Ok, this is both funny, sick, and sad in equal parts: the Sun reports that some bloke in Hull got busted for buggering a goat. The guy is HIV postive and was surprised when he was sent down for 6 months. I just feel sorry for the poor goat; after all it is not like it could give consent. Why the poor animal may well get AIDS thanks to this bastard! I suppose it might be a good way of examining the AIDS animal-human link.
This is yet another case where the libertarian/Crowlian "do what thou wilt" gets difficult, especially since the guy in question did not even bother to do at night, so it was witnessed by several people, including the child. By not doing this act in secret he has affected other people and thus is in violation of a basic tenet of libertanism. By doing this act in public he has affected those who were watching his action, violating their rights not to see a goat get buggered in broad daylight!
Thanks to the ever impressive Public Interest for pointing this gem out to me.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/16/2002 07:42:00 PM [+] ::
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Friend and Libertarian Alliance colleague, Patrick Crozier, has just launched a blog. He means to focus like a laser on the sad state of transport in the UK. UK Transport is, and will be the one stop shop for everything you ever wanted to know about trains and roads.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/16/2002 07:10:00 PM [+] ::
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Adil over at Muslimpundit has just written another one of his fascinating tracts. In this one he explains the similarities between fundamentalist Christianity and Islam, with the use of a letter from a reader. It should, as with much of his stuff, be required reading for anyone with any desire for a grasp of Islam and its complexities.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/16/2002 05:34:00 PM [+] ::
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From The WebMistress........
There are going to be a few changes coming to this site over the next few days. Please do have a wee bit of patience, as paws were never designed for working on keyboards or mouses [meeses??, mices??]. We hope to make this a place where you can find all sorts of interesting things, properly arranged for ease of use.
The most important change will be the development of a partner-site named " Darker Than Dark ", where the content will be a little different. The Link will be at the very top of the Links section on the left. Many times there are things that need to be said that are not of the 'general interest' category. You will be able to find those posts in the new site, along with some other links that make sense [and maybe some that don't].
Nice to see our friendly anarchist lunk-heads are out in force at the Euro summit. Sky News One thing you can say for some of the European police forces, they do take their "beating back" of rioters seriously.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/15/2002 08:30:00 PM [+] ::
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A guarantee: This site will never resort to NAKED ambition and post NUDE or SEMI-NUDE
men and women in order to get a FIRM increase in the SIZE of our hit number. We at Dodgeblog will never post anything mentioning BRITNEY SPEARS or JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE or J-LO clothed or NAKED.
Speaking of spamming, those pond suckers of the internet, are beginning to use ICQ in a big way. Not a day goes by where some bimbo who can't even write, ICQs me to "chat" or tell me about her "naked webcam" or "pics". * Well at least I should be thankfully they claim to be female. Wonder when someone is going to come up with a filter for ICQ to keep out this new form of nuisance.
This is not a shocking development, here in the UK cretinous marketers have begun to send spam txt messages to mobile phones. If this has not begun in the US yet, no doubt it will soon come.
* My libertarian attitude of "do what thou whilt" was stretched to the limit last night when attending a London Vampyre Group booze-up. I write for this lot's magazine called Chronicles. A marketing bloke calling himself "Mark the Cat", not attending the LVG, joined our group and proceeded to try to shove his tounge down my throat. It seems the Ben Crouch Pub is a bit of a gay bar as well. I thanked the bloke, told him I was flattered and tried desperately not to laugh. The assembled throng of black scary looking vamp officianados (replete with fangs and contact lenses in some cases) just looked stunned. Just went you thought your life was surreal enough...along comes something and smacks you right in the kisser!
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/15/2002 05:02:00 PM [+] ::
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Happy Ides of March to all. Blogger permitting expect more posts later.
Marty asked me to post this for him. It seems that the Daily Telegraph actually printed his letter about positivity in hard rock/metal. Marty was awakened by Rob Mallows of Busheyspon informing him of his achievement.
