:: Running from the Thought Police ::

Reality-Based Thoughts, Ruminations, and Unsolicited Opinions of a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign student alumnus and employee.
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:: Saturday, November 29, 2003 ::



So Smart, and Yet So Stupid

I wonder how many Tolkien fans are sitting listening to the commentary on the special edition DVDs of The Two Towers and screaming "Rohirrim! Rohirrim! They're not 'Rohans,' they're Rohirrim!" as the production and design people screw it up over and over and over again.

:: The Squire 10:05 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Thursday, November 27, 2003 ::


Full-Contact Liverpool

Comments heard over the family card game:

Me: The gf plays a game suspiciously like liverpool, 'cept there are a few rules changes.

Sis: Ah, I was going to ask you if she played cards.

Me: Yeah, but she doesn't play it full-contact.

G-ma: There are other ways to play it?
.....
Sis: SHMUCK!
.....
Sis: You're about to go out, aren't you?

G-Ma: No, I've got too many cards for that.

Me: That's been said before, by someone who looks and sounds suspiciously like you...
.....
G-pa: Shit.
.....
Dad: There. One, two, three, four, five. I was dealt five fives.

Me: Ah, so I did do a good job of dealing.
.....
G-ma:Watch him, he'll go out.

Me: Nah. Grandpa'll make us play the hand over a couple times and keep having low scoring hands so that he'll have a lower score than all of us. THEN he'll go out.

:: The Squire 3:18 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 ::


More Sibling-Caused Amusement

My sister commenting on the alumni coming back to visit at our high school:

There were lots of people around today – not just loser people like you, but some really slutty people too. I was like, don’t you have more important things to do, like, going whoring or something? I mean, I didn’t actually say that, I just thought it really loud.


Aside from the (admittedly necessary) snide remark about myself, I think she accurately describes the situation.

:: The Squire 9:49 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 ::


Since I'm Not Posting Much

Sit down with a doughnut and your morning cup of whatever and read Dave Neiwert's admittedly long post about his personal political journey and his take on the current state of conservative irrationality and liberal-bashing.

:: The Squire 7:44 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Monday, November 24, 2003 ::


Leave of Absence

The week of Thanksgiving is a week-long break for UIUC students, so I'm at home. Forcefully parted from the girlfriend, I am in full family-socializing mode, alleviated by long bouts of Two Towers watching (Extended DVD just having come out and all). I find it amusing that a whole documentary section is devoted to Peter and Philippa(sp?) post-justifying their creative additions to the storyline (i.e. the "Faramir Debacle"). My mother and I are currently wondering what Peter Jackson's going to do next, now that he'll soon be done with everything LotR, besides the obvious and going back and making the prequel of The Hobbit

I went to mass at my home parish at St. Margaret Mary for the first time in nearly forever, which was nice after being being forced to worship at the regressive, conservative confines of St. John's on campus. I think I may even do saturday vigil mass to avoid an advent mass at St. John's. But if I did that I'd miss a chance to expose my girlfriend to an advent mass, so I'll have to think further on the issue.

I get shorn tomorrow (today?) so my hair will finally be something approaching managable for the first time in a month. I'll probably go and haunt the old high skool as well, possibly stopping by my old geometry teacher and thanking him for installing the thinking skills I'm now using in CHEM 231.

I'm tired, so I'm off to bed.

:: The Squire 1:57 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Thursday, November 20, 2003 ::


For Good or For IL

Kos postulates Dick Durbin (D-IL) as a possible replacement for Daschle (D-SD) as Senate Minority Leader after the 2004 election, as Durbin hails from a "blue state" and doesn't have to worry about placating a conservative base to get reelected as Daschle has to.

:: The Squire 5:04 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Yes!

Via Dr. Josh comes a link from Fox News where Gen. Clark decides he won't put up with their insinuating shit. This is great stuff.

:: The Squire 4:55 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Laud and Honor

Glory and Praise to my Polisci Prof, for she gives mercy where none is deserved.

:: The Squire 11:08 AM :: email this post :: ::

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So I Remember Where I Put It...

A bit of my preliminary research into scouting's early and lamentable connection with the Chief is in my comment over at one of Illinigirl's posts. Remember to hold your nose before you get to my stuff, though - you'll thank me.

