You can trust us with your personal information. Really.
I. Told. You. So.
Unfortunatley, the American public has become such the herd of sheep, the only solution to increased security in air travel must be more government. The idea that the owners of and passengers on planes be responsibile for security (and free to compete) gets only a befuddled stare.
Imagine a world where the lines move quickly, where airlines boast you can arrive at the airport 30 minutes prior to takeoff and still have time to get a coffee before your flight. Imagine that with better security than you have now. That's what happens if we just get rid of the TSA, get the federal government out of the private security business, and let us figure it out.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Pill rights
Aparently, there is a right to pills. I had no idea.
I find it shocking that there are regulations in place that force a business to sell a product. I’m equally amazed that there are people out there who think this is OK.
You do not have a RIGHT to purchase a specific product form a specific pharmacy. If a pharmacist or pharmacy decide they do not want to sell products to some people (or all people, whatever) that’s fine. There will always be a market correction – there will always be somewhere to buy the product, and I would think the competition between those who will and those who won’t would be wonderful.
I find it shocking that there are regulations in place that force a business to sell a product. I’m equally amazed that there are people out there who think this is OK.
You do not have a RIGHT to purchase a specific product form a specific pharmacy. If a pharmacist or pharmacy decide they do not want to sell products to some people (or all people, whatever) that’s fine. There will always be a market correction – there will always be somewhere to buy the product, and I would think the competition between those who will and those who won’t would be wonderful.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Maybe a little too far?
What the hell? An appeals court overturns and a state supreme court upholds the appeal of a death sentence because some members of the jury read the bible during deliberations.
I’m a big fan of separation of church and state, but I think we might be going a tick too far.
I’m a big fan of separation of church and state, but I think we might be going a tick too far.
Blockbuster settlement
I'm a customer of blockbuster. I read the new agreement regarding 'No Late Fees' they heavily advertised. Clearly, the deal wasn't all that good once you read the contract amendment, which, as someone with an education level higher than the 3rd grade, I did.
Apparently, most states and a court assume I AM that stupid.
The agreement materials with Blockbuster are perfectly clear. Keep the DVD for too long, they assume you wanted to buy it. Humorous to me, and certainly not quite the deal they advertised, but technically, there is no longer a late fee.
If you are too stupid to read the agreement, you deserve to pay the $1.25.
Apparently, most states and a court assume I AM that stupid.
The agreement materials with Blockbuster are perfectly clear. Keep the DVD for too long, they assume you wanted to buy it. Humorous to me, and certainly not quite the deal they advertised, but technically, there is no longer a late fee.
If you are too stupid to read the agreement, you deserve to pay the $1.25.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Training: Maximum Effort Squat/Dead
A little off today, tired and unmotivated.
Warmup - 5 mins elliptical, dynamic stretching
Sumo Deadlift
135x8
185x5
225x3
275x3
315x3
365x1
405xmiss,miss,miss
SLDL
3x6 @ 225
Hypers
3x15
hanging leg raises
3x10
Workout Time: :50
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Training: Dynamic Effort Bench
Gym was unusually busy today
Warmup - shoulder work, stretching
Bench press
2x20 @ 45
95x8
2x3 @ 135
8x3 @ 185, 3 grips
225x1
245x1
265x1
Speed OK, not great.
OH EZ bar ext.
3x5 @ 50
Pulldown
3x10 @ 150
Face pull
3x10@150
Workout time: :40
Friday, March 25, 2005
Training: DE Squat/Deadlift
Ended up skipping the normal ME bench workout on Wednesday because we had to go look at a house, and didn't want to waste any time looking at it. Turns out, it's not what we want, and had too many compromises.
Anyway... Good session today
Anyway... Good session today
Warmup - dynamic stretching
Box Squat
45x10
95x7
135x2,2
185x2
10 sets of 2 @ 225
Rack pulls (from knee)
135x5
225x5
315x5
2 sets of 5 @ 365
Hammer Strength leg curls
3 sets of 10 @ 90
Incline situps
3 sets of 12
Workout time: :45
Feeding Tubes
The parents who let their kids get arrested protesting by trying to take water to Terri Schiavo should have their feeding tubes removed.
I'm not posting about the case for a reason. All I really have to say is that the courts have heard the evidence and made a ruling. That's what they are for.
I'm not posting about the case for a reason. All I really have to say is that the courts have heard the evidence and made a ruling. That's what they are for.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
More good reading
Radley Balko has an excellent article over at Tech Central Station.
