Do uber geekiness and a Carfree ride make your 103 MW OR facility all better?
Today Google (GOOG) announced their newest creation. The three wheeled uber-geek ride they intend to use to expand the Street View service into carfree or car-inaccessable areas starting in the UK. And while fietspad world wide remain very much in the dark when it comes to online mapping software, it seems to me just that more green-wash on their increadible appitite.
Don’t get me wrong, we both know it takes serious amounts of power to return sub-second query results on a repository the size and bredth of theirs. And what footpath frequeting pedestrian or cyclist wouldn’t love to look at the passage of his way from the frame of his iPhone? Still it seems that pictures from bikes are plentiful all over the world.
It amazes me what useless things we can accomplish when profit motive is assigned to the project. And the good ones are jokes?
The question of the day, is it possible for one to so completely sell out that your average Humanist would judge one completely corrupted? If yours truly can play the part of the average humanist then we have a winner. And this specious distinction is inherently difficult for an average Humanist to grant since the notion of complete corruptibility must include to some extent the corruption of the human spirit — an objectification that tends to reach beyond a purely rational approach to living.
That said we have a winner. J. Payton Knight Free Market Ideologue extra ordinary. A man so found of worshiping the golden calf of what may be humanity’s most recent failed economic theory that he refuses to acknowledge even his own human nature, takes a constant pleasure in the recitation of FM doctrine, and avoids rational discussions of anything going on around him which may be divergent with his world view by belittling such conflict.
Look him up and be impressed. J. Peyton Knight is listed paradoxically on LinkedIn as Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at The National Center for Public Policy Research an über right-wing “think tank” which is integrally involved in pushing a political interest agenda. Read just about anything he’s written and be amazed at how government projects to kill invasive weeds or Federal health projects to reduce obesity are nothing more than clumsily camouflaged Big Brother attempts to steal your rights and deny business its rightful exploitative access to the piles of resources we’re all just sitting atop. Or watch disk Five of the Planet Earth series where Knight’s opinions are offered up to counter balance an otherwise overwhelming review concerning environmental degradations and the future of humanity.
I’m underwhelmed to say the least. Is this the best that the failing free market devout can offer in the way of possible solutions sets? How will acting in a manner as our society has previously acted produce different results? Is Knight sitting on a solution set he’s just neglected to share with the rest of us? Would they like some more bail out money?
So feel free, your use of ad hominem henceforth is completely acceptable. He did win this competition.
I don’t get this! How does gluing or welding together a bunch of junk result in bringing “waste and recycling issues to the public eye”. Doesn’t it actually result in an exacerbation of waste and recycling issues? Consider if you will for a moment that there may be materials which could be recycled for utility purposes in this pile of old electronic crap. Copper, gold, and other metal alloys, glass, and plastic. Maybe there’s barium or mercury in the CRT? All of these things have been extracted from our, dare I say it, precious planet and thus the energy and resouces needed to complete that process have been expended. A ready economy of reuse and real recycling is just a preception shift away.
Look, I’m not opposed to art any more than I’m opposed to engineering as a vocation. Projects like WEEE lack much appreciable contribution from either of these houses in my opinion. And as Steven Roberts has said “Art without engineering is dreaming; engineering without art is calculating.” This is an example of why waste and recycling issues are still issues in our society. Simply dreaming of resolution results in piles of junk, and quantification of junk piles is only simple calculation. Not to appear too harsh, but this is a seven ton toy with no apparent purpose.
It is important to note that “hot air” (HA) still makes up a significantly larger portion of the total workplace atmosphere than does “rainbow farts” (RF). And while scientists will argue the details of the recent increase of RF emissions, the stability of our ecosystem is still largely jeopardized by inherent (HA) content.
This has special significance to me not only because it’s an entertaining cut from one of the best space movies ever shown on the silver screen, but because it has special workplace applicability.
“What’s a matter Colonel Sanders, chicken?”
Yep, it just keeps getting better and better. The economy in the crapper, sales down in all markets, and expansion of IT functionality is dictated by milestones that weren’t fully considered at their inception last fiscal year. We’re on our way to ludicrous speed.
“Bullshit, just stop this thing. I order you S-T-O-PPPPPPPP!”
While keeping track of Mr. RADAR I’m waiting to hear this. The other Space Balls near me are all wondering when this command is going to come down from above too I’d wager.
So “Joe Six Pack” and I are neatly lumped in our corner and it’s good to know that all players at the table know what the two of us want. Supposedly we’re after “change.” Up until last night’s debate I would have said I liked continued employment, value from my investments, and the possibility of retirement (someday, before me and Joe expire). But seemingly I want “change”.
Does she honestly not understand that the synonym for political change is revolution?
This is a response to a Facebook thread that was getting way out of hand.
