Claire Wolfe's latest Hardeyville column is a good one: Twelve Tips for Toppling Tyrants. She pays homage to Douglas Adams with Point #1. Excerpt:

POINT ONE: The same advice applies everywhere in the known (and unknown) universe: Don't panic. No matter how terrible things get, panic won't help our cause. As a very wise person recently observed, fear of government's power to control us is a more effective control mechanism than most of the government's actual control mechanisms.

POINT TWO: Don't allow your enemies to push your buttons. When they can keep us in perpetual reactive mode, the opponents of freedom control us. We will never win by pursuing a purely defensive strategy.

By all means, get angry. Indignant. Outraged. Stay informed. Take action. Don't just roll over and tolerate injustice -- ever. But think how power-hungry tyrant-wannabes must laugh to know they have the power to make us run around like Chicken Littles every time they propose some ghastly new act of evil.

If you must react to bad news, be clever and use the news to strengthen your own cause and to help victims of abuse. Be proactive, not merely reactive.

It's a good 'un. Read it all.

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Too effing bad. At least, that appears to be the gist of this article. Excerpt:

United Virtualities is offering online marketers and publishers technology that attempts to undermine the growing trend among consumers to delete cookies planted in their computers.

The New York company on Thursday unveiled what it calls PIE, or persistent identification element, a technology that's uploaded to a browser and restores deleted cookies. In addition, PIE, which can't be easily removed, can also act as a cookie backup, since it contains the same information.
...
When a consumer goes to a PIE-enabled website, the visitor's browser is tagged with a Flash object that contains a unique identification similar to the text found in a traditional cookie. In this way, PIE acts as a cookie backup, and can also restore the original cookie when the consumer revisits the site.

While consumers have learned to delete cookies, most are unaware of shared objects, and don't know how to disable them.

Mookie Tanembaum, founder and chief executive of United Virtualities, says the company is trying to help consumers by preventing them from deleting cookies that help website operators deliver better services.

"The user is not proficient enough in technology to know if the cookie is good or bad, or how it works," Tanembaum said.
[editor's note: Fuck you, dickwad]
...
Using technology like United Virtualities's to circumvent consumers could cause a backlash, JupiterResearch analyst David Schatsky said. The research firm found that many consumers understand cookies, and may be willing to allow some in their computers, if they are given the choice upfront.

"(PIE) sounds like it flies in the face of what consumers are telling us," Schatsky said. "They're seeking privacy and control, and if this is denied, then they won't be happy."

Tanembaum also warned against using PIE to thwart consumers.

"Any abuse of this technology is not welcomed by us," Tanembaum said. "We believe people should use this technology responsibly. If people don't want cookies in place, then (their browsers) shouldn't be tagged."

Consumers can make PIE inoperable by raising the security settings in their browsers to its highest level, Tanembaum said. But he acknowledges that such a high setting would also hamper consumers' ability to visit non-PIE websites.

But there is hope: "For its part, Macromedia has posted on its website instructions for disabling shared objects uploaded to browsers. "

Posted by: Physics Geek at 04:57 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Thank Wizbang for the following story. It was far too bizarre NOT to post a link to, but it's pretty gross. Excerpt:

Upon interrogation, Lohman confessed to cutting the woman's hair and to cutting the hair of Asian female students at least eight other times, University communications director Lauren Robinson-Brown '85 said. All of the hair-snipping incidents occurred on campus, Davall said.

Lohman also admitted to pouring his bodily fluids into the drinks of Asian female students on more than 50 occasions, Robinson-Brown said. The fluids poured into the drinks were semen and urine, Lt. Dennis McManimon, the Borough police's spokesman, said in an interview Tuesday.

"In my 23 years in the department, this is clearly the most bizarre case that I've seen," McManimon said.

I should hope so.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 04:43 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Received via email today:

Carpal tunnel syndrome has become a scourge among today's active and
computer literate population. Men, especially, are becoming afflicted
with this serious health problem.

To help stamp out carpal tunnel syndrome, new mouse pads have been
devised to assist men in their computer operations. Ergonomically improved
mouse pads to support the wrists such as these will enable men to avoid the
pain and suffering associated with this serious health concern.

Click to view image

Posted by: Physics Geek at 03:28 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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A man is at work one day when he notices that his co-worker is wearing an earring.

This man knows his co-worker to be a normally conservative fellow, and is curious about his sudden change in "fashion sense."

The man walks up to him and says, "I didn't know you were into earrings." "Don't make such a big deal, it's only an earring," he replies sheepishly.

His friend falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to say, "So, how long have you been wearing one?"

"Ever since my wife found it in my truck."

Posted by: Physics Geek at 02:59 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just relaying the following "jokes":

3 guys, 1 Irish, 1 English and 1 Scotch, are walking along the beach one day and come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it.

"I give you each one wish, that's three wishes in total", says the Genie.

The Irish guy says, "I am a fisherman, my Dad's a fisherman, his Dad was a fisherman and my son will be one too. I want all the oceans full of fish for all eternity."

So, with a blink of the Genie's eye "AlKaZoom" the oceans were teaming with fish.

