Freedom's just another word...NOT!

My pal Jamie over at An Animal Rescuer's Life (Check her out if you get a chance--she's a fun read, although she can definitely make me cry with some of her animal tales.) recently wrote an entry about her problem with what she called "Sire Toilet." It made me laugh, and I thought of her when I came across a series of pictures of altered warning signs. Here's the one that made me think of Jamie.

 

It's a warning for an Attack Toilet! Yikes--you don't want to run across one of those!

 

Here's the page that has all the altered signs, and I think you'll find them as funny as I did. Some of the actual warning signs I see already crack me up (here's my entry about a baby in a bucket, which also contains a link to my entry about not storing baby in plastic storage bins), so the altered ones are even funnier!

 

Speaking of funny, I saw a video this morning about Sarah Palin's hacked email account. I don't think that part is funny. That was an invasion of privacy, and hackers are not our friends! (Although her refusal to turn over her emails concerning state business, even though she CC'd her husband--NOT a part of the administration--seems a little fishy to me. Apparently it is not illegal, and there is precedent for spousal privilege there. We all share things with our spouses unless someone tells us not to. I always ask a person if it's okay to share that with Ken...if they say no, I don't. Anyhoo, if it's official business, why can't we see those records? I'm just askin'.)

 

The funny part of the video is that Bill O'Reilly (who is funny in his own scary way) is discussing the email hack with a fellow FoxNews reporter. While I'm not a fan of FoxNews, I applaud this woman for standing up to this guy and saying, "No no no...that is not how it works!" O'Reilly keeps giving more and more ludicrous analogies, and she shoots every single one of them down, almost to the point of becoming exasperated with his lame argument. She brings up freedom of the press, and there's that darn First Amendment again...that thing will just NOT go away!

 

I believe that the press has a responsibility to not incite panic, but the First Amendment is the reason we all have the right to state our opinions, whether in print or by spoken word. Hacking the email account was wrong, and the person will be subject to prosecution; the web site that posted the emails was reporting news, had no part in anything illegal, and is not subject to any charges whatsoever. Nice try, O'Reilly, and sieg heil! But I don't think so!

 

 

Tags: Attack Toilet, Sarah Palin's email account, Bill O'Reilly, First Amendment, freedom of the press

Get 'im, Sheeba!

 

From Telegraph.co.uk:

Mickey Mouse is a corrupting influence and must die, a Muslim cleric has declared.

By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent 
15 Sep 2008

Sheikh Muhammad Munajid warned that depictions of the creature in cartoons such as Disney's Mickey Mouse, had taught children that it was in fact lovable. [He] claimed the mouse is "one of Satan's soldiers" and makes everything it touches impure.

But he warned that depictions of the creature in cartoons such as Tom and Jerry, and Disney's Mickey Mouse, had taught children that it was in fact lovable.

The cleric, a former diplomat at the Saudi embassy in Washington DC, said that under Sharia, both household mice and their cartoon counterparts must be killed.

Mr Munajid was asked to give Islam's teaching on mice during a religious affairs programme broadcast on al-Majd TV, an Arab television network.

According to a translation prepared by the Middle East Media Research Institute, an American press monitoring service, he said: "The mouse is one of Satan's soldiers and is steered by him. If a mouse falls into a pot of food--if the food is solid, you should chuck out the mouse and the food touching it, and if it is liquid--you should chuck out the whole thing, because the mouse is impure. According to Islamic law, the mouse is a repulsive, corrupting creature. How do you think children view mice today--after Tom and Jerry? Even creatures that are repulsive by nature, by logic, and according to Islamic law have become wonderful and are loved by children. Even mice. Mickey Mouse has become an awesome character, even though according to Islamic law, Mickey Mouse should be killed in all cases."

Last month Mr Munajid condemned the Beijing Olympics as the "bikini Olympics", claiming that nothing made Satan happier than seeing females athletes dressed in skimpy outfits.

Ah-hah-hah-hah! You know, I really do believe in respecting others' rights and religions (As long as they don't step on others' rights, and they keep their religion out of our government...remember that whole "separation of church and state" thing? You know...the First Amendment?!), but I'm sorry...this is just plain silly.

