A student at a northeastern Pennsylvania Roman Catholic college has apologized for urinating on a public nativity scene. The student, 22, said Monday he "was being a drunken idiot" a day earlier when he urinated on the nativity scene in Wilkes-Barre's public square.
He was charged with public drunkenness, indecent exposure, open lewdness and desecration of venerated objects. He said he plans to plead guilty at a Jan. 20 preliminary hearing.
Desecration of venerated objects? That's an actual crime on the books in Pennsyslvania?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Confession
It always gives me a small thrill to find a silver coin in the cash drawer at work, in this case a 1953 Roosevelt dime. Usually I can tell instantly when one of the dimes is silver, also, just from the silvery ting when it falls amongst the other dimes in the tray.
A small talent, but mine own.
A small talent, but mine own.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Fine. Let Convicts Have A Say On Prison Rules, Then, and...
...lunatics have a say on asylum rules, too, while you're at it.
Why does it seem that the UK Labour Party is conspiring to hand the election to the Tories?
Why does it seem that the UK Labour Party is conspiring to hand the election to the Tories?
Wow, What An Amazing Concept, Wish I'd Thought of That
In UK they're going to experiment with a radical new crime control technique: station cops in areas where a large number of crimes occur.
I wonder if they'll figure out the high incarceration=low crime correlation next?
Nah.
I wonder if they'll figure out the high incarceration=low crime correlation next?
Nah.
Beer For Blood
In Tacoma, Washington, if you donate a pint of blood at a bloodmobile, they give you a voucher for a pint of beer.
I'd prefer a Burger King value meal, myself. Not much into beer.
I'd prefer a Burger King value meal, myself. Not much into beer.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Are The Taliban Jewish?
Scientists are checking to see if this might be the case.
It's theorized that the ethnic Pashtuns who make up the Taliban may be descendants of one of the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel, the Ephraimites.
Gods, wouldn't that be ironic?
It's theorized that the ethnic Pashtuns who make up the Taliban may be descendants of one of the 10 Lost Tribes of Israel, the Ephraimites.
Gods, wouldn't that be ironic?
The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out
Environmentally friendly burials for eco-conscious Baby Boomers.
I think that if you wanted a green cremation you might consider having your remains dropped into a pool of lava, such as is found in Hawaii at Kilauea volcano. Of course, if you didn't already live in Hawaii you'd be faulted for your carbon-wasting ways for flying over there.
I think that if you wanted a green cremation you might consider having your remains dropped into a pool of lava, such as is found in Hawaii at Kilauea volcano. Of course, if you didn't already live in Hawaii you'd be faulted for your carbon-wasting ways for flying over there.
Gallery: 101 Uses For A Pothole
Gallery.
Ok, 13 actually, not 101, I was just using the 101 figure to parody the title of a famous book from the 80's:
Anyway, artists in New York got tired of potholes (who doesn't?) and the city's slow response time in getting them filled, so they decided to make a statement:
And:
And my personal favorite:
Very imaginative, and the artists plan to introduce the idea into other cities.
Ok, 13 actually, not 101, I was just using the 101 figure to parody the title of a famous book from the 80's:
Anyway, artists in New York got tired of potholes (who doesn't?) and the city's slow response time in getting them filled, so they decided to make a statement:
And:
And my personal favorite:
Very imaginative, and the artists plan to introduce the idea into other cities.
It's Honorary, Rather Like A Knighthood
Some writer for the UK Guardian, writing about Kentucky Fried Chicken, felt it necessary to disparage "Colonel" Harland Sanders and point out that Sanders was only a private in the US Army.
The rank of Kentucky Colonel, although once an actual rank in the state militia with regular military duties, long has been an honorary title only, given to prominent people. You can see a partial list of people who have joined the ranks of Kentucky Colonels here.
Basically, then, the rank is similar to titles of nobility, granted to friends and acquaintances of the monarch. In the US where such titles are forbidden by law, military rank suffices instead.
The rank of Kentucky Colonel, although once an actual rank in the state militia with regular military duties, long has been an honorary title only, given to prominent people. You can see a partial list of people who have joined the ranks of Kentucky Colonels here.
Basically, then, the rank is similar to titles of nobility, granted to friends and acquaintances of the monarch. In the US where such titles are forbidden by law, military rank suffices instead.
It's The Real Thing
Evo Morales, the president of Bolivia, plans to market a knock-off version of Coca-Cola that has active coca leaf extract in it.
At least, I think that's what the linked article is indicating. US Coca-Cola, while once made with active coca leaf extract, has been made with "spent" coca leaf extract for most of its history, meaning that there is no active drug in the drink.
Remember the old jingle?
At least, I think that's what the linked article is indicating. US Coca-Cola, while once made with active coca leaf extract, has been made with "spent" coca leaf extract for most of its history, meaning that there is no active drug in the drink.
Remember the old jingle?
Treasure Blog: William Blake Etchings
They were found in an old book of train schedules, and sold for over $700,000.
And because they were preserved inside the pages of a book for all these years, they are in remarkably good condition, with no fading of the tempura that was used to make them.
William Blake, Elohim Creating Adam.
And because they were preserved inside the pages of a book for all these years, they are in remarkably good condition, with no fading of the tempura that was used to make them.
Apple Didn't Fall Far From The Tree
I hadn't heard Hank Williams III sing until just a minute or so ago; damn, it sounds as if his granddaddy was still alive. Listen and see if you don't agree:
Amazing.
Amazing.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Went To See...
...Sherlock Holmes this afternoon. If Robert Downey, Jr., wasn't someone whom I would envision as Holmes in a movie, neither was he totally improbable in the role. Jude Law gave a fine performance as Watson, although he takes a far more active role in the movie than Conan Doyle ever envisioned for him, I would imagine.
Contrary to some reviewers' complaints, Downey-as-Holmes has several of Holmes' mannerisms: steepling his fingertips together when listening to a case being outlined, meditating with pipe in mouth ("It is quite a three-pipe problem!" he says in the original stories) when working out details in his mind, and he uses several of the lines of dialog that Conan Doyle wrote in the stories.
Director Guy Ritchie plays fair with the revelation of clues, also; when Holmes observes a room, his eyes light on various objects, and you see quick glimpses of his thought processes at work, but it is up to the movie viewer to join the visual clues into the narrative exposition that Holmes explains at the denouement of the film.
Other details in the movie are accurate to Conan Doyle, also, such as the bulldog that is mentioned only in A Study In Scarlet and never again thereafter.
