2016 archive
Nothing To Do, Nowhere To Go 0
Still under 300k.
(snip)
Claims have stayed below the 300,000 level for 92 consecutive weeks, the longest stretch since 1970 and typically consistent with an improving job market. . . .
The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits dropped by 79,000 to 2.01 million in the week ended Nov. 26. The unemployment rate among people eligible for benefits declined to 1.4 percent from 1.5 percent.
Decorated 0
I am finding it difficult to have much Christmas spirit in the light of current events (more about that on Christmas Day), but I’ve still decorated, because life goes on and the good fight never ends.* Here’s my Slackware desktop (Fluxbox with XMMS, GKrellM, and xsnow).
Take a time out and enjoy your Christmas, then gird your grid for the big one, because it’s happening now.
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*Those who think that the fight ever ends don’t understand how evil works. Evil never gives up and always tries again. Unlike virtue, evil is tireless.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Yet another case of being led astray by a person’s little white tail.
“Running the Government like a Business” 0
Donald Trump has been making his “transition staff”* sign non-disclosure agreements because that’s how open government works. Or something.
I don’t think that is what the phrase quoted in the title of this post is supposed to mean. I do think it provides more evidence that dark days are ahead . . . .
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*Cue the sound that television closed captions refer to as “scoff.”
All the News that Fits 0
Daniel Ruth is appalled by the fabulists that are Trumpling into power. Follow the link and read his column.
Mike Smith provides the illustration:
We are a society of stupid.
The Plane Truth 0
The Seattle Times wonders how canceling the order for new planes creates jobs. Meanwhile, Noz points out that the reason for Trump’s dissatisfaction with plans for Boeing to design and build the new planes is obvious. Here’s the gist:
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
The hunt for politeness continues.
The ADCNR said that at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday, Bell and Donna Loraine Martin, 35, of Flomaton were illegally deer hunting from a compact pickup truck on County Road 40 near Pollard Landing in Escambia County.
According to a preliminary hunting accident report, Bell was pulling a rifle out of the vehicle, stock first, when it discharged, hitting Martin in the stomach.
Equal parts guns and stupid with a dash of lawbreaking–that’s one recipe for a cocktail of death.
The Art of the Con 0
The Charlotte Observer observes:
The Observer and a majority of the voters saw through the con before the election, but they don’t get to attend the Electoral College.
More observations at the link.
Stray Question 1
Whatever happened to “impressionists” (I mean the comedians, not the painters; I know what happened to the painters–they left their impressions)?
Rich Little doing Donald Trump–what a long strange trip that would have been.
And Now for Something Completely Different 0
Aside:
I remember reading Lena Horne’s autobiography when I was in high school. I don’t know why I happened to pick it up at the local public library (I would commonly check out about a dozen books when the bookmobile came round each week) except that I liked her singing, but, looking back, I realize that reading it was a touchstone in raising my consciousness about race and racism in the United States.
Lies and Lying Liars, Reprise 0
Shorter Badtux: Lies have consequences.
Discussion Question:
Who’s more dangerous, the liars or the persons stupid enough to believe them?
Lies and Lying Liars 0
Dick Polman waxes Pence-sive.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Be polite to the grocery store clerk “associate.”
Company spokesman Dennis Curtin said an associate was grazed by a bullet after a gun carried by a customer accidentlally discharged at its store located in the 2000 block of North 13th Street about 10:50 a.m.
Had the clerk been packing, he could have grazed right back at him.
The stupid. It burns.
Drinking Liberally Virginia Beach Thursday 0
When fellowship is needed, join us . . . .
When: Thursday, December 8, 6 p.
Where:
Croc’s 19 Street Bistro
620 19th Street (Map)
More here.