Osama bin Laden To Use Clean Fuels for Bombs to Eliminate Industrialized Populations, Global Warming

After Osama bin Laden, in a new audio tape, called for destroying the American economy because it was chiefly responsible for human-caused global warming, the notorious 9/11 terrorist announced he would only use clean, green-friendly fuels for his weapons of mass destruction.

"We're developing a new line of bombs based on natural gas and working to ensure our poison powders and liquids are safe for non-human animals," said an al-Qaeda spokesperson.

The green movement hailed bin Laden's new approach to terrorism as "a welcome cleaner way to destroy industrialized economies."

Associated article: Fox News

Osama bin Laden To Use Clean Fuels for Bombs to Eliminate Industrialized Populations, Global Warming

After Osama bin Laden, in a new audio tape, called for destroying the American economy because it was chiefly responsible for human-caused global warming, the notorious 9/11 terrorist announced he would only use clean, green-friendly fuels for his weapons of mass destruction.

"We're developing a new line of bombs based on natural gas and working to ensure our poison powders and liquids are safe for non-human animals," said an al-Qaeda spokesperson.

The green movement hailed bin Laden's new approach to terrorism as "a welcome cleaner way to destroy industrialized economies."

Associated article: Fox News

Obama Tells Supreme Court American Electorate Is Unconstitutional

Washington, D.C.--Following a defiant State of the Union Address in which he refused to deviate from a radical agenda opposed by significant majorities of the American people, President Obama told the Supreme Court "voters are unconstitutional."

A confidant Obama asked the assembled Justices "What's the point of being President if I have to answer to a Congress following the will of a bunch of other folks I have no control over? That's not the way to get things done for the American people."

The President said Article I of the Constitution created the Congress, Article II created the Presidency, and Article III created the Supreme Court. "Where's the article creating all these rabble-rousers?"

Associated materials: Thomas Sowell on Intellectuals and Society; National Review

Obama Tells Supreme Court American Electorate Is Unconstitutional

Washington, D.C.--Following a defiant State of the Union Address in which he refused to deviate from a radical agenda opposed by significant majorities of the American people, President Obama told the Supreme Court "voters are unconstitutional."

A confidant Obama asked the assembled Justices "What's the point of being President if I have to answer to a Congress following the will of a bunch of other folks I have no control over? That's not the way to get things done for the American people."

The President said Article I of the Constitution created the Congress, Article II created the Presidency, and Article III created the Supreme Court. "Where's the article creating all these rabble-rousers?"

Associated materials: Thomas Sowell on Intellectuals and Society; National Review

Obama Appears in First Ever State of the Union Ad

Obama Appears in First Ever State of the Union Ad

Doubling Down and Throwing Down on Radical Agenda, Obama Challenges Voters to Year-Long Rap Battle

Washington, D.C.--President Obama delivered what appeared to be the most aggressive State of the Union Address to Congress last night in an effort to revive his flagging policy priorities.

"The President has decided to challenge the entire American electorate to a year-long rap battle," said Administration officials shortly before the President began his remarks. "He's doubling down on his over-the-top agenda that's being dissed by the American people. So at the last minute the President decided the rap battle format made the most sense."

Obama's rhetorical change of tack was apparent as soon as he began the address. "The state of the union between myself and ever-lovin' bang-tastic sweetness is 100 frickin' percent total seamless overlap," he said.

"You want to slow down, I want to throw down, dogs" rapped the Pres. "You say it's too much to do, I say ram it through."

The sing-song back-and-forth went on for just under an hour, with the President only occasionally looking over his sunglasses.

"I'm a populist pugilist, so sit back and you'll get the gist. It's my agenda, ain't no pretenda. Surrenda to da big spenda!"

Associated video: YouTube; associated article: Associated Press

Doubling Down and Throwing Down on Radical Agenda, Obama Challenges Voters to Year-Long Rap Battle

Washington, D.C.--President Obama delivered what appeared to be the most aggressive State of the Union Address to Congress last night in an effort to revive his flagging policy priorities.

"The President has decided to challenge the entire American electorate to a year-long rap battle," said Administration officials shortly before the President began his remarks. "He's doubling down on his over-the-top agenda that's being dissed by the American people. So at the last minute the President decided the rap battle format made the most sense."

