So I'm still researching the song I had intended to post today (although the more work I do to locate the specifics about it, the less "random" it will end up being) ... which means I had to pick a song out of the air. For inspiration, I went to see who was born on this day, and found out that it was Harry Wayne Casey's birthday today. So, randomly, I chose one of his band's big hits -- and this version is the clip he performed as a duet with Marie Osmond (the youtube comments will point this out, but note how the lyrics were changed to be more ... well ... Mormon friendly [like Florida!]) ...
IS IT WRONG TO HAVE A LITTLE TUESDAY NIGHT FEVER?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2eH-MPQ1HQ
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Random Memorial for Monday 1/30/12
Gone but not forgotten: the other Darth Vader.
No not that one (David Prowse, the bodybuilder who portrayed him in most scenes, is still alive in England) ... or that one (Sebastian Shaw, who was the face of the unmasked Vader in Return of the Jedi, died over the holidays in 1994) ... or that one (Hayden Christensen, who was inserted in the re-released Return of the Jedi for continuity's sake, is just a young buck after all) ... or that one (James Earl Jones, the unmistakable voice of Vader is working actively in Hollywood) ... but THAT one ...
Bob Anderson, Olympic fencing coach and Vader stunt double for the light saber scenes who passed earlier this month ... you will be missed.
[And -- a side note: so will John Dye be missed ... although I didn't start missing him until last night when the SAG in memoriam segment was presented -- turns out he passed over a year ago!]
FROM THE 1952 OLYMPIC GAMES:
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/01/03/bob-anderson-darth-vader-lightsaber-dead/
A YEAR OLD DEATH I JUST LEARNED OF LAST NIGHT:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20028535-10391704.html
AND, WITH THIS SNUB FROM 2011, I MAY NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT COREY:
http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2011/02/corey-haim-snubbed-in-sag-award-in-memoriam
No not that one (David Prowse, the bodybuilder who portrayed him in most scenes, is still alive in England) ... or that one (Sebastian Shaw, who was the face of the unmasked Vader in Return of the Jedi, died over the holidays in 1994) ... or that one (Hayden Christensen, who was inserted in the re-released Return of the Jedi for continuity's sake, is just a young buck after all) ... or that one (James Earl Jones, the unmistakable voice of Vader is working actively in Hollywood) ... but THAT one ...
Bob Anderson, Olympic fencing coach and Vader stunt double for the light saber scenes who passed earlier this month ... you will be missed.
[And -- a side note: so will John Dye be missed ... although I didn't start missing him until last night when the SAG in memoriam segment was presented -- turns out he passed over a year ago!]
FROM THE 1952 OLYMPIC GAMES:
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/01/03/bob-anderson-darth-vader-lightsaber-dead/
A YEAR OLD DEATH I JUST LEARNED OF LAST NIGHT:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20028535-10391704.html
AND, WITH THIS SNUB FROM 2011, I MAY NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT COREY:
http://filmdrunk.uproxx.com/2011/02/corey-haim-snubbed-in-sag-award-in-memoriam
January 29, 2012
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 1/29/12
What Chicago is talking about this week:
[First ... remember just yesterday when I was complaining about armchair ethicists practicing moral philosophy from the safety of the social media ... well I'm about to engage in a little of that myself, so I'll have to temporarily suspend my concerns about that behavior -- but it's just for a quick minute.]
Sadly, it's the "duct tape daddy" that has our goat this week, as his bail was reduced enough that he could leave jail and as he's promised us a "statement" this upcoming week. If you haven't heard, it's a 21 year old who bound and gagged his 22 month old daughter with duct tape and posted it on the old Facebook with the comment: "This is wut [sic] happens wen [sic] my baby hits me back. ;)".
Apparently, the wink emoticon was supposed to let the world know that this was just a joke. So, applying that same logic, my response is: "For the special few like the "duct tape daddy", I think we should consider forced sterilization as a punishment. ;)". [Note my use of the wink emoticon as well -- so maybe I'm joking. Maybe. But I might be serious.]
THE PICTURES (ONE OF HIS BABY ... ONE OF HIS MUG SHOT):
http://globalgrind.com/node/822449
WITH LOWERED BAIL, NOW OUT OF JAIL AND READY TO RELEASE HIS STATEMENT:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-father-accused-of-duct-taping-daughter-released-from-jail-jan28,0,7649284.story
HELP PREVENT CHILD ABUSE:
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml
[First ... remember just yesterday when I was complaining about armchair ethicists practicing moral philosophy from the safety of the social media ... well I'm about to engage in a little of that myself, so I'll have to temporarily suspend my concerns about that behavior -- but it's just for a quick minute.]
