Drive-Bys

Who knew...

... Walrilla had a doppelganger?

(Found here. Celebrity silliness from the good folks at I Can Haz Cheezburger?)
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Go, Cubs, go! (Even if you're not from Chicago, this song will get your toes tapping.)
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I think I've died and gone to crossword heaven.
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A couple of Blogthings, because I can't resist:

What Your Playing Cards Tell About Your Future

Right now you are focused on your internal emotions, including a bit of pain and suffering. Your emotions are currently tied to an upcoming event. It could be a ceremony, party, or celebration. Your closest friend always can cheer you up... whether it's through flattery, funny stories, or simply just being there. The near future will bring a new competitor or rival - in business or love. This person may seem like a friend at first. Beware of some very bad news. This may mean the loss of someone close - or the loss of a close relationship.

The Playing Card Test

Your Issue Profile: 28% Obama, 72% McCain

When it gets down to it, you tend to best match John McCain. But he's not the perfect candidate for you, and you may not be sold on him yet. Obama shares a good number of your views too, so you might want to give him a second look. It all comes down to which issues matter to you the most.

Should You Vote for Obama or McCain?

And just to show you how accurate that one was, how about this?

You are a Social Moderate (56% permissive) and an... Economic Moderate (50% permissive) You are best described as a: Centrist Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

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This looks to me to be a severely inbred Devon Rex. That breaks my heart to see, and I'd sure like to know who the breeder is that is doing such a disservice to the breed. That's just not right.
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Speaking of that's just not right, if this doesn't convince you that PETA people are nuts, nothing will. Yeesh.
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Hah! I'm going to live forever.

A Glance in the Rear-View Mirror

My sister, SIL, BIL and I met with the pastor last night to discuss the deets of the upcoming memorial service for the Princess Mom.

Pastor Cindy mentioned that a baby girl was born to TPM's church family on the morning of the day that TPM exited. She was talking about the whole spirituality thing about God always seems to be balancing things out, a new life coming in as an old one checks out, etc., etc... and then she happened to mention that the baby had been named something in Sanskrit that means "patience and endurance."

I just about spewed my coffee across the kitchen table at that one.

When my sister cocked a brow at me I said, "Well the Lord got it at least half right with the new replacement."

I'll remind you of the story found here and here, and let you decide which of those two virtues she received from TPM... and which one she most certainly did not.

Tootin' the Horn

Rachel Lucas may think cats are assholes... but I have to tell you, cat bloggers are not. Between the loss of the Divine Miss Marilyn and the loss of the Princess Mom, my many friends in the cat blogosphere have been nothing but wonderful in reaching out with prayers and empathy.

As my fuzzy friend Sammy says:

I am thankful for all of our wonderful furriends in the cat blogosphere. No matter what happens, good or bad, we all pull together and support and love each other.

Yup. And I thank each and every one of them.
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All that being said, occasionally, Rachel is right:


more animals

... and...



(via Mike)
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Then again, sometimes the asshole is definitely not the cat.

The Mom Update

Here's the scoop: my family will be holding a memorial service for her at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27^th at Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville. I'll be delivering the eulogy, so if I don't blog much about her in the next few days, it's because I'm concentrating on doing the best job I can for her on the 27^th. And I promise it won't be sad... or boring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to either Naperville Heritage Society or St. Thomas Hospice would be appreciated greatly.
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It tickles me to think that TPM can now listen to one of her favorite artists sing perform one of her favorite hymns "live" and in person.

The Mom Update

The Princess Mom slipped away at about 3:00 yesterday afternoon.



Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all your thoughts and prayers.

I'll have more info for you tomorrow.

The Mom Update

I'm going home tonight to pack a suitcase, and I'll be commuting between the office and my brother's house for the foreseeable future.

The Princess Mom has made her way up to her bedroom on her own steam, but it doesn't look like she'll be coming down on her own again. She's sleeping almost around the clock, and she's hardly eating a thing. She's in that twilight place. We've made sure she's got someone with her all the time (my turn is the night shift), and now we're just trying to make her comfortable.
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When we were kids, we made the hikes between Chicago and Cleveland and between Chicago and Boston via the family station wagon. Unlike kids today with their video games and DVD players, we passed the miles by playing "I Spy" and looking for as many different state license plates as we could find and waiving at convoys of Army Reserve troops heading out to weekend maneuvers. And singing, always singing. (Well, Daddy, my sibs and I. TPM couldn't carry a tune in a strongbox.) Here's one that she loved to hear us sing:



Appropriate, I think.

Drive-Bys

On every single level, this is too creepy for words. Yick.
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Giggle of the Day for the Straight White Guy (wherever the heck he's off to at the moment):


see more puppies
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You think I kid about Governor Give-Away? Here's his latest insanity:

The list is many: a Democratic Party acting too "narrow minded," a veteran Democratic House Speaker who acts like a "right-wing Republican," lawmakers who spend like "drunken sailors," a "Soviet-style bureaucracy" at the State Board of Education, lobbyists who "shuffle around in Gucci loafers."

Now, add to Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich's celebrated list of villains the latest: the Chicago Transit Authority, whom he labels as a "dishonest" bunch guilty of "mismanagement" that takes its "marching orders…directly from City Hall."

