Best of Craigslist: Festival 8

Phish and Craigslist are two of my favorite things. Every time I go to a large event such as a concert or sports contest, I check out the craigslist posts. People are whoring themselves out, making commentary or trying to fulfill an agenda. Missed connections is the funniest; I wrote a piece for the phish coventry blog about the phish festival and craigslist, a crazy event I just went to. Check it out here: Best of Craigslist: Fest 8

After posting this last night, my associate Btreoch emailed me with a Tampa missed connection about Indio. Unbelievable!! He made the comment that I probably posted it myself, but I suspect one of my Tampa friends saw my post and made it to fuck w/me. I responded on principle but I have yet to receive any reply.

Phish 8

I will be at phish 8 for the next 5 days. Follow my twitter, and I’ll do my best to update this post of my adventures. It should be the King of Zemunda.

Epic USF: Fall 2009

Bomb scares, gunmen in the library, Knife wielding puppy holding cowboys, and masturbating beating victims are all the rage this fall at the University of South Florida.

You can’t make this stuff up people. I will not expound much other than to link the stories and say spending my days there have been sweet as of late. Also, USF Oracle could make a movie and make millions!

10-19-09 Man arrested/beaten for entering dorm, assaulting police while naked and masturbating.

10-6-09 Bomb and gunman scare, plus erroneous and hilarious report on knife wielding puppy holder.

Honda Element

I bought an 04 element. Here is the Phantasy tour discussion on the car’s merits.

Here is a gratuitous detailing of my new vehicle:

Vehicle
# EPA Classification 4WD Sport Utility

Engine
# Engine Order Code
# Engine Type Gas I4
# Displacement 2.4L/144
# Engine Order Code
# Fuel System SMPI
# Engine Type Gas I4
# SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 160 @ 5500
# Displacement 2.4L/144
# SAE Net Torque @ RPM 161 @ 4500
# Fuel System SMPI
# SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 160 @ 5500
# SAE Net Torque @ RPM 161 @ 4500

Transmission
# Drivetrain 4-Wheel Drive
# Trans Order Code
# Trans Type 4
# Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
# Trans Order Code
# Trans Description Cont. Again
# Trans Type 4
# First Gear Ratio (:1) 2.68
# Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
# Second Gear Ratio (:1) 1.54
# Trans Description Cont. Again
# Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.08
# First Gear Ratio (:1) 2.68
# Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.74
# Second Gear Ratio (:1) 1.54
# Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
# Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.08
# Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
# Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.74
# Reverse Ratio (:1) 2.00
# Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
# Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
# Clutch Size (in)
# Reverse Ratio (:1) 2.00
# Clutch Size (in)
# Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 4.44
# Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 4.44
# Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)
# Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)

Mileage
# EnerGuide Estimate – City (L/100 km) 21
# EnerGuide Estimate – Hwy (L/100 km) 24
# EPA Fuel Economy Est – City (MPG) 21
# EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy (MPG) 24

Electrical
# Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) – TBD -
# Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) – TBD -
# Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 45
# Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 45

Cooling System
# Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 7.6
# Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) 7.6

Weight Information
# Base Curb Weight (lbs) 3578

Trailering
# Dead Weight Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 1500
# Dead Weight Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 150
# Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)
# Dead Weight Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs) 1500
# Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)
# Dead Weight Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs) 150
# Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Trailer Wt. (lbs)
# Wt Distributing Hitch – Max Tongue Wt. (lbs)

Suspension
# Suspension Type – Front Control-Link
# Suspension Type – Rear Compact
# Suspension Type – Front (Cont.) MacPherson Strut
# Suspension Type – Front Control-Link
# Suspension Type – Rear (Cont.) Double Wishbone
# Suspension Type – Rear Compact
# Suspension Type – Front (Cont.) MacPherson Strut
# Suspension Type – Rear (Cont.) Double Wishbone
# Shock Absorber Diameter – Front (mm) – TBD -
# Shock Absorber Diameter – Rear (mm) – TBD -
# Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Front (in) 1.18
# Shock Absorber Diameter – Front (mm) – TBD -
# Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Rear (in) 0.83
# Shock Absorber Diameter – Rear (mm) – TBD -
# Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Front (in) 1.18
# Stabilizer Bar Diameter – Rear (in) 0.83

