Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-07

  • RT @travisgoodspeed: Neighborly after party at the Brickskeller. 18h00. #
  • Dear Shmoocon: If you got a wristband for the party and are not going, please hand it to staff or give it to someone who will use it! #
  • I just became the mayor of Busted Skylight on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/dis5iC #
  • Club-Mate is available at the Pico Computing booth. Case discounts available. #shmoocon #
  • @johnbaichtal I blame the DC snowpocalypse for this morning's DM fail. in reply to johnbaichtal #
  • Call UPS…they were supposed to intercept it and call me this morning! Ugh…have them redeliver it and hold it at Landover. #
  • RT @hacdc: Hacker's Lounge CANCELED http://tinyurl.com/yjj9jt9 #ShmooCon #
  • @wwward Bad Touch implied it…but the resupply is set to arrive from the club-mate.us warehouse sometime this afternoon. in reply to wwward #
  • @openfly @wwward NYCR is selling their precious Club-Mate reserve? I don't believe it! in reply to openfly #
  • I severely underestimated the Club-Mate demand in DC this week. It appears a resupply mission is in order. #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-31

  • @wwward Sociology angle? Do you mean that in a Studs Terkel or Herbert Blumer kind of way? in reply to wwward #
  • RT @revolvingdork: I am reading the funniest webcomic ever created…AXE COP is incredible: http://bit.ly/9F72RO #
  • @skipp No, they only say it after bad years. January is excuse enough for optimism when few other things present themselves. in reply to skipp #
  • RT @postling Manage everything you've published online, no matter where it came from http://bit.ly/aRTjkT #
  • Job creation now (stimulus) + action reduces deficits later (health care reform) > Political will. http://bit.ly/krugmanfortreasury #
  • I actually like this answer to "What is a Hacker?" more than my previous ones. http://bit.ly/defininghackinginvideo #
  • I'm opposed to a blank check for the "War on Terror" when far costlier problems lie on a cold back burner, if on the stove at all. #
  • Stats breakdown on my claim that alltime US terror deaths < monthly US deaths from lack of health care http://bit.ly/healthcareandterror #
  • @revolvingdork @postling Much love to you guys for designing a great product and sharing it with everyone! Looking forward to waffles! in reply to revolvingdork #
  • @delayfx Does that apply to those of us currently in the process of buying or burning said lawn? in reply to delayfx #
  • Lack of access to health care kills more Americans every month than terrorists have in our nation's entire history. #
  • Those of you who wanted #Xistence to be real should check out the next best thing: http://www.postling.com/ #
  • Now that pranks are a wonderful form of art, life will undoubtedly find a way to imitate them. #
  • Döner Kebap has been located in NYC! Another example of 2010 as a glorious year! (@ Yatagan Kebab House w/ @sillycaitlin) #

Statistics, Terrorism, Lack of Access to Health Care

by Nick Farr on January 27, 2010
in Economic Theory, Future Shock

“What I hope the president does… is talk about jobs, debt, terror and if he stopped right there it’d suit me fine, because if he focused on those three and got them in a better direction, then we could deal with health care.”

- Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) via NPR

In a fit of anger upon hearing this, I tweeted:

“Lack of access to health care kills more Americans every month than terrorists have in our nation’s entire history.”

- Me, via twitter

Admittedly, this is a very bold claim.  And I stand behind it.

The presumptions I’ve made in making this claim take into account the following assumptions which, depending on your point of view, are refutable:

  • “Americans” means US Citizens on US soil.
  • “Terrorists” means those who apply the calculated use of violence to achieve mass casualties against US citizens  in order to forward political goals.

The thing about statistics is that you could game either body count either way.  You could immediately throw out the study I reference, using a 2002 Institute of Medicine study which puts the total at less than half of the study I quote.

You could also pile on to assume that Terrorist attacks are any random act of violence leading to death, in which case the reverse claim could be made.

