On Politics
The way Washington is playing around with sequester cuts is just another example about the clueless, self-centered nature of the Washington establishment … and this includes President Obama’s symbolic pay gesture and the Republican response to it.
A legislator has sponsored a bill to establish an official religion in North Carolina. Someone wake me up and tell me this is a dream …or at least the other Carolina (where I would expect this)
As President Obama does fundraising for 2014 Congressional Democrats, I saw a Democratic majority in Washington would be a great boost for Republicans in 2016.
I found this site to be interesting – the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Although the gun control debate drivels on, Congress missed its opportunity for finding common group, thus I appreciate this op-ed from Dana Milbank.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
- Mississippi bans soft drinks smaller than 20 ounces
- Businessman does work lying on bed like schoolgirl
- Guy with 10,000 tweets, 15 followers ready to hang it up
- Financial expert saves struggling zoo by firing all employees and getting rid of cages
- STD had awesome time on spring break
Interesting Reads
Macaulay’s Catholic dissidents
Dinosaur Sex
Germany and Fracking
Time Place for Port Wine
Book Review about Herbert Hoover
As a tribute to the late Roger Ebert (1942-2013), here is a wonderful commentary about a movie – and one that I greatly appreciate.
On Potpourri
Cheers to Virgin Airways for this April Fools spoof.
I loved this one from consumer giant P&G, who actually promoted this in the Cincinnati during Opening Day festivities.
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Those knowing my interesting in the interchange between religion and science may be amused to know that at last week’s Easter Vigil service, I read the creation text from Genesis.
On the handbell front, we’re going to have a concert in early May, so here is one of the selections.
Interestingly, injured Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees) has a higher 2013 salary than the entire opening day roster of the Houston Astros.
Thursday’s (yesterday) game marked the 20,000th game for my Cincinnati Reds – a mark only attained by the Braves and the Cubs.
Looks like the 25,000th comment on this blog should occur this month.
Coming soon … Time: The Musical – Act 2 ….. And, hopefully I will remember to tell more next week.
Cheer up Saturday Morning Cartoon fans because there will be a post on Saturday.
This video (thanks Patti) will send you into the weekend with a smile. Have a good weekend! In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
Nice headstart on the weekend. So much good stuff, but the bacon Bacon in the commercial and the happy elephant are the best! The elephant video is one of my favorites from an earlier post. The little guy can cavort in the waves but cannot jump. Have a good weekend! Take time to play.
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Patti,
You’re the one! … I couldn’t remember who gave me the elephant video …. yep … I’ve updated the post with thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the Bacon Scope commercial. … The P&G had a good time with it in Cincinnati on Opening Day.
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Wonderful elephant video, Frank; made me smile for the rest of the night – thanks!
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Lynn,
Without a doubt, the video brings smiles!
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Loved the Scope Bacon mouthwash commercial, Frank! Thanks for sharing. And now I want a pet elephant, but unfortunately, my landlady won’t even allow tenants to have a cat.
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Lame,
P&G even put this website together.
http://www.scopemouthwash.com/bacon/
… and I can’t believe your landlady won’t allow an elephant.
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Kinda wish that P&G had the cahones to keep up the ruse!
This is the same landlady that won’t let me have a/c.
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Lame,
But I’ve got the feeling the landlady has AC.
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Yep, you got that right.
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…. and in the same building?
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No, she lives a block away. That pleases me.
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🙂
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That elephant made me want to jump in the ocean! That must have been a sight to see up close. Good luck to your Reds. I hope they have a great season!
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Bumble,
If only the elephant seen could be seen on the California coast! Meanwhile, my Reds face a difficult April … and given an Opening Day injury … I’m a bit nervous. Good luck to your Giants.
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The Tweets for me Frank
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GFB,
Easy to understand that choice!
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I’m in retweet frenzy at the moment Frank! Have a great weekend.
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Go Tweeter Go.
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An official religion—um, isn’t that against the bill of rights?
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TBM,
Just another example of some lawmakers emphasizing their interpretation of the Constitution and ignoring case law with which they disagree. Good news is, the bill was killed before coming to a vote.
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I had to laugh about the zoo with no employees and no cages. Way to go. 🙂 Loved that playful elephant. He really made a big splash, didn’t he. Have a wonderful weekend, Frank.
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Paradise,
Zoos got to do what they must do to get their balance sheet in order. Cheers for the joys of the elephant.
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That elephant is just too much!!!
Now, that’s happiness!
🙂
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Marina,
Guaranteed to deliver smiles!
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Thanks for providing the Bipartisan Policy Center link. I plan to read it regularly especially after witnessing the stunning success of bipartisanship in Connecticut where lawmakers from both parties stood up to the NRA, and listened to the public saying – ENOUGH!
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Tim,
Although there were Republicans who voted for the legislation, both chambers in Connecticut are overwhelmingly Democratic … thus, a far cry from “stunning success of bipartisanship”.
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The elephant video is gorgeous. I uploaded it a while ago on my fb page. How cute is it! xx
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Spiced,
Thus a video had can always bring a smile!
