Friday morning links

So I just started writing.

I watched that whole thing happen live - it was pretty damn amazing. I'll bet I was maybe one of the first 1,000 or so to read it, it's a great story.

Serendipity - can't beat it.

Sen. McCain Meets with Syrian Rebels

I have a lot of respect for John McCain, but there is a time when the gears start slipping due to the stress and strain of life - not to mention life as a POW and refusing to leave his fellow POW's behind.

His time has passed - he's an old confused soldier who just needs to fade away.

The Lois Lerner state

The IRS has a history of being used as a political tool. In our period, the IRS was used by Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Clinton and now Obama, not to mention the FBI's use of tax data to spy on political opponents of whatever administration.

This only proves that the IRS needs to be abolished.

#2 Tom Francis on 2013-05-31 07:51 (Reply)

Couldn't agree more. Beyond the political hanky-panky, I don't understand why anybody sits still for a government agency that can clean out your checking and banking accounts or shut down your business without due process. They don't even have to show anybody why they think they should. They can just do it.

Say you can sue? With what?

#2.1 mudbug on 2013-05-31 08:51 (Reply)

"7 Burning Questions on Marijuana Legalization"

"5. Potency. Marijuana potency is usually measured by its tetrahydrocannabinol content, or THC — the chemical compound largely responsible for creating the “high” from pot, as well as increasing the risk of panic attacks."

Bwah-hah! Gee, isn't that amazing. I've been around people smoking pot for almost half a century and have never seen anyone have a "panic attack" yet.

Like I said in my pot piece a while back, the vast majority of people writing about it have obviously never smoked it themselves. Please add the name "Beau Kilmer" to the list.

#3 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-05-31 08:26 (Reply)

This site set off my Norton software. Said an 'intrusion' was blocked.

#3.1 feeblemind on 2013-05-31 11:45 (Reply)

I've been around pot smokers for a long time and have seen pot induced panic attacks; mostly from too much pot brownies. Heck I've had a panic attack from pot brownies but was able to manage through it.

Increasing THC concentration is a real issue. The designer pot that people are smoking today is far stronger than the pot I may or may not have smoked 20-30 years ago.

#3.2 phil g on 2013-05-31 13:56 (Reply)

Doc, I think you will get a kick out of this:

http://elevenacres.tumblr.com/post/50689515558/they-forget-doritos

#3.3 feeblemind on 2013-06-04 00:13 (Reply)

Regarding the illegal aliens collecting welfare they should be prosecuted. Simple as that. If you or I illegally sought welfare we would be prosecuted and forced to pay it back. Why shouldn't they be treated the same?

Regarding those who actively sign up others for welfare the solution is simple: if they break no laws and those they assist are qualified then no problem. If they break a law or try to sign up someone who isn't qualified then arrest, prosecution and jail time.

#4 GoneWithTheWind on 2013-05-31 09:12 (Reply)

I'm not sure where "California Dems for a Feudal California" is newsworthy or even surprising. In California, they have a society dominated by a few elite over a mass of labor. They are importing a population that is accustomed to the feudal institutions that developed in the Spanish Americas. They certainly don't want a lot of individualist North Americans running around with their ideas of economic activity without so much as a "by your leave" to the powerful.

And the feudal overlords of California certainly do not want to let a situation develop where those inlanders can change the power balance.

So really, California is just throwing off the influence of rough and tumble America to go back to its roots, those of Mexico.

#5 JKB on 2013-05-31 09:25 (Reply)

I remember about 16 years ago speaking with some well educated government management employees who were also active in the Methodist Church. They told me so proudly "we have been reconciled". They were referring to the fact that the leaders of their church had put the emotional screws to them and forced them "to believe" that homosexuality is a genetic consequence. Today MF has that same tone--have you guys "been reconciled"?
I would know that in some cases that comes with economic benefits.

What Jonathan Rauch does not tell you is this: some of the biggest money in the Democratic party is at home in AZ. What he does not tell you is that AZ was "developed" by the same old timers who built up Las Vegas. He also does not tell you what the environment was like in his home up until the time he was sitting at that piano. All children have moments where they feel isolated--growing up in many ways is done in the zone where one feels isolated. It's the context that is important here--what was his mother like? What kind of man was his father? I am quite sure Mr. Rauch was growing up in a family of privilege (Yale costs money), so what were the other attributes of that family environment? And why, oh why, do so many homosexuals come from wealthy homes? I'll bet if you did a survey you would find that those members of the gay community who came from middle class, or homes and then "found" their true nature--they were first seduced, or encouraged by someone with wealth behind them. I am not saying that wealth causes, but what I am saying is that there are other qualities present in the child's early environment that are not spoken of in the media--other qualities that have not been researched "by experts". The most important thing being the terrible power of the organized gay community--something like the terrible power of the organized Jewish community, or the terrible power of the Masons, etc.

#6 another one on 2013-05-31 09:35 (Reply)

The nature vs nurture debate will go on and on and on - it just won't stop because too many people have too much invested in their "cause".

Personally, I think it's a little of both.

terrible power of the Masons

Really - terrible power? How come nobody told me?

