Prediction markets work by posing a well formulated question and getting people to bet on it's outcome. A well formulated question is one that has a clear outcome and a specific time deadline on which to analyze the outcome. … [Read more...]
One Billion Bulbs, a great project by a right wing blog
I don't care if you believe global warming is happening, or if you think it can't be stopped. Everybody likes saving money, and CF bulbs do just that. If you're worried about the mercury in the bulb, know that an incandescent … [Read more...]
10% odds that Massachusetts owes you money!
The insert just has 40,000 names, but the online database has more than 4 million accounts listed. So, go and click, and search for your name, and maybe even the names of your loved ones. It's not often that the state offers you … [Read more...]
Write a postcard to (freshly imprisoned) Bob Ney!
I decided to do just that. I've never written to someone in jail before -- and certainly not somebody in the Federal Pen. So, rather than using the conventional methods of finding a prison pen pal, I thought I'd just send a note … [Read more...]
Coal’s Stranglehold on Congress
Bits and Bobs of InformationBefore writing this diary, I knew little about the financial side of coal. Some tidbits: * Total United States coal production 2005-06: 1131.5 million short tons (eia.doe.gov). * There are … [Read more...]
The language standard is dropping around here
It's been a rough few days. Emotions are high, people have spent lots of time on the site, and some of us have gotten on each others nerves a bit.Perhaps as a result, the language standards have dropped significantly. Plenty of … [Read more...]
Wiki the State Legislatures…
I was curious to find out the balance of state legislatures across the country, with redistricting in 2010 in the back of my mind. I was(n't?!) surprised to find that the wiki articles for state legislatures varied widely in content, … [Read more...]
If he’s going to win, Deval needs to get more green
In the year 2006, you can give up to:$500 to Deval Patrick$500 to Tim Murray$5000 to the State PartyThis is all handled by the "Victory Fund." It'll all head toward the governor's race. If you've maxed out with Deval, it goes … [Read more...]
Give Reilly a Chicken Award
Well, Galvin's got a Chicken -- currently in the right hand margin. How about one for AG and candidate for governor Tom Reilly?OK, OK, he hasn't ducked all debates, and his performance at Harvard's JFK last night was, well, … [Read more...]
Romney Wrong to Veto Greenway
Here's a few reasons why Romney is wrong.1. Vetoing public greenspace in downtown areas may not play well nationally. Everyone loves parks. Nixing playgrounds doesn't seem very, oh how to put it, presidential.2. … [Read more...]