Leslie's Omnibus

Drive-Bys

This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me well...

The Movie Of Your Life Is An Indie Flick

You do things your own way - and it's made for colorful times.
Your life hasn't turned out how anyone expected, thank goodness!

Your best movie matches: Clerks, Garden State, Napoleon Dynamite


(A tip of the cap to the lovely and soulful Dana.)
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One more thing. I had a dream that lasted all night last night. As frequently happens to me lately, three weblogs were involved. Ellison, Old Crankypants and the Chai-Rista figured highly. I've only met two of the three. Scary thought, no?

Hmmm. Must have been something I ate, as a genuine food coma followed immediately. More on that tomorrow.
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Update: Seems I'm not the only one having unusual dreams these days. Go see what Christine has been up to in her sleep. Nyquil, huh?
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Leslie

Chartered Excursion -- Stillman Valley, IL

Aw, c'mon. Sign up already. We don't bite.

If you're an Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin or Iowa blogger... or you live in any of those areas and pop in here at the Omnibus to see what I've been up to lately, you're invited.

Really.

Live in Chicago and don't have a car? Take the Metra out to... well, email me, and I'll tell you where. There's room for three more adults in my vehicle.

It'll be fun. I promise.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

I'd have paid good money to see this.

("Man berries"??? Bwaaaaaaaaahahahahaha!)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Velocidude wants to know what to do with 52 softball-sized lemons. Dude! Make limoncello, of course! Mmmmmm................ Yummy!
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I wonder if I could get me one of these... I know! I can put it on my Christmas list. Buckaroo Bonsai ought to loooooove that!
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Good. I didn't think the plea agreement was nearly hard enough on her.
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Leslie

From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus

From Catfish:

A guy walks into the local welfare office, marches straight up to the counter and says:"Hi... You know, I just HATE drawing welfare. I'd really rather have a job."

The social worker behind the counter says: "Your timing is excellent.We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants achauffeur and bodyguardfor his beautiful nymphomaniac daughter. You'll have to drive around in his Mercedes, but he'll supply all of your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll be expected to escort her on her overseas holiday trips. You will have to satisfy her sexual urges. You'll be provided a two-bedroom apartment above the garage.The starting salary is $200,000 a year."

The guy, wide-eyed, says, "You're bullshittin' me!"

The social worker says, "Yeah, well... you started it."
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This, too: Post-Season Collegiate Football Quiz

1) What does the average Alabama Player get on his SATs?
.........Drool.

2) What do you get when you put 32 Arkansas Cheerleaders in one room?
.........A full set of teeth.

3) How do you get a South Carolina Cheerleader into your dorm room?
.........Grease her hips and push.

4) How do you get a Georgia Graduate off your porch?
.........Pay him for the pizza.

5) How do you know if a Mississippi State football player has a Girlfriend?
........There is tobacco spit on both sides of his pickup

6) Why is the Kentucky Football team like a possum?
.........Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road.

7) What are the longest three years of an Auburn football player's Life?
.........His freshman year.

8) How many Florida Freshmen does it take to change a light bulb?
.........None. That's a sophomore course.

9) Where was O. J. headed in the white Bronco?
........Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He knew that the police would never look at LSU for a Heisman Trophy winner.

AND FINALLY (drum roll and cymbal crash.....)

10) Why did Tennessee choose orange as their team color?
.........You can wear it to the game on Saturday, hunting on Sunday, and picking up trash along the highways the rest of the week.
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And this, too:

St Peter is manning the Pearly Gates when forty people from New Orleans 9th ward show up. Never having seen any one from the Big Easy at heaven's door, St. Peter says that he will have to check with God. God instructs him to admit the ten most virtuous people from the group.

A few minutes later St. Peter returns to God breathless and says "They're gone! They're gone!".

"What? All the New Orleaneans are gone?" says God.

"No," replies St Peter, "The Pearly Gates are gone!"
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And this:

A pompous minister was seated next to a redneck on a flight across the country. After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken.

The redneck asked the flight attendant for a whiskey and soda, which was brought and placed before him.

The flight attendant then asked the minister if he would like a drink.

He replied in disgust, "I'd rather be savagely raped by brazen whores than let liquor touch these lips."

The redneck promptly handed his drink back to the flight attendant and said, "Shittt...., me too.... I didn't know we had a choice."
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And this: Official Announcement

The government today announced that it is changing its emblem from an Eagle to a CONDOM because it more accurately reflects the government's political stance. A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of pricks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed.
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The Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO sent this: VERY SAD NEWS

The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in Washington, DC this Christmas season. This isn't for any religious reason, they simply have not been able to find three wise men and a virgin in the Nation's capitol. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.
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Leslie

Traveling Companions






Catnip!














Whooo! Deep breath.















Mmmmm! Lovely catnip!
















Whoa!












Tiger Boots got her freak on last night...







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Head on over to the Friday Ark and check out some of her friends.
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Leslie

Road Conditions

Button up your overcoats and get out your snow boots. It's going to be a messy commute home!

26 degrees and 2-3 inches of snow on the way.


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Leslie

Drive-Bys

What's your Christmas name? (Mine is Cutie Pie Butter-Noodles. I could just die.)

(A tip of the cap to Nancy V., who not only sent this thing, she also made sure I corrected the link!)
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BIRTH TEST

Our birth dates describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.

To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit.

Example March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit number. 2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example.

#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER

1's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that! gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded.

Famous 1's:
Tom Hanks
Robert Redford
Hulk Hogan
Carol Burnett
Wynona Judd
Nancy Reagan
Raquel Welch
Sweetheart of Shell Knobb, MO

2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy, they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off.

Famous 2's:
President Bill Clinton
Madonna
Whoopee Goldberg
Thomas Edison
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view.

Famous 3's:
Alan Alda
Ann Landers
Bill Cosby
Melanie Griffith
Salvador Dali
Jodi Foster
Shoe

4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.

Famous 4's:
Neil Diamond
Margaret Thatcher
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tina Turner
Paul Hogan
Oprah Winfrey
Contagion

5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.

