Tuesday, December 6. 2005
When people are presented with the alternatives of hating themselves for their failure or hating others for their success, they seldom choose to hate themselves. Thomas Sowell
Monday, December 5. 2005
DNC supports illegal immigration. There's a winning formula...if you let foreigners vote. (Why not let the whole world vote? A lame doofus Kerry by a landslide, with the French vote. Wasn't he French, or just look French, or whatever?) CA Yank Got an idea - the UNternet: Let the UN start their own internet. Why didn't the UN think of that? All it takes is a big server and a good programmer. And they can build in all the controls China and the other dictator countries want, from the ground, up. It will be a big hit - Go For It, UN! Competition between free speech and bureaucratic totalitarianism. A good fight. Star Wars. They can call it the UNternet. A piece on the UN and the internet here: Belmont The Prof. beats up on Jefferson. As always, he has a point. Tommy had a way with words, though, didn't he? Fla. taxpayers supporting terrorist-founded school. Very bad idea. LGF
Umberto Eco on Christmas, God, Death, Shopping, Money, etc.: "G K Chesterton is often credited with observing: "When a man ceases to believe in God, he doesn't believe in nothing. He believes in anything." Whoever said it - he was right. We are supposed to live in a sceptical age. In fact, we live in an age of outrageous credulity. The "death of God", or at least the dying of the Christian God, has been accompanied by the birth of a plethora of new idols. They have multiplied like bacteria on the corpse of the Christian Church -- from strange pagan cults and sects to the silly, sub-Christian superstitions of The Da Vinci Code. "
"Corpse"? I don't think so. But read entire in the Telegraph.
 Merry Christmas, Tiny Tim
Anyone who is offended by the word "Christmas" is worse than a Scrooge. But I do not believe than anyone truly is offended: It's a pose. You'd need to be deeply paranoid to take offense at the mention of anyone's religious beliefs or Holy Days. Nay, not paranoid - paranoid and hostile. We, and the entire anglophone world, live in Christian-based cultures, and we are extremely fortunate to do so - or could I say blessed to do so. Whether we are true believers or secular Christians, or even non-Christians, the celebration means a lot to the human spirit in this culture. It deserves respect and, in my opinion, gratitude. And it is meant to be fun, too. So join in the celebration, people, and learn a little bit about Jesus, too. It won't hurt you: it's a message about love - a stern yet joyful message about love and grace and mercy. That is why stuff like this ticks me off. It's worse than Russia during the Soviet era, or France. And it looks like we will have a White Advent in New England, tonight. Wonderful. Snow and Christmastime go together up here. If you cannot relate to Christmas, or feel hostile towards it, or just don't get it, watch this and this. You'll understand how the miracle of birth and the parallel miracle of rebirth affect people. For another kind of approach to the subject, try this at RTP: "Keep pissing Santa off, neo-yuppie scum."
A changing approach to global warming: 
Science Times Neckties are coming back: CSM Triangulate this. Hillary heckled: Newsmax Child sex tourism on sale at Amazon. Travelwire. Hey Congress - I want my MTV: Reason Gay marriage now OK in UK: BBC. The Scots seem thrilled.
Afghanistan's Railroads A Brit railroad buff named Grantham has written an interesting history of Afghanistan's railroads, which ends up being a history of Afghanistan itself. Afghanistan has been a part of "The Great Game" of international politics for a long time. At present, the country is basically a railroad-free zone. Thanks, Chris, for forwarding this piece which, without the web, almost no-one would ever read.
New Math This piece has been circulating for a while:
Last week I purchased a salad at McDonalds for $3.58. The counter girl took my $4.00 and I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies. While looking at the
screen on her register, I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.
Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:
Teaching Math In 1950 A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?
Teaching Math In 1960 A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
Teaching Math In 1970 A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit? Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of
$20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.) Teaching Math In 2005
Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?
Man errs as long as he strives. Goethe
Sunday, December 4. 2005
 The nice girl next door: Murielle Degauque - Protein
Interesting gun - the XM109: RRWH. For popping rats at the dump? Gizz yer money: Blair and the EU beggars - Tangled Web Jihad - It's really all about killing Jews (and other infidels): Pres. Ahmadinejad of Iran: “We are in the process of a historical war between the World of Arrogance [the west] and the Islamic world... Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism? You had best know that this slogan and this goal is attainable, and surely can be achieved.” Is there any limit to limp "tolerance" and "understanding"? Do we not value our culture? Where is our Churchill? Read Steyn's comments. Time for a political offensive by the Admin? From Am. Thinker: "The Democrat Party has just entered the McGovern Zone. The nation is at war against deadly enemies and the Democrats are going into an election committed to capitulation. They are gambling everything on failure in Iraq. If, in six months, successful elections have been held in Iraq and we have begun reducing our troop levels there, only a few hardcore nutjobs will still cling to the idea that Iraq is a hopeless quagmire. That idea is all the Democrats have to offer and when it dies the Democrat Party itself will be teetering on the edge of extinction."
