Constitutional interpretation

The Constitution was written in the name of "We, the People". And the primary interpreter is the Sovereign People thus represented. The common sense of the People and the common language of the People (at the time of writing)  are sufficient. (Of course, not all exhibit much in the way of common sense. And few take the time to google the meaning of words at the time they were written.)

More equal animals

George Orwell instructed us about this: All animals are equal and all animals must sacrifice equally. Except, of course, those animals who are obviously more equal. “Everyone must sacrifice for the greater good… Everyone must have some skin in the game.” - President Obama  http://bit.ly/i4rrWf

Job killing we will go!

Job killing we will go! / Job killing we will go! /  Hi! Ho! Karl Marx-e-o! /Job killing we will go! "Meanwhile… Across the pond, the the Obama Adminstration is going forward with its job-killing global warming policies. [...] The new regulations will place heavy administrative burdens on state environmental quality agencies, will be costly to consumers and could be devastating to the economy and jobs. http://bit.ly/hYPGnw

Muslim Cosby show:

Muslim Cosby show: "What a lovely idea. | Maybe for their Christmas special they could blow up a Christmas tree, bomb a church or drag a pastor into the street and shoot him dead?" http://bit.ly/g5P9lA

Actually true Islamaphobia encompasses all who are informed, rational, and effectively free to speak without fear of suiciders & other enforcers. "Of course, the left has totally fabricated [an imagined sort of] “Islamaphobia” in America. If these radical leftists were honest about reducing hate crimes they would be denouncing anti-Semitic attacks in America. Of the 1,575 religiously biased hate crimes last year, over 70 percent of the crimes were committed against Jews in America." ibid. http://bit.ly/g5P9lA

More guns, more concealed carry needed:

More guns, more concealed carry needed: "A good Samaritan flashing a gun scared most of the teens away but police officers had to use tasers on the teens when they arrived on the scene." Video. http://bit.ly/ielb0z

King of Pop lacked normal nursing care

King of Pop lacked normal nursing care. "There have been suggestions that during a brief period when Murray left the room Jackson, possibly desperate for sleep, could have injected himself with more of the Propofol. Flanagan said a broken syringe was found on the bedroom floor in addition to a syringe in an intravenous medication bag. He said a fingerprint found on the broken syringe hasn't been identified." http://bit.ly/dLfAE0

Fish come first

Big government marches on. "The starvation that has begun is more than an inconvenience — it is a national embarrassment, and a moral outrage." http://bit.ly/f0mWWL

His Grace correcting Muslim

His Grace correcting the New Statesman’s Senior Editor (politics): "In Christ (that is, in the Jesus of the New Testament, which Mr Hasan believes to be corrupt), there is neither political left nor right, but the consistent exhortation to all to recognise the rule of God in their lives and exalt righteousness in the nation." http://bit.ly/gEEI4V

Chinese main recovery prop

Multi-propped possible global recovery? Comforting. "The spectre of Chinese monetary tightening has now become the most neuralgic issue in the world economy. There are fears that Beijing may knock away the central prop of global recovery if it misjudges the delicate task." http://bit.ly/fCitq5

Italy's debt costs up

Global economic debacle marches on: "The eurozone periphery is locked into a 'double dip' that will undermine fiscal consolidation." http://bit.ly/fEsqhS

Greener than the Emerald City

Greener than the Emerald City. And a mayor more bizarre than the Wizard. "Psycho cycle policy | Buses stuck, but bikes roll" http://bit.ly/h5XW7r

Madly off in all directions

Descriptive limitation preferable. "Lord Ronald [..] flung himself upon his horse and rode madly off in all directions." -Leacock | "China is preparing for conflict 'in every direction', the defence minister said on Wednesday in remarks that threaten to overshadow a visit to Beijing by his US counterpart next month." http://bit.ly/icKXvN

US also found rape unpresidential.

US also found rape unpresidential. A recent US president was impeached probably because House swing voters saw secret evidence of prior avocation as serial rapist. "Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav was convicted of rape Thursday, a dramatic fall from grace for a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of achievement for Jews of Middle Eastern origin." http://yhoo.it/epideb

New York Times declares war on Israel.

New York Times declares war on Israel. "The [NY] Times editors insisted the breakdown of the peace process was Israel’s fault, that the lack of peace was Israel’s fault, and were adamant that Israel had given nothing to the Palestinians. They accused Israel of being an extremist and racist state, and blasted the diplomat for Israel’s “ill-treatment” of President Barack Obama. | In short, the [NY] Times staff informed [an official representative of the state of Israel] in no uncertain terms that they were sick of [the state of Israel]. | The diplomat told us he was shocked by the attack. He tried to respond, but the [NY] Times editors were not interested in hearing [an official representative of the state of Israel]." http://bit.ly/hdqNei

Some eyes are single

Not afraid to speak the obvious truth. Video. A few minutes in. "R. Lee Ermey appearing on behalf of Toys 4 Tots took an opportunity to unload on President Obama, claiming his administration was destroying the country so that it could impose socialism." http://bit.ly/hIQ2rl

UK Thuggishness

UK Thuggishness: "The UK is finished. It’s turning into a cross between “A Clockwork Orange” with its white unemployed Communist yobs and Gaza with its Islamist yobs" Comment #2. http://bit.ly/gtmFYV

Call out my sister

     Jihad marches on: "Meena Gul’s brother, a Taliban commander, told his 12 year-old sister: ‘You will go to heaven before any of us, if you blow up yourself the way I tell you.’" http://bit.ly/h5sQ5U
     ‎12 Year-Old Girl Bomber Warns of Army of Taliban-Trained Female Suicide Bombers | The Gateway Pundit | Meena Gul’s brother, a Taliban commander, told his 12 year-old sister:‘You will go to heaven before any of us, if you blow up yourself the way I tell you.’ Pakistani security personnel shift bodies after a suicide attack at a hospital in Khar on January 30, 2010. At least 41 people were killed in a
     Call out my 12 year old sister, but for A%%s sake don’t call me. A religion of peace actually. Echoing the great World War II British hymn of pacifist principle and/or cowardice.
     Call out your bloody Territorials; / Call out the rank and the file; / Call out the members of the old brigade. / They’l save England with a smile, / Gor bligh me; / Call out the members of the Home Guard, / Let them keep England free; / Call out me brother, / Me sister or me me mother, / But for C%%%s sake, don’t call me. / Cause,
     {Chorus.) I don't want to join the army, / I don't want to go to war, / I'd rather hang around Piccadilly underground, / Livin' off the earnings of a high born lady / I don't want a bayonet up me arse 'ole, / I don't want me bollocks shot away, / I'd rather stay in England, in merry, merry England, / Aand fornicate me bleedin' life away.
     (Chorus of above plus other great hymns of pacifist principle and/or cowardice at http://bit.ly/ev8iqJ )

Make way for Queen Jadis:

Make way for Queen Jadis: "The European Commission really have produced a new religiously-correct daily planner (aimed, naturally, at school children) in which it really is always winter but never Christmas. Or always Diwali, Hanukkah and Eid but never Christmas, to be precise. http://bit.ly/eBKqf2

NYC Snow Debacle

     Post & comments on top-of-Drudge NYC snow debacle by Facebook curmudgeon:

     Unionized bureaucrats march on: “They were told [by supervisors] to take off routes [and] not do the plowing of some of the major arteries in a timely manner. They were told to make the mayor pay for the layoffs, the reductions in rank for the supervisors, shrinking the rolls of the rank-and-file.” http://bit.ly/dJjpOI

     “NY City Workers Planned Their Slow Response to Record Snowfall As a Protest to Budget Cuts | The Gateway Pundit: Selfish New York City Sanitation workers planned their slow response to the record snowfall as a protest for budget cuts.The New York Post reported:”

     Newborn & others trampled to death by marching bureaucrats: "Among the victims of this crime: A newborn baby died after waiting nine hours for paramedics to arrive." ibid. http://bit.ly/dJjpOI

     NY Post: "angry plow drivers have only been clearing streets assigned to them even if that means they have to drive through snowed-in roads with their plows raised. And they are keeping their plow blades unusually high, making it necessary for them to have to run extra passes, adding time and extra pay. One mechanic said some drivers are purposely smashing plows and salt spreaders to further stall the cleanup effort." http://bit.ly/eYvPTP

     NY Post: "The city broke from its usual routine and did not call in a full complement on Saturday for snow preparations in order to save on added overtime that would have had to be paid for them to work on Christmas Day." ibid. http://bit.ly/eYvPTP

     NY Post: "In the last two years, the agency's workforce has been slashed by 400 trash haulers and supervisors -- down from 6,300 -- because of the city's budget crisis. And, effective tomorrow, 100 department supervisors are to be demoted and their salaries slashed as an added cost-saving move." ibid. pg 1 http://bit.ly/gDLNYs