He made that whole stinking mess, and now he blames it on everyone but himself. Scuzzball.

Thank goodness the local lefty rags are finally on to him:

It's questionable what Blagojevich might be able to accomplish, however. The governor's comments about the CTA might have a sharper sting if voters hadn't ridden this railroad before. And given the governor's track record, he may be the only politician in the state who could make people have sympathy for the city's beleaguered transit agency. [Emphasis mine.]

Amen.
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Before people start piling on Sarah Palin too hard, perhaps they should take a look at the other shining example of a sterling running mate.

Neither candidate is perfect. The VP candidate debates ought to be eye-opening. Just deal with it.
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Ear Worm of the Day:



Between the lousy weather here, the anticipated big blow in the south, and coming on the heels of the anniversary of 9/11, this seemed just about right.

Tootin' the Horn

Another thing to never forget -- my BlogDaddy's birthday! (Hope it's happy, Kevin!)

Never Forget

I remember where I was and how I felt on that horrible day.
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I talked on the phone last night with one of my favorite bloggers, a New Yorker, who sums it up so well here.
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How many people started blogging that day, or soon after? And how many of us found one another online in telling our stories, expressing our horror, refinding our national pride, demanding action? The blogging community as we know it now really began that day, I believe. It was not enough to reach out to those closest to us; it was important to reach out to the world. We did, and we continue to do so to this day. We tell our stories so that no one will ever forget.
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I pass by City Hall on my way to the train every morning, and it is rare to see any activity there at 7:30 a.m. Today, however, there was a freshly washed and waxed fire truck, a representative from the Army, reps from the local VFW, and pressed, polished and spit-shined representatives from our police force and fire fighters. The oldest VFW member held a folded American flag, and it was clear that there was going to be a remembrance ceremony.

Then I pictured the same thing happening in cities and towns, large and small, all across America.

I wept again for the souls lost that day.

Drive-Bys

This reminds me of my GrandDog:


see more puppies

Not the breed, but the personality. CancunAnne will no doubt find this as hilarious as I did!
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Speaking of CancunAnne... as I mentioned, I had a really nice visit with her, MMPC, the Princess Mom and the rest of my family on Saturday evening.

One standout moment?

CA, TPM, MMPC and I were watching the BMW Championship (golf, for those of you not in the know). Camilo Villegas came strolling down the fairway and this little conversation ensued:

CA: Wow! He's got a really nice butt.

MMPC: Mom!

Myself: Yeah. Skinny legs, but definitely a nice butt.

MMPC: MOM!

TPM: You know, now that you mention it, he does have a nice butt.

MMPC: Barbara!

It was the first time she's called me "Mom," and it was priceless.
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Giggle of the Day:


more animals

Drive-Bys

Remember my rants about Governor Give-Away and the serious damage he was doing to public transportation in Illinois?

The CTA provided almost 92,000 free rides each day in August to senior citizens, the highest total since Blagojevich mandated the change effective March 17. Previously, seniors paid reduced fares and took about 63,000 rides per day.

In addition, active military personnel and disabled veterans are taking about 2,500 free rides a day on the CTA due to action by the Chicago City Council.

Furthermore, an executive order recently signed by Blagojevich extended the free rides to low-income disabled people. That could result in an additional 8 million free rides each year, the CTA said.

All the free rides and lost state subsidies total more than $30 million in lost revenue to the transit agency this year, Huberman said. The revenue loss is expected to grow to $66 million next year, he said.

Even the lefty Chicago newspapers have had enough:

So, just months after Blagojevich—and the Illinois legislature—helped bail the CTA out of a budget crisis, they are shoving the CTA back into a crisis.

The freebie circus has to stop. Otherwise, everybody's going to wind up back in Springfield, arguing over how to save the CTA and other transit systems in the state. And nobody wants to take that trip again.

The Illinois GOP really needs to be grooming an outstanding candidate for the next election. This guy is seriously scary.
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This is a terrific policy:

Starting Monday, every dog and cat adopted from the largest animal shelter on Long Island will come with a microchip embedded in its skin. It's a quick procedure that can help reunite families with their lost pets.

Why isn't every shelter doing this? It's cheap and effective. (And if you haven't had your dog or cat chipped, why not?)
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Because I needed a couple of Blogthings, and these seemed just about right:

You Are Somewhat Closer to Your Family

Your family isn't perfect, but you wouldn't trade them for another family. And when it matters, your family is there for you. You have great friends, and your friends do play an important role in your life. But with your family, your connection is deeper and stronger than it could ever be with friends.

Are You Closer to Your Friends or Your Family?

... and...

You Are Totally Like Your Mom

You and your mom are practically clones. You think alike, and you even seem to read each other's minds. You're definitely you're mother's child... and that's just fine with you.

Are You Like Your Mom?

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Black Humor Giggle of the Day:


more animals
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I really liked this prayer:

Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held those in pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with love.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have prepared nourishing food.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands of children and their parents.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that have remained open.
Blessed be these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands, O Holy One.

Adapted from Diann Neu’s Affirmation

(A tip of the cap and belated birthday wishes to Susan Palwick.)

