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McCain taking Asymmetric advice- Carter's second term
2008-06-10 17:17:00 WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an interview with Carl Cameron today, Sen. McCain introduced some new pushback to Sen. Obama’s assertion that the GOPer represents a Bush third term. The presumptive Republican nominee instead argues that the Illinois Democrat is promoting policies that would mean a second term for President Carter. “You know one of his favorite phrases is that I would be a Bush third term. Well I think maybe his proposals could be a Carter second term,” McCain told Fox. from here. McCain took my advice. No doubt McCain staffers, at this very moment, are furiously pouring over the Asymmetric archives for more strategy tips. OK. Good, Mr. McCain. Stick with me- I'll get you to the White House.Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Peggy Noonan and an Asymmetric view of Republican troubles.
2008-05-17 03:09:00 Peggy Noonan took Republicans to task, piling on the evidence that the Republican "brand" is tarnished. Perhaps the Republican troubles go deeper than a little tarnish and only some Democratic rust will shine the Republicans up. Explanation: When do you feel more conservative: When money's low and your neighbors are acting up or when you live off your fathers trust fund in his gated mansion? Likewise, good times prompt Democratic victory, as the populace grows weary of improvement and just wants to relax. To put it another way, people will only vote for Republicans, the "course-righteners" in times of danger or perceived Democratic malfeasance. The "malfeasance" manifests itself in the "giving away the store" idea, or, the belief that Democrats have or will irresponsibly damage society to benefit the object of their pity du jour. On social issues, this means affirmative action, gay marriage, sex education in kindergarten, etc. In economics, look at California where, after Gr...
By: Asymmetric
Addressing Asymmetric Threats: Shifts at the Pentagon And Strategic Communi
2008-05-15 18:42:00 Last Thursday, I was honored to chair one of four panels at a special seminar, "Dealing with Today's Asymmetric Threat," co-sponsored by the National Defense University and CACI International , with assistance from the Counterterrorism Foundation. The purpose of the seminar was to establish a framework for the development of an integrated and synchronized strategy, by the end of the calendar year, to address the asymmetrical threats to United States and global security. My panel, titled, "Global...(read more)
Asymmetric car-buying experience
2008-05-14 07:19:00 When I figured out that the savings from a doubling of my gas mileage would pay for a new fuel efficient vehicle, I decided to dump the old Isuzu Trooper and buy a small car. Auto thoughts: 1. Amazingly, I decided this all on my lonesome! I didn't need CAFE mandates, tax rebates, or Al Gore public service announcements (Don't tell him; he might get angry.) to convince me. Not only could I (and thousands of other independent Americans) choose to help the environment (and my wallet) without help, I, an often "bitter," sometimes "victimized" minority also negotiated with the "predatory" and "greedy" dealer for the price of the car with no government representative looking over my shoulder. Well, not quite: The government does have rules to assure a transparent transaction (which is a legitimate government function). Californians don't stop at the necessary, however: Each car in California has a sign saying: WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of Californ...
By: Asymmetric
Shill-proofing Asymmetric: Criticizing McCain:
2008-05-09 16:33:00 McCain isn't my "lesser of evils." I actually like and respect him; he's a good guy and one with whom I generally agree. But, I don't like being part of a drumbeat so I'm purposefully criticizing McCain: Generally: McCain has a sincere speaking style, but sometimes trips over his words, reminding us, to the detriment of McCain's campaign, of the difficulty our current commander and chief has with impromptu speaking. He's reduced his use of "friends" in speaking, but for a while, it was almost a verbal tick. McCain sprinkles his sentences with "breakers" like "I believe" or "if you will." He repeats jokes often. Specifically: McCain responded to Obama's "losing his bearings" comment by accusing Obama of slyly bringing up his age. Now, I believe this. Unless it's something that Obama says regularly, somebody gave him a phrase that denotes "meandering" and connotes dementia. However, it's not good for McCain to worry about "intentions" or hidden insults. Doing so makes ...
