I suppose you're supposed to update a blog frequently. I also suppose that matters more if you actually have readers. Anyway, came across something recently that I just had to post here.
NHTSA Study: Speed a Critical Factor in 5% of Crashes
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/nhtsa-study-speed-a-critical-factor-in-5-of-crashes/#more-177451
Yeah, so all this speed kills, yada yada bullshit, is just that bullshit. Or the "contributing factor" line, BS as well. Speed will contribute to the severity of the crash but typically isn't the cause.
Can we get off this moral high horse now and actually start policing dangerous driving? We've got dash cams in the crusiers, let's use those to shoot video of people who can't keep their cars between the lines. Let's update existing laws to make it easier to enforce reckless driving. We don't need another state banning cell phones while driving. We need to properly enforce the laws we already have that would include idiots who are too distracted to drive when on the phone.
GARRRGHH I'm sick of this.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
I'm a Volvo wagon?
What Type of Car Would You Be? | |
 | You are a Volvo Station Wagon. You may never be the snazziest, but who cares what others think about you? You power-steer your way to soccer practice with assuredness and confidence. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The best thing ever to come from global warming research
Okay, so not everythign about global warming sucks. This article talks about how cows fart methane constantly and how horrible a global warming gas it is. So they are trapping cow farts and burps to learn more about them.Bla bla bla. What I want to know, is there some way we can weaponize this? I'm not sure if it should be used for fire bombing or just stinking people out. But dammit, there has to be some way we can benefit from cows running around with giant pink bags of farts on their backs!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The great ice cream conspiracy
I can't do it anymore. I can't be silent. Ice Cream cartel be damned, it's time I spoke out.
What size ice cream cartons do they have where you shop. Half-gallon? Guess again. A few years ago, all of the major ice cream manufacturers quietly reduced the container size from a half gallon to 1.75 quarts. Of course, they did not lower their prices.
They are doing it again. Dreyer's "half-gallons" are down to 1.5 quarts. That's two-cups less ice cream than just a few years ago. For the same price!
Now, I'm all for free enterprise and all that jazz. My issue is that this behavior seems to be just short of lying to their customers. They make the carton size change with no notification, no signage and nothing mentioning it on the packaging. It just sneaks in until boom, you can't find the original size anymore. I personally would rather them cover the (assumed) rising costs by raising their prices. The problem there is that people would notice, so they switch to this underhanded maneuver. Despicable (did I spell that right?).
Monday, June 30, 2008
Yummy
I ate this fine fellow last night. He was quite tasty.
There's something goofy about eating a giant flower, a thistle at that. Once you start dipping it in the butter all reservations go out the window.
There's something goofy about eating a giant flower, a thistle at that. Once you start dipping it in the butter all reservations go out the window.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Charley the Unicorn
This is just awesome. The other unicorns remind me of the Bad Idea Bears from Avenue Q.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Comedian George Carlin dies at 71
Comedian George Carlin dies at 71 - Celebrities- msnbc.com
What a shame. The man was quite entertaining. Oh well. I guess he got a pretty good run considering the drug use.
Poking along in the left lane? Prepare to pay
From an article in on Komo news:
"Even if you're going the speed limit it might not be enough to prevent you from getting a ticket if you're holding up traffic in the fast lane.
State troopers are on a mission to make sure the left lane on area freeways is used for its intended purpose: passing."
Hallelujah! Its about time they focus on something that might make the roads safer. I'm sick of LLHs (left lane hoggers). I don't drive that fast, typically only 5 over the limit. I just can't stand it when we get people playing pace car here in Seattle. Some how the five guys who all want to drive 58.5 mph all end up blocking all lanes driving next to each other like some sort of Blue Angels show for a retirement home.
I wish they'd advertise this campaign as much as they advertise their anti-speeding campaigns. The big question is why are the drivers having to be taught through enforcement rather than the licensing process. Seems a little backward to me.
Friday, June 20, 2008
God is not science
From this article:
"Freshwater used a science tool known as a high-frequency generator to burn images of a cross on students' arms in December, the report said. Freshwater told investigators he simply was trying to demonstrate the device on several students and described the images as an "X," not a cross. But pictures show the images depict a cross, the report said.
So where does God fit in all of there? Answer he/she/they don't. The concept of God is outside of Science. Science deals with data that can be gathered and tested to confirm theories. You can believe that God created everything and that's fine, but that cannot be described as Science as there is no way to test it, until God shows up for an interview and therefor just doesn't fit into the definition of Science.
Science doesn't say God doesn't exist. Unless you take a direct and literal interpretation of the bible and believe the earth is only a few thousand years old. In that case, you've clearly thrown rational thought to the wind and exist solely on faith. In which case, get out of the science classroom, you don't belong there. Would you take flying lessons from a chef? Would you take your car to the dentist for repair? Would you go to your clergymen to discuss the latest findings on string theory? No, so why would we go to a fundie for a science lesson?
"Freshwater used a science tool known as a high-frequency generator to burn images of a cross on students' arms in December, the report said. Freshwater told investigators he simply was trying to demonstrate the device on several students and described the images as an "X," not a cross. But pictures show the images depict a cross, the report said.
