tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29899468090335179312024-02-20T00:37:51.378-08:00Cocktail putschWalthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-86791113855249948192016-07-26T07:35:00.001-07:002016-07-26T07:35:40.778-07:00<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Little bird having fun on a moving walkway...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stuckatheairport?src=hash">#stuckatheairport</a> <a href="https://t.co/hFrd87sb4y">pic.twitter.com/hFrd87sb4y</a></div>
— Ziya Tong (@ziyatong) <a href="https://twitter.com/ziyatong/status/756645689468346368">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-13008255611229323512015-03-30T09:59:00.001-07:002015-03-30T09:59:44.401-07:00Blue YonderBack in the Seventies, my high school friend Andy called me up and said his dad would take us for an airplane ride. Right now! Get over here!<br />
His father LeRoy was a damned impressive man. A security guard at the local prison, he was tall and broad, with a Louisiana accent and a Roman nose that could open beer bottles. Probably. When I first saw him I thought "Beneath the spreading chestnut tree the village smithy stands..."<br />
He had called the local airport and arranged for a plane, but when we got there it turned out to be a two-seater. So he decided to take us up one at a time.<br />
First came the pre-flight inspection. LeRoy walked around the plane, peering up at this and that, wiggling flaps and opening doors. He was serious about it; no flying until he was satisfied.<br />
He started up the engine; the plane shook with energy. Another couple of minutes of playing with the controls then he yelled "Okay Andy! You first!"<br />
With the doors shut he drove it forward, then turned it around and taxied to the end of the runway, turned it again and started speeding faster and faster and it lifted off the ground.<br />
I watched as it got smaller and smaller and then it was gone.<br />
Forty minutes later it was my turn.<br />
I didn't fly again for more than a decade, but that was really only half a flight as I jumped out around 2000 feet.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-19613742675195844322013-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:002014-03-12T17:08:53.516-07:00One Shot<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Orion_(nuclear_propulsion)">Project Orion</a> has problems. <br />
<br />
You have to toss nuclear bombs under the pusher plate and explode them right on schedule. Plans on how to do this has only been generally sketched out. A trap door, exposed to regular fission blasts and that will work without fail? Catapult(s) on the rim of the plate, tossing them to go off at just the right time and place? There are no detailed plans on the delivery method.<br />
<br />
The bombs would have to be rebuilt to fit whatever catapult is used. Machining radioactive metal is a delicate operation. Wouldn't it be nice to use existing, surplus weapons for propulsion?<br />
<br />This twist is promising. One blast, underground, pushes the craft up a collapsing tunnel past escape velocity. The explosion is largely contained and the plate only endures one blast. At the right moment small rockets can kick it into orbit.<br />
<br />
The acceleration is too fierce for people, but most kinds of cargo won't mind. And we're talking about a lot of cargo; easily 100,000 tons. The greater the load the less the atmosphere effects the trajectory.<br />
<br />
This also uses up existing bombs. Of course, one could surround the bomb pit with garden variety Uranium-238 and make Plutonium for further use...<br />
<br />
Of all the plans that probably won't happen this is one of my favorites.<br />
<br />
http://nextbigfuture.com/2009/03/underground-nuclear-tests-salt.htmlWalthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-15124913710431145142013-10-09T17:11:00.003-07:002013-10-09T17:12:51.423-07:00lil' x<div class="Hs zm" style="max-height: none;">
<div class="vF WE">
</div>
<div class="Is">
Announcing the little x prize.<br />
<br />
Hard cash handed out when a goal is met.<br />
<br />
The
initial award goes to the first to send a living ecosystem round Mars
and back. The ecosystem will be fully monitored and recorded and consist
of at least two species, one of which must be macroscopic. It must be
alive on return to Earth's orbit.<br />
<br />
For this achievement I will pay the sum of ten U. S. dollars.<br />
<br />
This pledge is not exclusive. Anyone believing it worthy is welcome to add their pledge. Reference <a class="ot-hashtag" href="https://plus.google.com/s/%23littlexprize">#littlexprize</a><br />
<br />
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Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-61994400182407960782013-10-07T15:41:00.002-07:002014-03-14T09:36:08.642-07:00The Master Plan, revealed at last.Create a negative income tax, also called a guaranteed annual income.<br />
<br />
For example, if an individual's annual income falls beneath $20,000 the Federal government would cut a check for the difference. As a refinement dependent children would be granted a lesser amount, say, $7,000, into the guardian's care. <br />
<br />
Eliminate Social Security and other federal welfare programs.<br />
<br />
All Federal departments offering retirement plans, such as the military, should be directed to move to a supplemental income allowance.<br />
<br />
Tax all income over $20,000 at a flat rate, say five percent. <br />
<br />
Eliminate tax deductions, except:<br />
<br />
Any income under $150,000 may be set aside, tax free, into a restricted Health and Retirement Account (HRA).<br />
<br />
It may be wise to allow the individual more liberal access to a HRA after a period of time, say ten years, tax being paid when used for other than health or retirement. After a certain age the fund is fully accessible, open, perhaps, to taxation on interest.<br />
<br />
The Federal government will add an additional annual $1,000 to all individual HRAs.<br />
<br />
Eliminate corporate taxes and the impact of capitol gains and losses. This is not strictly necessary to a negative income tax but is a fine idea on it's own.<br />
<br />
