Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Breda Fallacy: BB&Guns: basting Bambi and beyond
The Breda Fallacy: BB&Guns: basting Bambi and beyond Don't miss it! 7PM Eastern TONIGHT
Happy Birthday!
My youngest turns 18 today. She is an amazing young woman and I am very proud of her.
Newbius
Newbius
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Snarky Stumbles Upon an Economic Plan
I admit, I laughed out loud at THIS. There are a few problems with it, of course. Foremost being that one million dollars isn't much these days, and the act of retiring everybody over 50 would leave a tremendous dearth of experience in the workforce.
But, I did laugh...
Pax,
Newbius
But, I did laugh...
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Blogroll update, part deux
Bringing forward two follow-up comments from the previous post.
I had intended to post this in the comments of the thread at Sipsey Street, but the comments applet bombed. I do not know if it made it to the moderation queue..
I remain open to the idea that I am wrong on this.
Pax,
Newbius
I had intended to post this in the comments of the thread at Sipsey Street, but the comments applet bombed. I do not know if it made it to the moderation queue..
I am going to consolidate my 2 comment responses from my blog here to refine what my point is. Please forgive the cross-posting:
To me the issue isn't about how much revenue you generate on ads. It is the principle of utilizing other people's intellectual property for your own gain.
I would think that someone who professes to be a "threeper" and who claims to understand the fundamental issues of Life, Liberty, and Property, would grasp why I am objecting.
I'll reiterate. I may be off base here, and I am OK with that.
Look, we all link around to each other, usually with our own commentary added, and that's fine.
When "Jennifer III" had a Wordpress blog, it was on my sidebar, as was the current site until yesterday. If I want an RSS Reader to feed me links to sites I go to anyway, I can get it done another way without having to filter out the ads, whose revenue is not shared with the source (royalties, anybody?).
Oh, and double-check the "Fair Use" laws again, I am pretty sure there are limitations on Commercial Use without written permission...
I have no personal beef with "Jennifer III". I am just objecting to the "ThreeperSphere" site's current composition, which gives the impression that the originating authors like Mike V, Pete @ WRSA, and the other authors linked there support, contribute to, and/or benefit from being linked there.
I'll add this to the above: I am aware that things are usually tight at Mike's house. However, Mike doesn't use advertisements here, even though the incremental pennies that they would generate might help him. A link from "Sipsey Street" is usually good for several hundred additional hits per day, according to my Sitemeter. This might only generate enough money to cover hosting for a mirroring site. It might not cover expenses at all. I don't know, since I use free tools to get my words out and do not run ads.
What I do know is this, I am not in this for the money.
I am in this to exchange ideas, to teach the uninformed, and to have an outlet where I can vent without destroying my marriage or my friendships. My hope is that Jennifer III's heart is in the right place on this one. For now, I will stand by my decision.
I remain open to the idea that I am wrong on this.
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monster Hunter Vendetta released today
According to Larry, it is rapidly climbing up the Amazon charts. Go get your copy today. Mine should be arriving shortly...
Pax,
Newbius
Pax,
Newbius
Blogroll update
Item removal: "I'll Take Liberty" aka www.threepersphere.com
I added the link because it was a nice aggregation of some of the people on my blogroll. I am removing it because it uses those same links as a means to drive hits to his own website, where advertising is now enabled.
I don't have an issue with generating ad revenue, per se. I do have an issue with revenue generation using other people's work, where the originator of the content doesn't use ads themself, or where the site in question generates no original content on its own.
Sorry...
If I am wrong on this one, so be it. To me, right now, it just looks like a way to ride on someone else's back and take the dime from them. I get enough of that from the government. I don't need it from people who wish to identify with the Liberty movement.
Pax,
Newbius
I added the link because it was a nice aggregation of some of the people on my blogroll. I am removing it because it uses those same links as a means to drive hits to his own website, where advertising is now enabled.
I don't have an issue with generating ad revenue, per se. I do have an issue with revenue generation using other people's work, where the originator of the content doesn't use ads themself, or where the site in question generates no original content on its own.
Sorry...
If I am wrong on this one, so be it. To me, right now, it just looks like a way to ride on someone else's back and take the dime from them. I get enough of that from the government. I don't need it from people who wish to identify with the Liberty movement.