He has yet to top me thought, I was pictured on page 2 of the The Times in the early 90's walking down Pall Mall in London carrying a Union Jack.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/15/2002 05:01:00 PM [+] ::
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Jamie Glazov has written a tender piece on circumcision, personal choice, Christianity, and anti-Semitism. It is probably one of the few times you will ever see biblical quotes and words about the pleasure of having an uncut vs cut penis (foreskin) in the same piece. Those squeamish about their dangly bits need not apply.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/15/2002 12:22:00 AM [+] ::
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:: 3/14/2002 ::
Took another one of them thar silly tests, this one about the vastly over-rated Matrix. Morpheus was the only guy I actually liked in the movie, seems I identify with him. Thanks to Andrea for pointing out this little gem.
When it comes to being mysterious, that's what you do best. You like to leave others puzzled and speak in riddles. You're not out there for the fame and fortune, you're just being yourself, doing what you do best. You're strong and courageous, and you're always the leader of the pack. You're skillful; people respect you, and you respect people.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/14/2002 10:06:00 PM [+] ::
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From The Den........
Since bears can't fly and flit about [now wouldn't that be a sight], MommaBear would like to take exception to Natalie's complaint about those who move from the role of 'providers of tidbits' to full-blown bloggers. MommaBear found that rooting out nuggets and plodding around dispensing them to others was a very tiring chore. Additionally, there were many times that MommaBear, herself, wished for the opportunity to comment, shred, disect, or otherwise contribute to the discourse. Lacking access to that free-for-all arena was stultifying, to say the least.
Given a prime location overlooking the Dodge(y)blog, MommaBear now has that glorious option available for her use. From time to time she runs across an item that most specifically would be best handled by one special blogger; when that happens, she is most pleased to send it along, knowing it has been placed in good hands. This, she believes is making true best use of this wonderful world of blogging. Hopefully, Natalie will see this natural progression in a better light in future.
The DT has an encouraging article about NYC Firefighters and Policemen refusing to march in the St Paddy's Day parade with a convicted IRA terrorist. Took Irish-Americans long enough, but most have them have finally realised that a terrorist is a terrorist is a terrorist. There are hold-outs of course, but how long until we find out that the IRA has links to Al Queda? After all, this lot were willing to take arms and ammunition from Libya, a supporter of world-wide terrorism including the Lockerbie bomb.
It is still disturbing to see George Bush meeting Gerry Adams at the White House.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/14/2002 01:41:00 PM [+] ::
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It is a conspiracy I tells you! They are all at it. Below is a paragraph that is self-explanatory. I am glad to help with my bomber.
"Kill Marc Herold Afghan casualties meme by Googlebombing it. For the uninitiated, "Googlebombing" takes advantage of the fact that Google gives a high ranking to regularly updated sites; this means that if a lot of bloggers link to, say, Iain Murray's take-down of the Herold Afghan casualties study, using relevant search terms like Afghanistan civilian casualties and Herold collateral damage and Marc Herold Afghanistan study, we can move Iain's article to the top of Google's search results."
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/14/2002 01:33:00 PM [+] ::
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From The Editor's Desk........
MommaBear returned from her regular appointment at the beauty salon [stop that giggling] to find an odd missive on her editor's desk. After reading it, and straightening out the grammar, spelling, and punctuation, it is hereby presented without commentary, as the subject matter is outside her purview.
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Jeff Kung may be unique in the world of rap, but he would not be in the world of hard rock & heavy metal. Both genres feature a whole myriad of successful bands whose music is "positive".Amongst the best examples of this are Kings X, with their black lead singer/bassist and vaguely Christian themes, Rush, Savatage. and Dream Theater. Then, of course, there is the growing Christian rock sector.
The popular press prefers to concentrate on the darker side of heavy metal by featuring Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and Slipnot. If you scratch the surface of the genre there are, and always have been, bands who both entertain and give out a positive message.