All figures are for illustration but I think they are fairly considered. For example, in 2012 about twenty percent of Americans had an income of $20,000 or less. A negative income tax using that amount should cost significantly less than a trillion dollars a year, well within the budget.<br />
<br />
One may want a higher income tax and here we could compromise. Say we start out with a ten percent tax and lower it every 3 years until it reached 5 percent.<br />
<br />
The actual guaranteed income should probably be pegged to some standard. Perhaps 150% of the average rent in the lowest quintile.<br />
<br />
A tax system with an easily predictable rate and without deductions or favors would remove a large accounting cost to doing business. Ideally tax code will become simple and stable and politicians would sharpen their knives elsewhere.<br />
<br />
With everyone guaranteed a basic living we should be able to eliminate most subsidies. Agricultural comes to mind. A negative income tax creates a protective buffer for both individuals and businesses.<br />
<br />Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-76512828367757005522013-05-03T13:42:00.000-07:002013-05-03T13:44:23.228-07:00Too many books redux<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvZ19PUnnh7YyQHEs9QK-2gwIymKgAHAU2gADp72bpLdsqInanCWUfS_5ZdJiYjGnIw-n3b4QY5lJTnS-b11XWo3cJ_VT4ND0mWoLzMH8_9gXYrvOYxu9E33ZqnVEtBuo7DcgfYDdVqk/s1600/North+wall+big.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvZ19PUnnh7YyQHEs9QK-2gwIymKgAHAU2gADp72bpLdsqInanCWUfS_5ZdJiYjGnIw-n3b4QY5lJTnS-b11XWo3cJ_VT4ND0mWoLzMH8_9gXYrvOYxu9E33ZqnVEtBuo7DcgfYDdVqk/s640/North+wall+big.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmBxGpzRlqfeRfPhyxH6OGOP-Dyezo-hkYfYs_zErNMlsn-0IAgA7jzosB3HtI3jYx4KQY7lhIHhsX9FoNg8fLrSXWblTtdCsfxZuzP9w5L1UigriEhj0Oc0ME9huZlJJfMegw60lL88/s1600/real+west+wall+big.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmBxGpzRlqfeRfPhyxH6OGOP-Dyezo-hkYfYs_zErNMlsn-0IAgA7jzosB3HtI3jYx4KQY7lhIHhsX9FoNg8fLrSXWblTtdCsfxZuzP9w5L1UigriEhj0Oc0ME9huZlJJfMegw60lL88/s640/real+west+wall+big.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDrkbmnGMHoim_pVehW4O2CQQl9yEF6XqqeFOeXTbA4gtSuMCyf6mRSZqnW8zJdwD9d9CpfCiHjZ8iKjI_qD6BcZNiurgF78badFxPvotYnZdFN7D1Q6NWLmMmymcwqCsc_n0tlHAlgI/s1600/West+wall+big+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDrkbmnGMHoim_pVehW4O2CQQl9yEF6XqqeFOeXTbA4gtSuMCyf6mRSZqnW8zJdwD9d9CpfCiHjZ8iKjI_qD6BcZNiurgF78badFxPvotYnZdFN7D1Q6NWLmMmymcwqCsc_n0tlHAlgI/s640/West+wall+big+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiWO8tNfQnFUSf-c3dWOSiC6z7ZlvIvXR3UToaFqYqQXC-5LGh9o8FdQvcPCg54owqeDnSnKQwzTdWV8pdXBCsVdUSeo_4L1X1cEYOiy2cQpgv_Icwh7PJvpbKAwntp5iyOLp_5kkAn0/s1600/South+wall+window+case+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiWO8tNfQnFUSf-c3dWOSiC6z7ZlvIvXR3UToaFqYqQXC-5LGh9o8FdQvcPCg54owqeDnSnKQwzTdWV8pdXBCsVdUSeo_4L1X1cEYOiy2cQpgv_Icwh7PJvpbKAwntp5iyOLp_5kkAn0/s640/South+wall+window+case+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPbr2eUEY_2QJ7leVQwhY2t0n6hPVfLJo5XQWUbnl3zOH07U3hvCi2uq_I5U87Jax12TaszRGrx1cwJs5B_dfLCLUbwzmwODCjG6gasbo4zu9KC7fNw5-nfirxVnJbwCNXnsrxM9SyTA/s1600/West+wall+novels.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPbr2eUEY_2QJ7leVQwhY2t0n6hPVfLJo5XQWUbnl3zOH07U3hvCi2uq_I5U87Jax12TaszRGrx1cwJs5B_dfLCLUbwzmwODCjG6gasbo4zu9KC7fNw5-nfirxVnJbwCNXnsrxM9SyTA/s640/West+wall+novels.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRaZx2J1i1H6QTqAC95PsA-b3xzNRoeh7vpOmHF6b5XPDZFOem0-BwTTJ9wJBLWi5I5sF9UVvs1RSo9qW7A39znhQqFhXZXRBjC5cEEsyFVF7K6Pt0g_goHSCenVCO3D03x1G43CrjRk/s1600/South+wing+misc.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRaZx2J1i1H6QTqAC95PsA-b3xzNRoeh7vpOmHF6b5XPDZFOem0-BwTTJ9wJBLWi5I5sF9UVvs1RSo9qW7A39znhQqFhXZXRBjC5cEEsyFVF7K6Pt0g_goHSCenVCO3D03x1G43CrjRk/s640/South+wing+misc.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc1KZQuy5ORRDgtJIggpFNie6vBnylSBRCqdQIdFYkha7PyeEPlQM14geOKE3edMYmJsRGH4CpzQ0UthdYBwOAicEathRoVVVw_Tev-YxdzFQ9L8UgR_nKMHKBvmSJyVmvts9k_u2AGQ/s1600/Comics.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc1KZQuy5ORRDgtJIggpFNie6vBnylSBRCqdQIdFYkha7PyeEPlQM14geOKE3edMYmJsRGH4CpzQ0UthdYBwOAicEathRoVVVw_Tev-YxdzFQ9L8UgR_nKMHKBvmSJyVmvts9k_u2AGQ/s640/Comics.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3ftuTi_qPFL-TRPB4IDn_TENTFjbX1JKphF5OtKmT-argnPOCwAPey98ZupqRYpJU9vOtCgo1XCAGr6eh6LxVWIkgGkE9YTiqS9AVdVnJn-EucDKqRl8v4wk1NjGlzdYQ1haTe0TVa8/s1600/SF+anthol.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3ftuTi_qPFL-TRPB4IDn_TENTFjbX1JKphF5OtKmT-argnPOCwAPey98ZupqRYpJU9vOtCgo1XCAGr6eh6LxVWIkgGkE9YTiqS9AVdVnJn-EucDKqRl8v4wk1NjGlzdYQ1haTe0TVa8/s640/SF+anthol.jpg" width="640" /></a>Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-1374010303451121792013-02-27T11:50:00.000-08:002014-03-14T09:39:19.577-07:00Too many books, part oneDo we still need phone books? Somehow I can't throw this one away.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoLYUihuxgj4P8L0cyPaWXacoAom8xmy118w4i5m4Yqj4gqyMXM6FXX4BxTdGi6Ss82ykyidPnxzVVZhYHN4Cok19cVuGwukfA8XU8kyGXyuxy0KB6YU2KSD9H3WbACD_R_pinKc9XPM/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+directory.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoLYUihuxgj4P8L0cyPaWXacoAom8xmy118w4i5m4Yqj4gqyMXM6FXX4BxTdGi6Ss82ykyidPnxzVVZhYHN4Cok19cVuGwukfA8XU8kyGXyuxy0KB6YU2KSD9H3WbACD_R_pinKc9XPM/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+directory.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud9MSu_yWH__NrSowE0Bn0K8vT8GijZJ4kjpmkpf6gDDixnV3vIngFQcd7AnYGvCNsTCIL73EK3L9CW43yuPSs2vqEFhndRwC12isTwtwV57fFo341udX1nWVxkOniXWnGzeHjAiQiYo/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+General+Belting+Co.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud9MSu_yWH__NrSowE0Bn0K8vT8GijZJ4kjpmkpf6gDDixnV3vIngFQcd7AnYGvCNsTCIL73EK3L9CW43yuPSs2vqEFhndRwC12isTwtwV57fFo341udX1nWVxkOniXWnGzeHjAiQiYo/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+General+Belting+Co.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArGubic0VvgjcwsbvtFeSmtzXhVm2F2iVcM1qm9B4P8wF8uZfGpEQ4H6Y72g2524IMJFOKv5GK9O6ZUI-MUbX0SNTWM-C5jJaKfbgNHxmxzoILL8_S6t-7IYSAWKT4lNp0Z3nAzYy3YA/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+Dairy+ads.