Laurinda Calongne is in a runoff to be the GOP candidate for Congress in Louisiana's 6th District. It was very close, but she made it to the next round aginst an opponent who "everyone" (whoever that is anymore) thought was a shoo in to clinch it on the first ballot.
Your humble blogger will now commence to do the happy dance.
09 March 2008
If You Can Prounounce These Names Correctly....
....You've lived in Massachusetts. And you'll know why this hysterical:
"The Comcast SportsNet advertisement that ran Feb. 28 in the Boston newspaper shows two town signs, one reading, “We can pronounce Worcester,” and the other reading, “Without Sounding Like an Athol."
UPDATE: An image of the offending portion of the ad, via masslive.com:
Associated Press photo
Of course, imagine if you live in Belchertown. FWIW, I think my kids come from there.
UPDATE: I know, I know. Louisiana shouldn't be pointing fingers when it comes to town names. I mean, if you want Boutte, you'll never get there via Dry Prong.
"The Comcast SportsNet advertisement that ran Feb. 28 in the Boston newspaper shows two town signs, one reading, “We can pronounce Worcester,” and the other reading, “Without Sounding Like an Athol."
UPDATE: An image of the offending portion of the ad, via masslive.com:
Associated Press photoOf course, imagine if you live in Belchertown. FWIW, I think my kids come from there.
UPDATE: I know, I know. Louisiana shouldn't be pointing fingers when it comes to town names. I mean, if you want Boutte, you'll never get there via Dry Prong.
07 March 2008
Whatever.
Look, I'll be the first to say that there is a lot to criticize about the recovery in New Orleans. Heck, I’ve criticized it. But some U.N. commission, which never set foot in Louisiana, is now criticizing our recovery and saying it's a possible violation of human rights.
This, from the same organization that can't decide if the organized killing, raping and starving of tens of thousands of Africans in Darfur is "genocide"; that will not condemn the firing of dozens of rockets a month, sometimes dozens a week, into civilian areas in Israel (in fact, it gives those firing the rockets money); that was willing to look the other way, for a few dollars, of course, when Saddam Hussein spent billions on palaces and tanks while his people suffered; and that puts the likes of Libya and Cuba – not exactly stellar champions of human rights - on their commission promoting human rights.
I don't think the U.N. would know a real human rights violation if it came up and bit them on their expense account. So let me respond as gently and as diplomatically as I can:
Dear-U.N.-Persons-Who-Couldn't-Find-Louisiana-On-A-Map-Unless-Some-Staffer-Showed-You,
F**k off.
Hugs,
The Vast Majority of Louisiana
UPDATE: Here's a thought - maybe the reason the UN is opposed to tearing down delapidated, barracks-type housing in New Orleans is because in places like Cuba and North Korea, housing in this condition is the norm. We can't have the Great Satan making all those Worker's Paradises look bad, now can we??
This, from the same organization that can't decide if the organized killing, raping and starving of tens of thousands of Africans in Darfur is "genocide"; that will not condemn the firing of dozens of rockets a month, sometimes dozens a week, into civilian areas in Israel (in fact, it gives those firing the rockets money); that was willing to look the other way, for a few dollars, of course, when Saddam Hussein spent billions on palaces and tanks while his people suffered; and that puts the likes of Libya and Cuba – not exactly stellar champions of human rights - on their commission promoting human rights.
I don't think the U.N. would know a real human rights violation if it came up and bit them on their expense account. So let me respond as gently and as diplomatically as I can:
Dear-U.N.-Persons-Who-Couldn't-Find-Louisiana-On-A-Map-Unless-Some-Staffer-Showed-You,
F**k off.
Hugs,
The Vast Majority of Louisiana
UPDATE: Here's a thought - maybe the reason the UN is opposed to tearing down delapidated, barracks-type housing in New Orleans is because in places like Cuba and North Korea, housing in this condition is the norm. We can't have the Great Satan making all those Worker's Paradises look bad, now can we??
Oh No, He Didn't Say That.
Yep. He did. The Mouth Mayor of New Orleans strikes again:
"How am I gonna stand up and say, I'm a 'vagina-friendly' Mayor to these cameras after 'Chocolate City' and some of the other stuff that I've done. But you know what? I'm in."
If you're a guy, isn't that the point??
"How am I gonna stand up and say, I'm a 'vagina-friendly' Mayor to these cameras after 'Chocolate City' and some of the other stuff that I've done. But you know what? I'm in."
If you're a guy, isn't that the point??
Friday Lunchtime Distraction.
Here's a few things to peruse while you take your noonday meal, courtesy of Dark Roasted Blend.
And for those of you top dog types with longer lunch hours, there's more here.
And for those of you top dog types with longer lunch hours, there's more here.
Laurinda Calongne Interview.
My interview with Laurinda Calongne is up at Louisiana Conservative Dot Com. Laurinda is running for the Sixth District Congressional seat recently vacated by Richard Baker.
It also got a link at Dead Pelican.
It also got a link at Dead Pelican.
06 March 2008
Be Quiet; I'm Speaking For You.
Remember back before Christmas all those "housing advocates" in New Orleans who tried to stop the demolition of four run-down housing projects? They got a lot of moral support, and a lot of air time, claiming they were "speaking for" the displaced residents. One small problem: When someone finally asked those displaced residents what they wanted, more than 80% of those responding didn't want to go back into those projects the advocates wanted to save.
Read the whole thing, and you'll see two other interesting facts: First, more than half of the HANO families are living back in the New Orleans - so much for that "keeping the poor away" meme. And second, this was the "housing advocates" own survey! (Done in collusion with their chief ally in Congress, Rep Maxine Waters, D-CA.) Oops!
I have said this before, I'll say it again: I think the only interests all those "advocates" were advocating was their own, and the residents were just a vehicle to that end. It was all about the exposure, and proving a pre-determined point.
Full disclosure: My firm is the architect for the demolition of the four housing projects. I am from New Orleans. I knew early on taking those projects down - and replacing them with more livable, humanly-scaled housing in a neighborhood setting - was the right thing to do. Anyone with an ounce of compassion for the residents, and who knew the facts, would reach the same conclusion.
Read the whole thing, and you'll see two other interesting facts: First, more than half of the HANO families are living back in the New Orleans - so much for that "keeping the poor away" meme. And second, this was the "housing advocates" own survey! (Done in collusion with their chief ally in Congress, Rep Maxine Waters, D-CA.) Oops!
I have said this before, I'll say it again: I think the only interests all those "advocates" were advocating was their own, and the residents were just a vehicle to that end. It was all about the exposure, and proving a pre-determined point.
Full disclosure: My firm is the architect for the demolition of the four housing projects. I am from New Orleans. I knew early on taking those projects down - and replacing them with more livable, humanly-scaled housing in a neighborhood setting - was the right thing to do. Anyone with an ounce of compassion for the residents, and who knew the facts, would reach the same conclusion.
In the Eye Of The Beholder.
Katrina as seen through a different lens - that of photographer Chris Jordan. (At his website, scroll down to In Katrina's Wake, click on the image, and go through his photos.) Because our families lived through this, I just can't bring myself to call them beautiful. Though they are haunting, and I highly recommend you buy his book. I am.
He Doesn't Do "Invitations Into Deeper Conversations About Holding Positions More Lightly While He Seeks Visions Of Shalom In Relationship With..."
If you're wondering how The Episcopal Church (tm) and their "New Thing" are being accepted by other Sacramental churches, Chris Johnson postulates an example that will leave you in stitches.
Speaking Fiction To Power.
Here is a new non-fiction book which, according to this article, is about the author's "life as a half-white, half-Native American girl growing up in South-Central Los Angeles as a foster child among gang-bangers, running drugs for the Bloods."
The book has received critrical acclaim. The article says The Times called it a “humane and deeply affecting memoir,” and Entertainment Weekly said it was a "powerful story of resilience and unconditional love.”
So far, so good. Except for a tiny detail the author forgot to mention. The author is actually:
"...all white and grew up in the well-to-do Sherman Oaks section of Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley, with her biological family. She graduated from the Campbell Hall School, a private Episcopal day school in the North Hollywood neighborhood. She has never lived with a foster family, nor did she run drugs for any gang members. Nor did she graduate from the University of Oregon, as she had claimed."
Oops. But she did graduate from an Episcopal high school. Which doesn't surprise me in the least, given her excuse after the truth came to light:
"“For whatever reason, I was really torn and I thought it was my opportunity to put a voice to people who people don’t listen to,” Ms. Seltzer said. “I was in a position where at one point people said you should speak for us because nobody else is going to let us in to talk. Maybe it’s an ego thing — I don’t know. I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.”
(emphasis mine)
Now where have we heard that kind of vacuous, self-important, post-modernist twaddle before? Oh, yes. Places like this bastion of Episcopal Newsspeak. (See the third paragraph down.) I will agree with them about one thing - as the arts go, so goes the community. So what does this fakery say about the state of the arts today? And about that "community?" And what does it say about the credibility of all those art "critics" who gave it fawning, un-critical praise?
UPDATE: Good question: Are there now so many half-white, half-Native America, drug-running young girls in gangs who grew up in foster homes that they need someone to speak for them? Please.
The book has received critrical acclaim. The article says The Times called it a “humane and deeply affecting memoir,” and Entertainment Weekly said it was a "powerful story of resilience and unconditional love.”
So far, so good. Except for a tiny detail the author forgot to mention. The author is actually:
"...all white and grew up in the well-to-do Sherman Oaks section of Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley, with her biological family. She graduated from the Campbell Hall School, a private Episcopal day school in the North Hollywood neighborhood. She has never lived with a foster family, nor did she run drugs for any gang members. Nor did she graduate from the University of Oregon, as she had claimed."
