Year: 2011

Could it all be about margarine?

From a 1970s Readers Digest. [I’m on blogging break. Regular posts will resume in February.]

The more things change… October 20, 1829

The Commissioners wish to remind the constables that, in every case when it is judged necessary to dismiss any man, the whole of his pay accruing from the last pay-day will be forfeited. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in February.]

The more things change… October 17, 1829

The paperwork begins. Some instances of rudeness on the part of individuals of the Police towards persons asking them civil questions have been reported to the Commissioners of the Police. the Commissions therefore call upon the Superintendents to instruct their officers and men. The Superintendents will receive a book of instructions for every man and…
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The more things change… October 14, 1829

The Commissioners have again to express their great regret that the pay-day has not passed over without the occurrence of several cases of intoxication by members of the Police. The Commissioners have, in the execution of their duty, been compelled to dismiss the individuals guilty of a crime which renders them completely unfit for the…
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The more things change… October 13, 1829

The Constables are not to go into public houses at night to order the landlord to close his house, or interfere in any other manner with the management or regulation of the house. If public houses are disorderly, notice is to be given to the Serjeant, who will report the case to the proper authorities.…
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The more things change… October 11, 1829

Any man reported for endearvouring to conceal his number, or refusing to shew (sic) or tell it when properly asked, will be dismissed, as such concealment or denial can only be caused by having done something he is ashamed of. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break.…
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Brave Thinkers of the Year

The Atlantic’s annual list of Brave Thinkers just came out. I’m in it (and with some pretty impressive company)! Mind you, this doesn’t actually mean I’m a goodthinker… just a brave one.

Scalia: Federal Drug Laws Were a Mistake

From the WSJ via the Atlantic: “It was a great mistake to put routine drug offenses into the federal courts,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal went on to report Scalia’s belief that the laws forced Congress to enlarge the federal court system, and diminished “the elite quality of the…
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How you say that?

Old Europe on the front:New Europe on the backside: [I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in February.]

Rugby For Dummies

I’ve made a small effort to understand Rugby, since I’m in the UK and Rugby World Cup is going on in New Zealand (who just beat Argentina). Next weekend are the semi-finals. It will be late at night in America (it’s far too early in the morning here in Europe). Here are my rugby rules…
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