Obama's rhetorical change of tack was apparent as soon as he began the address. "The state of the union between myself and ever-lovin' bang-tastic sweetness is 100 frickin' percent total seamless overlap," he said.

"You want to slow down, I want to throw down, dogs" rapped the Pres. "You say it's too much to do, I say ram it through."

The sing-song back-and-forth went on for just under an hour, with the President only occasionally looking over his sunglasses.

"I'm a populist pugilist, so sit back and you'll get the gist. It's my agenda, ain't no pretenda. Surrenda to da big spenda!"

Associated video: YouTube; associated article: Associated Press

Obama Calls for Repealing Military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy and Applying It Instead to Talks on Health Care Legislation

Obama Calls for Repealing Military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy and Applying It Instead to Talks on Health Care Legislation

Most Polarizing President Ever Joins Forces with Magneto to Reverse the Polarity of Earth’s Magnetic Field and America's Alignment

Washington, D.C.--According to the Gallup polling company, the 65 percentage-point gap between Democrats' and Republicans' average job approval rating for President Obama makes him by far the most polarizing President ever during his first year in office.

Now comes news that Obama plans to join forces with super-mutant Magneto to reverse the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field and the center-right alignment of the American electorate, throwing the country's economy into chaos.

Magneto told reporters, "My powerful magnetism, combined with the President's even more powerfully polarizing egotism, are unstoppable." Then he laughed maniacally.

At press time, MSNBC is reporting the X-Men may try to thwart Magneto's scheme by teaming up with another band of "super-mutants" called the Tea Party Patriots.

Associated articles: Gallup Poll; Gallup Poll 2; Gallup Poll 3; The Hill; Washington Post

Most Polarizing President Ever Joins Forces with Magneto to Reverse the Polarity of Earth’s Magnetic Field and America's Alignment

Washington, D.C.--According to the Gallup polling company, the 65 percentage-point gap between Democrats' and Republicans' average job approval rating for President Obama makes him by far the most polarizing President ever during his first year in office.

Now comes news that Obama plans to join forces with super-mutant Magneto to reverse the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field and the center-right alignment of the American electorate, throwing the country's economy into chaos.

Magneto told reporters, "My powerful magnetism, combined with the President's even more powerfully polarizing egotism, are unstoppable." Then he laughed maniacally.

At press time, MSNBC is reporting the X-Men may try to thwart Magneto's scheme by teaming up with another band of "super-mutants" called the Tea Party Patriots.

Associated articles: Gallup Poll; Gallup Poll 2; Gallup Poll 3; The Hill; Washington Post

Simulation of Christmas Bomber’s Record-Breaking Interrogation

Washington, D.C.--It's been reported that FBI agents questioned the Christmas bomber Abdulmutallab for less than an hour before he was granted his right to remain silent and provided with a lawyer, after which Abdulmutallab stopped talking and provided no more intelligence information that could be used to thwart future terrorist attacks. The White House hasn't disputed those reports, but it also hasn't been forthcoming with additional information regarding the context of Abdulmutallab's super-short questioning, which would make it the fastest ever recorded. Consequently, the Op-Toons Review is providing this simulation of the Obama Justice Department's record-breaking terrorist interrogation:

Associated articles: Krauthammer; Wall Street Journal

Simulation of Christmas Bomber’s Record-Breaking Interrogation

Washington, D.C.--It's been reported that FBI agents questioned the Christmas bomber Abdulmutallab for less than an hour before he was granted his right to remain silent and provided with a lawyer, after which Abdulmutallab stopped talking and provided no more intelligence information that could be used to thwart future terrorist attacks. The White House hasn't disputed those reports, but it also hasn't been forthcoming with additional information regarding the context of Abdulmutallab's super-short questioning, which would make it the fastest ever recorded. Consequently, the Op-Toons Review is providing this simulation of the Obama Justice Department's record-breaking terrorist interrogation:

Associated articles: Krauthammer; Wall Street Journal

Bat Boy Is Source of U.N. Panel's Report on Climate Change

The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently admitted that the most alarming conclusion in its 2007 report -- the claim that the Himalayan glaciers would be melted 25 years from now -- was wrong, and that it was based on unsubstantiated news reports instead of peer-reviewed scientific studies.

One independent scientist who decided to look up the original source for the claim became suspicious when it was attributed to "Bat Boy," a half-human, half bat creature popularized by the now defunct Weekly World News.

