- From the “Bad Things” Department – Police in Alabama have arrested an employee at Anniston Army Depot after police found stolen equipment, weapons, and grenades on the man’s property. For once, assuming that the weapon that was found was an M-4, the use of the term “assault rifle” might have been correct.
- From the “Blasts From the Past” Department – Rumors are swirling around the possibility that Secretary of State Clinton may leave the administration, who would replace her if she does, and so on. The current hot rumors are that she plans to leave, that Massachusetts Senator John Kerry will be nominated to take her place, and that the governor of Massachusetts might appoint former governor and one time presidential candidate Michael Dukakis to finish out Kerry’s term in the Senate. Got that straight? Basically, two failed candidates would move up, one to the executive branch and one to the legislative. Now all we need is for Bob Dole to be appointed to the federal bench and we’d have the trifecta of presidential also-rans.
- From the “Alrighty Then” Department – An Australian man is planning on making wine the old-fashioned way. By old-fashioned, he means that he will harvest the grapes nude and under the full moon, then put the wine in clay pots to age, and then bury the pots for a few months. I guess you’d call that “Australian Rules Viticulture”. You know, I think I’ll just stick to bourbon, thanks.
- From the “Holes in the Desert” Department – Paleontologists in Nevada have unearthed the fossil remains of two predator species recently, the dire wolf and the sabre-toothed cat. No word yet on whether or not they found the fossil remains of the first guy to get caught counting cards at the Mirage.
News Roundup
Posted by daddybear71 on December 18, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/18/news-roundup-166/
Attention to Orders
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
Inouye, Daniel K.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company E, 442nd Infantry. Place and date: San Terenzo, Italy, 21 April 1945. Birth: 7 September 1924, Honolulu, Hawaii. Entered service at: Honolulu, Hawaii.
Citation:
Second Lieutenant Daniel K. Inouye distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 21 April 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Second Lieutenant Inouye skillfully directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapon and small arms fire, in a swift enveloping movement that resulted in the capture of an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. Emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, the enemy halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Inouye crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying the emplacement. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest. Although wounded by a sniper’s bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite the intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions. In the attack, 25 enemy soldiers were killed and eight others captured. By his gallant, aggressive tactics and by his indomitable leadership, Second Lieutenant Inouye enabled his platoon to advance through formidable resistance, and was instrumental in the capture of the ridge. Second Lieutenant Inouye’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.H/T to Hall of Heroes for posting the citation.
Godspeed, Senator Inouye. We may not have agreed on a lot of issues, but you at least had the guts to put your right hand in the air and take the oath when it mattered most.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 18, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/18/attention-to-orders-2/
30 Days of Dickens – Day 13
When the people found that they were none the better for the blessings of the Druids, and none the worse for the curses of the Druids, but, that the sun shone and the rain fell without consulting the Druids at all, they just began to think that the Druids were mere men, and that it signified very little whether they cursed or blessed. After which, the pupils of the Druids fell greatly off in numbers, and the Druids took to other trades. — A Child’s History of England
My Take – When people realize that the all-powerful government is actually quite weak without them, they realize their own power. Government exists for the service of the people and continues because the people choose for it to do so, not the other way around. When the people begin to doubt the validity of their government, to believe that it has forsaken its duty to them, they will either destroy it or allow it to wither on the vine. Alas, men yearn for leadership, so a new government, hopefully better, but usually worse, than the old one springs up, and the cycle begins anew.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 17, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/17/30-days-of-dickens-day-13/
Turn out the lights when you go, but I’m leaving the Party
Just after the election, I posted about how unsatisfied I’ve become with the Republican party. I wasn’t happy with the “Compassionate Conservatism” of the Bush years, and I’ve been, well, unimpressed with the party in its role as the “loyal opposition” to the Obama administration. Basically, the libertarian wing of the party seems to have been eclipsed by the go-along-to-get-along leadership that is heavily influenced with the side of the party that mirrors liberal Democrats in wanting to spend my money and tell me how to live my life, just in different ways. I don’t see that changing anytime soon, and it’s a big reason for my dissatisfaction.* Big government Republicans, to me, are as much to blame for the mess we’re in as the big government Democrats.
So I’m considering leaving the party, and to be honest, being registered as “Independent” is looking more and more likely. Doing this is going to impact my ability to contribute to elections because Kentucky has closed primaries. I actually agree with that law; I just have to live with not having that ability to voice my wishes.
