Food Show Faux Pas.
Used in a sentence: "I love me some competition reality foodie shows, but two recent episodes (one of Top Chef and one of Next Iron Chef) left me with a bad taste in my mouth -- I know I definitely witnessed some Food Show Faux Pas (turns out that phrase is both plural and singular in print [it's pronounced differently if you're reading this out loud to your family] -- thanks, Frenchies!)."
The offensive scenes ...
... on Top Chef (Texas), there was a quick fire challenge using snake meat. The problem -- a snake was in an aquarium in the kitchen having to watch the culinary challenge unfold in front of him -- like sad family members who have to watch in silence as zombies feast on a loved one. (I also like me some post-apocalyptic shows like Walking Dead and Falling Skies and American Horror Story [not sure what apocalypse that's post, but it's in the same family if you ask me], so much show that when Lori peed on a stick and figured out she was pregnant, I had to force myself to cross off a Skitter and the RubberMan as potential fathers).
... and on Next Iron Chef, there was an "ingenuity" challenge using movie theatre snack bar treats. The Chef who drew gummi bears poured them into a pan and began to melt them en masse -- the camera lingered on the group gummi bear immolation, their little faces melting too quickly to yell out for help. All in all, it was a scarring scene of gummi bear genocide.
I'm just sayin' ...
AN IRON CHEF RECAP FOR EACH EPISODE BY A DEDICATED FAN:
http://blog.chron.com/tubular/2011/11/nextironchef-10929/
PADMA DID HAVE THE BEST LINE OF THE EPISODE:
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-11-17/news/30412309_1_snake-ty-lor-top-chef
FAUX PAS AS PER THE GRAMMARIST:
http://www.grammarist.com/usage/faux-pas/
November 30, 2011
November 29, 2011
Random Tune for Tuesday 11/29/11
2011 is rapidly drawing to a close, which brings me to the letter X in my year long series -- except that it turns out I don't have any artists with the letter X in my cassette collection (sorry Kandi Burress -- I just wasn't aware of your former group in the 80's and 90's when I was enrolled with multiple accounts at Columbia House). So now what?
With the holiday season upon us (the tree will be bought in 72 hours!), I'll turn to a 1999 tune that I probably would have added to my cassettes had it been an option back then -- sung by someone who has occasionally modified her first name to start with an X. (And, it's a tune that I once sang when I was a young-un on a cassette tape with my voice cracking at the high notes -- something I can still remember getting teased about so so many years later ...)
Speaking of holidays -- I abbreviate Christmas as Cmas instead of Xmas ... but I also say Happy Holidays all month long without any pangs of guilt ... To that point, and because I found this recent post of a Facebook connection of mine (credit assigned to Timothy Frantz as the author) to be pithy as it relates to the Christmas/Holidays viral debate ... I wanted to reproduce the majority of it here:
"I see a lot of this Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays stuff [...].
Jesus does not care if you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. And neither should any of you. Christ is simply not that petty.
What's more important is that you remember that we live in a country with 4 million homeless, 47 million without health insurance and [millions of] Americans who suffer with HIV/AIDS and that 22% of all American children live in poverty [...]
You can say "Merry Christmas" all day long, but what matters is not the word Christmas. It's your actions and words that show what you stand for. Commit yourself to serving others and making a difference in the lives of those who may not be as fortunate as you. I think that is what Christ wants for all of us. That should be the Christmas/Holiday spirit.
Please don't be a petty paper Christian who gets offended when someone says 'Happy Holidays'. Say thank you -- and then serve others in the name of Christ and do good work."
X is indirectly for (with a bit of a stretch) XTINA (AGUILERA):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-n3ckur73I&feature=related
With the holiday season upon us (the tree will be bought in 72 hours!), I'll turn to a 1999 tune that I probably would have added to my cassettes had it been an option back then -- sung by someone who has occasionally modified her first name to start with an X. (And, it's a tune that I once sang when I was a young-un on a cassette tape with my voice cracking at the high notes -- something I can still remember getting teased about so so many years later ...)
Speaking of holidays -- I abbreviate Christmas as Cmas instead of Xmas ... but I also say Happy Holidays all month long without any pangs of guilt ... To that point, and because I found this recent post of a Facebook connection of mine (credit assigned to Timothy Frantz as the author) to be pithy as it relates to the Christmas/Holidays viral debate ... I wanted to reproduce the majority of it here:
"I see a lot of this Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays stuff [...].
Jesus does not care if you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. And neither should any of you. Christ is simply not that petty.
What's more important is that you remember that we live in a country with 4 million homeless, 47 million without health insurance and [millions of] Americans who suffer with HIV/AIDS and that 22% of all American children live in poverty [...]
You can say "Merry Christmas" all day long, but what matters is not the word Christmas. It's your actions and words that show what you stand for. Commit yourself to serving others and making a difference in the lives of those who may not be as fortunate as you. I think that is what Christ wants for all of us. That should be the Christmas/Holiday spirit.
Please don't be a petty paper Christian who gets offended when someone says 'Happy Holidays'. Say thank you -- and then serve others in the name of Christ and do good work."
X is indirectly for (with a bit of a stretch) XTINA (AGUILERA):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-n3ckur73I&feature=related
November 28, 2011
Random Memorial for Monday 11/28/11
Gone but not forgotten: households with children in them.
I'm not speaking about some "Children of the Corn" or "Torchwood" fantastical situation, but the fact that census numbers now show that the share of households with children in them dropped from 36% in 2000 to 33.5% in 2010 (the static number of 38 million stayed the same, but the population growth changed the percentages). And, according to today's news, even past stalwarts like Hispanic communities are experiencing a plummeting birthrate (some say because of the recession, others say it's the "Americanization" of this particular ethnic group).
Now that there are more households with dogs than with children in them, the kiddies whom Whitney believed were our future ... you are already missed.
SOME SAY THAT's VERY "GREEN" OF US:
http://www.ecosphericblog.com/1245/2010-census-u-s-has-more-dogs-than-kids/
MOST THINK IT's RELATED TO THE RECESSION:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/cdc-report-birth-rates-plummet-for-young-women-as-economy-worries-likely-keep-the-stork-away/2011/11/17/gIQA9qwiUN_story.html
MORE CATS -- BUT FEWER PLACES:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html
I'm not speaking about some "Children of the Corn" or "Torchwood" fantastical situation, but the fact that census numbers now show that the share of households with children in them dropped from 36% in 2000 to 33.5% in 2010 (the static number of 38 million stayed the same, but the population growth changed the percentages). And, according to today's news, even past stalwarts like Hispanic communities are experiencing a plummeting birthrate (some say because of the recession, others say it's the "Americanization" of this particular ethnic group).
Now that there are more households with dogs than with children in them, the kiddies whom Whitney believed were our future ... you are already missed.
SOME SAY THAT's VERY "GREEN" OF US:
http://www.ecosphericblog.com/1245/2010-census-u-s-has-more-dogs-than-kids/
MOST THINK IT's RELATED TO THE RECESSION:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/cdc-report-birth-rates-plummet-for-young-women-as-economy-worries-likely-keep-the-stork-away/2011/11/17/gIQA9qwiUN_story.html
MORE CATS -- BUT FEWER PLACES:
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html
November 27, 2011
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/27/11
What Chicago is talking about this week:
In the midst of mourning the passing of Maggie Daley (it's still a tragic loss although it was somewhat expected as the family moved up a planned New Year's Eve wedding so that she could attend a few weeks ago -- our thought and prayers are with the Daley family) ... my 'hood just learned of a sneak attack Walmart Express opening this week!
Another planned store eight blocks away is tied up in protests (not everyone wants the "big box" stores in the neighborhoods) and real estate issues ... but surprise ... surprise ... another one at Broadway and Addison flew under the radar and will be open on Wed 11/30. Which means I can now, by virtue of a 15 minute walk, amble to three different Jewel-Oscos, a Whole Foods, a SuperTarget, a Walmart Express, at least two Walgreens, two CVSs, two Starbucks, and about a half dozen 7-11s.
Now if only this plethora of properties to procure provisions would result in some pricing provocations, I'd be pleased as punch at the proliferation of all of these purchasing places. (Who doesn't like a little alliteration on a rainy Sunday?)
WE'RE NEXT ... HERE'S THE CHICAGO WALMART EXPRESS LIST:
http://www.walmartchicago.com/2011/09/21/wal-mart-opens-first-downtown-chicago-store/
REST IN PEACE MAGGIE DALEY ...:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-maggie-daley-dies-20111124,0,1510837.story
SHOP PINK FOR THE HOLIDAYS!:
http://www.bcrfcure.org/part_pinkprod.html
In the midst of mourning the passing of Maggie Daley (it's still a tragic loss although it was somewhat expected as the family moved up a planned New Year's Eve wedding so that she could attend a few weeks ago -- our thought and prayers are with the Daley family) ... my 'hood just learned of a sneak attack Walmart Express opening this week!
Another planned store eight blocks away is tied up in protests (not everyone wants the "big box" stores in the neighborhoods) and real estate issues ... but surprise ... surprise ... another one at Broadway and Addison flew under the radar and will be open on Wed 11/30. Which means I can now, by virtue of a 15 minute walk, amble to three different Jewel-Oscos, a Whole Foods, a SuperTarget, a Walmart Express, at least two Walgreens, two CVSs, two Starbucks, and about a half dozen 7-11s.
Now if only this plethora of properties to procure provisions would result in some pricing provocations, I'd be pleased as punch at the proliferation of all of these purchasing places. (Who doesn't like a little alliteration on a rainy Sunday?)
WE'RE NEXT ... HERE'S THE CHICAGO WALMART EXPRESS LIST:
http://www.walmartchicago.com/2011/09/21/wal-mart-opens-first-downtown-chicago-store/
REST IN PEACE MAGGIE DALEY ...:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-maggie-daley-dies-20111124,0,1510837.story
SHOP PINK FOR THE HOLIDAYS!:
http://www.bcrfcure.org/part_pinkprod.html
November 26, 2011
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/26/11
I don't mean to go off on a rave here, but ...
... it is that time of month (because once a month, I'm committed to turning my weekly rant inside out to go on and on about something positive instead) in a month where I've been bombarded with what so many of my Facebook friends and acquaintances and others of a more tenuous connection have been thankful for. So ... the official holiday may have ended a few dozen hours ago, but here's my 2011 list of 10 items for which I'm thankful:
1.) An active dream life. I feel sorry for those who can't remember their dreams -- as I enjoy mine (even the unexplainable ones or the ones that tend toward the Tarantino in scope and scale). Often, I run into those I've lost in my life (even pets -- my pit bull Demon makes regular guest appearances), including my father's father last week, who showed up out of nowhere asking for help in understanding why all of the coins looked so different (pennies and nickels and quarters of designs not around when he was alive). Anyone want to analyze that one?
2.) My health. I'll be just about 40 years in 40 days, so there's always room for improvement. But if a windedness from climbing stairs, eyes ready for the lasik-ing, and persistent heartburn controlled by nightly generic meds cover my biggest maladies, then I'm not doing so bad after all. Anyone want to House that one and tell me otherwise?
3.) This creative outlet. I'm not naive to think that most of what I put on the blog and force down the throats of others on Facebook is ever read by anyone but me. But it gives me something to do, and keeps my mind in a good place, so even if I alone enjoy it, it's done for the right reason. (And if you're along for the ride, I'm thankful for that too!)
4.) Facebook connectedness. I so enjoyed Herman Wouk's Winds of War and its sequel because I felt like I was keeping tabs on multiple characters in all levels of situations over the course of time. Facebook is like that for me -- even better now that it's on my smart phone and I can actually systemically filter through the lives of others. I kind of like learning about others' public selves.
5.) Real-life connectedness. Not that Facebook is the be-all and end-all of all interactions, though. It's still the time spent with family (as broadly defined as I do), with friends out in Chicago, with strangers met during my travels ... and all that happens in my life that I choose to keep private and off of Facebook. After all, that for which I'm most thankful won't even make this list [(c)1998-present].
