Veuve Clicquot champagne from a 19th century shipwreck off the Aland Islands of Finland.
Be prepared to make a minimum bid of 10K Euros. There's only two bottles available of the shipwreck champagne, so it's a seller's market.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Here's Yer Zombie Apocalypse
Drudge has it all organized for you:
Only it's not really zombies, of course. But you already knew that, right? *wink* You're not buying all those guns and all that ammunition because you're afraid of zombies, are you?
Or goblins, maybe? Jeff Cooper called 'em goblins. Only there ain't no goblins either, no more than there are zombies. All you have is euphemism designed to salve your latent racism.
Chris Rock says what I, as a white man, am not allowed to:
And, hey presto, I'm glad I got that screenshot, because Drudge has already changed his page to get rid of the evidence. The links went to stories of blacks around the country rioting on Memorial day, including here in Charlotte, NC. One of the riots was at a "rib fest." That Drudge, what a joker.
update: Now he's changed it back. What the hell?
update 2: Problem solved. Drudge's page, which auto-updates, will auto-update to this page:
But if you refresh the page, it goes back to the "Teen Gangs Unleashed" page.
Only it's not really zombies, of course. But you already knew that, right? *wink* You're not buying all those guns and all that ammunition because you're afraid of zombies, are you?
Or goblins, maybe? Jeff Cooper called 'em goblins. Only there ain't no goblins either, no more than there are zombies. All you have is euphemism designed to salve your latent racism.
Chris Rock says what I, as a white man, am not allowed to:
And, hey presto, I'm glad I got that screenshot, because Drudge has already changed his page to get rid of the evidence. The links went to stories of blacks around the country rioting on Memorial day, including here in Charlotte, NC. One of the riots was at a "rib fest." That Drudge, what a joker.
update: Now he's changed it back. What the hell?
update 2: Problem solved. Drudge's page, which auto-updates, will auto-update to this page:
But if you refresh the page, it goes back to the "Teen Gangs Unleashed" page.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Have You Heard About the Lonesome Loser?
Two examples of why guns in the hands of the law-abiding are a good thing:
An 18-year-old Otter Creek man was arrested twice over the holiday weekend, both times after residents turned their guns on him.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office arrested him the first time on a charge of shooting into the convenience store where his mother had recently been fired. The teen told deputies he used a BB gun.
Someone inside the store shot back at the man but missed him.
The second arrest was made after the man was found naked inside a teen girl’s bedroom. The 15-year-old girl’s mother held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
The "someone inside the store shot back at the man but missed him" is misleading, as the man purposely fired a warning shot to discourage the attack from continuing. .44-caliber goodness had the desired effect, and the kid (at 18 years old, a young man, really) ran away.
Kid needs counselling, badly. Has anger management issues and poor impulse control. He avoided death twice in one day. Hopefully he'll learn his lesson and straighten up.
An 18-year-old Otter Creek man was arrested twice over the holiday weekend, both times after residents turned their guns on him.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office arrested him the first time on a charge of shooting into the convenience store where his mother had recently been fired. The teen told deputies he used a BB gun.
Someone inside the store shot back at the man but missed him.
The second arrest was made after the man was found naked inside a teen girl’s bedroom. The 15-year-old girl’s mother held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived.
The "someone inside the store shot back at the man but missed him" is misleading, as the man purposely fired a warning shot to discourage the attack from continuing. .44-caliber goodness had the desired effect, and the kid (at 18 years old, a young man, really) ran away.
Kid needs counselling, badly. Has anger management issues and poor impulse control. He avoided death twice in one day. Hopefully he'll learn his lesson and straighten up.
Cruel Nature Horror Story of the Day
An 87-year-old woman missing for two days in Kershaw County was found Sunday about noon lying facedown on a nest of fire ants in a woods a mile from her house.
Even one fire ant bite is excruciating. Thousands? I can't see how she's still alive.
Even one fire ant bite is excruciating. Thousands? I can't see how she's still alive.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Irony of the Day
A New York Times story just posted online: After Combat, the Unexpected Perils of Coming Home.
Yeah. Just ask Jose Guerena.
Oh, wait. You can't, he'sFUCKING DEAD!
updated to add: I wonder why the Marine Corps is staying silent on this? Why should their veterans be killed in such a manner without comment?
Yeah. Just ask Jose Guerena.
Oh, wait. You can't, he's
updated to add: I wonder why the Marine Corps is staying silent on this? Why should their veterans be killed in such a manner without comment?
*Sigh* Guilty.
This story, found via a Big Hollywood headline, has me depressed; watch the following YouTube clip, of a scene mentioned in the story, and you'll see why:
And no, it's not because I killed a pimp.
update: And watching that clip above, I was struck at how much the voice of the prosecutor/judge reminded me of Frank Morgan's voice as The Great and Powerful Oz:
Same sort of vocal inflection; the voice cold, cruel, and mocking.
And no, it's not because I killed a pimp.
update: And watching that clip above, I was struck at how much the voice of the prosecutor/judge reminded me of Frank Morgan's voice as The Great and Powerful Oz:
Same sort of vocal inflection; the voice cold, cruel, and mocking.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Blue Angels CO Resigns After Safety Violation
Angels flying too close to the ground.
Sing it, Willie:
Fly on past the speed of sound,
I'd rather see you up than see you down...
Sing it, Willie:
Fly on past the speed of sound,
I'd rather see you up than see you down...
He Brought A Motorsickle To A Tank Fight
And got away with it in the end, presumably because of the Rules of Engagement in Afghanistan.
Still, it doesn't go to piss off Freak Show.