Sadly, it's the "duct tape daddy" that has our goat this week, as his bail was reduced enough that he could leave jail and as he's promised us a "statement" this upcoming week. If you haven't heard, it's a 21 year old who bound and gagged his 22 month old daughter with duct tape and posted it on the old Facebook with the comment: "This is wut [sic] happens wen [sic] my baby hits me back. ;)".
Apparently, the wink emoticon was supposed to let the world know that this was just a joke. So, applying that same logic, my response is: "For the special few like the "duct tape daddy", I think we should consider forced sterilization as a punishment. ;)". [Note my use of the wink emoticon as well -- so maybe I'm joking. Maybe. But I might be serious.]
THE PICTURES (ONE OF HIS BABY ... ONE OF HIS MUG SHOT):
http://globalgrind.com/node/822449
WITH LOWERED BAIL, NOW OUT OF JAIL AND READY TO RELEASE HIS STATEMENT:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-father-accused-of-duct-taping-daughter-released-from-jail-jan28,0,7649284.story
HELP PREVENT CHILD ABUSE:
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml
January 28, 2012
Random Soapbox for Saturday 1/28/12
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... leave Paula Deen alone.
In my opinion, she had already been picked on enough -- being called out as one of the most overrated celebrity chefs or as someone being disliked because she touched her food too much -- and now the diabetes bait and switch accusations are just too too much.
Look -- it's her right to work her brand and there is a substantial difference between a private and public self -- particularly when it comes to your personal health and what some now seem to demand that you are obligated to share. And for those who feel like they were hoodwinked into adding extra butter as they followed her recipes -- let's be clear -- Ms. Deen never forced you to do that. I've met very few dishes that I haven't enjoyed more by adding butter or bacon or cheese (after all, those are all products of farm animals, right, so they must be healthy?) -- and it's always been MY decision to do that. It's about personal accountability. For example, as a capitulation to my advancing age, it's now Country Crock I slather on my English muffin instead of butter.
To me, this latest incident of widespread indignation is part of a bigger problem of this all too easily indignant nation -- which is one of armchair ethicists who practice their moral philosophy from the safety of the social media. It seems like no one feels that their status update is presented within that proverbial glass house from which stones should not be thrown. Or that folks feel awfully comfortable tweeting about the speck in others' eyes and overlooking the plank in their own set of peepers. [By the way, I'm aware that there is an irony to me sitting here judging others who are sitting there judging others. But I'm right -- and they're wrong. So do as I say here, and not as I do, eh?]
Bottom line -- hey Paula -- "we-all" are sending our love and best dishes, from our kitchen to yours -- and "we-all" are also sending you best wishes to you to personally and privately address your disease (and if you choose to mix the two and strike a deal to promote a diabetes treatment aid, or to extend your cooking shows by offering a "healthy makeover" edition to one of your two boys, then more power to you). Oh -- and "we-all" are also sending out hopes for more personal accountability and less stick-your-nose-in-others'-business noisiness in the months ahead.
THE NOVO DISK CAMPAIGN:
http://www.diabetesinanewlight.com/index.aspx
LOOK, SHE SURVIVED THIS SCANDAL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btq3u7oi7K8
MATTHEW 7:5 ...:
http://bible.cc/matthew/7-5.htm
... leave Paula Deen alone.
In my opinion, she had already been picked on enough -- being called out as one of the most overrated celebrity chefs or as someone being disliked because she touched her food too much -- and now the diabetes bait and switch accusations are just too too much.
Look -- it's her right to work her brand and there is a substantial difference between a private and public self -- particularly when it comes to your personal health and what some now seem to demand that you are obligated to share. And for those who feel like they were hoodwinked into adding extra butter as they followed her recipes -- let's be clear -- Ms. Deen never forced you to do that. I've met very few dishes that I haven't enjoyed more by adding butter or bacon or cheese (after all, those are all products of farm animals, right, so they must be healthy?) -- and it's always been MY decision to do that. It's about personal accountability. For example, as a capitulation to my advancing age, it's now Country Crock I slather on my English muffin instead of butter.
To me, this latest incident of widespread indignation is part of a bigger problem of this all too easily indignant nation -- which is one of armchair ethicists who practice their moral philosophy from the safety of the social media. It seems like no one feels that their status update is presented within that proverbial glass house from which stones should not be thrown. Or that folks feel awfully comfortable tweeting about the speck in others' eyes and overlooking the plank in their own set of peepers. [By the way, I'm aware that there is an irony to me sitting here judging others who are sitting there judging others. But I'm right -- and they're wrong. So do as I say here, and not as I do, eh?]