‎     "There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, any time." - Calvin Coolidge http://bit.ly/fgkG8h

Teen age plagiarist:

Teen age plagiarist: "Trained to believe that nothing adds up and the deck is stacked against him, Obama has seemed from the beginning entirely comfortable with a counterfeit literary career." http://bit.ly/fN82M0

Canterbury: great crime scene

And a great crime scene: "So it is not only our compulsions, but also our conflicts which the modern pilgrim to Canterbury finds expressed in stone, and robed as destinies." http://bit.ly/etPyKO

Passing Turing test in next decade:

Passing Turing test in next decade: "I think that in 10 years if you ask a question on a social network and you get an answer you will not know if a computer or a person has answered you," http://bit.ly/gziATE
More about:"turing test - Google Search" http://bit.ly/eC4Lld

The stupid party and the evil party

Right on. “We have two parties in America—the stupid party and the evil party. Since I’m a Republican, I’m in the stupid party, and we stupidly battle against the evil of the evil party. But sometimes the two parties get together and do something really stupid and evil. We call that ‘bipartisanship.’” http://bit.ly/gfSR3K

Cr-48 Chrome notebook

Just applied for Cr-48. Attempting to stay on cutting edge. "Each participant in the Pilot program will receive a Cr-48 Chrome notebook; in return, we'll expect you to use it regularly and send us detailed feedback." http://bit.ly/fRW8Ld

Junk-Touchers Venn Diagram

Science marches on: "Finally, a Venn Diagram That Shows The Overlap Among 3 Varieties of Junk-Touchers - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine" http://bit.ly/ecpewA

Deluded statists march on:

Deluded statists march on: "You would think the liberal intelligentsia would, with a record of so many misses on so many consequential matters, become chastened. But no. They are filled with certainty:" http://wapo.st/giXr2f

Cowardice rules:

Cowardice rules: "But one religion alone – Islam – is protected from criticism these days. And everyone knows why Islam is so protected. If the adherents of Islam are offended, you see, the offenders of Islam will be targeted for death. Today, cowardice rules, and, as a result, Islam is untouchable by commentary or criticism." http://bit.ly/hQggNb

Backyard Ice Rink

Too warm here. But great project for Elisha Ott. With help from neighbors. "How to Build a Backyard Ice Rink. With little more than 175 feet of lumber, 25 metal stakes and a 50 x 100-foot plastic liner (plus water and cold weather), you too can build a backyard ice rink." http://bit.ly/dSB77s

New GAO

No wonder Somebody thought we needed a new GAO: "This is the 14th year in a row the GAO has been unable to give a clean auditor’s opinion on the Government’s books!" http://bit.ly/hxrQmP

Unfrozen triplet rejoins sisters

Science marches on. "Conceived together, born 11 years apart: Deep-frozen third sister arrives after record gap | Mail Online" http://bit.ly/e8nj5v

18th cent. all-female crime syndicate

"Sugar & spice, & everything nice" was a lot more pleasant: "New research has revealed an all-female crime syndicate had a firm and pitiless grip on London as far back as the 18th century". http://bit.ly/hprPNG

But which is the evil twin?

But which is the evil twin? "In a sense, Washington, D.C., and America’s public debt were twins." http://bit.ly/goA1YF

Possible biological bastardness of two presidents

     Information on recent Facebook post, linked article, and comments are a condensation of much study over three years or so. Links and a few words added. More links and info available for those interested.
     Answers below: "I don’t understand why the Governor doesn’t just say ’snap it up . . . send me a copy right now.’ And why doesn’t the President just say ’send me a copy right now.’ Why doesn’t Gibbs and Axelrod say ‘let’s just get this crappy story dead.’" http://bit.ly/hkn4QQ
     [From above link:] “Chris Matthews: Why Doesn’t Obama Say ‘Send Me A Copy’ Of My Birth Certificate Right Now | The debate over President Obama's birth certificate is gaining some renewed interest. First Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie announced that he will try to publicly release the document, and now MSNBC host Chris Matthews is wondering aloud why we can't just kill this crappy story.”
‎     Answer #1. He just does it to annoy everyone and to further inflame divisions. He actually wants to re-distribute and increase misery. The universality of his hatred is remarkable. http://bit.ly/hlgwOn
     ‎Answer #2. Date, not place, of birth has been concealed. http://bit.ly/faQ8AU Date would rule out BHO Sr. as father. Probable father: his later mentor, Frank Marshall Davis, card-carrying Communist, pornographer, womanizer, onetime Chicago community organizer, etc. http://bit.ly/fppMmC
     ‎Answer #3. Non-Honolulu birth. Long shot. In order of decreasing probability: Washington State, Canada, Zanzibar, Kenya. Birthers are right to detect massive rottenness, but they lack facts and hard study and analysis needed to penetrate multiple layers of fraud, spin, and statist conspiracy. http://bit.ly/faQ8AU
     We seem to have more information about Obama's possible fathers than about the father of our last Democratic president. A fellow named Blythe was on the birth certificate, http://bit.ly/eLnma6 but Blythe was in Italy at the time of conception. http://bit.ly/igSnlW Exit question: Is it bias or patriotism that keeps our elite media ignorant of the possible biological bastardness of two presidents?

Islam is always at war with humanity.

Islam is always at war with humanity. "The Obama administration needs to deal with the problem honestly, stop dodging and wishing reality away, and accept that our enemy is radical Islam. The rest of the world, especially the Muslim world, needs to recognize the source of the problem." http://bit.ly/guptnK
"How can you battle an enemy you won't even name or acknowledge? Answer: You really can't." ibid. http://bit.ly/guptnK

"Jihadists must drive themselves crazy with the notion that someone somewhere in the world might be having a good time. They hate people of other religions. They hate freedom. They hate women's equality. They hate peace. They hate Christmas. At bottom, though, and most importantly, they hate this life." ibid. http://bit.ly/guptnK

Bored Collies

One thing led to another: "Ms. Foster keeps a llama to chase off the coyotes that threaten the lambs that go to market to finance the sheep that entertain her dogs." http://on.wsj.com/i0uNlJ

Wimps Who Stole Christmas?

What are the fans saying who gather for the areas best sports viewing food? 'Philly columnist Will Bunch called the NFL a “bunch of wimps” and decried the nanny state mentality that led to the decision.  He also called them “girly-men,” the “Wimps Who Stole Christmas,” and claimed that the “nanny state killed this football game.”' http://bit.ly/eF6SPG

60% want ObamaCare repealed

Impeach now! "Actual, real good news today. 60% of Americans want ObamaCare repealed. From Rasmussen: Health Care Law. Support for the repeal has been above 50% for the whole time since the unconstitutional boondoggle was passed:" http://bit.ly/hxwsf4

Obamacare misery

Marxism marches on. Equal misery for all but more equal animals. "But just because Obamacare sticks it to families doesn’t mean that physicians will have it good. They’ll face their own—even more draconian—crackdown" http://bit.ly/e8QQPB

Remember this fact.

Remember this fact. Ignore smoke and mirrors. "9.1 million homes were built between 2002 and 2006, a period when 5.6 million U.S. households were formed." http://bit.ly/f3XoXr

Big Brother marches on.

Big Brother marches on. 'Independent and anti-totalitarian thinkers and activists are demonized, “disappeared,” legally sued, threatened with death—and in the name of anti-racism and human rights.' http://bit.ly/e6myWC

More Southwell

"Following Jesus’ footsteps and inspired by St Robert Southwell we work hard  and aim high and treat everyone with honesty and gentleness." http://bit.ly/exg1r0
"Sting interpets the poem of the martired Jesuitit in the chathedral"  "The Burning Babe" by Robert Southwell  http://bit.ly/htdg4s

Flit not from this heavenly Boy

Comments on Jennifer's post: "My soul, with Christ join thou in fight; stick to the tents that he hath pight. / Within his crib is surest ward; this little Babe will be thy guard. / If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy, then flit not from this heavenly Boy.”
 Thanks. “This little Babe so few days old, is come to rifle Satan's fold; / All hell doth at his presence quake, though he himself for cold do shake; / For in this weak unarmed wise the gates of hell he will surprise. / With tears he fights and wins the field, His naked breast stands for a shield; / His battering shot are babish cries, His arrows looks of weeping eyes, / His martial ensigns Cold and Need, and feeble Flesh his warrior's steed. / His camp is pitched in a stall, His bulwark but a broken wall; / The crib his trench, haystalks his stakes; of shepherds he his muster makes; / And thus, as sure his foe to wound, the angels' trumps alarum sound. / My soul, with Christ join thou in fight; stick to the tents that he hath pight. / Within his crib is surest ward; this little Babe will be thy guard. / If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy, then flit not from this heavenly Boy.” http://bit.ly/g9HZ0l
Your video about the manger reminded me of this. My mind is getting foggy. Else I would have sent the poem at your first mention of connecting this heavenly Boy with your new heavenly boy. (Audio at above link is disappointing.Partly because of Benjamin Brittans philosophy one supposes.)
Restriction of ordinary activity and nearness of death may enhance the focus of both mind and heart: "Southwell was then lodged in the Tower, but he was not brought to tria1 until February 1595. There is little doubt that much of his poetry, none of which was published during his lifetime, was written in prison." http://bit.ly/fk83vf

Non-ivy-intellectual presidents like Lincoln.