After reading this provocative, perceptive, and thoughtful article by Janet Dailey, it led MommaBear to an even worse conclusion. Things are just as bad on this side of the pond, so I believe that any discussion will be equally applicable. As all of you well know, MommaBear has many doubts about Homo Sapiens on many fronts. One of the most egregious examples of that which distresses her is the propensity to elect and re-elect 'professional politicians'.
Since these same "pro-pols" put huge impediments in the way of implementing things like term limits or similar measures, it is difficult to move them out for a reasonable turnover of personnel. Once elected, almost all of them seem to become pixillated under whatever kind of dome surmounts the chambers of their respective locations. The incredible advantage of incumbency creates an almost insurmountable barrier to effective opposition. Effective use of 'the perks of office' to sway voters, the promise of 'governmental aid' to whatever is the current theme of the 'bleaters & wailers', and the sense of power that 'having arrived' and become part of the 'seat of government' quickly transforms any elected official into a 'special person', by his own estimation.
All of the above generates voter apathy as well. Decent folk who might consider running for office turn away in disgust. They have worthwhile and useful things to do of far more true benefit to their fellow citizens. They want nothing to do with whichever location is "where it's at", politically speaking, for all rationality and good function have been abandoned at the door to that area. MommaBear believes that politics should never be a career choice, but it seems to be all that's in office nowadays. Thus, the populace is stuck with the "pro-pols".
:: MommaBear 3/13/2002 09:34:00 PM [+] ::
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All these nice blogs mentioned our humble opinion den thanks to The Right Track, who gave us a perma-link, as did Random Ruminations and, er, Techno Weenie! Thank you all, any mention is a good mention, as far as we are concerned.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/13/2002 03:25:00 PM [+] ::
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:: 3/12/2002 ::
I was singularly impressed with the stunning tribute New York held last night. Rather than the glitzy, glamour-filled tat the city is famous for, this toned down light tribute was just right. Jesse Norman added a touch of class to the event. I am sure that this tribute to those fallen at the WTC did not fail to bring a tear to the eye of anyone who watched it. Well Mayor Bloomberg, you have done good sir, real good.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/12/2002 01:55:00 PM [+] ::
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A Whimper From The Den.........
MommaBear is in a complete funk; John Weidner went rambling around Blogdom MUCH much earlier than she did and scooped all the goodies that were going to be mentioned here; to wit: The Picture of Natalie at Libertarian Samizdata; her mishap with a motor vehicle; tips for BloggerPro [greatly needed] from Suman Palit; etc., etc. Just go to John's lovely site and read and learn. Meanwhile, MommaBear will be setting her alarm clock for zero-dark-thirty, hoping that the timezone differential from EST to PST will let her get a head-start from now on.
I saw Magnum play a very well-attended gig in London this weekend in support of their newie “Breath of Life.” It may not have been a sell-out but there was not much spare room at the venue, that’s for sure. The crowd was a mixture of 20, 30 and balding/greying 40 somethings. As you might expect, Magnum classics got the crowd going. The night featured tracks from the albums “On a Storyteller’s Night” and “Wings of Heaven,” with songs like “Just like an Arrow” and “Heartbroke and Busted”. There were a few lighters, lots of singing and fists in the air during most of the gig. Here’s hoping the new songs will convince members of the crowd to buy the CD. Some did appear perhaps bemused by the new stuff. The band were in fine form, assisted by the veritable talents of ex-Thunder drummer “Harry” James. Harry formed the balled axis with guitarist Clarkin, while the rest of the band displayed ample barnets. Catley was sporting a bad blonde die job with his roots showing (a source of great amusement for my female companion). The band was very tight and delivered a good 90 minute or so set. The crowd left satisfied and happy. Magnum having delivered exactly what was expected. There are a hell of a lot worse ways of spending a cold March Saturday night. Many thanks to Roland at Work Hard PR for the tickets.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/12/2002 12:40:00 AM [+] ::
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:: 3/11/2002 ::
It is the 6 month aniversary of 9/11; has the world learned anything? The West now knows about the threat from Islamic extremists, one that has been there for decades and ignored. The so-called "Arab Street" is still gazing into de Nile, MEMRI and Muslimpundit being rarities. The left, on the other hand, is all in a lather, not knowing who or what to believe any more. The introspection in some is encouraging, the intransigence of some in Hollywood (not ALL named Baldwin) and in the media is frankly befuddling.
