got twice the score on 2048 that I did.

I am going to whip his ass now. : )

Maybe.

347 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 5:34:56pm

re: #314 Lidane

Which is why freelancing is starting to look like an option.

I’m 41. I can’t lie or dance around it because if they ask about my education it’s all there. I graduated high school in 1991. Went to two years of college back then and started working. Finished my degree years later, then got a Master’s on top of it. If I fudge the resume and only offer the last 10 years or so, they’ll ask what I did in the previous years because of the obvious time gap with my education.

When I lost a job a while ago I started my own bookkeeping business. When quickbooks was king. It was very lucrative and I was freeeeeeeee.

I think this could be a great option for you.

I went back to corporate when someone offered me a good job out of the blue. But, I was 5 years very happily self employed.

I think you should really give that a look.

348 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 5:35:16pm

re: #340 Pie-onist Overlord

I think I mentioned this before but it’s worth repeating.

If you get asked “What is your biggest weakness?” always answer SOME TECH SKILL that they can send you for training. Because why do they have to know your phobias?

Not doughnuts?

That explains a lot.

349 Lidane  May 6, 2014 5:36:07pm

re: #340 Pie-onist Overlord

I think I mentioned this before but it’s worth repeating.

If you get asked “What is your biggest weakness?” always answer SOME TECH SKILL that they can send you for training. Because why do they have to know your phobias?

I usually say that I’m terrible at coding. I’m far more technical than the average marketer/account manager since I’ve built my own PCs in the past, but I can’t code for shit. I mention that I’m familiar enough with it that I can talk to the IT guy without him wanting to strangle me at my desk, but that I couldn’t do it professionally.

350 Belafon  May 6, 2014 5:37:55pm

re: #349 Lidane

I start out by saying that I hate answering that question.

351 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 5:38:57pm

re: #265 Killgore Trout

[Embedded content]

The moral bankruptcy on non-interventionism.

So are you advocating intervention?

352 Mentis Fugit  May 6, 2014 5:40:01pm

re: #336 kirkspencer

As i said I carry all three, and it’s a hard decision which is first. The signal mirror’s advantage is range (though it’s day restricted). Flashlight is night range. Whistle’s disadvantage is that it’s tiring to blow all day and night (even with rests between) hoping someone hears.

If I were in an area with higher chances of being trapped in buildings it’d shift to the whistle, though. Range is immaterial when there’s a tumbled building in the way.

Certainly all three if you can, and no reason why the flashlight can’t be a flat design with a mirror on one face, though I’m guessing we live in quite different climates, and you’ve got a lot more hours of direct sunlight at your disposal.

Aside from the urban scenarios (earthquake being the leading one for me) a whistle would also be a lot more useful if I was a more outdoor type, as getting lost or hurt invariably means lots of hills and bush.

Hmm, is there a market for a compact, hand-pumped air horn?

353 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 5:40:19pm

Here are a couple of GREAT TWITTER ACCOUNTS to follow if you get sick of all the Derp:

@JihadiJew (Has made it his Personal Struggle to fight intolerance between Jews and Muslims by focusing on what they have in common)

@KosherSoul (Sephardic-African cuisine, by way of the Old South)

354 Mentis Fugit  May 6, 2014 5:42:38pm

re: #353 Pie-onist Overlord

@JihadiJew (Has made it his Personal Struggle to fight intolerance between Jews and Muslims by focusing on what they have in common)

You mean aside from being fucked over by Christians?
//

355 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 5:42:51pm

re: #353 Pie-onist Overlord

Here are a couple of GREAT TWITTER ACCOUNTS to follow if you get sick of all the Derp:

@JihadiJew (Has made it his Personal Struggle to fight intolerance between Jews and Muslims by focusing on what they have in common)

@KosherSoul (Sephardic-African cuisine, by way of the Old South)

Two big hearts!

356 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 5:43:49pm

re: #346 Justanotherhuman

There is hope, folks.

The 4 yr old got twice the score on 2048 that I did.

I am going to whip his ass now. : )

Maybe.

Charles is evil incarnate for introducing that link.

BTW Dinner time

357 Lidane  May 6, 2014 5:45:05pm

re: #356 Bubblehead II

Charles is evil incarnate for introducing that link.