The pros like Barone and John Leo are going to drive the amateur bloggers, like us, out of existence. That's OK - we accept Darwin. And we are glad that Barone has a blog. Quote: "The impulse of intellectual elites in Europe, and North America as well, is to show their tolerance by tolerating intolerance of tolerance." Hey - ain't that Virtuous? Most ignored book on the NYT best-seller list: Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam From Gov. Blanco's staff emails after Katrina (NYT, via Drudge): (my bold print): "Bush's numbers are low, and they are getting pummeled by the media for their inept response to Katrina and are actively working to make us the scapegoats," Bob Mann, Ms. Blanco's communications director, wrote in an e-mail message that afternoon, outlining plans by Washington Democrats to help turn the blame back onto President Bush." and "She must temper her anger and frustration," Johnny Anderson, Ms. Blanco's assistant chief of staff, wrote a day after it became widely known that large crowds were suffering at the New Orleans convention center. "We have to work too hard to lose the public relations battle."" As Bird Dog always says, you cannot be too cynical to understand politics. They are not "good people": A "necessary evil."
A Maggie's Farm Home Church Bird Dog's, and, coincidentally, our long-lost cousin Gwynnie's, ancestral family church, Holy Cross, in Greenford Magna, Middlesex. Very pleased to hear from recent family visitors that the parish is still thriving, is blessed with a wonderful pastor, and is filled with the spirit of God. God bless them, with all best wishes for a holy and inspiring Advent this year to our friends across the big pond. The miracle of Advent is the re-birth of all of us, world-wide, in our hearts and souls, in Christ. What a joy that is, if we can keep it in us. 
Saturday, December 3. 2005
 Lurkers vs. The Blog People
"Lurkers" was an "old" style term for those who visit blogs without leaving a comment or a trace. Nowadays, many popular blogs require registration (which never seems to work right for me - or I would spread my Bird Dog wisdom around more widely), and other obstacles to commenters, in an effort to prevent spammers, vandals, and the like. Others simply eliminated their comments capability, as we used to do. (We read all comments, eventually, but only respond when we have something to say.) This comes to mind because Rick Moran, one of the finest bloggers in the world, tends to leave a comment when he stops by. We do appreciate that, being suckers for love and validation, like all dogs. Just got back from taking the pup for a walk in the woods (sans gun today - tomorrow gunning), and the pup naturally leaves a drop of pee with his special scent on rocks and tree trunks -wherever appropriate. Please feel welcome to similarly mark your scent on Maggie's Farm. But in words, please. Do not pee on us - life does enough of that. That is why we require no registration - and we never will, unless we run into a problem with destructive people. We aren't big enough (yet) to attract the bad guys, but we have had plenty of spammer problems.
A defense of Hillary: RWNH Questioning the Gulf Stream science: Classical Values. Appreciate his looking deeper into the story. Dems ass over elbows in confusion. ACE Subway searches: legal or not? Calif. Yankee. If they're constitutional for airplanes, why not subways? They are just airplanes, with wheels instead of wings. All busses. Bird of Paradise considers Narnia. The declining interest in video games. Have they become too complex for people with day jobs? Vodkapundit
More Botticelli In his later years, Botticelli fell on hard times because, under the personal influence of the evangelist Savonarola, he quit painting secular works. His latest work refers back to Fra Angelico and medieval styles of painting, but with the added ingredients of prophetic and mystical references. Need I mention that I think these late paintings of his are mind-blowing? From about 1500, the one below is Mystic Nativity. Will show you the best one soon. It's difficult to believe that Sandro Botticelli died poor and forgotten, after having been Florence's most popular painter, in his prime. 
Katrina was just another battlefield of the culture wars: Reason Narnia already under ferocious attack from the Christian-haters. Chronicle of Higher Ed. How Shadegg moved Bush on immigration - a little bit. The Hill Art Town, USA. Paducah, KY? CSM Limbo to be erased from RCC doctrine. Not the dance, one hopes. Bird Isaac Hayes. Can you dig it? Good review at Blogcritics. Sexomnia? Drunksex
Friday, December 2. 2005
Standing Up for Christmas If you want to stand up for Christmas, the next time someone says "Happy Holidays," respond with "Oh? What holiday is it?"
Why The War is a Good Idea Baker in The Times Online, describes the two main ingredients of the politics that are swirling around the War. First, the old familiar political gotcha games in an effort to embarass or injure the Administration, and, second, the high risk for the Dems that Iraq may be a stunning success - if it isn't already, despite the mad bombers. Baker: "In a couple of weeks, Iraqis will go to the polls in their millions for the third time this year (the exercise of democracy can be habit-forming, can’t it?). This time they will choose a government that will have real power over the direction of the country. It will be a genuine first in the history of a region where medievalist tyranny has enjoyed five centuries of extra time. Meanwhile, Saddam Hussein, the most powerful living expression of that legacy, the tormentor of his own people and oppressor of others, stands trial for his crimes. And the success in Iraq, intangible as it is, was never just going to be confined to the country itself. Look at the broader map of the Middle East."