Other findings show that Freshwater taught that carbon dating was unreliable to argue against evolution."
When will people learn that Religion is not science? I'm not saying the two can't coexist (though personally I find myself in the agnostic camp). I'm sick of people trying to explain away science with different theological beliefs. Science is based on the Scientific Method. There's no room in that for "God musta done it".
Here's the penny tour version:
So where does God fit in all of there? Answer he/she/they don't. The concept of God is outside of Science. Science deals with data that can be gathered and tested to confirm theories. You can believe that God created everything and that's fine, but that cannot be described as Science as there is no way to test it, until God shows up for an interview and therefor just doesn't fit into the definition of Science.
Science doesn't say God doesn't exist. Unless you take a direct and literal interpretation of the bible and believe the earth is only a few thousand years old. In that case, you've clearly thrown rational thought to the wind and exist solely on faith. In which case, get out of the science classroom, you don't belong there. Would you take flying lessons from a chef? Would you take your car to the dentist for repair? Would you go to your clergymen to discuss the latest findings on string theory? No, so why would we go to a fundie for a science lesson?
On a related note, seriously?
Teen from faith-healing family dies in Oregon
16-year-old refused care for treatable illness; no charges expected
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Weezer - The Red Album
Weezer's back... really back this time. I love their new album. Of all their later albums this one really reminds me most of the original blue album and Pinkerton. Its a very strong outing and I can't recommend it enough. Some of the key tracks to check out are Troublemaker, Heart Songs and Everybody Get Dangerous. This really is one of those albums that you can listen to front to back on repeat (as long as you like Weezer, and if you don't, you're the devil).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Flickr Rocks
Having gotten into photography quite a bit lately I've been spending a lot of time on Flickr. I've got my own pro account there (steal of a century, $25 for unlimited storage and bandwidth for your photos). Anyway, I happened upon this gentleman's photostream today. All I can say is I love the humor conveyed in his images. I am not worthy.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Drives me crazy...
As you may have guessed, I'm somewhat inclined to complain about other drivers. Well... I was forwarded this driver profiler at RoadRagers.com and found it entertaining. Here's my results:
Safety:You are a Safe Driver Your Safety Score: 65 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 69.19%
Aggressiveness:You are a Aggressive Driver Your Degree of Aggressiveness: 67.5 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 57.02%
Courtesy:You are a Courteous Driver Your Courtesy Score: 80 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 73.75%
Rage:You are a Potential Road Rager Your Degree of Rage: 57.5 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 55.55%
I like to think I drive assertively versus aggressively. I think the two are used interchangably even though they mean different things.
The site overall is interesting and lets you post reports of bad driving. Really doesn't do much other than let you vent. I think their driver profiler stats are a little skewed too. My problem isn't drivers driving to slowly or whatever, its sloppy and inattentive driving. Drivers that think of cars as appliances and don't think about what their actions might do to others on the road. Those type of people for whom driving is a passive act. Where merging means the other guy has to let you in, not hat you should find a place you fit in, with the flow of traffic. I don't really expect them to bother even taking the time to take the test. If they don't think about driving on the road, what would make them think about it when they aren't behind the wheel?
Safety:You are a Safe Driver Your Safety Score: 65 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 69.19%
Aggressiveness:You are a Aggressive Driver Your Degree of Aggressiveness: 67.5 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 57.02%
Courtesy:You are a Courteous Driver Your Courtesy Score: 80 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 73.75%
Rage:You are a Potential Road Rager Your Degree of Rage: 57.5 %
The average score among all people who have recently taken this test is 55.55%
I like to think I drive assertively versus aggressively. I think the two are used interchangably even though they mean different things.
The site overall is interesting and lets you post reports of bad driving. Really doesn't do much other than let you vent. I think their driver profiler stats are a little skewed too. My problem isn't drivers driving to slowly or whatever, its sloppy and inattentive driving. Drivers that think of cars as appliances and don't think about what their actions might do to others on the road. Those type of people for whom driving is a passive act. Where merging means the other guy has to let you in, not hat you should find a place you fit in, with the flow of traffic. I don't really expect them to bother even taking the time to take the test. If they don't think about driving on the road, what would make them think about it when they aren't behind the wheel?
Monday, June 2, 2008
The world is safe again!!!
No more yapping on cell phones for Washington drivers. This article from the Seattle Times discusses a new law that goes into effect on July 1st. As of July 1st you must use a hands free device if talking on the cell phone while driving.
Yay! We're safe!! Right?
Well, using a cell phone sans headset is a secondary offense. Wait, what? Yes, that means you can't be pulled over for it, you must first be speeding or commit some other offense that is "worthy" of being pulled over for.
Huh? If cell phones are that dangerous, why do you have to do something else wrong before you get two tickets? Better yet, lets think a little harder... people claim the problem is that drivers on cell phones drive poorly and are therefor dangerous on the road. So isn't that the real problem, inattentive/reckless driving? Aren't there already laws on the books that cover these?
