Please don't eat smelly food

'Salami' tube ads outrage Italians

"The aroma of cheese and onion crisps and the stench of greasy burgers may linger on the tube for longer after London Underground was forced to withdraw an advert urging passengers not to eat smelly food.

Outraged Italians complained to their embassy in the capital after seeing the "offensive" poster, which depicts a man resembling an Italian delicatessen owner sitting on the underground surrounded by parma ham, salami and garlic, above the words "Please don't eat smelly food."

[The Guardian, 7.13.04]

Maybe the poster should have said "Please don't eat delicious food.
It makes other passengers hungry."

Click to read the complete article (with apology). Go here for a
related story.

[Poster © Transport for London]

Disney's #1 fan

Copyright © 2000 DisneyTattooGuy.com

From DisneyTattooGuy.com:

"George C. Reiger Jr. is proclaimed by the worldwide news media as the #1 devoted Disney fan of all time ! He is the only person in the world with over [1,600] Disney tattoos. He is also the only person with a custom built Disney House in the world with over 19,000 Disney items."

"George is the only person in the world with permission to have his entire body with exact Disney characters and portraits... only goes to only 2 private tattoo artists (Disney prohibits him from going to tattoo parlors or appearing in tattoo magazines... His first tattoo was Magic Mickey in 1973. Since then, he goes for tattoos every week! Tattoos cover 85% of his body at a value of about $99,000 to date."

I wonder where he put the 'Disney's The Black Hole' tattoo?'

Chicken, kiss my whip

"Chicken just the way you like it."

This has to qualify as one of the creepiest ad campaigns in recent years. Creepy and fun. Tell the Subservient Chicken your bidding and it will obey, because you are its master (or mistress).

[Copyright © 2004 Burger King Brands, Inc.]

[Thanks to Tina of Wisconsin.]

Presidential campaign therapy

"The news and truth are not the same thing."
--Walter Lippmann

And neither can you trust the pictures, especially during an election year. So take a break and have some fun warping the face of the candidate of your choice, or both. Do it. You'll feel a whole lot better.

[Source: Long Beach Online.net, Warp program created by Alex Rosen.]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Will Ferrell does George W. Bush in a commercial
for America Coming Together.

Click to view the video. [Windows Media Player]

[Via Taegan Goddard's Political Wire.]

Up next: The GOP Convention

Presidential Tracking Polls: Bush-Kerry

Thursday July 29, 2004--After three nights of the Democratic National Convention, the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll shows Senator John Kerry with 48% of the vote and President George W. Bush with 45%.
--Rasmussen Reports

Democratic National Convention, the presidential ticket of Massachusetts Senator John Kerry and North Carolina Sen. John Edwards holds a 5 point lead over President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney (48%-43%).
-- Zogby America.

[Shrinking Bush from lifeisajoke.com]

Occhi di Ferro DeCorti

"People start pollution; people can stop it."

Remember the "Crying Indian" public service announcement in the early 70s? A part of the Keep America Beautiful campaign, it had a huge impact on the public's imagination. Some of us became involved in the ecological movement, others just made sure not to litter anymore. I always choked up when that little tear rolled down the American Indian's eye. Wasn't it enough that we stole his land? Did we have to insult him further by tossing trash at his feet? Curse you Columbus, for jump-starting the despoliation of his Native America! Then again, bless you Columbus, for making a show business career possible for the "crying Indian... "

"... Iron Eyes Cody, an actor who throughout his life claimed to be of Cherokee/Cree extraction. Yet his asserted ancestry was just as artificial as the tear that rolled down his cheek in that television spot -- the tear was glycerine, and the 'Indian' a second-generation Italian-American." -- snopes.com

For years I thought I understood Indian sign language. It turns out the Chief was talking with hands Italian-style!

Read the truth about my paisano here.

View the original 1971 'Crying Indian' spot here. [Quicktime required]

[Line art from wakegov.com]

The Nexus of Obnoxious fizzles

[Copyright FOX News Network, LLC 2004. All Rights Reserved.]

What happened? Michael Moore and Bill O'Reilly head-to-head, and the interview turns into an excercise in civility and politeness. Was it the DNC Convention location, with its "make-nice" political tone? Maybe. Let's hope O'Reilly and Moore have a re-match at the the RNC Convention in New York.

Need a nap? Watch the interview here.

