Changes to American paper money

In the article one of those interviewed stated that he thought adding the new people to the backs of the bills would lead to their becoming role models.  I call foolishness.  How many people could list who is on each of the bills: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100?  Unlikely I rate that idea.  On the other hand, I don't see any problem with the design changes. 

I've gutted out my labels.  I'm going to be much more selective about adding new ones, and applying them.  As my readers are imaginary I expect that zero people should be inconvenienced. 

Here's what isn't new: my computer.  My old clunker of three years wanted to gamely struggle on, but I clearly needed to go in a different direction.  So I got a mid-ranged gaming computer in the hopes of fending off obsolescence a bit longer during this laptop ownership cycle.  Asus G751JT, beautiful.  Huge, but in a BBW sort of way, not a what-I-look-like sort of way.  Only one problem.  The A key doesn't always spawn "A"s as it should.  Kind of a failure to launch sort of situation.  It has to go back and then I'll be back with my old Acer, for all the world like going back to that loony old girlfriend knowing it can't last, and that I wouldn't want it to.  It's just that I'll be lonely until Penelope comes back from the fixer.  Oh, I've named my new laptop after Odysseus' wife, Penelope...always faithful and reliable.  I suppose even she had a sick day or two.  Until then...ugh.  I'll make do.

Everything old is new again.  I still remember when everyone was on AOL.  I was a big chatter then, and the numbers said about 1.7 million other people were too.  I thought I would go back on and see where it went.  It isn't pretty, but that's no surprise.  Still, online chat is weirdly compelling.  A chat room with 25+ people who are all somewhat more polite versions of today's standard trolls can be entertaining.  Some of the people there never left AOL when the rest of us jumped ship.  20+ years.  Can you imagine? 
My impression hanging out there is that of a lifeboat that people can come and go at will, but once there...
I could try to describe AOL chat rooms all day, but they have to be tried out for oneself to truly appreciate their awful magnetism.

Sid Vicious...

...was just used to help sell cars.  If you live long enough the rudest counter-culture middle-fingering becomes bland conformity.  http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7rpd/2015-acura-tlx-my-way-song-by-sid-vicious

Back In The Saddle

After some personal misery pushed me out of the loop for what, about three years, I'm coming back to the blogging fold again.  So much is happening in the world that is begging for the illuminating power of my observation.  The middle east is a violent cesspool of murder and treachery.  The Soviet Union, er, Russia is imposing its will upon its satellites.  Deadly epidemics and famine stalk Africa.  Americans are performing the walk of shame home after waking up next to a feckless community organizer.  Anti-Semitism ramping up in the Eurozone.  India and Pakistan still hate each other.  Afghanistan is a 10th century warlord's wet dream.  Man, I could go on all day, and likely will.  Hopefully I'll be able to add something new, or of some value other than pointless grousing.  But, mostly just the grousing. 

I'm sure these guys have some worthwhile thoughts to share...

Turmoil On The Arab Street

First Tunisia falls, now Egypt seems headed in that direction. I know that I can't be the only person alive who remembers 1989-1990 when the USSR and its satellite puppet states came crashing down. What an amazing time that was to live through.
In both cases repressive governments tried in vain to maintain control of their populace. Alas, media from abroad and internally helped thwart their actions and the governments fell one by one. Not exactly the classic Domino Theory, but the similarities are obvious.
The example of democratic reform in Iraq certainly must be seen as playing a huge part in this play. Until the invasion, occupation, and reformation of Iraq it was widely accepted as fact that the Middle East wasn't ready for democracy, that theocracy would continue to hold sway. The Iraqi example has allowed the blinders to be pulled from the eyes of the Arab youth and other downtrodden peoples of the Middle East. Nobody will be sending GWB a thank you card, but that is where they should be sent. The strategic foresight to push for real and lasting reform politically and economically provided the example of possibility so needed in that benighted region.
What I wonder will the long-term effects be? The fall of the USSR seemed at first the "End of History." How wrong that was. On the other hand, the Middle East could hardly become more dangerous and unstable than it has been these last five decades. If BHO (and by extension HRC) play their cards right they can be seen as a savior to the Egyptian people, and real and lasting progress will be possible. I'm not holding my breath though. This is just as likely to be another "reset" button or DVD fiasco. Still, one can hope.

Week Two, NFL

In week one, GB grits out a win over the pressed-into-service dog-killer himself, M. Vick. If Kolb had played all game the score would have been much more lopsided.
Ryan Grant is now done for the year. Brandon Jackson does a good job replacing him and GB does exactly what was expected, crushing the Bills. What makes this happy day even happier were the losses by Dallas and Minnesota. Apparently Purple Jesus is 40 years old. Who knew? Clay Matthews continues his evolution into a machine that destroys offending players. The special teams, kickoff returns especially, continue to improve. Bulaga was in at LT from late in the second half; has Chad Clifton started his last game for GB?
Looking ahead to week three, GB will be playing the Bears. GB will have to do a better job of stopping a running team equipped with a Marshall Faulk-style running back. The Packers will be able to handle Chicago’s passing game. Offensively GB should eat up the Bears. GB’s running game won’t terrify anyone, but with Rogers et al leading the way and commanding defensive adjustments, there should be running yards available.
Prediction: GB: 31 CHI: 17
Clay Matthews: 2 sacks and continued dominance. The man is an engine of destruction.

Some Gun Myths Have Their Lunch Money Taken

My experience leads me to agree with the author of this article. I especially like the admonitions of caveat emptor regarding “gun shop guy” in the article and comments.

When DIY Websites Go Sarcastic

How to buy milk. If you read all the way to the end of the article, the sarcasm thickens; an excerpt from step six: “Carry it home in a bag because it will make your hands cold.”
I had to double check, thinking that I was on The Onion’s website, but no.