Wednesday! Thomas Sowell! (Part II)

In this continuation of Sowell's column from yesterday, he again points out the danger of "ideas" and idealism - things that may sound good, but really aren't.

An excerpt:
If there is any lesson in the history of ideas, it is that good intentions tell you nothing about the actual consequences. But intellectuals who generate ideas do not have to pay the consequences.

Academic intellectuals are shielded by the principles of academic freedom and journalists in democratic societies are shielded by the principle of freedom of the press. Seldom do those who produce or peddle dangerous, or even fatal, ideas have to pay a price, even in a loss of credibility.
...
Even political leaders have been judged by how noble their ideas sounded, rather than by how disastrous their consequences were. Woodrow Wilson-- our only president with a Ph.D.-- was an academic intellectual for years before entering politics, and his ideas about a war to end wars, making the world safe for democracy, and the right of self-determination of peoples, have been revered in utter disregard of what happened when Wilson's notions were put into practice in the real world.

No one today takes seriously the idea that the First World War was a war to end wars, and many now see it as setting the stage for a Second World War. Indeed there were those who predicted this result at the time. But they were not listened to, much less lionized, like Woodrow Wilson.

Commenter Doug says, "One point that Sowell has made repeatedly over the years is that decisions that affect many should never be entrusted to people who pay no price for being wrong."

Couldn't have said it better.

Tuesday! Thomas Sowell! (Part I)

A smart - even brilliant - person does not fit into the 'intellectual' category unless other intellectuals deem that person to be one of them. Huh. Looks to me like being an intellectual doesn't even require actual intelligence. But maybe that's just my ignorance talking...

I love Thomas Sowell. I love the way he thinks, and I really enjoy reading his columns. Don't miss the one today - Intellectuals and Society.

From commenter Georgia Boy 61 at Townhall.com:
Wisdom does not reside in the academy, any more than it resides in the theater, the music studio or the sports stadium. One cannot acquire wisdom without being in contact with the hard edges of the real world.

Gossip is NOT "news"

I don't care what anyone else thinks - gossip is ugly for the subject and for the ones doing the gossiping. "Murder by character assassination" kills ME as surely as it hurts the one I talk about. I won't go into any holier-than-thou spiel about how 'nice' it isn't, I'll just say I've been the gossiper and the gossipee in my time running around the sun, and neither one have improved my opinion of either myself or others...in fact, just the opposite.

Now, along with regular celebutard gossip, we have the granddaddy of yellow journalism on tv and online creating a sister gossip site for sports. Isn't that just...pathetic. But you KNOW it's gonna make a ton of money for the gossipers and those who tattle. Ick.

From JewishWorldReview.com, Mitch Albom - one of my all-time favorite sports writers - and writers in general, I think - tells about the launch of a sports-gossip enterprise that will make the National Enquirer look like "Fun With Dick and Jane." As the headline states, "There's nothing sporting about gossip as news."

Do Good Anyway

Thanks to Tim on Facebook, and Path to Recovery (which has some inspirational things, if you can winnow out the touchy-feely psycho-babble bull and relativism).

Onward, into 2010!

I commented at Piece of Work in Progress, with something that sounds suspiciously like New Year Resolutions.

Analysis Paralysis. “Faith without Works is Dead.” I will work on the actual hands-on helping, not the THINKING ABOUT helping.

If I don’t wish to be nearly immobile this time next year, I must begin to do my phys.therapy/yoga routine this time this year. Three times per week.

My housecleaning MUST improve. This doesn’t mean it will pass anyone’s white glove test, but cleaning one room per week from top to bottom really doesn’t seem beyond my capabilities. Just because I USED to be able to clean them ALL top to bottom in one or two days is no reason to stop altogether.

Helpful and kind to others without being servile or condescending. I will strive to have a joyful, grateful heart, in any and all conditions.

Thanks for the inspiration, EVERYONE - and Happy New Year to all those who post, comment or lurk here!

It OUGHT to be true...

This story came to me in my email this morning. I've seen it before, in both the incarnations mentioned by Snopes.com. If Honour means anything to you, if you have any gratitude in your heart for the gifts you've been given, read it in that spirit. And remember...

*********************************************************************************************
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I Quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'

His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks..'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars..

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals..

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'



With many thanks to LTC John Chadbourne, PFC Heidi Gregory, SPC Ernesto Garcia and CSM Harry Jeffries of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Picture from Iraq Pictures, a blog here on blogspot - also with thanks. It was taken in January of 2008, as far as I can tell.

No Pixie today, going to run and get supplies to make Hoppin' John. The Cousins will be here around 1030, My Chief is off today but has the flu, and I have 'stuff' to get done. Y'all have a FINE day, and thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas!

Turkey's in the oven, shopping is finished, kids and family friend will be here in a couple hours. Hubby's at the gym. Lucky guy. The new job doesn't give him much 'workout' time.

I always liked this song. It's got a good beat and you could dance to it - if you wanted!



Then there's my handsome and talented son-in-law's evil twin, Jon Bon Jovi...they look SO much alike...


Finally, The King.



Merry Christmas, m'Friends. Thanks for stopping by!

So...having a rough go at Christmas?

MAYBE I can learn to keep things in their proper perspective.



Tip of my cap to GrouchyConservativePundits.com

WHENEVER I think I'm having a 'bad' day, I'll remember seeing these vids:








I don't live in Utopia. Hell, I don't even WANT to. But I plan to spend this day being thankful for all the beautiful gifts in my life...like the Pixie, who is moving furniture - this time the play pen with her cousin in it, turning him around for a better view, I guess. I'm going to attempt a dumb-guy version of lefse.

Remember - God gave us mountains, so we'd learn how to climb...so climb on!

It really is "A Wonderful Life"

Paul Greenberg's column at JewishWorldReview.com really speaks to me today.

It really IS a wonderful life. It's full of the consequences of my decisions, choices I've made, and miracles I have no real explanation for.

It is also chock full of aggravation at bureaucrats and "intellectuals" who really truly honestly believe they can analyze my life without ever spending a moment of time in it. The problem with this is, they don't see the beauty and joy I see every day - they see the pathos and the things I lack that they deem 'needs.'

Along with an ordinary little house, a dumpy little truck, and almost continual pain, I have a husband who loves me, a daughter who respects me, a son-in-law who thinks I'm a helluva cook, and a 25month old granddaughter who makes retirement a lot more work and fun than I 'planned.' I have friends who inspire me, work that satisfies me, and more love than any degree or government program could ever bestow.

It's A Wonderful Life, and I'm not letting Mr. Potter and his minions steal it from me, because it is not the THINGS or MONEY that are important. It is Life, it is that love, that satisfaction, that inspiration I have INSIDE that counts. I believe God Is Love...and my life is full of both. No bureaucrat or professor of whatever can take that away from me.

Merry Christmas to all my online friends, from Blair Nation to Lileks to Parrothead Jeff, who also entertain and inspire me. My life is richer for having you here. Thank you.

Why I read Lileks

Don't you want to know what prompted this sentence?

"This is the modern world: you can instantly fact-check your dreams."

Lileks. JAMES Lileks. At The Bleat.

Dateline Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Orville and Wilbur Wright put Kill Devil Hills on the Map of American History.

From EyeWitnessToHistory.com:

On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright piloted the first powered airplane 20 feet above a wind-swept beach in North Carolina. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Three more flights were made that day with Orville's brother Wilbur piloting the record flight lasting 59 seconds over a distance of 852 feet.


The brothers began their experimentation in flight in 1896 at their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They selected the beach at Kitty Hawk as their proving ground because of the constant wind that added lift to their craft. In 1902 they came to the beach with their glider and made more than 700 successful flights.


Having perfected glided flight, the next step was to move to powered flight. No automobile manufacturer could supply an engine both light enough and powerful enough for their needs. So they designed and built their own. All of their hard work, experimentation and innovation came together that December day as they took to the sky and forever changed the course of history. The brothers notified several newspapers prior to their historic flight, but only one - the local journal - made mention of the event.


My grandfather, Wes Cassel, was born that same day.

