MOB Party: Myths Exposed!
The Minnesota Organization of Bloggers (or MOB) has been a going concern for five years now. And we'll be having our fifth anniversary gala this Saturday at Keegan's, just west of Hennepin on University in northeast Minneapolis, from 6:30 'til whenever we're done (usually around 11 or so).
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nothing To Kill Or Die For
At First Thoughts, Keith Pavlischek notes that when it comes to their views on whether war is every justified, the differences between Americans and Europeans are much more significant that using mayo as a condiment with french fries:
The most striking difference between Americans and Europeans is reflected in answers to the following rather cautiously worded statement:
Please tell me to what extend you agree with the following: Under some conditions, war is necessary to obtain justice.
The American response:
Strongly agree: 37 percent
Somewhat agree: 34 percent
Somewhat disagree: 11 percent
Strongly disagree: 14 percent
For those who are counting, that's 71 percent who agree to 25 percent who disagree.
By contrast, the Europeans answer:
Strongly agree: 8 percent
Somewhat agree: 17 percent
Somewhat disagree: 22 percent
Strongly disagree: 49 percent
That's 25 percent who agree to 71 percent who disagree.
The UK is the only European nation that could muster a majority who agree that under some conditions war is necessary to obtain justice, but only barely at 55-40 percent, coming in at percentages of: 20, 35, 15, and 25 respectively.
On the Continent one finds a rather dismal picture. Worth mentioning is the high percentage of Europeans who strongly disagree, suggesting that they believe that under no conditions can war ever be necessary to obtain justice: 57 percent of the French (5, 13, 24, 57), 55 percent of the Germans (6, 13, 25, 55), 64 percent of the Italians (4, 12, 20, 64), 55 percent of the Spanish (4, 10, 30, 55), and 60 percent of the Belgians (3, 14, 18, 60). Only 47 percent of the Dutch strongly disagree (10, 19, 22, 47), which makes them, I suppose, the warmongers of the Continent.
Or perhaps the ones more mindful of what it's like to be occupied by powerful neighbors.
Pretty bleak, but then again, let's look on the bright side. Who wouldn't prefer having a nation of German pacifists than a nation of goose-stepping Nazis traipsing through Europe? Certainly, the German pacifism of the first part of the twenty-first century is to be preferred to the German militarism of the first half of the twentieth.
But militarism and pacifism, of course, don't exhaust the range of moral options (and I would argue that they tend to go together like Tweedledee and Tweedledum, but that is for another day.) If they thought real, real hard, and reached deep into their heritage, Europeans just might be able to come up with a few conditions under which war should be waged for the sake of justice. Or maybe not so deep, maybe just as far back as, say, Auschwitz, Dachau, Buchenwald. A visit to the American cemetery at, say, Normandy, for example, might also serve to jar their collective conscience. But I doubt it.
Back in aught-two, I shared my thoughts on the rise of post-war European pacifism in a lengthy post. Most of what I wrote at the time still holds up pretty well today based on the latest survey results that Pavlischek cites:
Because the Germans did suffer tremendously in the World Wars and the Cold War they tend to view themselves as victims of war and proof that war is never justified. And when you see the evidence of how thoroughly their country was ravaged, particularly from the aerial bombing in Word War II, it is possible to understand the basis for their belief. They witnessed the horrors of World War II firsthand and the fact that they are now able to peacefully coexist with their past enemies from that conflict leads them to believe that the war was avoidable and so are all future wars. The nearly sixty years of peace that they have enjoyed since 1945 is attributed to their diplomacy and communication and they feel that the fall of Communism was inevitable.
This view seems to ignore the fact that it was not diplomacy or communication but rather war that ended the terrors of Nazism. It also does not recognize that the fall of Communism was not a historic inevitability and that only the threat of war (the U.S. nuclear umbrella, 350,000 American troops in West Germany) ensured the security of Western Europe during the Cold War.
The Germans, the Italians, other small European countries, and even the French were at one time or another defeated on the field of battle, occupied by foreign powers, and to differing levels had their countries devastated during World War II. Even the countries that were on the victorious Allied side, emerged beaten down physically and psychologically from the conflict. The French were allowed to be a part of the Allied coalition that reestablished peace in Europe but they knew in their hearts that they had lost the war and that their country was much weaker as a result of it. So for most of the countries of continental Europe the Second World War was a disaster for their peoples, their economies, and their national psyches. After what had happened many lost their faith in their national identities and patriotism was seen as outdated and unnecessary. The ensuing Cold War cloaked this uneasiness as the U.S. rebuilt the economies of Western Europe through the Marshall Plan and the Iron Curtain descended on Eastern Europe.
But the end of the Cold War and the rise of the European Union has brought this lack of confidence in their individual countries to the forefront of European attitudes about themselves. Like insecure school children they crave acceptance by the group (in this case the world) and so are unwilling or unable to stand on their own. Besides they are not really sure anymore about what is right or wrong so they go along with the majority seeking safety in numbers. They want disputes to be handled by the U.N. rather than having to become involved and individually pass judgment or take action. The fact that many European countries have already ceded much of their national sovereignty to the E.U. (currency, banking system, etc.) makes this surrender of power to the will of the "international community" all the easier.
The one thing that may no longer be quite as true--at least based on this data--was my belief that the British were different. While a majority of Brits (55%) still believe that war is sometimes necessary to obtain justice, that number is hardly overwhelming and far short of where American public opinions stands.
While the Europeans will likely be able to carry on with these pacifist attitudes for some time without consequence, you have to wonder (and worry) about what will transpire when they are faced with a threat from people who do believe that there are still things worth fighting and dying for.
UPDATE: Another data nugget from the survey that caught my eye:
People on both sides of the Atlantic were concerned about climate change, but respondents in the European Union (48% very concerned) were more intensely worried than Americans (40% very concerned). The most anxious were the Portuguese (62% very concerned), while the least apprehensive were the Dutch (just 23% very concerned) and the Poles (29% very concerned).
It's interesting that the country in Europe most threatened by the rising sea levels that are predicted to accompany climate change are the least worried about it. Hard to beat the Dutch when it comes to being practical.