Still, it doesn't go to piss off Freak Show.
Special Weapons and TACTICS?
Check out this video of the killing of USMC Iraq war veteran Jose Guerena:
At 45 seconds, watch the cop on the left run up to the door and empty his pistol in about 2 seconds.
SWAT, we've been told since the 70's, stands for Special Weapons and Tactics. We're told that SWAT is the best of the best, receive comprehensive training that is far beyond what the typical street cop receives. Well, the cop on the left emptying his gun into the house in 2 seconds is employing a tactic known as Spray and Pray, which any ghetto gangbanger on a Saturday night outside a club would be familiar with.
Just sayin'.
Found here.
Update: More from Radley Balko, some of which might seem to justify the raid.
At 45 seconds, watch the cop on the left run up to the door and empty his pistol in about 2 seconds.
SWAT, we've been told since the 70's, stands for Special Weapons and Tactics. We're told that SWAT is the best of the best, receive comprehensive training that is far beyond what the typical street cop receives. Well, the cop on the left emptying his gun into the house in 2 seconds is employing a tactic known as Spray and Pray, which any ghetto gangbanger on a Saturday night outside a club would be familiar with.
Just sayin'.
Found here.
Update: More from Radley Balko, some of which might seem to justify the raid.
Blogger Problems Last Night...
...so I didn't post anything. I'll see what I can find this morning from home.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Looks Like Disney...
...doesn't want to exploit the Seal Team 6 name after all.
Could you imagine a Disney movie about Seal Team 6? Here's how it would shake out:
The leader of the team would be a black guy, an incredibly intelligent black guy. He would be based on Barack Obama.
There'd be a Latino, probably voiced by Cheech Marin.
There'd be an Oriental guy to do all the computer tech stuff.
There'd be an Arab-American guy whose family was tragically killed by Al-Qaeda and who joined the SEALs to avenge them.
There'd be a woman, the first female SEAL, and a gay guy, who would be the kindest and most compassionate member of the team.
There'd be one white guy, a Southerner and Christian who is just slightly racist, always mouthing off to the boss and harassing the gay SEAL.
If the movie is animated, there'd be a smartass animal mascot voiced by Eddie Murphy. Probably a crab.
The movie's plot would not involve Al Qaeda, but a plot by evil Tea Party types to commit some horrible act of terrorism.
So I'm glad that the Navy has persuaded Disney to give up on their idea of trademarking the Seal Team 6 name.
Could you imagine a Disney movie about Seal Team 6? Here's how it would shake out:
The leader of the team would be a black guy, an incredibly intelligent black guy. He would be based on Barack Obama.
There'd be a Latino, probably voiced by Cheech Marin.
There'd be an Oriental guy to do all the computer tech stuff.
There'd be an Arab-American guy whose family was tragically killed by Al-Qaeda and who joined the SEALs to avenge them.
There'd be a woman, the first female SEAL, and a gay guy, who would be the kindest and most compassionate member of the team.
There'd be one white guy, a Southerner and Christian who is just slightly racist, always mouthing off to the boss and harassing the gay SEAL.
If the movie is animated, there'd be a smartass animal mascot voiced by Eddie Murphy. Probably a crab.
The movie's plot would not involve Al Qaeda, but a plot by evil Tea Party types to commit some horrible act of terrorism.
So I'm glad that the Navy has persuaded Disney to give up on their idea of trademarking the Seal Team 6 name.
Looks Like the Europeans...
...finally caught Ratko Mladic.
During the years when the Euroweenies laughed at the US for being unable to catch Osama bin Laden, I used to comfort myself with the fact that they couldn't find Ratko Mladic or Slobodan Milosevic.
During the years when the Euroweenies laughed at the US for being unable to catch Osama bin Laden, I used to comfort myself with the fact that they couldn't find Ratko Mladic or Slobodan Milosevic.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fool Me Once...
...shame on you.
Of course, the "me" is just by courtesy, since probably 99% of us weren't fooled.
Too bad that tarring and feathering went out of fashion.
Of course, the "me" is just by courtesy, since probably 99% of us weren't fooled.
Too bad that tarring and feathering went out of fashion.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Crumb Ponders...
...about various people.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Robert: "Father of his country! [laughs] I don’t know. I don’t know much about George Washington. I haven’t examined him closely. It would be really hard to sift out the hero-worship from the real person, I think at this point. That would be very difficult to do. He was a very big guy, George Washington; big man. They wanted to make him king. Some people wanted him to be our first King of the United States. But he, fortunately, rejected that idea himself."
ANDY WARHOL
Robert: "He had a clever little schtick, but, again, highly overrated, as far as I’m concerned. The art world just loves the guy. They still love him to death. One of his lame-ass silk screen prints goes for more money than some original renaissance art."
W.C. FIELDS
Robert: "Love him. I love to watch W.C. Fields. He has his visual jokes that he carried over from vaudeville, you know, where his hat gets caught on his cane and stuff like that. But just his persona; he embodies this American type of the 30s particularly: alcoholic; wheeling and dealing in a very low key way and not very successfully. Have you ever seen It’s A Gift, where he’s a grocery store proprietor n the 1930s? He embodies that certain type of American man at that time. A lot of people my age remember having an uncle or somebody in their family that was like the W.C. Fields character; an alcoholic with a big, bulbous, red nose."
Click the link for more. First in a series, it's said.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Robert: "Father of his country! [laughs] I don’t know. I don’t know much about George Washington. I haven’t examined him closely. It would be really hard to sift out the hero-worship from the real person, I think at this point. That would be very difficult to do. He was a very big guy, George Washington; big man. They wanted to make him king. Some people wanted him to be our first King of the United States. But he, fortunately, rejected that idea himself."
