Blast From The Past

Anybody remember Eddie and the Cruisers?



Go buy the DVD here... then prepare to be unable to sit still in your chair. Bad 80's movie with a fantastic cast and great music.

Quick Stops

Giggle of the Day:

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Three simple steps... to delete your Google browsing history.  Just do it.
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Ear Worm of the Day:



Yep. I've still got the Statler Brothers stuck between my ears... but it's Friday, and Jihad Gene once again exhorts us, "Let's Dance!"  Alrighty then.
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Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:

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Funniest newspaper "Corrections and Clarifications" ever:

In a Page 2 column on Wednesday, John Kass incorrectly asserted that by raising the federal debt ceiling by $2.4 trillion, President Barack Obama had grabbed "reality by the hair" and kicked it repeatedly "in the behind." But Thursday's stock-market plunge of more than 500 points proves that reality remains immune to the president's charms. The Tribune regrets the error.

Gotta love John Kass!
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I'm stunned:

Durbin said “Democrats have to be prepared to talk about entitlement reform and Republicans have to be prepared to talk about revenue if we’re both serious about meaningful deficit reduction. It’s tough politically on both sides. I mean, it’s as volatile as can be.”

Yeah. I actually agree with Dick Durbin, who is making sense for once.
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Seems Obama will never run out of groups or people or events to blame for the lousy state of the economy. Here's the latest:

"We've weathered the Arab Springs effect on oil and gas prices. The Japanese earthquake and tsunami's effect on supply chains. The extraordinary economic uncertainty in Europe and recently markets around the globe have taken a bumpy ride," Obama said this morning.

That's four finger-points in two sentences. (He did, however, leave out Bush, Republicans and the Tea Party... for once.)

Is anyone else ready for a little of Harry Truman's "The buck stops here!" mentality from the Oval Office for a change?
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And while we're at blame casting, "At Google, don't blame the technology when something goes wrong, blame the person behind the technology."

I hope they're right, though. The Princess Mom sure would have been a prime candidate for a robot car:


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Rules of the Road:

Do you live and drive in an urban area with lots of bicycle traffic? Then you should try this in order to prevent "dooring" accidents:

When you get out of your car on the driver’s side, open the door with your right hand. This will force you to twist your body and look back, allowing you to see if any cyclists or walkers are coming by.

Easy peasey lemon squeezy.
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After hearing about that awful story out of Australia where the young woman was collared with what was alleged to be a bomb this week, it brought back memories of a similar device that actually did what it was alleged it would do:

Suddenly, the device started to emit an accelerating beeping noise. Wells fidgeted. It looked like he was trying to scoot backward, to somehow escape the bomb strapped to his neck. Beep… Beep… Beep. Boom! The device detonated, blasting him violently onto his back and ripping a 5-inch gash in his chest. The pizza deliveryman took a few last gasps and died on the pavement. It was 3:18 pm. The bomb squad arrived three minutes later.

I'm so glad that Miss Pulver survived to tell her tale. And I hope they catch the sicko who dreamed that little stunt up. Let's hope karma catches up with the SOB.
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As my old pal Jihad Gene used to say, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"


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Drive-Bys

One of the benefits of being on the board of an Irish theater company is that you stumble across some interesting things on the sets. Me? I want this whole Feckin set.

(P.S. -- This weekend is your last chance to see The Weir. Go see it! You'll thank me.)
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Giggle of the Day:


see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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Actually, you could probably say this about any of the women President Tin-Ear chose to take to Washington, D.C.:

"You kind of have to drop the standard for the [insert name here], right?" the official explained late Thursday. "I mean, she's pretty well liked and probably doesn't know what she's doing."

No, we don't have to drop that standard (unless of course, she's a New Black Panther, and that's a whole 'nuther kettle of fish).

She's supposed to lead by example and follow the law like every other citizen of this fair land.

I'm with J. Christian Adams:

Is this the worst thing to afflict an election? Of course not. Armed New Black Panthers were obviously much worse. In the larger scheme of things, Michelle Obama’s lawbreaking is authentic “small potatoes.” But someone in her position has a higher obligation to the institutions our nation treasures, like the rule of law.

The stand-up response from the first lady, and the White House press shop, would be to admit a mistake, affirm they believe in respect of the rules that protect election integrity. But this isn’t a stand-up administration. Like the stonewall that followed the New Black Panther dismissal, we have learned that this is an administration incapable of admitting they screwed up.

