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.
Happened to see one overhead today, chasing a flock of pigeons. Flocks of pigeons around here are usually domesticated, but the owners fly them are least once daily. Easy prey, and delicious.
I usually see them (and rarely) during migration - like now. A good number of them nest on office towers in NYC, but I've never seen them there. They like cliffs and beaches. Skyscrapers are cliffs.
19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
19:4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
19:5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
19:6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
19:9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb
19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
19:12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
19:13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
I'd guess my Dad took me to Brooks Brothers since I was 13 years old. It was on NYC trips, to the old flagship store on Madison Ave. What an emporium that place was, with elevator operators and ancient but well-dressed salesmen.
Naturally, the visiting also included Abercrombie and Fitch right down the street, my favorite store in NY, to look at the fancy fishing and hunting stuff. Both of those wonderful places are now gone. I do happily own an old A&F 20 ga s/s.
Mrs. BD claimed that my one grey suit had been outdated anyway. So on a rainy Saturday she dragged me to a big Brooks Brothers store way down in White Plains, NY to do some shopping with/for me. First time in a long marriage that I ever let that happen. I played passive and grouchy while they suited me up - 2 suits, cashmere blue sports coat, shirts I didn't need, and a bunch of khakis. No more clothes shopping for the remainder of my life...
It's a shame that they no longer use Alden for shoes, so I got no dress shoes which I didn't need. I have narrow feet, and need "Narrow." Good dress shoes last 30-40 years anyway.
Excellent service, excellent tailor - all good. Now I guess I will be ready for a wedding or funeral - whichever comes first.
Although we always get comments and pushback on this topic, I am convinced that strength training and endurance training are different animals. Both necessary for fitness and general functionality, but different. There are plenty of people who are great with the barbells but who cannot run 10 miles, or even keep up a sprint for a mile.
OK, OK, I know all of the arguments. The Maggie's fitness formula includes lots of everything for good reasons. Balance, agility, explosive power, strength, endurance, nutrition and proper weight, etc.
Endurance (say, jogging 5 or ten miles, or hiking 10+ miles with a pack), is about your Slow-twitch muscle fibers and the number of mitochondria they contain. These can be trained, but not with heavy weights: it is more about the slog.
I see mountain hikers in training. They put on a weight vest and jump on the Stairmaster for an hour or two. At higher speeds, I would consider that cardio plus calisthenics plus leg strength. No need to do that for most people under 40, but sometimes we all have to connect with our inner masochist if we want to improve.
I have an elderly friend who takes his daily 3-mile walk with a backpack filled with old textbooks.
Readers know that I no longer seek to shoot Woodcock anymore, but I sure don't mind people who do. Tasty little critters but for me kinda sad to hold one in the hand.
Woodcock are odd birds, basically shorebirds who ended up as upland birds. They still like soft earth and water, though. Swamps. I love to see them.
A reader brought up the topic. Technically, a wooden Nova Scotia fishing boat. Fiberglass now, mostly. Do I like the look? You bet.
A quote:
"The days of Novi boats having a reputation of being a 15-year boat – work them hard (and in weather you probably would not want to be out in in a “Maine-hull”), and when they get nail-sick just take the engine out and install it in a new hull and leave to old hull on a mud bank, ended with the introduction of fiberglass.
The commonest style Novi seen in New England for decades was probably the Cape Island Launch.
As said on an earlier Novi thread, some of these boats had the advantage over Maine-style hulls in being comfortable -- spanker sail up -- laying-to at night. Thus, their cruising range and ability to stay out in rough water exceeded that of the “Downeast”-type.
The nomenclature gets confusing, as Nova Scotia was always thought of as being even more culturally, as well as directionally, down-east than Maine..."
21:23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
21:24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
21:25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
21:26 But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet."
21:27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
21:28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.'
21:29 He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went.
21:30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go.
21:31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.
21:32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Recreational powerboating (well, most sailboats have engines too) has been going through a rapid change. Boat designs have changed, but there are still beautiful traditional designs. I'm talking about power plants and controls.
First, power. Multiple outboards are taking over. Plenty of reasons besides easier service. Oh, another good thing about multiple engines is that you'll never be without an engine.Yes, just one 200 hp Yamaha is costly, and four could buy a house in some places. Jet Drives are a whole nother thing which I know nothing about other than that they are way cool.
Second, controls: Joysticks. For instance, if your 37' boat has 2, 3, or 4 200 hp outboards the computer controls can help you easily go in any damn direction with minimal sea skills. Maybe go 50+ knots too if in a hurry or for the thrill. Magic backing into a slip regardless of wind or current. Just jiggle the thing. It would be nice if cars would parallel park like that.
We're old-fashioned, or old school, salt-water people with a single diesel, a wheel, and a Maine lobster boat hull.
Readers know that I no longer seek to shoot Woodcock anymore, but I sure don't mind people who do. Tasty little critters but for me kinda sad to hold one in the hand.
Brain health and exercise: 
Recreational powerboating (well, most sailboats have engines too) has been going through a rapid change. Boat d