ANDY WARHOL
Robert: "He had a clever little schtick, but, again, highly overrated, as far as I’m concerned. The art world just loves the guy. They still love him to death. One of his lame-ass silk screen prints goes for more money than some original renaissance art."
W.C. FIELDS
Robert: "Love him. I love to watch W.C. Fields. He has his visual jokes that he carried over from vaudeville, you know, where his hat gets caught on his cane and stuff like that. But just his persona; he embodies this American type of the 30s particularly: alcoholic; wheeling and dealing in a very low key way and not very successfully. Have you ever seen It’s A Gift, where he’s a grocery store proprietor n the 1930s? He embodies that certain type of American man at that time. A lot of people my age remember having an uncle or somebody in their family that was like the W.C. Fields character; an alcoholic with a big, bulbous, red nose."
Click the link for more. First in a series, it's said.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
His Own Personal Rapture
a 17-year-old boy was so happy that the Rapture didn't come...that he jumped into the Kalamazoo River and apparently drowned.
Sing it, Johnny:
Leadbelly sang about drowning, too:
As did Bobbie Gentry:
Sing it, Johnny:
Leadbelly sang about drowning, too:
As did Bobbie Gentry:
Volcano Blog: Grimsvotn, Iceland
Iceland's most active volcano, usually hidden under glacial ice.
Experts don't believe that the eruption will interfere with air travel in Europe, as happened in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
Experts don't believe that the eruption will interfere with air travel in Europe, as happened in 2010 with the Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Just A Routine Asswhooping
Efforts to turn the beating of Malcolm X. Springs into Charlotte's version of Rodney King have failed.
Look, real close, here in my eyes: can you see the tears of sympathy for Malcolm X. Springs?
Look, real close, here in my eyes: can you see the tears of sympathy for Malcolm X. Springs?
Now Here's the Sort of Book I Love To Read
The book, called Mummies, Cannibals and Vampires, will be published on June 29 by Routledge and charts the largely forgotten history of European corpse medicine from the Renaissance to the Victorians.
Click the link to find out more than you probably wanted to know about "corpse medicine."
Here's an image of the book's cover:
Click the link to find out more than you probably wanted to know about "corpse medicine."
Here's an image of the book's cover:
She Should Have Fired Numerous Bullets...
...into the man's chest and head, instead of his white work van.
The van didn't attack her, after all.
The van didn't attack her, after all.
When Knives Are Outlawed...
...only outlaws will carry knives.
Although I don't think that calling someone an outlaw for simply wanting to be allowed the human right of armed self-defense is fair, when you think about it.
Although I don't think that calling someone an outlaw for simply wanting to be allowed the human right of armed self-defense is fair, when you think about it.
Movie Review "JournoList" At Work?
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
She Preferred To Be Called A Short
Starbucks hired a dwarf barista and fired her after three days when she asked for a stepstool.
Rumor has it she was heard to mutter fuck all you grandes and ventis as she was frogmarched to the door.
Rumor has it she was heard to mutter fuck all you grandes and ventis as she was frogmarched to the door.
Yet Another Rhyming Law Enforcement Campaign
First we had Click It Or Ticket, meant to enforce seat belt laws.
Then we Booze It and Lose It, to enforce drunk driving laws.
Now comes Run and You're Done.
Run and You're Done is meant to end car chases by allowing police agencies to seize vehicles from fleeing felons.
Then there's the one cops have been using on female lawbreakers for years, Blow Me and Go Free...
Then we Booze It and Lose It, to enforce drunk driving laws.
Now comes Run and You're Done.
Run and You're Done is meant to end car chases by allowing police agencies to seize vehicles from fleeing felons.
Then there's the one cops have been using on female lawbreakers for years, Blow Me and Go Free...
First They Came For the Fat People...
...and I thought oh shit and started loading the Mosin, until I realized they were only coming for the fat pregnant women.
But I better buy some more 7.62 x 54R just in case...
h/t The Drudge Report
But I better buy some more 7.62 x 54R just in case...
h/t The Drudge Report
UK Education Summarized In Three Words
"Teachers give up making boys read long books."
Teachers give up. It just doesn't get any clearer than that, does it?
Teachers give up. It just doesn't get any clearer than that, does it?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Poor Choice of Victims
Of course, when you're a rabid fox, you don't make informed choices, but choosing to attack men who carry bagfuls of clubs turned out to be a fatal mistake for the fox.
For many years now I've carried a staff or cane when walking, and now even when going outdoors to walk the dog. I've never encountered a rabid animal, but once encountered a rabbit with myxomatosis, and used the stick to put said rabbit out of its misery. (I wonder if Jimmy Carter's infamous Killer Rabbit had myxomatosis?) Carrying a cane to walk the dog may seem extreme, but we have hawks that roost on the power pylons next to the house, and I wouldn't want to have any of them make a mistake and try to swoop down on our dog, a Jack Russell bitch. The principle is the same as for any piece of survival or defense gear: better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
For many years now I've carried a staff or cane when walking, and now even when going outdoors to walk the dog. I've never encountered a rabid animal, but once encountered a rabbit with myxomatosis, and used the stick to put said rabbit out of its misery. (I wonder if Jimmy Carter's infamous Killer Rabbit had myxomatosis?) Carrying a cane to walk the dog may seem extreme, but we have hawks that roost on the power pylons next to the house, and I wouldn't want to have any of them make a mistake and try to swoop down on our dog, a Jack Russell bitch. The principle is the same as for any piece of survival or defense gear: better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Monday, May 16, 2011
How the Mighty Have Fallen
Headline seen at the UK Telegraph:
"Dominique Strauss-Kahn: the IMF head in court alongside 'Texas Fried Chicken' drug dealer."
