It's Only Logical

The ladies on 'The Talk' were talking about the 911 call concerning Demi Moore. They said that most people have probably heard it (not me) and wondered if 911 calls should be open for the public to hear.

Now, most of you know how I feel about censorship, but I really see no point in letting the public hear 911 calls. Are we any better off for hearing people in distress? Do we learn anything by hearing possibly the last moments of a person's life? I don't think so. It's just a strange voyeuristic curiosity that helps no one, in my opinion.

*

I was always terrible with these type of logic problems. This one is like a foreign language. I get a headache just looking at it. That brings me to the IQ test. Does it really determine smarts, or... environmental disparity?

I guess if you are smart, solving logic problems like this should be a piece of cake, right?

*

Someone you should know...

howardzinn.org/zinn/

My Name Is Thingy And I'm Addicted to The Talky Box

Last week was the first time I have watched American Idol since Steven Tyler and JLo became judges. I have nothing against them, I just could not stand the voting procedure anymore. It's not the most talented who win, but who spends the most time and money, voting.

Anyway, right now, it's just the three judges giving a yes to the next round, or a no, and a heave-ho to the exit. I didn't see anyone who wowed me the night I watched, and that also happened to be the night Jim Carrey's daughter, Jane, auditioned. She is cute and has a pleasant voice, but she's pretty milk toasty. Cute, pleasant, normal, and average.

She received three yeses and seemed underwhelmed as well as her father did when he heard the news. I think he just may be concerned that she will be hurt, and she will be hurt.

But, it is American Idol, where the mediocre, prevail.

*

I also watched, Undercover Boss, although I swore I wouldn't watch it anymore. It is so fake and drowning in insincerity. Rich Tigner, the CEO of Kendall-Jackson wines went into the fields to see how the laborers work. What absolutely pissed me off is when Tigner tried to communicate with a laborer who spoke no English. The guy has been working for K-J for five years and no one has taken the time to fucking learn to speak to him! The least a company can do if they plan on hiring cheap labor is to at least understand them. Sickening. And yes, it goes both ways. The employees need to learn to communicate, as well.

I really need to cross that off my list. It just angers me, although they want you to feel all warm and giddy inside for the clueless owner or CEO.

*

Sorry, Zooey. Still awful. Raising Hope. Still funny.

*

I didn't watch the SAG awards, but heard Mary Tyler Moore received the Life Time Achievement Award, which was presented to her by Dick Van Dyke.  I heard her speech and it seems everyone was taken aback at how short it was. Just a line or two and she was done. Short and sweet. 

I didn't like her character as Rob's (The Dick Van Dyke Show) wife, Laura. She played the shrill, jealous housewife.

But as Mary Richards, she told women, you can do it alone, and be happy. A great, great character and Mary Tyler Moore/ Mary Richards, is many a woman's hero.

*

Okay, so I watch too much talky box, I admit it. It's been my babysitter, study pal, get-away-from-realty, and entertainer.

Now, where's the TV guide...?

The Maestro and the Male Goose

Costa Concordia

I'm not a person who thinks, "Sue!" every time a mishap occurs, but there are times when companies need to learn a lesson. Taking their money, hurts.

The latest news is that the operators of the Costa Concordia are offering the survivors of the human error disaster, $14,000 plus their ticket back, and the next trip's on them.

I might be misinformed but I thought I read that the weasel Captain of the ship was a cook before he took over the helm of a ship.

And did you see his wife defending him!? She calls him a maestro. Ha! Wasn't he fiddling around with a blonde at the time of the 'mishap'?

$14,000 is not nearly enough to compensate people for the trauma they went through. The company needs to pay for hiring the the spineless captain who 'fell into a lifeboat,' and refused to go back onboard.

Companies have to be responsible for the people they hire, especially when life decisions are at stake.

