Did you ever do something so totally out of character that a whole bar full of people froze in shock? Yeah... I had one of those nights last night. Really, all I wanted to do was read my book, drink my glass of wine and wait for the next train home. Be the most boring person in the place.
Some people will not take "no" for an answer, however...
Anyhow, I'm not feeling apologetic at all. I probably should, but I don't. Stunned at my own behavior. But not even a little bit repentant. Who'd a thunk it?
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From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus
The Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO sends these latest rules from George Carlin:
Also from the Sweetheart, one of the most interesting search engines you'll find on the net -- meet Ms. Dewey!
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From Elizabeth:
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Again from Elizabeth, this story (Brixton, UK) that ought to have Eric and Yabu's hair standing on end:
For Halloween, Nancy V. sends this Hang Man Game.
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New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for Classmates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days: mowing my lawn.
New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Trout?
New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description for these kids: lucky bastards.
New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're gay. If you're a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols. If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.
New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done.
New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at the supermarket; water, but without that watery taste. Sorry, but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.
New Rule: Stop f***ing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.
New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a huge asshole.
New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card, entering my PIN number, pressing "Enter," verifying the amount, deciding, no, I don't want cash back, and pressing "Enter" again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.
New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to "beef with broccoli." The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.
New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN recently televised the US Open of Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait. They're already doing that. It's called "The Howard Stern Show."
New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&M. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.
New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy, old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good enough to be a movie. [My personal favorite!]
New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.
New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to know in months. "27 Months." "He's two," will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.
Also from the Sweetheart, one of the most interesting search engines you'll find on the net -- meet Ms. Dewey!
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From Elizabeth:
Insurance Slogans
Four insurance companies are in competition. One comes up with the slogan,
"Coverage from the cradle to the grave."
The second one tries to improve on that with, "Coverage from the womb to the tomb."
Not to be outdone, the third one comes up with, "From the sperm to the worm."
The fourth insurance company really thought hard and almost gave up the race, but finally came up with,
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Again from Elizabeth, this story (Brixton, UK) that ought to have Eric and Yabu's hair standing on end:
NATURE lovers fear that squirrels could become hooked on crack cocaine plundered from addicts' hidden stashes.
The furry animals are thought to be behind a new drugs turf war in Brixton - stealing rocks of crack hidden in front gardens.
Tough police action to rid the town centre of dealers and addicts has seen crackheads abandon their usual drug stash hideouts.
But the blitz has displaced some dealing into nearby residential streets.
Drug addicts are known to be hiding small stashes of crack rocks in people's front lawns late at night.
Squirrels have been spotted in the same front gardens, seemingly hunting out the buried narcotics.
The discovery has led some residents to speculate that the squirrels are already in the grips of addiction. One resident, who asked for his name to be withheld, told the South London Press.
"I was chatting with my neighbor who told me that crack users and dealers sometimes use my front garden to hide bits of their stash.
"An hour earlier I'd seen a squirrel wandering round the garden, digging in the flowerbeds.
"It looked like it knew what it was looking for.
"It was ill-looking and its eyes looked bloodshot but it kept on desperately digging.
"It was almost as if it was trying to find hidden crack rocks."
Crack squirrels are a recognised phenomena in the
They are known to live in parks frequented by addicts in
The squirrels have attacked park visitors in their frenzied search for their next fix.
An RSPCA spokesman said he was unaware of the squirrels taking crack in Brixton.
For Halloween, Nancy V. sends this Hang Man Game.
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Drive-Bys
The bigger question is, when is your Omnibus Driver's work life going to get back to normal???Arghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(48 more hours.)
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(God, I love Google Images!)
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Stopping Traffic
Remember I told you about all those Chicago traffic cameras and where they are located? Well, it seems even Chicago's finest can't get out of those tickets. If you're coming to Chicago and planning on driving in the city, pay attention, okay?
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Drive-Bys
The big dogs have finally blown out of town, but I've still got a butt-load of stuff to clear off my desk before the end of the day. The Divine Miss Marilyn and I will be back after a well-deserved rest this weekend. Wishing you the same!
(And a tip of the cap to Del Leu for the wonderful photo!)
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Drive-Bys
Yep. That's about how my day's been so far. How about yours?
(A tip of the cap to Cafe Bongo's Hamster Tales for the great photo!)
