Travelling to New Orleans

The Prince Conti Hotel is a wonderful find in New Orleans.  

One half block from Bourbon Street, the Conti is among the lease expensive hotels we could find anyplace in New Orleans.  The hotel is in a warren of old French Quarter buildings.  The ambience reminds me of a querky left bank pension in Paris, 

The best perk may bew the valet parking.  Being able to park our rental car one block from Bourbon Street was almost worth the price of the room!  Our Conti parking pass even got us through the New Orleans PD blockades on a big French Quarter night (Bayou Classic) when no traffic was allowed in the Quarter!

While amenities at the Conti are otherwise limited, the hotel is across the street from two very worthwhile restaurants .. Brussard's and a little Czech place called Cafe Jaeger. The American style breakfasts at the Jaeger wer great.  Brussard's was expectedly wonderful but surprisingly inexpensive (less than $50/person) for a full three course meal that was outstanding.

I did a lot of photography in the Quarter and will post that later.

Phyllis Wise' Percent Effort

While Dr. Wise's appointment to the NIKE board may or may not pass the smell test of UW and State admin rules, my reading of the med school policies suggests she is in violation of those policies.  Even if she is not, then a number of issues, including her recompense, should be matters of public record.

I would also remind you that while she is entitled as a UW Prof. to one day a week of academically oriented consulting, she has other time commitments as Provost and as a Federal grant recipient that may complicate her distribution of effort.  Her current grants include:


Transforming Engineering Through PEERS: Building a Better Experience for Underrepresented Students.
Project Start Date: 2009-04-01
Project End Date: 2012-03-31


Neuroendocrine and neurochemical function during aging.
National Institutes of Health 2008,Jul,02; (Grant Number: 5R37AG002224-29)
Project Start Date: 1980-04-01
Project End Date: 2010-07-31

I do not know what the %effort commitment is for the NSF grant, but typically such grants require 10% of total professional effort. As PI on an NIH grant, she is expected to have at least 20% effort on that effort.  This means her effort commitment to the Provost job can not be more than 70%.   w

I worry that her decision, even if legal, is unseemly and may be in violation of effort reporting rules for the State.

Finally, I think there are serious issues of leadership here. Dr. Wise is a very well paid State employee and University Provost by  national standards and certainly by the standards of our State. She has made this decision at a time when many UW employees have lost their jobs and students are facing major financial challenges.

It seems to me that if the Provost has this amount of free time, then other priorities likely should come first.

Dr. Wise's NIKE appointment may violate ethical policies of the UW School of Medicine.

Phyllis Wise. UW Provost, has recently announced that she has accepted a position on the Board of NIKE.

Cross Posted to AAUP/UW list-serv.

Her decision to do this raises many concerns, especially in an era where teh UW is under great finaciakl challenge. Among these concerns, there are questions about how someone as busy as a University Provost can accept a board position at a major corporation, about the seemliness of her accepting the addition of about $200,000 to her nearly $600.000 salary, and about conflicts of interest arising because NIKE is a major vendor as well as supporter of the UW Athletics Department.

As a Professor in the Medical School, however, I see additional issues because Dr. Wise is also a Professor of Physiology in the same School of Medicine. Our SOM administration has recently enacted ethics rules in response to national concerns about the ethics of interactions of medical school faculty with industry. These rules governaing Dr. Wise and my self are far more stringent than the rules of the UW Faculty Code.

I have abstracted the policies from UWSoM websites and listed 14 questions arising from these policies that should be addressed to Dr. Wise.

Actions Required of SOM Faculty:

Subject to certain limited exceptions, all regular faculty and university employees within the School of Medicine who desire to engage in outside work for compensation are required to obtain prior written approval from the University using the Request for Approval of Outside Professional Work for Compensation form (formerly 1460), an interactive PDF document. Detailed instructions for completing the form are found on the first page of the file.

>>>1. Has Dr. Wise filed this form? Is it available in the public domain (NOTE: quoted from text below: 'Faculty should also be aware that this information is considered in the public domain and could be requested by individuals or organizations outside of the University of Washington. '?

As required by the UW Medicine Policy for Faculty on Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest with Commercial or Nonprofit Entities, if the outside work requiring prior approval includes compensation that has monetary value, that value should be disclosed on a supplement to the request for approval.

>>>2. This implies that her total recompense from NIKE must be disclosed publicly. Is that the case and has she made these numbers available prior to approval?

Both the request and the supplement are submitted first to the department chair. After review, the department forwards both forms to the Office of Regulatory Guidance in the Office of the Dean for approval by the School of Medicine. Review of the supplement ends in the dean’s office.

>>>3. Were these procedures followed? Did the Dean's office sign of on this agreement? (NOTE: as discussed below, the Dean is also supposed to review the level of pay to determine if it is fair market value.)

All faculty activities must also be reported annually using the online Annual Report of Outside Activities (formerly Form 1461). The report must be submitted for all activities, even those that do not require prior approval. It must also be submitted when there is no activity of any kind to report.
For ease of reporting, faculty members are encouraged to start a report online at the beginning of the year and then add activities as they occur. On June 30, when the year has ended, the faculty member then finalizes and submits the report. ....

All UW investigators participating in research involving UW facilities or resources or patients receiving care at the UW are subject to GIM 10, the UW's Significant Financial Interest Disclosure Policy. As part of GIM 10, if any investigator has a significant financial interest related to the research, it must be indicated on the eGC1 and the interest must be disclosed using the Significant Financial Interest Disclosure Form (Exhibit 1 to UW's GIM 10).

>>>4. Has NIKE agreed to the disclosures required by form 1461 and Policy GIM 10. Has NIKE agreed to public disclosure? 

Conflict of Interest Policies Underlying the SOM Required Actions, Excerpted

NOTE: I have underlined some text for relevance. Deletions from UWSoM textrs are marked by '...'

The definition of a significant financial interest is different for clinical trials, which has a zero threshold. In addition, the UW Human Subjects Review Committee Application has specific questions regarding investigator financial interests.

>>> 5.Dr. Wise's office has direct responsibilities for clinical trials, including human subjects approval. Does this mean she must exempt her office from all clinical trials relevant to NIKE's interests? Given the complexity of the UW oversight and compliance effort, what policies would make this possible?

I. Purpose

It is the policy of UW Medicine that School of Medicine (SoM) faculty avoid or disclose and address perceived or real conflicts of interest between their responsibilities as faculty of the SoM and their activities with outside commercial or non-profit entities. This policy will guide SoM faculty in their interaction with these entities so that they may continue to contribute to the mission of UW Medicine in a manner that ensures the faculty avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest. There are five core concepts upon which this policy is based: (1) disclosure; (2) a general prohibition on gifts; (3) the requirement that outside compensation be at fair market value; (4) the requirement for pre-approval of outside compensation; and (5) the avoidance of the appearance of conflict, as well as actual conflict.

