Site Logo

Where’s Waldo?

Published 11:03 pm Saturday, September 5, 2009

Where’s Waldo?

Scientists studying toxic algae in Florida’s Gulf Coast waters report that a $100,000 underwater robot, nicknamed Waldo, is missing.

Waldo later called to say he had quit and had run off to Bermuda with a cute little Roomba vacuum cleaner.

—-

Nee means nee: A 13-year-old Dutch girl who wants to sail solo around the world for two years may have her voyage scuttled by an authority higher than any court in Amsterdam: her mother. Babs Muller says the trip is too dangerous.

A word of advice to the young mariner: It’s not a good idea to throw a foot-stomping tantrum when standing in a boat.

—-

Inartful dodgers: A Republican National Committee spokeswoman admits that a survey it sponsored was “inartfully worded” when it implied that GOP voters could be discriminated against and denied medical care if a Democrat-supported health care plan was adopted. The White House used the same term recently to excuse itself for suggesting school children write a report about how they could help the president.

Checking our “Dictionary of Political Euphemisms,” under “inartfully worded,” we find this advice: Use this phrase when you get caught saying what you mean but wish you hadn’t been so clear about it. See also entry for Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.