There are a lot of great fistfighting scenes in the movie, with Watson as well as Holmes showing themselves to be no beginners at streetfighting, and Watson in particular quite skilled at using a walking stick in a martial fashion, both as a stick and as a sword cane. The plot is simpler than many reviewers have said, though I'll not detail it here so as to not spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it. Needless to say it looks as if it will be successful enough to spawn a sequel should the cast and director all wish to do one.
Quite enjoyable as a movie!
Sara and I also saw a few trailers we liked, especially The Wolf-Man, a remake of the 30's Universal film with Benicio Del Toro taking the lead role originally done by Lon Chaney, Jr. That one will be coming out in about a month.
Contrary to some reviewers' complaints, Downey-as-Holmes has several of Holmes' mannerisms: steepling his fingertips together when listening to a case being outlined, meditating with pipe in mouth ("It is quite a three-pipe problem!" he says in the original stories) when working out details in his mind, and he uses several of the lines of dialog that Conan Doyle wrote in the stories.
Director Guy Ritchie plays fair with the revelation of clues, also; when Holmes observes a room, his eyes light on various objects, and you see quick glimpses of his thought processes at work, but it is up to the movie viewer to join the visual clues into the narrative exposition that Holmes explains at the denouement of the film.
Other details in the movie are accurate to Conan Doyle, also, such as the bulldog that is mentioned only in A Study In Scarlet and never again thereafter.
There are a lot of great fistfighting scenes in the movie, with Watson as well as Holmes showing themselves to be no beginners at streetfighting, and Watson in particular quite skilled at using a walking stick in a martial fashion, both as a stick and as a sword cane. The plot is simpler than many reviewers have said, though I'll not detail it here so as to not spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it. Needless to say it looks as if it will be successful enough to spawn a sequel should the cast and director all wish to do one.
Quite enjoyable as a movie!
Sara and I also saw a few trailers we liked, especially The Wolf-Man, a remake of the 30's Universal film with Benicio Del Toro taking the lead role originally done by Lon Chaney, Jr. That one will be coming out in about a month.
Pet Story of the Day
Found over at Xavier's.
Update: got bamboozled, not by Xavier, but by whoever sent him the email. Damnit.
Update: got bamboozled, not by Xavier, but by whoever sent him the email. Damnit.
The Tumbling Tumbleweeds of Winter
A rare weather phenomenon occurred in UK, as snow, propelled by wind, rolled down hills, forming snowballs:
It's a phenomenon also parodied in movies, such as this clip from 1988's Willow (skip ahead to 6:23)
It's a phenomenon also parodied in movies, such as this clip from 1988's Willow (skip ahead to 6:23)
UK: Celebrity Brandishes Knife At Burglars, Is Threatened By Police
Myleene Klass is a model for the Marks & Spencer's UK department store chain, and has also sang in the pop group Hear'Say. When confronted with two burglars trying to break into her home, Ms. Klass brandished a knife at them, causing them to flee.
Miss Klass, 31, who was alone in her house in Potters Bar, Herts, with her two-year-old daughter, Ava, called the police. When they arrived at her house they informed her that she should not have used a knife to scare off the youths because carrying an "offensive weapon" – even in her own home – was illegal.
Jonathan Shalit, Miss Klass's agent, said that had been "shaken and utterly terrified" by the incident and was stepping up security at the house she shares with her fiancé, Graham Quinn, who was away on business at the time.
He said: "Myleene was aghast when she was told that the law did not allow her to defend herself in her own home. All she did was scream loudly and wave the knife to try and frighten them off.
"She is not looking to be a vigilante, and has the utmost respect for the law, but when the police explained to her that even if you're at home alone and you have an intruder, you are not allowed to protect yourself, she was bemused.
"Her questions going forward are: what are my rights, and what are you actually allowed to do to defend yourself in your own house?"
You aren't, dear. And as long as the Labour Party is in power, you can expect it to remain that way.
Update And an 87-year-old WWII veteran who came to blows with a burglar in an October 2008 crime has died.
Miss Klass, 31, who was alone in her house in Potters Bar, Herts, with her two-year-old daughter, Ava, called the police. When they arrived at her house they informed her that she should not have used a knife to scare off the youths because carrying an "offensive weapon" – even in her own home – was illegal.
Jonathan Shalit, Miss Klass's agent, said that had been "shaken and utterly terrified" by the incident and was stepping up security at the house she shares with her fiancé, Graham Quinn, who was away on business at the time.
He said: "Myleene was aghast when she was told that the law did not allow her to defend herself in her own home. All she did was scream loudly and wave the knife to try and frighten them off.
"She is not looking to be a vigilante, and has the utmost respect for the law, but when the police explained to her that even if you're at home alone and you have an intruder, you are not allowed to protect yourself, she was bemused.
"Her questions going forward are: what are my rights, and what are you actually allowed to do to defend yourself in your own house?"
You aren't, dear. And as long as the Labour Party is in power, you can expect it to remain that way.
Update And an 87-year-old WWII veteran who came to blows with a burglar in an October 2008 crime has died.
At The Avatar Casino...
...a man idly feeds coins into a slot machine. At the next machine is another man doing the same. He looks over at the first man and recognizes him.
"Hi, Bill," he says. "What are you doing here? You said this place cheats people, that all the games are rigged. Why are you standing here spending your hard-earned money on games that cheat you?"
The other man looks at him sadly. "Hi, Pat," he replies. "All of that is true, of course. But damn, it's the only game in town."
He goes back to feeding coins into the slot machine.
"Hi, Bill," he says. "What are you doing here? You said this place cheats people, that all the games are rigged. Why are you standing here spending your hard-earned money on games that cheat you?"
The other man looks at him sadly. "Hi, Pat," he replies. "All of that is true, of course. But damn, it's the only game in town."
He goes back to feeding coins into the slot machine.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Soldier Reunited With Lost Wallet, 61 Years Later
Jack Grose joined the US Army and was serving in post-WWII Germany in 1948 when he happened to lose his wallet. 61 years later Grose's wallet was found in an attic, and Grose was recently reunited with his lost possessions.
Grose is now 78 years old, and was overjoyed to be reunited with his old wallet. He has suffered a stroke in recent years that affected his ability to speak.
The question I'd have for Grose is: what were you doing in that attic, which was apparently so deserted that something lost there would not be found for so many decades? Was it a work detail? Were you catching a little nap? Inquiring minds want to know! *grins*
Grose is now 78 years old, and was overjoyed to be reunited with his old wallet. He has suffered a stroke in recent years that affected his ability to speak.