>>>6. Again has Dr. Wise submitted her request to determine if it is at fair market value?

This policy applies to the following faculty of the School of Medicine: Acting, Regular, Research and Clinical faculty.... It applies to these individuals regardless of institutional affiliation or institutional site. This policy applies to activities whether they occur on the UW campus or elsewhere. We encourage all faculty not otherwise covered above to be aware of this policy and follow the intent and guidelines of the policy.

.......

.......

II. Prohibited or Allowable Compensation/Relationships with Commercial or Non-Profit Entities

A. Gifts
Washington State law and the University’s existing Conflict of Interest Policy impose significant limitations on the ability of UW SoM faculty members to accept or receive gifts. A gift is considered anything of economic value given to the faculty member for which the faculty member does not provide a service or other value in return. Gifts do not include such things as presents from family members of the faculty, gifts exchanged among co-workers, and certain other limited exceptions. (RCW 42.52.010)

For example, UW faculty may not receive, accept, take, seek, or solicit, directly or indirectly, anything of economic value as a gift, gratuity, or favor from a person if it could be reasonably expected that the gift, gratuity, or favor would influence the vote, action, or judgment of the officer or employee, or be considered as part of a reward for action or inaction. (RCW 42.52.140)

In addition, as a general rule no UW faculty may accept gifts in connection with their activities and responsibilities as faculty where the value of any gifts received from any one entity, individual or group of related individuals exceeds fifty dollars in any fiscal year. Faculty members who are involved in the acquisition of goods or services may not, with limited exceptions, accept any gifts regardless of dollar value from those who seek to provide the goods or services to the University. (RCW 42.52.150) Gifts received from patients can be accepted but these gifts are governed by the foregoing limitations and exclusions.

....


Even though Washington State law and University policy do not prohibit all gifts as described above, it is the policy of UW Medicine to prohibit SoM faculty from accepting any form of personal gift from commercial entities and non-profit entities created and supported by commercial entities, or their representatives, including promotional items such as pens or pads, pharmaceutical samples for personal and family use, entertainment or recreational opportunities, cash or cash equivalents, and business courtesies such as food and beverages.

B. Food and Beverages

.....In general, faculty may accept food or beverages that are incidentally provided at an event that is considered part of the job duties of the faculty member. Food and beverages may be accepted and consumed at events sponsored by civic, charitable, specialty or job-related professional organizations, governmental, or community organizations. In other situations, faculty members should refrain from accepting gifts of food and beverages from commercial or non-profit entities created and supported by commercial entities.

>>>7. It is common practice on boards to receive gifts from their business colleagues and participate in corporate retreats. Presumably these gifts would rarely be worth less than $50. Will Dr. Wise refuse gifts and absent herself from retreats at luxury resorts?

C. Consulting With Commercial or Non-Profit Entities

Consulting is appropriate where faculty provide real value and receive reasonable compensation. It is the policy of UW Medicine that a faculty member should accept only fair market compensation for specific, legitimate services provided by him or her to the commercial or non-profit entity in question. Payment should be commensurate with the amount of time and effort spent on these activities. The terms of the arrangements, services provided and compensation should be set forth in writing. If there are questions, faculty members are encouraged to consult with their immediate departmental supervisor (i.e. chair, division chief or service chief), department director or administrator, and/or hospital medical director.

>>>8. Did the School of Medicine determine the fair market value of Dr. Wise's services to NIKE? Who made this evaluation and what process was used?

>>>9. Were the terms of Dr. Wise's contract provided in writing and if so are they a matter of public record?

D. Speeches, Meetings, and Travel Funded by Commercial ... Entities

.....faculty are not permitted to accept honoraria in situations where the person, company, or organization offering the honoraria wants to sell goods or services to the University, and the SoM faculty member is in a position to influence the University’s decision to acquire that type of good or service. (University of Washington Handbook, Volume Four, Part V, Chapter 6, Section 7)

When compensation, including payment for travel and lodging, is offered to a faculty member by a commercial entity or a non-profit entity for a speech, appearance, article or similar activity that is not part of the faculty member’s University work, the compensation may still be accepted, provided the payment is commensurate with time and effort as described above under Section C. dealing with consultation and provided that advance permission for the work is obtained pursuant to the University Outside Professional Work Policy.
E. Accepting Positions on the Boards of Commercial or Non-Profit Entities

When faculty members consider accepting a position on the board of an outside commercial or non-profit entity, they should consult the relevant University Handbook policy found at: Volume Four, Part V, Chapter 6: Outside Professional Work Policy. Section 6 of this chapter, entitled “Involvement with Commercial Enterprise, Deeper than Consulting,” provides guidance for faculty on accepting board positions.

>>>10. Was Dr. Wise's contract reviewed as required above?

III. Disclosure of Compensation/Relationships with Commercial or Non-Profit Entities
A. Disclosure of Outside Compensation or Faculty Support

Which relationships require disclosure?
All faculty relationships with commercial and non-profit entities require disclosure in advance, or as part of an annual reporting obligation, or both. Disclosure is required by faculty members when they receive remuneration from a company for outside work or for inventions or discoveries made as a University employee (stock ownership, stock options, equity interests, stock warrants, royalties, consulting fees, loans from the sponsor, speaking arrangements), or hold office in or serve on the board of a company (board of directors, scientific advisory board, other office in the company) – see process for disclosure (below) for details on how to report. Faculty are encouraged to inform their division head and department chair if they are in a negotiation phase in order to receive guidance about the appropriateness of the relationship and compensation.

Annually, faculty will also need to disclose support from outside commercial and non-profit entities received by the institution for the use or benefit of the faculty. Examples include grants, endowments, equipment, materials, discretionary funds, support of office or research staff, sponsorship of trips, or other sponsorships – see process for disclosure (below) for details on how to report.
.......

Process for disclosure
Disclosure will be provided through the following mechanisms:

1) Request for Advance Approval. Under the University’s existing Outside Professional Work Policy, faculty must obtain advance approval to engage in outside activities for remuneration. Faculty do so by completing a Request for Approval of Outside Professional Work for Compensation Form. ...

a. It is the policy of UW Medicine that, if the outside work requiring prior approval includes compensation that has monetary value, the faculty must submit on a form to be developed by the Dean the estimated or proposed contracted monetary value of all compensation. The form will show the monetary value of payments, the organization providing the payment, and an indication of whether other compensation (travel, destination, lodging, etc.) was also provided. The value of these other items need not be reported.

b. The request for approval of outside professional work will be reviewed within the SoM, in accordance with the existing outside work approval process, for conformance with the fair market value requirement. The School will establish an appropriate internal review process for situations in which there is an initial determination that the fair market value standard is not met.

>>>11. Were the negotiations for this position reviewed with the Chair of Physiology? Again (as in 3), how was the fair market value determined?

