June, 2014 archive
Dis Coarse Discourse, Etymology Dept. 0
A word cannot be separated from its history.
Mean to Green 0
Dan Casey recounts the strange tale of the “greenie tax.” A snippet:
The cockamamie idea (along with many others–ed.) emerged from then-Gov. Bob McDonnell’s administration.
It’s been repealed, but yet lives one (at least for another three weeks). Follow the link for more.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Be polite to your roommates.
A roommate was showing off his new pistol and accidentally shot, and killed, his roommate.
(snip)
As he entered the living room he switched the weapon mounted flashlight on and the firearm discharged hitting Austin in the head.
The way the story is worded implies that this was yet another gun that decided to go off on its ownsome. We know, however, that’s not the case; it’s another gun owner too stupid to own a gun.
There may also be a design flaw involved..
All the News that Fits (Updated) 0
Addendum, Later That Same Day:
Chauncey Devega investigates the wingnut echo chamber. A nugget:
The focus of the rage which is created by the Right-wing media machine is not unfocused: it is directed at some type of Other such as people of color, the poor, working classes, immigrants, women, gays and lesbians, Muslims, etc. who are depicted as enemies of “real (white) Americans”.
Student Athletes 0
From Bob Molinaro, my favorite sports writer:
He may not be the most credible whistle blower, but he’s only one in a whole damn whistle orchestra in Chapel Hill.
The NCAA is going into the third OT of corruption with no end in sight.
Sucking at the Public Teat 0
Thom explores the “Pay for Performance” scam.
Twits on Twitter 0
There’s a new twit in town.
Everybody Must Get Fracked 0
The report goes on to point out, in the This Surprises You How Dept.? that North Carolina’s Republican legislators can’t be trusted (emphasis added).
The new law breaks a pledge from legislators that they would review and approve the rules before the state’s drilling moratorium could be lifted. Environmental advocates also criticize the law for failing to adequately address the risks associated with fracking and for weakening safeguards. Supporters claim it will boost North Carolina’s economy.
I am certain it will boost North Carolina’s economy. Construction jobs increase after earthquakes and fires.
Afterthought:
I’m so old that I can remember when North Carolina was held up as the “progressive face of the New South.” Now it’s gone all retro.
Maureen Dowd Is an Idiot 0
The best analogy that occurs to me is investigating the effects of alcohol by chugging a quart of Wild Turkey.