No photos from Seagrove, unfortunately, which was my fault; I should have photographed some of the great pots we saw there.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Weekend Perambulations/Photos
The last couple of weekends have seen us visiting a couple of Revolutionary War sites, the House In The Horseshoe and Cowpens National Battlefield. We also visited Seagrove, North Carolina, a pottery center. Here are some photos from the various trips.
Hummingbird, House In The Horseshoe
Soybeans, House In The Horseshoe
Looking NW, House In The Horseshoe
Well, House In The Horseshoe.
Log Cabin, Cowpens National Battlefield Park
Log Cabin (Detail), Cowpens
Log Cabin (Detail), Cowpens
No photos from Seagrove, unfortunately, which was my fault; I should have photographed some of the great pots we saw there.
No photos from Seagrove, unfortunately, which was my fault; I should have photographed some of the great pots we saw there.
Americana At The Grammies
A new category to reflect changing musical tastes.
Much of what I listen to these days falls into this category, artists like Slaid Cleaves, Lucy Kaplansky, Carrie Newcomer, James McMurtry and others. Good stuff, with the focus on the music, not the antics of the performers. A lot of it is Austin or Nashville based.
Additional story here. Of the artists listed, I like Todd Snider's work the most, probably.
Much of what I listen to these days falls into this category, artists like Slaid Cleaves, Lucy Kaplansky, Carrie Newcomer, James McMurtry and others. Good stuff, with the focus on the music, not the antics of the performers. A lot of it is Austin or Nashville based.
Additional story here. Of the artists listed, I like Todd Snider's work the most, probably.
Roll, Roll, Roll In Ze Hay
Sleeping in a hay bed at a German tourist site.
Which of course calls to mind the old classic from Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder (skip ahead to 6:45 to see the scene I refer to in the title:
Which of course calls to mind the old classic from Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder (skip ahead to 6:45 to see the scene I refer to in the title:
Survival At Sea: Three Texans Lost At Sea For A Week
They stayed with their capsized catamaran even after the Coast Guard abandoned its search for them, until a passing yachtsman found them.
The story doesn't give much detail on the survival preparations they had on the boat (if any), only that they improvised using snack food and a small supply of water intended for rinsing off fish slime from fishing.
The story doesn't give much detail on the survival preparations they had on the boat (if any), only that they improvised using snack food and a small supply of water intended for rinsing off fish slime from fishing.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Treasure Blog: Viking Horde, York, UK
A stunning Viking horde over 1000 years old, found by amateurs with metal detectors:
UK law prevents the finders from keeping the horde, but they get a finders' fee for their discovery. Personally I'd have kept at least one coin as a memento, and let the government have the rest.
UK law prevents the finders from keeping the horde, but they get a finders' fee for their discovery. Personally I'd have kept at least one coin as a memento, and let the government have the rest.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Cockamamie Environmental Idea of the Day
Install "synthetic trees" to absorb carbon dioxide, and install "algae pots" in new buildings to produce oxygen.
Here's a pic of the proposed Earth-saving solution:
Here's a pic of the proposed Earth-saving solution:
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Marine Corps Uniforms More Battle-Ready
Interactive Stars And Stripes illustration.
I wonder what the grunts call the armored plate shown in the groin area? Nut Plate? Ball Bowl?
*laughs*
I wonder what the grunts call the armored plate shown in the groin area? Nut Plate? Ball Bowl?
*laughs*
UK Police Stealing From Cars To Teach Theft Prevention
Story.
Police are taking valuables from unlocked cars to teach drivers to be more careful.
Motorists have been returning to vehicles to find that handbags, laptops and sat-navs have been replaced with a note telling them they can retrieve their belongings from a police station.
The scheme has been introduced in Richmond upon Thames, South-West London, which suffers from a high number of thefts from cars - up 40 per cent in a year.
Jeez, I shudder to think about their rape prevention techniques.
Police are taking valuables from unlocked cars to teach drivers to be more careful.
Motorists have been returning to vehicles to find that handbags, laptops and sat-navs have been replaced with a note telling them they can retrieve their belongings from a police station.
The scheme has been introduced in Richmond upon Thames, South-West London, which suffers from a high number of thefts from cars - up 40 per cent in a year.
Jeez, I shudder to think about their rape prevention techniques.
Sen. Ted Kennedy Dead At 77
Story.
He lived 40 years longer than Mary Jo Kopechne. And that is all I'm prepared to say on this subject. If that offends you, go fuck yourself.
h/t Drudge Report.
He lived 40 years longer than Mary Jo Kopechne. And that is all I'm prepared to say on this subject. If that offends you, go fuck yourself.
h/t Drudge Report.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Weekend Photos
Things you might see driving around the back roads of North Carolina in the summer:
Everyone's Welcome At Reb's Bar.
C's BBQ, Mocksville, NC
Sometimes Additional A/C Is Needed Here In NC.
We Decided Not To Eat Here.
US 221 Rest Area, North of Marion, NC.
Ladies, Your Boobs Are Numbered
If you have had breast implants, that is.
