Give Me a Break

Tiresome

I like to consider myself an open-minded person, willing to examine evidence and consider all points of view on matters of consequence. But I've had it with the "REAL socialism has never been tried" nitwits. Here's a graphic they're promoting right now:

This sort of hand-waving is common among far left progressives. Socialism is a GREAT THING, so obviously nothing bad that happens in socialist countries can be blamed on "real" socialism. It's a textbook example of the relativist fallacy, actually: "Sure, all of that bad stuff you're pointing to happened, but those countries aren't really 'socialist.' None of that would happen under REAL socialism." In formal argument, this is sometimes called the "No True Scotsman" fallacy also. No matter what we call it, though...

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, socialists, but your system is idiotic and doomed to fail. And, by the way, none of the wonderful technologies you're currently using to promote your idiocy (from printing presses to computers to the internet) would ever have been created under socialism. Not a one.

Things That Make Me Happy: Epic Football Fails

The conclusion of the Michigan-Michigan State football game in Ann Arbor on Saturday will live in infamy for a long as there is such a thing as college football. Fails don't come much more epic than this one. On the game's final play, no less...

It isn't just college players providing the comic relief, of course. I have listened to several analysts try to explain this play from the Colts-Patriots game on Sunday Night Football, and none of them can do it. In front of their hometown fans, no less, the Colts decided to try this "play"...

And my beloved Kansas City Chiefs got in the act yesterday, too. Just after the Chiefs gained a first down in Minnesota Vikings territory late in the 4th quarter on a big pass to TE Travis Kelce, Chiefs running back Charcandrick West fumbled on the very next play, and the Vikings recovered. "Fumble" isn't exactly the word for it, though. He was actually stripped of the ball by his own teammate, LT Donald Stephenson...

"Oops! Sorry, 35, didn't see you there."

Chiefs broadcaster and Hall of Fame QB Len Dawson said he'd never seen a play like it in 50 years in the booth. Me either, Leonard.

The Chiefs were just 1-4 entering the game, and headed for a dismal season, so falling to 1-5 after a 16-10 defeat doesn't hurt as much as playing like chumps in the process.

Some Day...

This week's book recommendation is the latest from legendary chef Emeril Lagasse. The next time I'm able to do some traveling, I am hopeful of finally getting to have a meal at Emeril's New Orleans, his flagship restaurant in The Big Easy.

Main dining room at Emeril's New Orleans

What would I order? Almost certainly the Chicken & Waffles.

And for dessert, how can I pass up his Banana Cream Pie?

Perhaps...but I'll die with a smile on my face...

Until Next Time...

One of the unique characteristics of Emeril's adopted city of New Orleans is its music. And one of the most legendary figures on the New Orleans music scene was Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd, known professionally as Professor Longhair. I've been a fan ever since the first time I heard his unique blend of rhythm & blues and jazz. He inspired a lot of players who followed the trail he blazed, but there was never really anyone like him.

Today's send-off is a performance of one of his signature songs, "Tipitina." Fess (as his friends called him) is accompanied by The Meters in a performance on the PBS series Soundstage. Enjoy...