6.) Chapters of my life. Going through my life from twenty years ago each Friday as I post a Friday flashback, I'm constantly reminded that I've lived "in the moment" all of my life. That sometimes translates to enjoying those that are part of my life for the short time that they are there, or travelling on paths that were unexpected and decidedly more challenging than I could have imagined, but each chapter is enjoyed as it starts and ends.
7.) My quests. There's always something around the corner. Getting to put my feet into each and every Great Lake. Visiting each HardRockCafe that I can. Touring the US, one big city at a time (alphabetically). Viewing every modern day Presidential Library. Always more to do ... another opportunity to create ... always living in forward motion ...
8.) Work I enjoy. I was a professional student for more years than I've been a career person -- but I'll hit my eighth year with my current company (recession willing) this March, and I couldn't be happier with the "fit" that it is for me.
9.) My life as it is. All in all, and as much as it pains me to quote a Gosselin (I'll assume that someone wrote the tag line for them), "It's a crazy life ... but it's [my] life." I'm not one for regrets and I am thankful to be right where I am today.
10.) TV. I am addicted. I already know this. And my addiction has now been enabled by the DVR. And by being able to find some shows that I can watch online. But there could be worse addictions, and I do so try to balance the drivel with some quality documentaries. All in all, it's a relatively harmless hobby to have to overtake your life, right?
Speaking of TV, here's three things I learned from the last episode of Amazing Race (yep, my Amazing Race Aside for the week ...)
1.) "To travel is to live", to be read with great feeling and drama.
2.) 50 million Lego pieces are used to make Legoland (I'm not sure if that includes the thousands that I'm sure little kids might eat "by accident").
3.) The pictorial symbol for "barf bag" is indeed universal.
CHECK SICKSAVER ON THIS LIST (& THEN PAUSE & ASK, "WHY IS THERE THIS LIST?"):
http://www.sicksack.com/g-nonair.htm
ITEM #3 ABOVE:
http://capcognition.blogspot.com/
WHAT THE INTERWEBS SAY ABOUT YOUR DREAMS:
http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/p2.htm
... it is that time of month (because once a month, I'm committed to turning my weekly rant inside out to go on and on about something positive instead) in a month where I've been bombarded with what so many of my Facebook friends and acquaintances and others of a more tenuous connection have been thankful for. So ... the official holiday may have ended a few dozen hours ago, but here's my 2011 list of 10 items for which I'm thankful:
1.) An active dream life. I feel sorry for those who can't remember their dreams -- as I enjoy mine (even the unexplainable ones or the ones that tend toward the Tarantino in scope and scale). Often, I run into those I've lost in my life (even pets -- my pit bull Demon makes regular guest appearances), including my father's father last week, who showed up out of nowhere asking for help in understanding why all of the coins looked so different (pennies and nickels and quarters of designs not around when he was alive). Anyone want to analyze that one?
2.) My health. I'll be just about 40 years in 40 days, so there's always room for improvement. But if a windedness from climbing stairs, eyes ready for the lasik-ing, and persistent heartburn controlled by nightly generic meds cover my biggest maladies, then I'm not doing so bad after all. Anyone want to House that one and tell me otherwise?
3.) This creative outlet. I'm not naive to think that most of what I put on the blog and force down the throats of others on Facebook is ever read by anyone but me. But it gives me something to do, and keeps my mind in a good place, so even if I alone enjoy it, it's done for the right reason. (And if you're along for the ride, I'm thankful for that too!)
4.) Facebook connectedness. I so enjoyed Herman Wouk's Winds of War and its sequel because I felt like I was keeping tabs on multiple characters in all levels of situations over the course of time. Facebook is like that for me -- even better now that it's on my smart phone and I can actually systemically filter through the lives of others. I kind of like learning about others' public selves.
5.) Real-life connectedness. Not that Facebook is the be-all and end-all of all interactions, though. It's still the time spent with family (as broadly defined as I do), with friends out in Chicago, with strangers met during my travels ... and all that happens in my life that I choose to keep private and off of Facebook. After all, that for which I'm most thankful won't even make this list [(c)1998-present].
6.) Chapters of my life. Going through my life from twenty years ago each Friday as I post a Friday flashback, I'm constantly reminded that I've lived "in the moment" all of my life. That sometimes translates to enjoying those that are part of my life for the short time that they are there, or travelling on paths that were unexpected and decidedly more challenging than I could have imagined, but each chapter is enjoyed as it starts and ends.
7.) My quests. There's always something around the corner. Getting to put my feet into each and every Great Lake. Visiting each HardRockCafe that I can. Touring the US, one big city at a time (alphabetically). Viewing every modern day Presidential Library. Always more to do ... another opportunity to create ... always living in forward motion ...
8.) Work I enjoy. I was a professional student for more years than I've been a career person -- but I'll hit my eighth year with my current company (recession willing) this March, and I couldn't be happier with the "fit" that it is for me.
9.) My life as it is. All in all, and as much as it pains me to quote a Gosselin (I'll assume that someone wrote the tag line for them), "It's a crazy life ... but it's [my] life." I'm not one for regrets and I am thankful to be right where I am today.
10.) TV. I am addicted. I already know this. And my addiction has now been enabled by the DVR. And by being able to find some shows that I can watch online. But there could be worse addictions, and I do so try to balance the drivel with some quality documentaries. All in all, it's a relatively harmless hobby to have to overtake your life, right?
Speaking of TV, here's three things I learned from the last episode of Amazing Race (yep, my Amazing Race Aside for the week ...)
1.) "To travel is to live", to be read with great feeling and drama.
2.) 50 million Lego pieces are used to make Legoland (I'm not sure if that includes the thousands that I'm sure little kids might eat "by accident").
3.) The pictorial symbol for "barf bag" is indeed universal.
CHECK SICKSAVER ON THIS LIST (& THEN PAUSE & ASK, "WHY IS THERE THIS LIST?"):
http://www.sicksack.com/g-nonair.htm
ITEM #3 ABOVE:
http://capcognition.blogspot.com/
WHAT THE INTERWEBS SAY ABOUT YOUR DREAMS:
http://www.dreammoods.com/dreamdictionary/p2.htm
Random Posting for Penn State 11/26/11
1.) Question: Can someone hurry up and book Jerry VanDyke (whom I just saw this week on The Middle) to play Jerry Sandusky in the inevitable movie? [Disclaimer: I'm not making light of the abuse scandal ... just stating the obvious. I know there's nothing to laugh about regarding the victims.]
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: Not the commentator so much as the crowd, but every time they cheer for the Badger player named Toon, I think that they're booing their own team -- kind of like what happens upon occasion at a Pearl Jam concert (I'm thinking of you, organist Boom Gaspar).
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: All the talk about Badger Montee Ball, which, every time, sparks the word association in my head of "Let's Make a Deal!" ...
4.) Stat of the day: 1 of 2. As in, if we had just 1 of those 2 TDs we practically gave Wisconsin, we'd have been tied at halftime.
5.) Final thought: I'm just 144 miles away from Madison, so I can attest that it's a miserable dark dismal rainy afternoon -- which may explain why those Badger uniforms seem to be so slippery as we attempt (and fail) to tackle those wearing them -- but turnovers, penalties and interceptions, OH MY!
IT JUST FEELS RIGHT TO ALWAYS INCLUDE THIS LINK:
http://rainn.org/
SEE FIRST LINK FIRST PLEASE ... BUT THEN SEE THIS NEW PARLOR GAME:
http://villanova.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=1159&tid=149758195&mid=149758195&sid=1000&style=2
HAPPY 20th BDAY PJAM:
http://www.pj20.com/countdown/
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: Not the commentator so much as the crowd, but every time they cheer for the Badger player named Toon, I think that they're booing their own team -- kind of like what happens upon occasion at a Pearl Jam concert (I'm thinking of you, organist Boom Gaspar).
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: All the talk about Badger Montee Ball, which, every time, sparks the word association in my head of "Let's Make a Deal!" ...
4.) Stat of the day: 1 of 2. As in, if we had just 1 of those 2 TDs we practically gave Wisconsin, we'd have been tied at halftime.
5.) Final thought: I'm just 144 miles away from Madison, so I can attest that it's a miserable dark dismal rainy afternoon -- which may explain why those Badger uniforms seem to be so slippery as we attempt (and fail) to tackle those wearing them -- but turnovers, penalties and interceptions, OH MY!
IT JUST FEELS RIGHT TO ALWAYS INCLUDE THIS LINK:
http://rainn.org/
SEE FIRST LINK FIRST PLEASE ... BUT THEN SEE THIS NEW PARLOR GAME:
http://villanova.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?fid=1159&tid=149758195&mid=149758195&sid=1000&style=2
HAPPY 20th BDAY PJAM:
http://www.pj20.com/countdown/
November 25, 2011
Random Flashback for Friday 11/25/11
It's the holidays.
Time for decorating (my tree goes up next weekend).
Time for the music (that started already on the way back from Indiana yesterday).
Time for the family photo ops -- like this one of my sister Bonnie's family (another family member with whom I've reconnected thanks to the workings of the Facebook) some twenty years ago (it nicely bookends the one posted last December --12/17/10 -- although in that one, it was the older Ryan who seemed a little too excited to be photographed and this year, it's the younger Tyler). Of course the shot is still sans youngest family member Kristin, who was added to this family's portraits a few years later ...
Finally, it's time for a shout-out to nephews Ryan (Hey!) and Tyler (What up!) ...
November 24, 2011
Random Thought for Thursday 11/24/11
Curious at all about the science behind the breeding of the turkey you ate today? (Or, at least, the majority of you, as studies show that the US leads the world in per person turkey consumption, and as 31% of that turkey is eaten around the holidays ...) Take a look at these facts from a recent turkey science article I came across:
Turkey growers have specifically bred turkeys to the demands of the consumer, taking the giant turkeys of pre-World-War-I and slimming them down to fit in the smaller ovens of the smaller families in the 30's. And those bronze feathered turkeys seen so frequently in the first Thanksgiving images were jettisoned in favor of the white feathered ones since the purchaser wasn't fond of pigment splotches that would be left over on the meat.
Then came the 60's and the demand for more white meat -- which led to Tom Turkeys with 62% of their usable meat on the breast. And my favorite factoid, this breeding characteristic was such a dramatic change, that the Toms can no longer breed naturally -- "They're anatomically such that you can't get things to match up!", says the gentleman quoted in the article below. Which, in turn, led to another scientific development -- the Poultry Semen Extender, a solution that allows 1 male to get to 20-30 females, artificially.
By all means -- I hope you enjoyed your meal (I know I did mine -- it didn't top the bacon turkey of a few years back, but this year's rosemary lemon style was sure tasty). But maybe, next year, a little more sympathy for the genetically altered beast on your table who has never experienced the joy of mating might just be in order ...
Oh yeah ... Happy Thanksgiving!
MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY READING IN QUITE SOME TIME:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2010-11-24-turkeytalk24_ST_N.htm
A SLIGHTLY ANGRIER TAKE ON THE STATE OF THE MODERN TURKEY:
http://motherboard.tv/2011/11/23/despite-their-giant-breasts-messed-up-modern-turkeys-can-t-mate
THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON OF THE TURKEY THROUGH THE YEARS:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/thanksgiving-turkey-pardon-5-theatrical-moments-for-presidential-birds/2011/11/23/gIQAhgHXoN_blog.html
Turkey growers have specifically bred turkeys to the demands of the consumer, taking the giant turkeys of pre-World-War-I and slimming them down to fit in the smaller ovens of the smaller families in the 30's. And those bronze feathered turkeys seen so frequently in the first Thanksgiving images were jettisoned in favor of the white feathered ones since the purchaser wasn't fond of pigment splotches that would be left over on the meat.
Then came the 60's and the demand for more white meat -- which led to Tom Turkeys with 62% of their usable meat on the breast. And my favorite factoid, this breeding characteristic was such a dramatic change, that the Toms can no longer breed naturally -- "They're anatomically such that you can't get things to match up!", says the gentleman quoted in the article below. Which, in turn, led to another scientific development -- the Poultry Semen Extender, a solution that allows 1 male to get to 20-30 females, artificially.