The most striking difference between Americans and Europeans is reflected in answers to the following rather cautiously worded statement:
Please tell me to what extend you agree with the following: Under some conditions, war is necessary to obtain justice.
The American response:
Strongly agree: 37 percent
Somewhat agree: 34 percent
Somewhat disagree: 11 percent
Strongly disagree: 14 percent
For those who are counting, that's 71 percent who agree to 25 percent who disagree.
By contrast, the Europeans answer:
Strongly agree: 8 percent
Somewhat agree: 17 percent
Somewhat disagree: 22 percent
Strongly disagree: 49 percent
That's 25 percent who agree to 71 percent who disagree.
The UK is the only European nation that could muster a majority who agree that under some conditions war is necessary to obtain justice, but only barely at 55-40 percent, coming in at percentages of: 20, 35, 15, and 25 respectively.
On the Continent one finds a rather dismal picture. Worth mentioning is the high percentage of Europeans who strongly disagree, suggesting that they believe that under no conditions can war ever be necessary to obtain justice: 57 percent of the French (5, 13, 24, 57), 55 percent of the Germans (6, 13, 25, 55), 64 percent of the Italians (4, 12, 20, 64), 55 percent of the Spanish (4, 10, 30, 55), and 60 percent of the Belgians (3, 14, 18, 60). Only 47 percent of the Dutch strongly disagree (10, 19, 22, 47), which makes them, I suppose, the warmongers of the Continent.
Or perhaps the ones more mindful of what it's like to be occupied by powerful neighbors.
Pretty bleak, but then again, let's look on the bright side. Who wouldn't prefer having a nation of German pacifists than a nation of goose-stepping Nazis traipsing through Europe? Certainly, the German pacifism of the first part of the twenty-first century is to be preferred to the German militarism of the first half of the twentieth.
But militarism and pacifism, of course, don't exhaust the range of moral options (and I would argue that they tend to go together like Tweedledee and Tweedledum, but that is for another day.) If they thought real, real hard, and reached deep into their heritage, Europeans just might be able to come up with a few conditions under which war should be waged for the sake of justice. Or maybe not so deep, maybe just as far back as, say, Auschwitz, Dachau, Buchenwald. A visit to the American cemetery at, say, Normandy, for example, might also serve to jar their collective conscience. But I doubt it.
Back in aught-two, I shared my thoughts on the rise of post-war European pacifism in a lengthy post. Most of what I wrote at the time still holds up pretty well today based on the latest survey results that Pavlischek cites:
Because the Germans did suffer tremendously in the World Wars and the Cold War they tend to view themselves as victims of war and proof that war is never justified. And when you see the evidence of how thoroughly their country was ravaged, particularly from the aerial bombing in Word War II, it is possible to understand the basis for their belief. They witnessed the horrors of World War II firsthand and the fact that they are now able to peacefully coexist with their past enemies from that conflict leads them to believe that the war was avoidable and so are all future wars. The nearly sixty years of peace that they have enjoyed since 1945 is attributed to their diplomacy and communication and they feel that the fall of Communism was inevitable.
This view seems to ignore the fact that it was not diplomacy or communication but rather war that ended the terrors of Nazism. It also does not recognize that the fall of Communism was not a historic inevitability and that only the threat of war (the U.S. nuclear umbrella, 350,000 American troops in West Germany) ensured the security of Western Europe during the Cold War.
The Germans, the Italians, other small European countries, and even the French were at one time or another defeated on the field of battle, occupied by foreign powers, and to differing levels had their countries devastated during World War II. Even the countries that were on the victorious Allied side, emerged beaten down physically and psychologically from the conflict. The French were allowed to be a part of the Allied coalition that reestablished peace in Europe but they knew in their hearts that they had lost the war and that their country was much weaker as a result of it. So for most of the countries of continental Europe the Second World War was a disaster for their peoples, their economies, and their national psyches. After what had happened many lost their faith in their national identities and patriotism was seen as outdated and unnecessary. The ensuing Cold War cloaked this uneasiness as the U.S. rebuilt the economies of Western Europe through the Marshall Plan and the Iron Curtain descended on Eastern Europe.
But the end of the Cold War and the rise of the European Union has brought this lack of confidence in their individual countries to the forefront of European attitudes about themselves. Like insecure school children they crave acceptance by the group (in this case the world) and so are unwilling or unable to stand on their own. Besides they are not really sure anymore about what is right or wrong so they go along with the majority seeking safety in numbers. They want disputes to be handled by the U.N. rather than having to become involved and individually pass judgment or take action. The fact that many European countries have already ceded much of their national sovereignty to the E.U. (currency, banking system, etc.) makes this surrender of power to the will of the "international community" all the easier.
The one thing that may no longer be quite as true--at least based on this data--was my belief that the British were different. While a majority of Brits (55%) still believe that war is sometimes necessary to obtain justice, that number is hardly overwhelming and far short of where American public opinions stands.
While the Europeans will likely be able to carry on with these pacifist attitudes for some time without consequence, you have to wonder (and worry) about what will transpire when they are faced with a threat from people who do believe that there are still things worth fighting and dying for.
UPDATE: Another data nugget from the survey that caught my eye:
People on both sides of the Atlantic were concerned about climate change, but respondents in the European Union (48% very concerned) were more intensely worried than Americans (40% very concerned). The most anxious were the Portuguese (62% very concerned), while the least apprehensive were the Dutch (just 23% very concerned) and the Poles (29% very concerned).
It's interesting that the country in Europe most threatened by the rising sea levels that are predicted to accompany climate change are the least worried about it. Hard to beat the Dutch when it comes to being practical.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Robbing Peter To Stimulate Paul
Good piece by Brian Riedl in the Septenber 7th edition of National Review reminds conservatives that rather that criticizing the stimulus package for its size or timing, they should focus on the fact that the entire premise behind government spending stimulating economic growth is inherently flawed (sub req):
This is no longer a theoretical exercise. The idea that increased deficit spending can cure recessions has been tested, and it has failed. If growing the economy were as simple as expanding government spending and deficits, then Italy, France, and Germany would be the global economic kings. And there would be no reason to stop at $787 billion: Congress could guarantee unlimited prosperity by endlessly borrowing and spending trillions of dollars.