Famous 5's:
Abraham Lincoln
Charlotte Bronte
Jessica Walter
Vincent Van Gogh
Bette Midler
Helen Keller
Mark Hail
PJ

6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.

Famous 6's:
Albert Einstein
Jane Seymour
John Denver
Meryl Steep
Christopher Columbus
Goldie Hawn
Omnibus Driver
Blonde Justice
The MacBean Gene

7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not in the world at large.

Famous 7's:
William Shakespeare
Lucille Ball
Michael Jackson
Joan Baez
Princess Diana
Mira d'Obliette

8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.

Famous 8's:
Edgar Cayce
Barbra Streisand
George Harrison
Jane Fonda
Pablo Picasso
Aretha Franklin
Nostradamus
Ron Connolly

9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.

Famous 9's:
Albert Schweitzer
Shirley MacLaine
Harrison Ford
Jimmy Carter
Elvis Presley
Da Goddess

Want to be added to the list? Drop a comment or email me at Omnibus-dot-Driver-at-gmail-dot-com.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

This is news???
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What was the name of that book again? Ah, yes! "Who Moved My Cheese?"

(An amazing way to deal with work and change in your life, indeed.)
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Leslie

The End of the Line

I found out last night that a good friend passed away. Nobody is quite sure when it happened -- some time between Sunday night and Tuesday early evening, but I'm guessing it was somewhere in the wee small hours of Monday morning. It is of some comfort that he appears to have died in his sleep.

Please say a prayer for Danny Hayes -- queen, curmudgeon, gentleman, scholar, friend... and one for his friends, who are all stunned.

(I'll miss you, Miss Hayes.)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Overheard at Emil's on an opera night:
"She had legs like two sticks of gum and tits out to Montauk."
Classy, huh?
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If you've been following the Pajamas Media tale, you just have to read this parody. Side-splittingly funny.

(A tip of the cap to Mog.)
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Quote of the day:

"Still, I believe that there's a difference between saying you want to do something, and actually whipping out Mr. Lizard and doing the deed. No sperm, no foul, really."

Bwaaaaahhhhhhhhahahahahahaha!!!
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Now here's a holiday that should appeal to V-Man.

(A tip of the cap to J-Walk.)
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One more thing...

What Your Underwear Says About You
You like your underwear to make you feel girlish and pretty. Let's hope you're a chick.
You're sexy, in that pinup girl, tease sort of way.


(A tip of the cap to caltechgirl.)
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Happy Birthday, Kelley! Now when are you going to start posting again, dammit?
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Leslie

Bus Fumes

Pammy's on a rant, and she's absolutely right. Smokers are already hit by every sin tax imaginable. Bloodsuckers!
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Buckaroo Bonsai has gotten me hooked, first on Firefly, then on the movie Serenity. Now, thanks to a tip from Pejman, I can return the favor and get him hooked on Serenity as presented by Hand Puppet Theater. Hilarious!
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Don't mess with Mamacita. Or that Peapatch Gal. Either one can haul out a can of whup-ass in a battle of wits and words.
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Hmmm... I wouldn't have thought of this, especially #4 under "In Stores." Let's keep the Grinches out of Christmas this year.
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I was reading this post about Pajamas Media when a naughty thought struck. "osm.org"??? Flip those acronyms and you get "org.osm". (Not hardly. Bore-gasm is more like it.)

(A tip of the cap to Ann Althouse.)
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Hmmmm....





You Are "Frosty the Snowman"





Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal

Snowball fights, sledding, and tons of hot chocolate with candy canes.
Christmas is all about reliving the adventures of your youth.




(A tip of the cap to Jay Solo.)
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Hey! Somebody needs to tell Laurence Simon that Techdirt is stealing his schtick!
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Leslie

From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus

From Elizabeth -- Ode To The Spell-Checker
---------------------------------------

Eye halve a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong.

Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect awl the weigh
My chequer tolled me sew.
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Elizabeth also sent this:

Dear Santa,

I rarely ask for much. This year is no exception. I don't need diamond earrings, handy slicer-dicers or comfy slippers. I only want one little thing, and I want it deeply.

I want to slap Martha Stewart.

Now, hear me out, Santa. I won't scar her or draw blood or anything. Just one good smack, right across her smug little cheek. I get all cozy inside just thinking about it. Don't grant this wish just for me, do it for thousands of women across the country.

Through sheer vicarious satisfaction, you'll be giving a gift to us all.

Those of us leading average, garden variety lives aren't concerned with gracious living. We feel pretty good about ourselves if our paper plates match when we stack them on the counter, buffet-style for dinner.

We're tired of Martha showing us how to make centerpieces from hollyhock dipped in 18 carat gold. We're plumb out of liquid gold. Unless it's of furniture polish variety.

We can't whip up Martha's creamy holiday sauce, spiced with turmeric. Most of us can't even say turmeric, let alone figure out what to do with it.

OK, Santa, maybe you think I'm being a little harsh. But I'll bet with all the holiday rush you didn't catch that interview with Martha in last week's USA Weekend. I'm surprised there was enough room on the page for her ego.

We discovered that not only does Martha avoid take-out pizza (she's only ordered it once), she refuses to eat it cold (No cold pizza? Is Martha Stewart Living?) When it was pointed out that she could microwave it, she replied, "I don't have a microwave."

The reporter, Jeffrey Zaslow, noted that she said this "in a tone that suggests you shouldn't either." Well lah-dee-dah. Imagine that, Santa!

That lovely microwave you brought me years ago, in which I've learned two complicated dishes like popcorn and hot chocolate, has been declared undesirable by Queen Martha.

What next? The coffee maker? In the article, we learned that Martha has 40 sets of dishes adorning an entire wall in her home. Forty sets. Can you spell "overkill"? And neatly put away, no less. If my dishes make it to the dishwasher, that qualifies "put away" in my house!

Martha tells us she's already making homemade holiday gifts for friends.

"Last year, I made amazing silk-lined scarves for everyone," she boasts.

Just scarves, mind you. Amazing scarves. Martha's obviously not shy about giving herself a little pat on the back. In fact, she does so with such frequency that one has to wonder if her back is black and blue. She goes on to tell us that "homemaking is glamour for the the new century" and says her most glamorous friends are "interested in stain removal, how to iron a monogram, and how to fold a towel."

