Another essay worth reading. More later.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Friday, March 11, 2005
CNN.com - N.J. lawmaker wants poker shows to chip in for addicts - Mar 9, 2005
CNN.com - N.J. lawmaker wants poker shows to chip in for addicts - Mar 9, 2005
Now here's an idea!!
I'm already thinking about other shows we can tax (to offset their deleterious effects upon society, of course).
We can tax NASCAR race shows, and set up a fund to help those who have been victimized by speeders.
We can tax Figure Skating shows, to help those who have slipped on the ice.
We can tax cooking shows, to help overweight people.
We can tax CSI, Law&Order, and similar franchises, well, just because there are too many of them, and they're crowding decent programming off the schedule.
Peace,
Tor
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Sun's Temper Blamed for Arctic Ozone Loss
Sun's Temper Blamed for Arctic Ozone Loss
Here's another reason that I am skeptical of the doom-and-gloom claims of the Global Warming alarmists. I have seen other recent articles that point to solar activity as having a much more profound effect on Earth's climate than anything that humans could imagine doing.
Peace,
Tor
Friday, February 25, 2005
The F-Bomb at War, or at War with the F-Bomb?
As a part-time projectionist at a local theatre, I am always being asked my opinion about the suitability of current films for children. I think Variety's description of the hearing appealing the "R" rating for this movie is a good argument for revamping the rating system. We need a rating system that simply enumerates incidents of bad language, nudity, sexual innuendo or violence. To be truthful, I think that some of the violence that occurs in PG-13 movies is a bit much for most 13-year olds.
I had several people ask me, after they had already bought their tickets and seated their family to see Meet the Fockers, whether it was okay to take their 6 or 7-year olds. The only comment I could really give was, "If you saw the first movie, and thought it was ok, you'll think this one is ok, too. If you thought it was inappropriate for your kids, this one will be even more so." The PG-13 rating in and of itself was of little help to the parents.
Peace,
Tor
I had several people ask me, after they had already bought their tickets and seated their family to see Meet the Fockers, whether it was okay to take their 6 or 7-year olds. The only comment I could really give was, "If you saw the first movie, and thought it was ok, you'll think this one is ok, too. If you thought it was inappropriate for your kids, this one will be even more so." The PG-13 rating in and of itself was of little help to the parents.
Peace,
Tor
These Automatic Times
The degree of automation in our modern world can become extremely annoying at times. There is an Irving Oil convenience store in Belfast, Maine, with restroom toilets that automatically flush. At least the ones in the men's room do. I am normally in favor of this type of toilet in public restrooms; however, the ones in this restroom will flush seven or eight times while you are enthroned. I have left a few notes in their suggestion box letting them know of the problem, but nothing has been done. Still, it is a very clean facility, and the folks who work there are extremely pleasant. Hopefully some Irving Oil manager will read this. Please feel free to forward this if you know where it should go.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Can't Get There From Here
The good folks at alt.fan.landrover have counseled me that I should get a new gear shift lever for the Range Rover, and not try and mend the one I've got. Thereto, I have bought a salvaged item from eBay for about 80 buckaroos. Hopefully, I'll have a warmish day after it arrives to try and install it. A pleasant late winter/early spring project, eh? I remember two falls ago, I had to rebuild all four brake calipers, replace the front rotors and all four sets of brake pads. The first side of the front axle took about 12 hours. The other side, once I knew what I was doing and had all the tools to hand, took about 4. The rear, of course, not involving new rotors, took about 5 hours for both sides.
The one thing you should know, if you have to change a rotor on the front of a Range Rover Classic, is that you should do everything possible, and then some, to keep track of the swivel housing drain plug. I put the drain plug, the level plug and the fill plug into a plastic bag, sealed it, and put it in the back of the truck for safekeeping. Of course, when I needed them back, I found the drain plug was no longer in the sealed bag. I must have spent two hours on the lawn, patting it with my palm, to no avail. I had to wait two days, and pay eight bucks for shipping a 75 cent plug.
Peace,
Tor
The one thing you should know, if you have to change a rotor on the front of a Range Rover Classic, is that you should do everything possible, and then some, to keep track of the swivel housing drain plug. I put the drain plug, the level plug and the fill plug into a plastic bag, sealed it, and put it in the back of the truck for safekeeping. Of course, when I needed them back, I found the drain plug was no longer in the sealed bag. I must have spent two hours on the lawn, patting it with my palm, to no avail. I had to wait two days, and pay eight bucks for shipping a 75 cent plug.
Peace,
Tor
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
So How's the Rangie Doing?