The English guy was amazed, so he said, "I want a wall around England, protecting her, so that nothing will get in for all eternity.

Again, with a blink of the Genie's eye "AlkaZoom - POOF" there was a huge wall around England. The Scot asks, "I'm very curious. Please tell me more about this wall."

The Genie explains, "Well, it's about 150 feet high, 50 feet thick, protecting England so that nothing can get in or out."

The Scot says, "Ach, fill it up with water."
===========================================

A Scotsman was shipwrecked and finally washed ashore on a small island. As he regains consciousness on the beach, he sees a beautiful unclad nymph standing over him.

She asks, "Would you like some food? "The Scot hoarsely croaks, "Och, lassie, I havna' ittin a bite in a week and I am verra hungry!" She disappears into the woods and quickly comes back with a heaping helping of haggis.

When he has choked it down, she asks, "Would you like something to drink?" "Och, aye! That haggis has made me verra thirsty and I wad verra much like a drink!" She goes off into the woods again and returns with a bottle of 75-year-old single-malt Scotch whiskey.

The Scotsman is beginning to think that he's in heaven when the unclad nymph leans closer and says, "Would you like to play around?"

"Och, lassie, don't tell me ye've got a golf course here too!"
=============================================
With 450 golf courses and a long history of the game, the Scots take their matches very seriously:
Two Scots golfers were just about to putt on the 16th green, adjacent to a road, when suddenly a funeral procession passes by. One of the golfers, Tam McGregor, interrupted his putting, and took off his hat as the procession goes by. His partner said "That was really gentlemanly of you - paying respects like that". To which Macgregor replied "It was the least I could do. She was my wife for 25 years..."
============================================
And because no list would be complete without a dick or fart joke, I give you this one:

Tae A Fert

Oh what a sleekit horrible beastie,
Lurks in yer bellie efter a feastie,
Just as ye sit doon among yer kin
There starts to stir an enormous wind.

The neeps and tatties and mushy peas
Start working like a gentle breeze
But soon the pudding wi' the sauncie face
Will hae ye blawin' a' ower the place

Nae matter whit the hell ye dae
a'body's gonnae hae tae pay
Even if ye try tae stifle
it's like a bullet oot a rifle

Hawd yer bum ticht tae the chair
Tae try tae stop the leakin' air
Shift yersel fae cheek tae cheek
Pray tae god it disnae reek

But a' the efforts go asunder
Oot it comes like a clap o' thunder
Ricochets arrond the room
Michty me! a sonic boom

God almighty it fairly reeks
A' hope a' huvnae shit ma breeks
Tae the bog a' better scurry
Whit the hell, it's no ma worry

A'body roon aboot me choakin'
One or two are nearly boakin'
I'll feel better for a while
Cannae help but raise a smile

It wis him! I shout and glower
Alas too late, he's just keeled ower
Ye dirty bugger! They shout and stare
I'm no that welcome any mair

Where e're ye go let yer wind gang free
That sounds jist the joab fir me
Whit a fuss at Rabbie's party
Ower the sake o' one wee ferty.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 06:31 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Laurence Simon is a fan of the Houston Astros. Apparently he was less pleased with this outcome than I was. By the way, I'm a Cardinals' fan.

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Received via email:

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup
of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be
almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting
someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by
simply using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed
for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember
to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you
from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze
button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you
will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will
forget about the toothache.

Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really
are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 02:11 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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In honor of my Scottish roots, I give you some images of Scotland. I scanned only a few images so far, but more will follow. Hopefully, the few that I've posted in the entended entry will give you taste, something that will whet your appetite for more, which desire can only be assuaged by traveling to Scotland.

Ith has more. more...

Posted by: Physics Geek at 05:09 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Dirty diapers and life in general have distracted me from the most important things in life: Alliance assignments. Anyway, Harvey posted a doozy this week: What effect will Frank and Sarah's marriage have on the War on Terror?

I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around this one. However, being the sick, twisted individual that I am, I will make the attempt before the deadline tomorrow.

Update: And here it is:

Top Ten effects Frank J. and Sarah K.'s marriage will have on the war on terror:

10) Frank J.'s feminine side will finally emerge, which will scare the crap out of those manly terrorists. After all, if Frank J. starts wearing pink, no one is immune

9) Terrorist-free zone in Florida will enlarge due to the increase in the number of handguns in the state

Two incomes will allow greater charitable contributions, reducing the number of hobos in Florida, thereby shrinking the pool of Evil Glenn's potential victims

7) Frank will post even more pictures of Sarah K. holding a handgun, which will scare the shit out of the terrorists. They're not used to women being able to fight back.

6) If a terrorist runs towards them at the shooting range while screaming "I would gladly die!!", two shooters are more likely to grant his wish than just one

5) Afterwards, Frank and Sarah will argue over who created which wound

4) Kind of tough to make that call on Swiss Cheese, though. Just an FYI

3) Sarah will finally get Frank to stop leaving his used undies lying around, thereby eliminating one potential biological weapon

2) Their marriage will likely produce its own little anti-terrorism dividends, creating a new Armed Family

And the number one effect that Frank J. and Sarah K.'s marriage will likely have on the WOT:

1) The sight of two more happy, God-fearing, gun-toting Americans will cause some terrorists to spotaneously combust. And that's a good thing.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 03:55 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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For more details, go over here.