2) Annual Reporting. Under the existing University Outside Work Policy, faculty must also submit a summary of all outside professional work, both for remuneration and for public and community service, for the previous academic year by November 15 of each year. Faculty do so by completing the Annual Report of Outside Activities.

a. It is the policy of UW Medicine that faculty will be required to provide on the Annual Report form, or on another form determined by the Dean, the monetary value of the payments actually received, and an indication of whether other compensation (travel, lodging, etc.) was also received although the value of these other items need not be reported.

>>> 12. As above (in 1-4 above) has NIKE agreed to these disclosures? If so, under Washington State Law, aren't these open for public inspection (see below 'Faculty should also be aware that this information is considered in the public domain and could be requested by individuals or organizations outside of the University of Washington. '?

How will disclosure information be distributed?
Information that normally flows to the Provost’s office will continue to do so.

>>>13. Since her office is required by law to review the financial terms, how is this review isolated from Dr. Wise?

Initially, the additional COI disclosure information (including compensation levels) will be distributed to relevant leadership in UW Medicine, including: the Dean of the SoM, department chairs, division heads, hospital medical directors, and hospital executive directors.

At such time as a UW Medicine website with appropriate information and links related to this topic is developed, it is anticipated that this additional disclosure information will be placed there. Access will require a UW Net ID. Faculty should also be aware that this information is considered in the public domain and could be requested by individuals or organizations outside of the University of Washington.

B. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts When Faculty are Involved in Teaching Activities

When involved in teaching activities (including lectures to medical students and residents, seminars, conferences, and community service activities with a teaching component), faculty must directly disclose to the audience relevant potential financial conflicts. .... Dissemination may be performed through written materials distributed prior to or at the presentations or classes, at the time of presentation through disclosure slides preceding the content of the presentation, or by a verbal statement at the beginning of the presentation.

>>>14. Will all relevant communications from Dr. Wise and appearances by her, including any involvement in UW athletics include such disclaimers?"

No More World Cop?

Where are the others?

Obama's speech was fine.  I was, however disppointed in hearing a speech pnl;y about America. It seems to me that we are only one of several nations with an intense interests in both Afghanistan and in our getting out of there.

Russia need peace there if it is to control its southern borders.  China's internal security depends on not offering el Qaeda a route of entry.  Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran all want to keep el Qaeda from rebuilding.

Yet ....

this war seems to be writ large as a US war with subscripts for NATO.

I suspect and trust that Obama and Co. HAVE been making efforts to expand the alliance with an eye to a peaceful ending.  Assuming that is true, I had hoped and still hope to see the structure of the war change from a US/NATO effort to an effort with strong support from other powers.

Where are they? Where are our natural allies?  Even in Europe, Germany and France are looking the other way while Americans die in THEIR defense. Japan is talking about downgrading even its token non combatant naval supply ships.

Obviously Obama can not talk about a grand alliance until one exists, but I hope something of the sort is brewing.  I think we need a revision of the Monroe Doctrine.  Monroe's commitment to non entanglement is at best a distant memory, thoroughly trashed by Bush's Doctrine of cowboy diplomacy.  Teddy Roosevelt may be more relevant as long as we understand that the most an American show of strength can do today is convince others that they ought not to poach on our own shores or vital interests elsewhere.

The era of US a world cop must come to an end.

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Open Thread

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Open Thread: "People of Color … a Racist Term Worthy of South Africa

SJ believes that the term “people of color” ought to be dropped because it is a racist term that castigates Europeans while placing a very divers group of humans in some sort of protected status. In other words, POC is an apartheid term.

What is that term supposed to mean?


definition 1

POC are people descended from America’s racist history? I would include any of the descendants of slaves, Amerinds (including Mexican and Puerto Rican), Filipinos, and Aleuts appearance.

This, definition, however, leaves out lots of descendants who have a totally European appearance. Are these “people of color?” How do you determine from someone’s color, who their ancestors or and where those ancestors lived? Such determinations have been made historically by legal test under Nuremberg and S. African law.

How does one deal with the term when the person being referred to is culturally a member of one of the descendant communities but has a “white” appearance? Eric Holder, the current Attorney General, could easily pass for a Greek, Italian or Spaniard. Does he lose his POCness because of his skin color?



definition 2

Perhaps POC refers to people not descended for the European light skinned folks who have dominated world politics for the lats five centuries?

This broader definition includes Koreans, Nigerians, Hindus, Arabs, Iranians, Australian Aborigines, Chinese, etc … Arguably the folks the Euroes have treated badly can be identified this way.

That is an awful lot of POC!

Of course this definition would leave out Hispanics of European origins, including many Mexicans and Puerto Ricans who certainly have suffered prejudice here.

Try telling the Irish that they have not suffered under the racist hands of the Brits. Or tell it to the Oakies and Hillbillies who now have suffered generations of prejudice form the mainstream of American culture.

Also, should the American idea of POC include groups we Americans have not encountered before? There are, after all many affluent American groups who are POC but have little or no history of prejudice, .. Iranians, Hindues, Koreans, etc. Our half Kenyan President comes from an area of Africa that has had little to do with the slave trade and mainly positive interactions with the US since WW II.

How about Jews? Are we POC?

************************************************

It seems to me that POC ought to be restricted to those ethnic groups that have a record of being racially discriminated against by the US. Those groups are not hard to enumerate: Native American Indians (including Mexican and Puerto Rican), African Americans, and Filipino-Americans. Every one of these groups have been treated as a “race” and people from thsoe groups have been deprived ont heir rights simply because they either looked a certain way or were known to be part of one of these communities.

This definition is hardly complete.

POC, defined this way, leaves out “white folks” who have been treated with prejudice as well … spik, kike, polak, and rag head are as racist in meaning as nigger or slant eye. But, members of all these groups have a huge advantage in being able to pass for “white” and none of these has suffered the severity or the generations of bigotry that affect, for example, African Americans.

Recently a rather privileged African bought an enormous estate in Malibu. Does he belong to the same minority as Michelle Obama or her husband just because of his skin? We now have growing immigrant communities form the Indian Subcontinent. These people bring great cultures to the US but why would their Indo-European cultures be treated differently than
Jewish or Irish cultural contriobutions to the US?

What a mess!"

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Dobbs: 2012 presidential run not "crazy" - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com

Dobbs: 2012 presidential run not "crazy" - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com: "Ex-CNNer Lou Dobbs tells WTOP this morning that he feels 'liberated and emancipated' since leaving the network — and he's not ruling out the possibility of running for president in 2012."

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?

 Only an uptight, PC liberal or an oversexed tomcat of a Republican would see this picture as even mildly sexual much less sexist.

Anybody here is likely remembers the similar images, even more revealing, of America's first basketball playing President .. throwing hoops or exposing his nipples in the Hawaii surf. How was it that these pornographic pix  elicited so little in the way of groans? The answer is :  BHO is obviously a serious politician, someone with in depth knowledge and great commitment. So even when Faux news tried to use sexy images to make fun of our guy, their effort at humor fell flat.
HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?



