Saturday Snark

Me: Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers.

Images courtesy of Power Line's The Week in Pictures

and its Comments section.

Friday Meme Fest

Images courtesy of Politico's

The Nation's Cartoonists on the Week in Politics.

Images courtesy of RealClearPolitics'

Cartoons of the Week.

Tim Curry, Dead at 80

Known primarily for his starring role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, British actor Tim Curry has died at age 80. Obituaries mention a number of his other roles, but tend to omit a couple I remember well. 

He played Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers and Dr. Petrov in Hunt for Red October. His was a unique, offbeat talent; he often played smirking villains.

A Curious Correlation

This graph was compiled at the request of columnist Glenn K. Beaton and posted at his Aspen Beat. He hurries to assure us that a correlation does not prove causation - technically true - but finds the covariation intriguing nevertheless.

In this particular case, there are reasons to think that correlation does equal causation. Testosterone is the male hormone that is responsible for dense muscle mass, risk-taking and road rage.

Testosterone is the main reason that males are far more likely than females to engage in mountaineering, car racing, entrepreneurialism, Seal Team 6-ing, boxing, exploration – and violent crime.

Just to be clear, both trend lines have been independently reported. Beaton may be first to note the rather obvious correlation and suggest reasons for possible causation. 

Perhaps that honor should instead go to SecWar Pete Hegseth whose recent public statements concerning testosterone testing for service members strongly implies such an awareness.

"It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good" ... folk idiom.

Update

Saturday, at the wedding reception I unintentionally ran an experiment that played out this way. At the open bar I ordered a tall screwdriver, meaning extra orange juice, not extra vodka. It was very tasty, and disappeared somewhat quickly. My general rule in adulthood has been one alcoholic beverage is enough.

Still thirsty on a hot afternoon, I got a second, this time pure OJ and ice with no vodka. Truly, orange juice does taste better with a splash of vodka, which I've heard alleged but just proved to myself. I'm an empiricist.

Yesterday's trip hangover was mild, mostly a lack of energy, no headache or "off" stomach. We had a quiet day, after a very busy weekend.

ICYMI, Christmas is four months from today.

Saturday Snark, Two Days Late

Images courtesy of Power Line's The Week in Pictures

and its Comments section.