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Tootin' the Horn
A belated "Happy Birthday" to one of the best CGP's* around! Go send Pammy some belated best wishes._____
*Cyber Gal Pal.
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Drive-Bys
Remember that train wreck I mentioned yesterday? I am forced, ladies and gents, to eat those words. Liza Minelli looked fabulous, sounded fabulous -- hell, she even danced and sang fabulously, and those weren't scheduled events!
Some bits and pieces gleaned from the interview?
"I guess you could say I got my drive from my mother and my dreams from my dad."
"I don't know what posessed me to wait 8 years to get my first hip replacement. I want to say to every one of you out there, if you need to have it done, get it done right away!"
When asked what, as a child, she had wanted to be when she grew up? "I always wanted to be an ice skater!"
Did you know she had severe scoliosis as a child? "I don't stand this way because I'm posing like I'm dancing for Bob Fosse -- I stand this way so I can expand my rib cage for better lung capacity so I can breathe better."
She left home for summer stock dance opportunities on Broadway -- and never went home or took a cent from her parents ever again.
She's TINY.
If I could make a deal with the Devil to get great gams like hers... I might just reconsider my Christian upbringing -- for a second, anyway.
36 years ago, her father received the very same award.
From the brief clips we say, her upcoming movie, "The OH in Ohio," looks like it will be hilarious! (Hint -- Watch for the scene with the the "Velvet Volcano". You'll laugh -- I guarantee!)
I'm glad I went. She's made a real fan out of me!
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Some bits and pieces gleaned from the interview?"I guess you could say I got my drive from my mother and my dreams from my dad."
"I don't know what posessed me to wait 8 years to get my first hip replacement. I want to say to every one of you out there, if you need to have it done, get it done right away!"
When asked what, as a child, she had wanted to be when she grew up? "I always wanted to be an ice skater!"
Did you know she had severe scoliosis as a child? "I don't stand this way because I'm posing like I'm dancing for Bob Fosse -- I stand this way so I can expand my rib cage for better lung capacity so I can breathe better."
She left home for summer stock dance opportunities on Broadway -- and never went home or took a cent from her parents ever again.She's TINY.
If I could make a deal with the Devil to get great gams like hers... I might just reconsider my Christian upbringing -- for a second, anyway.
36 years ago, her father received the very same award. From the brief clips we say, her upcoming movie, "The OH in Ohio," looks like it will be hilarious! (Hint -- Watch for the scene with the the "Velvet Volcano". You'll laugh -- I guarantee!)
I'm glad I went. She's made a real fan out of me!
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Roadside Diner
The chill in the air has turned my thoughts to good, old-fashioned comfort food... with a twist:
Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers
2 Large or 3 medium red bell peppers
2 Cups cooked rice
1 Lb. lean ground beef
1-2 Tsps. minced garlic (I use the jarred stuff)
1 Med. yellow onion, diced
1/2 Can pinto beans,* rinsed and drained
1/2 Can niblet corn,* drained or 1 Cup frozen niblet corn, thawed
1 Jar Pace picante sauce (I like medium or hot, but your choice of heat)
1 Bag Kraft Mexican-style 4 cheese, shredded
Salt
Pepper
Chili powder
Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Slice bell peppers lengthwise, seed and core. When water is boiling, drop in bell pepper sections. Allow to boil 1 minute, then drain and rinse in cold water.
In a skillet, saute the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Add salt, pepper and chili powder to taste. When beef is browned and onions are glassy, drain and transfer mixture to a large, heat-resistant bowl.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To beef mixture stir in cooked rice, pinto beans and corn.
Spray a 9"X13" baking dish with cooking spray.
Arrange bell pepper halves in the bottom of baking dish. Spoon beef/rice mixture into bell pepper halves, spreading any leftover mixture throughout baking dish. Top with picante sauce. Bake for 45 minutes.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over top. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and bubbles.
Yum!
*So as not to be wasteful, I usually layer the leftover beans and corn with diced peppers, shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped tomato, black olive, guacamole and more shredded cheese and serve as a dip with tortilla chips. For extra zip, use Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch dressing instead of sour cream.
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P.S. -- This is wonderful the first time around and outstanding as leftovers!