The Mom Update

We had a lovely visit this weekend. MMPC, her husband, mom and dad came for dinner at my brother's house last night, and the Princess Mom was perky and present for most of it. I think, however, the window for such good visits is shortening greatly.

According to hospice guidelines, it won't be long now:

One to Three Months Prior to Death

• Withdrawal from world and people [check]
  
• Decreased food intake [check]
  
• Increased sleep [check, check, check]
  
• Going inside self [check]
  
• Less communication [check]
  

One to Two Weeks Prior to Death

• Disorientation [check -- sporadic, but increasing]
  
• Agitation [check -- especially if there's too much noise or activity around her]
  
• Talking with Unseen [check, if you count the Heavenly Humane Society]
  
• Confusion [check -- not regular, but occasional]
  
• Picking at Clothes
• Physical Changes
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Pulse increase or decrease
  • Color changes; pale, bluish
  • Increased perspiration
  • Respiration irregularities [check]
    
  • Congestion [check]
    
  • Sleeping but responding
  • Complaints of body tired and heavy [check]
    
  • Not eating, taking little fluids [check -- we could only get breakfast into her yesterday. No telling what she'll do today, but she's mentioned more than once that food has lost its appeal.]
    
  • Body temperature hot/cold [check -- she's always got to have a blanket and slippers now]
    

She's told me, my brother and SSIL repeatedly that she's tired and she's ready to die. We gently tell her that we know, and that it's okay. She did tell me that she's afraid to sleep alone at night because she doesn't want to die alone, so now I sleep in with her when I'm there.



She went to church today specifically so that she could take communion. I think she'll be at the Lord's banquet table soon. And you know what? That's okay. She's ready, and we are, too.

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day:

And the truth is, America, indeed the modern world, has lost its way. Read research from sociologists if you want. Study academic journals over a pricey Latte. Wax poetic about the masses and their struggles, about the judgmental ‘religionists.’ Seek higher taxes as if money were the balm for all suffering. Tell jokes about drugs and sex; watch some porn, take your daily antidepressant. Relax over a glass of wine and plan ways to make America even more free, more fair, more progressive. But take it from a guy down in the mud, it’s a hurting world; and hurt all the more by social revolutions that led, ultimately, to immeasurable individual disasters; see nowhere more clearly than in the emergency department of your local hospital.

Great, great stuff.

(A tip of the cap to GruntDoc.)
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Well, it's about time! It sure would be nice of the Illinois GOP would offer up a better candidate than Alan Keyes, Jim Ryan or the ubiquitous (and obnoxious) Jim Oberweiss for a change.
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Non-TV people fall into three categories:

• They don't want to expose their family to excessive sex, violence, and consumerism.
• They think it intrudes too much on their lives
• They object to the power and values of the TV industry

That ain't necessarily so... and I'm proof of that.
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Another of the Princess Mom's favorites (and one that I've dedicated to her at karaoke competitions because it reminds me of the love my parents shared):

Drive-Bys

Seems those ED remedies really do lead to mind-blowing sex. Heh.

(A tip of the cap to Doc Gurley.)
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Governor Give-Away is at it again. Jeebus. It's no wonder the Illinois state budget is so out of control.
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On my way back into the city from my brother's house on Sunday, I got off the Metra train and headed down the platform into Union Station. As I was walking briskly along, I noticed a black couple walking ahead of me with their two children. The mother and daughter walked hand in hand just ahead of the dad and the six- or seven-year-old son. Just as I started to pass the dad and son, the little boy reached out and grabbed my hand. He started swinging it happily. I looked down, and he gave me a big, slow, happy grin. Yes, he knew what he was doing. I returned the big-ass grin and told him it had been a long time since a handsome young man had held my hand.

His dad, startled, looked over in amazement and laughed.

My little friend and I held hands all the way to the end of the platform, and then waved good-bye.

There are angels everywhere. Sometimes they really do reach out and hold your hand just when you need it most.

Drive-Bys

Here's an ultra-cool quiz nabbed from Disappearing John, RN:

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

HFPC - The Photographer

Humanity, Foreground, Big Picture, and Color

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on what's in front of you (the foreground) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the colors around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to deal directly with whatever comes your way without dealing with speculating possibilities or outcomes you can't control. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You are a down-to-earth person who enjoys going with the flow.

Compared to other takers

• 40/100 You scored 0 on HumanityToNature, higher than 40% of your peers.
• 52/100 You scored 1 on BackgroundToForeground, higher than 52% of your peers.
• 96/100 You scored 13 on DetailsToBigPicture, higher than 96% of your peers.
• 30/100 You scored -2 on ColorToShape, higher than 30% of your peers.

How everyone did

• HumanityToNature
• BackgroundToForeground
• DetailsToBigPicture
• ColorToShape

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

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A few LOLcats that remind me of my bloggy pals:

Miles and Sammy:


more animals

Yabu:


more animals

And this one just for shits and giggles:


more animals

This one, too:


see more puppies
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Nope. Not crying yet.

The Mom Update

The Princess Mom's health is going downhill fast, and, to make matters worse, she took another fall in the wee small hours of the morning on Friday and gave herself a helluva gash on the back of her head. My brother and SSIL hauled her off to the emergency room at around 4:00 a.m.

The doctors wanted to do a CAT scan, but my brother put the kibosh on that.

