Peter Porcupine

Patty Mickley, again - Remember Again

2010-09-11T23:59:00.001-04:00

Porcupine first wrote this post on the Fifth Anniversary of Sept. 11th - and repeats it now to honor the memory of Patty Mickley....Her name was Patricia L. Mickley, but everybody called her ‘Patty’. It was an ordinary work day as she began her drive to her job from her home in Springfield, Virginia, which she shared with her husband, Joseph.The front of her mind was on the folders with the

Writings from OTB (Other People's Blogs)

2010-01-20T12:12:00.004-05:00

In the wake of the Scott Brown victory, I posted this on Media Nation, in response to his article in the Guardian by liberal media commentator Dan Kennedy - http://www.dankennedy.net/. Please consider.Peter Porcupine says:January 20, 2010 at 10:43 am DK – while the margin of the victory was gratifying, the result wasn’t that big a surprise.For MONTHS, I have listened to progressives/liberals

Dulce et Decorum Est - 2009

2009-11-11T00:44:00.001-05:00

War is HellGen. William Tecumseh Sherman (Observation in a letter, 1864)The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month.Once, every schoolchild knew this story, and all society stood for a minute of silence to observe Armistice Day.Soldiers have died to defend us all since ancient times, but most can never speak of the emotions, the horror and the rewards of their service. Poets have

Patty Mickley - One of the 2,996

2009-09-11T09:32:00.001-04:00

Once Again, The Last Best Hope...

2009-07-04T12:52:00.001-04:00

~Fifth Edition, this is Porcupine's Annual Post for July 4th~Faulkner Mural, 'The Declaration of Independence '- National Archive, 1936Courage, then, my countrymen; our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty. Samuel Adams (1722–1803) - 1776I get a little misty this time of year.Your

Dying Gasps?

2009-04-24T09:52:00.001-04:00

Porcupine often watches those segments of the WGBH show, “Greater Boston” that interest him. At the very least, it provides a window into a mindset (GOP Party Chair Jennifer Nassour was on recently, and a puzzled Emily Rooney asked exactly HOW State Committee members are chosen, anyway – Nassour had to admit we had given up the human sacrifices and entrail readings…)Last night’s first guest was

BiCentennial Interview

2009-02-12T20:38:00.004-05:00

“Yes, I had been chosen to Congress then from the wild West, and with hayseed in my hair I went to Massachusetts, the most cultured State in the Union, to take a few lessons in deportment.”-- Abraham Lincoln to Henry Gardner regarding his 1848 visit there< President Lincoln was at the Republican National Convention last autumn; a congenial fellow, he spoke about his upcoming birthday, and

Northern Exposure

2009-01-16T17:12:00.003-05:00

Porcupine is in Maine, looking out at the chunks of ice in the sub-zero harbour. Massachusetts just wasn't cold enough.Porcupine is listening to 740AM, a Canadian radio station run by CARP (Canadian Asociation of Retired Persons). Porcupine is of the opinion that CARP is a superb way to refer to a group of seniors, and wonders why AARP doesn't get a station. The station is dedicated to Zoomers -

Exercise Your Civic Rights!

2009-01-08T11:17:00.003-05:00

I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character. George H.W. Bush, First Inaugural Address, Saturday, January 20, 2001How often have you heard it said - there ougtta be a law!In Massachusetts, you have a chance to make you own law, and the filing deadline of Jan. 14, 2009 is upcoming.Here

The Company You Keep

2009-01-07T14:30:00.004-05:00

Endeavor, as much as you can, to keep company with people above you.... Do not mistake, when I say company above you, and think that I mean with regard to their birth; that is the least consideration; but I mean with regard to their merit, and the light in which the world considers them. Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773) The Massachusetts Democrats have reelected the

The First Face of Janus - 2008 Scored!

2008-12-31T12:59:00.004-05:00

Below are Porcupine's Predictions for the year 2008. So what was Porcupine's track record for 2007? These were predictions from New Year's Eve, 2007 that Porcupine still believed would come to pass.A chastened Porcupine reviews his 2008 predictions, and exposes the danger of predicting with the heart instead of the head below. In both 2007 and 2008, this prediction netted Porcupine a score of

Perspective on Perception

2008-10-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

If the grace of God miraculously operates, it probably operates through the subliminal door. William James (1842–1910), The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902).Porcupine is fascinated by subtlety, if not a practitioner of it. One interesting example of this can be found in Barack Obama’s ‘infomercial’ broadcast on television last night.First, Porcupine would like to take a moment in a brief

Oh, the Huge Manatee!!!

2008-10-10T17:01:00.003-04:00

As a change of pace for our holiday weekend, Porcupine would like to salute a new neighbor - a Florida manatee skulking about in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis.Like most residents of South Florida, he appears to be summering on Cape Cod. The harbormaster, Terry Clen, has named him 'Dennis'. Dennis was first spotted in Provincetown, again in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis last week, at Gray's Beach in Yarmouth

Debate Libation

2008-09-26T22:41:00.004-04:00

Porcupine is tipsy, as he began a drinking game shortly after the beginning of tonight's debate.He had another drink every time Sen. Obama said, "Sen. McCain is absolutely right...."Both did very well. Obama ascended from liberal figurehead to credible opponent, but he still seemed a potpourri of stock phrases rather than a leader.On the whole, McCain won the debate - especially with his

I TOLD You I was Sick~

2008-09-26T00:05:00.004-04:00

Earlier today, the Instapundit Glenn Reynolds had a poll up about Sen. McCain's determination to hold a meeting with his rival Sen. Obama and Congressional leadership to agree upon a financial package. The question was - McCain's Campaign Suspension is:Brilliant and patriotic, OR A Dumb stunt, OR Both, OR I'm voting "present" on this one. After laughing heartily, Porcupine voted - Both. It was

Who Am I?

2008-09-21T12:55:00.005-04:00

I am under 45 years old.I love the outdoors.I hunt.I am a Republican reformer.I have taken on the Republican Party establishment.I have many children.I have a spot on the national ticket as Vice President with less than two years in the governor's office.Have you ever heard of me before now?I am Theodore Roosevelt.Note: Porcupine only wishes this was original, but received it in a circulating

Memento Mori - Seven Years Out...

2008-09-11T13:18:00.003-04:00

By The Company He Keeps...

2008-08-23T12:36:00.004-04:00

Porcupine is writing this at 11:30 am on Friday, August 22, 2008. (Note: Due to the genuinely crappy Internet connection available on Cape Cod during the summer, Porcupine has been unable to access the Internet until just now - over 24 hours later. The good new is, Obama has chosen to drag out his selection for all this time - impossibly heightening expectations, but making Porcupine's blog on

We Now Return To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming....

2008-08-08T08:58:00.001-04:00

This blog has been underused due to a confluence of technical and medical issues. Beginning today, posting should resume on the previousm schedule - to wit, when Porcupine has something to say!

Honors in the Alternative Universe

2008-06-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

Porcupine enjoys a good celebration, and this one was special. Porcupine attended the First Annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner, of the Massachusetts Republican Party, at the Westin Hotel. As you can see, the crowd was big – well over 600 people, all turning out to honor a favorite son – Gov. Mitt Romney. The evening began in fine patriotic form with Gov. Romney’s granddaughter leading the crowd in a

Tiny and Parrish

2008-06-18T00:01:00.004-04:00

Porcupine was there for the great champion games of the 1980's - the celebrations at Boston City Hall, the parades. But Porcupine's favorite players were never Bird, or Ainge, or Havilichek, or Heinsohn or even Russell. After Cousy - Porcupine's favorites were Robert Parrish and Tiny Archibald.And they're back.Rajon Rondo is as quick and dangerous as Archibald was in his prime, and Kevin Garnett

Aha! I KNEW Something Was Amiss!

2008-05-31T10:57:00.003-04:00

Almost two years ago, Porcupine wrote about his profound discomfort at the BodyWorks exhibit of plastinated human remains being displayed at the Boston Museum of Science. His post then, aclled Human Sensibility, contained these words:But as you look at the photos, and perhaps the exhibit, please keep something in mind. These are actual people, who got up in the morning, dressed, went to work, and

Sunday Summer Sing Along - Early Edition?

2008-05-30T00:10:00.005-04:00

The Democratic National Committee's Rules & Bylaws Committee will proceed on May 31 during a much-anticipated meeting to reconsider issues in the Florida and Michigan delegate flap at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel , in Washington, D.C. The decision may determine the outcome of Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign.Usually, Porcupine begins the Sunday Summer Sing Along on the first Sunday in

Memento Mori - 2008

2008-05-26T21:57:00.000-04:00

Porcupine's parents are buried here. At the National Cemetary in Bourne, mother and father are awaiting Eternity together. When Porcupine's mother died, his father made a military joke. "We'll be buried together - in Section Eight. You kids won't forget THAT in a hurry!"True enough. The Bourne National Cemetary is beautiful, especially on holidays, when the entrance is lined with fifty flags

A Boy Will Always Need His Mother....

2008-05-11T21:54:00.001-04:00

Porcupine lost his own mother when she was 64, and cannot imagine a richer experience than to have a wonderful mother throughout an entire life. A very happy Mother's Day to Roberta McCain!

