I get a little dividend from my love of movies and the Swan of Avon, in the form of recognition. (barely... in the most desperate, pathetic fashion) Just click here and scroll down. Revel in my clear and insightful analysis of Mel Gibson in tights. Then go read Jasper Ffordes funny, funny books.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
This Elitism Will Not Stand
No, I am not talking about Miers, but the outrageous slur against science fiction in The Corner in regards to this list of books from TIME. John Podhoretz said:
I will grant you that a great deal of genre fiction is dreck, science and speculative fiction suffer from what novelist Sharyn McCrumb calls the "Bimbos of the Death Sun" curse. That is, no matter how well written and researched, sci-fi inevitably gets slapped with a large chested woman in a tight jumpsuit on the cover art. This leads those who like to act haughty about Lit-rat-chure to dismiss it as "junk". Substitute brass brassieres for fantasy genre fiction, and don't get me started on the largest selling pie in popular fiction, romance novels.
That which the high and mighty lit critics love can also be dreck, but is often presented with the adjective "challenging" or worse, "ground breaking". Sorry, I like a coherent narrative in my fiction and usually a third less (at least) poised angst about the dreariness of life. I am a bibliophile, I love books and can barely part with tattered copies bought for a quarter at the Friends of the Library book sales. Oh how tired I get of people telling me what is worthwhile to read and what is not, what I should read furtively for fear of being labeled a lightweight.
John Miller sensibly defends genre fiction. John Derbyshire tries to but commits his own fallacy (bold mine):
Recatogorization happens when the haughty lit prognosticators run across a genre book that they can not ignore. It doesn't not magically change the book from whatever genre it is in. Frankenstien, Dracula, and Mask of the Red Death are undeniably horror stories. Your test is to pitch it as a film: picture your book as a movie and chances are it will fall into a genre. If it does not then it is "mainstream" fiction and will rarely be snubbed as "low brow". I agree with Derb about Heinlein, although an admirable case can be made for Bradbury.
The silliness of TIME's list and the Corner discussion stems from that fact that only future generations can determine what becomes classic literature and what get tossed by the wayside. Stephen King will stack besides Shelly, Stoker, and Poe in the annals of classic horror unless I miss my guess, and he is the poster child for pulpy goodness. I am horrified that TIME has snubbed the comedic genius of PG Wodehouse, but I rest easy knowing that his body of work will not wither away for want of a nod by the twiddleheads who have appointed themselves arbitors of literature.
John J., I'm enough of an elitist to find it a little horrifying that the Time list featured Neal Stephenson and William Gibson -- I've read both books, and they're impressive examples of their genre, but (here comes the stuff that will provoke a million e-mails) science fiction is junk like Judy Blume is junk like comic books are junk.
I will grant you that a great deal of genre fiction is dreck, science and speculative fiction suffer from what novelist Sharyn McCrumb calls the "Bimbos of the Death Sun" curse. That is, no matter how well written and researched, sci-fi inevitably gets slapped with a large chested woman in a tight jumpsuit on the cover art. This leads those who like to act haughty about Lit-rat-chure to dismiss it as "junk". Substitute brass brassieres for fantasy genre fiction, and don't get me started on the largest selling pie in popular fiction, romance novels.
That which the high and mighty lit critics love can also be dreck, but is often presented with the adjective "challenging" or worse, "ground breaking". Sorry, I like a coherent narrative in my fiction and usually a third less (at least) poised angst about the dreariness of life. I am a bibliophile, I love books and can barely part with tattered copies bought for a quarter at the Friends of the Library book sales. Oh how tired I get of people telling me what is worthwhile to read and what is not, what I should read furtively for fear of being labeled a lightweight.
John Miller sensibly defends genre fiction. John Derbyshire tries to but commits his own fallacy (bold mine):
If a great novel is written in the sci-fi idiom, it is at once de-categorized as "sci fi" and re-categorized as "mainstream."
What is "Brave New World," if not sci-fi? You don't see it in sci-fi catalogs, though. Even Vonnegut's sci-fi isn't sci-fi (mostly) -- it's too well thought of (though not by me).
Sci fi is by definition a low category of literature. A really good novel is by definition mainstream... even if it's sci-fi.
And in a way, this is right and just. After all, sci-fi readers aren't looking for high literary merit, and don't want it, or at any rate don't much care whether it's present or not. (Though it is NOT the case that they wouldn't know it if they saw it. Lots of them -- of us -- would. It's just that we don't always want it.) What a sci-fi reader, in sci-fi-reading mode, wants, is, to quote Isaac Asimov, "those crazy ideas." At the heart of every sci-fi story is a really cool idea. "Wow! Just imagine! What if..." If it comes attached to literary excellence, as it occasionally does, that's really neither here not there.
