Around The Blogs 2014-05-04

Plenty of interesting stuff this week.

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Solomon has two very interesting articles on the current state of the F-35 boondoggle (about which I've written many times in these pages). In the first he says that the argument to go on investing in the program because there's no alternative is the biggest lie ever told. (I think there are bigger ones, but I'll forgive the hyperbole!)  In the second he addresses the 'sunk cost' argument for continuing the program.

I endorse both articles. It's long past time this program was terminated.  I don't care how technologically advanced the aircraft may be; its costs have ballooned so much that the country can't afford it any more.  It's as simple as that.

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Rev. Paul offers two useful articles.  The first examines leadership - something that's in relatively short supply compared to management (the two are not the same thing by any manner of means).  The second is a hair-raising account of a camper's encounter with two grizzly bears.  Alaska isn't for the faint-hearted . . .

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Many Web sites have posted links over the past few days to two posts by Nicki Daniels. The first is 'An Open Letter To Bearded Hipsters';  the second is an apology (NOT!) to those who may have been offended by it.  Giggle-worthy!

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Francis W. Porretto brings us a tongue-in-cheek look at units of measure. Interesting and enjoyable stuff.

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The past week has seen much circulation of links to an article in the Princeton Tory, wherein a young student responds with a smackdown to those who regard him as 'privileged'.  Outstanding stuff!

One of the more interesting reflections on the subject was at Global Guerrillas.  Recommended.

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Daddybear launches a profane (but entirely justified, IMHO) rant about the irresponsibility of those who leave loaded firearms where young children can get at them. It's caused many tragedies, including the one that sparked his tirade. Personally, I think those responsible should face criminal charges, be locked up, and have their kids taken from them - but that's just me.

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Tanker provides some useful aphorisms on things philosophical.  For example:

I’ve got to stop saying “How stupid can you be?” Too many people take it as a challenge.

More at the link.  I think most of them should be posted on office noticeboards for management's attention . . .

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On this 'Star Wars Day' (or a couple of days earlier, to be precise) the Silicon Graybeard provides a checklist to help you decide whether 'You just might be a Redneck Jedi'.

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Clayton Cramer has a very useful link to what may be the ultimate resource on the history of the Civil War.  I've bookmarked it, and I recommend you do the same.

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Karl Denninger shows how the mainstream media distorted rancher Cliven Bundy's words to make him appear to be a racist, and provides an unedited video clip to illustrate the point.  He asks, "Who is the racist, given that it's clearly NOT Bundy?"  The answer is obvious . . .

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Somewhat to my amazement, the Armory Blog brings us a fishing rod complete with recoil, muzzle blast and a bayonet!  The last fixture must be intended for spearfish and pike . . .

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Captain Tightpants points out that the so-called 'Operation Choke Point' is choking off freedom of speech, expression, commerce and a bunch of other things we really don't want to endanger.  He concludes:

... if we don't as a nation start holding the government accountable for such deeds, then the only alternative will be the government holding us accountable to a dictated standard. And that will not do.

Word.

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Borepatch links to one of the funniest descriptions of computer programming that I've read in years.  As an old-school COBOL programmer myself, it rang very true.

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The Parents Blog at Huffington Post reminds us of '13 Things All Men Should Know About Pregnant Women'.  Ignore them at your peril, guys . . .

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Wirecutter illustrates the latest vehicle (?) sound system in Mexico (or, as he says, 'maybe LA').

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Last but not least, Greylocke points out some aural difficulties involved with the drawing of swords.

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That's all for this week.

Peter