The simple reason government spending fails to end recessions is that Congress does not have a vault of money waiting to be distributed. Every dollar Congress "injects" into the economy must first be taxed or borrowed out of the economy. No new income, and therefore no new demand, is created. They are merely redistributed from one group of people to another. Congress cannot create new purchasing power out of thin air.
This is intuitively clear in the case of funding new spending with new taxes. Yet funding new spending with new borrowing is also pure redistribution, since the investors who lend Washington the money will have that much less to invest in the economy. The fact that borrowed funds (unlike taxes) must later be repaid by the government makes them no less of a zero-sum transfer today.
Even during recessions--when total production falls, leaving people with less income to spend--Congress cannot create new demand and income. Any government spending that increases production at factories and puts unemployed individuals to work will be financed by removing funds (and thus idling resources) elsewhere in the economy. This is true whether the unemployment rate is 5 percent or 50 percent.
For example, many lawmakers claim that every $1 billion in highway stimulus will create 47,576 new construction jobs. But Congress must first borrow that $1 billion out of the private economy, which will then lose a roughly equivalent number of jobs. As transportation-policy expert Ronald Utt has explained, "the only way that $1 billion of new highway spending can create 47,576 new jobs is if the $1 billion appears out of nowhere as if it were manna from heaven." Removing water from one end of a swimming pool and dumping it in the other end will not raise the overall water level. Similarly, moving dollars from one part of the economy to the other will not expand the economy. Not even in the short run.
This is no longer a theoretical exercise. The idea that increased deficit spending can cure recessions has been tested, and it has failed. If growing the economy were as simple as expanding government spending and deficits, then Italy, France, and Germany would be the global economic kings. And there would be no reason to stop at $787 billion: Congress could guarantee unlimited prosperity by endlessly borrowing and spending trillions of dollars.
The simple reason government spending fails to end recessions is that Congress does not have a vault of money waiting to be distributed. Every dollar Congress "injects" into the economy must first be taxed or borrowed out of the economy. No new income, and therefore no new demand, is created. They are merely redistributed from one group of people to another. Congress cannot create new purchasing power out of thin air.
This is intuitively clear in the case of funding new spending with new taxes. Yet funding new spending with new borrowing is also pure redistribution, since the investors who lend Washington the money will have that much less to invest in the economy. The fact that borrowed funds (unlike taxes) must later be repaid by the government makes them no less of a zero-sum transfer today.
Even during recessions--when total production falls, leaving people with less income to spend--Congress cannot create new demand and income. Any government spending that increases production at factories and puts unemployed individuals to work will be financed by removing funds (and thus idling resources) elsewhere in the economy. This is true whether the unemployment rate is 5 percent or 50 percent.
For example, many lawmakers claim that every $1 billion in highway stimulus will create 47,576 new construction jobs. But Congress must first borrow that $1 billion out of the private economy, which will then lose a roughly equivalent number of jobs. As transportation-policy expert Ronald Utt has explained, "the only way that $1 billion of new highway spending can create 47,576 new jobs is if the $1 billion appears out of nowhere as if it were manna from heaven." Removing water from one end of a swimming pool and dumping it in the other end will not raise the overall water level. Similarly, moving dollars from one part of the economy to the other will not expand the economy. Not even in the short run.
Ignoring The Medium & Missing The Message
Camille Paglia on Democratic detachment:
Why did it take so long for Democrats to realize that this year's tea party and town hall uprisings were a genuine barometer of widespread public discontent and not simply a staged scenario by kooks and conspirators? First of all, too many political analysts still think that network and cable TV chat shows are the central forums of national debate. But the truly transformative political energy is coming from talk radio and the Web--both of which Democrat-sponsored proposals have threatened to stifle, in defiance of freedom of speech guarantees in the Bill of Rights. I rarely watch TV anymore except for cooking shows, history and science documentaries, old movies and football. Hence I was blissfully free from the retching overkill that followed the deaths of Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy--I never saw a single minute of any of it. It was on talk radio, which I have resumed monitoring around the clock because of the healthcare fiasco, that I heard the passionate voices of callers coming directly from the town hall meetings. Hence I was alerted to the depth and intensity of national sentiment long before others who were simply watching staged, manipulated TV shows.
Why has the Democratic Party become so arrogantly detached from ordinary Americans? Though they claim to speak for the poor and dispossessed, Democrats have increasingly become the party of an upper-middle-class professional elite, top-heavy with journalists, academics and lawyers (one reason for the hypocritical absence of tort reform in the healthcare bills). Weirdly, given their worship of highly individualistic, secularized self-actualization, such professionals are as a whole amazingly credulous these days about big-government solutions to every social problem. They see no danger in expanding government authority and intrusive, wasteful bureaucracy. This is, I submit, a stunning turn away from the anti-authority and anti-establishment principles of authentic 1960s leftism.
Why did it take so long for Democrats to realize that this year's tea party and town hall uprisings were a genuine barometer of widespread public discontent and not simply a staged scenario by kooks and conspirators? First of all, too many political analysts still think that network and cable TV chat shows are the central forums of national debate. But the truly transformative political energy is coming from talk radio and the Web--both of which Democrat-sponsored proposals have threatened to stifle, in defiance of freedom of speech guarantees in the Bill of Rights. I rarely watch TV anymore except for cooking shows, history and science documentaries, old movies and football. Hence I was blissfully free from the retching overkill that followed the deaths of Michael Jackson and Ted Kennedy--I never saw a single minute of any of it. It was on talk radio, which I have resumed monitoring around the clock because of the healthcare fiasco, that I heard the passionate voices of callers coming directly from the town hall meetings. Hence I was alerted to the depth and intensity of national sentiment long before others who were simply watching staged, manipulated TV shows.
Why has the Democratic Party become so arrogantly detached from ordinary Americans? Though they claim to speak for the poor and dispossessed, Democrats have increasingly become the party of an upper-middle-class professional elite, top-heavy with journalists, academics and lawyers (one reason for the hypocritical absence of tort reform in the healthcare bills). Weirdly, given their worship of highly individualistic, secularized self-actualization, such professionals are as a whole amazingly credulous these days about big-government solutions to every social problem. They see no danger in expanding government authority and intrusive, wasteful bureaucracy. This is, I submit, a stunning turn away from the anti-authority and anti-establishment principles of authentic 1960s leftism.
