At Least They Aren't The Wiggy Ones

Despite there being some blowhards in the government over the Mohammed cartoons, I think that the UAE has been one of the more level headed of the Arab nations. No riots reported, no burning of embassies. Maybe we can trust these folks.

Sorta Liveblogging the Opening Ceremony

9:15 Western: That "beating heart" had some serious rhythm problems.

Were the cows really necessary?

I think I may start laughing any moment.

OK, the lady with the Italian flag is kind of hot.

Enter the figurehead president.

9:20 The kid singing the Italian anthem clearly doesn't have stage fright. Lord knows that having the whole world watching you could certainly cause it.

Things had better pick up, or this is going to lose out to Battlestar Galactica.

11:00 Battlestar Galactica won.

Somebody Had to Say It

Even if it is satire. Purportedly from the mouth of Simpsons creator Matt Groening:

The controversy over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish newspaper has led the producers of The Simpsons to reconsider his appearance in a forthcoming episode. The offending cartoons included a picture of the founder of Islam wearing a turban, and have been slammed by Muslims for being blasphemous and Israelis as overly subtle.

“In light of the situation in Denmark, we have decided to withdraw our depiction of the Prophet out of sensitivity towards the Islamic community’s feelings,” creator Matt Groening said. “And also our sensitivity to our office being firebombed.”

All kidding aside, don't you get the sense that this is why so many media outlets are not publishing the cartoons, if only to provide their viewers the context of what is really causing the uproar. "Sensitivity to the Muslim community" is the face saving excuse, but I don't think that it is unfair to say that the bullying has been effective.

Shoulda Gotten a Haircut

EVELYN KRISTO/Valley Press

None of the volunteers at yesterday's med supply unloading knew that the newspaper was going to be there, with a camera. That's me in the back, not looking nearly as ratty as I did.

My Good Deed for the Week

Just got back from helping to unload medical supplies for the local Red Cross chapter. A local supply company made a donation of $110,000 worth of products just before the end of the year. Let me tell you, that it a lot of latex gloves, bandages, and blood pressure cuffs. Especially when you don't have a forklift or a convenient loading dock.

Compare and Contrast

Observe the difference in reactions and protests in response to the Danish Mohammed cartoons as opposed to Christian affrontery. Death threats and boycotts of entire nations vs. a few pickets and media talk.

Compare that with the (putatively artistic) provocation with what can no longer be considered an uproar. The Western World at least has a sense of humor (make sure you have one when you click here) when humor is intended.

Trackbacked to Castle Argghhh!

Definintely Not the Hands-Free Model

Check out the latest and greatest in cell phone development: bone induction speakers. The idea is that the bones of your head carry the sound to your eardrums rather than through the air. Just be sure to remember to hang up after the conversation, or else you really will be hearing voices in your head.

Personally, I have enough issues with voices without inviting anyone else, thank you very much.

Link via Electric Venom

So I'm Not the Only One

Citizen Smash has his reaction to the State of the Union. I'll cut to the chase:

*yawn*

I agree. Politics these days is boring. Both sides are out for party gain, and there is no philosophy being debated. I've heard all of the names being thrown around, and let me tell you, the bloom is off the rose.

Wake me up when Individualism vs. Statism starts up again.