"She may have intercranial bleeding, you know!"

"Yeah. She's also under hospice care and has a DNR. Stitch her up and send her home."

Eleven stitches later, they did just that.

I know that may come off as harsh, but it's not. We promised her no more tests and no more overnight hospital stays, and we deliver on our promises.

She's half of this world and half of the other... and it greatly pains her when she realizes she's been in and out of reality.

"I'm tired of this torture. You don't know how much I hate this."

"I'll tell you what, Mom -- if you're tired and it's time to go, just close your eyes and go. Don't worry about us, because you've done a wonderful job and we know what to do. We'll take care of each other. I promise you, we'll take care of each other."

Yes, it was not an easy weekend.

On the other hand, wherever she is when she's off in the ether, she does come up with an occasional pip. This weekend's winner was her insistence that my brother and SSIL are getting not one, but two cats soon.

1. Brother and SSIL are dog people;
2. SSIL doesn't dislike cats... but she does dislike litter boxes intensely;
3. TPM insists that the Wheaton Humane Society called them up and informed them that they were giving them two cats and that they had to take them. (Not bloody likely.)
   

She's adamant about this. I'm personally coming around to the idea that maybe it's the Heavenly Humane Society that's come a-knockin', and that the Divine Miss Marilyn and her litter sister (who was always TPM's favorite) will be there to greet her on the other side. I hope so, anyway.

I expect to get the phone call saying the end is near any day now. If the blog goes silent for a bit, it's because I'm off to see TPM off to glory.

Drive-Bys

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Holy Captain Ahab! How cool is this???
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Quote of the Day:

Don't get me wrong, I think that tattoos on girls are extremely hot, I just worry that in 30 years we're going to have a population of grandmothers who are all sporting wrinkled faded symbols for God knows what that they will have to explain to their grandkids. "Grandma was at Lollapalooza, and she just had to have this Asian symbol that means 'dehydrated' tattooed right here in between her ample bosom." I'm just saying that it could be a problem. Make sure that you triple-check the meanings of any symbols that you're not 100 percent familiar with, and always quadruple-check spelling. Needles don't have spell-checkers.

Perzackly.
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Governor Give-Away is toying with the idea of another run. So how do the party loyals feel about that?

"Rod Blagojevich couldn’t be elected dog catcher in Illinois," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline), reflecting the broad legislative discontent with Blagojevich.

"The governor has some real serious issues and among them is that he’s had difficulty keeping his word. He’s been a terrible leader. He hasn’t built any bridges. All the opportunity he promised eight years ago? Where’s it at?"

'Scuse me while I clean up after that last spit-take.

Drive-Bys

I've been having some over-the-top oddball dreams or bits and pieces of dreams lately.

For example, I woke up this morning not being able to remember anything about what I was just dreaming... except the song that had been playing over and over again -- some Euro-pop techno trash girl group with the lyrics "He's my underwear." Yep. Made me want to bounce right out of bed and dance. (Where in the hell did that come from???)

The other dream that's got me shaking my head is one I've never had before. I dreamed that I was sleeping in a small, dorm-like room, in a single bed with a wool blanket. It was raining very hard outside. I was sleeping peacefully, only to be awakened by the sensation of damp and cold feet. In my dream I awoke to find a leak in the ceiling over my feet. As I watched, more and more moisture began to bead up on the ceiling. Then it started bulging. The next thing I knew, water was bursting through the bulge, and my ceiling was falling down in big hunks of wet plaster all around me. I ran from the room to find out if anyone else was having the same problem. Then I woke up.

Ugh.
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In an odd bit of synchronicity, I found this weird post about underwear.
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Speaking of synchronicity, compare and contrast this story with this one.
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When I first saw this story about the 9-year-old kid banned from his baseball league because he was so much better than all the other kids, I had a similar reaction to Eugene Volokh's -- he probably should have been playing in a different (older) league all along. Kids should compete in leagues where the competition is pretty level.
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Scrabble-Lover's Giggle of the Day:


more animals
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Clearly, politically I'm not a big fan of John or Elizabeth Edwards. I do, however, have tremendous sympathy for Mrs. Edwards, and have absolutely no use for the people doing this.

The woman is fighting cancer, fighting to keep her family together and fighting to keep her marriage together. Pick on him all you want, but leave her alone, people!
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Did you hear about the scum-buckets who robbed the SIFA African Children’s Choir van during their recent visit to Chicago?

Here's an open letter from the group:

Sure, the two laptops, camera and memory sticks that were in the backpacks were valuable. Between that gear and the GPS device the choir’s chaperones have used for the last six months to drive the kids through 22 states, it would cost about $5,000 to replace them. (And a very kind Chicago businessman, having heard what you did, showed up Monday morning and handed the choir a check for $10,000 to do just that.)

But you took something that cannot be replaced. Ever.

On those laptops and memory sticks are photographs of many of the children’s parents. Parents who have died or are going to die very soon, from AIDS. You took the only pictures the children have of their parents.

What price can you put on them?

They’re of no value to you. So give them back, please.

I love my city and I love what these kids are trying to do. This just breaks my heart that they get to see us in this light, and that this city has now stolen precious, precious memories from them.

