LIBS-PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

There is much hand-wringing in the MSM about how much expiration of the Bush tax cuts is going to "cost" the Treasury. To all the high-income libs who talk about how they are willing to pay higher taxes, I say: Why wait? If you are concerned about how flat or declining revenues will impact public safety or public education, then write a check and make a donation. Your local government or public school will gladly cash it. Virginia has a much-hated and highly regressive property tax on motor vehicles--the dreaded car tax. Republicans in the mid-nineties passed car tax relief which reduced but did not elminate the personal property tax on cars. They had the presence of mind to add a line to every taxpayers bill which listed the amount of tax relief as a credit against the assessment. Whenever my liberal friends bemoaned how much car tax relief was costing the Virginia Beach public schools, I told them to set the example and write a check to the Virginia Beach Schools Foundation in the exact amount of the car tax relief. None took me up on it.

EURO-SKEPTIC

I never signed on to the "Europe" fad--that the Treaty of Maastrict was going to usher in a new era of European unity, create an economic powerhouse to rival the United States, and that the euro was going to replace the dollar as the preferred medium of international exchange. We are now seeing a rolling series of sovereign debt crises--first Greece, now Ireland, with Spain and Portugal just around the corner. My view is there cannot be stable monetary policy without stable fiscal policy which in turn is impossible without political unity.

UPDATE: National Review has a post suggesting it is time for Ireland to cut the euro loose. What to replace it? The pound sterling, perhaps? Britian accounts for a quarter of Ireland's foreign trade . . .

WHAT MAKES A B-MOVIE BEARABLE

The flick in question is CLash of the Titans and the gals are Gemma Arterton:

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and Alexa Davalos:

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Sound off or on.

Gratuitous Llama Turkey-Day Surprise Posting

"Llama......butchers?"

Thanksgiving found the Family Robbo installed in the bosom of my Godparents' extended clan gathering in the wilds of Tidewater Virginny yesterday. Altogether there were some twenty-five or six of us milling about. Children and dogs cavorted. Adults ate and drank heartily. And my eyes are still smarting from all the bonfire smoke that blew into my face later in the evening. Suffice to say, a good time was had by all.

Of course, most of these folks are quite well-known to me, but this time around there was a new face, my Godfathers' nephew, whom I'd never met before.

We spoke of this and that for a while, a bit on the cautious side, and eventually he admitted that he was a political cartoonist and that he did a strip called "Day By Day".

It took about thirty or forty seconds for this to sink in on my adult beverage-conditioned brain, but the penny suddenly dropped and I did the conventional quick-takum.

"Wait a minute," I said, "You're that Chris Muir?"

He confessed as much (and I'm here to tell you he's the living embodiment of Zed) and I quickly professed my fondness for the strip.

The family gathered within earshot, none of whom spend any time on teh blogs, didn't quite know what to make of all this. And their look of bewilderment only increased as Chris and I started talking the language of the 'sphere, bandying about Ace and his Legion of Morons, the KosKidz, Dr. Glenn "You bring the puppy and I'll bring the blender" Reynolds and other leading lights, both dexterous and sinister.

Oh, and Chris was kind enough to say that he had even heard of us Llamas, although I think he was just being polite.

Pretty small virtual world, ain't it.

DON'T KNOW HOW I MISSED THIS

This long distance dedication goes out to Kathy the Cake-eater on the recent anniversary of the wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald.

GRADUATION GIFT TO RETIRE THE PRIZE

What every single gal needs after graduating from college: a Maverick 88--an entry-level, short barrel twelve gauge, lovingly manufactured by the good folks at Mossberg. Nothing sends a clearer message to a would-be assailant/burglar than a pump shotgun racking a shell. The distinctive sound translates well in any language or level of sobriety.

I presented it to my eldest niece yesterday with the simple message: "This is from your uncles, because we care."

A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER

Twenty-five of my relatives descended upon the post headquarters, located of course, amidst the vast real estate holdings which comprise Fort LMC. Everyone behaved, no dustups, and nothing was broken. I was a bit concerned about my stepfather who turned 91 two weeks ago and had back surgery over the summer. My mother checked in to advise that he was feeling a little hung over this morning since yesterday he had settled into a spot on the couch and had his wine glass refilled many times by passing grandchildren.

WE GIVE THANKS IN THIS TIME OF WAR

For the many blessings God has showered upon us. We remember family and friends who are not among us today and all who are in harms way. We remember the fallen and ask God to ease the grief of their families, provide relief for the wounded, and speed the return of the missing. Amen.