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArGubic0VvgjcwsbvtFeSmtzXhVm2F2iVcM1qm9B4P8wF8uZfGpEQ4H6Y72g2524IMJFOKv5GK9O6ZUI-MUbX0SNTWM-C5jJaKfbgNHxmxzoILL8_S6t-7IYSAWKT4lNp0Z3nAzYy3YA/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+Dairy+ads.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GrL5VU2E0KOErIqgTrayVUQ7JDtizTgXVmBu76liDYroyPZuMxbovN8f_duZDOFBsRQo-GWmvSjumB9LW_ZvVJLhqU5T7htAYreGaghmR34MGyNEfGF_W2Rov23ULORumBNcsO9-gE0/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+back.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GrL5VU2E0KOErIqgTrayVUQ7JDtizTgXVmBu76liDYroyPZuMxbovN8f_duZDOFBsRQo-GWmvSjumB9LW_ZvVJLhqU5T7htAYreGaghmR34MGyNEfGF_W2Rov23ULORumBNcsO9-gE0/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+back.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6KlcKZGspllAPjahfKaFFDYV7UbJWRNqYMUYeok55hyphenhyphentfNs2SfToPKG7WLo09d2SsC1kLd22LVMgZmI_BSbO0scyeghCB3VW6A3WCy3bR-cLR3jq1Am0LjPQ6mGI_vtz-5mjvujYkz0/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+coal+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6KlcKZGspllAPjahfKaFFDYV7UbJWRNqYMUYeok55hyphenhyphentfNs2SfToPKG7WLo09d2SsC1kLd22LVMgZmI_BSbO0scyeghCB3VW6A3WCy3bR-cLR3jq1Am0LjPQ6mGI_vtz-5mjvujYkz0/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+coal+ad.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqttpAtSAActsn4WclLj_Wh2d5ET-gQP5wv96mGlSoLV9GGKh_Y9MbifjC8X2wXXqfz7y2xr6sM6TzviQicTcz4EDAG_Xv8Yo3DqMmQ83DAfrroMP9JT0wRj6Z_PYXUfXbjnU6EzxQsIo/s1600/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+inside+front.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqttpAtSAActsn4WclLj_Wh2d5ET-gQP5wv96mGlSoLV9GGKh_Y9MbifjC8X2wXXqfz7y2xr6sM6TzviQicTcz4EDAG_Xv8Yo3DqMmQ83DAfrroMP9JT0wRj6Z_PYXUfXbjnU6EzxQsIo/s320/1923+Seattle+Telephone+Directory+inside+front.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgl1RR3nB6p99XtpzPSFDPfQ41z8jXH6a_2m5a8z-n_tHM33uqei_dxyaPEU0z-hVXkAywuOClWDkolUMLOFgkpvIwIf189gCA_ITSpLaCqaMqb7l7n40QMfW8ZP7OLyFGn-UGWu93Yk/s1600/4326+Billard+Parlor.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgl1RR3nB6p99XtpzPSFDPfQ41z8jXH6a_2m5a8z-n_tHM33uqei_dxyaPEU0z-hVXkAywuOClWDkolUMLOFgkpvIwIf189gCA_ITSpLaCqaMqb7l7n40QMfW8ZP7OLyFGn-UGWu93Yk/s320/4326+Billard+Parlor.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Note the billard parlor listed at 4326 University Way. This pleasant and healthful concern was quickly evicted to make way for the first off-campus digs of the Associated Students of the University of Washington's book store, who have squatted there ever since.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-47440543351530556782013-01-22T16:20:00.003-08:002013-01-22T16:32:15.648-08:00View from the edgeProgressives and Conservatives alike want the state to regulate human activity into certain, if differing, channels, lest evil arise. Libertarians prefer that the state intervene only when evil occurs.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-85388604418751401742012-11-05T10:21:00.003-08:002013-01-22T16:31:42.307-08:00Every crank gets a turnVelikovsky was crazy, probably very wrong and yet very right.<br />
<br />
He was crazy; his interplanetary ping-pong history makes no modern astronomical sense. Neither observations nor models allow planets to erupt from other planets, zoom around the Solar System, continually graze the Earth and then settle into nearly circular orbits. "Einstein said that Worlds in Collision ‘really isn’t a bad book. The only trouble with it is, it is crazy.’ "<br />
<br />
He was right on strange details; Jupiter does emit radio waves and Venus is very hot, close to the temperature he predicted. And he was right in one important way: contrary to the dominate scientific paradigm of his time, catastrophism does explain much of the universe.<br />
<br />
Velikovsky's biggest sin was challenging science's new post-WW II authority, and it wasn't long before Science struck back:<br />
<br />
"Steven Shapin · Catastrophism: The Pseudoscience Wars"<br />
<br />
The London Review Of Books<br />
<br />
<br />
http://cdn.lrb.co.uk/v34/n21/steven-shapin/catastrophismWalthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-62643188096121023802012-10-12T11:45:00.003-07:002015-10-05T15:16:10.703-07:00 My vote doesn't count<br />
<br />
I've voted in almost every election since 1976. That's at least 40 ballots and hundreds of votes; a pretty good statistical sample.<br />
<br />
If I had abstained from voting, would the results of any of the elections have changed? No.<br />
<br />
Not one position, referendum, levy or initiative would have turned out any different. For all my study of the issues and reading of the voter guide I may as well as stayed home.<br />
<br />
Some may say that sometimes one vote will sway an issue and will point to one time when a couple votes decided the election. Rare and exceptional, but it can happen. I say more people will win the lottery than cast the crucial vote.<br />
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My vote doesn't count, and this is a liberating realization.<br />
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When I do vote and I do, I can vote as I please. I don't have to use game theory and hold my nose when choosing the lesser of two evils. You will never hear me say "This election is too important to throw my vote away on a third party."<br />
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I can choose the candidate that most closely follows my own thinking, and with a clear conscious. For example, I'll vote for Gary Johnson and never worry that my choice will throw the election to the wrong party. Others might prefer the Green Party or the Socialist Party but are more concerned with gaming the system then voting with their hearts.<br />
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My guys may not get elected, but there is little joy in voting for someone just because they can get elected. I can hope that I'll signal my true desires to the next generation of office seekers.<br />
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My vote doesn't count, and the good news is, neither does yours. Set your vote free.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-78777331791540600542012-07-06T15:52:00.004-07:002012-07-07T17:06:05.751-07:00My fellow Americans<br />
