April 30, 2017

If Mr Trump were impeached, or resigned...

... do you think that would stop the investigation into the Russian shenanigans? Not that it should, but as a practical matter, would the masses, the media, and the crooks and liars on the Hill all breathe a collective sigh of relief and bury the issue?

-- Mal

April 26, 2017

Pinboy3Niner: He was like a big brother to me...

... one I liked and admired. I barely avoided serving in VN by virtue of being born in 1956, but he ended up doing exactly what I was expecting to do throughout most of the 60's. Sort of a case of "there but for the Grace of God..." for better and worse.

Loved that man.

-- Mal

April 22, 2017

The "so-called" March for Science

Passing by the TV while the local (Philly) news was on, and they were doing a spot on the "so-called" March for Science.

"So-called," forsooth. Where do they get off? I bet they never refer to one of Mr Trump's shindigs as a "so-called rally."

-- Mal

April 13, 2017

Pre-washing clothes before putting them in the washing machine. Where do you stand?

-- Mal

April 6, 2017

My mother just started watching the Masters...

... and wonders why she had to spend 15 minutes watching Dustin Johnson on the practice tee when other people were, like, playing. The decisions some of these directors make is odd. Yeah, it's all very important whether Dustin (or "Dustbin," as I like to call him) can play after hurting his back, but does that warrant 15 minutes watching him hit balls?

Tough Masters this year without Arnie.

-- Mal

March 29, 2017

"Hound Dog," Big Mama Thornton

The original recorded version of the song written by a couple of obscure songwriters named Leiber and Stoller... Number One on the R&B charts for 14 weeks in 1952. A little gem of music history.

-- Mal

March 11, 2017

Okay, how about the best keyboardist?

I'll start off with a little Jelly Roll:

Now, who do you all like best at tickling the ivories?

-- Mal

March 11, 2017

The problem with a country as diverse as the U.S....

... is that there are so many groups to hate. And as Mr Chaffetz reminded us, America is all about choice.

-- Mal

February 10, 2017

My gratitude for the hearts.

Always a pleasure to have the odd secret admirer. And anyone who admires me must be pretty odd.

-- Mal

January 29, 2017

Ambiguous announcement from DHS:

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/01/29/department-homeland-security-response-recent-litigation


"WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security will continue to enforce all of President Trump’s Executive Orders in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the American people. President Trump’s Executive Orders remain in place—prohibited travel will remain prohibited, and the U.S. government retains its right to revoke visas at any time if required for national security or public safety. President Trump’s Executive Order affects a minor portion of international travelers, and is a first step towards reestablishing control over America's borders and national security.

Approximately 80 million international travelers enter the United States every year. Yesterday, less than one percent of the more than 325,000 international air travelers who arrive every day were inconvenienced while enhanced security measures were implemented. These individuals went through enhanced security screenings and are being processed for entry to the United States, consistent with our immigration laws and judicial orders.

The Department of Homeland Security will faithfully execute the immigration laws, and we will treat all of those we encounter humanely and with professionalism. No foreign national in a foreign land, without ties to the United States, has any unfettered right to demand entry into the United States or to demand immigration benefits in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security will comply with judicial orders; faithfully enforce our immigration laws, and implement President Trump’s Executive Orders to ensure that those entering the United States do not pose a threat to our country or the American people."

Note the last paragraph: they're trying to have it both ways. They will "comply with judicial orders" but will "implement... Executive Orders" to Keep America Safe.

-- Mal