Condolences
mikethemadbiologist | March 3, 2010We are saddened to report, by way of Blue Gal and Tom Watson, that faux conservative blogger and brilliant satirist Jon Swift passed away. I corresponded with him a few times, and I always found him to be a complete delight (not to mention a riot).
My favorite Jon Swift: Jon Swift's Complete Amazon Reviews
He will be missed.
mikethemadbiologist | December 19, 2009With some sadness, we read that GM is killing off Saab, although spare parts will still be made. The BBC's Jorn Madslien explains how a well-engineered car line died (italics mine):
When its owner GM bought Saab, it was seen as a brand that could become the US automotive group's European luxury brand.
But the quirky cars did not attract a broad enough following, so it failed to make money.
GM's solution was to cut costs by sharing ever more parts with Opel while, at the same time, toning down their design.
Such moves alienated traditional Saab customers without gaining new ones. New product…
mikethemadbiologist | August 26, 2009Senator Kennedy died late last night. From his family:
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever.
"We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all.
"He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.
"He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them…
mikethemadbiologist | December 16, 2008I finally can get around to writing about Jan Kemp, the University of Georgia professor, who, even as Georgia was winning football championships, had the courage to point out that the football players were graduating utterly unprepared for post-collegiate life. Kemp herself put it best:
"All over the country, athletes are used to produce revenue," she told The New York Times a month after the trial. "I've seen what happens when the lights dim and the crowd fades. They're left with nothing. I want that stopped."
For her honesty, she was fired, but successfully sued for compensation. During…
mikethemadbiologist | December 15, 2008Last Friday, the NY Times published the actual obituary for Sunny von Bulow:
All the hoopla and tabloid celebrity (of which she was unaware), and it ends in this. At least now, the poor woman will be left alone.
mikethemadbiologist | June 27, 2007Lindsay Beyerstein of Majikthise lost her father recently. Some kind words couldn't hurt.