In looking at Terrorism, I’m using a much narrower focus.  The “terrorist” I speak of is the kind that we’re supposedly fighting in this War on Terror.  This precludes things like hate crimes, campaigns by the KKK, and many other uses of systematic violence with political motives.   It also precludes attacks on those working for the military, law enforcement or those attacks committed abroad.  I’m talking about organized terror groups acting specifically against civilians in the US along political lines.  All that being said:

Deaths attributable to Lack of Access to Health Care: 44,789 Annually, (approx. 3,732/month)

Deaths attributable to Terrorism in US History: 2,910 (Running total)

  • 9/11: 2,668
  • 1995 Oklahoma City: 168
  • 1920 Wall Street Bombing: 38
  • 1910 Los Angeles Times Bombing: 21
  • 1993 WTC: 6
  • 2001 Anthrax Attacks: 5
  • Unabomber: 3
  • 1996 Atlanta Olympic Bombing: 1

Which basically means there’s 822 terrorist deaths left to go before my statistic fails.  Any other attacks I forgot?

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-24

  • @openfly Technology, like any tool, can be used to liberate or oppress. Sadly, it often does both simultaneously. in reply to openfly #
  • New coffee shop in Columbia Heights actually has dirty chai ON THE BOARD. It's rather popular. Didn't @seanbonner start that phenomenon? #
  • It seems charismatic presidents have weak Congressional pimp hands. #
  • On a library lunch date with @sillycaitlin, she at the library in NYC and I at the MLK library in DC, on the hunt for nonfiction via SMS! #
  • @benstanfield @seanbonner is also denying being the origin of the Dirty Chai trend, but do you know who was? #dirtyday #
  • @bicyclemark No, they did not hear of the beloved Team Dirty Chai…that's DC for you. Oblivious or dismissive of interwebenon. #dirtyday in reply to bicyclemark #
  • I'm at Amsterdam Falafelshop (2425 18th Street NW, Washington). http://4sq.com/6XBzlg #
  • @delayfx Only if you buy me a drink at the Raven Grill in reply to delayfx #
  • @kellbot needs your help! Support Hacker Craftistas! Vote EVERYTHING TINY! http://bit.ly/6rJ30l #
  • SCOTUS upset with dearth of campaign ads, narrowly rules in favor of non-stop political advertising in 2010 http://bit.ly/8JF0ea #
  • RT @Phonoelit btw HAPPY BIRTHDAY to @41414141 #
  • @skipp You're absolutely right. I should have written my own unique birthday greeting. in reply to skipp #
  • Best birthday wishes go out to my fine friend @openfly, a man whose tact, restraint and grace inspire us all. (That better @skipp?) #
  • @FarMcKon Best analysis I've seen of Cit United v. FEC, courtesy of SCOTUSblog: http://bit.ly/CUvsFEC in reply to FarMcKon #
  • @jeffreybarke So where are the NYC folk watching CoCo's last Tonight show? Anybody w/ cable willing to host a small posse contingent? in reply to jeffreybarke #
  • @Facutvivas Do I actually have to get arrested for you guys to stop joking about me being arrested, or would that just make it worse? in reply to Facutvivas #
  • @pipix I'm sort of hoping CoCo does the kind of show I can't see (in it's entirety) on Hulu. ;) in reply to pipix #
  • Veselka Waffles or seeing my girlfriend drum for her friend doing Duran Duran in Rock Band? (Do I even need to put this to a vote?) #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-17