Think about other images NW might have shown of the all-too-briefly governor of alaska. What would be a more accurate self image? Would the righties like to see her in sweats, on a couch next to a stack of copies of Foreign Affairs? Or maybe the photogs at NW could have posed her praying at the tomb of Ronald Reagan? Howsabout this ....

One of the most hackneyed pictures of any President are the ones based on JFK during the Missile Crisis. JFK is staring out the window. SO .. int he spirit of avoiding originality, perhaps NW could have photographed Palin at home in Wassila, staring through the curtains at Russia?

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?

Sometimes a bimbo is a bimbo.

Palin HAS had HUGE opportunities to display her intellect and judgment. She has chosen instead to come across as an entertainer. It is hardly Newsweek's fault for presenting a bimbo as a bimbo.

Let me go a step further over the PC precipice. Treating people as stereotypes is hardly unique to the media painting women. The Clintons, for example, tried to play the racial image against Barack. Unlike Palin, Obama survived this by simply appearing as he is ... a very smart man.

Palin's complaint is not anything new nor is it party specific. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton both complained about not being taken seriously. Dan Quayle had the same complaint, as did George W. Bush. Most recently Susan Hutchinson tried gloriously to separate herself from the newsbimbo image.

As I said, sometimes a bimbo is .. a bimbo.

The Local - Germany's news in English

The Local - Germany's news in English: "Photo: DPA
Opel is not the world

International solidarity among autoworkers? Malte Lehming from Berlin daily Der Tagesspiegel believes German outrage over GM’s decision not to sell Opel needs to be put in transatlantic perspective. READ »"

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles: "Nanoparticles used in common household items caused genetic damage in mice

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, found in everything from cosmetics to sunscreen to paint to vitamins, caused systemic genetic damage in mice, according to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center."

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles: "Nanoparticles used in common household items caused genetic damage in mice

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, found in everything from cosmetics to sunscreen to paint to vitamins, caused systemic genetic damage in mice, according to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center."

Investor Paul Allen Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - WSJ.com

Investor Paul Allen Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - WSJ.com: "Paul Allen left Microsoft more than 25 years ago after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, from which he recovered. His sister said that he is 'optimistic he can beat' the disease as he did his previous illness. Above, Mr. Allen uses a cell phone during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, in July."

56' Chris-Craft Salon Motoryacht - once owned by Dean Martin

56' Chris-Craft Salon Motoryacht - once owned by Dean Martin: "Dean Martin fans rejoice! Crafted of teak and mahogany, this classic 1956 Chris Craft was once owned by the late Dean Martin. The stunning 56 ft yacht has been christened the “Innamorata, Italian for sweetheart, after one of Dean Martin's most memorable songs. She is currently being operated as a dinner cruise charter yacht on Lake Chelan. This is a unique opportunity to own a exquisite Christ-Craft motoryacht with a history of being owned by a celebrity. Imagine who could have been on board with Dean and his family; Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe. She is literally a window into old Hollywood. If you are looking for a turn key charter business in a great location, or would just like to own a peice of Hollywood maritime history- this is your chance. Whatever your pleasure, the Innamorata reflects the romance, elegance, and nostalgia reminiscent of the great Hollywood icons. She also has a fresh Gen-set and both main engines run strong. Asking $169,900 OBO. For more info please call 425-293-1269"

SLU, the BLOG for UW and biology at SLU

SLU, the BLOG for UW and biology at SLU: "John Waynes Yacht , Partner Sought

John Waynes Yacht , Partner Sought: 'Own a piece of Pacific Northwest HISTORY - and 'live like the Duke!' -- The current owner/preservationist of John Wayne's first yacht offers partial ownership (min 20% - max 49%) of this historic vessel, for your active (or silent) partnership in this vessel and her charter business.

With a spacious pilothouse ahead of the main-deck salon at deck-level, a long open foredeck, sheltered side-decks, then three private staterooms plus separate crews' quarters AND a grand dining room belowdecks, she's ideal for cruising with friends and family. Norwester has a wonderful big-yacht 'feel' with a warm, inviting satin-varnished mahogany and gloss white paint interior hearkening to the era of her build; practical weather-proof exterior finishes (all surfaces recently re-furbished, including rubberized coating of boat-deck and pilothouse roof).

Over past 3 years, this new owner has completed Phase I restoration work to ensure full seaworthiness; also has brought mechanical, electrical, and other on-board systems up-to-date. All work has been under the watchful eye of one of the northwest's leading wooden-boat surveyors.

Phase II projects are now underway; new partner(s) are expected to 'buy-in', with whole-hearted commitment, to the joy of the full restoration -- over time -- of this extraordinary vessel. Firm price quoted is for 49% share, based on 2008 survey valuation, completed upgrades since that survey, and includes $33k to be placed into escrow toward half-share of all Phase II renovations. Check the 'full specs' for MANY photos, and more details on this classic yacht, including the charter-business opportunity."

Rational Discussion With a Naturpoathic Pothead?

Sunil Aggarwal, a UW MD PhD student is arguing that inhaled marjuana is aafe.

First, let me state again that no responsible scientist is going to advocate inhaling mj smoke given the simple fact that mj smoke has a very high content of known carcinogens.

Tashkin’s study is a good study. So how does one account for Tashkin’s study? Could there be some surprise in inhaled MJ, something wonderful that prevents cancer? The answer is yes, but …

The but is part of the basic tools of modern science. Tashkin’s study does not prove that mj is safe and certainly did not “prove” that it prevents cancer. No association analysis can prove a specific hypothesis.

I would hope, given Sunil’s PhD in the social sciences that he would have taken a course in causal analysis? For those who might care, the difference between causal analysis and association is HUGE.

For example, studies have shown that children of parents with hi IQ do better on exams. This association s valid but not causal because IQ scores are confounded by other variables, eg inherited wealth. When there is a surprising association, good scientists never decide on causality, they design hypothesis testing experiments to determine if the surprise is correct.

Justifying such studies is difficult because they are very expensive. A friend of mine owns and runs a drug company that exploits traditional Chinese medicine t find new drugs. Perhaps Sunil would like to try t convince that company to spend money on marijuana?

Sunil would have trouble convincing my friend t spend this money because there is so much evidence that inhaled mj SHOULD cause cancer. Sunil, however, is devoted to the naturopathic idea that complex extracts from plants, have better therapeutic outcomes than the effects of pure ingredients. This would be similar to Lilly saying it is no longer going to sell “pure” insulin because there is some other useful ingredient in pig pancreatic extract. As a diabetic patient, I am very glad that genetic engineering now allows Lilly to synthesize pure insulin.

For now let me point out that nothing in Tashkin’s study suggests that such a wonderful effect is due to the properties of marijuana. Suggesting that folks be encouraged to inhale benzpyrene, one of the carcinogens in mj smoke, is irresponsible and forcing children to do so at Hempfest may be a criminal act.

