Not A Mystery
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Crazy Uncles And Red-Headed Stepchildren
So here, free of charge, is my suggestion to lower the temperature of our political debates. Replace the metaphor for our clash of ideas, which is currently WAR, with something else. And since the Democrats and Republicans can’t yet agree on anything, I will offer up a custom metaphor for each side. The Repubs will henceforth … Continue reading
You Can Call A Spade A Spade, But You Still Have To Find It
The usual suspects are shocked, shocked they say, over last week’s annoncement by ATT and several other large corporations that they would have to take (non-cash) write-offs because of new rules in ‘ObamaCare’ taking effect immediately. In ATT’s case the number was $1 billion. The charges relate to prescription-drug benefits for retirees. Companies that provide … Continue reading
Investors Seek A Perfect “Co-Owner” Before The Music Stops
The world needs a new Country and Western song updated for today’s investor, along the lines of Mickey Gilley’s “Don’t The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time“ Our song might go platinum, all because there’s a new wrinkle (sic) on the menu of get-rich quick schemes. Billions of dollars in corporate bonds sold to retail … Continue reading
Time To Get Those Heads Out Of The Doggy Bag
Republicans might want to start thinking about who leads their parade. Our enemy is now clearly defined. We know who they are: Anybody with a D beside their name. There’s no moderate Democrat or pro-life Democrat. There’s no Blue Dog, lap dog, hot dog, back dog Democrat. If it’s a D, they are the enemy, … Continue reading
Spring Is Almost Here, Don’t Worry Be Happy
I’m really not a cranky old man, but sometimes I stray close to the line. It’s not my fault. The world, and Republicans, make me do it. So today a happy post. Spring is coming, birds are nesting and it’s time for renewal. We live in a community with lots of open space, which requires … Continue reading
Thank Goodness, Perfect Is Not Always The Enemy Of The Good
You probably thought this was going to be a post about our dysfunctional political system. You can relax, it’s not. Voltaire’s quote has got a lot of mileage lately, mostly by proponents of Health Care Reform. The original quote in French is “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien.”, from Voltaire’s Dictionnaire Philosophique (1764) Literally translated … Continue reading
Yes Sean, I Really Do Know How To Wait For My Guinness
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day I’ll share my Irish drinking (what else) story. A few years ago Leslie and I spent a month driving around Ireland. We had a fine time. Beautiful place, wonderful people. Having spent more than a considerable amount of time in English pubs over the years I felt I should … Continue reading
Those Ancient Romans Knew How To Package Their Product
Rome has seven famous hills, and an eighth that should be equally famous as a monument to product packaging, Mt. Testaccio. I learned about this when reading Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr. I also learned to be grateful that I never had to raise twins, but that’s another story. Mt. Testaccio is composed almost … Continue reading
Planted In Front Of The TV
Here’s a provocative thought, and certainly one that hadn’t occurred to me, So if your children are supposedly vegetating in front of the television when they watch it for hours, what happens when you show television to vegetables? Jon Keats, a self-described experimental philosopher, has set up an exhibition in NYC purporting to explore just that question. He’s filmed … Continue reading
A Frappuccino To Die For
Many of us are not quite right in the morning until we get our caffeine buzz going. But until recently we weren’t packing guns. That’s all changed now. From the Wall Street Journal we learn that “Starbucks Corp. and some other chain stores in the U.S. are finding themselves caught in the middle of a … Continue reading
All Aboard A Train Ride Worthy Of Our Politicians
In a week when natural disasters have taken over the headlines you’d think we could contain the man-made ones, at least temporarily. But no, that’s not happening. In a staggering display of dysfunction the Senate allowed a single (Republican) lawmaker to … block[ed] a $10 billion bill that would have extended unemployment benefits and other … Continue reading
Just Another Mystery
- Weaving A Different Kind of Necklace
- Jumping into Spring
- The Art of Using Natures Bounty to Dye Cloth
- A Shibori Stitched and Felted Wrap
- Faux Fur, Vogue and Verve
- The Perfect Dance, Part 2
- The Perfect Dance
- The Vest That Mysteriously Turned Into A Purse
- Vintage Kimono Baby Booties
- Zipper, Keys, and a Linen Belt Buckle
Sterling Jewelry & Gifts
Not A Mystery 