But, perhaps, on the stage of non-ivy-intellectual presidents like Lincoln.  "There's nobody out there, except for Sarah Palin, who can absolutely dominate the stage, and she can't stand on the intellectual stage with Obama," http://wapo.st/fSOwsj
Non-ivy-intellectual knew something his State Dept. did not, so with tears streaming down the faces of Mexican cadets at attention: "On 5 March 1947, a few months before the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Chapultepec, U.S. President Harry S. Truman placed a wreath at the monument." http://bit.ly/eCP6ca and Mexicans have favorable memories of Truman.
"One hundred years of misunderstanding and bitterness wiped out by [one non-ivy-intellectual] in one minute." http://bit.ly/eM5LNF

The Obama Disappointment Syndrome shop

"The Obama Disappointment Syndrome shop is your one-stop headquarters for anti-Obama products, whether he crushed your sincere hopes or confirmed your worst fears." http://bit.ly/gY2gey

Right to everything = rationing:

Right to everything = rationing: In the UK "everyone's right to health care is becoming the right to no care. Do we want that in the USA?" http://bit.ly/fdXOpD

High Apostle of Obamanomics Speaks:

High Apostle of Obamanomics Speaks: "With the terrifying zeal of a flesh-eating corpse, Krugman urges lower interest rates and more government spending." http://bit.ly/eInFvy

Sedition marches on at the BBC

His Grace is right on, as usual: "The is the British Broadcasting Corporation; a national institution with a Royal Charter. Surely one does not have to conspire in terrorism against the state; or treason against Her Majesty's Armed Forces; or threaten physical violence or criminal damage, in order to obtain justice from its hallowed chambers." http://bit.ly/g5nXc4

Islam has left the rest their dead.

Islam has left the rest their dead. A world half free shall never be at peace: "They think that they have purchased half of us and intimidated the other half. They think that they have foreseen everything, think that they have provided against everything; but the fools, the fools, the fools! — they have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace" http://bit.ly/h2cU3K

Two men to pray for:

Two men to pray for: “I suddenly realised I was sorry for this man – no longer young, but vigorous and horribly lonely in the face of a vast and unsympathetic country,” http://bit.ly/eEHeRZ

Pope properly honors Scotland

Interesting. Benedict XVI's ranking of the nations of Britain corresponds to the influence of that great enemy of Rome, John Knox, in each: "Dear friends from Scotland, England and Wales and indeed every part of the English speaking world, I want you to know that I keep all of you very much in my prayers during this holy season," http://bbc.in/eyEE0Y

Christmas love via Anne Coulter

Love from the Almighty via Anne Coulter toward both the nominally unjust and the nominally just: "Merry Christmas to all, skinflint liberals and generous Christians alike!" http://bit.ly/96xNf0
An honest liberal: 'In his book "Intellectuals," Paul Johnson quotes Pablo Picasso scoffing at the idea that he would give to the needy. "I'm afraid you've got it wrong," Picasso explains, "we are socialists. We don't pretend to be Christians."' ibid. http://bit.ly/96xNf0

Godlessness marches on.

Godlessness marches on: "They're counting on sympathetic Obama rationing czar Donald Berwick -- a recess appointee whose radical views on wealth and health redistribution were never vetted by Congress -- to dictate which religious principles hospital operators can and cannot follow." http://bit.ly/hllQYp

One word answer: Islam:

One word answer: Islam: "King: What's radicalizing Muslim Americans?" http://bit.ly/dSZw4f

We misunderestimated him:

We misunderestimated him: Bush's memoir sells 2m copies in a month - nearly as many as Bill Clinton's sold in six years http://bit.ly/icgOLK

Global warmism hoaxers march on:

Global warmism hoaxers march on: 'So it's a transient phenomenon. In the long run, global warming wins out.' http://bit.ly/gUucUF

Easter Monday Dublin 1916

Easter Monday may count as a national holiday. But that commemorates seven Irishmen. Whether we realize it or not. "The seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation (from the left): Padraig Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas Clarke, Thomas MacDonagh, Sean MacDermott, Joseph Plunkett & Eamonn Ceannt. All of the above men were executed by the British Government for their efforts in trying to secure a free Ireland! At four minutes past noon on Easter Monday, April 24th, 1916, from the steps of the General Post Office Patrick Pearse read the Proclamation of the Republic: [...]" http://bit.ly/f4iJ7q

Dr. Violet Socks stumbles into the truth:

Dr. Violet Socks stumbles into the truth: "He’s a backstabber, a liar, a cheat. He’s not the leader of the party; he’s its albatross." http://bit.ly/eameHQ

Proper pagan traditions march on:

Proper pagan traditions march on: "I understand the point though about not wanting things to get muddled. December 25 is already the birthday of Mithras and Sol Invictus; why bring Jesus into it? And most of us are much too busy wrapping Saturnalia presents and putting up Freya lights on the Yule tree to deal with churchy stuff." http://bit.ly/eqkXS3

Mistaken identity

Who is this "MR. BATLEY!!!"? I must assure you that anyone even tangentially responsible for a three exclamation point undesirable burden is completely unrelated to me. Many Batleys are descended from young ladies who were unable to specifically identify the father of their child but were sure that he was a local lad. (Washingtons and Lincolns may have similar origins.) I, of course, am descended from Roger de Batley, the Norman squire who was assigned by William the Conqueror to the parish of Batley in order to keep the locals in line.

Moral Philosophy 101:

Moral Philosophy 101: "An action which is objectively evil, even if a lesser evil, can never be licitly willed. The Holy Father did not say - as some people have claimed - that prostitution with the use of a condom can be chosen as a lesser evil." http://bit.ly/fxLUgc

Politics trumps defense

Assessment by knowledgeable retired and distinguished professional in respected professional publication: “If Obama wanted to save some money and improve national defense, he should have gotten out of the nuke negations and acted unilaterally. START is simply a political victory for Obama.” http://bit.ly/eh5JW4
Full disclosure. A U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings article taught me how to board an armed Chinese junk full of munitions in the wee hours from a motor whaleboat. A truce was signed before I got close to finding out how well it would work. No great disappointment.

The zeitgeist marches on.

The zeitgeist marches on. "Welcome to the self-esteem culture. We all deserve whatever it is we want because we’re all just, well, super." http://bit.ly/hfIeoo

Today Christmas. Tomorrow the world.

Jihad marches on. Today Christmas. Tomorrow the world. “On the 1st day of christmas my true love gave to me an S....T....D. | On the 2nd day debt | On the 3rd rape | On the 4th tennage pregnancy | Followed By An Abortion | Raves | Claiming God Has A Son | Blasphemy | Exploitation | Promiscuity | Night Clubs | Crime | Paedophilia | Paganism | Domestic Violence | Homelessness | Alcohol | Drugs...” http://bit.ly/eKopix | 

Present wrapping made easy:

Being forced by decrepitude to cut back on present wrapping activity, I have recently made a pre-mortem bequest of my easy wrapping wisdom to my Facebook friends. Non-Facebook friends are hereby included in the pre-mortem bequest:

Present wrapping made easy: As a clumsy and lazy person I have found the following helpful. Take the time to get the best wrapping paper you can find. This will compensate for various deficiencies. Your excuse for using transparent tape is that more difficult to apply ribbons would obscure the glory of your wrapping paper. Use big cheap dry-sticky blank labels intended for identifying guests at meetings. Red or green borders are best. Use red and green italic markers in two sizes. Display your humility by making the "To: ..." much larger than the "From: ... ". Your excuse for big cheap labels is that you are easing the burdens of the present-hander-outer.
Wrapping paper should be chosen to draw interest and favorable comments. Its grandeur should set your presents apart from others. (And further assist the present-hander-outer.) Your presents appearing to be more fine, and carefully chosen, and costly. Demonstrations of the magnitude and appropriateness of your affections for the recipients. "%%%%% bodykins, man, much better. Use every man after his desert, and who should ’scape whipping? Use them after your own honor and dignity. The less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty." - http://bit.ly/eFFtB5

