This expression is used several times in the best-selling book “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver. I had forgotten the expression, although I heard it many times from my Missouri female relatives as a kid. The Phrase Finder explains that it is either a euphemism for “I swear,” or a derivation of a northern England phrase from the 1800s “Is’ wan,” or literally “I shall warrant” or “I’ll be bound.”
Carbon Dioxide Solubility in the Oceans
Al Gore is shown marching in front of a large graph showing atmospheric temperature and levels of carbon dioxide in the movie “An Inconvenient Truth.” He smiles and observes that the two lines look related. He proposes that carbon dioxide from burning hydrocarbons has caused the small amount of warming over the last century. Those who don’t believe man is the cause of this warming are called “deniers” who ignore the scientific facts. I proudly accept the name “denier,” but point out that I do not deny nor ignore the scientific facts. What Mr. Gore neglects to mention is that the warming shown by the graphs occurs decades before the carbon dioxide levels increase. The warming therefore could not have been caused by increases in atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide since the warming comes first. Mr. Gore has to deny the scientific facts to defend his theory. Continue reading
The Forgotten Man
This book by Amity Shales sparked significant controversy. There was praise from Conservatives and attacks from Liberals and Progressives. Conservatives have believed that Roosevelt’s policies extended the Great Depression and the Progressives believe he saved the country. I find the arguments to be misplaced. My family considered themselves Roosevelt Democrats despite the fact their personal beliefs often were what could be called Libertarian. I’ve done considerable reading in attempt to understand this disconnect, and found “The Forgotten Man” to be a balanced presentation of the history of that time. It is full of fascinating information, and I give it a strong recommendation. I admit that I inherited my parents Libertarian beliefs and little of their trust of FDR’s expansion of government. Continue reading
To Boot
Worldwide words explains that the phrase means “in addition” when two people are negotiating a deal. The phrase came from the Old English “bot” (additional or remedy). It has a Germanic and Dutch origin “boete” and English words “better or best.” Shakespeare uses it to describe taking of advantage of being distracted. Many old references can be translated as “benefit.”
It’s Cool, But Does It Work?
I am a great fan of technology, but an even greater fan of things that work. A recent article in Forbes tells how an inexpensive “vinegar test” for cervical cancer is saving lives in India, in places where the western standard pap smear is too expensive to use. “This is a striking example of how a low-tech, low-cost intervention can sometimes take the place of a more high-tech innovation.”
Simpler technology did not mean a simpler project. Continue reading
Dodd-Frank
The subtitle of this book is “What It Does and Why It’s Flawed.” It was edited by Hester Pierce and James Broughel and was written by them and others at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. I recommend it to anyone who has even the slightest interest in the legislative response to the financial crises that began in mid-2006. You don’t even need to read the entire book to be better informed about the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. There is a short description of what each of the sixteen “Titles” comprising the act were intended to do followed by a brief summary of why the approach is flawed. “The act requires the creation—by one count—of 398 new rules and will affect the U.S. economy by restricting or requiring specific activity.” Only a small fraction of the regulations that are required by the act have been finalized. “Assuming the remaining regulations are proportionately restrictive…Dodd-Frank would create 13,323 new restrictions in total.” Continue reading