First Looks category archive

An Android.

Sometimes, the answer is, “No.”

Snow breaks Delaware’s snow-removal budget:

The state has $3.2 million in its snow removal account. But it costs between $3.5 million and $4 million for every 8 inches of snow that falls, Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks said.

$3.2 mil per eight inches. And Delaware is a small state.

My brother sent me a picture showing almost twice eight inches in his yard.

Addendum:

Here’s the picture I sent him in return, taken from the door to the deck. The temperature was about 31 Fahrenheits at the time.

I haven’t heard from him since.

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Daniel Burke of the Religion News Service on contemporary conceptions of Christmas vs. the Bible:

Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph are there for sure. Three wise men, a few shepherds. Maybe a donkey, ox and lamb stand nearby in the stable.

Centuries of Christmas carols, creches and pageants—among countless other works of art—have ensconced this scene in the heart of the Nativity for generations of Christians. But the Bible doesn’t.

Read the whole thing.

(Even the most superficial reading of the Christian Bible puts the Wise Men’s arrival about two years after the birth.)

Except:

Of course, the option “to affirm,” rather than “to swear,” was included because a number of religious sects and denominations (most notably Quakers, are against “swearing” an oath.

Via The Daily Dish.

Warning: Adult Content.

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From StevenD.

He’s right, you know.

A member of the Egyptian parliament has filed a lawsuit over an article questioning why polygamy is allowed for men in Islam but not for women.

The article in the newspaper Al Masry Al Youm was written by a female Saudi journalist, Nadine al-Bedair.

It has been denounced by some Muslim clerics as inflammatory and anti-Islamic.

But others have said it serves the purpose of highlighting how badly some husbands treat their wives.

One spouse is so damned much trouble why would anyone want etc.

I had to run an errand up in northern Connecticut this weekend. I drove up yesterday, 250 miles in about four and a half hours driving time. Beautiful sunny day and a gorgeous drive.

I stayed over at a hotel in Waterbury and set out early this morning, figuring I’d have a nice explore on the way back.

I wandered through southwestern Connecticut, eventually finding myself on the Merritt Parkway near Bridgeport, then beat feet for the Tappan Zee (I won’t drive through New York City on a bet–that’s what trains are for).

But wait! There’s more!

The nominations are open for the 2009 Golden Dukies. Categories include

Meritorious Achievement in The Crazy.

Best Public Policy-based Fib.

Outstanding Achievement in Corruption-based Chutzpah

Best Scandal — Sex and Generalized Carnality

Best Scandal — Local Venue

Best Scandal — General Interest

Follow the link above to make your nominations.

If at least one of these awards isn’t Sanfordized, I’ll eat my blue serge suit with my green fedora for desert.

More on the theme of “grow up” (see the earlier post). The closing tune is a little strong for my taste, but the message is on point:

Wishing against reality is futile. And harmful. And, in that sense, perverse.

Via Mithras.

I cannot improve on this.

I’ve decided to do no thinking today.

Via MarketWatch.