I think we all agree that we don't want a mouse--Mickey, Minnie, or any of their evil minions--hanging out in our kitchens. Yuck! We're lucky that Sheeba is a great mouser, and if he catches a mouse in the basement, he brings him up, places him in one of our shoes, and then we can go out on the deck and dump the mouse outside. Sheeba enjoys the hunt, he gets much praise (and treats) for catching the mouse, we don't have to kill the mouse, and we get the mouse out of the house. Everyone's a winner! Hey...if Sheeba is a great mouser, does that make him an Avenging Angel of God?? Jeez, I hope not...he already rules this household. Give him Avenging Angel status and he'll be impossible.

But calling Mickey or any of his country cousins "one of Satan's soldiers?" I can't help it...that's just funny!

And a couple of points. While we may get the occasional mouse in the basement, we aren't so lousy with rodents that we have them falling from the ceiling into our food. If that ever did happen, you can bet I'd throw the whole dang thing out, whether solid or liquid, not just whatever food the mouse touched. I wouldn't care if it was a dozen filet mignons, they'd be gone.

Since when do Muslim clerics call things "awesome?" As in "Mickey Mouse has become an awesome character." Does he mean it as in "awe-inspiring" or in the surfer dude way? "Mickey? Ohhhhh...AWESOME!"

And oh yes...the "Bikini Olympics." I'm sure that Lucifer was sitting on his throne in Hades, glued to NBC's coverage of the Beijing Olympics, chortling in a very evil way and muttering to himself, "Bikinis...eeexcelleeeent. Hey, I wonder if Bob Costas wears a toupee?"

Tags: Mickey Mouse must die, Satan, Lucifer, Beijing Olympics, Bob Costas

Machiavellian Monday

Arrrr, hope ye're havin' a fun-blasted Talk Like a Pirate Day! Ye've still got several hours t'go, so make the best of 'em, ye barnacle-crusted salty dogs!

 

A big thanks to Linda over at Linda's World for including my link (and Ken's) in her Guest Editor write-up this week. Thanks, Linda!

 

After a quick trip to my doctor's office, I picked up a few things at the grocery store. When I got home and was putting things away, Ken called from work. He said, "Guess what we're doing Monday?" Of course, I had no idea, and not enough time to come up something clever, so I said, "Uhhh...I dunno." He said, "Remember that Economics Club?" I do...they have guest speakers up at one of the Michigan colleges, and a while back, we went to hear John Glenn speak. Well, Ken got us tickets to hear the guest speaker on Monday, who is none other than...Karl Rove.

 

That's right, brilliant political strategist to some, the Prince of Darkness's understudy to others.

 

Whether you love him or hate him, he certainly figured out how to get Pres. Bush elected to two terms. However, his Machiavellian techniques left a very bad taste in many mouths (just ask John McCain).

 

Rove was in the news just this week, for this (from Frank James of The Chicago Tribune):

 

Karl Rove was asked this morning on Fox New Sunday about truth in advertising, specifically campaign advertising, and he had something unexpected to say.

 

He said Obama's campaign had ranged too far from the truth in at least one of its TV ads, the one in which it accused Sen. John McCain of being out of touch because he admitted to not knowing how to use e-mail. That was predictably Rovian.

 

But here was the surprise. Rove went on to say McCain's campaign had veered too far from the truth as well in attacking Obama. According to Rove:

 

"McCain has gone, in some of his ads, similarly gone one step too far in sort of attributing to Obama things that are, you know, beyond the 100% truth test."

 

This prompted a response from Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera:

 

"When Karl Rove says your campaign is dishonest, maybe it's time to reevaluate."

 

Ouch man. But how true. The King of the Smear Campaign said that Obama's ads stretch the truth--not surprising that he'd say that (although they're actually mostly factual, according to FactCheck), because of his party affiliation. But to go on to say that McCain's ads--the guy in his own party--is stretching the truth...well, that was a surprise!

 

Considering the highly charged atmosphere of this election, this speech could get pretty lively. It's a dinner speech, so I wonder if someone will throw a roll at him? I wonder if he'll get some tough questions? I'd like to ask something like, "You said that McCain's ads have gone too far. Is this your way of saying that Sen. McCain has lied about things?" Maybe someone will ask, "You've sold your soul to the devil. Do you think your lawyers will be able to get you out of your contract?" Ha ha!