The question I'd have for Grose is: what were you doing in that attic, which was apparently so deserted that something lost there would not be found for so many decades? Was it a work detail? Were you catching a little nap? Inquiring minds want to know! *grins*
Friday, January 08, 2010
Headline of the Day
"Having Sex Twice A Week 'Reduces Chance of Heart Attack By Half.'"
So if I have sex four times a week I can expect to never have a heart attack? Is that how the math works?
So if I have sex four times a week I can expect to never have a heart attack? Is that how the math works?
Egyptian Pharaonic Statues Found In Sudan
Found further south in Sudan than any previous statue of a pharoah.
So far south that one of the finder's colleagues was shocked:
Dr. Anderson confirmed that no statue of a pharaoh has ever been found further south of Egypt than this one. “That’s one reason it’s so exciting and very interesting,” she said. The discovery was such a surprise that one colleague of Anderson's didn't believe it at first saying that the statues “can’t possibly be (at) Dangeil.”
I guess that like with global warming, the science had been settled...
Anyway, here's a pic of the statue:
Look On My Works, Ye Mighty, And Despair!
So far south that one of the finder's colleagues was shocked:
Dr. Anderson confirmed that no statue of a pharaoh has ever been found further south of Egypt than this one. “That’s one reason it’s so exciting and very interesting,” she said. The discovery was such a surprise that one colleague of Anderson's didn't believe it at first saying that the statues “can’t possibly be (at) Dangeil.”
I guess that like with global warming, the science had been settled...
Anyway, here's a pic of the statue:
San Francisco Sea Lions Now In Oregon
Story.
They must have heard that Nancy Pelosi was going to start taxing them to help pay for Obamacare.
They must have heard that Nancy Pelosi was going to start taxing them to help pay for Obamacare.
Wow, Hoodah Thunkit?
A study determined that the anti-Semitism of German students was increased after hearing of the suffering of Jews resulting from the Holocaust.
Further study found that Ku Klux Klan members' racial hatred toward African-Americans was increased after cross-burnings and lynchings.
Ain't science great?
Further study found that Ku Klux Klan members' racial hatred toward African-Americans was increased after cross-burnings and lynchings.
Ain't science great?
James Cagney Has Nothing On This Man
A man in Bradenton, Florida, informed by his wife that she was leaving him, smeared the dinner meatloaf in her face.
The dirty rat.
The dirty rat.
Why Did The Chickens Cross The Road?
Because the truck they were being transported in overturned.
A bit of local traffic news to provide some light-hearted blogging fodder.
A bit of local traffic news to provide some light-hearted blogging fodder.
Scientist's Solution To The Terrorism Menace
"The leaders of the agencies responsible for security need to lose their bunker mentality, venture out into nature and stare into the eye of an octopus."
Click the link for more of this psychobabble.
Guy thinks he's Master Po, I guess.
Click the link for more of this psychobabble.
Guy thinks he's Master Po, I guess.
"Republicans Buy Gym Shoes Too"
Ed Bernero, Hollywood screenwriter and showrunner, discusses (among other things) the decline in TV viewership, and what he sees as one of the causes for it:
I also think one of the things that’s really hurting us is political activism of any stripe. Michael Jordan had it exactly right, he was my idol -- when he was asked about a political question at one point and he said I’m not going to answer it, and they said why not, and he said: Because Republicans buy gym shoes too, right? That doesn’t exist anymore, that kind of smarts.
Any time someone says anything right, left, whatever, I think we lose viewers. And somewhere around the country somebody says, I’m not going to watch what Hollywood does anymore. I wish we would go back to just being entertainers. Anytime we sign a petition that says let’s ignore the fact that Roman Polanski raped a 13-year-old, we lose viewers. And I think that has reached a critical mass. We live in a very polarized country right now. So why would someone like Megan Fox want to diss middle America?
And it’s not just that they’re not going to watch her material, they’re not going to watch mine. There are people in Kansas who are going to say, you know what? Screw Hollywood. Because we are sort of thought of as this monolith, and I wish people would take that into account.
It's akin to the Dixie Chicks controversy of a few years ago. The Chicks basically have a hippy/leftist political outlook, but they worked in a music genre (country music) that caters to mostly conservative fans. The Chicks' singer, Natalie Maines, figured that rather than just sing, which is what sells the records, she'd share her political opinions with everyone, and was shocked, shocked when fans didn't much agree with her. Stones were cast on both sides and the Chicks basically gave the fans the finger, deciding that keeping it real was more important than keeping fans; now they cater to the fanbase of leftists that like country music, a much smaller one (and much less lucrative) than the one that they enjoyed before the controversy.
Entertainers used to try and win the largest audience possible by either ignoring political content entirely, or by being careful to skewer both political parties equally. Think of Bob Hope, or Johnny Carson, or Red Skelton, or Carol Burnett, or anyone from that era; did you know what their politics were? No. They wanted the largest audience possible, since that is how they earned their living. Apparently these days there is so much money in the entertainment industry that you can enjoy a surfeit of it just catering to half of the audience. Hoodah thunkit?
h/t Big Hollywood.
I also think one of the things that’s really hurting us is political activism of any stripe. Michael Jordan had it exactly right, he was my idol -- when he was asked about a political question at one point and he said I’m not going to answer it, and they said why not, and he said: Because Republicans buy gym shoes too, right? That doesn’t exist anymore, that kind of smarts.
Any time someone says anything right, left, whatever, I think we lose viewers. And somewhere around the country somebody says, I’m not going to watch what Hollywood does anymore. I wish we would go back to just being entertainers. Anytime we sign a petition that says let’s ignore the fact that Roman Polanski raped a 13-year-old, we lose viewers. And I think that has reached a critical mass. We live in a very polarized country right now. So why would someone like Megan Fox want to diss middle America?
And it’s not just that they’re not going to watch her material, they’re not going to watch mine. There are people in Kansas who are going to say, you know what? Screw Hollywood. Because we are sort of thought of as this monolith, and I wish people would take that into account.
It's akin to the Dixie Chicks controversy of a few years ago. The Chicks basically have a hippy/leftist political outlook, but they worked in a music genre (country music) that caters to mostly conservative fans. The Chicks' singer, Natalie Maines, figured that rather than just sing, which is what sells the records, she'd share her political opinions with everyone, and was shocked, shocked when fans didn't much agree with her. Stones were cast on both sides and the Chicks basically gave the fans the finger, deciding that keeping it real was more important than keeping fans; now they cater to the fanbase of leftists that like country music, a much smaller one (and much less lucrative) than the one that they enjoyed before the controversy.
