Pondering life

Forever and Ever

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Imagine waking up to Sonny and Cher, forever and ever...

Groundhog Day!

Happy Birthday, dear Ann.

Say, last year Wisconsin had one of the biggest snow storms ever, and yours truly memorialized the historic day by doing a half-split-cracked-flip.

And today, 2012, the temps will be in the 40's.

Imagine waking up to Sonny and Cher, forever and ever...

Groundhog Day, the movie, was not filmed in Pennsylvania, but near my neck of the woods, Woodstock, Illinois. Woodstock is a pretty little town, with a haunted opera house and... hmm... that's about it.

Groundhog Day, the movie is one of my favorite movies. It would have been in my top fifty, except for Andie MacDowell, who is as animated as a rice cake. Ah well, still worth watching.

Imagine waking up to Sonny and Cher, forever and ever...

Happy Birthday, dear Ann. I wish you were here. We'd head over to an ice cream store and eat bubble gum ice cream, then drive (me driving) to the mall, the radio blasting... 'I can't get no satisfaction' and we will sing loudly and proudly and way off key.

But, my dear friend, you missed that damn stop sign, girl...

Imagine waking up to Sonny and Cher, forever and ever...

Oh, They'll Take Good Care Of You

2012-02-01T15:01:00.001-06:00

I am so immature

that means I like to laugh.

My thoughts are not so pure,

my mind, it needs a bath.

Romney pooh-poohs the poor,

Newt stomps his little feet,

Ricky's such a bore,

Ron Paul has stinky feet.

It's the Great American Show,

where anyone can play-

as long as you have dough,

and pretend you are not gay.
To dodge, duck, elude, eschew,
may the best joker win the race;
what's a girl supposed to do,
but to exit from this space.

Really, Who Gives A Damn

2012-02-01T06:43:00.002-06:00

Imagine dialing 911 because someone has just thrown a brick in your window. Two police officers respond and one officer takes a fifteen year old boy outside to question him. The other officer tells the other male to go to the store and buy him some bottled water. The nineteen year old woman is followed into the bathroom where she is raped by the police officer. After he is done, she runs outside, hysterical and screaming. The bastard who raped her pulls her up and swings her around, causing her to hit the other officer. She is handcuffed and brought to a jail cell where she will sit for twelve hours before anyone bothers to take her to a hospital.

After DNA is taken and officer Ladmarald Cates is questioned and at first denies, then states, it was a consensual act, Cates is eventually fired for "idling and loafing" on the job.

Cates also had a previous record of inappropriate behavior with women.

If this doesn't make you sick....

Rikki Klieman reminds us that woman can be evil bitches who accuse men for whatever reason, usually for financial gain, that we must remember, men are victims, as well. She mentions (Daily Beast) a few instances where men with money and power, have falsely been accused by women.

And yes, I agree, any woman who would falsely accuse a man with assault and rape is despicable. But, how often does that happen? Compared to the numbers of women who are raped every day, who are humiliated not only by the rapist, but by the Brotherhood of Cops, by the judicial system, by sick bastards who believe women deserve it?

The victim who was raped by a cop should never, ever have had to go through such a vile and disgusting experience.

She once wanted to go to school to work in the criminal justice field. She has changed her plans...

It's Only Logical

2012-01-31T15:25:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-30T13:58:00.000-06:00

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...

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-29T09:28:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-28T19:43:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-28T10:09:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-27T15:23:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-27T13:54:00.000-06:00

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'

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-25T15:21:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-25T06:40:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-24T15:59:00.001-06:00

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.

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

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

2012-01-24T06:42:00.001-06:00

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?

2012-01-23T15:33:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-23T06:26:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-22T18:45:00.001-06:00

Tell me what you see

the black winged messenger or,

possibility?

*For the Garden

Art, 101

2012-01-22T09:35:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-22T09:12:00.001-06:00

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.

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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.

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

I Am Responsible For Posting This (on my blog)

2012-01-21T10:39:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-21T08:58:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-20T06:50:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-19T16:02:00.000-06:00

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.

The Eve Of The Eve

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so what if it's pretty
alaskaairmen.com

Hey, I don't wanna be known as that blogger who nags a lot, but, take down your Christmas decorations, already!

Of course there are the few citizens who never take their stuff down. Santa and the Easter Bunny freeze their nuts off, side by side. But, it just seems too many of you just have not gotten to the shitty chore (say that three times, fast)

Ya gotta do it folks. It just does not look good with silver string drooping and swaying in the wind. Jesus, Mary and Joseph have suffered enough in the cold.

This week-end would be just the perfect time, don't you think? I do.

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smorche?

I love those Smart cars. They are so cute! Would I buy one, though? I just hate driving. I truly intend to give it up, soon. I cannot stand being on the road with idiots who have to race to the red light, and some don't even stop anymore. I hate my reaction to crazy ass drivers. I can just imagine myself driving in a tin can and trying to run a Hummer off the road.

But, they sure are cute. Dale at Dalesdesigns doesn't think so, but he does have a funny take on the lilliputian cars.

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According to some boob at Fox News, "Wisconsin has digressed to a politics-at-any-cost, partisan, siege mentality."

YEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

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Okay, Mark Wahlberg has already apologized for his most insensitive comment claiming that if he had been on one of the planes heading into one of the Towers, the outcome would have been different. But, why, oh why, did he ever even say such a thing? Awful.

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Hey, it's Thursday! The eve of the eve of the week-end. Alright.

I have no reason to post this image other than I find it pretty. : )

Don't Need No Damn Wiki

2012-01-18T15:24:00.000-06:00

Sometime in the 20th Century, Lake Placid was built for some sporting games. A giant indoor luge ride was built so the Americans could practice inside without getting cold and wet.

Locals screwing around

When all the people left, the luge building remains one big giant waste of space. On occasion, the locals will break in and ride the sleds.

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

Ron Paul is a Presidential candidate and would like to change how America does business. Jews and blacks will be exported and gays will be sent to Siberia. Monopoly money will be legal tender and Paul will tax anyone who drives a Prius. The man beside him is Mitt Romney who will fire at will anyone who gets in his way. You will be required to give up one female child for the cause.

Ron Paul and Mitt Romney, who Ron calls Ollie

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

The space needle was built after aliens committed mass suicide when they could not leave Seattle due to the weather. Seattle was created by mad men who were wanted in other states and chose the piney forest to hide out. Women who couldn't get a man in any other state, responded to ads from the menfolk looking for someone to clean up after them and procreate. The descendants of these unions prefer to live in the hills and grow "organic" products.

Alien space craft

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Old Faithful is a natural phenomenon of a steaming mass of volcanic rock that could blow at any time. People stand around hoping to see this event, but Old Faithful remains old and faithful by spouting a stream of steam twice daily.

As you can see, there is nothing to see.

It's a sign

Yoda Says...

2012-01-18T06:47:00.001-06:00

from craziestgadgets.com

I was listening to John Williams yesterday talk about Paula Deen and her revelation that she has Type II diabetes. She has kept this a secret for three years.

I agreed with Williams when he said it's not her fault if we eat her fat laden recipes. It's not her fault if we get morbidly obese. It is ours.

However... Now, that the fat is out of the bag, she intends to profit from her disease and hook up with some drug maker (legal, of course) and create a new show with healthy recipes.

So, do I blame her for taking advantage of an opportunity? Can I blame her for hoping to make money on the fatbacks of others?

I have no doubt that Deen will succeed. People like her and her downhome, aaww shucks, personality.

I would just like to remind people that she profits from your love of cheeseburger meatloaf and buttery butter.

Paul Campos has an article in the Daily Beast, telling everyone to stop picking on Deen. It's not her fault people are obese and getting sick. He also notes that fatty foods do not create Type II. Fatty people do.

Anyway, I don't intend to watch her new show anymore than I watched her old show, which is zero, fat free times.

Going Blank

2012-01-17T06:28:00.000-06:00

Wikipedia.org

I'm going to write about something I don't know about, but it won't be the first time. In eighteen hours Wikipedia will go dark in protest against the Stop Online Piracy Act, a bill that would limit information from overseas. I guess that means that the USofA will be checking up on everyone, making sure they don't steal some music or the written word. I think.

I'm always confused about this part. So, if I post something from Youtube, am I a pirate? Okay, so an artist loses money every time someone posts a clip on their blog or column? Why the hell can we embed stuff then?

It's all so confusing. Are all my links, guiding you to beautiful music, or a great write, or artwork, acts of piracy? I understand artists should be paid for their work, but if they are only in it for the money, it's a shame. If they don't want their work shared by admirers, stay mediocre, sell on street corners and whatever you do, stay off the WWW.

I like Wikipedia. I use their resources, often. I like them even more today. Reddit and Boing Boing will also join in the protest.

If you are confused, you still have time to Wiki to find out more about SOPA.

Cheesemail

2012-01-16T17:07:00.001-06:00

As much as I stand by my party, they can get a tad annoying. If you don't know, our state democrats are trying to get rid of our Governor. I get updates from Mike Tate, the State Chair, who informs me of the latest news, and would also like me to part with of few of my Abes.

The latest update from my pal Mike is that he is hiding out in an undisclosed location in Madison, and he and fellow Walker haters are counting and verifying signatures to recall Walker. Tate got positively giddy when he described the 3,000 pound stack of signatures. Then he asked for more Abes.

I'm not sure why they need all this cash. Volunteers stood on street corners with 'Recall Walker' written on the back of old cardboard signs. Where's all this money going?

And, have they considered the options, such as, if Walker is recalled, does someone less evil take his place?

Oy.

I Hear It's Rather Peculiar

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

So, moving on from the series of unfortunate events of the last twenty four hours where the home team broke a million hearts and played the worst game of the season...

I was given a book to read, and was forewarned that it stunk. This critique was given by not one, but two avid readers. The book is, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' Well, what a great title. It also has pictures of peculiar looking children, which i find intriguing. It's looks so interesting! I informed the two disappointed readers who said they thought the same thing, until they read the book. I still will read it with an open mind, which brings me to this query...