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-10

  • In Berlin, recovery night goes until 3 AM. #
  • Yesssss! I beat @travisgoodspeed in our all out Donor-off before he leaves town! #
  • @r0d3nt made It out safely, on his way to Philly. Currently with th and the other neighbors in Potsdam! #
  • Dear Berlin neighbors: @41414141, @dakami, and I request the pleasure of your company at Eschschloraque at 21h, sharp. Epicness to follow. #
  • Picture of @sillycaitlin and I at a party in NYC. (Really, I do wear the suit everywhere…) http://bit.ly/7gKoxE #
  • Apparently, today's plan is to meet at the Fernsehturm (TV Tower in Alex) at 17h for dinner. Anyone up for museum insel in a few? #
  • @fin Oh! Yes! That interview was for Jim from c-base, he did video of last year's auction! http://www.youtube.com/user/jocognito in reply to fin #
  • @collinrm So far it's @skipp, @dakami, @rogueclown and I. Tickets for 16:45, dinner for 17h. in reply to collinrm #
  • @andreasdotorg @skipp is back at Sunflower, and @dakami and I are in our West Berlin hideout hoping nobody makes us drink tonight… in reply to andreasdotorg #
  • RT @fbz hardhack will be part of sigint this year and will move to cologne. join in the soldering fun http://is.gd/5NTvL #
  • Shockingly, a pleasantly quiet evening in Berlin with plenty of neighborly folk. Should I attempt to play tourist tomorrow? #
  • Attempt to extend flight to be in Cologne fail! Maybe my flight will get delayed so I can see @fbz and @skytee #
  • Party at @sillycaitlin's place on saturday to celebrate my return from Berlin! There will be dancing and waffles! festivities begin @ 9. #
  • RT @chaosupdates Ab 23 Uhr gibt es wieder C-Radar aus #Darmstadt mit Interviews unter anderem mit @Nickf4rr und BugBlue http://c-radar.de/ #
  • Last night in Berlin. One last Mate. One last spin on the space station. One last dance. One last night bus. If not, one more dance. #
  • Got to see almost everyone I wanted to see in .de. Now off to tomorrow's dance party in the JC, after a quick supper w/ @bicyclemark in AMS! #
  • Having a quick lunch with @bicyclemark in A'dam, discussing the intricacies of nerd humor. Best AMS layover ever! #
  • What was I thinking leaving only a 5 hour layover in .nl? I wish I could make the 2600nl meetup, see other friends…but off to NYC now! #
  • I just unlocked the "JetSetter" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/8qr9Yp #
  • I just woke up! Only three hours to get the Jersey City dance party off…but first Veselka! #
  • No, I did not actually attempt any http://funwithtsa.com activities…I was saving all those jokes for tonight's JC dance party!!! #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-03

  • @security4all That would be the logical thing to do, yet nobody can tell me who runs @26c3 in reply to security4all #
  • @26c3 nick@nickfarr.org #
  • @security4all It looks like @26c3 is back! in reply to security4all #
  • So, what's the proper way to greet someone from Bavaria? #
  • To all those neighbors who left awesome feedback on my Herald Angeling @26c3, Thank You, I had an awesome time! You neighbors are the best! #
  • If you stayed/are staying in the Hacker Sunflower, find me at 26c3! Want to stay in Berlin for Silvester? E-mail info@hackersonaplane.info #
  • @26c3 I am a bit in pain, but I had a great time! Can't wait to see you at #sigint10 Cologne! #
  • Teardown is nearly complete, and I just need a little rest before c-base. See you there! #
  • Let me sleep! @skipp remixed a neighborly photo of me at 26c3 by @saschaludwig http://tinyurl.com/ykp7p3p #
  • Got some rest and now I'm on my way to c-base. Can't wait to see the @26c3 neighbors and practice the FYN-FYTN protocol! #
  • Exhausted, but really looking forward to the Journey before C-base tonight!
    http://totheendofthenight.com/berlin2009/ #
  • Just arrived at Alexanderplatz! Yes, I am running the Journey to the End of the Year in a suit! Chasers beware! #
  • I was just tagged'. Now I'm a chaser! #journeytotheendoftheyear #
  • Drat! Slept through Shmoocon ticket sales! Wonder how bad the aftermarket will be… #
  • Who's going to the 26C3 recovery brunch tomorrow? (Note: Dress warmly, @guckes deathmarch to follow.) http://bit.ly/26c3recoverybrunch #
  • Why I like Berlin: Here, the transit police will dance with you. Almost to the 26c3 recovery brunch! #
  • Seems like all the TVs in Postdamer Platz are going out…hmm, wonder why that could be. #
  • @chantalklaver @lindworm Thank you guys and to all the great herald angels! Hope you can make it to SIGINT 2010! Happy New Year! in reply to chantalklaver #
  • If @sillycaitlin threw me a Welcome Home dance party on Jan 8 in Jersey City, would you go? #
  • I just unlocked the "Explorer" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/85ZPim #
  • Is there a bank open on Sunday in Berlin where @maltman and I can open accounts? #
  • @caseorganic Planning @cyborgcamp 2010 in both Brazil and Portland. Brazil in March and Portland in May. (Sweet!) #
  • @jxetkubo and @martinhasse for the win! Postbank at Ostbahnhof was open today…but we didn't have the right papers, so we failed. ;( in reply to jxetkubo #
  • Recovery gathering at c-base tonight. Come sip Club-Mate and have a cool space to actually talk! #
  • I forgot @ScottyTM who provided a link to the Post at Ostbahnhof http://bit.ly/4Q9Zwd #
  • I'm meeting up with TH at Potsdam Hbf for a tour of Potsdam tomorrow…anybody want to join? #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-27