<br />
A kid knocked on our door the other day. Name of Evan Clifthorne. Turns out he’s running for state congress, the 36th district.<br />
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“What advice would you give someone standing for office, for the first time?”<br />
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Here’s what I said:<br />
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Evan,<br />
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Thanks for stopping by the house the other day. You were pleasant and reasonable while I was in old pajamas. Keeping a straight face counts for a lot.<br />
<br />
I’d like to offer some random and unsolicited advice.<br />
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To a hammer, all problems look like nails. And to a legislator, legislation is the solution to everything. Don’t be a hammer. Use office as a bully pulpit and help organize private remedies to public problems.<br />
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Avoid light rail, high speed rail, trolleys and other such glamorous boondoggles. Technology is about to do an end run around these expensive concrete lines politicians draw on maps. Rail freight, on the other hand, is not glamorous but it is effective, efficient and needs attention.<br />
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Climate change will hit the poor much harder than the rich, so be rich. Help us all be rich by not hampering business and investment. Wealthy people also demand a cleaner environment so this is a win-win strategy.<br />
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Climate change may also increase immigration into our state. Land may be in demand so subsidizing homes is foolish, especially where it might flood or burn.<br />
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Five or ten more nuclear power plants would let us unplug all the hydroelectric dams which sounds pretty green to me. However, I’d hate to see old style, high pressure reactors. Maybe we could get some federal money to build a pilot thorium plant or a pebble bed reactor. Let’s lead the nation with safe, high tech power.<br />
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You want to reform taxes? Me, too. Everyone except favor selling politicians want simple and predictable taxes. Property taxes promotes “highest, best use” which translated means “highest, best tax revenue” and effectively prohibits the poor from owning property.<br />
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We fear an income tax because we know whatever reasonable tax rate is proposed is just the camel’s nose under the tent flap. If you want to sell us on one, keep the rate constitutionally limited to a small and certain percentage. Three percent sounds good to me. It must also be tied to a slashing and staking of property, sales and B & O taxes. In fact, eliminate B & O and make any property tax flat and bindinglylow. Put a ceiling on sales tax, say five percent, with the state getting some and the locals getting the lion’s share. In a healthy and growing economy, tax revenue will rise.<br />
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“Let the blessings and burdens of government fall upon all without favor.” I first heard this from James M. Buchanan but it’s old wisdom. In other words, don’t rob Peter to pay Paul. We are all equal under the law. Don’t pass out sweetheart deals.<br />
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Trust incentives. Trust the people.<br />
<br />
Good Luck<br />
<br />Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-70132249158482356582012-05-03T07:11:00.003-07:002012-12-11T16:34:45.003-08:00A Modest SuggestionProposed: A new order of Congress - Four types of Representatives; Two Elected, one Selected and one Random.<br />
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The number of Districts in each State shall be halved, each District electing one Representative. <br />
<br />
Each District shall also select at random a number of potential Representatives from the roll of registered voters. An elected Judge shall examine said pool and eliminate those unable to serve by reason of disability, hardship or personal philosophic objection; from those remaining one Representative shall be randomly selected. Such Representatives that serve shall be duly compensated and serve one Term.<br />
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Random Representatives may vote on issues before the House and may do so from from their abode, within four hours of the last Elected Representative vote.<br />
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Each State shall elect one Senator by state-wide popular election; each State shall also select one Senator by a vote of their Legislators.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-69011376628156274382011-11-23T09:28:00.001-08:002013-10-09T17:38:30.282-07:00What the universe wants.I've been inspired by reading Kevin Kelly's book, What Technology Wants:<br />
<br />
Why is our universe so friendly to life? All physical constants allow it, some are even finely tuned to decimal points away from excluding it.<br />
<br />
The Strong Anthropic Principal was advanced to address the problem. According to this hypothesis, the universe is built the way it is because life is somehow necessary. <br />
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My favorite twist on the S. A. P. is that one universe can create other universes and the resulting descendants may vary enough in conditions that evolution can operate. Somewhere along the line life either inserted itself virus-like into the process or arose naturally in the more fruitful creations. <br />
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Now, in the same way we can speak of an organism wanting something, say food or sex, we can talk about the universe wanting something. We can even venture into what a universe should want.<br />
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Clearly, if the S. A. P. is true, our universe was made to want atoms and stars and life. It looks like it also wanted the water molecule, and DNA. I think an argument can be made that it also wants us, sentient life, to have wants and desires.<br />