Oops. But she did graduate from an Episcopal high school. Which doesn't surprise me in the least, given her excuse after the truth came to light:
"“For whatever reason, I was really torn and I thought it was my opportunity to put a voice to people who people don’t listen to,” Ms. Seltzer said. “I was in a position where at one point people said you should speak for us because nobody else is going to let us in to talk. Maybe it’s an ego thing — I don’t know. I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.”
(emphasis mine)
Now where have we heard that kind of vacuous, self-important, post-modernist twaddle before? Oh, yes. Places like this bastion of Episcopal Newsspeak. (See the third paragraph down.) I will agree with them about one thing - as the arts go, so goes the community. So what does this fakery say about the state of the arts today? And about that "community?" And what does it say about the credibility of all those art "critics" who gave it fawning, un-critical praise?
UPDATE: Good question: Are there now so many half-white, half-Native America, drug-running young girls in gangs who grew up in foster homes that they need someone to speak for them? Please.
05 March 2008
Is That A 'Meis' In Your Living Room, Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?
Oh my God. I really am a white person.
From here.
UPDATE: I can't help it - I want one of these for the house (with the footstool, of course), and a couple of these for my office.
From here.
UPDATE: I can't help it - I want one of these for the house (with the footstool, of course), and a couple of these for my office.
04 March 2008
Once More Into The Breach, Dear Friends...
Charlie Foxtrot received orders to deploy to the "Sandbox". For the third time. Please stop by and let him know how much you appreciate his service, and the scarifices he - and his family - bear for our freedom.
She's No Ronald Reagan.
Hillary Clinton puts out her own "Bear In The Woods" commercial. Watch the reaction. Ouch.
She really is the Queen of Negative.
She really is the Queen of Negative.
Eventually, Everyone's Hit Points Drop To Zero.
And you can't roll 2d20s forever. The creator of Dungeons and Dragons, Gary Gygax, has died. Like Matthew, I spent more time in college playing his creation than I care to admit. Our little band of intrepid architecture students, and our wives and girlfriends, after a project was turned in would spend entire weekends drinking beer and killing hordes of orcs. And when topping imaginary orcs got boring, we would spend entire weekends drinking beer and killing off hordes of Warner Brothers cartoon characters, German philosophers, and Seseme Street puppets. Once we even tackled a dungeon populated by an army of ravaging game show hosts.
OK, so we weren't purists. Sue me.
UPDATE: This seems especially timely: What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?
As for me...
I Am A: Lawful Good Human Cleric (7th Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-11
Dexterity-17
Constitution-12
Intelligence-16
Wisdom-16
Charisma-15
Alignment:
Lawful Good A lawful good character acts as a good person is expected or required to act. He combines a commitment to oppose evil with the discipline to fight relentlessly. He tells the truth, keeps his word, helps those in need, and speaks out against injustice. A lawful good character hates to see the guilty go unpunished. Lawful good is the best alignment you can be because it combines honor and compassion. However, lawful good can be a dangerous alignment because it restricts freedom and criminalizes self-interest.
Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.
Class:
Clerics act as intermediaries between the earthly and the divine (or infernal) worlds. A good cleric helps those in need, while an evil cleric seeks to spread his patron's vision of evil across the world. All clerics can heal wounds and bring people back from the brink of death, and powerful clerics can even raise the dead. Likewise, all clerics have authority over undead creatures, and they can turn away or even destroy these creatures. Clerics are trained in the use of simple weapons, and can use all forms of armor and shields without penalty, since armor does not interfere with the casting of divine spells. In addition to his normal complement of spells, every cleric chooses to focus on two of his deity's domains. These domains grants the cleric special powers, and give him access to spells that he might otherwise never learn. A cleric's Wisdom score should be high, since this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
OK, so we weren't purists. Sue me.
UPDATE: This seems especially timely: What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?
As for me...
I Am A: Lawful Good Human Cleric (7th Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-11
Dexterity-17
Constitution-12
Intelligence-16
Wisdom-16
Charisma-15
Alignment:
Lawful Good A lawful good character acts as a good person is expected or required to act. He combines a commitment to oppose evil with the discipline to fight relentlessly. He tells the truth, keeps his word, helps those in need, and speaks out against injustice. A lawful good character hates to see the guilty go unpunished. Lawful good is the best alignment you can be because it combines honor and compassion. However, lawful good can be a dangerous alignment because it restricts freedom and criminalizes self-interest.
Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.
Class:
Clerics act as intermediaries between the earthly and the divine (or infernal) worlds. A good cleric helps those in need, while an evil cleric seeks to spread his patron's vision of evil across the world. All clerics can heal wounds and bring people back from the brink of death, and powerful clerics can even raise the dead. Likewise, all clerics have authority over undead creatures, and they can turn away or even destroy these creatures. Clerics are trained in the use of simple weapons, and can use all forms of armor and shields without penalty, since armor does not interfere with the casting of divine spells. In addition to his normal complement of spells, every cleric chooses to focus on two of his deity's domains. These domains grants the cleric special powers, and give him access to spells that he might otherwise never learn. A cleric's Wisdom score should be high, since this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
03 March 2008
Well, Duh......
If you live in flyover country, the results of this poll have been pretty obvious for a while:
"Nearly 70 percent of Americans believe traditional journalism is out of touch, and nearly half are turning to the Internet to get their news, according to a new survey.
While most people think journalism is important to the quality of life, 64 percent are dissatisfied with the quality of journalism in their communities, a We Media/Zogby Interactive online poll showed."
And the remaining 36 percent? They are gonna vote for Hillary or Obama no matter what.
"Nearly 70 percent of Americans believe traditional journalism is out of touch, and nearly half are turning to the Internet to get their news, according to a new survey.
While most people think journalism is important to the quality of life, 64 percent are dissatisfied with the quality of journalism in their communities, a We Media/Zogby Interactive online poll showed."
And the remaining 36 percent? They are gonna vote for Hillary or Obama no matter what.
02 March 2008
Conventional Wisdom.
As I said in an earlier post, the Diocese of Louisiana held their annual convention at my church in Baton Rouge. I was there as part of the host church's volunteer group, not as a delegate or observer, so I didn't get to see much of the sessions. But what I can tell you, ye Episcopal news junkies, is this:
1. In their native country, Bishops from South Africa must be paid by the word for homlies. His was darn near 40 minutes. At Evensong. As you can imagine, he lost me when he started going on about "speaking truth to power..."
2. Jackie Bruchi is a very nice person in person.
3. The Doicese did affirm the uniqueness of Christ, without dissent, though I understand it was not in as strong a terms as originally submitted. That this even has to be a topic of debate nowadays says volumes about where The Episcopal Church is, and where it isn't.
4. We are a small group, us 'Piskies. Case in point: I ran into a fellow from my high school youth group at St. Augustine's, Metairie (and later at St. John's, Kenner). We had not seen each other in 30 years.
More tomorrow.
UPDATE: Convention results are here. Nothing much to shout about. Things are pretty much the same. Sorry Jackie lost, though.
1. In their native country, Bishops from South Africa must be paid by the word for homlies. His was darn near 40 minutes. At Evensong. As you can imagine, he lost me when he started going on about "speaking truth to power..."
2. Jackie Bruchi is a very nice person in person.
3. The Doicese did affirm the uniqueness of Christ, without dissent, though I understand it was not in as strong a terms as originally submitted. That this even has to be a topic of debate nowadays says volumes about where The Episcopal Church is, and where it isn't.
4. We are a small group, us 'Piskies. Case in point: I ran into a fellow from my high school youth group at St. Augustine's, Metairie (and later at St. John's, Kenner). We had not seen each other in 30 years.
More tomorrow.
UPDATE: Convention results are here. Nothing much to shout about. Things are pretty much the same. Sorry Jackie lost, though.
29 February 2008
In the Pulpit: A Different Rowan Tells It Like It Is.
Here's something to set the mood for the weekend. I will be working at the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Annual Convention tomorrow, which should prove very interesting. Very, very interesting.
More later.
28 February 2008
The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture
My wife's day. Every day. As Bill Cosby once said, "I've seen her job. And I don't want it."
27 February 2008
Onto A Greater Firing Line.
William F. Buckley, Jr., the founder of the modern conservative movement, a died today.
National Review remembers.
National Review remembers.
Be An Angel.
A Soldier's Angel, that is. My fellow Louisiana blogger, Greta Perry, is hosting an event in Mandeville, Louisiana, to collect funds and items for an R&R 'cafe' for a 4thID battalion in Iraq, . According to the press release, she is looking for:
"coffee, tea, specialty coffee machines, tea brewing items, aluminum mugs, board games, DVDs, snacks for a cafe', signs and decorations to make this cafe' complete."
If you want more info on how you can help her out, go here.
"coffee, tea, specialty coffee machines, tea brewing items, aluminum mugs, board games, DVDs, snacks for a cafe', signs and decorations to make this cafe' complete."
If you want more info on how you can help her out, go here.
Dianetics Uber Alles.
We always suspected Scientology as being a bit of a rip-off, but now it appears it literally was - from a 1934 German treatise.
The original German author of 'Scientologie 1934', one Dr. Anastasius Nordenholz, co-founded in 1904 with Alfred Plotez a periodical called, 'The Archive for Racial and Social Biology, Inclusive of Racial and Social Hygiene'. With thinking like that, it's not surprising his treatise on "Scientologie" would appear in Germany in 1934, considering who came to power in Germany in 1933 with all of their wacky "scientific" ideas about biology and race. The English translator of 'Scientologie 1934', Woodward R. McPheeters, even says of Nordenholz' early writings, "I have since speculated that I was looking at the basic source point for the Hitler theories...."