Greatest sci-fi writer of the 20C: Robert A. Heinlein, by a mile.
Recatogorization happens when the haughty lit prognosticators run across a genre book that they can not ignore. It doesn't not magically change the book from whatever genre it is in. Frankenstien, Dracula, and Mask of the Red Death are undeniably horror stories. Your test is to pitch it as a film: picture your book as a movie and chances are it will fall into a genre. If it does not then it is "mainstream" fiction and will rarely be snubbed as "low brow". I agree with Derb about Heinlein, although an admirable case can be made for Bradbury.
The silliness of TIME's list and the Corner discussion stems from that fact that only future generations can determine what becomes classic literature and what get tossed by the wayside. Stephen King will stack besides Shelly, Stoker, and Poe in the annals of classic horror unless I miss my guess, and he is the poster child for pulpy goodness. I am horrified that TIME has snubbed the comedic genius of PG Wodehouse, but I rest easy knowing that his body of work will not wither away for want of a nod by the twiddleheads who have appointed themselves arbitors of literature.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Nick Park, Genius in Details
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit is not a kid movie, it is a family movie. Kid movies engross the younger set but leave adults yawning, family movies engage all levels. If the the fun in Shrek is noticing the details, you'll love Nick Park's latest creation.
The movie shows us the classic horror concept of science gone amok. In an effort to save the town vegetables from a horde of hungry rabbits, Wallace attempts to reverse the bunnies produce loving ways thru mind control. Disaster, as they say, ensues. Adults, even those who are not horror film enthusiasts, can pleasure in carefully crafted horror film cliches: racing to a safe haven as the sun sets, the old priest (or anglican minister in this case) with musty tomes of lore and a cabinet full of occult knowledge locked away, locking the doors on the vehicle as the monster appears, even the hood of a vehicle smashed as the detrius of the monster's prey is rained down on the street.
Along with the broader scene cliches, come the little comedic gems: the radio presets in the van spell M-U-T-T, the Bishop cheese, the picture of a younger Wallace with hair from a bygone era, and (my personal favorite) the bumper sticker on the van - Eat cheese now, ask me how! There are many more large and small cliches and details all lovingly included. It is a testament to Park that he has crafted the perfect horror story while telling it in so gentle and accessible a manner as to delight my extremely shy and easily frightened niece of three years. This is one to add to the family archives.
The movie shows us the classic horror concept of science gone amok. In an effort to save the town vegetables from a horde of hungry rabbits, Wallace attempts to reverse the bunnies produce loving ways thru mind control. Disaster, as they say, ensues. Adults, even those who are not horror film enthusiasts, can pleasure in carefully crafted horror film cliches: racing to a safe haven as the sun sets, the old priest (or anglican minister in this case) with musty tomes of lore and a cabinet full of occult knowledge locked away, locking the doors on the vehicle as the monster appears, even the hood of a vehicle smashed as the detrius of the monster's prey is rained down on the street.
Along with the broader scene cliches, come the little comedic gems: the radio presets in the van spell M-U-T-T, the Bishop cheese, the picture of a younger Wallace with hair from a bygone era, and (my personal favorite) the bumper sticker on the van - Eat cheese now, ask me how! There are many more large and small cliches and details all lovingly included. It is a testament to Park that he has crafted the perfect horror story while telling it in so gentle and accessible a manner as to delight my extremely shy and easily frightened niece of three years. This is one to add to the family archives.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Mexican Omlette
This is kind of a cop out post; I mean, who can't make an omlette? But I am crunched for time so this is the best it gets.
5 eggs
1/3 cup mixed, grated, cheddar and jack cheese
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin
salt
pepper
2 tbsp minced black olives
salsa
sour cream
1/4 cup taco meat (optional)
whisk eggs lightly, add 3 tbsp warm water, garlic and spices and combine thoroughly. Water will make the eggs fluffier. Pour out onto medium hot griddle or non stick skillet. When bottom of egg mixture is cooked, add cheese, olives, and meat to half of egg. Fold over the other half and cook for another 3 minutes. Slide onto warm plate and spoon on salsa and sour cream. Yum!
5 eggs
1/3 cup mixed, grated, cheddar and jack cheese
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin
salt
pepper
2 tbsp minced black olives
salsa
sour cream
1/4 cup taco meat (optional)
whisk eggs lightly, add 3 tbsp warm water, garlic and spices and combine thoroughly. Water will make the eggs fluffier. Pour out onto medium hot griddle or non stick skillet. When bottom of egg mixture is cooked, add cheese, olives, and meat to half of egg. Fold over the other half and cook for another 3 minutes. Slide onto warm plate and spoon on salsa and sour cream. Yum!
