Tonight we will be dining at some friends', and then the plan is to go contra-dancing. I have no idea how that works. Aren't you suppose to wear cowboy boots?

Judging from the media, Americans have some warped ideas about what constitutes solidarity, cooperation and support. I have previously talked about Germany's opposition to the US invading Iraq. Now, the French are being dragged through the mud in this country for trying to do the same thing. Stop a war. Avert the killings of thousands of innocent civilians.

Now, according to media reports, the US' idea of showing support, in this case, is for the French to take their opinions and shelf them. Stop thinking. Halt all attempts to ward off this massive, impending slaying. 'Co-operation', in their book, has nothing to do with the exchange of ideas or finding a common ground. Nope. Cooperation with the United States of America is obeying. Heading the "my way or the highway" mantra of its government. Doing what you are told. Even if it means killing people or being quiet while the US does the killing.

The newest reports of the US' outrage over the lack of 'support' by France is that The US Congress plans to ban the names "french fries" and "french toast" from their cafèteria's (!) menu, re-naming them "freedom fries" and "freedom toast". I kid you not. You may think it is too insane to be true. Sadly, it isn't.

In addition, the proponents of this blodshed actually have the insolence to accuse the French of not showing the United States the loyality it deserves, in its effort to garner support for invading Iraq. And why does the US believe the French should be quiet and do as it is told? The answer: Because the US, during WWII, helped rescue them from another invader.

The irony is deafening.

This whole I-am-having-a-baby stuff is slowly dawning on me. A trip to your local Babies'R'Us will do that to you, I guess. Our 'local' one is 1½ hour drive away, so we made it into a day-trip.

This store is actually a giant super-market. Filled with baby stuff. To the brim. Strollers, cribs, pacifiers, baby baths, car seats, bedding, toys. You name it, they have a hundred different types of it. It was kind of overwhelming.

I found the gift cards to be the best part. Here is one to give to parents of a newborn baby boy:

He smells funny. He makes weird noises. He is completely dependent on you for his every need.
But enough about your husband. Congratulations on your new son!

I think I just may finally be buying into that whole 'digital lifestyle' concept now. Thinking about buying a dv camera, maybe this one.

On a different subject. What is it with those songs that get glued to your brain and you just can't shake them off? I have been mumbling South Africa's national anthem (used to be the ANC's rallying song), N'kosi Sikeleli Afrika, all day. And for no good reason.

I finally dug up an old recording of the song by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They're great. I wish I could sing like that.

This is what angels must sound like.

Just treated ten of our friends to a feast. White wine, caviar, smoked salmon and paté de canard. A leg of lamb. Mashed parmeggiano potatoes. Baked onions and tomatoes. Grilled fruit with ice cream. And Tokay. Old Porto. Half a case of good Australian Shiraz.

Good food. Good wine. Good people. What more is there?