“Those who cast the vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.” — Joseph Stalin

Reports from the 2004 election are less than encouraging, in particular, the Conyer’s report. Here’s an article that discusses the shenanigan’s in detail from the Washington Spectator.

Let’s keep our eyes on the counters this time around.

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Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
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Technorati Tags: Election | Fraud | Democracy | Mike Harding Blog

This article is well worth reading authored by Gene Callahan and is harvested from a blog entry by Ron Garret. If the parallels to 1934 Nazi Germany don’t scare you, you’re not paying attention.

Top Ten signs your democracy is devolving into a fascist regime:

1. Secret prisons – Check.
2. Torture – Check.
3. Spying on all citizens – Check.
4. Arrests and indefinite imprisonment without trial – Check.
5. Secret detention – Check.
6. Denial and restriction of habeas corpus – Check.
7. Unprovoked wars to “protect us from them” – Check.
8. Unfair trial procedures – Check.
9. Consistent lying by goverment officials – Check.
10. Reprisals for anyone who dares to speak out – Check.

This list was derived from Callahan’s entry which in turn was derived from Amnesty International.

Seems pretty clear cut. It is no longer outrageous to say our democracy is devolving into a fascist regime. Question is, what are we going to do about it?

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Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
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Technorati Tags: Fascism | Democracy | Regime | Mike Harding Blog

Audi R10 Racing Diesel


When Rudolf Diesel patented his compression engine (air is compressed, the temperature rises, fuel is injected and ignites without a spark) I doubt he ever envisioned cars like the Audi above. The current generation of diesels are powerful and increasingly green as their emissions are treated. Combine that with Biodiesel fuel, and you’ve got a winning combination. Here’s an interesting article about this topic.

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Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
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Technorati Tags: Diesel | Racing | Biodiesel | Mike Harding Blog

Bruce Cornett, a colleague, forwarded this blog entry to me this morning. I liked it so much, I decided I’d give it a plug here. Have to say, the list resonated with me and is consistent with my experiences. The one place I’d differ is on #8. Some businesses, outside software in particular, really do have capital requirements. If this list is viewed as a technology centered (really software and internet, then I agree.) However, there are a host of other businesses that actually require physical space and equipment to function.

Here are the top level myths, read the entry for detail.

It’s a good read and a good blog find. I think Ron’s inaugural blog entry is well worth reading too.

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Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
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Technorati Tags: Venture | Capital | Myths | Mike Harding Blog

No, it’s not the next disaster, it’s a way to harnass the power of the ocean’s tides to generate power.

Rance river barrage in France generates 240 Megawatts (MW)


What is a barrage you ask? Effectively, it is a barrier is built across a cove or inlet that provides a dam effect either keeping the tide out of the protected area or in it. Once the tide reaches the high or low line, the stored water is then released through turbines attached to generators to create power.

Images showing the concept


Since tides are predictable, this is an effective way of generating power in an entirely renewable manner. There are some negatives to this approach including generation time, it’s only part-time when the water is at the right level, cost, and potential environmental impacts (similar to dams in some respects.) While tidal barrages won’t solve the energy challenge single handedly, it’s possible this approach can be a part of some larger solution.

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Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
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Technorati Tags: Energy | Renewable | Tidal Barrage | Mike Harding Blog