Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 09

The Viscount approves of the Gaultier menswear collection from spring of 09. He understands that the collection is a year old, but he likes the informal looks and the masculine colors. He particularly likes the belts, jackets, and coats. The colors are interesting and the informal, yet tailored cuts fit a man's body nicely.

Cheese

The Viscount is a big fan of cheese. His favorite cheese is a blue or camembert. While European cheese is quite wonderful, the Viscount enjoys domestic cheese from Wisconsin. He believes cheese from places like California and Vermont is not worthy of his palate.

Here we go again!

The Viscount is hoping this blows away some of the health care hot wind going on out there.

Friday Science Blogging--Early Man and Heat Treated Tools

Archaeology is one of those sciences that continues to push technology in advancing the science. Recently, some archaeologists and geologists have determined that early man used heat-treated tools much earlier than originally thought. Heat treating makes some stones better tools in that they will keep a sharp edge longer and they will become harder. The use of heat treating is considered a significant advance in the development of human technology. This news came out around the same time as the information about tool use by crows. It seems that crows have been observed figuring out complex problems to gain access to resources. To the Viscount that these two stories, are related in interesting ways. First, it is clear that all animals have the potential to be problem solvers. Second, it is clear that many animals use tools. We always seemed shocked when this happens, but there is more and more evidence that higher-order animals have the ability to use tools. Finally, it is clear that crows and humans have some brain functions that are similar. There is no doubt that humans have much more ability to problem solve and that humans have much more complex brains than crows. But the essence of sameness is fascinating.

The Viscount Wades Into the Healthcare Debate

Ladies and gentlemen, the Viscount must weigh into the healthcare debate currently waging at the various forums across this wonderful nature. He could care less if they are vociferous or contentious. He thinks such displays of public enthusiasms are healthy just like a purging of one's bowels. Shit must get out before one feels better.

Even though he is comfortable with the expressions of a variety of views in public fora, he is a bit concerned with the lack of an alternative plan to the so-called Democratic death panels. He would have respect for the Republicans if they engaged intelligently in the debate as he is a bit concerned over the details of the health plan as currently articulated by the Democratic Party. However, there is no alternative except a general Republican "no."

So what is a Viscount to do? Does he support the torches and pitchforks of the rabble at the gates or does he support the power base that exists and trust them to do what is socially and ethically correct? The Viscount has trust issues with both parties and concludes that until there is an intelligent debate on the issue, he will support those who seek to intelligently deal with the issue at hand.

However, he laments the lack of real public discourse on the issue. Couldn't we all learn something from the discussion and couldn't we inform our leaders without the public spectacle? For whatever reason, the Republicans seem to be turning into the party of the dimwitted. It used to be the other way around. What the heck happened? Do they not want to engage in a serious discussion and instead opt to slide into name calling and anger? Do they not see the problem? The Viscount, given his class, has affinity for the Republican Party. However, he is embarrassed to even consider joining a group with such low wattage. Certainly there are many who feel the same way. The side-show of Palin and Limbaugh continue to do damage.

Currently, the Viscount's county has 1/4 of its population uninsured. Who do we think is covering their health care currently through emergency rooms? The Wizard of Oz? Of course not!! It's the tax payer at a rate much higher than we would pay if they were publicly insured. Is the Viscount missing something?

Florida Gay Rights History Blogging

Florida's role in "Don't Ask Don't Tell" was not particularly noteworthy until 2009 when Alsee Hastings, a Congressman from southeast Florida, stated that he planned to add language to the defense appropriations bill to eliminate the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. However, in July he received pressure from the White house and congressional Democrats and he withdrew the amendment.

Hastings removal of the amendment reignited the firestorm over whether or not President Obama is truly committed to changing federal gay rights policy that erupted after the White House legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act that contained extremely negative comments about gays.

Current Knitting

One of the funny things about being a knitter, is how many projects the Viscount has going at one time. He currently has two different pairs of socks on the needles, is planning a sweater, and is working with the Chevalier on some knitwear designs for a new collection. In the midst of all of this, he ran into a new local yarn shop and fell in love with the place. The shop is called Fiber Art Inc. and is hardly the industrial sounding place its name implies. The shop is divided into different themed rooms. Living with a designer, the Viscount was particularly impressed by the variety of specialty yarns. The Viscount wanted to buy the silver yarn to make socks for go-go chrome high-heeled sandals. But, stayed his impulses and bought some nice Noro sock yarn and some fuzzy shiny silver, olive, and grey mohair that would go well with the Chevalier's upcoming disco meets the sea collection.

Perhaps the nicest part of the experience was the overall warm welcome the Viscount received in the store from those working their and the knitters who just happened to be present. It is unusual for a man to knit and he is often received oddly in knitting stores. Not so at Fiber Art Inc. The Viscount almost whipped out his needles and began working.