Very interesting:
New Blue Nightmare: Clarence Thomas and the Amendment of Doom | Via Meadia: Jeffrey Toobin’s gripping, must-read profile of Clarence and Virginia Thomas in the New Yorker gives readers new insight into what Sauron must have felt: Toobin argues that the only Black man in public life that liberals could safely mock and despise may be on the point of bringing the Blue Empire down.
In fact, Toobin suggests, Clarence Thomas may be the Frodo Baggins of the right; his lonely and obscure struggle has led him to the point from which he may be able to overthrow the entire edifice of the modern progressive state.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Crime and the Great Recession
Fascinating article:
Crime and the Great Recession by James Q. Wilson, City Journal Summer 2011: Jobs have fled, lawbreaking hasn’t risen—and criminologists are scratching their heads.
Crime and the Great Recession by James Q. Wilson, City Journal Summer 2011: Jobs have fled, lawbreaking hasn’t risen—and criminologists are scratching their heads.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Texan Who Would Be King | 1LT WM Treadway's Blog straight from the sandy beaches of Afghanistan.
Great blog from first hand experience in Afghanistan:
The Texan Who Would Be King | 1LT WM Treadway's Blog straight from the sandy beaches of Afghanistan.: The platoon has just returned from a most successful excursion into enemy territory. It was a 48 hour air assault mission that met the enemy head on and sent them on their way bloodied and bruised. I would compare it to a group of Longhorn fans walking into a bar in Norman, Oklahoma, whipping a passel of Bummer Sooners, then hanging out till last call. The last time we did one of these I mentioned that the air assault is not generally on tap for an armored reconnaissance squadron. No real surprise though. We left our Bradleys back at Fort Riley and have been on foot for most of the deployment. So much for ‘death before dismount’. Anyway, as missions go, this one went pretty smoothly from the perspective of my platoon with a few bumps along the way.
The Texan Who Would Be King | 1LT WM Treadway's Blog straight from the sandy beaches of Afghanistan.: The platoon has just returned from a most successful excursion into enemy territory. It was a 48 hour air assault mission that met the enemy head on and sent them on their way bloodied and bruised. I would compare it to a group of Longhorn fans walking into a bar in Norman, Oklahoma, whipping a passel of Bummer Sooners, then hanging out till last call. The last time we did one of these I mentioned that the air assault is not generally on tap for an armored reconnaissance squadron. No real surprise though. We left our Bradleys back at Fort Riley and have been on foot for most of the deployment. So much for ‘death before dismount’. Anyway, as missions go, this one went pretty smoothly from the perspective of my platoon with a few bumps along the way.
What if Obama isn't so smart?
Seems pretty self evident to me:
What if Obama isn't so smart? | Noemie Emery | Columnists | Washington Examiner: Fortunately we have such a thinker, "capable to examining" things to perfection, and that is the problem: President Obama is their ideal of a thinker. He is president, and he has been -- how to put it? -- a bomb.
Based on results, Perry has been more successful as governor of Texas than Obama has been as president, or as anything else he has ever tried being, in the entire whole course of his life.
In 2008, Obama was hailed as a genius, a "first rate intellect," the smartest man to ever be president, and we know now the first part is true. He is the political genius who shed 30 points in his first years in office.
He's the political genius who blew up his coalition in his first months in office, who led his party to annihilation in the 2010 midterms (while showing utter indifference to the fate of congressional Democrats), and gave the Republicans -- who were on the floor, in a coma -- more than they needed to come roaring back from the dead.
What if Obama isn't so smart? | Noemie Emery | Columnists | Washington Examiner: Fortunately we have such a thinker, "capable to examining" things to perfection, and that is the problem: President Obama is their ideal of a thinker. He is president, and he has been -- how to put it? -- a bomb.
Based on results, Perry has been more successful as governor of Texas than Obama has been as president, or as anything else he has ever tried being, in the entire whole course of his life.
In 2008, Obama was hailed as a genius, a "first rate intellect," the smartest man to ever be president, and we know now the first part is true. He is the political genius who shed 30 points in his first years in office.
He's the political genius who blew up his coalition in his first months in office, who led his party to annihilation in the 2010 midterms (while showing utter indifference to the fate of congressional Democrats), and gave the Republicans -- who were on the floor, in a coma -- more than they needed to come roaring back from the dead.
Painless Protein Scaffold Lets Cavity-Ridden Teeth Re-Grow From the Inside Out | Popular Science
Yes!
Painless Protein Scaffold Lets Cavity-Ridden Teeth Re-Grow From the Inside Out | Popular Science: A new tooth-regenerating paste could reverse bacterial-induced tooth decay, sweeping dental drills into the dustbin of history. Hopefully.
