I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
And so the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're goin' through

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Linkee-poo for a shutdown

One the reasons we are here (in shutdown as I write this), these idiots don't know their asses from holes in the ground. Why was the WWII Memorial Closed? Because that's what a shutdown means. Why would they do that? Because no one is there to staff the memorial, and if someone should fall, there's no one to respond (I'm sure the ambulance sent from 911 dispatch would go onto the property, but they would be violating numerous agreements). So, Rep. Gomert, why don't we also open the parks to visitors? After all, nobody needs help to touch trees. And Rep. King once again shows his vast ignorance. It wasn't a personal decision by the President, he's following the operations manual on what is essential and what isn't. What isn't is closed. And once again the conservatives are going to try and roll back the uncomfortable ramifications of their own decisions. What a fucking bunch of clowns. Sad clowns.

BTW, I hope all those clowns show up tomorrow with some brooms and dust bins, not to mention garbage bags. They might also want to brush up on keeping water fountains running. But of course, these idiots have never seen the support that needs to happen to keep things running.

And now there's word that the GOP wants to fund all those parts that will affect them first. Okay, game over, screw the CR. Dear GOP, your homework is late. Partial work will no longer be accepted. Please deliver a full omnibus spending bill for FY2014. Every day it is late is another full letter grade. Think I'm being too harsh? This is Congress' actual Constitutional function. For people who like to carry the Constitution in their pockets, maybe it's time to actually read the blasted thing. When you learn how to act like adults we'll treat you like adults.

Jim Wright with a little perspective.

Mary Robinette Kowal shares an interesting photo link from her site.

Catherine Schaff-Stump interviews Jay Lake about his "story a week challenge."

So, all those fencing terms in the Princess Bride are from actual history. But I'm pretty sure all the scams named in Ocean's 11 (12, and 13) are still bogus. (Grokked from Tor.com)

So, it's almost Halloween and every castle is turning up haunted. Fortunately they won't make you run the haunted house gauntlet naked. (Grokked from Tor.com)

Vince shares a list of resources for depression, suicide, and other emergencies.

4 comments:

Random Michelle K said...

I think I noticed the Prince Bride fencing terms when I read Arturo Perez Reverte's "The Fencing Master" and it named fencing masters whose names sounded oddly familiar. (I highly recommend The Fencing Master, BTW, it's a period piece, murder mystery, and fencing book.

And one of my fake not-a-robot- words is ticetro, which I misread is tierce, which is quite perfect for a discussion of fencing. (I recently re-read "The Fencing Master" after re-reading "Swordspoint" and "The Privilege of the Sword" and now maybe I need to re-read "The Princess Bride"

Steve Buchheit said...

I think I read that a long time ago (college). I might have to track it down again. Thanks, Random Michelle.

Steve Buchheit said...

I must be thinking of a different book, mine wasn't fiction. But this still looks like I should check it out.

Random Michelle K said...

I recently re-read The Fencing Master, and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. :)

In general, I like Arturo Perez Reverte's books, but I'll admit that there are some I like better than others, and I thing the translator might be the reason why.