Saturday Morning Cartoons

At Pam's request, a little Bugs Bunny... and while I'm at it, I'm making it all banned Merrie Melodies:

Poking fun at the Old South:

Commercial Break:

All This and Rabbit Stew:

Commercial Break:

Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs (embedding disabled)

World Tour

Rwanda! Now there's a new one to hit the Site Meter.

It's a wonder someone from there found me, as Rwanda is landlocked nation in central Africa which, according to the CIA World Factbook, has only about 300,000 total internet users.

And what, you may ask, was that Rwandan visitor searching on that brought him or her here? (This always cracks me up.) "celebrity-pictures-angry-pee" Here's the link. (BTW -- I'm number one for that search.)

A few more bits of trivia from the Factbook:

• Ethnic population: Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%
• Median age: 18.6 years
• Languages: Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers
• Population: 10,746,311 (Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa)

That's happy-making!

Drive-Bys

For Erica:


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Ear Worm of the Day:



When's the last time you heard that? (It's been stuck in my head since late last night, courtesy of Steve and Johnnie and One Hit Wonder Night.)

There is a cure, however, via my Barstool Blog Son: Unhearit

The only problem is, it'll stick new ear worms in your head. Argh!
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There may be a link between toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia??? Somewhere out in the ether Old Crankypants is bellowing, "I TOLD you so!"
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Speaking of cats (and dogs and critters of all types), the Friday Ark is up over at the Modulator's joint.
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This story about a 19 year old's last wish is a two-hanky read.
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I think my daughter would shoot me dead if I sent this for a "Welcome Baby" gift.
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Why, when I finally get my act together and move from a suburban depot to an urban depot, I'm getting myself a Frenchie:



They've got cute all over their cute!
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Culture Club

It's been a cultural whirlwind for me in the last week, to go along with the craziness at work. Behold --

Friday night: Karaoke at the Blue Frog.

Saturday night: "Shush Patrol" declared a futile effort in the face of the enormous (and really noisy) fundraiser down the hall, so I actually got to see opening night of The Weir, instead.

Sunday afternoon/night: Worked concessions before and did set up and tended bar for the VIP reception after The Weir, followed by an evening at Grafton's with the ensemble.

Monday night: Sleep, and lots of it.

Tuesday night: Therapy Night with Walt (discussion covered books, theater, travel)

Wednesday night: Jazzin' at the Shedd and dinner at Ma & I (Can you say "Wasabi Shumai"? Faaaaaaaaabulous!)






Tonight I rest, because... tomorrow, I'm off to the Cubs/Mets game in the afternoon (hopefully with Beloved Baby Brother), and then going to The Art Institute of Chicago for the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit.

Whew! That's more culture in one week than I've experienced since back in the day when Culture Club was all the rage:

Hazardous Duty

It's been a whirlwind in my little corner of the world for the last several days. Back to "real" blogging when things slow down a bit...

Psssssst!

Goggles4u is having a 30% sale that only lasts through tomorrow.

I just scored these cool Dolce & Gabbana specs for $118, including shipping. I know for a fact that they'd have cost three times that if I'd gotten them at LensGrifters. Their regular glasses start at $9.99 for frames, and I've gotten some pretty cool ones for as little as $35/pair.

If you need new specs, go to their site and use Coupon Code "MySavings".

Jeepers! They make your peepers look great for a whole lot cheaper than the other guys.

Book Your Ticket

Books Read in August 2010 – 16/117 (ytd)

The Apostle, Brad Thor*

Dragon Keeper: Volume One of the Rain Wilds Chronicles, Robin Hobb*

The Goddess of Fried Okra, Jean Brashear[1]*

I See Rude People: One woman’s battle to beat some manners into impolite society, Amy Alkon[2]*

Twenties Girl: A Novel, Sophie Kinsella*

Tongues of Serpents (Temeraire Series, Book 6), Naomi Novik*

The Sea Fairies, L. Frank Baum*

Nature Girl, Carl Hiaasen*

The Ocean Inside, Janna McMahan*

Star Island, Carl Hiaasen*

Sky Island: Being the further exciting adventures of Trot and Cap’n Bill after their visit to the sea fairies, L. Frank Baum*

The Book of Unholy Mischief: A Novel, Elle Newmark[3]*

My Mother Takes a Tumble, Eric Kraft*

The Man Who Loved Jane Austen, Sally Smith O’Rourke*

Think of a Number, John Verdon*

The Girl with the White Fur Muff, Eric Kraft*

---

[1] This is not the foo-foo girlie book that the title suggests; rather, it’s a book about broken people and the ways they find healing. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it highly.

[2] Better known as The Advice Goddess, Alkon uses humor to uncover some unappetizing truths about the state of contemporary American society and deliver a sound butt-kicking in the process. While most of us gripe about how rude society has become, Alkon chooses creative and highly effective tactics to fight back against those who steal her time, her property and her energy. I highly recommend it.

[3] Gorgeous period novel set at the end of the 15^th century involving the Doge of Venice, the Pope, the Borgias, the Inquisition, food, philosophy, religion and more. My only bitch is that it ends rather abruptly. More, please!

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!

Pony Express

Because I haven't given you a Giggle of the Day in, well... days...

