Also, "psikhushka" (психушка) is the preferred nomenclature

(DANGER: NIGHTMARE FUEL AHEAD)

'If you don't believe in climate change you must be sick': Oregon professor likens skepticism to racism

Racism, check. Backhanded reference to the South, check. Superiority of urban-living to rural lifestyles, check. Call for awareness, check... Man, she was this close to getting that moonbat bingo-card filled out, too.

Worse yet, they want to live closer to you (somewhere near Innsmouth, judging from her photograph). Until you're shipped off for re-education, that is... It's for the greater good.

Tired clichés aside, I'll let John Aziz field this one(via ZeroHedge):

... [W]hat about my position that a ultra-complex (and arguably stochastic) system like the climate is not meaningfully modellable, and therefore that climate certainty is impossible? While it seems to make sense that higher levels of atmospheric CO2 will produce higher temperatures, and while there are a myriad of simplified models out there that seem to suggest the same thing, there is no substitute for long-term empirical evidence, of which we have very little. In a system as complex as the Earth’s climate, there could be a whole swathe of effects that we have not yet identified that could drastically change the outcome (for better, or for worse). For Norgaard, does an understanding of the limitations of probabilistic modelling constitute a mental illness? Should I be committed to treatment to “cure” me of my beliefs?

Because that is what Norgaard’s words lead me to believe. And that sounds worryingly like Neo-Stalinism.

As Vox is also fond of pointing out, bedecking politics with the trappings of Science! doesn't make the politics scientific, it makes the science* political (much in the same way that a gallon of ice cream and a gallon of sewage doesn't make two gallons of ice cream).

Care for an ice cream cone?

*Actual scientific content may vary

Bruce, we hardly knew ye

Does art imitate life, or vice versa?

Holy sexuality, Batman! Two months after his untimely death, the creators of Gotham City's crime-fighting superhero, Bruce Wayne, have finally unveiled his politically-correct replacement: a ginger-haired, lesbian socialite called Batwoman.

The publisher of Detective Comics, the iconic title which for 60 years has revolved around the recently-deceased Wayne, revealed this week that future editions of the comic book will star his long-standing female counterpart, whose real name is Kathy Kane.

Described as "a lesbian socialite by night and a crime-fighter by later in the night", Batwoman will be the subject of at least 12 issues. It will be the most high-profile appearance by a gay superhero in any book published by the legendary DC Comics.

I suppose it was only a matter of time; Bruce Wayne alias Batman, the Dark Knight, the fantastically wealthy corporate mogul, confirmed bachelor, dread defender of Gotham City, and a superhero by virtue of sheer will-power, intellect and his own financial backing, has been replaced with Grrl Pow-wah™, Hypersensitive Agitator of the Multicultural Matriarchy.

Now, this isn't a new change, but the permanency of the replacement is a rather recent development. Sadly, Batman has fallen victim to a foe he cannot fight within the confines of the comic-book panels:

Now, DC Comics has brought back the female caped crusader and given her a makeover in an attempt to diversify its cast of characters and perhaps appeal to a broader audience. Other previous white heroes in D.C. such as Blue Beetle, Firestorm and The Atom have been reinvented in recent years as Mexican, African-American and Asian characters, respectively.

Unsurprisingly, DC Comics was confronted with the intractable reality of the situation:

But these characters — as well as Black Panther and The Falcon — have not been nearly as successful as Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and The Hulk.

No black superhero -- or any hero of color or outwardly gay superhero -- has had the kind of sustained run enjoyed by Batman, Spider-Man and Superman in their own comic books. None has a hit TV show or blockbuster movie. The Panther had three different solo series that ran in the late 1970s, 1980s and late '90s before its revival in 2005. Cage's books ran between 1972 and 1986 before being revived for two other volumes in 1992 and in 2002.

Milestone Media -- which had a licensing agreement with DC Comics and published comics featuring a set of heroes who happened to be black, Asian and Hispanic -- launched in 1993 and folded after only four years because of poor sales, despite the popularity of characters such as Icon and Static.

"You have to wonder why some characters have been so popular and why some have not," said Inge. "In many ways, we have made a lot of progress, but there are things that suggest that perhaps we have not."

