Just some random slacking…

And a note that blogging may or may not be light for the next several days.
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Robert B. Parker

So while home sick, I decided to read all the Robert B Parker Spenser books I could get my hands on. I think that would be all of them but two. Here are my thoughts (will probably continue to be updated):

Read More about the Spenser mysteries

Apparently England has an increasingly large parrot population. Burgeoning Budgies so to speak. (I should have resisted, shouldn’t I?)

The number of wild parrots living in England is rising at 30% per year, says an Oxford University research project.

Parks and gardens in the leafy London suburbs have been adopted as a preferred habitat by birds that are native to southern Asia.
…
There have been reports that there could now be 20,000 wild parrots, including parakeets, living in England, with the largest concentration around London and the South East.

I would never, never, never have guessed England to become home to wild parrots.

It makes me imagine a strange future where explorers adventure over to England, long abandoned for whatever reason, and discover it to be filled with wild parrots.

Imagine trying to explain how they evolved there.

I’m Rabies!

From the CDC Infectious disease trading cards!

They print out rather nicely.

I’ll be glad when this stinkin’ cold is GONE.

And now for some quizzy slacking. Since I’ve been working so hard, y’know.
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I’m sick of being sick.

But I have, however, managed to read 16 Robert B. Parker Spenser books. So the weekend has not been a complete waste.

Right now I’m almost finished with Stardust, and hoping to rush through these books in the middle that aren’t quite as good.

Enjoy the holiday if you’re taking it.

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
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Rules for Flying the American Flag

• It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
• The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.
• When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, that is with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. When festoons, rosettes or drapings are desired, bunting of blue, white and red should be used, but never the flag.
• When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.
• When hung in a window, place the blue union in the upper left, as viewed from the street.
• Section 8k of the Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
• Is it okay to have a flag t-shirt with words written on it?
  No, the flag should never be worn and no, the flag should never have marks or words written upon it. Section 8d (see below): “The flag should never be used as wearing apparel.” Section 8g: “The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.”

• Is it okay for an advertisement to use the flag?
  No. Section 8i (see below) reads, “The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.”

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has wowed fellow foreign ministers at an Asean security meeting, with a rousing rendition of a disco classic.

Mr Powell donned a hard hat and stuffed a hammer in his belt for the Village People’s YMCA, a massive 1970s hit.

He was backed by five US officials, all imitating the gaily flamboyant outfits of the original band.
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Nor was it the first time Mr Powell has caused a sensation at the forum.

Three years ago, a skit in which he rolled around on the floor in a love duet with his then Japanese counterpart Makiko Tanaka was universally panned, and prompted harsh words from his wife Alma.

A year later, he ran a video compilation of the world and his wife, literally, begging him not to sing again.

I’m curious as to how this went over with the rest of the homophobic Bush administration.

Amendments to the U.S Constitution
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I’m home sick; the only good thing about this is that I can lie on the sofa and read. I’ve finished all the Terry Pratchett books in the house, so for a change of pace I’ve moved on to Robert B. Parker’s Spenser mysteries. I’m already in Mortal Stakes.

What I have been reading is as follows:

Men at Arms, Soul Music, Interesting Times, Hogfather Terry Pratchett

Read More about Men at Arms, Soul Music, Interesting Times, Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

The Legend of Nightfall by Mickey Zucker Reichert

Read More about The Legend of Nightfall by Mickey Zucker Reichert

Happy Birthday Kathy!

Happy Canada Day!

(and happy birthday to ME!)