The original German author of 'Scientologie 1934', one Dr. Anastasius Nordenholz, co-founded in 1904 with Alfred Plotez a periodical called, 'The Archive for Racial and Social Biology, Inclusive of Racial and Social Hygiene'. With thinking like that, it's not surprising his treatise on "Scientologie" would appear in Germany in 1934, considering who came to power in Germany in 1933 with all of their wacky "scientific" ideas about biology and race. The English translator of 'Scientologie 1934', Woodward R. McPheeters, even says of Nordenholz' early writings, "I have since speculated that I was looking at the basic source point for the Hitler theories...."
26 February 2008
The Voice For Chenge.
Remember that Che Guevara flag hanging in the Obama campaign office the other day? Well, someone got creative:
Hattip: Charlie Foxtrot.
Hattip: Charlie Foxtrot.
And The Winner Is.....
How did I miss this? The incomparable Stephen Green at VodkaPundit "Drunkbloged" the Oscars, and gave probably the best review of this year's over-moneyed, over-indulgent love-fest of lefties, sorry, gala.
Read it all.
Read it all.
The More Someone Uses The Word "Change," The More Things Stay The Same.
Let's see now - a multi-million dollar loan from a corrupt foreign national. Check. Handled by a murky fundraiser currently under invsetigation. Check. Resulting in a sweet real estate deal for a Democrat presidential contender. Check.
Hillary? Not this time - it's Barak Obama, who is in a bit of, um, Whitewater over this questionable scheme to allegedly finance some property:
"A British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions of dollars to Barack Obama's fundraiser just weeks before an imprudent land deal that has returned to haunt the presidential contender, an investigation by The Times discloses.
The money transfer raises the question of whether funds from Nadhmi Auchi, one of Britain’s wealthiest men, helped Mr Obama buy his mock Georgian mansion in Chicago.
A company related to Mr Auchi, who has a conviction for corruption in France, registered the loan to Mr Obama's bagman Antoin "Tony" Rezko on May 23 2005. Mr Auchi says the loan, through the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA, was for $3.5 million.
Three weeks later, Mr Obama bought a house on the city's South Side while Mr Rezko's wife bought the garden plot next door from the same seller on the same day, June 15."
UPDATE: As of 12:45pm CST, dead silence in reporting this story by the American Mainstream Media. ABC News. Check. NBC/MSNBC News. Check. CBS News. Check. The New York Times. Check. Not like this should surprise anyone.
Hillary? Not this time - it's Barak Obama, who is in a bit of, um, Whitewater over this questionable scheme to allegedly finance some property:
"A British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions of dollars to Barack Obama's fundraiser just weeks before an imprudent land deal that has returned to haunt the presidential contender, an investigation by The Times discloses.
The money transfer raises the question of whether funds from Nadhmi Auchi, one of Britain’s wealthiest men, helped Mr Obama buy his mock Georgian mansion in Chicago.
A company related to Mr Auchi, who has a conviction for corruption in France, registered the loan to Mr Obama's bagman Antoin "Tony" Rezko on May 23 2005. Mr Auchi says the loan, through the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA, was for $3.5 million.
Three weeks later, Mr Obama bought a house on the city's South Side while Mr Rezko's wife bought the garden plot next door from the same seller on the same day, June 15."
UPDATE: As of 12:45pm CST, dead silence in reporting this story by the American Mainstream Media. ABC News. Check. NBC/MSNBC News. Check. CBS News. Check. The New York Times. Check. Not like this should surprise anyone.
25 February 2008
Reason 8,658 I Am Glad I Live In The USA.
In the UK nowadays, it appears that protecting your own life is a crime:
"A shopkeeper could be charged with murder after an armed robber who tried to steal the day’s takings was stabbed with his own knife during a struggle.
Tony Singh, 34, described as a hard-working family man who often works 13-hour days, was ambushed as he shut his shop on Sunday evening by Liam Kilroe, 25, a career criminal who was armed with a knife."
And who does the Crown think the "victim" is in this case? This guy:
"Kilroe, of Billinge, near St Helens, who had convictions stretching back nine years, was in breach of bail conditions at the time of his death. He had failed to appear in court to answer charges that he carried out armed robberies at a shop and post office with an imitation firearm. In one raid a postmaster was hit over the head with a handgun but the robbers fled empty-handed. In a second robbery, at a general shop in Croston, Leyland, they forced a woman behind the counter to open the till at gunpoint and hand over £8,000."
Hattip: Samizdata.net
"A shopkeeper could be charged with murder after an armed robber who tried to steal the day’s takings was stabbed with his own knife during a struggle.
Tony Singh, 34, described as a hard-working family man who often works 13-hour days, was ambushed as he shut his shop on Sunday evening by Liam Kilroe, 25, a career criminal who was armed with a knife."
And who does the Crown think the "victim" is in this case? This guy:
"Kilroe, of Billinge, near St Helens, who had convictions stretching back nine years, was in breach of bail conditions at the time of his death. He had failed to appear in court to answer charges that he carried out armed robberies at a shop and post office with an imitation firearm. In one raid a postmaster was hit over the head with a handgun but the robbers fled empty-handed. In a second robbery, at a general shop in Croston, Leyland, they forced a woman behind the counter to open the till at gunpoint and hand over £8,000."
Hattip: Samizdata.net
Today's Required Reading.
Bill Kristol unloads on Barak Obama and his incredible sense of self-importance, in of all places The New York Times:
"So we don’t have to work to improve our souls. Our broken souls can be fixed — by our voting for Barack Obama. We don’t have to fight or sacrifice to help our country. Our uninvolved and uninformed lives can be changed — by our choosing Barack Obama. America can become a nation to be proud of — by letting ourselves be led by Barack Obama."
But my favorite line is at the end of the piece:
"Paul Krugman is off today."
Just today??
"So we don’t have to work to improve our souls. Our broken souls can be fixed — by our voting for Barack Obama. We don’t have to fight or sacrifice to help our country. Our uninvolved and uninformed lives can be changed — by our choosing Barack Obama. America can become a nation to be proud of — by letting ourselves be led by Barack Obama."
But my favorite line is at the end of the piece:
"Paul Krugman is off today."
Just today??
The Trunk Monkey
Here's a great way to start the week - creative auto dealer ads. I don't know about you, but I'd buy a car from these folks.
22 February 2008
Obama: Army Having To Capture Weapons To Fight.
That's a pretty explosive charge - which doesn't seem to be getting much attention. Were he a Republican saying that about a Democrat President, the Mainstream Media would be all over him to prove it.
UPDATE: It appears that ABC News talked to the officer in question, and says Obama's story is confirmed. But Ace of Spades says not so fast...
Having served, I tend to side with Ace. Units often deploy and operate under-strength, and sometimes (more than sometimes!) the equipment you need isn't there when you need it. But a good officer or NCO knows what to do in cases like that, and follows the old rule: "change, adapt, overcome." If that means mounting the DShK you have if you can't find an M-2 in time, you do it. Then you execute the mission and you move on.
Stephen Ambrose used to say that what made the American military so good was the ability of our personnel to adapt and be creative in a given situation. When we ran into the hedgerows in France in 1944, our soldiers didn't complain that Roosevelt had sent them into battle ill-prepared, they figured out how to weld up teeth to the front of tanks to cut down the hedgerows. And they took the metal for those teeth from German anti-tank barricades.
More than anything, what Obama mentioned illustrated that the ingenuity and level of professionalism of the soldiers in today’s Army remains that of the Greatest Generation. That, and the fact that there are always complainers in the military - even officers.
UPDATE "Walker," a veteran of Iraq in 2004-05, has left an excellent reply in the comments section. Well worth reading.
20 Years Ago Yesterday.
Jimmy Swaggart admitted he 'sinned' - or, more specifically, admitted he had been caught in a sleezy motel outside of New Olreans with a prostitute.
I was working in Back Bay Boston in 1988 when all this hit the news, and it was my first time seeing a major news event in my home state as others saw it. It was not pretty. But it did gave me an acute awareness of how others saw Louisiana and Louisianaians, and unfortunately how many continue to see us today.
I was working in Back Bay Boston in 1988 when all this hit the news, and it was my first time seeing a major news event in my home state as others saw it. It was not pretty. But it did gave me an acute awareness of how others saw Louisiana and Louisianaians, and unfortunately how many continue to see us today.
Friday Morning History Lesson.
It's about as accurate as some of Hillary Clinton's history lessons, just a lot funnier. Plus, Eric Idle looks better in a dress.
21 February 2008
Ray Nagin Hates Me.
Well, people like me, actually. From this interview with WWL-TV:
"Well because, your newscast, the local newspapers, are feeding these awful, ugly talk shows that are feeding these blogs. If you go look at some of these blogs out there and some of the stories that come from the paper and you read the comments, it’s some of the most vile, angry, people that I’ve ever seen in this community."
Ray, coming from you I take that as a compliment. Let me state for the record that I am not vile (I wash daily) nor am I angry (I am smiling even as I write this). I am certainly not a bigot. What I am, however, is someone who thinks you are utterly unfit to govern the city of my birth.
And each time you open your mouth, sir, you prove my point.
"Well because, your newscast, the local newspapers, are feeding these awful, ugly talk shows that are feeding these blogs. If you go look at some of these blogs out there and some of the stories that come from the paper and you read the comments, it’s some of the most vile, angry, people that I’ve ever seen in this community."
