Google rivals have developed a new search platform that professes to rival the search giant, called Cuil. This new search engine's principal designer is a former Google employee. The developers state they are not trying to bring down their competitors, they just want to design technology to keep up with the exploding growth of the Internet.
When I first heard this news, I "googled" (yes, it is part of my vernacular) the word "cuil." Voila! There it was. Now I wanted to test it to see if it is better than Google. While Google may only search around 8 billion websites, the inventers of Cuil profess the search engine will search a staggering 120 billion webpages!
What about my searches though?
I found that when I searched common things, Cuil was able to locate them. But when I tried something less common (and Google would display hits) the new search engine returned no results. Perhaps the lack of results is due to the platform's relative youth. As time goes on it, surely it will expand exponentially in terms of hits it returns to the user.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Obama Tour
For the past week, Senator Barack Obama, has been touring Europe and the Middle East, with stops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Germany, France, and United Kingdom.
This trip brought a lot of international attention to the Democratic presidential candidate. His star seems to shine on the international stage, considering those staggering crowds in Germany, but will his rising star begin to fade as a backlash of disdain ripples through the American electorate.
Many argue that Obama's trip abroad seemed more like he was the de facto president of the United States, who was attempting to heal relationships and bridge bitter divides. I agree, in part, with this analysis. The media frenzy surrounding his trip was a little much (it tested my gag reflex). It was foolish to behave in this manner. He is a candidate, after all, not the actual president. Obama may feel as if he got great reviews from his host countries, but those people are not the ones whose asses he should be kissing. Come November, Americans decide if he is qualified for the job of president.
This trip brought a lot of international attention to the Democratic presidential candidate. His star seems to shine on the international stage, considering those staggering crowds in Germany, but will his rising star begin to fade as a backlash of disdain ripples through the American electorate.
Many argue that Obama's trip abroad seemed more like he was the de facto president of the United States, who was attempting to heal relationships and bridge bitter divides. I agree, in part, with this analysis. The media frenzy surrounding his trip was a little much (it tested my gag reflex). It was foolish to behave in this manner. He is a candidate, after all, not the actual president. Obama may feel as if he got great reviews from his host countries, but those people are not the ones whose asses he should be kissing. Come November, Americans decide if he is qualified for the job of president.
McCain v. Osama
Senator John McCain, who is the Republican nominee for president, discussed what he would do to Osama bin Laden if he were captured on his watch as president.
McCain stated that he would like to see a Nuremberg-style tribunal, which tried high profile Nazis after World War II for crimes. That might be a good idea, considering the publicity surrounding George W. Bush's private prisons scattered throughout the world. (Of course, those do not officially exist.)
Here's why that plan will not work. In contemplation of George W. Bush's track record as president, over the past 7.5 years, bin Laden may get a "stay out of Gitmo" card. What do I mean?
I can picture it now.
It is 3am on January 20, 2009, somewhere in the White House an aide is delivering a parcel from the Justice Department to the President. Inside this manila envelope, marked "Top Secret," is a single document bearing the Seal of the United States and a few paragraphs of text. All it requires is a single signature. As the door to the room squeaks shut, the President examines the document's contents one last time, as he picks up his black Mont Blanc pen. Holding the cold metal to the paper, he scrawls his name in a matter of seconds. The deed is done.
At noon, the same day, the White House Press Office, following the final order of President Bush, issues a press release, as the new president is being sworn into office at the United States Capitol. The press release is atypical, in terms of Inauguration Day activities, because it is not a simple release of housekeeping politics of an administration on the blink of posterity. It states, "Upon the recommendation of the State Department, Department of Defense, and Justice Department, the President of the United States, pursuant to Article II of the United States Constitution, has issued an Executive Order, which pardons--completely and fully--Osama bin Laden, an exiled national of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This full pardon covers all felonious transgressions--domestic and foreign--against the United States of America from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009."
Upon this breaking news, a small bank in the Cayman Islands receives a wire-transfer of US$50,000,000 payable to the account of "World Trade, Ltd." There will be no public connection of this money as having come from the infamous, closely insulated, politically connected Carlyle Group (via the al-Saud and bin Laden families in Saudi Arabia).
Listening to a new president's inauguration speech, a relieved former president checks his unassuming Timex watch and smiles in the midday sun.
McCain stated that he would like to see a Nuremberg-style tribunal, which tried high profile Nazis after World War II for crimes. That might be a good idea, considering the publicity surrounding George W. Bush's private prisons scattered throughout the world. (Of course, those do not officially exist.)