Give them back, indeed.
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Update: More underwear synchronicity:



That's my favorite Pee Wee Herman skit ever! I'd almost forgotten about it.

(A tip of the cap to the lovely and talented Professor Althouse.)

The Mom Update

I spent a lovely day with the Princess Mom yesterday. She seemed a lot more in-the-moment than she has in the last several weeks... when she was awake, that is.

There was an occasional zinger of a "where did that come from?" or two, just when she had me lulled into thinking that the disorientation was completely gone or that she still didn't have a gray hair or two to bestow upon me (like, for example, the fact that she tried to get out of bed and go to the bathroom on her own one night last week, and took a header into her closet in the process).

All in all, though, a very nice day.

We spent quite a bit of time out on the back deck enjoying cool breezes and warm sunshine, and counting the small planes flying overhead on their way in and out of Clow Airport that seemed so close we could reach up and touch them. We talked about family and friends. Cards she'd received. A party she'd attended at my sister's house the day before.

TPM dozed for a little bit, and when she woke up from her nap, in a musing tone she said, "I wonder what will happen after I die?"

"Well, what do you think is going to happen, Mom?"

"I don't know... but I hope I'm going to meet my Lord. It's my dearest wish," she said, and she smiled.

"In your case, I'd say it's quite likely. And that you'll run across more than a few other familiar souls, too."

She looked up and the sky and thought for a moment. "I hope so."

"You'll have to let me know after you get there," I said with a grin.

"Well, I don't know. But I'll try."

"Thanks, Mom."

Drive-Bys

Windypundit picked up on a cool idea for a meme:

According to Cory Doctorow at Boing Boing, Maya Angelou once said

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I don't know if she really said that, but I thought it would make a nice blog post to explain how I'd handle those three things, so you folks can learn something about my character.

Here are my three:

Rainy Day

If it's warm, throw on some flip-flops and head out for a walk in the rain. Make sure to jump in every puddle I see.

If it's cold and rainy, I'll make a nice big pot of coffee, plop down on the couch and curl up with a good book... or three.

Lost Luggage

Since I pack notoriously lightly and carry my jewelry and toiletries in my carry-on bag, this really wouldn't be a big deal. If I got the stuff back, fine. If not, I'll take the cash and get new stuff. (I actually had a bag go missing getting off a cruise ship once... and it was shipped home via FedEx within 24 hours. I lead a charmed life sometimes!)

Tangle Xmas Tree Lights

I love a good puzzle. I'd pour myself a glass of Xmas cheer and have at it.

And you?
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Giggle of the Day:


see more
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Coming to Chicago and planning on parking on the streets? Then Second City Cop wants you to know this.

Geeze! This used to be such a friendly city.
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Nucking Futz!
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I needed a cold shower after reading this story. Really.

Drive-Bys

Gigglefest tonight:


more

Drive-Bys

Here's exactly why I adore Jimbo. Dammit. I hate that I'm not going to be able to go to Blogtoberfest.
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Rules of the Road

One of the things that's been a joy and a trial through the Princess Mom's illness has been the mountain of greeting cards she's received. They've been a joy because it lets her know her friends are thinking of her. It's been a trial because we have to read each and every one out loud to her, as she just can't seem to focus enough to read them herself... and some of them dredge up some pretty painful emotions for her and for us.

Since there seems to be a spate of folks around the blogosphere going through grave or terminal illnesses with their parents or partners right now, here's some do's and don'ts for sending mail to them:

Don't send a "get well" card if the family has told you they've agreed to palliative and/or hospice care. It ain't going to happen, it hurts to have to read those wishes out loud and it hurts her to hear them.

Do send a "thinking of you" card. That's truthful and welcome.

Don't say you're praying for a miracle. She's not and we're not. We're praying for good days and little to no pain. We're praying for a peaceful ending. She's good with God, and so are we.

Do say you're holding her up in your thoughts and/or prayers. You have no idea how much comfort we get from that support.

Don't tell her the forty different ways you're going to miss her when she's gone. I had to read one letter like that out loud to TPM, and we both ended up in a flood of tears. She's not gone yet! That was morbid and selfish, even if well-meant. It's not about you right now. It's about her.

Do tell her the things you value about her and your friendship in an upbeat, positive way. Keep it in the present. (In fact, you should probably do this for all your loved ones from time to time. Why wait till the end?)

Do tell her what's happening in your world. It keeps her engaged in the rest of the world and not so focused on all the crappy stuff that's happening in hers.

Do bring up funny anecdotes and favorite memories of times spent together. Her short term memory may not be so good, but her long term memory is great.

Do visit or call her, as long as you're willing to do it cheerfully. Talk about the latest movie you've seen, book you've read, your kids or grandkids, your latest round of golf. You won't have this opportunity for very long, and if you're going to take it, you might as well make the most of it. She's still able to laugh, and she'd much rather have laughter than tears. There's time enough for that later.

Thanks your love and support.

Drive-Bys

I don't know what I find funnier here -- the subject matter... or the author's name.

(Gleefully swiped from DrunkBunny.)
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Quote of the Day:

I don’t have a Beloved. I have a Beliked and a couple of Befuckeds but no Beloved.

