Motley Moose – Archive

For those who are new … we discuss books.  I list what I’m reading, and people comment with what they’re reading.  Sometimes, on Sundays, I post a special edition on a particular genre or topic.

If you like to trade books, try bookmooch

I’ve written some book reviews on Yahoo Voices:

Book reviews on Yahoo

Just finished

Now reading

Cooler Smarter: Practical tips for low carbon living  by the scientists at Union of Concerned Scientists, a great group. These folk make sense, concentrating on the changes you can make that have the biggest impact with the least effort.

Thinking, fast and slow  by Daniel Kahneman.  Kahneman, most famous for his work with the late Amos Tversky, is one of the leading psychologists of the times. Here, he posits that our brains have two systems: A fast one and a slow one. Neither is better, but they are good at different things. This is a brilliant book: Full of insight and very well written, as well.

On politics: A history of political thought from Herodotus to the present by Alan Ryan. What the subtitle says – a history of political thought.  

Visions of Infinity by Ian Stewart. A nontechnical look at 11 famous problems of math. So far, it’s a little too nontechnical for my taste.

Woodrow Wilson by John Cooper, Jr. A fairly admiring look at Wilson.

Lake Views: The world and the universe by Steven Weinberg. Essays by this leading physicist.

Just started

Algorithms Unlocked  by Thomas Corman  A gentle introduction to computer algorithms

Robert Oppenheimer: His life and mind by Ray Monk  Oppenheimer was one of the most interesting people of the 20th century. In this biography Monk (a wonderful writer) attempts to cover both his physics and his many other interests.

Good morning, Moosekind. Don’t forget to let your peeps know where to find you.

The common Moose, Alces alces, unlike other members of the deer family, is a solitary animal that doesn’t form herds. Not so its rarer but nearest relative, Alces purplius, the Motley Moose. Though sometimes solitary, the Motley Moose herds in ever shifting groups at the local watering hole to exchange news and just pass the time.

While Congress is busy chasing the next great conspiracy in Benghazi or voting to repeal Obamacare for the 37 millionth time – the arctic icecap is quickly disappearing.

In early April, Carlos Duarte warned that the Arctic summer sea ice was melting at a rate faster than predicted by conventional climate models, and could be ice free as early as 2015 – rather than toward the end of the century, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected in 2007. He said:

“The Arctic situation is snowballing: dangerous changes in the Arctic derived from accumulated anthropogenic green house gases lead to more activities conducive to further greenhouse gas emissions. This situation has the momentum of a runaway train.”

Nazfeez Ahmed

American media is busy reporting on issues important to us, such as Umbrella-gate or the British Royal family.

The disparity was greatest on ABC World News, which dedicated 43 segments to the royal family and only one to climate change. NBC Nightly News wasn’t much better, devoting 38 segments to the royals and only 4 to climate change. CBS Evening News covered climate change the most — in 7 segments — but still less than its 11 segments on the royal family.

This ongoing imbalance was illustrated just last week when scientists announced that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is set to surpass 400 parts per million, likely for the first time in human history. ABC World News and NBC Nightly News ignored the story, even as NBC found time to cover Prince Harry’s visit to the United States.

Media Matters

While Congress is busy chasing the next great conspiracy in Benghazi or voting to repeal Obamacare for the 37 millionth time – the arctic icecap is quickly disappearing.

In early April, Carlos Duarte warned that the Arctic summer sea ice was melting at a rate faster than predicted by conventional climate models, and could be ice free as early as 2015 – rather than toward the end of the century, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected in 2007. He said:

“The Arctic situation is snowballing: dangerous changes in the Arctic derived from accumulated anthropogenic green house gases lead to more activities conducive to further greenhouse gas emissions. This situation has the momentum of a runaway train.”

Nazfeez Ahmed

American media is busy reporting on issues important to us, such as Umbrella-gate or the British Royal family.

The disparity was greatest on ABC World News, which dedicated 43 segments to the royal family and only one to climate change. NBC Nightly News wasn’t much better, devoting 38 segments to the royals and only 4 to climate change. CBS Evening News covered climate change the most — in 7 segments — but still less than its 11 segments on the royal family.

This ongoing imbalance was illustrated just last week when scientists announced that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is set to surpass 400 parts per million, likely for the first time in human history. ABC World News and NBC Nightly News ignored the story, even as NBC found time to cover Prince Harry’s visit to the United States.

Media Matters

While Congress is busy chasing the next great conspiracy in Benghazi or voting to repeal Obamacare for the 37 millionth time – the arctic icecap is quickly disappearing.

In early April, Carlos Duarte warned that the Arctic summer sea ice was melting at a rate faster than predicted by conventional climate models, and could be ice free as early as 2015 – rather than toward the end of the century, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected in 2007. He said:

“The Arctic situation is snowballing: dangerous changes in the Arctic derived from accumulated anthropogenic green house gases lead to more activities conducive to further greenhouse gas emissions. This situation has the momentum of a runaway train.”

Nazfeez Ahmed

American media is busy reporting on issues important to us, such as Umbrella-gate or the British Royal family.

The disparity was greatest on ABC World News, which dedicated 43 segments to the royal family and only one to climate change. NBC Nightly News wasn’t much better, devoting 38 segments to the royals and only 4 to climate change. CBS Evening News covered climate change the most — in 7 segments — but still less than its 11 segments on the royal family.

This ongoing imbalance was illustrated just last week when scientists announced that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is set to surpass 400 parts per million, likely for the first time in human history. ABC World News and NBC Nightly News ignored the story, even as NBC found time to cover Prince Harry’s visit to the United States.