Here's why that plan will not work. In contemplation of George W. Bush's track record as president, over the past 7.5 years, bin Laden may get a "stay out of Gitmo" card. What do I mean?
I can picture it now.
It is 3am on January 20, 2009, somewhere in the White House an aide is delivering a parcel from the Justice Department to the President. Inside this manila envelope, marked "Top Secret," is a single document bearing the Seal of the United States and a few paragraphs of text. All it requires is a single signature. As the door to the room squeaks shut, the President examines the document's contents one last time, as he picks up his black Mont Blanc pen. Holding the cold metal to the paper, he scrawls his name in a matter of seconds. The deed is done.
At noon, the same day, the White House Press Office, following the final order of President Bush, issues a press release, as the new president is being sworn into office at the United States Capitol. The press release is atypical, in terms of Inauguration Day activities, because it is not a simple release of housekeeping politics of an administration on the blink of posterity. It states, "Upon the recommendation of the State Department, Department of Defense, and Justice Department, the President of the United States, pursuant to Article II of the United States Constitution, has issued an Executive Order, which pardons--completely and fully--Osama bin Laden, an exiled national of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This full pardon covers all felonious transgressions--domestic and foreign--against the United States of America from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009."
Upon this breaking news, a small bank in the Cayman Islands receives a wire-transfer of US$50,000,000 payable to the account of "World Trade, Ltd." There will be no public connection of this money as having come from the infamous, closely insulated, politically connected Carlyle Group (via the al-Saud and bin Laden families in Saudi Arabia).
Listening to a new president's inauguration speech, a relieved former president checks his unassuming Timex watch and smiles in the midday sun.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Autism: Today's Chic Epidemic
Michael Savage, who happens to be a conservative talk radio host, stated that there is no epidemic of autism in our nation. Surprisingly, I agree with Mr. Savage's point-of-view.
As a professional, who works in a public school setting, I understand what it means to brand your child as being "special." It means your child receives special services, which go above-and-beyond the daily services afforded general education students. It means receiving more government money to make ends meet. But most of all, it means you don't have to be responsible for your child's actions, because he/she is special, after all.
I attend parent/teacher conferences with parents about their child's behavior, academic progress, etc., on a routine basis. Unfortunately, most meetings do occur because of either a failing grade or misbehavior (but that's another story). Sitting across from my students' parents, I sense a disregard for parenting. I can honestly say that 8-out-of-10 parents I meet are unable, or unwilling, to accept responsibility for their child, either in the home or school. There is always an excuse why he/she behaved the way he/she did, and it very seldom involves anything at home. It is either a teacher, subject, other student, principal, cook in the cafeteria, janitor cleaning the restrooms, messy locker...and, yes, a mental/developmental disability.
Parents are substituting parenting skills with developmental/learning disorders. It is easier to put your child on medication than it is to confront what the real problems are facing that child and/or family. As I have said before in other blog entries, when I was a student, it was chic to be labeled as having attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Then, it morphed into attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those disorders were all treated with a healthy daily dosing of prescription stimulants. The paradigm has shifted, however, from "my child has ADHD" to "my child is autistic." At the end of the 2007-2008 school year, there had never been a student in my school who had had the diagnosis of autism. Although, this coming school year brings in four students who wear that label.
Is autism a new disease? I do not think so. Before anyone attacks me for being insensitive, I understand there are authentic cases of autism; however, I do not accept that in a population of 150 students there are four legitimate diagnoses. These children probably are hyperactive with age-related developmental disorders. Instead of their parents dealing with behavior issues, they are happy to accept a "get out of jail" diagnosis of autism. After all, if it is autism, who says they have to control their child? Also, the diagnosis saves the medical professional from having to face angry parents who did not get their child labeled. It is easier to make exceptions.
In the end, my favorite part of every parent/teacher conference is when the parent throws his/her hands in the air and says, "I just don't know what to do! What would you do?" My response is simple: "My parents never had to ask someone else how to handle my discipline. They just did what had to be done." My parents did not beat me or abuse me in any way. But I knew when I had crossed the line, and neither Mommy or Daddy had to ask the teacher what to do about it. Let's just say my parents believed being grounded was stupid. I'll leave it there.
As for autism, I will accept these diagnoses with a healthy dose of skepticism.
As a professional, who works in a public school setting, I understand what it means to brand your child as being "special." It means your child receives special services, which go above-and-beyond the daily services afforded general education students. It means receiving more government money to make ends meet. But most of all, it means you don't have to be responsible for your child's actions, because he/she is special, after all.