Entertainers used to try and win the largest audience possible by either ignoring political content entirely, or by being careful to skewer both political parties equally. Think of Bob Hope, or Johnny Carson, or Red Skelton, or Carol Burnett, or anyone from that era; did you know what their politics were? No. They wanted the largest audience possible, since that is how they earned their living. Apparently these days there is so much money in the entertainment industry that you can enjoy a surfeit of it just catering to half of the audience. Hoodah thunkit?
h/t Big Hollywood.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
In Personal News...
...I made a New Year's resolution to get serious about weight loss, and decided that the best way to go about doing this was to cut portions down to one per meal instead of multiple portions, and to snack on apples between the meals. I'll also be walking in our local park, once it warms up just a bit more. Sara will be making a similar effort. We acquired a bathroom scale as a gift from Sara's mother, weighings stated the day after New Year's and will be held weekly.
My initial weight was 407 pounds. Yes, I'm that fat. I need to work off the equivalent of one human from my body.
Wish me luck, all. I'm going to need it.
My initial weight was 407 pounds. Yes, I'm that fat. I need to work off the equivalent of one human from my body.
Wish me luck, all. I'm going to need it.
Shipwreck Blog: Helen E., Oregon Coast
Last seen in 1951 after running aground in a storm.
What the sands of the beach cover, they also can uncover, so the Helen E. reappeared last Thanksgiving. Good series of photos showing various stages of the shipwreck, both in 1951 and current.
What the sands of the beach cover, they also can uncover, so the Helen E. reappeared last Thanksgiving. Good series of photos showing various stages of the shipwreck, both in 1951 and current.
Hitchens and Totten
Part 1 of a fine interview with my favorite contrarian.
A sparkling nugget from the introduction to the interview:
Hitchens is certainly famous, and is recognized on the street a lot more often than I am. A tall and slightly disheveled man in his fifties rudely interrupted our conversation outside the bar at one point and said "I can't remember your name, but I recognize you from YouTube."
"You should read more," Hitchens said. He didn't remind the man of his name.
Not two minutes later, an attractive young woman walked up to him, squeezed his arm gently, and said "I love you."
"How often does this happen?" I said.
"This," he said and smiled at the pretty young woman, "doesn't happen nearly enough. But that," he said and gestured to the man who recognized him from YouTube and would not go away, "happens too often."
It's always worth contributing to Michael Totten's journalism. He's an independent journalist who supports his travels through contributions from readers.
h/t Instapundit.
A sparkling nugget from the introduction to the interview:
Hitchens is certainly famous, and is recognized on the street a lot more often than I am. A tall and slightly disheveled man in his fifties rudely interrupted our conversation outside the bar at one point and said "I can't remember your name, but I recognize you from YouTube."
"You should read more," Hitchens said. He didn't remind the man of his name.
Not two minutes later, an attractive young woman walked up to him, squeezed his arm gently, and said "I love you."
"How often does this happen?" I said.
"This," he said and smiled at the pretty young woman, "doesn't happen nearly enough. But that," he said and gestured to the man who recognized him from YouTube and would not go away, "happens too often."
It's always worth contributing to Michael Totten's journalism. He's an independent journalist who supports his travels through contributions from readers.
h/t Instapundit.
Christopher Lee, Heavy Metal Singer?
Looks like it.
Well, Sir Christopher studied and has sung opera, but he's 87 years old, a bit long in the tooth (heh) to start a new career as a heavy metal singer. It sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.
Well, Sir Christopher studied and has sung opera, but he's 87 years old, a bit long in the tooth (heh) to start a new career as a heavy metal singer. It sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.
Hmm...Conan Doyle and Ellis Peters Combined
An Indian woman killed her lover by putting poison in his food.
The poison was Monk's Hood, a variety known as aconitum ferox. It was used as a plot device in the Ellis Peters mystery Monk's Hood.
The poison was added to a curry (Imagine that!), just as opium was added to curry in the Sherlock Holmes story "Silver Blaze."
"There are no new crimes, Watson," Sherlock Holmes used to lament, before reaching for the cocaine bottle.
The poison was Monk's Hood, a variety known as aconitum ferox. It was used as a plot device in the Ellis Peters mystery Monk's Hood.
The poison was added to a curry (Imagine that!), just as opium was added to curry in the Sherlock Holmes story "Silver Blaze."
"There are no new crimes, Watson," Sherlock Holmes used to lament, before reaching for the cocaine bottle.
The Pig Farmer As Artist
Terence Coventry, a farmer for 25 years, just had his first solo show in a major London art gallery.
Sorry I can't embed the video player, you'll have to click the link to see it. It's worth watching.
Sorry I can't embed the video player, you'll have to click the link to see it. It's worth watching.
Just Call Him Iron Dick
I doubt that Tony Stark ever had this problem:
A man who went to casualty with his penis stuck in a steel pipe had to be cut free by firefighters using a metal grinder.
Click the link to read the rest.
A man who went to casualty with his penis stuck in a steel pipe had to be cut free by firefighters using a metal grinder.
Click the link to read the rest.
Treasure Blog: The Wittelsbach Diamond
Story, with a fine accompanying slideshow here.
The diamond, a historic treasure associated with Spain, Austria and Bavaria, has re-surfaced after decades of being out of the public eye, and has been re-cut, so that it looks like this:
It looks like a crystalized version of the iris of actor Peter O'Toole's eye, doesn't it?
The diamond, a historic treasure associated with Spain, Austria and Bavaria, has re-surfaced after decades of being out of the public eye, and has been re-cut, so that it looks like this:
It looks like a crystalized version of the iris of actor Peter O'Toole's eye, doesn't it?
Who's The Best Sherlock Holmes?
UK's Daily Mail would like to know, and provides a partial list.
I think that it is Jeremy Brett, myself, but only in the earlier series of stories. As time went on Brett began putting on weight, and by the time his Holmes shows were finished he would have made a good Mycroft Holmes. If you read Brett's Wikipedia entry it seems clear that the role drove Brett mad, and the medications he had to take to relieve his suffering caused him to bloat.
Edward Hardwicke did a fine job as Watson. I always thought that Nigel Davenport was a buffoon. Jude Law looks promising as Watson in the new movie with Robert Downey, Jr.
A favorite of mine when I was younger was Murder By Decree, with Christopher Plummer as Holmes. Plummer didn't much resemble the Holmes from the stories, but gave a fine performance, nonetheless, and the movie was spooky for the time. It's also a favorite of Ace's.