Ray, coming from you I take that as a compliment. Let me state for the record that I am not vile (I wash daily) nor am I angry (I am smiling even as I write this). I am certainly not a bigot. What I am, however, is someone who thinks you are utterly unfit to govern the city of my birth.
And each time you open your mouth, sir, you prove my point.
Clown Communion
For those who thought my link to Trinity Church's "Clown Eucharist" was a joke, watch the video.
They are actually proud of this service.
20 February 2008
Send In The Clowns......
For pity's sake, do not let Trinity Episcopal Church, Wall Street, know about this list of the worst worship innovations. They won't know it's a joke. Really.
My Favorite:
Speed Lent - Combining Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter, all in one hour.
Hattip: The Ontario Emperor.
My Favorite:
Speed Lent - Combining Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter, all in one hour.
Hattip: The Ontario Emperor.
Thank You, Ronald Reagan.
Back in the '80's, the all-knowing elites billed the "Star Wars" missle defense program as the wacked-out fantasy of a derranged old cowboy that was sure to trigger Armageddon. But if this story is confirmed, it is now a deployable American reality sure to make several leftist dictators world leaders crap their pants.
And if it does, I couldn't be happier.
UPDATE: Confirmed. Shot down by a guided missle cruiser. Let's see Putin's navy do that.
And if it does, I couldn't be happier.
UPDATE: Confirmed. Shot down by a guided missle cruiser. Let's see Putin's navy do that.
The Ultimate Geek Combination.
After that last post, I think we need to lighten things up a bit:
Star Trek Meets Monty Python.
Pop Theology Meets A Real Question.
And can't answer it. How currently Episcopalian.
Hattip: Stand Firm.
You Have No Right To Defend Yourself.
At least, that's the belief of the United Nations. David Kopel, Paul Gallant and Joanne D. Eisen respond in this excellent article that individual self-defense is not only a human right, it is the most basic of all human rights. I agree.
The article is long and legalistic (it's from a law review journal), but it is today's required reading.
Hattip: Matthew and The Volokh Conspiracy.
The article is long and legalistic (it's from a law review journal), but it is today's required reading.
Hattip: Matthew and The Volokh Conspiracy.
19 February 2008
Tuesday Evening Distraction.
Before he played a caustic, drug-addicted doctor, Hugh Laurie did Shakespeare. Well, sort of. And with Rowan Atkinson, too.
Real Live Aid.
Why do we need the Millennium Development Goals (peace be upon them) in Africa when we have..... George Bush. Yes, THAT George Bush. Listen to what Bob Geldof, the Irish singer and Live Aid organizer, had to say recently:
Mr. Geldof praised Mr. Bush for his work in delivering billions to fight disease and poverty in Africa, and blasted the U.S. press for ignoring the achievement.
Mr. Bush, said Mr. Geldof, "has done more than any other president so far."
"This is the triumph of American policy really," he said. "It was probably unexpected of the man. It was expected of the nation, but not of the man, but both rose to the occasion."
"What's in it for [Mr. Bush]? Absolutely nothing," Mr. Geldof said.
The difference between Republicans and Democrats:
Matthew 6:2-4.
Mr. Geldof praised Mr. Bush for his work in delivering billions to fight disease and poverty in Africa, and blasted the U.S. press for ignoring the achievement.
Mr. Bush, said Mr. Geldof, "has done more than any other president so far."
"This is the triumph of American policy really," he said. "It was probably unexpected of the man. It was expected of the nation, but not of the man, but both rose to the occasion."
"What's in it for [Mr. Bush]? Absolutely nothing," Mr. Geldof said.
The difference between Republicans and Democrats:
Matthew 6:2-4.
This Would Make The Book Of Common Prayer More Fun To Read....
As far as theological innovations go, this is one I could support: A pastor issues a challenge for the couples in his congregation to have sex every day for the next 30 days. Couples who are married, that is - the unwed should refrain from sex for 30 days.
The pastor says this is a way to strengthen marriage, bring busy spouses together, and reduce divorce.
Will it work? Dunno. But I'm willing to try. For the good of the Church, of course.
The pastor says this is a way to strengthen marriage, bring busy spouses together, and reduce divorce.
Will it work? Dunno. But I'm willing to try. For the good of the Church, of course.
18 February 2008
An Inconvienent History.
The New York Times - the "Paper of Record" according to our Lefty friends - won't let a few facts stand in the way of some of good 'ol historical revisionism in support of The Queen and her recent coronation efforts. Charlie Foxtrot has details.
Such a blunder (if it was a blunder) getting past a "journalist," with all that professionalism and all those editors, just reinforces why the mainstream media's credibility continues to sink, and more and more people find their news on the wide open Internet. Like me, they like their news "free-range" - not processed and packaged.
Charlie Foxtrot is an interesting milblog worth watching, so poke around a bit. Plus, he seems to be a fan of God's Team, so you know he rates high in my book.
Hattip: Instapundit.
Such a blunder (if it was a blunder) getting past a "journalist," with all that professionalism and all those editors, just reinforces why the mainstream media's credibility continues to sink, and more and more people find their news on the wide open Internet. Like me, they like their news "free-range" - not processed and packaged.
Charlie Foxtrot is an interesting milblog worth watching, so poke around a bit. Plus, he seems to be a fan of God's Team, so you know he rates high in my book.
Hattip: Instapundit.
15 February 2008
Was This All "Unavoidable"?
Our recent theological kerfuffle in the Anglican Communion is getting some mainstream attention, thanks again to the earlier comments of Our Gracious Lord Of Canterbury.
Rowan Williams - the gift that keeps on giving.
Rowan Williams - the gift that keeps on giving.
14 February 2008
Don't Worry; Only His Mouth Is Loaded.
A thousand words of irony. Or disgust. From nola.com comes this classic image of New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin and his trusty Police Chief Warren Riley - at a "public safety" press conference, no less - demonstrating how to safely handle some, um.... "assault weapons":
Image by: Eliot Kamenitz, The Times-Picayune
More here. It's usually big-city mayors and police chiefs, like the two above, who most loudly clamor for an "assault weapons ban." I'd agree - but only if it applied to elected officials and their flunkies.
Image by: Eliot Kamenitz, The Times-Picayune
More here. It's usually big-city mayors and police chiefs, like the two above, who most loudly clamor for an "assault weapons ban." I'd agree - but only if it applied to elected officials and their flunkies.
A Fair Exchange.
I think this pretty much sums up the current conflict between Islamic Supremacism and Western Freedom:
"Keep your Burka; I'll keep my Clitoris!!"
Also note how recent comments by Our Gracious Lord of Canterbury get a mention. ++Rowan Williams is, alas, becoming the new poster boy for Western appeasement of Islamism, and the credibility of the Anglican Communion is suffering as a consequence. I think it is time for him to go.
Hattip: Instapundit.
"Keep your Burka; I'll keep my Clitoris!!"
Also note how recent comments by Our Gracious Lord of Canterbury get a mention. ++Rowan Williams is, alas, becoming the new poster boy for Western appeasement of Islamism, and the credibility of the Anglican Communion is suffering as a consequence. I think it is time for him to go.
Hattip: Instapundit.
12 February 2008
Here's Looking At You, Squidward.
Want to get right into the serious stuff this morning? Nah, me either. So let's start the day with the Spongebob actors overdubbing some famous movie scenes.
Why Voting McCain Is So Critical.
I'll be the first to say that I'm not wild about pulling the lever for John McCain. But take a look at this video clip from a Houston television station showing the opening of a local Barak Obama office. Notice the image on the flag on the wall.
Now, pick your jaw up off the floor.
UPDATE: Little Green Footballs has still images, and a lame response from the Obama campaign.
UPDATE: How about this in response - a US flag with a stylized Ronald Reagan on it. I'd buy one.
Now, pick your jaw up off the floor.
UPDATE: Little Green Footballs has still images, and a lame response from the Obama campaign.
UPDATE: How about this in response - a US flag with a stylized Ronald Reagan on it. I'd buy one.
An "Unavoidable" Statistic.
Note to Our Gracious Lord of Centerbury: here is your "unavoidable" shiara law currently in action in the UK:
"Up to 17,000 women in Britain are being subjected to "honour" related violence, including murder, every year, according to police chiefs.
And official figures on forced marriages are the tip of the iceberg, says the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
It warns that the number of girls falling victim to forced marriages, kidnappings, sexual assaults, beatings and even murder by relatives intent on upholding the "honour" of their family is up to 35 times higher than official figures suggest."
"Up to 17,000 women in Britain are being subjected to "honour" related violence, including murder, every year, according to police chiefs.
And official figures on forced marriages are the tip of the iceberg, says the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
It warns that the number of girls falling victim to forced marriages, kidnappings, sexual assaults, beatings and even murder by relatives intent on upholding the "honour" of their family is up to 35 times higher than official figures suggest."
An "Unavoidable" Reaction.
11 February 2008
Michael Yon Reports.
Michael Yon is back in Iraq, and he says that South Baghdad is quiet enough that he didn't need a flak vest and helmet while walking about. That's progress.
He also says to keep you eye on Mosul. Al Queda may be on the ropes in Iraq, but Yon says they have learned from their mistakes and are trying to set up shop now in Mosul. He says another nasty fight could well be looming.
Here is Yon's latest post. Note that hs is on the Dennis Miller Show today, and on NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' tomorrow. So check him out.
He also says to keep you eye on Mosul. Al Queda may be on the ropes in Iraq, but Yon says they have learned from their mistakes and are trying to set up shop now in Mosul. He says another nasty fight could well be looming.
Here is Yon's latest post. Note that hs is on the Dennis Miller Show today, and on NPR's 'Talk of the Nation' tomorrow. So check him out.