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Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers
2 Large or 3 medium red bell peppers
2 Cups cooked rice
1 Lb. lean ground beef
1-2 Tsps. minced garlic (I use the jarred stuff)
1 Med. yellow onion, diced
1/2 Can pinto beans,* rinsed and drained
1/2 Can niblet corn,* drained or 1 Cup frozen niblet corn, thawed
1 Jar Pace picante sauce (I like medium or hot, but your choice of heat)
1 Bag Kraft Mexican-style 4 cheese, shredded
Salt
Pepper
Chili powder
Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil. Slice bell peppers lengthwise, seed and core. When water is boiling, drop in bell pepper sections. Allow to boil 1 minute, then drain and rinse in cold water.
In a skillet, saute the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Add salt, pepper and chili powder to taste. When beef is browned and onions are glassy, drain and transfer mixture to a large, heat-resistant bowl.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To beef mixture stir in cooked rice, pinto beans and corn.
Spray a 9"X13" baking dish with cooking spray.
Arrange bell pepper halves in the bottom of baking dish. Spoon beef/rice mixture into bell pepper halves, spreading any leftover mixture throughout baking dish. Top with picante sauce. Bake for 45 minutes.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over top. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and bubbles.
Yum!
*So as not to be wasteful, I usually layer the leftover beans and corn with diced peppers, shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped tomato, black olive, guacamole and more shredded cheese and serve as a dip with tortilla chips. For extra zip, use Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch dressing instead of sour cream.
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P.S. -- This is wonderful the first time around and outstanding as leftovers!
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Rubber-Necking
Okay. Try wrapping your head around this:
(A tip of the cap to Ken Lammers for an image that'll take weeks to scrub from my brain.)
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"Faiello said Cruz, a financial analyst, began having seizures after he gave her the anesthetic Lidocaine on April 13, 2003, while she was being treated with laser treatment for hair growth on her tongue."I've been doing the "eewie, eewie, EEWIE" dance in my chair just thinking about it. Ick.
(A tip of the cap to Ken Lammers for an image that'll take weeks to scrub from my brain.)
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Drive-Bys
Speaking of Lisa W., you can blame her for this:
Heh.
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Dad Gone Mad's got a great movie meme going on. Go join in!
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| Your Haloween Costume Should Be |
 |
Heh.
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Dad Gone Mad's got a great movie meme going on. Go join in!
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Rubber-Necking
For my offbeat friends like Eric, Ellison, Dax, Yabu, Vman, Og, and more, y'all go over here,* then come back here and lay a caption on that sucker. (For those of you folks with delicate sensibilities... just don't go there, okay?) I also have high expectations of the lovely Pammy, Livey, LL, Lisa W. and other female buddies of the same ilk.
I can't wait for the captioning to begin!
*As Eric frequently says, "That just ain't right."
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Speaking of rubber-necking, I'll be doing a little of that my ownself tonight when I get to sit in on the great train wreck that is Liza Minelli. Ought to be interesting, huh?
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I can't wait for the captioning to begin!
*As Eric frequently says, "That just ain't right."
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Speaking of rubber-necking, I'll be doing a little of that my ownself tonight when I get to sit in on the great train wreck that is Liza Minelli. Ought to be interesting, huh?
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Tootin' the Horn
Well, whaddaya know?
Seems Moody Mama's, having an... um... extra birthday, too. Happiest of birthdays, Angie!
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Egad! I understand I missed another important birthday boy.
Sincere apologies...
... and big ol' natal-celebratory smoocheroos to the King of Parkway Rest Stops.
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Seems Moody Mama's, having an... um... extra birthday, too. Happiest of birthdays, Angie!_____
Egad! I understand I missed another important birthday boy.
Sincere apologies...
... and big ol' natal-celebratory smoocheroos to the King of Parkway Rest Stops._____
Drive-Bys
Quote of the Day (in honor of Chou, who probably ought to just make this her own motto):
"You show me a woman who would rather use a computer or a book than talk to a Cop or Firefighter, and I'll show you a woman who needs to have her hormone levels checked!"_____
Tootin' the Horn
Holy guacamole! The Rosily Thunderous One is also having a birthday!
Business in the front; party in the rear. All bow before the birthday mullet!
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One of my favorite people in the whole wide world is having a birthday!
Send him some zombie birthday love, will you?
(Sorry I missed the party, Dude. No one regrets that more than I...)
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More birthday shout-outs to the most super fantastic shoe blogger in the blogsphere:
Stop by and send him birthday besos, and tell him the Bus Driver sent you!
