RANDOM MUSINGS ALERT

I'm stoked! I just won the Blog of the Day Award on Saturday! Thanks for the nomination, Andy. And now, for my speech....

Ahem..ahem.

I'd like to thank the blogger academy for this momentous occasion. For recognizing that even on a non-blogging day, The Carioca's reputation for delivering high quality Friday Funnies on a previous day (Vol.10), sustained me to victory the next day. But most importantly, I'd like to acknowledge the bloggers, commentators, moderators for recognizing The Carioca against such overwhelming odds - that of being stacked up against a titan, a heavyweight, the Lance Armstrong of Blogs - Bitter Sweet Life - A Spiritual Journey. Thank you to the blogosphere nominating committee (all one of you!) for identifying the underdog in an intimidating landscape of German Shepherds. Thank you to my fans for your support and love. And in the famous last words of an inspirational college basketball coach - "don't give up...don't ever give up."


:::

I read a great article on Convergent Cafe about how spreading democracy in Islam may not be the best solution to counter evil and terrorism in the Middle East. Excerpt:

"Is spreading democracy something that we should be involved with at all? I want to ponder, what should the Church be spreading that is the antidote for all the world’s evils? As I read through the Bible, in the OT, the Gospels, Acts, and all the way through I don’t see or hear of the people of God spreading any autonomous
political structure. The Church has no history of or commission to propagate anything separate from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I challenge you to re-study the Kingdom Parables of Mathew chapter13. Should the wheat spread the governments of the weeds? Should the mustard seed not grow to be the largest plant in the garden? Should the leaven not rise?"

:::

On Friday, an anonymous person's shorts/panties (perhaps a staunch Democrat?) was bunched up over seeing one of the pictures I posted in my Friday Funnies, V.10 - that of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) supposedly crossing the wrong hand over his right chest during the Pledge of Allegiance. Here's the anonymous comment:

That "priceless" picture is Photoshopped. If you had done your research, you would have learned that. And shame on you for promoting a lie at the expense of another.

Lesson #1 for said anonymous: The posting title is called "Friday Funnies." And political satire, or any other kind of satire that is not downright offensive, counts. I see, I laugh, I post.

Suggestion: Please start your own blog. I suggest these titles for it:
- The Truth Behind Manipulated Photos of My Favorite Politicians
- Urban Legends - A Pictorial Expose'
- Defending Daschle's Dignity for Democrats (D4)

Man, feverus sarcasticus is running a bit high tonite!

Actually, I'm glad someone out there was kind enough to do his/her research and point me to the truth, in case I ever post on the evils of photoshop manipulation. I like facts. I love being informed. So if you care to know the truth our gracious and morally-upright Anonymous commenter shed light on, click here.

:::

Occasionally, I find blogs that hold my attention and become worthy of frequent visits. I've updated my sidebar with these new blogs, so check them out. One noteworthy blog is Useless Advice from Useless Men. It is pure ingeniosity. These guys are good and very very funny.


:::


I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I just saw Snakes on a Plane with Samuel L. Jackson. It's pretty much low-brow, cheesy B-movie stuff with a few grotesque scenes and a very predictable ending. But if you must, wait for the DVD and make it a double feature with Arachnophobia.


:::


Finally, back in July, I took a trip to Seattle and back-dated it after I got all the pictures posted (none were Photoshop manipulated, rest assured). I think you'll get a kick out of my trip so feel free to comment there.