IPCC scientists defended the error, saying "Bat Boy has huge, penetrating eyes, and he seemed to be shrieking his global warming predictions with eerie certainty. Or at least it appeared that way in the scandal rag we found waiting in a grocery checkout line."

Associated articles: The Atlantic; Technology Review; Times of London; Times of London 2; Wall Street Journal; London Telegraph; Institute of Physics; AFP; Washington Times; UK Guardian

Bat Boy Is Source of U.N. Panel's Report on Climate Change

The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently admitted that the most alarming conclusion in its 2007 report -- the claim that the Himalayan glaciers would be melted 25 years from now -- was wrong, and that it was based on unsubstantiated news reports instead of peer-reviewed scientific studies.

One independent scientist who decided to look up the original source for the claim became suspicious when it was attributed to "Bat Boy," a half-human, half bat creature popularized by the now defunct Weekly World News.

IPCC scientists defended the error, saying "Bat Boy has huge, penetrating eyes, and he seemed to be shrieking his global warming predictions with eerie certainty. Or at least it appeared that way in the scandal rag we found waiting in a grocery checkout line."

Associated articles: The Atlantic; Technology Review; Times of London; Times of London 2; Wall Street Journal; London Telegraph; Institute of Physics; AFP; Washington Times; UK Guardian

Bo Escapes White House During Walk with Obama After Teleprompter Fails to Display "Bo Stop!"

Washington, D.C.--Bo, the Obama's pet dog, escaped the White House grounds during a walk with the President after a teleprompter failed to display the words "Bo stop!"

"The President's used these same teleprompters to sneeze, and even burp," said a White House spokesperson. "They're usually very reliable."

The White House audio-visual department blamed the mishap on "the anger resulting from the last eight years" and "Republican obstructionism."

Administration technicians are reportedly developing a backup plan in the event of future teleprompter malfunctions that involves a series of suspended mirrors and sticking yellow Post-it notes on the President's forehead.

Associated video: Mediaite; associated photo: National Review

Bo Escapes White House During Walk with Obama After Teleprompter Fails to Display "Bo Stop!"

Washington, D.C.--Bo, the Obama's pet dog, escaped the White House grounds during a walk with the President after a teleprompter failed to display the words "Bo stop!"

"The President's used these same teleprompters to sneeze, and even burp," said a White House spokesperson. "They're usually very reliable."

The White House audio-visual department blamed the mishap on "the anger resulting from the last eight years" and "Republican obstructionism."

Administration technicians are reportedly developing a backup plan in the event of future teleprompter malfunctions that involves a series of suspended mirrors and sticking yellow Post-it notes on the President's forehead.

Associated video: Mediaite; associated photo: National Review

Democrats Shocked That Supreme Court Would Rule That Groups of Individuals As Well As Individuals Have Free Speech Rights

Washington, D.C.--Just days after the Supreme Court held that corporations, nonprofit corporations, and unions could not be denied their free speech rights to engage in political advocacy during federal elections, Democrats responded angrily to the notion that "groups of individuals" as well as individuals have free speech rights.

In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) introduced a constitutional amendment that would strike from the nation's founding charter the term "persons" and other plural references to people.

"While it's perfectly appropriate for Members of Congress like me to be able to collect corporate contributions and use the money to air political ads in favor of our positions," said Grayson, "it's a perversion of the political process to allow individuals to combine their own financial resources and do the same."

Associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Wall Street Journal 2; George Will; Wall Street Journal 3

Democrats Shocked That Supreme Court Would Rule That Groups of Individuals As Well As Individuals Have Free Speech Rights

Washington, D.C.--Just days after the Supreme Court held that corporations, nonprofit corporations, and unions could not be denied their free speech rights to engage in political advocacy during federal elections, Democrats responded angrily to the notion that "groups of individuals" as well as individuals have free speech rights.

In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) introduced a constitutional amendment that would strike from the nation's founding charter the term "persons" and other plural references to people.

"While it's perfectly appropriate for Members of Congress like me to be able to collect corporate contributions and use the money to air political ads in favor of our positions," said Grayson, "it's a perversion of the political process to allow individuals to combine their own financial resources and do the same."

Associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Wall Street Journal 2; George Will; Wall Street Journal 3

America -- Duh Yeah!