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Business in the front; party in the rear. All bow before the birthday mullet!_____
One of my favorite people in the whole wide world is having a birthday!
Send him some zombie birthday love, will you?(Sorry I missed the party, Dude. No one regrets that more than I...)
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More birthday shout-outs to the most super fantastic shoe blogger in the blogsphere:
Stop by and send him birthday besos, and tell him the Bus Driver sent you!
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Traveling Companions
The Divine Miss Marilyn is ready for her close-up. Very close up._____
You know the drill: The Friday Ark is up at the Modulator. Carnival of the Cats will be up Sunday evening, hosted this week by House of the (Mostly) Black Cats. Weekend Cat Blogging will be up Saturday at Rosa's Yummy Yums. If that ain't enough feline goodness for ya, I don't know what is.
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Haven't had enough feline cuteness yet? Okay, then go here. That'll make you go, "Awwwww!" I promise.
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Tootin' the Horn
Mira is celebrating her second blogiversary at the Oubliette:
You wear it well, my friend!
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Never teh Bride is having her first blogiversary at Manolo for the Brides:
She makes me laugh every day. Please go send best wishes her way, and tell her I sent you!
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You wear it well, my friend!_____
Never teh Bride is having her first blogiversary at Manolo for the Brides:
She makes me laugh every day. Please go send best wishes her way, and tell her I sent you!_____
Drive-Bys
Are you big on dining out in your fair city or like to buy gift certificates for friends and family? Amazon.com's Restaurant.com partner has discounted gift certificates available.
(Want to get great gifts for your kids' teachers for Christmas? According to one pro, these gift certificates would be a whole better than a #1 Teacher mug, that's for sure!)
Hmmm... I wonder if Pejman has heard about this?
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Quote of the Day: "The Pageboy Is To Be The Hairdo, Not The Pen Pal"
Kudos to the Manolo for one of the wittier lines heard lately, and for proposing the most elegant solutions to a sticky political problem.
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It snowed here this morning -- a day ahead of schedule, according to the weather dude on the radio this morning. This is almost two weeks ahead of the norm for this state. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! It's going to be a long, cold winter, I think!
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(Want to get great gifts for your kids' teachers for Christmas? According to one pro, these gift certificates would be a whole better than a #1 Teacher mug, that's for sure!)
Hmmm... I wonder if Pejman has heard about this?
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Quote of the Day: "The Pageboy Is To Be The Hairdo, Not The Pen Pal"
Kudos to the Manolo for one of the wittier lines heard lately, and for proposing the most elegant solutions to a sticky political problem.
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It snowed here this morning -- a day ahead of schedule, according to the weather dude on the radio this morning. This is almost two weeks ahead of the norm for this state. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! It's going to be a long, cold winter, I think!
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Bus Fumes
Lovely. Just farookin' lovely. I know that it's likely an accident... but you just know this is going to affect all the major hubs...
... and a certain witch I know may have a longer layover in Chicago than she planned on as a result.
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... and a certain witch I know may have a longer layover in Chicago than she planned on as a result.
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Drive-Bys
Lord knows it's difficult enough to write in your own style, let alone assuming and simultaneously spoofing the style of another. It looks, however, like Mr. Debonair Hizzownself has some serious competition in that arena.
Just go read the whole thing. It's diabolically funny.
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Dammit! No wonder Virginia Lanier isn't cranking out her wonderful bloodhound series any more. You haven't read her stuff before? Then you're missing a cracking good read!
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Another one of my favorite authors has a new book out on how she goes about writing her novels. I'm about halfway through, and I have to say that it is friendly, encouraging, and thoroughly covers what most new authors need to know. Just like Janet, it isn't stuffy or highbrow. User friendly, yes, indeedy.
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Just go read the whole thing. It's diabolically funny.
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Dammit! No wonder Virginia Lanier isn't cranking out her wonderful bloodhound series any more. You haven't read her stuff before? Then you're missing a cracking good read!
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Another one of my favorite authors has a new book out on how she goes about writing her novels. I'm about halfway through, and I have to say that it is friendly, encouraging, and thoroughly covers what most new authors need to know. Just like Janet, it isn't stuffy or highbrow. User friendly, yes, indeedy.
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From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus
From Nancy V., who sends nothing but the best:
(Sorry. I nearly fell of my chair laughing.)
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From Elizabeth comes this charming story:
[Sounds like something I would do.]
