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Sunday, November 17, 2002

What's this got to do with homeland security?   This is from a New York Times story on the Homeland Security bill (it's on the second page of the online version): In one last-minute addition, Representative Dick Armey, Republican of Texas, inserted a provision that was apparently intended to protect Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant, from lawsuits over thimerosal, a mercury-based vaccine preservative that some parents contend has caused autism in their children. According to the Washington Post, this little gem was inserted at the behest of the White House: Richard Diamond, a spokesman for retiring House Majority Leader Richard K. Armey (R-Tex.), said the provision was inserted because "it was something the White House wanted. It wasn't [Armey's] idea." But Diamond said the principle is good. "We don't want companies to be steered away from the business of making things that can save lives," he said. [via Tom Tomorrow] 8:53:48 PM  Permalink  comment []

In Theory, It's True (or Not). Several impenetrable papers published by a pair of maverick French scientists have aroused speculation that they are part of a scientific hoax. By George Johnson. [New York Times: Science] 8:42:48 PM  Permalink  comment []

This Is a Headline For an Essay About Meta. Why jokey self-consciousness permeates novels, films, TV and our speech. By Laura Miller. [New York Times: Arts] 8:39:29 PM  Permalink  comment []

Two Entertainments Last night we saw the Cirque du Soleil show currently playing in San Francisco, Varekai. Their shows are always a feast for the senses, with a lot of unusual, extraordinary sights and sounds. Definitely enjoyable, though I think I liked the one we saw last, Dralion, better. I remember the clowning being much funnier in Dralion, though of course there's plenty of funny stuff in this one, too, especially with the French singer chasing the spotlight around. The closing routine, with swings and jumping, was jut plain exciting and awe-inspiring With Mike tonight, I saw Standing in the Shadows of Motown, a documentary about the group which called themselves the Funk Brothers, and played on more Number 1 hits than the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and the Beach Boys combined. Avery nice documentary; very few people can name any of these musicians, yet there are few people anywhere who have not been touched by some of their music. It's nice that they're finally getting some of the credit they deserver, and I hope a lot of people go see the movie. 8:29:10 PM  Permalink  comment []

Gods and alternate religions. God of the Month Club - unsure of your belief system yet yearn for some spirituality? Why limit yourself to one - sample a different God or Goddess every month. Learn about the belief and worship systems surrounding White Buffalo Woman, the Horned God, Green Men, Morpheus, Hecate, Vulcan, Freya or the ever-popular Venus, just to name a few. [MetaFilter] 11:21:39 AM  Permalink  comment []

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy: An Investigative Reporter Exposes the Truth about Globalization, Corporate Cons, and High Finance Fraudsters. One election-night result that didn't make headlines was the triumph of campaign spending. According to the Center for Responsive Politics , over 95 percent of U.S. House races and 75 percent of Senate races were won last week by the candidate who spent the most money. The Best Democracy Money Can Buy [allconsuming.net] And of course, kids, the poor, the environment don't have any money at all, so they all lose in the elections. 10:16:03 AM  Permalink  comment []

© Copyright 2004 Steve Michel.