I think that it is Jeremy Brett, myself, but only in the earlier series of stories. As time went on Brett began putting on weight, and by the time his Holmes shows were finished he would have made a good Mycroft Holmes. If you read Brett's Wikipedia entry it seems clear that the role drove Brett mad, and the medications he had to take to relieve his suffering caused him to bloat.
Edward Hardwicke did a fine job as Watson. I always thought that Nigel Davenport was a buffoon. Jude Law looks promising as Watson in the new movie with Robert Downey, Jr.
A favorite of mine when I was younger was Murder By Decree, with Christopher Plummer as Holmes. Plummer didn't much resemble the Holmes from the stories, but gave a fine performance, nonetheless, and the movie was spooky for the time. It's also a favorite of Ace's.
Up In Fairbanks...
...a two-ton ice sculpture of former Vice President Al Gore is blowing hot air, presumably about man-made global warming:
I can't figure out if Gore is supposed to be Snow Miser or Heat Miser.
I can't figure out if Gore is supposed to be Snow Miser or Heat Miser.
I Question Your Motivation
At USA Today, there is an article about two teenaged girls robbing a bank. Down at the bottom of the article is the following note:
Readers: This post has generated a large number of comments about when it is appropriate to note the race of a crime suspect in a news story. We left the description out of our posting, but it was included in the Cincinnati Enquirer's original story. What do you think? Is it important?
My question is why was the race of the robbers left out? Doesn't the public need to know as full a description of the robbers as possible so as to be on the lookout for appropriate suspects to report to the police? Was the race of the robbers withheld for political correctness reasons?
Do you not think that this is another example of why so many Americans hold the MSM in such contempt?
Readers: This post has generated a large number of comments about when it is appropriate to note the race of a crime suspect in a news story. We left the description out of our posting, but it was included in the Cincinnati Enquirer's original story. What do you think? Is it important?
My question is why was the race of the robbers left out? Doesn't the public need to know as full a description of the robbers as possible so as to be on the lookout for appropriate suspects to report to the police? Was the race of the robbers withheld for political correctness reasons?
Do you not think that this is another example of why so many Americans hold the MSM in such contempt?
Over At Bayou Renaissance Man's Blog...
...Peter has a fun post about the North Face/South Butt lawsuit.
Being from the south myself, I have to support the butt in this case, I think.
Being from the south myself, I have to support the butt in this case, I think.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Too Stupid To Be In The Army
Army Specialist Marc Hall made a rap song about the Army's stop-loss program. In it, he threatened violence against his superior officers. Now he's in jail.
If you want to hear his stupid rap song, you can find it here.
I guess Hall is one of those people who slipped into the Army when standards were lowered and a high ASVAB score wasn't required because of wartime necessity. The stop-loss that Hall sings of is another wartime necessity. Too bad that Specialist Hall is apparently too stupid to understand that what is acceptable in civilian life isn't acceptable at all under military discipline. Maybe now he'll learn.
If you want to hear his stupid rap song, you can find it here.
I guess Hall is one of those people who slipped into the Army when standards were lowered and a high ASVAB score wasn't required because of wartime necessity. The stop-loss that Hall sings of is another wartime necessity. Too bad that Specialist Hall is apparently too stupid to understand that what is acceptable in civilian life isn't acceptable at all under military discipline. Maybe now he'll learn.
Synthehol, Anyone?
Another Star Trek invention soon may become a reality:
An alcohol substitute that gives the drinker the pleasant feelings of tipsiness without an unpleasant hangover, is being developed by researchers.
The team led by drugs expert Professor David Nutt, has developed the drink using chemicals related to the sedative Valium.
It works on the nerves in a similar way to alcohol causing feelings of well-being and relaxation.
Synthehol is featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation as an alcohol substitute. In the famous episode "Relics," Scotty, rescued from a transporter buffer by the crew of the Enterprise-D, drinks synthehol and is unimpressed. "Synthetic Scotch, synthetic commanders," he says, shaking his head sadly.
An alcohol substitute that gives the drinker the pleasant feelings of tipsiness without an unpleasant hangover, is being developed by researchers.
The team led by drugs expert Professor David Nutt, has developed the drink using chemicals related to the sedative Valium.
It works on the nerves in a similar way to alcohol causing feelings of well-being and relaxation.
Synthehol is featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation as an alcohol substitute. In the famous episode "Relics," Scotty, rescued from a transporter buffer by the crew of the Enterprise-D, drinks synthehol and is unimpressed. "Synthetic Scotch, synthetic commanders," he says, shaking his head sadly.
In Sarah Palin News...
...a small controversy was created in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, when four political enemies of Palin's were banned from attending a book-signing appearance by the former governor.
Among the four were a journalist, a blogger, a radio host and a local activist, Andree Mcleod, who achieved fame for filing the stream of harassing, frivolous lawsuits that contributed to driving Palin from office.
Good for Palin. As far as I'm concerned, when a political opponent sets out to damage your career, tarnish your reputation or that of your family, they deserve no further effort at collegiality or tolerance. Maybe Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill could sit down and have drinks together at the end of the day, even though they were political opposites; the newer breed of partisan warriors don't operate by the same code.
Among the four were a journalist, a blogger, a radio host and a local activist, Andree Mcleod, who achieved fame for filing the stream of harassing, frivolous lawsuits that contributed to driving Palin from office.
Good for Palin. As far as I'm concerned, when a political opponent sets out to damage your career, tarnish your reputation or that of your family, they deserve no further effort at collegiality or tolerance. Maybe Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill could sit down and have drinks together at the end of the day, even though they were political opposites; the newer breed of partisan warriors don't operate by the same code.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Hatin' On The Jacksonians
David Brooks has a good discussion of the Tea Party movement in his most recent op/ed at The New York Times.
Brooks doesn't really know what to call these people, but to anyone familiar with Walter Russell Mead's spectrum theory of American politics, it's obvious that the tea party movement is made up mainly of Jacksonians. Brooks, a Jeffersonian, is uncomfortable with that:
Personally, I’m not a fan of this movement. But I can certainly see its potential to shape the coming decade.
I'm definitely a follower of Mead's theory. Read about it and familiarize yourself with it, and see if you don't agree that Mead may be right. For further reading, Mead has this fine article about how Barack Obama fits into the spectrum, and Mead's theories are more fully detailed in his book Special Providence.
Brooks doesn't really know what to call these people, but to anyone familiar with Walter Russell Mead's spectrum theory of American politics, it's obvious that the tea party movement is made up mainly of Jacksonians. Brooks, a Jeffersonian, is uncomfortable with that:
Personally, I’m not a fan of this movement. But I can certainly see its potential to shape the coming decade.