:: The Squire 6:30 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Anger and Hatred

Orcinus explores the differences between the two while outlining the mounting threat to the tradition of American Liberalism.

:: The Squire 3:55 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Much Rejoicing


No CHEM 234 Lecture! No CHEM 234 Lecture!

:: The Squire 12:57 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 ::


What Mom Doesn't Know Can't Hurt Me

In response to a recent article in The Onion, Blogger now has an official stance on What to do if your mom discovers your blog.

:: The Squire 1:39 PM :: email this post :: ::

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One Person, One Vote...For the GOP? What The?!?

The Register has an opinion column on the evils of Diebold and mismanaged electronic voting - a topic I blogged on once but am too lazy to find that specific post. It's in June, if you wanna look it up yourself. Myself, I'm all for the ones that read ink marks on paper.

:: The Squire 1:31 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 ::


Dreary Day

It's gloomy outside with a good bit of rain. Just one of those days where you wish you could lay in bed with someone special and just sleep all day long.

:: The Squire 8:19 AM :: email this post :: ::

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College Would Be a Lot More Fun If It Weren't For the Skool Part

Posting'll probably be pretty light this week, as I have tests and papers and lab reports (oh my!) to do before Thanksgiving break.

:: The Squire 12:09 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Mixing Work and Play

I just got off of working IEMS at the Liz Phair concert over at Foellinger Auditorium and I have to say she's pretty good. I understand now why she only has one song on the radio - the rest of them the stations can't play for fear of having the FCC revoke their licenses. While this is a pity for her market saturation levels, it allows her to have what is possibly one of the best last lines to a song, ever.

:: The Squire 12:00 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Sunday, November 16, 2003 ::


I'd Study, But...

There's a really thick fog outside, so I'm gonna go for a walk instead.

:: The Squire 10:45 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Saturday, November 15, 2003 ::


Is It Krystalnacht Yet?

David Neiwert point out how the right-wing is encouraging violence against liberals, among stepping up their other protofascist activities.

As Buzzflash recently observed, talk like this is part of an increasing trend in conservative rhetoric: Pat Robertson wishing to "nuke" the State Department, Bill O'Reilly saying Peter Arnett should be shot, Coulter wishing Tim McVeigh had set off his bomb at the New York Times Building, John Derbyshire wishing for Chelsea Clinton's demise. Unsurprisingly, the same kind of talk is now heard on the "street" level, and it often pops up on talk radio. As we learned in Oklahoma City, eventually this kind of "hot talk" translates into all-too-real tragedy.

What is becoming increasingly clear is that conservatives are less and less inclined to rely on "intellectual" or political exchanges, and are turning more to an eliminationist strategy that seeks to demonize liberals and make them social outcasts -- and concomitantly, acceptable targets for violence because of the "damage" they cause the nation through their ostensible treason.


I'm not as alarmed as David is about this, but then again, he's the liberal blogosphere's resident exprert on the extremist right and I just go to college.

:: The Squire 6:00 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Dubya's Grammar Skills

Are Your Base Are Belong To US

:: The Squire 3:25 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Friday, November 14, 2003 ::


"Is Dubya A Lying Toad?" "Mrow." "Good Cat."

Some theories, both at a blog and in Calpundit's comments, about why liberals like cats and conservatives like dogs.

:: The Squire 7:49 PM :: email this post :: ::

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To Quote StrongBad: "Holy Crap!"

Wheaton College is having a school dance! Next thing you know, they'll be playing Euchre and watching Shakespeare, and then where will be be coming to?

:: The Squire 7:46 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Start 'Em When They're Young

Kos has already started the process of indoctrinating his week-old son. If I remember rightly, he's hoping that little Ari will be able to take over running the site by the time he's 8 years old...

My favorite comment for that post:

I can see it a few years from now...

"You eat all your vegetables and clean up your room...

OR DICK CHENEY IS COMING TO GET YOU!!!"

::cue ominous music::

:: The Squire 6:18 PM :: email this post :: ::

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A Post-Midnight Collegiate Observation

For the amount of time spent working past midnight, x (measured in hours), the amount of work done at any given time relative to doing it at a sane hour is expressed by 1/(2^x) and the amount of time necessary to do something is given by the reciprocal of this expression, namely 2^x. As a result:

For the first hour past midnight, no effect is observed.