By all means -- I hope you enjoyed your meal (I know I did mine -- it didn't top the bacon turkey of a few years back, but this year's rosemary lemon style was sure tasty). But maybe, next year, a little more sympathy for the genetically altered beast on your table who has never experienced the joy of mating might just be in order ...
Oh yeah ... Happy Thanksgiving!
MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY READING IN QUITE SOME TIME:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2010-11-24-turkeytalk24_ST_N.htm
A SLIGHTLY ANGRIER TAKE ON THE STATE OF THE MODERN TURKEY:
http://motherboard.tv/2011/11/23/despite-their-giant-breasts-messed-up-modern-turkeys-can-t-mate
THE PRESIDENTIAL PARDON OF THE TURKEY THROUGH THE YEARS:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/thanksgiving-turkey-pardon-5-theatrical-moments-for-presidential-birds/2011/11/23/gIQAhgHXoN_blog.html
November 23, 2011
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/23/11
Indiana Ho!
Used in an extra long sentence overburdened with unnecessary parenthetical: "That's not a person from Indiana of loose morals (although I was in Indy this past fall and can attest that they exist), nor is it a special implement for farming only used by Hoosiers (although it wouldn't surprise me if the content from the last set of parentheses couldn't just be repeated here) -- but it is the exhortation I'm about to proclaim in a few moments after loading up the car (a la Westward Ho!) and beginning my trip towards a family celebration in and around South Bend: Indiana Ho!"
A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
HOOSIER PIE, AS FEATURED ON FOOD FLOOZIE:
http://foodfloozie.blogspot.com/2011/10/indiana-cream-pie-for-purdue-game.html
CONTRACTORS IN INDIANA THAT DEAL WITH HOOSIER HOES:
http://www.findcontractor.org/farm-equipment-state/IN-farm-equipment.htm
WESTWARD HO IS QUITE THE INNOCENT CONCEPT:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/westwardho.htm
Used in an extra long sentence overburdened with unnecessary parenthetical: "That's not a person from Indiana of loose morals (although I was in Indy this past fall and can attest that they exist), nor is it a special implement for farming only used by Hoosiers (although it wouldn't surprise me if the content from the last set of parentheses couldn't just be repeated here) -- but it is the exhortation I'm about to proclaim in a few moments after loading up the car (a la Westward Ho!) and beginning my trip towards a family celebration in and around South Bend: Indiana Ho!"
A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
HOOSIER PIE, AS FEATURED ON FOOD FLOOZIE:
http://foodfloozie.blogspot.com/2011/10/indiana-cream-pie-for-purdue-game.html
CONTRACTORS IN INDIANA THAT DEAL WITH HOOSIER HOES:
http://www.findcontractor.org/farm-equipment-state/IN-farm-equipment.htm
WESTWARD HO IS QUITE THE INNOCENT CONCEPT:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/westwardho.htm
November 22, 2011
Random Tune for Tuesday 11/22/11
Her latest album ELEVEN has been playing in the car CD player non-stop since being released on Oct 11, 2011, and since I think you can never get enough Martina, here's her "seasonal" song (more Halloween, I realize) that I think still carries a powerful message for Thursday's holiday (particularly for those of you've who've been wounded, jaded, wonderin', searchin', readin', writin', prayin', fightin' and who, like me, just sometimes need a perspective adjustment):
I've been searchin', wonderin', thinkin', lost and lookin' all my life.
I've been wounded, jaded, loved and hated,
I've wrestled wrong and right...
I've been readin', writin', prayin', fightin' --
I guess I would be still ...
YEAH, THAT WAS UNTIL ... I MET GOD's WILL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCRrrP0EhPc&ob=av2e
I've been searchin', wonderin', thinkin', lost and lookin' all my life.
I've been wounded, jaded, loved and hated,
I've wrestled wrong and right...
I've been readin', writin', prayin', fightin' --
I guess I would be still ...
YEAH, THAT WAS UNTIL ... I MET GOD's WILL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCRrrP0EhPc&ob=av2e
November 21, 2011
Random Memorial for Monday 11/21/11
Gone but not forgotten: my "shadow blog".
FB, which is run by the subset of our generation that fully embraces its adult ADHD diagnoses, has announced that it will no longer automatically import blog posts to one's notes section.
Since I started this side project/creative outlet years ago (time sure does fly when you have a daily posting regimen), my nephew had this option turned on to automatically take the full blog post (which almost always includes random links to the interwebs as a bonus content feature to the randomness of the day) and to send it to Facebook notes as a different way to view that which was on my mind. It was kind of like I was getting multiple bites at the blog apple, if you will.
That which once was standard in my little bloggy world, you will be missed.
BECAUSE AUTOMATION ISN'T PERSONAL, SAYS ONE:
http://sociableboost.com/facebook-no-longer-going-to-import-blog-posts/
BUT REALLY THEY WANT YOU BLOGGING ON FB INSTEAD:
http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=206051139465982#My-blog-isn't-importing-to-Facebook.
FUN FOR ME ... FEEL FREE TO SNOOP AROUND:
http://capcognition.blogspot.com/
FB, which is run by the subset of our generation that fully embraces its adult ADHD diagnoses, has announced that it will no longer automatically import blog posts to one's notes section.
Since I started this side project/creative outlet years ago (time sure does fly when you have a daily posting regimen), my nephew had this option turned on to automatically take the full blog post (which almost always includes random links to the interwebs as a bonus content feature to the randomness of the day) and to send it to Facebook notes as a different way to view that which was on my mind. It was kind of like I was getting multiple bites at the blog apple, if you will.
That which once was standard in my little bloggy world, you will be missed.
BECAUSE AUTOMATION ISN'T PERSONAL, SAYS ONE:
http://sociableboost.com/facebook-no-longer-going-to-import-blog-posts/
BUT REALLY THEY WANT YOU BLOGGING ON FB INSTEAD:
http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=206051139465982#My-blog-isn't-importing-to-Facebook.
FUN FOR ME ... FEEL FREE TO SNOOP AROUND:
http://capcognition.blogspot.com/
November 20, 2011
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/20/11
What Chicago is talking about this week:
It's ward redistricting time.
Which in and of itself is a standard political process to adjust for population changes.
But in Chicago -- it's a racially tinged conversation pitting groups against each other in an attempt to wield aldermanic power. With the burden of being one of the top three segregated cities as of a 2011 report (trailing NYC and Milwaukee), we're now in the midst of fighting over how to redraw maps that account for a loss of 181,000 African Americans in the last 10 years (there are currently 19 predominantly African American wards) and a growth of 25,000 Hispanics (who now have 10 predominantly Latino wards and suggest that they should have closer to 14). The map is due December 1st ... so an unhappy Thanksgiving is ahead for all of those with "skin in the game" -- skin of any color.
For a purportedly race-blind take on the issue, see the Pro Bono Thinking Society's suggested solution (that's a foundation that offers free thinking to those in need -- I kid you not -- that's my new dream job)!
FREE THINKING FOR THOSE IN NEED:
http://www.probonothinking.org/new-wards-of-chicago/
THE BURDEN WE BEAR IN THIS CITY:
http://legallysociable.com/2011/04/04/chicago-named-3rd-most-segregated-city-in-the-country/
DRAMA DUE THIS DECEMBER:
http://timeoutchicago.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-chicago/15023005/chicago-ward-remap-drama
It's ward redistricting time.
Which in and of itself is a standard political process to adjust for population changes.
But in Chicago -- it's a racially tinged conversation pitting groups against each other in an attempt to wield aldermanic power. With the burden of being one of the top three segregated cities as of a 2011 report (trailing NYC and Milwaukee), we're now in the midst of fighting over how to redraw maps that account for a loss of 181,000 African Americans in the last 10 years (there are currently 19 predominantly African American wards) and a growth of 25,000 Hispanics (who now have 10 predominantly Latino wards and suggest that they should have closer to 14). The map is due December 1st ... so an unhappy Thanksgiving is ahead for all of those with "skin in the game" -- skin of any color.
For a purportedly race-blind take on the issue, see the Pro Bono Thinking Society's suggested solution (that's a foundation that offers free thinking to those in need -- I kid you not -- that's my new dream job)!
FREE THINKING FOR THOSE IN NEED:
http://www.probonothinking.org/new-wards-of-chicago/
THE BURDEN WE BEAR IN THIS CITY:
http://legallysociable.com/2011/04/04/chicago-named-3rd-most-segregated-city-in-the-country/
DRAMA DUE THIS DECEMBER:
http://timeoutchicago.com/things-to-do/this-week-in-chicago/15023005/chicago-ward-remap-drama
November 19, 2011
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/19/11
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... I need the assistance of my friends who are actors or play some other role in the entertainment world, as I've noticed a disturbing trend on both the small and big screens that I'd like to see reversed.
If you are interacting with a coffee cup as a prop -- particularly one that is in a to-go container, -- could you please do me a favor and "act" like there's a hot liquid in said prop? I'm not saying you have to get all method and create a sense memory and go burn your privates like that poor old lady did at McDonalds (well I guess she was once poor, but I'm pretty sure she's a millionaire now), but I also don't want to be taken out of the moment as a viewer when you take what is clearly something that is empty and toss it around negligently in the scene.
Maybe it's obvious, but I feel like it needed to be said. If I had more time and money on my hands, I'd consider making that my raison d'etre.
And speaking of obvious things that need to be said (and having just the right amount of time on my hands), that's also the theme for the first item listed in my Amazing Race Aside for last week's episode. Here are three things I learned from the most recent leg of the journey:
1.) If you are in a race and you notice that everyone else is not around you, it is probably not the best idea to consider that as "down time" and just take a nap instead of trying to figure out what happened. And if you do decide that you've been left behind and just have to wait it out for the next opportunity, and if you're in Amsterdam, I would think that there's more to do outside of the airport (including the purchase of items that might just be a "sleep aid" ... or a "munchie aid", if you get my drift).
2.) Silly boy, it's pronounced /koh-puhn-hey-guhn/ or /koh-puhn-hah-guhn/, but it is most certainly not pronounced /koh-ping-en/.
3.) I never knew that Denmark actually consisted of 450 islands. It always seemed like one land mass on the maps when I was young. Thanks, Phil, for rocking my world view!
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FOR COPENHAGEN:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/copenhagen
THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE PLACE OF 450 ISLANDS:
http://www.denmark.dk/en
WAIT A MINUTE -- THIS IS ACTING 101?!:
http://www.heyheymicky.com/?p=287
... I need the assistance of my friends who are actors or play some other role in the entertainment world, as I've noticed a disturbing trend on both the small and big screens that I'd like to see reversed.
If you are interacting with a coffee cup as a prop -- particularly one that is in a to-go container, -- could you please do me a favor and "act" like there's a hot liquid in said prop? I'm not saying you have to get all method and create a sense memory and go burn your privates like that poor old lady did at McDonalds (well I guess she was once poor, but I'm pretty sure she's a millionaire now), but I also don't want to be taken out of the moment as a viewer when you take what is clearly something that is empty and toss it around negligently in the scene.
Maybe it's obvious, but I feel like it needed to be said. If I had more time and money on my hands, I'd consider making that my raison d'etre.
And speaking of obvious things that need to be said (and having just the right amount of time on my hands), that's also the theme for the first item listed in my Amazing Race Aside for last week's episode. Here are three things I learned from the most recent leg of the journey:
1.) If you are in a race and you notice that everyone else is not around you, it is probably not the best idea to consider that as "down time" and just take a nap instead of trying to figure out what happened. And if you do decide that you've been left behind and just have to wait it out for the next opportunity, and if you're in Amsterdam, I would think that there's more to do outside of the airport (including the purchase of items that might just be a "sleep aid" ... or a "munchie aid", if you get my drift).
2.) Silly boy, it's pronounced /koh-puhn-hey-guhn/ or /koh-puhn-hah-guhn/, but it is most certainly not pronounced /koh-ping-en/.
3.) I never knew that Denmark actually consisted of 450 islands. It always seemed like one land mass on the maps when I was young. Thanks, Phil, for rocking my world view!
