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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Monday, August 20. 2018Monday morning linksWhat Are Red Tides and Why Are They Getting Worse? When algae get a surplus of nutrients, they grow at ridiculous rates. Roundup and junk science The internet has transformed the search for love and partnership First They Came for Alex Jones In Stunning Admission, Jack Dorsey Acknowledges Twitter's "Left-Leaning" Bias SO, YOU WANT TO BE A POLICE OFFICER? Editorial Collusion By Dozens Of Newspapers Proves Trump's Point: The Media Are Biased Poll: Government Back On Top As Nation’s Leading Problem Elizabeth Warren’s Batty Plan to Nationalize . . . Everything ICE BUSTS ILLEGAL ALIEN WANTED FOR MURDER IN MEXICO, MEDIA OUTRAGED ANOTHER TRUMP MIRACLE: President Brings Hope and Investment Back to Gary, Indiana – A Democrat Dead Zone Black Business Ownership Under Trump Jumps 400% in ONE YEAR WHAT TO MAKE OF THE WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL’S COOPERATION WITH MUELLER Progressive Cities Go To Work On The Problem of "Homelessness" RAHM EMANUEL ACCUSED OF RACISM FOR SUGGESTING SHOOTINGS COULD BE FIXED WITH FAMILY VALUES - "Our kids need that moral structure in their lives. And we cannot be scared to have this conversation.” One of the most touching of the #Walkaway stories EITHER OHR Will South Africa Follow the Path of Zimbabwe? VIETNAM’S CATHOLICS: CROSS WITH CHINA, AND ALL COMMUNISTS Peru And Ecuador Demand Passports From Venezuelans Migrants Sunday, August 19. 2018Sunday BobA practice version of Idiot Wind from 1974. Final lyrics of this tough, pained song still evolving in this tape. He was not happy when Sarah dumped him and his kids to run off with some con-man. Doubt he ever really got over that. "Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth..."
A Cape Cod state of mind: Why we love Wellfleet, MA
Foggy drizzly Atlantic morning beach hike, Newcomb Hollow to Cahoon's Hollow, and back. Big shorebird migration last week. Hundreds of Least Sandpipers and Bonaparte's Gulls. Lots of Grey Seals people-watching. Great Whites seal-watching, I guess, too. Besides multi-generational family tradition and the regular presence of my very high-energy sibs and their interesting kids (I went for an early morning jog - 5:30 or so, and ran past the town tennis courts. "Hey, Bird Dog - I have a spare racquet in my car". My brother and sis were playing tennis already, so we did Canadian doubles for an hour), I'll offer some reasons we love it there, and a few pictures, below the fold: Continue reading "A Cape Cod state of mind: Why we love Wellfleet, MA" From today's LectionaryProverbs 9:1-6 9:1 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars. Modern ArtI call it "Azec Leaning against Dumpster." This artwork can be yours for $450,000 not including tax and shipping.
Saturday, August 18. 2018Saturday morning linksPhoto is a big slice in Yonkers Yum Your Carbon Pollution Infused Beer Is Killing Off Bloody Mary’s Which Help With Your Beer Hangovers How US Sugar Subsidies Bring A 'Red Tide' Of Algae To Florida's Shores Sugar and corn subsidies are abominations Women At War Related, Why statistical discrimination is higher than is either socially optimal or Bayesian rational How does diversity strengthen us? When digital platforms censor GAY ANTI-TRUMP LEFTY UNDER FIRE FOR SAYING NOT ALL REPUBLICANS ARE RACIST John Brennan’s Trumpian Turn "Deeply Troubling" - Wall Street Journal Implores "What Was Bruce Ohr Doing?" Bruce Ohr Docs Show Christopher Steele “Very Concerned” About Comey’s Firing – “Afraid They Will be Exposed” NY Times Columnist: Trump ‘Would Certainly Like to’ Murder People Without Due Process Iranian-Backed ‘Sleeper Cell’ Militants Hibernating in U.S., Positioned for Attack Google employees demand more oversight of China search engine plan Friday, August 17. 2018Blind and deeply autistic with a stunning talentStay until he does Chopsticks at the end
