Sunday, September 13. 2020
Dystopian science fiction writers must be laughing right now.
There is a reason political functionaries are being assholes about wearing masks - and it isn't about keeping you 'safe' (a common lie used to expand power).
They know they can continue to promote themselves and their power more effectively by making you reduce your individuality.
Don't get me wrong, masks can play a role in reducing the likelihood of catching the virus, but it's just a delaying tactic. It's not preventive. There is a larger political play here...even if some of us are not capable of understanding it.
Most science fiction dystopias are based on reducing the individual into a collective hive. The Borg on Star Trek, Harrison Bergeron by Vonnegut, 1984 by Orwell - all of these (and many others) found ways to subjugate the individual to the will of the state or hive.
Humans differ from other animals in a few key ways, which in aggregate make us rather special. The opposable thumb, the ability to analyze situations and prepare plans, the sense of self and free will (self-actualization). Where animals that reject individualism have a level of success in groups or hives - what people who overemphasize these fail to note is that humans exceeded the limitations of groups by emphasizing the individual initiative.
Hives have their place, they can be useful even for humans. Collectives can work, temporarily and in small groupings, if they are VOLUNTARY. But the problem with modern people is they fail to recognize that capitalism and free markets allow for voluntary collectives to form, disband, and form again.
Think corporations are powerful? Name 10 that have lasted more than 100 years. The few that have managed to survive that long only did so one way - by playing political games, or gaining some form of monopoly power guaranteed by the state itself. Natural monopolies can exist over short periods of time, but fall apart without state protection. That is why socialism can only fail, over time. It is an unnatural state monopoly formation. Even fascism, which is a form of socialism, fails because it is still the state dictating the means of production. While competition can exist, it's limited and reduced, innovation is stifled and winners are chosen by political functionaries.
Individualism, in socialism and fascism, is reduced to whatever the state says is acceptable and limited.
Actually I don't think most do, but the noisy ones do. PJ O'Rourke: This is why millennials adore socialism
Matthew 18:21-35
18:21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?"
18:22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
18:23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
18:24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him;
18:25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.
18:26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
18:27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
18:28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.'
18:29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
18:30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
18:31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.
18:32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
18:33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'
18:34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.
18:35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
I had the good fortune to see a Shields race yesterday. They are sleek, low keelboats good for day-sailing or racing.
To my surprise, these boats are still bring made by Cape Cod Shipbuilding.
This is their photo, not mine:
Saturday, September 12. 2020
 Maggie's Farm endorses only two watch brands: Timex and Seiko. However, it was Timex (the- then Waterbury Clock Co) which invented the wrist watch for the convenience of artillery gunners.
A Timex "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking." Among other virtues, a Timex signals that you are a thrifty and practical sort. Not a bad social signal even if it's not true. Most of my doctors wear Timexes.
If the strap breaks, or it runs a bit slow after 3 or 4 years, or you get in in salt water, you just get a new one from Amazon. $35 or so.
Via Instapundit:
“Charges of Imperialism would be more supportable if America regarded the world as a prize to be won rather than a nuisance to be tolerated.”
The Falling Man - An unforgettable story.
Most of us could see ourselves as that guy
American Academia: No Diversity of Opinion Will Be Tolerated!
Eighth Circuit Joins Other Courts of Appeals in Holding that Allegations of Substantive Error in University Sexual Assault Proceedings Plausibly Support Title IX Claim for Discrimination on the Basis of Sex
AVI on victimhood
LI: Racial Deceptions Week in Higher Education
DeSantis vetoes vaping bill, calls the practice less dangerous than cigarettes
The West Coast burns, and leftists blame climate change, but they’re wrong
But everything is caused by climate change, isn't it?
LA County's Public Health Director Accidentally Admits What Many Suspected About Lockdowns
Andrew Cuomo’s inside-dining rules for the city are absurd and unfair
Cuomo Suggests Taxes to Close COVID New York Budget Gap
CNN's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week
Mueller Russia hoax prosecution team destroyed evidence of their cell phone text messages and calls
Democrat Nancy Pelosi: Trump Securing Peace Deals In Middle East 'A Distraction’
Trump Nominated for 2nd Nobel Peace Prize This Week, Obama Unavailable for Comment
Two? Sheesh
Trump Says Despite Partisan Governor Cancelling His Rallies, He's Going to Nevada Anyf#ckingway
Despite Pandemic, The U.S. Army Is In Its Best Shape In A Generation. Here’s Why.
Friday, September 11. 2020
 Young women tend to have little problem with sexual delights as long as their partner is not a dud or a selfish jerk.