"Dominique Strauss-Kahn: the IMF head in court alongside 'Texas Fried Chicken' drug dealer."
Hitchens On Osama bin Laden
Available at Amazon as a Kindle Single.
I just bought it, will read it later tonight at work. You can get it here.
I just bought it, will read it later tonight at work. You can get it here.
Apologies For Not Posting...
...I'm just not seeing inspiration in the headlines the last couple of days.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Army Corps of Engineers?
We don't need no stinkin' Army Corps of Engineers.
Self-reliance, your name is Russell Petty. Well, reliance on neighbors, too. No reliance on government, though.
Self-reliance, your name is Russell Petty. Well, reliance on neighbors, too. No reliance on government, though.
The Ink Was Hardly Dry...
...on the restraining order.
I think that women would be better off treating restraining orders as "a permit to shoot the SOB when he comes calling" rather than "a magical paper protecting me from all harm."
You'd think that simple numbers would enter into such an equation, like odds at a casino (for purposes of this scenario we'll equate violation of the restraining order with murderous intent):
With restraining order: 50% chance of subject obeying order, 50% chance of subject violating order and killing victim.
With restraining order AND GUN: 50% chance of subject obeying order, 25% chance of subject violating order and killing victim, 25% chance of victim killing subject in self-defense.
So the woman who acquires a gun in addition to a restraining order reduces her chance of being killed from 50% to 25%.
The actual numbers will vary according to the level of training by the woman and how accessible her gun is, as well as the element of surprise which her murderous husband unfortunately enjoys.
I think that women would be better off treating restraining orders as "a permit to shoot the SOB when he comes calling" rather than "a magical paper protecting me from all harm."
You'd think that simple numbers would enter into such an equation, like odds at a casino (for purposes of this scenario we'll equate violation of the restraining order with murderous intent):
With restraining order: 50% chance of subject obeying order, 50% chance of subject violating order and killing victim.
With restraining order AND GUN: 50% chance of subject obeying order, 25% chance of subject violating order and killing victim, 25% chance of victim killing subject in self-defense.
So the woman who acquires a gun in addition to a restraining order reduces her chance of being killed from 50% to 25%.
The actual numbers will vary according to the level of training by the woman and how accessible her gun is, as well as the element of surprise which her murderous husband unfortunately enjoys.
Perfect TSA Encounter
By Stingray over at Atomic Nerds.
And I've added Atomic Nerds to the blogroll. Go thou and do likewise.*
*anyone know where I got that?
And I've added Atomic Nerds to the blogroll. Go thou and do likewise.*
*anyone know where I got that?
A WHAT? Ooo, Ick!
Thanksgiving Haley holds a backyard touch-football game cum barbecue.
A cum barbecue? WTF?
I know what he's trying to say, of course, but when you use that particular word (it's Latin, by the way), you should italicize it, just as you would any other Latin phrase embedded in an English-language sentence:
Thanksgiving Haley holds a backyard touch-football game-cum-barbecue.
And, as much as I love barbecue, I don't think I'd be willing to try cum barbecue. Don't think you could barbecue it, anyway. Maybe mix it with cornmeal and fry it up as a hushpuppy. Not that I'd be willing to try even that.
A cum barbecue? WTF?
I know what he's trying to say, of course, but when you use that particular word (it's Latin, by the way), you should italicize it, just as you would any other Latin phrase embedded in an English-language sentence:
Thanksgiving Haley holds a backyard touch-football game-cum-barbecue.
And, as much as I love barbecue, I don't think I'd be willing to try cum barbecue. Don't think you could barbecue it, anyway. Maybe mix it with cornmeal and fry it up as a hushpuppy. Not that I'd be willing to try even that.
I Guess Obama Is Finding Out...
...that killing Osama bin Laden is fine, but doesn't fill the gas tank up.
Or, as Rush Limbaugh put it so bluntly earlier this week, You can't put Osama's blood in your gas tank.
Barack Obama: made up of parts of Jimmy Carter (high inflation, malaise), Lyndon Johnson (over-investment in wars) and George H.W. Bush (high taxes, clueless about consumer worries).
Or, as Rush Limbaugh put it so bluntly earlier this week, You can't put Osama's blood in your gas tank.
Barack Obama: made up of parts of Jimmy Carter (high inflation, malaise), Lyndon Johnson (over-investment in wars) and George H.W. Bush (high taxes, clueless about consumer worries).
A Cold, Lonely Death
Jerry Williams McDonald, 68, died in his pickup truck after becoming snowed in on a mountain road.
He starved to death after being stranded nearly 60 days. Not that he didn't have food with him, but he didn't take enough for a long-term survival situation. Most people wouldn't, I'm thinking. You'd have to be a hard-core survival type to store more than a week's food rations in your car.
I'd guess he didn't leave an itinerary with friends, as there's no mention of a search for him being conducted. Didn't have a cell phone with him, either, although a cell might not have helped if he was in a remote area without cell coverage.
He drew up a crude calendar, marking down the days until his death:
He starved to death after being stranded nearly 60 days. Not that he didn't have food with him, but he didn't take enough for a long-term survival situation. Most people wouldn't, I'm thinking. You'd have to be a hard-core survival type to store more than a week's food rations in your car.
I'd guess he didn't leave an itinerary with friends, as there's no mention of a search for him being conducted. Didn't have a cell phone with him, either, although a cell might not have helped if he was in a remote area without cell coverage.
