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:
- Secret prisons – Check.
- Torture – Check.
- Spying on all citizens – Check.
- Arrests and indefinite imprisonment without trial – Check.
- Secret detention – Check.
- Denial and restriction of habeas corpus – Check.
- Unprovoked wars to “protect us from them” – Check.
- Unfair trial procedures – Check.
- Consistent lying by goverment officials – Check.
- 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?
Meatspace coordinates: N37.324 W122.309
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
Tune: Undone by Weezer
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.
Meatspace coordinates: N37.324 W122.309
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
Tune: Cold Shot by Stevie Ray Vaughan
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.
- A brilliant idea will make you rich
- If you build it they will come
- Someone will steal your idea if you don’t protect it
- What you think matters
- Financial models are bogus
- What you know matters more than who you know
- A Ph.D. means something
- I need $5M to start my business
- The idea is the most important part of my business plan
- Having no competition is a good thing
- Special Bonus Myth: After the IPO I’ll be happy…
It’s a good read and a good blog find. I think Ron’s inaugural blog entry is well worth reading too.
Meatspace coordinates: N37.324 W122.309
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
Tune: Blue Moon by The Marcels
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.
Meatspace coordinates: N37.324 W122.309
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
Tune: Johnny Too Bad by The Slickers
Technorati Tags: Energy | Renewable | Tidal Barrage | Mike Harding Blog
That was a very complete game by the Bucks in a very adverse conditions. I’m thoroughly impressed. After Michigan State’s meltdown today against Illinois, it’s hard to see anyone on the schedule coming within 2 touchdowns other than that final game Nov 18 against that school up north…..
One concern I have now having seen 2 Big 10 games is officiating. It’s horrendous this season. I can’t fathom how instant replay officials can look at the same thing we’re seeing on TV and then MAKING THE WRONG CALL – as they did overruling a completion to Ginn. Inexcusable. The other carryover from the Penn State victory is the down after down holding of the OSU defensive line. It’s got to stop. It’s amazing the pressure is still being applied even with the mugging those fellows are getting on each play.
Hats off the the Bucks! Well done!
Meatspace coordinates: N37.324 W122.309
Ohio State’s 2006 record: 5-0 Next up: Bowling Green 10/7
Tune: Big Bottom by Spinal Tap
Technorati Tags: Ohio State | Iowa | Football | Mike Harding Blog