Heh. Tumblr has a bunch of different versions of that game, usually centered on different actors. I saw a Robert Downey Jr. version once.

358 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 5:46:16pm

re: #357 Lidane

Heh. Tumblr has a bunch of different versions of that game, usually centered on different actors. I saw a Robert Downey Jr. version once.

You watching dinner at the nest?

359 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 5:46:19pm

re: #353 Pie-onist Overlord

Here are a couple of GREAT TWITTER ACCOUNTS to follow if you get sick of all the Derp:

@JihadiJew (Has made it his Personal Struggle to fight intolerance between Jews and Muslims by focusing on what they have in common)

@KosherSoul (Sephardic-African cuisine, by way of the Old South)

YES

360 wrenchwench  May 6, 2014 5:46:42pm

Later, lizards.

361 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 5:47:20pm

re: #356 Bubblehead II

Charles is evil incarnate for introducing that link.

BTW Dinner time

Windy!!

362 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 5:50:06pm

re: #245 Charles Johnson

OK, I admit it, I’m ridiculously hooked on this game.

gabrielecirulli.github.io

I’ve seen a few people on PATH playing, and was wondering what that was about. Guess I’ll go see.

363 Lidane  May 6, 2014 5:50:43pm
364 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 5:51:46pm

re: #361 Stanley Sea

Windy!!

Yep. Kids are fed. I have serious doubts about the last two two eggs though.

365 Single-handed sailor  May 6, 2014 5:52:21pm

re: #352 Mentis Fugit

Certainly all three if you can, and no reason why the flashlight can’t be a flat design with a mirror on one face, though I’m guessing we live in quite different climates, and you’ve got a lot more hours of direct sunlight at your disposal.

Aside from the urban scenarios (earthquake being the leading one for me) a whistle would also be a lot more useful if I was a more outdoor type, as getting lost or hurt invariably means lots of hills and bush.

Hmm, is there a market for a compact, hand-pumped air horn?

I’m pretty sure it died out 60 years ago…

compact hand pumped air horn

366 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 5:52:42pm

re: #362 lawhawk

I’ve seen a few people on PATH playing, and was wondering what that was about. Guess I’ll go see.

Youtube Video

367 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 5:56:35pm

I guess there was a report released recently talking about the Alzheimer’s Apocalypse? Just saw a commercial on the TV for some, uh relief?

If this shit is on Fox we are going to have a lot of freaking out. More than usual - just add another fear to the pile!

368 sagehen  May 6, 2014 6:07:47pm

re: #346 Justanotherhuman

There is hope, folks.

The 4 yr old got twice the score on 2048 that I did.

I am going to whip his ass now. : )

Maybe.

My top score is 32292. Is that good? (I won’t tell you how many hours I wasted getting to that…)

369 Bubblehead II  May 6, 2014 6:12:23pm

Youtube Video

Guess I should cal it night.

Night Lizards.

And May the Deity of your choice smile down upon you.

370 BongCrodny  May 6, 2014 6:13:37pm

Ooo.

Gotham

This could work.

371 Skip Intro  May 6, 2014 6:15:12pm

re: #367 Stanley Sea

I guess there was a report released recently talking about the Alzheimer’s Apocalypse? Just saw a commercial on the TV for some, uh relief?

If this shit is on Fox we are going to have a lot of freaking out. More than usual - just add another fear to the pile!

If it’s Fox, I’m sure their crack chartmaking team is busy creating before Obama and during Obama charts similar to this one showing the huge increase in the disease during his regime.

372 Belafon  May 6, 2014 6:19:33pm

re: #370 BongCrodny

Superman grows up in Smallville, Batman grows up in Gotham. Talk about nurture vs. nature. We’re just all lucky it wasn’t reversed.

373 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 6:19:50pm

OMG people are so clueless. And YOUNG. And clueless.

CNN pundit just said Monica Lewinsky got a job with JENNIFER CRAIG.

I’m dying.

374 BongCrodny  May 6, 2014 6:22:53pm

re: #371 Skip Intro

If it’s Fox, I’m sure their crack chartmaking team is busy creating before Obama and during Obama charts similar to this one showing the huge increase in the disease during his regime.

[Embedded image]

OH MY GOD!! TAXES ARE GOING TO BE FOUR TIMES AS HIGH!!!!

