"Thirty years ago, Henry Kissinger observed that America oscillated (his term) between poles of "crusading and isolation" in its engagement (or non-engagement) with the world. The challenge in building a popular (and stable) basis for American engagement comes in forming a consensus around a policy that lies between these two extremes."
TCS Daily - Avoiding a New Isolationism
Monday, April 03, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Isolationism Redux (03/31/2006)
Playing on a theme of foreign policy, the National Journal has a great article explaining the evolution of isolationism in America. It even paints President Bush as an isolationist turned outward, although, not entirely.
Hat tip: RealClearPolitics
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Isolationism Redux (03/31/2006)
Hat tip: RealClearPolitics
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Isolationism Redux (03/31/2006)
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
AEI - Short Publications
The AEI has a brilliant speech by Charles Krauthammer defining the Unipolar world in which we now live. This, as opposed to the world that existed before the fall of the Soviet Union. He enumerates the pros and cons surrounding different schools of thought on Foreign policy. He, of course, drills down the list to one philosophy, explaining why he think that it is best. He illustrates how the framework for these ideas changed after the fall of the Soviet Empire, and became important after the events of 9/11.
No matter which camp we, individually, may be in it is important to recognize the positive aspects of each approach. However, we would be deluding ourselves if we think that we can cherry pick the approach we use in foreign affairs, based only on a whim, and not suffer the mixed consequences of such an approach. Generally, it is best to pick just one philosophy and run with it. I have fallen into a category that Krauthammer does not give the blue ribbon, but I find his arguments compelling. I confess there is an inherent weakness to the approach that I espouse. I don't think I'm revealing too much to say that I fall into the 'Realist' grouping. A good way to find out where you stand would be to take this test. But, don't take the quiz until you read the article below. (Note: I took the test almost 2 years ago)
AEI - Short Publications
No matter which camp we, individually, may be in it is important to recognize the positive aspects of each approach. However, we would be deluding ourselves if we think that we can cherry pick the approach we use in foreign affairs, based only on a whim, and not suffer the mixed consequences of such an approach. Generally, it is best to pick just one philosophy and run with it. I have fallen into a category that Krauthammer does not give the blue ribbon, but I find his arguments compelling. I confess there is an inherent weakness to the approach that I espouse. I don't think I'm revealing too much to say that I fall into the 'Realist' grouping. A good way to find out where you stand would be to take this test. But, don't take the quiz until you read the article below. (Note: I took the test almost 2 years ago)
AEI - Short Publications
Thursday, February 23, 2006
New Scientist Quantum computer works best switched off - News
Quote of the day:
"A non-running computer produces fewer errors."
-Onur Hosten, member of team that produced a non-working computer that works.
New Scientist Quantum computer works best switched off -
News
"A non-running computer produces fewer errors."
-Onur Hosten, member of team that produced a non-working computer that works.
New Scientist Quantum computer works best switched off -
News
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Various and Sundry Dartmouth Studies.
"When do we reach adulthood? It might be much later than we traditionally think."
--Graduate student, Craig Bennett, at Dartmouth Medical School
Science Daily: Brain Changes Significantly After Age 18
And...
"Even parents who give their child a clear message that smoking is not acceptable run the risk of having that message undermined if they allow their child to see R-rated movies with a lot of smoking."
--Mike Beach, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School.
Restricting R-Movies Linked To Decreased Teen Smoking, Drinking
--Graduate student, Craig Bennett, at Dartmouth Medical School
Science Daily: Brain Changes Significantly After Age 18
And...
"Even parents who give their child a clear message that smoking is not acceptable run the risk of having that message undermined if they allow their child to see R-rated movies with a lot of smoking."
--Mike Beach, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School.
Restricting R-Movies Linked To Decreased Teen Smoking, Drinking
Friday, February 03, 2006
gazelem: Thomas Jefferson Education
My wife and I have discussed sending our kids to private school since we are not enthused about the job that public school is doing today. Although, we are both products of 'Public Education', we don't necessarily want to subject our children to it.
There is one problem. Money. So, I've come across a post by Gazelem who is a self described as "obsessive", and he's talking about reading the same books as his children and then talking about them, or writing, or both. Now, I know that sounds like this would require an "obsessive" person to pull off, but methinks a dabbler like myself just might be able to do it--and still send the kids to Public School.