Bottom line -- hey Paula -- "we-all" are sending our love and best dishes, from our kitchen to yours -- and "we-all" are also sending you best wishes to you to personally and privately address your disease (and if you choose to mix the two and strike a deal to promote a diabetes treatment aid, or to extend your cooking shows by offering a "healthy makeover" edition to one of your two boys, then more power to you). Oh -- and "we-all" are also sending out hopes for more personal accountability and less stick-your-nose-in-others'-business noisiness in the months ahead.
THE NOVO DISK CAMPAIGN:
http://www.diabetesinanewlight.com/index.aspx
LOOK, SHE SURVIVED THIS SCANDAL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btq3u7oi7K8
MATTHEW 7:5 ...:
http://bible.cc/matthew/7-5.htm
January 27, 2012
Random Flashback for Friday 1/27/12
I have two more pics from the 1992 Hebron Church Winter Retreat. And this is part 1 of a 2 parter as it represents the climb up the mountain that was referenced last week ...
And since there's not much to flashback to in this particular photo (other than the rocks and the snow and the youth doin' the climbing), I thought I'd take the time to think about how Hebron really did play a role in me becoming who I am today.
After all, from publishing the monthly Hebron Herald (a church newsletter I did from the youth perspective while I was in high school) that was a harbinger for how much I'd be writing in my adult life ... to it playing a role in one of my running away attempts (not the one where I put all my Hardy Boys books in a sheet, put all on my socks and walked to the local Hills to spend all my bible school money on gumballs -- nor the successful one in March 1989 -- just one of the ones in between) that would speak to my eventual independence ... to the time I got to spend "paying it forward" by being a camp counsellor or a helper or a performer at special events ... my connection to the church was key in my formative years.
So thanks to any and all that played a part in welcoming and instructing and guiding me during those years!
January 26, 2012
Random Thought for Thursday 1/26/12
Sadly, I can't be there, and I will miss the opportunity to have a fried bologna sandwich on a pretzel roll. [Of course, that's assuming they will still offer that delicacy in the revived Bologna Fest happening this weekend back home in Lebanon.]
After finding my Lebanon Bologna for a time behind the deli counter of Strack and VanTil's here in Chicago (apparently I didn't buy enough as they stopped stocking it), I'm now dependent on myself or others who are travelling back home to return with it (and, as lunch meat, it needs to stay chilled, so there's that additional complication).
Even with the recent popularity of independent film (Lebanon PA is in rotation now on Showtime), or angry town hall-ers (that was the last election cycle), or the occasional scandalous murder (whether the Blue Eyed Six or something more modern), the town where I spent most of my youth is still most famously known for the item it drops each New Year's Eve -- the giant Lebanon Bologna.
I hope those of you back home all go and have an extra slice or two (you have to have both sweet and regular, of course) for me!
After finding my Lebanon Bologna for a time behind the deli counter of Strack and VanTil's here in Chicago (apparently I didn't buy enough as they stopped stocking it), I'm now dependent on myself or others who are travelling back home to return with it (and, as lunch meat, it needs to stay chilled, so there's that additional complication).
Even with the recent popularity of independent film (Lebanon PA is in rotation now on Showtime), or angry town hall-ers (that was the last election cycle), or the occasional scandalous murder (whether the Blue Eyed Six or something more modern), the town where I spent most of my youth is still most famously known for the item it drops each New Year's Eve -- the giant Lebanon Bologna.
I hope those of you back home all go and have an extra slice or two (you have to have both sweet and regular, of course) for me!
IT ALL STARTS 5pm TOMORROW NIGHT:
http://www.lebanonbolognafest.com/The_Events.html
LIFE HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT:
AND NOW I WON'T GO BACK (YOU'VE DISCONTINUED LEBANON BOLOGNA):
January 25, 2012
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 1/25/12
Chippendale chest.
Used in a sentence: "My TVGuide tells me that the upcoming Antiques Roadshow on Monday night will feature a Chippendale chest from the turn of the 19th century found in Eugene, Oregon."
Which just makes me think two things:
1.) I didn't know they were performing back then, and ...
2.) This all sounds a little macabre. I hope they found the Chippendale's legs and head and the rest of his body, as I think that having all the parts will help inflate the price for whomever was keeping that item in their attic, no?
I guess PBS will do anything to boost its ratings! Could it be sweeps month already?
NOT THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://chippendalecreative.com/2011/08/09/a-brief-history-of-chippendale/
OR THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://www.helium.com/items/1299894-the-chippendales-behind-the-bowties
BUT MAYBE THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://www.theantiquesalmanac.com/chippendalefurniture.htm
Used in a sentence: "My TVGuide tells me that the upcoming Antiques Roadshow on Monday night will feature a Chippendale chest from the turn of the 19th century found in Eugene, Oregon."
