6.4.13 … Just loved this Bernanke speech to Princeton grads …

Ben Bernanke,  Princeton, commencement speeches: I laughed … always wondered if Jews ever quoted the NT.

3) Those who are luckiest also have the greatest responsibility: “As the Gospel of Luke says (and I am sure my rabbi will forgive me for quoting the New Testament in a good cause): ‘From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”

He gave the Biblical quote an academic spin. “Kind of grading on the curve, you might say.”

via Bernanke’s hilarious speech to Princeton grads – Jun. 2, 2013.

6.4.13 … Grand Rapids: Get the dam thing right! …

Grand Rapids MI, Urban Rivers Restoration Initiative, WSJ.com:  Been there once … nice enough place.  I’ve liked everyone I ever met from there … 100 + years is a long time.

The fast-moving water that inspired this city’s name disappeared more than a century ago.

Now, a group of white-water enthusiasts, environmental engineers and civic leaders are attempting to turn back time and put the frothy rapids back into the Grand River.

Federal agencies were cleared last month to work together on the project after the Environmental Protection Agency named it as one of 11 new sites for the Urban Rivers Restoration Initiative. Other projects receiving this federal designation include the Green-Duwamish River in Seattle and the Passaic River in Newark, N.J.

…

Grand Rapids’ efforts are part of a larger national push to attempt to rescue urban waterways long abused and neglected, especially by cities in the industrial Midwest. Advocates in Minneapolis-St. Paul have floated a similar rapids idea for their stretch of the Mississippi River.

…

“One of our mottos is get the dam thing right,” said Steve Heintzelman, a local realtor who co-founded Grand River Future Vision, a group of fishing enthusiasts who initially opposed the plan. His colleague, bait-shop owner Josh Smith, proposed modifying the current dam to aid the rapids project but keep the lamprey barrier. The group first organized a boycott of the project but have since softened their opposition in the hopes of finding a compromise that doesn’t threaten fishing.

via Real Rapids in Grand Rapids? – WSJ.com.

6.4.13 … Chris Christie: between a rock and a hard place …

Gov. Chris Christie, Death of Senator Lautenberg, NYTimes.com:  Politics!

Mr. Christie, a Republican, is up for re-election in November and hoping to roll up a huge victory margin, which he could then use to accelerate his drive to present himself as a presidential candidate with broad appeal even in a blue state.

But adding a special election for the Senate seat to the ballot could put Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark at the top of the Democratic ticket, potentially energizing more Democrats, who already outnumber Republicans in New Jersey by 700,000 registered voters, to come to the polls.

The implications extend beyond New Jersey to Washington, where both parties are maneuvering for strategic advantage in a Senate where even a single vote can derail legislation. The replacement of Mr. Lautenberg, a Democrat, with an interim senator appointed by Mr. Christie creates immediate complications for the White House and Democrats on Capitol Hill as they try to push through presidential nominations and an overhaul of immigration laws under the constant threat of Republican filibuster.

via Death of Senator Places Chris Christie in Difficult Spot – NYTimes.com.

6.4.13 … Dunkin Donuts: Donut Bacon Sandwich … Because Everyone Has Lost Their Dang Minds

Dunkin Donuts, Donut Bacon Sandwich, Lost Their Dang Minds, donuts, bacon:  Actually, this one grosses me out … Sorry DD. 😦

According to the AP story about this majestic thing, it’s two donuts with fried eggs and bacon in the middle.NEW YORK AP — Even as fast-food chains tout their healthy offerings, they’re also coming up with fatty new treats to keep customers interested. Case in point: Dunkin’ Donuts is adding a doughnut breakfast sandwich to its national menu this week.The sandwich, which comes with fried eggs and bacon between a split glazed doughnut, will become a part of the permanent menu starting June 7, which the chain claims is “National Donut Day.” Dunkin’ Donuts had tested the sandwich in select stores in eastern Massachusetts in April, creating considerable buzz online.

Candice Choi@candicechoi FollowSide note: Dunkins doughnut breakfast sandwich has fewer calories 360 than its “healthy” new turkey sausage sandwich 390

via Dunkin Donuts Is Unveiling A Donut Bacon Sandwich Because Everyone Has Lost Their Dang Minds.

6.4.13 … WSJ = Onion re Citibikes …

Citi Bikes, WSJ editorial, followup, all-powerful bicycle lobby, Dorothy Rabinowitz :   I’m a big fan of the WSJ … but this woman is crazy. I kept waiting for her to break her straight face … but she never did.  begrimed … 😦

Video – Opinion Journal: Death by Bicycle — Dorothy Rabinowitz on New York City’s new…

http://on.wsj.com/19tHx3t

…

The menace of the all-powerful bicycle lobby — revealed at last! Writers at the Onion, take careful notes.

JAMES FALLOWSJUN 3 2013, 1:13 AM ET

I’ve always wondered how exactly to describe the temperament, the broadmindedness, the analytical subtlety, the that through the decades have shaped the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page. Conveniently, the Journal has filled that need, via this video interview with one of its editorial board members. Henceforth when you read the Journal’s editorials, I invite you to hear this voice, expression, and tone.

via A Publication’s Spirit, Captured – James Fallows – The Atlantic.

6.4.13 … I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face …

Facebook, I’ve grown accustomed …, Nordstrom:  Facebook is making so many of us miserable … the kids just move on.  But we are oldies are just stuck.  I hate the ads … Nordstrom, how could you do this to your loyal customers!

Damn! Damn! Damn! I’ve grown accustomed to your face (on FB).

Please come back … I’ll take you back. Damn! Damn! Damn!

My Fair Lady – I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face/The Ending – YouTube.

6.4.13 … I do love a Davidson Gentlemen in a good bow tie …

Davidson College, Davidson Gentlemen, fashion, bow ties: 

Davidson shout-outs abound on Carolina Cotton Bow Ties, a business site devoted to fashion aficionados fond of affixing bow ties below stylish chins. “The Davidson Gentleman” bow tie is so named—or re-named, as it turns out—because of a recent order by a Davidson parent for several of the red-and-black houndstooth-checked confections.

via Davidson Gentlemen Unite (No Introductions Needed): The Honorable Bow Tie Gets Its Propers.

6.4.13 … crazy, but not insane …

Ft Hood suspect,  “defense of others”, representing himself

“You’ve made that quite clear,” Hasan said after the judge asked if he understood that representing himself was not “a good idea.”

via Ft Hood suspect will use “defense of others”.