Now, what this accomplishes in my mind is places the primary responsibility of educating the children squarely on the parents. The kids can also be a part of a much larger culture that can be had at a public school. I want kids who are independent thinkers, but can play well with others. The balance I'm trying to strike is between raising elitist snobs, and, alternatively, common (and sometimes ignorant) folk.
On a side note, Gazelem credited me, in an earlier post, for getting him hooked on Geocaching. I'm afraid I may have dangled the carrot, but he turned his own nose. I just can't be blamed for his Geocaching at 4 AM on a whim! That's just crazy and it's time to have an intervention.
gazelem: Thomas Jefferson Education
There is one problem. Money. So, I've come across a post by Gazelem who is a self described as "obsessive", and he's talking about reading the same books as his children and then talking about them, or writing, or both. Now, I know that sounds like this would require an "obsessive" person to pull off, but methinks a dabbler like myself just might be able to do it--and still send the kids to Public School.
Now, what this accomplishes in my mind is places the primary responsibility of educating the children squarely on the parents. The kids can also be a part of a much larger culture that can be had at a public school. I want kids who are independent thinkers, but can play well with others. The balance I'm trying to strike is between raising elitist snobs, and, alternatively, common (and sometimes ignorant) folk.
On a side note, Gazelem credited me, in an earlier post, for getting him hooked on Geocaching. I'm afraid I may have dangled the carrot, but he turned his own nose. I just can't be blamed for his Geocaching at 4 AM on a whim! That's just crazy and it's time to have an intervention.
gazelem: Thomas Jefferson Education
Monday, January 16, 2006
The Forgotten Methane Source
Save the World! Cut down a tree.
Turns out that plants emit all sorts of terrible, evil, corporate sponsored gasses.
The Forgotten Methane Source
Turns out that plants emit all sorts of terrible, evil, corporate sponsored gasses.
The Forgotten Methane Source
The Prejudice Map
The World according to Google: You are where you're from.
Well, not really. Just type " are known for*" into Google and you'll see how it works.
The Prejudice Map
Well, not really. Just type "
The Prejudice Map
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Hacking Matter: Wil McCarthy's ebook
I just finished reading my first real ebook. Wil McCarthy made his, popular, Hacking Matter available for free. Unfortunately, it appears to have been slashdotted, so you'll have to try back later.
The experience of reading this book is mind bending. Imagine living under a roof that can morph from a 40%+ efficient solar cell to a battery, to a skylight. The windows move when and where you move at your whim. When the sun sets, the walls, ceiling, floor, and tables begin to glow providing all the light you'd need. Cars, chairs, even people hover. These are just some of the things described in the book that have an analogue to today's lifestyle. All these will soon be made possible by a man-made substance that has been dubbed Wellstone.
wilmccarthy.com
The experience of reading this book is mind bending. Imagine living under a roof that can morph from a 40%+ efficient solar cell to a battery, to a skylight. The windows move when and where you move at your whim. When the sun sets, the walls, ceiling, floor, and tables begin to glow providing all the light you'd need. Cars, chairs, even people hover. These are just some of the things described in the book that have an analogue to today's lifestyle. All these will soon be made possible by a man-made substance that has been dubbed Wellstone.
wilmccarthy.com
Friday, December 30, 2005
Fear, Complexity, Environmental Management in the 21st Century
Michael Crighton urges us to forget everything we thought we knew about the world.
Hat tip: Tyler at The Wasatch Front
Fear, Complexity, Environmental Management in the 21st Century
Hat tip: Tyler at The Wasatch Front
Fear, Complexity, Environmental Management in the 21st Century
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | U2's Vertigo tops touring chart
Whaaaah? Did I miss the concert?
Apparently, U2 topped the touring charts for 2005, but the year isn't over yet--I'm going on Saturday. I guess Utah doesn't count for much of anything.
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | U2's Vertigo tops touring chart
Apparently, U2 topped the touring charts for 2005, but the year isn't over yet--I'm going on Saturday. I guess Utah doesn't count for much of anything.
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | U2's Vertigo tops touring chart
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Chron.com | Simpler guidelines to make CPR 'more effective'
The ratio between recommended chest compressions and breaths in CPR has changed.
"The revised CPR guidelines, issued Monday by the American Heart Association, advise giving 30 chest compressions for every two rescue breaths, up from 15 for every two breaths."
It's time to get re-certified.
"About 9 million Americans are trained in CPR each year. The heart association hopes to increase that number to 20 million in the next five years."
Chron.com | Simpler guidelines to make CPR 'more effective'
"The revised CPR guidelines, issued Monday by the American Heart Association, advise giving 30 chest compressions for every two rescue breaths, up from 15 for every two breaths."
