Month: April 2013

The practice of law can be highly frustrating and stressful, especially when dealing with bureaucrats. Sometimes I handle it well, sometimes . . . not so well. But I don’t think I’ve ever come near this kind of meltdown when dealing with anyone, including a tax eater. Go here for an epic rant (PG-13). What makes it more amusing: It’s from a patent attorney. In my experience, patent attorneys are pretty reserved. Apparently, my experience with patent attorneys is limited.

Happy birthday to my son, Alex. He turns 20 today. Just one more year, then he can accompany me to the bar. Presently, he merely has the honor of picking me up after my evening libations finish. … Read the rest

You Go, Girl

Articles like this used to make me mad. Now they make me chuckle. Kentucky woman ordained as priest in defiance of Roman Catholic Church. The woman, the writer, the people interviewed: all clueless, yet all cocky in their ignorance (ignorance is always cocky . . . which is probably why I’m so arrogant). My favorite line from the article: “During the communion service, Smead and other woman priests lifted the plates and cups containing the sacramental bread and wine to bless them. A woman in the audience murmured, ‘Girl, lift those plates. I’ve been waiting a long time for this.'”

I also liked the time-worn line that woman aren’t going to take orders from a bunch of “octogenarian” men. The new “priest” is 70. I guess she feels like she needs to use that line as often as possible while she still can.

Like, Dude

Believe it or not, I like this: Jesus is ‘The Original Hipster’ says Brooklyn Catholic Diocese.”

Since the beginning of April, the organization has put up ads reading “The Original Hipster,” depicting a robed man wearing red Converse sneakers, throughout the New York City boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn — including the dive bars and coffee shops of Williamsburg, widely considered the Holy Land of East Coast hipsterdom.

Professor Charles Rice always maintained that you don’t need to wear sandals to be counter-revolutionary. You just need to be a good Catholic. I’ve always agreed with him (well, since taking his jurisprudence class when I was 23). I once started a handful of essays about the Catholic Church’s cultural awkwardness. I’ll have to see if I can dig them out of the bowels of my C drive. … Read the rest

Finally, a gorgeous weekend. Of course, I celebrated by gardening all afternoon then knocking back a bottle of wine, so I’m not feeling great for Day Two of the Only Nice Weekend of 2013, but I suppose I can be forgiven. * * * * * * * Speaking of wine, this looks like a neat event. Michigan Wine and Beer Fest 2013. It will be held May 18th at the Michigan International Speedway. I’m not a car racing fan, but the Speedway is a pretty cool venue. I’ve been there twice for state cross-country meets. If they fill the infield with vendors, this could be a crapulous affair. * * * * * * * And if you go, be sure to check out one of Michigan’s best Stations of the Cross. I’ve never been there, but I’ve read about it and my sister-in-law has been there and she said it’s worth a visit. * * * * * * * And why am I plugging my state? Because no matter how frustrated I get with its anti-business red tape (my mantra: “As long as it can’t get rid of its Byzantine Liquor Control Code and its obvious salves for special interests, don’t tell me Michigan is pro-business”), Michigan in May is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Colorful blossoms burst off trees, grass is lush green, intermittent clouds provide an animated backdrop, bright waters puncture the landscape. Of course, most of the United States is gorgeous in May, but I entertain the conceit that my state is just a little bit more gorgeous. … Read the rest

BYCU

Just as I believe that big business rapes America (not always, of course, but too often to trust ’em), I believe small business is America’s greatest virtue. Sure, there’s too much red tape and big business can use the crush of bureaucracy to stifle their little competitors, but overall, America is friendly toward small business. Always has been and always will be.

One of the newest small business phenomena in America today? Nanobreweries. They’re cropping up all over the place, providing an outlet for the hobbyist, the entrepreneur, and the hobbyist/entrepreneur combo. A TDE reader recently brought to my attention one of the newest nanobrewers in my region: The Findlay Brewing Company. Assuming the beer tastes good, they appear to be doing everything right (though they should update their blog more often). It’s situated just two hours from my house. At some point, I’ll have to “hop” over. … Read the rest

Hey, just as long as they keep the debate civil: Topless pro-LGBT protesters beat breasts and squirt water at Catholic archbishop. … Read the rest

The editor of an anthology of garden writing once wrote something like, “A man with a garden is a peaceful man.” I agree with that. Of course, I occasionally joke that I’m “the swearing gardener.” The contrasting juxtaposition–peace, then intense frustration at things going wrong–cracks me up. It’s not the stuff of sainthood, but then, neither am I. I guess I could strive for the category of “gentleman,” however. If that’s something you’re interested in, check out this article: Seven Reasons to Become a Gentleman Gardener.

Happy birthday to my mom, incidentally. She did a fine job with three-fourths of her boys, and the fourth one has a halfway decent blog. … Read the rest