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To paraphrase Steven Weinberg, the universe is perhaps more beautiful than strictly necessary. I think this means two things. <br />
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First, the universe is built to be admirable. Second, life is built to admire the universe. Both may be necessary to help the universe reproduce.<br />
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Humans obviously have an aesthetic nature. The universe may require this. We love art and regularity. Physicists often say beautiful theories are more likely to be true.<br />
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Art appreciation may be a general feature of sentient life. Birds enjoy a good song and a well made nest. Dogs and elephants show taste in music and even paintings. <br />
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Without a sense of beauty we may never have contemplated the universe or developed science. Without science we could never develop strong technological skill. Technology may be one essential trait in advanced universe reproduction.<br />
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This universe building business would be much easier if we had an operating manual. Perhaps we will write it and encode it into the next iteration. Maybe it's lying around somewhere waiting for us to find it (Carl Sagan suggested we could look far, far to the right of the decimal point of pi).<br />
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If the S. A. P. is true, the evolution of universes is a slow affair, billions of years between generations. The process is hindered by it's asexual nature. Each universe is isolated, incommunicado from any neighbor. However, we can look to the future, when our (or some further universe's inhabitant's) science is advanced to the point where we can open a window to another realm, another cosmos.<br />
<br />
On that day, the multiverse will discover sex.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-52863913776152733992011-09-27T16:33:00.001-07:002012-02-29T09:51:17.394-08:00Cut it outSenator Patty Murray, via email, has invited me to submit ideas for deficit reduction. After filling out the form on the web site she had indicated, the page crashed. Three times.<br />I therefore offer the ideas here, confident she will see and appreciate them:<br /><br />End agricultural subsidies.<br />Close the military bases in Europe and Japan and in about 100 other places. They may well be able to defend themselves.<br />End the expensive and painful war on people taking drugs. If you must, tax me a little when I use them.<br />Privatize air traffic control and Amtrak. Also, forget about that high speed rail jazz.<br />End Homeland Security. If you must pat me down, offer a happy ending.<br /><br />These measures will save money and minimize distortion to the market and as a bonus, we'd all enjoy a little more liberty.<br />Of course, I have a few more ideas but they may be deemed less practical.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-21441579625009440942011-08-12T10:08:00.004-07:002016-06-06T15:36:03.330-07:00Better living through explosivesMy folks used dynamite to fix a flooded basement.<br />
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The downstairs toilet would occasionally bubble sewage. We did a perk test out front where you pour some water in a hole and see how long it takes to drain. It didn't. A problem, because septic tanks are designed to spill into the drain field and seep into the earth. Otherwise, stuff backs up and heads to the basement toilet. Not the stuff you're looking for... <br />
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So a new system and a new front yard. It was Summer break and free labor was at hand; my Mom, Mike, me, our stepfather Joe and his other sons Bruce and Hugh. <br />
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We set to it. Shovels and picks and buckets. Trenches were dug in a modified palmate pattern. At the end of each day you couldn't tell Pharaoh from slave. <br />
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Two feet down, however, the ground was still impervious. A heavy rain could send it all right back up into our basement. The three foot level was the same.<br />
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Joe and my Mom consulted and came up with the big idea: dig a real deep hole at the low end and let all the, ahem, water drain to there. Hard pan couldn't go down forever.<br />
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The hole was about four foot a side and as it got deeper we built a gantry to winch up the buckets of muck.<br />
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Bucket after bucket... Thirty miserable feet later we were still in clay, shaky aluminum ladder to the bottom and each load heavier than the last. This boot-sucking crap had to end somewhere!<br />
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And then Joe thought: dynamite.<br />
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It would punch right through through the hard pan! Loosen it up, anyway. We had already broken one shovel.<br />
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Naturally we had a box of dynamite on hand. We wired a few sticks on the bottom of the hole and tossed down some branches and stuff to "deflect" the force. We pulled up the ladder and cleared the area. I was stationed on the road out front to stop any traffic. Joe checked on everyone, yelled Fire in the Hole! and threw the switch.<br />
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I was about forty feet away, watching for cars. There was a nice bang, somewhat muffled and dust fountained out of the hole. Then within a breath, the road convulsed and I was tossed to the ground.<br />
Today you'd hear dozens of car alarms go off, but this was Suburbia in the Sixties and a quieter time (well, not on that particular day).<br />
The blast had no appreciable impact on the clay. Just as smooth as we had left it but covered in debris. We wearily called it good and filled the well with loose dirt and gravel.<br />