Is it any wonder I love LL?
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Giggle of the Day:


see more dog pictures

A dog after my own heart!
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Aha! I found the perfect kitchen light fixture for a certain colander-obsessed pal of mine!
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Sometimes you feel like a nut...

You Are a Cashew

You are laid back, friendly, and easy going. Compared to most people, you have a very mild temperament. You blend in well. You're often the last person to get noticed. But whenever you're gone, people seem to notice right away!

What Nut Are You?

(A tip of the cap to Jay.)
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Another of the Princess Mom's favorite artists:

Road Conditions

Ear Worm of the Day:



Yup. It's been an interesting day at the office.

The Mom Update

I'd just like to share a few thoughts that I'm going to lift straight from an email I sent a good buddy yesterday:

It's a funny thing, life, isn't it? Sometimes it gives you shit where you should expect roses... and sometimes it tosses you unexpected blessings in the oddest of places....

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. To be honest, I get most of the good stuff with the Princess Mom these days. I've been asking lots of questions about her childhood, about the kinds of music that she likes, life with Daddy. She does better reaching back into time than she does remembering anything in the present. She potty trained me and cleaned up my poopy bottom when I was a baby. Now I can and do return the favor. (And, yes -- we have lots and lots of conversations about pooping and peeing these days. I find the funny in it where I can, and there's still a good deal to laugh about.)

While I'm visiting and helping out, we spend a lot of time on the back deck soaking up the sun, looking at beautiful flowers and listening to the birds sing. TPM is fascinated by my little nieces, their horde of friends, and all of the games that go on in the swingset in the back yard. Really, there's a lot of sweetness yet to enjoy. (And, yes -- I'm looking for and finding roses in the compost pile.)

I thought as the days go by I'd share a few of her favorite singing artists with you. Today's favorite? Ed Ames:

Drive-Bys

Somehow this...


more

... brings to mind this picture of this guy.

I don't know about you, but it gave me the giggles.
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Somehow or other, I don't think this marriage is going to last:

The wedding was on a Michigan beach, the reception was in an art gallery -- but a former Chicago couple's wedding night was spent in separate jail cells after both bride and groom got shocked by a police Taser and arrested at their raucous reception.

Andy Somora and Anna Pastuszwska's July 19 wedding reception in tiny Lakeside, Mich., is still the talk of the town after officers from 14 police departments swarmed the art gallery to quell a melee. The groom's father, uncle, aunt and cousin -- several of whom hail from Villa Park and La Grange Park -- also got arrested.

And the story didn't end after the reception. Two nights later, the bride and groom were again arrested in Michigan -- and again shocked by a stun gun -- after struggling with police investigating a noise complaint, Sepic said. The groom was charged with pushing his new wife down during that incident, but the charge was later dropped as part of a plea bargain, Sepic said.

Classy.

Whoa, Nelly!

This is not your usual Midwest roadkill...

The Mom Update

This is one of those posts I really wish I didn't have to write. In the past couple of weeks, the Princess Mom has had a couple of setbacks, including two psychotic episodes, that have led the family to make some hard decisions.

The first decision was to take her off all but her heart and anti-seizure medications. The second is no more hospitals. The third was to get hospice care at home.

While she still eats like a horse, she is steadily losing weight. Her short-term memory is spotty. She has less and less energy each day. She has some odd obsessive-compulsive issues.

Yes, we're on that long, slow march to the end. The hospice folks tell us it will probably be a matter of weeks, instead of months.

Mostly, we're not at the crying point yet. There'll be plenty of time for that later. What we are doing is trying to make every day good for her, and enjoy her while we've got her.

Two of my cousins have flown in to spend some time with her. We're encouraging friends and family to do it now. My daughter has spent a good bit of time with her, too, and she's probably been the best medicine of all.

Please keep holding us in your prayers. Believe me, the knowledge that they're there has really helped us to hold (mostly) rock-steady.

And to those of my friends out there who are currently going through the same kinds of travails (and you know who you are), our prayers are with your families, too.

Drive-Bys

Quote of the Day:

Human beds are simply too small. It would be great if the humans would do me a solid and sleep on the floor. -- Mackenzie

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Found via Jay:

You Are Cayenne Pepper

You are very over the top and a bit overwhelming. You have a fiery personality, and you can give anyone a good jolt. You can easily take things up a couple notches, no matter what crowd you're running with.

What Spice Are You?

Which led to this logical leap:

You Are Hot Sauce

You are the life of any party, because you're so good at bringing people out of their shell. You have a knack for helping people happily embrace their true selves. You are ambitious, driven, and fearless. You love taking risks. Your taste in food is 100% adventurous. You're up for sampling any exotic cuisine or someone's kitchen experiments. You live for trying new things, and you get sick of eating the same food (even if it's very delicious).

What Condiment Are You?

There's no getting away from it, is there?
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The funniest thing I've read all month is here. It's also why I believe little white lies are sometimes a very good thing.
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Giggle of the Day:


more cat pictures
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Ear Worm of the Day:



This one is for Long-Departed Dad and the Princess Mom. Daddy danced left-handed, and the only person in the world who could follow his lead was the Princess Mom. This was one of their favorites.

