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.
The Democrats are united under their latest echo-chamber theme: President Trump should be "the President of all Americans." Then they list their litany that they endlessly repeated during the campaign of how Trump's positions are the devil's. Some may quickly say they misjudged the electorate but then return to their rants. By "all Americans" they do not mean all Americans but, instead, the Democrat constituencies of those privileged by their government giveaways and crony deals. The hell with the rest of us.
Unless President Trump manages to stay firm and persuade the runaway Republicans in Congress to cooperate, it will get worse and this will be America's last chance to survive as a pillar among a world of berserkers and thugs, while what will prevail longer term is the demographics of illegal and other immigrants importing socialism or selling our welcome for a bowl of porridge and the leftist indoctrination shamelessly imposed on our students.
The people have spoken, but do not expect the Democrats and their media surrogates to listen any more than they have in the past. Expect more of their derangement and vile hateful attacks and lies. Be prepared to defend and fight back. Do not forget that is they who have been and will continue to be vile, and call them on it.
Trump's humble brief speech last night was good. He noted that he had somehow caught onto a movement that few realized was there. This is a revolt against the Elites, against Wall St., global corporations, crony capitalists, Davos, central bankers, academic totalitarians, political correctness, Jonathan Grubers, massive powerful and out of touch bureaucracies, careerist politicians, climate loonies, political dynasties, George Soros, the "intellectual-yet-idiots", and moonbats in general. It's about time. Let's be grateful that Pence is in there - he knows the world that Trump is getting into far better than Donald does.
Two things of note: Trump spent half of what Clinton spent. So much for money and politics. Second, this is the first time in a long while when Repubs will have had the White House and both houses of Congress. I guarantee they will disappoint you. Be bold and wise, you government people.
How did I vote? I voted for Melania because she is cute, and an immigrant. Here are a few fascinating reactions:
This wasn’t an election. It was a revolution. It’s midnight in America. The day before fifty million Americans got up and stood in front of the great iron wheel that had been grinding them down. They stood there even though the media told them it was useless. They took their stand even while all the chattering classes laughed and taunted them.
The Obama era ends not with a bang, but with a whimper. With a national consensus that maybe he didn't really matter so much after all. And those to whom he mattered the most were his enemies determined to undo everything he did.
Stunned to get up and check Drudge on the election results while getting ready to head to the gym. I was curious to learn how much Hillary won by. I guess that was a Hope and Change vote - plus a Hillary is Horrible vote.
Comments are open for all amateur pundits. I am going to do my Deadlifts now.
- Spain is for Spring or Fall, not summer. Too hot unless well-north of Madrid. - People in Spain dress well and look fit. Seems to be a matter of pride. Best to look a bit elegant and well-dressed. - Spanish people, we feel, are the most friendly, warm, and freely helpful people we have seen in Europe. - Spanish people go out at night, eat in restaurants, drink wine and beer, stay out late, socialize. - Spanish food is not great. It's not about eating. - Spain is a young country. You see far more youth than grey hairs. Old Seville is a romantic town, maybe Disney Spain. and it's not mostly about old stuff and museums - it's more about life. - Spain is supposed to be one of the sad PIIGS of Europe these days. If it is poor, you would never know it from the city life. - Andalusia embodies a lot of the stereotypes about Spain - bullfights, Moorish architecture, flamenco, etc. Andalusia, and the Iberian peninsula in general, used to be one of the poorest parts of Europe, really since the flow of New World gold and silver ended in the 1600s. Doesn't seem poor now - at least in the cities. - Seville is a charming, human-scale tourist trap. Tourism the main business there, plus higher ed. As in most European cities, local people prefer to go into the Old City to hang out. - Seville is far up the Guadalquivir River, but it was the starting port for the New World expeditions, including Columbus'. As the river silted up, Cadiz became the port for the New World.
Rainy night alley in the old city.
Lots more below the fold, with plenty of small streets and alleys in the medieval maze. We saw lots of other places in Seville, but these posts are a lot of trouble to put together so give my pics a look.
It's an interesting mix of thoughts from lifting hobbyists and pros. Readers know that I am convinced that moving weight is an essential component to fitness even if, or especially if, your goal is not to be a body-builder or a gym rat.
In a way, the lifting part of my fitness program has changed my relationship with my body. I know that sounds stupid, but I don't know how to express that I am aware of, and feel, my physicality more than I used to - even when just sitting in a chair. That feels like a good thing.
Perhaps a reader can explain that better than I can.
Squats are a bitch of an exercise, demanding of many muscle groups. That's how you know that you need them. Maybe you can walk all day, but your legs are weak, Jack.
My lower body is great for endurance, terrible for strength. I have been doing barbell squats for a year, but have started doing box squats for a change of pace, and to see if I can go any lower on my plain barbell squats. Box squats give you a brief break from tension, but demand the thrust from total rest.