Painless Protein Scaffold Lets Cavity-Ridden Teeth Re-Grow From the Inside Out | Popular Science: A new tooth-regenerating paste could reverse bacterial-induced tooth decay, sweeping dental drills into the dustbin of history. Hopefully.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Men at War: Come Home with Your Shield, or On It
I was at Brice's funeral here in Florence. It was extremely moving seeing a full military funeral. The thing that does strike me is that it's time to get our boys home. Rest in peace Brice and keep his family in your prayers.
Men at War: Come Home with Your Shield, or On It | Michael's Dispatches: On 31 July, another firefight unfolded. The element I was with was maybe two or three hundred meters away as the crow flies. Thousands of bullets seemed to be fired, there were dozens of explosions and the Kiowa Warrior and Apache helicopters joined in with rockets, cannon fire, and machine guns. We only watched and waited for any enemy to stumble in front of our shooting positions. The Soldiers’ weapons were ready, as was my Canon. At the moment, our compound was not under attack, though the first Soldier who had been shot in the face the day before had been at our current compound, which was complete with heaps of marijuana drying in the sun.
Word came on the radio that PFC Brice Scott had been shot in the face just as had happened the day before.
Men at War: Come Home with Your Shield, or On It | Michael's Dispatches: On 31 July, another firefight unfolded. The element I was with was maybe two or three hundred meters away as the crow flies. Thousands of bullets seemed to be fired, there were dozens of explosions and the Kiowa Warrior and Apache helicopters joined in with rockets, cannon fire, and machine guns. We only watched and waited for any enemy to stumble in front of our shooting positions. The Soldiers’ weapons were ready, as was my Canon. At the moment, our compound was not under attack, though the first Soldier who had been shot in the face the day before had been at our current compound, which was complete with heaps of marijuana drying in the sun.
Word came on the radio that PFC Brice Scott had been shot in the face just as had happened the day before.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Liberty, Justice, and the Common Good: Political Principles for 2012 and Beyond
This should be interesting:
Liberty, Justice, and the Common Good: Political Principles for 2012 and Beyond « Public Discourse: Today, Public Discourse launches a ten-day symposium on “Liberty, Justice, and the Common Good: Political Principles for 2012 and Beyond.” With a view to the next election, we’ve commissioned ten essays, each covering one of the major policy areas that scores of Public Discourse pieces have examined, to give us a survey of the landscape as we scrutinize the candidates who inhabit it. We also hope these articles will prompt the candidates themselves to think through these issues more thoroughly, as they look to enact good policy and not just curry favor with various factions.
Liberty, Justice, and the Common Good: Political Principles for 2012 and Beyond « Public Discourse: Today, Public Discourse launches a ten-day symposium on “Liberty, Justice, and the Common Good: Political Principles for 2012 and Beyond.” With a view to the next election, we’ve commissioned ten essays, each covering one of the major policy areas that scores of Public Discourse pieces have examined, to give us a survey of the landscape as we scrutinize the candidates who inhabit it. We also hope these articles will prompt the candidates themselves to think through these issues more thoroughly, as they look to enact good policy and not just curry favor with various factions.
Inequality Grows As Poor, Ignorant Atheists Swamp US
Fascinating, though I'm skeptical:
Inequality Grows As Poor, Ignorant Atheists Swamp US | Via Meadia: The stereotype, held apparently by none other than the President of the United States, is that religious people are less educated and less affluent than cosmopolitan and sophisticated seculars. The bitter clingers handle snakes, guns and Bibles in West Virginia; the seculars discuss literature and economics at swank parties in Georgetown.
In fact, some recent research reveals, it is almost the other way round. According to the American Sociological Association, the uneducated and the poor (often of course the same people) are dropping God like a hot brick; the ‘bitter clingers’ are increasingly better educated and more affluent than the unchurched.
Inequality Grows As Poor, Ignorant Atheists Swamp US | Via Meadia: The stereotype, held apparently by none other than the President of the United States, is that religious people are less educated and less affluent than cosmopolitan and sophisticated seculars. The bitter clingers handle snakes, guns and Bibles in West Virginia; the seculars discuss literature and economics at swank parties in Georgetown.
In fact, some recent research reveals, it is almost the other way round. According to the American Sociological Association, the uneducated and the poor (often of course the same people) are dropping God like a hot brick; the ‘bitter clingers’ are increasingly better educated and more affluent than the unchurched.