Must you know all about a certain artist or writer before you peruse the works of said artist or writer?

The only thing I know about the book is that it was written by Ransom Riggs. who has a blog. I didn't go to the blog and have no intentions of going to the blog, until after I read the book. I also did not look up any other reviews, professional or non, about the book. I don't care what other people think and they aren't always right. A friend gave me the book, 'Love in the Time of Cholera' and I hated it. I tried and tried to get through it, but just could not give a damn about the characters, or the birds, and whatever...

Anyway, I will post my own review about the book and it should not sway you either way.

Make Some Noise!

2012-01-15T09:24:00.001-06:00

"I am woman, hear me roar," I have heard that phrase before,

but let me make it plain as day, we are here, we'll have our say!

Amelia's gonna soar just like a bird, cause a bird, a bird, is the word.

Rosa'a gonna sit in the front of the bus, you all can make a great big fuss.

For Iman, Fawzia, Sahar and Andree Peel, I'm gonna tell you how I feel-
Say it loud, say it proud, make a sound, let's be heard,
can't bring us down, all our voices you cannot drown.
Madame Curie mixed a potion, sent the science world in motion
Ride, Sally Ride, let the cosmos be your guide
to Hillary, Jeannette and Sandra Day, for paving the political highway
Say it loud, say it proud, make a sound, let's be heard!
Can't bring us down, all our voices you cannot drown.
Yeah, "We are women, hear us roar," won't be silenced anymore.

*Happy 100 Magpie Tales! Thank-you, Tess for this wonderful opportunity each week to write, feel, explore, think, laugh and read from a list of wonderful poets.

More Cowbell!!!!!

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Popping cheese curds just in case
www.packers.com

Clinkclinkclinkclinkclank...This just in from the Oshkosh Northwestern. A man was arrested for playing too much cowbell. Details are trickling in, but the Appleton man who was exercising his right to "Recall Walker" and was merely being enthusiastic when told to knock it off by a cow, uh, cop. Instead, he gave 'em more cowbell. Cops and cows- they don't like cowbells.

Gosh.

Clinkclinkclinkclinkclank... Another story just in... Could it be? Yes! A hometown girl is now Miss America. Pretty Laura Kaeppeler has been crowned the 2012 winner of the pageant. She's a beautiful person inside and out. More cowbell!

Laura Kaeppeler

CLINKCLINKCLINKCLINKCLANK.... This coming in... The enemy has landed! The enemy has landed! Giants have entered Cheeseland. Get your cowbells folks, the enemy is here!

Will Aaron Rodgers photobomb them? There's cheese curds on the line here, fellow cheeseheads!

Googled

You heard him. More cowbell! CLInkClinkClAnkCLINK!!!!!!!

Home, Horror, Home

2012-01-14T11:22:00.000-06:00

Amityville Horror house

According to Horrible Histories, this is the day George Lutz and family hightailed it out of Amityville. After twenty eight days of terror in their newly purchased home, they couldn't take another night. Gosh, I love ghost stories, although I don't believe in the paranormal. I think the Lutzs' just got spooked (hee-hee) about the massacree of the previous tenants, and had a change of heart. I would too. Six people were slaughtered by a family member 13 months before the Lutzs' moved into the six bedroom house. They paid the very low price of $80,000 which may have clouded their thought process about exactly what they were getting into.

Whatever their reason for moving, they probably made their investment back with book deals and appearances.

I've never seen the original house, but I am very familiar with the house they used in the 2005 re-make. The house is in Silver Lake, Wisconsin and as you can see by the photo, it doesn't look so scary. In fact, it's a pretty house right on the lake. It was used as a summer house by the Rustman family, but has been unoccupied for over forty years. Someone takes care of the house and other buildings on the property, including a cottage and bowling alley.

Silver Lake, Wi horror house
Photo by Tom G

The actual Amityville house doesn't look too scary either, but I'm not sure I could live in it, although, I have mentioned that I think the previous owner of my car may have ended their days in my car. I don't feel anything weird or hear voices telling me to get out. It's a car, with a past, possibly.

Good time to check out the movie. I think there may be two hundred re-makes, so, plenty of options.

They're Watching You

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

They're up there and they are watching you. Cataclysmic events might occur if they came from outer space. It would hurt. A lot. It's our own fault, too. Well, not mine. Probably not yours. But, somebody's. Yeah.

Let's blame, Edward Everett Hale.

I'm talking about satellites. Did you know there are thousands upon thousands of them moving around up there and most of them are useless bits of human waste?

The oldest satellite still orbiting the Earth is Vanguard I, which was launched in 1958. Satellites are quite useful and I don't have to tell you how and why unless you are seven years old, and in that case, go ask your mother.

Vanguard I

The website, Fourmilab is pretty cool. You can view the Earth from a choice of satellites, if you like that sort of thing. Perhaps you can pretend to be a traveler in Hale's brick moon and wave to us, down below.

Shut Up!

2012-01-13T13:49:00.003-06:00

Mobbed

Have you seen that TV show with Howie Mandel? It's called, 'Mobbed." I can't really say how I feel because there was just so much. So much everything. The first hour featured a young man who has been having a five year online relationship with a girl and finally wanted to "go to the next level." So, Howie and a thousand "friends' helped him out. It's utterly over the top and strange. They both love the movie, 'Big Fish' so they did something with yellow umbrellas that was pretty cool. The choreography is really well done and was beautiful, but by the second hour, it started to numb my senses. The guy seemed nice, really nice and geeky and insecure and shy. The girl in my opinion is not serious about getting into a relationship. She's a tad immature, but she's young, although she did say yes to wanting to get to know the guy. He intended to move to her state to take it to the next level, whatever that is. I don't think it's gonna work, but I could be wrong.
She likes to say, "Shut up!" a lot.

The next hour was just odd. A woman wanted to tell her mother about the son she had six years ago and never told her. She also never told her that her marriage had broken up seven years ago. It's an odd thing to tell your mother whilst people are jumping and flipping and singing. Weird. But if my daughter withheld a grandson from me for six years, oh, man, she'd be getting the Basil Fawlty smack down.

The Few, The Proud, The "Barbaric"

2012-01-12T06:42:00.001-06:00

Sigh... You know, I could save Hollywood loads of money if they would just come to me first. I will decide the TV schedule and not waste the poor viewers time with garbage.

Did I not predict the new show, 'Rob' would be awful? Jace Lacob agrees with me, and he's a TV critic! Lacob calls it, "Racist and unfunny." Hmm... yeah, those racist shows usually are unfunny.

Come on, just let me at it...

And may I say, 'Told ya so, told ya so...."

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Did you see the moon this yesterday morning? It was so beautiful. The sun in the East, the moon in the West. I don't care what they say, full moons are magical. That reminds me of the guy who always started a conversation with me with the line, "I don't care what they say about you." WTF!? Who's they, and why are they talking to you, and what are they saying about me? Maybe that was his pickup line. It didn't work, let me tell you.

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Geez, can you believe Romney would tell a woman to give up her baby or give up god? What is wrong with this picture? I don't know how much more of this stuff I can stomach. That reminds me.... LOL. Have you seen the commercials for this guy who is all giddy about a One World Religion coming to a town near you? Too funny.

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How's the weather? Well fine and dandy, here. January and in the fifties! Whoo-hoo!

Tomorrow will be a different story. Blaaaaarrrrghhhh. Jeez, it's like Armageddon is arriving with all the news updates about, gasp, snow! Yeah, this is Wisconsin, not Hawaii.

So, when's the next holiday? I could use some time off. Hmm...

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6am and I'm getting ready to head out. I may not have access to my computer later this evening, so, "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"

The first thing I saw on the www, (CNN)was the breaking story of a group of Marines pissing on dead bodies in Afghanistan. Don't tell me war does this to people. What these men did was a despicable act. This was one event that was discovered because the numnuts wanted it videotaped. We'd be naive to think these incidents are rare. It took TMZ and other news sources to bring this to light. Jeez, it makes me ill. The Taliban call it, "Barbaric." Wow. I never thought I'd agree with the Taliban.

Preserving The Written Word

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Strangers on a Train

I found an interesting site about letter writing. It's 'letters of note' that archives old letters written by the mostly notables, and brings them to the digital age. I've copied one that was written by Raymond Chandler, to Alfred Hitchcock, after the two had a falling out. Hitchcock had hired Chandler to write the screenplay for Patricia Highsmith's novel, 'Strangers on a Train.'

There is a wonderful letter from Prospero Bertani, to Verdi, stating he would like his money back after viewing, 'Aida.'

From Raymond Chandler to 'Hitch'

December 6th, 1950

Dear Hitch,

In spite of your wide and generous disregard of my communications on the subject of the script of Strangers on a Train and your failure to make any comment on it, and in spite of not having heard a word from you since I began the writing of the actual screenplay—for all of which I might say I bear no malice, since this sort of procedure seems to be part of the standard Hollywood depravity—in spite of this and in spite of this extremely cumbersome sentence, I feel that I should, just for the record, pass you a few comments on what is termed the final script. I could understand your finding fault with my script in this or that way, thinking that such and such a scene was too long or such and such a mechanism was too awkward. I could understand you changing you mind about the things you specifically wanted, because some of such changes might have been imposed on you from without. What I cannot understand is your permitting a script which after all had some life and vitality to be reduced to such a flabby mass of clichés, a group of faceless characters, and the kind of dialogue every screen writer is taught not to write—the kind that says everything twice and leaves nothing to be implied by the actor or the camera. Of course you must have had your reasons but, to use a phrase once coined by Max Beerbohm, it would take a "far less brilliant mind than mine" to guess what they were.

Regardless of whether or not my name appears on the screen among the credits, I'm not afraid that anybody will think I wrote this stuff. They'll know damn well I didn't. I shouldn't have minded in the least if you had produced a better script—believe me. I shouldn't. But if you wanted something written in skim milk, why on earth did you bother to come to me in the first place? What a waste of money! What a waste of time! It's no answer to say that I was well paid. Nobody can be adequately paid for wasting his time.

