Monday, November 22, 2010

If we have no time for our children when they are young, it is likely they will have no time for us when we are old.

Friday, November 19, 2010

"Mile A Minute" Murphy

Charles Minthorn Murphy (October 1870 – February 16, 1950), but more popularly known as "Mile-a-Minute" Murphy, was an American cycling star from the late 19th century and early 20th century. His greatest claim to fame was being the first man ever to ride a bicycle for one mile in less than a minute in 1899.

I know that drastic measures were warranted to get the economy moving, but a huge amount of thrust applied to a large object always produces a large amount of momentum once it is moving. And an object in motion tends to stay in motion. I really worry about inflation down the line.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Musical taste vary drastically, of course. But I have found some of the Mexican popular music to be excellent. The arrangements, with a brass section backing up, are very tastefully done. Normally the words of the singer are very clear (as opposed to much American popular music). Intricate rhythm patterns. Not all of the songs, of course, but some of them are really nice.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Conservatives - a word of caution

  1. Most people of my religious persuasion would describe themselves as conservatives politically. I might say that in generalof myself, but I would make some important exceptions.

    Most who call themselves conservative pretty much write a blank check to the military and take the attitude that the military can do no wrong and ought to be supported without exception. This is a very dangerous attitude. I appreciate the courage of dutiful men who serve their country. However, just because a man bears arms and does not mind fighting does not make him virtuous, nor sound in his reasoning. Many men just like to fight. Just because a man does not mind killing people does not by itself make him a hero. The ONLY thing that stands between us and a dictatorship is the willingness of the military to obey the commands of a civilian, and the military MUST be kept in check. And I see no reason why they should not have to pinch pennies just like the rest of us.

    Second, I do not believe that we ought to do just anything we can to make the job of the police easier. The whole purpose of the Constitution is to make their job hard. If they can just ignore due process, then it makes their jobs easier, but our freedoms go out the window.

    Both these are attitudes that many conservatives have, but I do not share them.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Serious actors on the Jack Benny program

Many serious actors seemed to really enjoy appearing on comedy programs like Jack Benny's. No doubt it gave them a break from the heavy, serious material. Some of them proved to be very talented comedic actors when given the chance.