We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
Russia-gate has become so central to the Washington establishment’s storyline that there appears to be no room for second-thoughts or turning back. The momentum is such that some Democrats and the media never-Trumpers can’t stop stoking the smoke of Russia-gate and holding out hope against hope that it will somehow justify Trump’s impeachment.
Yet, the sordid process of using legal/investigative means to settle political scores further compromises the principle of the “rule of law” and integrity of journalism in the eyes of many Americans. After a year of Russia-gate, the “rule of law” and “pursuit of truth” appear to have been reduced to high-falutin’ phrases for political score-setttling, a process besmirched by Republicans in earlier pursuits of Democrats and now appearing to be a bipartisan method for punishing political rivals regardless of the lack of evidence.
Not really a fight. The thing got Peterson even more attention. As a bravely rational guy, he deserves it. We linked the nutty, now-viral interview here. I think Ms. Newman is now hiding under her futon.
They look at the interview but then go deeper into the Peterson view of life in general, because this is a genuinely curious interviewer.
13 Benefits of Weightlifting That No One Tells You About. That mini- article omits many benefits that resistance exercise provides as a component of a fitness program. One is simply resisting the muscular deterioration of ageing, and another is posture.
A reminder: With weights, go heavy or you're wasting your time. You get your high-rep exercise with your calisthenics, some of which use hand weights and kettlebells.
On Sunday we went to the Michelangelo show at the Met. It's been a must-see, especially for art scholars (which is not me - confirmed dilettante), because a show like this will not be assembled again in our lifetimes. It's a giant collection of "Il Divino's" drawings, sketches, and cartoons for his works in painting, architecture (Rome's St. Peter's), and military fortifications (for Florence - below). Few sculptures, because it's about drawings. However, his drawings are sculptural.
Mrs. BD and I reflected that Michelangelo indeed was enchanted by male bodies, but that muscular male bodies also offer more sculptural opportunities than female curves.
We have rambled over the remains of the fortifications he designed for Florence. You have to find them there, on your own. I can tell you where to look.
She doesn't want to learn. She wants a gotcha for her own career, but he gets the gotchas. Unfortunately, she acts foolish to try to be provocative. Not a good approach for a woman because it makes a woman seem foolish.
As the father of two entrepreneurial-minded daughters, they would be entirely on Peterson's side. Life is highly competitive and tests your grit, moxie, brains, adaptability, and determination. And yes, they want strong powerful partners. Who would not? Men want and need strong, energetic partners too. Thus selective breeding.
Fun stuff. (Yes, reposted for educational purposes for women).A Jordan Peterson debate on the gender pay gap, campus protests and postmodernism.
Bob Dylan In a log cabin in the middle of nowhere a long long time ago. He sings his Dream as his second tune.
A lot to said for presenting oneself with confidence and authority. Cool detail: rhyming table with table 3 times. Towards the end, the masterpiece Restless Farewell.
Never before in American history has a major political party put the interests of lawbreaking foreign nationals ahead of the interests of law abiding Americans. Yet that is exactly what the Democrats have done in holding the government hostage to extract special favors for illegal immigrants.
This is a remarkable achievement — and it’s the only achievement the Democrats can claim since blowing their “sure thing” election in 2016.
Besides being filled with hatred for Trump's personality, Mrs. BD could not figure out what they actually want. All I could tell was that they dislike fascism (who doesn't?) and love abortions ("love" abortions?). Many of them brought their kids with them... Also, lots of "Impeach Trump." Why I do not know. In any event, their silly pussy hat march almost made us late for the Sat. matinee of Farinelli at the Belasco so we were pissed off as were all other theater-goers. Police were re-routing everybody around the closed streets for their "parade."
Also highly annoying: they were routed from 6th Ave down 44th St towards Times Square so you could hear their drums and bullhorns from inside the theater. That was a shame because the singing of the counter-tenor in the play was delicious. Also, the first time I have heard live counter-tenor singing.
These pics from the end of the parade, after the play, as we began our urban hike from 44th St. down to Bleeker for a little cozy supper. Walking in the city is always highly entertaining.
A tune of comfort for the Trump-discomforted. Really, things will be ok. In fact, things are pretty good now. Jobs for everybody, no big wars, lower taxes. "Don't bring everybody down."
The pink of the Flamingo comes from the pink crustaceans it eats, but the red of the male Eastern Cardinal just comes from its regular foods - bugs and seeds.
O’Neill rose to the rank of senior chief petty officer in the United States Navy and served as a team leader at DEVGRU, positions not come by easily. O’Neill has a laundry list of certifications, including instructor, physical trainer, master training specialist, special warfare sniper and breacher, diving supervisor, and survival expert. He was also an officer in charge of small arms, demolition, close quarters combat, explosives breaching, fire and maneuvers, and laser systems safety. His military air operations qualifications include high-altitude and high-opening free fall jump master, tandem and bundle master, parachute rigger, master naval parachutist, drop zone safety officer, and air operations trainer/examiner and quality assurance inspector. He has completed more than 1000 jumps.
O’Neill has been decorated more than 52 times with honors, including two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars with Valor, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, three Presidential Unit citations, and two Navy/Marine Corps Commendations with Valor.
While they may not be able to admit it publicly (or even to themselves), it’s clear that the Democrats have deliberately manufactured a government shutdown. Banking on a complicit media and a confused electorate, they have now fully embraced a political tactic they decried for eight years under President Obama.
Motivation Thread: 
Woman Identified As Inspiration
The pink of the Flamingo comes from the pink crustaceans it eats, but the red of the male Eastern Cardinal just comes from its regular foods - bugs and seeds.