(Signed, 'Raymond Chandler')

Puff, Away

2012-01-10T13:27:00.000-06:00

Oh, how I cried when Puff, the dragon died,

Peter, Paul and Mary sang the sad, sad song,

of losing friends from childhood, I cried and cried, I cried

then I cried some more when I sang along.

The really, really sad part was, I was thirty two,

and my darling daughter looked at me as if I was coo-coo.

Boo-hoo, oh Puff, don't go, you were so full of magic,

and now my kid is laughing- it truly is so tragic.

Come back, Puff, come back.

*For the Garden.

It's Free!

2012-01-10T06:49:00.001-06:00

Aah, the Tuesday soapbox. I'd like to start out by making one thing clear. I don't censor comments or delete comments that might hurt someone else's feelings. Everyone has their say here as long as threats of any kind are not implied or used. If you think I'm going to take sides in any comments addressed to other bloggers, I don't. I thought we were adults and could handle debate or opinions that are not our own.

I have plenty of beliefs and opinions that you may not like and vise verse. That doesn't mean I'm going to drop you or stop reading your poetry or works of fiction, if that's what I like, but, it's a free blogging world, so, if you are offended by what I write, or by what another commenter writes, I'm sorry you feel that way, and I will miss you.

As long as I'm clearing the air, here's a few other things you may not know and if it gets your panties in a knot, best to know now. I don't believe in a god, or the devil or ghosts or Republicans. I try to keep by blog Thesaurus free, if you know what I mean. I write the word, 'fuck' a lot, although in the real world I never say it. Hmm... go figure.

I'm opinionated and emotional and passionate and curious and if any of that doesn't hold well with you, well, that's me.

Have a good censor free Tuesday.

All Kinds Of Dogs

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

I think it's great when partners support the dreams and goals of one another, but what I have seen is that one partner gets most of the attention, while the other keeps the home fires burning, and yes, I guess I'm going to sound like I'm bashing men, but it's usually the men who need to roam. It's not my business how partners choose to live, but I have always found it a bit disconcerting when I read that kids are involved, and Dad is off in America, hiking the AT, or, off to Alaska to mush in the Iditarod. I'd like to think I could be the type of woman who could be secure in such a lonely ... but, eventually, I would resent the years gone, the years he missed a kid's birthday or anniversary to fulfill his own dreams. I really never understand women who are okay with that.

I see that Pat Moon is going to run the Iditarod the year. Pat entered as a rookie a few years ago and because he was from this area, I rooted for him. Unfortunately, he didn't get far, as he crashed into a tree and nearly lost it all. I sent hin a few e-mails and went on his site for awhile, just trying to stay in touch, but the site stayed quiet and I knew Moon was disappointed, so I stopped caring what he did.

His mom and wife run the website, I think, so Pat can spend time with his dogs and training for the grueling race. He's lucky to have two women who care enough about him to spend so much time for his dream.

I think this year I'm going to root for Aliy Zirkle. She is a veteran and has finished every race. Her husband is also a musher. Equal=equal. I like that.

Broken Compass

2012-01-09T12:15:00.000-06:00

I know this isn't Tuesday, but WTF!? I'm watching Anderson Cooper as I type this and with jaw to floor, wondering what has happened to some people's moral compass?

Do you know about the website, 'What's Your Price?' Men bid on going on dates with women. Cooper stated that it's the new way to make money for struggling attractive women. The creator of the site is on, and keeps insisting it's not the place to look for sex. Riiiiiiiiight. It doesn't matter. It's so creepy and gross. One of the women who sells herself claims, "My time is worth money." What a fucking hollow soul.

Two men who use the site admit they seek sex. Duh.

I don't want to date a man who would bid on me as if I was chattle and I have no respect for any of these women who would sell themselves.

Speaking of Anderson Cooper, I don't know why he chose to host a lame show. He's far brighter than that.

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

Someone at the Daily Beast put this on the Best Dressed list. Pfffftttt...

Getty image

I think I'll go back to bed and wait for the world to realign.

How Cheap Was He!?

2012-01-08T17:56:00.001-06:00

To say dad was 'cheap' is not the word,

Lincoln's rubbed copper head would disappear,

for him to give up one coin was quite absurd-

We always groaned when Spring break was near,

Dad scoured the neighbor's news for something free-

like a trip to see winos and mad dogs bark,

a colossal ride was swinging on Maw maw's tree-

This year was going to be a faux water park,

where statues emitted a stream from the mouth,

"Jump in quick before the officials come!"

then we'd dine on chewy sidewalk gum.

*Magpie Tales, #99

Tea, Flu, and Guests

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

Well, so much for sleeping in on this lovely Saturday. A week-end guest wanted tea cause she's not feeling well. Cats wanted breakfast and the bird started its morning gargle at 6am.

9 am...I have read about Fawzia Koofi, who on her first day of life was put outside to die. Such is the life of an Afghani female. Koofi wants to be the next president of Afghanistan in 2014. She admits she may not live to see that day because the Taliban have already made several attempts to end her life.

Fawzia Koofi

Mitt Romney is looking good. I guess.

Look at that sunrise on the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains. I'm still reading Bill Bryson's book, 'A Walk in the Woods'. I'm at the part where he decides to walk the trail on his own. He takes a detour to see the town of Centralia, Pa., a ghost town that is burning underground from a coal fire since 1962. As of 2010, 10 people still live in the town.

In between Bryson breaks, I have read Stephen King's, tiny little book, 'Blockade Billy' and 'Morality'. Pure King.

From Purchase Knob

I just love to look at wrought iron. It really is an art. On Earthcam (one of my favorite sites as loyal readers will know) you can zoom in on the torch of the Statue of Liberty. It's really beautiful. The statue was designed in the neoclassical form, whatever that is. I think it involves pointy leaves and roundness. The Lady is made of copper, 2 pennies thick, but the torch doesn't look like it's copper. It's pretty whatever it is.

The torch

Seven hours later.... House guest requested trip to doctor. Me, I will need a new car coat, as my old one was used as a barf bag. Good news. It wasn't my fault! I did not poison guest with bean burritos. Guest has the flu. Took six hours to get the results. I am tired.

Funny thing though- I had another Bill Bryson book in my car, 'the lost continent.' As my guest moaned and groaned in her hospital bed, I sat by her bedside and read more Bryson. Funnier still... Ol' Bill is still exploring the Smoky Mountains. Maybe he got lost. Anyway he wondered about a group of people that may have descended from the Lost Colony that came from across the pond in 1590. The settlers mysteriously disappeared, and only left the cryptic message, Croatoan, which was an Island inhabited by Indians. No sign of their existence or demise was ever discovered. Bill heard the story of a group of people, The Melungeons, who hid in the hills because they were shunned by the white folk and the black folk. The Melungeons have interesting features. Blue eyes, blond hair, European features, with dark skin. Who knows.

Melungeon boys

Now, I'm going to do nothing. Perhaps I'll stare out the window and be grateful my guest has nothing seriously wrong, and enjoy the setting sun.

A Week Of Street Life

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

I watched a cat huddle at the door, waiting for its owners to let him in.

We laughed, then I felt bad. But, seriously, he looked just like a cave man, but with nice shoes.

He had to stop in front of the fence and watch the kids play on the swing. Mom waited patiently as he stooped to touch the brown leaf.

They flew from tree to tree. A few at first, then hundreds climbed and flew and shadows fell over the street.

Garbage bags lined the street. Everyone forgot about the holiday schedule.

The orange ticket mocked me. Damn alternate parking.

He was peering in the window. I quickly walked to my car and pulled out my cell phone. He pulled out his cell phone, then looked at me looking at him.

I found a dollar!

The van slowly moved down the street, then it lurched forward, speeding up, slowing down. I saw the dog, keeping one step ahead of the animal control ...

---/-./-/..../../.../-../.-/-.--

2012-01-06T13:16:00.001-06:00

Kind of a slow day, but if you go to History.com, there were all sorts of things happening on this day, way back then, such as, Teddy Roosevelt keeled over. Nancy Kerrigan did too, but she survived a crack in the knee. 2,000 Led Zeppelin fans trashed Boston Gardens. Tsk, tsk.

Samuel Morse demonstrated his code. It didn't become an overnight sensation, though.

I wonder how many people know Morse code? I bet not too many, unless you wear khaki and hike with a group of little clones and swear to help old ladies cross streets.

My sisters and I thought we were clever when we were told to go to bed and then sent messages to each other using the code. The tapping on the wall probably gave us away. Besides, we had bunk beds, so it was not a bright plan. We then switched to the more modern form of communication, using string and tin cans. I don't remember the code anymore and I'm not even sure when we learned it, but at one time it came in handy. Ships used it a lot. I know because Hollywood told me so.

So, I had to read a bit about the man who invented the code. He was a god fearing man. He also thought slavery was just fine and necessary. He didn't want those foreigners coming over here, neither. The Republicans would probably vote him President if he was still around.

Anyway, for an asshole he will always be noted for the code and was a decent painter, too.

Supposedly his first signal sent was, "A patient waiter is no loser." Yaaaaawwwwnnn. That's the official word. i happen to know it was, ../ ..../ .- /...-/ ./ .-/
-... /../--./.--././-./-.-./../.-..

The code:

Towels Are Extra

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

Roadhousepictures on Flickr

I have slept in some pretty awful hotel/motel rooms. I'm assuming the majority of travelers have their tales of horror. I've slept in some very nice ones, too, but never one that costs, $65,000 per night. Not even close. If you happen to be in Geneva, and can afford to spend $65,000, then the Royal Penthouse Suite in the Hotel President Wilson, is for you. From the description given, it sounds like it's a place for people who need to look under the bed a lot. The place is secure, as in bullet proof.