Middle-aged women (40-65) tend to be more readily orgasmic. It is hormonal, in part. Women in good health remain capable of sexual delight and orgasm until death, but the climaxes are not the same. Still satisfying, but not the screaming or moaning ones of a 35 year-old.
Healthy men over 60 tend to have a decline in sex drive and performance, but not in sexual/romantic interest. It's complicated. It is age, hormonal issues, and other things. Men are, biologically, more excited by fertile females of course, but bonding with the wife is important. She's right there, and willing. With age (say, over 70 or 75) things are not what they were at 40 but men are still capable of, and needful of, romantic and sexual pleasure.
It is a component of life happiness.
Yes, you can have better sex in midlife and in the years beyond. If sustaining intimacy is becoming more difficult, there are many approaches that can help.
My memory of 9/11 is pretty vivid. I won't go into details about what happened, we all have our personal views on how/why/what all occurred. These views are based on where we were, what we were doing, and what we choose to believe.
I don't believe the 'truthers' and their conspiracies. All you need for a good conspiracy is a couple of willing believers and some good memes that are logical fallacies. But I'm not going to share what I believe happened, either. We're all allowed to believe what we want, even if I don't agree with what someone else believes. That's called a marketplace of ideas. Sometimes there are lemons being sold in that marketplace. The nice part of the marketplace is this - I don't have to buy the lemons.
Getting past that, I have other memories. People coming together. People pulling together. Without any impetus from a 'leader'. Spontaneous organization and commitment to each other. Race differences disappeared. People cared about each other and making sure they were getting what they needed. I remember it as a "lockdown" of sorts. I didn't go back to work for 2 weeks, working remotely from home, just like the last 6 months. Of course, my office was by 14th Street, which had limited ability to cross. Our office felt it best to let the responders have as much space as possible. I saw similar behaviors in the Northeast Blackout of 2003, 2 years later. Spontaneous organization, not something we needed leaders for. People working together, finding solutions to issues we all faced.
Continue reading "A 9/11 Thought"
Diana Rigg, star of ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Game of Thrones,’ dead at 82
Natan Sharansky on the virtues of a life lived backward
British filmmaker Luke Holland’s historic documentary compiles what may well be the last interviews with German WWII veterans about their memories of the concentration camps.
Vanderleun remembers an ordinary Sept 10, 2001
The Coming Backlash to the Oscars’ Diversity Mandate
NFL Opener 'Racial Unity' Moment Sees Stadium Erupt In Boos
That's not racism - they just want to watch a game
Does being woke include Jew-hatred?
HOW GREEN ENERGY WRECKED CALIFORNIA
Michigan Governor and Crazed Tyrant Gretchen Whitmer Orders High School Football, Soccer and V-Ball Players to Wear Masks, Even During Competition
Wall Critic Gretchen Whitmer Building 8-Foot Wall Around MI Governor Residence
‘Nothing wrong with it’: Professor defends Antifa killing of Portland man
Tucker Carlson: Let’s Face It, This Woodward Book Fiasco Is Sort Of Lindsey Graham’s Fault
Joe Biden Arrives in Michigan and is Greeted by a Crowd of Trump Supporters Chanting “4 More Years!” — And ZERO Biden Support
There is no Biden enthusiasm, but there is Trump hatred
Clinically Deranged Adam Schiff Mounts His Dead Russia Horse Again
The Biden Energy Plan Is A Joke
Democrats ‘May Not Trust Results Of Election If Trump Wins,’ WashPost Writer Says
Trump spurns traditional debate prep with first faceoff less than 3 weeks away. Some allies of the president worry that the cavalier approach to a debate with Joe Biden could backfire.
He likes to wing it.
A DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGH THE MEDIA WOULD LIKE TO IGNORE
Trump is Peacemaker: Kosovo, reaching out to NK, Middle East. Has any Pres done more?
WE ARE ALREADY BEHIND ENEMY LINES: LESSONS FROM THE SECRETIVE ONLINE FIGHT AGAINST THE ISLAMIC STATE
Thursday, September 10. 2020
We can expect more in the next few weeks. Podcast
The media lying has become disgusting and immoral.
People have asked me what they can do with a balanced 4-day/week exercise program. My reaction has been that 4 days isn't ideal. But...
If you work out, say, 4 1/2 hours weekly (on 4 days) you can maintain or improve your physical condition, so it is worth doing if you have ambition limits, time limits, or need rest days. Way better than nothing but you will probably be disappointed by the pace of your gains compared to a 6 day program.
