Quotable

"When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty."

-- Thomas Jefferson

British Parish to be Punished with Opus Dei Appointment

Well, no one really said they are being punished, but they are getting an unlikely new pastor. The Times-Online reports that Opus Dei, that rag-tag group who are known for secrecy and mortification (a most painful way to god), is getting their first British parish. No news on whether a parishoner has to purchase or otherwise provide his/her own flagellum.

Fox-Proof

Jazz (Losing my faith in humanity... one neocon at a time) Shaw has posted this humorous bit about a quaint device called the FoxBlocker. I showed it to my pal Loki, and he responded: "Thats a good idea, but I just use my remote and never bother to turn that crap on in the first place." Loki doesn't shiv.

CBS News: 'Great Satan' Helps Muslims

Yep. That's the title of this article from the CBS News website. It points out a very clear contrast:

The very day President G.W. Bush reached out to Democrat Bill Clinton and recruited his father, Republican G. H. W. Bush, to generate private tsunami-relief donations, Osama bin Laden's comrades detonated three car bombs in Baghdad, killing 16 Iraqi cops and soldiers toiling to rebuild their country. Once again, "the Great Satan" rescues endangered Muslims while Islamic zealots blew their co-religionists to bits.

Apparently, the news media would like to see the Iraqis -- if not the international Muslim community -- issue a big cry of "what have you done for us lately?," directed right at Osama bin-not-so-nearly-forgotten. Will the US jump on this good PR opportunity? Well, the story was posted on January 6th, but I have not seen any change in diplomacy efforts. But maybe that is just because the focus is on helping victims and there has been no time or inclination to think, "Gee, how can this help us?" If that is the case, I applaud it and hope they keep at it.

Friday Pet Blogging | Radiant Sleeper

Although he does not have the bulk of his brother, Milo, Otis really knows how to stay warm. He will cozy up next to me or my wife, or -- as shown below -- park himself next to the radiator in the living room. Anything he can do to ensure a nice, warm nap.

Otis = Radiant Sleeper. (Click for larger image)

The Modulator has a compilation of today's pet posts from other bloggers. Meanwhile, the M & O Archives sports a set of links for other Milo & Otis appearances on Prophet or Madman.

Museum of Bad Art

In their own words, the Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) is "the world's only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms." Take, for example, this interactive piece entitled, The Haircut:

Yes, you can spend hours gazing in awe at simply atrocius attacks upon -- er, I mean, works of -- art. Well, maybe not hours. I could only take about 15 minutes of it. But I hope you enjoy it, and "If you must leave a lock of your hair, please return the scissors to the center of the seat."

Tsunami | Before and After

"Before" and "After" satellite photos: http://homepage.mac.com/demark/tsunami/3.html Every single dollar will make a difference. There are several agencies collecting funds to help Tsunami victims: http://www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.asp?id=/d/ip/tsunami_aid_04/data.js&navid=6758618&GT1=5936 Contributions can be made using credit cards: http://www.worldvision.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKVLbMVIwG&b=277262

Will Eisner: 1917 - 2005

Will Eisner's website, carries the sad news:

Will Eisner passed away on January 3rd, 2005 at the age of 87 following quadruple bypass heart surgery.

I don't know what I can say about this. For one thing, I can't believe that I just found out today. My news sniffers -- or at least the sites I frequent -- should have clued me to this yesterday. But I guess maybe it is just getting out today (posted 2 hours ago according to Google News). Will Eisner was a legend in the comic book industry. And even though his own "costumed character" creation, The Spirit, revolutionized the way such stories were told, Eisner is credited as one of the men responsible for lifting comics from the "juvenile" realm of superheroes to a visual artform known more or less as graphic storytelling. He was a master of sequential art, authoring two definitive works examining the creative process, Comics and Sequential Art and Graphic Storytelling. In addition to these books, Eisner spent 25 years of his life in educational and promotional comics, teaching his craft to others. The man even has a prestigious comics industry award named after him: The Eisner Awards. Rest in peace Mr. Eisner. And thank you for all you gave to comics, visual art, and your fans. Will Eisner Links:

• A Whole Lotta Spirit - interview about the artist's past and current projects.
• The King of Comic Books - 2002 article from the Jewish Week profiling Eisner and his work.
• Will Eisner - information about the artist and The Spirit.
• Artist Biography at Comic Art and Graphix Gallery.
• Comics Grand Master Is Unrecognized - article detailing the artist's influence.
• Sample and profile at The International Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame website.
• Multi-panel bio at the official Will Eisner website.
• Will Eisner Entry at Wikipedia.

Redefeat Bush?

No, your eyes do not decieve you. And this is not a lost post from before the 2004 election. This is going on right now as reported on January 3, 2005: Liberal Group Seeks Support for Challenge of Bush Electors. According to the story...

a federal political action committee known as the Committee to ReDefeat the President -- or ReDefeatBush.com -- is organizing protest rallies to take place before a joint session of Congress gathers to count the electoral votes from the November 2004 election.

I guess everyone needs a hobby, but this is bordering on obsession.

Happy New Year | Resolution

I really cannot make a better New Year's Resolution than Huey Freeman, the lead character in Aaron McGruder's strip, The Boondocks: "I resolve to mercilessly abuse my illusions and smack stupidity in the mouth. I resolve to never acquire a taste for the bitter lies I am fed. I am making a resolution for revolution!"

snip from BOONDOCKS strip (12-26-2004).

The full strip appeared on 12-26-2004, but I don't know how long it will remain available there (update: Still there as of 2/27/2019!).