<br />
The basement toilet seemed to work okay for the next twenty years and then the sewer came to the neighborhood.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-58931131844724305442010-11-01T09:18:00.001-07:002010-11-01T09:31:23.529-07:00Door to DoorThe children were much more serious about Halloween than we were.<br /> They'd ring the bell and I'd display the goods and usually someone would ask "How many can we take?" Once I said two, one good piece and one bad, and that set them to work. Little hands hovered over the selections, and came to a group decision: Twizzlers were good and Almond Joys were bad. One defector stage-whispered to a friend as they rushed away "I took two Good ones."<br /> Another time when asked how many I said "One point five," which puzzled them only a moment. A little pirate quickly figured it out. "Oh, that means one candy and one cards" (we also offered small decks of cards which proved unpopular). All of that group followed his example.<br /> We had fifty to sixty kids this year. A neighborhood blog (myballard.com) provided a googlemap for households to display Halloween participation and this may have boosted activity.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-11302291481210678172010-10-19T09:53:00.000-07:002016-06-06T15:40:47.066-07:00porch raisingA couple of springs ago we started hearing strange sounds at night. Something like a rusty nail being slowly drawn from an old board, somewhere near our bedroom window. Spooky and unnerving. It would pass, but in a few hours we might hear it again.<br />
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As the days passed it got louder; we could feel the vibrations shake the house. Pretty freaky.<br />
We started staying up to catch the noisemaker.<br />
<br />
One night we spied a 'possum squeezing out from under our wooden porch. There was a gap between the concrete and the porch of less than two inches; we watched the whole structure move up and down as she slowly, painfully worked her way out.<br />
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Mystery solved but we were still curious so one morning I pried up one of the steps and there was Mama and her babies staring up at us with that frozen death rictus grin they use in extremis.<br />
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We burst out laughing and nailed the step back on.<br />
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Oh, and Mama had a open red gash on her back from wiggling in and out from her den. I had to admire such devotion to her litter, but after she vacated the premises we filled in the gap with a board and haven't heard from her or her kin since.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-14791934232700647442010-05-03T08:33:00.000-07:002010-10-05T08:49:14.759-07:00Coat and pantsA dim don did moan in his rue<br />and cursed the clergy, Earth's haters<br />"They gave me just one B. S. clu:<br />when I've passed Ed's asp this game craters."Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-50953668403962076922009-06-21T15:43:00.000-07:002009-06-21T16:47:24.440-07:00Think I'll Have One NowMix in a microwave safe cup 3 tablespoons of a good dutch cocoa, 3 tablespoons of sugar (table or superfine) and a pinch of salt. Stir in a little water; you're looking for about a 30 weight consistency.<br /><br /> Nuke for 25 to 35 seconds on high!<br /><br /> Add a splash of vanilla extract and you have a quick and dirty ice cream sauce for two, or heat it up with a cup of milk for a nice, rich hot cocoa for one.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-64010361725885197782009-03-27T11:34:00.000-07:002009-03-28T20:08:13.970-07:00Give me an FIt seems that any fool can write about evolution as I shall demonstrate:<br /><br /> Consider an entity that makes copies of itself. <br /><br /> Do we now have a population of identical replicators?<br /><br /> Some copies, of course, may meet the complex environment and quickly bite the dust. Some may escape damage and some may be altered. There may be incorrect copies. <br /><br /> The majority of the population may well be identical to the the parent but as waves of copies bounce against the world and are perhaps changed errors may survive and reproduce.<br /><br /> Assuming fairly constant circumstances the original parent and it's clones will churn out product over time with an average reproductive success rate of F, which stands for fitness. Higher F values mean more descendants. <br /><br /> Any variant can only have a value for F that is smaller, larger or the same as the parent. <br /><br /> When altered copies have a nonzero success rate then we should expect the population over time to be dominated by high F variants. This allows for a larger pool of possible variation.<br /><br /> A change in circumstances may favor a low F variant; smaller pools with fewer varieties may not survive a new environment at all.<br /><br /> An inconstant world drives a population with differing strategies.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-40421999604010006672008-12-26T12:13:00.002-08:002012-04-06T12:38:11.217-07:00Catastrophic Seedballs!Occasionally, every X million years or so, the Earth is slammed by a extraordinarily large and fast comet or asteroid. The land shakes violently, tsunamis scour the coasts, falling debris heats the air and pummels the ground. The resulting dust storms will likely induce an ice age. <br /><br /> For perhaps hours or days the temperature of the atmosphere is raised in some places as high as that of boiling water, followed by several years of freezing dark. A majority of species, and most life will die.<br /><br /> Can we do anything? Consider the aftermath. Any surviving animals, be they insects, chipmunks or people, that crawl out of the ice will face a bare and chilly world without food or shelter. Encouraging quick plant growth should be our main concern.