Guys and Cats

Today, I want to address an issue that has caused years of controversy in nations around the world: guys owning cats. Is it OK for a guy to own one or more felines? Does this somehow bring into question his masculinity? Is it even legal?

Obviously, if you're like me and married into cat ownership, then the issue has already been resolved for you, but you might be a single guy who can't decide if you should get a cat. If you've been sitting on the fence (metaphorically, of course, since I can't figure out how you'd do that literally without intense pain and the risk of injury), then I'll give you some food for thought.

• Cats are not only predators but also possibly the perfect killing machines. Dogs, on the other hand, are primarily scavengers. This isn't meant as a slam against dogs, but if you happen to have a mouse or some other pest in your house, a cat has a pretty good likelihood of taking care of the problem, while a dog is going to make you deal with it.
• You have to work to earn a cat's loyalty and affection. It's a relationship among equals. Cats can definitely be affectionate, but they don't often throw themselves at you the way that many dogs will. You and your cat are constantly working to earn each other's respect.
• Did you see "Meet the Parents" and/or "Meet the Fockers"? In those movies, Robert De Niro's character owned a cat. Are you going to tell Robert De Niro he's not a real man? I wouldn't.
• And possibly the most important reason of all, according to this New York Times article about guys owning cats, chicks dig guys with cats.

And if you need any more reasons to get one of these fluffy chick magnets/killing machines, then check out the video below, made by a couple of engineers who love them some felines.

Register to Vote! NOW!!!

This post will be short and to the point.

Are you registered to vote? If not, and if you want to vote in the November election, then you need to stop whatever you're doing and take care of it right now. Many states require people to register at least 30 days before an election, so the deadline may be sooner than you think.

Registering is extremely easy. Once you get the correct form (see the links below), you just enter your information, attach a stamp, and drop it in a mailbox. A few states even allow completely electronic registration. In any case, the entire process will take no more than five minutes.

You can take care of this process via either of these Web sites:

The first is a list of links to registration forms by U.S. state.

The second, Vote for Change, is run by the Obama campaign. On that site, you can register to vote, find your polling place, find out how to vote absentee, and, if you're already registered, check your status. On the last item, I recently changed my registration, and the change hasn't been reflected there, so they may be a little behind.

Once you take care of your registration, make sure your friends and family are also getting it done. Forward this post to them, send them an e-mail, or just pick up the phone and call them. Or, if you'll be seeing them soon, go ahead and print out the forms they'll need.

Many millions of people have expressed a strong interest in this election, and you may be one of them. That's great, but talk is cheap, and, in the end, without action, it means nothing. So, get your butt in gear and make sure you're ready to vote in November, then, on Election Day, make voting your absolute top priority.

Perfecting the Fine Art of Procrastination

Oh happy day! Someone has finally developed a flow chart showing us all how to procrastinate with the best of them. Not like you need much help, since you're reading this blog, but, just in case you want something to print out and hang on your wall, click this link or the chart and download the image file in all its glory.

RIP, Don LaFontaine and Jerry Reed

For those who may not have heard, the entertainment world lost two greats today: Don LaFontaine and Jerry Reed.

You may not know Don LaFontaine's name, but you certainly know his voice. LaFontaine has done voiceovers for over 5,000 movie trailers, as well as numerous television productions, in the last five decades. The man is a legend.

CNN has a story about his death, and MSNBC is running an Associated Press story.

MSNBC is also reporting the death of country music legend Jerry Reed. Along with being a singer-songwriter, Reed also acted, most notably appearing in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies.

I think the most fitting tribute to Don LaFontaine's and Jerry Reed's work is to post some examples of what they were good at.

First, a "Good Morning America" interview with LaFontaine:



And his excellent "5 Guys in a Limo" skit:



And here is a video of Jerry Reed performing "Wabash Cannonball":



And one of him performing "Amos Moses":



Two greats who will certainly be missed.

Completely Pointless Videos: "The Wizard of Oz"--The Florida Adventures

I know, I know, you're wondering if I'm ever going to post anything besides these videos from now on. Yes, but since I have to do some laundry, another video will have to do for now. This one, a skit from Mad TV, chronicles Dorothy's move to the Sunshine State and her penchant for attracting some really bad weather.

Enjoy!

Completely Pointless Videos: John Madden, Dungeon Master

Welcome to another installment of "Completely Pointless Videos". In today's episode, imagine John Madden as a D&D dungeon master.

And now I'll shut up and let you watch the video.

Completely Pointless Videos: Easy on the Steering Wheel, Buddy!

I don't know if this is real or staged, but it sure is fun to watch. In today's installment of "Completely Pointless Videos", a series I'm sure will be appearing pretty often, we learn that it might not be a great idea to use your car's steering wheel as a drum.

Thanks to Steven for sending me this video.

Possible Obama Assassination Attempt Foiled

Denver's KUSA-TV is reporting that three men were arrested in what some are speculating was an attempt to kill Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic National Convention. The first man, arrested during a traffic stop, was allegedly transporting two rifles, boxes of ammunition, one rifle scope, a bulletproof vest, walkie-talkies and methamphetamines. The men have possibly been connected to white supremacists through their tattoos and jewelry.

I'm sure there will be more on this soon.