#6.1 Tom Francis on 2013-05-31 11:21 (Reply)

It's said that there are two masons, like the two Johns. The 33rd degree is where the Egyptian mystery is passed along. That's what i read on the internet, anyways.

#6.1.1 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 17:55 (Reply)

I think that "choosing" to be homosexual is easier and fairly common for women. They do not have the same kind of inherent dislike of cozying up to someone of the same sex as men do. But It would appear that for men it must be genetic. The homosexual contact is pretty repugnent to men.

#6.2 GoneWithTheWind on 2013-05-31 12:02 (Reply)

If not genetic, then influenced by sexual molestation while a youth.

#6.2.1 MissT on 2013-05-31 14:29 (Reply)

Jonathan Rauch’s New Kindle Book, Denial: My 25 Years Without a Soul

So Rauch has stopped being a homosexual?

#7 ErisGuy on 2013-05-31 09:42 (Reply)

I promise to fight climate change by not driving to any ski slopes.

#8 Mr. Bingley (Link) on 2013-05-31 10:23 (Reply)

I promise to fight Climate Change by not fighting Climate Change (think about it - makes sense).

#8.1 Tom Francis on 2013-05-31 11:28 (Reply)

I fight climate change by peeing in my yard. Saves water needed to flush the toilet and the electricity required to pump the water. That in turns means less energy consumed and a smaller carbon footprint.

#8.1.1 feeblemind on 2013-05-31 11:49 (Reply)

Mind yall feeble, meself is near to that.

Pee in the yard so's not to change 'tall.

Frankly, climate has been changin' every day long as meself can remember.

Perhaps, if we...we...

And as in uffish thought he stood...

#8.1.1.1 Leag on 2013-05-31 17:41 (Reply)

helps keep the deer away as well, they tell me

#8.1.1.2 Mr. Bingley (Link) on 2013-06-01 10:43 (Reply)

Aw, man. Now the big story this winter or next will be how the ski slopes in NH are inaccessible due to the snow removal equipment not being powerful enough to clear the roads.

#8.2 JKB on 2013-05-31 12:41 (Reply)

Everything Free in America

...toggled an ancient memory, wondered if Rita Moreno was really that lucious or if it was just my entering the Age of the Tripod at the time. So i found the number, set up full screen, pulled on the headphones, maxed the volume, & sat back for seven minutes --and yes, yessirree, she was most definitely that luscious!

And the whole thing, what is so striking is that besides the given, that is, the talent onstage, is the plain, irony-free demonstration of work --the production effort --people really worked HARD to put that seven minutes down on film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6wo2wpT2k

#9 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 11:16 (Reply)

I just gotta ask - how in the name of all that's holy did you get from everything is free to Rita Moreno?

Seriously. :>)

#9.1 Tom Francis on 2013-05-31 11:27 (Reply)

Lyrics to the song.

#9.1.1 Bird Dog on 2013-05-31 11:49 (Reply)

!Muchos Gracias, Jefe!

#9.1.1.1 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 12:02 (Reply)

Well, just goes to show - I had no clue. I don't think I've ever seen "West Side Story".

#9.1.1.1.1 Tom Francis on 2013-05-31 14:31 (Reply)

'I don't think I've ever seen "West Side Story"'

You grew up in Marblehead. It's perfectly understandable. [/snarc]

#9.1.1.1.1.1 Agent Cooper on 2013-05-31 16:45 (Reply)

Yep, I also caught it the minute I read it. Of course, West Side Story is a one of my all-time favorite musicals. For a Lawrence boy, Lenny did real good on that one.

#9.1.1.2 Agent Cooper on 2013-05-31 14:08 (Reply)

Even with subtitles me can't understand all the banter.

What's Polack; some kind of security gaurd?

#9.2 Leag on 2013-05-31 14:21 (Reply)

Puerto Ricans were the big immigrant topic in 1950s NYC. They knew it, of course, and in defense made much of the fact that NYC was chockful of other immigrants that nobody took much note of. The PRs were in that scene were throwing sarcasms re the skin color --as in, a (white) Polack was ok, but not a (brown) PR. Note the males are the attitude-bearers --they can't conquer NYC. But the females know a better nest when they see one --they aren't taking the wounded-pride short view.

Anyhoo, WSStory was (is) a re-do of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet --where the Montagues and Capulets are the white and brown students attending the same downtown high school and having lots of JD scrapes providing the drama setting up the PR heroine and the white boy hero falling in love --across the line, as in the Bard's play. Rumbles in the streets of Verona, rumbles in the streets of NYC.

Here's the great scene where Cupid's Arrow arcs across a barely dancing/almost brawling gathering of the warring clans (if ONLY they'd've added a Carribbean note to the sound track, esp when the PRs have the floor. You know, jeez, a bongo drum or something, even way in back. As is --and it's still a GREAT scene --the same orchestra plays both parties. Plenty of energy as big band music, but as Mambo it's off-beat and without even any conga it's like Bing Crosby crooning "Sympathy for the Devil").