Drive-Bys

A couple of Blogthings I couldn't resist:

You Are Archery

You are a bit of a traditionalist. You like old fashioned things with deep traditions. You also like to see the result of your accomplishments right in front of you. If practice makes perfect, that's fine by you. You like to practice a skill.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

You Are An Attention Seeker

You're only human, so you can't help but want a little attention every now and then. You love the spotlight, but only when it's well deserved. You'd hate to be known for the wrong thing. And you also don't mind sharing the spotlight. You can easily give someone else credit or a complement. You know there's enough attention to go around, and it makes you happy when your friends shine. You come across as: Friendly and interesting People may wrongly think you're: A little more modest than you actually are!

Are You An Attention Whore?

Yup.

You Are a Red Wine Woman

You're not a big drinker, and when you do drink, you go for the best. You probably know a good deal about wines, and you know how to order a great bottle. When you drink too much, you tend to flirt - but only in a subtle, understated way. You prefer to date a man who's worldly and wise. He's got to be as sophisticated as you are.

What Kind of Drinking Woman Are You?

Bwaaaaaaaaaahahahaha!!! That's me to a "t".
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Global warming? I don't know about for you, but here's how it's affecting Chicago:

August is the wettest and often the muggiest month of the year. Yet, summer heat continues in short supply, continuing a trend that has dominated much of the 21st Century's opening decade. There have been only 162 days 90 degrees or warmer at Midway Airport over the period from 2000 to 2008. That's by far the fewest 90-degree temperatures in the opening nine years of any decade on record here since 1930.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
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To all whose birthday calls I missed yesterday, I apologize. @%#$*^ cell phone was sitting on the coffee table at home... (but I had a hell of a good time with Walt, Zen Master Ken, Uncle Bill, Kat and Gabriel. You guys rock!)
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Ear Worm of the Day:


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One of the nicest guys I know is having a birthday. Go wish Richie a very happy one!
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Drive-Bys

Ear Worm of the Day:


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American Airlines is doing what???

American Airlines is charging troops for their extra baggage, a practice that forces soldiers heading for a war zone in Iraq to try to get reimbursement from the military. One of the country's largest veterans groups is asking the aviation industry to drop the practice immediately.

That's just wrong on every level.
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Who asked Suzanne Somers? Nice.
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Giggle of the Day:


more cat pictures

Tootin' the Horn

Yup. It's the big one. Every decade has been an improvement, too.

What do I want for my birthday? My Adorable Rodent-hood back. With a little linky love, which I promise to send right back 'atcha, I'll bet we can do it, too.
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A big Thank-You to Jay, who always sends out the first birthday greeting link of the day!

Thanks, Livey!

A big smoocherooni right back at GuyK!

P.S. -- If you're here for the first time by way of one of these fine folks, stop back by and visit again!
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And just to show you how much has changed over time, here's a little blast from my past:

Boston, MA -- Birth to Age 2-1/2:



When I was a baby, my dad would come home from work for lunch. He'd plop me on his lap, and we'd watch Liberace together every day...

Cleveland, OH -- Age 2-1/2 to 10:





(He used to lead daily calisthenics to this little ditty. Gah!)

Glen Ellyn, IL -- Age 10 - 18:





Yeah. TV sure ain't what it used to be!
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It appears I share a special day with Baby Butter Biscuit. Go add your own birthday greetings!

Drive-Bys

The Ear Worm of the Day:



Try getting that one out of your head. (And hang in there through the whole screamingly funny thing. The biggest giggle of all comes very close to the end.)

Brought to you via Jihad Gene. Thanks, bro. I really, really needed that laugh today.
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I'm not surprised. Disappointed. But not surprised.
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Zonker has it right. Obama's campaign left themselves wide open for that one.

Here's a little Quizzy swiped from Mog:

Your result for The Best Thing About You Test...

Passion

Hot! Passion is your greatest virtue

Passion is an intense emotion that compels feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for anything, and that often requires action. Get that? Requires action. It's very likely you submit to your deepest needs and live life with a flair few others achieve, but many envy. All 7 virtues are a part of you, but your passion runs deepest.

Passionate types: artists, writers, composers, athletes, and heroine addicts.

Your raw relative scores follow. 0% is low, and 100% is perfect, nearly impossible. Note that I pitted the virtues against each other, so in some way these are relative scores. It's impossible to score high on all of them, and a low score on one is just relatively low compared to the other virtues.

YOUR VIRTUES

50% Compassion

44% Intelligence

63% Humility

44% Honesty

13% Discipline

29% Courage

83% Passion

Take The Best Thing About You Test at HelloQuizzy

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Okay. I know I shouldn't find this funny. But I do. I really do.

This, on the other hand, I find revolting.
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My SSIL loves "yard art" with dragon flies and other pretty things. I'm thinking my brother, however, would prefer something like this or this. Heh. (Tempting. Very, very tempting.)
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Ear Worm of the Day:



Fly right!
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Head-Scratcher of the Day:

A New York man who pleaded guilty to murder in Oregon in exchange for buckets of fried chicken will get calzones and pizza to go with his life sentence.

If only it were always that easy...

Drive-Bys

Can't understand the judicial system? Just ask folks like these what they're being charged with as they come out of the courtroom.