Hug your daughter

An important truth, known to the wise: "Men should never stop hugging their daughters any more than they should stop loving them." http://bit.ly/gPyeDg
"It was Crissy Moran, a lovely girl who, in 2006, gave her life back to Jesus Christ. Before that, she was in the Adult Entertainment Industry." ibid. http://bit.ly/gPyeDg

Norway marches on:

Norway marches on: "It is just a question of time before the market turns on the US as well. It will be the last of the Mohicans to be gathered up, and that will leave only Norway." http://bit.ly/dSnixO

Blinded by multiculturalist fog:

Blinded by multiculturalist fog: 'Western law enforcement and the general public [do] not understand why there was so much crime in the Muslim population. [...] Islam is the perfect religion to give justification for those who feel under attack and to maintain the eternal “victim” fantasy.' http://bit.ly/haBjvb

Open or Independent Brethren

A beginning of the Open or Independent Brethren. (Hat tip to Michelle Mir Moses for post on George Muller.): 'These churches, though calling themselves non-sectarian, were usually classed with the people commonly known as "Plymouth Brethren."' http://bit.ly/hNXadq

Sowell's answers

Article full of correct answers to current questions. Including: 'One of the biggest obstacles to economic recovery is that politicians and the media are both focused on how government can MAKE the economy recover, rather than on how it can LET the economy recover. One of the biggest deterrents to investments, and the jobs they could create, is uncertainty as to what new bright idea will come out of Washington to change the rules in midstream."' http://bit.ly/f89HuZ

Message to googled polyfrag

Message to googled polyfrag. Probably ships that met in the night. "Been awhile since I met someone with mpd/did. And you are the first friend with polyfrag. I lost count at 80 alters or so. Not as bad as yours. Both in causation and recovery. It took time and a bit of regular lite self-hypnosis. The breadth and depth of self knowledge that resulted is a real blessing to this day. Hope the virtual roses are not disturbing. Giving roses to ladies is a recent and rare yet blessed habit."
|| Full blown DID or poly- fragmented DID (more than 100 personalities) is characteristically a result of severe, and prolonged occurrences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse occurring before the age of 12 (and often before the age of 5) (1,8,11). http://bit.ly/gNO85I
||

Gates of Vienna

Today's rallying point for the foes of Islam recalls its namesake: "At the siege of Vienna in 1683 Islam seemed poised to overrun Christian Europe. We are in a new phase of a very old war." http://bit.ly/btyyd8

Message to Bob Batley

Your friend's post reminded me of the Chief Machinist of the USS Aucilla. He advised younger officers that "a girl in every port" was obsolete. The wise mariner has two or more in every port because women are fickle. "David Moore | Pollard's Vision (Edgewood Farm's stallion) returned today from Argentina" http://on.fb.me/eXh8mD

Crazy snow path

A word (& a video) to the wise. "Don't let anyone ever trick you with this crazy snow path." http://bit.ly/gO1GEf

George Muller

Thanks for post, Michelle. I quickly googled short bio at link: "When God put it into the heart of George Muller to build these orphanages, he had only two shillings (50 cents) in his pocket. Without making his wants known to any man, but to God alone, over a million, four hundred thousand pounds ($7,000,000) were sent to him for the building and maintaining of these orphan homes. When the writer first visited them, near the time of Mr. Muller's death, there were five immense buildings of solid granite, capable of accommodating two thousand orphans. In all the years since the first orphans arrived the Lord had sent food in due time, so that they had never missed a meal for want of food." http://bit.ly/hNXadq

$50,000 for attempting to farm

You name it. The government will feed it. "This meant that if you wanted a [$50,000] check, the smart route to go was to claim you attempted to farm. Again, let’s be careful to not overstate the case here — it was not the case that anyone could go in and just get a check" http://bit.ly/fZriXH

Foreign origin of current blatent public assaults

Foreign origin of current blatent public assaults on U.S. multiculturalism: "WEB VIDEO OF THE DAY: Hallelujah flash mob‎ KSDK - Dec 9, 2010 | The company organized a flash mob to perform at the Welland Seaway Mall in ... It begins with one woman jumping up and starting to sing Hallelujah in the ... | “Shock and joy,” says soloist‎ - Niagarathisweek.com | 14.4M views and counting‎ - Welland Tribune | 'At least 50 of those hits were mine' Welland Tribune | Let everything that has breath: Praise the Lord!‎ - K-News4U | Food court Hallelujah Chorus goes viral‎ - Montreal Gazette" http://bit.ly/fyzGYP http://bit.ly/grvEky

Flash mob conspiracy marches on

Vast right-wing religious fanatic flash mob conspiracy marches on: "Flash mob forces evacuation at California mall‎ - Sacramento Bee | STORYLINE Hey friends, that's not a “flash mob” that's my grandma!‎ - The Sacramento Press | 'Flash Mob' Sings 'Hallelujah' At Buckland Hills Mall‎ - Hartford Courant | SSO's Gerard Schwarz conducts flash 'Hallelujah Chorus' at ...‎ - Seattle Times  | [LA Times:] Culture Monster is counting down to Christmas via flash mob. Each morning through Christmas Eve we'll share a new video of large groups ... |  http://bit.ly/gClWn7

Vast right-wing conspiracy strikes again:

Vast right-wing conspiracy strikes again: 'Freedom's Lighthouse » “Flash Mob” Sings the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the Orlando International Airport – Video 12/18/10' [Link via link below] | 'Flash Mob Belts Out “Hallelujah Chorus” at West Side Market in Cleveland (Video) | The Gateway Pundit' http://bit.ly/gBoyfk

Pommes de terre irlandaise

Part of international grande cuisine: pommes de terre irlandaise. Made with real 100% cream and raw onions, I believe. Always wanted to make some for church pot luck missions suppers. Friends might point me to best recipe. (Hat to tip to Michelle for latke post.): "Irish potato pancakes - Google Search" http://bit.ly/eMnzWC

Some animals less equal

Some [persons] less equal than others: "It all fell apart, thank goodness, or otherwise innocent young [persons] might have suffered even further merely because they were white, male, affluent, and jocks -- and that alone is a crime in the minds of many on the left." http://bit.ly/edD5X0

Collectivists march on:

Collectivists march on: "Why would those who generally disdain religion align themselves with one of the most overtly intrusive religions on the planet?" http://bit.ly/e13BjT

Much to have low self-esteem about:

He has low self-esteem. And he has much to have low self-esteem about: "It was purely to make him feel better and to generate publicity for the book," says the media aide. "The school didn't ask for it, no one did. But he goes into and comes out of these events with a warped perspective of how people view him and it's creating problems when he doesn't understand the poor reception he gets in more political settings." http://bit.ly/flP6pA

Pigford fraudsters march on

Fraudsters march on. "he explains how easy it was to commit that fraud and receive a $50,000 check from the government" http://bit.ly/egAgSX

Palins bag reindeer

Solstice Season more fun than Finnegan's wake: ‘We assumed it was a UFO as they’re pretty common round these parts, so naturally me and the kids unloaded our shotguns into the sky. I couldn’t believe it when three reindeer fell to the ground. My previous biggest kill was a moose.’ http://bit.ly/foWK3C

No honey-trap lite from CIA

Good news: No honey-trap lite from CIA. Bad news: No honey-trap from CIA. "The CIA is not behind this at all,’ he said. ‘Of course it is a golden opportunity for them. But from the beginning, it was personal.’" http://bit.ly/eSTuxr

Independence Square

What is the sense of having an Independence Square it you cannot riot independently? "By late Sunday, police had cleared Independence Square of all demonstrators." http://yhoo.it/funIzT

Great Euro Crisis Marches On

Great Euro Crisis Marches On. "The EU torture policy of thrusting yet more debt on crippled states already caught in a debt trap – and then forcing them even deeper into downward spiral with a 1930s policy of wage cuts and "internal devaluation" – is an intellectual disgrace." http://bit.ly/i9wOYZ

Dead buriers of the dead

Dead buriers of the dead march on: "For the past week, representatives of the Popular Palestinian Committees (PPC) have been urging West Bank residents to bury their dead in Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank, identified as Area C." http://bit.ly/hEVbXD

Spin marches on:

Spin marches on: "So on the one hand, the chief Palestinian negotiator declared eternal war. And on the other hand, Friedman condemned Netanyahu -- for the gazillionth time." http://bit.ly/i3i2gP

Inhumane rights march on:

Inhumane rights march on: "Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos said earlier this week that allowing openly gay men and women to serve could lead to “distractions” and “mistakes” that “cost Marine lives.” | “I don’t want to permit that opportunity to happen, and I will tell you why,” said [Senator John] McCain, a former Navy pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war who called it a “sad day.” “If you go up to Bethesda, Marines are up there with no legs, none. We have got Marines at Walter Reed with no limbs.” http://politi.co/hEXYeE
SPIN ALERT. Not "repealing a 17 year-old ban". Eliminating the last restriction on pan-sexual activism and personal advertisement. | "In the [triune] image of God created he [mankind]; male and female created he them." http://bit.ly/eqZAcV

Chesterton on faith in Santa

Gilbert Keith Chesterton on faith in Santa Clause: '“We believed,” he wrote, that a certain benevolent person “did give us those toys for nothing. And . . . I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea." | “Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking; now I wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room, and the room in the house, and the house on the planet, and the great planet in the void.' http://bit.ly/dFfQR4

Live by the leak; die by the leak

They that live by the leak shall die by the leak: "Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who was released from a British jail late last week, is facing a new challenge: the leak of a 68-page confidential Swedish police report that sheds new light on the allegations of sexual misconduct that led to Mr. Assange’s legal troubles." http://nyti.ms/egmAwU

Basic Redskin interaction problem?

