Seattle Jew

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Open Thread

2009-11-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Open Thread: "People of Color … a Racist Term Worthy of South Africa

SJ believes that the term “people of color” ought to be dropped because it is a racist term that castigates Europeans while placing a very divers group of humans in some sort of protected status. In other words, POC is an apartheid term.

What is that term supposed to mean?

definition 1

POC are people descended from America’s racist history? I would include any of the descendants of slaves, Amerinds (including Mexican and Puerto Rican), Filipinos, and Aleuts appearance.

This, definition, however, leaves out lots of descendants who have a totally European appearance. Are these “people of color?” How do you determine from someone’s color, who their ancestors or and where those ancestors lived? Such determinations have been made historically by legal test under Nuremberg and S. African law.

How does one deal with the term when the person being referred to is culturally a member of one of the descendant communities but has a “white” appearance? Eric Holder, the current Attorney General, could easily pass for a Greek, Italian or Spaniard. Does he lose his POCness because of his skin color?

definition 2

Perhaps POC refers to people not descended for the European light skinned folks who have dominated world politics for the lats five centuries?

This broader definition includes Koreans, Nigerians, Hindus, Arabs, Iranians, Australian Aborigines, Chinese, etc … Arguably the folks the Euroes have treated badly can be identified this way.

That is an awful lot of POC!

Of course this definition would leave out Hispanics of European origins, including many Mexicans and Puerto Ricans who certainly have suffered prejudice here.

Try telling the Irish that they have not suffered under the racist hands of the Brits. Or tell it to the Oakies and Hillbillies who now have suffered generations of prejudice form the mainstream of American culture.

Also, should the American idea of POC include groups we Americans have not encountered before? There are, after all many affluent American groups who are POC but have little or no history of prejudice, .. Iranians, Hindues, Koreans, etc. Our half Kenyan President comes from an area of Africa that has had little to do with the slave trade and mainly positive interactions with the US since WW II.

How about Jews? Are we POC?

************************************************

It seems to me that POC ought to be restricted to those ethnic groups that have a record of being racially discriminated against by the US. Those groups are not hard to enumerate: Native American Indians (including Mexican and Puerto Rican), African Americans, and Filipino-Americans. Every one of these groups have been treated as a “race” and people from thsoe groups have been deprived ont heir rights simply because they either looked a certain way or were known to be part of one of these communities.

This definition is hardly complete.

POC, defined this way, leaves out “white folks” who have been treated with prejudice as well … spik, kike, polak, and rag head are as racist in meaning as nigger or slant eye. But, members of all these groups have a huge advantage in being able to pass for “white” and none of these has suffered the severity or the generations of bigotry that affect, for example, African Americans.

Recently a rather privileged African bought an enormous estate in Malibu. Does he belong to the same minority as Michelle Obama or her husband just because of his skin? We now have growing immigrant communities form the Indian Subcontinent. These people bring great cultures to the US but why would their Indo-European cultures be treated differently than
Jewish or Irish cultural contriobutions to the US?

What a mess!"

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Dobbs: 2012 presidential run not "crazy" - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com

2009-11-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Dobbs: 2012 presidential run not "crazy" - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com: "Ex-CNNer Lou Dobbs tells WTOP this morning that he feels 'liberated and emancipated' since leaving the network — and he's not ruling out the possibility of running for president in 2012."

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?

2009-11-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

Only an uptight, PC liberal or an oversexed tomcat of a Republican would see this picture as even mildly sexual much less sexist.

Anybody here is likely remembers the similar images, even more revealing, of America's first basketball playing President .. throwing hoops or exposing his nipples in the Hawaii surf. How was it that these pornographic pix elicited so little in the way of groans? The answer is : BHO is obviously a serious politician, someone with in depth knowledge and great commitment. So even when Faux news tried to use sexy images to make fun of our guy, their effort at humor fell flat.
HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?

Think about other images NW might have shown of the all-too-briefly governor of alaska. What would be a more accurate self image? Would the righties like to see her in sweats, on a couch next to a stack of copies of Foreign Affairs? Or maybe the photogs at NW could have posed her praying at the tomb of Ronald Reagan? Howsabout this ....

One of the most hackneyed pictures of any President are the ones based on JFK during the Missile Crisis. JFK is staring out the window. SO .. int he spirit of avoiding originality, perhaps NW could have photographed Palin at home in Wassila, staring through the curtains at Russia?

HorsesAss.Org » Blog Archive » Slutty schoolgirl doll?

2009-11-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a bimbo is a bimbo.

Palin HAS had HUGE opportunities to display her intellect and judgment. She has chosen instead to come across as an entertainer. It is hardly Newsweek's fault for presenting a bimbo as a bimbo.

Let me go a step further over the PC precipice. Treating people as stereotypes is hardly unique to the media painting women. The Clintons, for example, tried to play the racial image against Barack. Unlike Palin, Obama survived this by simply appearing as he is ... a very smart man.

Palin's complaint is not anything new nor is it party specific. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton both complained about not being taken seriously. Dan Quayle had the same complaint, as did George W. Bush. Most recently Susan Hutchinson tried gloriously to separate herself from the newsbimbo image.

As I said, sometimes a bimbo is .. a bimbo.

The Local - Germany's news in English

2009-11-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Local - Germany's news in English: "Photo: DPA
Opel is not the world

International solidarity among autoworkers? Malte Lehming from Berlin daily Der Tagesspiegel believes German outrage over GM’s decision not to sell Opel needs to be put in transatlantic perspective. READ »"

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles: "Nanoparticles used in common household items caused genetic damage in mice

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, found in everything from cosmetics to sunscreen to paint to vitamins, caused systemic genetic damage in mice, according to a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center."

Eureka! Science News | Latest science news articles

2009-11-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

Investor Paul Allen Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - WSJ.com

2009-11-16T23:20:00.000-08:00

Investor Paul Allen Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - WSJ.com: "Paul Allen left Microsoft more than 25 years ago after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, from which he recovered. His sister said that he is 'optimistic he can beat' the disease as he did his previous illness. Above, Mr. Allen uses a cell phone during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, in July."

56' Chris-Craft Salon Motoryacht - once owned by Dean Martin

2009-11-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

56' Chris-Craft Salon Motoryacht - once owned by Dean Martin: "Dean Martin fans rejoice! Crafted of teak and mahogany, this classic 1956 Chris Craft was once owned by the late Dean Martin. The stunning 56 ft yacht has been christened the “Innamorata, Italian for sweetheart, after one of Dean Martin's most memorable songs. She is currently being operated as a dinner cruise charter yacht on Lake Chelan. This is a unique opportunity to own a exquisite Christ-Craft motoryacht with a history of being owned by a celebrity. Imagine who could have been on board with Dean and his family; Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe. She is literally a window into old Hollywood. If you are looking for a turn key charter business in a great location, or would just like to own a peice of Hollywood maritime history- this is your chance. Whatever your pleasure, the Innamorata reflects the romance, elegance, and nostalgia reminiscent of the great Hollywood icons. She also has a fresh Gen-set and both main engines run strong. Asking $169,900 OBO. For more info please call 425-293-1269"

SLU, the BLOG for UW and biology at SLU

2009-11-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

SLU, the BLOG for UW and biology at SLU: "John Waynes Yacht , Partner Sought

John Waynes Yacht , Partner Sought: 'Own a piece of Pacific Northwest HISTORY - and 'live like the Duke!' -- The current owner/preservationist of John Wayne's first yacht offers partial ownership (min 20% - max 49%) of this historic vessel, for your active (or silent) partnership in this vessel and her charter business.

With a spacious pilothouse ahead of the main-deck salon at deck-level, a long open foredeck, sheltered side-decks, then three private staterooms plus separate crews' quarters AND a grand dining room belowdecks, she's ideal for cruising with friends and family. Norwester has a wonderful big-yacht 'feel' with a warm, inviting satin-varnished mahogany and gloss white paint interior hearkening to the era of her build; practical weather-proof exterior finishes (all surfaces recently re-furbished, including rubberized coating of boat-deck and pilothouse roof).

Over past 3 years, this new owner has completed Phase I restoration work to ensure full seaworthiness; also has brought mechanical, electrical, and other on-board systems up-to-date. All work has been under the watchful eye of one of the northwest's leading wooden-boat surveyors.

Phase II projects are now underway; new partner(s) are expected to 'buy-in', with whole-hearted commitment, to the joy of the full restoration -- over time -- of this extraordinary vessel. Firm price quoted is for 49% share, based on 2008 survey valuation, completed upgrades since that survey, and includes $33k to be placed into escrow toward half-share of all Phase II renovations. Check the 'full specs' for MANY photos, and more details on this classic yacht, including the charter-business opportunity."

Rational Discussion With a Naturpoathic Pothead?

2009-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Sunil Aggarwal, a UW MD PhD student is arguing that inhaled marjuana is aafe.

First, let me state again that no responsible scientist is going to advocate inhaling mj smoke given the simple fact that mj smoke has a very high content of known carcinogens.

Tashkin’s study is a good study. So how does one account for Tashkin’s study? Could there be some surprise in inhaled MJ, something wonderful that prevents cancer? The answer is yes, but …

The but is part of the basic tools of modern science. Tashkin’s study does not prove that mj is safe and certainly did not “prove” that it prevents cancer. No association analysis can prove a specific hypothesis.

I would hope, given Sunil’s PhD in the social sciences that he would have taken a course in causal analysis? For those who might care, the difference between causal analysis and association is HUGE.

For example, studies have shown that children of parents with hi IQ do better on exams. This association s valid but not causal because IQ scores are confounded by other variables, eg inherited wealth. When there is a surprising association, good scientists never decide on causality, they design hypothesis testing experiments to determine if the surprise is correct.

Justifying such studies is difficult because they are very expensive. A friend of mine owns and runs a drug company that exploits traditional Chinese medicine t find new drugs. Perhaps Sunil would like to try t convince that company to spend money on marijuana?

Sunil would have trouble convincing my friend t spend this money because there is so much evidence that inhaled mj SHOULD cause cancer. Sunil, however, is devoted to the naturopathic idea that complex extracts from plants, have better therapeutic outcomes than the effects of pure ingredients. This would be similar to Lilly saying it is no longer going to sell “pure” insulin because there is some other useful ingredient in pig pancreatic extract. As a diabetic patient, I am very glad that genetic engineering now allows Lilly to synthesize pure insulin.

For now let me point out that nothing in Tashkin’s study suggests that such a wonderful effect is due to the properties of marijuana. Suggesting that folks be encouraged to inhale benzpyrene, one of the carcinogens in mj smoke, is irresponsible and forcing children to do so at Hempfest may be a criminal act.

Cross Posted at SJ

Pharyngula on Fort Hood

2009-11-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

The man who slaughtered 13 unarmed people in Fort Hood, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, was clearly mentally ill, and should have been treated and cared for before he snapped and went on a rampage. Unfortunately, there's another factor that seems to be getting minimized in the press accounts: he was also a member of an Abrahamic death cult. Ibn Warraq has come out with a strong statement on the Islamic terrorism that motivated the attacks.

It is time to abandon apologetics, and political correctness. Not all Muslims are terrorists. Not all Muslims are implicated in the horrendous events of September 11, 2001 -- or of November 5, 2009. However, to pretend that Islam has nothing to do with 9/11 or the Fort Hood massacre is willfully to ignore the obvious. To leave Islam out of the equation means to forever misinterpret events. Without Islam, the long-term strategy and individual acts of violence by Osama bin Laden and his followers make little sense. Without Islam, the West will go on being incapable of understanding our terrorist enemies, and hence will be incapable to deal with them. Without Islam, neither is it possible to comprehend the barbarism of the Taliban, the position of women and non-Muslims in Islamic countries, or -- now-- the murders attributed to Major Hasan.

Religion is not a mitigating factor. It is not an excuse or a defense. it is not a sacred principle that must not be questioned. Too often, it has a complex causal relationship to evil."

Chinese quiz Obama on trade, Tibet and Yao Ming | Technology | Internet | Reuters

2009-11-12T23:29:00.000-08:00

Chinese quiz Obama on trade, Tibet and Yao Ming | Technology | Internet | Reuters: "BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Internet users want to quiz U.S. President Barack Obama about trade feuds, basketball, Tibet and whether he will cede California to China, according to websites seeking questions for a 'town hall' meeting.

Obama arrives on Sunday for a four-day visit to shore up ties between the world's biggest and third-biggest economies, and a public high point will be a planned question-and-answer meeting with young Chinese in Shanghai on Monday.

The White House hopes the quiz session will have a 'web component,' although details are still being negotiated, said Richard Buangan, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

'We're still in discussions with the Chinese government over whether the event will be broadcast live nationally and how it will be carried over the Internet,' Buangan told Reuters from Shanghai, where he was helping to organize Obama's itinerary.

But state-run websites have already begun to solicit possible questions for Obama from the country's estimated 300 million Internet users, including via a Chinese-language website of the official Xinhua news agency"

Beautiful Men?

2009-11-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

The Local - Sweden's news in English: "Café Magazine; Leif R. Jansson; Carl Lindström
Dating site singles out Swedes as world's most beautiful men

Swedish men have been judged as the world’s best looking by a dating website especially

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (photo: BBC)

for beautiful people, while blokes from Britain have landed near the bottom of the list.

»"Henrik Larsson (photo: svt.se)

Popular Science | New Technology, Science News, The Future Now

2009-11-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

In Defense of Cyborg Athletes

By John Mahoney Posted 11.12.2009 at 5:43 pm 4 Comments

Much of the debate on the place of advanced prostheses for the disabled in competitive sports often downplays arguably the most important perspective: that of the athletes who couldn't compete without them. In light of the recent MIT research project that found prosthetic limbs offering no advantage over natural legs, sprinter and double Cheetah leg user Aimee Mullins has some even more thought-provoking (and first-hand) analysis of the issue.
[ Read Full Story ]

READ MORE ABOUT > cheetah, cheetah leg, cyborgs, Oscar Pistorius, prosthetic limbs, prosthetics, sports

"Bill Gates' home tour on charity auction block

2009-11-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

Latest news headlines - CNET News: "Bill Gates' home tour on charity auction block

November 12, 2009 1:19 PM PST

A tour of the mansion will be led by the Microsoft founder himself. The auction bid, open to Microsoft employees only, is up to $35,000. What would you pay?"

Granma International, English Edition

2009-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Granma International, English Edition: "Reflections of Fidel
A science fiction story
HOW I regret having to criticize Obama, knowing that in that country there are other potential presidents worse than him. I understand that in the United States that office is currently a tremendous headache. Perhaps nothing could explain it better than the information in yesterday’s Granma that 237 members of the U.S. Congress; in other words, 44% of them, are millionaires. That does not mean that every one of them is obliged to be an incorrigible reactionary, but it is very difficult that they might think like any of the many millions of U.S. citizens who lack medical care, are unemployed or have to work hard to earn a living."

BHO goes to Asia

2009-11-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the beginning of my post. And here is the rest of it.

Seattle's undercover TSA officers - James Fallows

2009-11-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

More on the undercover TSA officers - James Fallows: "About how it may be working in Seattle:

'I witnessed this in action at SeaTac airport on this past Sunday morning. But I have to say the quote: 'They do not focus on nationality, race, ethnicity or gender, said TSA spokeswoman, Sari Koshetz, does not ring true.

'As I (a nicely dressed white middle aged woman) sat there a young woman of Asian heritage was approached and asked for her boarding pass. She complied and I didn't think anything of it but realized it was a newly established check point. Then a few minutes later another TSA agent approached the same woman and asked again. Hmmm, was she so nervous looking? Not to me, she looked like the rest of us bored and waiting to go folks. She did have a nice long conversation on her cell phone in a language I could not understand but there are thousands of people who do this. Another young white woman who was sitting to my right was shocked and said 'but they just asked her'. Yep. So they don't focus on nationality, race or ethnicity? I am not at all convinced and will be observing to see how this plays out.' [JF note: Like all law enforcement work, this is tricky. Eg, in any sensible risk-based system people in their 20s would deserve more attention than people in their 70s or 80s. The trick of course is drawing the line between that sort of common-sense triage and blanket categorization. Let's hope TSA is working on it.]"

Run Lou Run

2009-11-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan: "12 Nov 2009 04:55 pm
Run, Lou, Run!

Matt Cooper wonders if Dobbs' leaving CNN could leave him available for a third party challenge in 2012. I think there is an obvious space for a third party, anti-illegal immigrant, anti-free trade, populist candidate for 'real America.' The Dobbs crowd is also not as fixated on the religious and social issues, the way the GOP now is, which would give it much more appeal to fiscally troubled independents. And it would destroy the current GOP, especially if populist figures like Beck signed up.

And it would mean an Obama electoral college landslide. American politics is in flux again, isn't it?"

UW Budget Debates

2009-11-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

A great research university, the UW , provides something a teaching school can not provide ... the opportunity to learn from top intellectuals, practitioners, thinkers in the students' fields of study.

We do a poor job of helping our citizens and the legislators understand why having a world class professor of health care metrics or famous sculptor benefits all Washington kids who choose to come here. If we, that is the faculty, only emphasize 'teaching' the path down the slippery slope toward the dismal world of public education becomes obvious.

As one example, some years ago, Lee Hood's wife started an outreach program for WA state teachers to spend time at the UW working in genetics labs. I have met some of the products of that program and am very impressed. These high school teachers return to their class rooms with the real world experience in discovery that no teacher training program can give them and with contacts that are wonderful when the teacher encounters a student with the interest and talent needed to pursue science as a career. I wish more Wa citizens could exoerience the excitiemtn these teachers bring back to their classrooms.

The concept of the University as creating opportunity has other ramifications. We do a lot more to celebrate a winning football season than we do to celebrate receipt of a Nobel prize. We do little or nothing to highlight the collaborations many UW schools have with the working world as a great opportunity for our kids.

I also feel that the UW and WSU could do a much better job of providing resources and leadership for WA states excellent state college system. On the other hand, I worry that the Tacoma/Bothell model encourages the idea that we teach rather than the idea that we offer opportunity.

My bottom line is that I chose an academic life and the UW, because of the opportunities this university offered and have watched with pride as my own children as well as now two generations of my WA state students have taken advantage of those opportunities.

Mexican foodies take Berlin's taste buds south of the border - The Local

2009-11-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Mexican foodies take Berlin's taste buds south of the border

Published: 10 Nov 09 17:26 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20091110-23169.html

Three friends - a Mexican, a Texan, and an Australian - have finally brought authentic Mexican food to Berlin. The Local sat down with them to find out how they did it.

The Straits Times

2009-11-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

The Straits Times: "Beijing snowstorm induced 2:15 PM

BEIJING - CHINESE scientists artificially induced the second major snowstorm to wreak havoc in Beijing this season, ..."

Recalling communism through its black jokes | Article | The Punch

2009-11-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

Recalling communism through its black jokes | Article | The Punch: "It’s been strange, this week, to reflect that most people will never know, as I did (albeit as a visitor) what it was really like in the old Soviet Bloc. But the jokes used to tell the story.

An American dog, a Polish dog and a Russian dog are talking. The American dog says “Where I live it’s good. You bark loudly enough, and they give you meat”. The Polish dog says” What’s meat?” The Russian dog says “What’s bark?”"

Follow the link for more,

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Jackson's father seeks allowance

2009-11-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Jackson's father seeks allowance

Court papers gave a list of Joe Jackson's expenses

Joe Jackson has requested an allowance from the estate of his late son Michael, saying the pop star supported him for years before his death.

In court papers filed in Los Angeles, the 81-year-old's lawyers said his monthly expenses are $20,000, but he receives only $1,700 from the state.