He drew up a crude calendar, marking down the days until his death:
Wilmington's Greenfield Lake
Wilmington, NC, that is.
It's a public park in Wilmington, with lake, gardens and sports facilities. You can rent paddleboats and canoes, and fish in the lake, as well, although I don't think I'd recommend eating the fish you catch, as the lake is polluted. (It's getting better, though.)
Sara and I have visited it and sat by the edge of the lake to watch fishermen. If you click on this link to the accompanying gallery, you'll see the bench (1/20) that we sat in.
The lake, in addition to the usual turtles, has alligators in it.
It's best to be cautious when visiting the park, as it is close enough to the poor parts of Wilmington to draw criminal activity: drug dealers, muggers, and rapists. I probably wouldn't visit it again myself unless I had a CCW and was heeled.
Good bunch of stories and photos. It's nice to know that the lake is slowly becoming less polluted, and stories from the Star-News in the past indicates that the Wilmington police are trying to deal with the crime problem. I hope that they do, it's a pretty park.
It's a public park in Wilmington, with lake, gardens and sports facilities. You can rent paddleboats and canoes, and fish in the lake, as well, although I don't think I'd recommend eating the fish you catch, as the lake is polluted. (It's getting better, though.)
Sara and I have visited it and sat by the edge of the lake to watch fishermen. If you click on this link to the accompanying gallery, you'll see the bench (1/20) that we sat in.
The lake, in addition to the usual turtles, has alligators in it.
It's best to be cautious when visiting the park, as it is close enough to the poor parts of Wilmington to draw criminal activity: drug dealers, muggers, and rapists. I probably wouldn't visit it again myself unless I had a CCW and was heeled.
Good bunch of stories and photos. It's nice to know that the lake is slowly becoming less polluted, and stories from the Star-News in the past indicates that the Wilmington police are trying to deal with the crime problem. I hope that they do, it's a pretty park.
Army Corps of Engineers: Let's Drown All the Coonasses
Looks like that to save New Orleans from flooding again, the Army Corps of Engineers is planning to open spillways that will flood Cajun country instead.
Can we take a vote? If I had to choose between the Cajuns and the Nig...er, um, citizens of New Orleans, I'd much rather have the Cajuns.
Can we take a vote? If I had to choose between the Cajuns and the Nig...er, um, citizens of New Orleans, I'd much rather have the Cajuns.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Already Finished Monster Hunter Alpha
It was better than Monster Hunter Vendetta, in my opinion. Less over-the-top, more believable. Rather than dealing with earth-shattering events it relates the story of an attack by werewolves on a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
I won't go into any more detail, really, since most of you haven't yet read it. It's a good read.
I won't go into any more detail, really, since most of you haven't yet read it. It's a good read.
Duplicate Post: Arrival
Since Blogger was incompetent enough to lose my last couple of posts, I'll re-create them from memory. On Thursday I received a new knife from Blind Horse Knives of Indianapolis, it's a mini-skinner called the Drover:
Folks, this is a handmade knife, not a factory knife, and it only cost$91.00, including shipping. It's made of O-1 tool steel with green Micarta handle scales and comes with a hand-crafted belt sheath. In the world of handmade knives, it qualifies as a bargain. Deliver time was a month and a half. I don't anticipate skinning animals with it (its primary function), but I can use it as an EDC (Every Day Carry) utility knife to open boxes, cut steaks, scrape, whittle, make shavings for fires, etc.
I'm happy with it.
update: Hmm, looks like Google got its act together and recovered my old knife post.
Folks, this is a handmade knife, not a factory knife, and it only cost$91.00, including shipping. It's made of O-1 tool steel with green Micarta handle scales and comes with a hand-crafted belt sheath. In the world of handmade knives, it qualifies as a bargain. Deliver time was a month and a half. I don't anticipate skinning animals with it (its primary function), but I can use it as an EDC (Every Day Carry) utility knife to open boxes, cut steaks, scrape, whittle, make shavings for fires, etc.
I'm happy with it.
update: Hmm, looks like Google got its act together and recovered my old knife post.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Arrival
Mini-skinner from Blind Horse Knives:
This was their March special-of-the-month, I got it for $91.00 (including shipping). Folks, this is a hand-made knife of O-1 tool steel with Micarta handles and a well-made handcrafted sheath for $91.00! Delivery time was just short of a month and a half.
My new EDC (Every Day Carry) knife.
This was their March special-of-the-month, I got it for $91.00 (including shipping). Folks, this is a hand-made knife of O-1 tool steel with Micarta handles and a well-made handcrafted sheath for $91.00! Delivery time was just short of a month and a half.
My new EDC (Every Day Carry) knife.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Incentives For Voting Republican, Part 1
Vote for ____________, and, if elected, he'll let you see the Osama bin Laden death photos.
Vote for ____________, and, if elected, he'll rein in the abuses at TSA and institute common-sense security measures (i.e., profiling). Damn the ACLU!
Vote for ____________, and, if elected, he'll rein in the abuses at TSA and institute common-sense security measures (i.e., profiling). Damn the ACLU!
Meanwhile, Over In UK...
...the ironically-named Joel Hardman put on a wig and a rubber woman mask in order to spy on girls in public restrooms.
*snort*
*snort*
Two Out of Three Ain't Bad
"Don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy, and the lash." - - Winston Churchill
Over at Radley Balko's place, Peter Moskos has some kind words about the lash - - flogging.
How many fewer people would be in prison if corporal punishment was reinstituted? And before you reject the idea out of hand, remember that Heinlein advocated it in his book Starship Troopers.
