Placebo

Placebo probably ranks as the best band I'm sort of into, but haven't quite gotten around to really exploring.

Anyway, their latest single is deliciously dark...

One last thing before I shuffle off the planet
I will be the one to make you crawl
So I came down to wish you an unhappy birthday
Someone call the ambulance
There's gonna be an accident

I'm coming up on infra-red
There is no running that can hide you
Cause I can see in the dark
I'm coming up on infra-red
Forget your running, I will find you....

And so on. With the driving music that just conveys a feeling of trepidation, just spectacular.

In Case You Missed Them...

Five GOP Scandals in Two Days!

Update: Make that Seven!

Disconcerting

Now, I'm the first to admit that I am a partisan hack, and that I'm not afraid to get my hands a little dirty when it comes to dealing with those of another party. Of course, I always do this in as ethical way as possible, and there is something that has always bugged me. Something that both parties do. And the current U.S. Senate race is a perfect example.

Now, I am all for attacking George Allen for campaigning for President during a Senate race. If he wants to run for Senate, he should, you know, try to spend some time in Virginia. He is running for Senate and President at the same time, and both Jim Webb and Harris Miller are perfectly right in attacking him for it.

But, there's a fine distinction.

Yes, criticizing Allen in this case is fine. But it comes dangerously close to criticizing a politician for generally having higher aspirations. We famously have seen it in the case of Senator Clinton, who, from the start, has been accused of using the Senate as a stepping stone for the Presidency. Locally, some people were grumbling about David Toscano, saying he had higher aspirations. And, hypothetically, if Mark Warner had been able to run for re-election in 2005, you know his Presidential aspirations would have been a major issue.

Unlike Allen, who is running for two offices at once, Toscano was going to be our Delegate, and that's it. Of course he didn't rule out running for higher office, but he politely declined to indulge in that kind of speculation. In 2005, he was all about the House of Delegates, and so far, he has made us proud there.
But Del. Toscano does seem to have higher aspirations and this seems to annoy some people. Delegate Toscano has ably filled the shoes of his predecessor, but he shouldn't be expected to copy Delegate Van Yahres' career. It should be expected that any politician won't stick around. And we should appreciate it.

When Delegate Toscano moves on, that gives us an opportunity to get more blood involved in local politics. After Toscano has made his contribution, could be not benefit by having a fresh perspective (especially since that will almost certainly be a Democratic perspective)? Could we not benefit by having you blood fill in the lower ranks when other politicians move up the ladder? And frankly, wouldn't it be stupid to be against potentially having an attorney general or governor from right here in CVille? And for us local Dems, we know a certain delegate from the 58th does plan to go places. Wouldn't it be great to have Mr. Toscano stop him in his tracks?

George Allen running for President while he runs for Senate is inexcusable. But, criticizing a politician for aspiring to higher office has always been a pet peeve of mine.

Mom's Birthday

Happy Birthday Mom!

Dysfunctional

Why is it that I have the distinct feeling that future historians, in an attempt to describe the worst civilizations in human history, will frequently cite the early 21st century United States?

Who's Got the Heroin?

In all their numerous scandals, the two thing the Republicans seemed to be missing were the two sexiest... sex and drugs.

And now we know those just haven't come to light yet. As Kos (and others) are reporting, a prostitution ring has been discovered involving MZM CEO Mitchell Wade, Former GOP Congressman Randy Cunningham, another former Congressman "who now holds a powerful intelligence post," (Porter Goss?), and up to six other GOP Congressmen.

Their hubris knows no bounds, and it is great to watch. If there is anything that will get people paying attention to the scandals (and the midterms), it's this.

Now, excuse me while I imagine MZM-connected Virgil Goode snorting cocaine off the back of a hooker.

Nightcap

Glory of Women
Siegfried Sassoon

You love us when we're heroes, home on leave,
Or wounded in a mentionable place.
You worship decorations; you believe
That chivalry redeems the war's disgrace.
You make us shells. You listen with delight,
By tales of dirt and danger fondly thrilled.
You crown our distant ardours while we fight,
And mourn our laurelled memories when we're killed.
You can't believe that British troops 'retire'
When hell's last horror breaks them, and they run,
Trampling the terrible corpses - blind with blood.
O German mother dreaming by fire,
While you are knitting socks to send your son
His face is trodden deeper in the mud.