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FOR COPENHAGEN:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/copenhagen
THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE PLACE OF 450 ISLANDS:
http://www.denmark.dk/en
WAIT A MINUTE -- THIS IS ACTING 101?!:
http://www.heyheymicky.com/?p=287
Random Posting for Penn State 11/19/11
1.) Question: Why do all referees sound exactly the same -- is it because they all say the same thing into those booming mikes, so the base voice underneath it all doesn't matter?
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: said after returning from a commercial with shots of the Columbus Zoo playing in the background --> "It was kind of a zoo on that last snap." If you're going to be an announcer, you have to go to segue school -- and, as a side note, you also must never take inspiration from Whoopi Goldberg as she's another regular forced-segue-offender on The View.
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: it wasn't exactly what the commentator said, but it was the image of the Chick-Fil-A cows that pop up as the graphic (since they're a sponsor). I don't have the room, but they do make me want to have a cow or two as pets.
4.) Stat of the day: 11. As in the number of years since Adam Taliaferro was injured at the Horseshoe (the Ohio State stadium -- not the stripper bar down the street). Motivational symbolism that the human spirit can survive the darkest days ... for the team, for the institution, and for Jerry's Kids (the Sandusky victims, not the MDA poster children).
5.) Final thought: it may be "treatable", but it won't be easy -- particularly when exacerbated by the stresses of the unfolding scandal. Our thoughts and prayers are with JoePa and his family as he faces this battle at the same time he deals with all things Sanduskian.
ANOTHER BAD SEGUE:
http://www.aoltv.com/2010/12/10/cnn-introduces-bowel-disease-story-with-diarrhea-scene-from-dum/
EAT MOR CHIKIN:
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Cows/Gallery
AS FEATURED ON THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE WEBSITE:
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4466179/k.3ED8/Continuously_Raising_the_Bar__Adam_Taliaferro.htm
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: said after returning from a commercial with shots of the Columbus Zoo playing in the background --> "It was kind of a zoo on that last snap." If you're going to be an announcer, you have to go to segue school -- and, as a side note, you also must never take inspiration from Whoopi Goldberg as she's another regular forced-segue-offender on The View.
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: it wasn't exactly what the commentator said, but it was the image of the Chick-Fil-A cows that pop up as the graphic (since they're a sponsor). I don't have the room, but they do make me want to have a cow or two as pets.
4.) Stat of the day: 11. As in the number of years since Adam Taliaferro was injured at the Horseshoe (the Ohio State stadium -- not the stripper bar down the street). Motivational symbolism that the human spirit can survive the darkest days ... for the team, for the institution, and for Jerry's Kids (the Sandusky victims, not the MDA poster children).
5.) Final thought: it may be "treatable", but it won't be easy -- particularly when exacerbated by the stresses of the unfolding scandal. Our thoughts and prayers are with JoePa and his family as he faces this battle at the same time he deals with all things Sanduskian.
ANOTHER BAD SEGUE:
http://www.aoltv.com/2010/12/10/cnn-introduces-bowel-disease-story-with-diarrhea-scene-from-dum/
EAT MOR CHIKIN:
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Cows/Gallery
AS FEATURED ON THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE WEBSITE:
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4466179/k.3ED8/Continuously_Raising_the_Bar__Adam_Taliaferro.htm
November 18, 2011
Random Flashback for Friday 11/18/11
Maybe it's being a child of divorce (a few times over) -- or maybe it's the rules for fair coverage of political candidates this time of year, but I feel like I have to give equal time to both sides of the family tree.
Since I spoke earlier this week about my biological father (by the way, his surgery went fine and he is returning to the nursing home tomorrow), I figured it only fair to include this picture today.
This is my biological mother's late partner Skip. And I have to include two disclaimers ...
1) tonight when I pulled this out of my 1991 photo album, I saw on the back of it that it said Christmas 1992, so tonight's memory may only be 19 years old instead of twenty ... and ...
2) that same notation said that the significance of this jar o honey was to remind Skip of his brush with death -- a story I don't know, so I'll have to tag someone else in to complete this memory! Holly -- I think you can best fill in the "bee" blanks here, no?
November 17, 2011
Random Thought for Thursday 11/17/11
I know this may come across as contradictory to my stated plans to lose some weight before turning 40 in Florida in a few more weeks (and don't worry, I'm not packing any old man speedos -- but I do so love a wifebeater ... and don't worry about that, as I mean the undershirt and not the Drew Peterson/OJ Simpson ilk) ... but if there's anything that's going to accelerate my end game of one day appearing like the blobs in Wall-E, that would be my TV watching schedule on Wednesday nights this season.
I watch the ABC comedies (except for the new Suburgatory -- sorry Sisto, I prefer you dark and brooding), DVR ANTM (yes, I just said that, I'm a fan of those who can smize), catch the X Factor and Up All Night and Extreme Couponing on demand (how's that for a collection of randomness), flip to Top Chef: Texas (for some Emmy winning competition reality), schedule Work of Art for the weekend (for some exposure to those who are "touched" and express it through odd challenges), bemoan the fact that I have to skip Blue Mountain State this season (I'm just out of room on my storage device!) and end my night with the twisted marvelousness that is American Horror Story (now that's an amusement park attraction just waiting to be made).
I am open to the suggestion that I may have an addiction (but at least it's a well rounded one)!
I DO SO LOVE A MIND MORE TWISTED THAN I:
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/ahs/
I DO SO LOVE TO BE ABOVE AVERAGE:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_1_33/ai_95909852/
I DO SO LOVE THAT THE INTERWEBS HAVE A LIST OF CELEBRITY WIFE BEATERS:
http://www.moviezadda.com/world-famous-wife-beaters.html
I watch the ABC comedies (except for the new Suburgatory -- sorry Sisto, I prefer you dark and brooding), DVR ANTM (yes, I just said that, I'm a fan of those who can smize), catch the X Factor and Up All Night and Extreme Couponing on demand (how's that for a collection of randomness), flip to Top Chef: Texas (for some Emmy winning competition reality), schedule Work of Art for the weekend (for some exposure to those who are "touched" and express it through odd challenges), bemoan the fact that I have to skip Blue Mountain State this season (I'm just out of room on my storage device!) and end my night with the twisted marvelousness that is American Horror Story (now that's an amusement park attraction just waiting to be made).
I am open to the suggestion that I may have an addiction (but at least it's a well rounded one)!
I DO SO LOVE A MIND MORE TWISTED THAN I:
http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/ahs/
I DO SO LOVE TO BE ABOVE AVERAGE:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_1_33/ai_95909852/
I DO SO LOVE THAT THE INTERWEBS HAVE A LIST OF CELEBRITY WIFE BEATERS:
http://www.moviezadda.com/world-famous-wife-beaters.html
November 16, 2011
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/16/11
Pacemaker Installation or Implantation.
Used in a sentence: "I could tell when I typed it in an email to my family that it seemed like the wrong choice of word -- but I just couldn't decide if it was a Pacemaker Installation or Implantation."
Either way, my biological father is currently out of his usual spot in Lebanon's nursing home and in the Ephrata Community Hospital (via the VA) to have a pacemaker installed (or implanted ... or imbued -- must ... look ... away ... from ... the ... thesaurus ...).
Apparently, it's an easy surgery ... I'm assuming it's also easy for an 88 year old who's had lots of previous cardiac attention ... therefore I'm thinking that all should return to normal soon enough. But for those of you whom I've seen take requests, feel free to say a prayer or send "recovery" thoughts his way.
If only I was finding out this news 48 hours ago, then I could have ended the post with: Ralph's chances of ever riding on a rollercoaster ever again, you will be missed.
I DON'T THINK HE'S EVER BEEN ON THE INTERNET, SO HE'S MISSING THIS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_th92X3BE5M
IF YOUR HEART CAN'T TAKE IT, SKIP THE COASTERS:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20051116/roller-coasters-safe-for-heart
ROOM 200, BUT DON'T MAKE ANY PRANK CALLS 'CAUSE HE'S SUPER-OLD:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20051116/roller-coasters-safe-for-heart
Used in a sentence: "I could tell when I typed it in an email to my family that it seemed like the wrong choice of word -- but I just couldn't decide if it was a Pacemaker Installation or Implantation."
Either way, my biological father is currently out of his usual spot in Lebanon's nursing home and in the Ephrata Community Hospital (via the VA) to have a pacemaker installed (or implanted ... or imbued -- must ... look ... away ... from ... the ... thesaurus ...).
Apparently, it's an easy surgery ... I'm assuming it's also easy for an 88 year old who's had lots of previous cardiac attention ... therefore I'm thinking that all should return to normal soon enough. But for those of you whom I've seen take requests, feel free to say a prayer or send "recovery" thoughts his way.
If only I was finding out this news 48 hours ago, then I could have ended the post with: Ralph's chances of ever riding on a rollercoaster ever again, you will be missed.
I DON'T THINK HE'S EVER BEEN ON THE INTERNET, SO HE'S MISSING THIS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_th92X3BE5M
IF YOUR HEART CAN'T TAKE IT, SKIP THE COASTERS:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20051116/roller-coasters-safe-for-heart
ROOM 200, BUT DON'T MAKE ANY PRANK CALLS 'CAUSE HE'S SUPER-OLD:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20051116/roller-coasters-safe-for-heart
November 15, 2011
Random Tune for Tuesday 11/15/11
Sometimes the snow comes down in June. Sometimes the sun goes round the moon.
Sometimes you are Miss America and make some bad decisions and take some interesting photos and lose your crown and end up with a music career to show off your amazing voice.
And then sometimes you show up in my eccentric and eclectic cassette collection and sometimes you're chosen to represent the letter 'w' in that ongoing series.
And speaking of sun going round the moon, sometimes (like today, 11/15) it's exactly 400 days until the end of the Mayan calendar, so sometimes you might need encouragement to go find the "best" that was being saved for "the last" just in case our collective times are running out! (Isn't this world a crazy place?)
And this "Save the Best for Last" is not the Adele version (she wasn't even born twenty years ago when I was collecting cassettes, was she?) ... but the one from Vanessa.
W is for WILLIAMS, VANESSA L.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EdmHSTwmWY&ob=av3e
Sometimes you are Miss America and make some bad decisions and take some interesting photos and lose your crown and end up with a music career to show off your amazing voice.
And then sometimes you show up in my eccentric and eclectic cassette collection and sometimes you're chosen to represent the letter 'w' in that ongoing series.
And speaking of sun going round the moon, sometimes (like today, 11/15) it's exactly 400 days until the end of the Mayan calendar, so sometimes you might need encouragement to go find the "best" that was being saved for "the last" just in case our collective times are running out! (Isn't this world a crazy place?)
And this "Save the Best for Last" is not the Adele version (she wasn't even born twenty years ago when I was collecting cassettes, was she?) ... but the one from Vanessa.
W is for WILLIAMS, VANESSA L.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EdmHSTwmWY&ob=av3e
November 14, 2011
Random Memorial for Monday 11/14/11
Gone but not forgotten: my favorite toothpicks.
It's not just part of my social uniform (if you see me out, chances are there's a toothpick in my mouth -- and before you crack a joke at my expense about an oral fixation, just know that I've been doing it for years -- and I've finally graduated from erasers to pencils to pens to picks over my lifetime). My affinity to pick my teeth is part of my dental hygiene process, and my new dentist (new as in she took over the office I used to go to and new as in she's just out of dental school and took her NBDEs not that long ago) approves. (She also told me how bad she was at flossing in an ill-fated attempt to establish rapport and tried to match the color of my last filling to the natural discoloration that was going on in my mouth, so maybe it's time to find a veteran dentist.)
But now that my brand is no longer made (Dolly supplied the last box from the Walmart a few months ago), I'm stuck with some approximation of a sturdy plastic toothpick with a tickler on the end of it that doesn't hold up to the rigor of my cleaning activities.
[Although it's still better than the wooden toothpicks, which used to splinter in a way that I then needed another toothpick to pick the toothpick out of my teeth.]
Plastic implement that used to satisfy me, you are sorely missed.