Now, I will readily advocate rum, and I think that we could save money on incarcerations if we utilitized flogging for certain offenses, but sodomy? If you're talking drag-you-into-the-woods-and-make-you-squeal-like-a-pig sodomy, I've never been in favor of that:
So I'm 2 out of 3 on Rum, Sodomy and the Lash. Two out of three ain't bad.
Over at Radley Balko's place, Peter Moskos has some kind words about the lash - - flogging.
How many fewer people would be in prison if corporal punishment was reinstituted? And before you reject the idea out of hand, remember that Heinlein advocated it in his book Starship Troopers.
Now, I will readily advocate rum, and I think that we could save money on incarcerations if we utilitized flogging for certain offenses, but sodomy? If you're talking drag-you-into-the-woods-and-make-you-squeal-like-a-pig sodomy, I've never been in favor of that:
So I'm 2 out of 3 on Rum, Sodomy and the Lash. Two out of three ain't bad.
Competent Man - - UK Version
Over on my sidebar, you'll see a description of the Competent Man, as described by Robert A. Heinlein:
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
Well, the UK magazine Country Life has developed its own version of the list:
1. Cook three different dinner party menus
2. Say 'Can you help me please' in Arabic, Cantonese, Urdu, Spanish and Russian
3. Play a musical instrument, even if it's just the tom-toms or a mouth organ
4. Ride a horse to jackaroo standard
5. Be a 'tech whisperer', able to fix and set up the latest technogadgets
6. Talk about five classics of English literature with authority and passion
7. Perform resuscitation on someone who has stopped breathing
8. Know how to grow carrots from seed, distinguish five native trees, identify 20 flowers and arrange a bunch
9. Handle a shotgun, skin a rabbit, gut a fish and pluck a pigeon
10. Repair a bicycle puncture and fix the chain
11. Dance the eightsome reel, waltz to Strauss and bop to Lady Gaga
12. Taste the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and know how to mix a mojito or margarita
13. Write a memorable thank you letter
14. Recognise music by Mozart, Elgar and Handel
15. Put up a shelf and change a plug
16. Tie a bow tie, bowline and Bloody Butcher
17. Sail a boat across the Solent
18. Carve a joint of meat
19. Tell the difference between Gothic, Baroque and Palladian architecture
20. Make a speech, entertain an audience with a joke or an anecdote, and sing at least two songs by heart
21. Drive a tractor, reverse a trailer, renew engine oil and change a wheel
22. Find their way round five capital cities
23. Host a party and put others at their ease
24. Sustain a 10-shot rally at tennis
25. Build a bonfire and lay a fire
26. Perform three good card tricks
27. Identify five constellations and find the North Star
28. Score a cricket match
29. Talk knowledgeably about five British landmarks
30. Uncork and pour a bottle of Champagne
31. Iron a shirt, sew on a button and sew up a hem
32. Amuse small children for at least an hour with magic tricks and storytelling
33. Read a map, pitch a tent and pack a rucksack
34. Be authoritatively acquainted with at least one work by da Vinci, Constable, Degas, Turner and Canaletto
35. Manage a bank account
36. Slip away from a football riot
37. Address a member of the Royal Family
38. Complain effectively but politely in a restaurant
39. Deliver a lamb
A larger list than Heinlein's, obviously. What would you include on your own list?
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
Well, the UK magazine Country Life has developed its own version of the list:
1. Cook three different dinner party menus
2. Say 'Can you help me please' in Arabic, Cantonese, Urdu, Spanish and Russian
3. Play a musical instrument, even if it's just the tom-toms or a mouth organ
4. Ride a horse to jackaroo standard
5. Be a 'tech whisperer', able to fix and set up the latest technogadgets
6. Talk about five classics of English literature with authority and passion
7. Perform resuscitation on someone who has stopped breathing
8. Know how to grow carrots from seed, distinguish five native trees, identify 20 flowers and arrange a bunch
9. Handle a shotgun, skin a rabbit, gut a fish and pluck a pigeon
10. Repair a bicycle puncture and fix the chain
11. Dance the eightsome reel, waltz to Strauss and bop to Lady Gaga
12. Taste the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and know how to mix a mojito or margarita
13. Write a memorable thank you letter
14. Recognise music by Mozart, Elgar and Handel
15. Put up a shelf and change a plug
16. Tie a bow tie, bowline and Bloody Butcher
17. Sail a boat across the Solent
18. Carve a joint of meat
19. Tell the difference between Gothic, Baroque and Palladian architecture
20. Make a speech, entertain an audience with a joke or an anecdote, and sing at least two songs by heart
21. Drive a tractor, reverse a trailer, renew engine oil and change a wheel
22. Find their way round five capital cities
23. Host a party and put others at their ease
24. Sustain a 10-shot rally at tennis
25. Build a bonfire and lay a fire
26. Perform three good card tricks
27. Identify five constellations and find the North Star
28. Score a cricket match
29. Talk knowledgeably about five British landmarks
30. Uncork and pour a bottle of Champagne
31. Iron a shirt, sew on a button and sew up a hem
32. Amuse small children for at least an hour with magic tricks and storytelling
33. Read a map, pitch a tent and pack a rucksack
34. Be authoritatively acquainted with at least one work by da Vinci, Constable, Degas, Turner and Canaletto
35. Manage a bank account
36. Slip away from a football riot
37. Address a member of the Royal Family
38. Complain effectively but politely in a restaurant
39. Deliver a lamb
A larger list than Heinlein's, obviously. What would you include on your own list?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
So Do Muslims Yell ALLAHU AKBAR...
