Glibertarians.com 2017 Archive

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  • Wednesday Morning Links

    News, news, news!  Comin’ at you at 100 miles an hour. Some of it true and some if it…well, we’re not sure yet but we’re gonna report it anyway. Especially if it serves our political paymasters well. But we don’t fall into that trap here at Glibs. Nosiree. We only report the facts. Or if we’re gonna report on innuendo, we at least make sure you know things are alleged or unconfirmed rumors according to unnamed sources familiar with ways of thinking of certain parties or whatever other bullshit people over at WaPo and the NYT are reporting as fact.  Facts. Like the fact that the Celtics are one game closer to being put out of their misery.  Facts. Like the Firstros winning again. And facts. Like the Penguins completely dominating a game yet losing to the Senators on the most dubious goalie interference call I’ve seen in my lifetime (with no explanation given by the official and much head-scratching occurring in the announcer’s box). Oh well, Game 7s are what makes playoff hockey so damn great. Tune in Thursday to see who will win the Prince of Wales Conference Championship and face off with the Campbell Conference champion Predators for the biggest trophy in North American sports.

    But I digress. Even though you’ve come to expect it, I have steered away from my purpose. So its time to get back on tracks and give you…the links!

    Three more arrests were made in the Manchester Suicide Terrorist Attack. I wonder how many of them are named for British monarchs. I’ll go ahead and take the under on that at 0.5. Won’t touch the over at 2.5 for them having a certain prophet’s name somewhere in there. Hell, I bet not even Ladbrokes is giving action on that sucker bet. Bu there was one thing I noticed in the article. Excerpt:

    Officials are probing how often Abedi had traveled to Libya, which has seen an eruption of armed Islamist groups since dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011.

    I suppose that’s the nice way of saying “Libya, which has been a cesspit since the United States had Quadaffi assassinated, the government overthrown and let the place descend into a terrorist haven where they could set up their gun-running to Syrian rebels operation under the stellar leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.” But that would be like those facts I alluded to up top. And that’s just not cricket, mate.

    Barack Obama: Illegal Spymaster Extraordinaire

    Alright, enough is enough. When a President and his administration abuse the authority granted to them so badly that they are getting formally censured by a secret court set up exclusively so they can spy on people without it being made public, then even I will say enough is enough and heads should roll.  Its time we all demanded prosecutions and impeachments. Its time we demanded congressional oversight in a public forum to shine the light on these flagrant abuses of authority.  Its time we called Donald Trump Barack Obama and the rest of his crooked administration out as the scumbags they are.  Seriously, Democracy Dies In Darkness, eh WaPo? So get off your fucking asses and report on legitemate and documented abuses of authority instead of third-hand accounts of what people are allegedly thinking about doing.

    Um, maybe that’s not a woman, you shitlord. Ever thought that since Xe hasn’t identified Xerself as male or female, then you shouldn’t attach labels when you put these stories together? I swear, sometimes with all the unwokeness that exists in the world, I just can’t even. (How long before the harpies at Jezebel actually write a story with those exact words when something like this happens?)

    Artist Rendition Of What May Have Happened

    OK, instant poll time. And be honest, because God is always watching. Yes or No, how many of you expected to read this headline in your lifetime: Clown with Bladed Gloves Murders Man and Escapes on Scooter, Cops Say. The only thing that could make it more awesome is if it happened at a taco stand that used to be an Arby’s “with a bad reputation.” WHICH IS FOR REALS IN THE FUCKING STORY!!!!!  Life is a mystery, my friends. A beautiful fucking mystery.

    “Right there. In the middle of the day. In broad daylight. In front of God and everybody,” You can imagine where it goes from there. (No, he doesn’t fix the cable.)

    Because you can’t, you won’t, and you don’t stop.

    That’s all I got. Sorry for the long-winded commentary. Sometimes you gotta let off some steam. Anyway, have a great day, friends!

  • Jewsday Tuesday- Trump Edition

    One of the nice perks about being a staffer here at the Glibs is the travel perks. As the senior guy here and the most knowledgeable staffer regarding Judaism, I was selected to be our press representative accompanying the Trump clan and various hangers-on during their trip to Israel. It was pretty cool having the run of Air Force One and being able to lord it over those stupid goyim from places like the New York Times and CNN.

    Because I’m someone who would end up being tackled, duct-taped, water-boarded, and tossed into a cell in Gitmo if I ever actually asked questions or spoke my mind, I decided that my coverage of this trip would be in the manner of a travelogue. And indeed, this has been an interesting tour, with barely a twinge to my ghost foreskin.