Old Quote

A found an old quote on my old blog on Xanga...

"I think it's going to be great to be a Democrat in the next few years."

That was July 24, 2004. While I was still just a volunteer for the Al Weed campaign that year. Before I had any inclination that I would become the PC Dems President.

OK, so 11.2.04 sucked. Big time. But, that cycle and that year marked some incredible highs for me. While the Presidential election did not go the way we wanted, we Dems at Providence College basically hit a home run. All of our work was in New Hampshire, which John Kerry won. Also in New Hampshire, John Lynch broke the GOP stranglehold on New England GOP governerships. Back home, both Jim Langevin and Patrick Kennedy won handily. And Governor Carcieri's efforts to make Republican gains in the RI legislature completely failed.

11.8.05 was much better. The best the GOP could do was the election of an incumbent RINO mayor.

11.7.06 will be the best (until 2008, that is). It is now clear that the re-election of George Bush had a major bright lining. Two more years of hubris, arrogance, greed and incompetence have left us in an unexpected situation. We are not wondering whether or not the Democrats will gain seats. The more cautious among us are wondering if we can take control of Congress. The more bold are starting to talk about a political realigment.

So, it looks like I was right. The re-election aside, the last couple of years has been a fine time to be a Democrat!

May 3rd, 10 AM

That's when I interview for supervisor at Whole Foods. I'm damned well qualified, but some of the best people are going for it. Is there really room for five more supervisors?

Anyway, wish me luck.

Beer Review, Part II

My last review was of a Hefeweizen from Germany. People swear by the Hofbrau House, but frankly, no brewery in Munich should be outdone by a brewery in Texas. It's shameful. Regardless, the Shiner Hefeweizen does not have the sourness of its Munich counterpart. The beer could use some more complexity, but is smooth and pleasant. Overall, I give this a 6.

My entire experience with Delaware has been the towns of Newark and Wilmington, in other words, the I-95 corridor. So, the concept of a beer brewed from Delaware-grown hops frightens me a little. But, since Dead Poets Society was filmed in Delaware, I know there must be some arable land somewhere in the state. Dogfish Head has always struck me as a pretentious microbrewery, with flavors such as raisin and chicory. However, I have enjoyed their Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale. This beer has a very fruity taste. The flavor is bold and hits you at once, mellowing into a nice aftertaste. However, the flavor is overly complex for the beer the brewery describes as its "most approachable." I give this one a six.

It is obvious why Weihenstephan has been around for a millenia. This was probably my first favorite beer, and while it no longer carries that distinction, the first sip still delivers a crisp taste that develops into a mild nutty flavor. The Weihenstephaner Original is neither too simple nor too complex and is eminently drinkable. Rank: 9.

Also from Weihenstephan is the Weihenstephaner Kristallweissbier, a "crystal clear" beer. This beer is truly a magnificent experience. The aftertaste is lingering and slightly sour, but the beer itself, with its light and bubbly body and fruity taste, can be compared to a white wine. However, this doesn't mean it lacks any qualities of a fine beer. Another great offering from Weihenstephan. Rank: 8.

On a side note, Weihehstephaner is relatively close to turning 1000 years old. Anyone care to join me for Oktoberfest 2040?

Turning to Austria, and the Eggenberg Pilsner. This is a bitter beer, but bitter in a good way. Otherwise is has a very light and clean taste. Very drinkable. Rank: 7.

I am a recent convert to Mendocino Brewing Company's Red Tail Ale, which will be reviewed later when I can get a fresh bottle or twelve. Tonight, I tried their White Hawk Select IPA. This IPA presumes to be an old-style IPA. It is certainly hoppy, but has a sweet, caramel-like tone. And with the alcohol-contenct at 7 percent, it also packs a kick. I can see this beer being a definite contender as my favorite from Mendocino. Certainly one of New York's best. Rank: 8.

Fox News Anchor Becomes White House Press Secretary

Sigh. Nothing more needs to be said.

At least it will be interesting.

Bush Bullshit, A Timeline

About a week ago, I blogged about the high cost of oil locally and one Democrat's attempt to do something about it.

So, what was the GOP response? Did they say, "Hey, Senator Schumer! Oil and gas prices are really a problem for our constituents. Let's work together and see if we can work together to come up with a solution."

Of course not. Did the GOP have a more typical response, and say, "Those Democrats are hurting the President during wartime by, you know, caring about Americans, and are, um, you know, giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Why do they hate America?"