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE "THROWPICKS":
http://www.garyspeer.com/800/when-does-a-toothpick-become-a-throwpick/
THESE JUST AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Doctor-S-Interdental-Toothpicks-Brushpicks-250-CT/10997207
WHAT OTHERS DO WITH TOOTHPICKS (more power to them):
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2011/04/one-man-100000-toothpicks-and-35-years-scott-weavers-rolling-through-the-bay/
It's not just part of my social uniform (if you see me out, chances are there's a toothpick in my mouth -- and before you crack a joke at my expense about an oral fixation, just know that I've been doing it for years -- and I've finally graduated from erasers to pencils to pens to picks over my lifetime). My affinity to pick my teeth is part of my dental hygiene process, and my new dentist (new as in she took over the office I used to go to and new as in she's just out of dental school and took her NBDEs not that long ago) approves. (She also told me how bad she was at flossing in an ill-fated attempt to establish rapport and tried to match the color of my last filling to the natural discoloration that was going on in my mouth, so maybe it's time to find a veteran dentist.)
But now that my brand is no longer made (Dolly supplied the last box from the Walmart a few months ago), I'm stuck with some approximation of a sturdy plastic toothpick with a tickler on the end of it that doesn't hold up to the rigor of my cleaning activities.
[Although it's still better than the wooden toothpicks, which used to splinter in a way that I then needed another toothpick to pick the toothpick out of my teeth.]
Plastic implement that used to satisfy me, you are sorely missed.
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE "THROWPICKS":
http://www.garyspeer.com/800/when-does-a-toothpick-become-a-throwpick/
THESE JUST AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Doctor-S-Interdental-Toothpicks-Brushpicks-250-CT/10997207
WHAT OTHERS DO WITH TOOTHPICKS (more power to them):
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2011/04/one-man-100000-toothpicks-and-35-years-scott-weavers-rolling-through-the-bay/
November 13, 2011
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/13/11
What Chicago is talking about this week:
This wonderful weather. It's mid-November and it's in the mid-sixties and all the windows in the apartment are open to take advantage of those warm 40mph winds. And this while we're all awaiting what we've been told will be the worst winter weather in Chicago -- ever. (I might have to refer back to this post to warm me up in a few months ... we'll see). I do feel a little guilty since I have friends back home that tricked and treated in snow this year, and all I have to do today is dodge the projectile fallen leaves that have become mini airborne missiles.
I have one last selfish request. Since I go to sleep each night already thinking about my trip to the tip of Florida this upcoming January, can I please ask that the frigidity be in place by then to make that trip all the more meaningful!
Speaking of Florida, I'm actively looking for suggestions to get out on the water for this trip (after having a memorable experience in the Everglades in 2011). And speaking of getting out on the water, that reminds me a little bit of Lake Malawi, as featured in last week's Race (yep, it's my Amazing Race Aside for the week) ...
Three things I learned from last week's episode:
1.) "Finding a hair on an elephant's butt" might be the Aussie equivalent of "needle in a haystack".
2.) Malawi seemed a lot like Chicago -- overcrowded, SRO buses, bikes getting run off the road right and left and tons of kids out and about who look like they should be in school.
3.) Giving out instructions while under pressure can be a chore for anyone -- hence the dating duo's struggle with "this is how you turn it -- you put the thing in the thing"!
WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK STARTS TODAY:
http://www.examiner.com/weather-in-chicago/winter-weather-preparedness-week-november-13-19
I THINK THIS MIGHT BE MORE FOR THOSE IN THE 1% ...:
http://miamiwaterlifetours.com/
OTHERS THOUGHT THE PHRASE ODD AS WELL:
http://offcolortv.com/?p=6362
This wonderful weather. It's mid-November and it's in the mid-sixties and all the windows in the apartment are open to take advantage of those warm 40mph winds. And this while we're all awaiting what we've been told will be the worst winter weather in Chicago -- ever. (I might have to refer back to this post to warm me up in a few months ... we'll see). I do feel a little guilty since I have friends back home that tricked and treated in snow this year, and all I have to do today is dodge the projectile fallen leaves that have become mini airborne missiles.
I have one last selfish request. Since I go to sleep each night already thinking about my trip to the tip of Florida this upcoming January, can I please ask that the frigidity be in place by then to make that trip all the more meaningful!
Speaking of Florida, I'm actively looking for suggestions to get out on the water for this trip (after having a memorable experience in the Everglades in 2011). And speaking of getting out on the water, that reminds me a little bit of Lake Malawi, as featured in last week's Race (yep, it's my Amazing Race Aside for the week) ...
Three things I learned from last week's episode:
1.) "Finding a hair on an elephant's butt" might be the Aussie equivalent of "needle in a haystack".
2.) Malawi seemed a lot like Chicago -- overcrowded, SRO buses, bikes getting run off the road right and left and tons of kids out and about who look like they should be in school.
3.) Giving out instructions while under pressure can be a chore for anyone -- hence the dating duo's struggle with "this is how you turn it -- you put the thing in the thing"!
WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK STARTS TODAY:
http://www.examiner.com/weather-in-chicago/winter-weather-preparedness-week-november-13-19
I THINK THIS MIGHT BE MORE FOR THOSE IN THE 1% ...:
http://miamiwaterlifetours.com/
OTHERS THOUGHT THE PHRASE ODD AS WELL:
http://offcolortv.com/?p=6362
November 12, 2011
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/12/11
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... it's been a challenging week to be a Penn State fan (and even that sounds like a bit of an understatement).
And let me set the stage correctly, as I'm clearly more of just a casual fan. Truth be told, I've been to more concerts than I have been to games (it was just one live game, courtesy of my sister when she lived in State College, and during the year of the motorcycle when I was looking for short trips I could take from Lebanon on the weekends). I've latched on to following the seasons more closely now that I'm in Chicago since it gives me a connection to my state of upbringing (that's not a commentary on my stepmother issues, that's a direct reference to Pennsylvania). But that doesn't make the Sandusky Scandal any easier to process.
Here's what I think I know a week into this:
1.) Sexual abuse of minors is always wrong. I know that seems obvious, but it seems like there are those who imply that if you show any degree of support for JoePa that you're raping the young ones all over again -- and I do reject that theory. But in what quickly becomes an exercise in exploring the "gray", I just have to state emphatically up front that this premise is black and white -- stealing the innocence of the young is heinous, and hearing about what's been done is heartbreaking.
2.) Violating the trust placed in you to care for youth in such a harmful way also leads directly to a special place in hell. Seeking prey from amongst those who are already disadvantaged is the lowest of the low.
3.) "Grooming" is a very real concept. In these early media reports, it sounds a little like the "glamoring" that the vampires do to their victims, but even to make that connection to the fictional hot topic of the moment does this statement injustice. To research it is to be sickened a little, but if you want to understand that "monsters" are all around us, and that they seldom take on the appearance of an "monster", delve a little into this deviant behavior. Months ... years ... one step at a time to inoculate the victim against what is to come ... all in the hopes that the predator can keep his victim confused enough to continue the abuse. I've seen this happen first hand (that's a story for another time and another day after legal has cleared the information) and can speak to its unique abuse of power between predator and prey.
4.) This revelation has taken armchair quarterbacking to a new level -- instead it's not a discussion of play calls, but a conversation about what everyone says they would have done in that situation, as if we are know exactly how we'd channel our inner Chris Hanson. The still developing timeline finally discloses some of the "who knew what when" that helps an outsider start to craft theories of how blame should be placed. And the seriousness of the crime brings out the expected level of indignation -- but I can't believe that everyone's claims about what they would have done that day in the shower, or in the days thereafter, exactly ring true to the way things really happen in life. The world needs more super-heroes, for sure, but put some variation of this into your workplace. Get HR involved -- and the lawyers -- and the privacy issues -- and the twist that this was a former employee associated with a charity at the time -- and then see how quickly something so black and white becomes gray and muddied.
5.) After typing that last paragraph, I feel like I have to refer anyone reading back to item #1, just to keep things in the right perspective.
6.) Even character traits that cause folks to love us can lead to our downfall if taken to the extreme. So this is admittedly a bit of conjecture on my part, but I have to wonder if those things we've always known about our JoePa (his fierce sense of loyalty, his ability to inspire his staff and his players to a greater cause, his generous spirit) might have played into this situation. Could someone who is fiercely loyal have been blinded to the facts? Might his generous spirit allowed him to give the (wrong) benefit of the doubt when this was brought to his attention? I wasn't there to hear that early March 2002 conversation, and I doubt we'll ever see a transcript of it, but somehow, in some way, what was observed that day in the shower seems to have migrated to the wrong end of the boy-rape/horseplay continuum. Figuring out how this great man could be involved in just that scenario is one of the most painful parts of this scandal.
7.) Which really brings me to what I've been thinking since the news of this situation came to light. This is more about how an institution has responded (or chosen not to) than an individual (even though it's only human nature to put ourselves into the scandal as individuals taking other individuals to task). And in that way, it's much like the abuse scandal that has plagued the Catholic church. Of course, using that analogy, I'm not sure if Spanier or JoePa is the Pope, but it does start to make a little more sense to me how the abuse allegations can be swallowed up by the machine and not make it out to the outside police sources. Again -- I'm not defending the choices that were made, I'm just tempering all of the outrage I've heard about how this could have happened with another real world example. And, if you haven't yet seen the news, the Citadel has just announced that it too has a camp counselor on staff that's been investigated in the past and that they too have abuse allegations that may have been swept under its institutional rug.
8.) The victims are being forgotten. Or so say many. But then there's the take of the lawyer representing some of them -- which is that they are being victimized all over again by the way that this is being handled. In addition to having to take their healing to the public in a way that they couldn't have possible imagined, they now have to deal with the guilt of how this played out in the national media. In the lawyer's words ... "these victims ... may not want to be associated with the downfall of Joe Paterno". But let's also be clear -- the tale of Victim 1 (so called not because he was the first victim, but because he was the one who had the parental support system in place to push to be the first one to come forward) speaks directly to the courage that these boys have had to summon. And let's not ever forget that.
9.) I discovered that I kept on coming back to the word "sad" as I processed everything. And since I used it so much, I thought that a quick peek at the thesaurus might help me be more articulate -- but instead it just made me more depressed. All the same, here goes ... unhappy, depressed, blue, cheerless, dejected, despairing, despondent, disconsolate, distressed, doleful, down, forlorn, gloomy, glum, grieved, heartbroke, heartsick, heavyhearted, lugubrious, melancholy, morose, mournful, out of sorts, pensive, somber, sorrowful, troubled, woebegone. Feel free to choose the one that resonates most with you ...
10.) The last thing I know -- there's much I don't know. But -- we move forward. For as much as I know that the victims must heal (again), that the perpetrator must be punished, that the institutional approach to abuse allegations must be challenged (whether in the arena for the religion of football or the one for the religion of religion), there's also so much I don't know. Was there more of an active cover-up instead of the passive one that's been portrayed in the timeline? Are there more victims who will now feel like they can speak? Will the fall-out from this type of scandal literally kill those involved? That will play out in the weeks and months and years ahead.
But, for now, there is a season to finish -- with football players who played no part in this scandal. Who simply have to face the fact that the timing of this news has taken over the national media attention. Who must rise to the challenge of moving forward (and not returning to business as usual) while the wheels of justice slowly turn. Who must prepare for an Ohio State game next weekend.
And, for that, the fan in me will still end this post with "we are ... Penn State".
THE VICTIMS' LAWYERS PERSPECTIVE:
http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201111/alleged-victims-lawyer-board-made-wrong-call-firing-paterno
BE INFORMED -- KNOW ABOUT THE GROOMING TECHNIQUES OF PREDATORS:
http://www.safenetwork.org/GroomingLuresCVT24.htm
HOW CAN I NOT ALSO INCLUDE THIS LINK ANY TIME I ADDRESS THE SCANDAL:
http://www.rainn.org/
... it's been a challenging week to be a Penn State fan (and even that sounds like a bit of an understatement).
And let me set the stage correctly, as I'm clearly more of just a casual fan. Truth be told, I've been to more concerts than I have been to games (it was just one live game, courtesy of my sister when she lived in State College, and during the year of the motorcycle when I was looking for short trips I could take from Lebanon on the weekends). I've latched on to following the seasons more closely now that I'm in Chicago since it gives me a connection to my state of upbringing (that's not a commentary on my stepmother issues, that's a direct reference to Pennsylvania). But that doesn't make the Sandusky Scandal any easier to process.
Here's what I think I know a week into this:
1.) Sexual abuse of minors is always wrong. I know that seems obvious, but it seems like there are those who imply that if you show any degree of support for JoePa that you're raping the young ones all over again -- and I do reject that theory. But in what quickly becomes an exercise in exploring the "gray", I just have to state emphatically up front that this premise is black and white -- stealing the innocence of the young is heinous, and hearing about what's been done is heartbreaking.
2.) Violating the trust placed in you to care for youth in such a harmful way also leads directly to a special place in hell. Seeking prey from amongst those who are already disadvantaged is the lowest of the low.
3.) "Grooming" is a very real concept. In these early media reports, it sounds a little like the "glamoring" that the vampires do to their victims, but even to make that connection to the fictional hot topic of the moment does this statement injustice. To research it is to be sickened a little, but if you want to understand that "monsters" are all around us, and that they seldom take on the appearance of an "monster", delve a little into this deviant behavior. Months ... years ... one step at a time to inoculate the victim against what is to come ... all in the hopes that the predator can keep his victim confused enough to continue the abuse. I've seen this happen first hand (that's a story for another time and another day after legal has cleared the information) and can speak to its unique abuse of power between predator and prey.
4.) This revelation has taken armchair quarterbacking to a new level -- instead it's not a discussion of play calls, but a conversation about what everyone says they would have done in that situation, as if we are know exactly how we'd channel our inner Chris Hanson. The still developing timeline finally discloses some of the "who knew what when" that helps an outsider start to craft theories of how blame should be placed. And the seriousness of the crime brings out the expected level of indignation -- but I can't believe that everyone's claims about what they would have done that day in the shower, or in the days thereafter, exactly ring true to the way things really happen in life. The world needs more super-heroes, for sure, but put some variation of this into your workplace. Get HR involved -- and the lawyers -- and the privacy issues -- and the twist that this was a former employee associated with a charity at the time -- and then see how quickly something so black and white becomes gray and muddied.
5.) After typing that last paragraph, I feel like I have to refer anyone reading back to item #1, just to keep things in the right perspective.
6.) Even character traits that cause folks to love us can lead to our downfall if taken to the extreme. So this is admittedly a bit of conjecture on my part, but I have to wonder if those things we've always known about our JoePa (his fierce sense of loyalty, his ability to inspire his staff and his players to a greater cause, his generous spirit) might have played into this situation. Could someone who is fiercely loyal have been blinded to the facts? Might his generous spirit allowed him to give the (wrong) benefit of the doubt when this was brought to his attention? I wasn't there to hear that early March 2002 conversation, and I doubt we'll ever see a transcript of it, but somehow, in some way, what was observed that day in the shower seems to have migrated to the wrong end of the boy-rape/horseplay continuum. Figuring out how this great man could be involved in just that scenario is one of the most painful parts of this scandal.
7.) Which really brings me to what I've been thinking since the news of this situation came to light. This is more about how an institution has responded (or chosen not to) than an individual (even though it's only human nature to put ourselves into the scandal as individuals taking other individuals to task). And in that way, it's much like the abuse scandal that has plagued the Catholic church. Of course, using that analogy, I'm not sure if Spanier or JoePa is the Pope, but it does start to make a little more sense to me how the abuse allegations can be swallowed up by the machine and not make it out to the outside police sources. Again -- I'm not defending the choices that were made, I'm just tempering all of the outrage I've heard about how this could have happened with another real world example. And, if you haven't yet seen the news, the Citadel has just announced that it too has a camp counselor on staff that's been investigated in the past and that they too have abuse allegations that may have been swept under its institutional rug.
8.) The victims are being forgotten. Or so say many. But then there's the take of the lawyer representing some of them -- which is that they are being victimized all over again by the way that this is being handled. In addition to having to take their healing to the public in a way that they couldn't have possible imagined, they now have to deal with the guilt of how this played out in the national media. In the lawyer's words ... "these victims ... may not want to be associated with the downfall of Joe Paterno". But let's also be clear -- the tale of Victim 1 (so called not because he was the first victim, but because he was the one who had the parental support system in place to push to be the first one to come forward) speaks directly to the courage that these boys have had to summon. And let's not ever forget that.
9.) I discovered that I kept on coming back to the word "sad" as I processed everything. And since I used it so much, I thought that a quick peek at the thesaurus might help me be more articulate -- but instead it just made me more depressed. All the same, here goes ... unhappy, depressed, blue, cheerless, dejected, despairing, despondent, disconsolate, distressed, doleful, down, forlorn, gloomy, glum, grieved, heartbroke, heartsick, heavyhearted, lugubrious, melancholy, morose, mournful, out of sorts, pensive, somber, sorrowful, troubled, woebegone. Feel free to choose the one that resonates most with you ...
10.) The last thing I know -- there's much I don't know. But -- we move forward. For as much as I know that the victims must heal (again), that the perpetrator must be punished, that the institutional approach to abuse allegations must be challenged (whether in the arena for the religion of football or the one for the religion of religion), there's also so much I don't know. Was there more of an active cover-up instead of the passive one that's been portrayed in the timeline? Are there more victims who will now feel like they can speak? Will the fall-out from this type of scandal literally kill those involved? That will play out in the weeks and months and years ahead.
But, for now, there is a season to finish -- with football players who played no part in this scandal. Who simply have to face the fact that the timing of this news has taken over the national media attention. Who must rise to the challenge of moving forward (and not returning to business as usual) while the wheels of justice slowly turn. Who must prepare for an Ohio State game next weekend.
And, for that, the fan in me will still end this post with "we are ... Penn State".
THE VICTIMS' LAWYERS PERSPECTIVE:
http://www.thepostgame.com/commentary/201111/alleged-victims-lawyer-board-made-wrong-call-firing-paterno
BE INFORMED -- KNOW ABOUT THE GROOMING TECHNIQUES OF PREDATORS:
http://www.safenetwork.org/GroomingLuresCVT24.htm
HOW CAN I NOT ALSO INCLUDE THIS LINK ANY TIME I ADDRESS THE SCANDAL:
http://www.rainn.org/
Random Posting for Penn State 11/12/11
1.) Question: Does anyone know how to turn back the clock, so I can recapture the feeling I had exactly one week ago during our bye week --or, for that matter, to those fateful first few days of March 2002 so everyone involved could have made different decisions?
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: If only I had stuck with my first plan, which was to watch the game without sound today, just to escape the non-stop barrage of sadness inducing news -- but since I didn't, I'll just conclude that it doesn't feel like today's a day for even a modicum of snark.
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: Again, seeing as how it's more like Somber Valley today, I'll take the day off from giggling as well.
4.) Stat of the Day: Eight -- the number of known victims allegedly abused by Sandusky. This will play out for years, and no matter where you fall as you process this scandal, everyone agrees that they deserve our thoughts and prayers.
5.) Final Thought: I'll defer my final final thought until I post my usual Saturday soapbox rant later today, but it does strike me that, with all due respect to those involved, today should be about the seniors, playing their last home game in Beaver Stadium. To that end, the interim Penn State President's comments that aired at halftime seem apropos: "We will not return to business as usual, but we will move forward. We are ... Penn State!"
THE TIMELINE --> AN EARLY SENSE OF WHO KNEW WHAT WHEN:
http://www.freep.com/article/20111107/SPORTS08/111107069/Penn-State-scandal-Timeline-events-Jerry-Sandusky-sexual-abuse-case
RODNEY ERICKSON's STATEMENT:
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/38258/psu-interim-president-issues-statement
RAINN --> THE NATION'S LARGEST ANTI-SEXUAL VIOLENCE ORGANIZATION:
http://www.rainn.org/
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: If only I had stuck with my first plan, which was to watch the game without sound today, just to escape the non-stop barrage of sadness inducing news -- but since I didn't, I'll just conclude that it doesn't feel like today's a day for even a modicum of snark.
3.) Commentator comment that made me giggle: Again, seeing as how it's more like Somber Valley today, I'll take the day off from giggling as well.
4.) Stat of the Day: Eight -- the number of known victims allegedly abused by Sandusky. This will play out for years, and no matter where you fall as you process this scandal, everyone agrees that they deserve our thoughts and prayers.
5.) Final Thought: I'll defer my final final thought until I post my usual Saturday soapbox rant later today, but it does strike me that, with all due respect to those involved, today should be about the seniors, playing their last home game in Beaver Stadium. To that end, the interim Penn State President's comments that aired at halftime seem apropos: "We will not return to business as usual, but we will move forward. We are ... Penn State!"
THE TIMELINE --> AN EARLY SENSE OF WHO KNEW WHAT WHEN:
http://www.freep.com/article/20111107/SPORTS08/111107069/Penn-State-scandal-Timeline-events-Jerry-Sandusky-sexual-abuse-case
RODNEY ERICKSON's STATEMENT:
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/38258/psu-interim-president-issues-statement
RAINN --> THE NATION'S LARGEST ANTI-SEXUAL VIOLENCE ORGANIZATION:
http://www.rainn.org/
November 11, 2011
Random Flashback for Friday 11/11/11
This is me hedging my bets. Because I've been to visit my biological father in a nursing home, and he's surrounded by photo albums, where he (approaching 90) is now trying to tag the photos (the old fashioned way -- by writing in an album, not like the kids do on FB) and I'm afraid he's getting a good many of the shots wrong.
So, to make sure that I don't do the same (since I am rapidly approaching 40), here's my nephew Nicolas who just turned 20 last month. Mind you I don't think I've ever met him (my family is dispersed across the country), but I have followed him by way of pictures throughout his life. And I have a feeling this will bring a smile to his momma's face when she sees it.
And just two other notes vis-a-vis my father's nursing home behavior. I recently posted pictures of my visit with him this past May (on FB in the "How I Spent My Summer Vacation 2011" albums, and one photo is of his bed. I don't know if he does this every day or if it was just because I was visiting, but there's a shot of how all of his arts and crafts were displayed on it -- including an angel he made that says "My Mary". That "Mary" is my mother (it was his 2nd wife of five -- but that's for a book that most will think is fiction that is yet to be written) and I have to say it was quite the somewhat poignant surprise.
Second note -- my father served in World War II. So ... it seemed fitting to think of him this Veteran's Day ... as well as all the others who served before and after him, from my family or yours. A moment of silence for those who sacrifice for our freedoms ...
November 10, 2011
Random Thought for Thursday 11/10/11
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I'm thinking about suggesting that we all adopt the Pilgrim Puritan standards.
I recognize that's a drastic step, but after this oversexualized week, I think that's what's called for. What started with chatter about the Biebs being allegedly statutorily raped backstage at one of his concerts suddenly morphed into discussions over Her-man"handler" Cain's inability to keep his pizza cutter in his pants ... until the Penn State conversation overtook everything. (I've got nothing else to add to that tonight as I'm actually temporarily out of words -- other than to state how it started out sad and just gets sadder by the second.)
Happy Thanksgiving season to you and yours!?
PURITANS AND SEX:
www.challies.com/quotes/the-puritans-and-sex
THE TAG LINE SAYS "AUTOMOBILES, MOTORCYCLES and LIBERTARIAN POLITICS":
www.epautos.com/2011/11/01/herman-cain-muh-dik-scandal
ALTHOUGH BIEBS IS PRACTICALLY A PURITAN ANYWAY SAYS PBS:
www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/justin-bieber%E2%80%99s-faith-and-challenges/9861
I recognize that's a drastic step, but after this oversexualized week, I think that's what's called for. What started with chatter about the Biebs being allegedly statutorily raped backstage at one of his concerts suddenly morphed into discussions over Her-man"handler" Cain's inability to keep his pizza cutter in his pants ... until the Penn State conversation overtook everything. (I've got nothing else to add to that tonight as I'm actually temporarily out of words -- other than to state how it started out sad and just gets sadder by the second.)
Happy Thanksgiving season to you and yours!?
