Kitty Litter

 
DUKE OF HURL

What’s new in politics? Nothing much. John F***ing Kerry is ahead in the polls; who cares? Dean is kinder, gentler; who cares? David Duke is thinking about running for Congress again; OY VEY! Of course, first he has to be released from federal prison, where he’s serving time for mail and tax fraud. Still in the concept stage, though. “Duke, whose telephone privileges are limited, could not be reached for comment.”


SPAM-A-NATOR

“Bill Gates on Friday predicted the death of spam in two years.” This is very Martha Stewart (a good thing). I no longer get spam with subject lines containing “teenaged girls and barnyard animals.” Now I’m getting the penis-enlargement ads (I'm female) and ads to lose weight and invest money, and ads for Paris Hilton’s XXX-rated videos. So the sooner Bill Gates develops this spam-a-nator the better. In the meantime, I suggest doing what Lucianne.com suggests: “The government wants your spam. Forward unwanted or deceptive e-mails to uce@ftc.gov , where federal regulators are creating a huge spam database to go after the most egregious marketers.”

QUESTION

Does anyone know if Laura Bush is a Republican or a Democrat?



Frozen but still kickin’
Myerskatt@aol.com

 
HAVEN’T THE BLOGGIEST?

Writing around household activities can sometimes produce incoherent blogs, and yesterday I thought I might have bungled Kitty Litter. I’ve been hearing about the current uproar over Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” and recalling an almost identical furor over Martin Scorsese’s 1988 movie “The Last Temptation of Christ.” While “Passion” is generating cries of anti-Semitism, “Temptation” was accused of anti-Christianity. I saw “Temptation” (boring); I have not seen “Passion” because it has not been released for public viewing as yet. In my long-winded attempt yesterday, I was trying to say that religious films should not be banned; they should be allowed to stand or fall on their own, that the protesters should have more faith in their fellow man. I thought I might have slighted “Passion” in the process, leaving some to think that I thought Gibson’s movie was bad, which was NOT my message. I've heard many great things about "Passion," that people are genuinely moved by it, so I didn't want to disuade anyone from seeing when it is released next month. But GM in Ohio DID get my meaning; thank you very much!


NO JEW IN THE CABINET?

From “Passion” to President Bush. He’s been accused of being anti-Semitic because he has not selected a Jew for his cabinet. The article deals with e-mail manners, but I thought this portion of it was pertinent:
BY ALAN BROMLEY
Friday, January 23, 2004 12:01 a.m. EST
My cousin, whom I'll call "Bob," just included me in a group e-mail that implied President Bush was anti-Semitic because he hadn't appointed a Jew to his cabinet. The e-mail, which went out to some 50 people in my cousin's address book, said that every president in the past hundred years or so had indeed selected at least one Jew to be in his cabinet.
I was incensed, and my first reaction was to press "Delete" and erase the offending message. After doing so, I reflected a bit more and decided that my silence might imply that I agreed, so I went to an earlier mass e-mail from Bob and pressed "Reply to All." My trigger finger has now caused a family furor.
My initial message to Bob--and everyone in his address book--stated that before we malign President Bush as an anti-Semite, we should note that FDR turned his back on Jewish refugees during World War II, just as he did on the Holocaust itself; that President Carter engineered a "peace accord" that was quite disadvantageous to Israel; that President Clinton resurrected Yasser Arafat from the politically dead (and that Hillary Clinton publicly kissed Arafat's wife after Mrs. Arafat accused Jews of poisoning Arab children), and that virtually every Jewish organization has labeled President Bush the most pro-Israeli American president in memory.

THE “G” WORD

Well hush my mouth, but isn’t it amazing that saying “God damned!” in school will not get you into trouble, but saying “God bless” will? Here’s the Wall Street Journal article in full:
LORD KNOWS: Few Americans need reminders about the plague of ill-mannered teens in our public schools. But Dupo High School in southern Illinois believes it has cracked down on the worst: a high-school senior who was suspended as host of the school's daily closed-circuit news broadcast because he signed off a Dec. 17 program with the words, "Have a safe and happy holiday, and God bless." The aptly named James Lord returns to the air Feb. 1, and in confirmation of his incorrigibility told the Belleville News-Democrat: "I can't guarantee I won't say it again."

OH, MON DIEU!

This gem is from JC in Texas:
Subject: Why Not Speak French?

An officer in the U.S. Naval reserve was attending a conference that included admirals from both the U.S. Navy and the French Navy.At a cocktail reception, he found himself in a small group that included personnel from both navies. The French admiral started complaining that whereas Europeans learned many languages, Americans learned only English.

