An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day:
“The strongest argument for socialism is that it sounds good. The strongest argument against socialism is that it doesn’t work. But those who live by words will always have a soft spot in their hearts for socialism because it sounds so good.” – Thomas Sowell
The most popular Wikipedia pages in 2024.
If you’re curious about a first name’s popularity over the past 100 years, this site will graph it for you. (It's kind of fun!)
The most popular Christmas cocktail in each state is graphed here.
Concerns about “mirror bacteria” are noted here.
The FBI updates its report on its procedural failures in the J6 affair and its 26 paid vendors who participated.
Where have all the “G-rated” movies gone?
A very detailed set of recommendations to streamline our tax-funded Federal government.
More evidence that the government games the “property tax” scheme for their goals and not for a fair evaluation of property stock.
Deterrence as crime prevention gets argued.
Is the U.S. Constitution like the Ship of Theseus?
Why Labor Union leaders are anti-jobs and pro-poverty.
More narrative busting: Syphilis originated in the Americas, apparently.
Did you know the Library of Congress maintains a list of U.S. films that are culturally significant? Now you do. They just added “Dirty Dancing” and “Beverly Hills Cop.”