Thursday, March 18, 2004

"Democracy is healthier."

So says Polish researcher Witold Zatonski where life expectancies have increased by four years since being released from the yoke of the former Russian behemoth. 

Tyler Cowen takes a look Zatonski’s premise, and at health trends in Russia versus Poland, since the collapse of Communism in a post titled “Why has Russian health collapsed?" Cowen has embedded many links in his post to additional information on this subject.

Posted by John Venlet on 03/18 at 06:03 AM
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I Wonder What Mencken Would Write About This?

When I was reading A Mencken Chrestomathy, I had more than one laugh at his descriptions of the Scopes trial and the individuals residing in Rhea County, Tennessee.  I’m sure I would enjoy his insights on the happenings down in Rhea County today.

"The county that was the site of the Scopes “Monkey Trial” over the teaching of evolution is asking lawmakers to amend state law so the county can charge homosexuals with crimes against nature."

Via Arthur Silber.

Posted by John Venlet on 03/18 at 05:25 AM
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Keeping the Heat On

On February 26, in a post I titled “Chicken Little," I took a poke at calls for more money to fund the building of asteroid protection apparatus.  You all know where the money would come from, your pocket, of course.  Today, Drudge’s blaring headline, “Recently Discovered Asteroid Makes Record-breaking Approach to Earth," fans the flame for just this altar call.  Better wear a hard hat to work today.

Here’s the article from NASA that details our close call.

Posted by John Venlet on 03/18 at 04:10 AM
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Is That All It Takes?

So, if the U.S. would just admit it was actually Socialist, and vowed to pull its troops from Iraq unless the UN was in charge, would Al-Qaeda leave us alone?

“Al-Qaeda group calls truce in Spain: report." From the article.

"Because of this decision, the leadership has decided to stop all operations within the Spanish territories… until we know the intentions of the new government that has promised to withdraw Spanish troops from Iraq,” the statement said."

John Kerry is probably licking his lips and scheming over how to use this type of claptrap for his advantage.

Via Andrew Sullivan.

Update: Thomas Friedman thinks this is a fantasy.

"The notion that Spain can separate itself from Al Qaeda’s onslaught on Western civilization by pulling its troops from Iraq is a fantasy."

Posted by John Venlet on 03/18 at 04:10 AM
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The Asparagus Growers Are Onboard, I See

I enjoy a good bunch of asparagus, that ancient treat much beloved by the Greeks as early as 200 BC.  Drizzle some olive oil on the asparagus and toss it on the grill, what a treat.  When asparagus is out of season, though, it can get kind of pricey, up to $4.99 per pound I’ve seen it.  Now, though, I’m wondering if the priciness of asparagus is simply a seasonal flucuation due to supply and demand.  Why?  Because Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R) has signed up the asparagus growers to enjoy the government’s largesse, which of course means taking money out of our pockets to give to the asparagus farmers.  This year, Hoekstra has pushed for the government to purchase 6.9 million pounds of the succulent stalks, because those darn Peruvians are “flooding the market.” Of course, Hoekstra would have us believe there are other positive reasons for the government to be screwing up a free market.

"It provides much-needed support to growers while providing a nutritious product to recipients of federal food programs."

The nutritious value factor.  How could I miss that benefit?

Who will the government sign up next?  Radish farmers, cabbage farmers, collard green farmers, brussel sprout farmers?

Posted by John Venlet on 03/18 at 04:10 AM
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