The Definition of Insanity

2008-05-07T19:56:00.004-04:00

Gov. Deval Patrick uses hand gestures to demonstrate his chances of getting his casino bill passed.It takes a little bit to actually shock Porcupine, but Deval Patrick succeeded in doing so today. This morning, in front of the Brookline Chamber he announced his intention to resurrect the failed casino gambling bill. The Democrat told a Brookline Chamber of Commerce audience that "an unyielding

Town Meeting Time - The Sequel (?)

2008-05-06T23:20:00.001-04:00

Porcupine has sunk into his green leather chair, after more than three hours on small plastic seats in a school auditorium. He has just returned from town meeting (override defeated, ha!). Porcupine has a winner-take-all, last-man-standing, one-night-only annual town meeting - tonight alone, there were two motions to reconsider, and about six motions to move the question! Three hours well spent -

Is Grandma Next Under The Bus?

2008-04-30T21:03:00.003-04:00

Well, we've finally learned what upsets the usually unflappable Barack Obama - "But at a certain point, if what somebody says contradicts what you believe so fundamentally, and then he questions whether or not you believe it in front of the National Press Club, then that's enough. That's -- that's a show of disrespect to me."The trigger for this was Rev. Jeremiah Wright's remarks at the National

DANGER (to Open Government) WILL ROBINSON!

2008-04-28T10:00:00.006-04:00

Point of Information - the Republican Members chose not to submit amendments this years, both as a protest to the system, and as a recognition of current fiscal crisis.

One Nation Under Blog

2008-04-25T23:31:00.004-04:00

Porcupine went to see the Second City Touring Company production, live at the Strand Theatre in Rockland, Maine, called 'One Nation, Under Blog'. Second City has been around for ages, giving comics like Peter Boyle, Bill Murray, Andrea Martin, Harold Ramis, John & Jim Belushi, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tina Fey, Joan Rivers, John Candy, Bonnie Hunt, Stephen Colbert, Chris

Return to Maine - 2008

2008-04-23T20:38:00.005-04:00

Porcupine has been spending time in the Great, not Terribly White, North - opening the hut for summer. Only three weeks ago, the summer burrow looked like this - Now, despite a few patches of snow in the shadows, the ground is clear, the rivers are running strong and the great melt has begun. It was still a little chilly, so Porcupine chose to stay across from the Lighthouse Museum and travel

And now, for tonight's Top Ten List....

2008-04-18T00:46:00.003-04:00

What Do The Simple Folk Do?

2008-04-15T21:13:00.004-04:00

"It is true I am amused about this notion of elitist."Barack Obama, CNN, April 16, 2008Yes, blogging has changed everything. At a soignee fundraiser, closed to the press, a blogger for the Huffington Post recorded a speech given by a candidate she supports, Barack Obama. These are the words which have casused the great Bitterness Debate -“You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a

Third Blogoversary!

2008-04-13T00:54:00.002-04:00

test - I am done with this blog. Blogging is over for me; three years was enough. Bye.Carpundit - August 8, 2007 Three years ago today, Porcupine began his reconsituted political writing with this post - Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself...As this Blogoversary approached, Porcupine considered the 'CarPundit Solution'. Porcupine had gained new responsibilities in the last three years, including

Now THIS Is Rich!

2008-03-30T21:40:00.003-04:00

From Ben Smith's column on Politico:Harry Smith asked if after the nominating contests end with the South Dakota and Montana primaries on June 3, "Do you want the superdelegates to have some sort of vote immediately so that you'll know months in advance of the convention what the outcome is?” Dean replied: “Well, I think the superdelegates have already been weighing in. I think that there's 800

M & M '08?

2008-03-29T12:24:00.003-04:00

Many months ago (November of 2006, as it happens), Porcupine was talking with the redoubtable Massachusetts National Committee Man Ron Kaufman about the 2008 race.It was a badly kept secret that Romney was considering a run, but Kaufman had an interesting insight. "For the last eight years, we've had the vigorous young man with the wise older counselor to guide him (referring to Bush and Cheney).

Religion and Politics

2008-03-18T22:42:00.003-04:00

At the end of the day, the similarities were eerie. Both men made the speech because they felt compelled to explain the issues raised by the brand of theology they espoused, against the advice of some campaign staff. Both men wrote the speeches themselves, with little outside help or editing. Both delivered their speeches in sober suits, in front of a bank of American flags, to emphasize their

Now THAT'S Funny!

2008-03-13T00:28:00.002-04:00

R.I.P., W.F.B. (j.) - 1925 - 2008

2008-02-27T23:55:00.004-05:00

Porcupine is proud to own an original hardback copy of 'God and Man at Yale'. The thesis of the book is that liberal faculty is busy inculcating students with liberal doctrines, often making at least a public agreement with a progressive point of view a prerequisite for a good grade, while abandoning the true mission of the University, which is classical and rigorous education. The book may seem

Two Minds With But A Single Thought...