Of course, just when you think that your Range Rover is in fairly decent working order, something traumatic happens. Sunday afternoon, as I was preparing to head in to run matinees at the movie theater, I started the old girl up. This in itself was a wonderful thing, and further proof that the battery that had been replace the previous week had indeed been defective.
The trouble started as I tried to shift the automatic transmission into gear. The lever moved, but with great difficulty. I tried moving it back and forth, and after a few tries, the lever was moving totally freely. But TOOOOOOOOO freely.
So I turned the Rangie off, and took the Honda Civic to work. On Monday (a rare day off from my day job), I took the cover off the lever box and found that the shift cable had snapped right at where it joins the lever. I'm hoping to be able to take the whole cable off this weekend, clean and lubricate it, and reattach it somehow. If anyone has any good suggestions, I'm all ears. I might end up buying a new or salvaged cable, tho. New ones run ---aaaaghh!--- $300.00 or more. I did find a salvaged one on eBay that would run about a third of that.
Stay tuned.
Peace,
Tor
The trouble started as I tried to shift the automatic transmission into gear. The lever moved, but with great difficulty. I tried moving it back and forth, and after a few tries, the lever was moving totally freely. But TOOOOOOOOO freely.
So I turned the Rangie off, and took the Honda Civic to work. On Monday (a rare day off from my day job), I took the cover off the lever box and found that the shift cable had snapped right at where it joins the lever. I'm hoping to be able to take the whole cable off this weekend, clean and lubricate it, and reattach it somehow. If anyone has any good suggestions, I'm all ears. I might end up buying a new or salvaged cable, tho. New ones run ---aaaaghh!--- $300.00 or more. I did find a salvaged one on eBay that would run about a third of that.
Stay tuned.
Peace,
Tor
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Crichton: Aliens Cause Global Warming
Everyone needs to read this extremely well-written speech from the author of State of Fear. It seems odd that science fiction authors are so often more scientifically literate than the bureaucrats who are supposed to act upon the results of science.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Exclusive: NASA Researchers Claim Evidence of Present Life on Mars
Exclusive: NASA Researchers Claim Evidence of Present Life on Mars
I don't believe it is possible to understate the enormousness of the possibility of microbial life on Mars. If the entire space program were to be shut down with the exception of sending drilling probes to Rio Tinto, it would be well worth the effort.
Peace,
Tor
I don't believe it is possible to understate the enormousness of the possibility of microbial life on Mars. If the entire space program were to be shut down with the exception of sending drilling probes to Rio Tinto, it would be well worth the effort.
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Iraqi Election Prayer (Buddhist Style)
My manager has forwarded me an email from a chaplain in Iraq. First, here is the email from the chaplain:
Now, here follows some of what my manager had to say about why he forwarded it. (The second paragraph was from a separate preface, from the first forwarding of the email.)
My manager, Brent, of course had no idea that I am a Buddhist of sorts when he sent this. The subject of religion has never come up between us in our meetings or conversations. This email has inspired me to compose a Buddhist prayer, or meditation if you prefer, of loving-kindness surrounding the Iraqi election.
One aspect of Brent's email that strikes me is its assumption that might be "not well received." How anybody could respond negatively to a heartfelt request for spiritual support is beyond me. I have made many great friends from widely divergent religious backgrounds over my short lifespan, and learned that the desire for spiritual progress exists in most people, even if latently. The ways we go about it may be quite different, and the Weltanschauungen can be seemingly irreconcilable. But if we allow ourselves to recognize sincerity in others who have very different approaches to matters of ultimate concern, there is no limit to the enlightenment that we can all share.
Peace,
Tor
As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during the upcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur. Encourage your friends and family members and those within our churches to pray specifically for the electoral process. Historically, the previous totalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote. Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competent officials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within the emerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughout this country if the voting process fails.
Announce this prayer request to your contacts throughout your churches, neighborhoods, and places of business. Those with leadership roles within the local church post this message in as many newsletters and bulletins as possible. There is unlimited potential for God's presence in this process but if we do not pray then our enemy will prevail (See Ephesians 6:10-17) A prayer vigil prior to the end of the month may be an innovative opportunity for those within your sphere of influence to pray. This is a political battle that needs spiritual intervention.
A powerful story about God's intervention in the lives of David's mighty men is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. David and his warriors were victorious because of God's intervention. We want to overcome those who would stand in the way of freedom. David's mighty men triumphed over incredible odds and stood their ground and were victorious over the enemies of Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs... God's praying people). They don't stand a chance. I will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their convoys and move outside our installation gates here at Tallil. My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and election ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your prayer support and God's intervention are needed to
give democracy a chance in this war torn country. Thank you for reading this E-mail. Please give this e-mail a wide dissemination. Thank you for your prayer support for me and my family. Stand firm in your battles.