Pax,
Newbius
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Kabuki Sunday
Kabuki Theater. The highly stylized drama wherein the characters are known, the moves are well-scripted, and the outcomes known in advance. The plot is either historical, or hysterical, depending on the play. The players know their roles. The narration explains the action to the uninitiated.
Kind of like the Sunday talk shows.
Of the Sunday talk shows, the only one I can even stomach for brief stretches at a time is Fox News Sunday. Even this one gets to me after a few minutes and I have to leave the room. I leave because the play is the same every week, and only the plot topic changes. This week the topic is "Pledge to America".
Whoopee
Chris Wallace asks "Why don't you mention entitlement cuts?" to the StupidParty reps, and allows the lies about the economic record from the EvilParty reps. The goal? Another YouTube video with their logo in the lower corner showing politicians either saying incendiary things, or slyly ducking the questions that everybody knows won't get answered.
I would prefer it if the politicians told the truth. Unfortunately, the American populace would rather have sweet-smelling lies piped to them than face the aftermath of the last 75 years' greed and sloth. So, in order to remain electable, the politicians lie to us. They do the Kabuki Theater of the Sunday shows, trying to impress with their perfectly coiffed hair, their spray-on tans, and their ability to lie to the camera with well-practiced ease.
Here's an idea: Stop kicking the can down the road. Tell everybody currently receiving Social Security and Medicare that they are the last recipients. The systems are BROKE. INSOLVENT. Tell everybody else that the deductions for "OASD" and "MED" are taxes (because they are) and not savings accounts for the future (like they are marketed to us as). Tell everybody who is not yet a recipient that they will have to depend upon the charity of their communities and families, like the olden days, if they failed to prepare for the future. And eliminate ALL of the regulations affecting retirement age, pensions, and government-mandated health plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and ObamaCare.
The politicians won't tell us the above. Because the first one who does is immediately featured in an opposition party advertisement depicting them as wishing to starve old ladies, kill children, and destroy the "underprivileged" (whatever that means). But, it is the reality.
Boehner doesn't wish to broach the subject of "non-discretionary spending" where ALL of our tax revenue goes, because to do so is to start the ad machines running. Hoyer wants to keep blaming the previous executive for the economic decline because Bush was fool enough to sign the Democrat's last two budgets. Everybody does the dance, and we already know the outcome.
Throw the bums out. Throw ALL of them out. And, tell the replacements that the Founder's Republic is the Constitutional limit to their authority. And, they better trim back to it or face the wrath of a public that is tired of being lied to by their servants.
Pax,
Newbius
Kind of like the Sunday talk shows.
Of the Sunday talk shows, the only one I can even stomach for brief stretches at a time is Fox News Sunday. Even this one gets to me after a few minutes and I have to leave the room. I leave because the play is the same every week, and only the plot topic changes. This week the topic is "Pledge to America".
Whoopee
Chris Wallace asks "Why don't you mention entitlement cuts?" to the StupidParty reps, and allows the lies about the economic record from the EvilParty reps. The goal? Another YouTube video with their logo in the lower corner showing politicians either saying incendiary things, or slyly ducking the questions that everybody knows won't get answered.
I would prefer it if the politicians told the truth. Unfortunately, the American populace would rather have sweet-smelling lies piped to them than face the aftermath of the last 75 years' greed and sloth. So, in order to remain electable, the politicians lie to us. They do the Kabuki Theater of the Sunday shows, trying to impress with their perfectly coiffed hair, their spray-on tans, and their ability to lie to the camera with well-practiced ease.
Here's an idea: Stop kicking the can down the road. Tell everybody currently receiving Social Security and Medicare that they are the last recipients. The systems are BROKE. INSOLVENT. Tell everybody else that the deductions for "OASD" and "MED" are taxes (because they are) and not savings accounts for the future (like they are marketed to us as). Tell everybody who is not yet a recipient that they will have to depend upon the charity of their communities and families, like the olden days, if they failed to prepare for the future. And eliminate ALL of the regulations affecting retirement age, pensions, and government-mandated health plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and ObamaCare.
The politicians won't tell us the above. Because the first one who does is immediately featured in an opposition party advertisement depicting them as wishing to starve old ladies, kill children, and destroy the "underprivileged" (whatever that means). But, it is the reality.
