A Veneer of Certainty

An Action for Change

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:22:25 -0600

In the spirit of Ron Paul's call for competing currencies, I'm donating to his campaign two cases of canned goods, a half cord of firewood and some obsolete computer parts.

Stratedatery

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:21:03 -0600

Personally, I find this disgusting and no different from a man dating a woman just for the sex. Granted, what happens between two consenting adults in nobody's business but theirs. However, if the guy is unaware of how he's being taken advantage of - especially if the plan is to dump him when he's no longer useful - then women who use this tactic have embraced one of the darker, more hurtful behaviors of some men.

Incentive to Play?

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:24:41 -0600

Recently in the comments section of the Houston Chronicle, a reader asked why not impose a surcharge on remittances leaving the United States to help recoup the costs of treating/housing/incarcerating illegal immigrants. Seems like a fine idea.

Credibility Tragedy in Baytown

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:53:03 -0600

HOUSTON, TX �?? A tragic wreck today killed the credibility of one when statements during court proceedings by April Davis of Baytown collided with those she had made months ago, shearing off the top of her story and leaving her self-respect broken and bleeding. Prosecutors say that it appears that Davis contradicted herself from statements to media early on in the investigation of the automobile wreck involving her son, an unlicensed driver, and a stolen vehicle. Investigators say that evidence points to the impact of �??He's never taken my car that I know of�?? when it hit the recorded statement of �??"Yeah, they had taken the car before�?? at high speed, instantly killing Davis�?? believability and leaving paper tape debris around the court reporter�??s chair.

Deus Ex Machina

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:07:44 -0600

In Praise of Moderation

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:42:33 -0600

I'm current working on a 2-year data architecting project of a size, scope and visibility that could produce severe bowel control problems if we don't get it right. Aside from the enormity of the data modeling task - even with tools - the old religious war of natural key vs. surrogate key is again raising its ugly head. Some spot research on the latest thinking revealed a nicely-written commentary on the battle and merits of both. I respect Walker's approach to the topic as rejects the usual dogmatic standpoints of the extremists, and rational explanation of his views. While I'm not 100% convinced on broad use of surrogate keys I appreciate the article's points of data abstraction and performance considerations. However, as with a lot of articles on the topic it neglects the downstream issues with identity columns (table replication/loading, archiving, etc.) but those are a minor concern. Overall I liked the arguments and will rely on Walker's points when I get to the physical model.

Daa-aa-aa-aad!

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:36:45 -0600

This pic just cracks me up. I imagine the same ilk clustered around the table when Limbaugh was doing his beer hall putsch in the early 90's.

Pay Up or the Economy Gets It?

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:50:32 -0600

Much like the recent hue and cry for assistance for those with subprime mortgage woes, I can't help but wonder if much of the market volatility of late has been contrived to pressure the Federal Reserve into reducing interest rates even further. A threat, if you will, to hold the economy hostage until the Fed relents and provides an indirect bailout via fluid credit. And where were the risk management departments when CDO's packed with subprimes were going around? For several years we've been hearing about the vaunted risk management strategies employed by some of the largest financial institutions. It even became a career path, for 's sake. Were they looking the wrong way when hedging? Either way, it's called "risk" for a reason. Mitigate it via legal & ethical means, not an indirect bailout.

Like So Much Dandruff

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:02:09 -0600

From the head to the shoulders to the floor, another flake departs. Please, [insert deity of your choice here], don't let her get involved in Texas politics again. We don't need another incompetent loyalist bearing the foul taint of the Bush administration getting into public service.

Chance Encounter

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:46:26 -0600

A recent bill caught my attention, one that lumps chess into the same game-of-chance classification as poker.

Under the Skill Game Protection Act, games of skill, such as, poker, mah-jong, bridge, chess, and others will be classified by law as games of skill.