It's time to get re-certified.
"About 9 million Americans are trained in CPR each year. The heart association hopes to increase that number to 20 million in the next five years."
Chron.com | Simpler guidelines to make CPR 'more effective'
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
ASHDOWN OPPOSES HR 4194
ASHDOWN OPPOSES HR 4194
"A prime example of the lack of Congressional technology chops"
SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- Pete Ashdown, US Senate candidate (D-UT), today came out
against HR 4194, the "Internet Anti-Corruption and Free Speech Protection Act
of 2005." While understanding the intent, Ashdown decried the bill as
comparable to Senator Hatch's failed "INDUCE Act" in the way that it
circumscribes all non-blog on line political activity.
"While I support the efforts of Representatives Shays and Meehan to close
soft-money loopholes, this is not the way to do it," Ashdown said. "The
mistake it makes, and this is the same broad clumsy brush that painted Hatch'
s INDUCE act, in that it refers to "web logs" only. INDUCE referred to "P2P"
technology without bothering to define it. P2P can equally cover the
technology behind email, instant messaging, and legal file transfers, all
which would have been made illegal by INDUCE." Senator Hatch introduced the
INDUCE Act after he said the government should be "destroying [illegal
downloaders] machines." (Ted Briddis, Associated Press, June 17, 2003) "HR
4194 seems to think that all political communication on the Internet is done
over "web logs" and therefore only that should be protected speech. Never
mind mailing lists, Usenet, web bulletin boards, audio, video, and other
technologies down the road."
Ashdown lauded Internet users for working to expand democratic discourse
through the net. "For the first time in the history of democracy, the
Internet presents the opportunity for all to have an equal voice in lobbying congress and political action. What disturbs me about the Congressional and FEC actions is that it appears they are attempting to curb that freedom."
For Ashdown, HR 4194 was just another example of a Congress that does not understand today's on line environment. "Some staffer thought the only speech that needed to be free was 'web logs' and therefore we have our amendment to protect 'that Internet thing'."
While condemning the practical effects of HR 4194, Ashdown praised the efforts of campaign finance reformers. "While I do not endorse this bill, I do wholeheartedly endorse the concept of campaign finance reform. However, I feel that reform efforts should be focused on the FEC, making it a competent, responsible agency that gives all Americans the assurance their democracy is not for sale."
When he is elected, Ashdown pledged to bring the ideas and knowledge of the technology community to the Senate. "What remains to be seen is whether the political efforts of on line communities will ever result in the election of a candidate who understands what they\'re talking about. I want to be that candidate, but I need the support of on line and off line communities to do it." What disturbs me about the Congressional and
FEC actions is that it appears they are attempting to curb that freedom."
For Ashdown, HR 4194 was just another example of a Congress that does not
understand today's on line environment. "Some staffer thought the only speech
that needed to be free was 'web logs' and therefore we have our amendment to
protect 'that Internet thing'."
While condemning the practical effects of HR 4194, Ashdown praised the efforts
of campaign finance reformers. "While I do not endorse this bill, I do
wholeheartedly endorse the concept of campaign finance reform. However, I feel
that reform efforts should be focused on the FEC, making it a competent,
responsible agency that gives all Americans the assurance their democracy is
not for sale."
When he is elected, Ashdown pledged to bring the ideas and knowledge of the
technology community to the Senate. "What remains to be seen is whether the
political efforts of on line communities will ever result in the election of a
candidate who understands what they're talking about. I want to be that
candidate, but I need the support of on line and off line communities to do
it."
INDUCE Act: http://www.corante.com/importance/archives/004563.html
Release: http://peteashdown.org/media/releases/20051115-HR4194.html
Blog: http://peteashdown.org/journal/2005/11/10/online-speech
"A prime example of the lack of Congressional technology chops"
SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- Pete Ashdown, US Senate candidate (D-UT), today came out
against HR 4194, the "Internet Anti-Corruption and Free Speech Protection Act
of 2005." While understanding the intent, Ashdown decried the bill as
comparable to Senator Hatch's failed "INDUCE Act" in the way that it
circumscribes all non-blog on line political activity.