I attend parent/teacher conferences with parents about their child's behavior, academic progress, etc., on a routine basis. Unfortunately, most meetings do occur because of either a failing grade or misbehavior (but that's another story). Sitting across from my students' parents, I sense a disregard for parenting. I can honestly say that 8-out-of-10 parents I meet are unable, or unwilling, to accept responsibility for their child, either in the home or school. There is always an excuse why he/she behaved the way he/she did, and it very seldom involves anything at home. It is either a teacher, subject, other student, principal, cook in the cafeteria, janitor cleaning the restrooms, messy locker...and, yes, a mental/developmental disability.
Parents are substituting parenting skills with developmental/learning disorders. It is easier to put your child on medication than it is to confront what the real problems are facing that child and/or family. As I have said before in other blog entries, when I was a student, it was chic to be labeled as having attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Then, it morphed into attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those disorders were all treated with a healthy daily dosing of prescription stimulants. The paradigm has shifted, however, from "my child has ADHD" to "my child is autistic." At the end of the 2007-2008 school year, there had never been a student in my school who had had the diagnosis of autism. Although, this coming school year brings in four students who wear that label.
Is autism a new disease? I do not think so. Before anyone attacks me for being insensitive, I understand there are authentic cases of autism; however, I do not accept that in a population of 150 students there are four legitimate diagnoses. These children probably are hyperactive with age-related developmental disorders. Instead of their parents dealing with behavior issues, they are happy to accept a "get out of jail" diagnosis of autism. After all, if it is autism, who says they have to control their child? Also, the diagnosis saves the medical professional from having to face angry parents who did not get their child labeled. It is easier to make exceptions.
In the end, my favorite part of every parent/teacher conference is when the parent throws his/her hands in the air and says, "I just don't know what to do! What would you do?" My response is simple: "My parents never had to ask someone else how to handle my discipline. They just did what had to be done." My parents did not beat me or abuse me in any way. But I knew when I had crossed the line, and neither Mommy or Daddy had to ask the teacher what to do about it. Let's just say my parents believed being grounded was stupid. I'll leave it there.
As for autism, I will accept these diagnoses with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Estelle Getty Dies
If you're like me, you've seen every episode of The Golden Girls about 20 times. Also, you know the audacious 80-something Sophia Petrillo, who was Estelle Getty's character for the duration of the show.
In honor of a gifted actress, whose character clinched the deal in each episode, I salute Estelle for "being a friend."
She was 84.
In honor of a gifted actress, whose character clinched the deal in each episode, I salute Estelle for "being a friend."
She was 84.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Obama is at fault for high gas prices?
I find Senator John McCain's assessment that Senator Barack Obama is to blame for the high prices of gasoline as ludicrous and misleading.
McCain is already proving to be out of touch with the majority of America. He is playing the same games that George W. Bush did in 2000 and 2004. Frankly, America is tired of it and surely deserves more than name-calling and asinine finger pointing, which verges on more than the absurd.
McCain is already proving to be out of touch with the majority of America. He is playing the same games that George W. Bush did in 2000 and 2004. Frankly, America is tired of it and surely deserves more than name-calling and asinine finger pointing, which verges on more than the absurd.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Inflation du Jour
Zimbabwe introduced a new monetary denomination to meet the demand of its ever inflating economy: the one hundred billion dollar bill ($100,000,000,000). That sounds like a lot, however, this single bill is approximately equal to U.S. $1!
That is incredible, and a dire fact about this once thriving African country's disheveled economy.
That is incredible, and a dire fact about this once thriving African country's disheveled economy.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Budweiser: American tragedy or capitalist free-for-all?
InBev has agreed to acquire Anheuser-Busch for $70/share. In response to this acquisition, websites have popped up decrying the Belgian company's purchase of a seeming American icon.
Instead of crying over the inevitable, I have decided to make some money. I invested heavily in Anheuser-Busch stock (BUD), and I have already reaped the rewards of my investment very rapidly. My philosophy is why whine and complain over what is insignificant (especially with the price of gasoline pushing higher and massive banks on the verge of collapse) when there is money to be made?
Are American beer aficionados really so gullible as to believe that InBev will change the recipe, traditions, and distribution of a multi-billion dollar enterprise? The company has already agreed that the operations of Budweiser will remain the same. I say if it beefs up my portfolio, then it is a good thing.