...when they really, really have to use the toilet?
From a Drudge Report headline:
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the dude's family is trying to blow smoke up our collective ass.
From a Drudge Report headline:
Not to put too fine a point on it, but the dude's family is trying to blow smoke up our collective ass.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Hitchens Update
Apparently cancer has taken his voice from him.
But not his wonderful ability to write, not yet. Go. Read.
(here's the Leonard Cohen song he mentions in the essay.)
But not his wonderful ability to write, not yet. Go. Read.
(here's the Leonard Cohen song he mentions in the essay.)
Effing COOL!
Let's turn a Douglas DC-6 into a restaurant.
Pics:
Exterior:
Interior:
And presumably you can get inside without having your privates groped by TSA agents.
Pics:
Exterior:
Interior:
And presumably you can get inside without having your privates groped by TSA agents.
So It's Basically A Big Haze Gray...Yacht
Because it certainly appears that USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) is incapable of fulfilling its mission as a US Navy ship.
“Bottom line: severe problems with engines, missiles, guns, links, comms and aviation,” Rear Adm. Rob Wray, president of INSURV, wrote in the April 7 email addressed to the heads of Fleet Forces Command, Pacific Fleet and Naval Surface Forces. “The ship’s material condition did not support underway operations, area air defense operations, or principal warfare commander command and control requirements.”
In the email, Wray detailed Mobile Bay’s discrepancies. Upon discovering metal debris in the port main reduction gear, the shaft had to be locked for most of the underway part of the inspection. All seven gas turbine engines and generators had multiple problems that precluded their operation. The SPY-1 radar was unable to operate at minimum power and the Aegis weapon system couldn’t provide a “recommend fire” alert in simulation mode, preventing Standard Missile-2 launches. The forward deck gun was inoperable due to a faulty firing pin. Connectivity issues hampered data links, email, radio circuits, naval messages, instant messaging — even Tomahawk mission planning.
Boy, is the captain of the Mobile Bay lucky that he's not in Ernie King's Navy.
“Bottom line: severe problems with engines, missiles, guns, links, comms and aviation,” Rear Adm. Rob Wray, president of INSURV, wrote in the April 7 email addressed to the heads of Fleet Forces Command, Pacific Fleet and Naval Surface Forces. “The ship’s material condition did not support underway operations, area air defense operations, or principal warfare commander command and control requirements.”
In the email, Wray detailed Mobile Bay’s discrepancies. Upon discovering metal debris in the port main reduction gear, the shaft had to be locked for most of the underway part of the inspection. All seven gas turbine engines and generators had multiple problems that precluded their operation. The SPY-1 radar was unable to operate at minimum power and the Aegis weapon system couldn’t provide a “recommend fire” alert in simulation mode, preventing Standard Missile-2 launches. The forward deck gun was inoperable due to a faulty firing pin. Connectivity issues hampered data links, email, radio circuits, naval messages, instant messaging — even Tomahawk mission planning.
Boy, is the captain of the Mobile Bay lucky that he's not in Ernie King's Navy.
They Were DESIGNED To Do That, Don't You Know
A boy who tried to leap over a spiked fence...
...impaled himself on the spikes.
Pics; first, the fence:
Then, the boy:
Finally, a distressing x-ray:
FYI, kid: fire will burn you. Liquid nitrogen will freeze you. Pit Bulls will bite your face off, and toothless white guys in Georgia will drag you into the woods and make you squeal like a pig.
...impaled himself on the spikes.
Pics; first, the fence:
Then, the boy:
Finally, a distressing x-ray:
FYI, kid: fire will burn you. Liquid nitrogen will freeze you. Pit Bulls will bite your face off, and toothless white guys in Georgia will drag you into the woods and make you squeal like a pig.
7 Weeks In A Van - - She Survived
Her husband, who left the van to get help, probably didn't.
She lived on melted snow and trail mix while stuck in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada,
She lived on melted snow and trail mix while stuck in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada,
Sunday, May 08, 2011
It Must Be...
...the Pakistan version of voilá!
So Panetta goes on television to say if we tipped off Pakistan about the raid, they’d have tipped off OBL to escape. And walah, Pakistan’s street-cred with the jihadists is covered.
So Panetta goes on television to say if we tipped off Pakistan about the raid, they’d have tipped off OBL to escape. And walah, Pakistan’s street-cred with the jihadists is covered.
Friday, May 06, 2011
I'll Drink To That
Denny at Grouchy Old Cripple describes a new drink called the bin Laden.
It could get popular pretty darned quick.
It could get popular pretty darned quick.
Mom of the Year
Delphia Bryant, who brought some items to her jailed son Craig Juan Bryant, accused of murder.
Including a razor blade. Naughty, naughty. Now you're in jail too:
The Family That Does Crime Together Does Time Together.
Including a razor blade. Naughty, naughty. Now you're in jail too:
Well, That's a Relief
Johnny Depp says that this year's Pirates of the Caribbean sequel will have a coherent plot.
With the fourth installment, On Stranger Tides (rated PG-13 and out May 20), Depp and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have taken steps to make the movie more accessible. "I felt it was very important to eliminate as many complications as possible," says Depp. "Let's give (fans) something character-driven. Something fun and irreverent. Hoops of fire and whatnot. New blood, as it were."
With the fourth installment, On Stranger Tides (rated PG-13 and out May 20), Depp and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have taken steps to make the movie more accessible. "I felt it was very important to eliminate as many complications as possible," says Depp. "Let's give (fans) something character-driven. Something fun and irreverent. Hoops of fire and whatnot. New blood, as it were."
