Under the Superblock

Rare Entry

Following N. Z. Bear's call to blogs, I feel it is necesscary to state, in the plainest possible terms the following.

I oppose the Miers nomination.

Speaking not for the University, or any other organization I belong to, I do not belive Harriet Miers is the best qualifed person to take a role on the Supreme Court. She simply does not have the background in jurispondence to take on this role.

I do not anticipate doing this again in the future.

Pain to Read

While this is supposed to be funny, I don't really think of it that way.

It's more of a pain to read, because it shows how defeatest we've let the media become defeatist. Part of it is how J-schools have deceided to think of themselves as not being Americans first. This anti-Americanism means that the public recives a one sided acount of what goes on, a major disservice to them.

How much?

Well. it's better than nothing.

Rule, Britannia

200 years ago today, Vice Admrial of the White the Viscount Nelson defeated Vice Admiral Pierre-Charles Vlleneuve at Trafalagar. This was the naval action of the Napoleonic Wars.

England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty.

Engage The Enemy More Closely

Trafalgar 200 Website
Samizdata Post on the Subject

Important Annivsery

Today, 13 October 2005, is the 230th Anniversery of the founding of the U.S. Navy.

Here's Smash's post.

From ADM Mullen, the Chief of Naval Operations, the 2005 Message to the Fleet:

"It was considered by at least one delegate to the Continental Congress “The maddest idea in the world.” The creation of an American fleet implied independence and sovereignty. It signaled a readiness for war that not all the colonists were prepared to accept. And yet Oct. 13, 1775, Congress voted to arm two small ships and send them on a cruise to intercept British transports. With the stroke of a pen, the Continental Navy was born.

However modest that beginning, there can be no question of the vital role played by the U.S. Navy in defending freedom throughout our Nation’s history. In wars large and small, at sea and ashore, American Sailors have proven time and time again the enduring value of strength from the sea.

We prove it yet today. The Nation is again at war - a long and treacherous war - and we are again stepping into the breech to fight it. From the mountaintops in Afghanistan to the windswept sands of Kuwait and Iraq, from the warm, still waters of the north Arabian Gulf to the broad expanse of the Pacific Rim, we are taking the fight to the enemy.

Let there be no doubt that we are winning. Afghanistan is free. Democracy is being born in Iraq. Al Qaeda, though potent, is weaker. Even the devastation wrought by natural disaster on our own shores - and to our own families - is eased. The lives of millions of people are better because of our efforts and the sacrifices of our loved ones. There is, of course, much work yet to do and challenges yet to face, but I am convinced that this generation of Sailors - at this critical time in our history - will make all the difference.

It might once have been the maddest of ideas, but today the Navy doesn’t just imply independence, sovereignty and readiness. We are those things. In the steel of our ships and the in the hearts of our Sailors, we take them with us wherever and whenever we go. We make them real and we bring them right back home again.

As Capt. Nora Scott Tyson, former commanding officer of USS Bataan (LHD 5) put it, “we know there’s a reason for what we do, whether it’s the global war on terrorism or humanitarian relief. If you’re not flexible and you’re not ready, you’re in the wrong business.” Well, I've seen it firsthand. You are flexible, you are ready and you are definitely in the right business. John Paul Jones and Stephen Decatur have absolutely nothing on you. I'm thrilled just to wear the same uniform.

Happy birthday, Shipmates!

Why do I try?

Here's another stupid article from the Daily.

Most days, I wonder why I even read it, because at this rate, I'll just get driven to an early grave. I'll add my letter to the editor later in the Extended Entry.

Serenity

Like so many others, I've seen Joss Whedon's Serenity. Actually, I saw it Friday night.

My reaction right after: Bravo Zulu.

For a deeper reaction and spoilers. . .

Deeper reaction.
Way better than Star Wars. It still had the sense of wonder of, something new. The characters are well rounded, and seem, well, human. Having only seen "Sereneity" and "The Train Job," the Reavers were new to me, but still quite frightening, as techo-Barbarians. The intro, set up as a lesson to a young River Tam, where she lets the unplesant truth out, the Alliance meddles with peoples lives. It then snaps to her break out by Simon, and then the Agent appears. It's a great chase plot, from a world under Reaver attack while Mal steals a pay roll, to fleeing from the Reavers, the Alliance, a meeting with Inarra and the Agent at the same time Seeing River go crazy in the bar was just amazing. Mr. Universe was great, the quintisential nerd. Seeing every one who killed them forced them to go out through Reaver space, and find a truly horrid sight on Miranda. Running through the Reaver fleet was sickening, but not as bad as what happened down there. I'm not going too much further.

But why was Wash killed? His death served no purpose in pushing on the plot. It was pointless.

I'd say the Agent is one of the best villians I've seen in a while. He considered himself a necesscary evil, and was quite fond of telling people what their sin was, in his eyes. My favourite exchange (more or less):
Agent: "Do you know what sin you suffer from?"
Mal: "I have several. Right now, I have wrath."

And, when Mal is wounded, and about to show the wolds the result of Miranda, "This is what a world with out sin looks like."

Grade A

Men at Work

More playing around with the template.

Added Albion's Seedling, and removed the dead wood.