The one bright spot is the words from the officer of the Italian Coast Guard, who either called Captain Trips, a male goose, or a prick. (excuse my Italian)

"Vada a bordo, Cazzo!"

Too bad he wasn't in charge of the ship.

You Had To Be There...

Do you ever think, "What if...?" I do, especially when the mean reds hit and all the wrongs I've committed come a'haunting and taunting.

I have wondered lately, what if I had not been there the night I got a funny (not haha) feeling and decided to check out my pals who were restoring an old car in the garage?

It was late and I was used to my companion spending hours in his comfort zone, restoring an old car for two friends. I usually stayed out of the garage when they started to work on the car. It just bored me to death, plus I could not stand the smell of bondo and listen to the racket of the air compressor.

But this night I decided to take a look. I could smell the paint fumes even before I got to the door. I had to cover my mouth when I entered the garage and could not believe the sight before me. Three people who were standing by the door, with glazed looks on their faces. As soon as the cold air hit them they started to suck in the fresh air. My companion was usually very careful about having enough ventilation when he painted, but I didn't see one open window or crack under a door. I wanted to yell at all of them for being so careless, but the look of relief on their faces shut me up. We opened all the windows and aired the garage and then I made everyone go in the house.

I vaguely recall my beau waking up the next day with the biggest headache he had ever had. I do know he never made that stupid mistake again.

What if I hadn't been there...? Sometimes, I wonder.

*

I think I am going to post at the end of the week, one favorite webcam site. I don't post a weekly segment, but maybe I should start. Maybe I need some discipline in my life. I started out in life with too many rules, you know, go to school, take a bath, feed the cats... On top of that, going to a parochial school that demanded complete obeisance. Rules, school, laws, authority... Blech. But now that I hold the reins, I think I need to be more disciplined. We shall see.

I'm already going to break my own rule and post this image today. It's one from over the week-end, but how often do you see the "pope" in Liverpool at closing time?

*

I love bowling and alleys. Bowling alleys. I think it's because it was the one thing my parents enjoyed doing together. I love the smell, the look, the sound, the balls.... not the shoes, but everything else that is bowling.

Due to life intrusions, I never got serious about joining a league, but I have a mean curve and can play fairly well. Maybe I should join a league, eh?

Good gahd, that's a lot of commitment I'm expecting of myself.

We shall see, we shall see...

Dr. Sheldon Cooper and Wil Wheatooooooon

*

Haha, I'm still thinking about the movie, "Everything is Illuminated." In one scene, Safron Foer (yes, that's his name in the movie) and companions are sitting in a Ukraine 'hotel' and are going to order a meal. Safron Foer tells Alex he is a vegetarian. Everyone's mouth is agape and they have to ask him, "Does that mean no steak?" "No chicken?" "No sausage?" "No ...?" Wow, just like real life. I'd post a video of the scene but if you are not a vegetarian, it's not too funny, I guess. Plus, Youtube is mean about sharing, so just head on over there if ya wanna.

Dinner
Everything is Illuminated

Strokes

The painter's hands once caressed the sky in electric blues,

now the canvas portrays angry jabs of half-hearted hues-

a spoke of wheels and broken dreams,

short circuit bursts of silent screams.

What do you see, mother, what are you trying to say?

 Words tumble and betray, but eyes of liquid, you do convey-

the painter of pastels is denied access to who she used to be,

she now lives among strangers bonded to the same destiny.

In silence we sit, hold hands, and lose the day

heart's illusions of matter are now painted in gray. 

*Magpie Tales, 102 

Aah, Shaddup, Shivani

So now that I have read, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,' by Jonathan Safron Foer, I had to get acquainted with more of his work.

My pal and I watched the movie, 'Everything is Illuminated.' starring Elijah Wood and Eugene Hutz. I thought it was fabulous. I love Eugene Hutz, the outrageous lead singer from Gogol Bordello. I wanted to know more about the book, so of course had to go to Wikpedia. It was there I learned that Anis Shivani calls Safron Foer one of the most overrated contemporary writers, today.

