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Re: OhGizmo! » Archive » Japanese Deep Fryer Has Aquarium Within

Voice of Reason — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 15:03:43 -0000

Looks like a pretty cool and interesting device. Very typically of how through internal domestic competition, Japanese companies are compelled to push the envelope.

Shame about the racist idiocy in the thread.
Drawing a negative conclusion about a group of people (specifically a race) through a particular situation = Racism

Rape of Nanking --> Bad --> Japanese bad --> Racism (GuyWhoLivesInGlassHouse)
Invading Iraq --> Torturing prisoners --> Americans bad --> Racism
Japan has social problems --> Japanese bad --> Racism
Killing fish-->Japanese bad-->Racism
(cf. Killing cockroaches-->Humans bad--???)

Pointing out flaws in a society-->Not racism
Pointing out flaws in a society-->Applying those conclusions to all members of that society-->Racism

Being a racist but not being aware of it. Racist idiot.

Re: The Technology Liberation Front » Archive » New Pro-censorship, er, Pro-”Fairness Doctrine” Website Launched

Voice of Reason — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 14:58:37 -0000

Their website doesn't allow people to email them.

Re: Obama Exposes Regional Difference With Clinton As Debate Turns For Him

Voice of Reason — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:30:24 -0000

driver's licenses protect you If somebody driving a motor vehicle injures you, would you like that person to have insurance to cover your medical expenses? Would you like them to have some kind of documentation establishing their identity and address? If so, then you are in favor of issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

Issuing licenses to such drivers makes it easier for them to obtain insurance, lowers auto insurance costs for others, and increases public safety (since to obtain a driver's license, people have to take a course and learn the rules of the road).

It is important to note that the type of driver's license that NY proposed to issue to illegal immigrants (the source of this subject in the Democratic debates) could not have been be used to obtain other types of ID, to open bank accounts, or for any other purpose requiring a federally approved ID. In fact, the NY proposal (which has now been abandoned, thanks to the uninformed uproar arising from the Dem debate question on this subject) was described as "a major step forward for security, both for New York and for the country" -- by Michael Chertoff, the current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Re: Overloaded Truck

Voice of Reason — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:09:30 -0000

Question: "Is this dangerous?"

Answer: Well, yes. Hell yes.

Re: Solar Powered Necktie Is Not Exactly Ralph Lauren

Voice of Reason — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:47:24 -0000

OK, so it's a great idea to be able to wear solar power. My husband is at work at lot but away from a power outlet, pacing outside on his cell, he could get power from this. although a better alternative is the Solio. cheap and works wonders! Cheers

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/alleged-stickam-rapist-john-hock.html

Voice of Reason — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:37:38 -0000

Thats a good point Diana, human bodies are built to reach maturity around age thirteen. We should just change the national age of consent to thirteen. They have sex anyways, why not make it legal.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/alleged-stickam-rapist-john-hock.html

Voice of Reason — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:59:19 -0000

I was pretty sure that he didn't have intercourse with her...so that rules out calling him a rapist.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:06:06 -0000

LMAO. Maybe people from our locale are just more intelligent than your average sheep. I have no relation to John Hock, nor Chris, nor Diana, nor D.

You're proud of being biased? You realize that just trivializes your articles right? Which is more known? The Wall Street Journal, or Star Magazine? Being unbiased is a definite prerequisite for actual success at things like this.

Also, if you're accusing Diana of being an attention whore, why're you shining such a large spot light on her? If she was doing this all for attention, wouldn't you just be giving her exactly what she wants? Attention whores are not the problem, its those that feed them lol! But I guess that concept is too complex for someone who runs a blog under the guise of news, but claims to be biased and proud.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:33:50 -0000

For Jaimie:
1.) Yes, sarcasm, I can see that.
2.) Right...rape is sexual assault, but sexual assault is not rape.
3.) Yeah, I'm not sure either...I totally meant to say anymore, I probably just didn't finish editing my thoughts.
4.) I have no idea how they're trying to stick him with kidnapping either, and that is one of the points I was trying to make.