Basic Redskin  interaction problem this season? Both coach & quarterback from Chicago area. But quarterback had a much more high class education.  Checked names & secondary schools at Wikipedia. McNabb - Mt. Carmel & Syracuse. Shanahan - East Leyden & Eastern Illinois. | Final today: Cowboys 33, Redskins 30

Addams Family reincarnated

Dems: One Big Happy Family -- Addams Family (update) http://nydn.us/hzztoO

Bad omen last time:

Bad omen last time: "Lady Jane Grey was beheaded for treason that year, while Princess Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Mary of Guise — the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots — became regent of Scotland." http://bit.ly/efhcF4

Stay-at-Home Moms are the Real World

Stay-at-Home Moms are the Real World : '[Barbara Walters went on to ask, "Did you ever think, 'I wish I had a career and I didn't have six kids?'" | Without hesitation, Rachel happily responded: "Well, being a mom is the best job in the world." She said this, by the way, while her youngest, 8-month-old Maria Victoria, sat on her lap. http://bit.ly/hX9Uc2
"'Momma, don't let your babies grow up to be stay-at-home mommas.' That seemed to be the underlying bias from a popular daytime TV show. It's not a new message, but it's one that may be changing." ibid.

Sleighbell industry going to the dogs

Sleighbell industry going to the dogs: "One of Bevin's largest customers is Poochie Pets, a Simsbury, Conn., company that attaches Bevin sleigh bells to a nylon strap that can be hung on door handles so that pet dogs can ring them when they need to be let out." http://lat.ms/gTKKsG

Extremes based on traditions

The truly godly, begotten by the Father of Glory, Righteousness, spirits, and lights are able to recognize extremes as based on traditions of men, secular or religious, obscuring both the genuine science given to men and the spiritually revealed Word of God: "Unfortunately too many people get hung up on the idea that you have to be one extreme or the other," ibid. http://bit.ly/gu6rRy

Fear of the Creator?

Fear of the Creator? Beginning of wisdom? Stay tuned: "We might as well have the Creation Museum set up an outreach office in biology," biology professor James Krupa wrote to a colleague in an October 2007 e-mail.' http://bit.ly/gu6rRy

Survival thru rationing & handouts coming

Probably not in my lifetime. (Great to be 79.): Being able to obtain essentials will be a huge problem, and I fully expect ordinary people to be priced out of the market for many things at that point. | Their survival may then depend on rationing and bare-minimum level handouts. I think the problem will begin before this though, as a collapse in purchasing power prevents people buying essentials for lack of money long before essentials actually become scarce. http://bit.ly/fwpS5g

Losing the capacity to hear music

Losing the capacity to hear music. (As well as reason.): Wagner’s power comes, first of all, from his music, but we have lost the capacity to hear it the way Baudelaire and Mahler did. And our inability to hear Wagner’s music constitutes a lacuna in our understanding of the spiritual condition of the West. http://bit.ly/gdMiir

SS Col. Frank video interview

22 min. video of interview with 97 years old onetime top SS staff officer: '“The remarkable thing is that Mark Gould has dug up the most significant Nazi alive, one that represents the very essence of the regime and the mechanism of the genocide.' http://bit.ly/fn3QAT Interesting. Same last name as Anne http://bit.ly/fcF3GT
The Nazi apparatchiks of death are dead & dying. The girl who convinced her algebra teacher that it is natural for girts to talk in class lives on. 'anne frank - Google Search "About 8,830,000 results "' http://bit.ly/dJZn62

"How true Daddy's words were when he said: all children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." - Anne Frank http://bit.ly/hSb7ZF

Useful idiots march on:

Useful idiots march on: “Obama’s CEO Summit was pure propaganda,” | “The meeting was billed as an effort to mend tensions between the business community and the president when in reality many of the CEO attendees are acting as an arm of the Obama Administration.” | “The meeting was not to establish relationships but a rally to keep CEOs pushing for the Obama’s radical policy agenda.” http://bit.ly/hTi4lL

Tea Parties Old & New

'“I only read the Bible, the catechism, and the Almanac.” | “Well, what was it then that made you go out and fight the British?” | "What we meant in going after those Redcoats was simple. You see, we had always governed ourselves, we always intended to govern ourselves, and they didn’t mean that we should.”' http://bit.ly/eMrg6I
'I believe that we are at a turning point in our history. It is not clear what will happen. We will either go the way of every other republic in world history, or we will regain our footing and reset our compass.' ibid.
"With firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in," - A. Lincoln, 2nd Inaugural http://bit.ly/fuzKso

Big win for all Americans

Big win for all Americans. God is blessing us, every one. "It is also a major win for the opponents of ObamaCare, who halted a billion dollars in funding for the legislation that they aim to repeal. | It is also, of course, a defeat for the earmarkers, the business-as-usual crowd and Harry Reid." http://wapo.st/fPaVKc

Entire modern West tomorrow?

Soviet Union yesterday. California today. Entire modern West tomorrow? "An increasing inability of the economic system to support the agenda of the first world cities and political elites." http://bit.ly/hENmkM

China more Marxist than US

Marxism apparently more advanced in China than in US. "One red flag is the vast number of vacant homes spread through China, by some estimates up to 64 million vacant homes. | We've tracked down satellite photos of these unnerving places, based on a report from Forensic Asia Limited. They call it a clear sign of a bubble: "There’s city after city full of empty streets and vast government buildings, some in the most inhospitable locations. It is the modern equivalent of building pyramids. With 20 new cities being built every year, we hope to be able to expand our list going forward." http://read.bi/gN4IQr

Biggest challenge for Afghan improvement

Interesting. Actually the biggest "challenge" is "the poor quality of governance" in Washington. "Buried in the summary is the acknowledgement of two significant challenges for the stabilisation effort: the continuing Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan and the poor quality of governance in Afghanistan," http://bit.ly/eLs7eQ

The Great Liberal Death Wish

From Malcolm Muggeridge, The Great Liberal Death Wish | via comment at http://bit.ly/gUkFH0
The efforts that men make to bring about their own happiness, their own ease of life, their own self-indulgence, will in due course produce the opposite, leading me to the absolutely inescapable conclusion that human beings cannot live and operate in this world without some concept of a being greater than themselves, and of a purpose which transcends their own egotistic or greedy desires. Once you eliminate the notion of a God, a creator, once you eliminate the notion that the creator has a purpose for us, and that life consists essentially in fulfilling that purpose, then you are bound, as Pascal points out, to induce the megalomania of which we've seen so many manifestations in our time - in the crazy dictators, as in the lunacies of people who are rich, or who consider themselves to be important or celebrated in the western world’.

Mark nostalgia

"Certainly for the older generation," said Niesel, "the feeling is very much one of nostalgia – 'if only we had the D-mark again'." The sentiment is hardly surprising given the turmoil besetting the D-mark's successor, the euro. http://bit.ly/ewrKMD

Democratic junk science dust bowl

Democrats created a dust bowl based on junk science. http://bit.ly/gce6q1

Socialist president plays host to capitalism

Dana Milbank - The socialist president plays host to capitalism http://wapo.st/fFM184

Redistribution on steroids

seMissourian.com: Column: Mike Jensen: Redistribution on steroids http://bit.ly/dIHyCW

Lame-duck feeding frenzy:

Lame-duck feeding frenzy: "There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." http://bit.ly/eC97Zc

RIP Euro?

