Faits Divers
Things that happen
The Problem with The Rich Asshole
Recommended reading – lest we forget why it is important to stay active and vigilant: The Problem with TRUMP A series of L. A. Times editorials I. Our Dishonest President http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-our-dishonest-president/ II. Why The Incoherent Creamsicle/Trump Lies http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-why-trump-lies/ III. The Talking Combover’s/Trump’s Authoritarian Vision http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-trumps-authoritarian-vision/ IV. Lord Dampnut’s/Trump’s War on Journalism http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-trumps-war-on-journalism/ V. Conspiracy Theorist … [Read more…]
Saga of the VERNA A II
On September 11, 2016, our local newspaper published an article on the misadventures of the VERNA A II, a 56 foot fishing boat out of Fort Bragg, California. The article caught my fancy. A few days later, September 13, 2016, slightly more amusing article was published due to the efforts of its owner, Roy Underwood, … [Read more…]
A Porcine Paragraph.
Sonoma Democrat, 22 October 1857 A Porcine Paragraph. — We observed several large lots of swine being driven through our streets toward Petaluma on Sunday last, from the upper part of the valley. They were in fine condition, and will furnish the bachelor portion of the population of San Francisco, with many a luscious spare-rib. … [Read more…]
National DNA DAY
Tomorrow (04/25/2017) is Celebrate National DNA Day per the NIH. As my wife said at dinner, “Celebrate by sharing!” – love that woman. Sad truth is, the Trump administration wants to cut NIH funding by 18% in their proposed FY 2018 budget. As is noted in Science News ” Supporters of biomedical research call the … [Read more…]
Obituary of Robert W. Taylor
Los Angeles Times, April 14, 2017. Robert W. Taylor, a pioneer of the modern computer, dies at 85 Esmeralda Bermudez and Michael Hiltzik Contact Reporters Robert W. Taylor, one of the most important figures in the creation of the modern computer and the Internet, has died. He was 85. According to his son Kurt Taylor, … [Read more…]
Early Automation Costs Jobs
The following want-ad from the Sacramento Daily Union, 2 November 1857 is an early example of jobs being displaced by machines. TO MINERS.— A PORTABLE LOCO- MOTIVE ENGINE AND BOILER FOR SALE.— This machine was constructed for working shafts, is mounted on wagon wheels, and has a hoisting arrange- ment for dirt and water; can … [Read more…]
A Legal Curiosity
Sacramento Daily Union, 2 November 1857 A Legal Curiosity. — In a complaint filed in one of the San Francisco Courts, in a suit brought to recover damages from Wells, Fargo & Co., for injury received by a parcel of merchandise in transit from New York, there occurs a rare curiosity in the shape of … [Read more…]
VOTE1040 is LIVE
An email I sent out tonight: Tax day, April 15th, will soon be upon us. Ten years ago many of you helped me launch the VOTE1040.ORG website by participating and telling people about it. Just to refresh your memory, VOTE1040.ORG is a simulation, you select your ZIP code, your estimated TAX BRACKET, and then allocate, … [Read more…]
A few notes for Mr. Trump
Here are copies of the letters I’ve sent to Mr. Trump. You can also send your message at The White House web site. 03/24/2017 Mr. Trump, We would remind you that since your inauguration only 65 days have passed. The silliness of your claims to have improved the job market, for example, are telling and … [Read more…]