Freeze Your Twinkies!

The government of these United States has been so successful with its war on poverty and the war on drugs (not to mention the Vietnam, Iraq, and Afgan wars), they seem ready to institute a war on...ready?...FAT.

Forgive my negativity (and my slightly overweight body), but please, please, please Uncle Sam, leave us the hell alone to pay the price for our own stupidity! I know that request goes against the grain of so many laws and programs enacted by the all-knowing, all-protecting, I-know-what's-best-for-you folks in Washington as they attempt to lead us down life's difficult road, but enough already!

In a report just issued by the Institute of Medicine, they believe 42% of Americans could be obese by 2030, because (in their words), "people only have a certain, limited ability to control their weight in an environment where there is a lot of food available. One of the main reasons (for obesity) has to do with people being presented with large quantities of food -- tasty food -- in a culture where more is better, portion sizes are getting larger and heavily advertised."

So, it seems to follow then that it would be best for us to have a limited supply of food available, food that did not taste good, and served in small portions that are never advertised. Obviously, that will only be accomplished with the help of some sort of new federal program. Might I suggest we begin to pay for food by the calorie? Perhaps add a surcharge to items that are particularly pleasing to the palate? I'm beginning to see an opportunity for lots of taxing here.

I don't suppose those legislators would take heed of the wise words of a very wise man from long ago:

Was the government to prescribe to us our medicine and diet, our bodies would be in such keeping as our souls are now.
                                                                        ~Thomas Jefferson

No, probably not.

A word to the wise, friends:  stock up on those Twinkies now; they're sure to be much more expensive when they're taxed or outlawed later.

Big Brother May Be Watching!

San Francisco's Entertainment Commission is considering some pretty unbelievable rules for certain events expecting 100 or more in attendance. Please note items 3 and 4 in particular, below, and ask yourself if this doesn't blatantly fly in the face of the First Amendment to our U.S. Constitution, which states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.


Feels pretty "creepy" and "1984-ish" to me!!!


~Thanks to Jim Harper of The Cato Institute for posting this story.
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Notice of Hearing on Proposed Adoption of Rules

Related to Security

at Places of Entertainment and One Time Events

The Entertainment Commission will consider adopting rules concerning security at places of entertainment and one time events at its regular meeting on April 12, 2011, at 6:30 PM in Room 400, City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco.

These rules may cover the proposed permit conditions, summarized below, presented by the San Francisco Police Department for consideration by the Entertainment Commission.  At the hearing, the Commission may adopt rules that depart from the terms of the proposals below but address the same general subjects as the proposals.  In addition, while the proposals are framed in terms of venues with an anticipated occupancy of more than 100 individuals, the Commission may adopt rules that apply to a different or broader range of venues.

Members of the public will have an opportunity during the hearing to offer public comment and may also submit written comments at the hearing, or preferably in advance of the hearing.  Advance written comments may be emailed to or mailed to written comments will become part of the public record.  Names and contact information for commenter’s will be redacted if the written comment requests redaction.

Proposed Rules

These Conditions shall apply to all EC permitted events with an anticipated occupancy capacity of over one hundred (100) individuals.

1.      (a) Security personnel shall be provided in a ratio one (1) guard for every fifty (50) patrons.  (b) A security supervisor shall be provided at a ratio of one (1) supervisor for every four (4) guards.

2.      All individuals entering the premises shall be scanned by a metal detector.

3.      All occupants of the premises shall be ID Scanned (including patrons, promoters, and performers, etc.).  ID scanning data shall be maintained on a data storage system for no less than 15 days and shall be made available to local law enforcement upon request. 

4.      High visibility cameras shall be located at each entrance and exit point of the premises.  Said cameras shall maintain a recorded data base for no less than fifteen (15 days) and made available to local law enforcement upon request.

5.      The exterior of the premises shall be equipped with lighting of sufficient power to illuminate and make easily discernible the appearance and conduct of all persons on or about the premises.  Additionally, the position of such lighting shall not disturb the normal privacy and use of any neighboring residences.

6.      The premises shall provide a Security Plan acceptable to the Chief of Police which includes a Security proposal and EC Best Practices, collectively referred to as a Security Plan.

7.      All Security personnel that protect life and/or property shall maintain a current and valid California Department of Consumer Affairs Guard Card and shall comply with all rules and regulations governing the Card.   

8.      At all times the premises is open to the public a readily identifiable Manager employed by the EC permit holder shall be on-site.

9.      All Federal, State, and Local permits, required posting, including but not limited to occupancy, shall be posted in a conspicuous location clearly visibly to the public.  Said permits shall be maintained valid and current.