For the second hour past midnight, things take twice as long to do as they would otherwise.

For the third hour past midnight (2-3am), things take four times as long to do.

For the fourth hour, things take eight times as long to do.


This trend continues until a) sleep is obtained, b) unhealthily large amounts of caffine are ingested, or c) death.

:: The Squire 2:54 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Thursday, November 13, 2003 ::


Further Thoughts

I find it interesting that the resolution has been tabled until July - kinda makes it hard for the students, who actually go to school here, to attend the meeting. It's almost as if the BoT doesn't want us pressuring them to do the right thing.

:: The Squire 4:06 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Damn

The Daily Illini is reporting that the Chief's still around, as the trustee who sponsored the retirement resolution, Frances Carroll, has withdrawn the resolution. My thoughts are that she either didn't realise the stir it would cause, or that she only had one other vote (Nate Allen, the Student Trustee) on her side. The resolution's been tabled til July, though hopefully we'll see some action sooner than that. I'll post more info and links when they become available.

:: The Squire 10:57 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Beating Rebo and Zootie To The Punch

Via Hesiod comes a report that Al Franken may be considering a Senate run in 2008.

Kudos to anyone who gets the reference in the title of the post.

:: The Squire 7:54 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Somebody Frustrated With Their Job

Peoria Pundit has some tips for people calling the phone company.

:: The Squire 6:51 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Today is The Day

By the end of today, the Chief may be headed out the door. Or he may be just given a severe reprimand. We'll see. I'm hoping for the former myself.

The Daily Illini, whose current running streak of intellectual brilliance is currently astounding me, is running an editorial today calling for the Chief's retirement. The whole thing is good, so I'm not going to exerpt any small fragment of it. Also, predictably, the DI is running point-counterpoint letters to the editor about the issue. My favorite of the two is, suprisingly, the Pro-Chief letter. The author of the letter manages to completely ignore the reasons for changing it and states his personal attachment to the "it's always been that way" arguement. [sarcasm]Way to go and have a critical thought![/sarcasm]

Local blogger Illinigirl couldn't be bothered to do some basic investigation into the topic, for which I smeared her in her comments section. Archpundit appears to be waiting for further developments before commenting more.

I can't find much else of substance in the local papers - I hope to find more later as the news cycle progresses.

:: The Squire 6:47 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 ::


Applying Murphy's Law

Now that I have the digital cam I originally reserved three weeks ago (grumble), all the leaves have fallen from the trees and there aren't any colors for me to photograph now.

:: The Squire 12:00 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Please Don't, Ralph

Apparently Nader's own party doesn't want him to run for President in 2004. While normally the Greens stand a bit far to the left for even my tastes, I have to agree with them on this one.

:: The Squire 10:25 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Damn, How'd I Miss That One...

ArchPundit digs up a Tribune column by Eric Zorn over the Chief Issue that is a must read.

:: The Squire 10:21 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Point and Laugh

Penn State students are getting screwed by the RIAA and their own BoT.

:: The Squire 3:15 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Wow, More Real Thought in the DI

Campus Scout's article today advocates putting the football team up in the dorms instead of paying craploads of money for a hotel.

The price tag (Scout needs to repeat it) was $82,632.

That money could pay for a tenured professor. Or at least a couple of associates.

It could pay for TVs in buildings that have one or none. It could pay for a few raises to help bring back the Discovery program.

And considering the Urbana campus lost $27.9 million this year, every bit helps.

[snip]

But in a friendly gesture, Scout started trying to find a cheaper way. Scout did some math, and Scout figures Scout can get it done for less than half.

According to numbers from the Housing Division crunched by Scout's math, one residence hall meal is roughly $4.78. And one night's stay in a residence hall quad room is about $43.56 for one student.

See, by Scout's logic, if the University can force freshmen to live in the residence halls and eat residence hall food, it must be a safe sleeping environment and the grub must be nutritious.

[snip]

So Scout started multiplying.

Seven games times 120 meals per game times $4.78 per meal equals $4,015.20.

And again seven games times 120 beds per game times $43.56 per bed equals $36,590.40.

Grand Total: $40,605.60 (more than $40,000 less than what the DIA will pay next year).


I'd love to see the substantial increase in the quality of dorm food if the football team starts staying in the dorms.

:: The Squire 2:47 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 ::


I Should Research Better...

