The pwan's weblog without a name

Saturday, April 17, 02004

In Finland, traffic fines generally are based on two factors: the severity of the offense and the driver's income.

Notice the Traffic Research Unit. For some reason, I picture the TRU as a sort of Science Patrol knockoff fighting courageous battles against aggressive drivers.

Posted at 12:39 PM EST [Link][Karma] [Comment]

Wednesday, April 14, 02004

The Department of Agriculture is refusing to allow Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, to test all its cattle for mad cow disease, claiming 100 percent testing would be "misleading to consumers" because it creates the impression that untested beef is not safe.

"... there is no shortage of irrational consumer demands -- like cosmetic surgery or SUVs -- that industry is only too happy to cater to. That's what capitalism does."

Some lobbyist lacky compared demanding 100% cattle testing to it to demanding that all cars be crash-tested. Hmm.... To this irrational consumer, untested beef in the food supply is the same as untested drivers on the road. And only testing downer cows is like only testing drivers who have already been in accidents.

Posted at 12:19 AM EST [Link][Karma] [Comment]