Well cause she dumb like that. She tried to cheat and all that, you know what I'm saying. I was living with her and all that you know. She's um that type of female. I don't what's wrong with her man, for real, seriously. She's um. Yeah man she's a little bit psycho. Yeah. I could say that. But you know.

MMPC deals with stellar citizens like this every day. Sigh.
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I've just gone nuts over these cool Scrabble tile pendants. At only $6.50 each, they'd make great inexpensive gifts.
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The weirdness continues:

A man accused of stabbing and beheading another passenger on a Greyhound bus in Canada pleaded Tuesday in court for someone to "please kill me," and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Prosecutor Joyce Dalmyn, who argued for the evaluation, revealed new details about the attack Wednesday night. She said Vince Weiguang Li had a plastic bag containing his victim's ear, nose and part of a mouth in his pocket when officers arrested him. The only response officers received from him was: "'I have to stay on the bus forever,'" Dalmyn said.

This is simply the scariest stuff I've heard in a long, long time.
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My family already knows where the Princess Mom stands on DNRs, and we'll respect that when the time comes. If you've never considered your own stance on whether or not you'd want one, I suggest you read this.
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This continues to be a crime -- a crime against Mike Mette.
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Giggle of the Day:


more cat pictures

Drive-Bys

Giggle of the Day:


more cat picture
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A judge in Canada is expected to decide whether a man charged with beheading a fellow passenger on a bus should be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

There's really a question there???

Eyewitnesses on board the bus, which was travelling through a desolate stretch of Canada's vast prairies, said Mr Li, a former church custodian, stabbed Mr McLean, who was sitting next to him, 50 or 60 times.

He then severed his head with a large knife, reportedly brandishing the head to terrified passengers.

According to a recording published on the internet of intercepted police radio transmissions from the scene, the attacker was seen to eat parts of his victim's flesh.

Nah. That's just normal behavior.
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I'm swiping a meme from Moonbeam McQueen.

Rules for ‘Insight To My Heart’

"Post the song that just gets to you every time you hear it.”

That's easy. This hymn was played at my Great Uncle's funeral, and now I can't get through it without a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye:



Gah! It did it again.
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Why do I love Hammer so? Oh, just little stuff like this.
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So tell us, Stingray, what are you allowed to do???

(A tip of the cap to Matt G. Dude, you left me in stitches!)

Tootin' the Horn

Go blow birthday kisses to blogger Pamibe!

Road Conditions

The Ear Worm of the Day is brought to you by the weather in Chicago:



Ugh.
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Update:

Nearly 90,000 thunderbolts had hit northern Illinois, according to the National Lightning Detection Network. At the storms' peak, it was firing off more than 800 bolts per minute; and that only counts those that hit the ground.

"There was no precedent for this," said WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling. "In every way imaginable, that storm last night was in its own league."

I just happened to be downtown when the worst of it hit. In the 19 years I've lived and worked in Chicago, it's the first time I've ever heard the tornado sirens go off. I've gotta tell you, folks -- it was freaky, freaky weather.

Drive-Bys

Simon's cat strikes again:



(OXOXO to my curmudgeonly and adorable BlogDaddy.)
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Looks like Mark Cuban's bid for the Cubbies is gaining some tracking. This would make me a very, very happy lady.
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Okay. Maybe there is a good use for Twittering.
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Well, I hadn't considered this theory before. It's a beauty, I'll admit.
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Now here's a church I could get into! (And I don't suppose I'll be finding one in Chicago, either.)
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Since when does Tyson Foods get to ignore a national holiday in favor of a religious one??? Count me in for the boycott.
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Let's get one thing straight -- when you start bombing people, you are not an activist; you are a terrorist.
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Giggle of the Day:


more cat pictures

Drive-Bys

Happy birthday wishes to Blown Star blogger Kerrcarto!
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I am 11% Idiot.

I am not annoying at all. In fact most people come to me for advice. Of course they annoy the hell out of me. But what can I do? I am smarter than most people.

Take the
Idiot Test
@ FualiDotCom

That stupid Vonnegut cost me 4 points. I have read him... but I just don't like his stuff.
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Earworm of the Day:



I don't know why, either, but it's been bouncing around inside my skull since about 10:00 p.m. last night.
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Yippee! The Two Fat Ladies DVD boxed set goes straight to the top of my birthday wish list! Man, I miss those feisty old broads.
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Yes, Chicago may be one of the nation's most friendly walking cities... but only because it sucks to drive and park in. No wonder the boys over at Second City Cop get their shorts in a bunch. Da Mair has them doing important stuff like writing parking tickets and clamping cars, instead of giving them the tools and freedom to take care of more important things... like real crime.

Nice to see Richie's got his priorities in order.
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Speaking of crime, I really don't understand the depths of depravity it took to do this.
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And here's a guy who's aptly named. Wurm, indeed.
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While I'm on the subject of things I really don't understand, where were all the other passengers and what were they doing while this guy was elbow deep in gore? It's brain-boggling to me that people could sit around while this was happening:

Witnesses say the victim was stabbed dozens of times in an apparently unprovoked attack Wednesday night aboard the bus, which was going from Edmonton, Alberta, to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

They say the attacker then severed the man's head, displayed it to some passengers and then began cutting up the body.

Nobody tried to stop him???
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