<br /><br /> I'll concentrate on a way to preserve seeds through this period to establish a new ecosystem as soon as possible. <br /><br /> As an idea, imagine an amalgam of manure and straw, in the form of a ball, with the seeds mixed in (feel free to imagine other possible compositions). Dip it in some insulating foam to allow it to survive the heat and cold, spread them far and wide and wait for things to warm up again. They should be designed to disintegrate when wet, allowing the seeds to sprout and grow, yet not fall apart prematurely. <br /><br /> One way to test seedballs is to make differing batches, bake them in a oven for a day and store them for a year or more in a freezer. Set them out on some soggy, ash choked piece of ground and see what happens.<br /><br /> The first generations of seedballs won't work very well. Assembling something that can protect seeds for so long at such temperatures is probably difficut. No seeds, or at most a very small percentage will live to germinate. <br /><br />Several generations of testing may be necessary before a combination of materials and seeds can be found that has a chance of success. <br /><br />However, even a poor seedball could be viable with some cover. Bury them under a little soil or toss them in a lake and they might survive post-impact conditions quite well. <br /><br /> Of course, the ideal is a seedball that is inexpensive to make and easy to distribute. If they can be frozen for years, so much the better. Take them out when needed. They could also be spread around at any time, as they are made, even if no particular threat loom. If they germinate, no big deal. If disaster strikes unexpectedly, we are that much better prepared. <br /><br /> Imagine a time when we do not have a significant space presence but we detect the inevitable comet en-route to a meeting with our vulnerable planet. We may have years to prepare, or we may have only days. There is no chance of diverting catastrophe, only, perhaps, one of easing the aftermath.<br /><br /> The cost of preparation can be relatively cheap. Of course, grant money can be sent to various universities to investigate seedballs and other possible interventions and it may be a good investment. However, I think an X Prize might be a more efficient spur. After all, the research seems to be fairly inexpensive; seeds and soil, ovens and freezers; nothing very high tech. Anyone can play and the prize need only be paid out for success. <br /><br /> A few million dollars spread out over several decades might be money well spent. The end of the world will be a much more expensive proposition.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-49773686768723332642008-11-26T18:35:00.000-08:002008-12-27T10:25:21.486-08:00Last year's pretty good stuffingWe did this in a crock pot so first we warmed that up. Sandra and<br />I chopped up two onions, four stalks of celery and a couple teaspoons<br />of fresh sage and a fistful of parsley.<br /> I put a large frying pan over medium heat and put in about half a<br />pound of mild bulk sausage and stirred it around. It stuck a bit so I<br />poured in a little water and that seemed to help.<br /> When the sausage was brown (there was hardly any fat, for some<br />reason) I lowered the heat to medium low and added the onions and<br />celery and about half a stick of butter. At this point you should know<br />that the calorie load has entered triple digits and it will continue<br />to climb. This mess was sautéed until the onions were somewhat<br />translucent.<br /> In a large bowl Sandra deposited two bags of unseasoned bread<br />cubes and I poured the meat and veggies on top. We added the chopped<br />herbs and maybe two cups of chicken stock, and I think broth would do<br />just as well. Two well beaten eggs drizzled over everything before<br />stirring until it all looked uniformly moist and stuffing-like.<br /> This was dumped into the now greased crock pot and patted down a<br />bit. I think it cooked on High for 45 minutes and on Low for three<br />hours.<br /> It burned a little on the sides but the middle was pretty good.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-38023362912768168002008-11-18T17:19:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:21:40.482-08:00Never ForgetOver at <a href="http://greatbutforgotten.blogspot.com/2008/11/william-johnston-author.html">Great but Forgotten</a> Chuck Rothman is looking for the author William Johnston. He wrote novelizations and media tie-ins by the dozens but seems to have left few traces. <br /> Mr. Rothman's post stirred up some memories:<br />Sometimes, usually on a Saturday, when my mother couldn't get a babysitter she would bring us along to the escrow office she ran in a little shopping center somewhat north of Seattle. For lunch money, and to keep out of her hair she hand us each a dollar and we'd go explore. This was in the mid-sixties and a buck was enough to buy her a few hours of peace. <br />Me and my brother would generally head over to the lunch counter over at the Grocery Boys store at the other end of the mall. A hamburger and fries left me just enough for a 50 cent paperback, or a comic and some candy (my brother, however, was all about the food).<br />One time I faced the spinner rack and saw a Get Smart! book and my heart stood still. Get Smart! I loved that show. Want it want it want it...<br />But wait... 60 cents? One full dime more expensive than the books I usually found. A ridiculous price! I couldn't see supporting the publishers in this unwarranted inflation, it might give them ideas. More importantly, I couldn't buy it And a hamburger and fries.<br />But... I couldn't see walking away from Get Smart, either.<br />So that day I learned something about budgeting, and bought just a hamburger and Get Smart! <br />And you know, I've never regretted it, but sometimes I buy extra fries.Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-41160625695670160112008-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:002008-11-12T11:08:15.662-08:00Global Warming Is AvertedWe see the back wall of a medium size cave and before it stand several fur clad Cavemen around a cleared area large enough for a small fight. A few torches light the scene.<br /><br /> Pok, a tough looking brute shakes his spear and raps the butt on the ground for attention.<br /><br /> "Pok am Big Man here. Pok kill weak man who say otherwise. Pok am Big Man!"