Deutsche Mark lies molderin' in the grave. Its spirit goes marching on. RIP Euro? '"Certainly for the older generation," said Niesel, "the feeling is very much one of nostalgia – 'if only we had the D-mark again'." The sentiment is hardly surprising given the turmoil besetting the D-mark's successor, the euro.' http://bit.ly/ewrKMD
'The 67-year-old retired serviceman oversees a shrine to the Deutsche Mark, the symbol of postwar German success, running a small museum devoted to the remarkable birth and lamented death of the currency. The mark was born behind barbed wire in total secrecy in this barracks in 1948 [..] The currency met an early death at the age of 50'

US & Israel delay Iran nuclear bomb by two years

Cyber-war marches on. US & Israel team delayed Iran nuclear bomb program by two years. “Just to get their systems running again they have to get rid of the virus, and this will take time, and then they need to replace the equipment, and they have to rebuild the centrifuges at Natanz and possibly buy a new turbine for Bushehr.” http://bit.ly/hSueIT 
How come Licky-weak missed this? "Langer said that in his opinion at least two countries – possibly Israel and the United States – were behind Stuxnet."

The Great Domestic Battle of Our Time

The Great Domestic Battle of Our Time: "You may be noticing a pattern here. Democrats worship the national government and despise the American people and the states. They see any growth of national government as a net positive, and any movement in favor of individual economic liberty as a net loss." http://bit.ly/hFxYUY 

Even more than liberals hate individual economic freedom, however, they hate the states. That's because states show how government "should" work. State governments show that those governments that are most local, responsive and non-intrusive are also most successful. For example, the three best states in terms of unemployment are North Dakota (3.8 percent), South Dakota (4.5 percent) and Nebraska (4.7 percent). Not coincidentally, all three states are conservative. The three worst states in terms of unemployment are Nevada (14.2 percent), Michigan (12.8 percent) and California (12.4 percent). All are Democratic and heavily unionized. States are laboratories of democracy; they show consistently that fiscally responsible governance works every time it's tried.

Jackals Snarling Over a Dried Well

Noise from Washington identified: "Jackals Snarling Over a Dried Well". But: "It's not even a world we have to begin again -- just a vaunted American skill we have to reapply." http://bit.ly/gHzpLK

Just one lick

"I'm going to let this grizzly bear have just one lick of my ice cream cone." http://bit.ly/feCObR

Changing America by Walter E. Williams

"That such an administration could be elected in the first place, headed by a man whose only qualifications to be president of the United States at a dangerous time in the history of the world were rhetoric, style and symbolism -- and whose animus against the values and institutions of America had been demonstrated repeatedly over a period of decades beforehand -- speaks volumes about the inadequacies of our educational system and the degeneration of our culture." http://bit.ly/iebcw2

Thomas Sowell: Christmas Books

The next time someone repeats one of the many myths about FDR, or tries to use the New Deal as a model of how we should try to solve current economic problems, whoever reads this book will have the hard, documented facts with which to shoot down such claims. http://bit.ly/eTybCy
Apparently the real sin of the so-called "robber barons," like that of Wal-Mart today, is that they charged lower prices than their competitors, many of whom went out of business because they were not efficient enough to be able to bring down their prices. http://bit.ly/eTybCy
A book more focused on our contemporary culture is "Spoilt Rotten!" by Theodore Dalrymple. Its subtitle gives its theme: "The Toxic Cult of Sentimentality." Dr. Dalrymple sees sentimentality as not just a silly foible but as a serious danger to government policy-making, as well as a corruption of personal relations. http://bit.ly/eTybCy
The New York Times is not just another newspaper. It has long been a major influence on the rest of the media and on public opinion, so its degeneration into a propaganda publication in recent years is a national tragedy. McGowan spells it all out in plain words and with numerous examples. http://bit.ly/eTybCy

I don't usually read autobiographical books but two very good ones came out this year. My favorite is "Up from the Projects" by economist, columnist and personal friend Walter Williams. It is a small book with a big punch. Once you start reading it, it is hard to put down. | "Up from the Projects" is not only a remarkable story of a remarkable man's life, it is the story of both progress and retrogression in the black community. Everyone wants to take credit for the progress but nobody wants to take the blame for the retrogression. http://bit.ly/gG5SmJ

An even smaller book by a very different man in very different circumstances is "Inside the Nixon Administration"-- subtitled "The Secret Diary of Arthur Burns, 1969-1974." Distinguished economist Arthur F. Burns was chairman of the Federal Reserve System in those years, and these posthumous excerpts from his diary paint a chilling picture of the irresponsibility, vanity, dishonesty and incompetence in the Nixon White House. | This book is not just about the Nixon administration, however. It is about the ugly realities of politics behind the pious talk of "public service." And it is about what it means to have a very strange man as President of the United States-- something that is all too relevant to our own times. http://bit.ly/gG5SmJ


My own new books this year are "Intellectuals and Society," an account of another strange and dangerous group of people, and the 4th edition of "Basic Economics," which is more than twice as large as the first edition. It has been putting on weight over the years, like its author, but the weight is muscle in the case of the book. | "Basic Economics" has sold more copies than any other book of mine and has been translated into more foreign languages. Apparently there are a lot of people who want to understand economics without having to wade through graphs and equations. http://bit.ly/gG5SmJ

Language and Its Discontents Paul Greenberg

Whether you agree or disagree with the opinions expressed in a column matters less than whether I'm communicating in good faith, and good fellowship--and giving you something to think about, even laugh about.
From time to time, I'm told, "I don't agree with a word you say, but you certainly write well." I'd much rather hear that than the other way 'round. ("I agree with everything you write, but how poorly you express it!") http://bit.ly/fnY1X8

Two video palate cleansers needed after days of obnoxious noises from, 83% disapproved 13% approved - Gallup, lame duck congress. http://bit.ly/hZrFxe
"The second-greatest action sequence of all time" http://bit.ly/g00xio
"The greatest action sequence of all time" "No American filmmaker has ever produced a scene this good and no American filmmaker ever will. We’re beat, so let’s accept defeat gracefully." http://bit.ly/d6tJpo

Big Sis marches on

Big Sis marches on: WARNING: Content may be insensitive for some. "Ah, the %%%%% exception to the 4th Amendment!  Well, say no more.  Thankfully, TSA will keep all of us safe from %%%%% while we fly the friendly skies". http://bit.ly/gm3KpO

Liberal agenda unconstitutional

Obamacare decision finds liberal agenda unconstitutional. Fabian socialists may be forced to give up spin and resort to the methodology of Lenin, Stalin, and Mao.: "'Hudson rejected the government’s argument that it has the power under the Constitution to require individuals to buy health insurance, a provision that was set to take effect in 2014. | “Of course, the same reasoning could apply to transportation, housing or nutritional decisions,” Hudson wrote. | “This broad definition of the economic activity subject to congressional regulation lacks logical limitation” and is unsupported by previous legal cases around the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.' | Hudson — perhaps not inadvertently — just described the progressive agenda in a single sentence, and why the Constitution forbids it." http://bit.ly/g61upq

Congressional obnoxious noise

Trust that my friends appreciate the multitude of my political posts that seem particularly desirable during the current session of Congress. It is the duty of every citizen to be aware of the quacks of lame ducks and other obnoxious noises emanating from our elected leaders. I select the most significant for the edification of my friends.

Sarah Palin & the unhappy camper

Sarah Palin & the unhappy camper. Two video clips. Much more fun than Finnegan's Wake. '"I’m worried about my toes; they’re freezing,” she said. | “I’ve been bitten [by bugs] about 200 times — it’s horrible,” she moaned. | “I’m miserable, but somebody‘s gotta be,” she said nonsensically. | “This is cruel and unusual punishment,” she whined. | When [Sarah] Palin and her daughters helped all the little Gosselins make s’mores over the camp fire, Kate declined to join them. Instead, seeing some gooey marshmallow land on a few sleeves, she went into a temper-tantrum fury.' http://bit.ly/g0uFS7

Chris v. Chris! At Christmastime?

Chris Matthews vs. Chris Christie! At Christmastime?  More fun than Finnegan's wake. “Chris Christie is moon over New Jersey, he should not wear white shirts, I tell you that,” [Chris] Matthews said.' http://bit.ly/g9atyJ

Roman god of online popularity polls

Sacrified a goat to Popunetus, the Roman god of online popularity polls, in your name - comment on Taranto Facebook post.

21st century US war crimes unusually rare

Ignore knee-jerk empty-headed imbecilic opinions: "Anyone who has been close to combat or who has read histories of World War II would be struck not by the presence of war crimes [in Iraq & Afghanistan] but by the fact that in all the WikiLeaks files so few potential cases are found." http://bit.ly/hEtBDF 
'The consistent reality of the leaks is that they do not reveal anything new to the informed but do provide some amusement over certain comments, such as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitri Medvedev being called "Batman and Robin."' 
"There is rarely affection among nations, but politeness calls for behaving differently when a person is in the company of certain other people than when that person is with colleagues talking about those people. This is the simplest of human rules. Not admitting what you know about others is the foundation of civilization."

