3 1/2 Time-Outs Tuesday - the Time- Killing Edition..

Time once again for another 3 1/2 Time Outs Tuesday; the brain child of LarryD.

1)
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I checked two books, by Betty MacDonald, from my local public library. I finished reading the books rather quickly. I'll be returning the books and checking out the only other book by MacDonald to be found in that particular library - Anybody Can Do Anything. I find it amazing that MacDonald could find humor in the most dreadful situations.

2)
I was a big fan of the BBC series Sherlock (season 1). I have been looking forward to season 2 for a year. I watched all 3 episodes on PBS recently and was not disappointed.
Anyone who missed season 2 can view the series on the PBS website until June 19, 2012.

3)
My six year old will be going into 1st grade in the Fall and his school has assigned him a "Summer Math Skills Sharpener". Fortunately, I know all the correct answers. (I'm no math whiz, but I can handle 1st grade.)

1/2)
Dailymail.co.uk recently released a list of hundred of keywords and phrases it says the Department of Homeland Security has been using to "monitor social networking sites and online media for signs of terrorist or other threats against the U.S.".

I couldn't help but notice that the list they provided is in the form of an image, so, presumably, they won't attract the attention of the Department of Homeland Security.

Egg & I.

As I mentioned in previous post, Simcha Fischer recently published a list of, so-called, LOL books.

One book on her list was The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald. Simcha had praised the book so much,I decided to go to my local public library and check it out. While there, I also picked up MacDonald's, The Plaque and I , which had been recommended by someone commenting on Fischer's article.

I had seen the Hollywood version of the book on TV sometime in the 1960's - as best as I can recall. I don't recall much of the movie, however. I don't think I could have told you who starred in the movie if I hadn't read up on it recently. With Simcha's recommendation, I was sure the book would be worth reading.

As Simcha wrote in her review, the story is completely engrossing, but although sections of the book are quite funny, I wouldn't describe the whole work as "LOL". There are portions of the book which are not funny.....nor were they meant to be; I'm certain no one was laughing while reading MacDonald's story of how she was very nearly raped by two drunken Indians. I was completely surprised by her discussion of the prevalence of abortion in the community were she and her husband lived; no LOL moments, there.

Don't get the wrong idea. I loved the book and highly recommend it, though it isn't what one would call a laugh a minute.

Both the wikipedia article on the book and Simcha Fischer mentioned that modern readers might find MacDonald's treatment of native Americans objectionable. True enough, she is very critical of many native Americans in the book. I didn't find her descriptions objectionable because I believe that MacDonald wrote the truth as she experienced it. Besides, MacDonald was critical of nearly everyone in the book, not just the Indians. She gave everyone Hell.

The only thing I did object to was MacDonald's blasphemous use of the Lord's name. Her use of words like "bitch" or "son of a bitch" or "bastard" didn't bother me so much, but I didn't care for what I'll euphemistically render as "GD". Other than that, I'd say the book was the best I've read in quite some time.

Another 3 1/2 Time Outs Tuesday.

It's time for 3 1/2 Time Outs Tuesday . Host, LarryD is posting # Volume 25; I haven't done that many. I haven't kept track of the exact number.

1)
On May 09, 2012 the CENTER for BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY issued a press release announcing that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the eastern diamondback rattlesnake may qualify for Endangered Species Act protection . According to the statement, eastern diamondbacks are in steep decline because of habitat destruction and human persecution.

Some have wondered how this might affect those Pentecostal churches in the U.S. in which snake handling is a central ritual. I'm sure the Federal govt. would allow a religious exemption like the one given Catholic institutions regarding artificial birth control in their health insurance.

What?

2)
Speaking of snake handling. this Catholic priest has an interesting take on the ritual.

3)
In a recent article, Simcha Fisher recommends a number of humorous books. Two book - one recommended by her and one recommended by someone commenting on her article - piqued my interest ........ The Egg and I and The Plaque and I ; both written by Betty MacDonald. The books are available at my local public library. I'll pick them up later in the week.

1/2)
Hope you get to feeling better soon, Larry.

Obama Campaign Working to Counter New Voter ID Laws.

From The Washington Post: (sort of)

President Obama’s reelection campaign launched a national drive Friday to counter new restrictive voter-access laws, which advisers said threaten his electoral chances in November.

The Obama campaign’s “weekend of action” is part of a field effort that in 2008 helped identify, register and turn out millions of new dead voters.

Those new dead voters gave Obama wins in unlikely places, including North Carolina and Virginia, where young and minority voters zombies helped make the difference. Turning out those zombie voters again this year is key to the president’s reelection strategy, but it is also more challenging this year in part because of the new voting laws passed by evil Republicans.

3 Cheers..........

Three cheers for Manny Pacquiao.