He then asked: "Why is it that we have to speak English in these conferences rather than you speak French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you would not have to speak in German."


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
LET ME MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR

After I posted my lengthy opinion about the movie "The Passion" (below) and compared the reaction it's receiving to that of "The Last Temptation of Christ" in '88, I thought I may have left the wrong impression with readers. So now I'd like to clear up any misconceptions.

When "The Last Temptation of Christ" was released in 1988, it was amid an enormous controversy. Christians believed it was blasphemous, anti-Christian, and did everything in their collective power to ban it before it was ever released. The film was boring. Maybe it was well made, but it was still dreadfully boring, so it died a merciful death at the box office.

Sixteen years later Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is being met with the same intense controversy, but this time the charge is anti-Semitism. I have no idea what this movie is like since I have not seen it. I was NOT condemming this film in any way.

I only wanted to point out that religious films will fall or thrive on their own. Those who are protesting should have more faith in people.

Any questions?

Myerskatt@aol.com

 
DUDE, WHERE’S MY CALENDAR?

Today marks the Chinese New Year 4701. According to the Chinese horoscope you can expect better times. Here are some highlights (copied from AOL):
* lonesome singles will finally find their soulmates
* destitute investors can expect to discover gold in the deepest, emptiest pockets of their portfolios
* couples on the verge of divorce will suddenly reconcile
* narrow-minded people will open their hearts to tolerance
* second class citizens will go to the front of the class
* arrogant politicians will get what they deserve


A PASSION FOR PROTEST

Peggy Noonan, writing in the Wall Street Journal opinion page, is once again addressing the mangled mess of five little words: “It is as it was.” Supposedly, those five little words were spoken by the Pope after viewing Mel Gibson’s much maligned yet rarely seen movie “The Passion.” Ms. Noonan was authorized to say what the Pope had supposedly said. I say supposedly because since Poor Peggy and several others have reported on this, other sources have come forward to refute the report. “Unnamed sources,” too. Which gives me pause to speculate that the liberal forces within the Vatican are responsible and just waiting for that inevitable “puff of white smoke” (signally the vote of a new pope) in the near future.

This mess reminds me of the media hoopla over Martin Scorsese’s ’88 film, “The Last Temptation Of Christ.” Religious-themed films are not my cup of tea, especially period films that are shot on location. Desert. Dust. Dreary and dreadfully hot. Nope, not for me. But “Temptation” was tempting since I was following the then-budding career of Aidan Quinn, who was originally asked to play the part of Jesus. Eventually he opted out … according to Scorsese, Quinn had “religious problems” with the part … so Scorsese cast Willem Dafoe for the lead. Even so, by this time the film had piqued my interest enough to want to see it.

Initially, “The Last Temptation of Christ” was a book written by Nikos Kazantzakis in 1955, and translated into English (from Greek) in 1960. As I understood the storyline back in ’88, the actual temptation was in the form of an option God gave Jesus while nailed upon the cross: the option of getting off the cross and living life as a normal man. Jesus began to hallucinate, as anyone would under those conditions. He envisioned being married to Mary Magdalene and having children. Everything in his hallucination was lush and green and colorful, a stark contrast to his real world. As inviting as this was, he realized that this was not his mission. This was MY understanding, that the “temptation” was not one of lust. I later learned that some clergy felt these were satanic temptations, but I didn’t interpret the movie that way. In fact, I was moved that Jesus faced the temptation and did not succumb.

Scripts of “Temptation” were “acquired” and distributed throughout the religious community, scripts which were not the final one used. Protesters began picketing theaters. Even where I live, in a rural area, the protesters were united. They wrote scores of letters to the local papers. They marched up and down the highway in front of the theater for days. I felt quite alone in my desire to see the movie only because Aidan Quinn was originally cast as Christ, and yet he wasn’t even going to be in it!

Friday, October 21, 1988, the local theater complex premiered “The Last Temptation of Christ.” Extra security was everywhere, and the theater manager had arranged for local clergy to be on hand for a discussion forum afterwards. October 21st found me with the flu, complete with a fever, but I thought if I didn’t see it that night I’d never get the chance. So, on a cold, wet night, I dragged my aching, sick body to the theater to see a religious movie without Aidan Quinn. Go figure.

There were more protesters outside than there were moviegoers inside. A total of 17 people were in the theater, and, more than likely, many of those were clergy. It’s quite possible that I might have been the only true fan there, which was probably why I was easily spotted by a female reporter who asked me a few questions. (She couldn’t even quote me correctly!)

