Same Sex Marriage Analyzed in New Jersey

Proponents of same-sex marriage are across the country filing suits on behalf of their cause. So far, they’ve had little success but as judges hand down their opinions, most don’t address a key issue—that being the livelyhood of children.

Lewis v. Harris in New Jersey is a bit different. The judge in this case opinioned that a focus on civil marriage (a responsibility of the state) had to include what was best for the children.

Earlier New Jersey cases had rejected challenges to state marriage laws on the ground that marriage provides the optimal forum for procreation and child-rearing. On this view, it would be rational to exclude same-sex couples from marriage because they lack the capacity to procreate together. [story]

This is an interesting development, and while I’m certainly no lawyer, the pro-family advocates are applauding this particular decision. Of course, opponents in the media all title their articles as Gay-marriage foes try to stop ‘activist courts‘ (USAToday) or Anti gay marriage act clears Congress (CNN). Either that, or they don’t cover it at all.

Big Day for Lance, Dominating the Alps

He’s been more reliable than a Maytag washer. When the course calls for a some serious steeps, Lance Armstrong eats it up.

Armstrong is actually just tied for the lead, but today’s stage helped him put some significant space between himself and his closest serious competitors. Some are already saying the Tour is already his, but not Lance. Too many days to go, too many opportunities to crash. Stay tuned.

ACLU Attacks Boy Scouts, Again

Ever since the Boy Scouts have stood up for their right to abide by their own charter, the ACLU has attacked them at every turn. Here’s the latest:

In a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), U.S. District Judge Blanche Manning has ruled that the Pentagon can no longer sponsor a Boy Scout jamboree held every four years. This decision is merely part of a long ongoing battle the ACLU has waged against not only the Boy Scouts, but also any other American institutions that have a connection with religion.

Judge Manning, your religious intolerance won’t fool people for long. With these continued attacks against people and organizations that even mention the concept of faith, more and more Americans will want to Stop the ACLU.

Rock Star: INXS

I’ve always loved INXS. Michael Hutchins had that perfect rock star voice. Then was, before he killed himself and INXS disappeared. Enter Mark Burnett. To Burnett, the only good TV is reality TV.

After watching tonight’s opening show, it’s certainly going to be an interesting ride, but only if our contestants stay sober long enough to perform. The hippie-chick Dana got the boot tonight while Suzie only squeeked by after forgetting the lyrics to her only song.

My early money is on Ty or Mig, just can’t see a chick belting out Suicide Blonde.

Son of the Legend

What’s it like to be Michael Jordan’s son? He may talk a nice story, but you gotta understand it ain’t easy. I’m pulling for the kid to become an architect.

The Power of Collective Endeavors

Here’s a great article on BusinessWeek called The Power Of Us. It’s looking at the idea that because of the Internet, like-minded individuals can combine their resources to become major players things as practicle as global business to things as creative as collaborative art. Just thing hive theory. A company called Skype is the shining example in the long distance space and a myriad of other companies are working the same concept in other verticals.

What I think should be noted is that the reason these collective groups work, is that human’s are basically self-seeking. That is why capitalism, despite it’s short-comings, is still the economic model to beat.

What sets these new technologies apart from those of the Internet’s first generation is their canny way of turning self-interest into social benefit — and real economic value.

Self-interest, a primarily negative attribute actually gets turned around into creating better opportunities and value for everyone. Thought the juxtaposition was kinda neat.

Ping Services

Emily Robbins has a great post about all the different services we can use to let the world know when you’ve updated your blog. She’s got some other great content as well.

Dojo Info 7/10/05

1. Drainage Basins of the United States
   As it turns out, there isn’t just one Continental Divide. There are five.
2. Half the man he used to be
   …and he never once visited a Subway. Good for him! Down with Jared! (OCIJK)
3. ScubaDoo
   It’s exactly things like this that keep my claustrophobia going strong.
4. Anonymity and Confidentiality: Blogs vs. Mainstream Reporting
   Points out the obvious inconsistencies with anonymity being allowed for “sources” but denied for bloggers. Double-standard cheaters.
5. Thoughts From Muslim Leaders
   It’s about time some Muslim leadership speaks about against the terrorists. Now how about some action?
6. Way clears 61-foot gap, lands on ramp
   Skateboarder jumps over the great wall of China. Uh huh.

