Monthly Archives: December 2013

Boston Traffic Cameras: A Microcosm of the Failure of the Security State

Posted on December 15, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Boston has suspended the use of scanners that check drivers’ license plates for infractions. Why? For starters, the Boston Police Department doesn’t seem to have adequate data protection measures (boldface mine): The police inadvertently released to the Globe the license … Continue reading →

Posted in Boston, CIA Spy Shit, Civil Liberties | 1 Comment

Links 12/14/13

Posted on December 14, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: Not Ready for Prime Time: 23andMe Invasive Cockroach Resistant to Freezing Cold Found on High Line How Not to Teach Math (also see this and this) What Happened On Easter Island — A New (Even Scarier) … Continue reading →

Posted in Lotsa Links | 2 Comments

The Basic Implications of Fiat Currency

Posted on December 14, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

I usually don’t recommend videos, as the ratio amount of information imparted versus the time it takes to watch is much lower than reading, but this interview (only nine minutes) with economist James Galbraith is informative and refreshingly acerbic.

Posted in Economics | 1 Comment

Everything I Dislike Is Unconstitutional

Posted on December 14, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Think Progress has a story about a Virginia Republican confab at which two of the six featured speakers believe Social Security and Medicare are unconstitutional (boldface mine): This weekend, Virginia Republican activists and elected officials from around the state will … Continue reading →

Posted in Conservatives | 5 Comments

Links 12/13/13

Posted on December 13, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: Dammit. Transplant recipients not cured of HIV Nobel winner declares boycott of top science journals: Randy Schekman says his lab will no longer send papers to Nature, Cell and Science as they distort scientific process World’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Lotsa Links | 1 Comment

Yes, Medical Tourism Is Still a Really Bad Idea

Posted on December 13, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Every so often, someone will argue that Americans, faced with high healthcare costs, should embrace medical tourism–going abroad for cheaper healthcare. I’ve argued before that this is a really bad idea from an infectious disease perspective. This story from Boston … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Public Health | Comments Off on Yes, Medical Tourism Is Still a Really Bad Idea

The Death of Contracts: the Florida Gator Edition

Posted on December 13, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

A while ago, I argued that many people are forced to sign nonnegotiable contracts for services they can’t do without: When you sign the terms of agreement for an internet provider, credit card company, or many other businesses, you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidness, The Rule of Law, Transportation | Comments Off on The Death of Contracts: the Florida Gator Edition

Links 12/12/13

Posted on December 12, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: Another Sad Passing of a Microbial Hero™—-RIP the Late, Great Abigail Salyers… The same, yet different The Truth Teller What’s the deal with inclusive fitness theory? Was ‘Internet’ First Used For A Transistor Radio? Other: (Asset) … Continue reading →

Posted in Lotsa Links | 1 Comment

Sen. Warren Is Doing a Good Job But…

Posted on December 12, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

…regarding Social Security, I think she needs to change her tune a little. Sen. Warren (boldface mine): Last week, the president and vice-president of the centrist think-tank Third Way accused Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) of ignoring what they call Social … Continue reading →

Posted in Democrats, Social Security | 4 Comments

Views on the Nature of “Affordable” Vary

Posted on December 12, 2013 by mikethemadbiologist

Though some are very foolish. I’ve described, to no avail, how the real problem with Romneycare in Massachusetts–and the ACA–is not the premiums but all of the out-of–pocket costs. But don’t believe me, listen to the architect of Romneycare and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment