2025 The Smile for Today

[richardandtracy]

I can believe almost any stupid method of dying is attempted by sheep.

My parents rented out their fields after retiring from keeping animals themselves, and they had sheep in the fields for a number of years. They counted them daily and, well, the sheep did really stupid things. One thing they were brilliant at was breaking out of fields through sheep-proof fencing. They could get out, but never once could they break back in, however much they wanted to.

But for stupid ways to die.. here's one:

Once after a thunderstorm my dad went round to check the sheep were all OK, and found they weren't. Well, six weren't. They'd been standing in a ring around a slight bump of ironstone in the field, when there had obviously been a lightning strike to the bump and.. they'd all been cooked where they were standing. All six were steaming and had toppled away from the strike point which was about 4ft from each. We think it was induced currents in the slightly conductive sheep that cooked them. When there are several million amps passing through the air adjacent to a conductive material, some very hefty currents will happen, same as in an induction hob in a kitchen but on a mind bogglingly more powerful scale. The sheep's owner was not a happy farmer when he was told.

Regards,

Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

But at least he didn't have to worry about dinner...

[Mabel Figworthy]

The newsletter of "Onze Taal" ("Our Language") alerted me to this linguistic gem:
Måke Califørnia Great Ægain

It is an initiative to Danify Califørnia because, well, why not? as they put it.

Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure
Have you ever looked at a map and thought, "You know what Denmark needs? More sunshine, palm trees, and roller skates." Well, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.
Let’s buy California from Donald Trump!
Yes, you heard that right.
California could be ours, and we need your help to make it happen.

Why California?

• Sunshine Galore: Let’s face it, Denmark’s weather is… well, let’s just say it’s cozy. California has 300 days of sunshine a year. Imagine swapping your rain boots for flip-flops!

• Tech Dominance: Gaining an extra bunch of Tech bros? Great! It is what every democracy needs.

• Avocado Toast Forever: California grows 90% of the U.S.’s avocados. That’s right – we’ll never run out of avocado toast.

• To protect the free world: Most people say we have the best freedom. Colossal freedom.

• Disneyland: We’ll rename it Hans Christian Andersenland. Mickey Mouse in a Viking helmet? Yes, please.

There's a lot more and pretty much all of it made me smile

[Serinde]

I'm in!

[richardandtracy]

I think it's a brilliant idea. On the principle of fair exchange...

Regards,

Richard

[richardandtracy]

"Now that's What I Call a Lap"

https://cheezburger.com/10472758272/very-pawper

Feels very familiar with our Maine Coon Ozzie, except that he hooks his front claws in Orianna's big toes and his rear paws kick her bladder. She's 5'7" (170cm tall).

Regards,

Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

That is a good stretch!

Our Alfie was not a Maine Coon - I'm not sure he was anything in particular - but he did do a lovely stretch, in the picture he is about to get comfortable on my Mum.

[Serinde]

My eldest son in the morning

[Mabel Figworthy]

[richardandtracy]

Wonderful. I needed both those photos!

Regards,

Richard

[Serinde]

Humour is needed today, I think.

[richardandtracy]

What gives people feelings of power?

https://www.reddit.com/r/technicallythe ... er_indeed/

Regards,

Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

Could we suggest option three to some power-hungry people?

[richardandtracy]

All to myself...

https://cheezburger.com/10470480640/all-to-myself

Yes, they do that...

Regards,
Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

The epitome of smug

Here is the Ikea version of Stonehenge:

[richardandtracy]

Brilliant, just brilliant.

Regards,

Richard

[richardandtracy]

Just don't get them wet...

https://cheezburger.com/10475351808/the ... -look-cute

Regards,

Richard

[Serinde]

Still, I reckon an impossible task: https://i.chzbgr.com/full/10442445824/h ... downstairs

[Mabel Figworthy]

Nice try though

[richardandtracy]

That's lovely, Serinde.

Regards,

Richard