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, October 4. 2014Selfies: Forty Pictures in Forty Years
While the concept of taking regular pictures of a subject is not new, the ease with which it can be done (particularly on an individual level) has improved. As a project for an artist, however, it can yield intriguing results. Nicholas Nixon's study of the Brown Sisters provides a tremendous view of how a subject group, in this case a family, progresses through time. I am not sensitive enough to be moved to tears, though others have been. My wife and I had very different reactions to the pictures. She focused on the items mentioned in the article, all of which are intriguing. I looked at the individual pictures, seeking to find indications of change and age. While each picture shows differences, I was of the opinion noticeable changes started appearing somewhere around the 16-20 year mark.
Posted by Bulldog
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11:33
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Wednesday, October 1. 2014Hitchhikers: A Maggie's Autumn Scientific PollI was recently driving from New Haven to Boston and picked up the first hitchhiker I've seen in quite a while. He was hitching to Augusta, Maine, a Navy guy on leave. I asked him why he did it. He told me had hitched since his early teens, and just liked it. I told him I used to hitch all over the Northeast, mostly going to see gals. Nobody gave me use of a car when I turned 16, or even when I graduated from college. It seems to me that hitchhiking in the Northeast is a disappearing tradition. Too bad - it was a good thing, always interesting, but maybe that was a more innocent era. Seen any lately? Given any a ride? Alert! Announcing The First Annual Maggie's Farm NYC Urban Hike, Sat. Oct 18Bulldog and I have been working on this for a while. The plan is to hike from the Battery - South Ferry - to Central Park South. Or maybe vice-versa - we'll let you know details. However, it will be a somewhat meandering route so as to capture some fun sights and neighborhoods, and some cool locations, and for some fun beer/water and/or bathroom stops. We'll post a map of our route in advance. As a result, it could be a 7-miler, a bit tiring for some but it's mostly all flat. We have no time frame for the hike (maybe 10 AM, until done). Totally doable in comfortable shoes. Cameras are good. If needed, we'll have a leader with an Be there or be square. It's like, you know, like totally worth a trip to the city. Grab a hearty breakfast, because we aren't stopping for food. Backpack snacks if you need 'em. Rain, snow, shine, or fire-and-brimstone. Bulldog and I will be there, News Junkie, family members, friends, and whoever, at the start. Join us, whether a Maggie's reader or not. We are friendly (and we do not care about your politics or your religion). Details to you if interested in a group hike - just leave your contact info in the comments below, or we will post further details soon. Yes means Yes, but not maybe.
Posted by Bird Dog
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11:05
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Sunday, September 28. 2014The unmanly generation?
When a gay guy in Vanity Fair is calling you a wuss, you are probably a wuss.
Posted by The News Junkie
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10:01
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Thursday, September 25. 2014NYC, last SundayNo, we did not associate with the climate-communism marchers on Sunday. We went to the museum. Mrs. BD thought you might like the current arrangements in the lobby. Hydrangea, curly willow, and something else. They are always spectacular.
More pics below the fold - Continue reading "NYC, last Sunday"
Posted by Bird Dog
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05:00
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Tuesday, September 23. 2014I could use a new barn
Posted by The Barrister
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15:44
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Monday, September 22. 2014Girls Tend to Get Better Grades Than Boys Do Why Girls Tend to Get Better Grades Than Boys Do - New research shows that girls are ahead in every subject, Does this question require research? Anybody who has ever sat in a classroom knows why. Sunday, September 21. 2014Manhattan skyline
Posted by Bird Dog
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22:02
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A major essay on conservation philosophy
Winter tips # 14: Chimney-cleaning and creosote glaze, re-postedMy neighborhood sweep stopped by yesterday for a routine cleaning, and informed me that I had some creosote glaze in the flue. (Like me, many of us up here burn firewood in our fireplaces daily, doing our part to fend off the coming Ice Age and to provide homey comfort and warmth to our humble abodes. The farm still has a good-sized mountain of hard coal in the basement to use when needed. You can just throw a few hunks on the fire if you want to.) It's not not a good thing to have creosote glaze, because a sweep's brushes cannot remove it and it presents a chimney fire risk. He blamed it on my habit of burning green and damp wood, but said that any long-used flue will accumulate glaze over time. He proposed a treatment plan: Cre-Away powder and Anti Creo-Soot Spray. These things claim to change the glaze into something brushable. The active ingredient is a catalyst which degrades creosote. There are these things too, at Amazon. I ordered some. I wonder whether it would work on my coronary arteries. Lastly, anybody with fire in the house needs one of these: Chimney Fire Suppressent It's a career for people who do not wish to work in a cubicle. Our guy charges $125 per visit, and $50 for each additional chimney. (We have 3, so it's like a doctor's house call.) He says he tries to do 8-10 calls per day, so this retired fireman makes $1200+ per work day, and takes the entire summer fishing on Cape Cod with his grandkids.