I'm definitely a follower of Mead's theory. Read about it and familiarize yourself with it, and see if you don't agree that Mead may be right. For further reading, Mead has this fine article about how Barack Obama fits into the spectrum, and Mead's theories are more fully detailed in his book Special Providence.
The Rise of Snob Bowling
And you, with your own ball, shoes and beer belly: you aren't the type we're looking for.
Bowlmor is owned by Strike Holdings, and at its downtown headquarters, Thomas Shannon, the chief executive, spoke about the old bowling, and the new bowling that might save New York. “It used to be that if you wanted to go bowling, you had to suffer some form of deprivation,” he said. “Bad food — you know, the hot dog on a roller. Stale tap beer. No service.”
Bowlmor and the upscale alleys typically shun leagues. They don’t want guys who show up with bowling outfits and excessive stomachs and their own equipment and want to pay $1.95 a game.
“They want the cheapest, most miserable experience,” Mr. Shannon said. “I would describe it as a Stalinist experience.”
At Bowlmor, games are generally $11 to $13.
Mr. Shannon showed plans for the forthcoming Times Square alley. Adorning the entrance will be Bowlmor Bob, a giant bowler in a red dinner jacket. The front desk will have a concierge. When you get bowling shoes, you can have your street shoes shined for another few dollars.
(I just mentioned this article to my sister, and she said, "Do they have valets to shine your balls?")
*snort*
Bowlmor is owned by Strike Holdings, and at its downtown headquarters, Thomas Shannon, the chief executive, spoke about the old bowling, and the new bowling that might save New York. “It used to be that if you wanted to go bowling, you had to suffer some form of deprivation,” he said. “Bad food — you know, the hot dog on a roller. Stale tap beer. No service.”
Bowlmor and the upscale alleys typically shun leagues. They don’t want guys who show up with bowling outfits and excessive stomachs and their own equipment and want to pay $1.95 a game.
“They want the cheapest, most miserable experience,” Mr. Shannon said. “I would describe it as a Stalinist experience.”
At Bowlmor, games are generally $11 to $13.
Mr. Shannon showed plans for the forthcoming Times Square alley. Adorning the entrance will be Bowlmor Bob, a giant bowler in a red dinner jacket. The front desk will have a concierge. When you get bowling shoes, you can have your street shoes shined for another few dollars.
(I just mentioned this article to my sister, and she said, "Do they have valets to shine your balls?")
*snort*
Quote of the Day
"Be kind to your siblings. You might need a transplant or body parts sometime."
From an article in The New York Times about a man who runs an old printing press. Good article, be sure to click the link to read it.
From an article in The New York Times about a man who runs an old printing press. Good article, be sure to click the link to read it.
A Sign...
...that should hang on the wall of every conservative politician:
A Good Day
My day is good if it is used to save the taxpayers money.
My day is average if it is used to spend the taxpayer's money wisely.
My day is a failure if it is used to increase the burden on the taxpayer through higher taxes.
The best day of all is when I can return money to the taxpayer as unneeded.
My day is average if it is used to spend the taxpayer's money wisely.
My day is a failure if it is used to increase the burden on the taxpayer through higher taxes.
The best day of all is when I can return money to the taxpayer as unneeded.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Another Bubble Bursts
You've heard of the dot-com bubble and the housing bubble, but have you heard of the Spanish Ham bubble?
Unwanted.
Not A Bible To Be Found
Rather embarrassing, actually, when you need a bible for official oath-taking and one can't be found.
In Kingston, New York, a new judge had to be sworn in with his hand on a dictionary. So help me Webster.
In Kingston, New York, a new judge had to be sworn in with his hand on a dictionary. So help me Webster.
Alone On An Island - - And Paid For It
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I blogged Sunday about living on a desert island, but being required to pay for it.
How about instead living on a desert island and receiving a paycheck for doing so?
UK is looking for a wildlife warden to be caretaker on a remote island (Skomer Island)off the Pembrokeshire coast:
View Larger Map
It's being billed as the UK version of the "job of a lifetime" that was offered by the Queensland Tourism Board in Australia last year.
Here's a pic of the island in nice weather:
Skomer Island
Not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, it's primitive as can be.
I blogged Sunday about living on a desert island, but being required to pay for it.
How about instead living on a desert island and receiving a paycheck for doing so?
UK is looking for a wildlife warden to be caretaker on a remote island (Skomer Island)off the Pembrokeshire coast:
View Larger Map
It's being billed as the UK version of the "job of a lifetime" that was offered by the Queensland Tourism Board in Australia last year.
Here's a pic of the island in nice weather:
Not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, it's primitive as can be.
Stay Out Of That Swamp, Son
You don't know what's in there, and you might not make it out of there alive.
Jim Stafford used to sing about swamps. He sang Spiders and Snakes, of course, but he had another hit with Swamp Witch, which I couldn't find on YouTube, but I did find this old song, also about the danger of swamps:
Jim Stafford used to sing about swamps. He sang Spiders and Snakes, of course, but he had another hit with Swamp Witch, which I couldn't find on YouTube, but I did find this old song, also about the danger of swamps:
The New York Times Helps A Brother Out
You really do have to question the timing of a New York Times Magazine article on President Obama and his approach to terrorism.
Especially when you have paragraphs that basically parrot White House talking points such as:
If terrorism has not been the driving force of the Obama presidency, neither has it been the catalytic issue to the American people that it was more than eight years ago, when the twin towers collapsed in a heap of steel, concrete and bodies. Yet that mood can change in a hurry, as the Christmas Day plot showed. Obama understands that, if only by the law of averages, there is a decent chance of a major attack on the United States during his presidency. And if that attack happens, any change in policy, no matter how incidental to the facts of the case, will be fodder for critics to blame him for the attack. When the aviation screening and intelligence systems that Bush built failed to stop Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian with ties to Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen, from getting on a plane bound for Detroit with explosives in his underwear last month, a number of Obama’s political opponents blamed the sitting president. If Bush’s system was broken, they asked, why didn’t Obama fix it?
It's Bush's fault. And, when things go wrong in the Obama presidency, it will always be Bush's fault, now and evermore.
Especially when you have paragraphs that basically parrot White House talking points such as:
If terrorism has not been the driving force of the Obama presidency, neither has it been the catalytic issue to the American people that it was more than eight years ago, when the twin towers collapsed in a heap of steel, concrete and bodies. Yet that mood can change in a hurry, as the Christmas Day plot showed. Obama understands that, if only by the law of averages, there is a decent chance of a major attack on the United States during his presidency. And if that attack happens, any change in policy, no matter how incidental to the facts of the case, will be fodder for critics to blame him for the attack. When the aviation screening and intelligence systems that Bush built failed to stop Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian with ties to Al Qaeda’s branch in Yemen, from getting on a plane bound for Detroit with explosives in his underwear last month, a number of Obama’s political opponents blamed the sitting president. If Bush’s system was broken, they asked, why didn’t Obama fix it?