File under: Let it go, already

The "vast right wing conspiracy" wants an edifice:

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- A group dedicated to building the Counter Clinton Library -- a rebuttal to the Clinton Presidential Library -- has been granted status as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Take the virtual tour here. View the Comedy Central video. [RealPlayer]

What's next? The Counter G.W. Bush Residential Library, featuring the 2000 Election Recount Room, the Supreme Court Chapel, the WMD Exhibit Room, the Audio Flub Library, etc.

Far out...

[Hippie costumes from Party Pants]

My freewheelin', acid-dropping, flower power, tie-dyed,
freaked-out, patchouli-smellin', long-haired, mind-blowin',
damned hippie name is Frolic Cornucopia. What's yours?

Take The Damned Hippie Name Generator today!

[Thanks to Whirlpool Moonshine AKA Dollface of N. California.]

Ubërbaby über alles

Today the nursery, tomorrow the world!

"Somewhere in Germany is a baby Superman, born in Berlin with bulging arm and leg muscles. Not yet 5, he can hold seven-pound weights with arms extended, something many adults cannot do. He has muscles twice the size of other kids his age and half their body fat.

DNA testing showed why: The boy has a genetic mutation that boosts muscle growth.

The discovery, reported in... New England Journal of Medicine, represents the first documented human case of such a mutation."

[Linda Johnson, CNEWS, 6.24.03]

Read the full story here

[Thanks to Mark of Marina del Rey.] [Image from MountEverest.net.]

Along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves

Today is the first day of the week long Democratic convention in Boston. The town is swarming with delegates, protesters, and police. I'm reminded of the classic 1966 garage band song by The Standells:

Dirty Water
(Lyrics by Ed Cobb)

(spoken:)
I'm gonna tell you a story
I'm gonna tell you about my town
I'm gonna tell you a big bad story, baby
Aww, it's all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles (aw, that's what's happenin' baby)
That's where you'll find me
Along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves (aw, but they're cool people)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, you're the Number One place)
Frustrated women (I mean they're frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o'clock (oh, that's a shame)
But I'm wishin' and a-hopin, oh
That just once those doors weren't locked (I like to save time for my baby to walk around)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you're my home (oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Baw-stun)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the Strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I'm the man, I'm the man)
I love that dirty water (Owww!)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on) [fade]

Wonder what song the upcoming GOP convention in New York will remind me of? I'll have to dust off some of my old hymn books.

[Image from BostonHistory.info]

An unhygienic method for cooking bad stew

[Hero's engine image from scitoys.com]

TIMOTHY McSWEENEY'S METHOD FOR COOKING STEW IS UNHYGIENIC AND PRODUCES BAD-TASTING STEW AKA McSweeney's Internet Tendency, is fast turning into one of my favorite web sites. It's a low-brow/high-brow literary site chockfull of short stories, poems and other whimsical ephemera. The reader-contributed lists are mostly funny, some gut-busting hilarious, while others elicit a head nod and smile. A few lists make me smirk and snortle chimp-like. Those I try to avoid. Here are a some samples:

FREE ZINGERS FOR GEORGE W. BUSH TO USE DURING HIS DEBATES WITH JOHN KERRY

My vice president has withstood four heart attacks. What's Senator Edwards ever withstanded?

John and John, sittin' in a tree,
G-A-Y-M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E.

The last time I saw Senator Kerry that slippery, we were Crisco-wrestling in the basement of Skull and Bones.

POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP SONGS FOR ONE-HIT WONDERS

How Are We Going to Get These Dogs Back In?

The Morning That the Lights Came Back On in Georgia

867-5309 extension 2

IF CHARLES BUKOWSKI HAD WRITTEN CHILDREN’S BOOKS

The Whore Who Snored

Love Turns to Crap Like a Sandwich

The Park Bench Where You Eat Your Lunch Will Be Your Bed Someday

Other cheeky lists include:

REPLACING BUNNIES WITH BASTARDS
POPULAR SONG TITLES WHICH HAVE BEEN ALTERED SO AS NOT TO OFFEND THE VERY PRUDISH
WASPLOITATION FILMS
EIGHTEEN VERY EARLY AND OFT-FORGOTTEN JAMES BOND FILMS
EROTIC PRESIDENTIAL NAMES
PLAYGROUND TOYS UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

Click for more lists.

[Copyright © 2004 Tim McSweeney's Internet Tendency.]

[Thanks to Maureen of N. California.]