Posted by Bird Dog
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13:08
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Thursday, September 18. 2014Theodore GericaultCool stuff, and a cool life story, from a guy who I barely remember from 12th grade Art History. This dude is having a fun evening: Three Lovers:
Posted by Bird Dog
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04:57
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Tuesday, September 16. 2014Freedom from speechFrom Lukianoff:
Posted by The Barrister
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12:21
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Sunday, September 14. 2014Zara Richer than Warren BuffetHow Zara Grew Into the World’s Largest Fashion Retailer It's about global, disposable, rapid-response fashion. They won't sell in middle America - the Spanish company says the women are too fat for their stuff. For good looking clothing, Mrs. BD says D&G is the best by far. Italian designers and artisans. It's wonderful that some people can wear it, and afford it. Zara does not copy D&G. Photo is D&G, not Zara. I will admit it - that is art.
Posted by Bird Dog
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10:16
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Saturday, September 13. 2014Power of Optics
Posted by The News Junkie
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13:13
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Wednesday, September 10. 2014How things work in NYCGreat advice and info, and amusing: A New Yorker Expertly Teaches The Unwritten Rules Of Living In NYC In These Illustrations
Monday, September 8. 2014Back to college wardrobeInterestingly to me, it's similar to how I dress today, and I was not even alive in 1948. In 1948, college students believed that they were adults. Many had already been to war and were glad to get into sharp civvies and maybe meet a horny gal at a college tea. What's the matter with the kids today?!? Sunday, September 7. 2014Zero and related math topics
Found via Math 101: A reading list for lifelong learners
Posted by Bird Dog
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07:21
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Friday, September 5. 2014Gene's Famous Seafood
There is great road food out there in the Northeast US, if you can find it. At Maggie's, we know a few of the best ones in the Northeast. McDonald's? Are you kidding? Never. Barf. Take the Fairhaven exit (18), and drive south to the light, then take a right on the main drag. It's not too far, on the right side of the road. Do it - you will thank me. Try the fried oysters, or the fried clam bellies, or the codfish balls, or the fish and chips. Or anything else. If I were Elvis, I'd send a chopper out there to fetch good snacks and meals. Cheap, too. Yes, if you recall, Fairhaven MA is where Joshua Slocum found the Spray as a deteriorating hulk. If you have never read his book, then you can thank me for that too. First guy to sail around the world single-handed, in her. Real?Over the transom. I can't say, but I'd believe it. THESE ARE ACTUAL COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY "THOMAS COOK VACATIONS" FROM DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS:
Posted by The News Junkie
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11:40
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Tuesday, September 2. 2014Shopping for FallColorful socks for guys: The Tie Bar Gear everybody needs, cheap: Sierra Trading Post Perennials to plant in the fall to get a jump start on Spring: Bluestone
Posted by Bird Dog
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17:46
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Monday, September 1. 2014How many hours do you work, per week? A Labor Day Scientific PollSome people (especially Leftists) bemoan how hard Americans work. Boo hoo. They say Europeans have more leisure time. How's that working out for them? More time to drink in cafes? More time to wear thongs on the beach in Ibiza? I always relate to farmers, other entrepreneurs, and self-employed people. We are on the job constantly, partly out of ambition, partly for survival, partly out of interest. I am essentially self-employed, but of counsel for a law firm. I work around 55 hours/week, but only bill around 40. I'm not greedy. When I sit by the stream with a cigar and a scotch, I often think about knotty cases. It's fun. How many hours do you work at remunerative work? If it's less than 50, you ain't really working. Sunday, August 31. 2014Are we happy yet? Against happiness: Why we need a philosophy of failure
Roger Scruton on operaOpera is Not Just Our Most Expensive Noise Scruton actually composed an opera, says it was the most difficult task he has ever undertaken. One quote:
Aren't modern musicals operas? Or operettas?