Jenkins, 32, is Canadian citizen who became the focus of a nationwide manhunt after police said he fled to his home country when the body of his wife, a former Playboy model, was discovered stuffed in a suitcase in Buena Park, Calif., just south of Los Angeles, on Aug. 15.
Fiore, 28, had her fingertips cut off and her teeth pulled out, apparently to make it difficult to identify her.
Rackauckas said Fiore was subsequently identified during the autopsy by the serial number on her breast implants.
"It's unusual, but it's not unique," he said. "That's happened before."
Jenkins, 32, is Canadian citizen who became the focus of a nationwide manhunt after police said he fled to his home country when the body of his wife, a former Playboy model, was discovered stuffed in a suitcase in Buena Park, Calif., just south of Los Angeles, on Aug. 15.
Fiore, 28, had her fingertips cut off and her teeth pulled out, apparently to make it difficult to identify her.
Rackauckas said Fiore was subsequently identified during the autopsy by the serial number on her breast implants.
"It's unusual, but it's not unique," he said. "That's happened before."
Rambo The Rapist On The Loose In Germany
BÖBLINGEN, Germany — Police have located the rental vehicle used by a Special Forces soldier to flee custody after he was convicted in a court-martial of kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault of a German woman. The soldier remains at large.
A manhunt for Sgt. 1st Class Kelly A. Stewart, 36, began Thursday morning after he failed to show for the sentencing phase of his trial. Late on Wednesday, a court-martial panel in Vilseck found him guilty of several charges in relation to an August 2008 incident. A soldier who was sharing an on-post hotel room with the convicted soldier told the court Thursday that he awoke around 7:30 a.m. and found Stewart was missing, along with his Class A uniform, wallet, two cell phones and the rented Audi.
Despite his absence, Stewart, who trained fellow Special Forces soldiers at the International Special Training Center in Pfullendorf, was sentenced to eight years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.
David Court, the civilian attorney who represented Stewart, decliined to comment on his client’s state of mind and was cautious when asked if he thought Stewart would be found.
“Do I have a crystal ball?,” Court said. “I can tell you this. There was evidence presented in court that [Stewart] had the highest level of [Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape] training.”
A manhunt for Sgt. 1st Class Kelly A. Stewart, 36, began Thursday morning after he failed to show for the sentencing phase of his trial. Late on Wednesday, a court-martial panel in Vilseck found him guilty of several charges in relation to an August 2008 incident. A soldier who was sharing an on-post hotel room with the convicted soldier told the court Thursday that he awoke around 7:30 a.m. and found Stewart was missing, along with his Class A uniform, wallet, two cell phones and the rented Audi.
Despite his absence, Stewart, who trained fellow Special Forces soldiers at the International Special Training Center in Pfullendorf, was sentenced to eight years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.
David Court, the civilian attorney who represented Stewart, decliined to comment on his client’s state of mind and was cautious when asked if he thought Stewart would be found.
“Do I have a crystal ball?,” Court said. “I can tell you this. There was evidence presented in court that [Stewart] had the highest level of [Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape] training.”
Fine. Time For Us To Leave
Police in South Korea are planning to distribute comic books to South Korean children explaining why the US is in the country and the threat of North Korea. The plan is intended to combat anti-American sentiment among South Korean youth.
We should have been out of that country decades ago, and also out of Germany and Japan. Let them pay their own defense.
We should have been out of that country decades ago, and also out of Germany and Japan. Let them pay their own defense.
In Yet More Moose News...
...the organizers of the Talkeetna (Alaska) Moose Dropping festival are planning to discontinue the overly popular festival after the shit hit the fan a festival-goer drowned, which raised a big stink caused much controversy.
That story is loaded with just too many possibilities for satire for just one person to handle. Anyone wishing to volunteer jokes and snarks on this story is invited to do so.
That story is loaded with just too many possibilities for satire for just one person to handle. Anyone wishing to volunteer jokes and snarks on this story is invited to do so.
Can We Re-Stock It With...Um...Lesbians?
After two centuries of being infested with rats, Alaska's Rat Island, located in the Aleutian Islands, is now certified rat-free.
I guess it's going to be re-named The Island Formerly Known AsPrince Rat?
I guess it's going to be re-named The Island Formerly Known As
The Weather Is Beautiful, You've Got VD
In Brazil, you can send a sex partner an e-postcard informing them of that little microbe or virus you passed on to them.
That one's just begging for a country song.
That one's just begging for a country song.
Even Lobsters Get The Blues
A New Hampshire lobster fisherman caught a rare blue lobster in his trap.
They're rare, only 1 in 1.5 million lobsters is blue.
Pic:
They're rare, only 1 in 1.5 million lobsters is blue.
Pic:
Teh Gayest Crime Evah?
WILTON MANORS, Fla. A man with a tattoo of Britney Spears' name on his arm or neck allegedly stole a Chihuahua with pink earrings from a South Florida gay bar. Brian Dortort, 48, said Thursday he has spent weeks searching for his 4-month-old pooch, named Hudson Hayward Hemingway. The dog, about the size of a softball, was in a specialty pet bag.