They didn't do that either. What did they do? Why, they stole the Democrats' idea!

On Monday, Bill Frist and Dennis Hastert wrote a letter to Mr. Bush, urging him to open a federal investigation into price gouging. And then, miraculously, just as Schumer had originally suggested, he did!

I can just picture the closed-door meeting in a smoke-filled room: "Hey boss, those Dems got a good issue boss, they're gonna hang us out to try boss, what should we do? Boss? Boss? You ok? Ok, I know, boss, we'll take their idea!"

So, Bush decided, by God, he would do something about those oil prices, and he solved this problem the same way he solves all problems... by loosening regulation!

Typical Bush BS. Steal a good idea from the Dems and somehow turn it into a plan to further benefit oil companies. And at the same time trying to spin it as something good for the public. Obviously, this is all bluster, and the oil companies will never be properly regulated (as in don't kill the planet or break the law) until we get the current crop of oil executives out of the White House.

Wingnuttery Squared

Georgia State Senator Nancy Schaefer has accomplished the inevitable... the linking of the immigration debate with abortion.

"I am convinced it is a consequence [of] the almost fifty million children we have put to death in their mother's womb through abortion. The large, unfilled job market in Georgia would not be a problem if the almost fifty million Americans were here, filling many of those jobs."

The logic is gloriously twisted, and this would be good for a great laugh if some people didn't actually take her seriously.

But, frankly, I'm glad those aborted Americans didn't take my job at Whole Foods, cause then I'd have to pick cotton for a living.

Yeah, right...

Dog Blogging

Riley, Our Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier...

Beer Review, Part I

I try a lot of different beers, so I thought I'd start reviewing them here. Also, a series of posts gives me an excuse to use a lot of roman numerals.

Since I haven't had the opportunity yet to take PVCC's beer class, I suppose I'll give a short description in layman's terms, then rank the beer on a scale of 1 to 10, with, say, one being Natural Light and ten being the nectar of the gods.

And as this shows, I am highly qualified to judge beer.

Tonight, I obtained two beers from the Build Your Own section at Whole Foods, to see if I should make an investment in the current sale beers.

Both beers are from Hofbrau, a beermaker in Munich, Germany.

First up is the Hofbrau Original. This is a lager that has some of the characteristics of a higher class German beer, but that's where it ends. The taste is light and crisp, but lacks any sort of complexity. It's good, but on the bland side. Rank: 6

Number two is the Hofbrau Hefeweizen. This is also lacking in complexity, but does sport a sour/bitter quality. It is not so bad as to be undrinkable, but is probably the worst Hefeweizen I've ever encountered. Rank: 3

Later, look forward to another Hefeweizen from closer to home as well as one of Germany's finest.

Futility

Move him into the sun--
Gently its touch awoke him once,
At home, whispering of fields unsown.
Always it woke him, even in France,
Until this morning and this snow.
If anything might rouse him now
The kind old sun will know.

Think how it wakes the seeds--
Woke, once, the clays of a cold star.
Are limbs so dear-achieved, are sides
Full-nerved, still warm, too hard to stir?
Was it for this the clay grew tall?
-- O what made fatuous sunbeams toil
To break earth's sleep at all?

-Wilfred Owen

Endorsements

In the upcoming primary for US Senate, I endorse Jim Webb. I honestly think he has what it takes to defeat George Allen in November. Get these two on stage, and I think that Allen will seem like a lightweight.

I have no endorsement in the 5th Congressional District race. I have great respect for both Al Weed and Bern Ewert as well as great reservations about each of their candidacies. I have wracked my brain on this one and have decided to just wait it out.

For Charlottesville City Council, I endorse Julian Taliaferro and Dave Norris. At least one of these guys is guaranteed a seat, but I think it is important that Rob Schilling, who is nothing more than an obstructionist, be denied a seat.

As for the Rhode Island scene, I endorse:
Charlie Fogarty for Governor (PC class of '77)
Elizabeth Roberts for Lieutenant Governor
Matt Brown for U.S. Senate
The Re-election of Patrick Lynch for Attorney General
The Re-election of David Cicilline for Providence Mayor

Best of luck to all these candidates in May, September, November, or whenever they face elections.

And, finally, for what it's worth, I endorse Steven Laffey for US Senate in Rhode Island, because his winning will make that seat much easier for the Democrats to take.