I have one piece of advice, Martha: "Get new friends."

Glamorous friends fly to Paris on a whim. They drift past the Greek Islands on yachts, sipping champagne from crystal goblets. They step out for the evening in shimmering satin gowns, whisked away by tuxedoed chauffeurs. They do not spend their days pondering the finer art of toilet bowl sanitation.

Zaslow notes that Martha was named one of America's 25 most influential people by Time magazine (nosing out Mother Theresa, Madeline Allbright and Maya Angelou, no doubt).

The proof of Martha's influence: after she bought white-fleshed peaches in the supermarket, Martha says, "People saw me buy them. In an instant, they were all gone." I hope Martha never decides to jump off a bridge.

A guest in Martha's home told Zaslow how Martha gets up early to roller blade with her dogs to pick fresh wild blackberries for breakfast. This confirms what I've suspected about Martha all along: She's obviously got too much time on her hands. Teaching the dogs to roller blade. What a show off.

If you think the dogs are spoiled, listen to how Martha treats her friends: She gave one friend all 272 books from the Knopf Everyman Library. It didn't cost much. Pocket change, really. Just $5,000. But what price friendship, right?

"Being an overachiever is nothing despicable. It is only admirable. Never lower your standards," says Martha. And of her Web Page on the Internet, Martha declares herself an "important presence" as she graciously helps people organize their sad, tacky little lives.

There you have it, Santa. If there was ever someone who deserved a good smack, it's Martha Stewart. But I bet I won't get my gift this year. You probably want to smack her yourself!
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Update: If you're dropping by as a result of my first Acid Bath, welcome! Stick around, read a little more. And come back and see me again soon. (Thanks a million, Rob!)
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Funnily enough, this guy and this guy might just wear this silly thing. Hmmmm.... maybe I really should break out knitting needles...

(A big tip of the cap to LeahPeah.)
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What? Somebody else dislikes Her Perkiness almost as much as moi? I wouldn't have thought that was possible.
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And in the good old U.S. of A. we'd call this child porn... or an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog.
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

He's back and he's still a real live firecracker. Go visit Kim du Toit.
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Leslie

Roadside Diversions

Carnival of the Cats is up at When Cats Attack. Michelle did a great job this week. Go check it out!
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Ferdy and his pet Bruce are hosting the Carnival of the Vicious, Invading Paleface Bastards here. Lots of linkin' about the Land of Lincoln.
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Leslie

She's Got a Ticket to Ride

Looks like the blogmeet is on for Stillman Valley, IL on January 8th.

Stillman Valley is about an hour and a half from O'Hare Airport. Buckaroo Bonsai and I are going, and I have room for three more adults in my car. Even better, we're 10 minutes from O'Hare... so if anyone wants to fly in, we can provide transport to and from Fritz's.

Are you a lurker and not a blogger? Ever left comments on a blog? You're invited, too. We'll have you blogging before you know it!

After my experience with those outrageous Jawja Blown-Eyed Blodgers in October, I can tell you that a blogmeet is an absolute blast. It's just finally putting faces to old and dear friends. Shy? We'll get you over that in short order.

No excuses. Bop on over to T1G's and reserve yourself a spot. We can't wait to meet you.
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P.S. -- If I could become an honorary Jawja Blodger, YOU can become an honorary Land of Lincoln Blogger.
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Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

Pop on over and say happy birthday to Sam, one of the biggest sweethearts on the planet.

What's my birthday gift to Sam? A big, "I was wrong. Thank God."
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Leslie

Roadside Diner

One more thing before I clear off the desk and skedaddle for the weekend...

I made Buckaroo Bonsai's Farookin' Favorite Salad last night. What's in it, you ask?

Portion size to your taste/appetite. Buckaroo Bonsai swears this could just about turn him vegetarian.
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Don't forget the Carnival of the Recipes. And here's #68, as well.
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Leslie

Bus Fumes

Katie Couric is America's Sweetheart???

Gag. Me.

I miss me some Matt. And thank goodness for the Food Network, because I can get me some Al from time to time.

But I'm still on strike, and that ain't likely to change because I still mean every word of what I wrote back in 2003.
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And, yes. I got my first and only Instalanche before I even had a blog. Figures.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Whoa!




(A tip of the cap to that saucy minx Maeve.)
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Speaking of "Whoa!"... who hijacked Donnie's blog???
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And another "Whoa!"

Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Shark

Animal You Were in a Past Life: Polar Bear

You have a strong character - you are an aggressive, ambitious, go-getter.
You were born to lead.

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Leslie

Traveling Companions





Getting a picture of Tiger Boots is easy. She comes running when you get out the camera. She poses. She positively flirts with the camera...














Even The Interloper is a cooperative subject...











But The Divine Miss Marilyn (here in full "Rub my tummy, Mummy" mode) has a real aversion to the camera. She moves just as the shutter clicks. She closes her eyes. She ducks.


(I think she gets that from me.)




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Don't miss The Friday Ark, hosted by The Modulator.

Also, the Carnival of the Cats will be up Sunday evening, over at When Cats Attack. Don't forget to check it out!
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Leslie

Road Conditions








I was in all these places last night. Where were you?

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Leslie

Book Your Ticket

A big 'ol Smoocheroo to Professor Bainbridge. He links me! He really links me! (Thanks for the kind words, Stephen.)
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I've met Pejman in person, and he always makes sure you know he's of Persian heritage. He's inspired my latest reading challenge, "Reading Lolita in Tehran".

I'll post a review later, and it'll more than likely be more highbrow than my last review (i.e., the words "chapped my ass" will not be found this time). I'll give you a little taste of what I've found and appreciated so much already:
To think that the universities could be closed down seemed as far-fetched as the possibility that women would finally succumb to wearing the veil.
Good stuff.
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Leslie

Rubber-Necking

My favorite bartender, Meghan from Emil's, provides the quote of the day:
"Dude! That's not just retarded -- that's romance novel
retarded."
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Leslie

From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus

Nancy V. sends this little quiz to determine whether or not you're Italian (pronounced Eye-talian):

Why do Italians hate Jehovah's Witnesses? Because Italians hate all witnesses.