If that one doesn't win, it's surely in the running. And sorry for calling you Shirley.
If that one doesn't win, it's surely in the running. And sorry for calling you Shirley.
Oh, Oney, Oney...
A Wal-Mart employee beat his supervisor with a baseball bat after being reprimanded.
Remember this good old Johnny Cash song?
Remember this good old Johnny Cash song?
Shooting Case In Charlotte Front-Page News
"Robbery, Shooting Case Is Legally Complex."
To summarize it, the 78-year old robbery victim chased the men who robbed him, killing one of them, who turned out to be a teenager. Since the confrontation occurred some minutes after the robbery and was not on the man's property, neither the "castle doctrine" or normal circumstances of self--defense really apply.
Click the link for the details.
To summarize it, the 78-year old robbery victim chased the men who robbed him, killing one of them, who turned out to be a teenager. Since the confrontation occurred some minutes after the robbery and was not on the man's property, neither the "castle doctrine" or normal circumstances of self--defense really apply.
Click the link for the details.
Friday, August 21, 2009
July Doesn't Have An "R" In It
An Ohio man had to have both legs amputated after eating oysters in Florida.
Should've ordered shrimp, I guess.
Should've ordered shrimp, I guess.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Oh, Bother
They've arrested Chicago's "Winnie-The-Pooh Bandit."
I Said Fill It With Munny, Not Hunny.
And hey, while looking for that last image, I found another one of Winnie with another Chicago crook:
And hey, while looking for that last image, I found another one of Winnie with another Chicago crook:
US Navy "Ghost Fleet" In The News
I blogged about the US Navy's "Ghost Fleet" a while back; the fleet is in the news, with officials wondering when the ships will be removed from the James River, where it is feared that the ships will leak oil and pollute the river.
Here's a pic from the previous post, click it for full size:
Here's a pic from the previous post, click it for full size:
Headline of the Day
"Mounties Clear Teens of Moose Abuse."
And if that's not enough, there's a "related stories" box with these tantalizing headlines:
Related Stories
* Canadian boys accused of beating moose
* Moose makes a mess of interstate
* Utah denies blame for rampaging moose
* Moose creates spectacle at race course
* Alaska moose Milwaukee bound
* Moose 'fell from the sky,' died on impact
* Moose death on Alaska schoolyard probed
* Moose rescued from icy lake will survive
* Six moose die after being tranquilized
* Moose reported on man's house
UPI. Your source for moose news. All moose, all the time.
And if that's not enough, there's a "related stories" box with these tantalizing headlines:
Related Stories
* Canadian boys accused of beating moose
* Moose makes a mess of interstate
* Utah denies blame for rampaging moose
* Moose creates spectacle at race course
* Alaska moose Milwaukee bound
* Moose 'fell from the sky,' died on impact
* Moose death on Alaska schoolyard probed
* Moose rescued from icy lake will survive
* Six moose die after being tranquilized
* Moose reported on man's house
UPI. Your source for moose news. All moose, all the time.
That Ain't Grandpa...
...and could you put his arm back in the coffin, please?
A Philadelphia funeral home confuses a couple of corpses. They must have looked alike.
*tongue firmly in cheek*
A Philadelphia funeral home confuses a couple of corpses. They must have looked alike.
*tongue firmly in cheek*
Courtney Love Plays With Her Cooter!
Courtesy of the UK Sun.
Pic:
What do you mean, hey that's just a turtle? Where I come from (Florida), that creature is known as a cooter, and you used to be able to buy t-shirts at The Yearling Restaurant saying "eat more cooter."
*laughs*
Pic:
What do you mean, hey that's just a turtle? Where I come from (Florida), that creature is known as a cooter, and you used to be able to buy t-shirts at The Yearling Restaurant saying "eat more cooter."
*laughs*
UK Newspaper Demonizes Burglary Victim As Vigilante
"'I don't regret killing that teenage burglar', says vigilante farmer Tony Martin."
Vigilante farmer Tony Martin has said he has no regrets about shooting and killing a teenager who broke into his farmhouse 10 years ago today.
The 64-year-old insisted he was right to kill petty crook Fred Barras, 16, and seriously injure his accomplice Brendan Fearon, 31, after they broke into his home.
'Regrets? I've got no more regrets than people who break into people's houses,' the eccentric vigilante said last night.
The UK is mired in the sort of liberal attitudes that the US saw during the 60's and 70's, when criminals were coddled and victims maligned. The abused working classes see Martin as a hero, while the elites see him as a vigilante and a menace. How would it sound if the genders and the crime were changed a bit?
Dirty whore Tina Martin has no regrets about shooting a teenaged rapist who broke into her farmhouse 10 years ago today.
Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? I dont' like it the original way, myself.
Vigilante farmer Tony Martin has said he has no regrets about shooting and killing a teenager who broke into his farmhouse 10 years ago today.
The 64-year-old insisted he was right to kill petty crook Fred Barras, 16, and seriously injure his accomplice Brendan Fearon, 31, after they broke into his home.
'Regrets? I've got no more regrets than people who break into people's houses,' the eccentric vigilante said last night.
The UK is mired in the sort of liberal attitudes that the US saw during the 60's and 70's, when criminals were coddled and victims maligned. The abused working classes see Martin as a hero, while the elites see him as a vigilante and a menace. How would it sound if the genders and the crime were changed a bit?
Dirty whore Tina Martin has no regrets about shooting a teenaged rapist who broke into her farmhouse 10 years ago today.
Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? I dont' like it the original way, myself.
Bumper Sticker of the Day
While riding around somewhere in the mountain country of NC this past weekend, we saw an old car with an old black woman driving it, and on the back, a bumper sticker said:
Be Kind To Your Children
They'll Choose Your Nursing Home
Be Kind To Your Children
They'll Choose Your Nursing Home
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"World's Most Dangerous Footpath"
El Caminito del Rey in southern Spain.
This YouTube video has made the rounds before, but it's still worth linking:
Definitely will pucker your sphincter up tight.
This YouTube video has made the rounds before, but it's still worth linking:
Definitely will pucker your sphincter up tight.
Who Can Resist Bacon?
Not the "Bacon Bandits."
In early June, Gainesville police reported that officers in the different counties had teamed up to locate the suspects after noting similarities between nine robbery cases in Alachua, Columbia and Marion counties.
Some officers referred to the robbers as the "bacon bandits" because they took food off a customer's plate during one holdup at a restaurant along I-75.
I can just imagine it:
Hands up, motherfuckers! *sniff sniff* Is that bacon I smell?
In early June, Gainesville police reported that officers in the different counties had teamed up to locate the suspects after noting similarities between nine robbery cases in Alachua, Columbia and Marion counties.
Some officers referred to the robbers as the "bacon bandits" because they took food off a customer's plate during one holdup at a restaurant along I-75.
I can just imagine it:
Hands up, motherfuckers! *sniff sniff* Is that bacon I smell?
Dude, You Only Whistle At HOT Chicks
A UK man got the crap beaten out of him after he whistled at a trio of women. The women did the beating.
Here are the three paragons of femininity:
Since it's a poll sort of day, I'll just offer another poll:
Here are the three paragons of femininity:
Since it's a poll sort of day, I'll just offer another poll:
USS Laffey (DD-724) Headed For Dry Dock
Next Time Call 911 First, OK?
A boy buried in beach sand by friends nearly drowned when the tide started coming in.
The 16-year-old boy from New Jersey was buried neck-deep sitting Indian-style in wet sand that was compacted and getting tighter by the minute, said Chief Chip Munna of the Village of Bald Head Island Department of Public Safety.
As if the tight sand made it difficult enough for people to dig the boy out, the tide started flowing in above his nose.
At the scene, bystanders were trying to dig the boy out with plastic beach shovels.
“It turns out people had been trying to dig him out for about 20 minutes before they called 911,” Munna said.
He said bystanders began creating dams and sand walls to block the waves from reaching the boy, and one person found a snorkel so the boy could breathe.
“The snorkel saved his life,” Munna said, adding that emergency crews had a helicopter on standby in case they were unable to get the boy out.
He said emergency workers, with the help of bystanders who built a dam, were able to lift the boy out of the hole.
“He was buried so much they thought they were going to break his legs,” Munna said.
Hoo boy. What a comedy of errors.
Let's have a poll:
The 16-year-old boy from New Jersey was buried neck-deep sitting Indian-style in wet sand that was compacted and getting tighter by the minute, said Chief Chip Munna of the Village of Bald Head Island Department of Public Safety.
As if the tight sand made it difficult enough for people to dig the boy out, the tide started flowing in above his nose.
At the scene, bystanders were trying to dig the boy out with plastic beach shovels.
“It turns out people had been trying to dig him out for about 20 minutes before they called 911,” Munna said.
He said bystanders began creating dams and sand walls to block the waves from reaching the boy, and one person found a snorkel so the boy could breathe.
“The snorkel saved his life,” Munna said, adding that emergency crews had a helicopter on standby in case they were unable to get the boy out.
He said emergency workers, with the help of bystanders who built a dam, were able to lift the boy out of the hole.
“He was buried so much they thought they were going to break his legs,” Munna said.
Hoo boy. What a comedy of errors.
Let's have a poll:
Headline of the Day
"Woman Survives 30-Foot Flip-Flop Fall."
Woman falls 30 feet while hiking would presumably have been too clear, I guess.
Woman falls 30 feet while hiking would presumably have been too clear, I guess.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Hitchens On Saddam Hussein's Iraq
I haven't started with Iraq; I haven't begun to tell you what it's like. The nearest I can come from personal experience would be I suppose being present when a mass grave in a district of the south, was being opened, near Babylon, just after the intervention in 2003, and I was there; I'd gone with a group of my fellow reporters and the temperature in Iraq at midday around that time goes well above 100, and you have to be coated in sunscreen at all times, and you're coated in sweat anyway, and it gets in your hair and in your clothes and on your face, you're sort of covered in slime in effect, protective slime, and that's fine until the wind gets up a bit as the mass grave is being excavated, and you find that you're being covered in a coat of powder. Grey powder, which is made of people. It's the filth and the smut of people who'd been buried en masse for a long time and were just being dug up and are being now blown around in it in a grave. If you want to feel dirty, if you want to feel dirtied up by the experience of fascism, try finding that you're 12 hours away from a shower and you can't get dead person out of your hair, or off your face, there's nothing you can do about it, you're stuck with it, you're tainted, you're polluted, and you're living in a country or visiting a country in this case which is digging itself slowly out of a generalised mass grave.
