Bill of Rights and the Constitution...

Both of these are now threatened by the tactics of the administration, under the guise of "protection." Last night I saw Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin on "The Daily Show". He is very courageous. Read his site. See what he says about presidential responsibility.

Winter Darwin, and computerized sewing...

Winter has its fun days. Like lunch at a warm, cheery place that makes you feel you just might be in a tropical locale...

In other news, I am going to pass some fun days sewing on my new computerized sewing machine, the Kenmore 19233. Computers allow for many more stitch patterns including monogramming, yet sewing is much the same as always.The machine is very smooth and solid. Learning curve is easy, and the weather outside makes staying in at the machine appealing!


For even more tropical vibes, I am reading "A Salty Piece of Land" by Jimmy Buffett. His books are always a terrific escape, and entertaining as well. I did reread "Take Another Road" from "Tales of Margaritaville" first because Tully Mars is also the main character in "A Salty Piece of Land." Who wouldn't want to ride their horse along the Gulf!

Meanwhile the ebook up and reading now is "Darwin's Radio." Interesting premise, good story, but drags along slowly due to all the scientific jargon. Could have been shorter. I already read the sequel with the "speed-through-and-skim" method, so when I finish this I will be done with it. Premise is that what seems like a new disease is the evolution of a new species of human being better equiped than we are to deal with the world as it now is, and to communicate in new and different ways. Interesting. As you could surmise, the rest of us don't seem too happy with "Homo Spapiens Nova."

Goodbye sweet friend...

We will miss your energy and your love...you were the best companion a man ever had. Goodbye Duchess...go play in the fields of the Lord with B.C., Molly, Maudie, Snuffy and Micky.

Whales endangered by Norway and Iceland too...

Apparently Japan isn't the only one out there...I thought Norway had stopped whaling, but not so. Iceland has started whaling again, and although their take is small, it does contravene the international agreement. Is there no consortium of countries who can apply pressure?

Several sci-fi books come to mind. Ursula LeGuin's "The World for World is Forest" and Alan Dean Foster's "Cachalot" are two off the top of my head that warn us against rapaciously treating our fellow inhabitants of the universe.

Greenpeace out there for the whales...

In late December 2005, Greenpeace was on the front lines in the sea near Antarctica trying to put themselves between the Japanese whaling fleet's guns and the minke whales. In small boats off their main vessel, courageous Greenpeacers are fighting the battle the world community is too scared to fight. Although whaling was banned in the 1980s, Japan continues to take whales. This time the "harvest" is intended to be about 1000 minke whales, 50 fin whales and, horrendous as this is to me, 50 humpback whales. The world community stands by with the officially horrified faces and wringing wrists. I guess that old saying still applies:

"If there is no penalty, compliance is optional."

Think about supporting Greenpeace in the struggle to save not only the whales, but the planet.