Boehner doesn't wish to broach the subject of "non-discretionary spending" where ALL of our tax revenue goes, because to do so is to start the ad machines running. Hoyer wants to keep blaming the previous executive for the economic decline because Bush was fool enough to sign the Democrat's last two budgets. Everybody does the dance, and we already know the outcome.
Throw the bums out. Throw ALL of them out. And, tell the replacements that the Founder's Republic is the Constitutional limit to their authority. And, they better trim back to it or face the wrath of a public that is tired of being lied to by their servants.
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, September 24, 2010
Looking for holster advice
Need an IWB Holster for a full-sized XD.
Do any of my readers currently carry one of these IWB? If so, what holster works for you?
I do realize that holster choice is as personal as "Boxers or Briefs". But I am trying to rapidly winnow the choices. As an example, my other carry gun has two holsters for it that I dearly love: a Galco "Concealable" OWB, and a Milt Sparks IWB. Both are exceptional and are worth every penny spent.
I am not looking to carry this "deep cover" and am therefore not looking for any variation of "thunderwear". Given the setup of safeties on this gun, I am also not looking for anything without sufficient structure to prevent a ND.
Comments are open, "fire away".
Pax,
Newbius
Do any of my readers currently carry one of these IWB? If so, what holster works for you?
I do realize that holster choice is as personal as "Boxers or Briefs". But I am trying to rapidly winnow the choices. As an example, my other carry gun has two holsters for it that I dearly love: a Galco "Concealable" OWB, and a Milt Sparks IWB. Both are exceptional and are worth every penny spent.
I am not looking to carry this "deep cover" and am therefore not looking for any variation of "thunderwear". Given the setup of safeties on this gun, I am also not looking for anything without sufficient structure to prevent a ND.
Comments are open, "fire away".
Pax,
Newbius
Why the light blogging?
In short, everything I want to say about politics, and the current people in charge, I have already said at least once. "The current administration is staffed by tyrants who wish to curtail Liberty and replace our current economic system with a command economy and top-down regulatory structures" (even more so than we currently have).
I can say this twenty different ways, but the message remains the same at the core: Liberty is in jeopardy.
I plan to vote, as that is the peaceful expression of the "will of the people". I hope that there are enough votes to counteract the expected Democratic Party voter fraud, and the disenfranchisement of the military, to toss these bums out of office. You lefty statists can whine all you want, but this truth always comes to light every election and it isn't the Right/Republicans who do it.
I look forward to gridlock in Washington, the "District of Criminals". It will be a welcome change. All efficient government ever results in, is death (See Russia, Germany, Laos, Cambodia, China, Turkey).
So, unless I feel the urge to blog about my life's trivialities, or get some range time worth talking about, posting will continue to be light. Sorry...
Pax,
Newbius
I can say this twenty different ways, but the message remains the same at the core: Liberty is in jeopardy.
I plan to vote, as that is the peaceful expression of the "will of the people". I hope that there are enough votes to counteract the expected Democratic Party voter fraud, and the disenfranchisement of the military, to toss these bums out of office. You lefty statists can whine all you want, but this truth always comes to light every election and it isn't the Right/Republicans who do it.
I look forward to gridlock in Washington, the "District of Criminals". It will be a welcome change. All efficient government ever results in, is death (See Russia, Germany, Laos, Cambodia, China, Turkey).
So, unless I feel the urge to blog about my life's trivialities, or get some range time worth talking about, posting will continue to be light. Sorry...
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Want to buy
Follow up to my post below:
As the below post indicates, I will pay cash. I am willing to travel anywhere within 100 miles of the DC Metro area to finalize the deal.
Anybody have something worth looking at?
Pax,
Newbius
WANTED: Good quality used economy car. 6-10 years old and less than 100k miles. Must have 4cylinder engine, A/C, and automatic transmission. US Made imports preferred (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, or Mazda), will consider others as well.
Clean vehicle history is a must. No salvage titles or loss rebuilds. Prefer straight body, no rust. Must be mechanically sound but some "parking lot rash" is acceptable. Contact me via email or comment below.
As the below post indicates, I will pay cash. I am willing to travel anywhere within 100 miles of the DC Metro area to finalize the deal.