So that was Iraq for very nearly 40 years.
Read more here.
So that was Iraq for very nearly 40 years.
Read more here.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Music Recommendation
I've been listening to a bit of country music these days, courtesy of my girlfriend Sara. One song I like a lot is by Billy Currington, People Are Crazy. I can't embed it here, but you can click this link to go to the YouTube video itself. It's a song with a great catchline, even for me, who am no longer religious.
Hope you enjoy it.
Hope you enjoy it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Cycle of Life, Death And Rebirth
At Kasatotchi volcano in the Aleutian islands of Alaska, which erupted last year for the first time in recorded history.
The island was transformed from a diverse bioculture hosting thousands of species to a lifeless moonscape. Now scientists are returning to observe how life regains a foothold on a sterile island.
The island was transformed from a diverse bioculture hosting thousands of species to a lifeless moonscape. Now scientists are returning to observe how life regains a foothold on a sterile island.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Black Watch Sniper Kills Taliban Boss At Over 1 Mile
One hell of a shot.
Here's a photo of the Scots sniper, who wasn't, of course, dressed like this when he made the shot:
Here's a photo of the Scots sniper, who wasn't, of course, dressed like this when he made the shot:
Friday, August 14, 2009
Shock The Mommy
A cop in upstate New York Tasers a mother for speeding and texting while driving.
The blog title comes, of course, from the classic song by Peter Gabriel:
The blog title comes, of course, from the classic song by Peter Gabriel:
Don't Carry A Gun When You Rob Someone...
...your victim might take it away and shoot you with it.
I guess they don't make robbers like they used to.
Happened about 30 miles south of here in Lancaster, South Carolina, population 8177. Saaaaalute!, as they used to say on Hee-Haw.
I guess they don't make robbers like they used to.
Happened about 30 miles south of here in Lancaster, South Carolina, population 8177. Saaaaalute!, as they used to say on Hee-Haw.
Oh My Goodness, Oh My Soul...
...there goes Anna Mae down that hole.
It's been not just years, but decades since I heard that old schoolyard song. For those who have never heard it, here are the lyrics:
Anna Mae
Where are you going?
Upstairs, to take a bath.
Anna Mae’s got legs like toothpicks
And a neck like a giraffe.
Anna Mae stepped in that bathtub.
Anna Mae pulled out the plug.
Oh my goodness, oh my soul,
There goes Anna Mae down that hole.
That's the way I heard it, anyway. Your experience may vary.
It's been not just years, but decades since I heard that old schoolyard song. For those who have never heard it, here are the lyrics:
Anna Mae
Where are you going?
Upstairs, to take a bath.
Anna Mae’s got legs like toothpicks
And a neck like a giraffe.
Anna Mae stepped in that bathtub.
Anna Mae pulled out the plug.
Oh my goodness, oh my soul,
There goes Anna Mae down that hole.
That's the way I heard it, anyway. Your experience may vary.
Spark Up A Doob, Granny
A study suggests that marijuana use by the elderly can deter osteoporosis.
Roll grandma a joint, junior. You know she can't do it, not with her arthritis...
Roll grandma a joint, junior. You know she can't do it, not with her arthritis...
Rocky Mount, NC, Serial Killer?
Looks like it.
He appears to be following the classic strategy of preying on prostitutes and other women on the criminal fringe of society, thus minimizing his risk.
He appears to be following the classic strategy of preying on prostitutes and other women on the criminal fringe of society, thus minimizing his risk.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Bought A Gun Recently?
The feds may be targeting you as a "lone offender" terrorist.
Federal authorities have launched an effort to detect lone attackers who may be contemplating politically charged assaults similar to the recent murders of a Kansas abortion doctor and a Holocaust museum security guard.
The effort, known as the "Lone Wolf Initiative," was started shortly after President Obama's inauguration, in part because of a rising level of hate speech and surging gun sales.
"Finding those who might plan and act alone, the so-called lone offenders ... will only be prevented by good intelligence, the seamless exchange of information among law enforcement at every level, and vigilant citizens reporting suspicious activity," said Michael Heimbach, the FBI's assistant director for counterterrorism.
Secret Service spokesman Malcolm Wiley said the FBI is sharing information with his agency.
So if you're a gun owner and have been badmouthing The One, you may soon hear a knock at your door from your friends in the US government.
Federal authorities have launched an effort to detect lone attackers who may be contemplating politically charged assaults similar to the recent murders of a Kansas abortion doctor and a Holocaust museum security guard.