"While I support the efforts of Representatives Shays and Meehan to close
soft-money loopholes, this is not the way to do it," Ashdown said. "The
mistake it makes, and this is the same broad clumsy brush that painted Hatch'
s INDUCE act, in that it refers to "web logs" only. INDUCE referred to "P2P"
technology without bothering to define it. P2P can equally cover the
technology behind email, instant messaging, and legal file transfers, all
which would have been made illegal by INDUCE." Senator Hatch introduced the
INDUCE Act after he said the government should be "destroying [illegal
downloaders] machines." (Ted Briddis, Associated Press, June 17, 2003) "HR
4194 seems to think that all political communication on the Internet is done
over "web logs" and therefore only that should be protected speech. Never
mind mailing lists, Usenet, web bulletin boards, audio, video, and other
technologies down the road."
Ashdown lauded Internet users for working to expand democratic discourse
through the net. "For the first time in the history of democracy, the
Internet presents the opportunity for all to have an equal voice in lobbying congress and political action. What disturbs me about the Congressional and FEC actions is that it appears they are attempting to curb that freedom."
For Ashdown, HR 4194 was just another example of a Congress that does not understand today's on line environment. "Some staffer thought the only speech that needed to be free was 'web logs' and therefore we have our amendment to protect 'that Internet thing'."
While condemning the practical effects of HR 4194, Ashdown praised the efforts of campaign finance reformers. "While I do not endorse this bill, I do wholeheartedly endorse the concept of campaign finance reform. However, I feel that reform efforts should be focused on the FEC, making it a competent, responsible agency that gives all Americans the assurance their democracy is not for sale."
When he is elected, Ashdown pledged to bring the ideas and knowledge of the technology community to the Senate. "What remains to be seen is whether the political efforts of on line communities will ever result in the election of a candidate who understands what they\'re talking about. I want to be that candidate, but I need the support of on line and off line communities to do it." What disturbs me about the Congressional and
FEC actions is that it appears they are attempting to curb that freedom."
For Ashdown, HR 4194 was just another example of a Congress that does not
understand today's on line environment. "Some staffer thought the only speech
that needed to be free was 'web logs' and therefore we have our amendment to
protect 'that Internet thing'."
While condemning the practical effects of HR 4194, Ashdown praised the efforts
of campaign finance reformers. "While I do not endorse this bill, I do
wholeheartedly endorse the concept of campaign finance reform. However, I feel
that reform efforts should be focused on the FEC, making it a competent,
responsible agency that gives all Americans the assurance their democracy is
not for sale."
When he is elected, Ashdown pledged to bring the ideas and knowledge of the
technology community to the Senate. "What remains to be seen is whether the
political efforts of on line communities will ever result in the election of a
candidate who understands what they're talking about. I want to be that
candidate, but I need the support of on line and off line communities to do
it."
INDUCE Act: http://www.corante.com/importance/archives/004563.html
Release: http://peteashdown.org/media/releases/20051115-HR4194.html
Blog: http://peteashdown.org/journal/2005/11/10/online-speech
Monday, November 14, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
deseretnews.com | Y. professor thinks bombs, not planes, toppled WTC
At first blush, this seems like some real crackpot psuedo-science. Read more, and it presents a solid alternative to the 'official' explanation.
The first footage, I saw, of the collapsing towers amazed me. The collapse of all of the structures was remarkably similar to the many planned demolitions that have been filmed of condemned buildings. I was surprised to hear it explained that the heat from the igniting jet fuel liquified the steel support beams. Who has ever heard of that happening? Jet fuel burns quickly-surely not enough to cause what we saw on 9/11. The power inherent in a bomb is not the size of the bomb itself, but in what surrounds the bomb. That's why bombs that go off in buildings cause more damage than those that are detonated outside. Any explosions happening from the collision were coming from the outside, not inside the buildings. These are the thoughts that I, a layman, had when I heard the explanations surrounding the cause of the destruction.
Then I saw the article below and I imagined a plot from an Oliver Stone movie. I thought this professor is just trying to get published-get famous.
Maybe, I think too much.
Y. professor thinks bombs, not planes, toppled WTC
The first footage, I saw, of the collapsing towers amazed me. The collapse of all of the structures was remarkably similar to the many planned demolitions that have been filmed of condemned buildings. I was surprised to hear it explained that the heat from the igniting jet fuel liquified the steel support beams. Who has ever heard of that happening? Jet fuel burns quickly-surely not enough to cause what we saw on 9/11. The power inherent in a bomb is not the size of the bomb itself, but in what surrounds the bomb. That's why bombs that go off in buildings cause more damage than those that are detonated outside. Any explosions happening from the collision were coming from the outside, not inside the buildings. These are the thoughts that I, a layman, had when I heard the explanations surrounding the cause of the destruction.
