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Quote of the Day

"This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as we do when the baby gets hold of a hammer. It's just a question of how much damage he can do with it before you can take it away from him."
-Will Rogers

Queen Reyna

Amazing photos of Oktoberfest!

More here.

Help Dave buy a new ride!

This is our buddy Dave! Dave has been a quadriplegic since 1965 but in the few short years we have known him, he has traveled more than most people we know (we have been to Mexico with him three times). He is able to do this with a combination of his motorized bed and his handicap-accessible van. His van is showing its age and Dave is looking for donations to help him get a new one. Please visit his website to learn more and to donate. Thanks!

My dog Reyna

Lori and I finally took the plunge into parenthood! This little angel is Reyna ("queen" in Spanish). She is a 3-month-old Schipperke. Never heard of a Schipperke? From the AKC:

The Schipperke originated in the Flemish regions of Belgium, bred down in size from a black sheepdog called the Leauvenaar. The breed worked as a companion of tradesmen as well as a watchdog and ratter on the river barges, which is where they got the name "Schipperke" since the Flemish word "schip" means boat. Another common nickname for the Schipperke is "Little Captain."

The small, foxlike Schipperke is known for its mischievous expression and distinctive black coat, which stands off from the body and is harsh to the touch. This enthusiastic, joyful, and sometimes willful dog has a thickset and cobby body, and lacks a tail. Although historically a watchdog and vermin hunter, today this ageless breed enjoys competing in conformation, agility and obedience, often well into its teens.

She is pretty much the best dog in the world!

I Am Detained By The Feds For Not Answering Questions

Mandatory reading for all US residents but especially those living in the borderlands. His follow up is here. As one who has been harassed numerous times by the Border Patrol both at the border and within the US, this topic hits close to home.

Small except: But you do know, based on history and human nature, that a right undefended will shrivel and die. If you don’t fight for the small right, you won’t be in a position to assert the large right.

Moreover, the existence of the right of privacy is usually based on whether people have a current expectation of privacy in a certain situation. To the extent that people decline to assert their right of privacy, it slips away. Lack of vigilance by citizens begets more government power.