375 Gus  May 6, 2014 6:26:29pm
376 lawhawk  May 6, 2014 6:29:02pm

Damn it… yeah… i’m hooked.

377 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 6:29:14pm

re: #375 Gus

[Embedded content]

Snowden will have to shut down his wordpress blog.

378 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 6:30:39pm

Well, has Decatur Deb shown up today? Or does he have dos equis/margartia mix poisoning?

379 klys  May 6, 2014 6:33:55pm

re: #376 lawhawk

Damn it… yeah… i’m hooked.

By the time I saw your comment, I knew it was too late.

380 ericblair  May 6, 2014 6:35:17pm

re: #377 Killgore Trout

Snowden will have to shut down his wordpress blog.

Don’t worry. After the tonguelashing he gave Putin about internet privacy at the face-to-face interview I’m sure Putin will be rushing to change the laws to guarantee online privacy and free speech. Right?

381 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 6:35:52pm

Thanks for the warning not to go to that game link Charles put up!

: )

382 kirkspencer  May 6, 2014 6:37:06pm

re: #370 BongCrodny

Ooo.

Gotham

This could work.

If it weren’t fox. Three pools should be set: date of the first out of sequence episode; date of the first episode pre-empted for something else (bonus for what that is, though sports is most likely); date they change the time/day of schedule.

Yeah, I’m rather cynical of Fox’s executive scheduling competence.

383 Gus  May 6, 2014 6:37:41pm

“Western intervention will turn Nigeria into an African Afghanistan!!11ty”

384 Single-handed sailor  May 6, 2014 6:41:19pm

re: #382 kirkspencer

If it weren’t fox. Three pools should be set: date of the first out of sequence episode; date of the first episode pre-empted for something else (bonus for what that is, though sports is most likely); date they change the time/day of schedule.

Yeah, I’m rather cynical of Fox’s executive scheduling competence.

They cancelled Almost Human, it was a good show. I suspect they’ll kill this quick too.

385 Gus  May 6, 2014 6:47:17pm
386 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 6:48:56pm

re: #382 kirkspencer

If it weren’t fox. Three pools should be set: date of the first out of sequence episode; date of the first episode pre-empted for something else (bonus for what that is, though sports is most likely); date they change the time/day of schedule.

Yeah, I’m rather cynical of Fox’s executive scheduling competence.

Indeed, this is the network that’s snuffed many a show before they had a chance to get their legs (Firefly being a tailor-made example), while continuing to run some shows past their prime because they were getting the demographics that the Fox suits wanted (24, I’m looking at you, especially with the series’ resurrection after, what, five years?).

387 CuriousLurker  May 6, 2014 6:52:23pm

I’m not staying tonight and I’m too lazy to make a Page, but for those of you following it, here’s some stuff from today on Boko Haram and the kidnapped girls:

There were too many gunmen to count: Escaped Nigerian girl’s first interview on Boko Haram kidnapping - AP via Canada’s National Post

‘Boko Haram’ doesn’t really mean ‘Western education is a sin’ - The Christian Science Monitor (Dan Murphy)

388 Mentis Fugit  May 6, 2014 6:53:16pm

re: #365 Single-handed sailor

I’m pretty sure it died out 60 years ago…

compact hand pumped air horn

I walked into that one.

I can’t stop chuckling at the idea of a lost tramper hiker honking one of those.

389 Gus  May 6, 2014 6:53:55pm
390 sagehen  May 6, 2014 6:54:38pm

re: #384 Single-handed sailor

They cancelled Almost Human, it was a good show. I suspect they’ll kill this quick too.

Firefly.

‘nuff said.

391 Gus  May 6, 2014 6:56:20pm
392 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 7:00:17pm

re: #384 Single-handed sailor

re: #390 sagehen

Jerico.

393 Rev_Arthur_Belling  May 6, 2014 7:04:26pm

re: #389 Gus

I’ve lost a lot of respect for EFF over the last couple of years.

394 sagehen  May 6, 2014 7:05:00pm

re: #386 TedStriker

Indeed, this is the network that’s snuffed many a show before they had a chance to get their legs (Firefly being a tailor-made example), while continuing to run some shows past their prime because they were getting the demographics that the Fox suits wanted (24, I’m looking at you, especially with the series’ resurrection after, what, five years?).