The Philosophy of Anouk Aimée

['A Man and A Woman,' 1966.]

Described as "an ethereal, sensitive and fragile beauty with a tendency for tragic destinies or restrained suffering," Anouk Aimée has long been one of my favorite screen actors, ever since I first saw her in Claude Lelouch's 'A Man and A Woman,' and fell hopelessly in love with her as the aloof wife in Fellini's '8 1/2.' She's also one of my favorite philosophers:

"The more the years go by, the less I know. But if you give explanations and understand everything, then nothing can happen. What helps me go forward is that I stay receptive, I feel that anything can happen."

-- Anouk Aimée

[Jacques Demy's 'Lola,' 1960.]

Swingers!

[Image sources: Bush pimp, unknown; Kerry swinger, nojohnkerry.org.]

Check out Swingers! at Slate.com.


The site's election guide analyzes the battleground states
of the 2004 presidential campaign.

[Site sent by Mark of Marina del Rey.]

... but do they listen?

The Writer's Lifeline quote of the day:

"Each of us has been designed for one of two immortal functions, as either a storyteller or as a cross-legged listener to tales of wonder, love and daring. When we cease to tell or listen, then we no longer exist as a people. Dead men tell no tales."

-- Bryce Courtenay

Ham and Sheets

Ham Bed, 2004, sculpture/performance piece by Cosimo Cavallaro

Read this critique offered by someone who is either suffering from professional jealousy or is a diehard vegetarian:

"I've been an artist for forty years and make a comfortable living from my commercial and fine art sales... If your work was actually considered mainstream art, I'd rather have my eyes removed and live in eternal darkness than see works like yours again. Idea for your next piece of art: Set your tripod camera on timed exposure, stand in front of the lens, jam a dry barrel of a 12 Gauge shotgun directly up your ass and have your big toe pull the trigger as the shutter goes off... You are now permanently ranked #1 on my list of the world's worst self-proclaimed artists."

View artist Cosimo Cavallaro's web site here. Eat lunch later.

Critics be damned. Cosimo actually can draw.

[Photo Copyright © 2004 Cosimo Cavallaro]

U.S. To Deploy Special Forces

The Pentagon announced today the formation of an elite fighting group called the U.S. Redneck Special Forces (USRSFS). Bubba, Hoss, Cooter, and Boo will be dropped behind enemy lines with the following information about the Iraqis:

1. The season opened last weekend.
2. There is no limit.
3. They taste like chicken.
4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music, or Jesus.
5. Some is queer.
6. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

The war should be over in a week.

[Submitted by Roberta of West Virginia]

Blue balls, blue balls, everywhere...

Once there were Tupperware parties, now there are Cuddle Parties.

A Cuddle Party® is an "event for adults to get together and explore affectionate touch and communication without it becoming sexualized"
- as long as you follow the Rules of the Cuddle Game. Here are few:

1. Pajamas stay on the whole time.
2. No sex.
3. Ask for permission to kiss or nuzzle anyone.
7. No dry humping!
11. Crying and giggling are both welcomed and encouraged.
14. Be hygienically savvy.
15. Clean up after yourself.
16. Always say thank you and practice good Cuddle Manners.

Interested? Read the rest of rules here.

[Cuddle photo Copyright © 2004 Atlas Spooned] [Blue balls image from Balls & Orbs]

From Morro Bay to Patagonia

Sunset in July, Morro Bay Estuary.
[Digital photo, Nikon D100, 80-400mm DVR lens, F/5.6, 1600th sec.]

I love this beautiful image of a pelican in flight, photographed
by Michel Lichtenstein. He's captured many more natural wonders
of the world from Morro Bay, California to Patagonia, Argentina.
Click to view Michel's gallery of stunning photographs.

In the filmmaker/photographer's own words:

"When directing films, I worked with actors to optimize
each scene. Now, nature does the acting and directing,
and I am merely an observer, waiting patiently to capture
their grace and beauty at the optimum moment."

Click to read Michel's complete bio.

Copyright © 2004 Michel Lichtenstein. All rights reserved.

This land is whose land?

It's less than a week till the first convention and political comedy is blooming all over the Internet. This Land is one of the funniest parodies of the 2004 presidential campaign. To view it click here. Be patient, it takes a few minutes to load. [Flash required.]


Copyright © 2004 JibJab Media Inc.

[Sent by Roberta of West Virginia.]

