11.21.2006
Withdrawl Symptoms
Years ago the Plattsburgh Paper shitcanned its proofreader. And since then local readers have been treated to some wonderful blunders. Hey, I make mistakes, but at least I run a spellcheck program. But some wordsmiths at the Paper don’t even bother to do that.
Try this headline on the front page of the 11/20/06 edition:
What’s a withdrawl timetable? Curbing violence within a few weeks by teaching Iraqis how to speak slower with a Southern accent? (“You’all shouldn’t be firin’ those weppuns, sho nuff.”)
11.20.2006
Like A Screen Door On A Submarine
Securism. Extreme, ineffective security measures. Vain, usually costly, regulations and systems that won’t completely eliminate the threat of terrorism.
For example, after 9/11 Plattsburgh University developed a new set of security protocols. In 2003, when Homeland Security evaluated the treat level as “high” due to the start of Vietnam War II, on-campus students were given new codes to gain access to their dorms. Problem: some codes were too complicated to recall. Solution: students traded codes, seeking out the easiest ones to remember.
So much for that security system.
Now PU is spending about $900,000 to install another security system. The new codeless set-up will feature proximity-card readers. No need to remember a code and punch it in on a keypad. Buildings will be locked 24/7. A card-carrying student will be allowed to enter any dorm building during the day, but at night his access will be restricted to his residence hall. This new and improved system should be in operation for fall semester, 2007.
Within one month of operation, I predict the PU students – who are young, impatient, and value convenience and freedom - will figure a way around the new system.
As I’ve stated before, fear-mongering has blown the actual threat of terrorism into an all-powerful boogeyman, The Specter of Terrorism. Some pols use the Specter to haunt our minds and keep us in line while our rights are infringed and tax-money is flushed down the toilet.
Yes, terrorists can strike. But practical measures should be taken. After all, what difference will a codeless system make if some wacko decides to detonate a dirty bomb?
[SOURCE: Plattsburgh State project to improve security By RYAN HUTCHINS; Press-Republican, Monday, 11/20/06 – Page A5.]
11.01.2006
A Trick Or Treat Question
Did anyone dress up for Halloween as CBS-TeeVee news anchor Katie Couric?
I mean, have you seen her? She doesn’t look human. Look at how smooth her complexion is. She’s around 50 years old; not a wrinkle. Her face is a plastic mask. And her hair. There’s a difference between blonde and yellow.
Of course, CBS couldn’t continue its Evening News with some old fart like Bob Schieffer. Well, he did look human, a few wrinkles, white hair. But TeeVee news – which started out as a public service – is now a business. A good-looking youngish blonde sells more Glade Plug-Ins, even if she looks like an inflatable non-human.
I must admit I haven’t seen Katie doing her bit on the CBS Evening News. I don’t watch any of the evening news programs; they’re all crap. Also, I will agree that I am attacking Katie not on her performance, just on her appearance.
But isn’t that the reason why she was hired?
I mean, besides Katie being “perky.” As you know, Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow are regarded as great journalists because of their perkiness.
