Archive for the 'News' Category

Another Proud Day in the Missouri Legislature

Do these people (insert appropriate expletive) really represent the majority of Missourians? This is a question I find myself asking almost daily!

First, I hear our inspired State House has passed a clearly unconstitutional bill blocking enforcement of federal firearm laws. Then to add insult to injury I read this article as I am trying to research the first bill. SO, many on the right in our state say they do not want the government to interfere with private rights, yet they feel it is ok to tell a property owner they cannot ban guns on their property.

Now, I understand the intent is to say a person can have their firearm in the car while on a businesses property. The bill also does limit liability for these business owners. However, it is still hypocritical to enforce one group of citizens rights over another. IT IS STILL the government stepping in and dictating what you can do on your property. IF these same legislators weren’t so opposed to items such as smoking bans INSIDE a business property then maybe it would not appear so hypocritically. In fact, legislation has been introduced to punish counties and municipalities that have smoking bans, another clear act of government intervention from those who claim to abhor, government intervention. Trying to track the logic only makes my head hurt.

That’s Why They are Called Theories…

News came out this week that a large number of Neuroscience studies are probably based on bad statistics and that the Reinhart-Rogoff paper, “Growth in a Time of Debt,” is factually incorrect. For those who study science or closely watch science these reports aren’t a surprise. Too many in the field of science forget that even the most proven of facts can be disproven with new evidence or insights. Unfortunately the general public are far too often taken in by these “facts” rather than being told the truth, many of these studies are only strongly supported theories and have the potential to be disproven. Even worse, many are not even strongly supported, but because they are peer-reviewed and rom scientists they are accepted at face value. Compounding this problem are politicians that glam on to any half-baked study that supports their own world view. Whenever I discuss scientific studies or use them in an argument I try to remember to say the current theory and studies suggest …..

Society Does Exist

Ever have one of the weeks when the news of the world and life conspire to hold you down? This has been one of those weeks. The sheer idiocy and pungent hatred permeating the news has been a major downer.

For my brief post today I want to touch on a comment made by the late Margaret Thatcher, “There is no society”. Anyone who says or truly believes there is no society is depriving themselves of one of the fundamental components of being human. While we may be alone in our heads, we are not alone in the world. Many of the most beautiful aspects of life come from “society” and our interactions with others. I think it says a lot about Thatcher and those who look up to her, that they believe this idea. This belief permeates their world view and political sentiments. Most importantly it cuts them off from remembering we are all human and all worthy of certain fundamental rights and respect.

Where is Our Modern Wonder Woman?

Watched Wonder Woman: The Untold Story of American Superheroines tonight. This is a wonderful movie that says many things I have wanted to say, but lacked the right words. It speaks to the need, and reasons why female super heroes are so important to young girls growing up. More importantly it really exposes why the current portrayal of strong female characters in the mainstream media is so inappropriate and unhelpful. 2 things sum this up for me.

1) A strong female character, specifically a super hero or the leading role/protagonist, should not require a string male characters help. She is a super hero and can do it herself. Male characters always overcome difficulties (with and without help, but in the end they stand alone) and triumph on their own in our societal story telling. But not the females. They are typically portrayed as unable to overcome their “life” or storyline difficulties without the assistance of a strong male character. This is a prime example of the gender bias we are inculcated into our children. This is not going to raise the type of women or men society needs.

2) My damn autocorrect won’t admit superheroines is a word.

Yahoondoggle Revisited

There has been a wonderful sharing of outrage and agreement across the media and internet over Yahoo CEO Mayer’s decision to forego all remote jobs at her company. There have been wonderful cases made by both sides of this argument, with many pundits and commentators making the case for flexibility. I agree with this call for flexibility. There are definite circumstances where attending work everyday is beneficial and required. There are also circumstances where you really never need to be seen at the corporate offices. Equally as likely there are those instances (I count many friends in this category) where they get more done by remoting in and then visiting the office once a week to catch up with folks. Different circumstances, for different people, for different companies, for different positions etc. etc.

Unfortunately there are those folks whose world view and way of dealing with problems is an either or modality, rather than recognizing the fluidity of life.  It appears Marissa Meyers falls in this category, and this is my main issue with her decision. Rather than making a nuanced well-informed decision that spells out the limited circumstances where telecommuting is ok, she made a your with me or against me decision. This does not bode well for her chances at success in a floundering company. Yes, I agree her job is to lead and sometimes that means making the tough decisions. However, if her MO will be my way or the highway, with no nuance or grey area in her decision-making process and management style, there will be a lot of people leaving Yahoo and few who want to join a clearly sinking ship.


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