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Love the reading selections this week Frank, the Bipartisan Policy Center is very interesting and Dinosaur Sex, well had to send that one to my son.
Onion, Mississippi and STD for me! Combine them and it is a win.
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Val,
I always enjoy seeing what you pick from the list! …. The STD one cracks me up!
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Frank that elephant clip is going to have me smiling all day. Even when I look across the river and wish that we could get all those GOP elephants to the sea shore!
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Elyse,
Oh my …. the visual thought of the GOP caucus frolicking at the beach is a bit too much!
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Great overview for the weekend: Bacon mouthwash and elephant sea romp are the best. I’m still smiling over the baby elephant which I needed because I am rather bummed over how quickly we lose our focus as Americans as is seen in any sensible gun control legislation ever having the chance to see the light of day. I don’t agree with Milbank; I think the Prez moved as fast as he could given the formidable enemy he has (NRA) with all of its megabucks trying to paint him as someone wanting to take away “our rights” and pumping money into Capital Hill like it was free champagne. I think people really underestimate the visceral hatred certain groups within the Republican party have for this President, how much they do behind the scenes to undermine him, and how many lawmakers will put their own interests before that of our children, including the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. Sigh!
So happy that you’ll be performing in a new bell concert. I didn’t recognize the sample song but it sounds lovely.
Have a great weekend and happy Spring to you and Mrs. A.
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E-Tom,
No matter the issue, any president can only do so much – but I still think Washington missed a golden opportunity …. but let’s face it, our elected officials are there to represent those who got them there — the financial backers.
The handbell piece is an original – thus not a representation of a hymn … but it has a fun sound.
Meanwhile, the joys of the romping elephant can drive our day!
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bring me the struggling zoo headline. and i hope it’s the national zoo in washington.
speaking of that bill for an official religion – did you know that anyone in congress can submit a bill anonymously? did not know that until a few days ago. a bill can be put up for a vote without anyone’s fingerprints being found. that’s just wrong.
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Rich,
Great take on the National Zoo!!!!
Meanwhile, I didn’t know about the anonymous bill. Got a source for more info?
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http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/wed-april-3-2013-sheryl-sandberg
the payoff comes at 6:21, but you should watch it from the start in order to get the most aggravation for your time.
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Many thanks Rich … I asked because I wanted to know more (thus not from doubt).
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one of your best qualities – wanting to know more.
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Thank you sir, not from Cherry Hill, NJ (I couldn’t resist).
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i had forgotten all about that. good one!
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One of my favorite lines in the series.
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i’ve been asked why i didn’t finish it. in case you’re curious, there are only two chapters left, but one of them is about people who are close friends. the only things interesting to say about them are not flattering. however, circumstances have changed, and i think i will write those things but just change names and leave it at that.
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I knew you’ll get around to it. FYI: If I recall, I had a difficult time with that menu … thus unsure if that was the last one of not.
…. and thankfully BB returned hair to normal!
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she looked great in blue on thursday. or maybe it was yesterday.
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I think that was yesterday.
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the morning shift works for me.
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Soon EB will be taking over.
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not thrilled about that. BB would be better.
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Love the elephant, Frank! Makes me feel joyous just to watch. There is so much to read in this week’s post, I need to come back and peruse as many links as possible. I did love your remark about reading the Genesis creation account on Sunday. Sometimes we live between the cracks! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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Debra,
I thought you may catch the Genesis reference. Interestingly, I enjoyed it and my pastor (we are on the same page) was happy that I took that when when he asked.
BTW – for this service we used a contemporary Bible called The Message. Very interesting. Here’s a link. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=MSG
Gotta love the elephant!
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Some particularly interesting thoughts from Macaulay — I have for quite some time thought it to be very remarkable that the Catholic church has endured through so much time and change.
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Twixt,
Endured is a great term for them!
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THAT VIDEO IS SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Suzanne,
Absolutely … and I know you love the joys of animals!
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I’m thinking our elected representatives are giving us their interpretation of the zombie mamba. But hey, I’m a romantic whose benefits have outlasted my doubts. As for your Arod mention? Never mind the Astros…he’s gonna rake in more than most countries this year. And peace to Roger Ebert, who taught me the most valuable of all cinematic lessons: Choose the aisle seat.
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Cayman,
Comparing the money involved in professional sports to other countries is a classic. Hmmmm … may be interesting research. Love the Ebert advise!
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My girl loved the elephant video.
I think the Onion staff is moonlighting writing gov’t policy, at the federal and state levels.
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Guapo,
Glad your girl enjoyed the video. Meanwhile, great line relating The Onion staff to government policy!!!! 😀
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Reading this post, and feeling disgusted by all the politicians, the thought of the world being created in six days was a consolation (re: your reading Genesis). Not being religious, this was one time where I thought to myself: If the world was created in six days, can’t they balance the budget?
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Rachel,
On the eight day, God created politicians … and then he knew it was a mistake.
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That would make him very unGod like…. He should have known that seven days were enough.
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I know what you mean.
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All fascinating, as usual. The elephant was precious. We all feel so much better, watching cavorting animals. 😀
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Archon,
Well said and in your own style.
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