  • @phooky is sending big ups to everyone in the chat room, keeping it locked. #
  • I just ousted Choire S. as the mayor of Veselka on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/abWZg #
  • Unwritten protocol of Veselka #35: If you lick the last of goodness off your dessert plate, they will bring you another one without asking. #
  • Jersey isn't so bad. But the PATH train is like a Disneyland ride reinterpreted by Tim Burton on Quaaludes. #
  • @Foliba Shall I bring you some Pierogis? I don't think the waffles will hold up for the journey. in reply to Foliba #
  • @aliciarenee Care to test the theory sometime? Maybe the same day I take on @theqlabs in a Pierogi-off? in reply to aliciarenee #
  • Who has the cleanest desk at Makerbot? (Or, a quick look at my weekend job…) http://bit.ly/7wN6rJ #
  • @theqlabs @aliciarenee Veselka Pierogi-off and dessert plate licking evening has been declared! January 9? #
  • Dear Neighbors! Waffle-off between @travisgoodspeed and I at 14h at Veselka. Show up to wish me luck! #
  • @hdsjulian Tomorrow! With @travisgoodspeed after we stuff ourselves with Waffles! in reply to hdsjulian #
  • Round 1 of Veselka waffleoff is complete! FYN-FYTN protocol demo and Appalachian geography and English lessons continue! (Round 2 ordered) #
  • @rogueclown FYTN. We're going into round 3! Travis made this a Detroit style contest, so that means chicken and waffles! in reply to rogueclown #
  • @sgentiluomo January 9! Pierogi-off with @theqlabs and other special guests! in reply to sgentiluomo #
  • I fail. @travisgoodspeed wins in the 3rd round. Death Breakfast was a strategic error. in reply to travisgoodspeed #
  • Now off to Berlin! #
  • @travisgoodspeed and I officially settled the Hacker Hostel for #26c3. Now, a brief nap before heading out to Doner Kebap-off. #
  • I just unlocked the "Adventurer" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/5KOX2p #
  • I just unlocked the "Newbie" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/7bQnoV #
  • I am speaking on Peer Directed Finance at 18h on the 29th at C-Base, right before Monochrom! #
  • I just became the mayor of Sunflower Hostel on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/83YQyj #
  • If you need to reach me in Berlin, SMS or call +49 177 647-8916 #
  • I just unlocked the "Crunked" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/6RCqVg #
  • I need Herald Angels for #26c3! Register at engelsystem.de and show up to an Angel meeting (18:00 tonight) or DM me for more details! #
  • @gmchar I'll tell you all about it when you show up here in Berlin! in reply to gmchar #
  • @dAtAfLaSh Ah, good call. It you need to reach me via DECT, call NICK (6427) in reply to dAtAfLaSh #
  • I just unlocked the "Overshare" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/69Mz4Q #
  • I just unlocked the "Local" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/7dJsO6 #
  • I really hate to ask this, but has anyone seen Dan Kaminsky? #26c3 #
  • Crisis averted. @dakami has been found. ;) #
  • @TabTwo Beer…and other things. @41414141 is primarily responsible for the exploit, as usual. in reply to TabTwo #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-20