I’ve considered the third parties, and to be honest, they’re a mess. I guess the closest one to my political leanings, at least on paper, is the Libertarian Party. Their platform ties in with my wish that the United States take a good hard look in the mirror and decide which overseas commitments are worth the money and blood, which domestic programs are a waste of money, and which sacred cow will make the tastiest hamburgers. But to be honest, I look at the history of the party and I’m discouraged. Guys, until you start fielding presidential candidates that have been big L Libertarians for more than a fortnight, you’re always going to be the NIT of primary races.
I think that a viable third political party would do a lot of good work toward cleaning up and cleaning out our political system. However, I think the problem I’ve seen with alternate parties is that they all seem to be trying to hit a home run and field a winning presidential candidate without having a lot of people in lower offices already. Yes, it worked for the Republicans in the 1860 election, but that was a unique situation. Our country is in a crisis, but the issues we deal with aren’t as easily talked about as “It’s wrong to own other people”. That’s a lot easier to sell than “We need to stop giving you free stuff”, or “You need to get off the couch and get a job”.
To me, what third parties need to do is build a base, and work toward a viable presidential candidate at some later date. Get people elected to state legislatures and maybe the House of Representatives. Work toward putting governors in office, then Senators. Once people see that you’re not a bunch of fringe wingnuts because you’re the guy they see on the school board or who holds townhall meetings with them as part of their duties as a legislator, they will start to consider pulling the lever for that parties candidates for higher office. Putting up a presidential candidate every four years just to say you can does nothing much besides spend money and time. Build a base, then shoot for the moon.
Anyway, I wish the Republicans well, but I think my time with them is over. If they wake up, reverse the decline that’s been going on for 20 years, and return to trying to limit government and be wise custodians of the people’s money, I’ll consider voting for their candidates. Until then, I’ll be over here doing my own research and picking the best person for the job when I step into the voting booth.
*I know, I know, Tea Party, Rand Paul, rah rah rah. Witness the recent removal of fiscally conservative Republicans from key committee positions by Speaker Boehner. Anyone who challenges the party leadership, in or out of office, is being put in their place so that any deals they make with the Democrats will get through Congress without a hitch.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 17, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/17/turn-out-the-lights-when-you-go-but-im-leaving-the-party/
Today’s Earworm
Posted by daddybear71 on December 17, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/17/todays-earworm-285/
Movie Review – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Irish Woman and I snuck away today to catch a matinée of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The Hobbit was one of the first real books I ever read, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing it done in the same manner as The Lord of the Rings. Long story short, I enjoyed it, but if you’re a stickler for movies staying true to the books they’re based on, then you might not. Jackson added a bunch of stuff from other Tolkien writings, changed a few other things around, and added a few things that he pulled down from the ether. Some of the stuff he added I can understand because they fill plot holes that arise when trying to make a book into a movie. A lot of it I either have to wonder if it was necessary or look at as someone adding to another’s masterpiece so that they can feel they contributed.
I’m not going to go through a plot summary, because honestly I think that if you haven’t read The Hobbit, you ought to. It’s a classic, and its story of ordinary people being the bedrock of freedom is one you really need to experience at the leisurely pace of the written word.
Of course, the visual effects of the movie were outstanding. Jackson is a master of weaving CGI and live action film together in a way that is pretty much seamless. There were times, however, where large panning shots looked a bit blurred unless I focused on one aspect or another, which I didn’t experience in the LOTR series.
The pacing of the movie was about the same as the LOTR films. A couple of scenes of talking followed by “we’re walking and walking and walking” followed by an action scene followed by “we’re walking and walking and walking and walking”. Irish Woman remarked afterward that it didn’t seem like 3 hours, while I was definitely noticing it. Note to filmmakers: If you’re going to make a movie over 2 hours long, put an intermission in the middle.
Also, if the extra stuff that Jackson put in hadn’t been in there, it would have been a nice tight 2 hour movie, or it could have been a nice tight 3 hour movie that would have had its stories ended in a nice tight 3 hour movie next year, with no extraneous third movie.
The music was just as good as the LOTR soundtrack, with stirring orchestral music by Howard Shore. Tolkien also added more singing by the characters in the story, so there is a quasi-musical number in the beginning when the dwarves are doing the dishes. That being said, if the hair on the back of your neck doesn’t stand up when the dwarves sing about the loss of their mountain kingdom, turn in your geek card.