No More Words
Ben from Infinite Monkeys had his 7-year-old son analyze President Obama's back-to-school speech:
Me: So, Benjamin, you heard the president speak today. What did you think?
Benjamin: Mmmm. Naw.
Me: What do you mean? You didn't hear it or...?
Benjamin: I didn't like it.
Me: Why not?
Benjamin: Well, I couldn't really understand most of the words, and there was a lot of talking.
Nothing drives a young boy to distraction like a lot of talking. Maybe next year President Obama can deliver his speech to kids while going through the Wipeout course. Might help keep his target audience more interested.
Me: So, Benjamin, you heard the president speak today. What did you think?
Benjamin: Mmmm. Naw.
Me: What do you mean? You didn't hear it or...?
Benjamin: I didn't like it.
Me: Why not?
Benjamin: Well, I couldn't really understand most of the words, and there was a lot of talking.
Nothing drives a young boy to distraction like a lot of talking. Maybe next year President Obama can deliver his speech to kids while going through the Wipeout course. Might help keep his target audience more interested.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
That's An Affirmative Good Buddy
One of the least talked about regulatory changes that has been implemented by the Obama Administration was the creation of the Equal Blogging Opportunity Commission. The EBOC is tasked with expanding opportunity and diversity within the greater blogging community. The appointment of the former head of a Maoist vegetarian commune as EBOC "czar" did raise a few eyebrows, but in general the commission's work has flown under the public radar.
Last month, the EBOC conducted a diversity audit of this fine blog. The results were most disturbing. 100% of the contributors to the blog were classified as married, white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and liked sports. Not exactly the quilted patchwork of diversity the EBOC is looking for.
After the EBOC issued an official finding and recommendation for action, the management here at Fraters Libertas decided to live up to the motto that "diversity is our strength" by committing to an aggressive plan to diversify the blog. In accordance with that plan, Sisyphus and the Nihilist in Golf Pants were brought on board a few weeks ago.
However, a more thorough background vetting then revealed that both of the new contributors were also white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and liked sports. The fact that Sisyphus is single (for now--It's interesting to note that every current Fraters contributor who was single when they started blogging here has since gone on to get married--and blog less thereafter.) did help us score a few more diversity points, but still left us woefully short of the high bar set by the EBOC.
After an effort to petition the EBOC to grant Atomizer special class status under the ADA (American Drunkard Act) was rejected, we decided that we had to expand the scope of our diversity search. And so last week, we finalized an agreement to have the Crazy Uke join the team.
Talk about the demographic jackpot. First off, he's Ukrainian. We understand that even though it sounds like it's made up, Ukraine is actually a country and not just a territory in Risk (now, if we could just get a Yakutskian). One of those that used to be part of the USSR that doesn't have a name ending in -stan. So he's got that going for him.
Plus he's also Eastern Orthodox, which provides us with a unique opportunity for reasoned theological discussion and debate in an effort to bring the Churches together and help bridge the East--West Schism (ask Favre what that means Sisyphus). Or maybe we just get him really drunk one night and perform a forced baptism into the One True Church of Jesus Christ most fully and rightly ordered through time. Either way it should be fun.
Throw in his age (fifty sixty-something?) and the fact that he is certifiable (he showed us his hand with the "INSANE" stamp) and the Crazy Uke really sets off all the key diversity bells and whistles. We warmly welcome him to the team and look forward to him having a long and productivity tenure here. We ask that our readers do the same and that they treat him no differently just because he isn't like the rest of us. Don't go easy on him just because you think he's an affirmative action addition either. He's overcome many challenges and faced much adversity to earn his place here and you can rest assured that he deserves it.
Finally, we wish to thank the many married, white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and like sports who applied for the position. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to pursue other opportunites at Fraters Libertas as they arise in the future.
Last month, the EBOC conducted a diversity audit of this fine blog. The results were most disturbing. 100% of the contributors to the blog were classified as married, white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and liked sports. Not exactly the quilted patchwork of diversity the EBOC is looking for.
After the EBOC issued an official finding and recommendation for action, the management here at Fraters Libertas decided to live up to the motto that "diversity is our strength" by committing to an aggressive plan to diversify the blog. In accordance with that plan, Sisyphus and the Nihilist in Golf Pants were brought on board a few weeks ago.
However, a more thorough background vetting then revealed that both of the new contributors were also white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and liked sports. The fact that Sisyphus is single (for now--It's interesting to note that every current Fraters contributor who was single when they started blogging here has since gone on to get married--and blog less thereafter.) did help us score a few more diversity points, but still left us woefully short of the high bar set by the EBOC.
After an effort to petition the EBOC to grant Atomizer special class status under the ADA (American Drunkard Act) was rejected, we decided that we had to expand the scope of our diversity search. And so last week, we finalized an agreement to have the Crazy Uke join the team.
Talk about the demographic jackpot. First off, he's Ukrainian. We understand that even though it sounds like it's made up, Ukraine is actually a country and not just a territory in Risk (now, if we could just get a Yakutskian). One of those that used to be part of the USSR that doesn't have a name ending in -stan. So he's got that going for him.
Plus he's also Eastern Orthodox, which provides us with a unique opportunity for reasoned theological discussion and debate in an effort to bring the Churches together and help bridge the East--West Schism (ask Favre what that means Sisyphus). Or maybe we just get him really drunk one night and perform a forced baptism into the One True Church of Jesus Christ most fully and rightly ordered through time. Either way it should be fun.
Throw in his age (
Finally, we wish to thank the many married, white men in their late-thirties to early-forties who were raised Roman Catholic in the upper Midwest and like sports who applied for the position. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to pursue other opportunites at Fraters Libertas as they arise in the future.