Here's what we would suggest:
-2 conditioning classes/week (combo of calisthenics, cardio, and light weights). If gym-phobic, it's difficult to do on one's own. Long-time readers know what these sorts of classes involve.
- 2 half-hour sessions of powerlifts (squats, bench, and rows one day; deads, pull-downs, and triceps the other) coupled with 2 half-hour sessions of HIIT cardio - no time for long slow - plus two 15-min sessions of selected auxiliary exercises
- If daily walks, jogs, or some sports are also in your life, you would be doing more exertion than most people.
At Quillette:
When the ancestors of North America’s Indigenous peoples entered the New World some 16,000 years ago via Siberia, they hunted many of the mammals, reptiles, and birds, from the Arctic down to Tierra del Fuego. Mammoths, mastodons, and enormous ground-dwelling sloths, as well as giant bears, giant tortoises, and enormous teratorn birds with 16-foot wingspans—animals that had never had a chance to evolve in the presence of humans—were among the many species that disappeared from the Americas. Some medium-sized animals—such as horse, peccary, and antelope species—were also wiped out. But others survived: Bison and deer species, tree sloths, tapirs, jaguars, bear species, alligators, and big birds such as rheas and condors are, at least for the time being, still with us.
Wednesday, September 9. 2020
Tuesday, September 8. 2020
Why Women Lose Interest in Sex. Loss of sexual desire is women's biggest sexual problem, and it's not all in their heads.
Sex drive, which doctors prefer to term "libido," refers to a biological urge to mate, or to find sexual stimulation or release in non-relational ways.
Sex drive, if not sexual interest, declines with age in men and women but I joke that a "dirty old man" is just an ordinary young man trapped in an older body and that there is no comparable term for women.
I do not consider it to be a "disorder" when some post-menopausal women lose their youthful needs and desires because it is all variance of normal based on hormonal changes, relational issues, physical issues, fitness issues, etc etc.
My ideal, though, is for women and men to maintain a fun sex life of some sort for a lifetime.
PS: When in med school one time they showed us a video of elder porn. It was a couple in their 80s having fun with eachother and laughing in bed. It was eye-opening to us kids. A good thing.
Monday, September 7. 2020
Your brain on barbells: Could strength training help improve your mood?
Yes, mood and attitude are part of general fitness. Mens sana in corpore sano.
Up here, it's hiking season, getting towards hunting season and skiing season. Carpe diem, readers. Life is short.
Robin Stern wrote a semi-crazy book in the past about The Gaslighting Effect, which could make anybody in any intimate or close relationship feel like a victim if they want to. Still, this recent post is acceptable:
"Have you ever asked yourself, “am I going crazy?” If you have ever asked yourself that, you’re not crazy. You’re most likely being gaslighted.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse aimed at controlling a person by altering reality to the point where the person will doubt their own sanity.
The term “gaslighting” comes from a 1930s play called Gas Light. The main character in the play literally tries to drive his wife crazy by gradually dimming the gas-powered lights in their home. When she notices the lights dimming, her husband not only denies that the lights are dimming, he convinces her that she is imagining it — to the point where she questions her own sanity.
We are living in a perpetual state of gaslighting. The reality that we are being told by the media is at complete odds with what we are seeing with our own two eyes. And when we question the false reality that we are being presented, or we claim that what we see is that actual reality, we are vilified as racist or bigots or just plain crazy. You’re not racist. You’re not crazy. You’re being gaslighted.
New York State has twice as many deaths from COVID-19 than any other state, and New York has accounted for one fifth of all COVID-19 deaths, but we are told that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has handled the pandemic better than any other governor. But if we support policies of Governors whose states had only a fraction of the infections and deaths as New York, we’re called anti-science and want people to die. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
We see mobs of people looting stores, smashing windows, setting cars on fire and burning down buildings, but we are told that these demonstrations are peaceful protests. And when we call this destruction of our cities, “Riots,” we are called racists. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
We see the major problem destroying many inner-cities is crime; murder, gang violence, drug dealing, drive-by shootings, armed robbery, but we are told that it is not crime, but the police that are the problem in the inner-cities. We are told we must defund the police and remove law enforcement from crime-riddled cities to make them safer. But if we advocate for more policing in cities overrun by crime, we are accused of being white supremacists and racists. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
The United States of America accepts more immigrants than any other country in the world. The vast majority of the immigrants are “people of color”, and these immigrants are enjoying freedom and economic opportunity not available to them in their country of origin, but we are told that the United States is the most racist and oppressive country on the planet, and if we disagree, we are called racist and xenophobic. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
Capitalist countries are the most prosperous countries in the world. The standard of living is the highest in capitalist countries. We see more poor people move up the economic ladder to the middle and even the wealthy class through their effort and ability in capitalist countries than any other economic system in the world, but we are told capitalism is an oppressive system designed to keep people down. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
Communist countries killed over 100 million people in the 20th century. Communist countries strip their citizens of basic human rights, dictate every aspect of their lives, treat their citizens like slaves, and drive their economies into the ground, but we are told that Communism is the fairest, most equitable, most free, and most prosperous economic system in the world. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
The most egregious example of gaslighting is the concept of “white fragility”. You spend your life trying to be a good person, trying to treat people fairly and with respect. You disavow racism and bigotry in all its forms. You judge people solely on the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. You don’t discriminate based on race or ethnicity. But you are told you are a racist, not because of something you did or said, but solely because of the color of your skin. You know instinctively that charging someone with racism because of their skin color is itself racist. You know that you are not racist, so you defend yourself and your character, but you are told that your defense of yourself is proof of your racism. So, we ask ourselves, am I crazy? No, you’re being gaslighted.
