Alright, its been awhile, so hopefully I'll make up for it with this rant....
I went to my local Wachovia bank today to deposit a check. While waiting in line, I noticed a six foot tall advertisement for their latest special deal. What the deal was, I couldnt tell you. Why? The sign was in Spanish. I spent 30 seconds scanning the room for an equivalent advertisement in English, but not luck. When I got to the teller, I commented on the sign to the teller, who advised me that there was in fact an English-language version of the sign... on the back of the Spanish one, facing the wall! She mentioned to me that a large number of their customers were Spanish speaking. I reminded her that a large number of their customers were English speaking too, and we arent going to bother pulling an advertisement off the wall and turning it around to read it. It was clear the conversation wasnt going to go anywhere, so I broke it off and left muttering to myself. The look in her eye said it all. I was racist for wanting signs that I can read in my own country.
I have begrudgingly become accustomed to dual signage, but Spanish-only is just too much for me to swallow. Obviously, Wachovia has the right to advertise to whatever demographic group they wish. However, if I'm not important enough to them that they are willing to bother putting up signs that I can read, it is my right to take my business elsewhere.
If there are still Spanish-only signs the next time I go in there, I am strongly considering withdrawing all my funds and moving to another bank.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
A Q&A Sesson
I answered a few questions recently for a reporter from my school paper. Though she ended up not needing my responses, I thought I would post them here just so they werent a total waste of my time:
What is the main idea behind your beliefs to allow the carrying of concealed guns on campus?
The driving force behind allowing individuals to carry a concealed handgun on campus, and of concealed carry in general, is to prevent those individuals from becoming victimized. There is simply no way for any police force to protect every location at once, and there is no way of completely disarming all criminals. Concealed carry’s advantages are two-fold. The first, most obvious, advantage would become readily apparent if there ever were to be a situation in which a shooter was to attempt a shooting on campus. The second advantage comes from the deterrence factor of knowing that in any classroom, dining hall, etc, there might be an individual carrying a concealed handgun. I feel that this deterrence alone might well be enough to discourage any potential shooter, even if only one in one hundred individuals on campus chose to exercise the right to carry.
In what ways have you and your peers conveyed your interest in this idea on our campus? Do you see an idea like this ever becoming apolicy on our campus?
Unfortunately, the current political and social climate makes concealed carry, and firearms in general, a very touchy subject with many individuals, especially in an academic environment where professors and students tend to have feelings which are liberally slanted. This makes concealed carry a tough sell, despite the fact that 48 states allow concealed carry in some capacity. Many individuals are simply unaware that, in any given public situation outside of campus, there may very well be one or more people who are legally carrying a firearm. While this may be a frightening thought to the uninitiated, they should be aware that concealed carry holders are significantly less likely to commit a crime, violent or otherwise (http://www.ncpa.org/ba/ba324/ba324.html). Those carrying a concealed handgun may in fact be projecting a blanket of deterrence over those who aren’t carrying, because criminals cannot tell before a crime who is armed and who isn’t, and thus my be deterred entirely from committing a crime for fear of their own life. In contrast, in areas where concealed carry is not allowed, criminals are free to prey on virtually anyone, knowing that it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to defend themselves.
I find it unlikely that concealed carry will be permitted on campus in the near future. With fewer and fewer people exposed to firearms in any environment other than movies and the news, many misconceptions have been placed in the psyche of the average person about guns and the people who own them. I think peoples’ attitudes would be different if they understood that the vast majority of gun owners are law citizens who keep guns for sporting purposes, self defense, or simply to exercise their right protected by the second amendment.
Have you considered any of the cons to allowing a policy such asthis pass on Lehigh's campus or any college campus?
Many have pointed out the potential for disaster if firearms and alcohol are mixed. While I don’t argue with the dangers associated with mixing them, I think that the individual who goes through the trouble of obtaining a concealed carry permit generally understands the immense responsibility that goes along with carrying such a tool. In addition, under Pennsylvania’s laws, one must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed firearm. It is my opinion that Lehigh’s juniors and seniors have a significantly higher level of maturity than the average freshman.
Any additional information would greatly help me to write aninsightful, thorough article. Please share your thoughts about anythingon this topic with me.
While the threat of a “shooting spree” type event is what has prompted the nationwide campaign to allow concealed carry on campus, I think an equally valid reason for carrying is one which our students face all too often. Headlines of assault, robbery, and burglary are very common in the school paper. I feel that students are seen by robbers as easy prey. We should not have to fear the walk home from from the library at night. Robbers who faced the potential of having to risk their life to steal someone’s wallet would think twice before attempting to do so.