If that's a little steep, how about the Ty Warner Penthouse in the Four Seasons Hotel in New York? You get a 360 degree view of Manhattan and probably a box of beanie babies. Oh, it does have a Zen Garden. All that for $41,836. Odd number, but when you have money to spend, I'm guessing you don't notice the price.

CNN has a list of the top fifteen most expensive suites in the world. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? I guess it's nice to know that some people, a very few lucky bastards, can live this way.

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons

Katy and Sam

2012-01-04T16:22:00.000-06:00

No one believes me to this day, but I saw the wings. I saw them right before she disapeered. Mom says she just moved away because there was no reason to stay.

I knowed she was sad cause I seen her crying by the swing he had made her when they was little kids.

I heard mom and dad yellin' that day. Mommy didnt want me to go, but Dad said it was time she learned about the bad...

I watched the back of mommy's shoes make squishy marks in the mud and thought about running back to the tree with the swing. I didnt like to hear them cry. I didnt want to hear my Dad cry no more.

I looked behind me and saw her holding the flowers. I almost laughed cause she had her eyes closed and was moving her lips, but Grandma pulled on my coat and we walked in the rain until we stood around the box and I got scared.

The man with the white gloves gave Sam's mom a present and mommy started to cry and I let go of grandma's hand and turned away.

That's wen I seen Katy with the wings. She was smiling and I smiled back and the morners began to sing.

*For Blue Bell Books

Is That Sarcasm?

2012-01-04T13:46:00.002-06:00

Aaw, Michele is out. She says it's okay, cause god has a plan. If god's plan was to give us a few giggles and make some want to pull their hair out, well, good plan!

Ooh, perusing the Daily Beast, there is the sad tail, uh, tale, of the Chinese billionaire logging tycoon who died whilst eating his slow boiled cat stew. Aaaw, let's take a moment to mourn. Seems murder was the game. Someone poisoned his kitty stew.

I think I hate almost every word in this story. Chinese-billionaire-logging-cat stew-murder....

We will now wait to hear from god to know what the plan was...

Bazinga.

I'm Comfortable

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Flickr'd by mellowfood

I've been thinking about making vegetarian chili. Don't knock it. It's pretty darn good. Although I wasn't a vegetarian back in the day, I was also thinking about comfort food. I'm really not sure what that means. Is it a food that makes you think of good times around the kitchen table, where everyone is laughing and talking about their day? Is it when you are sick, and mom brings you a bowl of chicken soup? Those scenarios never happened in my postwar, brick suburbia home. Mom did make good chili and her chicken soup was tasty, if you like sucking on slivers of bones.

I guess the closest thing to comfort food was when Mom made popcorn and Lipton tea. That was what she made before the two of us settled in to watch the Late, Late, Movie. None of this microwave popcorn either. You had to stand at the stove and shake the pot until... Hey, come to think of it... I made the popcorn and I boiled the water for tea! Hmm...

Oatmeal. I think of my Dad. Tuesday mornings. Dad's day off. Oatmeal, and no chance of skipping school. Drat.

Prunes and tapioca. Grandpa. Gram didn't cook and when we drove into the city to see them, they either ordered chop suey or KFC. Yeah, chop suey and prunes.

Cream of Wheat. The other Grandma. When I ran away from home, all the way across the street, it was cream of wheat, with a pat of butter in the middle. I have never even tried to replicate that memory.

In the hood...

I think of Mrs. R. who used to grind mystery meat and make 'spamwitches.' She always seemed to be in the kitchen looking for 'things.'

Stale cookies and bologna sandwiches. Mrs. P.

Vanilla ice cream, between chocolate covered graham crackers. Mr G.

Slim Jims. Mr H.

Hot peppers that peeled paint and tore holes in stomachs. Mr L.

I doubt any of them ever heard the word. 'vegetarian.' Meat was what you had for lunch, dinner and dessert. Spam, salmon patties, hamburgers, meatloaf, chicken, liverwurst, fish sticks,smokedbuttcornedbeefsalsburysteakbolognahotdogstuna
horsemeathaggisbloodsausagebloodbloodblood

Yeah, I think I'll make vegetarian chili, and be comforted.

1 bag of Morningstar Farms 'crumbles' (don't overcook crumbles)

3 cans dark red pinto beans, drained

1 jar spaghetti sauce (I use Francesco Rinaldi)

Enough olive oil to saute onion and peppers.

1 large onion

1-2 green peppers, or 1 red, 1 yellow, one green.

1 package chili mix

Add whatever veggies you like. Sometimes I add mushrooms, celery, corn...

Saute onion, peppers, add crumbles and chili mix, just enough to heat crumbles. Add beans and sauce.

Cheddar cheese for topping.

Easy peasy.

Booooooooooring

2012-01-03T06:32:00.002-06:00

I love to look at before and after works of home remodeling projects. I was looking in the Better Homes and Gardens section of exterior renovations and frankly, I think I like the befores better than the afters. The charm has been taken away.

Except for the victorian house, I didn't like the other change overs. Hope the owners did. : )

before

after

before

after

before

after

Laaadies, March!

2012-01-02T15:11:00.002-06:00

I've had a fun morning. My pal and I had a lovely breakfast, then headed over to Goodwill. I happened upon the old album bin and spent an hour looking at album covers. I love, love album covers! I hope there is a museum just for album covers. I found a few that I've never heard of before and ran home (okay, we drove) and looked 'em up.

Do you know Vaughn Meader? Well, in 1962, he was big. His album was the fastest selling album of all time. In 1963, crickets chirped for Vaughn. Meader was an impersonator and apparently did a funny impression of President Kennedy. JFK even laughed. But, we all know what happened. The funny died, and Meader never did manage a comeback.

Clyde McCoy was a trumpet player. He was also kin to the McCoy family, from the infamous McCoys, who feuded with the Hatfields.

This is too much. Now I wish I had bought the album. Rusty Warren was a musician and comedian. She also talked about sex. Sex was taboo back in the 50's, so Warren was quite the rebel. Her career fizzled due to the 60's sexual revolution.

Mourning Walk

2012-01-02T08:16:00.000-06:00

Walk with me, one last time

as starlings sing a mourning song

kisses to dust will fly away

and I will carry you home.

*For Magpie Tales, #98

Cheating, Churlish, and Cheese

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Mars Cheese Castle
check out the great photos from their site

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

I'm sure I have mentioned before, my opinion about out of the norm relationships, ie, an open marriage, a no sex marriage, a doll/human marriage... whatever it is, I don't care, as long as everyone consents to the arrangement.

I hate cheaters who are supposedly in a committed relationship where vows have been made. I do not understand why people marry if they are not willing to have respect for their partner.

The website, Ashley Madison, is the virtual oasis where married people can go to find partners for sex. I don't think I have ever heard of the site until the girls from 'The Talk' were discussing AM's new ad which asked the question, "Are you afraid of your wife?" and shows the image of a morbidly obese porn model, posing in skimpy clothing. The model is angry about the use of her image, and claims she never gave the site permission to use it.

Okay, I realize there is a lot going on here, but it all seems to boil down to one word. Classless.

Ashley Madison has over 15 million members at last count.

No class. No honor. No integrity. A meaningless life.

But, that's just my opinion.

As for the model who is upset because she says AM makes her feel ashamed and used... okay, I sort of get that. It's her image. She has the right to decide how it's going to be used. The CEO of AM disagrees, of course, and says the model should be happy for all the exposure.

We will always have creeps who try to make a profit and provide a service for people who have gone to the dark side.

Isn't that the saddest part of all- that over 15 million people are members of this service?

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

Ellen Barkin. Get over yourself.

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

Oh, if you happen to be in Milwaukee before the 8th, stop by the Milwaukee Art Museum. They have a glorious collection of works by the Impressionists, on paper. Even if you can't make it, check out the museum. I think it is an architectural wonder. That and Mars Cheese Castle are what make a cheesehead proud. Oh, and how 'bout them Packers? Ho-hum.

MAM, wiki commons

Do You Believe In Make Believe?

2012-01-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

Do you believe in fairy tales

where cows and crows

sail on paper sails?

Do you believe in true love,

where a bumpy toad

falls for a dove?

Cottages made of candy

slippers made of glass

witches weaving spells

a beast who loves a lass?

I do indeed believe in tales

of chocolate seas and purple whales.

Do you believe

in the imaginary?

*For the Garden.

Margaret and Helen

2012-01-01T11:09:00.003-06:00

When I start to get a little in the dumps and think the world has gone mad (madder) I read Margaret and Helen. Everyone should read Margaret and Helen. A lot of people do! I just love them. I want to grow old like them.

I Must Have Yak Wool!

2011-12-31T23:12:00.001-06:00

I was hooked, I tell you, hooked. I don't think I ever bought anything from the Home Shopping Network, but I sure wanted a Capo Di Monte vase.

I sometimes wonder about me. I can't believe I have such bad taste, but, I do. Having said that... I never knew what I was missing from my life until I saw those slippers with the lights in front. Damn, I could use those. And look at those NFL snuggies!? It's an 'As Seen on TV' miracle when they can get a Bear and Packer fan to sit next to each other and smile.

And a toilet monster to get rid of unwanted guests! Do you want to know how often I could have used one of those in my life? Especially when the outlaws came to visit. Although, they probably would have shot my toilet up.

I have to confess, I have only been to E-bay a few times over the years. It's just too overwhelming for me. I'd go broke buying hats and scarves made of yak hair by the Nepalese people.

I did buy two things at the grocery store that were once "...Seen on TV.' merchandise. One was a hearing aid that allowed you to hear your bosses talk about you from across the warehouse. I tested it out at home as I watched the talky box. As I turned the volume up higher and higher, the only thing I heard was a loud squeal emanating from my ears.

The other 'must haves' I bought were the pretty, hand blown aqua bulbs that were supposedly plant whisperers that knew exactly when your flora was thirsty. Pfffffttt. My plants varied from drowned, droopy seaweed strings, to crackly brown confetti.

