we elect these people for this????????????

In the "you're kidding, right?" category. By the way this was on the FRONT page of the newspaper.

The city council voted to allow miniature goats to be kept as pets. Due to the tireless efforts of the "Goat Justice League (who can make this up?), their attributes as human companion, milk maker and "weed whacker" justified the unanimous vote. The councilman who sponsored this vital legislation was quoted " one small step for man, one giant leap for goatkind."

Here's the deal: A local resident and "outlaw" goat owner, president of the Goat Justice League (still cannot get over this), a distinguished group of 100 members sought this change in the old law after her neighbor alerted the city and complained. During a hearing, testimony was presented by "animal lovers, advocates of urban sustainability and children". (you know I can see animal lovers, but children???? And I'm not even going to go there on those advocates. Advocates of WHAT exactly?)

Well after, I'm sure, much debate, thought and deliberation, this was approved as long as the goats are licensed and dehorned. (Who wants a horny, old goat running around? Couldn't pass that one up!) IN ADDITION, male goats have to be neutered (good idea for the continuation of the species) as they give off a rather musky scent which some find offensive (hurray for the anti-musky goat smellin league). They also have to be kept on a leash to protect park vegetation and sidewalk gardens, but they can be lent to others for grazing purposes.

It's good to know that our elected officials are SO busy with these weighty matters. Holding hearings and what-not. Don't want to waste valuable time and effort with more mundane topics as EDUCATION, INFRASTRUCTURE and such.

But not to be outdone, another councilman wanted to grab the spotlight as he proclaimed "Why stop there? Why not sheep, llamas...? I think there is an argument that there are greater heights to be achieved with urban sustainability."

Now these guys are showing serious political potential! They should definitely try for a more national position! But then again, why replace the fine ones' we have now?

Have a nice day!

idiocy rum amok

What about this? 3 in 3 days. Must be something in the wind. Normally I don't get too pissed off on a Friday as generally think it's poor form but this caught my eye (and ire).

There was an article in the Washington Post regarding TSA (you know those folks at airport security check-ins) taking a closer look at travelers' mannerisms. It seems that they have been using a sneaky, dastardly approach to screening. That is studying facial expressions and behavior. Oh the horror!

The TSA intends to have about 1,000 screeners (why not all of em?) trained in this technique by year's end. This involves the art of observing slight facial movements (among others) to indicate that a person is lying. Maybe a good way to spot some criminal behavior?

Since Jan 06 (that's about 21 months for those somewhat challenged), they have referred 40,000 for extra screening. Of that amount nearly 300 have been arrested for such crimes as carrying concealed weapons, drug trafficking and illegal immigration. (Don't say how many potential terrorists, don't care.)

Well wouldn't you just know that this practice has gotten the civil libertarians and some politicians all in a lather. Privacy rights, racial and ethnic profiling are at stake here. Now hearings in Congress are going to be held. (Doesn't that make you sleep better at night?)

A comment to those blithering idiots all worked up: GET A GRIP! (That's a bit on the subdued side as my Mother may read this, and I don't want her to think her baby boy is capable of such language.)

I got it. Maybe the TSA should pass out a questionnaire asking if you are a lying, no-good terrorist (gun-totin crook, crack head or any other moron); and if so, please check the appropriate box. Don't pay any attention that I'm sweating through my clothes, have a nervous tick and after staring at any security personnel, quickly look away after noticed. Hey, I'm just going to visit my dear, old, sick great-grandmother (aunt, uncle, dog, hamster, whatever).

Just as long as you don't offend anybody! What difference does it make if the plane goes down anyway? Just a few people killed, no big deal. But heaven, forbid offend anybody!

As an aside, testing is going on to see through clothing with Superman-like vision. Ain't that something. I pity the poor rascal who looks at my image.

And with that, have a good weekend! Maybe enjoy a brown liquor drink!

various ramblins

A friend called earlier and wanted to know what I thought about the Iranian president laying a wreath at Ground Zero. Told her that I thought it was fine as long as the wreath was made out of explosive materials. Or that the vehicle in which he was riding hit a road-side bomb manufactured in Iran.

Actually, I was not aware that he was attending a meeting at the UN. Now that's an august body that should be dropped into the sea. Anybody read anything positive that the UN has accomplished lately? Or for that matter, ever?

On another unrelated matter. I haven't really read much about the "Jena 6" so I'm not qualified to render an opinion. However, any occasion that has drawn Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and their like should immediately be dismissed and ignored. I'm convinced that they have done more harm for race relations in the past 25-30 years than anybody. Even more than the NAACP.

Don't you just hope that OJ gets life? And that's enough on that subject.

And with that, good day!

not all that pissed off

Been away for a bit. Doing some really enjoyable stuff and don't have a tremendous axe to grind on the pissed off scale. (Am sure that will change in the days ahead though)

Even the air travel wasn't enough to get me started (that'll damn sure change).

Having kids and grandchildren around was absolutely fabulous. And the older they get keeps the festiveness going. Disappointed that it wasn't longer but will take what I can get.

It's truly wonderful watching the little ones' faces as they observe the goings on around them. Even the smallest, most simplistic item can produce such an intense focus. And the excitement they show cannot help but put a huge smile on your face.

And the enjoyment watching the kids' interaction and fascination with their children is outstanding. They are to be complimented with the job they're doing.

To add to the syrupiness, we are blessed that the kids have married the most delightful, fun, supportive, thankful, and a bunch of other accolades, spouses. Thank you (and your parents) for who you are.

Didn't think I was going to go all out and not have the least bit of pissed off ramblins, huh?

Enough of the whining: UT fans who think Florida ran up the score. (didn't play too good, huh?) Donovan McNabb on the additional scrutiny that black qb's receive (didn't you just get beat by a team with a black qb?) And last, but not least, -Americans. (if you were born in the US, you are an AMERICAN)

Enough for today, more at a later date.