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She also sent this important reminder.
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She finally notes:
I saw this recipe for a lemon breast chicken that looked really good. I thought I would share it with others who are forced into the kitchen several times a week. Anyway, here it is:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (weight is dependent on how many servings are required)
1 large lemon, cut into halves
sprig of rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer
Heat oven to 350 degrees
Rub butter or oil over the skin of the chicken until it is completely coated.
Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat; slide lemon halves under the skin with the peel side up. This way the juice from the lemon will coat the breast. Season skin of chicken to your preference; place sprig of rosemary into the chicken. Cover and place in oven for 30-45 minutes. Remove cover and continue to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes, depending on size of the bird.
If you've followed these steps correctly, your chicken should look like the one in the picture. Bon Appetit!
(Sorry. I nearly fell of my chair laughing.)
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From Elizabeth comes this charming story:
A
She hopped in the car, drove to the center of the village and went straight to the combination bakery/ice cream parlor. There was only one other patron in the store, Paul Newman, sitting at the counter having a doughnut and coffee. The woman's heart skipped a beat as her eyes made contact with those famous baby-blue eyes. The actor nodded graciously and the star-struck woman smiled demurely.
Pull yourself together! she chides herself. You're a happily married woman with three children; you're forty-five years old, not a teenager!
The clerk filled her order and she took the double-dip chocolate ice cream cone in one hand and her change in the other. Then when she went out the door, avoiding even a glance in Paul Newman's direction.
When she reached her car, she realized that she had a handful of change but her other hand was empty. Where's my ice cream cone? Did I leave it in the store? Back into the shop she went, expecting to see the cone still in the clerk's hand or in a holder on the counter or something. But no ice cream cone was in sight.
[Sounds like something I would do.]
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She also sent this important reminder.
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She finally notes:
Many will recall that on July 8, 1947, witnesses claim an unidentified object with five aliens aboard crashed on a sheep and cattle ranch just outside Rowel, New Mexico.
This is a well known incident that many say has long been covered up by the US Air Force and the federal government.
However, you may well NOT know that in the month of March 1948, exactly nine months after that historic day, Albert Arnold Gore, Jr.; Hillary Rodham; John F. Kerry; William Jefferson Clinton; Howard Dean; Nancy Pelosi; Dianne Feinstein; Charles E. Schumer; and Barbara Boxer were born.
That piece of information has now cleared up a lot of things.
Drive-Bys
From the Mistress of Lemons & Lollipops, comes this quiz:
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| Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence |
 You shine in your ability to relate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person. |
Tootin' the Horn
Birthday greetings to my BlogDaddy's mom, who loves kitties almost as much as I do!
I hope I get to be even half as lovely as she is at 80.
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Happy birthday to blogger Laurence Simon, who is, as you know...
... full of crap!
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I hope I get to be even half as lovely as she is at 80._____
Happy birthday to blogger Laurence Simon, who is, as you know...
... full of crap!_____
Counting My Blessings
I have many, many things to be thankful for, but most of all...
... for TMPAE...
... MGN(R) and TMBCITW. Damn, but my brother has beautiful kids!
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... for TMPAE...
... MGN(R) and TMBCITW. Damn, but my brother has beautiful kids!_____
Drive-Bys
I don't know whether I should be flattered or frightened to be number one on this list.
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Shhhh! Don't tell my BlogDaddy about this! It's just cruel to take some of his favorite kinds of health foods, freeze them and put them on a stick. Cruel, I'm telling you!
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Grrrrrrrr!!! Blogger's new beta version apparently doesn't like Mozilla Firefox (at least not at Erica's joint), but works just fine in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
On top of that, now the Munuvian weblogs (at least for Bou, Harvey and T1G) appear to intermitently utilize Klingon punctuation in Firefox, while once again performing admirably in Explorer.
Would someone please take out a cluebat and whack the good folks at Google upside the head? They need to work out all the bugs before they unleash the new beta version. And they need to quit fooling the hell around with the old version at the same time. Arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
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Shhhh! Don't tell my BlogDaddy about this! It's just cruel to take some of his favorite kinds of health foods, freeze them and put them on a stick. Cruel, I'm telling you!
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Grrrrrrrr!!! Blogger's new beta version apparently doesn't like Mozilla Firefox (at least not at Erica's joint), but works just fine in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
On top of that, now the Munuvian weblogs (at least for Bou, Harvey and T1G) appear to intermitently utilize Klingon punctuation in Firefox, while once again performing admirably in Explorer.