    First, we’ve all been inundated with the Hand-slap Seen Round The Twitterverse.  The usual suspects have been analyzing that one to death and as usual, every last one of them got it wrong and missed the real story. Yes, you’ll hear it here first- Trump and Netanyahu have discovered The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name. And the hand-slap was not because Melania hates Trump or any of the other pseudo-psych explanations. No, it’s because Melania had other plans for her hands while the boys were busy on הר ברוקבק.  

    Insert Burning Bush reference here.

    But things weren’t all sexytimes. For one thing, the King of Real Estate decided to check out the Wailing Wall to see how it might look along the Rio Grande.

    Trump had to be dissuaded about adding a parking lot behind. But this at least gave me a chance to meet and greet with the leaders.

    Yes, that’s me on the left.

    And because Yahweh loves us all and has upgraded us from Chelsea to Ivanka, I thought I’d share this tender moment with you.

    Anyway, it was a fun trip and I’m back now, sitting in my office and preparing posts. Until next week, Khazak Khazak V’Nitkhazek. Or Mene Mene Tekel Upharshin, I can never remember which.

     

    And bonus link- a delightful essay from 15 years ago, on this very topic, written by the great comedian Larry Miller.

  • Tuesday Afternoon Links

    Holy moly, its only Tuesday? Shit. I’m ready for the long weekend to be here.

    It looks like bad news for the people who took the IRA in the pool for the Manchester bombing. “British citizen of Libyan descent” is pretty classic self-radicalizing ISIS-lover. It pains me that all the “sleeper agent” conspiracy theorists were entirely right on outcomes while totally wrong on mechanism.

    CNN trying to decide which classic Republican stereotype fits Trump better stupid or heartless and evil. No really, the headline is “Calculating or Naive?”

    California recently priced univeral health care and it would cost more than the entire current state budget. There has, of course, been much blaming of kulaks, hoarders, wreckers, and… (I hate to offend you good citizens but we must write it) profit-seeking behavior.

    Those stupid Polacks, exploiting their natural resources! How dare they log timber that they didn’t get around to logging at all during the 20th Century!

    Scientists sure do have a lot of castings and molds of animal genitalia.

    Oh noes, its the hipster/rancher mashupocalypse! I grew up where stock tanks were ponds that someone had dug out in a pasture that cows stand around and shit in, so I am not ever getting in a “stock tank” pool, even if it is a giant beer tub.

    Every time I see the word “millenials” in a headline I like to go back and insert some old-timey out group name like “negroes” or “Irish” and read the story. Nine times out of 10, its exactly like painfully racist “progressive” apologia from a century ago. Try it here. Also, Tom Coburn, you’re crazy if you think a Constitutional Convention is going to improve anything.

  • Tuesday Morning Links

    Damn. I’m still gonna give my usual little blurb about sports even though we all know the major topic of conversation today is gonna (literally) be 5,000 miles away.

    Still not gonna talk much about the NBA. We all know what’s coming once the formality of the Eastern Finals is done. I’m just sad that Popovich can now dedicate even more of his time to personal attacks on people he’s never met and politics he has a lot less understanding of than he thinks he does. Oh joy! Also, the Nashville Predators reached the Stanley Cup Finals after winning the Campbell Conference last night. So now Anaheim can go back to their paper routes. And of course the Firstros won.  They seem to always win.

    Alright. Enough diversion.  Its time to get down to business. I present you…the links!

    At least 22 deaths and scores of injuries after a suicide bomber terrorist attacked an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. My prayers are with them (which a great number of HuffPo commenters ridiculed others for saying). And it has the earmarks of an Islamist attack (which a Slate editor said he’ll ban people for bringing up if it proves to be something else). But nobody has claimed responsibility yet. Although ISIS shitbirds are cheering.

    Venezuela further descends into chaos

    Venezuelan protesters torch childhood home of Hugo Chavez. I didn’t know wreckers and kulaks had that much free time on their hands.

    It’s anonymously cited, so I won’t report it as fact like some other outlets do. But the DNC is allegedly in full-blown pants-shitting mode over the Seth Rich murder potentially being tied to the Wikileaks release of the Podesta (and others) emails which were never confirmed as genuine.

    I thought it was just a Trumpalo talking point. Which makes these two Democrat election clerks pleading guilty to voter fraud so perplexing. I guess those rednecks in deep-red Harris County, Texas (lololol) framed them.  Yeah, that’s the way the media will spin it. Just kidding. They won’t spin it any way. They’ll just ignore it.

    Dick Patterson: Not Guilty

    Excuse me while I whip this out. Hey, it worked, didn’t it?

    Didn’t this writer get the memo on sucking up to cops?  Apparently not, because this is a scathing takedown on how they did their jobs. Bravo!

    I know there’s a lot of fucked up shit happening out there, but the future is still bright.

