News and Notes: 10-30-05

The Sweepers Wore Sox

I determined empirically that my guess last week that the World Series could easily go to seven games was off by only three games! At least all the games were close....

It was still fun seeing the 'stros in the World Series, and there was no shame in their losing to the White Sox.

Blogiversaries

This blog turned one on the 25th. I thank all the well-wishers who left comments here or on their own blogs to mark the occasion.

Fellow member of Ultraquiet No More, Alex Nunez, got into the blogging game a mere two days before I did. Be sure to stop by and wish him a happy first blogiversary if you haven't already done so.

Robert Spencer has been keeping tabs on terrorists for two years now over at Jihad Watch. We all owe him a great deal of gratitude for keeping an eye on developments pertaining to terrorism.

At Found on the Web

They liked the (anti) Che Guevara tee-shirt I pointed out the other day, but also noticed that the same company sells some Ann Coulter shirts I don't particularly care for, either.

Bloggers vs. Miers

I had heard about this list of bloggers who "went on the record" one way or the other about the Miers nomination, but never signed on. That didn't stop me from ending up on the list, though. In any case, I think this informal poll (about 70% against, 15% for, and 15% neutral) played a role (as a measure of public sentiment doubtless known to the administration) in stopping this mistake in its tracks, so I'm glad the 'bots found me/someone took the trouble to put me there. In the latter case, thanks, whoever you are!

Blogroll Additions

I've added Eternal Vigilance, the blog of Adam, who often comments here, to my blog roll. Judging by this post, he may find the previous item interesting. (Although I think he gives short shrift to cartoons.)

Also, I have added Dithyramb, the blog of fellow Ayn Rand fan and self-described "aspiring swashbuckling gentleman philosopher of sorts", Karl Mertens. Today, he reminds us of the upcoming 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot.

New: Humor Section in Sidebar

Yesterday, I noted three favorite humor sites. Today, I'll recommend another that I am sure I will visit regularly: Save the Humans. I first found this site during lunch long ago on Martin Lindeskog's blog, but it is, oddly enough, blocked at work, so I forgot about it until today. Proprietor Jason Roth also posts the odd editorial now and then. I especially liked "Keep Your Values to Yourself".

I have added all four humor sites to the left sidebar for everyone's amusement.

Amit Ghate Columns

Just as I was wondering whether Amit Ghate would be posting again at Thrutch, I learned via the Charlotte Capitalist that he's been busy writing columns for Capitalist Magazine. Andy likes the one about the Greeks. I was partial to the one about Ward "Cherokee" Churchill. Good stuff!

Reading Recommendations

Andy Clarkson also has a list of book recommendations concerning the history of ideas.

Coming Soon: Polls and Crass Commercialism

(And, sooner or later, a favicon....)

A couple of readers have asked me whether I have a Yahoo! wish list or use Paypal. The answers are now: yes and yes. This weekend has been too busy to get them completely finished, though. I'll probably have everything ready and tested by next week. When I do, I'll mention where they are.

I blog for enjoyment and to practice writing and so have no plans to actively solicit donations. But I do appreciate being asked those questions and wouldn't want to get in the way of such gestures of appreciation in the future!

I'm contemplating several other changes for the blog and may use polling scripts to decide on whether to implement them, but I'll ask about one change in particular now: Does anyone who normally visits my site actually use the links on the left side of the page excluding the blogroll. I am thinking of moving these elsewhere and allocating that entire sidebar to blogs.

And, while I'm at it, I welcome suggestions for other improvements from the peanut gallery.

Comments or email are fine, though comments might allow others to see whether anyone else has already thought of a potential suggestion.

-- CAV