Shrimp and Grits

Hey!  Wordpress 2.6 is out.  This release is supposed to be easy to install, but I hear that you could cause a star to explode or something if you do it wrong.  Like that’s going to happen…

Supernova 1987a, from Astronomy Picture of the Day

I, of course, almost never get to watch these things live, but Obama’s latest speech is … really good.  The whole thing is worth a read or a listen, but I thought I’d point out a few lines.

But the depth of [the 9/11] tragedy also drew out the decency and determination of our nation. At blood banks and vigils; in schools and in the United States Congress, Americans were united - more united, even, than we were at the dawn of the Cold War. The world, too, was united against the perpetrators of this evil act, as old allies, new friends, and even long-time adversaries stood by our side. It was time - once again - for America’s might and moral suasion to be harnessed; it was time to once again shape a new security strategy for an ever-changing world.

Imagine, for a moment, what we could have done in those days, and months, and years after 9/11.

• We could have deployed the full force of American power to hunt down and destroy Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all of the terrorists responsible for 9/11, while supporting real security in Afghanistan.
• We could have secured loose nuclear materials around the world, and updated a 20th century non-proliferation framework to meet the challenges of the 21st.
• We could have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in alternative sources of energy to grow our economy, save our planet, and end the tyranny of oil.
• We could have strengthened old alliances, formed new partnerships, and renewed international institutions to advance peace and prosperity.
• We could have called on a new generation to step into the strong currents of history, and to serve their country as troops and teachers, Peace Corps volunteers and police officers.
• We could have secured our homeland–investing in sophisticated new protection for our ports, our trains and our power plants.
• We could have rebuilt our roads and bridges, laid down new rail and broadband and electricity systems, and made college affordable for every American to strengthen our ability to compete.

We could have done that.

Instead, we have lost thousands of American lives, spent nearly a trillion dollars, alienated allies and neglected emerging threats - all in the cause of fighting a war for well over five years in a country that had absolutely nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks.

It’s long … but it summarizes quite well what a lot of us were thinking when the war with Iraq started.

Patty has a garden this summer, and there are quite a few tomato plants there.  But lately, some of the tomatoes have gone missing - taken in their prime by a dastardly tomato thief.  Who’s the number one suspect?

Stop, thief!

For more animal friends, visit The Daily Ark!

The big news on the Internet this week seems to be the War on Crack that’s currently going on in Flint, Michigan.

No, not that kind of crack.  This kind of crack:

From the linked article:

Flint residents now have to watch their butts because Police Chief David Dicks is on the lookout.

Dicks, who took over the department last month on an interim basis, announced that his officers would start arresting people wearing saggy pants that expose skivvies, boxer shorts or bare bottoms.

Absurdly high crime rates can make people do strange things, but is harassing teens who haven’t yet learned how to pull up their pants going to solve Flint’s problems?

Friends and family members - if you’re looking for a few more recent pictures of Cate, my friends Richard and Kathy have posted a bunch of new pictures of Cate playing with their daughter Mya.

California sounds like a fun place.

The Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco wants to rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W. Bush Sewage Plant. Supporters are hoping to put the issue on the November ballot.

That sounds about right.  And if the sewage plant idea doesn’t work out, there’s always the local landfill!

Here’s a plastic step-stool that Cate uses.

Other than the obscenely cute artwork on the top, what’s wrong with this stool?  Take a closer look at the label.

“Far East Brokers and Cons“?  What a rip off!

Until now, I’ve not blogged about John Freshwater.  He’s the Ohio fundamentalist who’s been busted for forcing his religion onto students in his public school classroom.

But as someone who teaches, I have to say something.  I teach adults (usually) instead of children, but I often teach in a laboratory environment.  My top priority in a lab situation is to keep my students safe.  I don’t want my students burning themselves, spilling chemicals on themselves, cutting themselves with broken glassware, or accidentally stumbling onto any of the other ways to get hurt in the chemistry lab.  I want them to learn something and to have fun, but I want them leaving in at least as good a condition as they were in when they arrived.

With that in mind, I just read that the Mount Vernon school board has planned to fire John Freshwater.  Good.  It’s a start.  He has no business in a classroom.

And, though I admit that I have little patience with fundamentalist loons like Freshwater, I don’t think his religion is his real problem.  Sure, he should be fired for pushing his religion in science class.  You’re not allowed to do that on the taxpayer’s dime.  But let’s remember what else went on:

Freshwater burned crosses onto the arms of some of his students and told them that gays are sinners, the school board said in a resolution the five members passed unanimously yesterday after meeting privately to discuss the results of an investigation.

Firing him is letting him off too easy.  This clown is supposed to be a science teacher - someone who inspires his young students with a love of science while ensuring they stay safe - and he’s deliberately injuring them?  He should be prosecuted and jailed if found guilty.  After being fired, of course …

I’ve been asked a few times to post a recent picture of Cate. So, here it is!

As you can see, she’s a little blonde tornado, cutting a wide path of destruction through the house!

If you’re disappointed with the quality of the picture above, don’t worry.  Using an advanced high-speed camera, Patty was able to obtain a nice picture of Cate helping to wash the car.

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles …

This week, Rusty enjoys a flat-rate Priority Mail box.

“You mean that even if I mail myself, it’s the same flat rate?  Great! Tape this box shut and mail me to a seafood restaurant!”