My superspoilery review of the opening 2 hours of 24: Live Another Day

Spoiler

Jack is still totally Jack. If you like Jack, it’s worth watching.
Chloe’s a whole new Chloe — The Snowdon With the Dragon Tattoo.
The totally unrealistic time spans remain totally unrealistic.

In the first two hours — jack is captured by the CIA (on purpose), brought to a CIA black site (special interrogation suite in the basement of the CIA’s London office), where he breaks Chloe out with explosions and a ladder and a Serbian assassin, they go to the underground off the grid headquarters of her Wikileaks-ish group, discover what the assassination plot is and who’s behind it, go across town to break into where the city’s biggest heroin dealer is guarding the bad guy and kill a bunch of people, the CIA catches up with them again and Jack escapes again….)

395 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 7:05:40pm

re: #384 Single-handed sailor

They cancelled Almost Human, it was a good show. I suspect they’ll kill this quick too.

re: #390 sagehen

Firefly.

‘nuff said.

If Joss Whedon, relatively fresh off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s successful run when he pitched Firefly, wasn’t able to keep the Fox suits from killing his show before it even hit half a season, J.J. Abrams and Karl Urban had no chance.

396 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 7:05:53pm

HURR HURR!!!! BUT NO BIRTH CONTROLS FOR TEH SLUTS!!!!!

397 thedopefishlives  May 6, 2014 7:07:25pm

re: #396 Pie-onist Overlord

HURR HURR!!!! BUT NO BIRTH CONTROLS FOR TEH SLUTS!!!!!

[Embedded content]

Well, remember, good Christian women are supposed to keep their legs closed and just not have sex, therefore they don’t need no stinkin’ birth control. Come on, get with the wingnut times! Queen Victoria is calling!

398 CuriousLurker  May 6, 2014 7:07:59pm

re: #387 CuriousLurker

I’m not staying tonight and I’m too lazy to make a Page, but for those of you following it, here’s some stuff from today on Boko Haram and the kidnapped girls:

There were too many gunmen to count: Escaped Nigerian girl’s first interview on Boko Haram kidnapping - AP via Canada’s National Post

‘Boko Haram’ doesn’t really mean ‘Western education is a sin’ - The Christian Science Monitor (Dan Murphy)

P.S. Also this—it’s not new (2012), but it provides in-depth background info: What Is Boko Haram? (PDF) - United States Institute of Peace (USIP) special report, 16 pages.

You might want to also check out their Special Reports section as it has some other interesting looking stuff on Yemen, Afghanistan, extremism, etc.

399 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 7:09:04pm

re: #397 thedopefishlives

Well, remember, good Christian women are supposed to keep their legs closed and just not have sex, therefore they don’t need no stinkin’ birth control. Come on, get with the wingnut times! Queen Victoria is calling!

HURR HURR U CAN BUY RUBBERS AT CVS, Y U NEED FANCY SHMANCY PRESCRIPTION MEDS PAID FOR BY MAH HARD WORKIN’ TAX MONEYS!!!!!!!

400 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 7:09:30pm

re: #394 sagehen

24 capitalized on anti-Muslim paranoia after the 9/11 attacks, and now the new version is trying to capitalize on anti-US paranoia. I’m sensing a pattern.

401 Rightwingconspirator  May 6, 2014 7:11:16pm

re: #400 Charles Johnson

24 capitalized on anti-Muslim paranoia after the 9/11 attacks, and now the new version is trying to capitalize on anti-US paranoia. I’m sensing a pattern.

Villain of the month?

402 Pie-onist Overlord  May 6, 2014 7:12:30pm

WTFITS
MORE FREEDOM=MOAR WORK FOR FREES!!!!!!
(This nutbag is running for Congress)

403 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 7:12:44pm

re: #401 Political Atheist

Villain of the month?

A collective, overarching one, I assume: the US government (and, more specifically, the CIA and NSA).

404 jaunte  May 6, 2014 7:15:11pm

re: #383 Gus

A lot of the western intervention in Nigeria has come from Royal Dutch Shell.

405 TedStriker  May 6, 2014 7:15:21pm

re: #400 Charles Johnson

24 capitalized on anti-Muslim paranoia after the 9/11 attacks, and now the new version is trying to capitalize on anti-US paranoia. I’m sensing a pattern.

