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Maggie's FarmWe 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. |
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Saturday, July 16. 2011Saturday morning linksAVI critiques Strunk and White Cuba Update: THE CUBAN GRAPEVINE Aljazeera: How the Arab world lost southern Sudan Charen: Who's Irresponsible? Sports vs. Social Justice - Does Derek Jeter really deserve to earn millions of dollars? Obamanomics: Economy Grinds to a Halt, Consumer Sentiment Lowest Since March 2009 The Word of God, Satisfaction, and Staycations: What You May Have Missed in the Polls Krauthammer: Call Obama’s bluff Hawkins: Obama Admits There’s No Social Security Trust Fund McConnell proposal would force major review of entitlements Graph from Am Thinker's Barack and Joe: Taxation Saturday Verse: Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)Seashore On the seashore of endless worlds children meet. Solution to the wild Sus scrofa issueFeral pigs and wild boar are difficult to differentiate. The US now has both (but had neither, historically) - and they interbreed. Both are considered invasive pests, but I have to point out that the Italians know how to cook them. Cinghiale. They make good salumi out of them too. (Salami is a subcategory of salumi.) If wild pig and boar were legal to market in the US as they are in Europe, our pest issue with them would be solved. More wolves would help, also. A reader sent me these pics: Friday, July 15. 2011Star light, star bright
Of all the astronomical discoveries over the years, which was the most profound? Which discovery, upon further examination, opened more new doors to philosophy, deep thought and science than any other? Certainly the discovery that the Earth wasn't at the center of the solar system would be most people's pick, since it only relegated a couple thousand years of religious belief to the dust bin of history. But when you think about it, that particular discovery didn't really alter our view of the cosmos; it was more just a matter of a small physical realignment in the immediate neighborhood. It certainly had religious repercussions, and certainly made calculating planetary orbits easier, but not much else. Switch the Sun and the Earth around and we still have no further idea what all those little twinkling lights up there are. But in 1863, an Italian astronomer named Angelo Secchi invented the heliospectrograph, which breaks a star's light into its spectral bands. He eventually charted the light from almost 4,000 stars. At one point, he turned it on the Sun and compared its chart to the others. And what a stunning moment. Our Sun is a star. To me, if there was one fulcrum point upon which our entire understanding of the cosmos turned, that was it. Our Sun is a star. I'm currently halfway through a terrific series on our solar system called Wonders of the Solar System. It's a 3-disc set; I got mine from Netflix. The following video is from the episode 'Empire of the Sun'. That's the only segue from above; the actual clip is specifically about the Earth. Very specifically, as you'll see. Apart from the usual breathtaking photography and computer graphics, what makes it particularly enjoyable is the host, Dr. Brian Cox. Like the great science hosts of yore (Carl Sagan, James Burke, et al), Cox doesn't get bogged down in technical talk and he uses easy-to-understand examples of the physics he's describing. He also carries across that unabashed 'wonderment and awe' that Sagan used to wear on his sleeve. Nothin' wrong with that. On the other hand, I'm no slouch with this cosmos stuff, m'self. Until I see otherwise, I believe my Life On Other Worlds: By The Numbers is the definitive work arguing against there being intelligent life on other worlds. Which is why the following clip interested me. It's yet another link in the chain of events that are extremely unlikely to happen to the average planet. Does the average planet have... a spinning molten iron core?
The full 1-hour episode is here.
Posted by Dr. Mercury
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"Trusted Traveler"I cannot count the number of times I have flown nationally and internationally over the past 20 years. I am a Christian, native-born, tax-paying, property-owning, passport-holding American with kids, with no criminal record (yet). If I am not a "trusted traveler," I don't know who is. True, I often fly with firearms in my checked luggage, but nobody cares much about that. (Although I do not really mind some basic security precautions at airports, I much prefer flying privately with friends who have, or treat me to, their NetJets deals, where you just drive onto the tarmac and the co-pilot loads your gear for you and then asks you whether you want a drink while some helper takes your car to the lot. Can you have a cigar on private and charter jets? Certainly can.) Maybe there is some hope. The bumbling, expensive, soon-to-be-unionized joke (termed by pilots "Thousands Standing Around") of the TSA to roll out ‘Trusted Traveler’ program. (I have to mention that I still think Bush's Homeland Security Dept. was a dumb and unnecessary move.) Anyway, trust me, Uncle Sam. Sign me up for this. I do not like being treated like a criminal.