Would someone please take out a cluebat and whack the good folks at Google upside the head? They need to work out all the bugs before they unleash the new beta version. And they need to quit fooling the hell around with the old version at the same time. Arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
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Traveling Companions
The Divine Miss Marilyn is really going to hate it when I finally get around to getting that mirror hung, as this is one of her favorite spots in the house!
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The Carnival of the Cats goes up every Sunday and the 132nd edition, 10/1 is up at Pets Garaden Blog. The 133rd edition will be hosted by Curiouser and Curiouser on 10/8. There are more weekly cats at Weekend Cat Blogging hosted on 10/7 by The Hidden Paw which has many participants who may not be familiar to Ark or Carnival participants. Do go shout out at The Catbloggers Frappr Map. And don't forget the Friday Ark!
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Drive-Bys
Since some really cool guys are doing it...
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And because this was just fascinating:
(Who knew?)
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The Resistance Achtung! You are 38% brainwashworthy, 31% antitolerant, and 47% blindly patriotic |
| Welcome to the Resistance (Der Widerstand)! You believe in freedom, justice, equality, and your country, and you can't be converted to the the dark side. Breakdown: your Blind Patriotism levels are borderline unhealthy, but you show such a love of people from everywhere and a natural resistance to brainwashing, you would probably focus your energy to fight the Fuehrer with furor, so to speak. Conclusion: born and raised in Less than 5% of all test takers earn a spot in the Resistance!  - it rules -
|
|
My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Would You Have Been a Nazi Test written by jason_bateman on href='http://www.okcupid.com'>OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
And because this was just fascinating:
Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating. |
(Who knew?)
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Tootin' the Horn
One of my favorite bloggers is having a birthday!
Go send celebratory smooches to Mr. Debonair Hizzownself!
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My Sistah Moogie gets guaranteed a few more gray hairs every day now that Chickie has turned twelve.
Drop on by to wish her well, and tell her that "Auntie Popcorn" sent you!
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Go send celebratory smooches to Mr. Debonair Hizzownself!
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My Sistah Moogie gets guaranteed a few more gray hairs every day now that Chickie has turned twelve.
Drop on by to wish her well, and tell her that "Auntie Popcorn" sent you!_____
Drive-Bys
Another silly quiz:
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Egads! Even Chicago's finest aren't all that fond of Big Brother.
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For anyone out there who is struggling with depression and feels isolated and alone, go read this right now.
You are not alone, and you will be surprised at the support you get when you start being open about your struggle and the steps you are taking to regain control of your life.
How do I know?
My friends and family shocked and amazed me when I finally admitted I had a serious problem and sought help for it. I still struggle with panic attacks from time to time, but not nearly as much as I did for a while there. And one of the most healing things for both the depression and the anxiety was finding out that I wasn't alone -- or didn't have to be unless I chose to.
Many people were aware something was very wrong with me, but didn't know how to approach me to ask. Once I opened the floodgates of conversation, however, I got more support and love than I ever dared hope for.
There are a lot of bloggers out there who are publicly dealing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and more. Moody Mama and Bloggo Chicago are probably two of my favorites, because they hold nothing back about their illnesses. Fearless -- just farookin' fearless -- ladies. (And Dooce. How in the world did I forget to include her?)
I doff my hat to Danny and Angie and Barb (and Heather) and anyone else who's willing to open themselves to honest self-examination, let alone share it with the rest of the world.
And if you're sitting at home feeling helpless and isolated -- pick up the phone and call your family doctor. Ask for a referral. Take those first steps back out of bleakness. If you don't like the first therapist, fire 'em and get another one. You can do it. I know you can.
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Omnibus Driver discovered time travel | |||
Omnibus Driver is now selling the drug that allowed it for $1 million a pill | |||
| 'What will your Headline be?' at QuizGalaxy.com | |||
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Egads! Even Chicago's finest aren't all that fond of Big Brother.
_____
For anyone out there who is struggling with depression and feels isolated and alone, go read this right now.
You are not alone, and you will be surprised at the support you get when you start being open about your struggle and the steps you are taking to regain control of your life.
How do I know?
