Recent Additions

As you may have noticed, there are two new widgets on my blog, or blogito as some refer to it as.  The first, is my GoodReads book shelf.  It shows you the most recent books that I have read, so that you can peer into my literary world.  Second, and I just did this for fun, is the Google CrandCentral button, at the bottom of my page.  GrandCentral, invite only or if you use Blogger, gives you a central phone number that you can give to everyone, and route calls via the nets.  Anyway, if anyone wants to leave me a message, or an invite, just say so.

Getting them off the Streets, and Behind Bars

This front page story from the Sun is very heartening. I wish we could wipe the gangs off of the streets, because they are such a destabilizing force in the communities. On the second page of the article, an older gang member start philosophizing on how gangs actually helped their communities. If by help you mean murder, intimidate, sell drugs, and generally lower the quality of life, you are doing an excellent job for your community! I wish I could say keep up the good work .

Saturday Sillines

This kid is going to be a rock star, or at the least very good at karaoki.

Wine and Internets, who Could ask for anything more?

Hear ye, Hear ye, attention to all of the oenophiles of the great state of Maryland. Two of your state senators have seen the light, and are proposing legislation that would allow you to purchase wine over the internets! Montgomery County senator Jamie Raskin, with a co-sponsor have put forth a bill that would repeal that old prohibition era law that prevents wine from being ordered outside of the state. Apparently all of those snobby Montgomery county liberals couldn't find their Merlot at the local liquor store, so they annoyed their elected representatives to do something about it. I mean who ever heard of ordering things over the internet?

They had a hearing in Annapolis, where the liquor lobby was up in arms over this bill. Mr. Bereano, who represents them said "[w]hat is so sacrosanct about wine? . . . You can get drunk on a bottle of wine just as easily as scotch or vodka." They also argue that persons under 21 will run to their computers, so they to can partake in the alcoholic sacrament. I have a feeling their argument will fail, when you consider that so many other state allow these types of sales. But, they are going to try and protect their market the best way they see fit, and if it means denying you your favorite vintage, so be it.

As a disclosure, I have to say that I have a quasi-interest in this issue. I happen to know and individual who produces and sells a wine. This was without a doubt one of the best wines that I have ever tasted, and you can purchase it online. Unfortunately, you have to either live in D.C. or Virginia to get it. If you do, check it out because you won't be disappointed.

Kick the Bum Out

It appears as if Musharaf will be going down to a major defeat. I have a feeling he will find himself living in exile, for fear of reprisals. My, how much difference an election can make.

Your Doctor, Our Spy

Like many of you out there, I feel like I am paying way too much for my insurance. Not that I really pay attention to how much I am paying, but I am sure it is far beyond what I should be paying. Seriously, those of us who do have insurance are grateful to have it, because if the time arises to use it, we don't have to worry about racking up thousands in medical debt. When you switch carriers, you usually have to list any preexisting conditions, so the insurer knows what it will have to pay for in the future. Out in California, Blue Cross, which is the largest insurer in the state sent out a letter to doctors asking them to basically spy on their patients. If the patients fail to disclose any preexisting conditions, they can be dropped by the insurer. If anything was found by the doctor, it was to "be reported to Blue Cross immediately." Needless to say that would be a serious breech of trust between the patient and doctor. The letter has been subsequently revoked by Blue Cross, but that was not enough for the state of California. The lawmakers there have proposed legislation to put and end to this practice.

Chicken Hawks Indeed

Great article by Taibbi. The Democrat leadership talks a good game, but in the end, they still walk around with their tails behind their legs when it comes to ending the Iraq war.

Six Word Memoirs

I thought you might enjoy this on a Sunday. Sometimes, less is so much more.

You Can't Sit Here

It was only a matter of time before those far left liberal legislators would try to dictate where you could eat. First it was banning cigarettes, forcing all of those smokers out into the cold. Now those of you with bulging waistlines, and bursting bellies may have to suffer a setback when it comes to satisfying your culinary urges. The State of Mississippi , has three lawmakers that have proposed a bill that would "allow health inspectors to revoke the licence of any restaurant that "repeatedly" feeds extremely overweight people." Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on where you stand on this issue, the bill was killed in subcommittee. The authors did say however, "Anybody with any sense knows it's not going to happen, not going to pass,". Apparently they just wanted to bring to light the problem of American obesity. Next question I have is this, how much do these gentlemen weigh, and what are their BMIs?

A Convincing Appeal

I enjoy watching Professor Lessig's presentations because they are simple, and very effective. The word prompting actually makes you think of what he is talking about. This appeal to vote for Obama is very evocative, and deserves a watch.