The effort, known as the "Lone Wolf Initiative," was started shortly after President Obama's inauguration, in part because of a rising level of hate speech and surging gun sales.
"Finding those who might plan and act alone, the so-called lone offenders ... will only be prevented by good intelligence, the seamless exchange of information among law enforcement at every level, and vigilant citizens reporting suspicious activity," said Michael Heimbach, the FBI's assistant director for counterterrorism.
Secret Service spokesman Malcolm Wiley said the FBI is sharing information with his agency.
So if you're a gun owner and have been badmouthing The One, you may soon hear a knock at your door from your friends in the US government.
Cuba: The Toilet Paper Apocalypse
Cuba is running out of toilet paper.
I'm sure if they recycled The Collected Speeches of Fidel Castro that the situation would be alleviated to a large extent.
I'm sure if they recycled The Collected Speeches of Fidel Castro that the situation would be alleviated to a large extent.
Florida's Steve Irwin?
Call him the Python Hunter, maybe?
MIAMI — Nobody has killed more Burmese pythons in the Everglades than Bob Hill.
Long before the state launched its new python patrol, Hill was quietly -- aside from judicious employment of a 12-gauge -- racking up a count of constrictor carcasses likely to stand for some time.
Hill's skill at spotting the wily predators dazzles colleagues. During breeding season, he can pick up whiffs of python musk -- distinctive, but only if you're another python or know what you're smelling.
Hill is a stocky 58-year-old with the grizzled look of a man who spends a considerable part of life outdoors. With ruddy cheeks and snowy walrus-cut beard, he looks a bit like Santa if Claus used an airboat.
Click the link to read more. It's a fine McClatchy story.
MIAMI — Nobody has killed more Burmese pythons in the Everglades than Bob Hill.
Long before the state launched its new python patrol, Hill was quietly -- aside from judicious employment of a 12-gauge -- racking up a count of constrictor carcasses likely to stand for some time.
Hill's skill at spotting the wily predators dazzles colleagues. During breeding season, he can pick up whiffs of python musk -- distinctive, but only if you're another python or know what you're smelling.
Hill is a stocky 58-year-old with the grizzled look of a man who spends a considerable part of life outdoors. With ruddy cheeks and snowy walrus-cut beard, he looks a bit like Santa if Claus used an airboat.
Click the link to read more. It's a fine McClatchy story.
Sweet Poetic Justice, Fresh Off The Vine
A man who threw a woman through a plate glass window died after accidentally impaling himself on one of the shards, severing an artery.
It's almost as if there actually is a god watching over us and tending to business, instead of ignoring us as is the usual case.
It's almost as if there actually is a god watching over us and tending to business, instead of ignoring us as is the usual case.
Fox Ripped Her Flesh
And in Massachusetts, a fox attacked a woman, biting her on her buttocks.
Apparently it's rabies season again.
Apparently it's rabies season again.
Otters Ripped Her Flesh
A Wisconsin woman was attacked by otters while swimming and is undergoing rabies treatment.
Bonus for identifying the album/artist who inspired the blog post title.
Bonus for identifying the album/artist who inspired the blog post title.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Names Change, Spying Stays The Same
US Diplomat, suspected of being CIA, caught in a "honeytrap" sting with footage possibly released onto the internet by the FSB, the successor to the KGB.
For those of you unfamiliar with international espionage, a honeytrap, also called a venus trap, is a technique in which a diplomat's/spy's sexual weakness is preyed upon, either directly by an agent, or indirectly via third parties such as prostitutes. Information derived from the honeytrap can come either voluntarily via boasting, unguarded revelation, etc., or involuntarily (blackmail). The Russians are experts at this, and the Chinese have been engaging in it, too. In the old days when homosexuality was less tolerated than in modern times it was quite easy to arrange homosexual honeytraps, also.
For those of you unfamiliar with international espionage, a honeytrap, also called a venus trap, is a technique in which a diplomat's/spy's sexual weakness is preyed upon, either directly by an agent, or indirectly via third parties such as prostitutes. Information derived from the honeytrap can come either voluntarily via boasting, unguarded revelation, etc., or involuntarily (blackmail). The Russians are experts at this, and the Chinese have been engaging in it, too. In the old days when homosexuality was less tolerated than in modern times it was quite easy to arrange homosexual honeytraps, also.
"Dog Ate My Homework" Didn't Work, Either
A Florida man blamed his cat for all the child porn found on his computer.
Dude, you just never did learn to lie convicingly, did you?
Dude, you just never did learn to lie convicingly, did you?
Friday, August 07, 2009
Great Balls Of Fire
A drunken, obnoxious UK lout (redundancy alert, there) who tried to entice a Greek girl by dancing naked near her received a shock when she first poured high-proof ouzo on his privates, then set them alight.
She's been hailed as a national heroine in Greece, whose citizens are tired of misbehavior by drunken Britons.
update: Ha! I knew I'd blogged on a similar story before this.
She's been hailed as a national heroine in Greece, whose citizens are tired of misbehavior by drunken Britons.
update: Ha! I knew I'd blogged on a similar story before this.