The U.S. government has just passed a new law called: "The affordable boat act" declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a new boat, by April 2014. These "affordable" boats will cost an average of $54,000-$155,000 each. This does not include taxes, trailers, towing fees, licensing and registration fees, fuel, docking and storage fees, maintenance or repair costs.
This law has been passed, because until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase boats. This new laws ensures that every American can now have a "affordable" boat of their own, because everyone is "entitled" to a new boat. If you purchase your boat before the end of the year, you will receive 4 "free" life jackets; not including monthly usage fees.
In order to make sure everyone purchases an affordable boat, the costs of owning a boat will increase on average of 250-400% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want or can't afford to maintain. But to be fair, people who cant afford to maintain their boat will be regularly fined and children (under the age of 26) can use their parents boats to party on until they turn 27; then must purchase their own boat.
If you already have a boat, you can keep yours (just kidding; no you can't). If you don't want or don't need a boat, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or cant afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one or face imprisonment.
Failure to use the boat will also result in fines. People living in the desert; ghettos; inner cities or areas with no access to lakes are not exempt. Age, motion sickness, experience, knowledge nor lack of desire are acceptable excuses for not using your boat.
A government review board (that doesn't know the difference between the port, starboard or stern of a boat) will decide everything, including; when, where, how often and for what purposes you can use your boat along with how many people can ride your boat and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat. They will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness or if you must purchase specific accessories,(like a $500 compass) or a newer and more expensive boat.
Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so...its only fair. The government will also decide the name for each boat. Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment.
Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free, at the expense of tax payers. Unions, bankers and mega companies with large political affiliations ($$$) are also exempt.
According to estimates and reports, the $2 million to $5 million event held in Rhinebeck, NY included:
$750,000 for catering, according to Brides magazine deputy editor Sally Kilbridge
$11,000 for the cake, which is reportedly gluten-free
$250,000 worth of jewelry for the bride
$109,000 for the tables and crockery for around 400 to 500 invitees
$600,000 in air-conditioned tents, complete with glass walls
$200,000 in extra security, paid for by the Clintons
$15,000 in high-class toilets, according to online gossip site TMZ
$500,000 in flowers arranged by Jeff Leatham, who’s worked with Madonna and other celebrities
Wine as a party favor from Clinton Vineyards (which has no relation to the presidential family)
A Federal Aviation Administration-enforced no-fly zone from 3 p.m.
Saturday to 3:30 a.m. Sunday over Rhinebeck, the small New York town
that includes Astor Courts, a picturesque mansion that’s hosting the
event and overlooks the Hudson River.
Is he any sort of thinker? Neither candidate is a thinker. One's ignorant and one is pure schemer. These are entirely normal political characteristics.
Spain is a great place to look at Moorish architecture. Sometimes it is referred to as Islamic, but Moorish is more accurate. The horseshoe arch, for example, was borrowed from the Christianized Visigoths who ran the various Spanish kingdoms before the Moslem Moors successfully invaded Iberia in the 700s.
Even after Christian kings had their long reconquista, but while Granada was the last Muslim outpost (until 1492), Moorish architects and craftsmen were in demand throughout the Iberian peninsula because the style was so popular. That post-Reconquista style is referred to as Mudejar, which often combined Moorish with some Gothic and Renaissance styles.
My pic of a courtyard in the Alcazar in Seville is Mudejar. In Moorish architecture, it was usual to use scavenged old Roman columns for their new buildings.
Is it possible that Mrs. Bill Clinton just isn't too bright? Her reckless greed is no secret, her poor judgment is widely acknowledged, but what about ordinary brains? If you recall, she could not pass the DC bar exam.
h/t to Kevin Williamson's piece on government as the nation's cheesemonger. Crazy that those tons of cheddar will end of up dumpsters when so many would be happy to buy it at a cheap price..
What the Gym Teaches You About Life
Final LA Times electoral vote projection:
Stockman:
Tacky, nouveau riche wedding.
Clinton Foundation Is The ‘Largest Unprosecuted Charity Fraud Ever’
Nobody doubts that
The Clinton Foundation’s $20 million off-the-books mystery
What plagues Clinton in the final days: The Chicago Way
Klavan: Why I'll Vote for Donald Trump
Donald Trump: America's Junkyard Dog
Douthat sounds like he'll go with Hillary
Harvard Prof: “Riot in the Streets” to Block “Sociopath” Trump
I guess he prefers the other Sociopath
Is Donald Trump a conventional thinker?
Is he any sort of thinker? Neither candidate is a thinker. One's ignorant and one is pure schemer. These are entirely normal political characteristics.
The question is why do they hate Trump and his voters so intensely?