     

  • Manly Monday

    Since May 2013 I have made note of the annual Herndon Climb at the US Naval Academy. The short version is that the first years must work together to scale a lard-greased (they’re claiming shortening this year) granite obelisk and put a hat on top marking the end of their first year.

    2014, 2015, 2016 here

    This years climb was broadcast live by Fox5DC, and is airing live as I type (but will likely be over by the time you read it), so I’m gonna get back to that, but if you have any interest in lads slathered in grease, grappling in the mud with phallic symbols and each other to achieve something together that they cannot do alone, this might be an event worth following. Update: it took about 2:15/

    Man astride a very greasy obelisk (not this year’s)

  • Monday Afternoon Links

    Back to the ol’ grind, eh everyone? How about some links to make the afternoon a little better? Well then – you will just have to settle for these.

    • This is about as British Tabloid-y as I can find.
    • Um, not the way to handle such a situation. Try “Apartment Finder” instead.
    • Stayin’ shooty in Chicago….read the headline and try not to cringe.
    • I am getting a ever so slight impression that the author is not a fan of MA’s Governor.
    • Germans interrogate interview Julian Assange.

    So there you are.  Oh, a note from the Roller Derby article – you Glibs amaze me – I see something like LT Fish’s article on something I consider a bit exotic… and the comments light up with people involved in the sport directly, or have spouses or such involved. An odd and wonderful lot you all are.

  • Why I Love Roller Derby

    So last Saturday night I attended my first bout of the 2017 season with my new home team – the Charlottesville Derby Dames.  Technically it was a doubleheader, but due to the location – about 45+ min away and my busy weekend, I didn’t stay for the second bout.  Still, I had a blast watching the Derby Dames All Stars crush Mother State Roller Derby 318 to 104.

    Charlottesville Derby Dames

    Apparently leaving early was a mistake though – it looks like the second match was a lot closer.  That comes as a bit of a surprise though because most of the matches I’ve attended have been fairly one-sided.  The scoring format tends to favor that – but it really depends on the teams too.

    540 Roller Girls

    A little more background is probably in order – all the teams I’ve followed have been members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) – which definitely seems to be the most common format these days (as opposed to the older tilted track).  I attended one multi-team bout in Honolulu, but most of my experience has been attending bouts of the Fredericksburg Roller Derby (formerly 540 Roller Girls) team the last couple of years.

    Just the

    Rather than trying to explain it all, I’ll let the graphic above break down the basics (more here).  Starting with what’s essentially a rolling scrum, it takes some effort to break through the inertial crush and get a good lead.  Then to actually score, you need to pass at least one member of the opposing team on your second time around the track.  And that gets to be a lot more complicated due to all the blocking and checking.  The Jammer (scorer) can also end the Jam (play) at any point once they’ve taken the initial lead by getting through the initial scrum – whether or not any points have been scored.  Generally, each team has 3 or 4 members that take turns as Jammers rotating on and off the track while the blockers stay on the track for extended periods of time.

    Classy!

    On the whole, though, it tends to be very entertaining.  I think for me it’s a combination of factors – between the overall athletic factor of amateur sports, the retro/vintage/pin-up crossover themes, the family-friendly entertainment and the general sense of humor involved (I also have a lot of nostalgia from rollerskating as a kid).  I’ve never been a big fan of sports in general (at UNC-CH I attended a grand total of 2 exhibition basketball games and 1/2 a football game – and those were free) – but as a form of entertainment, this appeals to my sensibilities a lot more.

    Every bout is a mini-event in itself – lots of merch (I like to collect t-shirts and can cozies – the pin-up designs are always a draw).  Generally, there’s a variety of additional mini-events – pinball tournaments, raffles, giveaways and other family-friendly attractions – not to mention craft beer or local winery promotions along with the other sponsors – and after-parties (not that I’ve made it to one yet).

    As I understand it, a lot of the recent cultural interest was reignited by Drew Barrymore’s 2009 film “Whip It“.  I’ve seen some references that call out 3rd Wave Feminism as being a major influence in Roller Derby, but I can’t say that I’ve really seen much of that in the sport from my limited experience (certainly nothing toxic).  I’d say it appears to be an empowering experience for the participants and entertaining for the audience, but it doesn’t have any of the negative side effects that come from some other cultural events – for one thing, there’s no competition with men (forced, implied or otherwise).  Of course, that’s based on my experiences – I know in some areas they allow men or trans participants as well – for the bouts I’ve seen, men are only coaches, referees or other non-skating officials.  From my perspective attending events in Hawaii and more frequently/recently in Virginia, these bouts have been far more “A League of Their Own” and far less “SJWs on Ice” – YMMV depending on region.