Which just makes me think two things:
1.) I didn't know they were performing back then, and ...
2.) This all sounds a little macabre. I hope they found the Chippendale's legs and head and the rest of his body, as I think that having all the parts will help inflate the price for whomever was keeping that item in their attic, no?
I guess PBS will do anything to boost its ratings! Could it be sweeps month already?
NOT THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://chippendalecreative.com/2011/08/09/a-brief-history-of-chippendale/
OR THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://www.helium.com/items/1299894-the-chippendales-behind-the-bowties
BUT MAYBE THIS CHIPPENDALE:
http://www.theantiquesalmanac.com/chippendalefurniture.htm
January 24, 2012
Random Tune for Tuesday 1/24/12
[I'm dusting off an old series ... Country Music has the best ... lyrics ... ever ... to add an entry to it tonight.]
Regardless of where you fall on the "did he bully the Dixie Chicks continuum", I just can't compete with this type of poetry (and I dare you to listen to it and not have it stick in your head) ...
Now a red solo cup is the best receptacle
For barbecues tailgates fairs and festivals
And you sir do not have a pair of testicles
If you prefer drinking from glass
A red solo cup is cheap and disposable
And in 14 years they are decomposable
And unlike my home they are not foreclosable
Freddie-Mac can kiss my ass woo
Red solo cup I fill you up
Lets have a party lets have a party
I love you red solo cup I lift you up
Proceed to party proceed to party
But I have to admit the ladies get smitten
Admiring how sharply my first name is written
On you with a sharpie when I get to hittin'
on them to help me get lucky
PROCEED TO PARTY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av2e
Regardless of where you fall on the "did he bully the Dixie Chicks continuum", I just can't compete with this type of poetry (and I dare you to listen to it and not have it stick in your head) ...
Now a red solo cup is the best receptacle
For barbecues tailgates fairs and festivals
And you sir do not have a pair of testicles
If you prefer drinking from glass
A red solo cup is cheap and disposable
And in 14 years they are decomposable
And unlike my home they are not foreclosable
Freddie-Mac can kiss my ass woo
Red solo cup I fill you up
Lets have a party lets have a party
I love you red solo cup I lift you up
Proceed to party proceed to party
But I have to admit the ladies get smitten
Admiring how sharply my first name is written
On you with a sharpie when I get to hittin'
on them to help me get lucky
PROCEED TO PARTY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av2e
January 23, 2012
Purposeful Memorial for Monday 1/23/12
Gone but not forgotten: Joe Paterno.
How do I react to learning that JoePa has passed?
I could fly a flag at half mast as they are doing back home upon the governor’s orders, but I don’t have one and I would rather not try to fashion one out of the Penn State shirts that I own.
I could dim my lights as they do in the theatre, but I much more prefer the fact that Beaver Stadium is being lit up until the Memorial Service is held.
I could participate in one of those candlelight vigils that I see on the news, but I just can’t make the trip.
I could propose a moment of silence, but as there were already too many moments of silence related to the Sandusky scandal, that could be a distraction from honoring the whole career of the man, and not the blemish of the last few months.
I could recall the one time I saw a live game on campus – courtesy of my sister Sherry who lived in State College while her husband taught there.
I could reflect on why I became more of a fan over time. Sure, it was somewhat predestined having grown up in central PA – but since moving to Chicago in 2001, I became a more active fan so I could have a piece of home with me.
Instead, I choose to honor him by reminding myself …
… that I knew that the score would never be run up at the end of the game in a mismatched contest.
… that I knew that he was invested in the academic performance of his student athletes.
… that I knew that he would avoid spin of any kind and answer questions directly – including the frequent reply of “well, we played poorly” when asked “what happened out there?”.
… that I knew that he would give back of the millions he earned by generously donating to the campus and community.
… that I knew that he would honor the promises he made to his players including the promise that he would not tolerate unruly behavior or disrespect from those he coached.
… that I knew that he was loyal to his family, players and staff, perhaps to a fault.
… that I knew that he was … Penn State!
And so with these specifically chosen 409 words of tribute … JoePa, you will be missed.
THE AFOREMENTIONED GLOWING TRIBUTE:
http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1151227.html
THE AFOREMENTIONED GIVING OF MILLIONS:
http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/base-template.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=501
THE PATERNO PROFILE:
http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/paterno_joe00.html
How do I react to learning that JoePa has passed?
