Rafael Nadal’s Mini Me working as a ball boy at the U.S. Open

Picture from USOpen.org

From NY Daily News: PALIN ADMITS HER 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IS PREGNANT

On his MySpace page, Johnston boasts, “I’m a f – – -in’ redneck” who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes.

“But I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some s- – – and just f – – -in’ chillin’ I guess.”

“Ya f – – – with me I’ll kick [your] ass,” he added.

He also claims to be “in a relationship,” but states, “I don’t want kids.”

This is a plus for the Republicans, shoring up the redneck base and reaching out to slacker youths at the same time.

From LATimes.com: (PICTURE) A Hunting Trophy

Isn’t blowing away a caribou in front of your kids a little much?  Even for Alaska?

From CNN.com: The curse word ‘Battlestar Galactica’ created

The word is showing up everywhere — on T-shirts, in sit-coms, best-selling novels and regular conversation.

“I have to start by saying that I’m drinking coffee out of a mug that says ‘frak off’ on the side of it, so much has it seeped into my life,” “Galactica” star Jamie Bamber said.

The word is insinuating its way into popular vocabulary for a simple reason.

You can’t get in trouble. It’s a made-up word.

The word is used so naturally in the world of Battlestar Galactica that it’s no surprise to me that it’s making the transition to the real world.

“Happy Birthday Mr. President!”

McCain looks like he just got a new toy for his birthday!   Sarah Palin popping out of a box with her “Miss Alaska” wave!

I guess even the NYTimes found the above picture of McCain “vetting” his new running mate a little wrong, substituting the picture below on the webpage. 
McCain creepiness quotient +1

From NYTimes.com: McCain Chooses Palin as Running Mate

Senator John McCain chose Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate on Friday, shaking up the political world with a surprise pick at a time when his campaign has been trying to attract women, especially disaffected supporters of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I think Hillary loves being the “first woman” in U.S. politics, the woman who breaks ground for women and will do everything in her power to prevent Sarah Palin to become the first female Vice President.  I think Obama will be willing to share the campaign stage with her if that neutralizes Palin.

John McCain turns 72 today.

Here’s a picture of the candles on John McCain’s birthday cake.

From NYTimes.com: As Arctic Sea Ice Melts, Experts Expect New Low

Federal observers flying for a whale survey on Aug. 16 spotted nine polar bears swimming in open ocean in the Chukchi. The bears were 15 to 65 miles off the Alaska shore. Some were swimming north, apparently trying to reach the polar ice edge, which on that day was 400 miles away.

Polar bears are powerful swimmers and have been recorded on swims of 100 miles, but the ordeal can leave them exhausted and susceptible to drowning.

This is pretty sad.  I’m afraid that this is something we’re going to see more and more of as the effects of global warming become more pronounced.

Thanks to Karin for letting me know about this.

From CNN.com: Will ‘green’ movement kill the meal tray?

Glenville State has joined an increasing number of colleges and universities that have shed their cafeteria trays.

In drought-stricken Georgia and North Carolina, the goal is to conserve water by lightening the load on dishwashers. Other schools are trying to cut down on wasted food and conserve energy. Proponents, including major food vendors, say it also reduces the use of water-polluting detergents.

I can’t imagine going to a college cafeteria and not having a tray to carry the food and drinks to the table.  Yes, it might save water and cause college kids to eat a little less, but do the benefits really outweigh the inconvenience?  I think you’d save a lot more water if you were able to keep students from taking 30 minute showers.