R.I.P. India

The Bush family cat, a female black American Shorthair named India (often called “Willie” or “Kitty”) died at home at the White House on January 4, 2009 after 18 years of love and devotion to the First Family.



India often let Barney and Miss Beazley, the Bush’s two Scottish Terriers steal the show as she preferred more aesthetic pursuits such as music (shown here listening to a piano serenade). But she was obviously a good sport about it all as you see in the photo above of her being licked by Miss Beazley while Barney looks on.

(shamelessly stolen from Flopping Aces)

Natural Born Citizen

From the email archives:

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The following is a funny and true story occurring in an AP Government class at Santa Fe High School.

In one civics class, the young adults were discussing the qualifications to be president of the United States. It was pretty simple. The candidate must be a natural born citizen and at least 35 of years of age.

However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen. In short, her opinion was this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.

The class was just taking it in and letting her rant, but everyone’s jaw hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating…

“What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?”

… and they walk among us and vote.

Birds of a Feather

These are, anyway.

Top 10 Birds That Could Kick Your Ass



When I was a kid, we used to have a rooster that would kick mine every chance he got. Geese can inflict some painful nips, too. I once worked for a guy who raised fighting cocks and he had a hen that took a dislike to me and would spur me as I walked by. He used to move her around from her tethered position just so I would bypass her spot and walk right by where she actually was.

Dad quit raising chickens after leaving a coffee can full of sodium hydroxide (often called "caustic soda", it's a very concentrated form of lye, was used to "scrub" our house gas supply which came directly from a well) out in the rain, rusting it and leeching the contents into the surrounding soil. He said one morning he looked out and saw several of the chickens flopping around in the driveway...because the caustic substance had pretty much dissolved their feet.

New 7 Wonders of Nature

Didn't see a single place I've been, so I didn't vote. The photos are worth the visit, though.

From the website:

You have one voice, and you have seven choices

My Word!

This is my word?

Whodathunkit?

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people. Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love. You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love. And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

Amen to This

Never tell anyone that you're writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course, or quitting smoking. They'll encourage you to death.
- Lynn Johnston