Media Matters

While Congress is busy chasing the next great conspiracy in Benghazi or voting to repeal Obamacare for the 37 millionth time – the arctic icecap is quickly disappearing.

In early April, Carlos Duarte warned that the Arctic summer sea ice was melting at a rate faster than predicted by conventional climate models, and could be ice free as early as 2015 – rather than toward the end of the century, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected in 2007. He said:

“The Arctic situation is snowballing: dangerous changes in the Arctic derived from accumulated anthropogenic green house gases lead to more activities conducive to further greenhouse gas emissions. This situation has the momentum of a runaway train.”

Nazfeez Ahmed

American media is busy reporting on issues important to us, such as Umbrella-gate or the British Royal family.

The disparity was greatest on ABC World News, which dedicated 43 segments to the royal family and only one to climate change. NBC Nightly News wasn’t much better, devoting 38 segments to the royals and only 4 to climate change. CBS Evening News covered climate change the most — in 7 segments — but still less than its 11 segments on the royal family.

This ongoing imbalance was illustrated just last week when scientists announced that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is set to surpass 400 parts per million, likely for the first time in human history. ABC World News and NBC Nightly News ignored the story, even as NBC found time to cover Prince Harry’s visit to the United States.

Media Matters

Morehouse graduates in the rain cheer President Obama at commencement address (Pete Souza)

If you have not yet listened to, and watched President Obama delivering the commencement address at Morehouse College, on Sunday, May 19, 2013 it is posted here for you to absorb and view.

This was the 129th commencement ceremony at Morehouse, an historically black college (HBCU). What made it different from all of the ones that preceded it, was that the “Mighty Men” of Morehouse were being addressed by the President of the United States. Black man to young black men.  

Interrogatories

What form of natural disaster scares you most (even if it never happens where you are)?

What city do you think has the prettiest skyline?

What is the longest it’s ever taken you to reach a destination (vacation or other travel)?

It’s “I Need a Patch for That Day.” What would you like to have a patch for?

The Twitter Emitter

After Jesus told his disciples to “heal the sick,” Judas voted to repeal the instruction 37 times, but was overruled in the Senate

— The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) May 17, 2013

John Karl: “I have to protect my source. Otherwise next time they want to push a partisan lie, they’ll call someone else.”

— Top Conservative Cat (@TeaPartyCat) May 19, 2013

My kids are discussing how much money they could make from fighting crime, but by “fighting crime” I suspect they mean “crime.”

— BillCorbett (@BillCorbett) May 20, 2013

In Russia, they’ve got Vladimir Zhirinovsky – in France Jean-Marie Le Pen. In the US – it’s as if EVERY Republican is trying best them.

—UltraVerified (@UltraVerified) May 20, 2013

Music stars always thank Me for their God-given talent when they should be thanking Me for the public’s God-forsaken taste.

— God (@TheTweetOfGod) May 20, 2013

Asking why people live in the path of natural disasters in the U.S. is absurd.We just pick the disaster we want to risk.

— Jesse Taylor (@jesseltaylor) May 21, 2013

Maybe, just maybe it’s time to start thinking about IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE rather than tax breaks for the wealthy.

—UltraVerified (@UltraVerified) May 21, 2013

Seems like a good time to remind people that teachers are first responders.

— David Waldman (@KagroX) May 21, 2013

I just ripped out some stuffing from ur favorite chair and left it on ur pillow. And you say I never think of you.

— The Fucking Cat(@TheFuckingCat) May 21, 2013

Fox News: “Obama must investigate and prosecute all leaks for security reasons. Except if it’s leaked to us, then it’s CHILLING!”

— Top Conservative Cat (@TeaPartyCat) May 21, 2013

This is how we “politicize” tragedy: Give disaster relief when needed. Pass background checks when 90% want them. Don’t politicize Benghazi

— The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) May 21, 2013

#YouMightBeARepublican if you praise the Lord out of one side of your mouth and condemn the poor and unfortunate out of the other.

— RC deWinter (@RCdeWinter) May 21, 2013

When the walls come tumbling down, it’s usually someone in a union that saves you, and another that rebuilds the walls. #ok

— Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) May 21, 2013

Sometimes. Sometimes there isn’t enough scotch in the world.

— Dirk Lester (@Dirk2112) May 21, 2013

UPDATE: Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office Revises Death Toll Down To 24, Including 7 Children

Dozens Killed In Massive Tornado Near Oklahoma City

A massive tornado ripped through the southern suburbs of Oklahoma City, Monday afternoon, killing at least 51 people 24 people, according to the state medical examiner’s office.

The death toll was expected to rise.

Helicopter images showed large tracts of Moore, Okla., completely leveled by what the National Weather Service says was at least an EF-4 tornado with winds in excess of 166 mph. The tornado stayed on the ground for 40 minutes and traveled 20 miles.

Read More: Massive Tornado Blasts Through Oklahoma City Suburbs (Slideshow)

Oklahoma GOP Sen. Tom Coburn Will Seek To Offset Tornado Aid

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn will seek to offset federal aid to victims of a massive tornado that blasted through Oklahoma City suburbs on Monday with cuts elsewhere in the budget.

“That’s always been his position [to offset disaster aid],” a spokesman told the Huffington Post Monday night. “He supported offsets to the bill funding the OKC bombing recovery effort.”

Read More: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on Sandy Relief

Cole called it “hypocritical” for lawmakers whose districts have benefited from federal aid after previous disasters to require sweeping spending cuts in order to authorize the storm aid. “We have never done that in the past in a disaster, and we certainly shouldn’t do so now,” Cole said.

  Make sure you let your peeps know where to find you!