The sneering from the left-wing media in continental Europe (plus the Guardian) continues apace. One wonders if they would change their tone if 3000 of their countrymen were blown to bits by a large bomb(s). Would the French media say that the French had brought it on themselves? Would there suddenly be a critique of French and EU foreign policy? I rather doubt it. To be sure, Le Monde would figure out some way of blaming "les anglo-saxones" for the carnage. After all, if it weren't for the British and the Americans there would be no violence or war in the world, right?
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/11/2002 04:27:00 PM [+] ::
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Why the NHS is bad for us is an interesting article in the Guardian on Sunday aka The Observer. Thanks to Emmanuel for pointing this little gem out. Will make for very uncomfortable reading in sitting rooms of Islington.
Update: I just re-read the article, the author is going to be in for a whole load of hate mail in the coming weeks. Thanks to J Bowen for pointing me to the right link.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/11/2002 03:45:00 PM [+] ::
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Here are several more reasons to like Putin: first of all the man is spitting in the collective eye of OPEC, and second, he has introduced a flat income tax rate of 13%! I mean, mein godt, this is pretty impressive. While as a purist I should not accept any income tax at all, this is a good step in the right direction.
Dale over at Samizdata has posted several times on a group that is trying to have the US income tax declared unconstitutional. They should win because it IS unconstitutional. Of course, any form of income tax is amoral because it taxes citizens for earning. So-called progressive income taxes are downright evil. These taxes are, in essence, a tax on success, a ludicrous notion to be sure.
I am a firm believer in consumption taxes. In my book Statism Sucks! Ver. 2.0 I set out my suggestion for the funding of national expenses. There is really no need for the national govenment and the individual to have any contact whatever. The state-citizen contact should be kept at the lowest level of bureaucracy possible that the individual is served as well as possible.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/11/2002 02:01:00 PM [+] ::
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From The Den........
On a real ramble through the Blogdom, this little gem was found via Dawson to Sekimori to the Testing Ground. Naturally MommaBear had to check it out...that's what bears do...they are very curious creatures.
James Bennett has posted another one of his columns about the Anglosphere. Based on his meetings in London he has some interesting thoughts on the state of play in the UK. A highly readable column.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/10/2002 08:04:00 PM [+] ::
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Front Page has another batch of "must read" articles. This time Edward Said, the "Bush as moron" crowd, and Palestinian apologists come in for the keen critical eye. The article on Bush's detractors, especially from Hollywood, is most amusing. In this piece, one is treated to a complete breakdown of Bush & Gore's academic achievements. Bush is not a moron and neither is Gore a genius.
I apologise to all my readers for implying any of them would think that Gore is a genius. This is the man who said in his luddite-tract, "Earth in the Balance", that the greatest evil of the last millenium was the internal combustion engine. The millions killed by the genocide of right and left-wing fascists might beg to differ for a start!
In addition to the two great articles on Front Page, MuslimPundit seems pleased to have finally gotten hate mail. Adil continues his quest to tear into the moron-think of some of the so-called leaders of the Islamic World.
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/10/2002 02:22:00 PM [+] ::
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Dodgeblog has succumbed to the lure of allowing comments. So what are you waiting for? Go on and make some snide remark about a post or two!
:: Andrew Ian Dodge 3/10/2002 02:04:00 PM [+] ::
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