Thursday, November 30, 2006

Are You Going To Believe Your Lying Eyes?

This week as the Seattle area was suffering from an unseasonal snow and freezing temperatures I found myself asking the question: "Where is my global warming?" I want sunshine and palm trees.

While I write these words tongue in check I couldn't let pass this opportunity to knock the logic of the global warming true believers, which is reflected in this headline from The New Scientist web site:

Heavy rainstorms more frequent in Indian monsoon
Global warming should increase the total rain falling during the monsoons – the new work may help explain why it has not
If it's 90 degrees on July 4th, it's a sign of the coming apocalypse. However, any cooler temps are mere variations in the record. This isn't just bad science, it's science fiction.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Wooden Nickles Golden Dollars

Like the Segway scooter, an answer to a question never asked by the public, the US government is trying to push dollar coins on us again. Based upon my experience in retail and sales this will never work. For some reason, people when presented with a dollar coin will react like a vampire that's been offered garlic. You see the fear and loathing right away, and then they quickly request a paper dollar, which if i didn't have any paper bills in my cash box or register drawer they would only take reluctantly.

Let's put this poor idea to rest. Yes, the dollar coin is a great idea form several standpoints, but the money using public hates it. Unless the Treasury department is willing to go back to a true silver dollar, the dollar coin will never be loved or used.

Forget it, move on, think of another idea for a better form of hard currency.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

What To Bring to a Knife Fight?

This sounds like one of those questions we use to pose to each other when we kids. Two situations were given with neither having a good out come, but you had no option but to pick one. Scotland is now in that same place asking itself: "Would you rather be stabbed with a knife or shot with a gun?"

Trying to get away from its Braveheart roots, Scottish police have been waging a campaign to reduce crimes and assaults committed with knifes. (In fact, one study said Scotland lead European Union in injuries resulting from knives.) But, now some policemen have now expressed a concern that taking away knives will only cause the gangs and criminals to move upscale to guns.

It seems like they should have known this would happen, as their great Scottish actor, Sean Connor, stated in the movie "The Untouchables," "If he pulls a knife you pull a gun..."

Also, remember if you drop by a Scottish themed pub for a pint, be sure to be polite and smile a lot.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Healthful Food: It Will Kill You

Forget what mom told you. Skip the vegetables and live longer. Fresh food continues to spread sickness.

I'll just stick with my steak and bacon thank you.