Notes from the Megamachine

Monday, March 12, 2007

Blog Moved

This blog has moved to the following url:

http://megamachine.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

favorite internet catchphrases...

Seen recently on the internet and either filled a deep semantic need or tickled my funny bone:

1) concern troll

2) intellectual self-defense

3) coalition of the drilling

Thursday, September 28, 2006

materially

Bruce Ackerman writes about the 'enemy combatant' legislation currently pending before Congress (and most likely about to be passed):

[It] not only authorizes the president to seize and hold terrorists who have fought against our troops 'during an armed conflict,' it also allows him to seize anybody who has 'purposefully and materially supported hostilities against the United States.' This grants the president enormous power over citizens and legal residents. They can be designated as enemy combatants if they have contributed money to a Middle Eastern charity, and they can be held indefinitely in a military prison."

From wiktionary, we find the following definition of "material", the adjective which gives rise to the adverb "materially":

material (comparative more material, superlative most material)

1. Having to do with matter.

This compound has a number of interesting material properties.

2. Worldly, as opposed to spiritual.

Don't let material concerns get in the way of living a good life.

3. significant

You've made several material contributions to this project.
This is the most material fact in this lawsuit.

So, assuming that the third definition is the one meant (and I find it hard to understand how either of the first two makes sense in this context), the bill designates as an enemy combatant...

anybody who has purposefully and significantly supported hostilities against the United States.

It's good to know where we stand in October 2006 in the USA.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

In Memoriam, 1927-2005

Here's a critique of the Times obituary.

Perhaps more interesting than either, there's this interview online where Lang explains his method in the great detail. Also gave some insights into his philosophy and technique that were new to me.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Photos at Flickr

I am posting all the photos from my various travels at
this site. Most recent photo set is of Mahane Yehuda market a few hours before sundown on Friday. Very bustling and exciting.

Flickr is a really useful site by the way. If you have a digital camera, it's well worth getting a free or even pro account to share your work. If you already have an account let me know and we can become "contacts".

Friday, June 24, 2005

Apropos of Kelo v. City of New London,

Here's a great example of a blighted old building, in the middle of a poor city, that's not being put to good use. I'd say it would make a lot of economic sense to seize it for redevelopment and remodel it as a Greco-Roman-themed nightclub with upscale shops and a maybe a small hotel in the upper floors.

Sure, nine old fellows in robes would be thrown out on the street, but think of the greater good to the community!