I could fly a flag at half mast as they are doing back home upon the governor’s orders, but I don’t have one and I would rather not try to fashion one out of the Penn State shirts that I own.
I could dim my lights as they do in the theatre, but I much more prefer the fact that Beaver Stadium is being lit up until the Memorial Service is held.
I could participate in one of those candlelight vigils that I see on the news, but I just can’t make the trip.
I could propose a moment of silence, but as there were already too many moments of silence related to the Sandusky scandal, that could be a distraction from honoring the whole career of the man, and not the blemish of the last few months.
I could recall the one time I saw a live game on campus – courtesy of my sister Sherry who lived in State College while her husband taught there.
I could reflect on why I became more of a fan over time. Sure, it was somewhat predestined having grown up in central PA – but since moving to Chicago in 2001, I became a more active fan so I could have a piece of home with me.
Instead, I choose to honor him by reminding myself …
… that I knew that the score would never be run up at the end of the game in a mismatched contest.
… that I knew that he was invested in the academic performance of his student athletes.
… that I knew that he would avoid spin of any kind and answer questions directly – including the frequent reply of “well, we played poorly” when asked “what happened out there?”.
… that I knew that he would give back of the millions he earned by generously donating to the campus and community.
… that I knew that he would honor the promises he made to his players including the promise that he would not tolerate unruly behavior or disrespect from those he coached.
… that I knew that he was loyal to his family, players and staff, perhaps to a fault.
… that I knew that he was … Penn State!
And so with these specifically chosen 409 words of tribute … JoePa, you will be missed.
THE AFOREMENTIONED GLOWING TRIBUTE:
http://pennstate.scout.com/2/1151227.html
THE AFOREMENTIONED GIVING OF MILLIONS:
http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/base-template.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=501
THE PATERNO PROFILE:
http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/paterno_joe00.html
January 22, 2012
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 1/22/12
What Chicago is talking about this week ...
... a few are talking about the same thing that most of Central PA is talking about this week (I'll reserve my additional comments on that for tomorrow, my Memorial Monday post)
... not so many are talking about football even though the big game itself is just a few hours away (I mean sure we'll all go out drinking in two weeks, especially to see all the creative commercials and to see the latest iteration of Madonna) -- we just don't have any "skin" in the game (unless you're a compulsive gambler, and then assistance is available at 1-800-GAMBLER)
... a good number are weighing in on the Republican goings-on in the South (Newt and Mitt and Rick oh my!)
... many are dealing with the weather "smorgasbord" (as it was referenced online today -- since "freezing drizzle, icy roads, fog, rain, high winds, and possibly thunderstorms" are all ahead)
... but the local headlines are all about a deal that was struck to keep city libraries open on Mondays after all (they were to be closed as part of budget cutbacks). Victory for old fashioned book-readers!
FITTING THAT ITs IN THE SAME STATE AS ATLANTIC CITY, NO?:
http://www.800gambler.org/
AN ALL YOU CAN (WEATHER) SMORGASBORD:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breaking/chi-a-weather-smorgasbord-freezing-drizzle-fog-high-winds-rain-20120122,0,7025012.story
VICTORY FOR OLD FASHIONED BOOK-READERS!:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breaking/chi-city-libraries-to-be-open-monday-afternoons-20120121,0,4776913.story
... a few are talking about the same thing that most of Central PA is talking about this week (I'll reserve my additional comments on that for tomorrow, my Memorial Monday post)
... not so many are talking about football even though the big game itself is just a few hours away (I mean sure we'll all go out drinking in two weeks, especially to see all the creative commercials and to see the latest iteration of Madonna) -- we just don't have any "skin" in the game (unless you're a compulsive gambler, and then assistance is available at 1-800-GAMBLER)
... a good number are weighing in on the Republican goings-on in the South (Newt and Mitt and Rick oh my!)
... many are dealing with the weather "smorgasbord" (as it was referenced online today -- since "freezing drizzle, icy roads, fog, rain, high winds, and possibly thunderstorms" are all ahead)
... but the local headlines are all about a deal that was struck to keep city libraries open on Mondays after all (they were to be closed as part of budget cutbacks). Victory for old fashioned book-readers!
FITTING THAT ITs IN THE SAME STATE AS ATLANTIC CITY, NO?:
http://www.800gambler.org/
AN ALL YOU CAN (WEATHER) SMORGASBORD:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breaking/chi-a-weather-smorgasbord-freezing-drizzle-fog-high-winds-rain-20120122,0,7025012.story
VICTORY FOR OLD FASHIONED BOOK-READERS!:
http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breaking/chi-city-libraries-to-be-open-monday-afternoons-20120121,0,4776913.story
January 21, 2012
Random Soapbox for Saturday 1/21/12
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
Thomas Jefferson said "Equal rights for all, special privileges for none."
