U.S. Border Patrol Uniforms Are Made In Mexico

Ken AshfordForeign AffairsLeave a Comment

AP: WASHINGTON — The labels inside the U.S. Border Patrol uniforms have been making many federal agents feel uneasy. It’s not the fit or feel of the olive-green shirts and pants, but what their labels read: "Made in Mexico." "It’s embarrassing to be protecting the U.S.-Mexico border and be wearing a uniform made in Mexico," says T.J. Bonner, president of … Read More

He Didn’t Have Enough Slanty Pieces

Ken AshfordRandom MusingsLeave a Comment

Hey, I liked Lego too, but then I grew up: Portland, Oregon – A 40-year-old man is behind bars, accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars of Lego sets. William Swanberg was indicted on Wednesday by a Washington County grand jury on two counts of felony theft and one count of attempted felony theft.

Rent: My Mini-Review

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

I don’t go to the movies much anymore.  It’s such a hassle.  And movies that I’m interested in seeing?  They’re only around for a week or two (or so it seems).  But the film adaptation of the stage musical "Rent" was one I wasn’t going to let slide.  I’m a fan of the show — I saw it in 1997(?) … Read More

K-mas

Ken AshfordGodstuff, Right Wing Punditry/IdiocyLeave a Comment

Our dear Kaye Grogan is upset again in "Bah, Humbug . . . Retailers!": The anti-Christmas groups are gearing up again to oppose the display of nativity scenes in public and the singing of Christmas Carols. Oh, I guess that’s me she’s refering to.  Um . . . vrrroom, vrooom. And not to be outdone — there are several retailers … Read More

No, I’m Not Making This Up

Ken AshfordRandom MusingsLeave a Comment

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the inventor of Stove Top stuffing has died.  Her obit is in today’s New York Times.  If you are at a loss for something to be thankful for tomorrow, why not give a shout out to her?

And Baby Makes Three

Ken AshfordWomen's IssuesLeave a Comment

Like most states, the State of Virginia has "High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes", better known as "carpool lanes".  These are lanes which are open only to cars which have a certain minimum number of passengers.  To drive on an HOV-3 lane, the car must have at least three occupants. Recently, a woman in Virginia was ticketed for improperly driving on an … Read More

Same Ol’, Same Ol’

Ken AshfordRandom Musings1 Comment

Is there really much difference between this CNN "Thanksgiving holiday rush" story from today, and this CNN "Thanksgiving holiday rush" story from 2004, and this CNN "Thanksgiving holiday rush" story from 2003?

More On The War Against “Happy Holidays”

Ken AshfordGodstuffLeave a Comment

World O’ Crap channels Howard Beale: I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It’s a War on Christmas.  Sales clerks either won’t wish you a "Merry Christmas," or aren’t sincere when they do.  (And heaven knows, they are never properly grateful to you for honoring them with your presence during this, your sacred … Read More

Boot’s On The Ground

Ken AshfordIraqLeave a Comment

Max Boot, writing in the LA Times, says: WHEN IT COMES to the future of Iraq, there is a deep disconnect between those who have firsthand knowledge of the situation — Iraqis and U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq — and those whose impressions are shaped by doomsday press coverage and the imperatives of domestic politics. In support of this, Boot … Read More

Anti-Homosexuality Balls: It’s What’s For (Thanksgiving) Dinner!

Ken AshfordGodstuff, Sex/Morality/Family Values1 Comment

As I’ve blogged before, social conservatives and religious zealots are gearing up to make Christmas the latest battleground for their whiny I’m-being-oppressed-because-not-everybody-feels-like-"witnessing"-a-thon.  But that doesn’t mean they’ve left Thanksgiving off their plate.  Here’s James Dobson’s latest crusade: Focus on the Family has announced plans to distribute 5,000 balls during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to promote a website it operates that … Read More

Nature Not Done Fucking With Us

Ken AshfordDisastersLeave a Comment

While we were all worried about terrorists, Mother Nature reminded us that she is the real bitch goddess, and sent Katrina our way. Apparently, she’s still pissed.  For one thing, Mount St. Helen’s is acting up again. But the big whammy in her arsenal may not hit us for another 24 years.  April 13, 2029 to be exact: Steve Chesley … Read More

Title This Book!

Ken AshfordBloggingLeave a Comment

UNC Law Professor Eric Muller of the blog Is That Legal? has a dilemna, and a solution: I said I suck at coming up with book titles, right? This creates an opportunity for you, dear reader. It’s the IsThatLegal Name-My-Book Contest! Go to his post, download the draft introduction (so you can tell what the book is about), and suggest … Read More

World’s Ugliest Dog

Ken AshfordWeb RecommendationsLeave a Comment

No doubt you have heard that Sam, the world’s ugliest dog, died last week at the age of 14.   And as you can see, he was indeed a very ugly dog. Sam, a tiny hairless crooked-toothed Chinese pedigree, was the three-time winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog competition.  Apparently, he had a very pleasant disposition. You can read MSNBC’s story … Read More