First Looks category archive

Warning: bad taste.

Spocko is tired of “both sides do it,” not only because both sides don’t do it, but also because it’s a refuge for lazy thinkers.

The magic phrase is destructive because it breaks down math and evidence in the heads of journalists. It converts a complex equation into 50-50! For example, this magic phrase can take a $5,000,000,000 dollar multi-decade program and make it equal to a $5,000,000 five year program with the simple incantation, “Both sides do it.” Shazam! The readers can now indulge in a “pox on both their houses” thought and move onto The Amazing Spider-man 2: Chock Full O’ Villains.

• $5,000,000,000 DOESN’T Equal $5,000,000 in real world math.
• However, in “Both Sides Do It” math 5,000,000,000 = 5,000,000 because 50% = 50%

Do read the rest.

Via Bob Cesca’s Awesome Blog.

Warning: Language.

Off to drink liberally.

(Date corrected–copy and paste pasted me one.)

Fun and fellowship for liberals. Join us and talk about anything in a relaxed atmosphere.

When: Thursday, April 24th, 6 p.

Where:
Croc’s 19 Street Bistro
620 19th Street (Map)

More here.

Moved below the fold because it autoplays on some systems.

Read more »

Roy Edroso explains how Cliven Bundy is standing on a principle:

Extremism in the defense of freebies is no vice.

Shaun Mullen explains.

A trend?

Jobless claims increased by 2,000 to 304,000 in the week ended April 12 from a revised 302,000 the prior period that was the lowest since September 2007, a Labor Department report showed today in Washington.

(snip)

The four-week average of claims, a less-volatile measure than the weekly figure, dropped to 312,000, the lowest since October 2007, from 316,750 the week before.

Claims may be in for some bigger swings in coming weeks as the Easter holiday, which varies from year to year, can complicate the adjustment of claims data for seasonal variations.

The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits declined by 11,000 to 2.74 million in the week ended April 5, the fewest since December 2007.

When I have to fly somewhere, I do everything I can to avoid Allegheny Airline U. S. Air U. S. Airways, because, call it what you may, it’s still Agony Airlines.

Turns out, they can’t ever twit properly.

SNL on Republican “rebranding”:

Via C&L.

Reg Henry listens.

My wallet has been acting up. Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed in a recent ruling that money is a form of free speech vital to democracy, my greenbacks want to get out and buy the best politicians they can. Without, of course, any hint of corruption.

Read the rest.

I grew up with hunters.

My father did not hunt, but my cousin and his friends did. I know that the steak in the grocery store did not somehow magically appear encased in cellophane. Somewhere, an animal died so we could dine on its bits.

Humans are omnivores. I can live with that (see the recipes link, up there, at the top of the page.)

Here are some essential hunting tips.

Off to drink liberally.

Drinking Liberally is a gathering place for liberals. Socialize and laugh in a friendly atmosphere.

When: 6 p., Tuesday, April 8.

Where:
Uno Chicago Grill
5900 Virginia Beach Blvd
(Janaf Shopping Center) (map)

Tuesdays for Norfolk, Thursdays for Virginia Beach to make it easier for persons with commitments on either day to catch at least one per month.

Shawn Mullen mulls over music.