Those Rose-Colored Glasses That I Am Looking Through...
...show only the beauty, because they hide all the truth.
A line from an old John Conley song, Rose Colored Glasses, which was that country singer's first hit back in 1979. And, if you've never heard it, here it is on YouTube, spun on an old 33RPM LP:
A line from an old John Conley song, Rose Colored Glasses, which was that country singer's first hit back in 1979. And, if you've never heard it, here it is on YouTube, spun on an old 33RPM LP:
Want A Lighthouse?
The US Coast Guard is giving one away.
Only stipulation is that you must maintain it, which isn't a job for a poor person.
Here's a pic; looks like a lot of money would be required to maintain it:
Only stipulation is that you must maintain it, which isn't a job for a poor person.
Here's a pic; looks like a lot of money would be required to maintain it:
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Oh, That's Just...Wrong.
Two construction workers in Lacey, Washington, have been fired for shooting two chipmunks to death with nail guns.
Apparently the chipmunks, a subspecies known as Townsend's Chipmunk, are on the protected species list, which of course makes it much worse.
Still, though, just envisioning the scenario...
*in helium-pitched voice*
Hey Chip!
Hey Dale!
*thock* *thock*
It's a tragedy, it really is, it's...um...Bwaaa haaa haaa haaa!
Let me hear your take on it:
Apparently the chipmunks, a subspecies known as Townsend's Chipmunk, are on the protected species list, which of course makes it much worse.
Still, though, just envisioning the scenario...
*in helium-pitched voice*
Hey Chip!
Hey Dale!
*thock* *thock*
It's a tragedy, it really is, it's...um...Bwaaa haaa haaa haaa!
Let me hear your take on it:
I Have A Eureka Moment
While reading this story about a missing local woman, I had one of those Eureka! moments, but one I am sure that others have had before me: do we implant GPS tracking devices in humans the way that we do with pet dogs and cats? If not, why?
If everyone and his brother have already thought of this, please be patient with me; I have an intelligence that works somewhat like Mr. Butterbur's from The Lord of the Rings, of whom Gandalf remarked "he can see through a brick wall, given time."
If everyone and his brother have already thought of this, please be patient with me; I have an intelligence that works somewhat like Mr. Butterbur's from The Lord of the Rings, of whom Gandalf remarked "he can see through a brick wall, given time."
The Unspoken Reason
There are various reasons to carry arms on your person, either concealed or openly, with self-defense being the leading reason. One reason that rarely is ever mentioned is that of final retribution after receiving a mortal wound. We'll call that one No Damn Man Kills Me and Lives, for the following reason:
During the US Civil War, one of the most remarkable men on either side of the conflict was Nathan Bedford Forrest. Starting as a private soldier, he ended the war as a Lieutenant General, and was such an inventive and daring cavalry leader that he was called The Wizard of the Saddle. In addition to this Forrest was fearless himself in battle, not hesitating to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with pistols, shotguns and saber, which in his case he sharpened back and front.
On one occasion after a battle Forrest dressed down a subordinate officer for poor performance; the officer went and got a pistol and, returning, shot Forrest. The general, cleaning his fingernails with a pen knife, shouted out No damn man kills me and lives! and stabbed the subordinate with the pen knife, which resulted in the man's death a short time later. Forrest, who had been wounded in the hip by the man's bullet, recovered.
So there it is, the unspoken reason that many of us might choose to carry a concealed weapon. Not just for self-defense, but for final justice or retribution should the worst happen. Bloody-minded, I know, but I think it's as legitimate reason as any other.
Tell me what you think.
During the US Civil War, one of the most remarkable men on either side of the conflict was Nathan Bedford Forrest. Starting as a private soldier, he ended the war as a Lieutenant General, and was such an inventive and daring cavalry leader that he was called The Wizard of the Saddle. In addition to this Forrest was fearless himself in battle, not hesitating to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with pistols, shotguns and saber, which in his case he sharpened back and front.
On one occasion after a battle Forrest dressed down a subordinate officer for poor performance; the officer went and got a pistol and, returning, shot Forrest. The general, cleaning his fingernails with a pen knife, shouted out No damn man kills me and lives! and stabbed the subordinate with the pen knife, which resulted in the man's death a short time later. Forrest, who had been wounded in the hip by the man's bullet, recovered.
So there it is, the unspoken reason that many of us might choose to carry a concealed weapon. Not just for self-defense, but for final justice or retribution should the worst happen. Bloody-minded, I know, but I think it's as legitimate reason as any other.
Tell me what you think.
Those Things Science Can't Explain About Humans...
...such as blushing, kissing, and...picking your nose and eating it.
They're not sure, but they think that the last one boosts the immune system. Really. I wouldn't lie. Well, I would, but I'm not in this instance. Ok then, read it for yourself, if you don't believe me. Sheesh.
They're not sure, but they think that the last one boosts the immune system. Really. I wouldn't lie. Well, I would, but I'm not in this instance. Ok then, read it for yourself, if you don't believe me. Sheesh.