From Imaginings of a Tot
Every day I get new evidence of the Verbalist's rich fantasy life but the other day he shared a gem. Apparently, he and his panda have begun to write a comic book about the Adventures of Captain Froggie Applepants. Now Cap'n F. Applepants is a fearsome pirate with a the face of an ugly frog and apples rolling around in his pants. (A purely sartotial statement as subsequent questioning proves). Action drives a plot, so Cap'n F.A. was made to walk the plank by his former crony, Captian Hook. Now came the difficult part, what would happen to Cap'n F.A.?
Research is called for.
"Grammy," begins my child to my mother, "do alligators and crocodiles live out in the water by the ferry?" My mother explained that no, alligators and crocodiles like warm water. As and Cs eat birds and birds prefer warm water.
"Are you sure?" he asks earnestly. Yes, she assures him. Grammy, an authority on all animal life, is then posed another question. "Are ther sharks in those waters?"
"Oh yes, at least 10 different kinds."
"Noooo," he chuckles nervously, "you're teasing." Grammy began to list the variety of sharks that live in the water around our Pacific abode, and the Verbalist realized that she was not teasing. Explainations on food chains and cold water marine habitats ensued. At last research done, the Verbalist continued the adventures of Captain Froggie Applepants. After Captain Hook made him walk the plank, a shark came and swallowed C. F.A. whole and that was the end of him.
Something tells me these adventures will get played out in the next few weeks with the Muralist cast as Captain Froggie Applepants.
Research is called for.
"Grammy," begins my child to my mother, "do alligators and crocodiles live out in the water by the ferry?" My mother explained that no, alligators and crocodiles like warm water. As and Cs eat birds and birds prefer warm water.
"Are you sure?" he asks earnestly. Yes, she assures him. Grammy, an authority on all animal life, is then posed another question. "Are ther sharks in those waters?"
"Oh yes, at least 10 different kinds."
"Noooo," he chuckles nervously, "you're teasing." Grammy began to list the variety of sharks that live in the water around our Pacific abode, and the Verbalist realized that she was not teasing. Explainations on food chains and cold water marine habitats ensued. At last research done, the Verbalist continued the adventures of Captain Froggie Applepants. After Captain Hook made him walk the plank, a shark came and swallowed C. F.A. whole and that was the end of him.
Something tells me these adventures will get played out in the next few weeks with the Muralist cast as Captain Froggie Applepants.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Harriet Miers 3
Beryl says:
I am not saying I disagree with NROers that Meirs should not sit in SCOTUS. I am saying that in the war of damaging rhetorical smears NROers threw the first gout of mud. It's kinda rich that Jonah is now employing the "whoever started it" let's kiss and make up when no one in the Corner called Brookheiser on his Caligulan smear.
I am turned cold to thier arguments, no matter how persuasive they might be, by the nasty attack. Does this mean I am going to refuse to support the GOP in 06 and 08? Or conversely quit reading NRO? Of course not. Does this mean I am going reflexively support Miers? No, I am holding to my original decision, to wait until the hearing and use my best judgement then contact my Senators and ask them to support or not support her which is what the President has asked. When he said "Trust me" it was not "trust me and abdicate your judgement completely" as Mark Levin said. Mr. Bush has said: wait until the hearings, you'll be surprised. I sincerely hope so, all though I doubt I will be. I would hope that the many branches of the GOP, from conservatives to libertarians to hard line party men would stop attacking each other, the nominee, and the President and debate like grown ups.
If the debate were about her judicial philosophy and not about her "qualifications", cronyism, gender, religious conviction, or any other peripheral consideration, then I think most would agree that she is not who we would want sitting on the highest bench on the land. I think party men like Hewitt and Ruffini are big enough to say "we were wrong" if at the hearings her judicial philosophy is shown to be wandering and incoherent. By the same token some folks at NRO have all ready indicated they have closed thier minds to the possibility they may be wrong. *cough* Frum, Levin *cough* I am happy to see not all NROers are like that (Goldberg, Lopez and Podhoretz spring to mind)
Like Lileks says Miers is gonna hurt Bush when he seeks his third term. Ha!
Some people (*COUGH*K-Lo*COUGH*) were stunned by the pick. As has been said by many before me, conservatives have aimed to reform the system. They wanted (with "charming naivete") to see a justice who could follow the constitution even if it meant that they would not always agree with that justice's decisions. The wanted someone who would espouse a philosophy of law that would have influence far beyond a vote on a particular case.
For example: I think that honest conservatives want a 'reversal' of Roe, whereby the court devolves the power to the states (where it resided before Roe.) They do not seek a decision that is the 'inversion' of Roe, i.e., a SCOTUS-imposed sanction against abortion.