But they're only allowed to find fault with others -- never with themselves.
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As the National Football League investigates whether quarterback Brett Favre sent lewd photos of himself to a female employee of the New York Jets in 2008, many women -- and men -- are asking the question: Why would any grown man send photos like that in the first place?

I have my own theories about that, including that for a lot of men, sex is affection and he's showing you just how much he likes you. In fact, he's probably showing you who he thinks he is.

But since I'm not a guy, I'm throwing this out to my male readers. I'm not saying you would do this, but help a girl out and give me the hows and whys of some guys thinking this is a good idea.
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Okay, it's not just me -- the number of suicides in this area has been much higher than normal:

[T]he number of people who have taken their own lives so far this year already is approaching or has overtaken 2009's overall tally.

Boy, I hope we can get our arms around recognition and prevention very soon.

If you know something, speak out. Don't think someone's kidding if they talk about ending it all.

A 2010 study by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that adults ages 18 to 25 were far more likely to have seriously considered suicide in the last year than those ages 26 to 49, and nearly three times more likely than those 50 or older.

If they're talking about it at all, find help fast.
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Who knew the Reb Smuley was this smart and open minded?

Homosexuality is a religious, not a moral, sin. A moral sin involves injury to an innocent party. Who is harmed when two unattached, consenting adults are in a relationship? Homosexuality is akin to the prohibition against lighting fire on the Sabbath or eating bread during Passover; there is nothing immoral about it, but it violates the divine will.

I am in favor of gay civil unions rather than marriage because I am against redefining marriage. But gay marriage doesn't represent the end of Western civilization. The real killer is the tsunami of divorce and the untold disruption to children who become yo-yos going from house to house on weekends.

Just so.

(A tip of the cap to the Advice Goddess.)
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I'm off to an architectural pub crawl in Bridgeport tonight -- four Irish pubs! Thus, my Ear Worm of the Day is distinctly Irish:


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P.S. -- Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

I'll be doing a jig. How about you?

Quick Stop

Ear Worm of the Day:



Blame Jimbo. And Catfish. You won't be able to shake this one loose very easily!

Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:

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Goggles4U is having another 30% off sale and I'm getting more "eye jewelry":

Pretty!

Funky!

I have had nothing but great experiences with G4U -- the quality of the specs are great, and the prices simply can't be beat. (I'm getting both of these for 1/3 less than I paid 5 years ago when I bought a single pair of D&G frames at LensGrifters...) Type the word "DEALS" into the box at checkout to get the discount.

No, they don't pay me to sing their praises; I just like to share the savings.
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When I'm wrong, I admit I'm wrong:

Evanston police have concluded that Colin Dalebroux — the 21-year-old who died Sept. 14 in a pipe bomb explosion at Fitzsimons Park — intended to commit suicide, and left a note on his computer outlining that plan.

Yeesh. I was wrong and he was serious.
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Blaming the voters and calling them stupid is not the way to win friends and influence people... unless it's to influence them to vote against you.
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Love stories!

• Frank Whitecotton took his marriage vows to love and to cherish his bride -- in sickness and in health -- seriously.

  As evidence, Frank gave his wife, Deloris, what she calls "a very, very special gift" on their 52nd wedding anniversary: the kidney she desperately needed to live life normally.

• "People in the wedding industry love love," Phillips said. For Debbi and Wally, "Their love is holding them together."

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Ear Worm of the Day:

Saturday Ramblings

"Heaven" Salted Buttered Caramel Bacon Gelato. Have you ever heard such a beautiful combination of words in your entire life???

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Because I have pals for whom the phrase "don't try this at home" was invented:

I'll see most of 'em in Tennessee soon. (Yikes!)

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Giggle of the Day, gleefully swiped from phlegmfatale:

(Thanks for the pointer, AD!)

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Ear Worm of the Day:

It's going to take a week to rid myself of this one...

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Tootin' the Horn

Not only is it Friday, but Jihad Gene's birfday is coming up soon. "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

Here's a slow dance for you, my friend:

World Tour

Guyana? Now that's a new visitor. Someone from Georgetown in the state of Demerara-Mahaica ended up here to view this post.

Here's a little bit of local color:

Cat's Meow

The only cool cat I know who participates in the Friday dance party instigated by Jihad Gene is Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap Norton, who is three today. At his request, in honor of his "purrfday" I offer up this dance...

... this appe-teaser...

... and this bit of premium nip...


Happy Purrfday, Darling Billy!

