Mistaken Identity

Okay, I learned my lesson on Friday and I will not be posting about politics again. I've been berated, chided, maligned, and spammed. But here is another important news story that I feel compelled to tell you about. (In case you're wondering, this is not an April Fool's joke!) Last Thursday, a woman took what she thought was a baby hedgehog to Lower Moss Nature Reserve and Wildlife Hospital in Cheshire, England.

She noticed it on the side of the road and after she observed that it "hadn't moved or pooped all night" she scooped it up in a box with some cat food. She didn't look at it closely or handle it because she didn't want to further stress the hedgehog. 

Once the staff at the wildlife hospital had examined the hedgehog they were able to determine that it was actually a pom-pom from a hat. “She was so concentrated on doing the right thing. She was concerned it hadn’t moved or even pooed — that would be spooky if it had,” veterinarian Janet Kotze added. 

The fact that the pom-pom was mistaken for a hedgehog and "rescued" is funny enough (but certainly understandable). It was the vet's comment that really made me laugh. 

I hope your week is off to a good start. You can be sure that I'll report any important news stories if I come across them, but stay tuned for the announcement of our spring Read With Us book tomorrow!

Someone I Could Feel Good Voting For?

You've probably seen this, but I can't help feeling a little bit of hope about this story. I definitely don't, can't, and never will support Trump, but I also think it just might be time for Biden to leave the political arena, even though he is clearly more sane and principled than his opponent. So who to vote for? Literally Anybody Else. 

This story tells us about the Texas teacher who legally changed his name to Literally Anybody Else because he was unhappy with the candidates for President. Chances are that his name will not even appear on the TX primary ballot because an independent candidate needs to obtain the signatures of 113,151 registered voters who did not vote in the presidential primary of either party. That is an oddly specific number but it's also a very high bar to meet. 

But Mr. Else has given enough thought to his candidacy to put his policies on his website. I would love to support a candidate who would work for quality healthcare for every American, improving education for tomorrow, housing affordability for all, and securing our borders responsibly by promoting "legal immigration pathways while simultaneously fortifying border security to deter criminal elements." These items along with his other policies are things that I would like to think all of us want. 

"For too long have Americans been a victim of its political parties putting party loyalty over governance. Together let's send the message to Washington and say, “You will represent the people or be replaced.” America should not be stuck choosing between the “King of Debt” (his self-declaration) and an 81-year-old. Literally Anybody Else isn’t a just a person, it’s a rally cry."

I may be putting this bumper sticker on my car:

This is all slightly amusing but it's also sad and serious. (You have to laugh so you don't cry.)