February 17, 2012 – 307 days Until Baktun 12

Survivalist Tip: Duct tape is an indispensable commodity, so you should have plenty of it on hand when the apocalypse arrives.  While it may seem like a tool for the well-defined redneck, duct tape can be used for a number of things from hanging Christmas lights to hemming up a pair of jeans.  You can also use it to secure some of your possessions to the top of your vehicle, should you have to evacuate your home in the chaotic aftermath.  If the vehicle busts a hose, or the radiator pops a leak, use duct tape to repair it temporarily.  And, if the kids start screaming, ‘Are we there yet?’, just wrap the tape around their little mouths and shut them the hell up!  Social workers will be caught up in the pandemonium anyway, so you won’t be charged with a crime.

 

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Today’s Birthdays

Academy Award-winning actress Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot) is 67.

Singer Dodie Stevens is 66.

Actor Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Stand and Deliver, Courage Under Fire) is 50.

Former professional basketball player Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls 1984 – 1995; Washington Wizards 2001 – 2003) is 49.

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) is 40.

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On February 17…

1801 – Thomas Jefferson is elected 3rd President of the United States.

 

1904 – Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly premiered at the La Scala theatre in Milan, Italy.

 

1924 – Olympic gold medalist swimmer Johnny Weissmuller (who went on to play Tarzan in several films) set a world record in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 57.4 seconds in Miami, FL.

1972 – President Richard M. Nixon departed Washington, DC, for his historic trip to China; the first U.S. president to visit the communist nation.

 

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Cartoon of the Day

This is 1 reason why I left the Catholic Church some 20 years ago and why I don’t vote Republican.

 

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Picture of the Day

The all-male gallery of religious leaders called to testify before the Congressional committee.  Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) – one of the most conservative members of the House – insisted there weren’t any qualified women on the list.  Listening to these men whine how the proposed birth control plan violates their religious beliefs reminds me of old White southerners complaining that civil rights legislation offends their constitutional values.  Who cares?  When basic human rights and religious freedom conflict, human rights needs to go first.

 

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Third Quote of the Day

“Excuse me, Mr. – I’m just trying to catch my breath.”

— Andrea Mitchell reacting to Friess’ comment

Friess’ web site apparently no longer exists, but he’s now apologized for an “aspirin joke” that “bombed.”  My parents actually remember that “joke” – from years ago!  Friess neglected to mention the number 1 birth control for men: a zipper.

 

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Second Quote of the Day

“You know, back in my days, they’d use Bayer aspirin for contraceptives.  The gals put it between their knees, and it wasn’t that costly.”

— Millionaire Wyoming investor Foster Friess – who’s bankrolling Rick Santorum’s presidential run – discussing birth control on Andrea Mitchell Reports, the same day hearings were held in Washington

 

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First Quote of the Day

“Where are the women?”

— U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) pointing out that no women were included as witnesses during a congressional hearing about religious freedom and a mandate that health insurers cover contraception

 

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NASA Practicing the Moonwalk, 1963 – 1968

The real moonwalk!

 

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Thou Shalt Not Spill Thy Seed!

College guys and gay men would be doomed if this bill becomes law!  I personally don’t appreciate a bunch of pro-life advocates telling me what to do with my sperm.  If I want to freeze it and mix it with my Bacardi and Coke, that’s my own damn business!

 

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