Yes, You Did
Brad DeLong claims the Cato Institute thinks he is stupid with regards to their Social Security reform plan, while, in fact, he is the one assuming all other Americans are too stupid to plan their retirement properly.#
91 per cent of Indonesia is up before 7 a.m.#
Michael Williams reviews Robots and Capitalism.#
God is Still Speaking: The UCC Ad#
Richard is so emo, actually he did link me to emo rap.#
I routinely fall in and out of love with women that I see on the bus or that pass me by in the street. The entire process of thinking how incredible they look, what I would say to one of them if the opportunity to say something to her presented itself, followed by a brief internal cinema screening showing both our first date and then the happily-ever-after then by the return to reality. All that usually takes about 5th seconds. My love for the girl on the bus the other day lasted about a half an hour, that is, about the length of the bus ride from my apartment to work. We did not exchange glances. There was no opportunity to even say a word because her mind was occupied with whatever music flowing from her digital player to her earphones. Just because she's not aware of me does not mean I can't fall for her.
Andrew Moroz posts Einstein's autobiographical notes.#
Chip Gibbons quotes an amazing craigslist post.#
j Baumgart has tagged me to answer some questions about reading.#
What was the last book you read or are reading?
From the sidebar: The King James Version of the Holy Bible, by God, Yahweh, Allah, et. al. and The Arabian Nights, translated by Richard Burton. But I also have textbooks for school, they hardly count though.
Where did it come from (library, bookstore, gift, etc.)?
Both I bought myself at Barnes & Noble. Most of my books come from the bookstore, Amazon, or gifts. I rarely rent from the library, although I have a card.
How many books do you read per year?
In 2004, I read 42 books (from my count of my blog,) not including books for school that I don't write about. Some of these books are very long and some not so long, so this should be taken into account.
What is your favorite genre?
History.
Who will you tag now?
Bryan Caplan, Faré, and Joey deVilla.
Dave Pollard says some intelligent things sometimes.#
Richard linked me to winterspeak, who does not trust libertarians, because of Will Wilkinson.#
I have a libertarian buddy who is one of the more rational, clear-thinking, and honest people I have met. He keeps his word. He speaks his mind. He is always always reasonable.
I don't trust him.
The reason is outlined in this post on why taboos are important as social coordinators: (via Stumbling Tongue)
The psychology of taboo is not completely irrational. In maintaining our most precious relationships, it is not enough to say and do the right thing. We have to show that our heart is in the right place and that we don't weigh the costs and benefits of selling out those who trust us. If someone offers to buy your child or your spouse or your vote, the appropriate response is not to think it over or to ask how much. The appropriate response is to refuse even to consider the possibility. Anything less emphatic would betray the awful truth that you don't understand what it means to be a genuine parent or spouse or citizen.
This guy legitimately is my friend but I feel, perhaps unfairly, that he's a calculating friend and will stop being my friend if the price is right. Of course, anyone would probably stop being my friend if the price is right, but being open, reasoned and calculating about it somehow makes it worse.
It is strange, because I think completely different. I value honesty about the thoughts everyone has, rather than lying to seem pure. I suppose a debating point is whether everyone does have said thoughts.
Gozar the Traveler: No Sand in Iraq!#
Here is a fun little fact for you. There is actually a shortage of usable sand and gravel here in Iraq. If a unit requests a big pile of sandbags it can take weeks before the order is filled, which seems a little strange. Last time I looked around I was in the middle of a freakin' desert. Sand is one of the few things we have in abundance. I'd say there is too much of it, and frankly I'm sick of the stuff blowing all over the place and crudding up my equipment. Maybe the problem is that the people in charge fear that the local dirt isn't of fine enough quality. Personally, I don't mind the occasional rock or stick in the mix. As long as I can dump it in a sack and it stops bullets, it's good enough for me. Before long there is going to be a black market in dirt around here. Soldiers are going to fill their pockets and smuggle it into camp each time they leave the wire. With a small shovel and a bucket I plan on cornering the market.
Bruce Schneier links to How to destroy the Earth. Guide to moving Earth.#
Paul Graham: A Unified Theory of VC Suckage#