Woodworking

What does it take to transform a 10,000-pound Douglas fir log into a sleek, hand-carved masterpiece ready to conquer the Missouri River? 

Join Tom Elpel and Churchill Clark—descendant of the legendary Captain William Clark from the Lewis and Clark Expedition—as they bring history to life in the form of Belladonna Beaver. 

Whether you’re a history buff, an admirer of woodworking, or simply a lover of the outdoors, this journey will leave you inspired by the enduring bond between craftsmanship and nature. 

Don’t miss the final reveal and the breathtaking launch of this incredible dugout canoe!

Can Tariffs Replace The Income Tax?

Donald Trump has launched his second term and tariffs are once again figuring significantly in US economic policy.  As these policies take shape, the question remains: Will tariffs be the economic powerhouse Trump has suggested?  Or will they destabilize already fragile global markets?  I've pondered the subject here from time to time.

This arrived in my in-box yesterday and are worth a share. 

*Click on the images for a closer look

 

Friday Music

Written by PF Sloan and Steve Barri this song was launched into recording history by Johnny Rivers for the opening titles of the American broadcast of Secret Agent from 1964 to 1966.  

The Rivers version of the tune rose to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it one of the biggest hits of his career.

Here's PF Sloan himself performing Secret Agent Man.....

February Night Sky

There's a couple of things going on tonight and tomorrow that are stargazer-worthy.

First-off is the New Moon for February. 

A bunch of years ago I published a post about the problem of light pollution and how it can mess-up your viewing of the celestial bodies on a dark night.  Tonight offers a terrific opportunity to venture outside and check-out the night sky.  This is because it will be extra dark tonight.  The darkness is a consequence of the new moon.  

With this new moon, the earth, moon and sun will align with one another in a straight line.  The moon will fall between the earth and the sun appearing in front of the sun and hidden by the glare. 

In this alignment the moon is 'disappears' because the side we see not illuminated.  Word to the wise - never observe anything in the direct path of the sun.  Doing so may damage your eyes and cause permanent blindness.  

Tomorrow (Friday) be sure to cast your gaze to the western horizon just after sunset.  Mercury will continue to rise higher above Saturn and you should be able to spot the crescent moon interposed between the two planets.  Binoculars are helpful.

Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night

 

Word Of The Day

Wankpanzer

 

A perfect neologism for a perfectly hideous automotive phenomenon

The Taco Revolution

If you are a NASCAR fan you know Taco Bell is in the game. 

Nothing new under the sun.

There is this vintage gem from the 1970s.

Taco Bell was promoted on the racing circuit since fifty years ago....

 

The Big Beautiful Bill

Sure, I know that some of you reading this have been dazzled by Elon Musk and The DOGE.  I hate to break it to you but that's just theater.  Entertainment to distract the masses from serious budget stuff.  

Winter is going to turn to spring and spring will turn to summer.  And American families are going to turn to vacation travel.  And when they visit a national park, or battlefield or monument and nobody's picking-up the trash, cleaning the restrooms or a campground is closed the people will be grumpy.  And they'll look at that twitchy billionaire from South Afrika and say:  WTF.  

 

I'll make it simple for you.

Here you go folks.

The House budget.  

A Big Beautiful Bill.

Almost $3 trillion of Big Beautiful Red Ink in that mamajama.