2008-02-22T19:34:00.005-05:00

...or is it two minds with almost a single thought between them? According to former Congressional candidate and Democratic Party Chair Philip Johnston: "We all said that we could have closed our eyes when Obama spoke [and] it could have been Deval."Should Sen. Obama become the nominee, the People of the Commonwealth will bear a great responsibility - better acquainting the nation with how talk

Its Five Year Mission...To Explore New Worlds....

2008-02-17T14:46:00.007-05:00

What began like this - an unprecedented and classy act of setting aside a campaign voluntarily to give the party's nominee a clear field - was perceived as being REALLY this, by cartoonist Paul Szep -But, with the Associated Press stories today (this one from the Boston Herald, but the same story appears in the Cape Cod Times and dozens of other papers today) it appears that the media's love

It Is Meet and Right So To Do

2008-02-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

In Porcupine's office, there hangs a framed original Harper's Weekly cartoon - similar to this one - with the branch that the desperate Republican elephant is clinging to labeled "Massachusetts". You see, in 1856, the fledgling Republican Party was kept alive by the strong abolitionist vote in Massachusetts. To campaign in the Congressional races here in Worcester, Taunton, New Bedford, and other

I'm Strong To The Finish...

2008-02-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

From a friend in the State House... That's the best Popeye imitation since Robin Williams!"Yuc yuc yuc yuc yuc yuc, well blow me down!""Call me soft on immigration, will ya? I'll tear your face off !"

Today Is A Non-Political Day...Kinda....

2008-02-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

Porcupine is about to abandon himself to pre-game shows. Local guys like Bob Lobel and Steve Burton, the Hated Felger, goofy Fred Smerlas and Steve deOssie - who must be the most torn commentator in football, as he is a former Patriot, a longtime Patriot gameday guy, who has a son Zack playing in the Superbowl for the NY Giants.Still - there is chili and Fritos to eat, as we here in Massachusetts

As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation!

2008-02-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

Mainers vote - about 73% of voters cast a ballot in 2004, compared with 64% nationally. Maine has the oldest median age in the nation, is 96% white, and as any visitor knows, over 12% of the state is below the poverty line in a high cost-of-living state.Today, amid an ice storm and slush, they held their Republican Presidential Caucus to send 18 delegates to the convention this fall. Both popular

Eternal Vigilance!!!!

2008-01-31T22:24:00.000-05:00

Tired Old Script

2008-01-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

Nowhere has it been more apparent that mainstream reporters are cliche clinging, almost pre-programmed in their coverage of stories, than in the coverage of the primary races.Recently on Media Nation, Porcupine was debating a Boston Globe article by Jeff Jacoby, called "What Would Reagan Say?" , which implied that Romney's Michigan pledge to reinvent the car industry (something his Dad actually

Fake Outrage or Real Issue?

2008-01-14T19:45:00.000-05:00

Porcupine enjoys reading different newspapers when he is away. Since he is currently in the middle of a white-out snowstorm in Maine, he has had ample time to read two stories in the Sunday Bangor Daily News, and to consider them in light of one another.The first is a front page story, Section A, which is part of a series called ‘Mainers in Crisis’, sub headed "Some of these stories have not

A Fantasy Crushed

2008-01-13T22:27:00.000-05:00

What Happens To A Dream Deferred?Langston Hughes, Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951)Porcupine has had a dream since Sept. 6, 2007 as he watched the Colts begin the new season against the Saints in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.The Patriots and the Colts would play for the AFC championship in January of 2008. The Pats would have secured home field advantage (even in musings, Porcupine never dared

The Boiler Room

2008-01-07T13:59:00.000-05:00

Porcupine went door to door for George Bush in Maine in 2004, and got to picket John Edwards at a speech in Lewiston. The zest of a Presidential campaign is astounding, so naturally, Porcupine took one of the daily buses from Mass. to Manchester, to work in Mitt Romney's telephone boiler room. Here's a shot of the outside, with some McCain volunteers wasting their time in the snow - But, inside

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2008-01-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

Last year on this date, a little after 5 p.m., Porcupine was standing outside the wrought iron gates of the Massachusetts State House, and snapped this picture of Gov. Mitt and Ann Romney as they paused for the traditional 19 gun salute for the departing Governor. The central doors of the State House are only opened for a current President, a head of State, and a departing Governor. The Long

Huck-A-Whoops!