 

I'm obviously not a fan of the guy--I think "Rovian" has entered America's lexicon as a word that means using questionable, if not downright dishonest, tactics, and using whatever weapons you can--real or fictitious--to win. If you don't have facts, make something up. It's detestable, but the sad  truth is that it often works. What does that say about US?

 

I think it should be an interesting speech, though. And we get dinner. Ken told me that for next year, they're trying to get Bush, as well as Condi. I would definitely love to hear Condi speak!

 

 

 

Tags: Talk Like a Pirate Day, Karl Rove, John McCain

Another conversation with my husband

[We have CNN on]

CNN says, "Breaking news about Todd Palin!"

Ken: He's pregnant!

Me: [huge laugh]

Thank goodness I wasn't taking a drink at the time! Major spit-take!

It's no "Dating Game," but....

 

Welcome to the fabulous new game show that's sweeping the nation, "Stump The Candidate!"

 

[applause]

 

That's right, folks, this is where we ask the questions that need to be answered, and see what YOUR candidates have to say!

 

[cheers]

 

I'm your host, Chuck Woolery. Our questions are sent in by YOU, the American voter. There's a lot at stake here, folks. The questions you ask of the candidates can make or break them...but YOU are the ultimate winners...or will you be the losers?

 

[boos]

 

Let's get started, shall we?

 

[cheers]

 

Your candidate tonight comes to us all the way from the 49th state! That's right, from Wasilla, Alaska, please welcome Governor Sarah Palin!

 

[applause]

 

Sarah was a point guard on her high school's state championship basketball team, where she earned the nickname "Sarah Barracuda"; the first runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant, in which she won the honor of Miss Congeniality; she's been the governor of Alaska for 20 months; and most recently, was picked by Senator John McCain to be his running mate in this year's presidential election! Way to go, Sarah! She is also the mother of five, and told our staff that her hobbies are hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, and she LOVES moose burgers! [laughs] Well, I don't know about the moose burgers, but I'll take your word for it, Sarah!

 

[laughter/applause]

 

Are you ready, Sarah? Good! Here we go. Here's your first question. "Where do you stand on women's issues, and what will you do to ensure that women are treated fairly in the workplace and in American society?"

 

[DING]

 

Sarah: Title IX!

 

Oooh, I'm sorry, Sarah. While this act, passed in 1972, is important for athletics and education, it doesn't take into account inequalities in the workplace, or in salaries. Or reproductive and health issues. Let's move on to the next question. "What are your qualifications when it comes to foreign policy, and dealing with foreign heads of state?"

 

Sarah: In what respect, Charlie?

 

Uhh, it's Chuck, actually. What experience do you have that would assure the American public that you can deal with sensitive negotiations with other countries?

 

[DING]

 

Sarah: I've been to Ireland!

 

Ooooh...once again, I'm sorry. Your plane landed there for refueling, but our judges tell us that a refueling stop does not qualify as an actual visit. Let's move on. Good luck. "How do you respond to the so-called Troopergate allegations...that you used your influence as governor to coerce the state public safety chief to fire your ex-brother-in-law?"

 

[DING]

 

Sarah: I took on the good ol' boys network!

 

Uhhh...yeah. That may be, but I'm afraid that's not an answer to the question. Next question. "How will you deal with the energy crisis?"

 

[DING]

 

Sarah: Put it on eBay!

 

Okay. That is not a viable option. We have one more question in this round. "By all accounts, the economy is in big trouble. What is your understanding of the situation, and what do you think can be done to fix it?"

 

[DING]

 

Sarah: LIPSTICK!

 

No, that is NOT correct. What kind of an answer is that? What are you--? Okay, that is the end of the first round. You have the option of moving on to the lightning round, in which you will be asked even more questions about the economy, foreign policy, the war in Iraq, earmarks, and of course, health care. Governor Sarah Palin, do you wish to continue on to the lightning round?

 

Sarah: Thanks...but no thanks.

 

A wise choice. Although you won't be continuing on, we hope you'll accept this parting gift of a year's supply of Rice-A-Roni!

 

Sarah: Let me say it again. Thanks, but no thanks.

 

You don't want the Rice-A-Roni? Everyone loves Rice-A-Roni! It's the San Francisco treat!

 

Sarah: I'm afraid I just can't support a product that comes from that city. You know the type of "lifestyle" of the people who live there---

 

Okay, that's it for today, folks! Join us next time on "Stump The Candidate!"