Then I saw the article below and I imagined a plot from an Oliver Stone movie. I thought this professor is just trying to get published-get famous.
Maybe, I think too much.
Y. professor thinks bombs, not planes, toppled WTC
Utah Policy.com: George Will's Confusion
Utah Policy.com posted this statement culled from Hugh Hewitt's radio program.
"National radio host Hugh Hewitt pointed out yesterday on-air that George Will's latest column on Utah's rebellion against No Child Left Behind contains a few sentences that "would have received an 'F' if they had been written by a 3rd Grader." The sentences in question: "Not all Utahns are Mormons. Almost 11 percent are Hispanics, heading for 20 percent by 2020, and there is a significant population of Pacific islanders. But the state's singular tone is set by the Mormons." Though Hewitt, an evangelical, "disagrees with Mormon's theologically," he knows enough about them to recognize "they're not some kind of ethnic group, segregated and cut off from everybody else in Utah. Doesn't Will know that many Utah Hispanics and Pacific islanders happen to be Mormons, too?""
"National radio host Hugh Hewitt pointed out yesterday on-air that George Will's latest column on Utah's rebellion against No Child Left Behind contains a few sentences that "would have received an 'F' if they had been written by a 3rd Grader." The sentences in question: "Not all Utahns are Mormons. Almost 11 percent are Hispanics, heading for 20 percent by 2020, and there is a significant population of Pacific islanders. But the state's singular tone is set by the Mormons." Though Hewitt, an evangelical, "disagrees with Mormon's theologically," he knows enough about them to recognize "they're not some kind of ethnic group, segregated and cut off from everybody else in Utah. Doesn't Will know that many Utah Hispanics and Pacific islanders happen to be Mormons, too?""
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Google Maps Mania: A game of RISK on Google Maps
I registered for the game of RISK when I got married. Everything else we asked for was actually practical. When someone actually gave us the game I was excited. After the honeymoon was over, and we got down to some real life, I decided to crack open the game.
My decision to not play RISK with my wife ever again saved my marriage.
Google Maps Mania: A game of RISK on Google Maps
My decision to not play RISK with my wife ever again saved my marriage.
Google Maps Mania: A game of RISK on Google Maps
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Wilson-Plame: Who's wearing the pants?
An article in Utah Politics on Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame has this humorous line.
"Former Ambassador Joe Wilson, wife of Valerie Plame..."
Maybe Valerie wears the pants in the family? Who am I to say?
Whiny and Inaccurate Self-Pleading
"Former Ambassador Joe Wilson, wife of Valerie Plame..."
Maybe Valerie wears the pants in the family? Who am I to say?
Whiny and Inaccurate Self-Pleading
Thursday, October 27, 2005
White House bares teeth at The Onion | News.blog | CNET News.com
The Whitehouse has sent a cease and desist letter to the satirical newspaper, The Onion, for its use of the Whitehouse seal in it's articles.
"Lawyers for the administration noted that U.S. Code forbids the use of the seal "in connection with commercial ventures or products in any way that suggests presidential support or endorsement." Exceptions are allowed, the Times said, but the Onion had not applied for one."
So, does this apply to only commercial ventures or products alone. Does it apply on the level of a State? Does it apply to bloggers? The Wasatch Front has the Utah State Seal prominently placed. Does that imply to anyone that the State of Utah endorses that blog over others?
White House bares teeth at The Onion | News.blog | CNET News.com
"Lawyers for the administration noted that U.S. Code forbids the use of the seal "in connection with commercial ventures or products in any way that suggests presidential support or endorsement." Exceptions are allowed, the Times said, but the Onion had not applied for one."
So, does this apply to only commercial ventures or products alone. Does it apply on the level of a State? Does it apply to bloggers? The Wasatch Front has the Utah State Seal prominently placed. Does that imply to anyone that the State of Utah endorses that blog over others?
White House bares teeth at The Onion | News.blog | CNET News.com
Monday, October 24, 2005
How much is your blog worth? $3,$4?
Technorati has hacked together a nice algorithm that figures what a particular blog may be worth in cash. It is based on the alleged purchase price of a Weblogs, inc. weighed against the popularity of <'insert' your blog here>! My two blogs came in much better than I thought but I'll keep my day-job.
Farrercommons
$3,387.24
Davis County Watch
$1,693.62
Farrercommons
$3,387.24
Davis County Watch
$1,693.62
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