I almost had a use for Noam Chomsky. I would never have a use for his politics or beliefs (except for maybe something to laugh at), but I was close to having a use of his knowledge as a linguist. Luckily the internet intervened and Noam Chomsky remains useless.

I’ve heard a new rumor about TIF and I’d like to see what others think.

The rumor goes that the city may grant TIF funds to maintenance of residences, like apartment buildings or condos. This is a shift from normal use of TIF funds, which are normally given out for new construction projects only. Also keep in mind that this is just a rumor I’ve heard. I haven’t seen anything solid that proves the city is considering this.

I’ll explain the poll options so there’s no confusion.

No:
You believe TIF should be used for new construction only

No, we shouldn’t have TIF at all:
You’re opposed to TIF and don’t want to see it expanded

Yes:
You believe using TIF for building maintenance on condos or apartment buildings is a good use of TIF funding

Yes, but all private residences should also qualify:
Condos and apartments should be able to get TIF funding for maintenance, but so should private homes

Yes, but only for apartments, not condos:
Apartment buildings should be able to get TIF funding for maintenance, but not condos or private homes

This poll is of course unscientific, but I’d like to get a general idea of what people think about this issue

Remember the body armor debate? A lot of uninformed people were up in arms over the perceived lack of body armor for the troops. Then of course there were those that were informed, but wanted to exploit public opinion for political gain. I tried to inform the uninformed about all the aspects of body armor. I know very well since I am in the military and I’ve worn the body armor for extended periods of time. I know that when doing hard physical activity or when the temperature is high, troops will choose not to use the body armor. This is not only for comfort, but for safety. That body armor stopping a bullet won’t do much good if the body armor gives the troop a heat stroke first or slows them down so they can be more easily shot.

But you don’t have to my word on it, listen to the troops.

We have to climb over walls and go through windows, I understand the more armor, the safer you are. But it makes you slower. People don’t understand that this is combat and people are going to die.
-Sgt. Justin Shank

Before you know it, they’re going to get us injured because we’re hauling too much weight and don’t have enough mobility to maneuver in a fight from house to house, I think we’re starting to go overboard on the armor.
-SSgt. Thomas Bain

When you already have 60, 70 pounds on and you add 10 pounds when you go patrolling through the city or chasing after bad guys, that extra 10 pounds is going to make a difference. You’re going to feel it.
-Lance Cpl. David Partridge

The reason they issued (the plates), I think, is to make people back home feel better, I’m not wishing they wouldn’t have issued them. I’m just wishing that they wouldn’t make them mandatory.
-Lance Cpl. Philip Tootle

Hat tip: Boots and Sabers

If I were to post a link to a funny video on my blog (which I just did), than I should post the funniest thing SNL has produced in years.

Natalie Portman is hardcore

Here’s a great video clip. It makes fun of Tom Cruise, Scientology and Issac Hayes quitting South Park.

Issac Hayes’ new job

Jimmy Kimmel is a genius.