It's tough being everyone's sugar daddy

The UN Conference on Trade and Development challenged the rest of the world (specifically germany and japan) to up their imports, saying that the US could not continue to shoulder the burden of growing the world economy solo. Yeah that's right, you can't keep dumping your shit on us (even though i love shit) AND not buy anyone else's shit. The UN backing the US for once, who'da thunk it?

FEMA and Katrina...

So, this article raises some provocative questions. Namely, how much should the government improve new orleans? I mean, having been to these areas pre katrina, most of it was dilapidated and badly in need of improvement. Obviously these poorer regions needed money to make the improvements then, and now that everything's wrecked, are we obligated to replace it with a brand-spanking new city, or bring it back to what it was?

The social engineer in me says that we should make it an example of modern urban planning and design, but the realist says that this city is likely to be flooded again in 10 years. Plus, if it's a question of whether the extra 75 billion is better served in the gulf coast or in inner cities, and on healthcare and national security. Not to mention New Orleans reputation for being corrupt, and the nagging impression that a lot of this money is going to end up lining some pol's pocket (but maybe that's just the chicagoan in me).

Venezuela...

Ok, so I'm fully on board with the fact that for some, the US isnt' the latest and greatest thing in the world. But really, is it so bad that you feel the need to ally yourself with Syria? I mean, if you lead a country and claim that your interest is in worker's rights and bringing up the middle class and all that jazz, do you really want to be in bed with a country known for sponsoring terrorism, ignoring women's rights, and interested in the destruction of an entire country?
Chavez, I think you're amusing, but i'm worried that you've gone round the bend.

How Drunk is your city...

Forbes did a survey on america's drunkest cities. Chicago came in at 6th, LA at 23rd.
Las Vegas, site of my greatest debauchery ever, rings in at a lowly 14, and new orleans at 24th.
Where do you rank?

Middle East...

Hmm, i was thinking. Instead of negotiating with states like iran, north korea etc, over nuclear power, why not throw out the old NATO/Cold War tactic. Basically, tell them, if you say you're not going to develop nuclear weapons, we'll believe you. But, if you test or lob one at us, we'll blow the crap out of you. Obviously they won't be able to develop effective weapons without testing, and once they do, blammo, the country is gone. Just have to get the French to sign on....