I took photos of the William Wallace sword in its natural habitat at the William Wallace Memorial, which I still have to scan and upload. More importantly, I brought home several bottles of Wallace Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Liqueur, which you can purchase at the Whiskey Exchange or The Tryst. The smarter choice, of course, is to trundle your sorry butt over to Scotland and pick some up. I'm just saying.

Truly, ambrosia of the gods.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 01:51 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I usually head over the Megan's website to read analyses of issues economic, as well as the occassional stab at social issues. Today, however, I stumbled onto a serious discussion about gay marriage. Megan tackles this topic in her usual, logical manner. Excerpt:

Now, economists hear this sort of argument all the time. "That's ridiculous! I would never start working fewer hours because my taxes went up!" This ignores the fact that you may not be the marginal case. The marginal case may be some consultant who just can't justify sacrificing valuable leisure for a new project when he's only making 60 cents on the dollar. The result will nonetheless be the same: less economic activity. Similarly, you--highly educated, firmly socialised, upper middle class you--may not be the marginal marriage candidate; it may be some high school dropout in Tuscaloosa. That doesn't mean that the institution of marriage won't be weakened in America just the same.

This should not be taken as an endorsement of the idea that gay marriage will weaken the current institution. I can tell a plausible story where it does; I can tell a plausible story where it doesn't. I have no idea which one is true. That is why I have no opinion on gay marriage, and am not planning to develop one. Marriage is a big institution; too big for me to feel I have a successful handle on it.

However, I am bothered by this specific argument, which I have heard over and over from the people I know who favor gay marriage laws. I mean, literally over and over; when they get into arguments, they just repeat it, again and again. "I will get married even if marriage is expanded to include gay people; I cannot imagine anyone up and deciding not to get married because gay people are getting married; therefore, the whole idea is ridiculous and bigoted."

They may well be right. Nonetheless, libertarians should know better. The limits of your imagination are not the limits of reality. Every government programme that libertarians have argued against has been defended at its inception with exactly this argument.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 08:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It turns out that Annika's birthday is April 1st. I declined to post every smartass comment that popped into my head, which means I failed to leave one at all.

Annie, I hope it was a great one. And many, many more.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 08:18 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I'd like to smack Jonah for posting this link in the Corner.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 07:49 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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And of course it's from Mark Steyn. Excerpt:

Even Sen. John Danforth, who should know better, got in on the act, taking half a page in the New York Times to give the Full Monteagle to the "religious right." Blog maestro Andrew Sullivan decided that America was witnessing a "conservative crack-up" over Terri Schiavo and the embrace of her cause by extreme right wing fundamentalist theocrat zealots like, er, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader. Sullivan was last predicting a "conservative crack-up" during the impeachment era, on the grounds (if I recall correctly) that Republican moralizing would dramatically cut into Strom Thurmond's share of the gay vote. In the '90s, the Weekly Standard ran innumerable special editions devoted to the subject: Conservative Crack-Up; Conservative Crack-Up 2; Conservative Crack-Up -- The Musical; Abbott And Costello Meet The Conservative Crack-Up; Conservative Crack-Up On Elm Street; Four Weddings And A Conservative Crack-Up; Rod Stewart Sings Timeless Favorites From The Great Conservative Crack-Up, etc.
...
The notion, for example, that poor Terri Schiavo will cost Republicans votes in a year and a half's time is ludicrous. The best distillation of the pro-Schiavo case was made by James Lileks, the bard of Minnesota, responding to the provocateur Christopher Hitchens' dismissal of her as a "non-human entity." "It is not wise," wrote Lileks, "to call people dead before they are actually, well, dead. You can be 'as good as dead' or 'brain dead' or 'close to death,' but if the heart beats and the chest rises, I think we should balk at saying this constitutes dead, period."

Posted by: Physics Geek at 07:39 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I have no further comment on this story. The headline says it all.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 07:15 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Brain On Drugs Rock the Vote has joined forces with the AARP to oppose private retirement accounts. Check out the following quote:

"To us, it's totally black and white. This is the first generation ever that would be asked to pay for their own retirement and Social Security at the same time. This is what private accounts do. They saddle young people with an unfair burden."

Roll those words around in your head a while. Try and make some sense out them. I think a hefty dose of mescalin mixed with LSD might be useful in that regard.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 07:13 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Aaron's Rantblog has re-opened for business with a new name: Aaron's cc:. I've finally gotten around to updating my blogroll and changing all references from la4israel.org/wordpress to aarons.cc. I've been too lazy to complete this trivial task before simply because all of the old links automatically connected to the new site. That, and bookkeeping has never been a strength of mine.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 06:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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And no one gave a flying f*ck, especially when they're leading the charge to regulate blogs. Hat tip to the Puppy Blender.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 01:40 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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TexasBestGrok, another fine Mu Nu blog, is the host for this week's Carnival of the Recipes. Go and check it out.

Posted by: Physics Geek at 08:16 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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