Some of us wonder, but not all of us, Inge. Note the popularity of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, then give Coca-Cola a call and mention "New Coke".

More pointedly, the objective test of developing a set of superheroes with multicultural "virtue" failed when it was used as a replacement for content. Instead of attempting to supplement the deficiencies, a foundation-block for the genre came under fire and was summarily replaced with an avatar of the politically-correct movement.

In this case, art does imitate life: Western Civilization commits itself daily to an auto de fé to appease its parasites, enslaving and exiling those that built its foundations in the name of equality and social justice. And yet, we fail, and we will continue to fail until we remember to look to the foundations of our respective houses.

The Heresy of Survivalism

Evidently, SurvivalBlog was the focus of a Yahoo! News story on the troubled times we live in and the corresponding interest in survivalism. A link to a MetaFilter thread followed the article, from which I gathered the following opinions about the vocal majority:

- The State, all-powerful and all-knowing, will rescue everyone without fail in a crisis situation.

- Having more than a few weeks of food on-hand is selfish and paranoid, and the amount in excess is directly proportional to one's paranoia and antisocial sentiments.

- Firearm ownership signifies sexual dysfunction/deviancy, and anyone that would use a firearm to protect themselves, their liberty or property is "already dead inside".

- If the future has any sort of apocalyptic events that will precipitate hardship, it would be preferable to die than try to survive. Should survival be unavoidable, kill and loot from those that are prepared.

- I (my room-mate/siblings/parents/dog/friend/lover/ancestor) experienced a three-day blackout, and (I/we/they) made s'mores and told stories, which by induction, proves that all preparation beyond three days is unnecessary if one has candles and s'mores.

- Lowering myself to preparing for a disaster would cheapen my morals, poke quarter-sized holes in my faith and pride in my society, and cause the milk to sour.

- Any impending collapse is the fault of the Bush administration for failure to subsidize low-income hope/change.

I imagine that the vocal majority is college-educated, registered with the bipartisan juggernaut and unaware of the nature of fractional-reserve banking. Which is to say, blissfully ignorant of history and unwilling to be bothered while worshipping at the altar of the State. Furthermore, I doubt that the average snarky pedant has walked more than ten miles at a stretch, fired a rifle, or eaten something that they had to kill. Prosperity, in their eyes, is a matter of belief.

And so, following the weekend of the final exam for America's Great Depression, echoes from the past attempts to stabilize an inflationary economic model continue to build amidst the increasingly fervent attempts to avert disaster. No amount of belief in the fundamental goodness of human nature will mitigate the cascading economic failures that are inherent to the international banking systems that were modeled on central-banking theory. Not only has it ruined the economies of multiple nations, but it has left virtually no safe haven from the following holocaust. And yet, the vocal majority welcome it with open arms, and expect salvation within the year at the hands of the State.

So it goes.

Yet another problem with reading comprehension

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Straight from the prospective Obama administration's website for the occupation of the White House:

Address Gun Violence in Cities: As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.

Utterly predictable, but outrageous nonetheless. I expect the proposed legislation to be similar in form to the recent H.R. 1022 (Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007), which expands the definition of an "assault weapon" (a pejorative term applied to garner sympathy from the ignorant) to the following:

(30) The term `semiautomatic assault weapon' means any of the following:

(A) The following rifles or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) AK, AKM, AKS, AK-47, AK-74, ARM, MAK90, Misr, NHM 90, NHM 91, SA 85, SA 93, VEPR;
(ii) AR-10;
(iii) AR-15, Bushmaster XM15, Armalite M15, or Olympic Arms PCR;
(iv) AR70;
(v) Calico Liberty;
(vi) Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU;
(vii) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, or FNC;
(viii) Hi-Point Carbine;
(ix) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, or HK-PSG-1;
(x) Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;
(xi) M1 Carbine;
(xii) Saiga;
(xiii) SAR-8, SAR-4800;
(xiv) SKS with detachable magazine;
(xv) SLG 95;
(xvi) SLR 95 or 96;
(xvii) Steyr AUG;
(xviii) Sturm, Ruger Mini-14;
(xix) Tavor;
(xx) Thompson 1927, Thompson M1, or Thompson 1927 Commando; or
(xxi) Uzi, Galil and Uzi Sporter, Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle (Galatz).