Associated articles: USA Today; Washington Times; Washington Examiner; Wall Street Journal; Washington Post editorial

America -- Duh Yeah!

Associated articles: USA Today; Washington Times; Washington Examiner; Wall Street Journal; Washington Post editorial

New Shoes :: *sigh*

Miss MK has been waiting to get a new pair of shoes.
She has been growing out of shoes like nobody's business.


So, on her fun outing with Dad (which also included a trip to a pet shop where she got to hold a cute bunny that, according to Mary Kate, "Only costs $40! And if we get two--so they can be friends--it's only $60!")...

...she picked out these new shoes.
(Not from the pet shop!)


She really likes them.

So do I.


In fact, I found out for myself that I can, indeed, wear them if I want...because they fit ME!


Couldn't believe it. I knew it was coming, figuring my girls will probably be a little taller than me (eventually), but I certainly wasn't expecting to be able to share my 9 year old daughter's shoes!


I mean, I was thinking maybe when she's 15 or so...maybe then. But nine?

My feet aren't that small (size 8), and her shoes are none too snug on me. Right now, she has the biggest feet of all the kids,
though Mikey is hot on her trail.

Okay, so I can probably handle the kids outgrowing me soon...as long as I can keep them all at this age. The seven to ten year old range just has to be the "golden years" of youth, isn't it?

So far, I think so! =)

Bill Murray from "Groundhog Day" Reports on "Unexpected" Rise in Unemployment Following Many Previous "Unexpected" Rises

Associated articles: Associated Press; Washington Times

Bill Murray from "Groundhog Day" Reports on "Unexpected" Rise in Unemployment Following Many Previous "Unexpected" Rises

Associated articles: Associated Press; Washington Times

Kill the Bill Poster (Scott Brown ObamaCare Edition)

Kill the Bill Poster (Scott Brown ObamaCare Edition)

Blue Dog Members Alarmed by Potential Political Suicide Plot

Washington, D.C.--Conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats in the House and Senate became alarmed after full-body scans of Democratic leaders revealed a possible "political suicide" plot in the form of a rush to pass President Obama's disastrous health care legislation.

"We thought Republican Senator Scott Brown's decisive election in Massachusetts -- after he made the defeat of ObamaCare the centerpiece of his campaign -- had averted that threat," said one Blue Dog. "But now it's looking like House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid may still be hiding explosive legislative proposals in their pants."

Blue Dogs demanded an immediate investigation into how far the political suicide plot had developed.

"This is one of the greatest threats to our party in years," said one House Member. "Whether this plot is being driven by the far-left base of our party, our party leaders, or the President himself, we need to stop it!"

Associated articles: Daily Caller; ABC News

Blue Dog Members Alarmed by Potential Political Suicide Plot

Washington, D.C.--Conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats in the House and Senate became alarmed after full-body scans of Democratic leaders revealed a possible "political suicide" plot in the form of a rush to pass President Obama's disastrous health care legislation.

"We thought Republican Senator Scott Brown's decisive election in Massachusetts -- after he made the defeat of ObamaCare the centerpiece of his campaign -- had averted that threat," said one Blue Dog. "But now it's looking like House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid may still be hiding explosive legislative proposals in their pants."

Blue Dogs demanded an immediate investigation into how far the political suicide plot had developed.

"This is one of the greatest threats to our party in years," said one House Member. "Whether this plot is being driven by the far-left base of our party, our party leaders, or the President himself, we need to stop it!"

Associated articles: Daily Caller; ABC News

After Failed Bid to Elect Democratic Senator in Massachusetts, Obama Asked to Campaign on Behalf of Smoking in Hopes of Making It Much Less Popular

Washington, D.C.--Following his spectacularly failed attempts to win the Olympics for Chicago, a global warming treaty in Copenhagen, and a Democratic Senate seat in the overwhelmingly liberal state of Massachusetts -- where a Republican won overwhelmingly for the first time since the 1970's -- a group of anti-smoking advocacy groups asked President Obama to campaign on behalf of smoking in the hopes his association with the habit would dramatically reduce its popularity.

"The President has a knack for supporting policies that drive people away in droves," said one anti-smoking advocate. "We think it would be wonderful if he turned that talent to smoking."