Here's the full text of the resolution itself.

:: The Squire 7:09 PM :: email this post :: ::

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More (Though Hopefully Soon Less) Chief

The News-Gazette has more news on the resolution, focusing on the trustee who put it on the agenda, plus the resolution's full text. Apparently this is supposed to be "Chief Week," as proclaimed by the lock-stepping Chief supporters over at Honor the Chief. (Note: Their website belies the intelligence of their active members - I've run across a bunch of them and many are quite belligerant when confronted on the issue, indicating the lack of analysis behind their position.)

Retire the Chief has updated their own webpage, which now includes their full list of ten very good reasons to retire the chief, as well as a press release from the Illinois Chapter of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media.

:: The Squire 7:07 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Registration Time!

I just finished registering for spring semester. I got all the sections I wanted, but not all the classes. I really wish the timetable would list the sections that had seats reserved so I wouldn't go planning my schedule using them. I'm still trying to figure out who would have reserved seats in PSYCH 100 - all the psych majors and minors take 101/102 and do it during fall semester to boot. Anyhow, I'll still have to get up at 8am next semester (grumble), this time to attend CHEM 331. A highlight, though, is that I finally got into CLCIV 115: Greek and Roman Mythology. It satisfies a gen ed, is supposed to be really easy to begin with, and should be even easier for me since I took four years of latin in high skool.

:: The Squire 1:59 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Retire The Chief

The Board of Trustees is set to vote on a resolution to retire the Chief this Thursday. The Daily Illini reports that our very own Student Trustee, Nate Allen, supports the resolution, as does at least one other board member. However, this prognosticator is predicting that the BoT will defeat the resolution in fear of losing money from the alumni - though I do expect the vote to be a bit closer than the 6-1 decision last time this came up. This issue is getting some play over at ArchPundit, and may pop up elsewhere in the blogosphere later.

:: The Squire 1:24 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Playing With Da Big Boys

Brad Delong relays to us that the EU is finally flexing some of its economic muscle.

:: The Squire 4:32 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Is It THAT Hard To Follow Directions?

Three weeks ago I reserved a digital cam from the computer lab. I was supposed to be able to check it out two weeks ago, but the person who had it before me ONLY NOW turned it in. I hope he got fined up to whazoo for keeping it so long.

:: The Squire 4:03 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Monday, November 10, 2003 ::


How Did I Ever Live Without This?

Once again, it's registration time here at UIUC and my roommate just gave me the URL to a website that allows you to graphically arrange/rearrange your course schedule. Because I have a near-manditory 8am class, I've made my schedule morning-heavy so that I'm done by 2pm almost every day (except for the first five weeks when I have my lab safety course). If only I had known about this last semester - my schedule now would be so much better.

Of course, I'm not being compensated in any way for promoting the site, I'm just spreading the word.

:: The Squire 8:56 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Damned If You Do...

It's hot in here, so my roommate and I opened the window slightly. Two minutes later, my roommate, recently out of the shower, closed his side of the window (the window slides left and right instead of up and down) as he was way too cold.

:: The Squire 2:19 AM :: email this post :: ::

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EEK!

One of the assigned readings for CHEM 231 tonight is a section on synthesis of aromatic compounds. They're pulling reactions I don't even recognize out of thin air and I have the nagging suspicion that I should know them. I really hope that this stuff will be explained in lecture, because if it isn't, then I will be truely afraid of Organic Chem for the first time.

:: The Squire 2:15 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Sunday, November 09, 2003 ::


Why Can't Our Own Press Do This?

The Moscow Times smears Bush and Rumsfeld across the wall.

:: The Squire 1:38 AM :: email this post :: ::

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All Through High Skool

I would get pissed off at girls who would say in my presence that there wasn't anyone left to go to a given dance with. Of course, what they were really saying was "There isn't anyone up to my ridiculously high snobbish social standards to go to the dance with." How did I know this? I didn't have a date to said dance and I was a geek. So, ever since I became an upperclassmen, and now on to the present day, I've been encouraging women to date geeks. Admittedly, I initially started this to increase my own chances of getting dates, but I now continue my campaign to further both the common and geeky good. My friend, while perusing a sappier part of the net that I try to avoid, found a wonderful article on how to Love a Geek, which I reccomend all single women read.