Gahd, I hate writers who feel the need to tear down another writer's work. I'm not a writer so let me ask you Shivani... jealous much? I never heard of you. So yeah, I must be one of the "perennially bored" you call Safron Foer's fans.

*

Gosh, I love Alaska. The people are hardy folks. Did you read about 85 year old, Dorothea Taylor who fought with a moose who was attacking her husband? George Taylor was out walking his dogs when he saw the moose and started to head for his car but knew he wasn't going to make it so dove into the snow. The moose started stomping on George and at first Dorothea thought it was attacking one of the dogs. She took a shovel and started hitting the moose who finally took off. George suffered seven broken ribs, but will be fine. Dorothea says it has been a rough year for the moose due to the heavy snow this year in Alaska. Gee, she's one cool chick.

*

Did you notice Google's doodle today, marking the 125th anniversary of the largest snowflake ever recorded? A fifteen in diameter behemoth that landed in Montana. Well, of course it was in Montana. I'm just not sure of the validity of the claim, but who am I to pour cold water on a 125 year old snowflake?

*Alaska story found in USAToday.

The Book of Truthiness

When a co-worker mentioned her feelings of anxiety because she was going to be spending time this week-end with her dysfunctional family, it reminded me of my own situation with my four sisters, and how we are no longer close, although I once thought we were partners in "disburbia." I understand how strange that is, not keeping in touch, especially when I see how other sisters have a strong bond, talk every day, spend time together. Yeah, sometimes it hurts. We aren't enemies. There is no animosity between us. We have all just gone our separate ways in life. My daughter mentioned the other day that one of my sisters said hello via Facebook. My first response was, "Pffffttt, whatever." The thing is, I know if I respond, nothing will happen.
For some reason, we can't get past the hello part and have a relationship.

I am bewildered at times, wondering how we got to this point. We were raised in a no communication, no signs of affection, environment, but, we clung to each other for warmth and friendship and solace.

Then, we gradually found others, usually men, who held us, told us what we wanted to hear, and the sisterhood faded away.

Maybe, it really was never there. Maybe I just saw what I wanted to see. Maybe, they were just waiting for the day to get out and create a new life- and that meant leaving everything behind, even sisters.

I doubt we will ever become companions again. Sometimes, it is too late to mend broken families. But, there are times when I miss them. I do miss them.


* One of the reasons I started this blog was to write about my past, sort of a public diary. Some people choose to keep the ugly stuff wrapped inside, but I never saw the point in that. I don't write any of this for sympathy, but, it's what and who I am and sometimes for me, it's just better to release truthiness and move on. Why do most of us write, anyway? No matter how fictional a story may be that you write, it's based on experience and past history, otherwise, it reads false. Readers know it and cannot relate. Even Steven King used true life experiences, such as his horrific accident, when writing fictional horror stories.

A lot of people like to embellish the past, perhaps clean it up a bit, or just simply forget it. I'm sure there a a small number who have gotten through life unscathed, who have had a rosy, twinkly life. I sure don't know any of them. Maybe, if we were a bit more honest, and exposed a raw wound now and then, it would be a more empathetic world. What if Newt just opened up and admitted to his mistakes? I think we'd feel for him.

If we lose the truth, what is the point of being?

I'm Incensed

Googled

I must retract the redacted. Seems Demi Moore didn't have the rich person's disease, "exhaustion" but the poor people's disease, sucking in nitrous oxide. Allegedly.

I must confess, I have always wondered how it's done. Do you eat the whipped cream, then continue to breathe in the chemical, or do you pop the top to get to the special treat? I really don't know how it's done. Apparently, Moore's 911 call has been edited, so I'm not sure what went on. Word on the street is, it was too much Red Bull. I never had one of those, either. The caller also stated she smoked too much of an incense like substance. Hmm... Shit, I never had the urge to smoke patchouli sticks.