And there you have it. Sorry if its a bit lengthy, but I guess if you are reading this you managed to make it though the whole thing. Thanks for reading.
What is the main idea behind your beliefs to allow the carrying of concealed guns on campus?
The driving force behind allowing individuals to carry a concealed handgun on campus, and of concealed carry in general, is to prevent those individuals from becoming victimized. There is simply no way for any police force to protect every location at once, and there is no way of completely disarming all criminals. Concealed carry’s advantages are two-fold. The first, most obvious, advantage would become readily apparent if there ever were to be a situation in which a shooter was to attempt a shooting on campus. The second advantage comes from the deterrence factor of knowing that in any classroom, dining hall, etc, there might be an individual carrying a concealed handgun. I feel that this deterrence alone might well be enough to discourage any potential shooter, even if only one in one hundred individuals on campus chose to exercise the right to carry.
In what ways have you and your peers conveyed your interest in this idea on our campus? Do you see an idea like this ever becoming apolicy on our campus?
Unfortunately, the current political and social climate makes concealed carry, and firearms in general, a very touchy subject with many individuals, especially in an academic environment where professors and students tend to have feelings which are liberally slanted. This makes concealed carry a tough sell, despite the fact that 48 states allow concealed carry in some capacity. Many individuals are simply unaware that, in any given public situation outside of campus, there may very well be one or more people who are legally carrying a firearm. While this may be a frightening thought to the uninitiated, they should be aware that concealed carry holders are significantly less likely to commit a crime, violent or otherwise (http://www.ncpa.org/ba/ba324/ba324.html). Those carrying a concealed handgun may in fact be projecting a blanket of deterrence over those who aren’t carrying, because criminals cannot tell before a crime who is armed and who isn’t, and thus my be deterred entirely from committing a crime for fear of their own life. In contrast, in areas where concealed carry is not allowed, criminals are free to prey on virtually anyone, knowing that it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to defend themselves.
I find it unlikely that concealed carry will be permitted on campus in the near future. With fewer and fewer people exposed to firearms in any environment other than movies and the news, many misconceptions have been placed in the psyche of the average person about guns and the people who own them. I think peoples’ attitudes would be different if they understood that the vast majority of gun owners are law citizens who keep guns for sporting purposes, self defense, or simply to exercise their right protected by the second amendment.
Have you considered any of the cons to allowing a policy such asthis pass on Lehigh's campus or any college campus?
Many have pointed out the potential for disaster if firearms and alcohol are mixed. While I don’t argue with the dangers associated with mixing them, I think that the individual who goes through the trouble of obtaining a concealed carry permit generally understands the immense responsibility that goes along with carrying such a tool. In addition, under Pennsylvania’s laws, one must be at least 21 years old to carry a concealed firearm. It is my opinion that Lehigh’s juniors and seniors have a significantly higher level of maturity than the average freshman.
Any additional information would greatly help me to write aninsightful, thorough article. Please share your thoughts about anythingon this topic with me.
While the threat of a “shooting spree” type event is what has prompted the nationwide campaign to allow concealed carry on campus, I think an equally valid reason for carrying is one which our students face all too often. Headlines of assault, robbery, and burglary are very common in the school paper. I feel that students are seen by robbers as easy prey. We should not have to fear the walk home from from the library at night. Robbers who faced the potential of having to risk their life to steal someone’s wallet would think twice before attempting to do so.
And there you have it. Sorry if its a bit lengthy, but I guess if you are reading this you managed to make it though the whole thing. Thanks for reading.
Picture of the week
Taken in 2004 in Iraq, I think this is a pretty sweet shot taken a few milliseconds after the firing of a 155mm howitzer.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A new feature?
Since I realize I am not posting all that often, Im going to try to add a new weekly feature so that I am at least posting something. I think this picture is cool not merely because this guy looks pretty badass, but because it was taken nearly 100 years ago. This picture was taken by photography pioneer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky in 1911, and depicts Emir Mohammed Alim Khan, a direct descendant of Genghis Khan. I find the photo simply amazing for its sharpness and vivid colors. So, believe it or not, color photography was around back then, although it didnt become popular until decades later.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Two Popular Gun Myths Dispelled
I'm not going to get into some of the more controversial topics of guns; what I present here are going to be pure, technical facts. Not statistics which can be mis-interpreted, and not opinions. Just fact.
Myth #1) "Plastic Pistols"
In reference to the current Heller vs DC Supreme Court case, I have read in several prominant newspapers and heard on recent newscasts talk of plastic guns, which supposedly can be smuggled through metal detectors in airports and other high security areas. One newspaper even went so far to state that such guns are banned!