As usual, the laws created because We Must Do Something lead to less effective enforcement and more erosion of our rights.
Given I think DUI/DWI laws should be unnecessary, as the damage caused by a drunk driver should simply be considered a crime as any other property crime (with penalties similar to that of an idiot who waves a gun about and shoots someone), I'd say eliminate them altogether, and hold those who cause damage or injury criminally responsible - not just a yank of the license, either.
But the appoach of eliminating the 5th Amendment in the case of suspicion of DUI isn't working, and isn't appropriate.
As usual, the laws created because We Must Do Something lead to less effective enforcement and more erosion of our rights.
Given I think DUI/DWI laws should be unnecessary, as the damage caused by a drunk driver should simply be considered a crime as any other property crime (with penalties similar to that of an idiot who waves a gun about and shoots someone), I'd say eliminate them altogether, and hold those who cause damage or injury criminally responsible - not just a yank of the license, either.
But the appoach of eliminating the 5th Amendment in the case of suspicion of DUI isn't working, and isn't appropriate.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
More groundbreking health news
This time, they figure out Waist size is a more accurate predictor of diabetes than BMI.
Lifters have known this stuff for years. I'm 230 pounds, and have a 36-37 inch waist. I'm pudgier than I should be, for sure. My BMI indicates I am obese. Since BMI doesn't take my BODYFAT levels into account, it's essentially useless, other than lookin gat things over very large populations where the assumption is that people don't regularly lift wieghts or carry much muscle mass.
Waist size, while still rudimentary, is a better indicator of bodyfat % in large ranges.
Maybe soon they'll figure out measuring bodyfat percentage, and gearing things towards body composition, we'll get somewhere.
Lifters have known this stuff for years. I'm 230 pounds, and have a 36-37 inch waist. I'm pudgier than I should be, for sure. My BMI indicates I am obese. Since BMI doesn't take my BODYFAT levels into account, it's essentially useless, other than lookin gat things over very large populations where the assumption is that people don't regularly lift wieghts or carry much muscle mass.
Waist size, while still rudimentary, is a better indicator of bodyfat % in large ranges.
Maybe soon they'll figure out measuring bodyfat percentage, and gearing things towards body composition, we'll get somewhere.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Training: ME Squat/Dead
Oh my goodness, it's a training post. Been off for a while, getting healed up and dealing with personal stuff. I'm planning a 4 week phase to get back in the swing of things and improve conditioning.
Warmup: 5 mins elliptical, dynamic stretching
Deadlifts (Sumo, overhand grip)
135x8
225x4
275x3
315x3 (straps)
365x1 (belt)
405xmiss, miss
Not bad - had to use straps because my sprained finger still hurts.
SLDL
135x8
3x5 @ 225
Hypers
3x15
Lying leg raises
3x15
Calf raise (90) superset with HS Standing Shrug (270)
2x15
10 minutes stretching
Workout time: 1 hour
House Design for Women
Fantasitc Article in the Baltimore Sun demonstrating the great strides women are making in the marketplace.
Some ideas: Put the washer and dryer in a more convenient place, and open up the kitchen, I presume so she can talk to her husband and children while they sit and watch TV.
I'm just tickled. Mrs. Stagg, not so much.
Some ideas: Put the washer and dryer in a more convenient place, and open up the kitchen, I presume so she can talk to her husband and children while they sit and watch TV.
I'm just tickled. Mrs. Stagg, not so much.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Good reading
This is good stuff. I'm thankful for Lew Rockwell.
One thing to note - I'll take one of the comments one step further. The armed deputy didn't just tempt the unarmed defendant - the highly valued government employee screwed up, didn't follow appropriate procedure when dealing with a violent criminal, and a bunch of people are dead.
One thing to note - I'll take one of the comments one step further. The armed deputy didn't just tempt the unarmed defendant - the highly valued government employee screwed up, didn't follow appropriate procedure when dealing with a violent criminal, and a bunch of people are dead.
On the cutting edge...
Ketogenic diets blunt hunger!
Wow. Right on the cutting edge there. Perhaps a simple web search would have gotten you that information about 5 years ago.
Wow. Right on the cutting edge there. Perhaps a simple web search would have gotten you that information about 5 years ago.
Race and Maryland Politics
Paul Sarbaines announced last week that he is retiring after this term in the Senate. This sets up what may be an interesting and entertaining race for that spot. The scramble among Democrats to take advantage of the rare opening, as well as the Republicans' potential of a viable candidate will make this something to watch.
