No, just no

Watchmen is not steampunk because it has allusions to clocks, gears, electric cars and blimps. These are not driving elements of the graphic novel anymore than they were in Indiana Jones and The Lost Crusade which included all of these. The movie is set in the 80s and looks like the 80s.

Sorry I destroyed you!

Nothing stokes the ego like passing another dude on a bike when you are pulling 30lbs of 2 year old behind you. Uphill. Booyah!

That's not a sale!

Apparently the post-Christmas sales have been less than impressive. Where's that deflationairy spiral I've been counting on? So far I've mostly seen stores like target raise prices by $1, then cut .50 cents and call it a sale rather than a 50 cent price increase. I don't think people are that stupid.

Whistleblowing in the wind

So, just to make sure I got this right. The cats were outside, but had a tarp. Plus is wasn't as cold as people said. We were just building them a warmer room anyway but left cause it got late. Really. And rather than putting getting something in writing you should have complained to us directly man to man so there'd be no record when we fire your ass.

Fail

Ever since I realized that those ads in the back of the stranger were for hookers, I have been fascinated by the not-so secret sex industry in Seattle and Mayor Nichols apparent desire to kill it (along with the club scene). I don't have a dog in this fight since I haven't really seen evidence one way or the other that hookers or strip clubs lead to the moral and civic decay their detractors claim.

And I suppose it's possible that without Nichols crusade we'd be that hotbed of sin Portland. But I can't help but notice that we have more strip clubs now that we did before he took office.

Production Costs

Rather than buy presents this year, PPuppy and I have been making most of them. As we have raided the craft store I've realized that in many cases it's actually cheaper to buy stuff pre-made. This crafts stuff isn't cheap, it's just fun.

Deep Thought

When the power goes out and the food runs low just remember Soylent Green is people.

Word on the street

Is it's a bit chilly in Sea-town.

Brotha, I am with ya

It's time someone stood up for the ugly stepchild of desserts. It's time someone stood up for pie.

We've been spreading the good word for years.

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle mix, on the otherhand, sucks. Unless they weer trying to make a quick Mochi mix.

What I learned

Watching Starblazers with PPuppy I learned that Mark Venture is a playa. Word up.

Dude's a constitutional scholar

Cross National's seemed to be overflowin' with reptilian core. Frankly, I am not surprosed. In fact, I am more surprised that fights don't break out more often. A bunch of dudes (guys and gals) redlining in close proximity to each other with bikes swingin' round for 45+ minutes in a high-pressure environment isn't exactly conducive for calm, rational behavior.

I do find it odd that so many people seem to believe they have the right to heckle other people:

"I shouted a few off-the-cuff remarks, not anything obscene," he said. He said Book told him to show some respect and McAninch responded that he had the right to express his opinions. McAninch said Book put his hands on his shoulders and a shoving match ensued. emphasis mine

I guess I should give McAninch props for not ivnoking the first amendment. But, for the record, there is no "right" to express your opinion at a private event or to heckle people.

Really?

On the one hand I think that the UCI is asking for this by not giving riders an incentive to man up and confess. On the otherhand, I would recommend Schumi let it go. Fighting to the bitter end isn't going to get the result he wants.

Send me a sign!

Seattle Schools called at 6:30am to let me know school was cancelled today.

Cole's Law

The great torture debate is in the news again and Juan Cole notes that defenders of torture almost always go straight to the ticking time bomb scenario. In comments it's been dubbed "Cole's Law".

I haven't too much on the torture debate, but whenever I hear the ticking time-bomb scenario I note the lack of push back on the 2 straw-men that make up the foundation of the argument.

Straw Man #1: We know the person is responsible. This is a key conceipt that goes to the core problem. I am not omniscient and neither are the police, FBI, etc. The ticking time bomb scenario requires that we know, for certain, who is responsible for some imminent disaster.

Straw Man #2: That torture works. Beyond moral issues, torture is a problem because it doesn't work. In fact, the evidence shows conclusively that torture victims will confess almost immediately to whatever they think will stop the torture. Waterboarding is particlurly effective because victims crack almost immediately. But again, the point is that they "crack" and confess to anything they think will make the torture stop.