In the wake of their shock and dissapointment, intemperate words have been spoken. The rift needs to be healed, but don't expect people to kiss and make up. The opportunity to appoint to SCOTUS does not come to every president. Bush had many, many people standing by him, giveing lots of time and treasure, taking lots of hits, so that he could get the opportunity to appoint TWO.
And for the second pick the best that we get is, "Trust me."
I am not saying I disagree with NROers that Meirs should not sit in SCOTUS. I am saying that in the war of damaging rhetorical smears NROers threw the first gout of mud. It's kinda rich that Jonah is now employing the "whoever started it" let's kiss and make up when no one in the Corner called Brookheiser on his Caligulan smear.
I am turned cold to thier arguments, no matter how persuasive they might be, by the nasty attack. Does this mean I am going to refuse to support the GOP in 06 and 08? Or conversely quit reading NRO? Of course not. Does this mean I am going reflexively support Miers? No, I am holding to my original decision, to wait until the hearing and use my best judgement then contact my Senators and ask them to support or not support her which is what the President has asked. When he said "Trust me" it was not "trust me and abdicate your judgement completely" as Mark Levin said. Mr. Bush has said: wait until the hearings, you'll be surprised. I sincerely hope so, all though I doubt I will be. I would hope that the many branches of the GOP, from conservatives to libertarians to hard line party men would stop attacking each other, the nominee, and the President and debate like grown ups.
If the debate were about her judicial philosophy and not about her "qualifications", cronyism, gender, religious conviction, or any other peripheral consideration, then I think most would agree that she is not who we would want sitting on the highest bench on the land. I think party men like Hewitt and Ruffini are big enough to say "we were wrong" if at the hearings her judicial philosophy is shown to be wandering and incoherent. By the same token some folks at NRO have all ready indicated they have closed thier minds to the possibility they may be wrong. *cough* Frum, Levin *cough* I am happy to see not all NROers are like that (Goldberg, Lopez and Podhoretz spring to mind)
Like Lileks says Miers is gonna hurt Bush when he seeks his third term. Ha!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
I Saw Mommy Duking it out with Santa Claus
The Verbalist is contemplating Santa requests. I know, I know it's not yet Halloween, but the power of earning money for toys pales in comparison to the raw power that comprises Santa. I just don't want him to ever see this. ho, ho, ho Ninjas meet pirates, it's right up little boy fantasy alley.
Serenity Cool
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Harriet Miers 2
Beryl says:
Which is a legitimate complaint, and one that I share, but it still doesn't make her disqualified for the job. I'm not championing the pick by any stretch of the imagination, my gut feeling is that she will be another O'Connor, perhaps a tad more conservative. My post I guess has more to do with the in fighting and backbiting than anything else. Jonah Goldberg said today:
OK, sounds good but I started tuning out NRO's when they started comparing Bush to Caligula and Miers to the Horse. That is not a fact or an arguement it was cheap and beneath them. I know that it was meant as levity, but it still was off putting. This was Monday Oct 3rd. I think we know where the nastiness started.
And now, looking across this panorama of talent, Bush says that the best person for the job is someone who has never, not even as a clerk, written an opinion on constitutional law.
Which is a legitimate complaint, and one that I share, but it still doesn't make her disqualified for the job. I'm not championing the pick by any stretch of the imagination, my gut feeling is that she will be another O'Connor, perhaps a tad more conservative. My post I guess has more to do with the in fighting and backbiting than anything else. Jonah Goldberg said today:
Regardless, whoever started the name-calling, all of it is beneath a movement and a philosophy which is supposed to pride itself on dealing with uncomfortable facts. I don't mind arguments within the conservative camp. I relish them, as should be obvious. They are a sign of intellectual health and integrity
OK, sounds good but I started tuning out NRO's when they started comparing Bush to Caligula and Miers to the Horse. That is not a fact or an arguement it was cheap and beneath them. I know that it was meant as levity, but it still was off putting. This was Monday Oct 3rd. I think we know where the nastiness started.
Harriet Miers
I haven't posted on Harriet Miers yet because I am kind of disgusted with the whole affair. I had hoped for a judge like Justice Thomas. Many conservatives I read and know prefer Scalia to Thomas. Thomas doesn't feel the need to showboat, I like that. Scalia or Thomas though have something in common, they interpret the Constitution on what it says even if it leads them to make rulings that are not one that I'd be happy with otherwise. I expect that both of them will uphold Oregon's assisted suicide law, something I abhor (assisted suicide being nothing short of murder).