I'm sure people have found some wonderful and workable items. I'm hoping that I will never know.

Yeah

2011-12-31T12:44:00.000-06:00

Oh, I almost forgot Paolo. Humina, humina.

100 Proof

2011-12-31T09:14:00.001-06:00

Well these stats are hardly surprising. Males are responsible for 81% of drinking and driving incidents. Although there are only 11% of males between the ages of 21-34 on the road, 32% of accidents are caused by them.

Anneli Rufus wrote an article that's in the Daily Beast about D&D. Rufus has statistics from several sources, so blame her, or the studies, but we all know, it's the man we must hide from on NYE. Also, best not to be in Montana tonight. They are the worst drivers.

We just had a story of police officer, Frank Vrtochnick, being hit by a drunk driver. The driver took off and hid the car and fled to Chicago. With the help of citizens, the 19 year male was found, and sources say he had been on a two day drinking binge before he got behind the wheel. The officer is still in very critical condition.

People over the age of 65 have trouble seeing pedestrians. Unfortunately, we have no idea who's behind the wheel, so I suggest you assume the worst if you plan on walking this New Year's Eve. Or, live in Kansas and have your grandparents drive, unless they have problems seeing pedestrians.

Having a designated driver makes so much sense, doesn't it? Our town provides free cab rides for the inebriated.

So, let's enjoy the celebrations of bringing in the new year and let's make sure we all are here on January 1, 2012.

Book Readin'

2011-12-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

It has been a long time since I read a book I just can't put down. I caught a bit of Anderson Cooper, talking to writer, Jonathan Safran Foer, about his book, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.' OMG. I love it, love it. I've only managed 100 pages so far, but did I mention that I love it? I think there is a movie coming out, hence the interest in the book that was written in 2005. I've never heard of Safran Foer, before, but I will read his other books. 'Extremely Loud... is about a precocious boy who loses his dad on 9/11. He's on a quest for something his dad may have left him. That's all I know, so far. The writer has been criticized for using visuals to tell his story. Frickin' ridiculous. The visuals are fabulous and don't take anything away from the writing, which is so original and fresh. I think some may find the main character, Oskar Schell, annoying. He is, but he is unique and fragile and just so good. So far.

Update: Such a wonderful book. I heartily recommend it.

The Twelfth Year

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

The year, 2000, once seemed so frightening to me when I was young, especially just after viewing a special about how the world would look in the future. I so distinctly remember the narrator claiming every home would have their very own computer and women would merely have to push one button and dinner would be ready and beautifully presented. Of course the women still wore pearls and heels as they cooked. And that one button prediction may be more accurate than you may think. How often do we order food with just a press of the cell phone quick dial?

When the clock did click on that momentous eve and people breathed a sigh of relief that the world was still here, and probably sheepishly laughed at the sixty cases of bottled water stored in their living room, it really was an exciting time- A technological happening.

But real life and real death carried on... and took my father that year.

It was the year I started a new relationship and felt wanted and womanly and silly.

In 2001, feeling happy and content after a week's vacation, I waved goodbye to my beau and started on my five hour trip back home. I turned on the radio and shook my head as Mancow Muller joked about a plane crashing into a tower, but then knew, it was the truth.

I drove on back roads, through miles of endless amber waves of cornfields and looked to the skies and never felt so alone.

In 2003, I sat and watched as the Columbia space shuttle exploded into heartbreak and the silence was palpable.

It was the year I could no longer stand to be with him. I was cruel and cold and over with it.

2004 was the year people went mad and re-elected the jester.

It was also the year I came home from work and found the parakeet lying dead on the bottom of the cage. As I sat thinking what a shitty day it was, my daughter called to relay the news that my mother had died. And for a moment I pictured Groucho Marx saying, "The good news is..." then wept for my mother.

In 2005, I stood in a store with a clerk and we shook our heads in awe at the image of the enormous hurricane on the front page of the newspaper. The wall crumbled and the events before and after Katrina will be a dark mark on our psyche.

In 2006, Saddam was hanged, and there was dancing and shooting in the streets.

In 2007, a beloved teacher tried to block the door against a monster, saving the lives of many of his students, giving them time to escape. 32 innocents were gunned down in Blacksburg, Virginia on April 14th. Liviu Librescu is the epitome of a hero.

Liviu Librescu

The bad came in 2008. The warnings were there, yet we still put the blinders on, and charged it!

In 2009, even when my supervisor of ten years called me into his office and I looked into his red and weary eyes, I didn't want to believe it. Please don't take this from me, I thought. But there was nothing to be done. And I still mourn for a place in time that I cannot go back to.

It was also the year Australia burned. In one day, now called Black Saturday, 400 brush fires ravaged over one million acres of the Eastern coast and killed 173 people.

Things were a little better for some in 2010. I call it the year of the part-timers. Take what you can get and be ever so happy for a job, any job.

It was also the year of a miracle, one made by man. After 69 days, and 2,257 feet beneath civilization, 33 Chilean miners were rescued.

2011 started with one of the worst storms to hit the Midwest and to memorialize that day, I fell and cracked my leg. Back to days sitting before the computer...

And there were days of bliss and wonder, mixed with sadness and disbelief as we witnessed with our new technology, the destruction of Japan.

It was the year of Justin and Lady Gaga. manscaping and Kardashians. It was the end for Harry Potter, R.E.M. and Jack and Meg.

Amazingly, as much as we use and abuse this Earth, new planets and species are still being discovered. It's a wonderful life, really.

Kepler 10b

During the twelve years, I've lost some friends, found new friends, and the world goes round and round.

My greatest wish, if I could rub the magic lamp and conjure a genie, is that no child will go hungry and be homeless. A big wish, but it is not impossible. It isn't.

See, I am still hopeful. : )

Unakins

2011-12-29T06:33:00.001-06:00

Well, what are people reading today? One of the most popular posts in the Daily Beast is about 'manscaping.' Oooookaaaaay.

When did this want for less hair become thee thing to do? I can understand getting rid of back hair, and some men have the ugliest hairy legs, so if they shave, why thank-you. But, I don't want to be intimate with a 'manakin.' Enough is enough.

Yeah, I'm old school that way. I want a man to look like a man.

Smells Fishy

2011-12-28T14:35:00.000-06:00

Old Man Winter, Lake Nipmuc

Oh, doesn't look like Old Man Winter is sitting on Lake Nipmuc, yet, so let's go to Mille Lacs, in Michigan and look at those people with houses and trucks on the ice, fishing.

Mille Lacs, Michigan

Looks pretty from my warm living room. I have fond memories of fishing with my Gram and Grandpa up in the North Woods, but that was a long time ago. I do remember when I was very young, around three, when I snuck out of the summer cottage one morning and rowed my way to the middle of the lake, and being only three, I dropped the oars into the lake. I cried and cried, then picked my nose and thunk about it for awhile. I plopped my bamboo pole into the green lake and soon enough caught a whopper that pulled me round the lake and right to my door. Course I had to let him go, Too small.

Here's some fish tales from azinet I copied this fishy one.

A store that sells new husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights.

There is, however, a catch: you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men have jobs.

The second floor sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men have jobs and love kids.

The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help
with the housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with
the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign
reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

Newly Invented Thinking

2011-12-28T06:17:00.000-06:00

Peggy's Cove Village

I for one, will be happy to end this year. It wasn't the worst, wasn't the best, by far. There are things I need to let go, and things I need to change.

A new job is tops on the list or, possibly going back to school to get a degree in something connected to 21st Century Americana, like, the medical field. But unless I can be a doctor, I'm not interested. Don't want to be a nurse. Nurses are a special kind of people and I have never met one I didn't like and they work damn hard. That's not me.

Turning off the telly and reading more or taking a walk. I've gotten into the awful habit of turning on the boob tube as soon as I get home, then wonder why I'm disgusted at life and myself. Must stop watching idiotic shows like the X-factor, where people who have no knowledge of music, vote for a champ. It's just sickening.

Must stop hoping Zooey Deschanel's new show will get better. It won't.

Must say yes to when others, male or female, ask me to go out for a night of frivolity and other stuff.

Must say no when I mean, no. I will no longer go to your Tupperware/sex toys/candles/black velvet painting parties. Or, your wedding shower for your third marriage!

Must stop eating margarine and processed stuff they label as food.

Must stop the Republicans from making any further mockery of this country. Enough is enough. We are better than that, by golly.

Stop them!!

And, I must stop assuming the worst in people.

So, today I will take a walk, smile and say "Hello" to strangers and not only hope for better days, I will make it happen.

Disclaimer: These thoughts may change at the discretion of the poster at any moment.

It's Nothing Personal

2011-12-27T15:09:00.003-06:00

Lifeboat

Am I reading this wrong? To me it says... 'In order for the world economy to heal, there must be collateral damage, ie... the uneducated, the poor, the sick, the weak.

Survival of the fittest?

So much for humankind.

W(isconsin) T(oilets) F(orbes)

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

WTF!? Up until this October, in Wisconsin, it was a crime to serve margarine to restaurant patrons, unless they asked for it. The fine food of Dairyland (ahem) had to be cooked with butter. You could pay a fine and spend three months in the hoosegow if you were a rebel, although no one ever complained- I think. Could be a poor schmuck serving time for replacing butter with margarine.

Update: I found this interesting and highly disgusting info on Sue J's blog. It's how margarine is made.

Butter wars

Another story about butter... Seems the Scots have grown fond of deep fried battered butter balls. Gaross. Tim Worstall, from Forbes was reading about the tasty treat in the Daily Telegraph, and noticed something odd. Odder than battered butter balls, you ask? Indeed. Supposedly, the Telegraph talked to a nutristionist who stated that the balls have a content of 1,450 calories and that someone living in the Antarctic could live on 1,450 calories for a week. LOL. Yeah, if you were in the Scott expedition. Bright and puzzled people began to write into the Telegraph and note the very wrong facts and wonder how this got by the editors. Too much butter in their diets, perhaps.