My Pixie

The cousins weren't here, so it was a fairly quiet afternoon on Friday. Chilly, too, with some rain. Nice day to snuggle on the couch and watch a little Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies with Grandpa...he's not as cute, so he's not in this picture.



This is what we looked like at Thanksgiving dinner.


I love my little family more than I can possibly express here. And I'd almost bet - if I was a betting woman - that most of the folks who read this feel exactly the same way about their own families.

I spent a good chunk of today at meetings, but did manage to bake 3 different banana breads - one pineapple/macadamia nut/banana, one pineapple/banana, and one banana/pearsauce (instead of applesauce). They're gifts. They LOOK good, and I sure hope they turned out well. Might have to get a turkey out of the deep freeze before I bake many more!

My Chief watched some football, read his book, and put up our little tree and decorated it. The pictures I took turned out blurry, will attempt it again tomorrow, and will steady the camera.

Going to have a cup of tea, set up the coffee for tomorrow, and try to hit the rack earlier than usual - got all 3 of the little ones tomorrow, I think. Y'all have a fine evening, and thanks for stopping by!

Snoopy's Christmas

Today is the start of the Christmas season for me. As a kid, this was the weekend we'd get the tree. Almost always the weekend closest to my mum's birthday, which is today. Happy Birthday, Mom. We love you!

One of my very favorite Christmas songs and some scenes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Glad it's chilly today, think I'll go make enchilada casserole like Grandma Elsie taught me. Y'all have a fine weekend, and thanks for stopping by.

This might not be good news for Yours Truly

12/10/2009, MIDNIGHT UPDATE (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): In a few hours, Binyamin will send out a letter to his friends and supporters about his condition and JWR's future. He has no intention of placing semi-private info on the JWR front page. We had orginally considered recording his words but soon realised it would be impossible, as he is too weak. So we are instead sending his note via e-mail to those who are subscribed to the daily JWR update. (To be added, please click here.).

Binyamin is afraid that his writing skills will fall short. I assured him that the message he wished to convey will come through loud and clear.

Here are seven columns for your reading pleasure: Victor Davis Hanson, Bob Tyrrell, Larry Elder, Dick Morris, Ann Coulter, Cal Thomas. and George Will.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

I do hope Binyamin gets well and strong soon. I miss him - and I don't even know him. His kindness and integrity come through in his work, though, and I wish him and his family and friends all the best during this time.

I get great pleasure from reading JewishWorldReview.com. I've learned SO much over the years since my friend 'Red' (now expatriate in Texas) sent me a link to the site. Seems a long time ago now... I use Binyamin's material almost daily to post links on this blog. Will keep you posted.

Got all three crumb-crunchers again today, then taking a friend to my favorite meeting. Busy day. Cloudy, might rain s'more. Glad I'm here for it. Thanks for stopping by!

It's Tuesday - with Thomas!

I feel like a pile of garbage again this morning...but the cough has become "productive," if that's not too much information...still hurts, still have just enough fever to be in a foul mood, with a headache I could do SO much better without. Ah well. Got NOTHING done here over the weekend, so spent yesterday with 3 curtain-climbers and an extra-large helping of laundry and dishes. Why is it that one less person in the house causes twice as much cleanup to be done when the one less person gets back? Sheesh...

Thomas Sowell's column today comes from JewishWorldReview.com, even though Binyamin is still very ill. He has imposed upon his assistant* to update a very few of his columnists, and to my great delight, Thomas Sowell is one of them!

Read the column to find the answer to the burning question - How can there be more unemployment after so many jobs have been "created"?

I also reprint here the most recent update from Binyamin's assistant, with a request that you add them all to your prayer list.

12/8/2009, MIDNIGHT UPDATE (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin remains VERY ill. He is in need of your prayers and has asked that you do an extra act of kindness in his merit. "Something; anything," as he described it. Binyamin, mindful of his beloved readers as ever, also asked that I publish a couple of articles to prevent "JWR Withdrawl". Here are three: Wesley Pruden, Cal Thomas:, and Thomas Sowell.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

*"Able assistant" would no doubt do anything Binyamin asks that is within his/her power, believing it to be no imposition.