Blessings,
Lyle
CH (CPT) Lyle Shackelford
Battalion Chaplain
Now, here follows some of what my manager had to say about why he forwarded it. (The second paragraph was from a separate preface, from the first forwarding of the email.)
First let me say I apologize if this is not well received from anyone. I made the choice not to send this request out to everyone the other day, but after receiving many positive e-mails I have since decided to send it to all the folks that report me as well. This past couple weeks has been most difficult for Diane and I as well as my daughter Julie and my three grandchildren, Ellen 10, Sam 8 and Sophie 5. With the added tension of the Iraqi elections as well as some very terrible weather in Iraq things have only gotten more difficult for all. Sand storms and mud has make travel very difficult. My son-in-law Bob, whom I usually call my son, says its sometimes like driving on ice and snow. The Insurgents are doing all they can to prevent things from progressing with the elections. The net of it is very well spelled out below by the Chaplain. Diane and I do appreciate your prayers for Bob and believe prayer makes a difference. Sincerely, Brent and Di.
.....I usually do not send this type of thing along...But in this case I made an exception. My second SON Bob, is running convoys delivering ballots throughout Iraq. Your prayers for him as squad leader as well as all the others are appreciated by Diane and I. Sincerely, Brent
This is so important, please read, pray and pass to all that you know that will pray!
My manager, Brent, of course had no idea that I am a Buddhist of sorts when he sent this. The subject of religion has never come up between us in our meetings or conversations. This email has inspired me to compose a Buddhist prayer, or meditation if you prefer, of loving-kindness surrounding the Iraqi election.
May American military force members in Iraq be free from suffering and want
May they go about their duties free from violence
May they return from their duties safely
And to their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving-kindness to the American military in Iraq
May the peoples of Iraq be free from suffering and want
May they go about their elections in peace
May they achieve a safe and stable society
In which they may care for their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving-kindness to the peoples of Iraq
May the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq be free from suffering and want
May they take up peaceful ways
May they return to lives free from violence
And to their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving kindness to the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq
May they go about their duties free from violence
May they return from their duties safely
And to their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving-kindness to the American military in Iraq
May the peoples of Iraq be free from suffering and want
May they go about their elections in peace
May they achieve a safe and stable society
In which they may care for their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving-kindness to the peoples of Iraq
May the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq be free from suffering and want
May they take up peaceful ways
May they return to lives free from violence
And to their beloved
And may they achieve ultimate enlightenment
I extend my loving kindness to the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq
One aspect of Brent's email that strikes me is its assumption that might be "not well received." How anybody could respond negatively to a heartfelt request for spiritual support is beyond me. I have made many great friends from widely divergent religious backgrounds over my short lifespan, and learned that the desire for spiritual progress exists in most people, even if latently. The ways we go about it may be quite different, and the Weltanschauungen can be seemingly irreconcilable. But if we allow ourselves to recognize sincerity in others who have very different approaches to matters of ultimate concern, there is no limit to the enlightenment that we can all share.
Peace,
Tor
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Cats and the Mentally Ill
Why do things like this happen so often? It always amazes me that obviously mentally ill people are able to hoard so many cats (or other animals) in such horrible conditions. As one who lives with three felines underfoot, I can't imagine even one of them being in such terrible circumstances.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
More Social Security
I just wanted to pass on for your perusal this excellent column by Thomas Sowell. Kierstin (the Love of my Life) and I will be going to see The Life Aquatic tonight at the Colonial Theatre tonight, as the weather seems to be improving rapidly. Hopefully, we won't be getting any more storms with "one to three inches" of snow that turn out to be at least a foot. Thank goodness I had my trusty Range Rover to get out of our driveway this morning, and that my lovely wife didn't need to go anywhere today.
Peace,
Tor
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Noise pollution: This Libertarian's Solution
The Belfast (Maine) City Council is looking into setting up a noise ordinance. Of course, the final product will be a Command and Control-based model, with some magical threshold set, below which victims of noise pollution are left with no recourse, and above which the only recourse is police intervention and court-imposed fines.
I'd like to proffer a scheme in which Noise Pollution would be seen as a property right, and a tradeable one, at that.
Suppose that the ownership of property implicitly included the right to raise the volume of sound on that property to any level. This would be defined as an exclusive right, i.e. only the owner has that right, and has the right to exclude others from doing that. Now, if property owner A wants to make so much noise on their own property that it increases the noise level on property owner B's property, B would have the right to enjoin A from doing that. B would have no say in the noise level on A's property, only on B's.
