New meaning to cartoon violence

I remember watching Elmer Fudd chasing Bugs Bunny with his shotgun blaring, or Sylvester the Cat trying to make a meal out of Tweety Bird.
Cartoon violence is one thing, but now people are killing each other over a cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammed wearing bomb-shaped turban.
The cartoon was originally published in a Danish newspaper last September, but Muslims around the world have protested, crying foul about the infringement of their religious beliefs.
While the staff of the offending paper has apologized, as has the Danish government, journalists and editors around the world are defending free speech.
In the Sunday Washington Post, Danish editor Flemming Rose explained his paper's decision to publish the cartoon.
He said: "When I visit a mosque, I show my respect by taking off my shoes. I follow the customs, just as I do in a church, synagogue or other holy place. But if a believer demands that I, as a nonbeliever, observe his taboos in the public domain, he is not asking for my respect, but for my submission. And that is incompatible with a secular democracy."
But sensitivity to possible offense is running so high right now, an African state has banned a planned protest. How's that for free speech infringement?
Where do we draw the line? Why are some Muslims so upset about a cartoon?

Another year, another Polar Bear Splash! The guy on the left is Rick Merrit, a hockey buddy. The guy on the right... Well, you all know who he is.
This was taken at The 2006 Quincy Chain of Lakes Tip-Up Festival, which was pretty much a bust because of the lack of ice.
I talked The Ricker into taking the New Year's Day Splash with me in Goguac Lake and he had so much fun (chuckle) he agreed to come with me to Quincy.
Just thought you'd enjoy another picture of the fat guy in cold water. Thanks to Enquirer photographer Doug Allen for the art. 

A little scary

I just got this Web site in an e-mail from my dad. The Family Watchdog has compiled the National Sex Offender Registry into a map. Simply enter your address and the site will generate a map showing the locations of all the registered sex offenders near your home. Click on one of the colored boxes, and a window pops up giving all the information about the offender; name, address, age, height, weight and offense.
I guess I am a little torn about this kind of stuff. As a parent, I think I want to know where these people are and what kind of contact they may have with my kids.
At the same time, it seems a little invasive. How many of these people just made a mistake? I'm sure there are some who are ill and still pose a threat to society, but I would venture a guess that many of them simply made a poor choice and aren't prone to be repeat offenders.
With Web sites like this, the folks who are not a danger are lumped in with the sickos and branded as the like.
I guess I like the knowledge presented by the site, but I am a little worried that we, as a society, are becoming too scared.
People like these have existed for a few thousand years, I would assume, but how many people who visit this site are going to be even MORE paranoid than they already were? Is it possible we're feeding a fear that leads us down an individually isolationist path? Are we going to start doing background checks on everyone to make sure our children are with people of only the highest character and morals?
Like I said, I'm torn.

Just for reference

I forgot to add the links for New Addiction Tattoos and Chris, the artist.
Now you have them.

I got a tattoo. I know, I know. It's permanent. But I've been considering a tattoo incorporating my children's names or something since before Michael was even born. It's on my right bicep, and along with the names are olive branches to honor our Italian heritage. I got it done at New Addiction here in Kalamazoo by Chris. He's a great artist, and he really helped me develop the final look of the tattoo. It hurt A LOT, especially the underside of my arm, but it was well worth it. I LOVE IT!

So this is the underside. It goes all the way around, but it doesn't connect. Tony, I listened to your advice. Now my soul won't be trapped in my body for all eternity.

He's just a beautiful kid, and he makes me so proud!

Michael's #15, and although he spent more time watching the big clock than playing the game, he got a few touches on the puck and had an assist to #17. Isn't that just like a dad? Only his first game, and already I'm keeping stats.

That's my boy! Last Sunday was Michael's first game, and I can't tell you how much fun I had watching him. Doesn't he look like a hockey player?