Yes, look at the map. What if this all turns out extremely well, in the end? It might. Read Baker's entire piece here. Belmont Club puts it better than I can: "So it's true. Iraq is Vietnam and soon the 21st century version of the Carter era will dawn. Isn't that something to look forward to? Wait. The Iraq story: how troops see it from the Christian Science Monitor tells a diametrically different story. But that means nothing because 'public opinion' has made its mind up: Iraq is a catastrophic defeat. In fact, Martin Van Creveld says it is the worst military defeat in 2014 years, beside which Agincourt, the Retreat from Kabul, Waterloo, the Sedan, the Fall of France, Stalingrad -- all fade into insignificance. So who's coming forward to take the surrender, which is what customarily happens when one side is beaten by another?"
Read the whole thing. The fact is, the Dems and the Left hope Iraq is worse than Waterloo, because they want to win an election, and because they like to see the Evil US weakened and humiliated. But thinking it, and repeating it in print, doesn't make it so. Therefore, as freedom advances in Iraq and in the middle east, we will see the voices of the Left become more shrill, negative, defeatist - and desperate.
Iran should link up with the ACLU: Iran "will stop Christianity in this country." Atlas FIRE burns Univ. of Wisconsin: Bible allowed back. FIRE Norwegian govt hires philosophers for help in spending money. Too funny. Excellent piece on Scandinavian moral bankrupcy at View from 1776. Paul at Powerline: "The Democratic party -- part pacifist, part opportunist, part bureaucratic, part clueless -- is attempting to make the existence of a date certain for victory a condition for supporting war. This is a recipe for impotence."
 We enter duck season these weeks, in many areas of the US.
The noble Mallard is the King of Ducks in the US. He is our most abundant and adaptable duck, and the tastiest, at least for those for whom the others are too gamey. (Not for me, tho.) He is found across the entire US and most of Canada, wherever water is nearby, from parks to prairies, and everyone is familiar with this handsome drake who is often seen in companionship with his plain, brown hen. These ducks are highly migratory in the mid-west and west, following unfrozen water south. (Like most species of ducks, they tend to prefer fresh to salt water.) Thus their widespread population is heavily concentrated in the southern US during the winter. Many duck hunters will shoot nothing but drake Mallards. And they are a fine bird, even if you do not hunt them. More info about the sporty Mallard here.
And yet another book Another good Christmas book: The Man Who Changed Everything: The Life of James Clerk Maxwell, by Basil Mahon. It's on my list.
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! Charles Dickens
Leave it to the Italians Italian researchers have discovered a nerve growth factor, (NGF), which correlates with falling in love. Is it news to any of us who have been young and in love that requited passion fades within a year? (Or that unrequited or unconsumated desire can last a long time?) This NCG normalizes within a year of a love relationship. But is it cause or effect? Regardless, it is definitely "chemistry." And real life definitely, inevitably, but sadly, runs counter to this chemical bliss.
Will Iraq ever be ready to defend itself? Dirty War in The New Republic. No Christmas Tree in Boston this year. Maybe no Christmas either. Blame Bush Whose politics are filled with hate? Michelle Overfishing in inland waters. Science Daily CIA discovers it's been using black highlighters. Onion
Here's a shot from our Ducks Unlimited Dinner Thursday night. We have a superb committee of guys who put this together each year, and an excellent crowd of semi-rowdy and actively-bidding sportsmen. We must have raffled at least 15 rifles and shotguns, among the 100+ cool items and trips, etc we raffled and auctioned. Good, wholesome, well-lubricated American fun for the cause of conservation. Now we begin planning for next year, but first the committee will relax and enjoy a few pheasant shoots with the dogs before the snow flies. 
Thursday, December 1. 2005
Travel to Cuba Cuba : Please say it ain't so. As soon Ian Shrager walks in ,the charm will walk out of Havana. Castro may be responsible for many things but turning Cuba into a Disney World is not one of them. It is too soon to know what will transpire when Fidel dies and he will die, but letting the American tourist trade in will not necessarily be the remedy for the Cubans. read entire article here: "I was completely enchanted with the country," he says. "I was completely taken with it. To me what was interesting was Old Havana, like Venice, a special place frozen in time.And politics aside, Castro, he's the last great world leader on the world stage. He is the last one left, and to me that adds to the legend. "My customers are waiting for Cuba to happen," Shrager says.Click here: http://www.travelwirenews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000067/006713-p.htm The Lonely Planet offers it's description here:
Gen. Smith on Napoleon. Personally, I think Napoleon was half-crazy. Samizdata. International complaints about Google's eye in the sky: CSM Send a Christmas card to the ACLU (H/T, Michelle): Crosswalk Weakening of Gulf Stream will cool Ireland and England. Via Science Daily NYT will charge for the op-ed online. Real money? Are they kidding? IBD
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