Now say that A is a bar owner: for the sake of discussion, Rollie's. Rollie's wants to have a band play every Friday and Saturday night till 11pm. The band's playing will increase the decibel level on B's property (say, the Albright apartment). If noise pollution were a property right, Albright could legally enjoin Rollie's from making use of her property, i.e. raising the noise level. Even one decibel, if she wanted to. It would be the same as enjoining someone from setting foot in her apartment.
If noise pollution were a fungible property right, Rollie's and Albright could enter into a contract to cover the situation. Albright could rent or sell to Rollie's the right to increase the decibel level on her property to prescribed limits within certain hours. Going over the limits or outside the agreed-upon hours could result in extra fees or in the suspension or termination of the arrangement.
And the compensation Rollie's would directly give to Albright in order to exercise this license would be enough to make her happy. Maybe it would be enough for her to have a meal on Friday night before the music started, and enough to rent a motel room for the evening. If the owners of Rollie's didn't see enough profitability after having to pay Albright an amount she would like, they would have other options. They could refrain from playing music. They could investigate other noise abatement technologies that might, in the long run, be less costly.
I haven't fleshed this totally out, but I hope it gives everyone something to think about. The Free Market could provide solutions for everyday people and their problems. The only thing standing in our way is the lack of legal recognition of this facet of property rights.
Peace,
Tor
I'd like to proffer a scheme in which Noise Pollution would be seen as a property right, and a tradeable one, at that.
Suppose that the ownership of property implicitly included the right to raise the volume of sound on that property to any level. This would be defined as an exclusive right, i.e. only the owner has that right, and has the right to exclude others from doing that. Now, if property owner A wants to make so much noise on their own property that it increases the noise level on property owner B's property, B would have the right to enjoin A from doing that. B would have no say in the noise level on A's property, only on B's.
Now say that A is a bar owner: for the sake of discussion, Rollie's. Rollie's wants to have a band play every Friday and Saturday night till 11pm. The band's playing will increase the decibel level on B's property (say, the Albright apartment). If noise pollution were a property right, Albright could legally enjoin Rollie's from making use of her property, i.e. raising the noise level. Even one decibel, if she wanted to. It would be the same as enjoining someone from setting foot in her apartment.
If noise pollution were a fungible property right, Rollie's and Albright could enter into a contract to cover the situation. Albright could rent or sell to Rollie's the right to increase the decibel level on her property to prescribed limits within certain hours. Going over the limits or outside the agreed-upon hours could result in extra fees or in the suspension or termination of the arrangement.
And the compensation Rollie's would directly give to Albright in order to exercise this license would be enough to make her happy. Maybe it would be enough for her to have a meal on Friday night before the music started, and enough to rent a motel room for the evening. If the owners of Rollie's didn't see enough profitability after having to pay Albright an amount she would like, they would have other options. They could refrain from playing music. They could investigate other noise abatement technologies that might, in the long run, be less costly.
I haven't fleshed this totally out, but I hope it gives everyone something to think about. The Free Market could provide solutions for everyday people and their problems. The only thing standing in our way is the lack of legal recognition of this facet of property rights.
Peace,
Tor
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Social Security - Insurance Program or Retirement Program?
Social Security - Insurance Program or Retirement Program?How about neither -- call it a TRANSFER OF WEALTH from the working to the old or disabled, regardless of how wealthy any of them are to begin with.
Peace,
Tor
Monday, January 17, 2005
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Vampire takes a bite out of Brum
Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | Vampire takes a bite out of Brum
There truly aren't too many reports that can surprize us moderns anymore. A few years ago, reports of The Monkey Manin India even sent at least one unlucky fellow plummeting from his rooftop on a hot summer night. Now that the Brits are a-feared of Dracula once again, perhaps we in New England might see more visits from Sasquatch, on vacation from the Pacific Northwest.
Peace,
Tor
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
State police issue holiday travel warnings
Education News - Get in the thick of it Knox County Village SoupSomeone wasn't thinking too clearly when they wrote the introductory line to this story.
AUGUSTA (Nov 23, 2004): With highway deaths down from last year, Maine State Police plan additional enforcement efforts this Thanksgiving weekend.
I suppose that, if highway deaths had been up from last year, the Troopers would be so discouraged that they'd patrol less.
AUGUSTA (Nov 23, 2004): With highway deaths down from last year, Maine State Police plan additional enforcement efforts this Thanksgiving weekend.
I suppose that, if highway deaths had been up from last year, the Troopers would be so discouraged that they'd patrol less.
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