Chief Justice Roberts I also expect will rule based on the actuality of what was written rather than legislating from the bench. Will Harriet Miers? This is the question that concerns conservatives far and wide, or should. When people ask would she overturn Roe? Her reasons why or why not matter more than yes or no. Roe should be overturned because it is bad law. That it is morally repugnant makes the law more frustrating, but is not in and of it'self reason to overturn it, that is the job for legislatures. The administration touts Miers as an evangelical Christian as an effort to soothe the base that she will "vote the right way". As an evangelical Christian, let me say that this does not reassure me. Being an evangelical Christian may align her social views closer than mine than say, Glenn Reynolds, but that says nothing to her judicial philosophy.
The good folks at National Review Online have been frustrating with thier Eeyorishness and have sorely tested my patience, as have a number of other people. The argument that she is not the most qualified person to assume the role of justice, an argument that seems preeminent among those crowds, is not one that holds alot of sway with me. She is not, so? John Roberts already has a job. "Qualified" smacks of the elitism that they are so vehemently denying. Outside of the "preeminient legal mind of his generation", there are always going to be disagreements over the who else is qualified. That Miss Miers is not a sitting judge or academic is not a disqualifier. That she lacks a papertrail is also not a disqualifier. She is qualified OK? She's a citizen with a engaged mind. Qualified does not touch whether or not we want her to be the next SCOTUS justice. Ginsberg is qualified, doesn't mean I'm thrilled with her as a justice.
How does Miss Miers view the law and the Constitution? If is it a view which is in harmony with ours (prenumbras and eminations verboten), is she likely to hold firm to that view or not? Those are the two questions and only those two questions, which need to be answered. Then you can rail about Dubya making or breaking promises, delve into cronyism and identity politics and throw rhetorical mud all you want. The President and his team have assured us that we will be happy with the answers to both those questions at her confirmation hearings, we will see.
Chief Justice Roberts I also expect will rule based on the actuality of what was written rather than legislating from the bench. Will Harriet Miers? This is the question that concerns conservatives far and wide, or should. When people ask would she overturn Roe? Her reasons why or why not matter more than yes or no. Roe should be overturned because it is bad law. That it is morally repugnant makes the law more frustrating, but is not in and of it'self reason to overturn it, that is the job for legislatures. The administration touts Miers as an evangelical Christian as an effort to soothe the base that she will "vote the right way". As an evangelical Christian, let me say that this does not reassure me. Being an evangelical Christian may align her social views closer than mine than say, Glenn Reynolds, but that says nothing to her judicial philosophy.
The good folks at National Review Online have been frustrating with thier Eeyorishness and have sorely tested my patience, as have a number of other people. The argument that she is not the most qualified person to assume the role of justice, an argument that seems preeminent among those crowds, is not one that holds alot of sway with me. She is not, so? John Roberts already has a job. "Qualified" smacks of the elitism that they are so vehemently denying. Outside of the "preeminient legal mind of his generation", there are always going to be disagreements over the who else is qualified. That Miss Miers is not a sitting judge or academic is not a disqualifier. That she lacks a papertrail is also not a disqualifier. She is qualified OK? She's a citizen with a engaged mind. Qualified does not touch whether or not we want her to be the next SCOTUS justice. Ginsberg is qualified, doesn't mean I'm thrilled with her as a justice.
How does Miss Miers view the law and the Constitution? If is it a view which is in harmony with ours (prenumbras and eminations verboten), is she likely to hold firm to that view or not? Those are the two questions and only those two questions, which need to be answered. Then you can rail about Dubya making or breaking promises, delve into cronyism and identity politics and throw rhetorical mud all you want. The President and his team have assured us that we will be happy with the answers to both those questions at her confirmation hearings, we will see.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Disaster heaped on disaster lately
Couple of good links on the earthquake in Pakistan at Gateway Pundit and Jawa Report. Amidst reports of death and devistation, my first hope was that if Bin Laden was sitting in a stinking hole in Pakistan, that the earthquake finished him off. God forgive me for not first praying for those that died and those that have lost loved ones.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Pumpkin Seed Popcorn Balls
I'm feeling all harvest-y. Weather here is seesawing between misty/rainy and sunny/cool. The tomatoes have given up the ghost and as we were going to story time, the kids and I saw two big trucks full of pumpkins headed up island. So exploring treats for Halloween I've decided to bodge together a couple of recipes: popcorn balls and candied pumpkin seeds.
2 cups of raw pumpkin seeds
1 large egg white
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
Lightly beat egg white and vanilla together. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl add egg white to seeds until just coated. Add sugar and toss. Spread seeds on sheet toast for 10 minutes. Stir and separate then continue toasting until light golden brown. Let cool.
9 cups popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of raw pumpkin seeds
1 large egg white
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
Lightly beat egg white and vanilla together. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl add egg white to seeds until just coated. Add sugar and toss. Spread seeds on sheet toast for 10 minutes. Stir and separate then continue toasting until light golden brown. Let cool.