Second Order Change
More from Angelo Codevilla's book Advice to War Presidents: A Remedial Course in Statecraft on what the U.S. could do if we were serious about going after the money that funds terrorism:
It is true that our own regime's present proclivities and prejudices make cutting the Saudis off from money well nigh impossible. But it is just as true that actually doing the cutting would be easy. Instantly, U.S. banks (and such other banks as value their access to the U.S. banking system) can freeze the accounts of Saudi citizens. Saudi oil revenues can be placed in escrow accounts. Simultaneously, U.S. forces can seize control of the main Saudi fields and loading centers almost without opposition, pushing the Wahabi Saudis back to their original tribal areas in the Arabian Peninsula's center. This would please mightily the coastal Shia tribes whom the Saudis oppress and live nearest the oil. The various foreigners who actually run the oil industry would also get a better deal. On the Red Sea side of the peninsula, U.S. forces could help the tribes who lost to the Saudis in 1921, descendants of the Prophet Muhammed who chafe under Wahabism, to take their historic vengeance. To forestall the interior tribes' resistance, the United States can blockade to deprive them pf food and essential maintenance, while letting it be known that the material and financial blockade would be lifted somewhat once the Saudi regime had been replaced, the Wahabis eliminated, and the tribes posed no danger to the world. That would be war.
Indeed it would. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, I thought that seizing the Saudi oil fields should have been our first military response. Nearly eight years later, it's a bit depressing to consider how little has changed vis a vis Saudi Arabia and its importance in supporting (directly or indirectly) Islamic terrorism.
It is true that our own regime's present proclivities and prejudices make cutting the Saudis off from money well nigh impossible. But it is just as true that actually doing the cutting would be easy. Instantly, U.S. banks (and such other banks as value their access to the U.S. banking system) can freeze the accounts of Saudi citizens. Saudi oil revenues can be placed in escrow accounts. Simultaneously, U.S. forces can seize control of the main Saudi fields and loading centers almost without opposition, pushing the Wahabi Saudis back to their original tribal areas in the Arabian Peninsula's center. This would please mightily the coastal Shia tribes whom the Saudis oppress and live nearest the oil. The various foreigners who actually run the oil industry would also get a better deal. On the Red Sea side of the peninsula, U.S. forces could help the tribes who lost to the Saudis in 1921, descendants of the Prophet Muhammed who chafe under Wahabism, to take their historic vengeance. To forestall the interior tribes' resistance, the United States can blockade to deprive them pf food and essential maintenance, while letting it be known that the material and financial blockade would be lifted somewhat once the Saudi regime had been replaced, the Wahabis eliminated, and the tribes posed no danger to the world. That would be war.
Indeed it would. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, I thought that seizing the Saudi oil fields should have been our first military response. Nearly eight years later, it's a bit depressing to consider how little has changed vis a vis Saudi Arabia and its importance in supporting (directly or indirectly) Islamic terrorism.
A Day To Remember
Two local events to help you remember 9/11 this Friday and honor those who were lost on that day and those fighting to ensure it doesn't happen again. The first in the morning at the State Capital:
A Patriot Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 11 at 7:15 a.m. on the steps of the Minnesota State Capital to honor those who were injured, lost their lives, and those who served during the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. The ceremony will follow the specific guidelines of the executive order creating Patriot Day signed into law by President Bush.
The Patriot Day program will begin at 7:15 am and will conclude by 8:30 am. Participating in the public address and moment of silence include: Former Congressman Jim Ramstad, VFW Honor Guard, Pastor Tim Skramstad, soloist Lacy Canfield, Community Relations Director for Governor Pawlenty, Lee Buckley, St. Paul Fire Chief Tim Butler, St. Paul Police Assistant Chief Matt Bostrom, Erik Aamoth - 9-11 family member, and Tom Goodrich, US Army--Retired.
WWTC AM 1280 will broadcast the program in its entirety.
Citizens from all walks of life who have served our country will be honored during the services. Local officials as well as police, fire, clergy, active and reserve military personnel from all military branches and veterans will be represented on the steps of the capital.
The second is in the evening. Linden Hills 911 Tribute;
The 8th Annual 9-11 Tribute will again take place on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Harriet Band Shell. Join us for another evening of music and remembrance of the events that took place on 9-11-2001. We will again have a march for the young people. All that participate will receive an American Flag to wave.
2009 Concert Program
Lake Harriet Bandshell--Friday, September 11, 2009, 7:00 P. M.
Orchestra Conductor--Manny Laureano
Chorus Conductor--John Hoffacker
Tribute Producer--Bob Bayers
* Fanfare for a Common Man and Raising of The American Flag Aaron Copland 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Flag Processional and Scotland The Brave Heroes of '76 unit of Minnesota Chapter #25, National Sojourners, Zuhrah Shrine Pipes & Drums
* The Star-Spangled Banner 9-11 Tribute Orchestra (Audience sing-along)
Flag Tribute Heroes of '76*
* Invocation Tyler Christiansen-Pastor Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
* Welcome Co-hosts Mike Binkley and Angela Davis, WCCO 4 TV
* Groove--Shelly Hanson 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Adagio for Strings--Samuel Barber 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Armed Forces Salute--arr. Lowden 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Washingon Post March--John Phillip Sousa 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* America the Beautiful--Samuel Ward/Katherine Lee Bates/arr. A. Luck 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus (Audience sing-along)
* Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor--Irving Berlin 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Va, Pensiero from Nabucco--Giuseppi Verdi 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Let me fly--Robert DeCormier 9-11 Tribute Chorus
* 9/11/2001 Flashback--Victims Remembrance Banners Revealed Mike Binkley and Angela Davis
* 1812 Overture--Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Amazing Grace 9-11 *World Premier*--Traditional/arr. Joshua Clausen Zuhrah Shrine Pipes & Drums, 9-11 Tribute Orchestra/Chorus
* Candlelight Vigil--God Bless America--Irving Berlin/Roy Ringwald 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus (Audience sing-along)
A Patriot Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 11 at 7:15 a.m. on the steps of the Minnesota State Capital to honor those who were injured, lost their lives, and those who served during the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. The ceremony will follow the specific guidelines of the executive order creating Patriot Day signed into law by President Bush.