Love,

MissieAuntieLeslie

P.S. -- Watch your mailbox!

Pit Stop

Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance With Kim Jong IL!!!"

Alrighty, then. I Gotta Feeling he's going to approve of this one:

Ahhh!

And now... back to BlogHer. Dance among yourselves in the comments!

Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:

For my pal.

Her? Yep.

Me? Yep.

Just sayin'...
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I love Sharon Montrose's animal prints in her Etsy shop (and I bought two of them, too). Now I'm drooling over her bigger prints here. Access to really cool critters and cameras out the kazoo -- the chick has everything.
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Quote of the Day, Part 1:

"Thank you for Your Corporation"

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Oooooo! Maplewood Smoked Bacon - Horseradish Dip. I'm making it this weekend, and I'm not sharing, either.
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Once again Obama's team prepares to do an end run around the Constitution. Tell me again why voting for that guy was a good idea? It's a pretty sad state of affairs when the leader of this nation regularly turns up his nose at the laws he swore on Lincoln's bible to protect and uphold.
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Like the Blagoviator, this guy talks way too much. Then again, there's something to be said for a man who only opens his mouth long enough to switch feet...
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Quote of the Day, Part 2:

Someone needs to learn to watch where they're putting that thing.

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Give them free healthcare but require them to make an appointment to get it and what happens?

In the first five years of its controversial Urban Health Initiative, the University of Chicago Medical Center has successfully steered thousands of people with non-urgent ailments from its emergency room to other South Side hospitals and clinics that could serve as a "medical home."

But a bigger challenge has been getting people who schedule appointments through the U. of C. program to keep them.

Since the initiative was launched in 2005 with help from first lady Michelle Obama, then U. of C.'s vice president for community and external affairs, only about 35 percent of the almost 16,000 appointments made as of January had been kept, hospital executives said Thursday. [Emphasis mine.]

Lovely. Just lovely.
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Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance with the Air Force!"

Alrighty, then. Everybody Dance Now!



Yabu says "I Caught Her"

And you?

Update:

Pat Hickey is making all kinds of Friday Night Noise!

Peedee reminds you that we all need somebody to lean on.

Jerry's taking a politically incorrect trip down memory lane.

Eric congratulates Dax on his promotion... then tells him to "Get a Haircut".

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One More Thing:

Go read this letter from Afghanistan, and be sure to have at least one hankie handy. You're gonna need it.

Drive-Bys

I've thought much but said little about all the coverage of accusations of racism in the news lately until now.

Here's the deal: If you lob the "racism" label at me, be prepared to give a specific example of what you think I did to earn it. Then I get to weigh whether or not what you say is true and/or valid.

If you are correct, I will apologize and take steps to correct my behavior, attitude and thinking.

If you are not correct, however...

... Pppppppppffffffffffffffffffffttttttttttttt! That's the sound of the air wheezing right out of your meaningless little word, rendering it shriveled, puny, worthless and of no consequence whatsoever to me.
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Giggle of the Day:


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

(Inspired by me and my new toy.)
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Inspired by Jay G, Calvin's Mom let's us in on her guilty pleasure.

In no particular order, here are some of mine:

• Dip made of two heaping spoonfuls of French Onion dip and two heaping tablespoons of Pace Picante sauce (hot), mixed well, with Tostitos Hint of Lime tortilla chips right before bed
• VandeWalle's vanilla caramels
  
• Nick Digilio
• Country music -- the old sappy stuff
• Musicals -- movies, television and stage
• Fonseca 1977
• Karaoke
• Cowboy hats and boots
  

Yours?
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Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance Like Mexicans!"

I say, "Oh, Mexico!"



Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap Norton is grooving to Pina Colada Boy.

Doug from Sligo, on the other hand, is in a Newport (Ymerodraeth) State of Mind.

How about you?

Update:

Joanie wants to know If You Know Love?

Tootin' The Horn

It's here!

(And I almost had heart failure because the box weighed a ton. Turns out, it was the four different copies of the instruction manual that weigh half again what the camera itself weighs. Whew!)

Now all I want to do is go out and PLAY!

Drive-Bys

See? In addition to Transformers 3 (which is transforming the Mag Mile this weekend), we also have Vince Vaughn and company filming in and around Chicago.
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It's more than 7 dirty words... and imagine them all spoken very sweetly by Aunt Bea's doppelganger...

I dare you not to laugh out loud!
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Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's dance!"

This...