 

[applause, outro music]

 

 

 

Tags: Stump The Candidate, Sarah Palin

Wile E.

 

Last evening, Ken and I were sitting here in the dining room. I got up to get something, and glanced out the window. I saw something trotting across the back yard, by the far pond. I took a closer look and said, "OOO! Honey...HONEY! LOOK!" Ken looked and said, "Oh wow!" I said, "Do you see him? Do you see him?" (I was a little excited.) Ken said, "Yeah!"

 

It was our coyote! A few years ago, I had caught a glimpse of one out in the marsh, but didn't get a good look at him. Not too long ago, we heard one howling one night. But this time we both got a perfect view for about 30 seconds, as he sort of trotted along, sniffed at the ground, then took off down the path through the marsh. He didn't stick around long enough for me to get a picture, though. There was no mistaking him for a dog...he had that bushy tail, held down at about a 45° angle. Ken said, "He looked pretty healthy, too!" I was so glad Ken got to see him, too.

 

No, we're not going to try to shoot him or hunt him. And yes, when mowing the pathway, Ken has found the remains of a fawn. We look at it as all a part of our little ecosystem here at Nutwood. Deer populations have exploded because of the lack of natural predators, but we actually have one here, and that's a good thing. (I don't ever want to see one take down a fawn, but I know it can happen.) I was doing a little reading about coyotes this morning, and they're also great at keeping down the rodent population, so our coyote friend is welcome to stick around. Here's a little bit about them.

 

The Latin name is Canis latrans, which means "barking dog." It is native to western North America, but with the absence of natural predators such as wolves and mountain lions, coyotes have moved into all states except Hawaii, including into urban areas. Thousands are killed each year, but their population has increased.

 

Adults grow to an average of 35 inches (89 cm) with a 14 (36 cm) inch tail; they stand about 21 inches (53 cm) at the shoulder and weigh about 30 lbs (14 kg). Coyotes live in pairs, and both parents care for the young. They hunt alone or in pairs, and rarely, in small groups when going after larger prey. These bands are loosely aligned, and don't have the strict hierarchy of wolf packs. They are mostly nocturnal, but are sometimes seen during the day. (We saw ours around 7 PM or so, when it was still light.) They can maintain a speed of 35 mph (56 km) when chasing prey.

 

Coyotes are omnivorous, consuming a variety of small animals; they also eat plant matter, carrion, and garbage. They can dig their own burrows, but usually take over the burrows of woodchucks or badgers. They also make their dens in roots of trees or rock crevices. Their territorial range can be as much as 12 miles (19 km) in diameter around the den and they travel along fixed trails. (We see all kinds of animal trails out in the woods...we always thought they were made by the deer!) They have been known to live a maximum of 10 years in the wild and 18 years in captivity.

So there you have it! Interesting critters, and kind of fun to have one. Sheeba says, "I'm glad I'm an indoor kitty!" Right you are, Sheeba. I don't think you'd want to encounter one of these guys!

Since Ken put up a cartoon about Pepé Le Pew when writing about skunks, I suppose you know what's coming, don't you? Suuuuupergenius! I'm not sure what it says about me that these still make me laugh out loud...young at heart, maybe? 

 

 

Tags: Coyotes, Wile E. Coyote, Looney Tunes

Serendipity

 

After I made a decision tonight, I read our friend DB's entry.

 

Is he psychic or something?

 

His entry confirmed that I made the right choice, a choice that was eerily similar to one I made some time ago. While I'm not a superstitious person, I do think that sometimes there are things that make you realize that you are on the right track, and I definitely got that feeling tonight.

 

Thanks, D, for what you wrote...although you didn't know it at the time, you gave me quite a nice little boost, a feeling of vindication, and a conviction that I did the right thing. It might not have been quite a "Eureka!" moment, but it was pretty damn close. Thank you, friend.

 

I'm going to try to get to bed soon, because I want to get an early start tomorrow. I plan on working on my concept for a fabulous new game show called "Stump the Candidate!" First contestant: Sarah Palin. First question: What are your qualifications when it come to foreign policy?

 

[sound of crickets]

 

It's conceptual at this point. More to come!

Tags: Serendipity, Stump The Candidate