Thursday, May 05, 2011
All Murphy All the Time
Yesterday I posted "For Murphy's Law" here at The Drawn Cutlass. Today I want to post about another Murphy:
US Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who won the Medal of Honor posthumously in Afghanistan, and is having a Navy ship named after him.
BATH, Maine — Engaged in a frenzied firefight and outnumbered by the Taliban, Navy Lt. Michael Murphy made a desperate decision as he and three fellow SEALs fought for their lives on a rocky mountainside in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province in 2005.
In a last-ditch effort to save his team, Murphy pulled out his satellite phone, walked into a clearing to get reception and called for reinforcements as a fusillade of bullets ricocheted around him. One of the bullets hit him, but he finished the call and even signed off, “Thank you.”
Then he continued the battle.
Click the link to read the whole thing.
Note: The "Murphy's Law" dog mentioned above is, himself, named after another heroic Murphy.
US Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who won the Medal of Honor posthumously in Afghanistan, and is having a Navy ship named after him.
BATH, Maine — Engaged in a frenzied firefight and outnumbered by the Taliban, Navy Lt. Michael Murphy made a desperate decision as he and three fellow SEALs fought for their lives on a rocky mountainside in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province in 2005.
In a last-ditch effort to save his team, Murphy pulled out his satellite phone, walked into a clearing to get reception and called for reinforcements as a fusillade of bullets ricocheted around him. One of the bullets hit him, but he finished the call and even signed off, “Thank you.”
Then he continued the battle.
Click the link to read the whole thing.
Note: The "Murphy's Law" dog mentioned above is, himself, named after another heroic Murphy.
Treasure Blog: Chinese Jade, 18th c.
'Eee, that old rubbish? We've had it for ages!
And some of it's worth quite a lot, having been looted from an 18th century Chinese emperor's palace.
Such as this cup and saucer, worth over $400,000.:
More at the link.
And some of it's worth quite a lot, having been looted from an 18th century Chinese emperor's palace.
Such as this cup and saucer, worth over $400,000.:
More at the link.
Why Should the Osama Bin Laden Death Photos Be Published?
Because, as a famous man once said, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and what bin Laden did was not just an insult to the White House, but to every American. If millions of them subsequently use the image as their desktop photo, so what? And, as has already been pointed out, if we're mature enough to see images of our citizens jumping to their deaths on 9/11/2001, and see their beheaded bodies hanging from Iraqi bridges, and see them beheaded on television, then we're mature enough to see the dead face of the man responsible for it.
The President's actions in this matter, such as ensuring that Osama was buried at sea "in accordance with Islamic tradition," make it seem as if the President is more concerned about the sensitivies ofhis fellow Muslims than he is of his fellow (?)* Americans.
*snide Birther reference.
The President's actions in this matter, such as ensuring that Osama was buried at sea "in accordance with Islamic tradition," make it seem as if the President is more concerned about the sensitivies of
*snide Birther reference.
Any Hemingway Fans Out There?
Here's a wonderful animated version of The Old Man and the Sea.
Apparently it won the 2000 Academy Award for Best Short film.
29,000 fingerpainted images went into its making. Amazing.
h/t Rabid Librarian.
Apparently it won the 2000 Academy Award for Best Short film.
29,000 fingerpainted images went into its making. Amazing.
h/t Rabid Librarian.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Taiwanese Animators Envision Osama Death Scene...
...and aftermath. With Guest Appearances by President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Satan, Adolf Hitler, and 72 virgins.
Damn, I don't think even South Park would be this hard on the guy. Not that I have a problem with it, myself.
h/t Hot Air Headlines.
Damn, I don't think even South Park would be this hard on the guy. Not that I have a problem with it, myself.
h/t Hot Air Headlines.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Can It Possibly Be True?
Did we really kill Osama bin Laden?
If we did, then congratulations to the Obama administration.
Update: It's true. Text of President Obama's speech here.
If we did, then congratulations to the Obama administration.
Update: It's true. Text of President Obama's speech here.
Old Salem
Sara and I visited Old Salem on Saturday. Old Salem is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is a Moravian community dating from 1766. George Washington visited the community as President.
I'll just post a bunch of pics for your viewing pleasure. You can see everything there is to see in just a few hours. We had perfect weather: sunny, dry and mild.
What Am I? Please Answer In Comments.
Tie Your Horse Up To Me.
I was remiss in not taking photographs of interiors, especially of crafters at work. Old Salem has demonstrations of basketmaking, pottery, blacksmithing, gunsmithing, carpentry, joinery, a working bakery, etc. I notice I didn't take many pictures featuring fellow tourists. I tend to take photos of buildings and objects, not people or animals. Probably a reflection of my misanthropic personality.
There are three eateries in the historic area. The Tavern features German/Moravian cuisine as well as American favorites. Sara and I ate at Mayberry Restaurant, above the bakery. American cuisine/ice cream.
Fun trip.
I'll just post a bunch of pics for your viewing pleasure. You can see everything there is to see in just a few hours. We had perfect weather: sunny, dry and mild.
I was remiss in not taking photographs of interiors, especially of crafters at work. Old Salem has demonstrations of basketmaking, pottery, blacksmithing, gunsmithing, carpentry, joinery, a working bakery, etc. I notice I didn't take many pictures featuring fellow tourists. I tend to take photos of buildings and objects, not people or animals. Probably a reflection of my misanthropic personality.
There are three eateries in the historic area. The Tavern features German/Moravian cuisine as well as American favorites. Sara and I ate at Mayberry Restaurant, above the bakery. American cuisine/ice cream.
Fun trip.
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