Cross Posted at SJ

Pharyngula on Fort Hood

The man who slaughtered 13 unarmed people in Fort Hood, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, was clearly mentally ill, and should have been treated and cared for before he snapped and went on a rampage. Unfortunately, there's another factor that seems to be getting minimized in the press accounts: he was also a member of an Abrahamic death cult. Ibn Warraq has come out with a strong statement on the Islamic terrorism that motivated the attacks.

It is time to abandon apologetics, and political correctness. Not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Muslims are implicated in the horrendous events of September 11, 2001 -- or of November 5, 2009. However, to pretend that Islam has nothing to do with 9/11 or the Fort Hood massacre is willfully to ignore the obvious. To leave Islam out of the equation means to forever misinterpret events. Without Islam, the long-term strategy and individual acts of violence by Osama bin Laden and his followers make little sense. Without Islam, the West will go on being incapable of understanding our terrorist enemies, and hence will be incapable to deal with them. Without Islam, neither is it possible to comprehend the barbarism of the Taliban, the position of women and non-Muslims in Islamic countries, or -- now-- the murders attributed to Major Hasan.

Religion is not a mitigating factor. It is not an excuse or a defense. it is not a sacred principle that must not be questioned. Too often, it has a complex causal relationship to evil."

Chinese quiz Obama on trade, Tibet and Yao Ming | Technology | Internet | Reuters

Chinese quiz Obama on trade, Tibet and Yao Ming | Technology | Internet | Reuters: "BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Internet users want to quiz U.S. President Barack Obama about trade feuds, basketball, Tibet and whether he will cede California to China, according to websites seeking questions for a 'town hall' meeting.

Obama arrives on Sunday for a four-day visit to shore up ties between the world's biggest and third-biggest economies, and a public high point will be a planned question-and-answer meeting with young Chinese in Shanghai on Monday.

The White House hopes the quiz session will have a 'web component,' although details are still being negotiated, said Richard Buangan, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

'We're still in discussions with the Chinese government over whether the event will be broadcast live nationally and how it will be carried over the Internet,' Buangan told Reuters from Shanghai, where he was helping to organize Obama's itinerary.

But state-run websites have already begun to solicit possible questions for Obama from the country's estimated 300 million Internet users, including via a Chinese-language website of the official Xinhua news agency"

Beautiful Men?

The Local - Sweden's news in English: "Café Magazine; Leif R. Jansson; Carl Lindström
Dating site singles out Swedes as world's most beautiful men

Swedish men have been judged as the world’s best looking by a dating website especially

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (photo: BBC)

for beautiful people, while blokes from Britain have landed near the bottom of the list.


 »"Henrik Larsson (photo: svt.se)

Popular Science | New Technology, Science News, The Future Now

In Defense of Cyborg Athletes

By John Mahoney Posted 11.12.2009 at 5:43 pm 4 Comments

Much of the debate on the place of advanced prostheses for the disabled in competitive sports often downplays arguably the most important perspective: that of the athletes who couldn't compete without them. In light of the recent MIT research project that found prosthetic limbs offering no advantage over natural legs, sprinter and double Cheetah leg user Aimee Mullins has some even more thought-provoking (and first-hand) analysis of the issue.
[ Read Full Story ]

READ MORE ABOUT > cheetah, cheetah leg, cyborgs, Oscar Pistorius, prosthetic limbs, prosthetics, sports

"Bill Gates' home tour on charity auction block

Latest news headlines - CNET News: "Bill Gates' home tour on charity auction block

November 12, 2009 1:19 PM PST

A tour of the mansion will be led by the Microsoft founder himself. The auction bid, open to Microsoft employees only, is up to $35,000. What would you pay?"

Granma International, English Edition

Granma International, English Edition: "Reflections of Fidel
A science fiction story
HOW I regret having to criticize Obama, knowing that in that country there are other potential presidents worse than him. I understand that in the United States that office is currently a tremendous headache. Perhaps nothing could explain it better than the information in yesterday’s Granma that 237 members of the U.S. Congress; in other words, 44% of them, are millionaires. That does not mean that every one of them is obliged to be an incorrigible reactionary, but it is very difficult that they might think like any of the many millions of U.S. citizens who lack medical care, are unemployed or have to work hard to earn a living."

BHO goes to Asia

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Seattle's undercover TSA officers - James Fallows

More on the undercover TSA officers - James Fallows: "About how it may be working in Seattle:

'I witnessed this in action at SeaTac airport on this past Sunday morning. But I have to say the quote: 'They do not focus on nationality, race, ethnicity or gender, said TSA spokeswoman, Sari Koshetz, does not ring true.

'As I (a nicely dressed white middle aged woman) sat there a young woman of Asian heritage was approached and asked for her boarding pass. She complied and I didn't think anything of it but realized it was a newly established check point. Then a few minutes later another TSA agent approached the same woman and asked again. Hmmm, was she so nervous looking? Not to me, she looked like the rest of us bored and waiting to go folks. She did have a nice long conversation on her cell phone in a language I could not understand but there are thousands of people who do this. Another young white woman who was sitting to my right was shocked and said 'but they just asked her'. Yep. So they don't focus on nationality, race or ethnicity? I am not at all convinced and will be observing to see how this plays out.' [JF note: Like all law enforcement work, this is tricky. Eg, in any sensible risk-based system people in their 20s would deserve more attention than people in their 70s or 80s. The trick of course is drawing the line between that sort of common-sense triage and blanket categorization. Let's hope TSA is working on it.]"

Run Lou Run

The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan: "12 Nov 2009 04:55 pm
Run, Lou, Run!

Matt Cooper wonders if Dobbs' leaving CNN could leave him available for a third party challenge in 2012. I think there is an obvious space for a third party, anti-illegal immigrant, anti-free trade, populist candidate for 'real America.' The Dobbs crowd is also not as fixated on the religious and social issues, the way the GOP now is, which would give it much more appeal to fiscally troubled independents. And it would destroy the current GOP, especially if populist figures like Beck signed up.

And it would mean an Obama electoral college landslide. American politics is in flux again, isn't it?"

UW Budget Debates

A great research university, the UW , provides something a teaching school can not provide ... the opportunity to learn from top intellectuals, practitioners, thinkers in the students' fields of study.

We do a poor job of helping our citizens and the legislators understand why having a world class professor of health care metrics or famous sculptor benefits all Washington kids who choose to come here. If we, that is the faculty, only emphasize 'teaching' the path down the slippery slope toward the dismal world of public education becomes obvious.

As one example, some years ago, Lee Hood's wife started an outreach program for WA state teachers to spend time at the UW working in genetics labs. I have met some of the products of that program and am very impressed. These high school teachers return to their class rooms with the real world experience in discovery that no teacher training program can give them and with contacts that are wonderful when the teacher encounters a student with the interest and talent needed to pursue science as a career. I wish more Wa citizens could exoerience the excitiemtn these teachers bring back to their classrooms.

