say this just to be safe

When you walk into a non-occupied room, it’s a good practice to say, “I know you’re listening.”  If no one’s there, no one knows.  But if there’s some secret spy organization listening to you, they’re gonna be really surprised and scared…

the state fish (or lack thereof) for Arkansas

I just learned that Arkansas doesn’t have an official state fish.   I don’t suppose that matters too much really, but there’s all kinds of other official state items, so why not?  The state legislature is currently debating the issue, trying to choose one, but things are getting political.  I know, over a fish?!? That’s a prime example of why politics are stupid…

Anyway, one of the TV news stations in Arkansas recently had a poll on what the state fish should be.  So far the top vote-getter is the blue catfish.   Also worthy of mention is crappie, bass, and trout.  But receiving 25 percent of the vote was “fried fish”.

I don’t know that “fried fish” should count as a state fish, because that’s very ambiguous, but then again, we are in the South, and deep-frying food is like a pastime to many people.  Also, another reason why I can see a vote for that is because they taste great!  🙂   I realize you probably won’t find fried fish in fancy restaurants, nor would you find catfish, but it makes for some great eatin’!  Add some fries and hushpuppies, along with lots of ketchup, and you have a feast!

awesome music video with infectious dancing

I just came across a crazy Indian music video called Tunak Tunak Tun.   For some reason, this reminds me of the ’80s… but in a funny way.  I would like for you to watch it, then let’s talk about it.   🙂

Please watch the video before continuing reading, to get the full experience.  It starts a little slow, but then it jams, and these guys have some funky-fresh dance moves.  🙂

I have to wonder, would it be better if you could tell what they’re saying?  And speaking of that, do any of you have any idea what this video is about?  Every time I try to figure that out, I’m just speechless…

I did some research* and this was the first Indian video to use a blue screen.  And apparently the Tunak Dance is popular, and there’s even a parody of it in World of Warcraft.  I also found another video of it, where someone put the lyrics on the screen.  That’s helpful, because it’s kinda hard to interpret what they’re saying.

* That is, I browsed YouTube.

Here’s the version with some lyrics on the screen.  I know, you just watched it, but it gets funnier each time you watch it.  Trust me.

Have you watched the second video yet?  If so, let’s continue.

Okay, so the lyrics might have been an interpolation rather than an interpretation or translation.   But at least now we know it has something to do with bears.

Are any of you curious to what the actual lyrics are in English?  Well, I found a link for you.  But before I reveal that, remember that curiosity killed the cat.  Although I don’t think any of my regular readers are cats.  (If you are, e-mail me because I have a secret mission for you.)  If you really want to know the translated lyrics, you can read them here.  And by read, I mean read them as subtitles to the music video.  Yes, you have to watch it again!  MUWAHAHAHA!

Actually, this video gets funnier each time I watch it.

Burris is adamant about being transparent

I was watching the news on TV for a few minutes yesterday, and I saw part of a press conference with Senator Roland Burris of Illinois (D), where he was answering questions about his controversial appointment to fill Obama’s vacant Senate seat.  He was appointed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is in some deep trouble right now.  Burris has repeatedly said he’s innocent and he’s been transparent, but it’s not looking too good for him, either.   We’ll find out when the taped phone calls are released.

Anyway, I found this video online so you can laugh at it, too.  I wouldn’t ask you to watch it all, so here’s what to skip forward to.  At certain times, Burris has a friend / lawyer / bodyguard / somebody answering questions for him.  Around 10:42 in the video, his friend is explaining how they’ve been “transparent”, and Burris keeps repeating that word after him.  To me, it was funny, because it looks like he’s trying way too hard.   Reminds me of a Shakespeare line, “Me thinkest thou protests too much.”

Also in the video, at around 11:20, his friend says, “We cannot speak to that.”  A reporter asks, “Why not?”  And the guy responds with, “Because I said we can’t!”  I was surprised by that.   When you’re a parent telling your children what they can’t do, you might be able to get away with that line.  But facing a group of professional reporters, that line just doesn’t work the same way.

Here’s the link to the video: Burris defends remarks to committee.

While searching for this, I also found when Roland Burris had said this a while back: “We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained.”  Someone should tell him if the Lord ordains something to happen, it will happen.  But he should be careful that he’s not just saying that.  God doesn’t like it when folks falsely speak on His behalf…