Theater District

Seanachai Theatre Company's production of The Weir opened to a sold out house last night! I'm hearing that it's a really a fabulous show, and can't wait to see it myself. (I'll be there tonight, but working "shush patrol" in the hallways. Tomorrow I'll actually get to see the show.)

Now homed at the Irish American Heritage Center, we're easy to find, and the parking is free, and the IAHC is also easily accessible via the Blue Line or bus.

Want more reasons to join us?

Stop by The Fifth Province, an authentic Irish Pub, located on the first floor of the IAHC, for all the best in Irish entertainment.

The pub is open every Friday and Saturday night and friends can gather to grab a pint and sit by the fireplace. Pub food, like fish and chips, onion rings, corned beef sandwiches and Irish sausage are available for those wishing to grab a bite to eat. The building is wheelchair accessible.

The pub is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights and live music begins at 9pm. There's plenty of free parking and rarely a cover charge, making this one of Chicago's hidden gems.

Fifth Province hours are Friday, 4pm-1am and Saturday 5pm-1am and pub food is served from 6pm to 10pm.

Grab a bite to eat, see the play, go back down and indulge in a pint or two, a bit of craic and some wonderful music, too.

Who could ask for a better evening of entertainment?

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Update: Whoohoo! We're Jeff recommended! (The buzz was correct. Nice.)

Saturday Morning Cartoons

For Todd, because he asked!

Lidsville, Episode 1, Part 1

Commercial Break:

Lidsville, Episode 1, Part 2

Commercial Break:

Lidsville, Episode 1, Part 3

Traveling Companions

A side benefit of my grandson's early entry into the world is that I also got to spend some time with MMPC's mom and dad... and their critters! It's been a long time since I've been able to board the Friday Ark over at The Modulator's joint.

Meet Rubio...

... and Spunky...

... and Ramses.

Gorgeous boys, aren't they?

Precious Cargo

I've fallen heels over head in love!

Meet Mr. Monkey Toes:

Seriously, he's got the longest toes I've ever seen on a baby!


Totally smitten moi:

Besotted Dad:

My Most Precious Child:

Home Run

Just got the word My Little Slugger is on his way. Yahooooooooo!!!

Drive-Bys

Someone ripped a page right out of The Princess Mom's Big Book of Logic and Guilt Trips (TM):

"If something happens to me on the weekend and I die, you’ll be hearing from me!"

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I've got bacon on the brain:

• Crawfish Etouffe With Bacon
• Baby Bubba's Braised Veggies Bacon Bonanza
• Boss Hogg's Bodacious BBQ Bacon and Bean Salad

Yum!
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Another reason I'm bad at the dating game? I think this is hilarious... and true.

And I want one of these kits to embroider and hang in my cube...

(Found here, which has lots more really cool stuff, most of which I want.)
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For my friend Barrie, and anyone else who is Facebook-challenged, heres a link to show you how to disable that pesky Facebook Places.
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I'd really like to know just how Philadelphia is going to enforce this $300 blogging fee. It'll cost more to enforce than it would in fees, one would think.
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Alligator or crocodile, it's pretty darned certain this gives Jimbo one more reason to never visit New York City or Chicago.
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I can see this law working for pet stores, but animal shelters and animal control facilities?

As of Jan. 1, pet stores, animal shelters and control facilities must disclose on the cages of dogs and cats the name and location of their breeders, as well as the animal's medical history.

How in the heck is an animal shelter going to get breeder information and medical history on strays? On pets dumped on their doorsteps? On mixed breed strays? Breeders who've moved? Died? Gone out of business?

Fines for disobeying the new law can cost up to $1,000 and include mandatory probation.

Will this new legislation lead to more euthanization because it's easier and cheaper to euthanize than it is to comply with this well-meaning, but next to impossible to comply with law?
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Ear Worm of the Day:



Brought to you by the Danish family walking behind me this morning on their way to the Willis (Sears) Tower Observatory. Imagine this with a heavy Scandanavian accent and then you'll understand why it's been stuck in my head all day!

World Tour

Luxembourg, tiny little home of some of Europe's wealthiest citizens...



(Eurovision 1980 entry from Luxembourg. Classy!)

... and land-locked Bolivia, ancient home of the Incas.



Zowie!

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Super Chicken:

Cartoon Break:

George of the Jungle (Opening):

George of the Jungle:

Commercial Break:

Tom Slick?

Quick Stop

Quote of the Day -- It's a Two-fer:

"You have wide crack, narrow crack, sweaty crack, hairy crack...it's all different. Do you ever wonder about butt crack?"

... and...

"You have thug butt."

You've gotta love Momma Fargo!

World Tour

North, South, East, West -- my visitors covered the globe this morning, including the equator! And what brought them here, you ask? This, this, this and this. (Never underestimate the power of a LOL!)

Quick Stop

Having served on a jury that hung because of one person after a two day trial in traffic court (I was ready to pinch the guy's head off and flick it down the hallway in disdain), I sympathize with the jurors in the Blagoviator's trial who were stymied by another lone holdout after months of trial and weeks of deliberation.

I'll bet you big bucks that that single juror lost the distinction between reasonable doubt and beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Some people will come up with the craziest arguments around guilt or lack thereof, and it's incredibly frustrating to be a party to those contortions in logic. It's doubly so when you know that a mistrial will result in a retrial with all the attendant costs of time, money and emotion.

Argh!