PURITANS AND SEX:
www.challies.com/quotes/the-puritans-and-sex
THE TAG LINE SAYS "AUTOMOBILES, MOTORCYCLES and LIBERTARIAN POLITICS":
www.epautos.com/2011/11/01/herman-cain-muh-dik-scandal
ALTHOUGH BIEBS IS PRACTICALLY A PURITAN ANYWAY SAYS PBS:
www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/justin-bieber%E2%80%99s-faith-and-challenges/9861
Random (Bonus) Posting for Penn State 11/10/11
[I saw this moving through the social networks virally, and felt like it captured one side of this issue quite well, so I wanted to repost it here.]
On Saturday, I will be watching, and I will be rooting for Penn State.
I will be rooting for Matt McGloin, a former walk-on QB from West Scranton who scratched and clawed his way to the top of the depth chart.
I will be rooting for Silas Redd, one of the hardest working players in the nation.
I will be rooting for Stephon Green, a kid who proves there is always a second chance.
I will be rooting for Joe Suhey, a so-called wasted legacy scholarship who has become a fine player.
I will be rooting for Quinn Barham, Johnnie Troutman, Deontae Pannell, and Chima Okoli, four seniors playing their last home game on the OLine.
I will be rooting for Andrew Sczerba, a player who has overcome a ridiculous amount of adversity in the past year just to be on the field one last time.
I will be rooting for Derek Moye, who risked further injury to play in one miraculous drive for 409.
I will be rooting for Devon Smith, so every undersized football player can see there is a chance for them too.
I will be rooting for Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore, because no matter how many times they got knocked down they kept on fighting.
I will be rooting for Devon Still, because dominance deserves respect.
I will be rooting for Nate Stupar, who showed everyone what the phrase next man up really means.
I will be rooting for Gerald Hodges, because we are Linebacker U.
I will be rooting for D'Anton Lynn, because he saw for a moment how quickly it could all be taken away, but he got back up.
I will be rooting for Chaz Powell, because he has worked hard for 5 years whether on offense, defense, or special teams.
I will be rooting for Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay, because even if the fans don't always love them, they still play hard, leave it all on the field, and represent our university.
I will be rooting for Adrian Amos, because I still have hope for the future.
I will be rooting for Anthony Fera, because sometimes you just have to step up and do it all.
Most importantly, I will be rooting for Penn State. Bad things have happened, and hopefully once all the facts are clear those who are responsible are given whatever punishment they deserve, but we are still a great university with a great tradition. And most importantly, these kids who will run out of the tunnel have nothing to do with this awful situation. Be upset with Jerry Sandusky, be upset with Tim Curley. If you must, be upset with Graham Spanier or Mike McQueary or even Joe Paterno. But don't turn your back on these 18-23 year old young men who just want to go out and win a game.
WE ARE...PENN STATE!
On Saturday, I will be watching, and I will be rooting for Penn State.
I will be rooting for Matt McGloin, a former walk-on QB from West Scranton who scratched and clawed his way to the top of the depth chart.
I will be rooting for Silas Redd, one of the hardest working players in the nation.
I will be rooting for Stephon Green, a kid who proves there is always a second chance.
I will be rooting for Joe Suhey, a so-called wasted legacy scholarship who has become a fine player.
I will be rooting for Quinn Barham, Johnnie Troutman, Deontae Pannell, and Chima Okoli, four seniors playing their last home game on the OLine.
I will be rooting for Andrew Sczerba, a player who has overcome a ridiculous amount of adversity in the past year just to be on the field one last time.
I will be rooting for Derek Moye, who risked further injury to play in one miraculous drive for 409.
I will be rooting for Devon Smith, so every undersized football player can see there is a chance for them too.
I will be rooting for Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore, because no matter how many times they got knocked down they kept on fighting.
I will be rooting for Devon Still, because dominance deserves respect.
I will be rooting for Nate Stupar, who showed everyone what the phrase next man up really means.
I will be rooting for Gerald Hodges, because we are Linebacker U.
I will be rooting for D'Anton Lynn, because he saw for a moment how quickly it could all be taken away, but he got back up.
I will be rooting for Chaz Powell, because he has worked hard for 5 years whether on offense, defense, or special teams.
I will be rooting for Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay, because even if the fans don't always love them, they still play hard, leave it all on the field, and represent our university.
I will be rooting for Adrian Amos, because I still have hope for the future.
I will be rooting for Anthony Fera, because sometimes you just have to step up and do it all.
Most importantly, I will be rooting for Penn State. Bad things have happened, and hopefully once all the facts are clear those who are responsible are given whatever punishment they deserve, but we are still a great university with a great tradition. And most importantly, these kids who will run out of the tunnel have nothing to do with this awful situation. Be upset with Jerry Sandusky, be upset with Tim Curley. If you must, be upset with Graham Spanier or Mike McQueary or even Joe Paterno. But don't turn your back on these 18-23 year old young men who just want to go out and win a game.
WE ARE...PENN STATE!
November 9, 2011
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/9/11
A Murder of Crows.
Used in a sentence: "Apparently, the collective noun for a group of the well known black birds is a murder of crows."
Having just caught up with some of those PBS documentaries that I watch to balance out my reality TV addictions, I finally saw the recent Nature special called A Murder of Crows. I was expecting to hear about violence committed against those animals, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was about experiments done with these birds that apparently are in possession of great intelligence. I recommend the show if you can catch it, and except for some odd segments about whether the local murder members recognize people walking around campus in a mask, the part about how they've short circuited public transportation in Japan because they started nesting with wire hangers (that they can bend to their body size) is kind of amazing.
Apparently, they have nothing on a clamor of rooks, or an unkindness of ravens or a charm of hummingbirds (all other actual animal collective nouns).
COLLECTIVE NOUNS FOR ANIMAL GROUPS:
http://www.rinkworks.com/words/collective.shtml
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ON PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/a-murder-of-crows/full-episode/5977/
TOKYO's DECLARED WAR:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/27/murder_of_crows/
Used in a sentence: "Apparently, the collective noun for a group of the well known black birds is a murder of crows."
Having just caught up with some of those PBS documentaries that I watch to balance out my reality TV addictions, I finally saw the recent Nature special called A Murder of Crows. I was expecting to hear about violence committed against those animals, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was about experiments done with these birds that apparently are in possession of great intelligence. I recommend the show if you can catch it, and except for some odd segments about whether the local murder members recognize people walking around campus in a mask, the part about how they've short circuited public transportation in Japan because they started nesting with wire hangers (that they can bend to their body size) is kind of amazing.
Apparently, they have nothing on a clamor of rooks, or an unkindness of ravens or a charm of hummingbirds (all other actual animal collective nouns).
COLLECTIVE NOUNS FOR ANIMAL GROUPS:
http://www.rinkworks.com/words/collective.shtml
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ON PBS:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/a-murder-of-crows/full-episode/5977/
TOKYO's DECLARED WAR:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/27/murder_of_crows/
Purposeful Posting for Penn State 11/9/10
JoePa's statment--> I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief. I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the ...same goal today.
That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can. This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.
That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can. This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.
My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this University.
November 8, 2011
Random Tune for Tuesday 11/8/11
So my head is spinning with all of the news stories hitting me fast and furious(ly), and I thought I might be challenged to find a tune in the midst of processing all of this constant instant information. With Gloria Allred on the news "promoting" the next in a line of women that Cain allegedly harassed over a decade ago (and sexual harassment is always wrong), and JoePa in the crosshairs over a sex abuse scandal from over a decade ago (and sexual abuse of minors is clearly always wrong), I wasn't quite sure where to turn.
So I just sought my inspiration in the other "big news" story (MJ's doctor, not the EuroZone crisis spreading to Italy, because how much doom and gloom can one take in a news cycle ...) and decided, regardless of what you think of Michael's predilection for young boys (and sexual abuse of minors is clearly always wrong), I just think that this song's message is resonating with me the most today -- specifically for all those feeling so ready to pass judgments on the action of others with all the information not yet fully known.
START WITH THE MAN IN THE MIRROR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps&ob=av2e
So I just sought my inspiration in the other "big news" story (MJ's doctor, not the EuroZone crisis spreading to Italy, because how much doom and gloom can one take in a news cycle ...) and decided, regardless of what you think of Michael's predilection for young boys (and sexual abuse of minors is clearly always wrong), I just think that this song's message is resonating with me the most today -- specifically for all those feeling so ready to pass judgments on the action of others with all the information not yet fully known.
START WITH THE MAN IN THE MIRROR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps&ob=av2e
Random (Re)Posting for Penn State(ish) 11/8/11
When the smartest man I know speaks, I tend to listen (plus it doesn't hurt that I agree with him 100%). Courtesy of Chicago's own Adam Maze: "Admittedly sad story coming out of Penn State. And if the allegations prove true, it will be sadder still. But, for now, I'm struck by how a large part of the media coverage, at least as it pertains to Joe Paterno,... is so heavy-handed and so quick to judge. The emotional outrage that is generated by allegations of child sexual abuse does not itself justify all manifestations of that outrage. We are self-assuredly told that we should shame the man. Until the media's self-assurance is grounded in reportable, reliable facts, I will reserve judgment."
November 7, 2011
Random Memorial for Monday 11/7/11
Gone but not forgotten: Gunner Bunny.
During the family visit on my long weekend, I learned the sad news. Apparently, old age did him in, and, in dwarf rabbit years, he was rather old, having lived over 3x his expected life span, or so I'm told. If you'd like to pay your respects, you can find the midnight-black furred creature* in my FB photo album "Holidays 2010" (and, while you're there, the other thing I did on my long weekend/days off of work was to upload four new photo albums of how I spent my summer vacation 2011, so feel free to browse those shots as well).
Even though we did joke at every holiday meal that you might be on the day's menu, you will be missed.
*And if you don't know me in the Facebook kind of way, in lieu of my usual bonus links, I'll just post the picture here.
November 6, 2011
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/6/11
What Chicago is talking about this week:
Some are chatting about the BMX-style-snowmobilers that were Knievel-ing last night on the Wrigley parking lot (video below) ...
... a few are marvelling at how this season's Top Chef Texas is practically Top Chef Chicago, what with all the Chitowners that have made it through the opening round. I get that today's chefs are artists and that they use their bodies for expression, and I certainly don't mind the tattoos on every chef-testant as that would be a bit of black-calling vis-a-vis pots and kettles, but I am concerned about all the wild hair-dos and facial hair don'ts (bushy beards and fu manchus and porn 'staches, oh my!) -- I predict now that there will be a hair in a dish before this season has ended ...
... and hardly anyone at all seems to be discussing the first ever nation-wide test of the never ever used broadcast emergency system happening this Tuesday at 2pm EST for three full minutes. If the word doesn't get out more broadly, I have to wonder if things might get a little War of the Worlds-y (a la the radio stunt and not the Tom Cruise movie that somehow got released missing an ending). Don't panic on Tuesday afternoon -- it will just be a test, only a test.
IT WAS ONLY 7 SECONDS, BUT LOOK AT HIM FLY!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOBcqiB325w
BEARDS and FUs and PORN 'STACHES, oh my:
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-9/bios
IF THIS WERE A REAL EMERGENCY, YOU PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE WATCHING TV:
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
Some are chatting about the BMX-style-snowmobilers that were Knievel-ing last night on the Wrigley parking lot (video below) ...
... a few are marvelling at how this season's Top Chef Texas is practically Top Chef Chicago, what with all the Chitowners that have made it through the opening round. I get that today's chefs are artists and that they use their bodies for expression, and I certainly don't mind the tattoos on every chef-testant as that would be a bit of black-calling vis-a-vis pots and kettles, but I am concerned about all the wild hair-dos and facial hair don'ts (bushy beards and fu manchus and porn 'staches, oh my!) -- I predict now that there will be a hair in a dish before this season has ended ...
... and hardly anyone at all seems to be discussing the first ever nation-wide test of the never ever used broadcast emergency system happening this Tuesday at 2pm EST for three full minutes. If the word doesn't get out more broadly, I have to wonder if things might get a little War of the Worlds-y (a la the radio stunt and not the Tom Cruise movie that somehow got released missing an ending). Don't panic on Tuesday afternoon -- it will just be a test, only a test.
