Randall gave me a bird cage. I think I’m gonna get me some ‘keets. That should cause the cats some torture and frustration, huh? (Did I mention my lizard in my previous rant about my animals and my morning routine?)

Conspiracies are so much fun! I even like saying the words: Bilderbergs, Trilateral Commisssion, Freemasons, Illuminati, al-Qaeda, Grassy Knoll, Watergate, Fostergate… and now:

John Doe Number 2.

Here’s a quickie primer: Along with Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, there are many reports of another “John Doe #2″ who was spotted around and within the conspiracy to blow up the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The FBI has been accused of ignoring evidence that there was a 3rd man. Then, when Jose Padilla (the so-called “Dirty Bomber”) is transferred to military custody, several web authors see his picture and see a resemblance between Padilla and a sketch of John Doe #2 released in 1995. Then the details start appearing: Padilla in Florida at the same time as Nichols and McVeigh, Nichols in the Philippines with Abdul Hakim Murad and Wali Khan — two of those involved with the 1993 WTC bombing, Padilla converting to Islam at the same time Benevolence International Foundation – one of the Muslim charities accused of funding al-Qaeda — sets up its headquarters 5 minutes from the Taco Bell where Padilla works. (And, even though this has nothing to do with the case, Nichols’ ex-wife is named Lana Padilla.) (This Jose Padilla has nothing to do with it either.)

So is there really this worldwide secret terrorist crusade which brings together Islamist jihadis, Waco-incensed apocalyptic Christians, and government-fearing American militias? Are they joined by the IRA, the Tamil Tigers and perhaps even the Alaskan Independence Party. What about Weight Watchers, the PTA, the AAA, and the Freepers? Is there nothing we can’t tie together?

How long until they arrest poor Kevin Bacon?

The insulting was rather unexpected for Nikoleta who really believed that her weight would cause no problems for romantic friendship with the man. The insulted girl decided to obtain justice with the help of the law. Nikoleta Popesku has brought an action against Gabriel Malinesku on compensation of moral damage caused by the “hippopotamus” insulting.

I think the hippos might have a case in the Romanian courts, too, after all, hippopotamus insulting is nothing to laugh about.

From Russia Makes It Funny

From today’s New York Times (reg. req’d)

At the same time, the White House accelerated work on its proposal to create a homeland security department, under pressure from members of Congress who had complained that without the actual legislation they would have difficultly making progress.

Why should the Homeland Security Dep’t Act need “actual legislation”? After all, Congress overwhelmingly passed the USA PATRIOT Act – 342 pages of complex changes to countless laws and over 15 Departments and Agencies — without public hearing, debate, committee reports or House-Senate conferences.

(Just in case you didn’t know, USA PATRIOT is really an acronym for “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001″.)

(It could also be said to stand for “Unconstitutional, Systemic Attacks on Privacy and The Rights of Immigrants in Our Territory”)

I’m waiting for passage of the POLICE STATE Act of 2002. (Prevention Of Liberty In Case Environmentalists, Saddam or Terrorists Attack This Empire.)

Forest Worker Held in Fire Creates Anger and Sympathy