The truth is, when people talk about these so-called plastic guns, they are undoubtably referring to Glocks, or one of the many other polymer guns now on the market. The truth is that, by weight, these guns are more than 80% steel. They will show up on any metal detector.
Myth #2) "Fully Automatic Guns Are Banned"
While it is true that full auto guns have been heavily restricted since the 1930s, and banned from further manufacture since 1986, any machinegun manufactured and registered before 1986 is fair game in most states. If you want one, though, be prepared to dig deep into your savings account. Because the supply is fixed (no new examples since 1986) and demand is only increasing, basic laws of economics dictate that the price is only going upwards. Currently, a Thompson submachinegun like the one shown above will set you back about $15,000, possibly more if its in great condition or has a history. In addition, you have to get a $200 tax stamp, which essentially amounts to a registration fee and gets you your FBI backround check. And for those who will protest full-auto guns' legality, please note that, to the best of my knowledge, only one crime has ever been commited with a registered, full-auto gun.
Myth #2.1) One other thing many people and journalists misunderstand is the 1994 assault weapons ban, which sunsetted in 2004. The ban DID NOT REGULATE fully automatic guns. It instead banned semi-automatic guns which bore a cosmetic similarity to their fully automatic counterparts. For a more in depth look at the differences, and similarities between the two types of guns, you might want to take a look at this video. It was made at about the time of the 1994 ban.
Myth #2.2) The final myth I'll look at tonight is based on another common misconception that people have about fully automatic guns, and their semi-auto cousins. There are a good number of people who seem to think that the semi-auto guns you can buy at any gun store today can be easily modified to shoot full-auto, perhaps with little more than a screwdriver and a paperclip. While this was true of a few guns before 1986, this is almost univerally not true today. In order to convert a semi-automatic gun to full auto, one would need to have a machine shop to actually fabricate new parts out of raw steel. This is hardly an easy modification, and not one that your average person is capable of. Unless you have something like the above machine at your house, forget about it.
There you have it, 2.2 gun myths flushed down the toilet. Until next time...
Myth #1) "Plastic Pistols"
In reference to the current Heller vs DC Supreme Court case, I have read in several prominant newspapers and heard on recent newscasts talk of plastic guns, which supposedly can be smuggled through metal detectors in airports and other high security areas. One newspaper even went so far to state that such guns are banned!
The truth is, when people talk about these so-called plastic guns, they are undoubtably referring to Glocks, or one of the many other polymer guns now on the market. The truth is that, by weight, these guns are more than 80% steel. They will show up on any metal detector.
Myth #2) "Fully Automatic Guns Are Banned"
While it is true that full auto guns have been heavily restricted since the 1930s, and banned from further manufacture since 1986, any machinegun manufactured and registered before 1986 is fair game in most states. If you want one, though, be prepared to dig deep into your savings account. Because the supply is fixed (no new examples since 1986) and demand is only increasing, basic laws of economics dictate that the price is only going upwards. Currently, a Thompson submachinegun like the one shown above will set you back about $15,000, possibly more if its in great condition or has a history. In addition, you have to get a $200 tax stamp, which essentially amounts to a registration fee and gets you your FBI backround check. And for those who will protest full-auto guns' legality, please note that, to the best of my knowledge, only one crime has ever been commited with a registered, full-auto gun.
Myth #2.1) One other thing many people and journalists misunderstand is the 1994 assault weapons ban, which sunsetted in 2004. The ban DID NOT REGULATE fully automatic guns. It instead banned semi-automatic guns which bore a cosmetic similarity to their fully automatic counterparts. For a more in depth look at the differences, and similarities between the two types of guns, you might want to take a look at this video. It was made at about the time of the 1994 ban.
Myth #2.2) The final myth I'll look at tonight is based on another common misconception that people have about fully automatic guns, and their semi-auto cousins. There are a good number of people who seem to think that the semi-auto guns you can buy at any gun store today can be easily modified to shoot full-auto, perhaps with little more than a screwdriver and a paperclip. While this was true of a few guns before 1986, this is almost univerally not true today. In order to convert a semi-automatic gun to full auto, one would need to have a machine shop to actually fabricate new parts out of raw steel. This is hardly an easy modification, and not one that your average person is capable of. Unless you have something like the above machine at your house, forget about it.
There you have it, 2.2 gun myths flushed down the toilet. Until next time...
Song of the Week
OK, so its a cheesy 80s song, but when was the last time you saw a WWII music video? That alone makes it worth listening to.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Comeback / Men
Due to a few people commenting that they had actually read this thing, I've decided to make an attempt at revitalizing it, starting with a new song of the week.