Do you know why most men from Italy are named Tony? On the boat over to America they put a sticker on them that said - TO NY.

You know you're Italian when . . . .

You can bench press 325 pounds, shave twice a day and still cry when your mother yells at you.

You carry your lunch in a produce bag because you can't fit two cappicola sandwiches, 4 oranges, 2 bananas and pizzelles into a regular lunch bag.

Your mechanic, plumber, electrician, accountant, travel agent and lawyer are all your cousins.

You have at least 5 cousins living in the same town or on the same block. All five of those cousins are named after your grandfather or grandmother.

You are on a first name basis with at least 8 banquet hall owners.

You only get one good shave from a disposable razor.

If someone in your family grows beyond 5' 9", it is presumed his Mother had an affair.

There were more than 28 people in your bridal party.

You netted more than $50,000 on your first communion. . . . . . . . . . . .

And you REALLY, REALLY know you're Italian when . . .

Your grandfather had a fig tree.

You eat Sunday dinner at 2:00.

Christmas Eve . . . only fish.

Your mom's meatballs are the best.

You've been hit with a wooden spoon or had a shoe thrown at you.

Clear plastic covers on all the furniture.

You know how to pronounce "manicotti" and "mozzarella."

You fight over whether it's called "sauce" or "gravy."

You've called someone a "mamaluke."

And you understand "bada bing".
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Elizabeth says, "This is being sent only to those whose level of maturity qualifies them to relate to it..." [Gee, thanks.]

1975: Long hair
2005: Longing for hair

1975: KEG
2005: EKG

1975: Acid rock
2005: Acid reflux

1975: Moving to California because it's cool
2005: Moving to Arizona because it's warm

1975: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
2005: Trying NOT to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor

1975: Seeds and stems
2005: Roughage

1975: Hoping for a BMW
2005: Hoping for a BM

1975: Going to a new, hip joint
2005: Receiving a new hip joint

1975: Rolling Stones
2005: Kidney Stones

1975: Being called into the principal's office
2005: Calling the principal's office

1975: Screw the system
2005: Up grade the system

1975: Disco
2005: Costco

1975: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
2005: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

1975: Passing the drivers' test
2005: Passing the vision test

1975: Whatever
2005: Depends

Just in case you weren't feeling too old already today, this will certainly change things...

The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1987.

They are too young to remember the first space shuttle blowing upon liftoff.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced the year they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn ha s always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", or "de plane, Boss, de plane".

They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.
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Sandy is pretty scary, indeed. Somebody pass me the Murine. My eyes are burning.
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A tip of the cap to Damian for steering me to this gem. I giggled. A lot. You will, too.
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Catfish wants you to know...

At one time in my life, I thought I had a handle on the meaning of the word "service."

"The act of doing things for other people."

Then I heard these terms:

Internal Revenue Service
Postal Service
Telephone Service
Civil Service
City/County Public Service
Customer Service
Service Stations

And I became confused about the word "service." This is not what I thought "service" meant.

Then today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one said he had hired a bull to "service" a few of his cows. BAM! It all came into perspective.

Now I understand what all those "service" agencies are doing to us.

I hope you are now as enlightened as I am.
_____
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Catfish could teach these people a thing or two about writing a good sex scene. Baaaaaaaad. Really bad. And NSFW, to boot.

(A tip of the cap to the Chai-rista.)
_____

Hmmm... I wonder if these are related in any way, shape or form to these. Coincidence? I think not.
_____

Say WHAT???
_____
Leslie

Road Maps

I've created a Jawja Blodgers map over at Frappr!. Be sure all you Blown-Eyed Blodgers stop by and add yourselves.

(A tip of the cap to Barry Campbell.)
_____

Update: Well, I'll be dipped! At least one of my regular readers wants to play, too. Okay. If you're not a Jawja Blodger but want to stand and be counted, add yourself to the Omnibus Tour map here.
_____

Update II: I'm moving this up to the top for a while. If you haven't already put yourself on the map, please do!
_____

Update III: What's a Jawja Blodger? Anyone who's been to a blogmeet with the "Southeast Writers Conference." Or anyone who blogs from the great state of Georgia.
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Now if I could only quit yakking, too...

(There's your link, Meryl.)
_____

I'm not so sure about this... HOWEVER, I have been threatening for years to have LoJack sensors sewn into the cuffs of my bosses' trousers, as they are forever disappearing when I need them the most.
_____

Update: The bosses, not the trousers, that is.
_____
Leslie

Book Your Ticket

Professor Bainbridge said if I posted a review after I finished this book (instead of bitching up a storm before I'd even cracked the cover (my interpretation, not his words)), he'd cross-post on his blog. Here goes:

Reading this book is like getting a Grande Decaf Skim Latte with Splenda when what you ordered was a full-fat Frappuccino. All the basic ingredients are there, but it lacks that extra oomph that really satisfies.

A couple of other things I'd like to say to Mr. Martin: 1) Cersei Lannister gets far too much time and attention, especially in this book. Behead the bitch, already. 2) Your little postscript at the end of the book chapped my ass to no end. It wasn't cute. It wasn't nice to wait until the end to do this. Next time, do it in the prologue. (And, BTW, it didn't mention Tyrion. Will that story line be revived in yet another book? Durrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!) 3) The Dornish story line stunk. Stupid. Boring. Not necessary. 4) If you're going to put my little Arya in the book, by golly give her a better story line. She's in Braavos. Send her to the Water Dancers for training. Quit fooling around here!

That which should have and could have been so pleasing has left me with a distinctly bad taste in my mouth.
_____

P.S. -- The cover art still stinks compared to the original stuff. Also, the binding was distinctly inferior to past editions. The paper was cheaper, and poorly cut. In fact, there were uncut sections in my copy.
_____

Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Scary quote of the day:

"If you're too huggy-kissy with them, a male who has not been castrated can turn on you."
Ain't it the truth? (So that's why they call themselves Llama Butchers...)

(A tip of the cap to Mimi Smartypants.)
_____

The thought of these gets me all tingly.
_____

Bwahhhhhhhahahahaha!!!
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Leslie

Chartered Excursion -- Stillman Valley, IL

It appears that a gathering of Illinois and surrounding state bloggers will be taking place at Fritz's Wooden Nickel in Stillman Valley, IL on January 8th. Contagion has formally requested my presence. (I'm flattered!)

I'm hoping Og wants to hitch a ride with Buckaroo Bonsai and I. And that Spoons, Pammy, Dana and the rest of Da Locals on my blogroll will consider attending, as well. Sounds like FUN!
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Leslie

Drive Bys

Well. It's nice to know what my opinion is worth. Now maybe y'all will start taking me more seriously. (Heh.)
_____
Leslie

Bus Fumes

I hate being sick. Hate, hate, HATE being sick. Day 10 of the head cold from hell. Sinuses alternate between feeling like they've been hot sandblasted one minute and hand-packed with quick-set concrete the next. Yacking up phlem balls. Barking cough that doubles me over and leaves me breathless. Cranky, whiny, bitchy. Head full of cotton wool. Tired. Blech.

(Buckaroo Bonsai should be eligible for sainthood for putting up with me through this.)

Whaaaaah!

I just want to be healthy again.

'Scuse me. I'm off to find a hot toddy now. Maybe that'll fix it. The Nyquil certainly isn't.
_____
Leslie

Tootin' The Horn

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

TWAS , THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING
WITH ANTICIPATION
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK
BECAME INFATUATION.

SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN,
FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE,
FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY
AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS,
BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING
SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN,
I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING,
FLOATING INTO THE SKY
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING
AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.

BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL
AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL;
PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY
HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS,
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER
STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

(A tip of the cap to the Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO!)
Leslie

Bus Fumes

What is the ingredient used in Dayquil and Nyquil that makes the inside of your mouth taste and feel like it's been coated in Mucilage glue??? Ucky, ucky, UCKY!!!

(Yes, it's day five of the first cold of the season. Guess I should have quit complaining and put on the boots and burka much earlier in the week last week.)
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

They may as well call it Kerry Media, what with all the flip-flopping going on.

(Ahem. Sorry.)

The business model doesn't make sense. The lack of due diligence (especially legal) prior to making a name change didn't make sense. The name chosen didn't make sense -- both as a legal matter and from a name recognition/sexiness point of view. But jumping straight into another name change in less than a week makes even less sense.

I like a lot of the writers who've signed on to Whatever-They're-Calling-Themselves-These-Days-Media. In fact, I like the writing of the two founding members. But I don't like what I'm seeing unfold before my eyes: the media's "watchdogs" offering themselves up to the media for breakfast. With sliced bananas.

Bad move. Really bad move.

My mother always said that you are judged by the company you keep. Especially in your professional life.
_____
Leslie

Roadside Diversions

Once again, Ferdy is hosting the Carnival of the Vicious, Invading Paleface Bastards (i.e., Illinois bloggers). Come see what we're thinkin' in the Land of Lincoln.
_____

Scribblings is hosting Carnival of the Cats.
_____

Rocket Jones hosts Carnival of the Recipes.
_____
Leslie

Roadside Diner

I want to throw this up in time for those of you ambitious folks who love anything cranberry to make this for Thanksgiving. I have a long list of friends who ask (er, beg) me for a container of this every year. And it's nothing like that Ocean Spray junk in a can. Buy their fresh ones, instead. (You may want to make a double batch. It has a way if disappearing fast.)

Anywhoo, here's the deal:

The Princess Mom's Cranberry Relish

In a saucepan place:

1 lb. fresh cranberries
1¼ cups water

Bring to a low boil and cook until thickened.

Add:

2 cups sugar

and cook for another 5 minutes.

Stir in:

1 large box cherry Jello
¾ cup chopped nuts
¾ cup chopped celery
1 large can crushed pineapple (undrained)

Remove from heat and pour into a large mold or bowl. Chill until firm.
_____

Note: One of my friends likes this spread on top of a toasted bagel with cream cheese. I've gotta tell you, it's nummy that way, too.
_____
Leslie

Road Conditions





There's only one reason you'll see mist like this on the Chicago River.

Baby, it's COLD outside.



_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Buckaroo Bonsai and I rented Schultze Gets the Blues from our local Blockbuster last night.

(Pay no attention to the IMDB plot line description. It sucks. Instead, scroll down for Tom Hutton's review. It's spot-on.)

Don't be put off by the subtitles. There's so little dialogue, it doesn't much matter. Beautifully filmed and beautifully acted. Subtle, gentle humor throughout.

This is one movie that we'd like to see again -- maybe with Ellison and SWMBO.
_____

I know what's going on Eric's Christmas list this year.... Hmmm. He'd better be mighty nice to the Missus.
_____
Leslie

Traffic Report

Live in or near Chicago, or planning to drive here any time soon? Then you need to know about Chicago's traffic cameras. I got this email from a friend this morning:

I am forwarding this to you speed demons who live and travel in the city. ;-)

For all of you speed angels out there. Please watch out. I got a ticket in the mail from the camera at 55th and Western. They are not playing... They sent with the ticket several pictures of my car, my license plate and me going through the "YELLOW" light. I guess I got busted. The ticket was $90 and because I didn't pay it or contest it within a couple of weeks it doubled to $180.

Be blessed and careful, Ruby

Subject: Ten new cameras in Chicago

Hey people -- just as an FYI for those of you driving around Chicago, there will be ten more cameras going up in the city at the following locations by the end of the year...it is a $90 ticket if you blow one of those red lights...watch out!