It's Bush's fault. And, when things go wrong in the Obama presidency, it will always be Bush's fault, now and evermore.
You've Got To Be Sh*tting Me
UK: Sending unruly schoolchildren to the "dunce's corner" could be considered a "stress position" and thus a form of torture, health and safety authorities claim.
And if that's not incredible enough:
Last year Lambeth Council in South London started paying for unruly pupils to receive foot massages in the classroom to calm them down.
FOOT MASSAGES?
And:
Teachers at a primary have been warned not to overfill their coffee cups under a range of health and safety measures adopted by a city's schools.
This truly boggles the mind, doesn't it?
And if that's not incredible enough:
Last year Lambeth Council in South London started paying for unruly pupils to receive foot massages in the classroom to calm them down.
FOOT MASSAGES?
And:
Teachers at a primary have been warned not to overfill their coffee cups under a range of health and safety measures adopted by a city's schools.
This truly boggles the mind, doesn't it?
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Alone On An Island - - For A Price
Good New York Times story about renting an island for a vacation.
Of course, there are places throughout the world where you could just disappear onto an island and rarely encounter humans, but it's getting more and more difficult. I've even thought of spending a few hours on a small island south of Wilmington, myself; it would only require hiring a boat to take us out (and return us to the mainland after a few hours, of course).
How about the rest of you? Ever want to play Robinson Crusoe, if only for a short period? If you have, how about relating your experiences?
Of course, there are places throughout the world where you could just disappear onto an island and rarely encounter humans, but it's getting more and more difficult. I've even thought of spending a few hours on a small island south of Wilmington, myself; it would only require hiring a boat to take us out (and return us to the mainland after a few hours, of course).
How about the rest of you? Ever want to play Robinson Crusoe, if only for a short period? If you have, how about relating your experiences?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
I Hate Illinois Nazis
In the UK town of Wooten Bassett, Islamic militants plan a march through the town.
The town is famous for honoring fallen British soldiers.
Where's the Blues Brothers when you need them?
The town is famous for honoring fallen British soldiers.
Where's the Blues Brothers when you need them?
C'mon, Adam, It's Just An Apple, It Won't Hurt You...
A jailer in Alachua County, Florida (Gainesville) lost his job when it was discovered he had joined the Ku Klux Klan.
He says his wife persuaded him to join. Dude, that defense didn't even work the first time it was tried:
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Genesis 3:12
He says his wife persuaded him to join. Dude, that defense didn't even work the first time it was tried:
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Genesis 3:12
He Chose...Poorly
19-year-old Antonio Zurante Lacy didn't have any money, and wanted some. He did, however, have a gun, and he figured that the gun would assist him in his acquisition of funds. Unfortunately, the person Antonio chose to assist him in his share-the-wealth scheme at a credit union ATM turned out to be an off-duty Pitt County Sheriff's Deputy, who proved to be a little quicker to deploy his pistol than Antonio.
Score: Antonio zero, sheriff's deputy Zackary Odom, 1.
Antonio chose poorly, didn't he?
Score: Antonio zero, sheriff's deputy Zackary Odom, 1.
Antonio chose poorly, didn't he?
Friday, January 01, 2010
A Bookstore, One Year Later
I met my girlfriend Sara nearly a year ago. On our first date, we met at a restaurant, then after eating went to a nearby Barnes & Noble bookstore to look at books and chat while looking at books.
A year ago, the long wall where the magazines were shelved had comfortable padded benches the entire length of the magazine shelves; now, only two benches remain.
A year ago, upholstered chairs and tables were placed throughout the store, so that customers could rest while shopping, or browse through a book while deciding whether to purchase it; now those chairs are gone, replaced by a few hard, wooden chairs.
The message is clear: you are not welcome here. Get your books and get out.
I don't know if this is a decision that was made for this store only, or is to be found throughout the Barnes & Noble chain. Whichever it is, it's not friendly or welcoming, and I don't appreciate it.
A year ago, the long wall where the magazines were shelved had comfortable padded benches the entire length of the magazine shelves; now, only two benches remain.
A year ago, upholstered chairs and tables were placed throughout the store, so that customers could rest while shopping, or browse through a book while deciding whether to purchase it; now those chairs are gone, replaced by a few hard, wooden chairs.
The message is clear: you are not welcome here. Get your books and get out.
I don't know if this is a decision that was made for this store only, or is to be found throughout the Barnes & Noble chain. Whichever it is, it's not friendly or welcoming, and I don't appreciate it.
UK: He's 11 And An Incorrigible Criminal, What Do We Do?
He's only been arrested 50 times and convicted 17 times, but laws in UK prevent them from locking the little shit up and throwing away the key.
What to do, what to do?
Chain him to a tree?
Chop off his hands?
Shoot him in the head?
Christ, just lock him in a cell until he's 21, then see if he's matured any. The people of Croydon (south London) need a break.
What to do, what to do?
Chain him to a tree?
Chop off his hands?
Shoot him in the head?
Christ, just lock him in a cell until he's 21, then see if he's matured any. The people of Croydon (south London) need a break.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Catch Everyone On The Other Side
I'll be up most of the night here at work, so Happy New Year to all of you.
He Wipes Der Schmeg On Them
UK: Detectives are hunting a "disgusting" man who wipes "sticky liquid" on unsuspecting girls.
*laughs uproariously*
I'm sorry, I know I should be outraged.
*laughs uproariously*
I'm sorry, I know I should be outraged.
Big Brassy Clangers of the Day Award
A hotel clerk in Gastonia, NC (just west of us here in Charlotte) wrestled a pistol away from a robber.
He didn't shoot the disarmed robber, though. Pity.
He didn't shoot the disarmed robber, though. Pity.
They Caught A Rapist Here In Charlotte...
...turns out to be Officer Marcus Jackson of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
To Protect And Serve
Don't You DARE Criticize Us, You Winger Bastards!
Liberals and the MSM (but I repeat myself) are mad that President Obama is getting blamed for the Al Qaeda Pantybomber attack.
They say that President Bush got no similar grief when Richard Reid tried the very same thing in December of 2001.