By: Asymmetric
Reverend Jeremiah Wright speaks at NAACP: Asymmetric opinion
2008-04-28 05:49:00 I heard most of the sermon. My thoughts: Content: Pretty banal stuff. Wright mentioned that he mostly talks about Christ before offering his thoughts on culturo-historical issues of the day. His main message was that people see others as "deficient" and that those people are "deficiant(?)." He gave racial, cultural, and musical examples. I don't know. I think things can be different, but of a similar quality. On the other hand, can I think that Milli Vanilli is deficient vis a vis Handel, to use one of the reverend's examples? Europeans did see Africans as "deficient," I suppose, but, in some measures of civilization, they were (are)- thus, the term "underdeveloped." Reverend Wright sees America as deficient in some ways, but wait! Maybe Wright's absolute relativism is consistent after all, since he compares Al Qaeda to the United States. Reverend Wright has a lovely singing voice. Only slightly deficient compared to Otis Redding and James Brown, although superior to Brow...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric public service announcement
2008-03-24 06:45:00 As you're flying home from your Easter weekend, please heed these safety tips from Deltalina. Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Conference: Asymmetric Taliban Strategies
2008-03-19 15:26:00 Countering Asymmetric Taliban Strategies in Afghanistan, at RUSI, London, 26th March 2008. Speakers include Steve Tatham and James Shinn. NATO forces in Afghanistan possess an overwhelming advantage over their opponent insurgent forces in firepower. Yet, despite this, they have been unable to defeat, or decisively rout the Taliban forces. Although the insurgents might be militarily weak, ...
By: KuiperCliff
Asymmetric thoughts on Eliot Spitzer
2008-03-11 04:30:00 1. Why does Spitzer apologize to his wife in his press conference? He should apologize to the state by saying, "I'm a bad example" and apologize to his wife in private with flowers or something. I don't think any more of him for telling us that he apologized to his wife. 2. $5,500.00 a pop (sorry)? I know the dollar is weak, but this is ridiculous. 3. I'm glad it's a Democrat. Not because Republicans should use one man's peccadilloes against a whole political philosophy, but because we don't have to hear the left use it to generalize about Republicans or crow about hypocrisy (as if people who advocate a certain moral standard have to be perfect).Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric thoughts on Eliot Spitzer
2008-03-11 04:30:00 1. Why does Spitzer apologize to his wife in his press conference? He should apologize to the state by saying, "I'm a bad example" and apologize to his wife in private with flowers or something. I don't think any more of him for telling us that he apologized to his wife. 2. $5,500.00 a pop (sorry)? I know the dollar is weak, but this is ridiculous. 3. I'm glad it's a Democrat. Not because Republicans should use one man's peccadilloes against a whole political philosophy, but because we don't have to hear the left use it to generalize about Republicans or crow about hypocrisy (as if people who advocate a certain moral standard have to be perfect).Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric growth
2008-03-01 19:29:00 Watch out Kos, here I come. Traffic is up 650% for the year. At that rate of increase, I should surpass Daily Kos in two years and Yahoo in about six years with over 4.9 billion page views per month. Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Tribute to Fidel Castro
2008-02-19 18:59:00 Well, it's been an illustrious career. Please contribute below for his gold watch. Who: "El comandante," world-record holding dictator, baseball enthusiast, bombastic bore, the Bearded Pitcher: Destroyer of Nations. Read here. Why: Like Washington was a great man for what he didn't do (assume lordship over a new nation), Castro is infamous for doing what the greater man resisted. Imagine for a moment what could have been Castro's first speech: Companeros, I stand here in front of the countrymen I love to proclaim that I come to liberate Cuba from Batista, not take his place. I trust the great people of Cuba will make this land one of freedom and prosperity. Elections will be held next Tuesday. But noooooo. He proceeds to consolidate auto-domination over Cuba and drive the most prosperous Latin-American country at the time, with standards of living approaching those in Europe, with net immigration from the first world, strait into the ground. A pathetic nation, the whore ho...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric campaign srategy update 2/15/08
2008-02-15 18:36:00 OK. Let's see how things are playing out: I see that McCain took my advice and attacked Obama's soft underbelly (No, that's not a sailor joke.). McCain (and Hillary) are trying to use Obama's dreamboat persona and Tony Robbins-like motivational speaking ability against him as you can see from the video above. Rush Limbaugh also acknowledged the plan to make McCain seem like a moderate: "If I really wanted to torpedo McCain, I would endorse him," Limbaugh said on his radio show. "Because that would send the independents and liberals who are going to vote for him running away faster than anything." "What people don't realize is that I am doing McCain the biggest favor that can be done for him by staying out of this," he continued. "If I endorsed him thoroughly and with passion, that would end the independents and moderates, because they so despise me and they so hate me." As soon as Democrats saw Obama as a viable alternative, they gladly went for him instead of the embar...