  • Pan Status: French and Enameled. #
  • It looks like the Jury Duty fairy has finally caught up with me. #savenick #
  • RT @sillycaitlin Why haven't @beatonna and Sarah Vowell collaborated on anything yet? (Is Sarah Vowell not on Twitter?) #
  • DC Superior Court has a "Juror's Business Lounge". It sort of beats the gigantic Juror's lounge where "Sneakers" is playing. #
  • Released from jury duty AND I found out about this great Christmas present from Google. THANK YOU WORLD! http://bit.ly/6pRWhw #
  • @justjessica @tryke The clerk said we were all pretty lucky, that the last court business day of the year is usually the best day to serve. in reply to justjessica #
  • @justjessica Honestly, it was a nice experience overall. I was impressed with the DC government for the first time in quite a while. in reply to justjessica #
  • @wwward I am almost positive they are working on that. in reply to wwward #
  • Given my luck this past year, the Euro will reach parity right in time for 26C3. #
  • @cjp More a comment on my bad luck than it my impression of the volatiity of the Euro. Of course, if the Germans bail out the Greeks… in reply to cjp #
  • RT @mixedfeelings Noticing a bunch of new poorly formed Grand Rapids venue entries in #foursquare today. (That's a sign of progress!) #
  • @bre I am sorry to report that I have stolen mayorship of Makerbot HQ from you. #
  • You're not supposed to know what you want. #

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-12-13

  • RT No flights to 26c3, but we haz cheap lodging two S Bahn stops from Alex! Includes New Years! Email info@hackersonaplane.info! #
  • RT @pipix The thesis has been submitted. Yay!!!! #
  • @FarMcKon The real Nick Farr might stand up as soon as people stop kicking him. in reply to FarMcKon #
  • @pipix When can we haz party???? in reply to pipix #
  • @rogueclown Yes! I will be at Neighborcon, where the only kicking involved will be jig-dancing related. in reply to rogueclown #
  • Hope, with proper care and feeding, weathers better than expectations. #
  • @travisgoodspeed That's Hackers in a Buick. Any neighbors in DC headed up for Neighborcon? It's extra neighborly! in reply to travisgoodspeed #
  • I'll voluntarily curtail my data usage when AT&T curtails what they charge for it. #
  • Congratulations USCIS. You have now beat out TSA for most incompetent agency in the most incompetent department in our government. #
  • Neighborcon talks have begun! #
  • Is it waffle time yet? Neighbors in the LES, please advise. #
  • @vyrus001 I should know better than to walk out of a bar halfway through a handcuff picking demo… in reply to vyrus001 #
  • @wwward Never forget, they never arrest a guy in a suit without a proper perpwalk. in reply to wwward #
  • @Foliba Depends on whether or not you can point me towards good waffles in Berlin. ;) in reply to Foliba #
  • @Namastizzle Oh, you think you can punk out just because you're in Med School? in reply to Namastizzle #
  • @pipix OMG SQUEEEEEE! Brunch yes! Neighborly waffles!!!! Veselka??? in reply to pipix #
  • @pipix OMG SQUEEE!! Mayors and possees and Veselka in Christmas Wreathes oh my! #13YOBFF #simultweet in reply to pipix #
  • Everyone should welcome @pipix back to the world now that she is done with the thesis!!! Take her out for party and cupcakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #
  • I just ousted @yosh25 as the mayor of Broadway Panhandler on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/FaMUi #

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