UK riots: The end of the liberals’ great moral delusion
The truth on the riots:
UK riots: The end of the liberals’ great moral delusion - Telegraph: There is no national debate about the epidemic of riots and looting that spread through our cities like a bush fire. Out there in the real world, where people go about the normal business of life, there is no sign of the heated argument that the media is so determined to air. In fact, I cannot remember a time when there has been such crushing unanimity on a matter of public importance: the answers to the questions of why this happened, what went wrong when it began to happen and what needs to follow in its aftermath are considered so blindingly self-evident as to be beyond rational disagreement.
And this is fascinating: "We have Jean-Jacques Rousseau to thank for the basic principle that men are born good and will only behave badly if they are corrupted by authority and repressive institutions: that we need only liberate them from those false limitations and their natural moral instincts will come to the fore."
UK riots: The end of the liberals’ great moral delusion - Telegraph: There is no national debate about the epidemic of riots and looting that spread through our cities like a bush fire. Out there in the real world, where people go about the normal business of life, there is no sign of the heated argument that the media is so determined to air. In fact, I cannot remember a time when there has been such crushing unanimity on a matter of public importance: the answers to the questions of why this happened, what went wrong when it began to happen and what needs to follow in its aftermath are considered so blindingly self-evident as to be beyond rational disagreement.
And this is fascinating: "We have Jean-Jacques Rousseau to thank for the basic principle that men are born good and will only behave badly if they are corrupted by authority and repressive institutions: that we need only liberate them from those false limitations and their natural moral instincts will come to the fore."
Removing the obstacles to economic growth - The Washington Post
Ouch, but true. Why the President can't figure this out is beyond me:
Removing the obstacles to economic growth - The Washington Post: Our country is facing two related but separate crises. The first is the federal government’s debt crisis, the result of decades of fiscal mismanagement by both political parties as well as unsustainable entitlement commitments. The second is the jobs crisis, which has resulted in painful levels of unemployment and underemployment. President Obama is wrong to think that the answer is to increase spending or raise taxes when so many millions of Americans are out of work.
In fact, the Obama administration’s anti-business, hyper-regulatory, pro-tax agenda has fueled economic uncertainty and sent the message from the administration that “we want to make it harder to create jobs.”
Removing the obstacles to economic growth - The Washington Post: Our country is facing two related but separate crises. The first is the federal government’s debt crisis, the result of decades of fiscal mismanagement by both political parties as well as unsustainable entitlement commitments. The second is the jobs crisis, which has resulted in painful levels of unemployment and underemployment. President Obama is wrong to think that the answer is to increase spending or raise taxes when so many millions of Americans are out of work.
In fact, the Obama administration’s anti-business, hyper-regulatory, pro-tax agenda has fueled economic uncertainty and sent the message from the administration that “we want to make it harder to create jobs.”
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Imperial Presidency
Our President manages to travel a lot more extravagantly than many of the European dynasties:
The Imperial Presidency - Mark Steyn - National Review Online: European royals make do with a less lavish lifestyle than the supposed citizen-executive of a so-called republic.
The Imperial Presidency - Mark Steyn - National Review Online: European royals make do with a less lavish lifestyle than the supposed citizen-executive of a so-called republic.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Economics focus: Don’t look down
Very interesting:
Economics focus: Don’t look down | The Economist
America is far less inclined than many of its rich-world peers to use taxation and redistribution to reduce inequality. The OECD, a think-tank, reckons that taxation eats up a little less than 30% of the average American’s total compensation, compared with nearly 50% in Germany and France. America’s top federal income-tax rate of 35% is lower than in many other advanced economies (although most Americans also pay state taxes). Britain’s top tax rate is 50%. Swedes and Danes acquiesce to tax rates that would outrage many Americans: Sweden’s top rate is 57% and Denmark’s is 55%. Unsurprisingly, the American state is also less generous to the poor. Unemployment benefits in the United States replace a smaller share of income, and run out more quickly, than in most European countries.
Economics focus: Don’t look down | The Economist
America is far less inclined than many of its rich-world peers to use taxation and redistribution to reduce inequality. The OECD, a think-tank, reckons that taxation eats up a little less than 30% of the average American’s total compensation, compared with nearly 50% in Germany and France. America’s top federal income-tax rate of 35% is lower than in many other advanced economies (although most Americans also pay state taxes). Britain’s top tax rate is 50%. Swedes and Danes acquiesce to tax rates that would outrage many Americans: Sweden’s top rate is 57% and Denmark’s is 55%. Unsurprisingly, the American state is also less generous to the poor. Unemployment benefits in the United States replace a smaller share of income, and run out more quickly, than in most European countries.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Aliens may destroy humanity to protect other civilisations, say scientists
You just can't make this stuff up:
Aliens may destroy humanity to protect other civilisations, say scientists | Science | The Guardian: Rising greenhouse emissions may tip off aliens that we are a rapidly expanding threat, warns a report for Nasa
Aliens may destroy humanity to protect other civilisations, say scientists | Science | The Guardian: Rising greenhouse emissions may tip off aliens that we are a rapidly expanding threat, warns a report for Nasa
Bam’s great PR bus-t
Perceptions:
Bam’s great PR bus-t - NYPOST.com: The bad news for President Obama is, he’s lost his mojo: The rock star of 2008 has become just another workaday politician. The worse news is, this is all he’s got.