Posted by Bird Dog
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13:39
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Saturday, August 30. 2014The Leopard turns 50 Il Gattopardo. A wonderful novel which will help you understand Sicily when you visit (which you should - it's not the same old Italy - it's not really Italy at all). Wonderful place, insanely governed (like most places) but the people seem to ignore the government. They have been ignoring governments for thousands of years, despite constant invasions by everybody - including the Vikings. The movie starred Burt Lancaster. I haven't seen the movie. By coincidence, I have just finished a birthday book, Di Lampedusa's novella, The Professor and the Siren. It reads like poetry.
Posted by Bird Dog
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13:50
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Friday, August 29. 2014Life in America: Checking the boxes on Cape Cod, in sweet olde Wellfleet, Massachusetts
High tide, inner harbor, 5:15 am with dog and fresh Cumbie coffee There is far more to do up there than one could do in a month - or a summer. Very pleasant not to own a place - no real work. The locals grow the local veggies for us. Cheap and good. We had 9 of us just in our (large) place alone including my vigorous in-laws (and not counting the rambunctious 2 year-old), and my relatives were all local too for a week or two. One bought a place up there, but I prefer the freedom of renting: ownership is just work, worry, and expense. With the $ from a second home one could explore the world for the rest of one's life. Why bother, unless a billionaire with servants and property managers? What's the point of ownership? We are brief sojourners here on earth, and all is on lease from God if not from a bank or a landlord. August is an annual family tradition up there on the Cape. A fine thing indeed, but still a little strange with my parents gone even tho my fun sibs (5 of us) and their kids pop in daily for coffee or free beer, or a harbor swim with our pup. - Two stage theaters and ye olde South Wellfleet Drive In - no time for that this year - Body-surfing on the ocean at low tide - 2 times - not enuf. It's the supreme activity, IMO, along with skiing and sex. Is it cold? You betcha. Glacial. The gals use boogie boards to minimize the fun of boobs popping out; I just use my youthful body the way my Dad taught me to. - Pond swimming to de-salt after ocean - only twice. My bro introduced me to Dyer Pond though - you hike through the woods to find it. It's another kettle pond way off the roads. Post-glacial. - Long swims in the harbor with the pup, in our back yard - daily at higher tides - Breakfast at The Lighthouse with all - once. Waffles or pancakes with eggs and bacon. - Lobster supper buffet for BD and Mrs. BD's birthdays for 22 people - family and friends - at our place - only once! Twenty-two 1 1/2 lb. lobsters (thanks, Pops) plus wine, beer, potato salad, green salad, grilled corn on the cob, and birthday cake. - Swims at Duck Harbor - twice and nother time to play with the rugrat. - Great Island 7-mile hike - once - 5 am walk in the harbor over Uncle Tim's bridge for the pup to sniff around and poo - daily - Dinners out: Once at Pearl, only once at Mac's, once at Moby's. Mac's is perhaps best, but I just like the Moby's family place. I had the gluten-free chocolate cake at Mac's for dessert, but I had to ask for extra gluten because of my gluten-deficiency disorder. - Dog woods hike - once. Lots of poison ivy but lots of ripe wild blackberries - Marsh kayaking and pond kayaking - no time on this trip - Fishing - not enuf time - Whaler rental to zoom all around - a pupette did that with her friend. Great fun of course. Dramatic arrival to our birthday party - Lunch at The Beachcomber - no time - Biking - the lad did quite a bit with the rugrat in the bike trailer. The Cape seems designed for biking. - Harbor Freeze for after-dinner ice cream - only twice. The gals like peppermint with sprinkles and chocolate sauce. Sheesh. - Time lazing on some beach like a lazy lump - zero, as usual. Our family is terribly lacking in the decadent talent of "relaxing". Relax when dead. - All the galleries - we always stroll through many of them. John Grillo still alive and working at 92. - Shakespeare in the Park - no time for it - Tennis at the club - only once - Shopping? Only for seafood and produce. Lots of it. Oh - some wine and beer too. - Yoga? The gals were too busy. - Golf? Our golfer was home with a new little bitty one but there is a lovely links-style course there - Daily morning 5-10 mile run concluding with a one-mile pond swim? My sibs do that, often with their kids. I provide coffee or water for them. Lunatics. I usta do that, but it no longer charms me. - TV and/or movies? Zero - Surfing internets? Zero - Clamming ? - no time to even get the license. Tons of them, tho, in the mudflats. Carpe diem, friends.
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