thoughts and comments across the boundaries of computing, ancient history, epigraphy and geography ... oh, and barbeque, coffee and rockets
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Scheduled Votes on Bills in Congress, Week of 30 January 2017
I'll try to make these better in future (e.g., with actionable links and headers and such), but right now I figured it was best to paste as plaintext in order to avoid a bunch of interstitial tracking links that IFTTT and gmail inserted.
H.R. 347 - DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2017
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 347 - DHS Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2017
Sponsor
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 560 - To amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 560 - To amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Tom Marino
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 58 - First Responder Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster Situations
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 58 - First Responder Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster Situations
Sponsor
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 276 - A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure reliable air service in American Samoa.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 276 - A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure reliable air service in American Samoa.
Sponsor
Del. Aumua Amata
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 366 - DHS SAVE Act
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 366 - DHS SAVE Act
Sponsor
Rep. Scott Perry
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 437 - Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 437 - Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act
Sponsor
Rep. Gus Bilirakis
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 505 - Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2017
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 505 - Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2017
Sponsor
Rep. Martha McSally
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 526 - Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2017
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 526 - Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2017
Sponsor
Rep. John Katko
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 549 - Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 549 - Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act
Sponsor
Rep. Daniel Donovan
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 584 - Cyber Preparedness Act of 2017
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 584 - Cyber Preparedness Act of 2017
Sponsor
Rep. Daniel Donovan
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 612 - United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2017
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 612 - United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2017
Sponsor
Rep. Jim Langevin
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 642 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Network of Fusion Centers, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 642 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance the partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the National Network of Fusion Centers, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Lou Barletta
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 655 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Securing the Cities program to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other rad...
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 655 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Securing the Cities program to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose a high risk to homeland security in high-risk urban areas, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Daniel Donovan
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 665 - To modernize and enhance airport perimeter and access control security by requiring updated risk assessments and the development of security strategies, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 665 - To modernize and enhance airport perimeter and access control security by requiring updated risk assessments and the development of security strategies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. William Keating
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 666 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Insider Threat Program, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 666 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Insider Threat Program, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Pete King
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 677 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear intelligence and information sharing functions of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and...
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 677 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear intelligence and information sharing functions of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and to require dissemination of information analyzed by the Department to entities with responsibilities relating to homeland security, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Martha McSally
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 678 - To require an assessment of fusion center personnel needs, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 678 - To require an assessment of fusion center personnel needs, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Martha McSally
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 687 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a process to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standards, and for other...
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 687 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a process to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standards, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Donald Payne
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 690 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance certain duties of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 690 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance certain duties of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Cedric Richmond
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
H.R. 697 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve the management and administration of the security clearance processes throughout the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote the week of January 30th, 2017 on H.R. 697 - To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to improve the management and administration of the security clearance processes throughout the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
Sponsor
Rep. Bennie Thompson
via Sunlight Foundation http://ift.tt/2jJ4Mmz For more information on a bill or resolution: http://ift.tt/1c1EyNR To contact your Representative: http://ift.tt/P3cvWa To contact your Senator: http://ift.tt/y4GfE9 January 30, 2017 at 05:13AM
via ProPublica http://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2017-01-30
Monday, January 30, 2017
On Hidden Figures
This weekend I finally got a chance to see Hidden Figures. The large theater was two-thirds full or so, mostly white (as one might expect in South Huntsville), mostly women and girls (you missed out, dudes, it was great).
There was a profound mix of audience laughter and silence throughout. At the end of the historical/photographic epilogue, there was a moment of silence into which a female voice clearly whispered: "That was amazing!" Then LOUD APPLAUSE.
That's the world I thought I was living in. I want it back. For real.
Let's go get it.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Paying for the wall
It's my opinion that the Trump team never imagined that Mexico would "pay for the wall." What's always been meant is "I will make those Mexicans pay for the wall. I will make them pay."
So, the plan is surely trade sanctions and more. The real point of the whole thing will never be cost recovery (nor true border security). It's ritualized combat display: the leader publicly acting out his supposed manly vigor and strength of will by exercising the organs of state symbolically to humiliate, impoverish, emasculate, feminize, and punish a straw-man external enemy erected for the purpose. He will try to supplant the reality of the Mexican people's complex humanity, society, and shared-with-us economy with a fictionally puny, dirty, criminal, and base caricature. He will ostentatiously pummel that piƱata in order to give the masses of his supporters a vicarious victory and a sham sense of security, a warm spatter of fake enemy blood, while his regime, less watched, loots our inheritance and undermines our liberties, doubling down on the very sorts of injustices that underlie the rage against government and establishment that helped put him in office in the first place.
So, the plan is surely trade sanctions and more. The real point of the whole thing will never be cost recovery (nor true border security). It's ritualized combat display: the leader publicly acting out his supposed manly vigor and strength of will by exercising the organs of state symbolically to humiliate, impoverish, emasculate, feminize, and punish a straw-man external enemy erected for the purpose. He will try to supplant the reality of the Mexican people's complex humanity, society, and shared-with-us economy with a fictionally puny, dirty, criminal, and base caricature. He will ostentatiously pummel that piƱata in order to give the masses of his supporters a vicarious victory and a sham sense of security, a warm spatter of fake enemy blood, while his regime, less watched, loots our inheritance and undermines our liberties, doubling down on the very sorts of injustices that underlie the rage against government and establishment that helped put him in office in the first place.