Anti-discrimination bill

Bush just signed a measure to ensure that genetic testing won’t be used against people (in terms of work/insurance).

It’s basically one of those bills that no one can argue against, other than insurance companies and other big companies.. Even then though, I think it’s pretty much a selfish reason on the part of the companies.

If it’s considered in terms of how it will affect the individual (other than the company), it’s a clear choice. Thus, it’s not surprising that it passed the senate 95-0, and the house 414-1.

It’s the Little Things

I’ve been a bit more tired lately and I think as a consequence my entries have deteriorated somewhat. I took a break from writing but I wanted to share this:

While riding Bart, I was feeling extra tired and misanthropic, so when the guy next to me left, I decided to be selfish and stay in the aisle seat instead of moving over so others could sit down. I told myself there were plenty of other empty seats around me so it’s ok.

Out of habit, I still looked up each time the train stopped to make sure no one had to stand. At one stop, this one lady caught my eye so I grudgingly moved over and closed my eyes again.

Seconds later, I hear a soft, friendly, and sincere voice speaking to me. It was the lady asking if I’d like to sit on the outside instead.

Regarding driving and saving gas

I might have given the wrong impression so here’s a more in-depth entry on the subject.

There are really three issues here: saving gas/money, and driving slower:

Saving Gas

The idea of driving to save gas amuses me. If you want to save gas, don’t drive. Take bart, bus, caltrain, muni, bike, walk, whatever. Or carpool.

Slow down to save gas?

I found this article in the SF Chronicle which talked about saving gas by slowing down to 55mph on freeways. It’s an interesting read… gotta love the rude/emotional comments from both sides.

My take:

First of all, why are we looking at values for cars made starting 1988? I think it’s common knowledge that older cars are very gas inefficient. I’d like to see a more recent study on the cars out on the road today.

Second, the article assumes that driving slower is better, which is hardly conclusive. I think it really depends on the type of car you’re driving, how you drive, and what actual speed you’re driving at.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Just saw this article which reported an increase in reports of hand, foot and mouth disease, as well as discovery and punishment of corruption related to it.

Apparently, some doctors and officials were giving injections of a bogus “vaccine” to make money, and knowledge of the disease was not spread or properly handled.

I think the biggest complaint from the sars outbreak was the under-reporting/cover-up of cases, so it’s encouraging that the CCP changed its guidelines for reporting cases to more accurately gauge conditions/progress of the disease.

I hope the increased transparency continues and that this isn’t just a political tactic for the olympics or whatever reason.

By the way, the WHO says this will peak in June and July so hopefully with increased vigilance it won’t turn out to be such a huge disaster as sars. The disease seems to target children, which I feel makes it a bigger tragedy.

After all, that’s what made the pharaoh finally give in to Moses, wasn’t it?

Candidates and rising gas prices

UPDATE: Found another article in which Clinton admits it’s tough to pass but that we should try anyway.  Interesting… until she actually goes to Washington and proposes something, can she actually say she’s tried?  Acting like you’re fighting for it doesn’t make it true, you know.

Actions speak louder than words.

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UPDATE: I found this article today. Although I think Bloomberg articles tend to be a bit more opinionated/biased, it’s interesting to note that economists feel oil companies would simply swallow up the tax savings and keep gas prices at the same level.

Also, the fact that neither candidate has bothered to send a bill to implement it, despite all the campaigning they’ve done, is interesting, to say the least.

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I stumbled upon this WSJ article, which compares the three candidates’ plans to deal with rising gas prices.

I’m probably behind on the news, but it’s an interesting read.

Basically, McCain proposed a gas-tax holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day (5/25-9/1) where the taxes are withheld, and Clinton supported it, suggesting that it be paid for by windfall-profits tax on oil companies.

Obama on the other hand, says that it won’t help in the long term and could actually make it worse by encouraging people to drive.

Brief Analysis