And in this season of political debate and discourse, comparisons between the 1 and the 99 percents, concerns over protecting marriages and borders and access to healthcare and all that other political "noise" ... why is it that no one is standing up for the rights of Walgreens shoppers and Red Lobster eaters?
To whit, the local Walgreens' ads often speak to my inability to get unlimited supplies of discounted MandMs BUT folks in New Mexico are exempt from that coupon restriction. (I've done a modicum of internet research, and it appears that places like New Mexico and Idaho have state laws that prohibit placing a limit on the sales of most items.) Thomas Jefferson would be offended.
And now the Red Lobster Four Course Seafood Feast is back for just $15 (as I've seen on countless television ads of late) but the final image puts me on notice that prices may be higher in Times Square, Hawaii and Canada. My closest Red Lobster is in Lincolnwood, Illinois, so although I expect to only have to drop three Lincoln-bills when I visit after the snow melts, my magnanimous spirit still weeps for those in the hearts of NYC or Honolulu or Saskatchewan who want to feast on cheddar biscuits. Thomas Jefferson would be annoyed (well maybe not about Canada).
Of course, come to think of it, there's a good chance that Thomas Jefferson would be displeased about a lot of things this political season.
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES FOR NONE:
http://www.great-quotes.com/quote/28268
PRICES MAY BE HIGHER IN TIMES SQUARE, HAWAII and CANADA:
http://www.redlobster.com/locator_g/?
NO LIMITS ON SALES IN NEW MEXICO (STROLL DOWN TO THE 2nd ANSWER):
http://www.weusecoupons.com/upload/wags-dead-deals/205967-why-does-wag-coupon-say-limit-3-except-nm-new-mexico.html
Thomas Jefferson said "Equal rights for all, special privileges for none."
And in this season of political debate and discourse, comparisons between the 1 and the 99 percents, concerns over protecting marriages and borders and access to healthcare and all that other political "noise" ... why is it that no one is standing up for the rights of Walgreens shoppers and Red Lobster eaters?
To whit, the local Walgreens' ads often speak to my inability to get unlimited supplies of discounted MandMs BUT folks in New Mexico are exempt from that coupon restriction. (I've done a modicum of internet research, and it appears that places like New Mexico and Idaho have state laws that prohibit placing a limit on the sales of most items.) Thomas Jefferson would be offended.
And now the Red Lobster Four Course Seafood Feast is back for just $15 (as I've seen on countless television ads of late) but the final image puts me on notice that prices may be higher in Times Square, Hawaii and Canada. My closest Red Lobster is in Lincolnwood, Illinois, so although I expect to only have to drop three Lincoln-bills when I visit after the snow melts, my magnanimous spirit still weeps for those in the hearts of NYC or Honolulu or Saskatchewan who want to feast on cheddar biscuits. Thomas Jefferson would be annoyed (well maybe not about Canada).
Of course, come to think of it, there's a good chance that Thomas Jefferson would be displeased about a lot of things this political season.
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES FOR NONE:
http://www.great-quotes.com/quote/28268
PRICES MAY BE HIGHER IN TIMES SQUARE, HAWAII and CANADA:
http://www.redlobster.com/locator_g/?
NO LIMITS ON SALES IN NEW MEXICO (STROLL DOWN TO THE 2nd ANSWER):
http://www.weusecoupons.com/upload/wags-dead-deals/205967-why-does-wag-coupon-say-limit-3-except-nm-new-mexico.html
January 20, 2012
Random Flashback for Friday 1/20/12
And now the explanation for the spoon art picture from last week -- it was from Winter Retreat 1992 with the Hebron church, held each year at Camp Hebron (just a coincidence) in Halifax PA.
I had attended a few years as a camper in the 80's, and so it was probably no surprise that I returned as a counsellor for a few years in the 90's. (See pics from 1991 in last year's album.) Boy does that paneling in the background bring back memories.
And a winter themed flashback is the perfect item to post today -- when Chicago is getting it's first BIG storm of 2012.
[Final thought -- is it me or did all of these girls either do each other's hair or visit the same hairdresser?]
January 19, 2012
Random Thought for Thursday 1/19/12
It's time to celebrate!
The mayor was on the news tonight letting us know that yesterday, Wednesday, was the first day in nearly a year when there was no reported murder, shooting or other violent crime. He did, of course, follow that up with a comment about how he had no idea as to what might happen tonight ...