Damn, crazy Hollywood. LOL.

*TMZ has all the gory details.

Lullabies in Red

A diner's special of gossip, spread,

on starlit nights and always dressed in red,

they hear her sing a lullaby to the tree

with whispered taunts, they fail to see,

tis a babe she carries in empty arms.

A human ghost with lost and battered soul,

who grieves and wishes to again be whole-

she finds solace among the wind and moon.

 So, whisper your words of cruelty,

they cannot reach her loss with reality.

*Short story slam

Just Chillin'

Friday, Friday! Let's have fun and forgeddabout the cruel world.

Today marks the day the National Geographic Society began in 1888, when a group of hoi polloi created a club to talk about travel. The magazine came out in October of 1888. Who hasn't marveled over the wonders and gorgeous images in the magazine? It really is a remarkable view into a world we never knew existed. They haven't always been politically correct, but they record history with images that are fabulous and sometimes, frightening.

*

Speaking of amazing... look at these creatures. I found these images on a now defunct blog.

Axolotl

Dumbo octopus

Aye aye lemur

Isn't that Axolotl the cutest little thing?

*

I think for many of us, one of the worst things that can happen to us is to walk in on our parents doing the deed. There is a story on The Smoking Gun about a fifteen year old who overheard her mother having sex, so she called 911 to have the police come get her and take her to a group home. The cops have to respond to 911 calls and by the time they got to the house, the girl decided to just go to school.

Whatchadoin'?

Botany Bay, Boors, Books, and Bob

Looks rather dreary

I apologize for just repeating news, lately. Just haven't had a brain storm of ideas. I've been going to History.com for 'This Day in History' news. It's always interesting. Today marks the day the British sent the first group of miscreants off to Australia, in 1788. One of the criminals was a seventy year old woman whose crime was stealing some cheese. The voyage took six months and the unlucky were shackled the whole trip. Amazingly, only 10% of the first group died during the trip. Unfortunately, the survivors were abused once they landed in Botany Bay.

Sounds like a horrific life, but I think the Brits and the Aussies are friends again. I do wonder how their accents changed? I wonder about accents on occasion.

*

LOL. Oh, look at Jan Brewer getting up close and personal with our President. He seems amused. She's pissed about a comment he made about her book, I guess.

*

Well, I am now bookless and need suggestions for something to read. Any good autobiographies out there or decent thrillers?


Oops, I forgot to add my own creations in my first draft. I liked Brian Selznick's drawings so much I stole his ideas. I also had a little digital help. This is 'Ode to Steampunk'

*

The Mythical Monkey posted a quote from Robert Mitchum about film noir. I just love this line... "The high priced actors like Cary Grant back at the studios got all the lights, so ours was lit with cigarettes."


I noticed the other night a TV show where a couple were smoking cigars. Damn, have you ever smoked a cigar!? They are vile disgusting things. Whenever I see George Burns who always had a cigar, I just imagine how he smelled and wonder how poor Gracie could stand to kiss him. Gaross.

Okay, guess that's it. I need a book to read. Sigh...

Into The Woods

This is Evelyn Wood

Google makes me nervous. I have been reading lately Googles plans to go back to playing hardball. They need to know who you are and what you are doing and where you are going. I guess all Google stuff that you join will be incorporated, so, if you have a blog as Thingy, and a Google+ account as Thangy, you can no longer hide under such silliness. They will be melded as one.

I think. I did join Google+. If you recall I bitched and moaned about certain people (like the founder of FB) being invited before the masses joined, but then when everyone came on board, I joined and haven't done a damn thing on it. I am completely lost on it, anyway. But, it sounds like Google is making everyone join. I mentioned Picnik won't be available to the common folk soon. You will have to have a Google+ account to use it.

Pfffttttt.