As hard as I tried, I could not get into the movie. It was not tempting to me. I found it boring, and the fact that I was sick did not help. Ironically, the hallucination during the crucifixion scene was the only part I found worthwhile (I don’t recall any sex scenes). I did not stay for the discussion forum afterwards, and I left feeling relieved that Aidan Quinn was not part of the movie, although he’s gone on to make several ghastly films of liberalism since (siiiiiigh).

I read that a man had driven his truck into the front lobby of an Ithaca, NY, theater during one night because the theater was showing “Temptation.” No doubt he had to pay a hefty fine and restitution costs, and he probably was thrown into the pokey for a while. He needn’t have bothered. The movie died a merciful death. With all the pre-publicity “Last Temptation” generated, the movie lasted but a few days in our local theater. I doubt it lasted much longer than that elsewhere. I can’t say for certain, but I believe that moviegoers found it as dreadful as I did. Word of mouth is powerful.

I don’t know much about Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion.” The fact that it’s violent has not been disputed by anyone, which is one reason I may not see it. I believe that Gibson is a devoted practicing Catholic, and I don’t believe he’s anti-Semitic. I abhor attacks on Christianity as much as anyone, but protesting some of these films accomplishes little towards the end of stopping the attacks. Identify the offenses as they occur, then, in the case of movies, I believe it is best to allow them to fail on their own, like “Last Temptation.” There are those who will seek out the offensive just because it is anti-Christian. You will never change their opinions. On the other hand, an offensive film will not sway the faithful, either, for they will continue to believe. That’s why it’s called faith.


HER BIG FAT OBNOXIOUS DECISION

Apparently the $$ were more tempting to Randi Coy … how cute is THAT name? … because she chose the show over her teaching position at a Catholic school.


PASSION AND TEMPTATION

Politics, schmolitics. Nothing comes between Bill Clinton and a beautiful woman.


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
CELEBRITY GOSSIP

The rich, especially the Hollywood rich, really ARE different: shallow and greedy for starters. Is it any wonder they vote for the Dems?


MAD HOW

Mark Steyn on Dean: “like a Vermont cow that has picked up BSE, Howard the Harmless Holstein has jumped the gate and turned into Mad How.” Great article; worth the read.


STATE OF THE UNION

Great Sean Delonas cartoon today :)


MEMO TO GM IN OHIO:

Thanks for telling your friend in California about Litter! Glad you’re feeling better, too.


MEMO TO BOSS

Congrats on landing the job!


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
THE NEW SOLDIER

By John Kerry and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This is the book, according to NewsMax.com, that John F***ing Kerry doesn’t want you to see, because of the picture on its cover. Quoting NewsMax: When Kerry ran for election to the U.S. House of Representative in 1972, “he found it necessary to suppress reproduction of the cover picture appearing on his own book, The New Soldier. His political opponent pointed out that it depicted several unkempt youths crudely handling an American flag to mock the famous photo of the U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima,” according to Vietnam Veterans Against John Kerry.
“Suddenly, copies of the book became unavailable and even disappeared from libraries. But the Lowell (Mass.) Sun said of the type of person shown on its cover: ‘These people spit on the flag, they burn the flag, they carry the flag upside down, [and] they all but wipe their noses with it in their efforts to show their contempt for everything it still stands for,’” the New American reported. Even today it is hard to find this infamous photo and book.

I found it at alibris.com. But it’s pricey!
$849.95 SIGNED by John Kerry on title page.
$749.95
$99.95 soft cover

And I image-googled the title for the picture of its cover. NOT a pretty sight nor patriotic for someone who’s running for president by using his war record as a skakeboard to the White House.

Check back later, because I'm not done blogging :)

Myerskatt@aol.com

 
I SURVIVED “THE SIMPLE LIFE”

I didn’t see the last episode, but I did see their hour special … well, part of it. The whole thing … show and special … bored me and sometimes nauseated me. The concept was clever enough: a fish-out-of-water situation, in which rich bitches Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were jetted to Altus, Arkansas, pop. 827, to spend an entire month without their cell phones, without their credit cards, without any cash. You want money? Earn it! So, their good-hearted host family, the Ledings, found them jobs, one right after the other, and Paris and Nicole made it their mission to get fired from these jobs daily.

The 1st episode was genuinely funny. However, from that point on, the show began to spiral downward. Instead of making an honest effort to learn their host family’s way of life … an idea ripe with genuine, humorous possibilities … they resorted to tasteless, even expensive, stunts. We’re talking contaminated milk, theft, public lewdness, and vandalism, not to mention juvenile pranks and lying. Each episode infuriated me more than the last, so by the time I missed the final one I just didn’t care.