Back To You, Matthew.
10 February 2008
I'm Beginning To Think The Latter.
Following up on his statement about Islamic shiara law being "unavoidable" in the UK, another article asks a basic question about Our Most Gracious Lord of Canterbury: Dhimmi - or Just Dim? Plus, this bit of British understatement, which so clearly defines one of the core problems confronting the Anglican Communion today:
"The man doesn’t even have the courage of his lack of convictions."
UPDATE: I wonder if Our Gracious Lord of Canterbury sees this type of thing as "unavoidable", too?
"The man doesn’t even have the courage of his lack of convictions."
UPDATE: I wonder if Our Gracious Lord of Canterbury sees this type of thing as "unavoidable", too?
08 February 2008
The Archbishop of Canterbury Publicly Defends The Faith.
Just, not the one you'd think. Roger Kimbell comments on the very shallow deep thoughts of Our Gracious Lord of Canterbury with respect to the rise of Islamism. Roger's money quote:
"The proper answer to such gambits was formulated in the 19th century by General Charles Napier when dealing with sutte, the Indian custom of burning a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre: “You say that it is your custom to burn widows. Very well. We also have a custom: when men burn a woman alive, we tie a rope around their necks and we hang them. Build your funeral pyre; beside it, my carpenters will build a gallows. You may follow your custom. And then we will follow ours.”
Works for me.
UPDATE: There are now serious calls for Dr. Williams to step down as Archbishop after his comments on accepting the "inevitability" of Islamic sharia law. I hate to say it, but I agree he should resign. Dr. Williams has proven himself utterly incapable of defending the Faith from threats from within our Communion ("prophetic gifts", etc.), or from outside threats such as Islamism. Is the epitaph of Anglican Christendom going to be, "Stood for nothing; fell for anything?"
UPDATE: I'm wondering how long it will be before we see burquas in "the colors of sunrise"...
"The proper answer to such gambits was formulated in the 19th century by General Charles Napier when dealing with sutte, the Indian custom of burning a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre: “You say that it is your custom to burn widows. Very well. We also have a custom: when men burn a woman alive, we tie a rope around their necks and we hang them. Build your funeral pyre; beside it, my carpenters will build a gallows. You may follow your custom. And then we will follow ours.”
Works for me.
UPDATE: There are now serious calls for Dr. Williams to step down as Archbishop after his comments on accepting the "inevitability" of Islamic sharia law. I hate to say it, but I agree he should resign. Dr. Williams has proven himself utterly incapable of defending the Faith from threats from within our Communion ("prophetic gifts", etc.), or from outside threats such as Islamism. Is the epitaph of Anglican Christendom going to be, "Stood for nothing; fell for anything?"
UPDATE: I'm wondering how long it will be before we see burquas in "the colors of sunrise"...
An Episcopal Bishop In Louisiana Publicly Defends The Faith.
What a novel idea. (The original letter is here.)
Things like this make me wish I lived a few parishes further west.
Things like this make me wish I lived a few parishes further west.
07 February 2008
Don't Bogart That Song, My Friend.
From The Lawrence Welk Show. I guess this version got cut from Easy Rider.
(Top this one, Matthew.)
(Top this one, Matthew.)
04 February 2008
Sorry, I Gave At The Levee.
This Sunday is Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday in The Episcopal Church (tm), and the national church organization is putting on a big push to convince you to give up some dead presidents to the Episcopal Relief and Development organization. To help the poor, of course, and to advance the sacred Millennium Development Goals (peace be upon them). They especially want to help the poor in places where they can help the local Anglican Primate understand how advantageous it could be, dollar-wise, to support The Episcopal Church (tm) in advancing their "prophetic gift."
(My church will likely ignore such agit-prop twaddle this Sunday.)
But remember, my Fellow Episcopalians - there is still work to be done here in America. On the Gulf Coast, for example. So instead of sending your hard-earned cash off to help our Presiding Bishop buy some influence overseas, think about sending it here. Or, here.
UPDATE: A look at the ERD numbers. From what I can tell, in 2005 ERD took in $37,055,150 in contrabutions, handed out $11,562,671 of in aid, and it cost them $4,488,601 to do it. But since I'm no accountant, read it, crunch the numbers, and decide for yourself. Remember, 2005 was the year Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, and pocketbooks opened generously for lots of charities.
(My church will likely ignore such agit-prop twaddle this Sunday.)
But remember, my Fellow Episcopalians - there is still work to be done here in America. On the Gulf Coast, for example. So instead of sending your hard-earned cash off to help our Presiding Bishop buy some influence overseas, think about sending it here. Or, here.
UPDATE: A look at the ERD numbers. From what I can tell, in 2005 ERD took in $37,055,150 in contrabutions, handed out $11,562,671 of in aid, and it cost them $4,488,601 to do it. But since I'm no accountant, read it, crunch the numbers, and decide for yourself. Remember, 2005 was the year Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, and pocketbooks opened generously for lots of charities.
Katherine of Arrogant.
The leadership of The Episcopal Church (tm) throws a bloody fit at the mere mention of any sort of central ecclesiastical authority in the Anglican Communion, a-la the Vatican, which could discipline The Episcopal Church (tm) for their "prophetic gift." But then, here is our good Presiding Bishop running around acting like an Episcopal Pope:
Last week, she attempted to evict the legally elected Standing Committee of a Diocese she does not like, without any authority given her in the Canons and Constitution of our Church to make such a "finding." (They responded.)
And now, she seems to be backing a putsch within The Daughters of the King, a women's group that has Episcopalians, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics as members, to restrict membership to only Episcopalians. Note that The Daughters of the King is not, as far as I know, an official organ of the Episcopal Church(tm). Not does it appear to have ever come out in favor of The Episcopal Church's (tm) "prophetic gift" or prevented other Anglicans from being members. (The latter may be the reason for her interest in a takeover.)
Most of those in DOK I know have been very apolitical when it comes to the Current Unpleasantness (tm); they tend to focus on prayer and service instead. I think, unfortunately for +Katherine, that may well change. It's not nice to piss off a lot of committed women.
Last week, she attempted to evict the legally elected Standing Committee of a Diocese she does not like, without any authority given her in the Canons and Constitution of our Church to make such a "finding." (They responded.)
And now, she seems to be backing a putsch within The Daughters of the King, a women's group that has Episcopalians, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics as members, to restrict membership to only Episcopalians. Note that The Daughters of the King is not, as far as I know, an official organ of the Episcopal Church(tm). Not does it appear to have ever come out in favor of The Episcopal Church's (tm) "prophetic gift" or prevented other Anglicans from being members. (The latter may be the reason for her interest in a takeover.)
Most of those in DOK I know have been very apolitical when it comes to the Current Unpleasantness (tm); they tend to focus on prayer and service instead. I think, unfortunately for +Katherine, that may well change. It's not nice to piss off a lot of committed women.
What A Ride!
Well, dear readers, I’m back, rested, and ready (mostly) to practice some architecture. But I did promise you a post on the day’s events last Friday.
The Mardi Gras Krewe I belong to os one of the older traditional Mardi Gras Krewes, which parades at night in New Orleans proper. We do things the “old fashioned” way – with real flambeaux carriers, Krewe officers on horseback in full, traditional costume (I am one of those), and with ceremonial toasts at Gallier Hall and at the reviewing stands for the King and his Court. For a Krewe, the parade is actually just one of a lot of other parties and celebrations that start back before Christmas.
During Mardi Gras proper our Krewe festivities usually begin with the "den party", and then with a formal dinner last Wednesday night. Our ball / supper dance is on Thursday night, but this year I had to skip the ball due to my daughter being ill.
Friday is our big day - parade day - and for Krewe-members it begins around 11:00 in the morning when we drop off our parade gear at the hotel where we dress, and head over to the French Quarter to “enjoy the day”. For the older, more formal, members of the Krewe, that means lunch in a famous New Orleans eatery. For the rest of us, it means spending lunchtime in a rented hall over a bar on Bourbon Street, with a balcony, a buffet (which always has fried alligator), and an open bar. I think you can see why I prefer the latter party. As Bourbon Street begins to fill up with people, we show them our favor by throwing them beads:
image by Red Stick Rant
And some the crowd often return the favor by giving us a, um, “showing”. I will say no more about that, as small children and spouses may be reading. But know that a suit and tie (the Krewe tie is preferred for members) is required for either of our functions, so our behavior must be upstanding and respectable. Well, mostly upstanding and respectable, anyway.
At around 2:00 the “walking parade” begins. Just imagine a gathering of several hundred men in suits wandering through the Quarter throwing beads. A band leads off, the King follows in a carriage, and we follow the King. To be honest, the walking parade is one of my favorite events. You get to see, and talk to, folks on the street, and most are rather taken aback seeing a bunch of middle-aged men in suits tossing beads. And the crowd in the Quarter this year was very pleasant, as pleasant as I’ve ever seen. The walking parade winds it’s way back to the hotel so we can dress.
Let me digress a bit about the costumes. And remember as you read this, I am straight. My parade costume consists of a mustard colored muumuu and matching cape, both edged in faux ermine and liberally accented with rhinestones and sequins, a silver sequined hat with white ostrich feathers sticking out the top, a silver lamy mask, and white gloves. And that’s not the worst of it – for the parade we wear riding boots and breeches; for the ball we wear white majorette boots and white tights. Only in New Orleans can you call up a girl’s dance shop, ask for majorette boots and white tights in your size and have the sales clerk say, in a matter-of-fact voice, “And what Krewe do you ride with, sir?”