Friday morning linksThe feathered revolution: How dinosaurs became birds Vanderleun: Back to School The Tragic Decline of Music Literacy (and Quality) Well, that's pop and folk music. Art music seems relatively recent in history The shattering honesty of V.S. Naipaul - Teller of truths and tales Sacrificing a Child's Education on the Altar of Diversity Why I favor vouchers White male professors to be given female minority scholar mentors in anti-bias effort Bleeding-Heart Liberals Bike Through Tajikistan to Prove “Evil Is a Make-Believe Concept” — Are Stabbed Dead By ISIS If you ever doubt the existence of evil or of Satan, look into your own heart. You can find it right there. Klavan: The Enemy Is In The Church DOJ: Iraqi man who fought, killed for ISIS entered US as refugee under Obama Sarah Jeong is the Alt-Left Piers Morgan Says Omarosa Manigault Offered Him Sex to Win ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ He declined so she concluded he was gay New Poll Reveals Shocking Results On What Black Voters Think Of Trump MSNBC Swoons as Boston Globe Coordinates Anti-Trump Editorial Effort Newspapers Don’t Help Themselves By Coordinating Against Trump As Insty says, Just consider them Democrat activists with bylines and you'll understand Trump Rages "Honesty Wins" As Nationwide Anti-Trump Editorial Blitz Strikes The hate, you can feel it Former CBS News Reporter Delivers Kill Shot to Liberal Media Narrative That Trump Is Silencing John Brennan How Bruce Ohr Could Implicate High-Ranking Obama Officials In Spygate New Info Indicates Clinton-Funded Oppo Research Launched FBI’s Trump Investigation Former Obama aide Ben Rhodes is now a person of interest in the unmasking investigation Graham calls for special counsel to investigate FBI's handling of Clinton emails, FISA warrant Thursday, August 16. 2018Aretha gave the world a heck of a lotWe were fortunate to hear a live concert a couple of years ago. Here's one:
Calisthenics DayA birthday this week, and I am one year stronger, one year more agile, one year more energetic, one year looking fitter. Calis are for your athleticism. The below may not sound grueling, but it is more exhausting than weight-training days if you minimize rest time. I do two hours of calis weekly, 1 calis class and 1 on my own. This was the mix I've been doing on my own recently: Elliptical warm-up, 3 mins Each circuit below 2-3 times, overall takes me about 1 hr with 1-min breaks between rounds - Circuit 1: Dead ball floor slams Circuit 2: Kettlebell swings Circuit 3: Kettle bell lunges Circuit 4: Farmer's Walk - heavy kettles And finish up with a round of heavy ball wall slams Thursday morning linksShark attack victim suffers puncture wounds to torso, legs Just down the beach from where we were last week A Weird-But-True Story Takes Flight In 'The Feather Thief' NYC's Gowanus Canal cleanup has unearthed historic treasures — covered in toxic goo Prof Claims 'Responsible Fatherhood' Reinforces 'Patriarchy' COLORADO IS GOING AFTER JACK PHILLIPS OF MASTERPIECE CAKESHOP AGAIN K-12: Creating the 'Ideal' School Obama Foundation’s monumental rip-off We are not Rome. I detest these self-aggrandizing presidential monuments Democrats are out to sabotage the middle class on health care Dems against choice, just one-size-fits-all government medical care Not a joke: The New York Times has an advice column about how to 'cure' white skin privilege Trump Slams NY Gov Cuomo's "Total Meltdown" After "America Was Never That Great" Comment "The narratives that painted Black Lives Matter activists as 'violent' have turned into legislation that targets black people, leftists, and other marginalized groups." Washington Post: Trump’s Guilty Till He Proves Himself Innocent Michael Barone: Either Trump is delivering on his economic promises, or he's very lucky Mainstream media ignores Trump’s success on world stage A Journalist Reflects On His Profession’s Anti-Trump Collusion Laws of Armed Conflict in Gaza Wednesday, August 15. 2018V.S. Naipaul, 1932–2018
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Wednesday morning linksThe Nastiest Feud in Science - A Princeton geologist has endured decades of ridicule for arguing that the fifth extinction was caused not by an asteroid but by a series of colossal volcanic eruptions. But she’s reopened that debate. Good News: Climatruther Computer Model Predicts End Of Civilization By 2040 Al Gore says Trump undoing environmental regs has done less ´damage´ than he once feared Pennsylvania priests 'abused thousands of children' How To Identify Racist And Sexist Remarks And Slurs NY Times Advice Column Tackles White Guilt Antifa, Democratic Socialists, & New World Order All Want Same Thing: "No Borders, No Wall, No USA At All" Forbes Slammed for Wilbur Ross 'Grifting' Report Feinstein, Strzok, and the Sinister Russia Probe Prof: Free speech could normalize Trump Re Kavanaugh: DEM DESPERATION DIALED TO 11 Boycotting Sam Adams Beer Over Trump