Why I read Lileks

James' post today at the Bleat is far from one of his best - and I'm not going looking right now to put up that link, you can find many FABulous writings in his archives - but this line hit me right between the eyes...so to speak:

What we see as a breathing space or a sign the worst is over is probably just the gap between swings of the two-by-four.

I better shower so I'm more awake when it comes around.

What NOT to wear...er...so to speak

Via Paco and Something and Half of Something: A life of crime might be more difficult if you have obvious distinguishing marks. Lotta criminals seem to be lacking in the area of common sense, don't they? "Floridiot" is a GREAT word, but I don't believe the condition is exclusive to the Sunshine State.

Among other oddities in the land of non-compliance - postings from News of the Weird:

In May, police in Winder, Ga. (pop. 10,200), arrested a marijuana seller with a quite-low-tech delivery system. A wireless doorbell was hidden on a tree in woods alongside a house, and when the buzzer sounded, a bucket was lowered from a second-story window. The buyer put money in, the bucket was raised, and the dope would be sent back down. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution-AP, 5-29-09]

The St. Paul Pioneer-Press, located in America's ground zero for "New Age," reported the growing discontent of establishment New-Agers for fringe New-Agers. Who belongs? Pagans? Chiropractors? Channelers? Organic farmers? Pet psychics? One NA spiritual center owner: "I have customers who completely believe in fairies [but] will laugh at you if you believe in Bigfoot." (But we're told that "fairies" is not politically correct; it's "nature divas.") [NOTE: I'm told that the reporter probably heard "Nature Deva" and not "nature diva."] On the other hand, at least New-Agers don't have the baggage of believing in virgin birth, turning water into wine, and rising from the dead (much less celebrating it with bunny rabbits). Pioneer Press

[In America, you're presumed innocent . . . until the mug shot is released]
Don't know who this is, or what he's charged with, but he might possibly need to be locked up somewhere. TheSmokingGun.com

Found this in the Billings Gazette online edition:

They are NOT pets! They are not "gentle giants." Even if they're wandering through YOUR camping area! What part of "wild animal" do you not understand?
California man gored by bull bison.

And, from my home town, some pictures of the high point of the summer: Rodeo!

Great Northern Fair has something for everyone.

Busy rest of the day, late night tonight, thanks for stopping by!

Busy Monday

We're pretty busy here at Pixie Place, with the little blond one keeping Grandma on her toes and out of this chair. In the meantime, bereft as I'm sure you are with the lack of MY OPINION, here's Mark Steyn, Mitch Albom, Michael Barone. Also, an article which is, according to the sub-head - "must reading for those concerned with confronting contemporary evil and its perpetrators" written by Rabbi Yitzchok Alderstein. I found all these columns at JewishWorldReview.com but you know that's not their only source.

Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by!

The Baaa-studs

Kait, you've got to watch this!

Kae, you KNOW this is in Floyd's DNA, don't you, I saw your link in the comments at Rachel Lucas.

Just love it.



Borrowed from and thanks to Mrs. Hill at Rachel Lucas.com

What not to wear

President of Cameroon Paul Biya and wife Chantal

Well...what would YOU wear to meet Pope Benedict XVI if you found out he was coming to visit? Surely, the Vicar of Christ deserves more than my favorite aloha dress & flipflops...but I think I'd skip the hat. I mean, I'm no expert - I haven't been part of, much less interested in Popular Fashion since I lived in Dallas & worked at Neiman-Marcus...almost 35 years ago? But I have learned that when in doubt, Dress Down! Not shabby down, but less-is-more down. A simple, well-fitted dress in a flattering colour is always the right choice.

I just hope this hat wasn't paired with a mini-skirt.


Borrowed, via Tim Blair