British Frog Notices Hot Water

This observation is simple, elementary common sense. It’s notable, though, because of who is saying it.

Last Thursday I met with a thirtysomething guy. I absolutely depend on him in a highly technical area of theatrical production. For legal reasons he has to employ himself through his own company. Under the new tax regime, he will have to pay 13.3 per cent to employ himself before he pays himself anything. And then he will have to pay 51.5 per cent on what’s left.

This is a guy at the cutting edge of his profession who works all over the world. He is in demand in every major territory where entertainment is produced. He has a young wife and two children. Last Thursday he told me that he and his wife had decided that the UK was no longer where they wanted to live.

Coming Out of the Closet

For some values of “atheist” I am one, although it’s not the word I’d first use to describe myself. I have no interest in capital-A Atheism which seems to be a religion in its own right.

But humans did evolve in tribes, and religions form some of the greatest tribes in history. So I have to appreciate efforts to form atheist tribes.

“It’s not about carrying banners or protesting,” said Herb Silverman, a math professor at the College of Charleston who founded the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry, which has about 150 members on the coast of the Carolinas. “The most important thing is coming out of the closet.”

This seems much more productive than those stupid bus signs in England. Getting past the point where supposedly religious people debate ignorant, bigoted questions like “Can an atheist be a good person?” would be a step forward for the world. Maybe I should see if there’s a local chapter.

Meanwhile, I’d love it if California made these license plates available.

Parody Proof President

Is this the fawning of an Obamadroid thrall, or a vicious parody? You tell me.

Update:

My confusion appears to be the artist’s goal.

D’Antuono insists that this piece is a mirror; reflecting the personal opinions and emotions of the viewer; that “The Truth” like beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. D’Antuono expects that individual interpretations will vary as widely as they do in the political arena. The work will be seen by one viewer at a time behind a voting booth-inspired public installation.

So D’Antuono may be a genius.

Another Update:

It’s a fine line, really, between genius and naive.

Britain’s Got Talent Getting Too Good at This

One could become suspicious of ringers. Now, I do know that there are ten year old girls who can sing this well. But Simon Cowell just may be one of the best actors working in England. I wonder if he knew ahead of time about the bad costume and dancing.

Still, Little Hollie held up her end whatever the deal was.