Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Thomas S. sent the link to this fascinating piece: The 20 Cheapest Zip Codes In America.

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I usually file public statements by Dianne Feinstein under Vapid Transit, but this one must go under Hegelian Dialectic: Feinstein Uses ‘Fast and Furious’ to Make Case for National Gun Registration. (First, the Federal government creates a problem, then they re-assign blame, for their ultimate goal–bigger government.) And BTW, the “94,000 guns” figure is both specious and laughable. They ran traces only on the guns that they thought might have come from the U.S. There were hardly any traces requested of the US BATFE on the thousands of full auto (select-fire) guns such as M4s and military production AK-47s that have been seized in Mexico.

To answer one of Feinstein’s suggestions: “‘We have to do something to prevent criminals [in Mexico] from getting those guns,’ Feinstein said.” Okay , here is your answer, Dianne: Disband the Federal government’s gun-running agency, the BATFE, post haste!

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B. in Pennsylvania sent this article about a court setting a bad precedent: Jury: Cops didn’t jump the gun in car search. B.’s comment: “Philadelphia, the cradle and deathbed of Liberty.” By the way, things are different in our corner of The American Redoubt. Here, at least we have some semblance of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Amendments. Here in The Redoubt, if you get pulled over for speeding and the topic of conversation with the lawman turns to firearms, it is usually: “What’s your favorite caliber?”, or “How comfortable is that holster?”, or “Did you get your elk yet?”

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Yet another flash mob, this one up to some good: Copenhagen. (Ravel’s Bolero is perfect for this, since it is one lengthy crescendo.) Thanks to Geri G. for the link.

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James A. mentioned a microhydro Pelton wheel generator maker that I had overlooked.