NORTH SIDE:

Fullerton and Cicero Avenue
Fullerton and Kedzie Avenue
Fullerton and Damen Avenue
Diversey and California Avenue

OTHER:

111th and Halsted Street
99th and Halsted Street
79th Street and Kedzie Avenue
63rd and State Street
Roosevelt Road and State Street
Cortland Street and Ashland Avenue

The following are where you can find current cameras in case you didn't know:

NORTH SIDE:

Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street
Division and Halsted Streets
North and Kostner Avenue
Belmont and Kedzie Avenue
Irving Park Road and Narragansett Avenue
Lawrence and Cicero Avenues
Foster and Nagle Avenues
Peterson and Western Avenues

OTHER:

119th and Halsted Street
87th Street and Vincennes Avenue
71st Street and Ashland Avenue
55th Street and Western Avenue
55th Street and Pulaski Road
47th Street and Western Avenue
35th Street and Western Avenue
31st Street and California Avenue
Cermak and Pulaski Road
Roosevelt Road and Kostner Avenue
Madison Street and Ashland Avenue
Kinzie Street and LaSalle Drive

Okay, kids. Let's be careful out there.
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Another quiz thingie, via Gir:

You Are Changing Leaves

Pretty, but soon dead.

_____

One more:

Your Inner Child Is Naughty
Like a child, you tend to discount social rules. It's just too much fun to break the rules! You love trouble - and it seems that trouble loves you. And no matter what, you refuse to grow up!


_____
Leslie

Bus Fumes

"I believe it is my responsibility to discipline my children and teach them to have good manners and be respectful," wrote Alison Miller, who was quoted defiantly in the New York Times and said she has since received numerous threats and insults.
Lady, you are absolutely correct. However, it's my right to have the peaceful dining experience I'm paying for by you and yours being ejected when you don't do either of those things. Let children earn the right to enjoy more adult entertainment only when they can demonstrate both discipline and manners at home, first. Don't do it on my time.
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Huh. I guess this means I should finally stash my sandals for the season and put some real shoes on.

Well, poop. I hate shoes.

(Whatever you do, don't pass this info on to Buckaroo Bonsai. He's already read some article that says you get less colds and flu if you keep your nose warm. And he's always after me to put a hat on. I hate hats even more than I hate shoes. If BB reads this, I'll end up swaddled from head to toe, commuting in hip waders and a burka this winter. Stylish. Very stylish.)
_____

Okay, guys. I can't top this. Go ahead and love Heather more than you love me.

Sniff.

I'll understand.

Really, I will.
_____

Forty seconds really flies by fast.

(A tip of the cap to Nancy V.)
_____
Leslie

PSA

I donated to Project Valour-IT, the Soldiers' Angels fund for voice-activated laptops for military members who have lost limbs in the Gulf War.

Afterwards, I told Buckaroo Bonsai that I'd done it. His response? That the government should be doing that. (He's right on the one hand. On the other hand...)

My reply? I'm not waiting for our government. Soldiers' Angels can get the job done faster and more economically, anyway. I'd rather get more bang for my buck and have the power of choice for where my money is spent.

Now Key comes along with this story. Yes, I've made a donation. Once again, I don't want to wait for government agencies to do their jobs.

I'm with Key -- screw the PC issues and screw the government. Let's just get this done.
_____
Leslie

Book Your Ticket

This arrived today. I've been waiting for this book not for months, but for a couple of years now. Before I even crack the cover, though, I have a couple of thoughts.

First of all, the cover art sucks and it is far less richly bound in comparison to the first three books. WTF was the publisher thinking? Sorry. It looks cheap.

Second of all, it doesn't have the heft the other books had. I expected well over 800 pages. WTF was Martin doing all that time? Sorry. It feels cheap -- both in content and in quality.

Third, the reviews are pretty evenly lousy, and apparently some of my favorite characters are completely missing. WTF was Martin thinking?

Arghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's it. Instead of sidelining this book right away, I'm going to finish it and wait a little longer for Mr. Martin's magnum opus.

Damn. I feel like I just got a lump of coal in my stocking. And I was good, Santa. Really I was.
_____
Leslie

Bus Fumes

Find the best curse I've heard in a long time here.

(And I second that motion. But can we also apply the same to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton? A wanker is a wanker is a wanker. Color doesn't matter. Creed doesn't matter. Political leaning doesn't matter. A huge sense of entitlement combined with no sense of shame is all it takes to achieve wankerhood.)
_____

Gee thanks, Steve. Now I'll never be able to watch this movie again without cringing.
_____

Salaam Pax is on a tear. If you don't read anything else today, read this post.
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Another quiz thingie that's more true than I'd really like to admit:

Your Heart Is Blue

Love is a doing word for you. You know it's love when you treat each other well.You are a giving lover, but you don't give too much. You expect something in return.

Your flirting style: Friendly

Your lucky first date: Lunch at an outdoor cafe

Your dream lover: Is both generous and selfish

What you bring to relationships: Loyalty


(Shamelessly swiped from Kate.)
_____

I found this funny. Really funny. Then again, I take public transportation in the Chicago area...
_____
Leslie

Roadside Diner

Ellison is soup-blogging. Ah, homemade soup! Comfort food extraordinaire! This inspired me to whip up one of Buckaroo Bonsai's absolute favorite this weekend:

Oxtail Soup (serves 2-3 hungry souls; double reciple for a larger group/family):

1-1/4 to 1-1/3 pounds oxtails (smaller bones are meatier, less fatty)
Olive oil
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 large rib celery, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, peeled and diced
2 heaping teaspoons of minced garlic (I like the jarred stuff that comes packed in oil)
2 big cubes beef bouillon
1/2 fresh ground black pepper to taste
3 cups water
1 small bag frozen mixed vegetables (I like a corn/carrots/lima & green bean mix, but use whatever you like/have on hand)

Drizzle olive oil into a 2-quart sauce pan and bring up to medium heat. Brown oxtails on all sides. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic bouillon, pepper and water. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 3 hours.

Remove oxtails from pan and allow to cool a bit.

Add frozen vegetables to broth in pan and bring back up to a low simmer.

When oxtails are cool enough to handle, pick all meat from bones, discarding excess fat. (This is a messy, messy chore, best done by hand. You just can't get all the goodies free with a knife and/or fork.)

Return meat to the broth.