The Patriot Day program will begin at 7:15 am and will conclude by 8:30 am. Participating in the public address and moment of silence include: Former Congressman Jim Ramstad, VFW Honor Guard, Pastor Tim Skramstad, soloist Lacy Canfield, Community Relations Director for Governor Pawlenty, Lee Buckley, St. Paul Fire Chief Tim Butler, St. Paul Police Assistant Chief Matt Bostrom, Erik Aamoth - 9-11 family member, and Tom Goodrich, US Army--Retired.
WWTC AM 1280 will broadcast the program in its entirety.
Citizens from all walks of life who have served our country will be honored during the services. Local officials as well as police, fire, clergy, active and reserve military personnel from all military branches and veterans will be represented on the steps of the capital.
The second is in the evening. Linden Hills 911 Tribute;
The 8th Annual 9-11 Tribute will again take place on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Harriet Band Shell. Join us for another evening of music and remembrance of the events that took place on 9-11-2001. We will again have a march for the young people. All that participate will receive an American Flag to wave.
2009 Concert Program
Lake Harriet Bandshell--Friday, September 11, 2009, 7:00 P. M.
Orchestra Conductor--Manny Laureano
Chorus Conductor--John Hoffacker
Tribute Producer--Bob Bayers
* Fanfare for a Common Man and Raising of The American Flag Aaron Copland 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Flag Processional and Scotland The Brave Heroes of '76 unit of Minnesota Chapter #25, National Sojourners, Zuhrah Shrine Pipes & Drums
* The Star-Spangled Banner 9-11 Tribute Orchestra (Audience sing-along)
Flag Tribute Heroes of '76*
* Invocation Tyler Christiansen-Pastor Lake Harriet United Methodist Church
* Welcome Co-hosts Mike Binkley and Angela Davis, WCCO 4 TV
* Groove--Shelly Hanson 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Adagio for Strings--Samuel Barber 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Armed Forces Salute--arr. Lowden 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* Washingon Post March--John Phillip Sousa 9-11 Tribute Orchestra
* America the Beautiful--Samuel Ward/Katherine Lee Bates/arr. A. Luck 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus (Audience sing-along)
* Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor--Irving Berlin 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Va, Pensiero from Nabucco--Giuseppi Verdi 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Let me fly--Robert DeCormier 9-11 Tribute Chorus
* 9/11/2001 Flashback--Victims Remembrance Banners Revealed Mike Binkley and Angela Davis
* 1812 Overture--Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus
* Amazing Grace 9-11 *World Premier*--Traditional/arr. Joshua Clausen Zuhrah Shrine Pipes & Drums, 9-11 Tribute Orchestra/Chorus
* Candlelight Vigil--God Bless America--Irving Berlin/Roy Ringwald 9-11 Tribute Orchestra & Chorus (Audience sing-along)
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Fair Thee Well
If by chance you missed yesterday's Seventy-eighth annual Northern Alliance Radio Network Scotch Egg Eating Contest at the Minnesota State Fair, you can now watch all the heart-stopping (literally) action on video here. The cinematography is courtesy of John Hinderacker's youngest daughter and the voice doing the call is none other than yours truly. But the real heroes were the brave contestants: Mike from Fargo, Vince from Minneapolis, Minnesota Fourth Congressional District candidate Ed Matthews, Mike the radio intern, our own Atomizer, and Giovanni from Eden Prairie (of course).
It was the closest finish we've ever had as three eaters were within crumbs of each other down the stretch. But only one would persevere to win the coveted title "Scotch Egg King." Who was this man among men? Watch the video.
It was the closest finish we've ever had as three eaters were within crumbs of each other down the stretch. But only one would persevere to win the coveted title "Scotch Egg King." Who was this man among men? Watch the video.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Obama Jungen?
On Tuesday September 8, President Obama will make a televised appearance in classrooms all over America to speak to the country's elementary school children. This event has drawn the ire or many conservatives. They believe that this president, who had claimed to be post-partisan, will offer an indoctrination to our kids that will amount to an unopposed attack on his political opponents.
The administration refutes this claim and says the president will speak about American principles of hard work and education:
During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.
So what should a responsible school administrator do? Do they believe that President Obama is providing a non-political talk about the importance of education or do they think that he will brainwash his captive audience toward his political agenda? Not surprisingly, most public school administrators take the administration's word at face value and will air his address with no questions asked. A few conservative administrators won't chance controversy and refuse to let the president into their classrooms.
Fortunately, parents who sacrifice to send their children to private school may end up with the best alternative. The Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul recently sent the following advice to it's school administrators (please forgive the lack of a link):
. . . some of our Catholic schools across the country are choosing to tape the President’s address, preview it, and then make the decision whether or not to share it with students in age-appropriate gatherings. We would recommend this as a prudent method in alignment with how you already bring speakers and groups into your buildings.
This makes all the sense in the world. There is no reason this address needs to be shown live. If it is an inspirational non-partisan message, then the kids should see it. However, if it is controversial political propaganda then they should pass.
I for one welcome my president to reinforce universal themes of hard work, education and avoidance of drugs.
The Elder Concurs: I applaud the prudent approach the Archdiocese is taking on the matter. While the original DOE lesson plan that was to accompany the speech was out of line, there's nothing inherently wrong with the President speaking to America's schoolchildren. Conservatives need to be careful not to overreact to everything Obama that comes down the pike. There's enough real issues to be concerned about without having to gin up outrage over relatively unimportant matters like this one. Best to keep our powder dry. (Note: the last idiom was employed for rhetorical purposes only and should in no way be taken in its literal sense.)
The administration refutes this claim and says the president will speak about American principles of hard work and education:
During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.
So what should a responsible school administrator do? Do they believe that President Obama is providing a non-political talk about the importance of education or do they think that he will brainwash his captive audience toward his political agenda? Not surprisingly, most public school administrators take the administration's word at face value and will air his address with no questions asked. A few conservative administrators won't chance controversy and refuse to let the president into their classrooms.
Fortunately, parents who sacrifice to send their children to private school may end up with the best alternative. The Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul recently sent the following advice to it's school administrators (please forgive the lack of a link):
. . . some of our Catholic schools across the country are choosing to tape the President’s address, preview it, and then make the decision whether or not to share it with students in age-appropriate gatherings. We would recommend this as a prudent method in alignment with how you already bring speakers and groups into your buildings.