(B) The following pistols or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) Calico M-110;
(ii) MAC-10, MAC-11, or MPA3;
(iii) Olympic Arms OA;
(iv) TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10; or
(v) Uzi.

(C) The following shotguns or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) Armscor 30 BG;
(ii) SPAS 12 or LAW 12;
(iii) Striker 12; or
(iv) Streetsweeper.

(D) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine, and that has--
(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) a threaded barrel;
(iii) a pistol grip;
(iv) a forward grip; or
(v) a barrel shroud.

(E)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), a semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
(ii) Clause (i) shall not apply to an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

(F) A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has--
(i) a second pistol grip;
(ii) a threaded barrel;
(iii) a barrel shroud; or
(iv) the capacity to accept a detachable magazine at a location outside of the pistol grip.

(G) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.

(H) A semiautomatic shotgun that has--
(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) a pistol grip;
(iii) the ability to accept a detachable magazine; or
(iv) a fixed magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds.

(I) A shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

(J) A frame or receiver that is identical to, or based substantially on the frame or receiver of, a firearm described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) or (L).

(K) A conversion kit.

(L) A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General. In making the determination, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any Federal law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a firearm shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event.

(b) Related Definitions- Section 921(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

(36) Barrel Shroud- The term `barrel shroud' means a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel of a firearm so that the shroud protects the user of the firearm from heat generated by the barrel, but does not include a slide that encloses the barrel, and does not include an extension of the stock along the bottom of the barrel which does not encircle or substantially encircle the barrel.

(37) Conversion Kit- The term `conversion kit' means any part or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a firearm into a semiautomatic assault weapon, and any combination of parts from which a semiautomatic assault weapon can be assembled if the parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.

(38) Detachable Magazine- The term `detachable magazine' means an ammunition feeding device that can readily be inserted into a firearm.

(39) Fixed Magazine- The term `fixed magazine' means an ammunition feeding device contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm.

(40) Folding or Telescoping Stock- The term `folding or telescoping stock' means a stock that folds, telescopes, or otherwise operates to reduce the length, size, or any other dimension, or otherwise enhances the concealability, of a firearm.

(41) Forward Grip- The term `forward grip' means a grip located forward of the trigger that functions as a pistol grip.

(42) Pistol Grip- The term `pistol grip' means a grip, a thumbhole stock, or any other characteristic that can function as a grip.

(43) Threaded Barrel- The term `threaded barrel' means a feature or characteristic that is designed in such a manner to allow for the attachment of a firearm as defined in section 5845(a) of the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5845(a)).

Keep in mind that this was introduced to the House of Representatives by Rep. Carolyn "Barrel-Shroud" McCarthy [D-NY], who is demonstrably and willfully ignorant regarding the content of her own bill and the design and function of, I daresay, all the affected firearms.

Nevermind that "assault weapons" have no placing in the BATFE's "Top Ten" list of models most-frequently used in crimes. In fact, none of the firearms in that list qualify as "high-capacity" under the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.

I think the pertinent question would be, "What exactly are they planning that requires law-abiding citizens to surrender their arms, but largely ignores the cause of the crime that "assault weapons" purportedly encourage?"

I promise that you will not like the answer.

Regarding ends and means

It may not be true, but I suspect it is. If it is, I sincerely hope they're caught by the people involved, and something awful transpires.

I could care less about the Prop 8, by the way. The State has no business being involved in the marriage contract, period.

Via PostSecret.

Hate. This. State.

Ever since the Assembly and Senate fixed the budget problem, attention in Sacramento has shifted to alleviating draconian private-property restrictions throughout the state, encouraging new business and stimulating the real-estate market in areas crippled by the sub-prime loan collapse. Just kidding:

Under the draft plan released by the ARB [Air Resources Board] in June, the state seeks to eliminate 2 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through land-use decisions that will reduce the need for Californians to drive. But Nichols said the ARB would not get involved in micromanaging local land-use decisions.

“The ARB will not be making land-use decisions,” she said. “We will just set targets. It will be up to the locals to implement the plans that meet those targets.”

Translation: "The ARB will not be making land-use decisions."

Don't worry, it's all part of the plan to save us from ourselves:

“SB 375 would become the vehicle to implement the land use portion of AB 32,” said Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board. “It would carry out the draft scoping plan for the land-use sector.”

AB 32, introduced by Fabian Nunez (D, Los Angeles), hosts some incredible gems of bulletproof logic and scientific rigor:

Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of California. The potential adverse impacts of global warming include the exacerbation of air quality problems, a reduction in the quality and supply of water to the state from the Sierra snowpack, a rise in sea levels resulting in the displacement of thousands of coastal businesses and residences, damage to marine ecosystems and the natural environment, and an increase in the incidences of infectious diseases, asthma, and other human health-related problems.

Once the premise is established, the ends justify any means. All they're missing is the tagline "... for the children.":

The bill would require the state board to monitor compliance with and enforce any rule, regulation, order, emission limitation, emissions reduction measure, or market-based compliance mechanism adopted by the state board, pursuant to specified provisions of existing law. The bill would authorize the state board to adopt a schedule of fees to be paid by regulated sources of greenhouse gas emissions, as specified.

In making the determinations required by subdivision (b), the state board shall consider all relevant information pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs in other states, localities, and nations, including the northeastern states of the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

What? Did anyone read this bill before it was rammed through the Assembly? Remember, the members of these boards are appointed officials, and like the already-declared-illegal Coastal Commission, have humbly offered to expedite your hearing by serving as lawgiver, judge, jury, executor and executioner.

According to an unofficial ballot from the vote, some of the assembly members did, or at least had an instinctual dislike for AB 32... However, it's worse than I thought, as it's not just the politicians that are drinking the Kool-Aid:

The California Field Poll has released today a survey of our state's voters that has astronomically high levels of support for the bill passed last year to reduce greenhouse gases to mitigate the effects of global warming. By a margin of 79% to 17%, California's voters approve of AB 32. 81% responded that global warming was a very serious (56%) or somewhat serious (25%) problem while only 17% stated that it was not a serious problem.

Translation: 4 of 5 Californians implicitly agree that public education is working as intended, and as a result harbor a mental deficiency that should exclude them from approaching within 100' of a official polling area. As Triton has eloquently covered as of late, voting is a privilege, not a right, and should be restricted. And yes, I'd give up my vote for more liberty. Your bid, California.

And not that I had a special reserve of expectations, but that includes the catfish-wrap right here in town. That's right, CN&R, I'm calling you out.

Parity in predation, parity with policy?

Frankly, this is just disgusting:

The couple was arrested June 2 on suspicion of distribution or exhibition of lewd material to a minor and annoying or molesting a child under 18, Sheriff's Department spokesman Royjindar Singh said. Justin was released from jail on $25,000 bail, and Amy was released on $10,000 bail. (Emphasis is mine.)

Again, I will posit that an increasing frequency of these types of sexual predations on youth are symptomatic of a larger problem inherent in the public school system.

Also, notice the relative difference in the amount of bail (another example here). Interestingly, this is an example of a man and a woman accused of the exact same crime against the exact same victim, and the bail for the man is 250% that of the bail of the woman. I would be interested to see how far the parity extends, and what the sentences will be if both are convicted (likely, in my opinion).

The use of "again" in the headline...

Maybe I should go to hell
But I am doing well
Teacher needs to see me after school

I think of all the education that I've missed
But then my homework was never quite like this!

In court, a judge was told the sex was consensual and that the teacher and her alleged victim care deeply for one another.

Kennedy's lawyers say that she is not guilty of rape. She is supported by her family who are trying to raise the $100,000 bond she was ordered held on.

I'm not holding my breath on the sentencing. Of course, this is the first instance of this kind of behavior, and there's no need for worry:

"Schools are among the safest places for children to be, statistically speaking," said NEA spokesman Michael Pons. "There is a whole network of people there to take care of the children's health. Within that community, there is built-in support to prevent any inappropriate thing."

Pay no attention to that repetitive rustling behind the curtain.