Here in Canada they introduced polymer (they don't want to say "plastic") bills as our new currency.

They introduced the $100 first, to help curb counterfeiting, even though usually it's the $50 and $20 which are counterfeited I think.  Anyway, it's not going as well as they had hoped.

Wiki has a page on polymer bank notes... seems countries are copying each other.

If every Syrian dies tomorrow – along with every Palestinian, Israeli, Saudi, etc. – it matters not a lick to the way we live and conduct ourselves in North America. Is it too bad and very sad that they die? You bet, but it is neither our fault they are fighting nor our responsibility to stop their wars; say a prayer for them, but know their deaths are of their own making and no skin off an American’s nose.

Neutrality and nonintervention—the only sane foreign policy.

Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have set us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!

But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot at him as he at me,
And killed him in his place.

I shot him dead because—
Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
That's clear enough; although

He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,
Off-hand like—just as I—
Was out of work—had sold his traps—
No other reason why.

Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat, if met where any bar is,
Or help to half a crown.

(Thanks to Mike Payne)
 

Birds of Paradise: Evolution, Intelligent Design, or a Third Possibility

The  malevolent, strangling and stupid federal government should be entirely optional. Let those sign up for it who want it, and then obey its laws. Let their neighbors  who want to run their own lives say goodbye to it by not signing up and not obeying its laws.

I want to also let you know that I am a former Marine who currently works for the Veterans Medical Center in ____. I can honestly say full hardheadedly that you are absolutely right on everything regarding the military. I was dumb enough to join the Marines shortly after high school, but fortunate enough not to have to go to war. Murder is murder no matter how many medals you have on your chest. I have actually heard Jerry Falwell type Christians defend the atomic bomb holocaust Harry Truman committed against the Japanese and it absolutely disgusts me to no end. If I was the pilot of the Enola Gay, I wouldn't be too confident on Judgment Day just because I was following orders. I wonder if the war hungry Christians back in Jesus time would support an air strike on King Herod even if it risked Christ being killed in collateral damage. Murdering innocent people is always wrong.

The Federal Code also has such language. See, in particular, here: "[Authorizes] prompt and vigorous Federal action, including use of military forces, to prevent loss of life or wanton destruction of property and to restore governmental functioning and public order when sudden and unexpected civil disturbances, disasters, or calamities seriously endanger life and property and disrupt normal governmental functions to such an extent that duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situations."

Thanks to Jordan Bell for sending -- and to James Kaleda for his awesome courage. Thanks as well as to the folks who stood with him, applauding, giving Mr. Kaleda a well-deserved standing O, and hissing at Our Rulers for their despotism.

"Howard, one of four sheriffs who joined in filing the brief this week, said he considers the law unconstitutional and a waste of valuable resources, and believes it will ultimately be overturned by the courts."