Health nut?
  • If yes, remove pan from heat. Allow to cool, then refrigerate overnight. Skim congealed fat from top of soup before reheating. Serve with warm, crusty bread.
  • If no, serve immediately with warm crusty bread... and softened butter.
Either way, yum, yum, YUM!
_____

Update: I think next time I'm going to splash a little sherry or Madeira in the pot just before serving.
_____
Leslie

Roadside Diversions

The Carnival of the Cats is up at Curiouser and Curiouser. Go visit.

Also, I missed posting a link to the Friday Ark. If you like critters of all kinds, go visit.

And if you're into creepy critters, Ellison is hosting the Carnival of the Cockroaches. (Yick!)
_____

The Carnival of the Recipes is a day late. Find it Monday at Myopic Zeal.
_____
Leslie

Traveling Companions






The Divine Miss Marilyn: "My Gigolokitty! He enchants me to distraction!"

















Tiger Boots: "Pictures? Here! Watch me pose."

"Hey, wait a minute! Who is this Gigolokitty!, and how come he's flirting with the old gal and not a cute young chick like me?"









The Divine Miss Marilyn: "Nay, not old... but a feline of a certain maturity. Like fine wine, best served with age."
_____
Leslie

PSA

Just received this from Take Back the Memorial:

Dear Supporter,

This is a crucial time. It now appears that the desires of New York's cultural elite may be competing head-to-head with the 9/11 Memorial & Memorial Museum for a very limited amount of funds.

While the LMDC has repeatedly said that the Memorial will take fund raising precedence, it is hard to believe that is what will happen when they are handing out $35 million federal dollars (your money) in the form of grants "to existing and new cultural institutions downtown."

We invite you to vote in our on-line poll which asks the question: "If given a choice between building a "cultural arts center" OR building the 9/11 Memorial and 9/11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site, which would you choose?"

It is important to make your voice heard now so there is no question as to where we stand on this issue. To vote, please visit www.takebackthememorial.org.

We will continue to watch the situation and update you accordingly, both via email and our web site.

Thank you for your time and your continued support.

Sincerely,

Robert Shurbet
Founder/Web Master
www.takebackthememorial.org
_____
Leslie

Tootin' the Horn

I've seen a lot of wonderful posts in honor of Veteran's Day, but this one really touched my heart.

To all the Veterans who have gone before us, and our current crop of men and women in uniform, thank you.
_____
Leslie

Traveling Companions



The Divine Miss Marilyn:

"My darling Gigolokitty!, I love you! See how I seduce the human into lavishing me with affection? I can seduce you, too, my plumptious one.

"Look deeply into my eyes.

"Resistance is futile."






_____
Leslie

Book Your Ticket

Whoohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's finally out! I've got it ordered!

(Happy dance on top of the desk ensues.)

Whoohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

I was inspired so much by all the links in this post yesterday that I brought 15-bean soup for lunch today. Yep. That ought to do the trick.

(Just thought I'd try and make Og proud...)
_____

There's an online petition to try to get HBO or Showtime to buy the Firefly franchise from Fox. Go sign it.

(A tip of the cap to McGehee.)

Hey! Has Pejman seen this? If anyone can scare up the signatures for this, it's Pejman.
_____

I guess he's just a glass half full kind of guy.

(A tip of the cap to Ann Althouse, who has now given me a horrible ear worm.)
_____
Leslie

From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus

Major spewage alert. Put the drink down before reading this important study from MIT.

(A tip of the cap to Damien, who I know is smart, but had no idea is also very funny.)
_____

Ellison waxes poetic. Nobody does it better.
_____

If you get hooked on this, blame it on the Sweetheart of Shell Knob, MO. It's all her fault.

(And you will be hooked.)
_____

And blame this on the Accidental Jedi:

Your Band Name is:
The Pink Fajitas


Mmmm. Tasty.
_____
Leslie

Random Acts of Kindness

Rob has sent another update to his blog about his progress in rehab, and asks for a random act of kindness for one of his fellow sojourners on the path to sobriety. I'm dropping her a note today. Won't you, too?
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

Sometimes I noodle around other peoples' blogrolls in search of new and interesting writers. Today, I tripped over this terrific post. It left me smiling.

(I just might have to make a space for this guy on my own blogroll...)
_____

Right. And if you believe that, I've got some nice swampland available for sale in Tucson.
_____
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

So just who isn't blogging about these things all of a sudden??? Too much information, indeed.

Oops! Best headline of the day, on this topic, is found here. (So shoot me. I giggled.)
_____

The Pastafarian Prayer can be found here.
_____

Dax cracks me up. Really cracks me up. Is it any wonder I had such a good time in Helen?
_____

This boggles the mind folks. I mean, you've got karma and slapstick and a bevy of beautiful people and street hustlers. Sounds more like an Elmore Leonard novel than a news report, no?
_____
Leslie

Traveling Companions




The Divine Miss Marilyn dreams of Gigolokitty!, for whom her passion burns hotter daily.






_____
Leslie

Road Conditions







Blue skies, smiling at me...













... Nothing but blue skies, do I see!












_____
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Say what?
_____

More inadvertent NOLA humor.
_____

Heh!
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

This guy cracks me up. I love people whose sense of the absurd is so close to my own.
_____

Before you give PETA even one nickel of your hard-earned cash, stop here first. They're sneakier with the old slight-of-hand than Penn & Teller, and with far more sinister intent.

(A tip of the cap to DaneBramage of Juggernuts.)
_____
Leslie

Bus Fumes

An update for parents: Do you know what your kids are wearing? I certainly hope so.
_____

Darwin knew what he was talking about.
_____
Leslie

Roadside Diversions

The Carnival of the Cats is up and was so big it had to be done in one, two, three parts at Pages Turned. Go visit!
_____

The Carnival of the Recipes is up at Pajama Pundits.
_____

And now, a meandering meme swiped from my BlogMama:

Go to Google Image Search and type in the city and state/province of the town where you grew up, no quotation marks. Then select the picture you like best from the first page of results and post it on your blog. Here's mine:







Next do the same with the town where you currently reside. My result:







Next your name, first and last, but no quotes. My result:






Next your grandmother's name. My result:








Next your favorite food. My result:








Next your favorite drink. My result:










Next your favorite smell. My result:








Lastly, your favorite song. My result:








I'm not tagging anyone in particular with this, but... I gotta tell you, this was FUN! Just try it. (Even if you don't blog.)
_____
Leslie

Road Conditions







The day started out beautiful.