2008-01-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

Porcupine is watching Mike Huckabee stammering his explanation on Hannity & Colmes about how showing an attack ad to a room full of high-octane reporters, and then piously announcing that he WASN'T going to attack anybody, while the ad ran behind him and there were foam core images of the attack, wasn't REALLY important, but how we should instead talk about "hunger, poverty and the enviornment".

The Second Face of Janus - 2008

2008-01-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

Below are Porcupine's Predictions for the year 2008. As the Roman God looks into the future, here are some predictions for 2007. First, like last year, these are predictions from last year that Porcupine still believes will come to pass.Justice John Paul Stevens will die this year, giving Bush his third choice for the Court.Fidel Casto will die, and Congress will seize the opportunity to

The First Face of Janus - 2007 Scored

2007-12-31T21:39:00.002-05:00

Below are Porcupine's Predictions for the year 2007. So what was Porcupine's track record for 2007? These were predictions from New Year's Eve, 2006 that Porcupine still believed would come to pass.Cape Cod will be hit by a Category 2 hurricane.Score - 40%. We did not have a direct hit, but Hurricane Noel did bring the Cape to a halt, and served as an excellent dress rehersal for the 'Big One'

Hey, You Can't Deport 12 Million People!

2007-12-27T13:31:00.000-05:00

This sentiment has always been a favourite of the pro-amnesty crowd. There are too many people here illegally already, we really want to know where and who they are. We need to coax them out of the shadows, so we must create a Path to Citizenship, which will not penalize them as law breakers and line jumpers (since they chose to ignore the existing Path to Citizenship of applying for it,

Boxing Day!

2007-12-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

Porcupine received a remarkable Christmas gift this year - a copy of his own creation! A copy of Porcupine's Gazette for November 15, 1797!The paper, a heavy weight using cotton or linen as part of its makeup, has four sheets. The two exterior sheets are entirely ads. Foreclosed property, a new shipment of fine Madeira, a dozen cases of Jamaican Pimentoes at a reasonable price, a new legal office

Merry Christmas - 2007!

2007-12-25T22:22:00.001-05:00

Once again, Porcupine is surrounded by family and friends for Christmas - and wants to share something with his e-Friends as well.Last year, Porcupine shared one of his favourite Christmas poems - The Maid Servant at the Inn by Dorothy Parker. This year, he wants to share another of Parker's Christmas poems - again, one which concentrates on the actual child born this day, Jesus of Nazareth. This

Christmas Perennial

2007-12-14T23:02:00.001-05:00

Porcupine does not usually find wisdom on the television listing page, but he wants to credit Kevin McDonough who writes the 'TV Tonight' column for the Cape Cod Times with an exceptional insight.In writing about tonight's offerings, he spoke about "It's A Wonderful Life", which Porcupine just finished watching on Ch. 7, the NBC channel. This is what he wrote about the film:"Among the more

Fox News Gets It Dead Wrong!

2007-12-12T20:49:00.001-05:00

Glories, like glow-worms, afar off shine bright, But look’d too near have neither heat nor light.John Webster (1580?–1634)The last debate before the Iowa Caucuses! The horserace is on in earnest, the bets are being laid, and the Punditocracy was slavering over who would attack who - Mitt on Huck? Fred on Rudy? Alan Keyes on....just EVERYBODY??? (They were right about that). They strapped

Reaction Run Amok

2007-12-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

"I used to laugh and dismiss this talk about how we were — that there was a liberal bias in the mainstream media. But I have to say in the four years I’ve been at Fox, I’ve come to believe that there is a bias.”Chris Wallace, Interview on Politico.com, Dec. 10, 2007Porcupine has been laid very low with a variant of the virus which actually closed the Chatham schools, and can do little but fret,

The Speech

2007-12-06T09:37:00.001-05:00

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people...Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or

He Was A Simple Lad, and Fell Among Bad Companions

2007-12-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

A man is known by the company he keeps; our character is reflected in our choice of friends.Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)Perhaps it all began with Joe Kennedy and Citizens' Oil. A chance for a new Congressman and old prosecutor to align himself with the Golden Boy of the reigning family in Massachusetts Democratic politics. Bill Delahunt found himself assigned to Foreign Affairs, and had a

SnowHoax Litmus Test

2007-11-30T13:52:00.001-05:00

Click to EnlargeAs we all know, litmus paper turns RED when exposed to acid conditions, and BLUE when exposed to alkaline conditions. As an acidic personality, Porcupine was always vaguely pleased with the Redness of his litmus. But in the wake of the CNN Snowman Hoax debate (hereafter referred to as the ‘SnowHoax’), another Red-Blue divide is emerging – those deeply involved in bare knuckles

The Fluffernutter Brigade Marches On!

2007-11-29T14:31:00.000-05:00

You thought you were safe when Sen. Jarrett 'Fluffy' Barrios left, didn't you?Then you thought you'd be safe while the Legislature was debating if they should make spanking your own child in your own home illegal, didn't you?Ah, but the Nanny State has so many frontiers to fight on! From a State House colleague -SENATE APPROVES BAND INSTRUMENT HYGIENE BILL: The hygiene of school band instruments

YouTube Republic

2007-11-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

Well, the snowman was there and said Hi! to Mitt Romney in his helium voice. The Florida Republican YouTube debate was tonight. A CNN transcript is HERE, and YouTube's video recap is HERE.Porcupine thought the questions were decent enough on the whole, if a little predictable. Why there were no questions of the enviornment, health care or education is a travesty. It was nice to see all the

Varieties of Thankfulness

2007-11-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

Porcupine is very thankful for Thanksgiving, as he is very fond of turkey and stuffing. Porcupine is thankful that his children are now large enough to demonstrate hunter-gatherer prowess, and present the Clan with turkeys from grateful bosses. Porcupine is especially grateful that he is able to leave said Clan immediately after the celebration, and take off to Maine for a few days. Here is the

WHAT 'Macaca'?

2007-11-19T12:54:00.000-05:00

Well, Porcupine waitied a while, to give the Globe and Herald their chance to fulminate and breathe fire - but it hasn't happened.So, an Associated Press story from SIX DAYS AGO appears HERE.A Louisiana Democrat referred to the parent of the local NAACP leader as 'Buckwheat'. Had a Republican done this, lightning and imprecations would have rained from the skies; as it is, luckily, the Democrat

Connecting the Dots - Local Edition

2007-11-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

If then His providence Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, Our labour must be to pervert that end, And out of good still to find means of evil.John Milton (1608–1674), Paradise Lost - The First BookFrom Roger Simon's weekly column from Politico.com -N.Y. Daily News, "Welcome to AIR RUDY: Rudy Giuliani jets to campaign stops using casino kingpin's plane," By David Saltonstall: "The

Dulce et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori - 2007

2007-11-11T13:20:00.000-05:00

Rudy - In His Own Words

2007-11-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

I have no trouble with my enemies. I can take care of my enemies all right. But my damn friends...They're the ones that keep me walking the floor nights!Warren Gamaliel Harding, (Nov. 2, 1865 – August 2, 1923) 29th President of the United StatesSince Bernard Kerik has been indicted and is facing trial, there is a strong odor of criticism wafting around Mayor Rudy Giuliani for giving him the post

The Remaining Three Hundred

2007-11-06T14:22:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine in the State House sent this to me - it went out via email to all state workers -Dear Colleague,The last few weeks have been some very exciting times for Massachusetts. Today I want to remind you about another exciting event that’s just around the corner.Local elections are next Tuesday, November 6th. I encourage you to cast your ballot. Local officials make critical decisions

We Will Soon Return To Our Regularly Scheduled Political Programming....

2007-11-05T13:05:00.001-05:00

...but for right now, this says it all for me.

Cape Cod Coffee Table

2007-11-04T15:12:00.000-05:00

And a fitting prelude to winter it was, too. Hurricane Noel hit Cape Cod, leaving over 50,000 without power.It's remarkable how many things depend on electricity. I had made a big pot of coffee early on, but its bitter warmed up in a saucepan instead of a microwave. Porcupine has a variety of candles and candelabras, and putting them together reminds one where 'candlepower' gets its name. Indeed,

One Year from Today

2007-11-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

Time for daydreaming to stop, and action to begin. We will elect the 44th President of the United States of America on Nov. 4, 2008.I have long advocated the position that I would rather win with somebody I agree with 90% of the time than lose with somebody that I agree with 98% of the time.This is an important election. Not that all Presidential elections aren't important, but our Nation and

Setting Priorities

2007-10-31T16:34:00.000-04:00

Well, they came for a celebration, and they certainly got one... After all, how often do you see a sweet moment with Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, here with her grandson, and Rep. Joyce Spiliotis and her grandson, Nick.... Of course, knowing that the Senators weren't there to keep an eye on them led to the Senate staff grabbing some box seats on the balcony, led by the Senate Clerk on the right.... But

What's-His-Name, that Guy Running for President....

2007-10-30T01:13:00.000-04:00

Porcupine has learned why so many of the twenty-odd candidates haven't been able to get their ideas across. Nobody has heard them.From an excellent piece in Journalism.org, "The Invisible Primary", comes the following statistics - While Hillary Clinton led in the derby for press exposure (she was the primary subject in 17% of all campaign stories), the largely antagonistic attention of

Deval Canute - or, GamblePort Lives!