Our Leader

"The Republicans should not pick this fight. I've been in more boxing rings then all of them combined. And when you throw a punch at me, you end up on the mat." -Majority Leader Harry Reid

Go get 'em!

$39.56

That's how much it cost me to get one tank of gas last night at the 7-11/Citgo on Hyrdaulic. At 2.80 a gallon, this was even cheaper than the $2.82 at the Texaco (I think it's a Texaco... I never go there) across the street.

$40.00 for one tank of gas is outrageous. I might be able to accept this if OPEC severely cut back on exports, or there were some major catastrophe (such as the price spike following Hurricane Katrina when several oil rigs were knocked offline), or for any number of other reasons. But when oil companies are having their most profitable times ever, it doesn't take much to see where the companies are making their profits.

On our backs.

I am fortunate in that I live about a mile from work, and everything else I need is at worst downtown. But still, paying $40 for a tank of gas is a hardship. I can't imagine what some of my co-workers who live in places like Waynesboro, Madison or Gordonsville must be paying. And it pisses me off that I can't come to a friend's birthday party thirty miles away because I have to make a quarter tank of gas last until payday.

It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have the sense that the oil companies were doing something wrong, if not illegal. It wouldn't be so bad if the oil companies weren't making their massive profits when so many people are suffering from higher prices.

And it appears, at least to Senator Schumer, that something suspicious is going on. He is calling for a probe into why oil refineries are only producing at 85% capacity. Best of luck to him.

Here's hoping I can make this tank of gas last until, oh, next winter...

Kroger Sucks, Part II

More in the annals of Kroger at Hydraulic Road sucking ass.

First of all, I had a return. I had a receipt. It was a simple transaction. One that we do all the time at Whole Foods. But they made a fit about it. The CS rep had to call two managers, and then I had to make an even exchange (at least I could get a different product than the one that was defective), even though a cash refund was well more than appropriate.

And, they were out of lamb. Two days before Easter, and they're out of a traditional Easter meat. Have you ever heard of ordering extra, people?

On another note, I have to comment that the concept of eating rabbit on Easter never occured to me, and to those who acquired said meat recently, kudos. The Easter Bunny cut off the Easter Baskets way too early... he deserves what he gets!

Republicans

I work at Whole Foods, a bastion of liberals (at least on staff). In college, my six roommates numbered four Democrats, a Democratic leaning soldier who was very uncomfortable talking politics, and a Democratic leaning apathetic person. I was the head of the College Democrats. After College, I worked on a Democratic campaign. My landlord is a Republican who doesn't realize that he's really a Democrat.

Though I will never agree with their party's agenda, I think I need some more Republicans in my life.

Where's George?

In the spirit of last year's Jerry the Duck, Jim Webb has launched a scathing but hilarious criticism of our Senator who wants to be from Iowa.

Check it out here.

If George Allen wants to represent Virginia, he needs to, you know, spend some time in Virginia. Kudos to Jim Webb for presenting George Allen's hipocrisy in an interesting way.

Jim Webb for Senate-
Donate / Volunteer

Mock Trial

I assisted with a law school trial advocacy course tonight by serving as a juror in a mock trial.

The trial involved a real case from 2003 involving several charges stemming from someone who entered private property and an altercation with the property that ensued.

The charges were malicious wounding against the landowner (with lesser charges of unlawful wounding and assault and batter), assault and battery against the landowner's wife and trespassing. We found not guilty on all charges except the trespassing. The charge of assault against the landowner was the most contentious. On the one guilty charge of trespassing, we recommended 30 days plus a $250 fine. In the real trial, the verdict was guilty on assault against the landowner, with six months plus a fine.

It was a fascinating experience, though uncomplete as they had to compress an entire trial into a few hours. All the attorneys (law students) were decent, though the defense was leagues better than the prosecution. Suffice to say that if I needed an attorney, there were two that I would definitely not hire.

The jury was made up of forceful personalities. We were going with majority rule, and did not have much time, so it wasn't an accurate deliberation experience, but was interesting none the less. It was respectfully heated, which was fun.

Since my family seems to be genetically unable to get called for jury duty (despite wanting to), this is probably as close as I'll ever get, and it was fun.

Aging

Do you ever remember a thought as though you had it yesterday, and then realize it's been ten years since you last thought it?