Armstrong Fighting for 6th Title

Many think Lance Armstrong will take this 6th consecutive Tour de France because, well, because he’s Lance Armstrong. But what many unfamiliar with the sport of competitive cycling don’t understand is that the team is all important. Even while the team gets little credit. Let’s put it this way, if you’re a loner… you’re toast.

So in today’s Stage 8, Lance found himself without a single teammate and was forced to draw upon his own well of determination to maintain a tenious lead. Experts are now saying that if his team can’t support him throughout the remainder of the race, Armstrong will retire without that dreamlike 6th title.

Here’s hoping the team can step up.

Living on the Sea in Style

Giancarlo Zema is not your average architect. Check out some of his amazing, imaginative designs. He does a great job of creating an environment that fits well into the sea. Makes me with I never quit architecture school. [via cool hunter]

The Coolest Sports Nicknames of All-Time

I’ve just put the finishing touches on my super-dooper Coolness Detecting Algorithm (patent pending). So, to give it a maiden voyage I thought about analyzing the top sport nicknames of all time.

First, a few ground rules. The name has to be memorable. Second, does it make people admire you or do they just toss their head back in laughter. With that in mind, onto the analysis!

Mike Hargrove, “The Human Rain Delay”
Don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Even my algorithm is confused.

Allen Iverson, “The Answer”
The answer? The answer to what? Very weak nic, almost laughable. “AI” is better but even still, couldn’t we just call him Speedy Gonazles?

Dick “Night Train” Lane
Almost sounds like a malt beverage.

Ozzie Smith, “The Wizard of Oz”
Kinda obvious don’t you think. Plus, wasn’t the wizard a wimpy little puff-ball? Who wants to be compared to that?

Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain
Only slightly better than The Wizard of Oz because Wilt, actually was tall.

Jack Nicholas, “Golden Bear”
Wilt was tall, Jack has blonde hair, I get it.

William “Refrigerator” Perry
This name gets some additional points because they didn’t just call Perry “big” they found a big object to symbolize the man. Nice.

“Broadway” Joe Namath
Very appropriate for the man who never met a camara he didn’t like.

Joe DiMaggio “The Yankee Clipper”
Now don’t get me wrong, Joe was a mighty player but being named after a boat is a bit of a let down.

Clyde “The Glide” Drexler
First boats, not deoderant, I’m not liking this trend.

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd
Oil can? Really? And, that’s a good thing?

“Pistol” Pete Maravich
Shoot and shoot alot is what Maravich did. When you scored as much as he did, everyone on the team kept yelling, “Shoot Pete, Shoot!”

Pete Rose, “Charlie Hustle”
A good number of people like this nic. Sure it fits the player, but the best part is that “Pete” is nowhere close to “Charlie.”

Mordecai “Three Fingers” Brown
Anybody good enough to play in the major leagues with only three fingers is stellar in my book.

Red Grange, “The Galloping Ghost”
Have to go back some years to find a nickname this creative. But I have to admit it reminds me of a Scooby-Doo episode. Can’t even say why.

Ted Williams, “The Splendid Splinter”
I really don’t have time to research the background behind this one but suffice it to say, it’s tough to forget this one.

Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch
Everyone is scared of crazy people. If only the legs were crazy, that’s even freakier.

Al Hrabosky, “The Mad Hungarian”
Crazy, mad, we’ve got a trend going here.

Florence Griffith Joyner, “Flo Jo”
Gotta give it up for the originator of the name abbreviation category in the nickname genre. It was Flo Jo who paved the way for T-Mac, A-Rod and all the rest.

Charles Barkley, “Round Mound of Rebound”
This nic topped the rankings for most memorable. It slams Barkley as it sings his praises. The alliteration is sublime and to think, Charles is only 6’6″ speaks volumes to his heart.

“Mean” Joe Greene
As it turns out, Joe wasn’t even mean.

Dale Earnhardt, “The Intimidator”
I don’t even follow NASCAR and the guy freaked me out.

Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October”
Reggie was one of the few players that rose to the occassion and backed up his words with action. Gotta give this guy props.

Lou Gehrig, “Iron Horse”
True to the man, but less than intimidating. Still, the legacy lives on.

Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion
It’s just too much fun to say. Boom boom. Kinda like the Flintstones Bam Bam.

Frank Thomas, “The Big Hurt”
Scary! I love this nick.

Julius Erving, “Dr. J”
This nickname is unfortunately generic because Julius Erving was a game changer and he deserved a better nic. He ushered in a new era, where the NBA has now became a league of high-flying dunks.