This makes all the sense in the world. There is no reason this address needs to be shown live. If it is an inspirational non-partisan message, then the kids should see it. However, if it is controversial political propaganda then they should pass.
I for one welcome my president to reinforce universal themes of hard work, education and avoidance of drugs.
The Elder Concurs: I applaud the prudent approach the Archdiocese is taking on the matter. While the original DOE lesson plan that was to accompany the speech was out of line, there's nothing inherently wrong with the President speaking to America's schoolchildren. Conservatives need to be careful not to overreact to everything Obama that comes down the pike. There's enough real issues to be concerned about without having to gin up outrage over relatively unimportant matters like this one. Best to keep our powder dry. (Note: the last idiom was employed for rhetorical purposes only and should in no way be taken in its literal sense.)
Friday, September 04, 2009
Beer Of The Week (Vol XXII)
This week's Beer of the Week brought to you as always by the fine folks at Glen Lake Wine & Spirits. They help put the leder in your hosen.
September! When a beer drinker's fancy turns to thoughts of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest? But, isn't that like in October? Duh!
Actually, while the German festival does run into October it begins in the previous month and most of it takes place in September. Oktoberfest:
Oktoberfest is a sixteen-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September (and running to early October). It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, and is an enjoyable event with an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.
The Munich Oktoberfest, traditionally, takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival will go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the 1st Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1. The festival is held on an area named the Theresienwiese (field, or meadow, of Therese), often called d’ Wiesn for short.
Visitors also eat huge amounts of food, most of it traditional hearty fare such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezel (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Blaukraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).
Attending Oktoberfest in Munich is a pilgrimage that every beer lover should make at least once. I was lucky enough to be able to make my own haj to the sprawling Munich Oktoberfest grounds back in 2002 and it was a memorable experience. At least what I remember of it was.
It's best described as a state fair writ large with the primary focus on beer rather than food, farm animals, music, merchandise, and rides (no Atomizer, the primary focus of the Minnesota State Fair is not beer). Oh, there is food (the chicken was awesome), music, and rides, but Oktoberfest is all about the beer. And the "tents" (more permanent than the name indicates) and outdoor beer gardens where the six breweries pour their product are where the action is at:
Augustiner: Augustiner-Festhalle, Fischer-Vroni
Paulaner: Armbrustschützenzelt, Winzerer Fähndl, Käfer's Wies'n Schänke
Spaten-Franziskaner: Hippodrom, Schottenhammel, Ochsenbraterei/Spatenbräu-Festhalle
Löwenbräu: Schützen-Festzelt, Löwenbräu-Festhalle
Hacker-Pschorr: Hacker-Festzelt, Bräurosl
Hofbräu: Hofbräu Festzelt
When we attended Oktoberfest with a group of friends on the opening day back in aught-two, we sat outside at a beer garden rather than in one of the tents. The weather was decent and the outdoor atmosphere was conducive for beer drinking. Too conducive in my case. The next day, I discovered that staying in a hotel that was right on the Oktoberfest parade route was not all that it was cracked up to be. I swear that was the longest, loudest, most percussion based parade I've ever had to endure.
One thing that really stood out about Oktoberfest in Munich (other than the best chicken I've ever had) was that despite the immense crowds you almost never had to wait long to get a beer. A lesson in planning that local festival organizers could well learn. Another surprise how peaceable and friendly the crowds were. When you mix hundreds of thousands or people with hundreds of thousands of gallons of beer you expect some sort of violence to break out. But I didn't witness any at all. The only casualties I saw were scores of people passed out on a nearby grass knoll well before the sun went down.
When done right, beer does have a way of bringing people together. And at Oktoberfest you can experience that camaraderie with fellow beer lovers from across the globe. We someone ended up hanging out with a group of Italians who displayed their love for la dolce vita through song, drink, and dance (often on top of the enormous tables despite regular reminders that such activity was verboten). It was a most memorable day in Munich.
The only downside to attending Oktoberfest in Munich is that it makes all the imitations pale in comparison. I'll have more on how the American versions of Oktoberfest usually fall flat next week. Now, let's get to the beer.
I should note upfront that I am not a big fan of the traditional Marzen Oktoberfest beer style. It's not that I dislike the usual Oktoberfest beers, it's just that they are not usually my favorite seasonal offerings.
This week's beer is Flying Dog Brewery's Dogtoberfest. The last seasonal from the Maryland brewer that I reviewed was their hefeweizen, which I found to be an excellent example of the style.
Standard brown bottle. Like other Flying Dog varieties, the label is gonzo art featuring a disjointed dog and a couple of beefy Bavarians with big steins and short pants.
Beer Style: Marzen/Oktoberfest
Alcohol by Volume: 5.3%
COLOR (0-2): Clear copper. 2
AROMA (0-2): Malt with caramel. 2
HEAD (0-2): Tan foam, light lacing. 1
TASTE (0-5): Malt is the predominate flavor with some sweetness. 3
AFTERTASTE (0-2): More of the sweetness here. Nice finish. 2
OVERALL (0-6): A pretty good example of the Marzen style. Probably not at the top of the class, but better than many American Oktoberfests. If you can't make Munich this year, having a few Dogtoberfests in your back yard is a decent substitute. Don't forget the chicken.
TOTAL SCORE (0-19): 13
NEXT WEEK: More Oktoberfest beers.
September! When a beer drinker's fancy turns to thoughts of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest? But, isn't that like in October? Duh!
Actually, while the German festival does run into October it begins in the previous month and most of it takes place in September. Oktoberfest:
Oktoberfest is a sixteen-day festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September (and running to early October). It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, and is an enjoyable event with an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.
The Munich Oktoberfest, traditionally, takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival will go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the 1st Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1. The festival is held on an area named the Theresienwiese (field, or meadow, of Therese), often called d’ Wiesn for short.
Visitors also eat huge amounts of food, most of it traditional hearty fare such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezel (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Blaukraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).