Instead of crying over the inevitable, I have decided to make some money. I invested heavily in Anheuser-Busch stock (BUD), and I have already reaped the rewards of my investment very rapidly. My philosophy is why whine and complain over what is insignificant (especially with the price of gasoline pushing higher and massive banks on the verge of collapse) when there is money to be made?
Are American beer aficionados really so gullible as to believe that InBev will change the recipe, traditions, and distribution of a multi-billion dollar enterprise? The company has already agreed that the operations of Budweiser will remain the same. I say if it beefs up my portfolio, then it is a good thing.
Fist Bump of Racism
The New Yorker magazine is under fire today for its seemingly racist cover. The magazine's editors, however, dispute that it is racist. They state that the magazine's cover merely illustrates the many misconceptions of Barack Obama and his wife, through satire.I once warned that race and misconception, surrounding Barack Obama, would come back to haunt Democrats in the general election, considering he is relatively unknown outside of this election cycle, but everyone was convinced it would not be an issue. Now look at what is happening. A liberal magazine is playing into the fray! I have met many voters who believe Senator Obama is a Muslim. This type of cover only goes further to inflate their grandiose misinterpretation of Obama.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson needs you!
Where is Al Sharpton during this time of crisis?
Usually when someone speaks out against diversity, or generally defames an African-American, Reverend Al Sharpton is the first one to condemn the attacker. Why isn't he on CNN attacking Jackson?
Usually when someone speaks out against diversity, or generally defames an African-American, Reverend Al Sharpton is the first one to condemn the attacker. Why isn't he on CNN attacking Jackson?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Hillary supporters are not coming around to Obama's side
Even though, we have been instructed to support Barack Obama for president, Hillary Clinton's supporters (including me) are slowly, if ever, going to support Senator Obama's presidential bid.
It is interesting to note that many of Senator Clinton's major fundraisers are unwilling to throw their support behind Obama. I do think that was foreseen, however. I stated that I could not in good conscious support Obama for president, nor will I put any money into his campaign. I believe the 18 million supporters, which includes me, of Hillary Clinton need to make a stand against the sham of a primary election season that recently concluded.
Just like in 2000, we are left with a stolen election. We are a nation that allows the inner-workings of political parties decide how we will elect our candidates. Instead of having delegates and superdelegates, let's use a system where we say at the end of the primary season--after all the states and territories have voted--the candidate with the most votes wins. The same should be done for the general election. We live in a country with instantaneous mass media. We no longer require groups to make decisions for the masses.
In 2008, the Democratic Party will nominate the candidate who won less popular votes than his closest rival, who was Hillary Clinton. What can we say of our democracy?
It is interesting to note that many of Senator Clinton's major fundraisers are unwilling to throw their support behind Obama. I do think that was foreseen, however. I stated that I could not in good conscious support Obama for president, nor will I put any money into his campaign. I believe the 18 million supporters, which includes me, of Hillary Clinton need to make a stand against the sham of a primary election season that recently concluded.
Just like in 2000, we are left with a stolen election. We are a nation that allows the inner-workings of political parties decide how we will elect our candidates. Instead of having delegates and superdelegates, let's use a system where we say at the end of the primary season--after all the states and territories have voted--the candidate with the most votes wins. The same should be done for the general election. We live in a country with instantaneous mass media. We no longer require groups to make decisions for the masses.
In 2008, the Democratic Party will nominate the candidate who won less popular votes than his closest rival, who was Hillary Clinton. What can we say of our democracy?
Jesse Jackson Anti-Obama?
Jesse Jackson, who is fond of crucifying other people for their off-handed comments about African-American figures, is now caught up in a bit of a scandal of his own regarding Senator Barack Obama.
In what Jackson labels a "private conversation," he was picked up by a microphone that he did not realize was turned on. In part he commented Obama is "speaking down to black people." Of course, he has already apologized to the Obama campaign for his remarks, after he found out he was being recorded. I think it is more than fair to label Mr. Jackson a hypocrite.
In what Jackson labels a "private conversation," he was picked up by a microphone that he did not realize was turned on. In part he commented Obama is "speaking down to black people." Of course, he has already apologized to the Obama campaign for his remarks, after he found out he was being recorded. I think it is more than fair to label Mr. Jackson a hypocrite.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Senator Jesse Helms dead at 86
Former United States Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) died today at the age of 86. What's funny is I thought he had already been dead for years!
Oops! Sorry. I guess you really know how old a person is based on who speaks about their life. In this case, former Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) was seemingly his greatest friend, which automatically hinted at Helms' age.
Why did Bob Dole stop doing Viagra commercials?