****************

I was conversating with Mr. Ferrerman about speed reading. What happened to that? Remember when it was big, then fizzled out? Yesss, Evelyn Wood claimed you could double your speed. According to Wiki, most people can read about 250 words per minute, with 70% comprehension. Hmm... that doesn't sound so great. Anne Jones can read 4,700 words per minute with 67% comprehension. Critics call this 'skipping,' not reading.

There is a World Championship Speed Reading Competition where contestants can read 1,000-2,000 words per minute.

Well, I don't think they do if they are skipping. And what's the point if you don't comprehend what you are reading?

JFK advocated speed reading and Jimmy and Rosalind Carter claim to use it.

I admit to skipping, not speed reading. I like words and I like when they connect like bread crumbs.

(The link to Wikipedia about speed reading warns the information uses 'weasel' words. Hmm... that's a new one to me. Better go read it more carefully.

******************

This is not Evelyn Wood

Haha. I was going to go to a site I heard about this morning whilst listening to Jonathan Brandmeier on WGNRadio. Brandmeier got an e-mail that was really odd and so he called the dude who wrote the e-mail. He seems sort of okay, but on the quirky side. He's single, lives on a farm by himself with his four cats and is looking for a woman who doesn't work at Wal-Mart, although he shops at Wal-Mart. He makes a living restoring furniture and has a site, Pro-furniturerepair.com. I tried to check it out but the server has exceeded his bandwith. That's what he gets for talking to the morning host on one of the biggest stations in the country. 

The Bad American

Poor Demi

Oh, I'm a bad American. I skipped the President's speech last night and went out instead. Sorry, sir, but, I need a break.

Speaking of break... I hear Demi Moore was infected with the rich person disease, "Exhaustion." According to her people she has been quite stressed lately over the break up of her marriage. I'm sorry to hear Kutcher was a cad. Not surprised, just sorry for her.

But, there are people struggling to put food on the table. They don't fold from "exhaustion." They go on and struggle and work harder and cry a bit and carry on.

*

A local news station has been promoting its story about "Telephoneys"  A recording of some guy claiming to be with the benevolent Police Association would like you to donate, or buy some raffle tickets. It's all a scam. I once had these people call my house and when I said no and hung up, they had the fucking nerve to call me back and call me a bitch. You know, there are a lot of bright people out there who use their brains for doing very bad things. Can you imagine if they walked on the good side for a change?

* 

That reminds me of the awful disparity going on in the big city of Milwaukee. If you don't know, Milwaukee is one of the most segregated cities in the country. Over half the black men between the ages of 16 and fifty something do not work. More black men are sitting in Wisconsin prisons than are working in Milwaukee. It's an awful situation and one no one seems to be able to fix. I have heard stories of men committing crimes just to get off the streets and get a meal. Just unbelievably sad. Yeah, I'm sure some will think, "Well, get your ass out there and look!" But, if you have no starting point, nothing to look at, no means to get to a job, it's so easy to point fingers.

Did the President mention that last night?

Ooh, That Hugo

Illustration by Brian Selznick, Wonder Struck

Well, what a howdie doo. I have not seen the movie, Hugo, yet, so, I did not connect Brain Selznick's, 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' to the movie. I have not read that book, either, but I did read and savor, 'Wonder Struck.' I don't know much about Selznick except that he is one thee Selznicks and he certainly is talented. I love his sketches. Just beautiful. Yeah, I like him. Here are a few links if you are interested. NPR books, has an interesting post, here.

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Alex Honnold

Some would think him mad, but look where he is sitting. Top of the world, ma! Alex Honnold climbs free solo, which means he uses no ropes, no tools. Just his hands and a bag a stuff to keep his hands dry. At twenty-six he has done more living that many people twice his age.  I saw him on Sixty Minutes. He was going to climb the Half Dome, I think, so photographers were tied and securely fixed along his route. As he came upon one camera person, Alex was whistling as he climbed and smiled the most angelic smile as he passed on.

