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Friday, March 29. 2013

I am just back from my assigned 1- hour Good Friday vigil at church (4-5 AM). So quiet, peaceful, serious, in semi-darkness (but with an almost -full moon shining in the windows) with the black-draped cross. I imagined being one of those who kept him company during his execution. I prayed for the souls of all of those I care about, and I prayed that his death would indeed redeem my sinful nature and my flawed soul. Lay it all at the foot of the cross, Pastor advises.

"Obscurity and a competence—that is the life that is best worth living."

They bought it for $3 at a yard sale

Excellent investment, but I would not have even noticed it. Those people have a good eye for junk.

A review of gun safes.

I just keep mine locked in a bedroom closet. That meets the legal requirement here. But, since I have a carry permit, can I carry at night?

New York State: Least free state in the US

Freedom in the 50 states, but mostly in the red states?

Hunters Begin Boycotting Colorado

What the heck happened to Colorado?

But why does marriage require a license?

It does not, really. There is "common law marriage."

15 Year Old Wisconsin Conservative Meets Bullying From Teachers

If Obama Really Wanted to Reduce Gun Crimes He’d Focus on the Inner City… But He Won’t Because It’s Too Obvious

The culture war was never a fair fight

Sunstein sees government officials as an enlightened “guardian class” ...

We can't even be trusted to feed ourselves anymore. Who anointed these guardians? Aren't they just lowly politicos - a widely-disrespected class of people in America?

Cuban tourism: Castro Cash Cow Gets Fatter than Ever

Do they go there for the whores or for the Poverty Porn?

Media Ignores Lavish Obama Vacations, Slammed Bush for Mountain Biking

Teachers’ Unions Don’t Empower Teachers

A Steyn rant: The end of free speech in Canada

Here's Hate Speech for you: I hate those Canadian court Thought Police jerks. So crucify me.

The Truth about Bob Woodward - and Nixon

Seduction: Tell them how special and smart they are

The Wisdom of Dan Quayle

America’s “Daddy Party” Needs To Grow Up

Let's cool it with the marriage wars

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 05:48 | Comments (24) | Trackback (1)

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This was my first Easter vigil and I have to say that I came away from the experience oddly refreshed in a mental state kind of way.

I said some simple prayers for my friends, family and those who I have not met, but know via the Web. I spent the rest of the time rummaging through my life's memories and coming to grips with some issues that have lingered since the late '60s.

I can honestly say that my meditations and ruminations put me in a better place - it was an interesting experience that's for sure.

#1 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 07:10 (Reply)

They bought it for $3 at a yard sale

My brother had a similar experience. He and my Sister-in-law are big art collectors - mainly obscure early American artists - they have quite a collection.'

Anyway, they attended an auction and at the end of the auction, there was a box of "stuff" left over. My brother bid a small amount, no other takers and he got the box.

In the box was some art detritus of this and that, but sitting at the bottom was a bronze sculpture which, to me anyway, looked like a blob of metal. Turns out it was one of three pieces done by some famous sculpting artist - it had gone missing in the late '30s supposedly. And it was authentic. And worth a couple of dollars - over seven figures if not eight.

My brother has a propensity to fall into the pig sty and come out smelling like a fresh rose.

A review of gun safes

My rifles and shotguns are in a standup safe right over there in the corner of my office. My carry weapon, a .357 mag on a .38 frame (SA - hammerless), is in the small of my back at all times. At night it's in the nightstand, but quickly accessed.

Huh- I just thought of this - I wonder how many Field Hands prefer revolvers over semi-autos. I'm a revolver guy and don't particularly like semi-autos although I do have a Colt M1911 which is stored at my son's place along with his personal and professional weapons.

The Wisdom of Dan Quayle

Old Dan may not have been the brightest bulb in the box, but he wasn't the dullest either. Just an average guy in an extraordinary situation.

Which brings me to President GW Bush. He was often portrayed as being particularly dull witted. And I often defended him for one single reason - it took a real bright guy with good reflexes to fly an F-102 Delta Dagger and that's what GW flew for the Texas Air Guard.

#2 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 07:32 (Reply)

1. Holy Spirit arrives whenever invited.

2. I prefer revolvers! I like being able to see what I am doing.

#2.1 BD on 2013-03-29 07:38 (Reply)

And I'm pretty darn good with a speed loader so I've got a full twelve rounds!!

#2.1.1 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 08:23 (Reply)

I thought GW Bush flew F-116s. The ADC jocks were flying 102s when I was pushing Connies back and forth across the Atlantic in the '50s. As I recall, the 102s were mothballed in the '50s and replaced with 106s, which themselves were mothballed long before GW went to flying school.

#2.2 BillH on 2013-03-29 09:57 (Reply)

F-116?? Can you show me a picture of that?