For Jae:
1.) You caught the irony then?
2.) Because no one else is.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:28:27 -0000

For Jamie:
1.) Snarky comments are all you'll respond to directly.
2.) You proved that Rape is Sexual Assault, not vice versa.
3.) If no one is saying it another more, stop bringing it up.

For Chuck D.:
1.) Truth is not name-calling.
2.) My argument does not need any help. None of you have yet to counter anything I've said.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:38:36 -0000

I didn't say it gave him the right. No one did. You people are the only ones insinuating that. You're so blinded by your own self righteous anger that you don't even read what is said. You just extrapolate what you want to argue against.

Also, as far as criminal law is concerned, sexual assault and rape are not the same things.

He shouldn't have touched her. She shouldn't have had him over and passed out in her room.

I think from now on I'm going to use point by point statements so you simpletons can wrap your head around a sound argument.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:23:05 -0000

Lets go hypothetical here. You know someone who has the reputation of feeling up girls. Mostly rumours and maybe a couple girls who claim they wre felt up. And you're a girl, and you invite this person into your room. You've known of this reputation, everyone has, and you decide you're going to start drinking. Not just a drink, but many, so many that you are going to pass out. You still know of his reputation.

It is a basic principal: Fire burns.

You know fire is hot, that you should not touch it or play with it. Yet when you go ahead and play with fire anyways, and your house burns down. It is still mostly and basically your fault. It may not be what you wanted, but it is what happened.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2009/06/john-hock-accused-of-raping-woman-live.html

Voice of Reason — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:21:13 -0000

I don't know where you all got your law degrees but, rape entails forced intercourse. Anything else is sexual assault. Also, she was not moved, and by criminal definition, there was no kidnapping. Thirdly, most of you are posting ridiculous self-righteous babble. You don't address any points, you just shout at someone with a differing opinion. In summation, yes John Hock sexually assualted that girl. He admitted as much. So why not sentence him to a term in line with his crime, rather than pretend he took this woman from her home, forced intercourse on her, filmed it, and then passed it around on the internet. Get over yourselves.

Re: Question of the day

Voice of Reason — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:00:03 -0000

The spinning today is incredible. If this is the best stuff the various campaigns can come up with, it's pathetic.

Since the attacks seem to be coming from both Blago's people and the far right, I'd say it's good news for the Topinka-Birkett ticket, because almost every one of the attacks has been transparent, shallow and not credible with the voters.

Give the voters more credit than this please. Nobody cares about most of the garbage you folks are spinning. Even your numbers are patently ridiculous.

And, NO, I don't work for Topinka, Birkett or their campaigns and never have. I'd just like to see some halfway intelligent discussion instead of the silly spinning.

Re: Lane Evans open thread

Voice of Reason — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:42:36 -0000

Just a few points of interest. None of the money that Jacobs has would be able to be used in a run. Look at the vote and you will see that while R.I. has the most votes of any county they are far from a majority. This district takes in at least 4 media markets and will take a ton of cash for either side to get a strong footing.

So when thinking of a replacement think of someone who can meet some of these requirements 1) name iD in the most counties 2) access to ready Federal Hard Dollars or who can self finance 30 someone who can bring the county chairs together as well as keep Labor and the conservative dem.'s on their side.

Re: Lane Evans open thread

Voice of Reason — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 11:13:47 -0000

Let's just clear the air for everyone. At least this year there will be no votes cast for anyone except who the county chairmen decide will fill the slot on the ballot for lane. The committeemen do not cast a vote. The 2008 primary there will probably be a blood bath but not before.

Re: Lane Evans open thread

Voice of Reason — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 11:50:50 -0000

The State Board is wrong. Unless they would like to change state law somehow.

(10 ILCS 5/7-61 paragraph 13)
In the proceedings to nominate a candidate to fill a vacancy or to fill a vacancy in the nomination, each precinct, township, ward, county or congressional district, as the case may be, shall through its representative on such central or managing committee, be entitled to one vote for each ballot voted in such precinct, township, ward, county or congressional district, as the case may be, by the primary electors of its party at the primary election immediately preceding the meeting at which such vacancy is to be filled.