Oh yeah, I guess so. Hooray for feel good legislation.
Yay! We're safe!! Right?
Well, using a cell phone sans headset is a secondary offense. Wait, what? Yes, that means you can't be pulled over for it, you must first be speeding or commit some other offense that is "worthy" of being pulled over for.
Huh? If cell phones are that dangerous, why do you have to do something else wrong before you get two tickets? Better yet, lets think a little harder... people claim the problem is that drivers on cell phones drive poorly and are therefor dangerous on the road. So isn't that the real problem, inattentive/reckless driving? Aren't there already laws on the books that cover these?
Oh yeah, I guess so. Hooray for feel good legislation.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Turn signals
Anyone who knows me knows I love to bitch about driving/drivers. Today's subject, an oft covered one, turn signals.
I don't get it, what is so hard about using them? Why do people refuse to signal. If you ask almost anyone out there, they consider themselves an above average skilled driver. That being the case, wouldn't you want to provide more information about your vehicle to all the morons around you?
Sure, there's the other side of the coin. There are plenty of agressive drivers out there that think a turn signal is a sign to punch the gas so the person can get in behind you rather than letting them merge in front of you. But really, if that's their response, what do you think they're going to feel about you cutting over with no warning? I'd rather have that driver in front of me where its easier to watch him and he won't be tailgating me.
If using a signal while turning or making a lane change is too complicated for you, then I must say, you really don't have any business behind the wheel. If your signals are broken or your lights burnt out, you can get them fixed or fix them yourself. If you're really down on your luck and can't afford that, they make free arm signals. You probably were tested on them when you took your last driving test ~10-20 years ago.
There's no excuse people. Use your signals.
I don't get it, what is so hard about using them? Why do people refuse to signal. If you ask almost anyone out there, they consider themselves an above average skilled driver. That being the case, wouldn't you want to provide more information about your vehicle to all the morons around you?
Sure, there's the other side of the coin. There are plenty of agressive drivers out there that think a turn signal is a sign to punch the gas so the person can get in behind you rather than letting them merge in front of you. But really, if that's their response, what do you think they're going to feel about you cutting over with no warning? I'd rather have that driver in front of me where its easier to watch him and he won't be tailgating me.
If using a signal while turning or making a lane change is too complicated for you, then I must say, you really don't have any business behind the wheel. If your signals are broken or your lights burnt out, you can get them fixed or fix them yourself. If you're really down on your luck and can't afford that, they make free arm signals. You probably were tested on them when you took your last driving test ~10-20 years ago.
There's no excuse people. Use your signals.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Give it a rest people!
Just a happy little news article I came across yesterday.
Controversy continues over nearly naked baristas - Seattle- msnbc.com
People are upset by bikini baristas... now some of these baristas (thats a fancy name for people who make coffee) are only wearing pasties, a bikini bottom and shoes.
Here's a clue, we live in a culture and for the most part, a world where sex sells. Why make this the business' problem? They are operating legally. If you wish to change that, contact your local legislature.
Beyond that, take your personal morals and shove em. If you don't like it, don't patronize. Obviously there is a market for it and as such, who are you to dictate how someone else has their coffee served to them?
For the record, I don't currently frequent a bikini coffee joint but I wouldn't be opposed to or offended by one. Seriously, when did breasts become so threatening?
Controversy continues over nearly naked baristas - Seattle- msnbc.com
People are upset by bikini baristas... now some of these baristas (thats a fancy name for people who make coffee) are only wearing pasties, a bikini bottom and shoes.
Here's a clue, we live in a culture and for the most part, a world where sex sells. Why make this the business' problem? They are operating legally. If you wish to change that, contact your local legislature.
Beyond that, take your personal morals and shove em. If you don't like it, don't patronize. Obviously there is a market for it and as such, who are you to dictate how someone else has their coffee served to them?
For the record, I don't currently frequent a bikini coffee joint but I wouldn't be opposed to or offended by one. Seriously, when did breasts become so threatening?
Friday, May 16, 2008
Buncha savages in this town
So I decided I would start a blog. I had/have my own site hosted out of my house but its really lost it's purpose. I have mediocre bandwidth and I don't update it that often. I think this will be better.
Secondly, some jerk stole punkdork.blogspot.com so I'm stuck with punkd0rk. Come on people, I've been punkdork since IRC days ~1995 anyone else is just a friggin perpetrator.
Anyway, the thing that got me started was this:
Click the comic to be taken to the owner's site. Anyway its just brilliant in its simplicity. I'm late on the bus to discover xkcd but I'm enjoying a run through the archives.
Seacrest out
Secondly, some jerk stole punkdork.blogspot.com so I'm stuck with punkd0rk. Come on people, I've been punkdork since IRC days ~1995 anyone else is just a friggin perpetrator.
Anyway, the thing that got me started was this:
Click the comic to be taken to the owner's site. Anyway its just brilliant in its simplicity. I'm late on the bus to discover xkcd but I'm enjoying a run through the archives.
Seacrest out
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