News touches all our lives: let's talk about it.
Statistics are easily manipulated only because many cite them without knowledge of their basic principles and audiences often accept them uncritically. Many in forums like Topix cite statistics to support assertions of one sort or another, often unaware of the sources or methods of collection and analysis. They are simply repeating what they've heard (and accepted uncritically) from such secondary sources as media commentators or their own acquaintances. Unless a citation includes a source which readers can (and should) verify, statistical assertions should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism. (Saturday | post #18)
Ex-spouse of puppy seller testifies
The story isn't really leaving anything out in that it is reporting on testimony at a trial. Questions raised by that testimony might make good subject matter for an editorial or a starting point for an investigative piece, but such analysis within the news article would probably be seen as an argumentative departure from impartial reporting. I would like to see some sort of follow-up, though. If Customs and the USDA are allowing such leaks at the borders, we ought to know about it. (Saturday | post #10)
Ex-spouse of puppy seller testifies
The ability to get large numbers of diseased animals through customs suggests corruption of some sort, don't you think? I thought customs and government agriculture were supposed to screen all plants and animals coming into the country for diseases that could infect native populations. This problem appears to be larger in scope than a singe operator. I think the FBI should investigate this immediately. (Saturday | post #8)
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition comes to East Tenn.
Now you see, this is why we need a variety of editors. I would never have occurred to me to post this story, and I would have passed over the Bobby Brown story, too. Anyone else want to jump on board? (Tuesday Jul 1 | post #1)
2 dead in Murfreesboro going-away party shooting |
Actually, most Laotians are legal, and one leaving the country with plans to return is almost certainly so. Asians as a group have a much lower rate of violent crime than any other demographic group. I think Kim is allowing anger over illegal immigration from south of the border to color emotions about all immigrants. It is difficult to fume and think at the same time. (Tuesday Jul 1 | post #5)
White kid wearing a turban...WTF?
Teens love to create drama. It's nothing to take all that seriously or get upset about unless you're directly connected in some way--a parent or mentor of some sort. In the course of my life, I've watched kids like this grow up to become responsible adults who work for banks, insurance companies, police departments... you get the idea. You're working yourself up into a state over nothing, but that's normal, too, and does no harm. If no one gets upset over what kids like this do, they have to think up something even more outrageous. (Monday Jun 30 | post #17)
One of the less obvious provisions of the Topix Terms of Service is a prohibition of posting copyrighted articles in toto as has been done here, also a violation of the Associated Press's copyright. There are two ways to provide access to the text without violating the ToS: provide a hyperlink to the original source or become an editor and post it in the news section. (Monday Jun 30 | post #8)
Who should be voted off the Island first
You left two prime candidates off the list--me and thee! (Sunday Jun 29 | post #3)
Welcome JohnT15 as newest of Knoxville form editors...
I've been quite busy of late, so my own contributions have been less than usual; at any rate, I'm always glad to see another editor on board to keep things lively. Welcome indeed, JohnT15! (Sunday Jun 29 | post #3)
Officers posing as drug dealers bust buyers
Paul, responsibility has much more to do with a person's character and level of development than with choice of recreational substance (if any). The man who has a cold one after a few hours of work in the hot sun is quite responsible and no danger to anyone. Many drink moderately and never to the point of intoxication, often for the sensual delight that various brews and vintages offer to the palate. The only reason to smoke weed, though, is to get high. I've listened to this tired argument for decades. It never changes. It's a simple variant on the "I'm better/mine's better" ego trip. "All through the years, I, me, mine." Solomon was right--there is nothing new under the sun. (Saturday Jun 28 | post #16)
Favorite Knoxville area restaurant.
We played a couple of gigs at Champs, which is right across Tennessee Avenue from the Soup Kitchen, and I stop in from time to time to see who else is playing and to support an establishment that has supported us. It's a small place and can be a bit rough at times, but it's fun. (Friday Jun 27 | post #19)
It's the foundation of my personal philosophy. I've spent the last decade identifying and reexamining my basic assumptions in an attempt to form a more rational basis for my world view. Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living, and I extend that concept to systems of belief. So many cling to ideas that they gleaned from parents, teachers, friends, and neighbors but never put to any test or measured against solid research. If they look at the vast body of knowledge that is now so accessible through the internet at all, it is only to cherry pick it for a few tidbits to support what they already believe, not to know more or see farther. So that phrase promotes readiness and willingness to give up even the most closely held opinions in the face of new data of all sorts. That opinions must yield to known fact is at the heart of my brand of skepticism. But the only place that it is meant to "work" is within a growing and changing mind. (Friday Jun 27 | post #5)
Favorite Knoxville area restaurant.
It can be bluegrass as well as country, rock, jazz, folk, Celtic, blues, reggae--whatever the local performers are playing. There are still some punk and grunge bands about and even a few rap artists whom I can bear to listen to. I'd rather hear bluegrass or rap done well than anything else done badly. The two bands I've heard out in Oak Ridge were talented, but suffered from inadequate P.A. systems and running their own sound. (Friday Jun 27 | post #17)
Favorite Knoxville area restaurant.
Someone on the other thread (Favorite Knoxville Places) mentioned Roger's Place, which is just past Bridgewater running out Kingston Pike. I plan to check it out. (Friday Jun 27 | post #13)
Officers posing as drug dealers bust buyers
Is it my imagination or is this a reversal of the more traditional approach to drug enforcement. It seems like they decided to use the dealer to get to the users instead of the other way around. Odd, don't you think? (Friday Jun 27 | post #1)