He's pretty cool, and I hope he lives a long life. Not everyone finds him cool. On Paul Kedrosky's blog, comments were pretty cruel.

I'd love to link to the 60 Minutes segment, but my 'puter keeps crashing. Dang it. So, sorry for misinformation. He climbed some mountain!

*************************

Well, I'm not going to write anymore about Murdoch and Slime. What's there to say? People with money get away with crimes because they can pay their way out of trouble. It's not just Murdoch, but companies that pollute the Earth, use humans as slave labor, cut corners and live with no morals. Hey, as long as they have money...

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Well, it's north

Hey, if you live in the Midewest, I hear you should be able to see the Northern Lights tonight. Awesome!

A Preview of A Review

I must be off to work, but I think I will be writing later about Rupert Murdoch and the despicable behavior of his staff, especially regarding the murder of 13 year old Milly Dowler. Charlotte Edwardes has an article in the Daily Beast about reporters hacking Dowler's phone and then trying to cover up the hacking to the police.

Murdoch claims innocence and pulls big wads of money out to appease the victims.

How could he not know? His business ran rampant with the lowest slime, people who are supposed to seek the truth, became monsters.

Murdoch and company should be disbanded. All of it. The lowest of humankind.

**************************

And I will write a little more about Brian Selznick. I finished 'Wonder Struck' It's a lovely, lovely book. If you think there is nothing good to read anymore, and you have read the classics (kudos, to you!) or are down in the dumps and can't stand anymore adult themed stories, head to the children's section. There are some great wonders to be found.

More, later....

Oh Say, What's That Racket?

Oh, I felt bad for him, bad for us, bad for our environment. It's a song only a few can sing. It gives me goosebumps when it is done well. It makes me want to stick pencils in my ears when it is bad, and Steven Tyler was bad. Not the worst, but gahdawful. With his money, made by singing, do you think he cares? He tried. I admire him for that, but I will not post his rendition. You will thank me.

How about the Dixie Chicks, instead?

Monday Blabber

help with picnik.com

Monday.

Must be the weather because all I want to do is sleep.

Patriots and NYGiants. Pffffftttt.

Joe Paterno is dead. Lots of people die after retiring, and when they are old.

Things I do half-heartedly... Play chess. Learn Italian. Draw. Wear hats.

Book I'm starting- 'Wonder Struck' by Brian Selznick. #1 NYTimes best seller. Uh-oh. But, also a Caldecott Medal winner. It's a big book, mostly with drawings, though. Hmm... Hope I like it.

Ever go to a folk music fest where everyone brings their guitars and plays? What a hoot and nanny.

Must go to work, now. : (

Oh, Picnik is closing its virtual doors on April 19th. A new version will be on Google+ From now until closing time, you can go wild and even use the premium features. Have at it. I tried it all.

Monday.

Ode To The Junk Drawer

 By highfireDANGER on Flickr

We don't speak about our drawer of junk,

the place we store and hide the gunk.

You never know when you may need

a book of matches, or a tomato seed.

Skeleton keys, ten leaky batteries

hooks for frames, pieces to games

tape and tacks and a bell that clacks-

the Jack of Hearts, plus rusty radio parts.

A washer for the sink, a ruby red tiddly-wink.

Can't toss a thing, you may need it some day,

like this thingamajig or a tape of Marvin Gaye.

I might need a doggy chew or two stuck tubes of super glue

Hey, I need that rubber band and that timer made with sand!

Oh, a whisker from a cat, and this wind up plastic rat-

twenty-five guitar pics, melted candles without wicks.

Oh, I know if I toss this out, you'll ask where is the grout-

marbles, screws and ticky tac, a barbi leg and something black.

It's a treasure chest of modern times, sticky pennies and silent chimes
a duct tape roll, a lump of coal, a single glove, a dented dove
pens that hold no ink, a shrinky dink, a funny cat, a Mouseketeer hat.
An ode to the drawer that holds our many needs,
like key chains, clips, Jesus potato chips, 2 cent stamps and Mardi Gras beads.