Now, there is no way you are going to get into that getup alone. The costume weighs probably 30 pounds and is hot as hell. So when you arrive to get dressed, you get a valet. Really. A real live Jeeves. He has been doing this for years, and can get you in your costume in minutes. Once in your costume, you look like this (the one on the right is me):
image by Red Stick Rant
Once dressed, we are bussed to the start of the parade and get mounted up on our horses. Now, I do not actually control the horse. The horse has been mildly sedated and is led around by a “walker”. So I’m not so much on a horse, as a one-man float that poops.
The horse is doped up for a good reason: a mildly stoned horse is far less likely to be scared suddenly and do something to hurt either the rider, a spectator, or the horse. Unfortunately, people will sometimes try to scare the horse or do something get the rider dumped. In the past I have had bottles thrown at me, throws tossed back at me, people grabbing or swatting the horse, or even trying to grab my throws from my saddle. Fall off your horse in all that costume onto a concrete street, and you are likely going to the hospital. (This year, for the first time, I had no incidents.)
Before we start the parade, we always have the doubloon “collectors” show up. The horse-mounted officers throw a special doubloon (ours are purple), and doubloon collectors crave them. I don’t know why, but doubloon collectors are almost always overweight, balding, and over 40. And, they are rude. This is why I do not give “collectors” anything.
Once we get started, around 6:00pm, it takes about two blocks for the horse to get used to it all. And then, it gets fun! You spend the next 120 minutes tossing doubloons and beads to crowds yelling “Throw me something, Mister!” And for me, it’s personal. When a float passes, the crown is addressing their plea to anyone on the float; but when I pass, I am alone – the spectators are yelling and waving directly at me. I tend to toss my throws randomly, but for small children and pretty ladies with a smile I will throw directly to them. It always seems to make them smile a wee bit more.
Once we are through the parade, we dismount at the hotel and then this once-a-year horseman remembers what sore is! (Personally, I think riding English is some kind of punishment invented by Satan.) We return to our valet to get uncostumed and get something to eat and drink. Because we are on horseback, and have no ability to “go” during the parade (the floats have porta-lets on board), we quit drinking and eating when the walking parade begins in the early afternoon. So by the time we get back we are starving and thirsty. This year we were treated to a buffet of po-boy sandwiches, turtle soup, and, of course, drinks.
We spend the next hour or so eating, getting dressed, getting packed, and swapping stories about the ride. We are all exhausted. But we are all counting the days until we do it again next year.
The Mardi Gras Krewe I belong to os one of the older traditional Mardi Gras Krewes, which parades at night in New Orleans proper. We do things the “old fashioned” way – with real flambeaux carriers, Krewe officers on horseback in full, traditional costume (I am one of those), and with ceremonial toasts at Gallier Hall and at the reviewing stands for the King and his Court. For a Krewe, the parade is actually just one of a lot of other parties and celebrations that start back before Christmas.
During Mardi Gras proper our Krewe festivities usually begin with the "den party", and then with a formal dinner last Wednesday night. Our ball / supper dance is on Thursday night, but this year I had to skip the ball due to my daughter being ill.
Friday is our big day - parade day - and for Krewe-members it begins around 11:00 in the morning when we drop off our parade gear at the hotel where we dress, and head over to the French Quarter to “enjoy the day”. For the older, more formal, members of the Krewe, that means lunch in a famous New Orleans eatery. For the rest of us, it means spending lunchtime in a rented hall over a bar on Bourbon Street, with a balcony, a buffet (which always has fried alligator), and an open bar. I think you can see why I prefer the latter party. As Bourbon Street begins to fill up with people, we show them our favor by throwing them beads:
image by Red Stick Rant
And some the crowd often return the favor by giving us a, um, “showing”. I will say no more about that, as small children and spouses may be reading. But know that a suit and tie (the Krewe tie is preferred for members) is required for either of our functions, so our behavior must be upstanding and respectable. Well, mostly upstanding and respectable, anyway.
At around 2:00 the “walking parade” begins. Just imagine a gathering of several hundred men in suits wandering through the Quarter throwing beads. A band leads off, the King follows in a carriage, and we follow the King. To be honest, the walking parade is one of my favorite events. You get to see, and talk to, folks on the street, and most are rather taken aback seeing a bunch of middle-aged men in suits tossing beads. And the crowd in the Quarter this year was very pleasant, as pleasant as I’ve ever seen. The walking parade winds it’s way back to the hotel so we can dress.
Let me digress a bit about the costumes. And remember as you read this, I am straight. My parade costume consists of a mustard colored muumuu and matching cape, both edged in faux ermine and liberally accented with rhinestones and sequins, a silver sequined hat with white ostrich feathers sticking out the top, a silver lamy mask, and white gloves. And that’s not the worst of it – for the parade we wear riding boots and breeches; for the ball we wear white majorette boots and white tights. Only in New Orleans can you call up a girl’s dance shop, ask for majorette boots and white tights in your size and have the sales clerk say, in a matter-of-fact voice, “And what Krewe do you ride with, sir?”
Now, there is no way you are going to get into that getup alone. The costume weighs probably 30 pounds and is hot as hell. So when you arrive to get dressed, you get a valet. Really. A real live Jeeves. He has been doing this for years, and can get you in your costume in minutes. Once in your costume, you look like this (the one on the right is me):
image by Red Stick Rant
Once dressed, we are bussed to the start of the parade and get mounted up on our horses. Now, I do not actually control the horse. The horse has been mildly sedated and is led around by a “walker”. So I’m not so much on a horse, as a one-man float that poops.
The horse is doped up for a good reason: a mildly stoned horse is far less likely to be scared suddenly and do something to hurt either the rider, a spectator, or the horse. Unfortunately, people will sometimes try to scare the horse or do something get the rider dumped. In the past I have had bottles thrown at me, throws tossed back at me, people grabbing or swatting the horse, or even trying to grab my throws from my saddle. Fall off your horse in all that costume onto a concrete street, and you are likely going to the hospital. (This year, for the first time, I had no incidents.)
Before we start the parade, we always have the doubloon “collectors” show up. The horse-mounted officers throw a special doubloon (ours are purple), and doubloon collectors crave them. I don’t know why, but doubloon collectors are almost always overweight, balding, and over 40. And, they are rude. This is why I do not give “collectors” anything.
Once we get started, around 6:00pm, it takes about two blocks for the horse to get used to it all. And then, it gets fun! You spend the next 120 minutes tossing doubloons and beads to crowds yelling “Throw me something, Mister!” And for me, it’s personal. When a float passes, the crown is addressing their plea to anyone on the float; but when I pass, I am alone – the spectators are yelling and waving directly at me. I tend to toss my throws randomly, but for small children and pretty ladies with a smile I will throw directly to them. It always seems to make them smile a wee bit more.
Once we are through the parade, we dismount at the hotel and then this once-a-year horseman remembers what sore is! (Personally, I think riding English is some kind of punishment invented by Satan.) We return to our valet to get uncostumed and get something to eat and drink. Because we are on horseback, and have no ability to “go” during the parade (the floats have porta-lets on board), we quit drinking and eating when the walking parade begins in the early afternoon. So by the time we get back we are starving and thirsty. This year we were treated to a buffet of po-boy sandwiches, turtle soup, and, of course, drinks.
We spend the next hour or so eating, getting dressed, getting packed, and swapping stories about the ride. We are all exhausted. But we are all counting the days until we do it again next year.
02 February 2008
The Day After.
Well, I survived yesterday. But boy, am I sore and tired! Will post more on yesterday's events, and maybe some images, once I have had time to recover. I'm not as young as I like to think I am.....
UPDATE: Definition of "Not The Brightest Decision": After yesterday, I spent today doing yardwork. Duh. So now I'm gonna crawl into a hot bathtub, drink something that has the word "gin" in it's ingredient list, and, and finish reading Jonah Goldberg's excellent new book. Until tomorrow, then....
UPDATE: Definition of "Not The Brightest Decision": After yesterday, I spent today doing yardwork. Duh. So now I'm gonna crawl into a hot bathtub, drink something that has the word "gin" in it's ingredient list, and, and finish reading Jonah Goldberg's excellent new book. Until tomorrow, then....
31 January 2008
"Throw Me Something Mister!"
Tomorrow there will be no blogging, as I am off to New Orleans for the Krewe festivities and the Parade. For those who will be at the parade tomorrow night, make a sign that says "RED STICK RANT!" and I'll try to throw you something. I make no guarantees, since the masks we wear really restrict vision and at night it can be hard to see. If I miss you, my apologiers in advance.
So until I post again on Saturday, dear readers, here is a little something to put you in the mood:
So until I post again on Saturday, dear readers, here is a little something to put you in the mood:
Why I Miss Fred.
Read it all:
"When journalists and candidates, with their typically childlike enthusiasm, suddenly began gumming the word "change" after the Iowa caucuses, Thompson pointed out the obvious: "Change has been part of every election since the dawn of elections, if you weren't an incumbent."
"When journalists and candidates, with their typically childlike enthusiasm, suddenly began gumming the word "change" after the Iowa caucuses, Thompson pointed out the obvious: "Change has been part of every election since the dawn of elections, if you weren't an incumbent."
Semper Ignavus.
So much for the "We oppose the war, but support the troops." mantra: A bunch of self-absorbed, self-righteous, anti-American cowards, sorry, the Berkley City Council, goes on record as hating the US Marines.
Here's an idea: Let's see the reaction if some City Council voted to tell an abortion clinic that "is not welcome in the city, and if the providers choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders." And the City government gave special preference to, say, Operation Rescue, with special parking permits for the front of the building and special permit allowing them to protest.