But i heavily digress, and confoundingly against interest to boot. So without further mildew, the Gym Dance scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kokbJvSEMUY

#9.2.1 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 20:30 (Reply)

Looking at this beautiful piece of Mambo from the Cuba Folklore people, it's also high brass and low percussion, as in WSStory. I guess i wuz wrong about Mambo beat. Leonard Bernstein produced the sound track, and he of all people would hardly make such a lacking-hipness mistake anyway. I must be thinking Rumba or Conga or something.

Take a look at this --very lovely and exotic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqc1bAwMsrU

#9.2.1.1 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 21:01 (Reply)

Those damned elitists are not only rich, but getting food stamps! I. Am. OUTRAGED! Big MO says so; it MUST be true!
(Strong letter to follow.)

And now the Israelis are stealing water from the sea! And making fresh water from it! To grow crops! Which they won't sell to them pore Palis, who just want to kill them! I. Am . Outraged!

Dang beavers don't brush their teeth; bacteria grows; chewing on people kills them. Gonna start me an NGO to provide them with toothbrushes, and take a $110K salary.

Cloning mammoths? Yessssss! New source for ivory!

Dems hate the idea of fracking more than they'd like new tax revenues. Talk about closed minds!

NBC does not stand for the Non-Partisan Broadcasting System.

#10 Sam L. on 2013-05-31 12:07 (Reply)

Sometimes I look at what's going on, shake my head and think about Glamping. I am a mid century modern Glamper but I can understand the 40's retro. It's about remembering grand parents and a sweet time in life. Paying homage to that and paying it forward. Granted Grandma neither owned nor lugged around all that bric-a-brac but it is a sweet effect. http://vintagecottagecamper.blogspot.com/

#11 Karen on 2013-05-31 12:17 (Reply)

For Tom: I was trying to say that there are some groups out there so powerfully organized, that they have the ability to dominate the community as well as the individual with an ideology that has as one of it's features that your either with them or your outside looking in and by insinuation then somehow less of a person. I was using examples. Fraternities and sororities are also an example.

Karen: I am not sure what prompted your comment--please explain--did I miss a read?

#12 another one on 2013-05-31 13:29 (Reply)

Another one on - How we make associations is interesting isn't it. Bird Dog has been posting nostalgic images of his farm and talking about the sepia toned days past. It's a nice break from some of the government driven insanity in - pick your favorite link. He goes to the Green River, I prefer vintage campers.

Re Beavers - here some can run afoul of the DNR. I think maybe these beavers are just defending themselves from environmentalists. http://www.getipm.com/personal/dam.htm

#12.1 Karen on 2013-05-31 14:01 (Reply)

I too was attacked by beaver but survived, but it was rough. After hours of physical, sweaty, wait what? Oh that kind of beaver. Never mind.

#13 phil g on 2013-05-31 13:42 (Reply)

Meself been attacked by some vicious beaver in me time, but always made it to the door and out of beaver's line of fire.

#14 Leag on 2013-05-31 13:45 (Reply)

Hey, the whole point of being conservative is to have the HOTTEST MARITAL SEX, LOVE and LUST. Look at Mitt and Ann. You know they are doing it and enjoying being MAN and WOMAN!!! What could be more fun? How about George and Laura? Come on, HOT HOT HOT!! Nancy and Ron, OH COME ON!!! Please, the only people I ever knew who sadly told me that after a few years the passion wore off were LIBERALS. And as for the sexual revolution, my husband always said he'd rather have one experienced woman than any amount of virgins. Married 40 years until death did us part.

#15 Marcy O'Rourke (Link) on 2013-05-31 17:10 (Reply)

Nancy and Ron and no hot?

Well, Nancy does just say no, however, all great change begins at the dinner table.

#15.1 Leag on 2013-05-31 18:00 (Reply)

ach, woman, where were you when i was picking out MY ex? &^%^@$#*!!

#15.2 buddy larsen on 2013-06-01 00:37 (Reply)

Beaver Cleaver! Memories of Beaver Cleaver ("The "Beav""") [izzat the right # of """'s?] --molested cruel courtesy of corrupt Canadian comics!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9dKYxkYYXM

#16 buddy larsen on 2013-05-31 18:12 (Reply)

buddy,

I almost took offense to your alliteration but I decided not to "take the bait"...considered the source I did. Howz tings?

#16.1 Garry on 2013-05-31 22:21 (Reply)

heh --it was a left-handed compliment, referring to Canada's fantastical ratio of successful comedians to persons, a ratio that i'd ballpark guess to be ten or twenty times USA's. It must be latitude attitude --long cold winters snowed in the hoose, working on the acts eh? SCTV is simply brilliant --but --well, that Beaver skit counts on you having watched 'leave it to beaver' --which cuts off mid-boomerhood --wasting all that talent on numbskulls like my kids, who would draw complete blanks on why Beaver shooting Eddie Haskell is such a concept.

#16.1.1 buddy larsen on 2013-06-01 00:05 (Reply)

Hey BD--will you and Missus go to this dance performance when the troupe comes to town? Some folks are saying it's not worth the crap!
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/theatre/dancers-display-private-movements-20130524-2k6x3.html#ixzz2UIjZWVja

#17 apple pie on 2013-05-31 23:46 (Reply)

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Friday, May 31. 2013

Friday morning links