Mind Games 2.0

A Proposal For The Structure Of An Effective Balanced Budget Amendment To The United States Constitution

On 25 February 2018

For nearly my entire lifetime, Republican Presidents and Republican Congresses have preached the virtues of balanced budgets, but have never acted in any way to balance a budget. Ronald Reagan, G. H. W. Bush, G. W. Bush, and the Republican Congress of the past year have exploded the National Debt because of their mania to cut taxes so that the national debts are not paid. Only the Republican controlled Congress under the leadership of Rep. John Kasich resulted in a balanced budget.

I completely agree with the need for a balanced Federal budget and no national debt (see George Washington’s admonition against debts in his Farewell Address). The reason that Republicans will not balance the federal budget is because of their fixation on cutting taxes but their complete spinelessness to debate the hard choices that must be made to pay for what we spend. Government has many responsibilities, and those responsibilities require appropriated monies.

The Best Tip I’ve Ever Seen

By Mark

On 26 October 2017

In Personal, Science

A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.

Albert Einstein

A tip Einstein left to a Japanese bellboy.

Sage Words From The Past About Political Parties

By Mark

On 31 August 2017

In Personal

A true party-man hates and despises candour; and, in reality, there is no vice which could so effectually disqualify him for the trade of a party-man as that single virtue. The real, revered, and impartial spectator, therefore, is upon no occasion at a greater distance than amidst the violence and rage of contending parties. To them it may be said, that such a spectator scarce exists anywhere in the universe. Even to the great Judge of the universe they impute all their own prejudices, and often view that divine Being as animated by all their own vindictive and implacable passions. Of all the corrupters of moral sentiments, therefore, faction and fanaticism have always been by far the greatest.

Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments III.3.43

Does Everything in California Cause Cancer?

By Mark

On 8 August 2017

In Politics

I saw this sticker in the window of a new car in my work parking lot a few days ago.

Does everyone in California make as much fun of these stickers as we do?

Does the state of California this these are helpful and useful and informative?

I know no one who sees these that don’t express derision.

Are we really a society in which everything warrants a warning sticker.

Is the state of California not in “cry wolf” territory now?

American Naturalist Covers

By Mark

On 8 August 2017

In Ecology, Evolution, Science, Science Communication, Scientific Publishing

(This post was first published on the AmNat150.org website)

The American Naturalist was first published in March 1867. Over the last 150 years, AmNat has had 16 different covers. Below is a gallery of those covers, with the dates they were used. Click on any image to bring up the full-sized gallery.

AmNat 1867-1875

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Picture 1 of 18

The cover of the first issue in March 1867. This cover design was used through 1875.

One of the fascinating features to trace through the covers is how the motto of the journal changed through the years.

A Conservative Principle to Guide Health Care Reform

By Mark

On 29 July 2017

In Personal, Politics

For all the “conservatives” who rail against the ACA as a liberal take-over, you should go back and read your Adam Smith (remember, the guy who wrote Wealth of Nations – or more correctly An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations – the founding document of modern capitalist economic theory). His first book was The Theory of Moral Sentiments, a fascinating philosophical book that lays out the basis for what makes the Wealth of Nations work. His moral philosophy is undergirded by the Golden Rule. For example, this paragraph is from Chapter 1 of The Theory of Moral Sentiments:

And hence it is, that to feel much for others and little for ourselves, that to restrain our selfish, and to indulge our benevolent affections, constitutes the perfection of human nature; and can alone produce among mankind that harmony of sentiments and passions in which consists their whole grace and propriety. As to love our neighbour as we love ourselves is the great law of Christianity, so it is the great precept of nature to love ourselves only as we love our neighbour, or what comes to the same thing, as our neighbour is capable of loving us.

Important Words About “Celebrating” The Confederacy

By Mark

On 25 May 2017

In Politics

I have written here before about my heritage. Some of my ancestors were Union enlisted men who fought and some died in the Civil War. My family has always payed great homage to Abraham Lincoln and how he saved this country from those who would have destroyed this country because they wanted to own other human beings.

Those who would argue that the Civil War was about “states rights” and not slavery should read the secession proclamations of the various Confederate states. For example, Mississippi stated in the second paragraph of its declaration:

Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery – the greatest material interest of the world.

Against this backdrop, some in this country have celebrated the Confederacy since the war ended. Much of this celebration of Confederate soldiers was actually directed at trying to rewrite this history. Recently, many towns and cities across the south have finally decided that this rewriting of history and celebrating those who took up arms against the United States to defend slavery and human bondage can no longer be justified. One of the clearest and most forceful statements about this legacy is the speech given this week by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. Here is his speech in its entirety. Bravo Mayor Landrieu!!!

Can A New Sense Of Country Before Party Take Hold?

By Mark

On 22 May 2017

In Personal, Politics

Among all the political and legal noise that was created last week, I think one thing that was sorely missed was this exchange between Gov. Kasich and Sen. Sanders. I think both of these people have identified the important problems facing our country, and I agree much more with Gov. Kasich about what the solutions to those problems might be. However, I, more than anything, appreciate the civil and intellectual tone that both take in this discussion. This is what we need to get back to!

More Chairs!

By Mark

On 22 April 2017

In Woodworking

The Boss wants a new set of kitchen chairs to go with the kitchen table I made last winter. I started the prototype today.

Finished chairs with table

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Picture 1 of 11

The finished kitchen table and chairs.

The legs and seat rails are made of cherry, and the back rails are maple. The seat will also be maple. I’ll update this as this prototype is finished and more come into existence.

23 April 2017: legs tapered. Everything on the chair sanded and assembled. All mortise-&-tenon joints pinned with walnut dowels. Finally, two braces installed on the insides of each leg joint – one high and one low on the joint. Only one of these inner braces is installed right now; the second set will be installed after the seat is attached. Hopefully, this is enough stabilization of these joints to allow me to get away with no lower struts on the legs.

23 August 2017: Finally, all the chairs are finished, so the kitchen table and chair set is complete!

More Words of Wisdom From A Past Leader

By Mark

On 5 April 2017

In Politics, Science

Bloggin' 'bout science and life

Page 2 of 16

A Proposal For The Structure Of An Effective Balanced Budget Amendment To The United States Constitution

The Best Tip I’ve Ever Seen

Sage Words From The Past About Political Parties

Does Everything in California Cause Cancer?

American Naturalist Covers

AmNat 1867-1875

A Conservative Principle to Guide Health Care Reform

Important Words About “Celebrating” The Confederacy

Can A New Sense Of Country Before Party Take Hold?

More Chairs!

Finished chairs with table

More Words of Wisdom From A Past Leader

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