2007-10-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

“Then, thou shalt count to three. No more, no less. Three is the number of the counting, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four, shall thou not count, neither count though two, excepting that though then procedeth to three. Five is right out!”From the 'Book of Armaments', Monty Python and the Holy GrailPorcupine has enjoyed the many pronouncements of Governor Deval Patrick about how

His LAST Debate

2007-10-10T17:24:00.000-04:00

Porcupine usually likes a party. The guest of honor revealed his flagrant bias at this one. From Examiner News -The event was a 'birthday Party' for the MSNBC political show 'Hardball'. Included among the guests were such NBC/MSNBC brass as NBC Senior Vice President Phil Griffin (the former "Hardball" executive producer called "Hardball" the "best show on cable television"), "Meet the Press"

Universal Outreach

2007-09-25T13:22:00.000-04:00

In view of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's remarks in New York, Porcupine wanted to remind you of another facet to his worldwide outreach.He is a Blogger as well. The blog has not been updated lately - only once since he sent us Christmas Greetings last December! However, it is worth checking out as a reflection of his mind.And it is worth remembering that while he may, as Columbia President

A Bientot et Merci, Bip!

2007-09-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us all without words?Marcel Marceau, nee Marcel Mangel, March 22, 1923 - Sept. 22, 2007Porcupine has learned with regret of the passing of the last living Renaissaince treasure, Marcel Marceau - mime extrodinaire.M. Marceau had a difficult early life. On the run from the Gestapo at age 16, he lost his father at Auschwitz while figting with DeGaulle

The Glob Mis-Explains It for You Once Again!

2007-09-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

From the (alleged) Political Intelligence column of the Boston Glob comes speculation about the possiblity of genuine, brokered conventions -Rudy Giuliani is leading in the national polls, but is followed closely by Fred Thompson. John McCain appears to be resurging. And Mitt Romney, while fourth in most national surveys, is leading in Iowa and New Hampshire. (Glob Chagrin!)On the Democratic side

Aaaarrrrggggghhhhh!

2007-09-19T16:43:00.000-04:00

T'is here again, by Great Neptune's Man Nipples! Avast, the Annual 'Talk Like A Pirate Day' is upon us once more, and Porcupine will celebrate, having known more than a few pirates in his day! Last year, the Great Holiday fell upon Massachusetts Primary Day, as Porcupine wrote HERE, and t'was the the Blackamoor, Cap’n Devvy Sharkbait, who bested the Hibernian, Guideon the Parrotless, and the tall

Why, We BET We Can Help You!

2007-09-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

Porcupine very much enjoys listening to Finneran’s Forum on WRKO in the morning, and today he got to hear Deval Patrick explain his stance on casinos while stuck in gridlocked traffic on the Mass Pike. Porcupine’s only criticism of the exchange between Deval and Tom is that Mr. Speaker really needs to get that slightly hushed deference out of his voice while talking to His Excellency. Deval was

The True Meaning of Bi-Partisan Cooperation

2007-09-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

The man of principle is known as such, and even in the fury of faction is respected.Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)An interesting appointment has been made by the Bush White House. U.S. William Delahunt, D-Mass., has been named as a Congressional representative to the 62nd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which begins next week. Delahunt will participate in sessions of the

MoveOn's Helpfulness Through History

2007-09-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of RedState, a brilliant piece of Political Imagining titled - What if MoveOn Existed 65 Years Ago?

Six Years Out

2007-09-11T09:35:00.001-04:00

Porcupine was very proud to be selected as one of The 2,996 on the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11th. First and foremost, Porcupine asks that you once again read his tribute to Patty Mickley of The Pentagon, and keep her in your minds eye as we all observe this sad anniversary.How did we get to this place?Porcupine has been thinking about this while reading an excellent book – Legacy of Ashes by

Anniversary to be Noted

2007-09-09T22:55:00.000-04:00

To achieve, you need thought…You have to know what you are doing and that’s real power.Ayn Rand, 1975Porcupine receives regular emails from Michael Zak, a popular speaker to Republican organizations around the country, and author of "Back to Basics for the Republican Party." He sends these bulletins as the Grand Old Partisan - and this one is special enough that Porcupine is reproducing it in

Commemoration in the Alternative Universe

2007-09-08T23:31:00.000-04:00

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. Second Inaugural Address of

Consequences of Negative Campaigning

2007-09-05T10:49:00.000-04:00

From the Associated Press - "Republican presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan. during a speech at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) " My, my. And the three in front appear to have reporter's notebooks. It is to be hoped that more candidates will learn a lesson from this - disagree

Sunday Summer Sing Along - 2007 Finale!