The acting was excellent. Ian McKellan repeats his stellar performance as Gandalf the Gray, and is joined in return appearances by Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, and Cate Blanchett. Richard Armitage does an excellent job playing Thorin. Martin Freeman puts in one of the best performances of the movie as Bilbo Baggins. He plays a tough hobbit rather than whining glutton. His Bilbo is more of a country gentleman who has chosen to become an adventurer and has more backbone than even he knows.
One thing I didn’t care for: it’s been made in such a way that I can’t share it with Boo for years to come. The Hobbit is basically a children’s story. Yes, there are swords and bloodshed and such in the story, but it was never done in such a way that a child old enough to read couldn’t handle it. LOTR was, on the other hand, a story for adults, so I don’t mind waiting to let him see and read The Two Towers until he’s older. I have read The Hobbit to all of my kids, and I will do so with Boo. However, with the rather graphic way that combat and the more scary parts of the story are done, I won’t be letting Boo watch this one until he’s much older. I wouldn’t suggest trying to take your young kids to see this one in the theater. I would suggest that you see it without them and then make your own decision as to whether or not your little ones can handle it.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the movie. Taken as a stand-alone movie as well as a prequel to LOTR, it’s a good start to the story. It will definitely end up on my movie shelf once it comes out on DVD, and I look forward to next winter when the second installment comes out.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 16, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/16/movie-review-the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey/
Coming Soon
Saw these previews today at the theater. Looks like a mixed bag.
- Pacific Rim – Battleship meets Godzilla meets Transformers meets Independence Day. Probably pass, although the visual effects look really good.
- Beautiful Creatures – Someone owes Anne Rice a check because they’ve been ripping off The Mayfair Witches series. A teenage witch needs to decide if she wants to be a good witch or a bad witch while she deals with raging hormones. A bunch of her female relatives act like they need to have a house dropped on them, and her father seems to be the guy behind the green curtain. Note to filmmakers: Putting the entire rough plotline in the preview only convinces me that I’m not your target demographic.
- The Lone Ranger – Johnny Depp as Tonto? Seriously? He’s as Native American as I am. Granted, he’s a talented actor, but to me it’s a bit of a stretch. Of course, I’ll probably end up seeing this one, seeing as how it’s produced by the House of the Rat, and we are in thrall to them. I will, however, give bonus points if Keith Richards makes a cameo appearance.
- Promised Land – Family farms good! Failing rural agricultural communities great! Fracking bad! Corporations bad! Ecoterrorism and extremism wonderful! Dieing cold and in the dark even better! If you see this movie, please stop reading my blog.
- Warm Bodies – ZombieLand meets Twilight. Seriously, are so many of America’s young women necrophiliacs? Not even going to entertain seeing this, and I shall shun those who do.
- Oblivion – Tom Cruise is a repairman for the robots that are taking care of the world after all that remains of humanity after an alien attack has left. He’s about to leave himself when Morgan Freeman shows up and screws up either his plan or the plans of some nefarious plot. Looks like a good premise. I might have seen this if Tom Cruise wasn’t in it.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 16, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/16/coming-soon-5/
Welcome!
Either I got a raft of new readers and commenters, or the spambots have finally discovered me. Woke up to a thoroughly clogged spam trap, and I sent the lot of them to the bit bucket. If I erred on your comment, drop one here to let me know you’re actually a human being.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 16, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/16/welcome-3/
30 Days of Dickens – Day 12
It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour. – A Christmas Carol
My Take – When I’m around a bunch of happy people, I feel better, and eventually I start to laugh along with them. Being happy is sometimes hard to do, but it almost creates a feedback loop when people start to make each other happy. Tell an old joke to someone who hasn’t heard it, and you will get as much pleasure out of it as they did when they start to laugh. I love going to the range and shooting, but doing it with a crowd of friends is much more enjoyable, as experiences are shared and stories are swapped. Think of how much we react to the sound of children and babies laughing, as well as the laughter of other adults, and you may discover the reason we are a social creature: We enjoy the happiness of others.
Posted by daddybear71 on December 16, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/16/30-days-of-dickens-day-12/
Today’s Earworm
Posted by daddybear71 on December 16, 2012
https://daddybearsden.com/2012/12/16/todays-earworm-284/
DaddyBear
DaddyBear’s Den 