The Message

Tell me what you see

  the black winged messenger or,

possibility? 

*For the Garden

Art, 101

Oh, what have I done for love and money?

my bones are stiff, all for my honey.

Oh, dear, is that the voice of my dear mum?

she's brought the hood to view my bum.

It's art, it's art, I must not fart.

Magpie Tales, #101

Moody Blows

Seriously folks, are you serious!? I know you don't have much to choose from, but, Newt is your man? I for one was not offended that he asked his wife for an open marriage. He asked, she said no, I assume, and Newt moved on. Newt is for Newt and no one else.

What I am concerned about is the lack of brain power or common sense in this country. It certainly cannot be a new phenomenon. Is it possible that new technology has shown just how stupid and narrow minded a great many are?

Bigotry and racism stayed hidden for the most part. People must have known they were wrong in their thinking because why else would they talk in whispers to their confidants? I have been pulled into ugly talk when some assumed I would agree with their despicable behavior and it had to be because of my pearly white skin. No other reason.

Now it seems Le Ignoranti are getting bolder. You can hide behind avatars and monikers and really say what is on your ugly mind. You have found others like you, so, it must be okay to spew your disgust for those who look and act differently.

Voting for Newt Gingrich would be one giant step back for America. This is not the time to be complacent, not the time to give up.

Do you really want this country run by a man who would leave his wife when she was ill- A man who admitted that she wasn't pretty enough to be First Lady- A man who would have the audacity to claim to take the high road when he is lower than a slug?

Well, every American has the right to choose who runs this country. Many Americans refuse to use this right and then bitch about their lot in life. Stop bitching, read about the candidates, and get your ass out there on election day and vote.

***************************

Did you see the photo of Cindy Crawford's daughter? Well, it's right there. How old does she look? When I first saw it, I thought she was fifteen, sixteen years old. She is ten. I don't have an issue with her modeling, but can she look like a ten year old? 

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I liked Barbis when I was growing up. Loved to play Barbis. Yeah, I knew she was different. I don't think I ever expected to live her fabulous life and have such a great wardrobe. Most of the time she wore old scarves and socks we had lying around, anyway.

The Daily Beast has an article about ten controversial Barbis. Pregnant Barbi, Sun Tan Barbi, McDonald's Barbi... Uh, excuse me. Why pick on an American icon? Two American icons? First of all, Barbi would never work at McDonald's. Secondly, getting rid of greasy Barbi does not get rid of the problem. The big yellow arches are growing and growing. Don't blame Barbi.

Um, this Barbi in leather with the camel toe is kind of weird, though. I think Newt would like to fondle that one.

*************************

There must be some good news, somewhere... There just must be. 

I Am Responsible For Posting This (on my blog)

It's probably not wise to post this video, but there is so much going on. Fan loyalty, fan obsession, alcohol abuse, superstition, nasty comments, and why the hell would a family member post something that is clearly a very bad moment and one you can't take back? When I heard about the video, I thought it would be a chuckle, but then I watched it and just wondered what happened to people's self filter? Really, anything goes? Even when you, or a family member or friend look ridiculous?

The only reason I chose to post this is to perhaps save some numnut from drinking to the point of almost incoherence and to tell you, you have no fucking control over the acts of big men in tight uniforms. A co-worker and I were talking about the Bartman guy who many still blame for the Cubs sucking big time and failing to get into a World Series smack down. He mentioned that Bartman changed his name and moved away from Chicago. I don't know if that's true, but it certainly would be sad if it is true.

The players on the field are responsible for their actions. Tim Tebow is responsible for his actions, and every person who drinks to pathetic consequences is responsible for their actions.