Damn, getting older is fascinating.

Party Time

In no particular order, twelve people in the political world with whom I'd like to share some beers...

1) Bill Clinton
2) Mark Warner
3) Tim Kaine
4) Jack Reed
5) Ted Kennedy
6) Adam Roach
7) Patrick Kennedy
8) Howard Dean
9) Jimmy Carter
10) John Kerry
11) Al Gore
12) Chris Dodd

And, assuming the other twelve are all present, and no advisors to save the day...
13) George W. Bush

I've already imbibed in the presence of three of the above people. Care to guess?

If Only It Were Real...

I would like to congratulate President-elect Matt Santos.

...sigh...

Celebrity Musings

We Charlottesvillians think we're jaded. When we run into Dave Matthews in a grocery store, or we check out Sissy Spacek's groceries, we think, no big deal.

But, as the recent visits of Steve Carell and Molly Shannon to Whole Foods show, we think celebrity is no big deal because we're simply used to our local celebrities. People we only see on TV or in the movies are another deal.

Thanks to Mr. Carell and Ms. Shannon for visiting our quaint little store!

Bills for President

Sure, he can't vote yet, but Brian Bills has already accomplished more in the political world than most people do in a lifetime (the rest of the family are no slouches, either). I'm already waiting for the Bills for President campaign.

Mr. Bills is co-running the CVille City Council GOTV operation (despite not even living in the city), and for his efforts got some attention in this week's Cville Weekly (scroll down).

C-VILLE: Why do you want to co-chair this campaign?

Brian Bills: It's really the same reason I'm involved in politics at all: I feel like I can make a difference. Especially with a local election, it's all about voter turnout. No candidate has ever lost for City Council who's gotten 3,900 votes. Now think about it: It's not really that many people.

Now, honestly, what high school junior says that? Clearly, he's been hanging around some very smart people ;)

[Another] Republican Bastard

We all remember Rick Santorum defrauding a Pennsylvania school system by actually living in Virginia. But a Pennsylvania Democrat, Ret. Adm. Joe Sestak, had a better reason for living part time in PA... his daughter was in treatment in Washington D.C. for a life-threatening brain tumor. And it's not as though they were living serenly in NoVa suburbia, like Mr. Santorum. The Sestaks were living with their daughter in a pediatric oncology ward.

Sestak is now challenging incumbent Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA), who criticized Sestak for how he had his daughter's illness treated.

From The Hill,

Weldon attacked Sestak’s decision to continue owning a home in Virginia while only renting in Pennsylvania and questioned why Sestak did not move back to Pennsylvania when he was working at the Pentagon. Weldon commutes from Pennsylvania each day.

Weldon also suggested Sestak should have sent his daughter to a hospital in Philadelphia or Delaware, rather than the Washington hospital. Sestak said that as soon as doctors give his daughter the all-clear, he’ll buy in Pennsylvania.

Though it is reprehensible, this is typical Republican behavior. Not only is Weldon shamelessly attacking Sestak's family, but since Sestak is a retired Navy admiral, Weldon plans to swift-boat him by digging up some other admirals to disparage his record.

Of course there is one way you can tell Weldon he's wrong to personally assault a man and his family. And that is to donate to Joe Sestak.

Vacation of Sorts

I've just had two days off, and I don't have to be in until 2:30 tomorrow.

Rest is fun.

Kroger @ Hydraulic

I've been around, but by far, the worst grocery store I have ever experienced is the Kroger at Hydraulic Road.

I go there from time to time, because it's convenient to my house, and, presumably, anything packaged somewhere else is safe to eat.

But, I never go there without being amazed at the sheer lack of quality of their products and the incompetence of many of their employees.

I remember going there a couple of years ago and noticing the horrific nature of their produce section. Not only did they simply place the boxes that the produce comes in on the floor, but there was actually rotten produce on the floor. This went on for quite some time, when, suddenly, the produce looked good! I thought, maybe they got a new manager or a new produce manager. But after awhile, it went back to sucking. It seems clear that the only reason they shaped up when they did was because the health department came down on them.

I am constantly amazed at being able to interact with their cashiers, even attempting to engage in conversation, without their saying a single word. I have been amused to hear a comment along the lines of "my nametag says 'cashier,' why am I bagging," as if bagging three items was some kind of major hardship.