Brakes
# Brake Type Pwr
# Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
# Brake Type Pwr
# Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
# Disc – Front (Yes or ) Yes
# Disc – Rear (Yes or ) Yes
# Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.1 x 0.9
# Disc – Front (Yes or ) Yes
# Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.1 x 0.4
# Disc – Rear (Yes or ) Yes
# Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.1 x 0.9
# Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.1 x 0.4
# Drum – Rear (Yes or )
# Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)
# Drum – Rear (Yes or )
# Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Tires
# Front Tire Order Code
# Rear Tire Order Code
# Spare Tire Order Code
# Front Tire Order Code
# Front Tire Size P215/70SR16
# Rear Tire Order Code
# Rear Tire Size P215/70SR16
# Spare Tire Order Code
# Spare Tire Size – TBD -
# Front Tire Size P215/70SR16
# Rear Tire Size P215/70SR16
# Spare Tire Size – TBD -

Wheels
# Front Wheel Size (in) 16 x 6.5
# Rear Wheel Size (in) 16 x 6.5
# Spare Wheel Size (in) – TBD -
# Front Wheel Size (in) 16 x 6.5
# Rear Wheel Size (in) 16 x 6.5
# Spare Wheel Size (in) – TBD -
# Front Wheel Material Alloy
# Rear Wheel Material Alloy
# Spare Wheel Material – TBD -
# Front Wheel Material Alloy
# Rear Wheel Material Alloy
# Spare Wheel Material – TBD -

Steering
# Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion
# Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 16.2
# Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion
# Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 16.2
# Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 3.26
# Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb (ft) 34.9
# Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall (ft) – TBD -
# Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 3.26
# Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb (ft) 34.9
# Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall (ft) – TBD -

Fuel Tank
# Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (L) 15.9
# Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) 15.9

Exterior Dimensions
# Wheelbase (in) 101.4
# Wheelbase (in) 101.4
# Length, Overall (in) 166.5
# Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 71.5
# Height, Overall (in) 70.4
# Length, Overall (in) 166.5
# Tread Width, Front (in) 62.1
# Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 71.5
# Tread Width, Rear (in) 62.3
# Height, Overall (in) 70.4
# Tread Width, Front (in) 62.1
# Tread Width, Rear (in) 62.3
# Min Ground Clearance (in) 6.9
# Min Ground Clearance (in) 6.9
# Rear Door Opening Height (in) – TBD -
# Rear Door Opening Width (in) – TBD -
# Rear Door Opening Height (in) – TBD -
# Rear Door Opening Width (in) – TBD -
# Liftover Height (in) – TBD -
# Liftover Height (in) – TBD -

Cargo Area Dimensions
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in) 66.7
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in) – TBD -
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 (in)
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 1 (in) 66.7
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 2 (in) – TBD -
# Cargo Area Length @ Floor to Seat 3 (in)
# Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in) 38.7
# Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) – TBD -
# Cargo Area Width @ Beltline (in) 38.7
# Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) 47.6
# Cargo Box Width @ Wheelhousings (in) – TBD -
# Cargo Box (Area) Height (in) 47.6
# Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft³) 77.1
# Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³) 26.0
# Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)
# Cargo Volume to Seat 1 (ft³) 77.1
# Cargo Volume to Seat 2 (ft³) 26.0
# Cargo Volume to Seat 3 (ft³)