My friends and family shocked and amazed me when I finally admitted I had a serious problem and sought help for it. I still struggle with panic attacks from time to time, but not nearly as much as I did for a while there. And one of the most healing things for both the depression and the anxiety was finding out that I wasn't alone -- or didn't have to be unless I chose to.
Many people were aware something was very wrong with me, but didn't know how to approach me to ask. Once I opened the floodgates of conversation, however, I got more support and love than I ever dared hope for.
There are a lot of bloggers out there who are publicly dealing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and more. Moody Mama and Bloggo Chicago are probably two of my favorites, because they hold nothing back about their illnesses. Fearless -- just farookin' fearless -- ladies. (And Dooce. How in the world did I forget to include her?)
I doff my hat to Danny and Angie and Barb (and Heather) and anyone else who's willing to open themselves to honest self-examination, let alone share it with the rest of the world.
And if you're sitting at home feeling helpless and isolated -- pick up the phone and call your family doctor. Ask for a referral. Take those first steps back out of bleakness. If you don't like the first therapist, fire 'em and get another one. You can do it. I know you can.
_____
Drive-Bys
Nothing could make me happier. Heh, heh, heh.
_____
Quote of the Day:
Hmmmmmmmmm. Here's a nifty little tool for Eric when Denny's not around for a tune-up.
(A tip of the cap to Eric Zorn.)
_____
Finally, school systems across the country are sitting up and taking notice that not all kids want to be or should be on a college track. We need more skilled laborers -- especially in an economy when some college grads can't make much more than minimum wage with their bachelor's degrees alone. (In fact, I worked for one consulting firm that would require MBAs for candidates for entry level secretarial positions because there was such a glut on the market at the time. Disgusting.)
Offering the option of a good, solid vocational track in addition to a college prep track is just common sense.
_____
I can relate to this. In my own case, I'm blaming Prilosec. It's been wonderful for the acid reflux, but the side effects.... So. Not. Pretty. Just ask The Divine Miss Marilyn.
_____
You tell 'em, Sarge!
As for me, I believe we should steer as much business as possible toward Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's!
Boycott the boycott, okay?
_____
In another eduation-related matter, this stupid ass school superintendant who made and played a libelous videotape of district employees is now playing the "gay" card to protest the school district rescinding his contract extension. His sexual preference didn't get him in trouble -- his incredibly poor judgment did.
Personally, I think the district is far better off without this self-serving scum-sucker.
_____
I didn't realize that pedophilia could be treated in rehab. I don't care if he's gay. I don't care if he's a drunk or a druggie. I do care that he's got a thing for kids.
_____
Patterico posts Part II of his interview with the psychiatric nurse from Gitmo. Fascinating.
_____
_____
Quote of the Day:
"If you're violating your standards faster than you can lower them, time to go away." -- Robin Williams_____
Hmmmmmmmmm. Here's a nifty little tool for Eric when Denny's not around for a tune-up.
(A tip of the cap to Eric Zorn.)
_____
Finally, school systems across the country are sitting up and taking notice that not all kids want to be or should be on a college track. We need more skilled laborers -- especially in an economy when some college grads can't make much more than minimum wage with their bachelor's degrees alone. (In fact, I worked for one consulting firm that would require MBAs for candidates for entry level secretarial positions because there was such a glut on the market at the time. Disgusting.)
Offering the option of a good, solid vocational track in addition to a college prep track is just common sense.
_____
I can relate to this. In my own case, I'm blaming Prilosec. It's been wonderful for the acid reflux, but the side effects.... So. Not. Pretty. Just ask The Divine Miss Marilyn.
_____
You tell 'em, Sarge!
As for me, I believe we should steer as much business as possible toward Dunkin Donuts and Applebee's!
Boycott the boycott, okay?
_____
In another eduation-related matter, this stupid ass school superintendant who made and played a libelous videotape of district employees is now playing the "gay" card to protest the school district rescinding his contract extension. His sexual preference didn't get him in trouble -- his incredibly poor judgment did.
Personally, I think the district is far better off without this self-serving scum-sucker.
_____
I didn't realize that pedophilia could be treated in rehab. I don't care if he's gay. I don't care if he's a drunk or a druggie. I do care that he's got a thing for kids.
_____
Patterico posts Part II of his interview with the psychiatric nurse from Gitmo. Fascinating.
_____
Drive-Bys
Patterico displays citizen journalism at its finest. Be sure and stop by to read his series of interviews with a soldier who served at Gitmo. This should be fascinating and illuminating reading.