Is he the illegitimate child of Osama bin laden & saddam HUSSEIN? He sure loves to publicly disrespect the American Flag & American People.
I was’nt even born in this country, adopted at age 5 . I served 10 years in the U.S. Armed Forces. I honor this nation as an American citizen,and hold no flag higher than that of our country. Yet I’m puzzed why we would support a man for President of the United States who refuses to pledge his allegiance to it.
Tom Jarvis at 5:47pm September 30
The world may never know the answer to that question. It is ultimately up to those of us who love and respect this nation, and those of us who have given of themselves to defend it, to keep on doing so, and make damn good and sure that we have exhausted all possible means to stop him in his tracks. Good will out.
Shaun Bruce at 8:04am October 1
Woah, republicans on facebook. It’s like spotting a white buffalo.
Jeff Nesbitt at 8:18am October 1
A White Bulffalo..then I am..or white elaphant…how is your sister??
Matt Thyer at 11:24am October 1
Wow, how inappropriate can you get? This video isnt a rational argument for or against the man or the party ticket. Its simply a blunt edged, nationalist bit of propaganda.
Likewise I served with distinction both in the military and civil service and I’d remind the viewer that nationalism of this flavor has resulted in the rise of despotism more… Read More than once in human history. Must we all wear steal toed jack boots and give oath to be considered American enough?
Jeff Nesbitt at 12:31pm October 1
I really dont know what your point is..the video clearly states my point, and the man clearly makes his own statement..as far as it being inappropriate, I dont buy that!! I didnt film it nor did I as an elected leader choose to disrespect our county….The video does not lie…
Matt Thyer at 1:16pm October 1
The video removes elements of the interview with KCRG. The text attached to the video implies that this man is far more than “not a patriot” when it clearly asks “Is he the illegitimate child of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein?” This is a leading question, its easy to see what we’re supposed to believe. The whole thing is a libel even if you … Read Moredon’t agree with the man. Its a defamation that uses nationalism as some sort of justification. Seriously, if you disagree with the man have a rational and even handed debate about the topics. This is poison in the well and a band wagon full of flags … and I don’t like the candidate either.
Tom Jarvis at 9:04pm October 1
I am truely amazed at the depths to which we find ourselves sinking (and I mean as a whole) in order to defend or promote any given perspective. Are we not all americans? And what is wrong with showing pride in that? There is much to be proud of. I think that at some distant point in our future we will all look back and realize this: we should … Read Morehave been standing together, rather than equivocating to spare those few who might disagree with the abrasive nature of the truth. There is no doubt in my mind that we are in for a very difficult period in this nation. As well, I believe that this nation being what it it, a nation of free thinking intelligent AMERICANS, we have the tenacity, if not the inherent ability, to overcome. But I can not in good concience hand over the reigns to ANYONE who shares and frequently reiterates the talking points of Comunists, facists, and marxists, the world over ( if you need examples, I have them ).
Tom Jarvis at 9:16pm October 1
(continued) Spouting messages of entitlement based victimhood, blatant disdain of a borderline treasonous nature toward America, the country that has enabled him to wage this extraordinary, and ultimately unscrutinized rise to fame? That is shameful.
I am not foolish enough to believe that any man, or woman, that reaches the office of the president… Read More, the most powerful apointment, in the most powerful nation in the known Galaxy, gets there by being a “nice guy”. That being said, I don’t want a “nice guy” in that office, especially given the goings on in the middle east, namely Israel, Iran, Soviet Gorgia, and well…. all of the middle east. We are at war with an enemy the likes of which the average koolaid drinking Balogna eating cartoon head american cannot even begin to comprehend. Either we will stop allowing the political machine to divide us and stand together as what we are, Americans, or we are doomed. No matter who wins this election.
I’m Tom Jarvis, and I aprove this message.
Michelle Rademacher Owens at 11:59pm October 1
(Actuary tables) Statistics say there’s a 1 in 5 chance McCain will kick the bucket, and we’ll all be embarrassed for voting them in.
Jeff Nesbitt at 8:18am October 2
Very well put Tom..remove all of the eliments of the video, undoctored and you see our possible future president refusing to do the plege..amazing…
By Tom’s reasoning refusing to pledge allegiance is tantamount to treason. Treason and acts of collaboration as such are capital offences against the state. Let that sink in a moment.
There are a number of peoples in the United States that won’t swear oath to anyone or anything before their god. These include but are not limited to German Anabaptists, Friends, Mennonites, Quakers, some sub-sects of the Mormon faith, some Muslims, and even some Catholics. There are, in addition to these religious groups many Americans who love their country, but for any number of reasons will refuse to pledge allegiance to any flag or government.