The B-word

They don't always die, sometimes they just fade away, or, get swallowed up by other companies. But, they never really come back as we knew them. It really is sad to me to see Kodak struggle and try to reinvent itself. It is an iconic product and America loved their cameras. I still remember grandpa's huge monstrosity that blinded us with the popping flash of light. My first camera was an Instamatic. Technology is a good thing. We now produce  images that usually guarantee perfection, and if not, one click and it's gone.

Hostess has also filed bankruptcy. Unfortunately, it was a staple in the Thingy family home. Dad drove to the Twinkie outlet store and loaded up on Wonder bread- the bread that we all thought would survive Armegeddon. It's not a terrible loss, product wise, but it was a part of my past, and it's getting dark, folks.

Schwinn, Border book stores, Montgomery Ward, Wickes furniture, Lillian Vernon, Tower Records... all embedded in my brain, storing images of my life.

Did you ever think our own post office system would become obsolete?

Yeah, a sign of the times. I'm gonna go sit in my rocker, now.

Old meets new

Republican Debate

King and Knight
(Monty Python)

King: 'You have no arms.'

Knight: 'How dare you notice! Let me bite you!'

King:'Do you deny you have no arms?'

Knight: "It's just a flesh wound." 'Let's get to real issues, and stop looking at my arms!'

King: 'You have no arms!'

Knight: 'It doesn't matter. Now, come here so I may thrash you with my leg!'

King: "You're a loony."

Knight: "I'm invincible!"

Give Them The Bird!

Well, it's just so obvious isn't it? Liberals are liberals because they want to be liked. Aren't they the neediest little bastards, always wanting other people to live a good life? Oops, no they don't. They just want you to think they care, but really, they have no idea what they are doing because they are irrational beings. Truly, they ruin it for the white man who has had it so good and now, all these folks of different colors and accents and funny clothes, horn in on a good thing, and it's BAD! Poor white man. Yet, the Liberals are just caught up in their own selfish needs to see that. Gahd, they make me sick. Time to bring out the white robes, and get the women back in the kitchen, right after they do their duty in the bedroom.

Newt, Newt, Newt!!!

There must be an explanation as to why Liberals are the way they are. Maybe the Science Daily could explain it.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

I have often wondered how one book becomes a best seller and another fails to sell to the masses? I think I started wondering after 'Marley & Me' became a bestseller and stayed on the best seller list for a long, long time. I did read the book. I found it at the thrift store and when I was standing in line, a woman behind me gasped as if I held the Holy Grail. It was a nice little read, but it truly bothered me that this was what Americans were reading and buying.

When my friend handed me the book, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' and warned me that it was bad, I did notice it was on the NYTimes best seller list.

I have finished the book, and yes, it is as awful as my pals warned. I won't go into detail in case you choose to read the story, but I just kept thinking, "Was this written for twelve year old girls?" And there are just too many characters that reminded me of well known characters, from well written stories.  'Golan vs. 'Gollum.' Hollowgasts vs. Deathly Hallows.' 'Mathus vs. Mordred vs. Malfoy.' As I stated before, the title is great. The photos are fabulous. The writing is amateurish and just plain bad.

Apparently, a movie may already be in the works. Ugh.

Another movie coming out, tomorrow in fact, is based on a book I loved, loved. The Miami Herald already has a review claiming the movie is just awful.

That doesn't surprise me. I don't think 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' will transfer well to the big screen.

I don't know if the book was a best seller when it came out in 2005. Due to the movie, I'm sure it has done well.

I'm glad that people still read books. I'm just a little disheartened by the choices made.

There is an article from the NYTimes from 2007, that begs the question, 'How does one book become a best seller and another fails to attract the readers?' They seem to be as baffled as I am. There really is no straightforward answer.

My beautiful Wiki has a list of all time best sellers. Remember Jonathan Livingston Seagull? It has sold over 40 million copies. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'The Diary of a Young Girl', each have sold 30 million copies.


 Don't judge a book by its cover. I'll say.