2007-09-02T13:30:00.000-04:00

As always (this is the second time, so Porcupine can now declare it to be 'always'), the Grand Finale of the Sunday Summer Sing-Along for 2007 is a recapitulation of the Red and Blue Alternaton for this summer's edification -A Ditty for Deval - HEREA Melody for McCain - HEREA Ballad for Barak - HEREA Roundelay for Rudy - HEREA Hymn for Herself - HEREA Fandango for Fred - HEREAn Elegy for Edwards

The Lime House and The State House

2007-08-31T07:56:00.000-04:00

Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? Why, if it prosper, none dare call it treason.John Harington, British Poet, 1613What do these buildings have to do with one another?The first is the lime-green house with many residents, home of the now famous Paw family. Father Paw is a postman, earning $49,000 per year; Mother Paw is a Housewife. But from this little oak at 41 Shelbourne Ave., a

Sunday Summer Sing Along - 2007 - Number 8!

2007-08-26T17:16:00.000-04:00

Yet another musician from Hope, Arkansas and the Arkansas Goveror's Mansion is running for President. Cheery Mike Huckabee is an excellent speaker and has his own group, called Capitol Offense. Porcupine is sure that as a country rock musician, Gov. Huckabee will appreciate this offering modeled upon the greatest song of Miss Patsy Cline called 'Crazy':Crazy, They Said I was Crazy for Tryin’I'm

Gadfly Triumphant!

2007-08-25T12:58:00.000-04:00

“Mr. Ferson asked if I were a Journalist. I told him that depended on your point of view, and explained who I was, and what I was doing. Ferson told me that he would be happy to speak with a REAL Journalist, but I didn’t fit that description. I told him I would be happy to speak with a real war hero, but Glenn Marshall didn’t fit that description.”Peter Kenney, Show #550, The Great

Priority Amongst Outrages

2007-08-22T17:55:00.000-04:00

’Tis true; and therefore women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall.Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare (1564–1616)Porcupine is an avid football fan. He greatly enjoys the Patriots, despises Peyton Manning, and is perturbed by the oxygen wasted lamenting the serial failure of the Red Sox while the Patriots are World Champions over again. But the NFL is not a happy place as

No Place for Haters

2007-08-21T16:46:00.000-04:00

Porcupine has been trying to put this post up since last Friday - but the story keeps evolving so fast that he has held off. Now, however, the time is ripe, if not passed, and Porcupine wishes to call an unusual coincidence to the attention of all.It began with listening to Rep. Rachel Kaprilian on the Finneran Forum show on WRKO. Rep. Kaprialian was detailing how she had led the Watertown Town

Sunday Summer Sing Along - 2007 - Number 7!

2007-08-19T16:29:00.000-04:00

This week, Porcupine considers the petulant candidacy of John Edwards - Senator, former Vice Presidential Candidate, and talk show host in touch with the dead (no, not that last bit...although he DID run with John Kerry) ... to the tune of 'Send In the Clowns' from the Stephen Sondheim show, 'A Little Night Music'.I know I’m RightI Know You’re WrongJust Get Me ElectedWe’ll Get Along.Pollsters are

Wheat and Chaff

2007-08-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

Now that the dust has begun to settle from the Ames, Iowa straw poll, Porcupine has some observations about some common themes, and some ideas of his own to present.First, the Chaff -The straw poll this year has less significance, as the turnout was so much lower.Actually, as the Des Moines Register pointed out, attendance this year was more in line with previous polls - it was the heavy turnout

Sunday Summer Sing Along - 2007 - Number Six!

2007-08-12T07:22:00.000-04:00

This week, Porcupine comments on the remarkable unexamined record of actor and lobbyist, for Senator Fred Dalton Thompson - included in national polls and on the Iowa ballot without even the bother of announcing a candidacy or filing contribution reports. the tune is by the remarkable Fats Waller, and is called 'Honeysuckle Rose'. Ev'ry GOP fills with jealousyWhen they see you coy and free;Don't

Epoxy Redux

2007-08-08T17:06:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, on the anniversary of the Big Dig tragedy, Porcupine wrote a post featuring a dishevelled (!) Mitt Romney, titled, "It Was The Epoxy, In the Boardroom, With the Candlestick..". Recent announcements indicate that Atty. General Martha Coakley concurs with Porcupine's assessment.AG Coakley has announced indictments against Powers Fasteners, Inc., the manufacturer of the epoxy used

Sunday Summer Sing Along - 2007 - Number Five!

2007-08-06T07:22:00.000-04:00

Porcupine is doing a Red & Blue alternation with the songs in the Sunday Summer Sing Along this year, and after having immortalized Deval Patrick and Barack Obama, it's naturally time to salute the most powerful woman in Democratic Politics. Smart, opnionated, made it own her own...Oh! No, not that Presidential candidate, but a woman with REAL power in politics - the first female President of the