Why is it when the Left speaks of "choice", they seem to confine it to the realm of a woman's body. Let's apply it equally - don't men have a choice with what they do with their bodies? And since it's mostly men who join the Corps, isn't Code Pink doing to these patriotic young men, and patriotic young women, exactly what the Left claims Operation Rescue does to women at abortion clinics? That is, trying to prevent them from freely exercising their choice by intimidation and harassment? I guess the Berkeley City Council thinks it's different if the choice is something they don't like.
UPDATE: Or how about a City Council resolution somewhere that said "illegal aliens are not welcome in the city, and if they choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders?" Which would, if you think about it, simply be reastating what is already law. Bet it would be reported on NPR....
UPDATE: Glenn Reynolds links to this piece, written today making the comparison if it had been a NAARL office and the City Council had given preference to Operation Rescue. A good analogy, which RSR readers knew two days ago. Advantage, RSR!
Here's an idea: Let's see the reaction if some City Council voted to tell an abortion clinic that "is not welcome in the city, and if the providers choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders." And the City government gave special preference to, say, Operation Rescue, with special parking permits for the front of the building and special permit allowing them to protest.
Why is it when the Left speaks of "choice", they seem to confine it to the realm of a woman's body. Let's apply it equally - don't men have a choice with what they do with their bodies? And since it's mostly men who join the Corps, isn't Code Pink doing to these patriotic young men, and patriotic young women, exactly what the Left claims Operation Rescue does to women at abortion clinics? That is, trying to prevent them from freely exercising their choice by intimidation and harassment? I guess the Berkeley City Council thinks it's different if the choice is something they don't like.
UPDATE: Or how about a City Council resolution somewhere that said "illegal aliens are not welcome in the city, and if they choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders?" Which would, if you think about it, simply be reastating what is already law. Bet it would be reported on NPR....
UPDATE: Glenn Reynolds links to this piece, written today making the comparison if it had been a NAARL office and the City Council had given preference to Operation Rescue. A good analogy, which RSR readers knew two days ago. Advantage, RSR!
Back In Iraq.
Michael Yon has returned to Iraq, this time with the 1-4 Cavalry.
His latest post, about his time with the British last year, is up: Men of Valor, Part VII.
Michael also has a new book coming out, 'Moment of Truth In Iraq', which can be pre-ordered here.
His latest post, about his time with the British last year, is up: Men of Valor, Part VII.
Michael also has a new book coming out, 'Moment of Truth In Iraq', which can be pre-ordered here.
Irony, Defined.
One for the "You can't make this kind of stuff up" file:
A man is arrested for breaking into an Episcopal Church to.... watch pornography. And his day job? A clerk for the New Jersey State Police.
But given our current church leadership's obsession with their "prophetic gift", can you blame the guy for thinking an Episcopal Church is an acceptable place to watch porn?
A man is arrested for breaking into an Episcopal Church to.... watch pornography. And his day job? A clerk for the New Jersey State Police.
But given our current church leadership's obsession with their "prophetic gift", can you blame the guy for thinking an Episcopal Church is an acceptable place to watch porn?
30 January 2008
An Idea.
There has been much lamenting in parts of the blogosphere about the early demise of Fred Thompson as a candidate. Being among those, I have been looking for a GOP candidate to support and finding the pickings slim. My initial reaction is McCain, but it is lukewarm at best, and growing colder fast. Very, very, fast. While Romney is too "Up East" for me, he has been saying things I like, especially on immigration. Huckabee? Please. One Arkansas governor was enough. What could solidify my support one way or the other, and the support of many others, would be who the nominee has as VP.
And I think Fred Thompson would be perfect.
He would solidify a conservative base on the ticket, as both McCain and Romney have some questionable records in office when it comes to core conservative issues. And being from Tennessee, Thompson relates to the all important South, something I think Romney has a hard time doing. He is telegenic, which McCain especially is not, and he can be very useful as a spokesman - a role the VP often occupies.
Reagan chose his VP prior to the convention in '76, and Reagan darn near took the nomination. (How different history would be had he done so.)
So, Senator McCain and Governor Romney, the one who puts Fred Thompson on his team has my vote. And I think you'll have a lot of others as well.
And I think Fred Thompson would be perfect.
He would solidify a conservative base on the ticket, as both McCain and Romney have some questionable records in office when it comes to core conservative issues. And being from Tennessee, Thompson relates to the all important South, something I think Romney has a hard time doing. He is telegenic, which McCain especially is not, and he can be very useful as a spokesman - a role the VP often occupies.
Reagan chose his VP prior to the convention in '76, and Reagan darn near took the nomination. (How different history would be had he done so.)
So, Senator McCain and Governor Romney, the one who puts Fred Thompson on his team has my vote. And I think you'll have a lot of others as well.
Then Prove It.
Hillary says that she can control Bill. Like everything else she says, I'll beleive it when I see it.
Open Mouth, Insert Mitre.
The Archbishop of Canterbury wants to ban Freedom of Speech. Well, at least the freedom to say anything he thinks is "thoughtless or cruel".
What's next? Shall we criminalize cloudy days and sad puppies? How about the comments of certain orthodox African Primates? Or certain unorthodox American ones?
Cudos and a Hattip to Chris Johnson, who got an Instalaunche!
What's next? Shall we criminalize cloudy days and sad puppies? How about the comments of certain orthodox African Primates? Or certain unorthodox American ones?
Cudos and a Hattip to Chris Johnson, who got an Instalaunche!
Plug-O-The-Day.
A veterinarian friend is opening up a new veterinary home health practice on the North Shore: Stirling Home Veterinary Associates. If you live in the Tangipahoa Parish area, you might want to check them out for all your pet needs.
Keeping Abreast Of The Season.
Well, dear readers, it Mardi Gras season down here in 'ol south Louisiana, and your humble blogger will be riding in a parade for the first time since Katrina. I belong to one of the New Orleans krews (pronounced "crews") which parades uptown and downtown. We had our traditional "den party" the other week, where the krewe gets together to preview our floats and, well, do what you are supposed to do at Mardi Gras - eat and drink. Below are images from two of our floats. See if you can figure out the theme for this year's parade:
photo by red stick rant
photo by red stick rant
Correct answer in the Comments.
photo by red stick rant
photo by red stick rant
Correct answer in the Comments.
27 January 2008
A Naked Choice.
The Naked Emperor is also not happy with the post-Thompson presidential choices.
And, he has a dream about..... taxes.
And, he has a dream about..... taxes.
25 January 2008
Too Much Bible.
This bit from Tominthebox is satire. But, being that it's about The Episcopal Church (tm), how long before it becomes true? Remember Chris Johnson's rule.
24 January 2008
What's A FredHead To Do?
I've had a few days to digest the news that Fred Thompson has bowed out, and to consider my options for the future.
And I'm not happy with what I see.
As Matthew wisely said, we should take a look at the three issues most important to us when we are looking at a candidate. Mine are, in more or less order of importance:
Fight and win The Terror War.
Defend our Constitution and our Rights.
Restore our sovereignty and our borders.
So, what to do?
First, I won't consider the Democrats. They can't answer "yes" to any of my three issues. Heck, none of 'em could even answer "maybe." What they offer are a hyper-rich lawyer with great hair and no message, a third term for Bill Clinton, or a black Jimmy Carter. Please.
As for the GOP, the choices are not much better. Mitt Romney? He's a "Massachusetts conservative", which in most of the the country translates into "liberal". I should know, I lived in the Bay State for years. He has flip-flopped on most every issue, and any "yes" answer he could give to my three issues would be suspect. Mike Huckabee? A lightweight Bill Clinton (in more ways than one) with a Bible. Again, I don't trust him. Rudy Guliani? He's Mitt Romney, only more personable and more liberal. He may fight the War, though. And then there's John McCain. He ain't no Barry Goldwater, but his message has been more consistent than the others on my three issues. Yes, there is that that McCain-Finegold disaster, but he is a veteran, he is from a border state (he understands the border issue), he says what he believes, and he really believes in winning The Terror War.
"What about Ron Paul, the Only Savior Of The Human Race (tm)??", I hear some of you scream. (And scream loudly.) Let me make this simple in a way the Ronbots will understand: life, is a wee bit more complicated than a Dungeons and Dragons game. Really. Suits of +7 armor of car bombing invincibility" do not exist. They are not even in development. So when Ron Paul says he will copy the Democrats and pursue a "Brave Sir Robin" foreign policy, I switch him off. He doesn't even get past my first issue. Plus, with friends like this......
So right now this FredHead is leaning toward McCain. But I ain't sold. Not at all.
And I'm not happy with what I see.
As Matthew wisely said, we should take a look at the three issues most important to us when we are looking at a candidate. Mine are, in more or less order of importance:
Fight and win The Terror War.
Defend our Constitution and our Rights.
Restore our sovereignty and our borders.
So, what to do?
First, I won't consider the Democrats. They can't answer "yes" to any of my three issues. Heck, none of 'em could even answer "maybe." What they offer are a hyper-rich lawyer with great hair and no message, a third term for Bill Clinton, or a black Jimmy Carter. Please.
As for the GOP, the choices are not much better. Mitt Romney? He's a "Massachusetts conservative", which in most of the the country translates into "liberal". I should know, I lived in the Bay State for years. He has flip-flopped on most every issue, and any "yes" answer he could give to my three issues would be suspect. Mike Huckabee? A lightweight Bill Clinton (in more ways than one) with a Bible. Again, I don't trust him. Rudy Guliani? He's Mitt Romney, only more personable and more liberal. He may fight the War, though. And then there's John McCain. He ain't no Barry Goldwater, but his message has been more consistent than the others on my three issues. Yes, there is that that McCain-Finegold disaster, but he is a veteran, he is from a border state (he understands the border issue), he says what he believes, and he really believes in winning The Terror War.