Interior Dimensions
# Passenger Capacity 4
# Passenger Volume (ft³) 105.4
# Front Head Room (in) 43.3
# Front Leg Room (in) 41.0
# Front Shoulder Room (in) 57.1
# Front Head Room (in) 43.3
# Front Hip Room (in) 55.0
# Front Leg Room (in) 41.0
# Second Head Room (in) 38.0
# Front Shoulder Room (in) 57.1
# Second Leg Room (in) 39.1
# Front Hip Room (in) 55.0
# Second Shoulder Room (in) 52.2
# Second Head Room (in) 38.0
# Second Hip Room (in) 47.6
# Second Leg Room (in) 39.1
# Second Shoulder Room (in) 52.2
# Second Hip Room (in) 47.6

Summary
# Vehicle Name Element
# Body Style 4 Door

Prince v Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I wrote this one page report on the prince case for my bioethics class. It had to be one page, which I find annoying. The professor is a pharmacist and he thinks it makes it easier. Ignorant way of thinking. I feel like I’m leaving stuff out; it sort of just ends. What ever; I bet every single person will get an A in the class as long as they put in some sort of effort, ie. show up. Just like little league, everyone gets a trophy. Wake me when we’re done

321 US 158 Prince v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Facts of the case and pertinent history
On December 18, 1941, a 9 year old girl named Betty M. Simmons distributed religious literature (the Jehovah’s Witness publications ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Consolation’) on the public thoroughfare of Brockton, Massachusetts in exchange for donations. Her guardian, aunt and ordained minister, Sarah Prince, was present and had been previously warned that selling literature on public streets by girls under the age of 18 was against state law. She was also warned any adult providing material for sale was subject to fines and imprisonment. Although Prince heeded the warning in the past, that night her children were forceful and Prince conceded, bringing them along. She was charged and convicted of violating child labor laws for providing literature and overseeing the children in distribution. Her conviction was appealed on the basis of religious freedom under the 1st and 14th amendments, but the conviction was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944. The court’s ruling set a precedent in which the government’s authority to control the rights of children exceeds those of adults and parents.

Basis for why the court ruled the way it did
Two liberties are identified in the opinion. One is the parents right to bring up their child in a way they see fit. The other is the child’s right to exercise his/her religion, as in acting as minister and distributing religious publications. The court also cites a competing interest, the legal principle that the family is not beyond regulation by the state, even in a claim of religious liberty. It was determined that selling literature on a public highway constituted a serious risk, of which an adult was free to expose themselves, but not free to expose children. The court ruled that the presence of an adult does not lessen or nullify the danger to the child, and thus Simmons was not allowed to provide for nor oversee the children in literature distribution, even if it was for religious purposes.

Why is this case significant to bioethics
This case is often cited when medical intervention in a child is sought contrary to the wishes of the child’s family. Often the family cites religious reasons for withholding the intervention. The case seems very influential due to the attention it receives in bioethics literature. Based almost verbatim on Prince v Commonwealth, the American Academy of Pediatrics committee on bioethics wrote:

“Government obligation arises from that interest when parental religious practices subject minor children to possible loss of life or to substantial risk of harm. Constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion do not permit children to be harmed through religious practices, nor do they allow religion to be a valid legal defense when an individual harms or neglects a child”.

Strengths weaknesses of opinion and do I agree and is it convincing
Children are more susceptible to harm than adults. If a duty of a government is to protect its citizens, it ought to protect children from harm when possible. To that end I agree with the court’s decision. Prince v Commonwealth was a 4-3 decision. The dissenting justices had two issues. One, intervening on distribution of literature by Jehovah’s witnesses constituted intervening on worship, and set a dangerous precedent. Two, burden of proof that the child was in danger on the thoroughfare was on the State of Massachusetts, and the burden had not sufficiently been reached. Strengths of Prince v Commonwealth are felt in its broad influence, which includes vast amount of legislation regarding protection of children under the law.

