8 random things about me

Recently I learned about "memes", which as best I can ascertain is when one blogger "tags" another with a challenge to answer a series of questions. Then that person is to pass the challenge on to a bunch of other bloggers. It has a bit of the stink of a chain letter, I think. So as a pre-emptive strike, I'm going to provide my answers to the ubiquitous meme "8 Random Things About Me." Now you don't have to tag me, and I don't have to tag anyone else.

1. I am a fiscal conservative.
2. I have been playing with, I mean exercising with, the same toy for about 6 years. It is a modified tether ball.
   
3. When I lived on the streets, I once stole a sandwich from a homeless person.
4. Besides NFL football, I always clear my calendar for Olympic figure skating. Their motions are somewhat birdlike. And occasionally someone bashes someone else in the shins, which is a lot like football.
5. I like rats. Not to eat. To observe. I admire their cunning, their creativity and the great extent to which they value extended family. I particularly enjoyed that YouTube video in which someone filmed them having a middle-of-the-night food expedition inside the dining room of a New York City Taco Bell. I love the audio of the person on the sidewalk saying "Look. He's doing tricks for us!" Awwwww. Rats are so cute.
6. I once had an "auditory itch" or earworm (in which a song gets stuck in your head and plays over and over again) that lasted for about 12 hours. It was "Flamethrower" by J. Geils Band.
7. When I'm grooming, there is one spot on my back that I can never quite reach.
8. I am narcoleptic.

HGTV, hold onto your hats

The cheapsters in this household just received a quote from the general contractor on what it's going to cost to remodel the bathroom. In order to save some money, they've decided to subcontract the demo. This is who they've chosen. God help us.

American Gladiators are weaklings

They wouldn't stand a chance against Japanese treadmill racers. (I, on the other hand, could give them a run for their yen with my lightning-swift paws and hurdling prowess.) Witness their extraordinary feats at YouTube.

On the heels of the Japanese in stamina is this fierce rodent competitor.