March 2013

TSA: Terrorist Source of Amusement

After years of puzzling over it, I think at last I understand the TSA’s strategy for dealing with terrorism: make them laugh so hard they’ll all have strokes or something. Yes, it has publicly sought crack security personnel by advertising…



Official State Crap: Arizona

Official state tree: the Palo Verde (not clear which kind, either Parkinsonia florida or Parkinsonia microphylla, could be both). Official state fossil: petrified wood (Araucarioxylon arizonicum, although that species may not actually exist). Official state bird: the cactus wren, "otherwise known as Coues'…


Lowering the Bar in Chicago

I'll be in Chicago during the week of April 22 to speak at a law firm's annual gathering there. (The guy who usually performs for them had an "accident.") This will be a Lowering the Bar presentation, and if you…



Assorted Stupidity #50

Have said it before, but people still aren't getting it: never bring a sharpened antler to a gunfight. Winner, Least Necessary Sentence in Article Linked Above Item (tie): "Witnesses said the man might be under the influence of drugs" and…



“Mr. Burns” Presides Over Trial of “Bart Simpson”

Scientists appear to disagree as to whether the universe (or multiverse) is truly infinite in the sense that given enough time, all possible events will necessarily happen. On the other hand, maybe this is just semantics, given that, according to…


Official State Crap: Alaska

Official state song: "Alaska's Flag" Official state motto: North to the Future Official state seal that supposedly can't be used without permission: this one Official state bird: the Alaska Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alascensis Swarth) Official state tree: the Sitka…


Saudis May End Beheadings; Said to Be Short on Swordsmen

But if you thought (and you probably didn't) that Saudi Arabia had finally taken a giant leap forward into the eighteenth century by deciding that chopping off heads is inhumane, think again. A joint Saudi committee composed of representatives of…