References
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Bioethics, “Religious Objections to Medical Care”. Pediatrics, Volume 99 Number 2: Pages 279-281, February 1997.
Rutledge, Wiley B. Supreme court opinion. 321 US 158 Prince v Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Decided Janurary 31, 1944.
Long, William Dr. “Essay’s”. http://www.drbilllong.com/FreeExercise/SmithII.html

Questionable Halloween Costumes

I’m interested in finding the most ridiculous Halloween costume ideas. List is on going. The idea started when I was making fun of costume contests in a Coventry post. I’m keeping the date/time for posterity.

Parents who think this is funny breed hate; single people who think this is funny are cool cynics

10-21-09 8:46

Funny but impossible to dance in:

10-19-09 6:58 pm

Has to be the worst so far:

taken from hogrockcafe

October 17, 4:40pm

A cop out or a bad analogy I’m betting

photo by spookytimes
9-24-09 11:23 pm

photo by squiddoo

9-23-09 3:57pm

photo by ubermilf

9-21-09 5:35pm

This one is called the bloody tampon Ninja. The fact that someone thought this up impresses me.

9-20-09 8:05 pm

etoys has a cool transformers bumblebee costume, minus the pedophilia angle

10:28

photo by clubzone

9-17-09 9:45 pm

9-16-09 11:00 pm

photo by chuckchuck

9-15-09 6pm start

Saftey at USF Football Games

photo by tampabay.com

I received an email from the Department of Student Affairs at the University of South Florida. It is quite hilarious.

I understand the need to express rules and recommendations to students via mass email. Normally, those letters are bland, generalized, and essentially unreadable. This letter is an exception.

The approach rocks. The author understands drugs, alcohol, and general hedonism are currently ensuing on campus and at USF sporting events. This sort of “leveling” with people is the right approach. It’s more real, as if a friend is telling you to watch out rather than a parent or other authority figure limiting your freedom. The author of the letter clearly accepts you’re going to be knee deep in sex drugs and rock n roll if your reading it.

Highlights include the not sharing of food/drink/smokes for health reasons. This is an obvious reference to H1N1, which USF seems to be taking very seriously. The call for the designated driver to be sober also brought a smile to my face, as did the request to pay attention even though your headphones are on. Double date if you can, and travel in groups.

Thank you USF, for empathizing with BCS football shenanigans and spreading the love.

The Letter:

Dear Students,

It’s been over a week since classes have begun and we hope you are getting off to a great start this semester. With our first home football game upon us, we want you to have an exciting weekend on and off campus and remember to “Be Respect-A-Bull”.

We are taking this opportunity to remind you about your responsibility for ensuring your own personal safety and safeguarding the welfare of other members of the university community both on and off campus. Below please find several tips to guide your decision making around personal, social, and campus safety this weekend and throughout the entire school year:

* Travel in groups whenever possible and always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
* If going out, tell someone you trust where you are going and when you plan to return.
* When using cell phones, headphones, i-pods, etc. – be sure you can still hear and are aware of your surroundings.
* Make sure your cell phone battery is charged.
* Know the location of the emergency blue light phones throughout campus.
* Never prop open residence hall or apartment doors. Always lock your doors.
* Trust your instincts and if you see something, say something!
* Obey local & state laws and university policies surrounding the use of alcohol.
* Remember that alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and distractions can diminish your awareness.
* Remember that the Designated Driver is not the person who drinks the least amount of alcohol. It’s the person who drinks no alcohol (and is not under the influence of any other substance).
* When going on a first date, find out about the person, only meet in public places, and consider double dating.
* During this flu season, be mindful of staying healthy, especially inlarge, crowded venues.
* Don’t share food, alcohol, or cigarettes with others.
* Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, cover your cough, and stay home if you feel ill.

While the University Police and Allied Barton serve as immediate points of contact for reporting incidents on campus, we all share personal responsibility to assist in these efforts as well. For additional safety tips, please refer to the University Police website, http://www.usfpd.usf.edu/. As always, please do not hesitate to contact the office of the Public Safety, Dean for Students,Advocacy Program or the Division of Student Affairs if you have any questions or concerns about these matters.

“Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Courteous Be Proud, Be Respect-A-Bull”.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin M. Banks
Assistant Vice President/Dean for Students

Alana Ennis
Assistant Vice President, Public Safety

Dr. Alan Kent
Assistant Vice President, Health and Wellness

—
This message has been approved under the USF Mass E-Mail Policy
(http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/genadm/gc520.htm)

1st day of school

photo by braincromer

I started a new class this semester, Clinical Ethics. GMS 7930 is mostly bioethics students and another MS medicine program, aging and neuroscience. Its kind of a weird mix.

I’ve already made waves by complaint. I think online quizzes are a poor educational tool. I’m convinced Everyone cheats if they can, no matter what they say. Dr. Poff agreed and the course director seems he will have to change the course now because I said something. This of course makes the class more difficult and I am the cause of the increase in difficulty. Even I question my motives sometimes.

Other things of note: FL statues. The class revolves around cases and FL law. One thing we are dealing with is the living will. The living will in Florida allows the patient to make a formal decision about artificial respiration. The form suggested by the statute:

765.303 Suggested form of a living will.–

(1) A living will may, BUT NEED NOT, be in the following form:
Living Will

Declaration made this _____ day of _____, (year) , I, __________, willfully and voluntarily make known my desire that my dying not be artificially prolonged under the circumstances set forth below, and I do hereby declare that, if at any time I am incapacitated and

(initial) I have a terminal condition

or (initial) I have an end-stage condition

or (initial) I am in a persistent vegetative state

Wow. I imagine most people deal with this form right before surgery or other invasive medical procedure. It’s not like we think about these things from 2nd grade on (like marriage or career). I suspect most people wouldn’t seriously think about filling one of these out if they didn’t HAVE to.

It turns out consent can be given verbally. My complaint is there is no real description of how one can verbally consent to being put down.

Phish Live: Chicago 09

photo by justinwendnt

all times eastern standard

11:17: Phish heads embedded in chicago report many, many people jumped the temporary fences for floor access. Less buzz about this show, so streams listed bellow are reliable.

Official chicago 09 poster

9:49 pm: Hoodstream is at it again, streaming live from toyota park, chicago.

photo by phishtwit

8:56 pm: show starts, Kill devil falls. Set list updates via @phish

8:18pm: Toyota Park is about 2/3′ds full at this point according to embedded twitter heads. Via stream I’ve been able to determine no show start yet.

Live stream the show HERE courtesy of ROTHBURYLIVE.

One of my favorite people, discosis1 is in attendance and I am living vicariously through her updates.

I am not a Crook

A few weeks ago, I received a copyright infringement notification from youtube regarding a video I shot at DCI Orlando 2009. It appears the Boston Crusaders drum and bugle corps has been issuing similar notices to all video’s that show Boston doing warm-ups, rehearsals, ect. The few accessible youtube vids that still exist of Boston 09 are “corps grown”, that is, shot by someone employed by Boston. It appears all independently shot vids have been pulled down.

I was pissed about being accused of copyright infringement and firmly believed my posted content is not out of line. I blogged about it. I responded to the original complaint and finally received this letter yesterday morning:

Re: [#474515556] YouTube DMCA Counter-Notification
Friday, August 7, 2009 7:46 AM
From: “Copyright Service”
To:xxxxxxxx@yahoo.com

Hi there,
In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, we’ve completed
processing your counter-notification regarding your video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmqfqTS6SXM

This content has been restored and your account will not be penalized.
Sincerely,

The YouTube Team

I thought this was the end, but when I clicked on the above link, the video was removed due to a complaint by drum corps international.

Did DCI file another complaint? Will I need to respond again? How long will this continue? Is the vid not posted yet, but will be soon? The battle continues…