I don't know why either of these straw men persist. Maybe because beating the crap out of the bad guys feels good. Maybe because it is consistently shown to work in the movies. Maybe because professionals say the same thing I just did but use the phrase "produces unreliable intelligence" and people don't understand what this means.

But, the bottom line is that anyone, no matter how innocent, will confess to anything when tortured making the technique useless.

So no, if I had a ticking time bomb scenario I would not beat the crap out of the bad guy. I'd try to find the fucking bomb.

To the haters out there

To paraphrase LL Cool J:

Dont call it a comeback
Pie been here for years
Rockin my peers and puttin cakes in fear
Makin the ala mode rain down like a mon soon
Listen to the crust go boom
Taste overpowerin
Over the competition Pie towerin
Wreckin shop when I drop these sweet bits that'll make you call the cops
Dont you dare stare, you betta eat
Dont ever compare
Pie to the rest thatll all get sliced and diced
Competitions payin the price

They must be in the underground bunkers

I realize that Teh Depression is upon us, but it seems odd to me that the Hillsdale Mall was barren yesterday, there were only 2 people ahead of us in line for Santa pics and the Post Office had no one in line.

I can understand people not buying stuff, but the general activity levels seem to be dead too.

they say it with a straight face

Apropos Sideshow Marcroft's post I had the (dis)pleasure of listening to a auto industry "economist"* complaining that an auto bailout package that included increased emissions and mileage standards would cripple the industry because...wait for it.. wait for it... it would prevent the Big 3 from adapting to "the market". Cause, you know, they obviously have done such a good job adapting so far.

Sooner than expected

As some of you know, PruFam has been planning to move back to the NW. With Teh Depression we figured it would be around March (just in time for me not to race Mason). But there has been more interest in Chateaux PruDog-South than we expected. So we may be back next month.

Of course, PruDog would love a job too so if you know of anything Northside let me know!

Suck it up

I just got a text from Spokane and a picture of a thermometer at -2 degrees (F).

I get it it's cold.

Jeez.

Your lack of faith disturbs me...

I disagree. The Clone Wars Animated Movie sucked. But so does the series. The last 2 episodes have been the best, but 2 out of 12 is not going to keep you in The Bigs. And the show is too dark for kids and too stupid for adults. Unlike my review though, ratings are good so I bet it sticks around.

Your lack of faith disturbs me...

I disagree. The Clone Wars Animated Movie sucked. But so does the series. The last 2 episodes have been the best, but 2 out of 12 is not going to keep you in The Bigs. And the show is too dark for kids and too stupid for adults. Unlike my review though, ratings are good so I bet it sticks around.

Not surprised

That Ball may have to pull the plug.

Up early on my own

Maybe lying down at 7:30 wasn't such a great idea cause now I'm wide awake and it's only 2:30am.

Not the same...

You know, it's just not home here. I want to come home.

Depressed yet?

Just wondering how many of you dear readers are looking for new work? Heck, how many of you worked before Teh Great Depression Part Deux?

And what will it all mean for the racing scene? Putting on spandex so Ronnie can yell at you while you go anaerobic doing laps at Seward Park isn't expensive, but it adds up.

P-pup2.0

Teh Intertrons make me better

Feeling better. Could be the antibiotics. Or the Neti Pot. Or 13 hours of sleep. Or all.

Pruitt's Deep Thoughts v. Sarah Palin

Older Than Dirt! Comparing my Deep Thoughts to Sarah Palin's mastery of Teh Issues of our time? Let's roll the tape!



I am but a hack when compared to Palin.

Deep Thought

A bad project manager can kill a good project, but a good project manager can't save a bad project. Just sayin'.

My nose is stuffed

It's been a long time oh Blogosphere. But the Pdog is Teh Sickie and Teh Doctor has given him some good drugs and told him to rest. (i)regular bloggin' will resume shortly.