Support? Stung by President Trump’s repeated charges of “fake news,” last week The Boston Globe announced an alliance of more than 70 newspapers planning to run editorials protesting a ‘‘dirty war against the free press.” America’s Newspapers Just Played Right Into Trump’s Hands THE COORDINATED 'WAR OF WORDS' AGAINST TRUMP - The latest surge of fake news from the establishment media axis. Kurt Schlichter: NeverTrumpers Don't Hate Trump. Primarily They Hate You. The Media Are Hiding Their Knowledge and Duplicity – Buzzfeed, WaPo and New York Times Had Unredacted FISA Application For Over A Year Brennan, the Spooks, and Russian Collusion No time limits, no 'public circus': Bruce Ohr to testify behind closed doors, Trey Gowdy says How Were Bruce and Nellie Ohr, Christopher Steele, and Fusion GPS Plotting? Jews: The Middle East’s Other Refugees THE CONFERENCE THAT PAVED THE WAY TO THE MURDER OF MILLIONS - In one fateful day, 200,000 Austrian Jews were caught in the jaws of the power-hungry, Jew-hating monsters to whom nothing was sweeter than Jewish blood. "Furious" Swedish PM Rages At Violent Gang Rampage: "What The Hell Are You Doing?" London Declares TERROR ATTACK After Man Mows Down Bicyclists In SUV British Prime Minister's Comment On Terror Attack Makes CNN Look Stupid Tuesday, August 14. 2018New England Real Estate: Wellfleet, MA
While meandering around the alleys near downtown Wellfleet last week, we stumbled on this white elephant. Naturally, I was mainly attracted to its barn. The place is for sale. A 10-minute walk to the village. It's safe to say the place could probably use some work. Roof looks great but I wonder about the age of the wiring, but from the photos it looks pretty up to date inside. 12 bedrooms, said to have been built in 1800 but I doubt that. The cool thing is that it was the home of Wellfleet's most famous son, Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker. Sea captain and entrepreneur, he's the guy who introduced the banana to the US and Europe and founded the company which became the United Fruit Company, now Chiquita Brands. Cool guy, cool life.
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Red-Tailed Hawk vs. BatsFilmed in Texas. Remarkable film.
Tuesday morning links
Paris baulks at 'horrible' eco-friendly public urinals Residents of the small French town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon saved thousands of Jews during World War II Demonizing Ride Hailing The pros and cons of NYC's ban on new Uber and Lyft cars Professors allow students to pick their own grade Without Free Speech, Everything You Say Is Meaningless Most of us are familiar with the Stepford Wives, but how many of us realize that the men involved in the so-called Deep State have wives that are anything but Stepford-type women? Alex Jones doesn’t represent anything new in this country. We’ve always had our share of paranoid crackpots Democratic Socialism: Who Knew That 'Free' Could Cost So Much? Howie Carr: If I ever get jammed up, I ask for no special treatment — just treat me like an illegal immigrant. The Trump economy is destroying the Obama coalition. An 11-Year-Old Changed The Results Of Florida's Presidential Vote At A Hacker Convention. SARA CARTER: House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte Preparing to Depose Bruce Ohr, Nellie Ohr and Glenn Simpson That Time Omarosa Was Fired from the Clinton White House A democratic revolution has just begun in Vietnam. Massive but orderly protests across the country hint at the beginning of the end of Communist Party rule China's state firms cementing lucrative role in South China Sea, new research shows Monday, August 13. 2018QQQ
Mrs. Bird Dog No links this morning
Mrs. BD was always a water rat - lifeguard, swimmer, Sunfish sailer, very cool water skiier - but I think teaching her to body surf in the icy Wellfleet ocean is what sealed the marital deal. OK, now she likes to use a half- wetsuit which I disdain, but whatever. Thrills and chills. Body surfing is for low tide when the big rollers come. This pic is some of my family at high tide, basking. We all go out there in August. It's a family thing. Physical recreation dawn to dusk: run,kayak, body surf, races in the ponds, maybe go fishing or clamming. Some relatives like to read on the beach but I have no patience for that. Midday, I don't mind a half hour in the art galleries and then a couple of beers at The Lighthouse with the lobstermen and the ageing prepsters.