Top Christmas tunes

"Well, His Grace plods on. And he is 521 years old. He persists because he would like the Christmas No1 to be a Christmas carol. It is a time to remember that God became man; a baby born in a manger; a season of peace and good will." http://bit.ly/gUkFH0 
"He persists because X-Factor this year became sleazy: we had whores dancing on the stage, clad in leather and lace, in staging which would not have been out of place in a brothel. | He persists because, well… it’s Christmas. And he wants one just like the ones he used to know. Where the tree-tops glisten, and children listen… "

Parents worse than government?

Were their parents actually worse than government? Just asking. ‘WE CAN’T JUST LEAVE IT UP TO THE PARENTS’ - Michelle Obama http://bit.ly/fOMNI2 'It takes a village' - Hillary Clinton

How sane is support of treason?

In Berkeley, the lunatic left marches on (How sane is support of treason?): "Supporters of Wikileaks Leaker & American Traitor Bradley Manning Rally in Berkeley | The Gateway Pundit" http://bit.ly/gDD6ci

Time gets something right!

Every now & then Time gets something right: "Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange cleaned up in the online voting but even far left TIME Magazine couldn’t quite give him the award.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg won the Person of the Year award instead." http://bit.ly/gPvuuU

A place in the Inferno for O?

Where is Dante when we need him? A depiction of our president at hard labor to work off the debts he has given his nation would be a worthy addition to "The Inferno": 'Governor-Elect Nikki Haley: I told President Obama to “Give Us Our Money Back” (Video) | The Gateway Pundit' http://bit.ly/i8D3dS

Turing test tomorrow

Chess yesterday. Jeopardy today. Turing test tomorrow. The robots march on."Two of the venerable game show's most successful champions - Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter - will play two games against "Watson," a computer program developed by IBM's artificial intelligence team. The matches will be spread over three days that will air Feb. 14-16, the game show said on Tuesday." http://bit.ly/gftUIR

Obvious High Crimes

The time is coming and now is: The proper first priority for the new Republican majority House is to impeach our president for innumerable high crimes and misdemeanors: "With individual rights being tossed on top of the ash heap on an almost daily basis, it’s difficult to peer all the way down to the foggy bottom for a look at where things stand in real time." http://bit.ly/g1NGPN

Crooner Gap

Fifty years ago we were threatened by a "missile gap" relative to Russia. Today a new crisis has arisen. The crooner gap. Will our president rise to the challenge with a Russian song? Stay tuned. "The video really has to be seen to be believed. And we applaud Putin's willingness to sing [Blueberry Hill] on national TV in order to raise money for charity." http://yhoo.it/dG55tD

Holbrooke's last words

Goes to his grave believing that adherents of Islam have the moral outlook of nominal Christians. Interesting final words from a man instrumental in the mishandling of the war with Islam by the governments of the baptized West: 'his final words were to his Pakistani surgeon: "You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan." http://wapo.st/eXe1UL

Waiting for Smoking Gun

Would not begin to believe this until it appears on Smoking Gun .com | WITNESS STATEMENT OF MICHAEL MOORE | MichaelMoore.com http://bit.ly/f6zOP2

Sun goes crazy

Now they tell us. Half the surface of the sun went crazy on August 1st. No wonder things on earth have been spinning out of control. It is not all Obama's fault, only mostly. 'Title describes the Eureka! moment: "We saw that all the events of substantial coronal activity were connected by a wide-ranging system of separatrices, separators, and quasi-separatrix layers."' http://bit.ly/dSCLbz

Spin now in lower gear at Harvard

Harvard backing off initial story outrageously spun as homophobic hate crime. First story now viral on news sites, etc. "But upon an investigation by HUPD, it was revealed Monday morning that "our own library personnel" had accidentally spilled a bottle, containing what was reported to be urine, that had been found on the shelf, according to Hammonds. Harvard College Library plans to replace all 36 damaged books as soon as possible, she added." http://bit.ly/gAJf8J

Matthew's air force: Messages

Jim Batley December 2 at 12:52pm
An air force in your future? You might want to check up on your professors' knowledge of this development. After your grades are finalized, of course.
"Although it is black, durable, quiet, and lightweight, its most common use will probably be flights above farmland. Access to routine, affordable aerial imagery is a boon to growers, allowing them to spot soil differences, mold, vermin and humidity problems. Photos make field damage from pigs immediately obvious, show heat burn and allow management of grass growing between crop rows." http://bit.ly/dFmhVa

Gallery: Test-Flying the Sensefly Cameradrone | Popular Science
bit.ly
The most interesting aerial photographs tend to be the highest risk for flying cameras, but my host was confident. We agreed to launch the plane in a field and direct it over a creek and across a neighborhood of single family homes.
Share

Matthew Bright December 2 at 9:47pm Report
Isn't this military technology?

Jim Batley December 13 at 5:22pm
Military technology would cost the taxpayers millions more than this. It looks like a gifted application of off-the-shelf materials and gadgets.
It may have been developed by someone who wanted to know more of what his neighbors were up too.
The technology that keeps us all from getting killed may cost far too much, but I do not regard it as all bad.
I have had second thoughts about the application to agriculture. Images from satellites might be more cost effective if developed and widely used. Images from outside the visible spectrum might support a weatherproof surveillance of crops and herds.

Cranmer disses Assange

Righteous judgement from channeled Archbishop: "But Julian Assange would murder Moses and betray Israel: he would tell Pharaoh that Hebrew women give birth in exactly the same way as Egyptian women (Ex1:19); and he would tell the King of Jericho that Israelite spies are hiding on the roofs of houses (Josh2:4)." http://bit.ly/e8Y81d

Birth of Gideon Andrew Ott, my Facebook meandering

Another GAO & Gideon!?! Prophesy? Providence? Inspired? Just noticed that Gideon Andrew Ott, son of Andy & Jenn, shares initials with the Government Accounting Office. Our government certainly ought to be called to account. Our Nation certainly can use a Gideon: "The Book of Judges:" Gideon http://bit.ly/dMD9Zd

The Book of Judges: Gideon | Yahweh then orders Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal, the god of the Amorites and the Canaanites, and to cut down the pole that represents Asherah, the goddess of the Amorites and the Canaanites. He orders Gideon to use the pole to erect an altar to Yahweh and then sacrifice one of his

Jim Batley: Inadvertent inclusion of text above [on Facebook] may be providential. Children generally improve their parents. Gideon of old corrected the defects of his father. Only defect of Andy I am aware of is service in Air Force rather than Navy. Perhaps Gideon Ott will join and improve the Navy as did the co-founder, Les Spencer, of The Navigators http://bit.ly/hDFtEP 

Semi-apology to Andy. It seems The Navigators was founded before the Air Force Academy: '"You teach him!" [Dawson] Trotman responded. And the 2 Timothy 2:2 [ http://bit.ly/gQlBUg ] vision was strengthened. | [Les] Spencer did teach the sailor, and soon the two men were meeting with others. Eventually, 125 men on their ship, the U.S.S. West Virginia, were growing in Christ and actively sharing their faith. By the end of World War II, thousands of men on ships and bases around the world were learning the principles of spiritual multiplication by the person-to-person teaching of God's word.' http://bit.ly/i1HTqR 

It is interesting that I seem to be carrying on a bit like Simeon: "[Luke 2:]29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:  30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, http://bit.ly/gjF5fT 

Usually I seem to be a bit like Polonius: "And Polonius is not exactly an exemplary character. He’s dull, pedantic, wields no real power at court and manages to get himself killed by hiding in the Queen’s bedroom. More to the point, having made this speech full of homely wisdom to Laertes, he is next seen talking to Reynaldo (Act 2, Scene i), a spy he is intending to set on his son." http://bit.ly/gaHWqj 

Another GAO & Gideon!?!

Another GAO & Gideon!?! Prophesy? Providence? Inspired? Just noticed that Gideon Andrew Ott, son of Andy & Jenn, shares initials with the Government Accounting Office. Our government certainly ought to be called to account. Our Nation certainly can use a Gideon: "The Book of Judges:" Gideon http://bit.ly/dMD9Zd
The Book of Judges: Gideon | Yahweh then orders Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal, the god of the Amorites and the Canaanites, and to cut down the pole that represents Asherah, the goddess of the Amorites and the Canaanites. He orders Gideon to use the pole to erect an altar to Yahweh and then sacrifice one of his
Jim Batley: Inadvertent inclusion of text above [on Facebook] may be providential. Children generally improve their parents. Gideon of old corrected the defects of his father. Only defect of Andy I am aware of is service in Air Force rather than Navy.