Oops! Sorry. I guess you really know how old a person is based on who speaks about their life. In this case, former Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) was seemingly his greatest friend, which automatically hinted at Helms' age.
Why did Bob Dole stop doing Viagra commercials?
The Irony of Trivia
Two founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both having a hand in the Declaration of Independence (Jefferson being its author), would live exactly fifty years from July 4, 1776.
I find it ironic that both these men, who were both presidents (Adams second and Jefferson third), would die on the same day, one in Massachusetts and the other in Virginia, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was July 4, 1826.
But it does make for some interesting trivia!
I find it ironic that both these men, who were both presidents (Adams second and Jefferson third), would die on the same day, one in Massachusetts and the other in Virginia, on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was July 4, 1826.
But it does make for some interesting trivia!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Fucktards on the Highway
Being a fool, I watched the news and believed that fewer people were traveling this holiday season because of high gas prices. I went out for a little drive--no where in particular, really. Guess what? There were lots and lots of people on the road!
What really infuriates me is how other drivers expect you to conform to their schedule. Apparently, many drivers believe that by driving 25mph in a 55mph zone, with their windows down, they are going to increase their miles-per-gallon exponentially. That is stupid, but it is commonly accepted as fact, I have found. All that kind of foolishness does is get you "cussed out" by me. I am getting to where I love to blow my horn when I get behind someone creeping along. Blow, blow, blow that horn!
Admittedly, I told one lady she needed to go home and "park [her] fucking car up [her] ass" if she couldn't drive any faster than she was. It may be road rage, but it makes me feel so much better to let people know what I am feeling on the inside. Why should I care? Other drivers could care less about my feelings when they are weaving into traffic, cutting me off, and then driving 20+mph below the speed limit. Who died and made them king of the highway, anyhow?
What really infuriates me is how other drivers expect you to conform to their schedule. Apparently, many drivers believe that by driving 25mph in a 55mph zone, with their windows down, they are going to increase their miles-per-gallon exponentially. That is stupid, but it is commonly accepted as fact, I have found. All that kind of foolishness does is get you "cussed out" by me. I am getting to where I love to blow my horn when I get behind someone creeping along. Blow, blow, blow that horn!
Admittedly, I told one lady she needed to go home and "park [her] fucking car up [her] ass" if she couldn't drive any faster than she was. It may be road rage, but it makes me feel so much better to let people know what I am feeling on the inside. Why should I care? Other drivers could care less about my feelings when they are weaving into traffic, cutting me off, and then driving 20+mph below the speed limit. Who died and made them king of the highway, anyhow?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
American hostages released in Colombia
Fifteen hostages, who were being held by Colombia terrorist group, FARC, were released today. These hostages included Americans and former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt.
Betancourt was the most recognizable hostage who was released. Although, she was being held hostage in the jungles of Colombia, I do not believe that indicates a person should be lax on their appearance when they are released.
If I had been in her situation, I would have at least lost the military camouflage fatigues and horrible matching (if you can call it that) hat. In addition, Betancourt is in dire need of having her eyebrows waxed.
Betancourt was the most recognizable hostage who was released. Although, she was being held hostage in the jungles of Colombia, I do not believe that indicates a person should be lax on their appearance when they are released.
If I had been in her situation, I would have at least lost the military camouflage fatigues and horrible matching (if you can call it that) hat. In addition, Betancourt is in dire need of having her eyebrows waxed.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
"Kiss My Ass"
Did Bill Clinton really say that Barack Obama would have to kiss his ass for his support? According to the British tabloid, The Telegraph, an unidentified source says President Clinton said just that.
But where's the proof? I think the burden of press-worthy material rests solely on the backs of the media. Without the proof, then there is nothing but innuendo, and a whole lot of "he said, she said." Get it on tape, get an eyewitness, who can corroborate the story, but just don't throw it out there. I am sure that President Clinton is not happy with the outcome of the Democratic primary, but that doesn't mean he will not work for Barack Obama to win the White House in November.
Heck, I may be guilty of saying the same thing, once or twice.
But where's the proof? I think the burden of press-worthy material rests solely on the backs of the media. Without the proof, then there is nothing but innuendo, and a whole lot of "he said, she said." Get it on tape, get an eyewitness, who can corroborate the story, but just don't throw it out there. I am sure that President Clinton is not happy with the outcome of the Democratic primary, but that doesn't mean he will not work for Barack Obama to win the White House in November.
Heck, I may be guilty of saying the same thing, once or twice.
"I like guns"
Who's going to be laughing when there's a deer half-way through the windshield of your Prius?
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