No, it was a 106. From Wikipedia: "The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed as the so-called "Ultimate Interceptor", it has proven to be the last dedicated interceptor in U.S. Air Force service to date. It was gradually retired during the 1980s, with the QF-106 drone conversions of the aircraft being used until 1998.[2]"

I've seen 102s landing--they had a high angle of attack, about 20 degrees, before touchdown. I expect the 106 was about the same.

#2.2.1 Sam L. on 2013-03-29 10:49 (Reply)

I think Bill meant 106's. GW flew 102's.

#2.2.1.1 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 11:27 (Reply)

Tom,

The F-106 has a canopy just like the CF-105 AVRO Arrow the best all weather military aircraft ever built. Co-incidence? It was scrapped in 1959. The USAF had a small monetary interest in the project so they could keep an eye on things. It was built just a few miles south of where I sit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-105_Arrow

The Canuck

#2.2.1.1.1 Garry on 2013-03-29 12:25 (Reply)

I saw a documentary on that aircraft - I think on history channel. According to the aviation experts they interviewed, the CF-105 was so far ahead of it's time that nobody truly appreciated it's abilities - and apparently it was easy to fly with an incredible performance envelope.

I've heard, don't know if it is true or not, that the Mirage 5 design owed a lot to the CF-105.

#2.2.1.1.1.1 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 18:18 (Reply)

Tom,

It was an incredible aircraft. The engineers went from plans to production...something never done before or since with a new aircraft. The first link is a proposal to start it up again:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/09/09/avro-arrow-redesign-pitched-as-alternative-to-f-35-stealth-fighter-jets/

Although lengthy, you might enjoy this one as well:

http://www.avroarrow.org/cancellation.htm

PG

#2.2.1.1.1.1.1 Garry on 2013-03-29 20:16 (Reply)

Sorry Tom,

This is the link I meant to send instead of the 1st one above:

http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/01/29/introducing-the-super-arrow-an-alternative-to-the-f-35/

The first link spoke of prototypes but they weren't that. And the original Arrow (built by the A. V. Roe Company) met all the specs with the Orenda engine, not the Iriquois, which was designed and built to power the "Arrow". It was a sad day in Canadian aviation when it was scrapped. The engineers headed south and built the aircraft industry in California. A. V. Roe also built the AVRO "Jetliner" and missed having the 1st commercial "Jetliner" in service by 13 days to the de Havilland "Comet" and this in 1949!!

#2.2.1.1.1.1.2 Garry on 2013-03-29 20:55 (Reply)

I stand corrected on multiple fronts. I meant F-16s, albeit erroneously. I got the idea from somewhere that he flew them. But if Wikipedia is right, GW flew the F-102, and his old squadron didn't get F-16s until 1989. I don't think the F-16 was even in production when GW was flying. Gotta quit watching late night TV.

#2.2.1.1.2 BillH on 2013-03-29 12:34 (Reply)

No worries - I just happened to know that because a high school buddy of mine flew the 102 and the 106 after college. He always bragged that he flew the same kind of plane that W did. :>)

#2.2.1.1.2.1 Tom Francis on 2013-03-29 18:20 (Reply)

Re: gun safes
I thought the author's criteria were pretty good. I would recommend looking for a local safe manufacturer. I got my safe from a local guy. He uses 1/4" plate throughout. It doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles that the bigger companies offer (none seem to offer 1/4" plate construction) like light kits, electronic locks and glass doors(!), but he made some small adjustments to his standard configuration (for free), he allowed me to trade in the first safe I got from him, and he delivered and installed the new one where I wanted it in my garage for $100. Not a bad deal.

The other advice I'd give is get one much bigger than you think you'll need. They seem to fill up pretty fast! :-)

#3 mudbug on 2013-03-29 10:15 (Reply)

I've had a weekly Adoration in the small hours of the night for some time now. this is obviously different from an Easter vigil (Eucharist present), but the effect for me is the same as any who attends a Vigil. I usually arrive weary and leave refreshed in body and spirit. its a very profound experience.

#4 wirraway on 2013-03-29 11:24 (Reply)

Bullied by teachers. In Wisconsin. Surprised, I am not.

Teachers unhappy at work. Unions "protect" them from bureaucrats. Riiiiiiiiiight.

BUSH!!!!!111!!! bad, Benghazi Barry Good. Why we don't trust the media.

Canada: The Tyranny of Nice. In some cases. Only specific ones.

Murphy Brown got "pregnant", and did not have an abortion, and did not get married. Quayle was pilloried for his comment. Oy. And Vey.