Fox Entertainment may be nominally separate from the news division, but they both do know their audiences better that those audiences know themselves.

Cosmos is pretty much an outlier for them, even with Seth MacFarlane and Neil deGrasse Tyson’s names on the dotted line.

406 Belafon  May 6, 2014 7:16:24pm

re: #402 Pie-onist Overlord

It would only take one who said “more money” for him to declare them greedy people.

407 Gus  May 6, 2014 7:16:26pm
408 Dark_Falcon  May 6, 2014 7:19:56pm

re: #400 Charles Johnson

24 capitalized on anti-Muslim paranoia after the 9/11 attacks, and now the new version is trying to capitalize on anti-US paranoia. I’m sensing a pattern.

The villains of the first season of 24 weren’t Muslim, and most seasons’ villains weren’t either. It’s true a couple seasons had Radical Islamist villains (most notably played by Arnold Vosloo), but I don’t think that inappropriate. Radial Islamist terrorism was and remains a serious danger for the US, and shows that reference national security matters reflect that.

409 wheat-doggha -- oo bird outside my window  May 6, 2014 7:21:05pm

re: #402 Pie-onist Overlord

Most teachers know “more money” is not going to happen. “More freedom” (to do what, I wonder) is the next best choice for a response, though given the current GOP war on education, it’s not going to happen, either.

Public school teachers serve in one of the very few professions where non-professionals routinely assume they have the right to dictate how the professionals do their jobs, and for how much money.

410 klys  May 6, 2014 7:22:17pm

re: #408 Dark_Falcon

The villains of the first season of 24 weren’t Muslim, and most seasons’ villains weren’t either. It’s true a couple seasons had Radical Islamist villains (most notably played by Arnold Vosloo), but I don’t think that inappropriate. Radial Islamist terrorism was and remains a serious danger for the US, and shows that reference national security matters reflect that.

I look forward to the show highlighting the danger of sovereign citizens.

411 jaunte  May 6, 2014 7:23:50pm

re: #402 Pie-onist Overlord

412 Dark_Falcon  May 6, 2014 7:24:00pm

re: #383 Gus

[Embedded content]

“Western intervention will turn Nigeria into an African Afghanistan!!11ty”

Shorter Guardian: Americans are fat, stupid rubes!1 That whole country is TEH EBBBIILLL!!!!11
Except for Edward Snowden and Glenn Greenwald, who are just the cat’s meow!1

413 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 7:28:39pm

re: #412 Dark_Falcon

Shorter Guardian: Americans are fat, stupid rubes!1 That whole country is TEH EBBBIILLL!!!!11
Except for Edward Snowden and Glenn Greenwald, who are just the cat’s meow!1

I somehow suspect if that Guardian writer has kidnaped, raped and being sold into slavery she’d change her tune on intervention.

414 Charles Johnson  May 6, 2014 7:29:02pm

re: #407 Gus

Yep - that’s who’s driving the latest Benghazi attacks. And the entire US news media is covering it, instead of ignoring these lunatics like the crackpots they are.

415 Dark_Falcon  May 6, 2014 7:32:01pm

re: #413 Killgore Trout

I somehow suspect if that Guardian writer was kidnapped, raped and being sold into slavery she’d change her tune on intervention.

PIYF, But I agree with what you were saying.

417 Dark_Falcon  May 6, 2014 7:36:50pm

re: #416 Varek Raith

S.E. Cupp accuses ‘Science Guy’ Bill Nye of bullying people on global warming
Laughable.

Deny
Accuse
Reverse
Victim and
Offender

418 Dark_Falcon  May 6, 2014 7:37:52pm

re: #417 Dark_Falcon

Deny
Accuse
Reverse
Victim and
Offender

This is aimed at S.E. Cupp not at Varek Raith, to be clear.

419 Stanley Sea  May 6, 2014 7:38:38pm

re: #411 jaunte

[Embedded content]

Bernie is gonna shake things up.

420 jaunte  May 6, 2014 7:38:39pm

re: #416 Varek Raith

Some day my son will be able to talk about the time he saw Lake Mead with water in it.

421 Belafon  May 6, 2014 7:38:47pm

re: #416 Varek Raith

Someone in the comments made a comment that suggest a great name for her: M.T. Cupp. It may have already been suggested, but I like it.