OBLIGATORY

Eva Langoria is back on the market. Hat tip to Mink Monica.

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HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO

1. Co-workers debating the merits of underwires getting flagged in a TSA line or simply taking their bra off in line, pulling it out their sleeve, and running it through the X-ray machine.

2. Co-worker who responds to inquiry on whether she will be spending Thanksgiving with her parents and The Boyfriend, only to find out The Boyfriend has apparently been voted off The Island.

It has been that kind of a day.

UPDATE: JB in Florida was kind enough to point out this video of a brunette wearing a bikini through a TSA line. God bless her!

Tempus Yippit

What with one thing and another, it seems I completely overlooked the fact that the Llamabutchers turned seven years old this past Sunday.

Old age will do that to one's mind, apparently.

Well, assuming my AARP discount card is good down to the local Total Bev, here's raising a celebratory glass of bubbly to my fellow Llamas: The LMC, who really keeps this place going these days; Gary, who I see is geeking out again; and, of course, the founder of this little shop of woolly horrors, El Supremo Steve-O.

YIP! YIP! YIP! YIP! YIP! YIP! YIP! and One YIP! to grow on!

UPDATE: Oh, why not.....

Quote of the Day

George Will, in a moment reflecting what made me like him all those years ago:

The average American has regular contact with the federal government at three points - the IRS, the post office and the TSA. Start with that fact if you are formulating a unified field theory to explain the public's current political mood.

The Family Robbo is driving, not flying for the hols. Which means that we will be suffering the private indignity and discomfort of slogging our way down I-95 instead of the more public affronts of what Will calls airport security theatrics. However, I'll be travelling on biz next week, so I fully expect to get the TSA treatment as well.

TSA

In the name of politcal correctness, we are spending a ridiculous amount of money looking for weapons, lest the gov be accused of racial profiling. The Israelis look for terrorists and profile the hell out of their passengers. Their way is less expensive and more effective. Their way is better.

THE TRAIN WRECK THAT IS MILEY CYRUS

Turns 18. It will be a miracle if this gal avoids skin mag photo shoots, rehab, and home videos on the web that should not be made, much less uploaded for all of humanity.

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Just contrast her with one of her peers, Emma Watson, who has as much fame and fortune, but seems to have her head screwed on straight.

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ANOTHER REFUGEE FROM PRIVATE PRACTICE

GQ's piece on Megyn Kelly, former attorney, via NRO. Slide show included. I am sure she would resent being "objectified."

Yips! from Robbo: I considered a very similar route me own self after a few years in the legal biz, but decided that the groupies and the stalkers were too much of a bother.......

BRUNETTE BIRTHDAY DOUBLE FEATURE

Today is Rachel McAdams' day:

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Not to mention Sophie Marceau's day as well:

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Movin' On Up

This coming spring will see the 20th reunion of Robbo and the LMC's law school class, an event that, at least when last I got a directive from the CEO of Orgle Manor, we're all planning to attend with familes in tow.

I see from the new reunion email that I just received that the Class of 91L has drawn blocks of rooms at the local Best Western and Sleep Inn. This is actually a vast improvement on the horrid place we got stuck for our 5th (the last time I was back). There are not all that many hotel rooms in good old Metro-Lex, and the pecking order for the good ones is based strictly on seniority.

I suppose we can expect to upgrade to Old Fogey Deluxe status in another twenty years.

QUESTION FOR THE GROUP: FACEBOOK AS FATHER CONFESSOR

Should there be some sort of Facebook propriety, i.e., some sense of what is appropriate on a social networking site? Discuss.

BLACKBERRY BLUES

My BB has displayed a disturbing tendency to dump everything if the battery runs low.

GRADE SCHOOL RECESS DRAMA

The Future ROTC Scholarship Recipient is put out because four gals in his secnd grade class chase him around the schoolyard and the ringleader keeps trying to kiss him. I did not even bother trying to explain to him that in eight years or so, he will thank them.

SAVE THE DRAMA FOR YOUR LLAMA

Seen on the wall of my son's second grade classroom.

COMPETING VISIONS OF EUROPE

Read NR's account of two speeches delivered on the same day earlier this month hundreds of miles apart. On one side, the president of the European Council and on the other, the successor to Saint Peter. Each attempted to offer a view of the transcendent values of the old Continent. One babbled about "diversity is our strength" and the other pointed to the values of "the followers of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus." One argument was better than the other.

PABLO DE COTE

Today is her day:

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Oh, My

The mayor of Oklahoma City is nixing a franchise in the Lingerie Football League.

