I’d Like to Propose a New National Holiday.

Earlier today, while I was perusing the internet, I read that on May 7th, 1660, in den Haag, Netherlands, Isaak (Isaack) Fubine patented macaroni. I had never really thought of macaroni as a Dutch delicacy, but it is one more reason to love Holland. Someone told me once that it is possible that something could be on the internet and not be true. Although I personally find that hard to believe, I felt it would be prudent of me to try and prove or disprove the theory that Isaak (Issack) is my hero and I adore the man.

First, I think you will all be stunned to know that there are literally dozens of web pages out there that deal with the history of macaroni. Apparently there is quite a cult of macaroniists with access to computers. Kind of warms my cockles. Some of them mention the Etruscans, some the Arabs, others the Jews and some even mentioned Sicily. Nobody seems to really agree about much of anything regarding the origins of macaroni. But that is, of course, different than patenting macaroni. I did find multiple sites that confirmed that Isaak (Isaack) B. Fubine of Savoy patented macaroni on this date. (Apparently there is some controversy regarding the spelling of Ike's first name.)

Armed with that indisputable evidence, I would like to propose that May 7th be a national holiday. I feel this would be an amazing thing, as macaroniism is a secular idealism that could unite Arabs and Jews, Christians and Pagans. This could be the one thing that will bond liberals and conservatives. Anti-abortionist and Pro-lifers could sit together and enjoy true gluttony without the harsh militarism.

Join the movement today. Contact your congressperson and demand that May 7th be declared National Macaroni Day. Ask that Isaak (Isaack) Fubine’s picture be placed on the one dollar bill. Stand up for what is right and just.

From Yahoo! Sports

"In general, people in the sports world keep their political leanings to themselves. Sure, there are a few guys who regularly speak out on political issues, but for the most part that's considered bad business. As Michael Jordan put it, 'Republicans buy shoes too.' That's why what the Phoenix Suns are doing is so amazing.

The team will be wearing its "Los Suns" jerseys for Wednesday night's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs 'to honor [the] Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation.'

Awesome."

You go, Suns!

Part Three of Last Weekend.

Richard and I (along with many other people from my work) went to see Cirque du Soleil. Yes, they were wonderful, it was amazing; all that crap.

But I left with major ideas for our next sibling performance. All we need to do is get Karla on a unicycle up on a tightrope, and we will have a major hit.

Annie, it’s time you got your tightrope/unicycle groove on!

And So This Is Spring.

They are forecasting the abomination of spring. They are forecasting snow. Tonight. Upper Hood River Valley.

My apologies to all you residents of the frigid north who find a May snow refreshing. I am not one of you. This sucks the big one.

We Have Company.

Meet Donner, one of the nicest young dogs you will ever have the pleasure to encounter.

Donner is Ralph and Trixie’s houseguest for the next few days.

Of course, being seasoned Saint Bernards, Ralph and Trixie were expecting a big slumber party. Being an active dog in the prime of his life, Donner was expecting more on the line of sex, drugs and rock and roll.

Donner is coping.

Perhaps I Spoke Too Quickly.

I didn't mean to insinuate that Max and Spike have brains of papier-mâché. I really didn’t!

Now Max, please don’t hurt me. (At least don’t scar my elbows!)

May Day! May Day!

I read today that scientists are racing to construct a cat-level brain.

I looked over at Max and Spike: do you think the scientists are using papier-mâché?