Eggs and smokes

This omelet recipe looks deceptively simple, but I decided to post it anyway, mainly because after more than 20 years of friendship, this was the first time my pal Mark and I have ever discussed a recipe. I figured that makes it some kind of benchmark, so here it is:

Mark of Marina del Rey's Salami Omelet
(1 serving)

• 6 to 8 large eggs or equivalent Omega-3 egg product.
• Hungarian salami - cut into small pieces or sliced
• cheddar cheese - shredded
• butter or vegetable oil - about 2 tablespoons
• salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper until well blended.

Melt the butter (or add oil) set just above medium heat. Pour in eggs.

As eggs start to harden, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. When cheese is melted, fold omelet.

Transfer to plate.

Serve with Diet Coke, preferably a Big Gulp from 7-11.

After meal, finish with an Export A cigarette or American equivalent.

Mmm, a dish perfect for a gourmand like North Korea's Kim Jong Il (or as Mark calls him, Kim Jong Mentally Ill).


With 6 to 8 eggs what else can it be?

[Bush graphic from RightNation.US]
[Mark of Marina del Rey photo © 2004 Kapowie Zone]

Treehuggers do it better

Just an environmentally-concerned couple.

Does anyone remember what song the band was playing?

Couple Has Sex On Stage During Rock Concert

As Kristopher Schau and his band Cumshots were in the middle of their concert, a young couple entered the stage, stripped and had sex on stage during the concert.

The young couple, Tommy Hol Ellingsen, age 28, and Leona Johansson, age 21, are members of the environmental organization 'F**k for Forest.' They have sex in public in order to put focus on the rainforest. [View the full story and photos.] Rated PG

[From TV2 Nettavisen, 7.07.04]

[Thanks to Maureen of N. California.]

Meet Bobbie Doll

She's a doll who doesn't want a Ken in her life.

"... fit and poised in denim jeans and boots... all boy on the outside but women underneath."

[Pick up Bobbie at DYKEdolls.]

Feeling really anti-Barbie? Then go here. Rated PG

Space doubt

Click for larger view.

From an email currently making the rounds:

"The photograph was taken from the Columbia during its last mission... the picture is of Europe and Africa when the sun is setting... the bright dots are the cities lights... the sun still shines on Gibraltar... the Mediterranean Sea is already in darkness.

The description is real enough, but unfortunately, the photo is not. This stunning image started circulating the Internet after the fatal break-up
of the Columbia in 2003. From snopes.com:

"... before then, this picture had been circulating as a photograph "taken via satellite, on a cloudless day.

Although this image does accurately depict the landforms described and the positioning of lighted cities to the right of the day-night terminator line, it doesn't represent an actual Earth view one might see from space. This photograph is a digital composite... "

Read the complete exposé: KAPOWIE!

When will they build a Space Hilton so I can see this view from my hotel room?

[Inspired by Karen of Venice.]

Vintage propaganda fun

'Red Primer for Children and Diplomats' is a history of the USSR published in 1967 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. The anti-communist book is illustrated in political cartoon style reminiscent of Herblock. It's author Victor Vashi may have studied the great American cartoonist. View the whole book online.

[via The Bleat]

Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism

"It's unfair, it's slanted and it's a hit job. And I haven't even seen it yet." [Eric Shawn, FOX News Reporter]

I haven't rushed off to see 'Fahrenheit 9-11' yet, mainly because I haven't been a fan of Michael Moore's recent work. Although I agree with him in spirit, I find it a shame that he undermines his arguments with clever editorial tricks and cinematic ad hominem attacks. They way he toyed with Charlton Heston, clearly in early stages of Alzheimer's, in 'Columbine,' was detestable; and its ending with Moore's oh-so serious face, as he left the photo of the gun victim on Heston's front door seemed like an insincere, tawdry act. Michael Moore is not a documentarian, he's an entertaining propagandist. He's like the left's Anne Coulter. That being said, I guess we're lucky to have him on the liberal side.

From what I've read about Robert Greenwald's 'Outfoxed,' it sounds like a rational and responsible political documentary. When I first read about the film I had thought "An exposé about Fox?" like who doesn't know they have a right wing agenda. The film is apparently more than that:

"This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know." Read more here.

View the 'Outfoxed' trailer in Quicktime or Windows Media.

[Thanks to Frank of Long Beach.]