So fasten your seat belts, America -- it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Especially if you’re unemployed -- because help is most definitely not on the way.
Bam’s great PR bus-t - NYPOST.com: The bad news for President Obama is, he’s lost his mojo: The rock star of 2008 has become just another workaday politician. The worse news is, this is all he’s got.
So fasten your seat belts, America -- it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Especially if you’re unemployed -- because help is most definitely not on the way.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Narcissists rise to the top because people mistake their confidence and authority for leadership qualities | Mail Online
I wonder who this describes?
Narcissists rise to the top because people mistake their confidence and authority for leadership qualities | Mail Online: "They may be charming, confident and climb the job ladder with ease, but when they reach the top, narcissists are actually not very good at their roles.
Such people are often too self-obsessed to do their jobs properly, according to a study.
Those who love themselves and have vast self-confidence often impress others with their self-belief, dominance and authority, leading them to climb the career ladder effortlessly."
Narcissists rise to the top because people mistake their confidence and authority for leadership qualities | Mail Online: "They may be charming, confident and climb the job ladder with ease, but when they reach the top, narcissists are actually not very good at their roles.
Such people are often too self-obsessed to do their jobs properly, according to a study.
Those who love themselves and have vast self-confidence often impress others with their self-belief, dominance and authority, leading them to climb the career ladder effortlessly."
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Severe Solar Storms Could Disrupt Earth This Decade: NOAA - International Business Times
Something else to cheer you up:
Severe Solar Storms Could Disrupt Earth This Decade: NOAA - International Business Times: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency that focuses on the condition of the oceans and atmosphere, said a severe solar storm could cause global disruptions in GPS systems, power grids, satellite communications, and airline communications."
Severe Solar Storms Could Disrupt Earth This Decade: NOAA - International Business Times: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency that focuses on the condition of the oceans and atmosphere, said a severe solar storm could cause global disruptions in GPS systems, power grids, satellite communications, and airline communications."
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Moody’s Sounds the Alarm on Student Borrowing
This is a looming slow motion train wreck:
Moody’s Sounds the Alarm on Student Borrowing - Reason Magazine: "A growing chorus of economists and educators think that the higher education industry will be America's next bubble. Easy credit, high tuition, and poor job prospects have resulted in growing delinquency and default rates on nearly $1 trillion worth of private and federally subsidized loans."
Moody’s Sounds the Alarm on Student Borrowing - Reason Magazine: "A growing chorus of economists and educators think that the higher education industry will be America's next bubble. Easy credit, high tuition, and poor job prospects have resulted in growing delinquency and default rates on nearly $1 trillion worth of private and federally subsidized loans."
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Whom Would Jesus Indebt? | Philosophical Fragments
Read the whole thing:
Whom Would Jesus Indebt? | Philosophical Fragments: "The religious left has monopolized the language of morality and justice when it comes to matters of government spending. If we should ask, “What would Jesus cut?”, then we should also ask “Whom would Jesus indebt?” and “Whom would Jesus make dependent on government?” Since the poor are the first ones hurt by a damaged economy and high unemployment, there is a deeply moral case to be made for serving “the least of these” through policies that promote a flourishing economy and culture."
Whom Would Jesus Indebt? | Philosophical Fragments: "The religious left has monopolized the language of morality and justice when it comes to matters of government spending. If we should ask, “What would Jesus cut?”, then we should also ask “Whom would Jesus indebt?” and “Whom would Jesus make dependent on government?” Since the poor are the first ones hurt by a damaged economy and high unemployment, there is a deeply moral case to be made for serving “the least of these” through policies that promote a flourishing economy and culture."
The American Spectator : American Tipping Point
Very good article:
The American Spectator : American Tipping Point: "Hush puppies and the Tea Party.
The Republican run House of Representatives passed a debt limit plan last night 269-161. With Arizona Democrat Gabrielle Giffords returning from death's door to cast a yes vote. Good for her.
You always think of these things together, right?
No? Well, you should."
The American Spectator : American Tipping Point: "Hush puppies and the Tea Party.
The Republican run House of Representatives passed a debt limit plan last night 269-161. With Arizona Democrat Gabrielle Giffords returning from death's door to cast a yes vote. Good for her.
You always think of these things together, right?
No? Well, you should."
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