Deep fried death

WTF!? From the grapevine... Maria Shriver is thinking about going back with Arnold. Holy Butter Balls!

Let's see... he boinked the maid, fathered (I use the term loosely) a child, kept the lie from his wife until he had to tell her. He kept a child's true identity a secret. He lied, bonked, lied, and she is okay with that. She deserves everything she gets. If the story is true. Otherwise... nevermind.

WTF!? A talking bike, a talking, singing, Toto bike, a talking, singing Toto bike that runs on biogas. Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttt.

Toto toilet bike

Walking The Links

2011-12-26T12:10:00.001-06:00

It's over folks, until next week, unless you are out there, somewhere, returning gifts. I am very happy with my gifts, thank-you very much. I received a screwdriver and hammer kit that is painted with flowers. It's adorable! And a monster pop up book! Boy, people sure do know me.

Don't you love this illustration? It's from a 1937 book, The Arabian Nights.' Maxfield Parrish is the artist. What a gorgeous book.

Between trips to stores and trips to bar caddy, I've been trying to read an actual book. I'm rereading 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson. I like Bryson, but I have realized he's a bit of a whiner. He grew up in Idaho and hated it, claims all the women are fat blobs, yet, I see he's not exactly svelte himself. He said he never felt like he belonged, and eventually moved to England, but he has probably seen more of the US than many of its citizens. 'A Walk in the Woods' is about his trials on the Appalachian Trail, whining along with his old pal, who likes fat women and Little Debbie snack cakes. They start in Georgia and think about the gruesome details from the book, 'Deliverance.' Then they skip the Smoky Mountains cause they are lazy. I'm still reading and don't recall if they make it to the final point, Mt. Katahdin. Sure is a pretty end to the trail.

Mt Katahdin, Maine

I've never traveled the trail, although I will. The only thing stopping me is this...

so, I will wait until I am too old to care, but still agile enough to walk. Maybe next year...

The Affairs Of Mordecai

2011-12-26T09:53:00.000-06:00

Mordecai Porwhimple pulled her from the box,

with lips of blue and Scuddahoo pump he blew her up,

then whistled at the outcome, and monkeyed with his socks-

'What a looker, what a star,' said the lonely little schlup,

snorting in his cup of tea, 'I'll make them green with jealousy,'

he snickered 'my New Year's Eve model will spin their heads.'

eyelids closed, such a gentleman, dressed her in Wal-Mart finery.

They spooned and twirled as platinum horse hair sheds,
some like it hot, like a fireball, but Mordecai began to itch.

With shrinking heart and loins, plastic misfit did deflate,

so, early next morn he waited at bus stop to switch,

#611926NormaJean, to a Jane Mansfield mate.

*For Magpie Tales, #97

Brandy Whine

2011-12-24T13:50:00.001-06:00

Cakes are baked and cookies, tinned,

presents taped, the stockings filled,

popcorn stringed, bank account is thinned-
I'm halfway drunk, the eggnog's spilled.
Cats play soccer with glass ornaments.
piano clinks with canoodling caroler.
Clover, rum and frankincense,
mingling among the wafting myrrh,
and George is still stuck in Potter's town.
Packers, Da Bears will meet on the field-
not a cheesehead shall stir on 3rd and down,
on our calm QB, all eyes will be peeled.
Then I'll kick out guests, throw away mistletoe,
revel in the silence, without another "Ho, Ho, Ho."

*For the Garden

Best Wishes

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

So, many of you have already gone to wherever you go for the holidays. My blogging time will be minimal, as well. But, for those who stop by, I extend a cheer and wish you all the best, no matter what you do, or who and what you believe in. To me, the message of letting go of the past, starting anew, is appropriate for this time of year.

xxxooo

Thingy

A Short Synopsis Of Nothing

2011-12-22T16:02:00.001-06:00

Ignore that mad woman deleting posts.

Just a synopsis of what you missed... or not.

Short day, long night.

Sensenbrenner is an ass.

Either Picasa, or thingy touched a button that messed things up reaaalll good. Ugh.

Carry on.

Merry Ex Miss

2011-12-21T13:48:00.000-06:00

Hey, what's up with Fed Ex? This guy is a total ass. It must be catching, or Fed Ex is pushing their employees too hard, because we have been having an issue with the company, as well. One guy just leaves packages outside if no one answers.

Dang, that would have been a good, WTF!?

WTF!? Removed! LOL.

It's Baaaaaaaack

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

I suppose as long as I continue to blog, I will probably post this video. I'm not crazy about Christmas music, but beautiful music is beautiful music. And this is just wonderful. The song was originally a poem of redemption, written by Placide Cappeau, and the music was composed by Adolphe Adams in 1847.

Winter Sentinels

2011-12-20T16:07:00.002-06:00

Winter sentinels

Solstice warns of liquid sighs

Life in crystalline

W(eird)T(uesday)F(actoids)!

2011-12-19T21:17:00.000-06:00

WTF! Oh, women love men who treat them like rugs.

oddee.com

WTF! And women love, love men who are obese and burp and jowly and look like Rob Scneider, or, are Rob Schneider. Only on the telly (or with boatloads of money) can a man who looks like Jim Belushi get a girl like Courtney Thorne-Smith. Poor Courtney even went on to play Jon Cryer's pal in Two and a Half Men. Ridiculous.

Courtney and Jon

Hot girl and Rob Schneider

WTF! This is what I'll be doing for my X-mas guests- cutting vegetables into wonderful works of art. Ho-hum.

designbeep.com

Oh, and I'll be knitting great sweaters for each guest. Beat that, Ellen.

tipsyelves.com

*If you don't have time for knitting, you can always go to the tipsy elves and buy a naughty sweater. The company uses part of their profits to provide new sweaters to kids that are homeless. No, they don't get naughty sweaters.

**Factoid is a word coined by Norman Mailer, supposedly. I'm not really sure, I didn't check it out.

Greed Trumps Faux Love

2011-12-19T13:59:00.000-06:00

Hey, speaking of funny women... I think Ellen Degeneres is pretty funny, although I don't get to see her show that often.. Apparently, the show has been in the news because of a marriage proposal gone awry. Some guy in the audience got on his knees and pops the question, and the woman says, no. Seems it was actually was a hoax, and the poor rejected guy was recognized as one of Ellen's staff members. I haven't watched the video. No need. I can just imagine it. Seconds after the woman tells him no, the show goes into their 'Twelve Days of Christmas', giveaway, and when the camera pans over to Ellen, she is laughing. I get why she's laughing. It is funny, but, it's kind of mean, as well. The audience had no idea the proposal was a stunt, so as all involuntary participants do in such awkward situations, they smile, then nervously chuckle, then feel bad, then, BAM!! Goodies! And they all turn their attention to gettin' sumpin' good, and they have forgotten about the poor schmuck and the faux bitch. It really is clever. Kudos to Ellen and staff, but, maybe people's greed mitigates the meanness of the skit. I have a feeling the audience members didn't care about being used, as long as they went home with stuff.

Ho ho ho.

I Had This Dream...

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

According to the now dead, Christopher Hitchens, nothing makes a man zone out faster than hearing a woman say, "I had this dream..." This is going to be women talk, although men are quite welcome.

Speaking of the now dead, Hitchens, he claims women are not funny. Well, some are, so he said, but they look more like a man than a woman. The reason for unfunny women, according to Hitchens, is spot on. Women like humor, oh, indeed we do. We like a funny guy, and if you can be a funny guy, well you are more likely to get lucky, unless of course, a musician gives a little wink. Women don't need to be funny to get a man, so our funny bone gets a little rusty. Men are more concerned about another bone, and funny women just don't do it for most, unless she has a nice rack, then by golly, they'll laugh like loons.

As for what both genders find funny... for the most part, we are on the same page, until it comes to farts, and toilet humor and ugly men slapping each other... I certainly don't find toilet talk humorous, and it's probaly because women are nurturers. The still dead Hitchens claims women just don't like to hear about bodily functions because we have to tend to wounds and owies and such, and that is no laughing matter. I think that's what he means. He's dead, so we'll never know.

Men talk a lot about poop, but when it comes right to the bottom, they are wimps. Can't stand to be near it.

+++++++++++++++++++

Another thing about men and women.... Some men from this planet believe women should be imprisoned for getting raped by a family relative. They believe the woman has shamed them, so must suffer the consequences of another man's lust.

Thanks to Gerry, who is married to the potter, I learned about Gulnaz, whose only chance to get out of a prison sentence of twelve years, was to marry the man who raped her. Due to an outcry from the public, Gulnaz has been released from prison and must hide from her family because her brothers will kill her. Oh, and Hamid Karzai has pardoned her. Think about that. He has 'pardoned' her.

++++++++++++++++++++++

So, I have seen the image gone viral, of the two virgins who are kissing for the very first time. I don't intend to watch the video. I feel bad for them. It's their first kiss for all the world to see... Ugh.

That reminds me of our awful company X-mas party, where I was privy to the news that a co-worker's son will soon marry his girlfriend of five years. The only thing they have done to arouse passion is a few kisses. Fine, whatever. If one chooses to remain celibate until the wedding night, so be it. My sister was a good girl until THE night. She is still married to the same guy. I, however, was not a good girl. Laws, no I wasn't. And my marriage didn't work out even though it had nothing to do with sex... mostly.

I was reading about the four bloggers who have chosen to remain celibate until marriage, although one claims to be a 'born again virgin.' Sorry, hon, you a ho, no matter how you want to spin that vagina.

Hey, I wonder if China is still selling the hymen kit? Hold on...

Oh yeah. Hey Santa, how about a hymen kit for me? For only $29.95, I can deceive the man I'm being intimate with. Oh joy! Better get me the five kits, each with two hymens, for $114.00!

The holiday hymen!