By: Asymmetric
Berkeley and the Marine Corps fued: An Asymmetric view
2008-02-13 06:10:00 Two initial points: 1. Elected officials should express the will of their constituents, even if those views are unpopular in the rest of the nation. It's also the role of local government to regulate its zoning and atmosphere (pornography, etc.) without pressure from above to conform (unless it's something ridiculous- I'm not an extremist.). 2. One needn't support every American war to be patriotic or a good citizen. On 2: I've heard conservatives say that Berkeley residents shouldn't criticize the military because it's the military that's secured Berkeley's rights in the first place. First, they're using it! Second, let's be honest and admit that America hasn't fought every war to guarantee Berkeleyite foolishness. The above points having been made, it's proper for Americans to expect some deference from an American city towards our military if that city also expects the military to protect them from an attack- God forbid- or help in an emergency. Really, the Be...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric calls Utah for Romney
2008-02-06 04:39:00 I'm going to put Utah in the Romney column. Data's still coming in, but I feel pretty good about this one.Powered by b2evolution.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric recommendation on California ballot propositions.
2008-02-05 04:41:00 Not so remarkably, the people of California are a lot smarter when it comes to making California law than our state legislature which has to be the least diverse and most unwise in the hemisphere next to the Havana politiebureau. Here are my recommendations for the propositions up tomorrow. Proposition 91- No: This one prohibits the legislature from moving transportation revenue from gasoline taxes to the general fund. I lean against any proposition that artificially limits the government's ability to make decisions like balanced budget amendments, etc. In other words, people should vote for honest politicians who won't move money away from its intended purpose. In case of an emergency or if none of the roads happen to need repair (ha!), this law would make the government less efficient (ha! ha!). Proposition 92- No!: This one writes the percentage of the budget that should be spent on education into the constitution (!!). A stupid bill for the reasons above as well as its goa...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric movin' on up
2008-02-02 03:37:00 It's time to upgrade! I'm moving from the 1.85 version of B2evolution that has served me well for over a year to the much more modern 2.4 version. I put the move off for a while because it required a technical expertise way out of my php league. Fortunately, fellow "evolutionary" Edb helped me out. I owe him a debt of gratitude. In order to cause the least disruption to the world financial markets, the upgrade will be done over the weekend.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric: Republican Kingmakers
2008-01-29 07:54:00 Many people ask me: Why do you spend so much time blogging (OK, only my wife asks me, but stay with me.) I always say: To make a difference. To advocate for my nation and world. To effect change! What influence can one blogger have on the process? Let's see: From Real Clear Politics My colleague, M. Lipeles, endorsed Romney on 1/22/08. Almost immediately afterwards, Romney's campaign experienced what I'll heretofore call the "Asymmetric bounce." On January 18th, I endorsed Senator McCain. "Well, the chart shows him already increasing in popularity," you say. "Just a coincidence," you say. "Bandwagon," you say. You say gibberish! If you notice, the McCain surge had already begun to show signs of exhaustion. The Asymmetric endorsement breathed new life into the tires of McCain's "Strait Talk Express" in a manner of speaking. Don't believe me? Let's ask Dick Morris: "Look, when I worked for Bill Clinton as his senior adviser, he would ask me, 'What can I do to increase m...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric response to the Democrat response
2008-01-29 04:36:00 What was that? I was worried I'd have to write a long response, but this one's a snap. It was a Democrat congress with nothing to say. Besides the SCHIP, it was Obama sweet nothings. No partisanship. That's controversial! Let's work together. OK. We need to make "tough, smart decisions." I'm all for smart toughness! Like what? Giveaways: 1. Any speech that treats global warming seriously is silly. 2. No mention of Iraq withdrawal- at all. Just "fight smarter," a code word for "ummmm."
By: Asymmetric
Should abortion be illegal? An Asymmetric view.
2008-01-22 22:36:00 CLAVERING CHILDREN- Romney People live lives, decisions are made, things are legal, and many otherwise fine people have had abortions. I don't want to come off as judging or perfect; I just want a discussion. Let's review the pro-life position: 1. Upon conception (when anti-twains meet), the body gets a soul. 2. People shouldn't kill the innocent and souled. 3. It's right for the government to intervene on the innocents' behalf. 4. Therefore, abortion should be illegal. And, pro-choice: 1. People have the right to decide upon anything inside of their body. 2. An unborn baby is inside a woman's body. 3. Therefore, the mother decides the baby's fate. Let's think about this: To Christians, abortion is objectively immoral as per the first syllogism above, but some Christians may be surprised to learn that doctrine has evolved on the matter. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the Catholic Church recognized (as opposed to "decided") conception as the life start...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric endorses John McCain for president
2008-01-19 10:34:00 Wouldn't you know it? I was in my car wishing for a sign to help me choose a candidate and it came. It wasn't a burning bush, an apple on my head, or an angel; it was Larry Marino on KRLA: John McCain called for a cut in the corporate tax rate! Before that moment, I had been wavering between Giuliani and McCain. Let me explain my decision: 1. Corporate taxes are the dumbest kind of taxes known to man. Why? People pay taxes, not corporations. A company can use the money it pays in taxes to increase salaries, give greater dividends, invest more, or lower prices. Guess what happens with the first two: Yes, the individual at the receiving end pays more taxes. The third one is good, of course, and the last one, essentially, is a pay increase in the form of purchasing power. Added benefits include more manufacturing and foreign investment ("No taxes? Let's go there.") Even Obama admitted that tax havens attract business when he mentioned the Cayman Islands during a debate. The only...
By: Asymmetric
Welcome Mr. Lipeles to Asymmetric
2008-01-11 18:02:00 I'd like to formally welcome my colleague and friend Mr. Lipeles to Asymmetric. He's a professional writer and smart guy and I'm sure that you'll enjoy his stuff. Anyways, I'm thrilled with the addition.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Republican South Carolina debate analysis
2008-01-11 17:55:00 I'll just say that the race is both more exciting and more dull. Nobody knows how things will shake out over the next months, but we've heard everything. I don't think anything changed with the debates. To me, all of them did fairly well-even Ron Paul. Nobody fought except for Thompson who went after Huckabee with a vengeance. Romney: 1. Romney gave wonky answers, highlighting his greatest attribute. 2. Three dimensional chess must be something people play in Massachusetts (I've never heard of it), but I like it as a metaphor contrasting 1980s foreign policy with today's. 3. He said that Ronald Reagan made families stronger, a bizarre statement that just isn't true (How could he?) 4. Romney framed his illegal alien argument well; he didn't sound too mean. McCain: 1. McCain said that he's just being honest when he says that some jobs won't go back to South Carolina and Michigan- his strength. He proposed job training programs, which kind of smells like rotting lib...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Republican debate analysis coming up
2008-01-11 01:37:00 OK, citizens: Go about your daily lives. I've got you covered on the debate. Come back around midnight and I'll tell you who won.
By: Asymmetric
Best and Worst Movies of 2007: An Asymmetric view
2008-01-01 08:36:00 Best Movies of 2007 OK. I've seen about 1.5 movies per week (That means I've seen about 6 a month, not that I've walked out of half of them.) The criteria for choosing the best movies are that 1. I saw them and 2. I will see them again. Here's my list for the year: 1. Stardust Good, but also one of those quality, feel-good, non-blockbusters that your friends appreciate as a recommendation. Good fantasy is more rare than comic-book movies, action, or drama. 2. Superbad Hilarious, gross, and moral. Moral? "Superego versus Id" deluxe. 3. Three Hundred (300) Straightforward action. The most novel visualization of combat since Lord of the Rings. More Six packs than a Circle K. 4. Spiderman 3. Not only the best comic-book movie this year. Perhaps the greatest one ever. Complex story. Long, but not boring. 5. Elizabeth- Golden Age. The best adult movie this year that you don't have to pay for by the minute. 6. Night at the Museum A funny movie with Robi...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric blogging resolutions for 2008
2008-01-01 07:24:00 In 2008, I resolve to... 1. ...double check for style and grammar. 2. ...post fewer cheap "look at this" posts. 3. ...not Digg, Stumbleupon, or Reddit my own posts. 4. ...not worry about hits or traffic. 5. ...not worry about SEO BS. 6. ...only blog when it's fun or necessary. 6. ...as the previous five suggest, focus on quality, not process.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric update on GOP race
2007-12-28 06:26:00 RCP Average from Real Clear Politics: Giuliani: 21.3% With his "macaca moment" and his closet's contents spilling over into people's consciousness, Giuliani's lead has continued to shrink. His numbers would probably be lower if more people were paying attention. He's still leading, however. Huckabee: 18.0% Huckabee can't win. His religious war with Romney will make sure of that. His nice-guy image, strong debate performances, and "not the other guys" factor took him this far, but those three don't last long and eventually grate. McCain: 15.3% I'm asking myself why I crossed this guy off my list. Immigration? Campaign finance reform? There's no doubt that he is the credible, strong leader amongst the candidates. McCain is the guy you want when the chips are down. Romney: 14.5% All of his effort and money and he's in fourth place? No chance. By going negative, he's showing that he's no un-politician and will resort to nonsense when cornered. He makes me think he ...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric interview with Santa Claus: Ready to go tonight
2007-12-24 08:51:00 Asymmetric was able to land an exclusive interview with Santa Claus. He's on the line right now. Listen in: Asymmetric: Sorry I couldn't make it up to the North Pole. Can you hear me OK? Santa: Fine, thanks. Asymmetric: Santa, I thank you for sparing a few minutes for Asymmetric. I know it must be a busy day for you. Santa: That's an understatement. Asymmetric: First, my readers want to know: Why all the names? Santa: Well, my real name is Kris Kringle. Some people call me St. Nicholas because he was the one who inspired me in the first place. When I was small, my mom would read me stories about how St. Nick helped kids and the hungry, and those stories motivated me to help people. When God needed somebody to help make children happy, I jumped at the chance. Others call me Santa Claus because the Dutch celebrate St. Nicholas with a festival called Sinterklass. When the Dutch brought this tradition to the United States, English speakers changed the name a little to make Sa...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
2007-12-23 18:36:00 The technology that allows internet user to receive broadband using existing telephone networks. ADSL splits the phone line in two allowing data and voice connections at the same time. ADSL is the most widely deployed form of DSL technology. Most homes and small businesses currently using it, Telkom Speedy is the most popular ADSL uses in Indonesia. ADSL is called "asymmetric" because the data rate being transmitted to the subscriber is higher than the data rate transmitted from the subscriber.Teknologi yang memungkinkan pengguna internet memperoleh akses berkecepatan tinggi menggunakan jaringan telepon yang telah ada. ADSL membagi saluran telepon menjadi dua bagian sehingga komunikasi data dan komunikasi suara dapat dilakukan secara bersamaan. ADSL merupakan bentuk penerapan teknologi DSL yang paling banyak digunakan. Pengguna internet rumahan dan UKM lazim menggunakan ADSL, Telkom Speedy adalah contoh ADSL yang paling populer di Indonesia. Disebut "asymmetric (tidak simetris)" kar...
Asymmetric theory on interracial dating and attraction
2007-12-16 00:14:00 An AP news article by Dionne Walker a couple of weeks ago that black women are increasingly dating men of other races reminded me of a theory on interracial dating I developed back in my college days. Since I didn't start Asymmetric until twenty years later, the theory languished in the little corner of my mind I reserve for interesting inconsequentialities until now, when I get to share it with my readers. First, a few caveats. I consider this story and interracial dating in general to be morally neutral- neither bad nor good- and of little consequence to the lives of Americans. Second, Americans get more upset over race than religion and politics put together- more than even dog fighting- but I only intend to make what I feel is an interesting observation so don't get upset. Third, I’m speaking in the broadest of generalities and my own now-shelved proclivities have often contradicted this theory. Finally, I recognize that other factors may be at work, but I'll purpose...
By: Asymmetric
National Review jumps on Asymmetric bandwagon- Petraeus
2007-12-15 02:32:00 National Review named General Petraeus its "Man of the Year." It's the obvious choice. Asymmetric awarded him the soon-to-be prestigious Asymmetric Peace Prize, shadowing the other peace convention in Stockholm.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric uncovers Larry Craig's Netflix queue
2007-12-10 02:44:00 Netflix employee and gay prostitute, Roni Robards, claims that Idaho Senator Larry Craig approached him at an airport and asked him for advice on movie rentals. The following is from an Asymmetric phone interview: So, I'm in a stall and I see this hand go up with a piece of paper. It said: 'What are the best movies in the "lifestyle" genre?' I thought it might be a cop so I left immediately. I didn't think anything of it until I saw Larry Craig on TV. I said, 'Hey, I know that hand.' I couldn't stand that this man who's against gay marriage and gay rights went around soliciting advice on alternative movies- what a hypocrite!- so I went into his account and sure enough: 1. Funny Girl Funny Girl 2. Top gun Top Gun (Widescreen Special Collector's Edition) 3. The Mario Lopez story. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric analysis of UNLV Democrat debate
2007-11-16 20:56:00 Individual performance: In style, Bill Richardson came off as a combination of both Gilligan and the Skipper. In substance, he was probably closer to Dr. Phil, with ego-soothing nothing-talk that was tough on people not in the audience. Hillary Clinton had an odd-looking, sour, school-marmish mouth. She may have hurt herself when she joked, during the pearl or diamonds inanity, that she has trouble answering questions; that sort of cements the image and validates her critics. And, she did have trouble: We should give merit pay to whole schools? NAFTA is bad to the extent that you don't like it? On Social Security, she wants a commission. Throw us a bone, Hillary. We've had tons of commissions and studies. Can you decide on one? Her whole dance on male-bullying was sly and unintelligible which is why she's winning, I guess. Biden was funny, but he clearly didn't care. At the beginning, I thought he was drunk. Dodd seemed the most serious. He was the first to articulate a r...
By: Asymmetric
The burden of being appreciated: Asymmetric thoughts on Veteran's day II
2007-11-13 03:08:00 To my brothers and sisters in the armed forces, No doubt you've felt very proud today as friends, family, and others have thanked you for your service. I myself am very appreciative of the gratitude I've received. One thought that occurred to me is that one so honored must take special care to deserve it. Without getting specific, it's important for people in uniform to conduct themselves, both on and off the battlefield, in a manner meriting of praise. That's all. Carry on. 2LT Guirado
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric thoughts for Veteran's Day
2007-11-11 20:36:00 1. American veterans have participated in both the defense of the nation and, in some cases, wars of aggression (open a page of Howard Zinn at random).** Without both types of actions, the United States, quite literally, wouldn't exist. 2. We honor veterans because we're grateful to people who do difficult things for our benefit. Most people reward such actions with money, but for those in certain jobs, where an appropriate financial compensation is impractical or impossible, appreciation is part of their paycheck. It's why Blackwater guards get more money than G.I. Joe and we don't have "Mercenary Day." It's why we have "Mother's Day" and not "Daycare Worker Day" (although I appreciate them as well). 3. It's both a duty (for those capable) and a privilege to serve in the military. I thank God that I'm able to help the country that's given my parents and children such wonderful (and rare, in the world) opportunities. God bless the USA. God bless those across the world w...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Committee Chooses Gen. Petraeus for Peace Prize
2007-10-15 21:44:00 The only problem is finding a place for his medal. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Opinion on John Kerry Taser incident at University of Florida
2007-09-20 09:56:00 I made a joke about Andrew Meyer getting tased, but that only proves that serious people shouldn't make decisions based on jokes. In reality, the guy was an obnoxious, self-aggrandizing, punk. He should have left after the police asked him to instead of resisting. Since he decided to fight the police, the authorities had every right to remove him using a one-step escalation. What would he have preferred: Getting beaten up? Please, don't act a fool and then complain when people don't stand up and applaud. When you watch the video below, notice that Mr. Meyer utters the same conspiratorial nonsense that far-lefty bloggers and other assorted nuts spew on the internet and Pacifica radio.
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric non-commentary on the Emmy awards
2007-09-18 04:24:00 I suppose I should have viewed the Emmys last night, being a entertainment blogger and all. However, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint my tens of fans by stating that I just couldn't bring myself to watch it last night. It wasn't a conservative's "shut up and sing" aversion to the PC atmosphere characteristic of award shows; if anything, that makes them a little more interesting. I certainly don't hate entertainers; I'd be thrilled to meet many of them and am certain that they populate the gamut of human goodness and intelligence in the same proportions as teachers and soldiers. However, just like I appreciate indoor plumbing but don't watch Plumbing Tonight on the P channel. I love the end result of entertainers' products, but don't otherwise find actors compelling. Take away their beauty and their ability to shed a tear on queue, and you have, well, everybody else. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric philosophy on political scandal and its mongers
2007-09-05 03:19:00 Scandals have accompanied politics since Abraham (the original, not Lincoln), and I imagine that we'll continue to have them as long as we elect people and not reliably moral automatons. Just this past week, we've had the Democrat Chinese campaign donor scandal and Daniel Craig's bathroom dalliance with which to entertain ourselves. As you might expect, Republican-leaning sites like National Review are reporting the donor scandal. And, parsing every Republican sentence (macacca), perusing every Republican file, and peering in every right-wing stall has been a Huffington Post diversion for seven years now- kind of like a leftist Sudoku. I tend to think that Republicans are quicker to shear their split ends than Democrats, but that's a different argument. Let's just say that each side only reluctantly points out their side's shortcomings, if they mention them at all. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric theory on interracial dating and attraction
2007-08-31 07:31:00 An AP news article by Dionne Walker a couple of weeks ago that black women are increasingly dating men of other races reminded me of a theory on interracial dating I developed back in my college days. Since I didn't start Asymmetric until twenty years later, the theory languished in the little corner of my mind I reserve for interesting inconsequentialities until now, when I get to share it with my readers. First, a few caveats. I consider this story and interracial dating in general to be morally neutral- neither bad nor good- and of little consequence to the lives of Americans. Second, Americans get more upset over race than religion and politics put together- more than even dog fighting- but I only intend to make what I feel is an interesting observation so don't get upset. Third, I’m speaking in the broadest of generalities and my own now-shelved proclivities have often contradicted this theory. Finally, I recognize that other factors may be at work, but I'll purpose...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric view of Craig and bathroom peerage
2007-08-30 06:56:00 It seems as though Larry Craig did what he was accused of doing, which is a little disgusting and, worse than consesual homosexual sex, illegal. Asymmetric points: 1. The fact that not all who support a standard can conform to its dictates doesn't mean the standard shouldn't exist. I'm sure Democratic Senators drive gas-guzzling cars. 2. Nobody has ever claimed that everybody in a certain party is free of corruption or temptation. That's one out of 49 Rep. Senators and Haggard was one of how many prachers? 3. Almost as seemly is the delight with which political opponents view a man's destruction. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Movie Review: Illegal Tender
2007-08-27 08:37:00 (bonus half-star for Iris Chacon) I was mildly surprised with the all-around goodness of Illegal Tender. I expected a money and hos bloodfest patronizing that part of our society engaged exclusively in the above mentioned pursuits (everybody is, to some extent, but most accomplish it sans blood) replete with sub-cultural in-references and mainstream contempt. What I saw, instead, was a solid morality play with a decent plot and some good performances. => Read more!
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Movie Review: Nancy Drew
2007-08-02 00:11:00 A mystery movie for the tween-set, those children too old for Barney and too young for CSI, Nancy Drew mostly succeeds in delivering a fun, lightly suspenseful movie and parents would do well to place Nancy Drew on the top of their daughter?s Netflix queue if they miss it in theaters. In Nancy Drew, Nancy (Emma Roberts), an intelligent, curious girl whose only flaw is an addiction to crime solving, moves from the lovely small town of Silver Lake to the lovely large town of Los Angeles with her father where she?s thrilled to find that her new house was the scene of the mysterious disappearance of Dehlia Draycott, a famous movie actress from the fifties. An inspection of Draycott?s room causes Drew to suspect that Draycott disappeared because she was pregnant and, in a series of clever scenes, Drew tracks the daughter down to inform her of her good fortune. The good fortune is both figurative and literal as the daughter, struggling single mother Jane Brighton, would be due to in...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric ratchets up security with ground-braking image verification- CAP
2007-08-01 05:20:00 Asymmetric is aware that the internet has become, in many ways, a dangerous place both for content providers as well as those partaking of the web's diverse offerings. The protection of Asymmetric's integrity and commitment to the privacy of Asymmetric's many readers has prompted the Asymmetric staff to develop new, stricter security measures. The first product of Asymmetric's increased concern for security is a new image verification system or CAPTCHA. Please adhere to the following procedure when registering on Asymmetric: You will be presented with the following image: As soon as your screen is illuminated with a shard of pure kryptonite bathed in the former planet Krypton's red sun,* a simple physics equation will appear. Below is an example. Because of some complaints during beta testing, we start the solution for you: Solve the problem. Choose a user name and password. Avoid easy to guess passwords such as birthdays, anniversaries, or repeated symbols. The passwor...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2007-07-21 00:28:00 for civilians for Potter Maniacs I first heard of Harry Potter in a children?s literature class I took sometime in 1998 that happened to coincide with Scholastic's release of J.K. Rowling's second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I remember discussing the first book, Philosopher?s Stone, in class and being somewhat surprised at my colleagues' level of enthusiasm. The phenomenon kept growing, of course, but I never involved myself too deeply in Harry Potter, despite the hectoring of my colleagues. For some of you, then, my Potter illiteracy may disqualify my review of the latest film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, from your serious consideration, but others may appreciate my novice eyes so here goes: Order of the Phoenix makes me regret resisting Pottermania, for, judging from this latest movie, Rowling has created an interesting story with some inspired touches and fascinating characters. In the latest film, Harry Potter and a few select wizar...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Movie Review: Live Free or Die Hard-same old
2007-07-16 22:32:00 If you?ve seen any of the previous Die Hard Movies, I've included the following 45 version of a longer review: Character: It?s a Die Hard Movie. Plot: It?s a Die Hard Movie. Special effects: Boom! + monkey-man. Dialogue: ?Yippee Kay Yeah, MF? Message: It?s a Die Hard Movie. Should you go see it? If you like Die Hard movies, yes. The LP version follows: Character: For everybody else, Live Free or Die Hard (Die hard 4) (which has only the most tenuous connection with freedom as a theme-obviously the name is a marketing decision) is a little difficult to explain. The hero, John McClane (Bruce Willis), isn?t clever or suave like James Bond, but he has a better sense of humor (see ?Yippee?? above) than Jack Bauer. He?s an unremarkable hero himself, but distinguishes himself by the manner in which society calls upon his substantial survival skills. The hook in all of the Die Hard movies is McClane?s accidental heroism. He?s not an anti-terrorism expert like Jack or a Secret...
By: Asymmetric
Asymmetric Opinion on the New Seven Wonders of the World
2007-07-14 10:49:00 The American Idol-style selection process has its detractors: A paragraph from the press release reads "There is no comparison between Mr. Weber?s mediatised campaign and the scientific and educational work resulting from the inscription of sites on UNESCO?s World Heritage List. The list of the 7 New Wonders of the World will be the result of a private undertaking, reflecting only the opinions of those with access to the internet and not the entire world. This initiative cannot, in any significant and sustainable manner, contribute to the preservation of sites elected by this public."[4] Their opinion's not ridiculous as orchestrated campaigns like those in Brazil skew the results. However, the protestation of UNESCO is uncharitable at best and self-serving and elitist at worst. Why didn't they just thank the group for bringing attention to man's past glories? Whatever. It makes sense to choose new ones. I mean, nobody's ever seen any of the old ones except for the Pyramid a...
By: Asymmetric
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