Well, duh. It was two months after 9/11, and the country was still in shock, there was no TSA or Department of Homeland Security, and it was only after Reid's failed attack that such measures as taking off shoes and the banning of liquids on flights were instituted. And Bush had all of the blame of 9/11 to shoulder, which he did without all the snivelling going on now by the Democrats.
Maybe it was a fluke, but after the Reid bombing attempt, there were no further attack attempts by Al Qaeda for 8 years. If Bush gets the blame for 9/11, then he also deserves the credit for those 8 safe years. If the terrorists again enjoy success under President Obama, then Obama needs to man up and stop blaming Bush for everything that occurs on his watch.
Personally I think that Bush needs to break his silence and say just that: man up and stop your whining, you pussy. I dealt with terror 100 times worse than you've ever imagined, and I didn't whine about it like a little girl.
FUCK YOU, LIBERALS! IT'S YOURS NOW, OWN IT AND DEAL WITH IT, PUSSIES!
They say that President Bush got no similar grief when Richard Reid tried the very same thing in December of 2001.
Well, duh. It was two months after 9/11, and the country was still in shock, there was no TSA or Department of Homeland Security, and it was only after Reid's failed attack that such measures as taking off shoes and the banning of liquids on flights were instituted. And Bush had all of the blame of 9/11 to shoulder, which he did without all the snivelling going on now by the Democrats.
Maybe it was a fluke, but after the Reid bombing attempt, there were no further attack attempts by Al Qaeda for 8 years. If Bush gets the blame for 9/11, then he also deserves the credit for those 8 safe years. If the terrorists again enjoy success under President Obama, then Obama needs to man up and stop blaming Bush for everything that occurs on his watch.
Personally I think that Bush needs to break his silence and say just that: man up and stop your whining, you pussy. I dealt with terror 100 times worse than you've ever imagined, and I didn't whine about it like a little girl.
FUCK YOU, LIBERALS! IT'S YOURS NOW, OWN IT AND DEAL WITH IT, PUSSIES!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
We Got Yer One-Stop Shoppin' Right'chere!
You want moonshine? Meth? Why go anywhere else?
Here's the boss,Uncle Slayton Douglas Russell Riles, Jr:
For a very similar sort of fellow, listen to James McMurtry sing his hit Choctaw Bingo;
Here's the boss,
For a very similar sort of fellow, listen to James McMurtry sing his hit Choctaw Bingo;
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Ultimate "Blame The Victim" Argument
Rosella Candella, described as a "psychoanalyst" in this UK Telegraph story, claims that Pope Benedict and Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi were responsible for the physical attacks on them because they were dressed in too exhibitionist a fashion.
No, really. She did in fact use the sluts were asking for it argument. Read the story.
He's a Filthy Dirty Slut.
No, really. She did in fact use the sluts were asking for it argument. Read the story.
Stanley Fish Luvs Them Revenge Flix
Stanley Fish, law professor and New York Times columnist, discusses the revenge movie genre, and even offers a list of his favorite films of the genre.
I think, of all the films he mentions, that Jeremiah Johnson is my favorite. Many of the films I have never seen.
I think, of all the films he mentions, that Jeremiah Johnson is my favorite. Many of the films I have never seen.
Damned Thorough, These Chinese
According to my RSS feed of the UK Daily Mail, the Chinese plan to execute a Briton convicted of trafficking heroin by both firing squad and lethal injection:
Musical Interlude
Just heard John Hiatt's magnificent The River Knows Your Name on Pandora, and since Pandora has no sharing feature, I turned to YouTube and found the song there, along with a wonderful slideshow. Enjoy.
Wow, That Takes Chutzpah
Who's responsible for the TSA failing to catch the Pantybomber? Margaret Talev of McClatchy Media says it's Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina, because he's had a senatorial "hold" placed on the confirmation of President Obama's nominee for TSA head, Erroll Southers.
These people are just absolutely shameless.
These people are just absolutely shameless.
Monday, December 28, 2009
They Lynched A WHITE Guy?
Dumb SC peckerwoods can't get anything right anymore...
(this is a follow-up to this recent post of mine.)
(this is a follow-up to this recent post of mine.)
It Depends On What The Meaning of "Reasonable" Is
I've blogged a few times recently on a case in UK where a homeowner was jailed for beating up a burglar: here and here.
We have a further follow-up today, and it appears that the battle in the future will be over what the word "reasonable" means in cases of self-defense and home defense.
It's a fundamental philosophical battle, and one that was fought in the US during the 70's and 80's; in the US, with the election of Ronald Reagan, the Supreme Court began to move away from the criminal-coddling days of the Warren court and toward a more strict law-enforcement interpretation of the Constitution. It has culminated in the court we have now, with most decisions favoring homeowners and especially gun owners over criminals. UK is at the very beginning of the process of taking the country back from the criminals, and it won't start until Gordon Brown and the Labour criminal-coddlers he leads go down in flames at the next UK election.
We have a further follow-up today, and it appears that the battle in the future will be over what the word "reasonable" means in cases of self-defense and home defense.
It's a fundamental philosophical battle, and one that was fought in the US during the 70's and 80's; in the US, with the election of Ronald Reagan, the Supreme Court began to move away from the criminal-coddling days of the Warren court and toward a more strict law-enforcement interpretation of the Constitution. It has culminated in the court we have now, with most decisions favoring homeowners and especially gun owners over criminals. UK is at the very beginning of the process of taking the country back from the criminals, and it won't start until Gordon Brown and the Labour criminal-coddlers he leads go down in flames at the next UK election.
Did He Stand His Ground In Self-Defense...
...or carefully choose his ground for an ambush?
Maurice Moorer shot and killed his ex-wife's new lover, then claimed self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law. Moorer shot the man 15 times while the man was seated in a car in front of Moorer's house; Moorer claimed the man made a movement as if he was going to draw a gun. Police did indeed find a gun, but buried in debris in the back seat of the car, out of the man's immediate reach.
So: self-defense or ambush? One of those tough calls for prosecutors and juries.
Maurice Moorer shot and killed his ex-wife's new lover, then claimed self-defense under Florida's "stand your ground" law. Moorer shot the man 15 times while the man was seated in a car in front of Moorer's house; Moorer claimed the man made a movement as if he was going to draw a gun. Police did indeed find a gun, but buried in debris in the back seat of the car, out of the man's immediate reach.
So: self-defense or ambush? One of those tough calls for prosecutors and juries.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Soldier and Artist
Sergeant Major Doug Farthing of the Royal Anglian Regiment is both.
Here's one of the paintings he did of a soldier in Iraq:
Good stuff.
Here's one of the paintings he did of a soldier in Iraq:
Good stuff.
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