Then I read this USA Today Op/Ed article. And I get confused.
The author points out that the Democrats better pick a black guy to run in the general election. Apparently, not doing so will make black voters feel "betrayed". If the Maryland Democratic party leaders don't 'clar the way' for a black candidate to win, well, the national party should get involved.
First, how does the author not understand that in the primary elections THE VOTERS decide who the best candidate is. Those voters will be all races, and one would hope (although it's not altogether likely) they would pick the best person for the job.
Second, and more important: I thought we were past this. I don't care what color someone running for office is, I care about what he/she says, what he/she will do, how he/she will vote.
How does something this stupid get published? Is this really still an issue? Are black voters so idiotic to switch political loyalty because of the color of a state office candidate, who THEY VOTE IN?
Then I read this USA Today Op/Ed article. And I get confused.
The author points out that the Democrats better pick a black guy to run in the general election. Apparently, not doing so will make black voters feel "betrayed". If the Maryland Democratic party leaders don't 'clar the way' for a black candidate to win, well, the national party should get involved.
First, how does the author not understand that in the primary elections THE VOTERS decide who the best candidate is. Those voters will be all races, and one would hope (although it's not altogether likely) they would pick the best person for the job.
Second, and more important: I thought we were past this. I don't care what color someone running for office is, I care about what he/she says, what he/she will do, how he/she will vote.
How does something this stupid get published? Is this really still an issue? Are black voters so idiotic to switch political loyalty because of the color of a state office candidate, who THEY VOTE IN?
Friday, March 11, 2005
A little Brian Wilson for ye.
I've been a Brian Wilson fan for quite some time. He's a Libertarian talk show host/DJ from my neck of the woods, give or take.
I get a kick out of his stuff. Here's a little something on setatbelts and personal freedom.
Reasonable, yes?
I get a kick out of his stuff. Here's a little something on setatbelts and personal freedom.
Reasonable, yes?
Training Update
What starts out as a short break to take care of personal stuff, then grows into laziness, almost never gets back on track as expected.
On Friday, March 4, my mom went into the hospital. I spent a lot of time there, and got little sleep. Perhaps I'll post more on the specifics of this later.
Anyway, it was a long weekend, and I've been catching up on sleep and work this week. I'm planning to get back in on Monday, and getting back on track. It usually doesn't take long to get back to where I was, now, oh, 3 months ago?
On Friday, March 4, my mom went into the hospital. I spent a lot of time there, and got little sleep. Perhaps I'll post more on the specifics of this later.
Anyway, it was a long weekend, and I've been catching up on sleep and work this week. I'm planning to get back in on Monday, and getting back on track. It usually doesn't take long to get back to where I was, now, oh, 3 months ago?
Good thing they did a study.
Otherwise, we wouldn't know that big kids grow into big adults. Your tax money at work.
We must DO SOMETHING!
I've got an idea... let's put gym class back into school.
We must DO SOMETHING!
I've got an idea... let's put gym class back into school.
Thursday, March 3, 2005
One more reason to listen to Libertarians.
We told you Campaign Finance 'Reform' was just the first step in eroding more of your rights.
Now, we have this discussion on how to regulate the internet.
See, this is about keeping the two major parties in power, and making sure there is not a groundswell of support for anyone but more big government. Clearly, the best medium for such a groundswell is the internet, with blogs, bulletin boards and e-mail fantastic ways to distribute information and engage in debate.
But if your government has their way, it will be illegal for me to link to a politician's website, or perhaps for me to forward a press release. This is insane, and MUST be stopped.
Regardless of your political affiliation, this issue must draw us all together.
Now, we have this discussion on how to regulate the internet.
See, this is about keeping the two major parties in power, and making sure there is not a groundswell of support for anyone but more big government. Clearly, the best medium for such a groundswell is the internet, with blogs, bulletin boards and e-mail fantastic ways to distribute information and engage in debate.
But if your government has their way, it will be illegal for me to link to a politician's website, or perhaps for me to forward a press release. This is insane, and MUST be stopped.
Regardless of your political affiliation, this issue must draw us all together.
Starting up the Police State
According to NPR, the Department of Homeland Security is testing a program where LEGAL IMMIGRANTS are forced to wear electronic anklets for tracking.
OK, it's NPR, so I have to do some looking to confirm this. But if true, this is just one more step towards a 'produce your papers at a checkpoint' United States.