<br /><br /> There are a few snarls and a weak chorus of "Pok am Big Man..."<br /><br /> Pok: "Meeting now in order."<br /><br /> The Tribe settle down but not without more snarling and cuffing of each other. Pok shakes his spear and the Tribe quiets.<br /><br /> Pok: "Old things to talk about. Fig will report. Report, Fig!"<br /><br /> Fig: "Fig talk about Bos Fig catch. Fig catch Bos last warm time and hold Bos over cold time."<br /><br /> Smart Ass Caveman: "Fig hold Bos. Fig love Bos."<br /><br /> Some laughter. Fig snarl. Pok shake spear.<br /><br /> Pok: "I spear you!"<br /><br /> Pok waves spear. <br /><br /> Pok: "Talk, Fig."<br /><br /> Fig: "As saying, Fig hold Bos in Cave. Not Fig Cave. Different Cave." <br /><br /> Tall Caveman: "Bos bad. Sharp head. Bos kill!"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Bos bad. Bos kill..."<br /><br /> Pok rap spear on floor again.<br /><br /> Pok: "Pok kill!"<br /><br /> Fig: "Bos mad at first. Fig drag bush in front cave, Bos no get out."<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Ooh! Fig Strong..."<br /><br /> Pok: "Bos no kill Fig?"<br /><br /> Fig: "Bos mad at first, but Fig feed Bos. Feed Bos grass. Bos like grass. Bos and Fig now friend. Soon Fig can kill Bos very easy. Fig eat well!"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Bos tasty."<br /><br /> Pok: "Bos particularly good with Fire."<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Fire good..."<br /><br /> Fat Caveman: "Fat Caveman live near Fig. Fat Caveman no call Bos Bos. Fat Caveman call Bos Stink Butt."<br /><br /> Fat Caveman holds his nose. General caveman laughter.<br /><br /> Pok: "Fat Caveman right. Fig cave stink bad!"<br /><br /> Old Man: "Funny Pok should say. Old Man watch and learn. Old Man learn Ice no like Stink Butt. Ice move away from tribe holding Stink Butts."<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Ice move? Bad. Bad..."<br /><br /> Old Man: "Ice move maybe good. Ice move maybe more land. Ice move maybe not so cold."<br /><br /> Tall Caveman: "Ice move, no good. Where Ice go? Maybe Ice move to Water and where Water go? Maybe Water come here!"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Water come cave? Bad..."<br /><br /> Pok raps spear.<br /><br /> Fig: "Fig want help with grass. More grass, more Bos. Everyone eat well. Everyone fat like Fat Caveman."<br /><br /> Fat Caveman is bashful.<br /><br /> Pok: "Look! Fat Caveman blush!"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Fat Caveman strong..."<br /><br /> Tall Caveman: "Tall Caveman no like Stink Butt. Stink Butt bad! Tall Caveman no like Fig!"<br /><br /> Pok: "What we say?"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "No Stink Butt! Stink Butt bad!"<br /><br /> Pok: "Who like Stink Butt?"<br /><br /> Old Man eyes crowd and sits down.<br /><br /> Fig: "I like Stink Butt! I mean, I like Bos! Bos good!"<br /><br /> General Cavemen muttering: "Bad! Kill!"<br /><br /> Pok: "Sorry Fig. I kill you!"<br /><br /> Pok stabs Fig with spear. Fig falls and dies.<br /><br /> Pok wipes spear on loin cloth.<br /><br /> Pok: "Any new business?"Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2989946809033517931.post-28466565059337379352008-10-14T13:28:00.000-07:002014-10-31T09:27:13.393-07:00The Wolfman and meThe Wolfman was my favorite famous monster of filmland, followed by Frankenstein's monster and Dracula and then the Mummy. Basically I'd watch any monster movie, at any time but, for me, the Wolfman was it.<br />
One time, around second or third grade, I discovered that the late show was showing something called Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman and my little heart almost exploded with joy. Immediately I began scheming. The folks had left us in care of a babysitter and with a firm bedtime of 8:30. Negotiations commenced.<br />
I started lobbying early in the morning and kept it up. By noon she was ready to concede, with, however, one proviso: I must eat the prepared lunch.<br />
And what a proviso.<br />
I was, and am, a picky eater and this sitter had had trouble with me before. Canned chili was a particular challenge and that was the menu for the day. When the can was opened and I saw the congealed orange grease I could feel the gorge rise in my throat. It didn't matter to me that it melted; I found it disgusting.<br />
The only way I could deal with chili was with an equal amount of ketchup, and lots of crackers and even then it was dicey.<br />
And we were out of ketchup.<br />
The table was set and the stakes were clear. My brother Mike, the Sitter and I, and three bowls awful chili with Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman as the prize.<br />
Mike could eat anything but he wasn't in this game, too callow to appreciate the finer qualities of cinema and too young to stay up that late anyway. Although he had an iron stomach he would cry like a little girl when he had a haircut so there.<br />
The chili was ladled out and in my bowl the grease puddled. I stared at it and hoped it would somehow vanish. The Sitter restated the rules: "You eat that chili or no staying up late!" As a delaying tactic I crumbled some crackers and asked again if there was any ketchup. No ketchup.<br />
I picked up a spoon and stirred. Mike shoveled his in and the Sitter glared. The moment of truth had arrived.<br />
It was eat or no movie and I just had to see that movie. With a trembling hand I brought a loaded spoon to my face and swallowed.<br />
And paused. There, that's not too bad. Hardly noticed the grease. I can do this. Just a bowl of chili.<br />
I took another bite.<br />
The Babysitter smiled and said "Now, that's not so bad, is it?" <br />
I nodded and then projectile vomited all over the table.<br />
No movie that night, but no more chili either. In fact it would be years before I ever saw Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman and I'll have to say that it was ok. Pretty good, but no Abbott and Costello Meets Frankenstein which had not only Frankenstein and the Wolfman but also Dracula, so there.<br />
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Walthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00928271919273796598noreply@blogger.com0