Listen with the Analytical Marxist..

Go to Erik Olin Wright’s website where he has today placed some delightful stories he made up for his children and nephews, nieces etc. You need Windows Media Player. If, like my kids, yours like to listen to tapes of stories you can easily download and play them these. Libertarians beware — they might turn your kids into analytical Marxists. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. (Warning: I’ve no idea how much traffic he’s prepared for so it may not all be plain sailing).

For those of you who just want to read his papers, you’re boring, but they are here.

[Crooked Timber]

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these are worth listening to, just to hear, if they weren't in windows it would be much better though.

Disturbing image from Iraq.

I just received this by email from a friend.

WELCOME TO THE WAR IN IRAQ

Attached is actual night-vision footage shot from a U.S. Apache attack helicopter engaging Iraqis, whom allegedly were attempting to launch a Stinger missile at the Apache. The Apache responds with approximately one-hundred rounds of 30mm cannon fire, which is, ironically, the least powerful weapons system onboard the helicopter. The footage has been “dumbed down” to VHS resolution before conversion to MPEG, since the actual night-vision system on the Apache provides a much sharper and more detailed image.

4.65 MB mpeg movie

I realize that the targets were probably a threat to the helicopter and the actions within the rules of engagement, but it is disturbing none the less.

[Joi Ito's Web]

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I'm not really sure about this movie, movies can be edited. however, as a bit of anti-war propoganda it is pretty darn good at demonstrating overkill, if it actually happened like this. apparently there is a variety of versions of this video floating around. i think that if soldiers are attacked they should respond in kind, with overwhelming force if possible, but this video shows they are possibly firing on a wounded man, if the voice over isn't edited, and that is problematic, if it is true…. which it might not be, but also might be.

Reuters: Virginia Tech to upgrade supercomputer to Xserve. I don't get it. Why buy millions of dollars of equipment just to use it for a few months? None of the explanations make any sense. [Hack the Planet]

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i wonder why anyone questions this move?

Why so bitter?
Economist Brad DeLong has been a consistent voice of reason as the insanity of Bush administration fiscal policy has mounted. Today he justifiably allows himself to get just a little less reasonable, summing things up in an impassioned, must-read post:

[Scott Rosenberg's Links & Comment]

DOD Wargames Abrupt Climate Change. The DOD Wargames Abrupt Climate Change: Turning inward, the U.S. effectively seeks to build a fortress around itself to preserve resources. Borders are strengthened to hold back starving immigrants from Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean islands‰¥äwaves of boat people pose especially grim problems…As the planet's carrying capacity shrinks, an ancient pattern reemerges: the eruption of desperate, all-out wars over food, water, and energy supplies. Wars over resources were the norm until about three centuries ago. When such conflicts broke out, 25% of a population's adult males usually died. As abrupt climate change hits home, warfare may again come to define human life. [MetaFilter]

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if you've never heard my 'worst case scenario' of world politics that i occasionally argue, this pretty much sums it up. It isn't pretty, it is a war of attrition over the staples of life itself, and alot of people die…. science fiction becomes science fact…

PROFESSORS ON COKE. Earlier, I noted this post from Brad DeLong about his need to consume 40 ounces of Coke to get through three office hours. I was… [OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY]

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12 oz of good coffee, or 16 oz of regular coffee, early in the morning and i'm set all day.