Gaslighting has become one of the most pervasive and destructive tactics in American politics. It is the exact opposite of what our political system was meant to be. It deals in lies and psychological coercion, and not the truth and intellectual discourse. If you ever ask yourself if you’re crazy, you are not. Crazy people aren’t sane enough to ask themselves if they’re crazy. So, trust yourself, believe what’s in your heart. Trust our eyes over what we are told. Never listen to the people who tell you that you are crazy, because you are not, you’re being gaslighted."
Robin Stern, PhD, is the associate director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence where she works every day to make the world a more equitable and compassionate place for all. Robin is also a psychoanalyst with three decades of experience treating individuals and couples.
My initial comment: OK, but we're all a little bit insane if willing to see it. TS Eliot: "Humankind can not bear too much reality."
The Vision of the Anointed: Self-Congratulation as a Basis for Social Policy
" The Vision of the Anointed is a devastating critique of the mind-set behind the failed social policies of the past thirty years. Thomas Sowell sees what has happened not as a series of isolated mistakes but as a logical consequence of a vision whose defects have led to disasters in education, crime, family disintegration, and other social pathology."
It's Labor Day in the US, meaning only truly essential people work at their jobs. Like your Editor.
The Tech Monsters - Not all mergers are the same. The ones underpinning our biggest Silicon Valley companies are uniquely bad—and deeply un-American.
Don't blame them for wanting to grow
The Thought Police Come to Yale School of Medicine
GWU Plans To Replace Jessica Krug, The Professor Who Admitted To Falsely Claiming Black Identity
Wealthy NYC College Student Arrested at BLM Riots After Causing “$100,000 in Damages” to Manhattan Businesses
Rich White Leftists Encourage Black People to Loot Their Neighborhoods
U-Haul Trucks Set Ablaze By Protesters Owned By Black Man Who Placed ‘Black Owned’ Sign Outside. He’s ‘Livid’
Black Bloc Antifa March Through NYC’s Chinatown With “Death To America” Banner…
Chinatown?
Intelligence Gathering at Protests, by J.D.
The Left Doesn’t Really Want To Abolish The Police. They Want To Be The Police
Jacob Blake Releases Video Message From Hospital Bed — No Mention of the Woman He Sexually Assaulted
American Airlines not having fun with BLM
RUSSIAGATE DIDN’T WORK, IMPEACHMENT DIDN’T WORK, CRASHING THE ECONOMY DIDN’T WORK, CORONAPHOBIA DIDN’T WORK, RIOTS DIDN’T WORK, SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Biden Fabricates Trump Social Security Cuts
What's next will be lies, reapeatedly. Throw enuf s-it at the wall and some might stick
Washington Post Threatens: No Biden, No Peace!
Kamala Harris Spreads COVID Anti-Vax Paranoia: “I would not trust Donald Trump”
Check Bill Clinton’s Face At Hillary’s Latest ‘Russia, Russia’ Rant
"President Trump is moving to revamp federal agencies’ racial sensitivity trainings, casting some of them as 'divisive' and 'un-American'..."
When Wish Replaces Thought - Here is the indigestible truth for the Democrats. Donald Trump has had the most successful first term of any president in memory, maybe ever.
New York Times’ sleazy narrative on Trump is nothing but a joke: Goodwin
President Trump’s big Balkan deal - Trump knows if you focus on creating jobs, it makes the political issues an awful lot more manageable
Sunday, September 6. 2020
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