Trip Down Memory Lane
What beach girls used to look like, as displayed by actress Natasha Henstridge recently in Malibu:
Lush, voluptuous, gorgeous, and all woman. Not overly muscled like a 15-year old boy, or bony like a 10-year old girl. A woman in a woman's body. In 1970 this sort of figure was still the norm, although the bikini bottom is a bit too skimpy for that time period.
Lovely lady.
Update Poll added!
Lush, voluptuous, gorgeous, and all woman. Not overly muscled like a 15-year old boy, or bony like a 10-year old girl. A woman in a woman's body. In 1970 this sort of figure was still the norm, although the bikini bottom is a bit too skimpy for that time period.
Lovely lady.
Update Poll added!
Too Fat To Fight
UK military porkers.
A growing problem in the US, as well. Reports indicate that obesity is keeping more people from enlisting than criminal records or lack of education.
A growing problem in the US, as well. Reports indicate that obesity is keeping more people from enlisting than criminal records or lack of education.
It Ain't No Sand Dollar
Emily Plocheck was beachcombing and found something unusual.
So presumably there is a jawless Yorick-type skull rolling around the bottom of the San Bernard River.
So presumably there is a jawless Yorick-type skull rolling around the bottom of the San Bernard River.
Don't Bring A Garden Hose To A Gunfight
It's what a Charlotte man did:
A 47-year-old man called police after being nearly killed by two random thugs. He told officers that he was watering his lawn, minding his own business, when he heard a voice from behind him telling him not to move. He turned around and saw two men standing in his front yard, one of them pointing a pistol at him. The victim then sprayed the suspects with his water hose, because what else would you do? The suspect fired a shot at the victim and fell over. The shot missed and the victim also fell over as the two suspects ran away down the street. That's how you deal with annoying neighbors' dogs and Dennis the Menace, not armed assailants. Not smart – but still my hero of the week.
Now it should be noted that a garden hose would be an awesome weapon indeed in a fight with the Wicked Witch of the West, provided that the Flying Monkeys didn't become involved.
A 47-year-old man called police after being nearly killed by two random thugs. He told officers that he was watering his lawn, minding his own business, when he heard a voice from behind him telling him not to move. He turned around and saw two men standing in his front yard, one of them pointing a pistol at him. The victim then sprayed the suspects with his water hose, because what else would you do? The suspect fired a shot at the victim and fell over. The shot missed and the victim also fell over as the two suspects ran away down the street. That's how you deal with annoying neighbors' dogs and Dennis the Menace, not armed assailants. Not smart – but still my hero of the week.
Now it should be noted that a garden hose would be an awesome weapon indeed in a fight with the Wicked Witch of the West, provided that the Flying Monkeys didn't become involved.
Another Teachable Moment?
A Michigan man was arrested by police for disorderly conduct after tormenting a police dog by shouting and barking at it.
There's no word yet on whether President Barack Obama thinks that the Three Rivers Police Department acted stupidly in arresting the man, or whether "species profiling" was involved.
There's no word yet on whether President Barack Obama thinks that the Three Rivers Police Department acted stupidly in arresting the man, or whether "species profiling" was involved.
Deli Wars
Here in Charlotte at area Harris Teeter grocery stores, Dietz & Watson deli meats are out, Boar's Head deli meats are in.
Too bad; I like the D&W rare roast beef and London Broil roast beef products. We'll have to see if the Boar's Head stuff is comparable.
Too bad; I like the D&W rare roast beef and London Broil roast beef products. We'll have to see if the Boar's Head stuff is comparable.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Concealed Carry Featured In USA Today
Page 1 above the fold, so it's a prominent story.
Of course, Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign is allowed to spout his blood in the streets crap without being challenged on it.
Of course, Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign is allowed to spout his blood in the streets crap without being challenged on it.
Don't Make Me Use My Stuff On You, Baby
A mugger was foiled by victims using taekwondo.
Which brings to mind a favorite scene from Bubba Ho-Tep:
Which brings to mind a favorite scene from Bubba Ho-Tep:
Monday, August 03, 2009
Be A Passive Sheep And Do As You're Told...
...because being aggressive gives the other sheep ideas. We don't like that.
A bank teller captures a bank robber and loses his job over it.
A bank teller captures a bank robber and loses his job over it.
Well, It WAS Pretty Good
Sara and I stopped here on Sunday for lunch:
A good, honest, roadside BBQ joint serving buffet-style meals, $8 apiece. It's not the best BBQ I've eaten, but it was tasty and the item selection on the buffet was enough to fill anyone up. And it's a break from eating at generic fast-food places.
A good, honest, roadside BBQ joint serving buffet-style meals, $8 apiece. It's not the best BBQ I've eaten, but it was tasty and the item selection on the buffet was enough to fill anyone up. And it's a break from eating at generic fast-food places.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Culinary Note
I discovered last night that our favorite Charlotte restaurant, Lancaster's Barbecue and Wings, not only makes fine BBQ but they also make one of the best hamburgers I've eaten in Charlotte in years. I'm going to have to explore the menu further and see what other treats await.
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