Anybody have something worth looking at?
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, September 20, 2010
No Deal
You would think that in today's economy a car seller would look at cash on the desk and realize that they have a solid, bonafide offer. You would be wrong.
Found a nice used car at a new car dealer. Price was above Blue Book "Private Party" but below "Suggested Dealer Retail". I made them an offer that was about equal to the Private Party price, and at which they should have still made a nice profit, if their used car manager is worth his salt. And the cash was real, fanned out nice and pretty on the desk...
Of course, the Kabuki dance then starts. They bring out all of the wonderful things that make this the only 2001 Toyota Corolla within 500 miles that is worth owning, I point out that they took it in trade a month ago and it is collecting dust, and that they have lowered the price on it already to generate interest (the Wayback Machine is a wonderful toy).
Somehow, they didn't figure that their prospective consumer would actually know something. Then they tried to pass off their processing fees, handling charges, et cetera as mandatory by statute....
< SIGH >
I walked.
I sent the salesman a nice follow up email. Told him if we were really only apart by the cost of the taxes and tags, maybe we could work something out, and offered a little more cash to entice him.
They must think that there aren't about 15,000 cars for sale within a 100 mile radius of my house to choose from, or something. Or, that theirs really is the only car around like it and it is super special...I guess they like their car more than they like my money.
No deal.
How was your day?
Found a nice used car at a new car dealer. Price was above Blue Book "Private Party" but below "Suggested Dealer Retail". I made them an offer that was about equal to the Private Party price, and at which they should have still made a nice profit, if their used car manager is worth his salt. And the cash was real, fanned out nice and pretty on the desk...
Of course, the Kabuki dance then starts. They bring out all of the wonderful things that make this the only 2001 Toyota Corolla within 500 miles that is worth owning, I point out that they took it in trade a month ago and it is collecting dust, and that they have lowered the price on it already to generate interest (the Wayback Machine is a wonderful toy).
Somehow, they didn't figure that their prospective consumer would actually know something. Then they tried to pass off their processing fees, handling charges, et cetera as mandatory by statute....
< SIGH >
I walked.
I sent the salesman a nice follow up email. Told him if we were really only apart by the cost of the taxes and tags, maybe we could work something out, and offered a little more cash to entice him.
They must think that there aren't about 15,000 cars for sale within a 100 mile radius of my house to choose from, or something. Or, that theirs really is the only car around like it and it is super special...I guess they like their car more than they like my money.
No deal.
How was your day?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Millisecond Molly Smith
I have been remiss...
She's here. Her Facebook page is here.
Please support one of the best and brightest junior shooters in the nation.
I am adding her to the sidebar.
Pax,
Newbius
She's here. Her Facebook page is here.
Please support one of the best and brightest junior shooters in the nation.
I am adding her to the sidebar.
Pax,
Newbius
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A good day
Nothing special happened, good or bad. Just chilling with the wife watching movies on Netflix. (Oh, and she wants to learn how all of the guns in the house work.)
:)
Pax,
Newbius
:)
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, September 17, 2010
Bounced the stops last night
Every now and then I guess I need to remind myself why some approaches to problem-solving don't work. It isn't like I didn't have that example in front of me for most of my life. I did. But sometimes I try it. And then it gets ugly.
Tequila is not a painkiller.
Too much of it, and there are pieces to pick up to things that shouldn't get broken. Like relationships. I'll be OK. But it will take some time for things to get better. She understands. She is an amazing woman and I am lucky to have her.
Later on, when the stress at work and elsewhere is lower, things should improve. We'll get through this. We've hit rough patches before. This one is my fault though.
Right now, some apologies are in order.
Newbius
Tequila is not a painkiller.
Too much of it, and there are pieces to pick up to things that shouldn't get broken. Like relationships. I'll be OK. But it will take some time for things to get better. She understands. She is an amazing woman and I am lucky to have her.
Later on, when the stress at work and elsewhere is lower, things should improve. We'll get through this. We've hit rough patches before. This one is my fault though.
Right now, some apologies are in order.
Newbius
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What I did on 9/11/10
Remember the message of 9/11/01?
I do.
I hugged and kissed my wife. I checked on my neighbors. I made sure my kids were safe at school. Then, I cleaned my guns and made sure they functioned and I re-checked my ammunition supply. Then, we watched in horror and fear as our way of life was threatened, our citizens were murdered, and symbols of our prosperity came crashing down-killing thousands.
So now it is nine years later. The only extant threats to our way of life come from our own government. The "religion of peace" advocates are still at war with the West. The Patriot Movement is branded as nothing but Domestic Terrorists. And, normal people continue to live their lives as is they have no power or control in our society, where power and control rest in The People.
So what did I do yesterday? I changed the backstrap on my new pistol to better fit my hand. I made pizza for my kids in college. I did some shopping. I took my wife and oldest son to visit my other two kids at college. We had dinner and conversation until late in the evening.
I lived my life normally.
In the United States today, living life normally and well, enjoying the time together, is the ultimate tribute to those who have sacrificed to make it possible.
Our nation is not just a geographic location. We are a state of mind. Our soldiers do not fight for territory, they fight for ideas. We fight for ideas. We fight for Liberty, and the ability to enjoy it.
So, on 9/11/2010, I celebrated Liberty. I lived. I loved. I prospered.
I hope that you did too.
Pax,
Newbius
"We are vulnerable, and the bad people want to kill us and destroy our way of life."Remember what you did on 9/11/01?
I do.
I hugged and kissed my wife. I checked on my neighbors. I made sure my kids were safe at school. Then, I cleaned my guns and made sure they functioned and I re-checked my ammunition supply. Then, we watched in horror and fear as our way of life was threatened, our citizens were murdered, and symbols of our prosperity came crashing down-killing thousands.
So now it is nine years later. The only extant threats to our way of life come from our own government. The "religion of peace" advocates are still at war with the West. The Patriot Movement is branded as nothing but Domestic Terrorists. And, normal people continue to live their lives as is they have no power or control in our society, where power and control rest in The People.
So what did I do yesterday? I changed the backstrap on my new pistol to better fit my hand. I made pizza for my kids in college. I did some shopping. I took my wife and oldest son to visit my other two kids at college. We had dinner and conversation until late in the evening.
I lived my life normally.
In the United States today, living life normally and well, enjoying the time together, is the ultimate tribute to those who have sacrificed to make it possible.
Our nation is not just a geographic location. We are a state of mind. Our soldiers do not fight for territory, they fight for ideas. We fight for ideas. We fight for Liberty, and the ability to enjoy it.
So, on 9/11/2010, I celebrated Liberty. I lived. I loved. I prospered.
I hope that you did too.
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I am OK with the idea
(NOTE: This is a post with a very narrowly-targeted audience of one.)
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, not merely endured while we pass the time. You have proven to me that you face life with your eyes wide open. You understand the risks, and the consequences, of what you are undertaking. You deserve to be happy and you have earned the right to be.
I really do like him.
I really do want you to be happy.
I really do trust your judgment.
If he makes you happy and you truly love him, then you have my total, complete, and unqualified blessing.
Love,
Dad
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, not merely endured while we pass the time. You have proven to me that you face life with your eyes wide open. You understand the risks, and the consequences, of what you are undertaking. You deserve to be happy and you have earned the right to be.
I really do like him.
I really do want you to be happy.
I really do trust your judgment.
If he makes you happy and you truly love him, then you have my total, complete, and unqualified blessing.
Love,
Dad
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day labor
This weekend was another one of home improvement projects. I got another item crossed off of the "Honey-Do" list, and the little things are making a big difference. In honor of those whom I labor for, and, in honor of those who have labored for me, I do this work. I do appreciate the extra time to do this for them.
But I am not celebrating unionism. Are you?
Pax,
Newbius
But I am not celebrating unionism. Are you?
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, September 3, 2010
Up and running (sort of...)
Resurrected another computer in the house for the time being. I am online now, at least for a little while.
Hopefully you have been reading the excellence that is in the sidebar. Please read the blogroll. Those writers put out some wonderful stuff daily and deserve a few more hits.
I'll post more later on.
Pax,
Newbius
Hopefully you have been reading the excellence that is in the sidebar. Please read the blogroll. Those writers put out some wonderful stuff daily and deserve a few more hits.
I'll post more later on.
Pax,
Newbius
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