BIOB: Blame It On Bush

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Blame
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Hell, I say Blame Canada!

Excitement Abounds

Vesuvius

How they died at Pompeii.

Whoopsies

California welfare recipients withdrew $1.8 million at casinos over 8 months, using their state-issued debit cards. The losers who did this will undoubtedly fuel the conservatives who bemoan welfare as handouts. First, this occurrence would certainly seem like a valid argument against a debit card method of welfare. Second, and more importantly, these withdrawals accounted for about 1% of the total withdrawals. That's a lot--no doubt--but whatever system you use, you'll have losers. A more conservative approach will increase the number of deserving, hardworking families who can't get the brief leg-up they need. A more liberal approach will increase the number of wasteful leeches who really just want a handout. I would argue that a 1% waste-rate is better than shoving deserving families into further poverty. (Again, however, the government should have been aware that these debit cards were being used for gambling before now!)

Fetal Pain

A new study suggests that a fetus cannot feel pain at 24 weeks. I doubt this will do much to change the minds of hardcore abortion foes. For people who struggle with the moral implications of abortion, this might make them more likely to support a woman's right to have an abortion.

"American news media finally realized they kind of suck."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
McChrystal's Balls - Honorable Discharge
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Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Decoy Jews

Amsterdam authorities are considering using decoys -- plainclothes officers wearing yarmulkes -- to combat a supposed rise in anti-Semitic acts. They are also considering increased surveillance cameras, despite some evidence that surveillance cameras are not especially good at reducing crime and can actually increase fear & perception of crime.