On the Conquest of Patagonia

Queen Isabella of Spain has long been a dangerous enemy. Her forces are strong, her will indomitable. Among the wilds of Patagonia, I thought, she would prove to be a formidable ally. Patagonia is an interesting land. Legend has it that the Dread Pirate Roberts retired there and raises sheep among its hills to thisContinue reading “On the Conquest of Patagonia”

On Senator Judd Gregg’s Ahistory Lesson

Dear Senator Judd Gregg: I read with some interest your recent comments on the Founding Fathers and the need for supermajority votes in the United States Senate. I believe you said: The Founding Fathers realized when they structured this they wanted checks and balances. They didn’t want things rushed through. They saw the parliamentary system.Continue reading “On Senator Judd Gregg’s Ahistory Lesson”

On Non-Who TARDIS Companions

Years ago, my friend Michael had a game. Take a movie or television show. Then imagine the TARDIS materializing. There are some stories you can look at and say, “This is a Doctor Who story; all it needs is the Doctor.” The game works best with a “base under siege”-type structure, so common to theContinue reading “On Non-Who TARDIS Companions”

On More Heritage Foundation Tomfoolery

For reasons that pass beyond my understanding, the Heritage Foundation has sent me another survey. This makes… what? The fourth in the past six months? Who do they think I am? This one is called “the official 2010 Taxpayer Ballot of Fiscal Responsibility.” Let us quote. Ms. Gibson, unchecked spending was bad enough in aContinue reading “On More Heritage Foundation Tomfoolery”

On My Steampunk-Style

Seen on others’ blogs… If I were to dress in a steampunk-style, what would I be? Hmm… Your result for The Steampunk Style Test… The Ragamuffin 25% Elegant, 41% Technological, 30% Historical, 24% Adventurous and 46% Playful! You are the Ragamuffin, the embodiment of steampunk playfulness.  Chances are, you approach the genre from a muchContinue reading “On My Steampunk-Style”

On Health Care Reform, Then and Now

Saturday mornings I have a routine. I get up. I fix coffee. I eat a bowl of cereal. I listen to Weekend Edition Saturday on NPR. This has been my routine for pretty much the past three years; prior to that, I always worked on Saturdays, and thus Weekend Edition wasn’t something I could listenContinue reading “On Health Care Reform, Then and Now”

On Rainfall Against the Office Glass

On a day like today, with the sky overcast and rain falling, hitting the sixth floor glass and running in streaks downward, this song by the Beatles is completely appropriate: If the rain comes they run and hide their heads They might as well be dead If the rain comes, if the rain comes When the sun shines they slip into the shade (When the sun shines down) And sip their lemonade (When the sun shines down) When the sun shines, when the sun shines Rain, I don't mind Shine, the weather's fine I can show you that when it starts to rain (When the rain comes down) Everything's the same (When the rain comes down) I can show you, I can show you Rain, I don't mind Shine, the weather's fine Can you hear me that when it rains and shines (When it rains and shines) It's just a state of mind? (When it rains and shines) Can you hear me, can you hear me? sdaeh rieht edih dna nur yeht semoc niar eht fI (Rain) niaRContinue reading “On Rainfall Against the Office Glass”

On Yet Another Heritage Foundation Survey

For reasons unknown, the Heritage Foundation has sent me yet another survey. To whit: “Taxpayer Opinion Poll On The Real Liberal Agenda.” The Heritage Foundation is conducting this Taxpayer Opinion Poll to compile evidence that will refute the claims by President Barack Obama and the liberals in Congress that the American people want bigger governmentContinue reading “On Yet Another Heritage Foundation Survey”