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Calling a Spade a Spade
In their youth, the Greatest Generation defeated Fascist states in the Second World War. Their children, the Baby Boomers, in their retirement, have (with too much help) elected a Fascist to the Presidency of the United States ( Read more... ) -
The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat
The brief blurb on the front cover says "a better novel than The Cruel Sea." I have yet to read The Cruel Sea, but my understanding is that this is supposed to be high praise indeed. Certainly, it was well worth reading, and will probably reward re-reading. The only minor issue I had was that the first chapter seemed to drag a bit, due to being ( Read more... ) -
My take on the probability of US Government default.
First, we have this: “We’re not going to be disrespected,” conservative Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., added. “We have to get something out of this. And I don’t know what that even is.”
Which has to be considered one of the most counterproductive and muddled statements I've ever witnessed.
Follow it up with Boehner's problem: "They are only trying ( Read more... ) -
Waving the Red Flag
Forget George Zimmerman (actually, don't; but there are larger fish that need frying) what we really need to get mad about is that ( Read more... ) -
Random brain dropping.
Crazy thought which passed through my brain today while I was walking home from the library ( Read more... ) -
Book reviews
Larry Gonick, The Cartoon History of the Universe Volumes I-III, and The Cartoon History of the Modern World Volumes 1 and 2. Overall a very good series, and highly recommended. Caveats are of course the subject matter and the format, since he was kind enough to create something smaller holdable by a human, as opposed to an elephant. Also, given ( Read more... ) -
Shogun, by James Clavell
Written in 1975, the edition I got hold of was 1152 pages. At this remove it isn't clear whether this book is reflecting the stereotypes about feudal Japan that were prevalent at the time it was written, or helped create them. Also, the length implies that you either need a schedule far more clear than I do, or a lenient renewal policy at your ( Read more... ) -
Data About Politicians and Contributions
If you're even remotely interested in where the campaign contributions the people you (I hope) will be voting for is coming from, this seems to be the widget for you.
If you can't see it, look here: http://maplightwidget.wired.com/maplight/5599.htmlRead more... ) -
Eurozone messiness.
In the event anyone reading this is interested in the Question of why Britain is dealing with the financial crisis better than Spain, despite Spain having lower levels of debt (relative to GDP) at the beginning, this article answers that. Leave a commentSince book reviews seem to be the thing to do on LJ these days....
1861 by Adam Goodheart. I must thank my friend mrissa for bringing this delightful book to my attention. If you have ever wondered how public opinion the North got from "I wish those dang abolitionists would shut up" to "Those damn secessionists are trying to destroy the Union!", or why Missouri didn't secede (hint: it's related the '48 revolutions in ( Read more... )