9 cups popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light-colored corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Remove all unpopped kernels from popped popcorn. Put popcorn in a greased baking pan. Keep popcorn warm in a 300 oven while making syrup.For syrup mixture, butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. In saucepan combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat till mixture boils, stirring to dissolve the sugar (about 6 minutes). Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Reduce heat to medium, boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring occasionally, till thermometer reaches 250 (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour syrup mixture over hot popcorn and stir gently to coat. Cool till the popcorn mixture can be handled easily. Mix in pumpkin seeds. Buttered hands and shape the mixture into 3-inch diameter balls. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap. Yield about 10 popcorn balls.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Avian Flu
I have kept an eye on Avian Flu news and so read with interest an article in today's Wall Street Journal. The online link is for subscribers only so I will excerpt the article I read in the dead tree version. There was some good and some bad news in the article, so good news first:
1. The Administration appears to be serious and realistic about the threat and where current response readiness is at in the states.
2. The US now has capacity to manufacture Tamiflu start to finish on US soil.
3. Planning includes more than just federal response but state response as well. Given what we saw in Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, state planning is essential. It is at the state level that citizens are most protected. Feds can help with money and inter-state coordination but if state governments fall down on the job, the results are poor indeed.
4. Research seems to show that the 1918 flu pandemic was a type of avian flu.
Ok bad news.
1. Tamiflu is in high demand and short supply. Plus, there have been concerns about it's efficacy in connection to avian flu.
2. State response while vital is not up to par. The article quotes Trust for America's Health concluding only 6 states are adequately prepared to distribute vaccines in an emergency, 2/3 of states can't electronicly track diseases and 60% of states don't have scientists needed to test for plague or anthrax. A document by the GAO says:
Update: More thoughts at TCS. Offered at Basil's.
1. The Administration appears to be serious and realistic about the threat and where current response readiness is at in the states.
In an interview, HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt said an administration plan to be put forth in coming weeks is designed to ensure a far more robust domestic vaccine industry, with expanded US manufacturing capacity.
2. The US now has capacity to manufacture Tamiflu start to finish on US soil.
Roche doubled manufacturing capacity of Tamiflu in 2004 and again in 2005 and said it will further increase manufacturing capacity in 2006. "We're bringing manufacturing capacity to the US for the first time at a number of facilities," said spokesman Terence Hurley. "we'll now have the capacity to produce Tamiflu from start to finish for the on US soil this quarter. That's important if borders are closed; HHS asked us to do this."
3. Planning includes more than just federal response but state response as well. Given what we saw in Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, state planning is essential. It is at the state level that citizens are most protected. Feds can help with money and inter-state coordination but if state governments fall down on the job, the results are poor indeed.
An important part of the goverment's plan, Mr Leavitt said yesterday, is to clearly delineate the roles of federal, state and local officials in the event of a pandemic crisis- a souce of much contention in the response to Hurricane Katrina.
4. Research seems to show that the 1918 flu pandemic was a type of avian flu.
...a group of scientists yesterday said they had shown that the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic blamed for 50 million deaths had started among birds and then mutated and spread to humans.
Researchers said the discovery...could help researchers track and perhaps contain a major outbreak. "We have been able to unmask the 1918 virus and it is revealing to us some secrets that will help us prepare for a pandemic," said Julie Gerberding, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ok bad news.
1. Tamiflu is in high demand and short supply. Plus, there have been concerns about it's efficacy in connection to avian flu.
There has been some controversy around Tamiflu, and Mr Leavitt, a former three term governor of Utah and ex-head of the EPA, said he considered purchasing the drug to be akin to an automotive seat belt.
"It doesn't eliminate wrecks but helps you survive when they occur," Mr Leavitt said. He said he was aware about recent scientific reports suggesting that Tamiflu might be only modestly effective agaist the H5N1 virus.
2. State response while vital is not up to par. The article quotes Trust for America's Health concluding only 6 states are adequately prepared to distribute vaccines in an emergency, 2/3 of states can't electronicly track diseases and 60% of states don't have scientists needed to test for plague or anthrax. A document by the GAO says:
Federal and state influenza pandemic plans are in various stages of completionsand do not completely or consistently address key issues surrounding the purchase, distributionand administration of vaccines and antiviral drugs. HHS is working on a national plan, 10 states either have developed or are developing plans using general guidance from the CDC, and 19 more states have plans under developement29 states out of 50 is not a good number to me. Here in Washington the plan is to isolate and "ring" geographically any identified cases with antivirals and vaccines, to stop spread as effectively as they can. They have also been working with British Columbia health officals in resolving any border issues that may arise. While I have concern for US citizens I think that if a pandemic occurs it will be much harsher in Canada, if thier SARS experience was any indicator.