The Snow Rap

2011-12-18T14:34:00.000-06:00

Oh, they tell me not to play in the

snowooooooooooooooooooooooowwwww

You ain't a kid, though you act it, time to,

growoooooooooooooooooooooooowwwww

But I tell 'em lighten up, let the spirit in you

glowooooooooooooooooooooooooowwwww

let it snow, let it go

close your lid, be a kid

have a ball, beat it all

don't tighten up, lighten up

and let it, get it, let it,

snowooooooooooooooooooooooooooowwww

now, you better watch your back, for my aim it does not lack, gotta knock me out some

smack

let it snow, let it go

close your lid, be a kid

have a ball, beat it all

don't tighten up, lighten up

and let it, get it, let it

snowoooooooooooooooooooooooooowwww

*For the garden

Life In Focus

2011-12-18T09:49:00.001-06:00

Photograph by Lee Friedlander

The Latin word,'unlimited,' they never saw the signs-

that some cast shadows in black and white,

others only saw darkness in their minds.

Reflections, mirrors, the use of light,

visionaries taught, let loose passion's binds.

Woodstock, Zen, Apeiron,

life in Leica, NEA art courses,

shuttered by the GOP's golden Ron,

with crafty actor's smile, and a prop of horses-

you took their means, their funds, all ties,

but, life in lens of metered focus, truly never dies.

The artists, Apeiron Workshops

*For Magpie Tales, #96. I rarely look to see who the artist is on the given prompt, if I am unfamiliar with them until after I write a poem, but I had to Wiki, Lee Friedlander when I came across a wonderful photo of a group of artists who started the Apeiron Workshops, with the help of the National Endowment for the Arts. Lee Friedlander was one of the artists who taught there, and the place thrived for twelve years, until Ronald Reagan slashed funding for the NEA. He wanted to cut funds completely, but was talked out of it. Apeiron suffered greatly, and closed its doors in 1982.

We need to keep the arts alive. It feeds our souls. Some people will never understand that. Pity.

Aaw, That Don't Look So Tough, Tough Mudder, Part Two

2011-12-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

Live wires, photo by Mark Hoffman

I found some images of the Wisconsin Tough Mudder race from earlier this year. The FAQ at TM states that if you can't manage an obstacle, you can go around it. The race usually takes about three hours. All images are by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

25% of participants are women
Photo by Mark Hoffman

The logs/ Photo by Mark Hoffman

These Days

2011-12-17T06:57:00.002-06:00

I fell in love with Vanity Fair because of the ads. Those people in the Brooks Brothers ads, sitting by their yacht, with cashmere sweaters perfectly slung over their shoulders, made me feel happy. Although, being a part of that group would probably never be an achievable goal, one could dream.

For the most part, the mag was classy, with classy uppity writers, until I read Hitchens.

I've see a lot of fare-thee-wells for the man, who was brutally honest and didn't care what other people thought of him. I admired him because he never wavered in his most unpopular stance that there is no god.

Even as his body betrayed him, or did he betray it, with cigarettes and booze, he never regretted either, so he said, and he never faltered when asked if he should think about finding god before it was too late.

Christopher Hitchens also believed the Iraqi war was a good thing. Well, he was wrong, in my opinion, but I still respect his opinion, because he was honest about that, and honesty seems to have taken a sabbatical these days. Some say he was a jerk. I'm guessing he had little patience for small talk and fools.

I stopped reading VF for awhile. I'm not sure why, but it was about the time Hitchens started working on his appearance- new teeth, new skin, diet, blah, blah, blah.

And then the cancer came...

He was a great writer, an interesting man, and he will be missed.

Mudders Was Invented

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Well, this looks interesting, from afar. I've never heard of the Tough Mudder until I noticed an ad proclaiming it's Midwestern arrival! Yeah, October of 2012.

But, if you are in New Jersey, today is your opportunity to see the World's Toughest Mudders compete. Only 5% make it to this level. But,

I must go back and explain what exactly a Tough Mudder is...

A bunch of people, who are crazy, all get together to compete in extreme shenanigans. There is a 10-12 mile obstacle course one must traverse to win the glorious prize of one orange sweatband, and one beer.

The Mudder was invented by two guys, and something about British Special Forces, but the idea is to ask, beg, bribe your family and friends to join you in this craziness. See, everyone helps everyone else to try and finish. The race is not timed. There are no big prizes (did I mention the orange headband and.. oh, yeah) but it is one tough mudder.

Some of the obstacles you may face, if you choose this mission...

The Devil's Beard: You all crawl under a bunch of low lying cargo nets. Fun.

Wiki commons

Ooh, not sure what this is called, but you run through live electric wires. Maybe it's the Zipper Zapper... Or,

there may be a flaming row of hay bales you need to run through. Holy Mudder...

So, if you survive the race, there will be a post party, where naturally, beer will be swilled, and you may be awarded for having the best mullet.

You know, I think I can get Mr Bill and perhaps, Sue J's hubby to join me next year. It's sort of like exploring new areas... like that muscle you never knew you had.

Tis The Reason

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Ugh, I hate company Christmas parties. Must I expand? Okay. It's like the teacher you see out of her environment (the classroom) eating french fries at McDonald's. I don't want to see the new guy down six Jager bombs, then relate a story that was fucking boring when he was sober. It doesn't get better retold with slurred speech. Then the woman I see once a week, stared at me the entire time we sat at the table. The woman next to me suddenly became Don Rickles and did impressions of her co-workers. I just know she waited until I was out of view to "do me." I could hear the hysterical laughter of my boss. I'm sure it was great.

Then we have the 50+ woman who wants to be seventeen and can't get over the fact that she has wrinkles and fifty plus years worth of baggage, wink as she mouths nonsensical innuendos.

I hate that the charmer still charms, and claims he doesn't drink whilst downing his second rum and coke.

Tomorrow we all go back to Cinderellas, pre-fairy godmother. And that's the way I like it.

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

Speaking of work... My gosh, did you see the story of the woman from New York who was crushed between floors after she was getting on an elevator? The elevators at work are scary. Sometimes, after it reaches my floor and opens, they start to close before I get out, especially if someone from another floor wants to get on. Sometimes a phone rings inside the panel. Sometimes, a woman talks gibberish. Lately, the elevator man has been coming out on a weekly basis. I don't know if that's good or bad- I just know I will be thinking about that poor woman for a long time.

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

And speaking of Santa... don't you feel kind of crummy lying to your kids about the man, and after they find out (not from you) that he doesn't exist, they look at you, strangely. And with good reason! You have started your relationship with your spawn with lies. It's just strange.

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

Well, it's Friday. All day. Falalalalalalalalala...

Swaggering To A Whimper

2011-12-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

War President by Joe Wezorek

Nine years. 4,500 U.S. deaths. Thousands upon thousands of Iraqis, killed.

He went in with a swagger, and not a whimper was heard from him, as the U.S. military officially left Iraq, today.

Saddam Hussein was a bad guy, but tell me why he was considered a murderer, and our former President is barely considered at all?

The Iraqi people burned American flags to celebrate our leaving their homeland. Are they any better off for our being there? I doubt it.

A trail of blood and tears, and one bastard builds his monument to himself.

The number one news story in the Daily Beast, one out of two Americans is living in poverty.

Damn him.

Hard Times

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Looks like Santa has fallen on hard times, too.

Captain, Oh, Captain

2011-12-14T06:53:00.001-06:00

Antarctica, today

If you want to know me, know who I am, I will tell you. I am a young man, who yearns for adventure and thrills. I search the posts for Captains who are looking for men to travel to the unknown. Oh yes, it will be terribly dangerous. It will be dirty work and you may be hungry most of the time. If you get sick, well, god be with you.

And I will grab that post and run, not walk, to apply for the chance to enter the unknown.

i tell you this because on this day, in 1911, Roald Amundsen made it to the bottom of the world. Now, most of you are probably yawning. So sorry. To me, it's what life is about. Curiosity, adventure, snow, ice, nothingness, solitude, comradeship and a challenge.

Roald Amundsen

Amundsen was a smart and careful planner. His competitor, John Falcon Scott, not so much. Amundsen brought sled dogs. Yes, they were used as transportation and later, food.

Scott brought mechanical sleds that never really worked and abandoned and definitely could not be used as means for sustenance.

Robert Falcon Scott

Amundsen made it back to his Norway. Scott never saw England again.

Norway

River Thames

And knowing both fates... I would still want to go. Oh, yes, indeed.

*Great article in the NYTimes about the amazing race to the bottom.

Her Foundation Of Spokes

2011-12-13T14:07:00.002-06:00

There but for you, go I

I saw a lady who looked like me-

her worldly possessions, her life's legacy,

turn round on wheels, a foundation of spokes-

but for you, there am I, but for you.

What turn did she take, what wrong did she make,

in translucent bags, she carries her bones-

one step, one move, one word,

but for you, there am I.

*For the Rally.

W(onky) T(uesday) F(labbergasters)!

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

WTF is this!? Nothing says Merry Christmas like dead animals in attack mode. Ugh. Jorge Santini and pals.

WTF!? What the hell does being a grandfather have to do with anything?

"I said up front I've made mistakes at times. I've had to go to God for forgiveness, I've had to seek reconciliation. I'm also a 68 year old grandfather." -Newt Gingrich

108, 2-liter bottles of Coke Zero. 648 Mentos = 221 feet and two nuts. Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz.

WTF!? Jennifer Aniston the Sexiest Woman of all time!? (Men's Health) Double WTF!?

WTF!? ' Breaking Dawn' No, not a Chuck Norris movie- It's much worse... The Twilight Saga racked up a total gross to date of $259,402,669. And gross it is.

'The Future' made a whopping $76 this week-end. That's 76 dollars. (according to Mojo.com) Read the review, if you dare (jhoberman@villagevoice.com) Then try and understand the movie.

The Future, Miranda July

WTF!? Blogger says I can't use WTF! as a label. WTF!?

God's In Castle Rock

2011-12-12T18:21:00.001-06:00

This is for you, Pastor, Wayne Hanson, because we all know god wants Tim Tebow to win, and without god's favors, Tebow would be just another football player. But, god doesn't care about them.