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
I’M NOT IN THE MOOD

Not in a political mood, that is. So John F***ing Kerry won the Hawkeye Cauci; big f***ing deal. What IS interesting is that he had to sell off his Renoirs for campaign $$. And let’s hope that the media will keep focused on MadDog Dean for a while as I have a sweet collection of pictures of him in full spasm mode with veins a-bulgin’ and eyes a-poppin’ which I’m dying to post over and over and over. And I wouldn't mind adding to my collection, either. Don’t forget, this is a DOCTOR! Listen to the guy who wants control of “the football” (the briefcase with nuclear codes).

Rush finds all these polls fishy, to say the least. First it’s Dean by a landslide, then Dean is in 3rd place? And whereinthehell did Edwards’ numbers come from? Rush: “I'm having a lot of trouble taking this seriously, because there's something going on here that is way beneath the surface. I can't tell you what it is. I'm not talking conspiracy. Don't mean that. I'm thinking more along the lines of just haphazard reporting, just to create a story, just to create interest, when it may not be representative of what's really going on.”


“ONLY HER FURRIER KNOWS FOR SURE”

At least Her Royal C’s mystery mink has been cleared up … or has it? A deliciously snarky read about an unctuous harpy.


AND WORLD PEACE

Amy Fisher; ho-hum, old news. She wishes that her Joey B. would stop doing all those bad things. After all, she’s trying to “to keep guns out of the hands of kids.”


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, SLAPPY

“I NEVER thought I'd give Bill Clinton a standing ovation. But last week in Qatar I did just that.” When I read that I knew I had to read it because it was written by Ralph Peters, someone whose opinions on all things military I admire and heed. There are several other pull quotes I could include here, but you should really read the article for yourselves. I never thought I’d be saying this, but Peters rightly praises Clinton. So, Slappy, you ol’ liberal you, this one’s for you.


COOTIES!

At the very end of Jed Babbin’s article, in The American Spectator, is the following:

“A faithful reader sent me a photo of a picture of Miz Hillary taken on her jaunt to Iraq which followed in Dubya's wake. As I'm hearing, none -- as in zero, zip, zilch -- of the warriors volunteered to appear in publicity photos with her. So a few were dragooned. The picture I received shows a beaming Hillary shaking hands with a young officer in desert camo whose forced smile is what you'd expect from someone who had just swallowed a mouthful of spoiled milk.

But with the courage we expect of our fighting men, his protest is plain to see. His left hand, elevated to waist-level, has his index finger and middle finger crossed. In the neighborhood I grew up in, the crossed finger meant "This doesn't count, 'cause I don't mean it." Good on 'ya, soldier.”

Think she’ll use this photo in her campaign?


THE ELMER GANTRY TOUR

Who’d a’thunk that the ol’ peanut farmer himself would dis Dean? But the grinning goober did just that when he told reporters, “He called me on the phone and said he'd like to worship with me," Carter explained. "I did not invite him, but I'm glad he came.” How is that a dis, you ask? Because when Dean was asked why he'd leave Iowa at such a crucial time, he said Carter had invited him. I thought you guys were on the same team?


Myerskatt@aol.com

 
LITTLE WOMEN

The NY Daily News has a good rundown of the Dems’ “First ladies in waiting.” Y’know, the little women? The ol’ balls’n’chains? However, the article got off on the wrong foot: “Future First Lady Hillary Clinton caught flak during her husband's first successful bid for the White House after declaring she wasn't "some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette.” Excuse me? Her Royal C caught flak for slighting homemakers … omitted was the reference to baking cookies … not for saying that she didn’t want to stand in his shadow. The irony is that she not only stood by her naughty man, she lied for him, too, and covered his flabby toukhes whenever necessary. True cohorts in crime, those two. All in all an interesting read, but moot come November.


CHECK OUT 4 EYES!

Uh-oh! Somebody wrote a snarky book about Robert Redford and everyone at his Sundance Film Festival could NOT stop talking about it. Read the Page Six bit if you want; it’s that picture of him that gets me! which is the only reason I mention this a’tall. I mean, really, could he look any worse?


OY VEY!

Speaking of books … I’m reading “Portnoy’s Complaint,” by Philip Roth, for the first time. I’m trying to extricate myself from the murder mystery pit I have gotten myself into, so Nurse G, Little H and I trekked to B&N yesterday so H could play with the trains and so I could buy some literature. I read the back cover and, OY VEY! So this is li-ter-a-chur, huh? The bright yellow book caught H’s eye, so instead of playing with the Little Thomas train set, 2-year-old H sat there, pacifier in place, leafing through “Portnoy’s Complaint”! My grandmother would have been mortified, yet I only wish I had had my camera. I began reading it last night and wondered why I never bothered with it before. My grandmother would have called it risqué.


Myerskatt@aol.com