The concept of the University as creating opportunity has other ramifications. We do a lot more to celebrate a winning football season than we do to celebrate receipt of a Nobel prize. We do little or nothing to highlight the collaborations many UW schools have with the working world as a great opportunity for our kids.

I also feel that the UW and WSU could do a much better job of providing resources and leadership for WA states excellent state college system. On the other hand, I worry that the Tacoma/Bothell model encourages the idea that we teach rather than the idea that we offer opportunity.

My bottom line is that I chose an academic life and the UW, because of the opportunities this university offered and have watched with pride as my own children as well as now two generations of my WA state students have taken advantage of those opportunities.

Mexican foodies take Berlin's taste buds south of the border - The Local

Mexican foodies take Berlin's taste buds south of the border

Published: 10 Nov 09 17:26 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20091110-23169.html

Three friends - a Mexican, a Texan, and an Australian - have finally brought authentic Mexican food to Berlin. The Local sat down with them to find out how they did it.

The Straits Times

The Straits Times: "Beijing snowstorm induced 2:15 PM

BEIJING - CHINESE scientists artificially induced the second major snowstorm to wreak havoc in Beijing this season, ..."

Recalling communism through its black jokes | Article | The Punch

Recalling communism through its black jokes | Article | The Punch: "It’s been strange, this week, to reflect that most people will never know, as I did (albeit as a visitor) what it was really like in the old Soviet Bloc. But the jokes used to tell the story.

An American dog, a Polish dog and a Russian dog are talking. The American dog says “Where I live it’s good. You bark loudly enough, and they give you meat”. The Polish dog says” What’s meat?” The Russian dog says “What’s bark?”"

Follow the link for more,

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Jackson's father seeks allowance

Jackson's father seeks allowance

Court papers gave a list of Joe Jackson's expenses

Joe Jackson has requested an allowance from the estate of his late son Michael, saying the pop star supported him for years before his death.

In court papers filed in Los Angeles, the 81-year-old's lawyers said his monthly expenses are $20,000, but he receives only $1,700 from the state.

detnews.com | The Detroit News | Local News | Local and online source for in-depth reporting, features and breaking news from Detroit and Michigan.

detnews.com | The Detroit News | Local News | Local and online source for in-depth reporting, features and breaking news from Detroit and Michigan.: "Michigan seeks $290M for neighborhood revitalization

Lansing -- The state has applied for $290 million in federal money to help tear down blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods in 12 cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint. - 11/08/2009"

India deepens defense ties with Israel | International News | Jerusalem Post

India deepens defense ties with Israel | International News | Jerusalem Post: "Amid Israeli efforts to bolster military ties and export military hardware, the Indian Chief of Staff Gen. Deepak Kapoor arrived in Israel on Saturday for talks with IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi.

Kapoor will hold talks with Ashkenazi as well as other senior Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Ehud Barak. He will visit Yad Vashem in Jerusalem during his four-day visit, as well as the IDF's Southern Command.

Israel and India enjoy close defense ties and Israel last year overtook Russia as the number-one supplier of military platforms to India after breaking the $1 billion mark in new contracts signed annually.

According to press reports, India is interested in working with Israel on submarine-launched cruise missiles, ballistic missile defense systems, laser-guided systems, satellites as well as unmanned aerial vehicles."

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Haaretz Daily Newspaper Israel, Israeli News Source

Haaretz Daily Newspaper Israel, Israeli News Source: "PM heads to U.S. under threat of Palestinian statehood declaration
Reports indicate Fayyad and Obama reached a secret understanding for recognition of Palestinian state. 07:56
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu
Obama cancels Jewish Communities GA address
Obama scheduled to meet Netanyahu Monday before heading to Texas for Fort Hood memorial ceremony. 08:56
Tags: Yitzhak Rabin
Report: Hezbollah rearming for imminent conflict with Israel
The British Observer quotes a Hezbollah commander as saying they expect an Israeli attack by spring. 08:45
Tags: Israel news"

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

I'm doing 'God's work'. Meet Mr Goldman Sachs - Times Online

I'm doing 'God's work'. Meet Mr Goldman Sachs - Times Online: "I'm doing 'God's work'. Meet Mr Goldman Sachs"

History 0.5

"OH, WHAT A NIGHT!"

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/&cp

Freedom from Religion ,,,Religion?

Friday night, Shabat, so

SJ went to the atheist services at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Seattle.

Actually this was the national meeting of Freedom From Religion Foundation, an outspoken atheist community affiliated with PZ Myers and Richard Dawkins.

I had rather hope for more joy and creativity .. perhaps some neat graphics or ritualized science toys?  Mostly, not so.  Pretty quiet, devout crowd.


The evening began with the usual church things, welcoming the (non)believers, announcing who had given gifts, celebrating members' occasions, announcing upcoming activities  ....

The leader also unbveiled the convetnion banner  .... a longish poster now o n Seattle buses,  The poster has sanat saying,

"Yes Virginia, there is no God."

I had seen this, seemed a bit lame.  If it we me I woauld have written ... "Hello Washington, there is no God!"  Maybe have George instead of Santa or show a set of the deist founders. Hell, they could have given out Jefferson's expurgated bibles. 

Next came some hymn singing.  The ritual song, apparently is a slow paced recital of Die Gedanken sind frei* ... song slowly with the unrealized hope that more of the audience would join in.

The .... thoughts, ....they ....are  ....free ....

The singer was good, would have been better if he sang the words at least once fast and in German.  No one joined him in the slow paced English and the leader of the service was too shy or afraid of acting like a minister to encourage the attnedees to join in.  Could have used a choral group! 

This was followed by an address by a professor of Sociology, a Doctor of Sociology!  This fellow rattled statistics about how atheist, or at least secular folks are smarter, wealthier, healthier, less given to murder, more tolerant of gays, and better at oral sex.  The latter got lots of laughs.  Of course, this landsman, being sure to tell us he was  self denying Jew .. raised as a Jew, did tell us how the goyem believers kill each other because of God ... Irish v. Protestant, Shia v. Sunni, Christian vs Heathen, and, of course, observant Jews vs innocent Palestinians.  The latter struck me as a bit odd since 20% of Israelis are Muslims and the observant Jews refuse to serve in the Israeli Army ...... but after all, how can you diss religion and not blame the Jews?  Funny, non of the other atheists came out of their closets as former Baptists, Catholics, or Anglicans.

The prof's acuity as a sociologist was ... impressive.  He explained that Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were much better places than the US because these randomly chosen countries are largely atheists ... seems as if Lutherans are OK too?   No one asked him if he thought that the long winters might be good or whether Scandinavians prefer oral sex as much as American atheists do?


The came the keynoter .. Ron Reagan.  I wondered if Ron was embarrassed by this.  He seems like a bright man for the son of the Reagan.  This fellow has led an odd life.  Once aspiring to be a ballet dancer, he was roundly used to humilate his straight as qan injun arrow Dad.  Now, somewhat sadly, Ron makes aliving as a rather gentle, Mr. Rogers-like personality on the mild mannered left. 