Treason is pretty simple to define; Toms already done an amazing job of laying that one out for us all. When do we start locking these people up? We’ll need to authorize the purchase of some ammunition and guns to mow down all those traitorous Mennonites with their funny beards.
When I served I sure appreciated it when other citizens came out to thank me for my service. They stood by me and my decision to defend the nation. And honestly, there were plenty of times when I wasn’t really sure what it actually was that I might have been standing up for. Government initiatives being distilled down into marching orders have a way of objectifying goals at the cost of the principles that mandated the action in the first place. If your service was much more cut and dry, be glad for it.
I was listening to the radio this morning on my way back from a walk in the country that I love. I’m not really sure what program was on, but there was talk about how evil Obama might be and why wouldn’t McCain point this out to people. The commentator had a good response; McCain (seemingly the guy you all back) remains an officer and a gentleman. His honor prevents him from saying or even insinuating such. He realizes that he’s just another citizen with the same liberties and responsibilities as any of us, including Obama. This includes no obligation to agree with or imitate anyone’s mythos, dogma, ethics, principles or actions, but as such should allow each and every other citizen the same option to exercise their freedoms as they see fit.
It’s not a crime to not salute the flag and there are *many* good reasons for an individual to take this kind of action. It’s also not a crime to practice a faith even if it happens to be a different one than yours. Obama hasn’t broken any moral philosophical rule and has done no one any wrong. If Obama, or McCain, or anyone else for that matter decides the best way they might be able to support this country and stand up for what they believe in is to wear animal pelts while flapping and skipping down the way singing the Halls of Montezuma at the top of their lungs I’m certainly not going to get in their way. I probably wouldn’t be compelled to vote them into the office of the President, but I don’t think it’s necessary to point out how foolish, annoying or idealistic their behavior might be either.
Let’s move back to the central issue that raised my ire in the first place. When I watched the video on Facebook it was after I had seen the interview on KCRG previously.
Let’s face facts people getting to know a candidate who happens to be running for President is about as likely as the colonization of the Sun. In the 18 to 24 months it generally takes these individuals to stick their feet in this door prior to the election cycle there is zero possibility that they have the time necessary to meet and remember anyone who isn’t directly aiding them towards this possible end. If you don’t already know them you can pretty much right off the possibility of gaining any insight into their character after they’ve gone an announced their intent to run.
The video, as edited, leaves out any of the discussion about why Obama might choose not to wear a flag lapel pin, instead it cuts out that part and leaves the view to speculate. The speculation is of course answered for us immediately. He must be unpatriotic, perhaps the son of a known terrorist and possible the most un-American citizen you may have ever had the displeasure of knowing about.
I’m no fan of Obama, but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and maybe try and understand what his plan is for America before I write him off the ballot. Likewise McCain get’s an equal opportunity to make his case.
Actually, it’s the fans that corrupt this process in my opinion and they’re making it impossible for folks who have a genuine concern about the direction our country might be headed in to see far enough through the crap to make a rational decision in any direction.
These individuals collectively and on their own pursue winning the ticket for their party. They’re not above libel or slander, they may not have the scruples necessary to keep them from committing fraud and gerrymandering. And worst of all, there’s no possibility of having a rational debate about the issues, any issue, because the topicality of anything brought into the arena tends toward moralization and dogmatic exclusion.
Why? I can tell you that I dislike tomatoes and that I like peach pie. It becomes much more difficult for me to explain the criteria I use to come to these conclusions. That’s what’s missing here, the ability to explain or discuss decision criteria. In place of this discussion we’re rushed to consensus by the zealots and fans. He’s a democrat and thus he must believe X, she’s a Republican and can only feel that Y is correct. Let’s all hop on a bandwagon.
Remove all the additional elements in this video and you see Obama with his hands in his pockets while others take the pledge of allegiance and no understanding of why.
Perhaps a better question is do you REALLY know who WashingtonMedia is?
This is possible the only good video response to the Virgle April Fools joke that I have been able to find so far. Worse its a commercial used to inspire people to buy more computers. Sigh …
“Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
We see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world,
Are the ones who do.”
About two weeks ago I wrote a letter to my Senator Maria Cantwell concerning what was then a bill being debated in the congress which eventually allowed more H1-B visas for “highly skilled professional workers.” Over the past decade I’ve watched as the jobs that offered many Americans the promise of a living and the potential energy to raise their families have been given away through trickery and low-down dirty manipulation of the rules.
For my letter Cantwell responded with a bit of boilerplate claiming that she knew best, and its all better now that she was able to vote for the bill. Then I was mad, now I’m spitting insane:
How hard would it be to petition Congress to start helping the “highly skilled professional workers” of America look for ways to send lawyer jobs overseas, I wonder? For that matter, aren’t foreign politicians cheaper on the whole?