    Unlike many sports (amateur or otherwise), there’s little to no barrier to entry – most teams host regular events for folks interesting in joining up.  All it takes is an interest and some energy – no prior experience required.

    I’m definitely looking forward to the next double header on 3 June.  You’ll be able to recognize me in my new shirt.

    If you’re interested in checking out local events, I’d start here.  Alternatively just googling “Roller Derby [your location here]” seems to have pretty good results.

  • Monday Morning Links

    It was a big sports weekend, to say the least.  The Nashville Predators moved a game closer to the Stanley Cup finals and now have a 3-2 series lead and could clinch the Campbell Conference tonight at home.  Meanwhile, I believe my predicted demise of the Penguins might have been premature after they beat the Senators by a touchdown yesterday and now have the same lead in the Wales Conference. We will know who makes it in the next few days, but after the weekend, I’m gonna reassess my earlier picks and just keep my mouth shut. Meanwhile, in Europe, the limeys and Spanish (as well as the Catalans) finished their domestic leagues. Real Madrid won La Liga for the first time in a while and Liverpool won their match, forcing Arsenhole to the Europa League for the first time in 20+ years.  Enjoy Thursday football, Gooners you smarmy dickheads. You certainly deserve it.

    I don’t even want to comment about basketball until the predetermined finals matchup materializes, which should take a few more days after the Celtics miraculously won a game last night. (Oh yeah, except to say that Popovich is a smug, douchey asshole. His “manslaughter” comment was among the dumbest things I heard this week.) So stay tuned for that.

    Anyway, I know what you all came here for, so let’s get on with…the links!

    Rep. Elijah Cummings has selective memory

    Top Dem on oversight committee wants every note the White House has on President Trump’s meeting with Russian diplomat. This is the same guy that called the committee’s request for Eric Holder to testify during the Fast and Furious investigation overreach. I guess Executive Privilege only applies to his Team. Or he’s a raving hypocrite who is still living off the goodwill he earned from the 60s. (TW: HuffPo retardation)

    Lengthy article wherein ultra-progressive author projects his family’s racism onto the rest of the nation. The comments, last time I looked, were pretty surprising. (TW: Salon super-retardation)

    Looks like somebody doesn’t understand that the words “fresh” and “fries” at Wendy’s rarely go together. Now she can compare them to the fries at the county lockup.

    Step right up out. And don’t come back. The Greatest Show On Earth performs its last gig. I remember seeing the show several times as a kid and enjoying everything. Even the clowns. But that’s all over now.

    The California Democrat Party’s opinion of the rest of us

    California Democrats embrace philosophy of “when they go low, we go high”. Well, if by “high”, they mean raising both hands and giving the President Camacho salute. Keep it classy, you clowns. That shit may sell in your bubble, but people in flyover country aren’t big fans of that idiocy.

    Can’t miss with this one.

  • ZARDOZ SUNDAY NIGHT….

    IT’S LIKE, ZARDOZ DON’T CARE ABOUT NUTHIN’ BRUTAL,
    BURN ANOTHER BALE, YEAH…

    ZARDOZ WAS GONNA LINK FOR HIS CHOSEN ONES, UNTIL HE GOT HIGH

    ZARDOZ WAS GONNA HIT THE ‘NET, INSTEAD HE GOT HIGH

    ZARDOZ FAILED TO LINK, AND ZARDOZ KNOWS WHY – ‘CAUSE ZARDOZ GOT HIGH.

    …

     

  • Sunday Morning Links Make Jesus Cry

    JC, as a fellow Jew, I know exactly how you’re feeling. But never mind that, let’s shovel some links at these heathens who read their phones during church (I’m looking at YOU, Swiss!). OK, admittedly those ministers do tend to rattle on a bit when they sermonize, so I have some sympathy. Anyway, on to today’s news.

    Item One: After eight years of Obama dropping bombs across the Middle East and Africa with no particular declaration of war, The Nation has suddenly determined that increasing the bomb total hitting Syria is an impeachable offense. What could have changed to make them realize this? It couldn’t be Team Blue hackery, could it? No, no, perish the thought! Must be a coincidence.

    Item Two: The War On Black Hair continues. I think that after yesterday’s story and now this, we have seen the pattern for this week’s “outrage about nothing in particular, but we have to stay in practice.”

    Item Three: After figuring out that Premium doesn’t make things run any better than Regular Unleaded, the Air Force is starting to convert to civilian fuel for its jets. The burning question is whether it can still melt steel beams.

    Item Four: An AeroMexico jet hit a utility truck at LAX.  Apparently they were trying to avoid an Air China jet that was in the wrong lane. And it turns out the AeroMexico pilot had no insurance.

    Items Five and Six: Recommended reading. And this may even be better than music.