Apparently Ron Reagan Jr. was given an award by the FFRF ... the Emperor's New Clothes Award for having the courage to publicly declare himself an unapologetic atheist! The younger Reagan has a clever way of accepting this award.  The fellow insists he does not want to be a politician, a claim that seems hard to take while he poses as a pundit based on descent from the Republican Saint Ron. Reagan explains that being an atheist prevents the son of Reagan from having to run for office.

Somehow I thinf he was winking a la Palin?  I wondered if this Reagan's atheism was devout? 

 Mr. R did not seem to join in singing Die Gedanken?  The younger Ron also hinted that Dad's religion was .. lmore politic and proper than deeply felt.  I wondered whether this Ron is  more like his Dad?

Anyhow, the speech was well received, including applause when a congregant asked the junior Reagan if he would please consider running for President.  Lots of funny, self deprecating jokes followed, none of which seemed to ask whether a former ballet dancer was well prepared to be President.  Perhaps most moving t was evident sadness when asked about relations with brother Michael.  Michael Reagan is among the most devout of the Radical Republican Reaganites, invoking the Dad in very vicious ways.

Ron Jr.  simply said, "We do not talk, it is one of those family things."

 

*"Die Gedanken sind frei" is a German song about the freedom of thought. The text and the melody can be found in Lieder der Brienzer Mädchen, printed in Bern, Switzerland between 1810 and 1820. The original lyricist and the composer are unknown, though the most popular version Aus Neukirch bei Schönau (Nowy Kościół) was rendered by Hoffmann von Fallersleben in his 1842 collection Schlesische Volkslieder mit Melodien.

U.S. Sen. Susan Hutchison?

Hutchinsin Could WIN even if she loses!

Over at HA, Goldy speculates about Susan Hutchinson, the blow dry talking head whose "we lost" party I just photographed.   Susan won't be our County Executive because King County voters did not buy her "I am not a radical Republican" meme.   Goldy was right on that one.

I think Goldy is right about Susie's next goal too.  She could run for Senate,  But, that loss may be a victory for the Repubs!

Susan is smooth, polished, .. all things that the most recent fave of the Radical Right, Dino Rossi,  is not. She is pretty and pretty shallow unlike the last Republican Senate candidate, Mike McGavick.  McGavick is a very brght guy.  he was qualified to be a Senator. she is not.  That shallowness, however, is an advantage for the pretty lady.  McGavick was bright enough to understand that lots of Rightie Radical Dogma is stupid.  The McGavick campaign was a sort of role playijng.

Susan does not need to create a phony right personality.  She is not radical, she is just shallow enough not to know the difference.

This makes her an ideal rightie candidate in WA state of 2012. We have a lot of devout radical remnant righties.  Sure, we just passed a civil union law but liberals  ought to look at the R71 map .. red from the cascades to Columbia!

Candidate Susan Hutchinson's managers would spin her loss in the County race by blaming the loss on Seattle radicals.  Suzie the business woman (even of that is just an act) would be make issues out of Boeing, the effects of Obamacare on the unborn, and wrap herself in the the I-hate Seattle flag.

There is another critical issue … the Gregoire/Inslee effect.   Suzie can run for Seanhtor against our unopular Governor.  If Gregoire is seen as running, rather than turning the next run over to Jay Inslee, it is not hard to see the Radical Repubs running the Senate race as a turn the lady dems out rodeo.

Still, there rally is not a lot of there to Suzie .. cetrainly she is no professiohnal politician as Patty Murry has become.  The lady in the tennis shoes would wallop the lady in the elegant suit. SH would lose BUT this would cost Patty and the DNC $$ and effort better spent elsewhere.

Lt. Col. Pasagian Discusses Marine Corps Improvements in Body Armor and Infantry Combat Equipment by Sean Pillai by Defense News Articles - Military Videos, Information & Conferences - IDGA | IQPC

Lt. Col. Pasagian Discusses Marine Corps Improvements in Body Armor and Infantry Combat Equipment by Sean Pillai by Defense News Articles - Military Videos, Information & Conferences - IDGA | IQPC: "Lt. Col. Pasagian Discusses Marine Corps Improvements in Body Armor and Infantry Combat Equipment
Hosted By : Sean Pillai
June 17, 2009"

- The Game at Jillians

Gmail - Harvard Club of Seattle News - The Game at Jillians 11/21 - stephenm.schwartz@gmail.com: "Dear fellow Harvard alumnus/a,

Time to dig out the Crimson, as we have some great Harvard athletic events coming to Seattle. We have The Game later this month and Harvard Basketball coming in January to Key Arena.

Join us for the broadcast of The Game on Saturday, Nov 21 at Jillians. Our football team tops the Ivy League standings with a conference record of 4-0 (overall 5-2). Come out to cheer them to victory. Details below.

We will also have another dinner club planned sometime in mid-December, details to come in the next newsletter."

Where is the Responsible Muslim Community?

Robert Cone: Nidal Malik Hasan Shouted "Allahu Akbar" Before Shooting (VIDEO): "FORT HOOD, Texas -- The base commander at Fort Hood says soldiers who witnessed a shooting rampage that left 13 people dead reported that the gunman shouted 'Allahu Akbar!' before opening fire at the Texas post."

"All of Washington state is moving towards equality" - stephenm.schwartz@gmail.com

"All of Washington state is moving towards equality
by: Lurleen
Thu Nov 05, 2009 at 20:48:42 PM EST
Washington voters have accomplished a national first by ratifying a new law that makes state registered domestic partnerships fully parallel to civil marriage. The provisional election result is currently 52% to 48%. This story is huge and is already getting some well-deserved attention. And remember, we won by a comfortable margin in an off-year election when the likely voter pool is dominated by older, more conservative voters. We know support for domestic partnerships is much higher in the general electorate.

Much is being made of the geographic clustering of counties where the majority of voters have approved R-71 (right, in green). Vote results are dismissed to some degree with a 'well of course Puget Sound counties...'. It is true that election results do rather neatly support the stereotype of Washington's east-west divide. But putting the R-71 results in historical context reveals a deeper story: almost every Washington county shows an increase in pro-equality voting.

The last time Washington voters had the opportunity to ratify a pro-equality law at the polls was in 1997. Initiative to the People 677 proposed an employment non-discrimination law. The ballot title read Shall discrimination based on sexual orientation be prohibited in employment, employment agency, and union membership practices, without requiring employee partner benefits or preferential treatment?.

The measure was rejected 59.7% to 40.3%. Contrary to the current image of the Puget Sound area of Washington as progressive, not one single county - not even Seattle's home of King County - voted to approve I-677. Contrast that with the current election where the electorate as a whole approved R-71 and majorities in 8 of Washington's 39 counties have approved R-71. But the truly stunning statistic is that the rate of ballot measure approval increased between 1997 and 2009 in all but one county.