_____
Friend of both Mr. Debonair Hizzownself and the Straightest of White Guys, Erica Sherman dishes up some mighty fine reading just in time for Yom Kippur.
_____
It's pretty bad when a television anchorman is funnier and stays in character better than the regular players. No, I don't think Tina Fey is great. In fact, SNL went downhill -- WAY downhill -- during her tenure as head writer. Of course, it's been a long, slow, painful slide. Why SNL is still on the air I have no idea. None at all. It ceased being funny years ago.
_____
I like this idea. It is, however, too bad that the lesson needs to be taught in the first place. Shouldn't it be parents teaching their children self discipline and responsibility, instead of the schools teaching those same lessons to the parents?
_____
_____
Friend of both Mr. Debonair Hizzownself and the Straightest of White Guys, Erica Sherman dishes up some mighty fine reading just in time for Yom Kippur.
_____
It's pretty bad when a television anchorman is funnier and stays in character better than the regular players. No, I don't think Tina Fey is great. In fact, SNL went downhill -- WAY downhill -- during her tenure as head writer. Of course, it's been a long, slow, painful slide. Why SNL is still on the air I have no idea. None at all. It ceased being funny years ago.
_____
I like this idea. It is, however, too bad that the lesson needs to be taught in the first place. Shouldn't it be parents teaching their children self discipline and responsibility, instead of the schools teaching those same lessons to the parents?
_____
Roadside Diversions
One of the reasons I love to visit my brother and sainted sister-in-law is that their back yard is a garden of earthly delights:
Tranquility abounds. (And if I could convince my bosses and my family, I'd move my laptop and myself onto Keith's deck from May through August.) Man, I love it there!
_____
Tranquility abounds. (And if I could convince my bosses and my family, I'd move my laptop and myself onto Keith's deck from May through August.) Man, I love it there!_____
Rubber-Necking
In my family, food is and has always the center of the universe. Ask any member of my immediate family about their most recent trip, and before you hear about any local sites you'll get a complete run-down of restaurants visited, a complete description and critique of each meal ordered, and a report on service and ambience. Oh. And we went the beach. It was nice.
When my dad was going through a bit of a mid-life crisis and my mom chided him about his weight, his response was, "Leave me alone. Eating is my only pleasure left in life." He got over the "only" bit eventually, but eating being one of his chief pleasures never stopped.
Most of my good friends know I'd rather have a savory than a sweet for dessert. However, on occasion, when the pastry chef is particulary well known for his or her decadent goodies, I will indulge. While visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, a friend and I treated ourselves to dessert and coffee at the Anasazi Restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi (at the time rated a 4-star restaurant). My friend had a lovely apple tart with caramel and white chocolate sauces, while I indulged in a huge pot of cappucino creme brulee. So huge, in fact, that I could not finish it. It was a sinfully, silkily sexy whisper on my palate. The taste buds were tempted, but the tummy was done. We had no mini-fridge in our hotel room, so there was no way to take a doggie bag. I practically wept. I threatened to roll around in my plate and wear the rest of it home, rather than leave any behind.
Where is all this leading to?
Well, it seems this passion for foods -- particularly decadent foods -- runs in the family:
_____
When my dad was going through a bit of a mid-life crisis and my mom chided him about his weight, his response was, "Leave me alone. Eating is my only pleasure left in life." He got over the "only" bit eventually, but eating being one of his chief pleasures never stopped.
Most of my good friends know I'd rather have a savory than a sweet for dessert. However, on occasion, when the pastry chef is particulary well known for his or her decadent goodies, I will indulge. While visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico, a friend and I treated ourselves to dessert and coffee at the Anasazi Restaurant at the Inn of the Anasazi (at the time rated a 4-star restaurant). My friend had a lovely apple tart with caramel and white chocolate sauces, while I indulged in a huge pot of cappucino creme brulee. So huge, in fact, that I could not finish it. It was a sinfully, silkily sexy whisper on my palate. The taste buds were tempted, but the tummy was done. We had no mini-fridge in our hotel room, so there was no way to take a doggie bag. I practically wept. I threatened to roll around in my plate and wear the rest of it home, rather than leave any behind.
Where is all this leading to?
Well, it seems this passion for foods -- particularly decadent foods -- runs in the family:
_____
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