Celebrate! Party it up! Let's go 2 for 2! (If you're thinking of acting all violent or killing your loved one or neighbor, will you at least consider postponing it until the weekend so that we can build a run of consecutive days here?)
THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY A YEAR:
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/19/chicago-sees-no-shootings-homicides-for-24-hours-wednesday/
FOLLOW CRIME IN CHICAGO (AND WEAR A SUIT AND BE A VIGILANTE ...):
http://crimeinchicago.blogspot.com/
MAYBE IT's THE WORK OF ... THE BATMAN:
http://moneyland.time.com/2012/01/17/tickets-to-new-batman-movie-go-on-sale-six-months-in-advance-and-sell-out/
The mayor was on the news tonight letting us know that yesterday, Wednesday, was the first day in nearly a year when there was no reported murder, shooting or other violent crime. He did, of course, follow that up with a comment about how he had no idea as to what might happen tonight ...
Celebrate! Party it up! Let's go 2 for 2! (If you're thinking of acting all violent or killing your loved one or neighbor, will you at least consider postponing it until the weekend so that we can build a run of consecutive days here?)
THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY A YEAR:
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/01/19/chicago-sees-no-shootings-homicides-for-24-hours-wednesday/
FOLLOW CRIME IN CHICAGO (AND WEAR A SUIT AND BE A VIGILANTE ...):
http://crimeinchicago.blogspot.com/
MAYBE IT's THE WORK OF ... THE BATMAN:
http://moneyland.time.com/2012/01/17/tickets-to-new-batman-movie-go-on-sale-six-months-in-advance-and-sell-out/
January 18, 2012
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 1/18/12
Omarish Lament.
Used in a sentence: "If you haven't already given up on me and my random posts, you might just want to skip this one as it's purposefully cryptic but something I must get off my chest all the same ... my Omarish Lament."
"I don't know when I'll Walk those Boards again -- nor is there a guarantee that you'll be Mid or Back as you were for my visits ... and although there's some sense of understanding via the phrase "Hate the Game, not the Player" (is that a Shakespearean reference? Biblical? another type of Middle Eastern prophesy?) ... to Numerically App me makes my soul slightly wince. Even though you may never journey this Windy Way, may you fondly recall those Frisky Mosquitoes. And with that, I am at peace, and I wish you well. Play on, player."
HOW SOPA WOULD AFFECT YOU, AN FAQ:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/
WIKI's DARKNESS SEEN IN THE UK:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16590585
HOW THE AZTECS LAMENTED:
http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/index.php?one=azt&two=aaa&id=349&typ=reg
Used in a sentence: "If you haven't already given up on me and my random posts, you might just want to skip this one as it's purposefully cryptic but something I must get off my chest all the same ... my Omarish Lament."
"I don't know when I'll Walk those Boards again -- nor is there a guarantee that you'll be Mid or Back as you were for my visits ... and although there's some sense of understanding via the phrase "Hate the Game, not the Player" (is that a Shakespearean reference? Biblical? another type of Middle Eastern prophesy?) ... to Numerically App me makes my soul slightly wince. Even though you may never journey this Windy Way, may you fondly recall those Frisky Mosquitoes. And with that, I am at peace, and I wish you well. Play on, player."
HOW SOPA WOULD AFFECT YOU, AN FAQ:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/
WIKI's DARKNESS SEEN IN THE UK:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16590585
HOW THE AZTECS LAMENTED:
http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/index.php?one=azt&two=aaa&id=349&typ=reg
January 17, 2012
Random Tune for Tuesday 1/17/12
I was reminded of this classic song when it was on an outtake of a recent Top Chef episode [maybe last week -- I'm just not sure, as I've been catching up on things on the DVR since returning from vacation (I'll be in the desert on the next one in just 71 days before this tan fades!)] ... and then I went looking for it on the old you-tube and found way too many versions. I thought the one I chose was the closest (at least she moves her eyes and occasionally remembers to stick out her tongue) ... but then she took it to a much darker place than I remembered it going in the days of my youth. Oh yeah ... and in a way ... I guess this tune serves as a waddely-atcha-ish clue about last Friday's spoon art photo (to be explained this Friday).
FOR SOME REASON, THIS VERSION DOES NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbPmln6ZfJ8&feature=related
FOR SOME REASON, THIS VERSION DOES NOT HAVE A HAPPY ENDING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbPmln6ZfJ8&feature=related
January 16, 2012
Random Memorial for Monday 1/16/12
Gone but not forgotten (at least for four years): Huntsman being in the 2012 campaign cycle.