Posted by The Barrister
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QQQ"The government drag on the economy is the Net Present Value of expenditures minus transfer payments" - 1st year MBA Macro Econ A reader Never was a big Leonard Cohen fan, butBut, since Dudley Clendinen mentioned this song in his essay about his death, I thought I'd give it a listen:
Election 2012: Overview Points
Today, I'd like to toss out some thoughts on a small variety of subjects. Point In Time According to the site stats, no one's fired up a site using my new Speakup! 2012 site yet. Unsurprisingly, of course. It's early. The election's still a million miles away. Or, is it? Here's something to ponder: Couldn't it be argued that we didn't lose the last election during the general election — we lost it in the primary? While it might be true that we didn't have a chance in hell last time no matter who we threw up there, this time around things are different. While Obama still has the media in his pocket, many other factions are starting to crumble around the edges (the black vote, youth vote, Jewish vote, hipness vote, etc) and this time we've got a real chance. Except that the media is going to do everything in its power to promote this kind of behavior: Pawlenty Blasts Bachmann's 'Nonexistent' Record This infighting is going to cost us dearly down the road. Burning Scott Brown's Playbook Do you remember Scott Brown's Massachusetts senatorial win a few years ago after Senator Ted Kennedy passed away? It stunned everybody. It was, I believe, the first time in 232 years that a Republican had won that seat. And just how did he beat his opponent, ol' whats-her-name? He ignored her. Instead, he used ol' whats-her-name as a proxy for Obama's failures, with a "Here's how I'll do better" approach. That's what the media will be desperately trying to stave off. They want that sordid chapter of American history to die a quiet and natural death. The media wants it to be a knock-down, drag-out playoff between contenders, whereas the candidates should be emulating Scott Brown and telling the people Here's how I'll do better straight through the primary and all the way to the White House. The Positions I suggest you not give a rat's ass about some candidate's 'position' on this or that issue at this point in time. It's all going to change when the primary officially begins, it's going to change again during the general, and what eventually happens after they take office may not have any relation to their previous positions. You know all those campaign promises that Obama has broken? Rest assured, he didn't want to break them. And then there's the bullshit of 'past indiscretions'. So what if Romney signed some AGW 'pact' three hundred years ago? One of the biggest tropes of both the left- and right-wing propaganda machines is focusing on something the opposition did a zillion years ago (Bill Ayers, please pick up the white courtesy telephone) while conveniently dismissing their own candidate's checkered past. What makes the whole thing pathetically hypocritical is that the same site that soundly castigates someone for something he or she said years and years ago will then make a post on some 18th century philosopher praising man's ability to think in the here-and-now and instantly being able to change his entire course with one new scrap of critical information. Kind of a strange juxtaposition, isn't it? It isn't just sentience that makes us special. Furthermore, I- "Excuse me, Doc?" "Yes, boss!" "Mary said some nice things about you at the meeting yesterday. Hope you enjoyed your dinner. By the way, you got anything fresh on that Perry guy?" "Comin' right up!" Taking a Look at the Flip-Flopping Governor Perry, Back When He Was a Democrat "Outstanding! Keep up the good work!" "You bet, boss!" Well, I'd like to talk more but, as you can see, duty calls!