422 Gus  May 6, 2014 7:44:06pm

Bill Maher’s gone and done it now.

423 Bear  May 6, 2014 7:44:07pm

re: #420 jaunte

Several years ago I was able to activate a HAM radio station for the US Islands on the Air program. Now those “islands” are not surrounded by water. I fear that I will never be able to revisit those “Islands” to set up my radio again.

424 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 7:45:10pm

re: #413 Killgore Trout

I somehow suspect if that Guardian writer has kidnaped, raped and being sold into slavery she’d change her tune on intervention.

So are you pro-intervention?

425 Gus  May 6, 2014 7:45:37pm

Not an endorsement but he just Tweeted this.

426 Varek Raith  May 6, 2014 7:47:15pm

re: #425 Gus

Not an endorsement but he just Tweeted this.

[Embedded content]

Yeah, no surprise there.
He’s a douche.

427 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 7:50:04pm

Cupp just runneths over with stupidity.

What she is saying is; “don’t bother us about this stuff until all of us find it fashionable to accept the science. You science guys are party-poopers and you dampen all the fun in the sun. I spend time on real important stuff, like how good I look in my glasses and I have fabulous legs! Just keeping it reals”

428 Killgore Trout  May 6, 2014 7:50:12pm

re: #425 Gus

Not an endorsement but he just Tweeted this.

[Embedded content]

There will be outrage.

429 b_sharp  May 6, 2014 7:52:35pm

re: #427 ObserverArt

Cupp just runneths over with stupidity.

What she is saying is; “don’t bother us about this stuff until all of us find it fashionable to accept the science. You science guys are party-poopers and you dampen all the fun in the sun. I spend time on real important stuff, like how good I look in my glasses and I have fabulous legs! Just keeping it reals”

She isn’t the smartest.

I have no idea how she got where she is.

430 ObserverArt  May 6, 2014 7:53:23pm

re: #425 Gus

Not an endorsement but he just Tweeted this.

[Embedded content]

Oh look…Bill goes off the rails. I wonder if it is ratings time?

I guess I’ve never acquired the taste for him. Sometimes he is amusing. Sometime I find him a smug ass. I have never found him must watch.

(Shrug) Eh.

431 jaunte  May 6, 2014 7:53:57pm

re: #425 Gus

Nothing like a tweet for deep political analysis.

432 b_sharp  May 6, 2014 7:54:41pm

re: #430 ObserverArt

Oh look…Bill goes off the rails. I wonder if it is ratings time?

I guess I’ve never acquired the taste for him. Sometimes he is amusing. Sometime I find him a smug ass. I have never found him must watch.

(Shrug) Eh.

Bill thinks too narrowly.

433 Ed E. Lishus  May 6, 2014 7:55:42pm

re: #428 Killgore Trout

There will be outrage.

As opposed to what, applause? Or are you agreeing that outrage may in fact be one of a few very appropriate responses to such contemptible prattle?

434 Romantic Heretic  May 6, 2014 8:00:33pm

re: #389 Gus

[Embedded content]

Well, there goes any respect I had for the EFF.

435 Fairly Sure I'm Still Obdicut  May 6, 2014 8:09:49pm

re: #425 Gus

Not an endorsement but he just Tweeted this.

[Embedded content]

Yeah, the central problem isn’t “Islam”.


This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT LGF User's Guide RSS Feeds

Help support Little Green Footballs!

Subscribe now for ad-free access!Register and sign in to a free LGF account before subscribing, and your ad-free access will be automatically enabled.

Donate with
PayPal Cash.app
Recent PagesClick to refresh
The Pandemic Cost 7 Million Lives, but Talks to Prevent a Repeat Stall In late 2021, as the world reeled from the arrival of the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, representatives of almost 200 countries met - some online, some in-person in Geneva - hoping to forestall a future worldwide ...
Cheechako
2 days ago
Views: 103 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 1
Texas County at Center of Border Fight Is Overwhelmed by Migrant Deaths EAGLE PASS, Tex. - The undertaker lighted a cigarette and held it between his latex-gloved fingers as he stood over the bloated body bag lying in the bed of his battered pickup truck. The woman had been fished out ...
Cheechako
2 weeks ago
Views: 268 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 1