Indomitable Striving

There are very few who strive to
become citizens of the Universe.
This title demands numerous cares,
observations, vigilance, and
primarily, indomitable striving.

~M. Morya
Heart, #97

Of Note: Mrs. Frog here doesn't have to worry about becoming a citizen of the Universe. She's off the hook for vigilance and indomitable striving. That lot falls to Humanity. As a matter of fact, it is part of our destiny if we choose to step up to the plate. As we make the fateful choice, we pull up with us the other kingdom's in nature. So one day, Mrs. Frog will thank us--but of course she won't be Mrs. Frog then. She might be the Secretary of State or Prime Minister of Ukraine or CEO of Xerox.

Today's Weather Report: Well, the big weatherman in the sky must have heard my pleas because it was only -20 below this morning. From -30 degrees yesterday, it almost feels balmy. Well, not really, but it makes me feel better that it is warming up, even if just a bit. One of the kitties had an ear infection so was whisked off to the vet this morning. It's bad when the poor creature went voluntarily into the pet carrier without so much as a protesting meow. We now know this big boy weighs 14 pounds. It is no wonder he is the King of the Cats around here. Interestingly, we were first aware he was ill when his rival was sitting by him yesterday in protective mode. We hadn't seen that before and most likely won't again after recovery, which the vet assures us will be in a few days.

Watch For Change Snippet: Rock star Bono has a great reputation as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor throughout the world. He has been featured in this blog more than once. Because of that, it was surprising that he is at the center of an on-going legal battle over use of vulgar language on the air. Mind you, Bono has apologized profusely for saying "This is really, really f------ing brilliant!" after winning a Golden Globe Award in 2003. That made no difference to the FCC who called his one-word blooper "shocking and gratuitous and a threat to the well-being of the nation's children because it employed one of the most vulgar, graphic and explicit words in the English language." Reversing three decades of precedent, the FCC went on to create the "Bono Rule" whereby such singularities were deemed unacceptable and subject to fine. Many programs including one on PBS about blues musicians were found guilty of indecency. The networks did not take this lying down and appealed the rule in federal court, which struck it down. The Bush administration appealed that decision to the Supreme Court which agreed to hear the case. While most folks don't like or use the "f" word, many hope that the Obama administration will simply take the Bono Rule issue off the table and direct the FCC to engage in activities more worthy of its mission.