:: The Squire 12:11 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Saturday, November 08, 2003 ::


Brrrr....

It's cold outside. And I still wanna get some latenight too....

:: The Squire 10:39 PM :: email this post :: ::

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More Power To Them

An exerpt from the back of the Suburban Express bus schedule(if I feel like it, I'll link to it later):

Cellular Phone Usage- Cellular phone usage is limited to 3 minutes per passenger trip. If you feel compelled to blather on about your relationships, what you did for the weekend, etc., pleace move to the restroom to do so. Nobody finds your life as facinating as you do.

:: The Squire 3:32 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Attention! Your Attention Please!

Contrary to her own opinion, my girlfriend can dance.

:: The Squire 3:29 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Friday, November 07, 2003 ::


Don't Panic

The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy will soon return to the radio.

:: The Squire 7:01 PM :: email this post :: ::

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A Slow Day in CHEM 231

(Instructor turns away from the board to look at us)

Instructor: What's going on? Why are you all smilling at me?

(Awkward pause. The instructor had made a joke a few minutes prior about mixing water and aluminum trichloride, but it's too early in the morning for any of us to remember this. Then, from a few rows back and to my left)

Student: We just love chemistry!

(Nervous laughter)

Instructor: (Pauses) That the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard.

(Laughter, more sincere)

Instructor: Thank you for your courage.

:: The Squire 5:54 PM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Thursday, November 06, 2003 ::


Deep Thought Again Strikes the DI

A thoughtful person wrote this letter to the editor of the DI.

:: The Squire 2:02 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 ::


Here I Come To Save The Day!

Obviousman strikes again!

:: The Squire 5:50 PM :: email this post :: ::

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The End, or the Beginning of the End?

CNN.com reports on the debate over whether Voyager space probe has reached the end of the Solar System.

:: The Squire 4:25 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Toys, Toys, Beautiful Toys!

I ordered fencing equipment last week, and they came yesterday. I now have my own electric foil(with a pistol grip), fencing glove, fencing jacket, plastron (an underarm protector that puts an extra layer of fabric between an opponent's foil and the blood vessels running through the armpit), and a bag to carry it all in. The best part, though, is that I get to use all my new toys tonight!

:: The Squire 10:41 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Learn These Well, Young Paduan, and Learn How To Defend Against Them

Atrios sums up the four common right-wingnut debating tactics: "the War on Metaphor, the War on Analogy, Pick the Definition, and the Obsession with Irrelevant Context."

:: The Squire 10:30 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 ::


New Darwins!

New Darwin Nominees have been posted for the month of October, but this one's my favorite.

Three men wielding knives tried to rob a slaughterhouse. But when it comes to hand to hand combat with sharp blades, butchers working in a slaughterhouse are more than a match for your average thief. They stabbed two of the intruders to death. The third man escaped from the angry butchers and fled in his car.

:: The Squire 11:11 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Do We Really NEED This?

Caffinated Milk.

Link thanks to Dave Barry.

:: The Squire 10:38 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Tired of Eating over the Septic Tank

The Horse goes off to slightly less green pastures until '04.

:: The Squire 10:24 PM :: email this post :: ::

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It's a Bit Chill, Do You Feel a Draft?

DailyKos points out that DoD is quietly staffing draft board positions. From the looks of it though, the requirements to be on a board aren't all that tough to meet.

Prospective Board Members must be citizens of the United States , at least 18 years old, and registered with the Selective Service (if male). Prospective Board Members may not be an employee of any law enforcement occupation, not be an active or retired member of the Armed Forces, and not have been convicted of any criminal offense.

Once identified as qualified candidates for appointment, prospective Board Members are recommended by the Governor and appointed by the Director of Selective Service, who acts on behalf of the President in making appointments. Each new member receives 12 hours of initial training after appointment, followed by 4 hours of annual training for as long as he or she remains in the position. They may serve as Board Members for up to 20 years, if desired.


Hmmm... Maybe they won't send me if I'm already on the board...

:: The Squire 8:51 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Siblings Exist for a Reason

My sister's response after going to a GOP website for research for her high skool polisci class.

"AAAAAH! GOP EVERYWHERE!!!!

WHERE'S AN ELEPHANT GUN?!?!?!?!?!?!?"

