Software Bleg

I type a lot of link code, and HTML in general. Is anyone aware of any Windows software (or even a Firefox extension) that allows programmable hot keys, so that I could do <blockquote> or <a href=”” target=””> with a single (or dual) keystroke? It would help a lot with my incipient carpal tunnel problems.

Always Looking Out For Our Security

What would we do without Democrats?

The bill would devote $1 billion to upgrade security along Amtrak and freight rail systems, require screening of all cargo carried aboard passenger airliners and allow airport screeners to form a union.

Because everyone knows that 911 never would have happened if screeners had been unionized. Whenever I think that the administration is incompetent, all I have to do is look at the new majority in Congress to realize that it could be much worse.

And of course, if Bush resists, and threatens a veto, the media will accuse him of being indifferent to security.

[Update at 6 PM Eastern]

A little good news. The administration is actually threatening a veto, and the Senate will sustain it. But I stand by my prediction of the media response.

Five Hundred Points?

Sounds like a bad day for the market. Of course, it never helps when the exchange for a major trading partner starts the day down almost ten percent.

[Update]

This is not investment advice (oh, no) but this is probably a buying opportunity.

Beyond Incompetence

You want to see some legitimate criticism of the administration over managing the war? Here it is:

…the decision by the Bush administration to prioritize the drug war ahead of the war against the Taliban is of course, madness. It’s time for the Brits to take a stand, and announce that either Bush’s drug warriors leave Afghanistan or Britain’s troops do. Ninety days would seem to be adequate warning.

I wish they would.

Just Like Teenagers

Well, OK, psychopathic teenagers:

Washington and Brussels cut what is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars in direct aid to the Palestinian government after Hamas’ parliamentary victory.

Both have said they will not resume monetary support of the Palestinian government until Hamas recognizes Israel, renounces violence and fulfills past promises.

Mashaal demanded in tougher terms that Washington resume its aid funding: “The American administration’s insistence on the continuation of the blockade will give birth to more hatred toward America not only … on a Palestinian level but on an Arab, Islamic level.”

Right. “Give us money, or we’ll hate you.”

I don’t mind it so much that, in their permanent adolescent angst, they’re suicidal. I just wish that they wouldn’t take innocents with them when they do it.

Anachronism?

Forty-nine years after its founding, Chair Force Engineer asks if NASA should get out of the manned spaceflight business. I think that’s inevitable, at least for earth to orbit segment (probably beyond as well, once access gets cheap enough for the Planetary or Mars Societies to sponsor their own expeditions, as the National Geographic Society does on earth), but there’s too much political inertia for it to happen before it becomes clear to everyone how absurd its proposed architecture is. That won’t happen, as he notes, until the private sector is launching people into space.

Biting Commentary about Infinity…and Beyond!