Wexler's bill attempts to draw a fine line between games of "total chance" and those involving skill. Thanks a lot, asshole. Chess has always been a game of skill, unlike the other games he mentions. And the definition of skill he's looking for in the others is a very slippery thing since those games involve a large degree of chance. To begin with, I fail to understand how Wexler could even remotely considered chess a game of chance. Players start with the same pieces and pawns. The board is completely open and visible for the duration of the game, and the only surprises are from your and your opponent's skill (or lack of it). Can the day-to-day variance in a player's ability be considered chance? Possibly but I doubt it. At its heart, there is zero degree of chance built into the game itself. In poker, on the other hand, it sure seems like chance is a big part of the game. I've played a little poker and it has always galled me that I could play a hand perfectly then get t-boned by the flop or, on the other hand, pleasantly rewarded on the turn. There is a balance between skill (play decisions about your hand, betting strategies) and chance (randomization of the deck, flop/turn/river). But to state that chance is not a factor and poker is purely a skill game is patently ludicrous. If poker were as much about skill as Wexler and the bill's supporters believe, then the heavy hitters would be lasting far longer into tournament play than some do.

Entertainment and Edification

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:40:25 -0600

I cannot overstate how much I enjoy reading Balloon Juice. The content is incisive, the comments are hilarious yet pointed, and both are simply something that must be seen to be believed. I learn a little bit more about politics and humanity with each visit. Go there. Now.

Sea Change

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:24:09 -0600

There was a time when I would have been considered a social liberal, given my eagerness to provide a helping hand and safety net to when I perceived as the downtrodden and disenfranchised. Now, with responsibilities and property ownership and really busting my ass to achieve something better in life, I'm a little less Kumbaya and a little more willing to protect what I've worked for. Maybe this is what is happening to areas of San Francisco WRT changing attitudes about the homeless. The telling part, I think, is here:

"One sample doesn't make a trend, but it is telling," says Latterman. "C'mon, they live in the upper Haight. They're liberal by definition." But they are also, in many cases, homeowners and thus have a sense of ownership and emotional investment. That's another part of what has caused this sea change in thinking. From TIC (tenants in common) units, to condominiums, to luxury townhouses, the city has created the potential for an influx of buyers, despite the downward trend in home sales in much of the country.

Sense of ownership. Emotional investment. We value that for which we have had to work or sacrifice, and these homeowners in SF are no different. My impression of their reaction is that while they still have compassion toward their fellow man, these San Franciscans would like to see that their efforts have provided a better life for their families than having to deal with human excrement and privation. Perhaps it's an issue of wondering what kind of improvements - if any - their largess has made in the lives of SF's homeless and destitute. At any rate, I think I understand their discomfort insofar as expecting to be at a better place after much hard work and preparation. And I hope they find it. As for myself, I'm still ever ready to provide a helping hand, with the expectation that it's a hand up and not a handout. (h/t Lou Minatti)

Back in the Pokey, You

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:07:21 -0600

Every once in awhile, serendipity strikes. The combination of a Friday with beautiful weather is augmented by this: Turd Bobby Davis has been taken back into custody for some unknown reason. This is a welcome development in light of Elizabeth Shelton recently getting off easy on her intoxication manslaughter charge. $10 says that right about now Turd Bobby is wishing he had been drinking that night. Update: He was hauled in because he violated some of the terms of release.

Biting the Bullet

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:12:00 -0600

(A repost from a comment I entered on the Chronicle's article comment section) If we want illegal labor to go away then don't count on remedies from government, we have to make it happen ourselves. And since the problem stems from economic incentives it makes sense to respond in kind. - Don't hire illegal labor (lawn care, maids, concrete for that new patio, etc.) - Don't do business with any company that uses illegal workers. - Be ready & willing to pay more for goods and services from companies that employ only "legals". The point is to remove the underpinnings that attract and keep illegal labor in the US. If we're not ready to accept that costs and responsibilities that come with the effort then we may as well get used to the status quo and quit whining about it.

Food fun: Cafe Piquet

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:56:57 -0600

After 4-5 visits to the place I feel pretty confident about posting a review of Cafe Piquet, a local Cuban restaurant. In a word: fan-freakin-tastic. The food and service is impeccable. The ropa vieja, roast pork and tostones are particularly good and the black beans & rice just rock. The DW swears that the calamari appetizer is the best she's ever tasted. If you want a great food experience, go there...now.