Another mark of progress is the fact that voters in 21 counties approved R-71 by over 40%. Forty percent was the average statewide approval rate for I-677 in 1997. Those 21 counties are: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, Whitman.

As you consider the graph, realize that in contrast to R-71, I-677 was rather narrow in scope. It dealt only with the employment discrimination of individuals. Voting yes on I-677 didn't ask voters to contemplate the meaning of family; didn't ask voters to recognize the existence of gay and lesbian parents; didn't ask voters to find the fiction in school-focused scare tactics. In other words, not only have Washington voters moved towards equality in virtually every county, they've shown by their R-71 vote that they're open to supporting equality much more comprehensively in the law. This is big."

I think Lureen is missing two points.

1. R71 passed despite a very confusing ballot issue. Voting "yes" not to reject something is enough to confuse many folks. I know folks who did not vote because they could not understand the issue DESPITE the great TV ads from te pro

2. R71 shows that folhs WILL vote for equality but noit for anything that seems to diminish marriage or give special privileges based on sexual preferences.
I think the gay community greatly underestimates how strongly a lot of folks feel about keeping waht is none of our business, none of our business. The elegance of R71 is that it simply and clearly states that two folks who want to commit to a shared life should ave the right of free association, irrespective of their genders, of what they do in bed or if they do anything other than sleep in bed,

As some here may know, I oppose gay marriage because I think this is a form of newspeak, redefining a term that has other meaning However, R71 solves the problem in another way .. it simply says that whether you or gay or straight ought not to affect any relationship to the government!

Why not go national with R71???

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » GM pulls a Boeing on Germany

Jon at HA writes on the GM decision not to sell Opel, callingf ut an example of corporate greed.

Not so.

GM is now an American Corporations (as is Boeing). Opel's future and attractiveness to Magma depend on the German government's commitment of billions of Es. The Magma puchase was a minority partner, most of the money came from a Russian State Corporation.

Nationalism LIVES on in the post capitalistic world!

On Science, On Politics

Over at HorseAss (a lberal blog) "Lee" criticizes Senator Grassley for wanting to restgrict a crime commission form considering the isssues of drug crime. Lee, of course is correct on this, buit his point raises a hbigger issue .. how can Sceince have a real voice in politics?

The inconvenient truth is that science is impartial. On some issues we scientists have NO useful information ... e.g. on when "life" begins or the morality of anal correctness. On other issues of concern to both the right and the left ,science stands against political hypocrisy .. e.g the issues of inheritance of "intelligence" or the history of evolution.

Support for Science, mo0reover, is not really a political issue. There are strong congressional partisans for NIH and NSF from BOTH the red and blue sides of the aisel, although the specifics of their support may reflect jobs in Texas more than A commitment to quantum mechanics.

Still, science is tingled by political color. The obvious fact is that the Radical Republican Right has adopted a huge anti science agenda. Liberal democrats and moderate republicans SHOULD unite to undermine the RRR.

There are three specific issues here:

1. Strengthening Tenure. The independence of qualified scientists from political decisions is critical to objectivity. Liberals AND conservatives ... for different reasons ... undermine the independence of faculty. The usual arguements that universities serve to teach and that should be more like the business world are deeply disturbing.

2. Creating a Cabinet Level Secretary of Science. The use of czars is a poor substitute for having a cabinet level position. Surely a Secretary of Sce3ince makes as much sense as a Secretary of Commerce?

3. Creating a Congressional Science Office tied to the National Academy. Like the CBO, the Congressional Science Office (CSO) could be an apolitical body to endorse scientific positions.

#3 gets to Lee's concern with Grassley (isn't THAT an ironic name here?). Senator Greassley is correct that Congress must define the charges of Commissions. However, BOTH sides of the grass debate misuse science. On Lee's side there are naturopathic claims for pot as a miracle drug while the bizarre worl of "reefer madness" is likely a big part of Senator Grassley's view. Wouldn't we all benefvit from Congres snhaving a CSO?

Of Pot and Tenure

Lee's stand on this would be GREAT, IF ...

IF he were to consistently argue for dispassionate use of scince.

Lee spouts off about the evils of docs aho dcon't want patients inhaling carcinogens and about the wonderful naturopathic properties of pot.  All this HURTS the scientifc case for THC as a realtively innocuous liesure drug.

Moscow News

20:59 | News

‘No excuse for Stalinism’

Anna Arutunyan
President Dmitry Medvedev condemns Stalin’s repression in his most strongly-worded video blog yet

The Local - Sweden's news in English

The Local - Sweden's news in English: "Anglicans snub Swedish lesbian bishop
Anglicans snub Swedish lesbian bishop

Anglicans snub Swedish lesbian bishop

Anglican bishops from England and Northern Ireland have rebuffed invitations to attend the ordination of the openly gay Eva Brunne to be the next Bishop of Stockholm. READ (1 COMMENT) »

Anglican bishops from England and Northern Ireland have rebuffed invitations to attend the ordination of the openly gay Eva Brunne to be the next Bishop of Stockholm. READ (1 COMMENT) »"

Damn!!!! Seattle-Area Company Closures: Sotto, TeachFirst, and Ultreo Shut Down | Xconomy

Seattle-Area Company Closures: Sotto, TeachFirst, and Ultreo Shut Down | Xconomy: "—Redmond, WA-based Ultreo, maker of an electric toothbrush that uses ultrasound to help clean your teeth, has closed after failing to find a buyer or additional investor, according to VentureWire. (Northwest Innovation reported the company auctioned off its assets last month.) Ultreo was founded in 2003 and had raised some $28 million in venture funding, including an $11.3 million investment in May 2007 from Polaris Venture Partners, Buerk Dale Victor, WRF Capital, and angel investors. Led by Jack Gallagher, Ultreo competed with industry leader Sonicare, which is owned by Royal Philips Electronics, in the sonic toothbrush market."

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Iran twitchy since Israel strike on Syria nuke reactor - Haaretz - Israel News

Iran twitchy since Israel strike on Syria nuke reactor - Haaretz - Israel News: "Iran twitchy since Israel strike on Syria nuke reactor
By Ofer Aderet
Tags: Syria reactor, Iran nuclear

BERLIN - Relations have been tense between Iran and Syria in recent weeks, according to the German weekly Der Spiegel, which quotes Western intelligence sources. Iran has demanded that Syria return the uranium delivered to it prior to the Israeli bombing of the Syrian reactor two years ago, says the weekly.

Moreover, Iran reportedly wants the radioactive material restored in its entirety and without Syria's receiving compensation in any form, as it has remained unused since the destruction of the reactor."

3 strong economic reports lift hopes for recovery

3 strong economic reports lift hopes for recovery: "3 strong economic reports lift hopes for recovery
Nov 2 11:37 AM US/Eastern
By TALI ARBEL
AP Business Writer"