:: The Squire 8:36 PM :: email this post :: ::

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Mainstreaming the Opposition

Even Andy Rooney doesn't agree with Bush's actions or statements.

:: The Squire 7:45 PM :: email this post :: ::

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No, It's Really Not Like Vietnam

Hesiod channels the blogosphere in making the connection between Iraq and Vietnam.

:: The Squire 1:43 PM :: email this post :: ::

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It Does Matter What You Call It

Hesiod has some thoughts about the Nursing shortage that make a helluvalot of sense.

:: The Squire 9:39 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Monday, November 03, 2003 ::


Republican-Controlled House Supports Criminals!

Thanks to Atrios comes this story about the House's refusal to adopt the Senate's criminal penalties for war profiteering.

U.S. fraud statutes protect against waste of tax dollars at home, but none expressly prohibit war profiteering and none expressly confer extraterritorial jurisdiction overseas. The Leahy-Feinstein-Durbin amendment would criminalize "war profiteering" -- overcharging taxpayers for any good or service with the specific intent to excessively profit from the war or reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The bill also prohibits fraud and false statements in any matter involving a contract or the provision of goods or services in Iraq. These new crimes would be felonies, subject to criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million or twice the illegal gross profits of the crime. Leahy described it as "strong and focused sanctions" that are narrowly tailored to criminalize and create tough criminal penalties for fraud or excessive profiteering in contracts, here and abroad, related to the war or reconstruction efforts in Iraq.

Leahy, Feinstein and Durbin will re-introduce the legislation again as a separate bill and will work to win its passage. But because criminal penalties cannot be made retroactive, the absence of penalties in this supplemental appropriations bill will hamper efforts to crack down on war profiteering that involves funds from this bill.


Seems like Haliburton and Friends want as much of the pie as they can get before it's too late.

:: The Squire 10:22 PM :: email this post :: ::

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For What It's Worth

Democratic Candidate for Senate Hull seems like a decent guy.

:: The Squire 4:20 PM :: email this post :: ::

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All Those Years of Medical Skool Must've Twisted Their Minds

Smallpox: The Musical

Yes, I know I'm getting craploads of material from Dave Barry - I'll diversify in a bit, don't worry.

:: The Squire 2:44 PM :: email this post :: ::

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You Don't, By Chance, Have Six Fingers on Your Right Hand?

A story up my gf's alley - a dog with an extra hind leg (link courtesy of Dave Barry).

:: The Squire 3:32 AM :: email this post :: ::

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It's Arthur Dent!

In order to fly, one must first miss the ground. Link thanks to Dave Barry.

:: The Squire 3:26 AM :: email this post :: ::

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The Onion Reports

How college students are coping with tuition increases.

:: The Squire 3:11 AM :: email this post :: ::

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An Interesting Point of View

If the FCC relaxes media ownership rules, news coverage will go the way of recent Pop music.

Another galvanizing force in the fight over the rule changes was the growing awareness of the damage done by the relaxation of radio ownership rules in 1996: Radio quickly came to be dominated by behemoths like the 1,200-station Clear Channel and the 272-station Cumulus Media. Musicians like Don Henley told Congress about what a disaster consolidated radio had been for popular music.


With no competition, pop music rapidly became quite shitty. I don't want my news turning into Brittney Spears-calibre crap. Go read the entire article, then write your Congressman.

:: The Squire 2:58 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Should've Seen It Coming

Michael Moore, of Bowling for Columbine fame, praises The Boondocks.

:: The Squire 2:41 AM :: email this post :: ::

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Gasp.... Blogs Making News for the Sake of Blogging

The Register sums up the situation with Atrios and the frivilous lawsuit being levelled against him by Donald Luskin. Atrios himself posted the subpoena letter, as well as linked to those other bloggers who immediately commented on the suit. Not only does the lawsuit threaten the ability of U.S. citizens to exercize their right of free speach, but also endangers the privacy of every liberal blogger.

:: The Squire 2:04 AM :: email this post :: ::

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I Never Really Thought

About how much ritual is missing in the Protestant faiths.

:: The Squire 1:35 AM :: email this post :: ::

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:: Saturday, November 01, 2003 ::


Grim News on the Iraqi Front

Kos does a better job than I could in describing the dire situation in Iraq. Go read him.

:: The Squire 3:17 PM :: email this post :: ::

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