Posted by Dr. Mercury
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Friday morning links
Guess Who’s Not Paying Their Fair Share It's tough at the top for alpha males: study Related: Baboon study shows benefits for nice guys, who finish 2nd The Equality Principle - Why the GOP shouldn’t avoid race in 2012 Germany to shovel climate fund dollars into coal plants McConnell’s Uber-Clever Debt-Deal Stratagem Don't misunderestimate McConnell, Here's his point: Mitch McConnell: “Republicans Will Not Be Reduced to Being the Tax Collectors For the Obama Economy” Harvard Researchers: Take Obese Kids Away From Their Parents They are crazy. Not to mention that fatness is a cultural thing, a cultural choice. Wilkinson: Getting Money Out of Politics Why? It costs lots of money to get a message out there. Taranto: America Tunes Out - Why is Obama such a bore? One historian blames Reagan. University of California Parasite Factory to UC: "Fuck You. Pay Me" Another HinckleyI never meant this to be a Hinckley week (the Offical Maggie's Farm Sailboats are the Alerion line, or maybe plain Cape Cod catboats), but this is an example of what Hinckley used to be best known for: classic, elegant cruising sailboats. In my experience, they can't point worth a darn but they are a good ride. This 1986 Hinckley Bermuda 40 yawl is for sale for a reasonable $330,000.
Posted by Bird Dog
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Thursday, July 14. 2011I'll bet you never heard of "Critical Animal Studies" yet
Believe me, it's not about informing your dog that he should not have peed on the antique rug, nor is about your dog's annoyance with you, as the critical animal he is, for being late with the suppertime kibbles. The JokeWalsh at the NY Post begins:
As far as I can tell, the whole game is simply to move government from 20% to 25% of GDP, and to mail it to their voters in one form or another. Leave it to the next Dem President to get it up to 30%. America only swallows Socialism in small bites. What's wrong with polygamy (if you can afford it)?At Reason, Kody Brown and His Four "Wives" -Do anti-polygamy laws violate the Constitution? Polygamy has an ancient tradition, remains widespread in Moslem countries and is practiced quietly in Mormon communities. Although it is not in the European tradition (except among the wealthy and the nobility for whom marriage was just in name only), why should it be illegal? In fact, a felony? It harms nobody, and probably makes for a cleaner and more orderly household. The religious topic is a separate one, and should have little to do with the legal matters. The Libertarian point that is made is that it's legal to live your whole life with, and bear kids with, as many women as you want - it's just illegal to marry more than one of them at a time. Same goes for gals: you can live with all the guys you can collect - just can't marry them all at once. As we enter the post-gay marriage era, it's time to be open to all sorts of government-approved marital arrangements. Isn't it? What business is it of the government if you want to be married to Bill, Jane, Sally, Bob, and Lauren as one big happy family? Heather has three Daddies and three Mommies, etc. Election 2012: The Morning Meeting At MSM Headquarters
"Fine, chief". "Mornin', sir." "Wow, that Sarah Palin sure is hot!" "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" "Okay, everyone, let's get down to work. Jim, you're fired. Now, before we begin, let's all keep our main goal in mind. Just as we did in 2008, we want to make sure the winner of the Republican primary is the person least likely to win the general election. Mary, you and your people did a superb job last time. Taking some loser who got his ass shot down by the enemy and turning him into a 'war hero'? Absolutely brilliant." "Thanks, boss. We admit they make it easy. What those idiots know about winning elections wouldn't fill a thimble." "And lucky for us. Okay, today we're going to be focusing on the Witch. She's starting to pull ahead in the polls, so let's knock her down a peg or two. Anyone got anything? Steve?" "Got just the thing, boss." Pawlenty Blasts Bachmann's 'Nonexistent' Record "Outstanding! Nothing like a little dissension among the ranks, eh? But we'll need someone to back him up." "No sweat." GOP Veteran Ridge Says Bachmann Not Ready "Perfect! We'll have to print her response, of course, but let's make it sound kind of weak and insipid. Ideas? Yes, Jane?" "Feast your eyes upon this, boss." Bachmann: Who needs executive experience if it means more big government? "Outstanding! 