Please pray for Binyamin L. Jolkovsky - updated Monday (7Dec09)

UPDATE from yesterday and today, on Binyamin L. Jolkovsky:

JWR UPDATE

12/6/2009, 7:10pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Binyamin has finally made it home! It's been a long and grueling hospital stay for him. While his keep-fighting-the-good-fight spirit is intact, he is physically exhausted. It is still very hard for him to hold conversations of more than a couple of minutes. He's convinced that he will publish by week's end. (I'm not so certain).

PLEASE continue your prayers for: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha

12/7/2009, 12:30pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant):Binyamin has decided that he will write a letter to his friends and supporters explaining his health condition and discussing his plans for JWR's future. He has no intention of placing semi-private info on the JWR front page. To receive the note, please click here., which will add you to the JWR daily update list.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

*************************************************************************************
Binyamin is the heart, soul and hands-on man behind JewishWorldReview.com. I link to the articles and columns he posts nearly every day. Binyamin is a kind and humble man, though I haven't met him personally - I know him only through emails and his columns and articles. He was taken to hospital on Tuesday, though he may be released as early as today, in time for Sabbath. Please add him to your prayers. Thank you.

The notice at JewishWorldReview.com, with yesterday's update:


JWR for the remainder of the week

Binyamin L. Jolkovsky was taken by ambulance to the hospital on December 1st 2009, and he may be there for a couple of days. He apologizes for not being able to publish during that time.

He asks for your patience and that you pray for him with his Hebrew name: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

12/3/2009, 12:15am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): OK ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages, quick update. Just off the phone with your fearless leader from his "suite" at the hospital. He's doing a lot better. If all goes according to plan, he anticipates being home on Friday before the Sabbath, but that's just an estimate. He did ask me to update two important stories for you though: George Will and Cal Thomas.

Binyamin is astounded, humbled, grateful and thankful by the volume of kind words wishing him well, and it's sure to help him on the road to recovery and back to his keyboard.

Please continue to have patience. He is very sorry to keep you waiting.

TODAY'S UPDATE from his Loyal Assistant:

12/4/2009, 8:30am update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): Good morning all. Binyamin is still recuperating. I spoke with him only very briefly last night. The docs are still running some tests. Many of you have been asking me what's going on. I don't know much as BLJ hasn't been too specific. I don't like to pry as it isn't my place to be nosy. I, like the rest of you, am continuing to pray for his full recovery.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

LAST UPDATE before Sabbath begins:

12/4/2009, 3:00pm update (from Binyamin's trusty assistant): The Sabbath in Brooklyn rapidly approaches (the earliest of the year, by the way:4:06pm), and Binyamin will remain in the hospital. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Messages can be sent to schmooze@jewishworldreview.com

My Favorite President...in this century

From my email this afternoon:

In Dothan, Alabama a man had a TV on in his office when the news of the Ft. Hood base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there. He called her into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay."

The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said, "I'm the one who just sent you a text, not your husband." She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she had to let the wife know what was going on. She said, "I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."

The wife left Dothan and drove all night.

Miraculously, her husband will recover and was awake when his wife arrived. Here is a photo of them along with a couple who came by to visit with the wounded and their families privately. They had told the base commander to keep their visit secret as they wanted no press coverage. Guess that's why you didn't read about it. Class tells, doesn't it?





For "the rest of the story" see Snopes.com.

It was free and she was determined!

It seems to me most women these days take a sick day when they have a headache or cramps - they won't cook, much less move out of the house to get the food. So I have a grudging admiration for this woman.

The woman also gave some people the opportunity to do good and help someone in distress. Might be a lesson there...

Works for me

With Laughter O God, as the day returns and brings us the silly Rounds of irritating duties, help me perform Them with laughter and a kind face. Let cheerfulness overflow in my work; Give me joy during my business all this day; Bring me to my resting bed tired and content And grant me the gift of sleep.--Adapted from writing by Robert Louis Stevenson

Some American History

My first love wasn't motorcycles. It was airplanes.

THIS airplane, in particular.


If you read the comments, disregard skipjack's opinions - anyone who considers being on an airliner to be 'flying' isn't worth listening to. In my opinion, that is.

An old home movie...


The sound of the engine and the wind in these just about breaks my heart...