Hey ich bin der Emil*

"Hey I is the Emil" *

From Germany, something for the ladies:

"My slogan and only its than others! I am assessed as standard equipment exhibitionistisch and I find it simple geil to carry sexy underwear and to let me photograph thereby or be naked in the public. In addition it stirs me up totally to make men and women with my hot Outfits geil. Most men move on if their wives are inspired like that are even our society!!" - [machine translation]

Will Emil be the man who will bump the first Internet celebrity of the world, I Kiss You Mahir, from his throne? You be the judge. I don't plan on visiting his site again.

[Sent by Tammy of Venice.]

Are we not mutants?

'Halfway Sammy' by Mark Mothersbaugh, detail.

"Images pulled from man's past, then corrected into sickeningly beautiful beings."

Mark Mothersbaugh, lead singer and keyboard player of the late 70s new wave/punk band Devo is also an internationally recognized artist. Check out his amazing, creepy work on the Beautiful Mutants web site.

Nothing to hide in Switzerland

From the land of secret bank accounts:

"Here's a picture of a public toilet in Switzerland that's made entirely out of one-way glass. No one can see you in there, but when you are inside, it looks like you're sitting in a clear glass box."

[Sent by Nikki of Pasadena.]

May Grey. June Gloom. July What?

Laurel Canyon, Thursday, July 15, 2004, 11:02am

What's with July this year? The weatherman said hot and humid today,
but in my little corner of Los Angeles it feels more like October.

I'm not complaining.

Low carb Italian diet?

"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti."

-- Sophia Loren

[Inspired by Dollface.]

Uncle Saddam's game

I was taught the game by an uncle. Some of my nephews and nieces learned it from me. Let Uncle Saddam teach you how to play. If it's too complicated for you, here are the rules.

Once you've mastered 'Rock, Paper, Scissors,' try some other classic children's finger games, including this favorite:

"Here's the mosque, here's the minaret.
Open the doors and see the faithful."

[Inspired by Tina of Wisconsin.] [Image from cafepress.com]

Postcards from Los Angeles: Car Washes

They clean our air - We clean their car

In L.A. even car washes have publicists.

Press Release - Studio City. Ed Begley Jr. and the owner of the Studio City Hand Car Wash, announce a new program whereby all electric and hybrid vehicles will receive a free car wash at the Studio City facility .

Begley, Jr., a noted actor, director, producer and longtime resident of Studio City, is a noted environmentalist. He drives an EV car and his wife drives a hybrid.

[Read the rest at Metroblogging, 12.19.03.]

Verrrry interesting...

- as Artie Johnson used to say on Laugh-In.

I looked in vain for a photo of the comedian as the little Nazi on the show. Instead, I found this movie of the big Nazi indulging himself with a slice of watermelon [GIF author unknown]. I have no idea what it means.

[Inspired by Mark of Marina Del Rey.]

The Age of Ray-Guns is here

Brotronic Weapons' Electrolux Deathray

Finally, a sign that we're heading toward the future:

Police test hi-tech zapper that could end car chases

A hi-tech device that can bring speeding cars to a halt at the flick of a switch is set to become the latest weapon in the fight against crime.

Police forces in Britain and the US have ordered tests of the new system that delivers a blast of radio waves powerful enough to knock out vital engine electronics, making the targeted vehicle stall and slowly come to a stop.

[Ian Sample - The Guardian, 7.12.04 - Full Article.]

More encouraging tech news:

Invisible beam tops list of nonlethal weapons

WASHINGTON - Test subjects can't see the invisible beam from the Pentagon's new, Star Trek-like weapon, but no one has withstood the pain it produces for more than three seconds.

People who volunteered to stand in front of the directed energy beam say they felt as if they were on fire. When they stepped aside, the pain disappeared instantly.

[Greg Gordon - Sacramento Bee, 6.1.04 - Full Article.]

"Yesterday's future today."

Too bad these fantastic weapons are still in development - but why wait? You can buy one now from Brotronic Weapons, makers of the Electrolux Deathray. They make a convincing sales pitch:

"Hailed as the Rolls-Royce of atomic weapons, the Electrolux Deathray is the ultimate blend of devastation and design. Custom made to order in your choice of atomic chrome or military field colors the standard Deathray is the perfect addition to any arsenal."

View the Electrolux Deathray commercial. Visit the products gallery.

Still confused about ray-guns?
Let Space Dog help you find another cool toystore.