Too bad it's going to end in rain.









_____
Leslie

Roadside Diversions

Head on over to the Friday Ark. Lots of crittery goodness happening there.
_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

This post reminded me of just how magical I still find this statue:









Man, do I miss No. 23!










_____

Angie invents a new invective here. I think I'm going to swipe it for personal use. Can you guess which one I mean?

(I suppose I'd get pretty colorful in my epithets if I was chasing as many rugrats as she is. You go, girl!)
_____
Leslie

Rubber-Necking

Has Yabu seen this? Bad bad juju, indeed!

(A tip of the cap to my Fairy BlogMother.)
_____

Buckaroo Bonsai and I say we've "killed the goat" when we finished a bottle of this. It became a euphemism for finishing any bottle of red.

I had no idea it also meant this. (Shudder.)

Now I've gotta get a whole new phrase.

Shoot!
_____
Leslie

Traveling Companions

Tiger Boots and the Divine Miss Marilyn...














... had a visitor one day this week.




















The girls agree that, unlike in politics, sometimes a closed door meeting is a very good thing.
_____
Leslie

Rubber-Necking







In the immortal words of Mr. Miyagi, "Wax on. Wax off." (Ouch!)
_____
Leslie

Road Conditions






It gets dark a little earlier every day here...





















... but it's still beautiful, isn't it?









_____
Leslie

Drive-Bys

This is the kind of political discussion I like to see. Thoughtful. Insightful. Respectful.

(A tip of the cap to Pejman.)
_____

Someone in New York must read Dax Montana from time to time. Yipes! That's frightening. Really frightening.
_____
Leslie

From the Rowdies in the Back of the Bus





That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.




_____

Nancy V. wants you to know that since flu season is just around the corner:

Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.

Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.

Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build our immune system.

Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.

Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.

Get lots of fresh air. Open doors and windows whenever possible.

Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.

Get plenty of rest.

OR

Take the doctor's approach. Think about it...

When you go for a shot, what do they do first?

They clean your arm with alcohol... Why?

Because alcohol KILLS GERMS.

So.......

I walk to the liquor store. (exercise)
I put lime in my Corona. (fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary. (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio. (fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh. (eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)

The way I see it... If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!

My grandmother always said,

"A shot in the glass is better than one in the ass!"
_____

Remember John Wayne Gacy jokes? Ted Bundy jokes? GUYK raises the genre of finding humor in the gruesome to a whole new level with this NOLA joke.
_____

From Elizabeth:

[European] Business Trip

I checked into a hotel on a business trip and was a bit lonely so I thought I'd get me one of those girls you see advertised in phone booths when you're calling for a cab.

I grabbed a card on my way in.

It was an ad for a girl calling herself Erogonique, a lovely girl, bending over in the photo.

She had all the right curves in all the right places, beautiful long wavy hair, long graceful legs. You know the kind.

So I'm in my room and figure, what the hell, I'll give her a call.

"Hello?" the woman says.

God, she sounded sexy.

"Hi, I hear you give a great massage and I'd like you to come to my room and give me one. No, wait, I should be straight with you. I'm in town all alone and what I really want is sex. I want it hard, I want it hot, and I want it now. I'm talking kinky the whole night long. You name it, we'll do it. Bring implements, toys, everything you've got in your bag of tricks. We'll go hot and heavy all night. Tie me up, wear a strap on, cover me in chocolate syrup and whipped cream, anything you want baby. Now, how does that sound?"

She says, "That sounds fantastic Sir , but for an outside line you need to press 9."
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From Catfish:

While touring an Indian reservation in North Dakota filming a documentary, Barbara Walters was puzzled as to why the difference in the number of feathers in the headdresses. So, she asked a brave who only had one feather in his headdress.

His reply was: "Only have one woman. One woman, one feather."

Feeling the first fellow was only joking she asked another brave.

This brave had two feathers in his headdress. And he replied: "Me have two women. Two women, two feathers."

Still not convinced the feathers indicated the number of sexual partners involved, she decided to interview the Chief.

Now the Chief had a headdress full of feathers, which, needless to say, amused Ms.Walters. She asked the Chief, "Why do you have so many feathers in your headdress?"

The Chief proudly pounded his chest and said: "Me Chief, me sleep with 'em all. Big, small, fat and tall, me sleep with 'em all."

Horrified, Ms. Walters stated, "You ought to be hung."

The Chief said: "You damn right, me hung, big like buffalo, long like snake"

Ms. Walters cried, "You don't have to be so hostile"

The Chief replied: "Hoss-style, dog-style, wolf-style, any style.. ... me sleep with 'em all."

With tears in her eyes, Ms. Walters cried, "Oh dear."

The Chief said: "No deer. Ass too high, run too fast."
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He also sent this:

It was October and the Indians on a remote reservation asked their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild.

Since he became the chief in a modern society, he had never been taught all the old secrets. When he looked at the sky, he couldn't tell what the winter was going to be like. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared.

Now being a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to a phone booth, called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is the coming winter going to be cold?"

"It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold," the meteorologist at the weather service responded.

So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared.

Two weeks later he called the National Weather Service again. "Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?"

"Yes," the man at the National Weather Service again replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."

The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find.

Still apprehensive the chief called the National Weather Service one more time. "Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?"

"Absolutely," the man replied. "It's looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters ever."

"How can you be so sure?" the chief asked.

The weatherman replied, "The Indians are collecting firewood like crazy."
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For my BlogMama:

A man entered the bus with both of his front pockets full of golf balls, and sat down next to a beautiful (you guessed it) blonde. The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets.

Finally, after many such glances from her, he said, "It's golf balls".

Nevertheless, the blonde continued to look at him thoughtfully and finally, not being able to contain her curiosity any longer, asked, "Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?"
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Leslie

Drive-Bys

Yep. That's the way I feel about mornings, too. Puh-twooey.
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Leslie