Friday, July 04, 2008

As always, we celebrate Independence Day here at the ol' HoC with a look at the founding document from which this day takes its name, the Declaration of Independence.

This year, we do it a new way - as a word cloud. Here's the Declaration in swarm...


(click to embiggen in a new window)

Happy Independence Day, everybody.

Posted @ 8:19 AM

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Friday, June 27, 2008

One of the little joys I didn't anticipate when we got Rose and River was the chance to use my Cat Voice again. It's high-pitched and sing-songy with just a hint of a rumble in it. Used to narrate what I believe their inner thoughts to be, I also use it for infants before they're able to speak.

I'm glad to have it back in heavy rotation because it's fun to do, but even more so because it cracks my wife up. Last night when I got home, R & R swarmed to me and then quickly headed to the litter box (which it is my job to maintain). I took this to be them saying, "Hey Pink Boy, make with the scooping already!" I voiced this, and for whatever reason it tickled my wife's funny bone something fierce. She laughed long and hard, and that is one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Posted @ 6:50 AM

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Last week, my wife and I got two kittens.

We've played around with the idea of getting cats for a couple of years now, and have been seriously considering it for at least six months. Then, about three weeks ago, we decided it was time.

To get them, we went through a local organization called the Companion Animal Rescue Alliance (CARA). They turned out to be great to work with. If you're looking for a pet in the Maryland suburbs, I heartily recommend them.

Without further ado, allow me to introduce Rose and River:

Rose


River


(click the pics to embiggen)

They're three month old sisters. Rose is named after Rose Tyler from Doctor Who. River is named for River Tam from Firefly.

Rose is the more adventurous of the two, always the first to explore or try something new. River is cautious but more tenacious, sticking with an activity long after Rose has tired of it.

In just under a week, they've already earned their first nicknames. Rose's nick is Splay, for the way she splays about like a disused set of bagpipes when relaxing. River's is Fart, for reasons I doubt need spelling out.

So there are our pretty kitties. Expect to see them pop up around here from time to time (though if I stray into Crazy Cat Guy territory, please give me a gentle warning nudge).

Posted @ 6:45 AM

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Friday, June 20, 2008

If you're finding the recent calls by Senator McCain and President Bush to open our coastline to more offshore oil drilling attractive as gas zooms past $4 a gallon, allow me to point you to Robert Reich's post on the subject from yesterday. It's a concise, common sense refutation of the handwaving McCain and Bush are engaging in here.

This drilling scheme is an empty pander in a difficult time and a gift to the oil companies, not a worthwhile solution to our energy woes.

Posted @ 8:11 AM

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Monday, June 16, 2008

How to start off your week on the right track: reading a review of The Incredible Hulk written entirely in Hulk-speak.

You're welcome.

Posted @ 6:46 AM

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