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

... reminds me of my own personal favorite karaoke selection:



Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap Norton (a/k/a the Orinch Meniss) channels a really menacing orange!
The Cheesiest Guy I know fires up his Little White Chune Box.

What kicks your karaoke box over?

Update:

Pat Hickey's making a little Friday Night Noise.

Kerrcarto's giving a Rebel Yell.

The Tall Cool Drink of Water is putting a little Kerosene on the fire!
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This is by far the coolest decorating idea I've ever seen!
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Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:

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Ack! I'll NEVER get that damned bridge to stop bouncing.

Here's a question for my photographer friends. I've been giving strong consideration to making the jump from point-and-shoot to SLR... but the thing that's been hanging me up is the size and weight of SLRs, as I like to carry my camera with me all the time. When you start adding up the weight of a camera, a laptop and a Kindle that's a lot to be toting around.

Then I heard about the new Micro Four Thirds cameras, which have a lot of appeal to me. Have any of you gotten your mitts on a Panasonic LUMIX or an Olympic PEN? Pros? Cons?

Seriously! Grandbaby is on the way in September, and I want a good camera in my hands by then (and before is even better so I can get a little practice in before the big event).

All comments will be gratefully taken into consideration.
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Not too long ago I had words with my Darling Baby Brother about the fact that he really, really needs to quit buying his girls everything they want the minute it comes out. I pointed out that it made it really difficult to buy them Christmas and birthday gifts, and it takes the magic out of a spontaneous gift. Not only that, it doesn't teach them the value of a dollar or the necessity of waiting to buy something until you can afford it.

Now, DBB does not like to hear stuff like this -- however, he also has a son who can't keep a dollar in his pocket because he was raised the exact same way -- so he listens even when it's PITA Big Sis giving him what-for.

Apparently Terry Savage caught holy hell for doing the same thing with that lemonade stand column I wrote about last weekend.

She's right, though. We have a problem with people not knowing the value of a dollar, let alone appreciating it. Two things that she said stood out:

• Clearly there is a great misconception that entrepreneurship and generosity are incompatible. But that's far from the truth. Just look at Bill Gates and Warren Buffett -- two of our country's greatest entrepreneurs, who are in the process of giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to causes they think are worthwhile. But first they had to earn that money!
  
  
• It's important to start teaching those financial lessons at an early age. These little girls, around age 7 or 8, are already targets of consumer marketing -- for everything from toys to videos, from fashion to food. Certainly, it's also the right time to teach them the value of the money they spend, and how difficult it is to earn it.

Yes.
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JihadGene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

I say, "Giddy-Up-A-Go-Go!"



You?
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P.S. -- I are a lucky girl. Just so you know.

Drive-Bys

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Jihad Gene says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!" and he's doing it doggie style.

Alrighty then. I'll see your Gloria Gaynor and raise you a Mark and Julee Weems:



(Swiped gleefully from Patti.)

And what've you got?
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Giggle of the Day:


see more Lolcats and funny pictures
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Quote of the Day:

You might know Jesus, but that won’t stop you from getting Tasered.

Go see more of Spark Check here. He hasn't been blogging long, but, by jinkies, he's good.
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I wouldn't go on a Cougar cruise for anything. And I certainly wouldn't let anyone take my picture or interview me about the experience.

That's positively pathetic.
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I am not at all happy with either of Illinois' choices for senatorial candidates this year, but...

... if I have to choose between a guy with a decent congressional track record but a penchant for self-puffery and a guy who lent money to mobsters and lost family bank at great cost to the taxpayer, but who called it "selling" the bank, and who lost millions of taxpayer dollars by his mismanagement of a college savings fund and lied about the extent of the loss in his first elected position, well... I know who I'm not voting for.
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I found Buzz Aldrin positively creepy on this season's Dancing With The Stars... but his wife is truly a horror show. Is is me, or does she make drag queens look positively straight-laced?
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How many months into his term in office are we before he puts this policy in place:

Don't Pay Dead People

Swell. Nice to see that, as usual, he's on top of things.
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Saw this and thought of Elisson... who's now Lost in the Cheese Aisle (without his little white chune box, apparently...). Now that's a colander!
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Boy meets girl. What a cool story! (Any bets on this becoming, at a minimum, a movie of the week?)
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Tootin' The Horn

For Peedee...



You know why. (And forget the Apocalypse. It's Happy Dance time!)

Rubber-Necking

Tango... with pole.

(For Fausta.)

Quick Stop

OK Go strikes again: