As a belly dancer, I can sympathize with the struggle for respect; however, I’m always suspicious of “sports” that have no objective measure. We’ve all seen those Russian figure skating fiascos.

In case you’re not familiar with the athleticism of this competitive dance form, below is a world champion pole dancer, Jenyne Butterfly. She starts with more interpretive dance elements, but after about a minute, she begins a genuinely amazing performance.

Blogs and Articles in No Particular Order 

10 Junie B. Jones Titles That Were Rejected by the ever-hysterical Leanne Shirtliffe. My thanks to Leanne, as well, for the tip about the Olympic pole dancers.

The Bayard/Lamb 2012 Campaign Blog Tour stopped off at David Walker’s blog this week where we expounded on the role of tiddlywinks in foreign disputes and our stand on the mullet.

New York Times bestselling author Bob Mayer discusses Writing as the Only Art Form that isn’t Sensual.

Nigel Blackwell writes a blog about things that move. Cars, planes, rockets, submarines, etc. He’s been running an amazing series lately about the X-1 program, Chuck Yeager,  and the race to break the sound barrier, including a link to the transcript of Yeager’s wild ride in the Bell X-1A. Beyond Glamorous Glennis 

A fond farewell to M*A*S*H star Harry Morgan. M*A*S*H Star Harry Morgan Dead at 96

My Warrior Writer Boot Camp teammate, Donna Newton, give an accurate account of Learning to Write the WWBC Way. It’s made all the difference in my own fiction endeavors.

Gene Lempp has a marvelous series called Designing from Bones wherein he explores ancient myths and archeological finds. This week, he tells us the legend of the Black Shuck. Designing from Bones – Demon, Protector, Patsy

Okay. Let’s be honest. We’ve all done or at least wanted to do these things. How to Brighten Your Day by Annoying Others by Amber West.

Bestselling author Larry Enright explores the trend of using nouns as verbs in a most entertaining way. For example, today I will be caking and cheese plating in preparation for Xmas partying. Verbalizing

Agricultural Bill Change Allows for Horse Slaughterhouses to Resume in US. I’m a horse lover so I was particularly horrified by this one.

Ellie Ann is running a great series right now about careers. She has some amazing interviews with everyone from a spook (our own Holmes), to a fashion photographer (Cody Bess), to a doctor and television host (Dr. Dorian). This week, she talks with a zookeeper, Callene Rapp. What I Want to be When I Grow Up – A Zookeeper

Fleet of Ferraris Ruined in Japan Sportscar Pileup This one had to hurt.

When an Adult Took Standardized Tests Forced on Kids. As someone who thinks standardized tests are pulverizing any semblance of education in our country, I found this article about a school board member flunking the 10th grade test particularly interesting, and not the least bit surprising.

Ever wonder where police came from? The Origin of Police in England by mystery writer and historian K.B. Owen.

And for a different kind of pole dancer, this fireman shows us that practicality and entertainment can mix to varying degrees of success in this very funny commercial.

So what do you think? Should pole dancing be an Olympic sport? 

All the best to all of you for a week of amazing athletic feats.

Piper Bayard