Attending Oktoberfest in Munich is a pilgrimage that every beer lover should make at least once. I was lucky enough to be able to make my own haj to the sprawling Munich Oktoberfest grounds back in 2002 and it was a memorable experience. At least what I remember of it was.
It's best described as a state fair writ large with the primary focus on beer rather than food, farm animals, music, merchandise, and rides (no Atomizer, the primary focus of the Minnesota State Fair is not beer). Oh, there is food (the chicken was awesome), music, and rides, but Oktoberfest is all about the beer. And the "tents" (more permanent than the name indicates) and outdoor beer gardens where the six breweries pour their product are where the action is at:
Augustiner: Augustiner-Festhalle, Fischer-Vroni
Paulaner: Armbrustschützenzelt, Winzerer Fähndl, Käfer's Wies'n Schänke
Spaten-Franziskaner: Hippodrom, Schottenhammel, Ochsenbraterei/Spatenbräu-Festhalle
Löwenbräu: Schützen-Festzelt, Löwenbräu-Festhalle
Hacker-Pschorr: Hacker-Festzelt, Bräurosl
Hofbräu: Hofbräu Festzelt
When we attended Oktoberfest with a group of friends on the opening day back in aught-two, we sat outside at a beer garden rather than in one of the tents. The weather was decent and the outdoor atmosphere was conducive for beer drinking. Too conducive in my case. The next day, I discovered that staying in a hotel that was right on the Oktoberfest parade route was not all that it was cracked up to be. I swear that was the longest, loudest, most percussion based parade I've ever had to endure.
One thing that really stood out about Oktoberfest in Munich (other than the best chicken I've ever had) was that despite the immense crowds you almost never had to wait long to get a beer. A lesson in planning that local festival organizers could well learn. Another surprise how peaceable and friendly the crowds were. When you mix hundreds of thousands or people with hundreds of thousands of gallons of beer you expect some sort of violence to break out. But I didn't witness any at all. The only casualties I saw were scores of people passed out on a nearby grass knoll well before the sun went down.
When done right, beer does have a way of bringing people together. And at Oktoberfest you can experience that camaraderie with fellow beer lovers from across the globe. We someone ended up hanging out with a group of Italians who displayed their love for la dolce vita through song, drink, and dance (often on top of the enormous tables despite regular reminders that such activity was verboten). It was a most memorable day in Munich.
The only downside to attending Oktoberfest in Munich is that it makes all the imitations pale in comparison. I'll have more on how the American versions of Oktoberfest usually fall flat next week. Now, let's get to the beer.
I should note upfront that I am not a big fan of the traditional Marzen Oktoberfest beer style. It's not that I dislike the usual Oktoberfest beers, it's just that they are not usually my favorite seasonal offerings.
This week's beer is Flying Dog Brewery's Dogtoberfest. The last seasonal from the Maryland brewer that I reviewed was their hefeweizen, which I found to be an excellent example of the style.
Standard brown bottle. Like other Flying Dog varieties, the label is gonzo art featuring a disjointed dog and a couple of beefy Bavarians with big steins and short pants. Beer Style: Marzen/Oktoberfest
Alcohol by Volume: 5.3%
COLOR (0-2): Clear copper. 2
AROMA (0-2): Malt with caramel. 2
HEAD (0-2): Tan foam, light lacing. 1
TASTE (0-5): Malt is the predominate flavor with some sweetness. 3
AFTERTASTE (0-2): More of the sweetness here. Nice finish. 2
OVERALL (0-6): A pretty good example of the Marzen style. Probably not at the top of the class, but better than many American Oktoberfests. If you can't make Munich this year, having a few Dogtoberfests in your back yard is a decent substitute. Don't forget the chicken.
TOTAL SCORE (0-19): 13
NEXT WEEK: More Oktoberfest beers.
Fashion Smashion
The eyes of the fashion world have been on Spain this week for the 080 Barcelona Fashion Show. As the new Fraters Libertas fashion correspondent, I offer my insights on the proceedings.
The economy is tough even for those at the top of the fashion biz. Here Joan Fabregas makes use of the leftover scraps lying around her shop:
Every once in a while a designer will come up with something that makes me say, "why didn't I think of that?!" Andrea Ayala has done just that with her lampshade hat. Have I been drinking like Atomizer and the Crazy Uke combined or am I just very, very chic?
Sometimes conservatives see the fashion world as left-wing, but in truth, the fashionistas are often reliable indicators of political trends left and right. Consider the Cardona Bonache collection's homage to the "Obama Joker" poster:
Watch for this Japanese anime character from Adrea Ayala at next year's ComiCon:
This piece by Romain Kremer is good, but it seems to be missing something.
I've got it! Now this is what I call high fashion:
The economy is tough even for those at the top of the fashion biz. Here Joan Fabregas makes use of the leftover scraps lying around her shop:
Every once in a while a designer will come up with something that makes me say, "why didn't I think of that?!" Andrea Ayala has done just that with her lampshade hat. Have I been drinking like Atomizer and the Crazy Uke combined or am I just very, very chic?
These shoes by Guillen Doz look structurally unsound to me. I hope Doz wasn't involved in the 35W bridge redesign.
Sometimes conservatives see the fashion world as left-wing, but in truth, the fashionistas are often reliable indicators of political trends left and right. Consider the Cardona Bonache collection's homage to the "Obama Joker" poster:
Admit it guys, a purse would often come in handy for carrying all of our stuff. The only reason we don't carry one is that it would make us look gay. Good news! Joan Fabregas has the solution: sew the purse onto the clothes! Now we can have our purse and our manly dignity too:
Everyone, even the Spanish fashion industry, is trying to come up with ways to make our health care better. Matthew Ames may not be equipped to cure your spinal injury, but he can sure come up with a design that will hide that ugly neck brace:
One of the shames of the high fashion industry has been the way it has under-served the geek community. The 080 Barcelona fashion show has taken baby steps towards righting that wrong. Joseph Abril has come up with a design perfect for that Star Wars party -- "recently escaped from the trash compactor":
Watch for this Japanese anime character from Adrea Ayala at next year's ComiCon:
This piece by Romain Kremer is good, but it seems to be missing something.
I've got it! Now this is what I call high fashion:
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