Who knew there was a Lingerie Football League?

Random Commuter Observation

Mimes in blue body-stockings at the metro. Dunno what they were flogging and didn't stop to enquire. That's a bit much for first thing in the morning.

I only hope they felt as damn-fool as they looked.

IN FLANDERS FIELD

The classic by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae:

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

VETERANS DAY

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a look in the eye. Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg -- or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's alloy forged in the refinery of adversity. Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being -- a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

This is from the Richmond Times-Dispatch which has published it every year since 1995. I add only:

"A vet is someone who has labored in the cause of freedom so that his fellow citizens may live in blissful ignorance of how crappy and dangerous the world real is."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL "SOLDIERS OF THE SEA"

The Marines have made the eagle, anchor, and globe a symbol of honor, courage, and valor known through the world. Happy birthday to the Corps and many happy returns!

Way Cool

A nifty update on the development of the Navy's Free Electron Laser.

Note to family and friends: If the commercial model comes out in time for Christmas, I'd really like one, please.

Where's Robbo?

My apologies for not stopping in the past week or so.

I'm back now, however, and am here to tell you that sometimes a good thing can be pushed too far:

When you're too lazy to make bacon, why not pop a bottle and just drink bacon instead?

J&D Foods, a company that specializes in all things bacon -- including bacon-flavored envelopes and the bacon Kevin Bacon sculpture that made headlines recently -- has taken the obsession one step further by coming up with a new drinkable pork product: bacon-flavored soda.

That's right, Coca-Cola is out, and swine soda is in.

J&D Foods owner Justin Esch told AOL News that his company recently partnered with Jones Soda to create a special-edition bacon-flavored drink just in time for the holidays.

Look, don't misunderstand me. I love bacon just as much as the next red-blooded American. Indeed, last evening at Orgle Manor, in order to celebrate the lighting of the first fire of the season, I broiled up a pre-dinner platter of bacon and water-chesnuts (which the Llama-ettes fell upon like a school of piranhas on a wounded capybara, I might add - I was lucky to avoid losing a couple fingers).

But this whole meme of bacon-flavored this or that has, IMHO, gotten out of hand and ought to be put to rest.

Things made OF bacon and WITH bacon, yes. Carry on. But things (like martinis and soda) made to taste LIKE bacon? Not so much, please.

ELECTION POST-MORTEM

I was off by five seats in the House , the the GOP fell short in its attempt to recapture control of the Senate, and lost important governors races in California and New York. Still, it was a historic night but not without its disappointments. Consequently, we can look forward to another round of Barbara "don't call me 'ma'am'" Boxer, the tiresome "mom in tennis shoes" from Washington state (Patty Murray), the return of "Governor Moonbeam" in Sacramento here on Spaceship Earth, and the enthronement of Andrew ("son of Mario the Pious") Cuomo in Albany. Incoming GOP politician most likely to keep the Dems awake at night: Marco Rubio.

LMC Nineties Retro Reunion

This is the return of the Retro Reunion series. Tonight we consider Neve Campbell. Best known for her role in the Nineties series Party of Five (although there is considerable argument that her best part was in Wild Things for her protrayal with Denise Richards of, how shall we say, experimentation of the sort Dr. Rusy does not oppose. Not that there is anything wrong with that, of course.) In any event, she is easy on the eyes for the male of the species and so here she is:

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One of the best things to come out of Canada in the last forty years.
To the best of my knowledge she seems to have avoided messy relationships, encounters with law enforcement, and the need for rehab.

Gratuitous Baseball Observations

Congrats to the Giants for winning the Series in fine style last evening.

If I heard the stats correctly, their ace pitcher Tim Lincecum is only 5'11 and 163. That means he's my height and only ten pounds heavier. The fact that he can throw like that despite his small size boggles my mind.

Hard cheese for the Rangers, I know, but it was nice to see them make the championship, too.

Well, we now enter that dark, empty time of the year where we can't do anything except look forward to pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training. (We can also check the headlines every day for news that the Nats have signed Adam Dunn. When is this going to happen, people?)

Random Commuter Observation

First frost of the year at Orgle Manor, prompting ol' Robbo to put the side panels back on the ol' Wrangler. I won't roll down the back flap until it snows, however.

AMPLITUDE

LMC prediction: GOP picks up 70-100 seats in the House and regains control of the Senate.

Swing for the fence.

I KNEW It!

Actually, there's two of them. With nine lives apiece, that's 18 to 1.

Don't much like those odds......

Yips! to Jonah.