A pretty hilarious song that, sadly, seems to represent an increasingly small number of men out there. As Brad says, "It's hip now to be feminized." Here's a list of a few skills I think would be worth knowing for anyone, but I think are particularly essential for a man to know.
1. Use basic hand and power tools
2. Complete minor auto repair (change tire, oil, etc)
3. Drive a Stick shift
4. Make fire without matches or lighter
5. Shoot and clean a gun
6. Defend your life
7. Skin and clean a deer
8. Cook a steak
9. Sharpen a knife
10. Converse intelligently about current events
11. Tie your own necktie
12. Make love to a woman
13. Be a man of your word
14. Be yourself
Number 14 is a rule everyone has a hard time following, man or woman. If you dont want to learn to do something on my list, dont do it. You're your own man; do something because you want to and you realize the usefulness of those skills.
Until next time....
A pretty hilarious song that, sadly, seems to represent an increasingly small number of men out there. As Brad says, "It's hip now to be feminized." Here's a list of a few skills I think would be worth knowing for anyone, but I think are particularly essential for a man to know.
1. Use basic hand and power tools
2. Complete minor auto repair (change tire, oil, etc)
3. Drive a Stick shift
4. Make fire without matches or lighter
5. Shoot and clean a gun
6. Defend your life
7. Skin and clean a deer
8. Cook a steak
9. Sharpen a knife
10. Converse intelligently about current events
11. Tie your own necktie
12. Make love to a woman
13. Be a man of your word
14. Be yourself
Number 14 is a rule everyone has a hard time following, man or woman. If you dont want to learn to do something on my list, dont do it. You're your own man; do something because you want to and you realize the usefulness of those skills.
Until next time....
Friday, February 1, 2008
Why Toyota is beating GM
In a project I have to complete for an IE class, I needed to collect information relating to a new car loan (interest rates, loan term, etc). I went to two seperate chevy dealerships, where I was instantly dismissed by the salesmen as soon as they learned I wasnt interested in buying a car. Dejected, I decided to try my luck at a Toyota dealership I had passed on the way to the second Chevy dealership.Not only was the salesman at the Toyota dealership MUCH friendlier than either of the chevy dealership, but within five minutes, he had all the information I needed to complete my project. He understood, unlike the chevy salesman, that I am going to graduate college someday. Someday, a 30 year chevy is going to die. And on that day, I am going to want to buy a new car.
If it werent for my unbreakable bond with GM, I would be unlikely to ever set foot in a chevy dealership again. I am the exception, not the rule. The average consumer has no brand loyalty. Turning a student away today is as good as turning away a customer tomorrow.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Gun Control Means....
...hitting your target, of course!These shots were taken at 25 yards from a .22 rifle. For people who are good at shooting, doing this off a benchrest is nothing special. Im still a beginner though, so I still have lots of room to improve!
If you've never been shooting before, and are among those who feel that all gun owners are just a nervous breakdown away from a shooting rampage, be aware of this: Shooting well requires traits that are just the opposite of those you would expect to see in a madman. The patience and discipline required shoot well encourage responsability.
If you have never had the pleasure of going shooting, I highly suggest you give it a try. I can promise you that you will have fun.
Song of the Week #2
What can i say, a great country song. Who among us hasnt now and again thought about life as a cowboy?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Corvette ZR1
After years of rumors and speculation, the infamous "Blue Devil" is finally a reality. Packing a supercharged V8 putting out more than Six Hundred horsepower, this is, without a doubt, the most powerful corvette ever produced. It marks yet another upping of the ante in the new horsepower wars. A decade ago, it took a "mere" 400 horses to be considered for the supercar club; then 500, and now 600. One must wonder when this power craze will end. I think we are reaching the pinnacle of automotive performance now, and within a decade rising fuel costs and increased emmissions regulations will once again stifle these monsters. If you want to know what the big car at Barrett-Jackson will be in 40 years, you are looking at it. If you have the funds, buy one and put it in a garage somewhere. Bring it out in 40 years. It will probably sell for more than a million.This car really pushes the limits of what the corvette's mission is. Intended as "The People's" sports car, it is rapidly rising out of the price range of many middle class Americans. The ZR1 will most likely cross the six-figure threshold. Its an awesome car, but dont expect your average guy to be able to bring one home.