IT WAS ONLY 7 SECONDS, BUT LOOK AT HIM FLY!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOBcqiB325w
BEARDS and FUs and PORN 'STACHES, oh my:
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-9/bios
IF THIS WERE A REAL EMERGENCY, YOU PROBABLY WOULDN'T BE WATCHING TV:
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test
November 5, 2011
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/5/11
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... who was it that brought the "fist bump" into our culture and can he or she kindly take it back, please. I've always been a fan of the handshake -- I practiced my firm grip for years growing up (insert collective groan here) ... and I don't want to see it fade away.
I think I first became over-aware of it all during the Howie Mandel/Deal or no Deal interview circuit, when his OCD was mentioned in every ... single ... article. But now it's just ubiquitous in the worst way, and every time I see two grown men do the bump and then include additional hand motions simulating an explosion or birds flying away or any other attempt at cleverity to imply that they are founding members of some super secret society (I know cleverity is not a word -- it's my attempt to co opt cleverness for my own nefarious purposes) -- I just think they may as well be announcing to the world: "Wonder-fist powers activate! Form of ... a douchebag. Shape of ... someone for whom self-actualization is but a Willy Loman pipe dream."
Get thee behind me, fist bumps! I want nothin' but hands-a-shakin' from now on! Nothin' personal -- it's just my preference.
STOP IT MR. PRESIDENT! THIS IS WORTH PROTESTING ABOUT!:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812102,00.html
DON'T FORGET GLEEK!:
http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=wondertwins
OCD's SERIOUS AND ALL, BUT I'M JUST NOT A FAN OF THE FIST BUMP, HOWIE!:
http://youhaveocd.com/2010/07/06/howie-mandel-talks-about-ocd/
... who was it that brought the "fist bump" into our culture and can he or she kindly take it back, please. I've always been a fan of the handshake -- I practiced my firm grip for years growing up (insert collective groan here) ... and I don't want to see it fade away.
I think I first became over-aware of it all during the Howie Mandel/Deal or no Deal interview circuit, when his OCD was mentioned in every ... single ... article. But now it's just ubiquitous in the worst way, and every time I see two grown men do the bump and then include additional hand motions simulating an explosion or birds flying away or any other attempt at cleverity to imply that they are founding members of some super secret society (I know cleverity is not a word -- it's my attempt to co opt cleverness for my own nefarious purposes) -- I just think they may as well be announcing to the world: "Wonder-fist powers activate! Form of ... a douchebag. Shape of ... someone for whom self-actualization is but a Willy Loman pipe dream."
Get thee behind me, fist bumps! I want nothin' but hands-a-shakin' from now on! Nothin' personal -- it's just my preference.
STOP IT MR. PRESIDENT! THIS IS WORTH PROTESTING ABOUT!:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812102,00.html
DON'T FORGET GLEEK!:
http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=wondertwins
OCD's SERIOUS AND ALL, BUT I'M JUST NOT A FAN OF THE FIST BUMP, HOWIE!:
http://youhaveocd.com/2010/07/06/howie-mandel-talks-about-ocd/
Random Posting for Penn State 11/5/11
Nope. Not gonna do it. It's a bye week.
I'm midway through a long 3.5 day weekend off of work (my company doesn't let me roll over those darn vacation days) -- and with family in town (Michigan Rummy! Additional shelving in the apartment pantry [thanks Walter]! Plans drawn up for the Thanksgiving meal menu -- my contribution: everything, even Brussel Sprouts, will taste better with Bacon!) and Penn State letting Derek Moye fully recuperate, I'm gonna skip my usual Saturday game day template and not post.
(Well, kind of -- since even my inner monologue during my decision to not post takes up more characters than the twitter police allow -- which is why I will probably never master that delivery channel ...)
Anyway, bring on Nebraska ...
ATTA BOY, CO-CAPTAIN!:
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/11/penn_states_derek_moye_prepare.html
THIS GUY WAS A FAN OF MOYE SINCE HIS TRACK and FIELD DAYS:
http://thenittanyline.blogspot.com/2007/05/difference-between-you-and-derek-moye.html
WHY MUST I LOOK UP THE SPELLING EACH TIME I MAKE A B SPROUTS REFERENCE?:
http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2005/11/brussel-sprouts-or-brussels-sproutsmy.html
I'm midway through a long 3.5 day weekend off of work (my company doesn't let me roll over those darn vacation days) -- and with family in town (Michigan Rummy! Additional shelving in the apartment pantry [thanks Walter]! Plans drawn up for the Thanksgiving meal menu -- my contribution: everything, even Brussel Sprouts, will taste better with Bacon!) and Penn State letting Derek Moye fully recuperate, I'm gonna skip my usual Saturday game day template and not post.
(Well, kind of -- since even my inner monologue during my decision to not post takes up more characters than the twitter police allow -- which is why I will probably never master that delivery channel ...)
Anyway, bring on Nebraska ...
ATTA BOY, CO-CAPTAIN!:
http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/11/penn_states_derek_moye_prepare.html
THIS GUY WAS A FAN OF MOYE SINCE HIS TRACK and FIELD DAYS:
http://thenittanyline.blogspot.com/2007/05/difference-between-you-and-derek-moye.html
WHY MUST I LOOK UP THE SPELLING EACH TIME I MAKE A B SPROUTS REFERENCE?:
http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2005/11/brussel-sprouts-or-brussels-sproutsmy.html
November 4, 2011
Random Flashback for Friday 11/4/11
And, finally, I close the book on my flashback memories of "Through a Shattered Looking Glass", the LVC fall play from twenty years ago in Oct 1991.
But not before I do two things:
1.) Say thank you to all of you who have joined me in the pictorial reminiscing. It's been a blast remembering those great times, and it made me feel oh so young again.
2.) Post this final picture, taken by the talented Matthew Aichinger, my favorite black and white artistic shot with me as the "model". I don't know if it's the look in my eyes (all 3 of them), or the fact that I've been silenced forever in the photo by the non-existence of my mouth ... but it is, indeed, me ... through a shattered looking glass.
Let's do it all again in two years for "Night of January 16th", eh?
November 3, 2011
Random Thought for Thursday 11/3/11
I'm not a foodie -- but I like to watch them on TV.
[On the continuum that has America's Worst Cook and Top Chef Masters as end-points, the fact that I can make Campbell's Chicken Soup or a Hamburger Helper or a Toad-in-the-Hole or two (thanks, Moonstruck, for teaching me that meal ...), I'm definitely closer to Gordon's friendlier show than to Hell's Kitchen.]
That being said, were I ever to find myself on a competition reality food show in some Fringian alt-verse, I would be sure that I figured out how to use a pressure cooker, as I think someone who should know better always fails a challenge and goes home after getting bitch-slapped by that particular kitchen utensil, no matter what show or network or season.
Food Network spoiler alert ... Bye bye Top Chef's Spike, now eliminated from Next Iron Chef.
OR IS IT FROGS IN A BASKET:
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/the-celluloid-pantry/the-celluloid-pantry-one-egg-dish-three-movies-moonstruck-1987-moon-over-miami-1941-and-v-for-vendetta-2005-018907
HE WILL NOT BE IN THE "VERITABLE PANTHEON OF CELEBUCHEFS":
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/04/could-top-chefs-spike-mendelson-be-your-next-iron-chef.html
MISS VICKIE KNOWS HOW:
http://missvickie.com/workshop/stepbystep.html
[On the continuum that has America's Worst Cook and Top Chef Masters as end-points, the fact that I can make Campbell's Chicken Soup or a Hamburger Helper or a Toad-in-the-Hole or two (thanks, Moonstruck, for teaching me that meal ...), I'm definitely closer to Gordon's friendlier show than to Hell's Kitchen.]
That being said, were I ever to find myself on a competition reality food show in some Fringian alt-verse, I would be sure that I figured out how to use a pressure cooker, as I think someone who should know better always fails a challenge and goes home after getting bitch-slapped by that particular kitchen utensil, no matter what show or network or season.
Food Network spoiler alert ... Bye bye Top Chef's Spike, now eliminated from Next Iron Chef.
OR IS IT FROGS IN A BASKET:
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/the-celluloid-pantry/the-celluloid-pantry-one-egg-dish-three-movies-moonstruck-1987-moon-over-miami-1941-and-v-for-vendetta-2005-018907
HE WILL NOT BE IN THE "VERITABLE PANTHEON OF CELEBUCHEFS":
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/04/could-top-chefs-spike-mendelson-be-your-next-iron-chef.html
MISS VICKIE KNOWS HOW:
http://missvickie.com/workshop/stepbystep.html
November 2, 2011
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/2/11
Hitting for the cycle.
Used in a sentence: "Beware the urban dictionary and its assorted levels of inappropriateness, but apparently the innocent baseball phrase for getting a single, double, triple and home run has been bastardized in multiple ways -- I'll let you do your own research on the urbanized 'hitting for the cycle' (where it gets creepy and then unexpectedly focused on all kinds of body fluids and solids) and just bastardize it my own way for this week's Amazing Race Aside".
Four things I learned on this past episode:
1.) Single-most takeaway after watching this show for many seasons --never choose the option that puts you in a foreign marketplace as it's always more challenging.
2.) Doubly upsetting to me was the resurgent bro/sis team being rude to the elderly couple -- once on the trail and again practically pushing them off of the rug!
3.) Triple winners by technicality makes the snowboarders look like either the luckiest team ever or the team that is gleaning all the karmic benefits from playing the game as the nice guys.
And, what a home run concept to put things in perspective by having teams make toy trucks out of cartons and bottle caps and wooden dowels for Madonna's future adoptees in Malawi -- it kind of reminds me of when I happily played with my Matchbox cars of my youth using the roots of the back yard tree as my only accessories.
SEARCH AT YOUR OWN RISK:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/
PLAYERS WHO HAVE HIT FOR THE CYCLE (THE MLB DEFINITION):
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/rare_feats/index.jsp?feature=hit_for_cycle
THE KARMIC ONES (I HOPE THEY DON'T GET A COMPLEX THOUGH):
http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/cast/63359
Used in a sentence: "Beware the urban dictionary and its assorted levels of inappropriateness, but apparently the innocent baseball phrase for getting a single, double, triple and home run has been bastardized in multiple ways -- I'll let you do your own research on the urbanized 'hitting for the cycle' (where it gets creepy and then unexpectedly focused on all kinds of body fluids and solids) and just bastardize it my own way for this week's Amazing Race Aside".
Four things I learned on this past episode:
1.) Single-most takeaway after watching this show for many seasons --never choose the option that puts you in a foreign marketplace as it's always more challenging.
2.) Doubly upsetting to me was the resurgent bro/sis team being rude to the elderly couple -- once on the trail and again practically pushing them off of the rug!
3.) Triple winners by technicality makes the snowboarders look like either the luckiest team ever or the team that is gleaning all the karmic benefits from playing the game as the nice guys.
And, what a home run concept to put things in perspective by having teams make toy trucks out of cartons and bottle caps and wooden dowels for Madonna's future adoptees in Malawi -- it kind of reminds me of when I happily played with my Matchbox cars of my youth using the roots of the back yard tree as my only accessories.
SEARCH AT YOUR OWN RISK:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/
PLAYERS WHO HAVE HIT FOR THE CYCLE (THE MLB DEFINITION):
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/history/rare_feats/index.jsp?feature=hit_for_cycle
THE KARMIC ONES (I HOPE THEY DON'T GET A COMPLEX THOUGH):
http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/cast/63359
November 1, 2011
Random Tune for Tuesday 11/1/11
There's just one cassette filed under the letter V in my eccentric and eclectic collection (I'm almost done with this alphabet task for 2011) -- and it's not Van Halen, or VanWinkle, Matthew or his alter ego Vanilla Ice. It is, however, an a cappella group from Mt. Holyoke in Massachusetts known as the V-8s (which featured my surrogate sister Wendy Woodward back in the day). I couldn't find the exact line-up that appears on my tape, but I do see that they are still going strong and showing up on the youtube (and I kind of wished I'd had seen them competing on The Sing-Off in one of its three seasons). I decided to choose a current hit instead of a 90's classic ... so enjoy ...
V is for V-8s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1rRD_y6y08
V is for V-8s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1rRD_y6y08
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