'Who needs executive experience?' That probably cost her a percentile point right there. Good work! Yes, Jim?" "I'm thinking we should also stamp the Intolerant label on her. It would dovetail nicely with her being so unqualified." "Good idea. Shirley, that's your department. Got anything for us?" "Of course, mein leader!" Report: Bachmann's Clinic Tries to Cure Gay Patients "Wow, nice piece of misdirection! But the few people who actually read the thing will see it's her husband's clinic. Can we get any more dirt on him?" "Boss, you're talkin' to pros!" Bachmann Husband's Clinic: More Harm Than Good? "And that's a video, boss, just full of heartbreaking stories from people who had barely broken free of this mad cult before the damage had been done. We made hubby come across as the reincarnation of Edgar Allen Poe; pit, pendulum, ravens and all." "Shirley, you and your team never fail to impress. Have we got anything on the Witch, herself? Yes, Mack?" "I've been saving this gem for months, chief. Check it out." Michele Bachmann in 2004: Homosexuality is "Personal Enslavement" "Jeez, Mack, that almost makes me want to weep with joy. You got any more gems like that tucked away?" "I ain't sayin', boss, but...yes!" "I'll tell you, people, it's an honor working with such professionals. Now, back to wielding the Intolerant label effectively, have we snagged anyone else yet? Shirley, you've got that usual smug look about you." "Well, guys, I was kinda saving this for next week when we focused on the Moonbeam Mormon, but here goes." Romney Refuses to Sign Anti-Gay Marriage Pledge "In other words, he's secretly gay?? Excellent work! Now, as a lead-in to next week's focus on the Moonbeam, have we got anything else on him? Maybe some no-name beating him in one of those fake polls? Mary, your folks usually handle that. Got anything for us?" "Boss...happy birthday!" Cain Beats Romney in Conservative Leadership Conference Straw Poll "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" "Mary, whoever came up with that one gets a free dinner at Chad's, compliments of the house. And tell him or her to bring a friend." "That would be Doc Murky, boss. Man, the dirt he can dig up on the Repubs is just mind-boggling. He says the only one he's worried about is Perry." "Oh, yeah, speaking of him, anybody got the latest? Shirley, you've got that devilish gleam in your eye again." "Boss, happy birthday...and Merry Christmas!" Poll: In Presidential Matchup, Obama Would Beat Perry in Texas "Holy crap! And in Texas? Tell Doc he needn't worry and to enjoy his dinner. This guy is toast." "Got it, boss." "All right, folks, you know what to do. Let's get to work!"
Posted by Dr. Mercury
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"The good short life"Dudley Clendinen has ALS, but it might as well be cancer:
Posted by Bird Dog
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Thursday morning links
I enjoyed Dr. Merc's take on hippies Dream interpetation, for the masses What's a "muffin top"? Laura knows what it is. So much for the obesity epidemic The Gentrified City - Suleiman Osman chronicles the history of Brooklyn’s revival. Boehner: Dealing With the White House 'Has Been Like Dealing With Jell-o' They playin ya, dude. Krauthammer: It's about who gets the blame Voter photo I.D. passes — in Rhode Island Change!… Obama’s Approval Rating Now Lower Than Bush’s 2008 Rating in Arab World Arab world respects expressions of strength "Obama once again showed the true face of a Chicago ward boss when he dangled the threat of interrupted social security and veteran benefits checks over the heads of the American people. This is thug politics." Aussie carbon cops ignore carbon rules America’s Ruling Class: How They Corrupted America and What We Can Do About It Suddenly, big money is good in politics Glenn Beck visits Israel, gets 'adoring' welcome Greece: Where Profit Is Taboo - A shipping magnate on the fate of his country. America’s Burgeoning Class War Could Spell Opportunity For GOP Are Conservatives Being Fair to Barack Obama? Media bends over for Mrs. Obama A pol said this:
