Random Triangles
Like Coors beer? Like random triangles? Try these videos on for size.
The Bailout
I supposed I should weigh in on the impending bailout.
Short version: bad
Long version:
Once again I find myself parroting Arnold Kling at EconLog, since I’m short on macroeconomic qualifications, and that really is the crux of the problem: so are most politicians. The current “economic crisis” is not a crisis. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a great situation, but the actual economic situation doesn’t match the dirge that politicians are crooning. Kling:
“Acting historic emergency legislation now is like doing a heart transplant on a patient with a head cold…”
The real root of the problem with this government action is the same root as most all problems with government action: the false pretense that government must do “something”. One of the main causes of this “crisis” was government meddling with mortgage markets. Why is it assumed that more meddling is the answer?
Unfortunately, I don’t see either candidate really taking the position of “less economic meddling”. McCain has made subtle overtures at opposing the bailout, but I suspect in the end he’ll vote for it (or some version of it). Fred Thompson is, of course, right on the money, so to speak, but continues to endorse McCain. Oh, politics, you are a wicked mistress indeed.
Oh, Joe Biden, what a card!
What’s this, an actual post? I can’t help myself. Here’s something Joe Biden said:
“Everybody likes him, they get out there and they look and they go, ‘I like him a lot, but is this guy a Muslim? Does he go to a madrassa?’” Biden said. “People like him, but they want to be reassured [that] some of the malarkey, the negative stuff they hear about him, is just not true.”
First, 10 points to Joe for using the word “malarkey”. It is one of my favorite words, and I just don’t get to see it in the press that often. So, kudos.
But minus several thousand for everything else. Let’s have a look at what he said again:
“Everybody likes him, they get out there and they look and they go, ‘I like him a lot, but is this guy a Muslim? Does he go to a madrassa?’” Biden said. “People like him, but they want to be reassured [that] some of the malarkey, the negative stuff they hear about him, is just not true.”
Yes, we already know Barack isn’t a Muslim, and prays to Jesus every night. But, apparently, being a Muslim is “negative stuff”. You hear that, Muslim voters? Joe Biden hates Islam! He probably flushes the Quran every night WHILE EATING PORK AND SHAVING.
Oh, Joe Biden, you crack me up! Try “misinformation” next time, instead of “negative stuff”, you wordsmith, you.
I’ve been busy, okay!?
I know, we’re all always busy, but I’ve been exceptionally busy recently.
This week alone, I’ve participated in the following activities:
- Chopped up a yard full of tree branches downed by a wind storm
- Moved in 1000 early arrival students at OSU
- Launched 3 full websites
- Two freelance projects
Of course, I didn’t do all of those things single-handedly. My brother-in-law and aunt helped out mightily with the tree branches, a fine volunteer staff at OSU helped with the move-in, and my superb colleagues helped to launch the websites. But still, I’m rather frazzled. Unfortunately, the blog continues to be the odd man out, especially with the kid hanging around. But I’m not giving up on it, so don’t worry about that.
So, what have you been up to?
Bobcats vs Buckeyes
For the first time, I attended an OSU game in person this weekend. Besides it being my first game, I was also especially interested because it was a game against Ohio University, my first alma mader.
The last time these teams played in 1999, the Bobcats gave the Buckeyes a very exciting first half scare–I believe it was 10-10 going into the half. Of course, the Buckeyes came back in the second half and slaughted the Bobcats…something like 40-16.
This weekend’s game was even more exciting, as the Buckeyes didn’t truly get going until sometime in the 3rd quarter. A final score of 26-14 is not exactly a convincing win for a nationally ranked Big Ten team against a team that’s mediocre within its own MAC division.
But anyway, you can read all about that on ESPN. I’m here to relate the in-person experience of this OSU game.
There was a whole section of OU fans a few sections down from us, and OU fans seemed to dot the crowd in and out of the stadium. There was a noticeable number of fans who wore both OU and OSU apparel, and there were a lot of “two-face” shirts as well. Very cool to see that.
The bands were very fun to watch, and this is a treat that you don’t often see on TV at home. OSU did a quick tribute to Ohio University and formed into a block “OHIO”. Very nice, very cool, great sportsmanship. The Marching Buckeyes also did a cool little “Top Gun” show, climaxing with forming into a Navy fighter jet and simulating afterburners with fire extinguishers. I’m not kidding. It’s corny, but it was fun.
There was a whole section of OU fans at the game, which was quite vocal. They added a “U” to the end of the “O-H-I-O” chants. There were some Bobcat fans spotted around my section who were very representative of Ohio U graduates: loud, possibly drunk, and half-seriously talking smack.
After the game, the OU Marching 110 did their halftime show (it was preempted due to some hall of fame ceremony at halftime), which was fantastic. They did their own traditional block-Ohio formation. While the football teams are certainly not in the same league, for my money, the marching bands are very comparable. The Marching Buckeyes played the OU fight song afterwards, which was very nice.
All in all, a fun time, but now that I’ve done it, I think I’ll stick to watching games on TV.
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