Impeach Obama Now!

About time. Impeach Obama now! "A federal judge in Virginia has declared the Obama administration's health care reform law unconstitutional." http://yhoo.it/i218Ob
Time coming and now is. Republican majority in House next year can and should impeach the president for innumerable high crimes and misdemeanors. Then put witnesses under oath on U-tube. Then let the Senate face a fully informed public. You read it here first.
Above also found on Jim Batley's Facebook page.

Queen Jadis of Narnia coming to U.S.?

Queen Jadis of Narnia coming to U.S.? Endless winter? Christmas cancelled? Stay tuned. "The Salvation Army, for the first time, canceled bell ringing in Minnesota and North Dakota." http://bit.ly/hZZh0f

Eurozone ready for undertaker?

Eurozone ready for undertaker? "Should we blame the current hapless leaders, or the guilty men of Maastricht who created this doomsday machine? If the project itself is rotten, surely what the eurozone needs most is an undertaker." http://bit.ly/hXSEwE

NY Times "Licky Weak[ed]"

Live by the leak, die by the leak: 'Spokesmen from the New York Times, the Washington Post, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN blasted Assange for exposing communications that linked Obama’s rise and governance to support from and tutelage by some of the biggest names in journalism. [...] "What the hell’s the matter with Assange?  He knows the rules:  we’re leaked to, not on.  Only the Times destroys reputations with impunity and immunity.  He crossed a line coming after us.”' http://bit.ly/gq1mSU

Bearing the sword in vain?

Bearing the sword in vain? Video, pics, links. 'The officers who were protecting their Royal Highnesses showed very real restraint - some of those officers were armed. Their priority was to get that car to the point of safety, which was the venue, and that was achieved, but it was a hugely shocking incident.' http://bit.ly/hN8kRF 
Seems like only the English Defense League gets more than light harassment. One supposes that all others are in the politically correct rainbow.

In good company

Ungenerous of him, but in good company. With Melchizedek, David, Solomon, Godfrey de Bouillon, Saladin, etc. "Israel's leader does not want to share Jerusalem - Yahoo! News" http://yhoo.it/i3lb9e 

‎"They who are not worthy to win [Jerusalem] are not worthy to behold it." - Richard I of England, Coeur de Leon (Refusing to view Jerusalem from top of nearby hill when forced to call off the Third Crusade after the French deserted.)
In 1967 Israel won Jerusalem the old fashioned way. Fair and square.

Baby dissed. Catholics upset.

Baby dissed. Catholics upset. St. George not available for comment. "Baby Jesus ousted from St. George Ferry Terminal" http://bit.ly/ecRp6Y

Godlessness lite

Godlessness lite: Hatred is a frequent result of Marxism, Islam, elite liberal education, black liberation theology, Chicago politics & godlessness lite, in general: "Instead Mr. Obama said, essentially, that he hates the deal he just agreed to, hates the people he made the deal with, and hates even more the people who'll criticize it. His statement was startling in the breadth of its animosity." http://on.wsj.com/eNtXZf

Gideon Andrew Ott arrived safely despite snowstorm

[Subject:] Gideon Andrew Ott arrived safely despite snowstorm
Jim Batley to Craig [Shakarji], Michael [Flester], bcc: David [Bright]
Sorry not to get up in time so that some news about a couple married in the assembly was sure to get to the assembly promptly. From Facebook (Ruth Bright & Michelle Mir Moses have brought me into the 21st century by inviting me to be a Facebook friend):
____________________________

Jennifer [Bright] Ott: Gideon Andrew arrived on 12/11/10 at 9:53 pm. 7 pounds, 11 ounces, 21.5 inches, and some dark hair! Made it to the hospital...
[...] Alicia Karrick During the blizzard! Yea! Congrats guys!
[...] Kylie Shorma Congratulations Andy and Jenn!!!
Jim Batley Great name. Good size. In marvelousness, birth is only second to rebirth in our blessed Lord.
Jim Batley I trust that after four children you will forgive me for ratting out on a Facebook friend to your parents about your snow comments. I think Mareina had already given them the basics.[big snowstorm when a week or two overdue.]

Moths & Butterflys

Moths might be sufficiently masculine for boys at a butterfly party. The Luna Moth is particularly neat looking. "Butterflies and Moths of North America. Occurrence maps, species accounts, checklists, and photographs" http://bit.ly/ervI6b

Railgun in action

National defense meanders on. "Two clips for you here of the railgun in action. It won’t be ready for use on ships until 2025 or so, but if all goes according to plan, they’ll be able to squeeze off six to 12 rounds per minute. Exit question: Given those Shanghai [middle school math] test scores, won’t the Chinese have already built the Death Star by then?" http://bit.ly/eU1tu1

The "more equal" applaud Holder

Will those of European origin be similarly assured, at least. Even if they are not treated as equal to Animal Farms's "more equal animals": "Despite the differences of opinion, [US Attorney General Eric] Holder received strong applause and a standing ovation [from Muslim group]. Attendees said they felt reassured by his remarks on protecting the civil liberties of Muslim Americans." http://bit.ly/hPtTDC

Stadium Grille fan photo

Maybe it is about time for me to visit the Stadium Grille: "Fan photos from Stadium Grille Offical Page (5)" http://on.fb.me/iaMAWk

XM-25 Rifle

Hiding behind walls may soon become unsafe. "XM-25 Rifle in Action - Fox News Video" http://bit.ly/eHCij3

Big Sis pat downs ambassador

Fantastic lack of prejudice. Big Sis outraging foreign governments as well as ordinary citizens: "Video: India “outraged” over TSA pat-down of [sari-wearing lady] ambassador http://bit.ly/fMr4xd 
Proper computerized id system would end the nonsense. Unleash the stored program digital computer. Stop letting slip the war dogs of Big Sis.

A Writer's Manual and Workbook by Paul Kies.

Perhaps this link is better than no customer reviews. An internet Answer Man resolved the difficult problem of diagramming the familiar sentence "See Spot run." as follows: "Never fear. We pull out our trusty 1936 edition of A Writer's Manual and Workbook by Paul Kies. Kies writes that to, though it's the "sign of the infinitive," is "frequently omitted, especially after such verbs as help, make, bid, feel, see, hear, dare, need;" e.g., I heard him sing, I see Spot run. He even provides a diagrammed infinitive, which looks like the Flying Wallendas playing jai alai. (See Slug's masterful rendering.) This week sentence diagramming, next week world peace?" http://bit.ly/fEfbkr 
Just submitted customer review of book I have not read to Amazon. Not accepted as yet, but copied to blog post: http://bit.ly/eLGclo

Tracking skills

Michelle Mir Moses

I'm all excited about the animal footprints I found in the snow this morning. Lots of bird prints, a bunny rabbit hopped alongside our pool, a large cat and even a racoon left tracks.

2 hours ago ·  · Comment

• Gláucia Capelozza Mir likes this.
• • 

    Laura McLaughlin Zale How exciting for you and the kids!

    2 hours ago · 
  • 

    Michelle Mir Moses my thoughts exactly. :)

    about an hour ago · 
  • 

    Jim Batley Tracking skills are important. An old shipmate, when 16, had discovered Nazi spies in Maine through tracks in the snow.

    28 minutes ago · 
  • 

    Jim Batley Another friend attended the Australian SAS tracking school. Helped his unit to exterminate terrorists who had blown up orphans and nuns who were in their care.

    24 minutes ago · 
  • 

    Jim Batley Tracks in the snow at Cornell were identified as a rhinoceros by a zoology prof. They led to a large hole in ice covering a nearby lake. Beast is still missing.

Obamacare marches on

Predictable. "Doctors simply don't like what the Democrats have force-fed them. A large segment of the healing profession says it's willing to close its doors rather than endure the problems that will be created by the overhaul. Unfortunately, this is exactly the sort of outcome that's expected when lawmakers leave common sense behind and work far outside their moral and constitutional authority." http://bit.ly/ii778l
New poll indicates 40% of physicians will retire or find other work under ObamaCare « Hot Air http://bit.ly/fNqtqv

Red Green suspenders

 Mariners would prefer Red Green suspenders with red to port, green to starboard, like running lights. Can this be fixed with duct tape?

Run, Ralph! Run!

Run, Ralph! Run! '"He has no fixed principles," [two-time presidential candidate Ralph] Nader said, of Mr. Obama. "He's opportunistic -- he goes for expedience, like Clinton. Some call him temperamentally conflict-averse. If you want to be harsher, you say he has no principles and he's opportunistic." | "He's a con man," Nader continued. "I have no use for him."' http://bit.ly/dFGbjw 
Maybe anyone married to Michelle Obama for two decades would end up "temperamentally conflict-a[d]verse".