Today, with my four items, I said I did not want a bag. The bagger heard me, asked how I was going to carry my stuff to my car without a bag (despite my having done a fine job getting my items to the checkout), and then proceeded to put my items in a bag and mockingly ask if I needed help to my car.

I feel bad for blogging this, but I have been shocked so many times, that I need to express it somewhere. I would call the store or the company, but I have a vested interest in their going down in flames, so it actually benefits me for them to suck. And given that I used to work in a produce section at an area grocery store, and I currently work customer service at another store, so I know how good customer service can be. I think service at more stores is passable (even at the Barracks Kroger, which most people think is worse than Hydraulic), but this one is atrocious.

And to that bagger today... don't mess with customers. If they've ever worked customer service at a grocery store, they can make your life a living hell, hehehe..... you're lucky I was in a hurry.

Schoolin'

So, it occured to me, that unless you count pre-school, I have never finished a level of education at the same school.

Here goes:
Pre K-K: Creative Learning Center, Somewhere in Suburban Atlanta, GA
1-2: North Cobb Christian School, Kennesaw, GA
2-5: Hamilton Crossing Elementary School, Cassville, GA
6-7: The Darlington School, Rome, GA
8-9: The Pingry School, Martinsville, NJ
10: Albemarle High School, Charlottesville, VA
11-12: Monticello High School, Charlottesville, VA
College 1-3: Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA
College 4-5: Providence College, Providence, RI

Hell, just in Virginia I've lived in Richmond, Albemarle (3 locations), Nelson (2 locations). And if you count our post housefire (2000) transience period, that adds about one month each to locations in Albemarle, Charlottesville and Fluvanna.

I've always moved around a lot, and occasionally I think having been born and raised in one town might be nice. But the overwhelming variety of places I've seen makes me able to adapt to almost anything, and I think that's pretty invaluable.

The Raising Kaine of 2006

Some folks who support or are otherwise associated with Harris Miller have a great blog outlining how grossly unqualified George Allen is to be our Senator. It's called Where's George Allen? Check it out.

Jimmy Meadows is an Idiot

So, an eight-grader accidentally brings a knife to school. A knife that he used legitimately the day before. And then said student is responsible and immediately turns in the knife when he enters the school. So, what does he get for his laudable actions?

A ten day suspension, and possible expulsion.

So, the next time someone accidentally brings a weapon to school, are they going to report it now? Of course not.

And what other message does this send? When you make a mistake, by all means, do not do the right thing, or you'll get punished!

After Texas going after drunks in bars and now New Jersey going after kids who follow the rules, it seems this misguided attempt at enforcing laws is a national thing.

Given that I lived very close to Warren Township when I lived in Jersey, this makes me glad I went to private school.

Great War

I am reminded tonight of a Wilfred Owen poem... one of my favorites.

Professor Edward McCrorie at Providence is the kind of guy who has been around forever and consequently has an aura of knowledge and respect. At a poetry reading (where, incidentally, I read the following poem) he made the comment that he enjoyed a poem that was short, to the point, and invoked an emotional reponse. Though I didn't comment on the similarity at the time, the poem I read was similar in that regard. Furthermore, it was in his class that I discovered Wilfred Owen, beyond the whole Dulce et Decorum Est bullshit, which is a fine poem, but has been done to death (but was always good for an easy A on a short paper).

I read this poem because at the time I was feeling the connection between many "Christian" churches and their fervid support of the war in Iraq.

I love the juxtaposition of religion with war (altars = trenches), and it reminds me of modern "religious" leaders urging blind support of our President. And, of course, the image of Abraham refusing to sacrifice Pride in favor of his own son. This is a beautifly simple condemnation of both the religious fervor behind war and the political forces behind the War to End All Wars.

Here 'tis:

The Parable of the Old Man and the Young

So Abram rose, and clave the wood, and went,
And took the fire with him, and a knife.
And as they sojourned both of them together,
Isaac the first-born spake and said, My Father,
Behold the preparations, fire and iron,
But where the lamb for this burnt offering?
Then Abram bound the youth with belts and straps,
And builded parapets and trenches there,
And stretched forth the knife to slay his son.
When lo! and angel called him out of heaven,
Saying, Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
Neither do anything to him. Behold,
A ram, caught in a thicket by his horns;
Offer the Ram of Pride instead of him.

But the old man would not so, but slew his son,
And half the seed of Europe, one by one.