long speech, I've linked it before, but I was reminded of it by a conversation here.

The Aims of Education

right after my last final yesterday, my throat developed a twinge, by evening it was hurting, and now I have a full-blown case of the sniffles. ugh.

After a long bout where I spent all weekend doing a lot of C programming and other divers and sundry crap (including a theory problem added to the homework late which, annoyingly, I couldn't figure out even after reading the solution (which was 3-4 pages)), I've sort of gotten into a very productive kick. I even got some homework that is due on Friday done, like, yesterday.

and Robb's marriage, too. And any scene with Tyrion. But that's all I'll say, since some people might not be caught up on the show.

rather, generic brand chex mix. ghghlghlhglhglhgm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7532GXPnO8

The top decile of performers on standardized tests who are in the bottom quartile of income hardly apply to selective colleges at all. However, those that do get in at about the same rate as others and enroll and graduate at the same rate. See here: http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/03/22/undermatching_smart_poor_kids_get_screwed_by_the_college_admissions_system.html

Part of the reason is that they don't know they can do this, don't know that they will be given generous aid, and don't know anybody else who's done this. Note the table: the "most competitive" schools, if you get in, will be the cheapest for the student to attend. It's not an affordability issue. Of course, you know, it's nice work if you can get it, attending a "most competitive" school.

we still aren't doing anything. government is full of bastards.

I got into a stupid argument on the internet. Namely, over whether the right to bear arms is a natural right or a legal right. Also about whether all the rights in the Bill of Rights are natural rights. And whether I should give a shit about whether the Founders say they are.

So I want some philosophical input.

to what extent are our problems with iran a result of iraq?

I mean, we've had problems with Iran for a long time, so our aggression in the region in the last decade isn't the cause of our problems, but our willingness to intervene in the last decade can't be doing us any favors.

[EDIT] Also: a very interesting article about how regulation for banks works. http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/march_april_2013/features/he_who_makes_the_rules043315.php?page=all No comment, just very enlightening. Argh, lawyers.