Re: Strange reactions

Voice of Reason — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:48:10 -0000

Why do Illinois political types insist on taking the national media's bait and making this election a referendum on Bush's performance?

November's elections are a chance for Illinois voters to pick someone who can lead the state out of the mire of corruption in which the Ryan and Official A administrations have left us.

If the national media wants a tracking poll, they can get their own; we, the people of Illinois aren't going to let them hijack our election.

Re: Will the gay marriage amendment impact November?

Voice of Reason — Tue, 09 May 2006 16:39:22 -0000

Hasn't this wandered quite far from the original question?

But--"conservative", are you a Unitarian? That's the religion of most of the "founding fathers."

Re: Steele likely Stroger replacement

Voice of Reason — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:49:07 -0000

Wow--thanks for clarifying some of the rhetorical mess.

Claypool Camp--it would not have been "mean" for Claypool to make legitimate criticisms of poor management and fiscal policies. The ads I received from him, however, simply LIED about County property tax levies. The second one cited a 1995 Tribune article as the source for the assertion that Stroger has raised the levy 10 times--most of those times occurring after 1995. Since the County's levy has been flat for several years, and Claypool has been a commissioner and has complete access to that information, and in fact should be well-versed in it, I could only conclude that this was an attempt to appeal to wealthy white northsiders who don't like property taxes. That was the moment he lost my vote.

Re: Question of the day

Voice of Reason — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 13:58:15 -0000

Have to agree that any good from Wal-Mart outweighs the bad.

That said, laws/ordinances that specifically target one company--however carefully veiled in the appropriate language--are at least morally suspect if not illegal or unconstitutional.

Wal-Mart is just the best example of the American ideal of capitalism. They do it better than anyone. So, let them come, let them build. As long as all the free-market conservatives don't complain later when jobs are relocated to other countries--that's just healthy competition in the marketplace.

And as long as we don't undermine the competitive open market by giving them subsidies--TIF funds, property tax breaks, sales tax abatements--which they've recieved from other places all over the country.

How can the company with the best bottom line in the world need a subsidy? If it's not profitable to put a store somewhere, then don't put it there.

Re: Question of the day

Voice of Reason — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:07:12 -0000

Ability to govern is obviously hard to determine via popular support. The current parties have been underwhelming in the governing department, so why shouldn't a third party have a shot at it?

If there is a three-candidate debate, how will we know who is able to govern, from what we can see in that context?

Re: Question of the day

Voice of Reason — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 12:39:24 -0000

I would vote against the ban, because it is unnecessary AND a distraction from more important fiscal issues facing both this state and the federal government.

If we do address marriage, I propose we separate church and state, providing civil unions for any couples (opposite or same-sex), and allowing churches to preside over only those unions that fit within their theology.

Re: Stroger roundup

Voice of Reason — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 12:31:19 -0000

I don't think much of Tony Peraica, having sat in on County Board meetings and heard him speak. However, I am steamed that the Cook Count Dems are even considering pulling a fast one on the voters that chose to trust them in spite of Stroger's illness.

We deserve better.

And then there's the Tribune, which criticized the Dem party for this maneuver, and then suggested a list of only MALE alternative candidates, completely sidestepping a list of qualified FEMALE candidates.

I guess those of us who live in Cook County are just stuck with a government that insists on remaining a farce of a puppet show.

Re: Most underreported story of the month

Voice of Reason — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:15:21 -0000

The article in Small Newspapers presents only the negative side of the gross receipts idea, and printed comments only from the "business community." Given that our current business taxes are inefficient and idiosyncratic (for example, how many businessess actually pay any/substantial state corporate income taxes?), and that our sales tax applies to only the sales of goods, which is a declining sector compared to services, why shouldn't we consider an alternative system of taxation? Many other states are--recently Ohio instituted a form of gross receipts tax, and they are under debate in other states--and several states already have gross receipts taxes, instead of corporate income taxes. Some also have a sales tax and some don't. The point is that the powerful business lobbies have a vested interest in painting the most negative picture of this, without any analysis of actual impact. A low rate gross receipts is unlikely to result in prices that are 10-15% higher--and a rigorous economic analysis would be required to verify any tax impact assumptions.