Update: More thoughts at TCS. Offered at Basil's.
Things You don't Want To Hear 1
The Jurassic Park theme music coming from your children's Barney tape. Just sayin'.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Pernicious Christian Writers
It begins. Or rather it continues. Those dangerous and wacky Christians might influence your children through gasp! horror! books. Even though the word Christian, Christ, or Jesus is never used. I am talking about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. Lewis was a Christian, in fact an incredibly influential Christian apologist, and so there is an explicit Christian cast to the books. Therefore we must protect our little darlings from its pernicious subtext. That it also references Norse gods, Greek gods, and Jewish belief that is non-Canonical for Christians is besides the point. That it is a classic, a rousing good adventure, and soon to be made into a movie (which might motivate media saturated youths to pick up and finish the book) is beside the point. The point being that Jeb Bush recommended it in the Florida wide reading campaign.
"Separation of church and state!" scream the usual suspects. The Palm Beach Post has all the scary connections laid out. GOP, Big Business, Catholic, Donor. I'm surprised they didn't dig up some evangelical Christian gushing about how much better than the "godless Harry Potter" books they are.
The Big Business in question is Walden media, a production studio engaged in making movies that will enable educators to get kids to read. They are geared toward family friendly and high quality. With titles like: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Holes by Louis Sachar, Charlotte's Web by EB White, and The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, Walden is making movies with titles that are loved by kids not those that necessarily beat the drums for Christians.
Still I am waiting for the usual suspects to object to Dante, Madeline L'Engle, Milton, John Donne, GK Chesterton, JRR Tolkien, and George MacDonald from being suggested as reading material to school children.
(ht: the Corner) Offered at Basil's
"Separation of church and state!" scream the usual suspects. The Palm Beach Post has all the scary connections laid out. GOP, Big Business, Catholic, Donor. I'm surprised they didn't dig up some evangelical Christian gushing about how much better than the "godless Harry Potter" books they are.
The Big Business in question is Walden media, a production studio engaged in making movies that will enable educators to get kids to read. They are geared toward family friendly and high quality. With titles like: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Holes by Louis Sachar, Charlotte's Web by EB White, and The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, Walden is making movies with titles that are loved by kids not those that necessarily beat the drums for Christians.
Still I am waiting for the usual suspects to object to Dante, Madeline L'Engle, Milton, John Donne, GK Chesterton, JRR Tolkien, and George MacDonald from being suggested as reading material to school children.
(ht: the Corner) Offered at Basil's
Marooned
The Verbalist has spent the morning constructing something, what I am not quite sure. I think he is constructing a cityscape to demolish with his new Batmobile. He has tied a blanket around his neck for a "cape" and is mostly just jumping around spouting laser gun sound effects and booming sounds. This is a welcome change from the primary imaginary game he was playing yesterday which was pirate. Not that pirate is bad, but if his sister is not wanting to play poking her endlessly with a plastic sword is not going to get the response he wants.
I was folding laundry and he grabbed a hanger and now was a hook handed pirate. The Muralist was standing at the kitchen counter coloring in her color book and the Verbalist decided that she looked too peaceful.
"Avast Pirate Girl!" shouted the Verbalist and brandished both "hook" and sword. "Walk the Plank!"
"No!" responds the Muralist emphatically.
"Plank!" Poke poke. "Plank!" Poke poke.
"No!" says the Muralist a little more forcefully. With the air of a gambler playing a trump card she adds, "Go to your room!"
Unfazed by the order, which did not carry parental authority behind it, he resumed poking. I admonish them both to not fight and tell the Verbalist he is about to get into trouble. "Stop poking her, she doesn't want to play." For a few minutes he contents himself with feints and thrusts in the air, but the air doesn't exactly give him the response he is looking for.
"Arrrggggggghhhhhh!" cries the Verbalist in his best Pirate Voice and twirling, pokes his sister in the ribs once more. Quick as a flash his sister turns and beans him with a make shift weapon.
"Owwwwwww." wails the Verbalist. After a quick check for injury, a chastened Verbalist is sent to his room. "Pirates are not sent to thier rooms," he legalizes.
"No," reply I, "They are marooooooooooooned."
I was folding laundry and he grabbed a hanger and now was a hook handed pirate. The Muralist was standing at the kitchen counter coloring in her color book and the Verbalist decided that she looked too peaceful.
"Avast Pirate Girl!" shouted the Verbalist and brandished both "hook" and sword. "Walk the Plank!"
"No!" responds the Muralist emphatically.
"Plank!" Poke poke. "Plank!" Poke poke.