How does no one understand the Constitution? How is this an any way an effective means of improving security? It appears the main issue here is the incompetence of the department - they can't keep track of anything or anyone without an electronic monitor. Not suprising, of course, to anyone who has experienced the TSA in an airport.
Welcome to America! Here's your anklet. Please stay in line, no talking, while we issue your papers, take your DNA sample, and ensure you are a non-smoker. Don't worry about us overstepping our constitutional limits. If you aren't a criminal, you have nothing to worry about, right?
Hat tip to Radley Balko and talkleft.com
OK, it's NPR, so I have to do some looking to confirm this. But if true, this is just one more step towards a 'produce your papers at a checkpoint' United States.
How does no one understand the Constitution? How is this an any way an effective means of improving security? It appears the main issue here is the incompetence of the department - they can't keep track of anything or anyone without an electronic monitor. Not suprising, of course, to anyone who has experienced the TSA in an airport.
Welcome to America! Here's your anklet. Please stay in line, no talking, while we issue your papers, take your DNA sample, and ensure you are a non-smoker. Don't worry about us overstepping our constitutional limits. If you aren't a criminal, you have nothing to worry about, right?
Hat tip to Radley Balko and talkleft.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Goodbye, Blue
NYPD Blue comes to an end tonight. After 12 years of good stories, bad stories, great drama, too much melodrama, and one of the best characters to ever glow on a picture tube.
I've been a fan of the show since it aired in 1993, and I think I've seen every episode save for one this season (which I'm sure I'll get to see in syndication). There were seasons that were better than others, but overall, this groundbreaking show will go down in TV history second to only perhaps M*A*S*H.
Yeah, having a wife, son, and two partners die in 12 years is a little much. But Andy's base character, his struggles with addiction, his pure racism, well - he's real. A good heart, doing what he can with his struggles and baggage, to be a good person. You find yourself rooting for him, even when he's an insensitive jackass.
I agree, it's time to go, it's been a heck of a run. I hope they can tie up some loose ends with some characters who left the show, and as always, I'm rooting for Andy.
I've been a fan of the show since it aired in 1993, and I think I've seen every episode save for one this season (which I'm sure I'll get to see in syndication). There were seasons that were better than others, but overall, this groundbreaking show will go down in TV history second to only perhaps M*A*S*H.
Yeah, having a wife, son, and two partners die in 12 years is a little much. But Andy's base character, his struggles with addiction, his pure racism, well - he's real. A good heart, doing what he can with his struggles and baggage, to be a good person. You find yourself rooting for him, even when he's an insensitive jackass.
I agree, it's time to go, it's been a heck of a run. I hope they can tie up some loose ends with some characters who left the show, and as always, I'm rooting for Andy.
Death penalty ruling
The SCOTUS decreed the death penalty unconstitutional for those who commit crimes when under 18. I'm looking for the passage in the Constitution that indicates 'cruel and unusual' is somehow different based on age, but can't find it.
Good for us, though, Justice Kennedy clearly understands the role of the international community on our Constitution:
Huh? I can't seem to find the part of the Constitution that talks about doing what the international community likes. Of course, getting a copy of the Constitution is quite challenging, and the language used isn't always as clear as it could be, so maybe somewhere in there (probably near the 'right to an abortion' clause, or the part where it says it doesn't apply to people who the government says it doesn't) it says something about this, and I'm just too stupid to see it.
Full disclosure: I am against the use of the death penalty under any circumstances, as it is the ultimate tyranny. However, I can see a Constitutional argument for both sides. I just wish the SCOTUS would base it's rulings on that document.
Good for us, though, Justice Kennedy clearly understands the role of the international community on our Constitution:
"It is proper that we acknowledge the overwhelming weight of international opinion against the juvenile death penalty, resting in large part on the understanding that the instability and emotional imbalance of young people may often be a factor in the crime."
Huh? I can't seem to find the part of the Constitution that talks about doing what the international community likes. Of course, getting a copy of the Constitution is quite challenging, and the language used isn't always as clear as it could be, so maybe somewhere in there (probably near the 'right to an abortion' clause, or the part where it says it doesn't apply to people who the government says it doesn't) it says something about this, and I'm just too stupid to see it.
Full disclosure: I am against the use of the death penalty under any circumstances, as it is the ultimate tyranny. However, I can see a Constitutional argument for both sides. I just wish the SCOTUS would base it's rulings on that document.
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