"What about Ron Paul, the Only Savior Of The Human Race (tm)??", I hear some of you scream. (And scream loudly.) Let me make this simple in a way the Ronbots will understand: life, is a wee bit more complicated than a Dungeons and Dragons game. Really. Suits of +7 armor of car bombing invincibility" do not exist. They are not even in development. So when Ron Paul says he will copy the Democrats and pursue a "Brave Sir Robin" foreign policy, I switch him off. He doesn't even get past my first issue. Plus, with friends like this......
So right now this FredHead is leaning toward McCain. But I ain't sold. Not at all.
My Kinda' Place.
A 'blog for all your libertarian Republican needs. It's going to be a daily stop for me from now on.
Hattip: Instapundit.
Hattip: Instapundit.
It's No Fun Being A...... U.S. Citizen.
In Kansas City, don't be a parks commissioner and belong to a group advocating enforcement of current immigration laws. It gets powerful national lobbies, who stand to gain from aren't too concerned about the breaking of current immigration laws, all in a lather.
23 January 2008
Che Is Dead. Really.
Get in touch with your inner proletariat at The People's Cube. You won't be sorry.
Dear "Anonymous"....
Ron Paul supporter 'Anonymous' (aren't they all?) left this reasoned, analytical, and intelligent comment:
"Its no more silly than you putting ron pauls name on something he has nothing to do with, you scumbag."
He's responding to this earlier post.
'Anonymous', your Saviour does have something to do with the issue. Namely, take a look at his earlier writings, and support from people like this.
Just wait 'till 'Anonymous' finds out that I wrote this bit, too. I can feel the invective already.
"Its no more silly than you putting ron pauls name on something he has nothing to do with, you scumbag."
He's responding to this earlier post.
'Anonymous', your Saviour does have something to do with the issue. Namely, take a look at his earlier writings, and support from people like this.
Just wait 'till 'Anonymous' finds out that I wrote this bit, too. I can feel the invective already.
22 January 2008
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.
At least, not in New Orleans.
I saw Mr. Dingler's signs, and I must say I they always made me feel better.
I wonder if this 'Grey Ghost' is going after the hundreds and hundreds of contractors, tree removers, mold cleaners, and house removers who also put up signs, such as these, after the storm:
Image by Red Stick Rant
I doubt it, as most of those folks would beat the snot out of the 'Grey Ghost' if he tried.
I saw Mr. Dingler's signs, and I must say I they always made me feel better.
I wonder if this 'Grey Ghost' is going after the hundreds and hundreds of contractors, tree removers, mold cleaners, and house removers who also put up signs, such as these, after the storm:
Image by Red Stick Rant
I doubt it, as most of those folks would beat the snot out of the 'Grey Ghost' if he tried.
"Our Secretary-General, Who Art In The United Nations....."
A while ago, Anglican blogger Chris Johnson postulated the following (I paraphrase): "Any joke you can make about The Episcopal Church (tm), no matter how bizarre or loony, will eventually come true."
Case in point: There is a liturgy being used in lieu of the "Stations of the Cross" in some of the more, um, liberal Episcopal Churches, and is also being recommended for Lenten devotional. It is called, and I am not making this up, the "Stations of the Millennium Development Goals". Note that it appears to be drafted by someone at The Episcopal Church (tm) headquarters, and it's deeply religious reflections include calculating carbon footprints and writing your Congressman, among others.
Yes, it's true - The Episcopal Church (tm) is actually encouraging the worship of a UN Program.
First the Clown Liturgy, now this; is it any wonder we are loosing, on average, close to a thousand people a week?
Case in point: There is a liturgy being used in lieu of the "Stations of the Cross" in some of the more, um, liberal Episcopal Churches, and is also being recommended for Lenten devotional. It is called, and I am not making this up, the "Stations of the Millennium Development Goals". Note that it appears to be drafted by someone at The Episcopal Church (tm) headquarters, and it's deeply religious reflections include calculating carbon footprints and writing your Congressman, among others.
Yes, it's true - The Episcopal Church (tm) is actually encouraging the worship of a UN Program.
First the Clown Liturgy, now this; is it any wonder we are loosing, on average, close to a thousand people a week?
20 January 2008
ARRRRRRRGH!!
Apologies for the "newer" new look.
Something seems to have gone wiggy with my sidebar items, as they are now showing up at the at the end of the blog. At least, that's the way it looks in Safari. Some kind of formatting issue, but since I'm using a standard Blogger template it is most puzzling.
I reformatted the site using several canned Blogger templates, stripped everything off I'd "customized", reformatted it again - but no joy. I'm hoping that this is a Blogger issue, 'cause my (very limited) HTML knowledge base has been exhausted. Plus, it's Sunday night and your humble blogger is also quite exhausted.
More tomorrow.
UPDATE: OK, I have poked, prodded, changed, deleted, reset, and guessed. Nothing. The darn sidebar STILL will not show properly!!!!!
UPDATE: D'Oh!! Thanks to a reader suggestion, the amazingly simple problem has been identified, and fixed. And the problem was....... YouTube. Well, one of their videos, anyway. Now that that's done, blogging will continue later today once I get back from meetings.
Something seems to have gone wiggy with my sidebar items, as they are now showing up at the at the end of the blog. At least, that's the way it looks in Safari. Some kind of formatting issue, but since I'm using a standard Blogger template it is most puzzling.
I reformatted the site using several canned Blogger templates, stripped everything off I'd "customized", reformatted it again - but no joy. I'm hoping that this is a Blogger issue, 'cause my (very limited) HTML knowledge base has been exhausted. Plus, it's Sunday night and your humble blogger is also quite exhausted.
More tomorrow.
UPDATE: OK, I have poked, prodded, changed, deleted, reset, and guessed. Nothing. The darn sidebar STILL will not show properly!!!!!
UPDATE: D'Oh!! Thanks to a reader suggestion, the amazingly simple problem has been identified, and fixed. And the problem was....... YouTube. Well, one of their videos, anyway. Now that that's done, blogging will continue later today once I get back from meetings.
18 January 2008
Justice.
A follow-up to this post about the anti-war lawyer who 'keyed' a young Marine's car: the case went to trial and, well, go see BlackFive's post. Scroll down to the end of his post for details. You won't be sorry.
Number Two On You.
Meet one "Ronnie the Poo"; who left his neighbors some rather distinct, um, presents.
Why Residents Of Midtown Manhattan Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones.
In an attempt to project their image of returning Viet-Nam veterans onto today's soldiers returning from The Terror War, the New York Times recently ran this hatchet job article.
Iowahawk responds. Ouch!
Iowahawk responds. Ouch!
17 January 2008
This Atheist's Favorite Christian is... John Shelby Spong.
Which should come as no surprise.
Remember, what you hear is the theology embraced by the current leadership of The Episcopal Church (tm).
Do you?
"Central Casting? Send Me A Bumbling Social Conservative, Please."
God help us; it appears to be true: GOP has-been Woody Jenkins is running for Richard Baker's Congressional Seat. But this is not a surprise to RSR readers!
Esther.
Those of you who know me will know why this is today's recommended reading. I am sure others will find something in it, too.
Hattip (and much appreciation): Matthew.
Hattip (and much appreciation): Matthew.
iYawn.
I've had the new iPhone software upgrade for a few days now, and its.......
OK
For all of the hype put to the 1.1.3 upgrade, I was expecting more. The faux GPS feature is interesting, but I have noticed a direct correlation between the ability to locate your position with precision and cell reception. At the office, where my reception is great, it pegs me down to less than 100 meters; at home, where my reception is spotty, my house is barely in a 1000-plus meter circle. Not exactly accurate. The hybrid maps feature and floating pin locator are nice, and welcome additions. The multi-recipient SMS feature is cute, but not too useful as I am not 14. The movie rental feature is pretty cool, though. Steve Jobe is not, alas, reading RSR - or he would have seen what I was looking for in an upgrade.
All that being said, though, I still love my little toy.
OK
For all of the hype put to the 1.1.3 upgrade, I was expecting more. The faux GPS feature is interesting, but I have noticed a direct correlation between the ability to locate your position with precision and cell reception. At the office, where my reception is great, it pegs me down to less than 100 meters; at home, where my reception is spotty, my house is barely in a 1000-plus meter circle. Not exactly accurate. The hybrid maps feature and floating pin locator are nice, and welcome additions. The multi-recipient SMS feature is cute, but not too useful as I am not 14. The movie rental feature is pretty cool, though. Steve Jobe is not, alas, reading RSR - or he would have seen what I was looking for in an upgrade.
All that being said, though, I still love my little toy.
16 January 2008
A Stain On More Than A Dress.
Tomorrow is the 10th anniversery of the breaking of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and Steve Boriss' excellent essay at PajamasMedia a is a must-read. I agree that the Lewinsky scandal was Big Media's Waterloo. They did not - and often still do not - understand that the Internet changed the very nature of news, and who controls it, forever. Just ask Dan Rather.
It's just further proof that Goliaths should always fear An Army Of Davids.
UPDATE: Even more proof. And numbers to back it up.
It's just further proof that Goliaths should always fear An Army Of Davids.
UPDATE: Even more proof. And numbers to back it up.
Mark Your Calendars.....
Tomorrow is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day. If you're anything like me, you're ahead of the curve on this one.
And 20 January is one of my very favorite holidays: Penguin Awareness Day. Really.
And 20 January is one of my very favorite holidays: Penguin Awareness Day. Really.
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