Today it’s been exactly two months since I had home Internet. Four months to go and I confess that when Comcast comes back on August 20, I plan to binge my little heart out streaming Amazon shows, forum browsing, and even indulging in a whole bunch of disgusting news reading. I’ll surf until my brain turns soggy. When November comes, I’ll follow 16 live blogs of every dismal, depressing election result and love every second of it. That said, I generally haven’t missed connectedness that much and am looking forward to a summer of getting lots of small things done…
Author: Claire
I forgot. Joel remembered. It is Interesting Times Day. But shy hermit that he is, Joel neglects to mention one more personally important event that took place on April 19 some undeclared number of years ago. But within Joel’s own lifetime (which you can consider a hint). Fess up, Joel. Or don’t, as the case may be. But I will say I personally consider it one of the few unqualified good things that happened on that date.
Yesterday The Wandering Monk came by to pry some lengths of 2×4 off the exterior walls of Ye Olde Wreck. They are among the last traces of the monstrous not-a-garage. I’ve never had any idea of their purpose. They had zero structural function. They were as far from decorative as could possibly be. The only use I could imagine for them was for hanging tools, but there was no sign they’d ever borne hooks or any other hanging devices. They were just … 2x4s. Extremely long ones. Nailed high up on the walls. It baffled me that I’d been unable…
The High Price of Socialized Medicine:
A History of Government Meddling in American Health Care,
And How a Free Market Would Solve Our Problems
By Dr. James W. Brook
302 pages
I owe Dr. Jim an apology. It must be two months now since he sent me a copy of his book for review. I meant to get on it right away. But you know, I just could not bring myself to pick up and read that book.
It’s not that there was anything wrong with it. On the contrary, at a glance it was obviously a solid, professional piece of work. I already knew Dr. Jim, an occasional Commentariat participant, writes clearly with an amazingly light touch given the subject matter. The book is lucid, well laid-out, and easy on the eye.
I just could not force myself to endure a rehash of the hash that politicians are making of what was once (and in some ways still is) the best medical system on the planet.
Once I belatedly opened the cover, I realized I had nothing to dread.
When I think of death, I think of full moons. Full moons are a mundane experience, but seeing a fat red moon rising over the hills is as close to true magic as ordinary life comes. A few years ago, it occurred to me that each number of full moons alloted to a person is finite. An obvious observation, I know. But still one of those things that hits you hard at the moment you observe it. If life goes along in it’s merry way, I may have 200, even 300, full moons left. That sounds like a lot of…
You recall DiFi’s insane and impossible encryption bill? Well, the second draft is out and it’s gotten even worse. These loons actually believe if you simply order someone to do the impossible, it must be done. Being so right and so wrong at the same time. Yes, it’s getting scary out there. Yes, it’s amazing how fast it’s happening. But no, it’s not caused by the mysterious collapse of Francis Fukuyama-style “liberalism” nor is it because the ordinary processes of civilization are too commonplace and boring. Legalization is back on the ballot in Maine. Two interesting takes on the transgender…
Sorry for missing my usual Friday a.m. post. I’ve been sick all week. Nothing serious, but it has reached the point of brain death. Temporary brain death, I assure you. I’ll be back sometime over the weekend with (I hope) a renewed brain and a couple posts worth waiting for.
And speaking of the “just say no” crowd, here’s a flash story that would have them climbing the walls. Sent to me by a friend who’d never touch the stuff but defends the right of others to their choices.
One more reason why Nancy Reagan always reminded us “just say no” to drugs. OTOH, stoned sister does have the right idea about zombie-fighting tools, even if her priorities aren’t straight on the family pets. 🙂 Watch. And thanks to TSO for the laugh.
David Codrea is posting news on Mike’s condition as he receives it from family members (or from Mike himself, if that proves possible). Probably best that Mike isn’t bombarded with too many emails or phone calls, even if they’re meant to remind him we care. UPDATE in comment.