Claremont looks at books about Obama WSJ: In Defense Of 'Little Boy' - Herbert Hoover warned President Truman that invading Japan would cost at least half a million American lives. Marcus: The Black Code Best national anthem ever? For the Quatorze Juillet: Wednesday, July 13. 2011Adding to ye olde blogrollBreyer and Progressivism on the courtsFrom Oliver Wendell Breyer at Volokh:
While well-intentioned rather than imbeciles, Progressives since Holmes' and Wilson's era have demonstrated more faith in powerful elites, technocrats, social engineers, scientists, and other assorted (mostly academic) experts than in individual freedom - which includes freedom to ignore the experts du jour. The Progessives (ie, modern "Liberals") been misguided about that, ever since. The examples are endless. There's no fool like an educated fool and, as CS Lewis said, there's no totalitarian as dangerous as the one who wants to do you good for your own good. 95% of experts on any topic are shown to be wrong, in time. Not so with common sense, which has endured through history. The unwise, impressionable, and self-impressed are vulnerable to having the common sense educated out of them, and arrogance put into them. A convert to the cause of freedomShe is fed up with lies. I guess it took her a long time to realize that politicans are liars and that our MSM is, for some reasons I cannot fully understand (I do have my theories) totally in the tank for anything Leftist and runs interference for them constantly. Still, for her, better late than never. Naive as heck, but a nice gal. h/t Moonbattery:
New site open: Doc's Secrets
Because I am.
So I wrote them all down. Subway Sandwiches — Best thing in the joint and it's not even on the menu Amazon.com II — Know anyone with a printer? — Preventing Summer/Winter Colds How To Contact Every Member of Congress — This can only be done once, maybe How To Get On TV At The Olympics — Well, possibly How To Get Into Guinness — Okay, this might take a few bucks, but what price, fame? The Hippies — One of the biggest lies you've ever been told Usenet — A wonderful source for pirated software, high-quality TV shows, etc Miracle Cure — A marketing idea that could be worth zillions The Magic Elixir — I accidentally invented the first 'elixir' in a thousand years The Iridium Strike — A real treasure hunt from 40 long, dry, dusty years ago Welcome to Doc's Secrets
Posted by Dr. Mercury
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Weds. morning links
Atlanta teacher: "Those kids were dumb as hell." Divorce and emotional pain: Numb and Number In my view, the government should be able to eliminate poverty, war, stress, work, worry, and emotional pain. The unbearable smugness of Liberals: A Guide Are the poor morally superior?
California wants to discriminate against Asians again High-achieving Asians get no respect Chicagoans Overwhelmingly Vote to Ban Palin, Beck & Coulter Books at Book Fair in Obama’s Home Town Dangerous ideas for the Masses If the Prez were a Repub, this would be bigger than Watergate
Nobody should believe anything Obama says about the budget The O throws Dem Mediscare tactic under the bus OBAMA: PASS MY DEBT CEILING OR I’LL STARVE GRANDMA. Dino: Running up the debt wasn't a bug, it was a feature Senator Marco Rubio: Everything Is Worse Under Obama Corporate money flowing to Dems Nothing new about that. The Dems are the party of Big Biz and Wall St; the Repubs are the party of Main St. A Drudgeism:
Buchanan: An Establishment in Panic Mead: An Unhappy Ending To The Drug War? Graph below via Mankiw: Hinckley TalariaYesterday morning we posted my pic of a Hinckley Picnic Boat and a Hinckley Talaria at dockside. This used 2002 40' Talaria is for sale, $650,000. Pretty boat: Tuesday, July 12. 2011Not from the Onion
To tell the truth, I still can't tell whether it's tongue-in-cheek or written by a guy with a serious man-crush. Perhaps our readers can help me out.
In sunny, snowy California todayI'm out here for a few weeks. Here's the latest shot, from the beach at Serene Lakes, Soda Springs near Donner Summit and I-80, elevation c. 6,800 feet. Note the boat slips and the bare feet!
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