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the old new year

New Year's, Eve; mixed media on canvas, 22 x 28 inches, the second half of a commission. The string series continues. *Sold*.

* * * * *
Another year, more abject terror in the skies. No, I'm not talking about the lunatic who immolated himself on Christmas Day. I'm talking about the new security measures, which reduce air travellers to the status of inmates during a lockdown. No coats or blankets on your lap. No going to the bathroom during the last hour of the flight. Body searches, body scans. Bring out the sniffing dogs. Bring out the Ukrainian guards and the German officers, the long march to the gate.

Okay, maybe not the last one. But the effect amounts to just as much theatre.

I have never been to the bathroom on an airplane. Never. It's a personal record. Like I've said here before, they could have lions in there for all I know.

But people do go. It seems like they have to, because if it's anything like other public facilities, I'm guessing it's not much of a recreational thing.

No longer. Take that, ye old and/or incontinent.

It just goes on and on, doesn't it? Since 2001. Longer than either world war. I'm sure Orwell is spinning in his grave.

Even *I* wrote about this back in 2007 with my story Scissors, and when *I* get in on the act, you know it's really done.

Here's hoping that 2010 starts a growing trend of sense.

* * * * *
And now, for all you baby-crazers out there, some holiday pictures of Oona.

In this one I've just told her that there's a moratorium on spanking for Christmas Day.

But only if she can spell moratorium.

First attempt.

Second attempt (not even close).

Getting worried.

* * * * *
Happy New Year!
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Comments

  1. Steffi10:52 am

    Awwww, love the pics!

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous11:03 am

    Happy New Year to You & Yours!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kim Hambric8:06 pm

    Have to fly to Texas in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to being sniffed. Perhaps I need to bring a cup along for that last grueling hour of the flight.

    Adorable baby! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kaz9:12 pm

    What? No going to the bathroom for the last hour of the flight? I didn't know about that one

    When you live as far away as I do from most places, going to the bathroom on the plane is a necessity. But if I had the choice, I wouldn't. So good on you!

    I love the photos. I especially like the one of the two of you.

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kaz9:14 pm

    Um that's meant to be 'the last one of the two of you'

    ReplyDelete
  6. Laura9:59 am

    a reasonable plea to stop the madness. how refreshing. and that oona is sooo adorable. all the best to you and yours in 2010.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jeannetto7:40 am

    #1. I dont like when I am expecting a cute baby picture and a man's head pops up out of nowhere.

    #2. I flew after all that commotion and I was allowed to wear my blanket as long as I wanted, I did visit the bathroom 5-10 times (once for like 10 minutes while I plucked my eyebrows and brushed my teeth...13 hour flights are fucking boring), and they gave me as much wine as I could ask for. So, just turn off the hysterical 24 hour news channel. I'm sure The Simpsons is on somewhere.

    Didnt the "terrorist" just do the equivalent of lighting a cigarette or firecracker, anyway?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Catastrophe Waitress11:32 pm

    haha!
    fantastic!

    ReplyDelete

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