#5 Sam L. on 2013-03-29 11:28 (Reply)

A review of gun safes

a safed gun, in either sense, is a dangerous gun. if its not available on a moment's notice, there's no point in having one for home defense.

and as much as I dislike saying this, the home defense nuts who insist on practice practice practice are correct. waking up at 4.00am can be a disorienting time, and defense actions should be done as automatically as possible.

contrary to what all the experts advise, my defense gun is my single shot competition trap shotgun, which I've shot tens of thousands of times and which, when mounted, shoots exactly where I am looking. an ounce and an eighth of birdshot at 20 feet is going to mess up anyone.

#6 wirraway on 2013-03-29 11:34 (Reply)

"But why does marriage require a license?"
It does not, really. There is "common law marriage."

In fact, nothing at all is required - UNLESS you want the benefits of Government recognition, which is what a marriage "license" actually is. In theory someone in my State could fly over the Pope and he could perform the marriage - but it would not be recognised by the State (because he, not being a State resident, cannot hold the State's license to sign the Certificate of Marriage aka Marriage License).

#7 John A on 2013-03-29 12:55 (Reply)

In Pennsylvania, the legislature has legislated common law marriage out of existence. Those before a certain date are grandfathered valid, but it now no longer exists in PA.

#8 Richard on 2013-03-29 16:09 (Reply)

Two things hapened to Colorado:

1) the state's big money political activists are either female progs who inherited their wealth or gay activists who made their fortunes in the greeting card or software business. They banded together and created a unified plan to take over a state that traditionally swung between Dems and Repubs, based mainly on a candidates' personalities; 2) Their plan solidified a liberal hold on the state, starting from when the state received a huge inflow of Cali emigrants and illegals from Mexico;and 3) the Repub leadership turned into a reactive body of fools taken in by a Gov. candidate who was a proven fraud, yet they continued to back that clown, just because he was the "winner" of the Republican state assembly. They also backed a US Senate candidate who took $300K for "authoring" a paper on water law, which he did not actually write, but instead, plagerized from another individual. When this genius candidate refused to support the candidacy of the son of the family who put up the $300K, for State Treasurer, the old man called out the plagerizer/candidate who then had to return the $300K, much to the embarrassment of the state GOP. GOP Clusterfark of the tenth degree!

#9 earl t (Link) on 2013-03-29 23:25 (Reply)

Re the huge inflow of illegals from Mexico: Several years ago my brother in CO told me of a busing operation that had just been shut down. 3 buses every day from south of the border, 50 illegals each, 1 busload of whom went to Denver. It operated for well over a year, if my memory and the original story are correct.
Do the math.

#9.1 Daniel K Day on 2013-03-30 17:16 (Reply)

Steyn should know by now that free speech is not a Canadian value. That freedom is un-Canadian has been loudly shouted out for well on two decades now. The people who approved of monarchy and who fled the Revolution and Declaration created Canada to be well-governed. And they, and their descendants, have what they wanted. Let Canada be Canada.

#10 ErisGuy on 2013-03-30 10:15 (Reply)

EG,

I started to write a comment in response to your “free speech is not a Canadian value… that freedom is un-Canadian” statements but soon realized (after 2 pages) it would be too lengthy for this venue. BTW, they happen to be my values.

A well known Canadian writer answered the question "What is Canada/a Canadian"on a live talk show (the answer was usually "We're not like those Americans") by saying "The difference between Canada/Canadians and America/Americans" lies in the history that the US was created by revolution and Canada was created by debate". I watched the show live and I don't believe I'd ever heard it expressed so succinctly. Pierre Burton died in 2004 so I believe this would have been ca 1985.

Most Canadians (not me) define themselves by what they aren't not by what they are. Therein lies the difference.

On these pages I've said many times I'm very concerned for my good neighbours "so' o' the 49th" and what I see happening. We both suffer from uninformed voters. Here, in Canada, we're slowly changing that (the long gun registry has been finally struck down).

I have respect for both Mark Steyn and Ezra Levant and their/our struggles.

Let Canada be Canada Thanks for that. We're trying...once we figure out what that is...the struggles never end!

Good luck with yours.

The Canuck

#10.1 Garry on 2013-03-30 12:22 (Reply)

Fred the Bumpkin asks what "disparate impact" is, and I'm here to explain it to him. Disparate impact is (a) when the producers of the CBS broadcast of the NCAA tournament think long and hard and decide to put 4 black guys and 1 white guy on their talking-head panel of BB experts and the token white guy gets called a racist for joking he's there to give the "white person's perspective" AS CONTRASTED TO (b) the situation where a similar panel of taking head analysts that consists of 4 white guys and 1 black former jock is considered racist because there are not as many black panelists as there are white ones. Now that's what disparate impact is.

#11 Agent Cooper on 2013-03-30 21:20 (Reply)

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Friday, March 29. 2013

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