First Looks category archive

Off to drink liberally.

Tuesday (St. Servulus Day), Triumph Brewing Company, Chestnut between Letitia and Second, Philadelphia, Pa., 6 p.

The whole analysis of the uber veep is worth a read.

Here’s a nugget (emphasis added):

Nor did he (Cheney–ed.) bother communicating, at least in ways that approximated the truth.

The Bush administration went into free fall for a host of reasons – such as its documented incompetence in Iraq and New Orleans – but it can fairly be argued that, at some point, a landslide majority of Americans simply decided that the White House was telling too many lies. And Cheney was a prime offender. No leader, even a legendarily skillful infighter like Cheney, can repeatedly insult the public and get away with it indefinitely.

Get your space shuttle here.

Via GNC.

I’ve been to New Orleans.

It was quite a while ago.

We had a good time, but, even after all these years, I pretty much agree with this.

What the Booman said.

Not a nice thought to wake up to, but, well, there it is.

Well, golly gosh gee, Batman.

Will Bunch has a book. Buy it. Here.

Without, I’m sure, intending to do so, because that was not the point of her post, Karen has described what freedom of thought and freedom of religion are all about:

I applaud a person who believes in something so strongly they live their lives by it. I don’t approve of a person who believes so strongly, thinking their beliefs are also applicable to someone who doesn’t have the same beliefs. That’s wrong.

Well said, Karen.

VA:

Far too often, military veterans find themselves desperately short of the information they need as they make the torturous quest for benefits within one of this country’s most daunting bureaucracies, the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Officials say help is on the way, but administrators are forever promising to streamline procedures for an era of conquered paperwork that never seems to come. That is why it is heartening to see that one promising form of help has indeed arrived: a 599-page guide to veterans’ issues, from educational help to vocational rehabilitation, from housing to citizenship.

H/T Karen for the link.

Over at the Booman Tribune.

I have often asked myself the same question.

What Duncan said.

My friend Chris has made some pens for my son, Lt. Frank’s son, 82nd Airborne, USA, and his wife.

He made them out of a whippletree from Pine View Farm. He shipped them last week.

See the pen-making process here.

Chris is a true craftsman and a good guy.

Despite what all those other people say.

The gift that keeps on giving.

(Kelly Hagelauer) is also considering – except this might be excessive – giving him (her husband) “Yes, dear” coupons. During a disagreement, he can hand her one and she must say, “Yes, dear.”

Daniel Rubin discusses the issue, including the team’s position, here.

I still haven’t watched a football game all season, and, when I do, it won’t be the Eagles.

Addendum:

Brendan comments here.

Talk liberally, socialize liberally, think liberally, act liberally.

Tuesday, Triumph Brewing Company, Chestnut between Letitia and 2nd, Philadelphia, Pa., 6 p.

Apparently, his parents are teaching him how to do laundry.

Via ROR.

A Christmas tradition in these parts:

Though in the past he has come in the evening.