Re: Most underreported story of the month

Voice of Reason — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:34:50 -0000

Indeed, nothing IS free, including education, transportation infrastructure and health care--all of which benefit the public good and not only select individuals.

A gross receipts tax can be structured so that it exempts the first $000,000 of receipts, in order to protect small businesses. And in addition to considering the elimination of the corporate income tax, the state could rescind some of the fees that have distortionary economic effects.

NO ONE wants their taxes to go up, for any reason. That is why government is not the "private market" since in that case the public good is not served by purely individual best interests.

Re: Stroger has cancer

Voice of Reason — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:04:19 -0000

As in politics and in government there are many ways to skin a cat. Cook County is the second largest county in the United States. The government includes a variety of elected officials from different areas of the public sector. As is the case with most individuals, they see their singular jobs as more important than the next. The job of the President is to look at Cook County as a whole and make the best decisions possible. A month and half is an extremely short time to dissect every department in regard to cuts and reforms within every department and office in the county. In demanding 15% cuts, every elected official and every department is put on an equal level. Every department and elected official has important roles that contribute to the well-being of Cook County. However, in the grand scheme of things, no elected official is either better or greater than the next.

Now if you want to talk in detail...get a copy of the actual budget (Also, a copy of that budget can be reviewed on the Cook County website), and see if every department took a 15 percent or as some have said 20 percent cut.

Obviously, everyone can not afford the same cut but in order to change and reform government you have to start somewhere. The budget process requires department heads to meet in good faith and compare numbers to see what options are available to make the budget work with the dollars available. Unfortunately, due to arrogance and the unwillingness to work together with President Stroger, some elected officials wanted to politicize the process when they knew that cuts were coming four to five years prior.

The same Commissioners, press, and critics who disagree with the moves and changes being made did not support a tax increase to keep front line workers, administrators, and county staff working. Also, the same Commissioners and critics did not offer any valid ideas for increased revenue or funds that would help the county balance its deficit. Letâ€™s not be fooledâ€¦If people are really concerned with Cook County government, letâ€™s not sabotage an elected official, under the appearance of trying to establish your own political agenda.

Put yourself in the Presidentâ€™s shoes for one minute. You inherit a deficit of 500 million dollars.
Option A.) Do you continue to spend tax payer dollars and continue to borrow additional funds by putting yourself in deeper debt?
OR
Option B.) Do you make the hard decisions to reform and implement changes that are necessary for Cook County to function properly?

A Response to Patronage

Just recently Donald Stevens, the beloved Mayor of Rosemont passed away. His son, Bradley Stevens, was elected by the trustee board to take his place. Other major departments in Rosemont are also directly related to Mayor Stevens. However, the decision for Bradley Stevens to be the next mayor was applauded by media outlets, and the same critics that complain about patronage in Cook County. There is a time in everyoneâ€™s life where they must take a stand and decide what team you are going to play for. If you are going to be against patronage for one, then you should against patronage for all. And if you are in the middle, what is the reasoning for criticizing one, and praising the other.

Re: Cook GOP backing Pulido

Voice of Reason — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:19:36 -0000

Oh no, "Bubs" is off the campaign. Well that's the first good news Pulido's had.

Unfortunately, the Cook GOP has no "volunteers, signs and grassroots support" to give. Roupas is clueless.

I'm not real excited about Pulido's campaign myself, and that district is unwinnable for any Republican right now anyway.

But she's far from the nuttiest candidate the GOP's ever fielded in Illinois.

I think you'll find many more bats in Topinka's belfry for example, and much crazier quotes. Like remember when Judy said her rolling pin was an assault weapon?