Obama, himself a smoker, was urged to embrace smoking more publicly in the hopes of "negating the allure of the noxious habit."

Sample ads for the new campaign feature a smoking "Joe Bama" character -- modeled on the infamous "Joe Camel" cigarette advertisements -- and a warning label stating "Use of President Obama to Promote Your Product May Prove Hazardous to Your Product's Popularity."

Associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Daily Beast

After Failed Bid to Elect Democratic Senator in Massachusetts, Obama Asked to Campaign on Behalf of Smoking in Hopes of Making It Much Less Popular

Washington, D.C.--Following his spectacularly failed attempts to win the Olympics for Chicago, a global warming treaty in Copenhagen, and a Democratic Senate seat in the overwhelmingly liberal state of Massachusetts -- where a Republican won overwhelmingly for the first time since the 1970's -- a group of anti-smoking advocacy groups asked President Obama to campaign on behalf of smoking in the hopes his association with the habit would dramatically reduce its popularity.

"The President has a knack for supporting policies that drive people away in droves," said one anti-smoking advocate. "We think it would be wonderful if he turned that talent to smoking."

Obama, himself a smoker, was urged to embrace smoking more publicly in the hopes of "negating the allure of the noxious habit."

Sample ads for the new campaign feature a smoking "Joe Bama" character -- modeled on the infamous "Joe Camel" cigarette advertisements -- and a warning label stating "Use of President Obama to Promote Your Product May Prove Hazardous to Your Product's Popularity."

Associated articles: Wall Street Journal; Daily Beast

The Wizard of Obama

The Wizard of Obama

Obama Administration Officials Prepare to Question Airline Bombers After Landing

U.S. security officials knew that a person with terrorist links was aboard a plane traveling to Detroit on Christmas while it was airborne, but they failed to alert pilots and passengers on the plane, deciding instead to question the terrorist after the plane landed. As it turned out, the terrorist had explosives in his underwear, and the passengers survived his attack solely due to their own bravery and a malfunction in the bomb's detonation mechanism.

Nevertheless, following the attack, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced "the system worked."

Administration officials said they planned on questioning other suspected terrorists "when the plane they're on reaches the ground."

Associated articles: Los Angeles Times; ABC News

Obama Administration Officials Prepare to Question Airline Bombers After Landing

U.S. security officials knew that a person with terrorist links was aboard a plane traveling to Detroit on Christmas while it was airborne, but they failed to alert pilots and passengers on the plane, deciding instead to question the terrorist after the plane landed. As it turned out, the terrorist had explosives in his underwear, and the passengers survived his attack solely due to their own bravery and a malfunction in the bomb's detonation mechanism.

Nevertheless, following the attack, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced "the system worked."

Administration officials said they planned on questioning other suspected terrorists "when the plane they're on reaches the ground."

Associated articles: Los Angeles Times; ABC News

Obama Administration Announces Plans to "Permanently Eradicate the Scourge of Personal Responsibility"

Washington, D.C.--After the Treasury Department lifted the cap on potential losses for government-run mortgage lenders on Christmas Eve, and pledged potentially infinite taxpayer dollars to pay for the mistakes of others who agreed to government-backed mortgages they couldn't afford, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it planned to "eradicate personal responsibility forever" by producing a vaccine to permanently "suppress the desire for self-improvement and pave the way for an all-encompassing dependence on the national government."

Associated article: Wall Street Journal

Obama Administration Announces Plans to "Permanently Eradicate the Scourge of Personal Responsibility"

Washington, D.C.--After the Treasury Department lifted the cap on potential losses for government-run mortgage lenders on Christmas Eve, and pledged potentially infinite taxpayer dollars to pay for the mistakes of others who agreed to government-backed mortgages they couldn't afford, the Department of Health and Human Services announced it planned to "eradicate personal responsibility forever" by producing a vaccine to permanently "suppress the desire for self-improvement and pave the way for an all-encompassing dependence on the national government."

Associated article: Wall Street Journal

Senate Democratic Candidate Calls Famed Red Sox World Series Pitcher a "Yankee Fan"

Associated article: Politico

Senate Democratic Candidate Calls Famed Red Sox World Series Pitcher a "Yankee Fan"

Associated article: Politico

Rainy Day :: Brothers

These brothers found some fun inside when it was soggy outside.


The table was at the ready smack dab center of the house.
The foosing began.


They made up their handles.

Introducing...Yeti Spaghetti


His opponent, Sasquatch On Watch

(I honestly don't know where they came up with these names. Please don't hold it against them...or me!)

A vertical disadvantage for Sasquatch, but no less fun.


They played with so much vigor, Yeti Spaghetti went missing his right upper extremity phalanges.


What is a yeti to do without use of his dominant paw?


How will he scale the Himalayas when he's finished foosing?


Sasquatch on Watch showed no mercy.


He just showed his true American monster grit...and actually won this match.


As the girls were avoiding finishing their mathematical adventures, they came up with future foosing handles:

Spud in the Mud
Herky Jerky
I Dub Thee Mud

Personally, I think Yeti Spaghetti and Sasquatch on Watch will be difficult to top.

[In case you're wondering what that convoluted metal monstrosity is behind Mikey, it's a folded up one of THESE].

FBI Releases Computer-Generated Images Showing What Osama bin Laden Would Look Like Today

Associated article: ABC News

FBI Releases Computer-Generated Images Showing What Osama bin Laden Would Look Like Today

Associated article: ABC News

Obama Supports Non-Marriage Unions

Washington, D.C.--President Obama today announced his support for "non-marriage unions" in the form of health care legislation he endorsed that contains a marriage penalty for heterosexuals and special exemptions for union members.

Under the new legislation, low- to middle-income married couples would have to pay between 68 percent and 164 percent more for their subsidized health insurance coverage than unmarried couples, but union members would be entirely exempt from any health care plan surtax.

"Let me be clear," said Obama during remarks to the press. "If you are gay or lesbian, I support civil unions for you. If you are in a labor union, I support tax exemptions for you. But if you're a heterosexual and part of a marriage union between a man and a woman, you need to start following through on that marriage vow and become poorer so others can get richer."

Associated articles: Washington Times; New York Post; Washington Post

Obama Supports Non-Marriage Unions

Washington, D.C.--President Obama today announced his support for "non-marriage unions" in the form of health care legislation he endorsed that contains a marriage penalty for heterosexuals and special exemptions for union members.

Under the new legislation, low- to middle-income married couples would have to pay between 68 percent and 164 percent more for their subsidized health insurance coverage than unmarried couples, but union members would be entirely exempt from any health care plan surtax.

"Let me be clear," said Obama during remarks to the press. "If you are gay or lesbian, I support civil unions for you. If you are in a labor union, I support tax exemptions for you. But if you're a heterosexual and part of a marriage union between a man and a woman, you need to start following through on that marriage vow and become poorer so others can get richer."

Associated articles: Washington Times; New York Post; Washington Post

Does your momma kusudama?

All it took was for the girls to see this in my hand.


Their eye brows arched.
Their foreheads got excitedly wrinkled.
Their pupils became little bulls eyes.

After all, who can resist making a 3D ball out of little paper squares?
Okay, maybe not ALL of us are as intrigued with paper crafting as my girls.

After my extremely thorough (wink, wink) 30-second tutorial, off they went with a pad of my Post-its. (I hadn't taken time to cut 60 3x3" squares.)

Mary Kate came back with this colorful first effort.


After I realized that the kids (minus Mikey) were indeed interested enough, I broke down and cut a bunch of little squares out of paper...in Mary Kate's favorite color--lel-low.

They folded every "petal".
I glued.


As you may be able to see, their efforts were much more impressive than mine.

Let's just say...
Our paper ball is not exactly German engineered.

Ours did not turn out quite as precise as the ones on Folding Trees. It took some wranglin' to squeeze both halves together while securing with tacky glue, but I was able to beat it into submission and form it into a spherical object.

Thankfully, after all materials were given proper time to cure (the glue dried while I was asleep), the lovely kusudama ball remained intact.

To have your own folding fun, start here for the tutorial to make your own kusudama balls.

Maybe we'll try this style next.

Ooh, and we'll use recycled materials--perhaps an old paper bag, our outdated atlas, or some left over gold or silver wrapping paper...

NOTE: Our children are 7-10 years old, and they are all able to fold the petals proficiently (oldest boy just wasn't particularly interested). The 9 and 10 year olds are able to glue individual "flowers" well, but it may be frustrating for them to attempt creating the entire sphere independently.