You cyclists suck

Argysnufulufugus links to an article in the Seattle paper that I also saw, thought about posting about and decided not to bother. I really don't have much to say as the article didn't provide any real information other than a bunch of people want cyclists to get off the road and a bunch of other people think the first group are jerks. There's no real analysis or context to really indicate whether either group a)represents a significant constituency or b)their ideas have any actual merit. The only real information provided was the licencing experiment in California, which was primarily done to help identify stolen bikes.

Now, that's not to say that there aren't legitimate arguments on either side. It's just to say that the article itself doesn't provide the reader with any real knowledge. All my reactions are based on my own experience and subject to hasty generalizations. For example, most people I know who suggest licensing bicycles do seem to believe this will remove them from the road (although I've never been able to ascertain how this would work). Additionally, these same people also seemed to want everyone else off the road too. However, that doesn't really prove much since the people I've met don't necesarily represent the views of the general public.

So to summarize: I just thought the article was vapid and lazy.

t-revor asks; PDog delivers

For your reading pleasure:

Paul Krugman
Brad Delong
Econimist's Voice
Economists View
Steve Levitt and some other less interesting dudes.

If you are really interested in what people doing real economic analysis have to say*, poking around DeLong's will reveal a list of good econ links.


*I am refering to Krugman's portion of the "debate" which, while written in the context of debating Kuttner, explains what the basic framework is for being taken seriously by economists. If you care to read on to Kuttner's portion it is a good example of, well, the arguments that don't meet the standard Krugman sets forth for being taken seriously:

I am willing to give a hearing to any economic argument that does not contain obvious logical holes, or ignore readily available evidence.

Kuttner's response is riddled with logical fallacies that I won't even try to take it apart (well maybe I will at a later time) because a) I doubt anyone but T-Revor is reading this far, b) I'd rather point you to resources that allow you do learn to spot logical fallacies and c) While Kuttner uses some of the language of logic to bolster his rehetoric, it seems to me he is implicitly arguing that logical argument is not a valid / important framework.

A good resource for logical analysis is the Non-Sequitur Blog. It is not only a great resource that the use of and adherence to logic by the media, but also has an analysis of Krugman specifically as well as some similar debates he has engaged in.

Catching up bloggin'

I've been busy chillin' the last few weeks, something I don't remember having time for the last few years. So, I apologize for the lack of bloggin' but, well, I am just having too good a time with the fam. Not the real one.

So, for those of you who are bored.. well here's so quick loose ends.

Cyclobloggin'
It's hard to blog about cyclin' when you are't well cyclin'. I think many people were impressed that I hauled my pear shaped body out to the races last year and actually managed to have some good showings. Heck, I was even on the cover of that amazing magazine CurlySport. Wow. I was a star!

But, as most good father will tell you, children have little respect for our pro-delusions.. I mean dreams and I have spent the offseason getting fat and slow.

Politic-bloggin'spec
I am sure that the re-emergence of the Krugman is shrill crowd within the Democrat party is under everyones radar but it is, well, cracking me up. People often say Krugman is a jackass who doesn't listen. No, he just has no patience for logically flawed arguments. And if your critique of his heavily researched and sourced arguments (like, say, that Obama is actually the most conservative of the Dem candidates) is that he's shrill, well that indicates to me that he's right. Cause that's an ad hominem attack that avoids his actual argument.

Geek-bloggin'
Now I may not be riding, but I have been in heavy use of Netflix. And personal to Knokey: I want my BSG season 6 golden commentary with "Furries in Space documentary" back.

Loose-ends:
A lot of people are asking me about the team next year. T Squirrell, CNix and I have been pretty low key about it. It's come together very very nicely. I believe we have the whole team down to 20 guys, maybe 10 Cat 1/2 riders. Which is what we wanted as we are trying to make it a true factory team.

Eyewear:
We have a new shipment coming in so we are trying to clear space out of the office. We've been running some good deals for teams on some not-quite perfect product. I just found a box of undersized Raptors.. off model by just a hair. They say Axley on the side (not Gin Optics like the new '08 models) and have Orange lenses. They are not interchangible because of the frame being off spec. If you are interested I am selling those for about $20 each, I think I have 10. Maybe more, I have to go through the boxes.

The Sweet Smell of Success

PruDaddy's long-delayed court action against University Audi is finally over. And PDiddy won. More gratifying than getting the money was watching the judge make almost every single point I have been making over the last year after the defense presented it's "case".

Why do you hate Evan?

When he creates this:

just for that

flew in from San Jose yesterday to find this in comments...

Actually this is much better than his normal content, unless it's about some Audi dealership.

just for that.. here's more fake political ads that are actually more factual than real ones..

more youtube links instead of real content...

Ouch

Ouch indeed. Best part? As of last night the ad banner across the top was for "Hardtimes".

Good point

Especially the problem Kerry has.


Poll: Mitt Romney Is Candidate Most Voters Want To Get Into Bar Fight With

Best Defence is a good offence

h/t to TPM.