99 and 44/100 per cent pure no more

Okay, so I'm only 30% pure now. What are you?

From the Purity Tests website:

A purity test attempts to gauge how "pure" you are within some realm of experience by having you answer a list of questions regarding which acts, etc. associated with the subject you have engaged in. Generally, for each "yes" answer you lose a purity point. The result is scaled to tell you what percentage of purity you still retain.

Take the 100 Point Purity Test, first of many other tests, including Purity Test for Males, Purity Test for Females, Purity Test for Couples, Purity Test for People with Large Vocabularies, Feminist Purity Test, The Headbanger Purity Test, The Renaissance Faire Purity Test and more .

[Image from speed project.]

Day of the Durian

The Durian and George.

"All hail great Durian, in whose spiny breast
A thousand wonderous flavours have their birth
All hail to thee! We wanderers from the West
Here crown thee King of all fruits of earth!"
- H.S. Whiteside, from Gula Melaka, 1914

"When the durians come down from the trees,
the sarongs come off... "
- ancient aphrodisiac saying

"It smells like Hell and tastes like Heaven."
- oft-heard quote, unknown author

Durian is a fruit of endless curiosity, its lore fraught with romance and peril. In Southeast Asia it is both revered and reviled. It has broken up marriages, destroyed families, ended friendships and instigated riots. Falling from tall trees the spiky fruit has even killed people. It's banned in many public places, including temples, movie theaters and airplanes. On one level it's a kind of cult, on another, it's simply the fruit connoisseur's dream. And the reason? The durian's unique smell and taste - a mix of mango, green onions and Romano cheese! (Because fresh durian has been so hard to find in the States, I'd only tasted it in ice cream and cookie form. One Christmas I brought Durian cookies for my family, as a joke, but to my surprise everyone loved the quirky flavor.)

My friend George and I had ruminated about the durian for years. Then last Summer, he brought a real durian to the office, threatening to have a tasting party. Few people liked eating it save for our Asian workmates, but I loved its flavor, and instantly understood the allure it has with half the population of Southeast Asia. And, yes, it does taste like mango, green onions and Romano cheese - with the texture of creamy custard.

View George's durian feast here.

For more about the "King of Fruits" click on Durian Palace, durian.net, DOL, Lat's Durian Cartoons, durian quotes, Durian Fruit and Daniel Eats Durian Fruit.

They ripped him a new Asa-hole

That's why his job is called "Under" Secretary.

Last Thursday John and Ken ripped Asa Hutchinson a new one:

After reportedly calling off the illegal immigrant roundups in Southern California, the Under Secretary for Border & Transportation Security at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Asa Hutchinson drew the fire of John & Ken. After hearing from several moderately displeased listeners, Asa called the show and offered to come on the air to explain himself. What he failed to do was to answer John’s simple question…” Yes or no, will the illegal alien roundups continue?” You could almost hear Asa praying for a commercial break. It didn’t come.

[From The John & Ken Show website ]

Whatever your stand is on the issue, it's snarky fun listening to Hutchinson, one of the original managers of the Clinton impeachment hearings, fumble at the persistent questions from John and Ken.

Click KAPOWIE! to hear the complete interview. [Windows Media Player 7.0] required.

[Thanks to my pal Mark of Marina del Rey.]

La prigione per gli italiani che abbandonano gli animali domestici*

Is that why Italian greyhounds look anorexic?

Italians Face Jail Terms for Abandoning Pets*

ROME (Reuters) (Reuters) - Italy is finally cracking down on the many fickle pet owners who dump their cat or dog on the roadside as they head to the beach for their summer vacation.

The Senate gave final approval Thursday to an animal cruelty bill which would impose prison terms of up to one year and fines of up to 10,000 euros ($12,350) for those convicted of abandoning their pets .

Some 150,000 dogs and 200,000 cats are abandoned in Italy every year -- many of them at the start of summer holidays -- according to animal rights groups. About 85 percent of them are killed by cars, hunger or thirst.

Read the full story here.

The Karen Kards Kollection

Karen Heathwood - cartoonist, illustrator and artist

As her friend and fellow artist Tammy says:

"Karen is fantastic to work with and makes a good
cup of tea."

Check out Karen Kards and see more of the wonderfully original birthday cards she's deluged me with over the years. And pay a visit to Karen's website. It's filled with illustrations that blur the border between cartoons and fine art.


© 2004 Karen Heathwood. All Rights Reserved.