The word of the day for July 26, 2008 is "protection" — noun — 1: the act of protecting : the state of being protected. 2 a: one that protects. b: supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker. c: a contraceptive device (as a condom). 3: the freeing of the producers of a country from foreign competition in their home market by restrictions (as high duties) on foreign competitive goods. 4 a: immunity from prosecution purchased by criminals through bribery. b: money extorted by racketeers posing as a protective association. 5: coverage 1a. 6: anchoring equipment placed in cracks for safety while rock climbing.

Bubbles took on one of the desperate kitties that roam the neighborhood as you can see in the video. I think the people that live behind us feed it. I see it on their patio more than anyplace. It's a male long-hair that occasionally comes over and marks territory on our patio near Bubbles's pen more for a show of force than actual threat. After I went out with the camera, the cat went over the fence between the utility pole and the rose-of-Sharon bush in the neighbor's yard and off toward the street. His attitude made it clear he saw no reason for hurry. The dog is just a minor annoyance. The cat will be back on his own time table.

I'm glad I didn't put the no-bark collar on the dog before letting him out for the confrontation. It depresses Bubbles to have to wear it. If I put him in the pen with it on, he goes and sulks in the dog house. If he has to wear it in the house, he huddles up to Lloyd as if that will keep him from harm. The connection has been made between collar, bark and ouch, but the connection hasn't yet been made between no-bark and no-collar.

Our quote for the day is from Crystal Eastman (1881–1928), U.S. social/political activist and author. “Equality or Protection,” Equal Rights (March 15, 1924). On Women and Revolution, part 1 (1978):

     A good deal of tyranny goes by the name of protection.

;^) Jan

Tags: protection