Also, for a $100k car, couldnt they have made it just a tad better looking? Honestly, the carbon fibre roof and stupid clear hood section; what were they thinking. I much prefer the looks of the Z06 or even base model.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Rights, Liberty, Safety
"Those who would give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
-Benjamin Franklin
I dont think it can be put any more simply than that. Trading away fundamental rights in exchange for safety (real or perceived) is perhaps the most foolish thing we can do; many people do it gladly. Surely living in a cage your entire life, with no freedoms whatsoever, would be totally safe. But what sort of life is this in which you are totally safe. I realize the rights that we consider trading away dont result in as obvious or severe prison sentences, but they are prison sentences nonetheless.
For example, suppose we ban the Qur'an. "Who cares?", you may say. It promotes Islam, and perhaps the radicals who hate America so much. Well, for one, if books cause people to kill people, then i should start writing books telling people to give me money. Thats another issue, though. Lets suppose 10 years from now, you suddenly decide you would like to read the Qur'an, for whatever reason or no reason at all. You suddenly realize that you no longer have the right to read whatever you want. The right you traded away so simply a decade earlier has not come back.
The truth is, most rights traded away don't come back, or at least dont come back easily. Think carefully about how much a minuscule increase in safety is worth to you. Some claim that the radical muslims hate us for the free society we embrace. Im not sure if this is true or not, but if it is, trading away your rights lets the radicals win. Perhaps you care so little about your freedoms that you are willing to whore them out for a bit of safety. If you are willing to compromise yourself, so be it. As for me, I dont think anyone should be willing to trade away their freedoms. Ever.
Why Does Anyone Need A Gun?
This question was posed in a comment on another blog and I gave the poster what I thought was a reasonable, intelligent answer, which I plan to expand upon here.
First and foremost, the right to defend one's self is inherent and inalienable (some would say God-given). This right is protected (not granted) by our bill of rights. This is something that many people, even gun owners don't always understand. If something is a right, by its very nature, it cannot be granted or taken away by a mere piece of paper. Your right to speak as you wish would still exist even if the bill of rights did not. The bill of rights exists to protect these rights from being infringed upon by our government. It is yet another check wisely placed by the founding fathers upon our leaders to (hopefully) ensure they didnt get too power hungry. Whether the bill of rights has been successful in maintaining our ability to exercise all our rights is debateable, but for the most part, I think it has.
Secondly, as free individuals, you should not need a reason to buy anything. Suppose you went to a restaurant and the waiter asked you to provide a reason why you needed the hamburger you are ordering. You would probably either laugh in his face or become angry, because you are aware (or at least should be aware) that in a free society, you are able to purchase things independant of need. Maybe the person who buys a gun had his or her life threatened. Maybe he or she wants to go hunting, or target shooting. Maybe he or she simply wants to own a gun for no reason at all. It doesnt matter.
Thirdly, the practical reality is that there is crime in this world, and you can either be a victim or you can do something to protect yourself. Though the newspapers dont always report on successful use of firearms for self defense, they happen more often than you might be aware of. If you choose to be a victim, thats your decision; just please dont attempt force your decision upon me. I dont try to shove a gun in anyones hand, dont try rip one out of mine.
Someone (I dont remember who) once said "you rarely need a gun, but when you need one, you need it bad." It is entirely possible for a gun owner to go his or her entire life without drawing or firing it in self defense. I would love it if that was the case with everyone, but it isnt, and probably wont ever be.
Song of the week #1
This week's song of the week is also, in my opinion, among the best songs of ever written.
And So Ends the Muscle Car Renaissance
From the New York Times
I dont think many people realize it, but for the past several years we have experienced a rebirth of the muscle car. Nearly all the classic muscle cars were slain by increasing emissions regulations and rising fuel costs 35 years ago. We spent the next decades in the dark ages, with only an occasional offering that could reasonably be called a muscle car (Buick Grand National, Pontiac Trans Am, etc). As cars were downsized and lightened, RWD V-8s gave way to FWD fours and sixes, very few of which were even available with a true stick shift.
Flash forward to the early 2000s. GM decides the time is right to time to give back to the US market what the Aussies never lost: a true real wheel drive V-8 mated to a 6 speed manual, badged as the Pontiac GTO. Chrysler wasnt far behind with their enourmously successful 300/Charger/Magnum series. Ford's new Mustang with 60s styling cues was a home run as well. To be released within the next year are modern renditions of both the Challenger and the Camaro.
With increased gas prices and new CAFE standards requiring more efficient cars, these brutes simply arent going to be viable in the future. I predict that we are seeing the last of the muscle car, for a few decades of soulless, gas-sipping cars. At least we know in another 30 years, we will get back to our roots once again. Remember: There is no replacement for displacement!
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