Invested

2011-12-12T06:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Packer fans leaving the game

It's pretty exciting about our football team this year. I'm not sure if you readers from across the pond enjoy American football, so just skip this part if you can't stand the news about grown men in tight pants running after a ball. I'm not that crazy about soccer, myself.

But, if your home team is doing very well, do you feel proud, or, if your team is doing very badly, do you get depressed?

For me, it's a fun few hours. It's not me who made a great pass, not me who intercepted a throw... It's just an awful lot of emotion to put into something we merely watch with our eyes.

Speaking of sports... I read an article that is brilliantly written. It is about the brutal game of hockey, and what happens to men who are hit in the head, time after time.

John Branch, from the New York Times, wrote a three part series about hockey player, Derek Boogard, and what may have contributed, or caused Boogard's death.

I'm not a fan of the sport, and it is because of the needless and senseless violence. Branch writes a riveting piece.

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

But, if you don't like talk of nasty ol' sports, I watched the finale of 'The Amazing Race.' What a wonderful ending. Three great couples made it to the finish. Not a diva in the bunch. Three great couples who supported and encouraged their partner. One of the last hurdles was for the couple to fly a plane. Not real, but pretty realistic. It's just like the real thing. Good thing for couple number three, Marcus and Amani Pollard (yes, he's a former football player) She was the co-pilot and Marcus just could not land the plane on the runway. They had to start over, again and again. What was so wonderful to see is how she kept her cool. He was starting to lose it, but she just kept encouraging him to try again. Unfortunately they came in last, but they had a terrific attitude about the whole adventure. The first couple plan to use the money they won to start a foundation for the less fortunate. Kudos to all.

Fire In The Belly

2011-12-11T09:12:00.001-06:00

So....what is art yon dude,

a Van Gogh swirl, a sonata by Mozart,

life, oh so still, or must it be cubed-

can Paul Simon play music, sans Garfunkel, Art?

Do great works come from starving,

the belly, to feed soul,

and do you consider wood carving,

an artistic life's goal?

Let's look at this work from his side, instead-

stand next to Habibi and feel what he sees...

flowing water, blue skies, and somebody's head,

It's art, yes it is, I'll explain, if you please,

it's passion you see, flints of white fire

oh, scoff from your lips, or drop to your knees,

you have entered the heart of one's inner desire

Dr. Seuss, Grandma Moses, or,

a child's world view impression

art is the deepest emotion for

an explosion of expression.

*For Magpie Tales, #95

Lilo and Otis

2011-12-10T07:38:00.001-06:00

www.union.wisc.edu

Hey, it's not like I was looking for her photos, but there she was, in her Marilyn mode and red accessory, in the altogether. I've seen Playboy gals before. Dad had a stack hidden in his dresser, and this was before plastic. I even know someone who posed. She looks far better than Lilo does, in my opinion. There just is no life in the pics. I think a woman's body is beautiful, and if a woman wants to pose nude, so be it. I just think Playboy paid way too much for the look see. BTW: The mag isn't even out yet. Someone got a hold of the images and posted them online, so Hugh and crew are stepping up the release. Hefner thinks it will be a collector's item. We shall see, won't we?

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

Which brings me to the topic... Do you pay for your news, online? I've even heard talk of making everyone pay to go online, all on the www. Yeah, another divide between the haves and have-nots. A computer is a fantastic way for the not so fortunate to see the world and learn about anything. They are only limited by time. But what if we all have to pay? I think it's BS. Leave the internet alone, you money grubbing bastards.

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When I die, I'd prefer my body be laid in my happy place and let nature do its thing. I know some people don't feel that way, and I understand. After four years of dogged determination, Gari-Lynn Smith has finally found out where remains of her husband have been sent. To a dump in Delaware. The story is a bit confusing, but if a body, or parts of a body are not claimed, it is cremated and dumped along with medical waste and other ugly things into a dump. It's possible that over 274 bodies have been handled this way. It's likely it is more.

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Oh, I wanted to end this on a happy note, but I went to 'This day in History' and noticed that in 1967, Otis Redding died in a plane crash, right here in Madison, Wisconsin. What a terrible loss. He gave us some lovely music. Thanks, Otis.

http://youtu.be/K-FQL-tJ3ic

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Well, this is probably hard to see, but I just love the stork cam in Germany. I have only been able to capture the bird at night, but it's still pretty cool.

May As Well Be A Jar On A Shelf

2011-12-09T15:17:00.001-06:00

Photo by tantrum_dan/Flickr

Dottie Sandusky claims she was unaware of her husband's alleged molesting of young boys, but when boy after boy comes forward, how can she stand by him? She claims she is bewildered by the accusations and just knows her husband is innocent.

What the fuck is wrong with her? Is she that insecure, that meek and weak? It sounds like she has left her own identity behind and bows to her man.

I just do not understand it. The Mrs. has bailed him out.

When his judgement day comes, do you think she will finally open her eyes, or ears?

I just don't get it.

Rich People Have Feelings, Too

2011-12-09T06:15:00.001-06:00

The Mysterious Man from the Shadows has an interesting post about suffering. Well, sort of... The question is... "Do you need to starve to be an artist?"

Hmm... Well, I don't think Picasso ever starved, and who knows what may have happened if Van Gogh had eaten right?

Carly Simon never really suffered, but had some decent songs that seemed to come from real emotion.

If you have been to one of those 'Starving Artist' sales, most likely you are the one suffering.

Rich people have feelings, too. I just don't think the audience can relate to them as much as the poor schmuck who busked his way into our hearts.

But, do you have to starve to be an artist, a good artist? Good question. Read the POV's at the chapel.

Not Forgotten

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

I like to watch the TV series, 'Cold Case.' It's a well done show that tugs at your heart and requires a box of tissue. The premise is... a bunch of detectives look into old cases, and within the hour solve the mystery that has been cold for decades.

Unfortunately, some real life cases can't always be wrapped up- ever.

The Mythical Monkey got me thinking about this with his post about Georges Melies. I like movie talk, but I like mystery talk, more. MM wrote about Louis Aime Augustin Le Prince, who in 1888, made two, seconds long, motion pictures.

Cold Case 1) The mystery began when Le Prince went missing. He was on his way, by train, to get a patent for his camera. His brother was the last one to see him alive. I thought the especially odd bit was that his luggage was never found, either. In 2003, a photograph of a man who had drowned, who resembled Le Prince, was found in the Paris police archives.

Cold Case 2) Last March, DNA taken from three bone fragments that could have possibly solved the mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart, proved to be inconclusive. We can pretty much conclude that Earhart crashed her plane, but, where, why, how? Will we ever know?

Cold Case 3) The tragic murder of JonBenet Ramsey may never be solved, unless the murderer confesses.

Cold Case 4) Wednesday, in Wisconsin, 'Jane Doe' was buried. The body of a young girl was found by three hunters in the town of Ashford in 2008. She had been murdered and left in a creek.

Three years, and no one has come forward to claim this girl. The detectives who have tried to solve this case, carried her casket. She was laid to rest, surrounded by strangers.

This is one mystery that can be solved. It's the least the living can do for this Jane.

They will weep for me, I know

take me back, bring me home

oh, do not forget me, don't let me go

someone did love me, I know.

Bacon Shakin'

2011-12-07T21:36:00.001-06:00

Dakota, looking rather miserable

Well, here's some good news. Dakota, the missing owl has been found, and is recuperating back at the wildlife center. Poor thing was dehydrated and a little thinner. Does not look happy, but hopefully, he will heal.

The numnuts that stole him could actually get a twelve year prison term. Funny, Governor Blagojevich got fourteen years for his dirty deeds. I'm still puzzled how some sentences are handed down. One guy can brutally rape and murder a woman and receive a five year stay in the pokey, and then someone who steals a candy bar can get life.

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Anyhoo, I saw this next story was in the Chicago Tribune, in the Problem Solver. A young man, at the insistence of his mother, opened up a savings account. The problem was, he kept taking money out and then was charged a fee for not having a certain amount in the bank, then charged $28 a day because he only had $4 to cover the $9.95 charge. When mom came in to close the account two weeks later, the charge was up to $230.

Mom is angry at the bank and wrote to Problem Solver, which led to the bank giving in and sending her back the late fee charge.

Well, I do hate banks, myself. I closed my own account after being charged for not making enough transactions in a month.

In my case and the young man's, I think we both need to take some responsibility, here. You usually get a pamphlet that explains all charges to be incurred if you mess up, when you open an account, especially if it's a savings account, one the young man had opened.

In the telling of the tale, mom didn't seem angry with son, for pulling out his savings. She wanted him to learn fiscal responsibility. I'm not sure what he learned, here.

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Speaking of not looking at the small print....

Ever see the insurance commercial with Flo and the two guys who belong to another company? A disgruntled woman is talking to Flo about switching to her company. The two men know her, but not really, because they call her, "Mary, Margery, "Shakin' Bacon".....

I know exactly how she feels. I have never talked to my insurance agent, even when I walked into his place of biz. As you walk in the door, there is a mezzanine right ahead. Mr. Big Shot has an office upstairs where he can look down on all the people he ignores. His assistant handles everything. I did see him walk to the bathroom once. He never said a word to me.

Last year he called me to see how everything was, and when I started to tell him about a problem I was having, he cut me off and told me to call Miss X in the morning. WTF!? So, now I go the another insurance agent, who is frickin' awesome.

I haven't officially switched to the other guy, and even though it's the same insurance company, I think I'm being charged for not dealing with ass-hole. I have noticed my bill is higher, even though I have not had a ticket in ten years. But, it's probably my fault because I don't bother to rectify the issue, or actually look at the charge, see why it's there, OR, tell Mr. Ivory Tower Man to take a hike.

I do believe I'm gonna take care of that this week-end. No one to blame, but me. Oh, maybe the jerk in the tower, as well.

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