When two little bear cubs halted traffic in both directions to play in the middle of the road, a group of sight-seers in Yosemite National Park filmed the adorable action from inside of their car. It’s like watching life-life teddy bears play with each other, except for how they’ll grow up to be monster-sized beasts that don’t mind munching on human beings. But nevermind that, for now, just squee!

Even though I am not an avid reader – and never have been – the idea of banning books for any reason from anyone is incomprehensible.

Sure 4 year olds should not read the same books as college kids. And I certaily believe parents should know what their kids are reading.

I recall reading “Fear of Flying” in high school and having a teacher physically pull it from my hand during a study hall. He didn’t believe it was appropriate for a 16 year old.

My mother did as she was the one who gave it to me to read. She was also the one that went to the school and threw a FIT that the teacher had decided for her what was okay for me to read.

I got the book back.

And if “The Old Man And the Sea” was banned from reading lists I would rejoice. LET GO OF THE F8CKING ROPE, YA OLD FART!

I just feel banning books is un American. And looking at the list it seems some of the folks banning need to read more. They are ignorant of history and how to use controversy as a educational tool.

September 24th through October 1st is Banned Books Week. In honor of the occasion, here is a guest post from actor, comedian, and voiceover artist Eddie Deezen. Visit Eddie at his website.

See the list and read his post

The Houston Chronicle took an informal poll of Houston’s biggest and ugliest landmarks. Tell me which you agree with, or which we should have added in the comments below.

Some I find to make Houston less sterile and boring.

Like the mirrored armadillo at Goode’s Armadillo Palace on Kirby.

And the beer can house! I mean it’s art!

Click here to see the other suggestions.

I love this series of animated cat videos.

This one hit close to home because the only time my cat Widget wants to be on my lap is when I’m sitting at the PC.

And the only time I’m sitting at my PC is when I’m paying bills, booking travel or some other task that requires my complete concentration.

Every time I walk into Cedar Creek I see this sign. Cedar Creek is a beautiful multi level deck bar and grill in the Heights that is so perfect for dogs it’s sad they aren’t allowed in to sit in the shade with their owners.

But all that is changing in Houston now! Paws on Patios is making it possible for you to bring your well behaved best friend with you for a brew and a bite at selected eateries around town.

Now I know some folks are gonna be really turned off by having to share a patio with a pooch. And if they are not well behaved I’d prefer they stay home too. But I’ve sat in restaurants with wild kids that I’d like to send to obedience school!

Don’t give me any snot about “well, those are kids NOT dogs.” Have you ever had your ear drum pierced by a screaming kid during a dinner? And I LOVE the kid who can’t sit still and comes up to your table and stares at you. Especially when their parents do nothing to make them sit still and be well mannered.

Yes, I guess I am saying I’d rather sit with a sweet puppy instead of a sticky kid. And since dogs will not be allowed in the restaurants – only on patios where the owners have purchased a permit! – you don’t have to sit with them unless you want.

Watch the KPRC story here

Read the KPRC story

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a fairly Liberal/Progressive show, I won’t deny that. But still you have to admit he’s usually right on message. Even when those he pokes fun at can’t get their message straight.

Here he takes to task the GOP voter block for their inability to keep any of the candidates their top pick. It’s like they just keep trying on shoes and can’t find the right fit or style because they well…just watch.

And we have the oil companies to thank for this one.

They explain their asking for millions in refunds from Texas like this:

But this is really no different than a homeowner appealing their property tax, just on a larger scale

RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI of the AP writes from Pasadena TX:

Some of the nation’s largest oil refineries are seeking huge tax refunds that could force school districts and local governments across Texas to give back tens of millions of dollars they were counting on to pay teachers and provide other services.

The refineries want the tax breaks in exchange for buying pollution-controlling equipment. But the cost to public schools would be dear, coming only months after lawmakers slashed education spending by more than $4 billion.

If a three-member commission appointed by Gov. Rick Perry grants the refunds, nearly half the money would be taken from schools. Classrooms in cities with refineries would be hurt most.

“We were already cut at the knees as it is, but more cuts? It’s appalling,” said Patricia Gonzales, a single mother of twins at Park View Intermediate School in Pasadena, a refinery town just south of Houston.

She is president of the parent-teacher organization, which was created this past summer after budget cuts left the school without basic supplies such as pencils and paper towels.

Does it effect you? Yes, read more.

The old joke in my line of work – radio – is unless you’ve been fired at least once you’re not really a radio veteran.

Years ago losing a job in radio meant moving to a new market or at best a new station in the same town.

Now all the stations are owned by 2 or 3 companies and just locating a job ANYWHERE in this industry is impossible.

But I digress. All industries suck right now for finding a job.

And pink slips aren’t even pink slips anymore. I’ve read how some companies fire people with email or text!

So it’s up to friends and former co-workers to send out messages of substance.

“Don’t think of it as losing your job, think of it as a time-out between stupid bosses.”

That’s just one of the many comforting sentiments that that consumers can find in Hallmark’s line of greeting cards for those who’ve recently lost their job. NPR reports that the demand for unemployment-related cards was so high, Hallmark decided to release a whole new line of cards geared towards victims of job cuts. And with an unemployment rate that has sat above 8 percent for over two and a half years now, it might be about time.

The idea is to provide a little comfort and empathy in an otherwise demoralizing and stressful situation, according to Hallmark Creative Director Derek McCracken.

Know someone who needs one?

For the next time the idiots at your job make you crazy….play this and sing along instead of hitting them.

The day 344 volunteers picked up at 17,000 pound barn and moved it … shows you the power of a few working together! News report from Bruno, NE