George Herman Ruth, “Babe”
If he didn’t look like a man who’s face was run over by a milk truck, Babe would be an insult. But since he apparently took well to it, who am I to question one of the greatest ball players in history. (He deserves extra points for having a 2nd nic as well—”Sultan of Swat.”

Stan “The Man” Musial
Next time someone says, “You’re the man!” Politely remind them that that nickname is already taken.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Magic is one of the super-cool names that almost crosses over into Tier 3 if it weren’t so overused. It’s kinda like Rocky, Slick or T-Bone. Plus, Earvin is such a dweeb. That’s not helping things.

Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One”
You have to be really, really good to be called this. Rookies need not apply./p>

Walter Payton, “Sweetness”
If it weren’t so accurate of Mr. Payton’s running style, it’d be a put-down. But to anyone who saw #34 turn a corner and juke a cornerback out of his jock, the name fits.

Darrell Griffith, “Dr. Dunkenstein‚Äù
Griffith would dunk on anything that moved as he led Louisville to the 1980 NCAA Championship. You woulda thought there could have been some coffee or donuts sponsorship money somewhere.

Michael “Air” Jordan
No one calls Michael “Air.” He’s just known as Micheal or Jordan. He makes this tier soley on his on-the-court dominance.

George Gervin, “The Iceman”
Sends chills down your spine. Gervin was so cool under pressure that he actually lived up to his nickname. I still remember those cool posters where he was sitting on a throne of ice.

Dominique Wilkins, “Human Highlight Reel”
It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but certainly strikes a chord. Dominique in his prime was supa-nasty with his thrown-down dunks. ESPN almost decided to launch another channel just for him. The only downside to this nic was that no one on the court ever called him that, only the announcers and sports writers so in that respect it almost doesn’t qualify as a nickname.

Karl Malone, “The Mailman”
Easy to say, easy to remember and accurate. For more years than most played stayed in the NBA, Malone delivered the goods. Too bad it was for a crappy team.

Randy Johnson, “Big Unit”
Maybe it’s the additional connotations. Maybe it’s how it sounds coming from Stuart Scott. Whatever the case, I, and more importantly, my scientific algorithm, think Big Unit is the greatest nickname of all time.

Update: My wife reminded me about, perhaps, the most unique sports nickname of all time. His name is George Hackl, whose sport is the luge. Are you ready? Ok, his nickname is, The Long White Sausage. GoodNESS!

Dojo Info 7/8/05

1. Dog Island
   Now if only there were a place like this for wayward politicians.
2. The Problem of Manu’s Skin
   I believe this is an example of why Diversity is the wrong goal. Instead we should be striving towards Unity.
3. God Better Pick Pro Choice Candidate
   Nancy Pelosi has lost her freakin’ mind.
4. Will RFID-guided robots rule the world?
   Again, it’s science-fiction that (accurately) predicts the future. *shiver*
5. Three-dimensional optical memory using a human fingernail
   I’ve heard of nano-technology but seriously, there’s a point at which smaller is not necessarily better.

Stellar Design Gets Noticed

Not enough companies use design as a competitive advantage. But here is a list of companies that are, as Business Week publishes it’s business and industrial design awards. How many of us when looking at our overly complex thermostats didn’t wish for something simpler yet more attractive? Good design rocks.

Donate to Iraq’s Children

Jim Hake and the Spirit of America team does a great job. Now they’re working to help give Iraq’s children something so many of us take for granted—a chance to learn. Head over to his site and read about this project to raise money for school supplies that our Marines will help deliver. The Paladin family is donating and we hope you will as well.

War on Terror Needs Madison Avenue

Ok. Terrorists like to blow things up. Often themselves included. Which means, they’re constantly on the lookout for new members. How do they go about this recruiting campaign? I doubt they use professional headhunters or staffing agencies but it really doesn’t matter. This aspect of the war isn’t fought in the streets but in the mind… and who fights those communication wars better than Madison Avenue?

We need to put Al Ries in charge of our marketing campaign against the terrorists. Ries (along with Jack Trout) created the concept of Positioning. If can better position ourselves at home and abroad, then:

• the psychotic hate-mongers will have a tough time finding new “talent”
• arms suppliers will be less likely to “partner” with the terrorists
• public sentiment will shift so that policy can better support our stated goals

C’mon Mr. Ries, give it some thought. Your country needs you.