"No!" says the Muralist a little more forcefully. With the air of a gambler playing a trump card she adds, "Go to your room!"
Unfazed by the order, which did not carry parental authority behind it, he resumed poking. I admonish them both to not fight and tell the Verbalist he is about to get into trouble. "Stop poking her, she doesn't want to play." For a few minutes he contents himself with feints and thrusts in the air, but the air doesn't exactly give him the response he is looking for.
"Arrrggggggghhhhhh!" cries the Verbalist in his best Pirate Voice and twirling, pokes his sister in the ribs once more. Quick as a flash his sister turns and beans him with a make shift weapon.
"Owwwwwww." wails the Verbalist. After a quick check for injury, a chastened Verbalist is sent to his room. "Pirates are not sent to thier rooms," he legalizes.
"No," reply I, "They are marooooooooooooned."
Monday, October 03, 2005
The Infant
...loves Neil Diamond. iTunes kicked up "Cracklin' Rosie" on the shuffle. The infant started laughing and bouncing. Lest you think this was a side effect of an up tempo song, she showed unabashed enthusism for "Play Me."
I Can't Believe I'm Fisking Power Line
I am a self admitted Browncoat, that is a HUGE fan of Joss Whedon's Firefly series, so I was disappointed in the factual errors of Power Line's review of Serenity.
John Hinderaker says:
Whedon filmed 14 episodes and 11 were aired before FOX pulled the plug. Then Sci-Fi played all the episodes in order running up to the release of the film. Since the boxed DVDs have been released they have consistently been in the Amazon top 50. True most of the cast would get a huh? who?, but I think this media nation would recognise Ron Glass at least.
I know you aren't a big movie guy or a sci-fi guy, but please get the numbers right, it niggles at me. (yes I know I'm being retentive) As far as generating buzz on the web, keep in mind that is where the fans gave the series a new lease on life. The sudio would be blind to ignore fans who make "conversions" to the series that generate DVD sales and generally drive message with the same muscle that resurrected Star Trek. Only now the fans have the might of the internet, the ultimate "word of mouth" powerhouse, the sudio would be mad indeed to ignore blogs, podcasts and forums which will drive sales. Like Peter Jackson who harnessed the fan base for Lord of the Rings, to drive the Extended Edition of DVD sales, Joss Whedon can use fans like myself to creat buzz to get folks into the theater.
Offered over at Basil's Blog.
(ht: Literalbarrage and thanks for the link.)
John Hinderaker says:
Everything considered, I think Serenity is likely to be a sleeper hit, and may become a cult classic. The film is well suited to the internet marketing scheme that Universal has apparently decided on. What have they got to lose? The industry is in the dumpster, the movie is based on a TV series, Firefly, that lasted a mere seven episodes, and no one has ever heard of anyone in the cast. So where do you go to generate buzz? The web.
Whedon filmed 14 episodes and 11 were aired before FOX pulled the plug. Then Sci-Fi played all the episodes in order running up to the release of the film. Since the boxed DVDs have been released they have consistently been in the Amazon top 50. True most of the cast would get a huh? who?, but I think this media nation would recognise Ron Glass at least.
I know you aren't a big movie guy or a sci-fi guy, but please get the numbers right, it niggles at me. (yes I know I'm being retentive) As far as generating buzz on the web, keep in mind that is where the fans gave the series a new lease on life. The sudio would be blind to ignore fans who make "conversions" to the series that generate DVD sales and generally drive message with the same muscle that resurrected Star Trek. Only now the fans have the might of the internet, the ultimate "word of mouth" powerhouse, the sudio would be mad indeed to ignore blogs, podcasts and forums which will drive sales. Like Peter Jackson who harnessed the fan base for Lord of the Rings, to drive the Extended Edition of DVD sales, Joss Whedon can use fans like myself to creat buzz to get folks into the theater.
Offered over at Basil's Blog.
(ht: Literalbarrage and thanks for the link.)
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Pound Cake
Mmmmm. Pound cake. I made a new pound cake the other day and it filled the air was filled by the heavenly scent. Puts pounds on you just smelling it.
Pound Cake
1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp lemon zest
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking pwder
1/4 tsp salt
Cream butter an sugar until light and fluffy then add zest, vanilla and almond extract. One at a time add eggs until thoroughly combined. Sift together flour, baking pwder and salt, then add 1/2 cup at a time to rest of ingredients.
Bake in greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done.
Pound Cake
1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp lemon zest
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking pwder
1/4 tsp salt
Cream butter an sugar until light and fluffy then add zest, vanilla and almond extract. One at a time add eggs until thoroughly combined. Sift together flour, baking pwder and salt, then add 1/2 cup at a time to rest of ingredients.
Bake in greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done.
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