Sunday, August 12. 2018Summer Drinks: Dark 'n StormyThe real cocktail of Bermuda: 2 oz Gosling's Black Seal rum Best consumed on a Bermuda beach or the veranda of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club after sailing down from Newport. Bermuda is a delightful place, and a quick trip from the East Coast. My Dad was kind enough to pay for our honeymoon there, and we have been back many times since then to refresh our honeymoon whenever needed. My parents had their honeymoon there too. We have each done our time in the Caribbean. We don't really care for it much. Decadent, uncivilized. How many hours do you want to sit on a beach like an idiot? Well, renting a bareboat for a week might be ok, visiting de islands, mon. Boat drinks. Apple Confidential Steve Jobs on 'Think Different'Apple Confidential Steve Jobs on 'Think Different' Internal Meeting Sept 23, 1997
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From today's Lectionary: Be imitators of GodEphesians 4:25-5:2 4:25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 4:26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 4:27 and do not make room for the devil. 4:28 Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 4:29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 4:31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 4:32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 5:2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Saturday, August 11. 2018"Get your head back in the car!"It's not the Manhattan I know, but it's a hilarious slice of a Manhattan neighborhood/subculture which is largely Jewish, but culturally, not seriously. I had to look up what "Birthright" was. I like the way he walks around with his posse. "We've got more JAPS than all of Tokyo!" Murray Hill is kind of middle class and nondescript.
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Saturday Verse: ShakespeareSonnet 18 Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Friday, August 10. 2018"I was thinkin about Alicia Keys..."From 2008. Lyrics here I got the pork chops, she got the pie
My Birthday Post: Do I want another dog?Yes and no. Subject comes up because a pal alerted me to a litter of German Shorthairs, getting ready for the taking on Sept. 1. Their hunting pedigree is as good as it gets, so some $ is rightly involved since we aren't socialism yet where there are free champion hunting dogs. Mrs. BD and I have rarely had a dog-free home, nor did her parents and my parents. And my grandparents, who were partial to Shepherds. I've had English Springers, Labs and (hunting? sort-of) standard poodles. Some of the most glorious times of my life have been grouse hunting in the Maine woods and in Manitoba woods and prairies (Sharptails there). Will a hunt-bred Standard Poodle point on a grouse or woodcock? Yes it can. It will chew up the darn Woodcock, tho. I'll bet you never saw a Poodle on a hard point. Well, trust Bird Dog on that. To me, a dog and a fireplace make a house a home. As I write that, it does sound primeval. Maybe I am a primitive male. Here are my pros and cons, altho who ever made a decision based on such things? Pros: - I love having a dog around. A dog also loves me the way no human could or should. - A well-trained dog is an incomparable companion, and a well-trained hunting dog is a precious thing to you (and your hunting pals) Cons: - Huge commitment. When I get a dog, I train the heck out of it. I know how. 40-minutes/day of training for at least 2 years. I want a dog that will heel to my knee without leash through a city street, a 5-mile suburban jog, or a woodland swamp. Chase a squirrel or a deer? No chance unless I give a release signal. I want a dog who will respond to whistle, voice, and hand commands. I want a dog who will Sit-Stay in front of Dunkin Donuts when I go inside. My past dogs learned those things. Any dog will - it's up to the owner. A dog's behavior is a reflection of the Master. Never ever blame the dog. I've heard people say "My dog is difficult to train", as if their dog were special and wild somehow. Pure bullshit. It's on them. Training is work, and no dog yummies. Just "Good dog." - Re Basic Training. Do I use a shock collar outdoors? You betcha. It's not cruel. It gives you a dog you can live with. After two or three little shocks, the 3-second tone before the buzz is all it takes to remind them that you are God. "Come" or the "Come" whistle means hustle back to the Boss's knee. Dogs do like to be well-trained. Like children, training gives them Purpose and it is all relational. - Hunt-training. Fairly costly. I can handle basic to semi-advanced obedience training, but not hunt training. You have to send them to camp for that. Then you have to go to camp with them to learn it yourself. Hand signals are the best. My last dog Paco was quite good with them, but not so good with some other things. - I do not do much of the sort of hunting that I love best anymore. I don't know why, because I can bust brush and alder swamps all day better than I ever could. My favorite is grouse hunting in the Great North Woods, with the Moose etc. I rarely refuse a chance to hunt pheasants etc. at a hunting club, but the wilderness hunts are my favorites. In 6 hours in grouse habitat, you might fire zero to twice with your 20 ga., but you and the dog will have a great outing anyway. Hey - you're pointing on a White-Footed Mouse, silly dog!
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