Big Ten Band Update

As a change of pace from weighty news about the election and the economy, here's a little piece about the University of Wisconsin's marching band. They have been suspended indefinitely for hazing, alcohol abuse, and sexual misconduct. Their behavior, while certainly only a small percentage of the entire band, puts a bad mark on college bands not only in the Big Ten conference, but marching bands across the country.

I feel sorry for the members who had nothing to do with the misconduct, but also for the entire student section watching the games; it might just be me, but there seems to be more energy to the game when the band is present and leading cheers than when, towards the end of the first half, they have to leave to prepare for the half-time show. Now imagine an entire game that lacked that sort of energy...

I'm proud to say that the band I'm a part of frowns heavily upon any sort of hazing or misconduct. The standards are so high that no one would dream of behaving that way; doing so would mean disappointing not only the directors but also your peers. The director emphasizes the fact that we are a family, and we need to take care of each other. Examples - whenever the tuba section goes out together, they take the time to pick a designated driver who will not only drive everyone home, but also make sure that no one does anything stupid. And even through the strenuous practices you go through as a freshman, you can be sure that your section leaders and the drum majors are keeping an eye on you and won't push you past your limits. We can't swear in uniform or even wear our band jackets to any social event involving alcohol. People follow these rules religiously because they understand what would happen if our standards were any lower.

As a member of the band, you have to represent your school in the most positive way, but it's unfortunate that Wisconsin's band doesn't see their position in the same light. Hopefully, they'll get past this unfortunate stage in their history and live up to the high standards that bands need to hold for themselves in order to be respected.

Spending Priorities

Is it just me, or does Congress seem to be going backwards as far as public policy is concerned? The point of all public policy is to determine the best solution to the public's needs.  Well, after the national disaster and government humiliation of Hurricane Katrina, you'd think that the federal government would be doing everything possible to ensure that those affected by the storm in 2005 aren't suffering nearly three years later.  

But in its infinite wisdom, Congress is leaning towards allocating money for Iraqi refugees instead of those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  One homeless New Orleans resident puts it nicely:

[Patrick Clark] said the government was all too willing to increase the debt with war spending but is turning its back on those most in need of help after Katrina.

While I have nothing against helping Iraqi refugees in a mess that we created, you'd think that as the richest country in the world, the least we could do is help the homeless population created by the equally-poorly handled disaster of Katrina.   What really gets me is that the $73 million planned for mentally disabled Katrina victims is probably going to be scratched over $150 million in funding for Jordan and Mexico's militaries.  Sure, let's promote military forces abroad while not paying attention to the long-term ramifications of 12,000 homeless people - seeing as how it is the government's responsibility to protect the well-being of its citizens.

Truthiness in Science

The Colbert Bump has been scientifically proven!!! Surely Stephen will have to give credit to science for proving it, although I suppose he'll chalk it up to be something that he knew all along.

"Democrats who braved Colbert's mocking interviews, [Fowler] was surprised to find, not only saw the number of donations they received in the month after the show jump by one third, they raised 44 percent more money than their counterparts who did not go on the show. While the average candidate in Fowler's sample raises about $21,000 a month, Colbert's guests earned almost $30,000 after the broadcast."

Apparently, however, this only applies to Democrats, and Republicans on the show can actually experience a negative effect.  I guess that's how we can explain Huckabee's loss.

We Didn't Start the Fire (but those Spartans sure did)

It turns out that MSU is trying to "revive" its party scene, as evidenced by last night's Cedar Fest where the police were forced to use tear gas to control the crowds.  Reviving does not have to mean riots, but apparently everyone was too drunk to realize that.  

More here.

Here.

And here.

Here We Go Again

Is it possible? The Michigan Legislature is actually getting something done?
The state is planning on a June 3 do-over primary for the Democratic presidential candidates, funded privately. Hopefully nothing falls through, and they won't settle on a mail-in primary like in Florida. Here's to making our votes count...

http://www.mlive.com/elections/index.ssf/2008/03/michigan_democrats_target_june.html

Make Music, Not Bombs

Leave it to the NY Phil to do what Washington can't.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/26/arts/music/26symphony.html?hp