It was a pleasure getting to know you. And I hope we see you back in four years as I think you'll make an interesting candidate versus Hillary Clinton after Obama finishes his second term. [I'm not picking sides here so much as just reading the writing on the wall. I can't see the Republicans rallying around anyone until they address the religious (or should I say anti-religious) undertones of their primary battle (and I guess the JFK-is-a-Catholic "controversy" was once dealt with, but we all know how that ended -- never again was a Catholic elected, I mean).] I might have thought you'd make a nice VP candidate, but a Mormon doesn't balance the ticket of another Mormon, so I think that ship has also sailed. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
He who at least seemed to understand that "Presidential" politics requires a "Presidential" presence, you will be missed.
I WENT LOOKING FOR HUNTSMAN QUOTES, AND THIS IS WHAT I FOUND:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/snow_white_and_the_huntsman/quotes/
RELIGION AS DIVIDER NOT UNITER IN 2012 RACE:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/religion-powerful-force-in-2012-elections/
IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL THE ONE TIME A CATHOLIC WAS ELECTED:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16920600
It was a pleasure getting to know you. And I hope we see you back in four years as I think you'll make an interesting candidate versus Hillary Clinton after Obama finishes his second term. [I'm not picking sides here so much as just reading the writing on the wall. I can't see the Republicans rallying around anyone until they address the religious (or should I say anti-religious) undertones of their primary battle (and I guess the JFK-is-a-Catholic "controversy" was once dealt with, but we all know how that ended -- never again was a Catholic elected, I mean).] I might have thought you'd make a nice VP candidate, but a Mormon doesn't balance the ticket of another Mormon, so I think that ship has also sailed. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
He who at least seemed to understand that "Presidential" politics requires a "Presidential" presence, you will be missed.
I WENT LOOKING FOR HUNTSMAN QUOTES, AND THIS IS WHAT I FOUND:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/snow_white_and_the_huntsman/quotes/
RELIGION AS DIVIDER NOT UNITER IN 2012 RACE:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/religion-powerful-force-in-2012-elections/
IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL THE ONE TIME A CATHOLIC WAS ELECTED:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16920600
January 15, 2012
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 1/15/12
What Chicago is talking about this week:
Chick-tac-toe.
Through the end of the month, you can compete against a live chicken in a game of tic-tac-toe. Winners get $25 and losers get to process the feeling that they are dumber than a fowl. The Majestic Star casino in nearby Gary Indiana is featuring this promotion.
[Losing chicken probably get rotated out to the buffet, but that's just a hunch and may or may not be true. Although when this promo was at Foxwoods (apparently, it's a regular Casino thing), it was sponsored by Pollo Loco -- so that's not looking good for the chicken.]
I just got back from vacation that included a trip to the Hard Rock Casino on the Seminole Indian reservation, and they didn't have anything there that would have been this much fun.
PLAY A VIRTUAL CHICKEN ONLINE:
http://www.majesticstarcasino.com/majestic_star/
THE GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT AT FOXWOODS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmZ-wApjUlE
THE POULTRY PROTECTION LOBBY THINKS IT CRUEL:
http://www.upc-online.org/winterspring06/reptilegardens.html
Chick-tac-toe.
Through the end of the month, you can compete against a live chicken in a game of tic-tac-toe. Winners get $25 and losers get to process the feeling that they are dumber than a fowl. The Majestic Star casino in nearby Gary Indiana is featuring this promotion.
[Losing chicken probably get rotated out to the buffet, but that's just a hunch and may or may not be true. Although when this promo was at Foxwoods (apparently, it's a regular Casino thing), it was sponsored by Pollo Loco -- so that's not looking good for the chicken.]
I just got back from vacation that included a trip to the Hard Rock Casino on the Seminole Indian reservation, and they didn't have anything there that would have been this much fun.
PLAY A VIRTUAL CHICKEN ONLINE:
http://www.majesticstarcasino.com/majestic_star/
THE GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT AT FOXWOODS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmZ-wApjUlE
THE POULTRY PROTECTION LOBBY THINKS IT CRUEL:
http://www.upc-online.org/winterspring06/reptilegardens.html
January 14, 2012
Random Soapbox for Saturday 1/14/12
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... I think it's time to institute a few rules for the overall Target experience, based on my time spent there this afternoon.
First (and I'm dusting this off from a previous post, but I do feel strongly about it), customers need to know not to wear a red shirt and khakis to shop, as they will -- without a doubt -- be mistaken for employees. [In one positive development, I didn't see anyone in pajamas -- which I know from Facebook is an epidemic back home in the Walmarts ...]
Second (and this is for the powers that be), Shaun White should stay out of kids' bedrooms. I mean I get the allure of "celebrity" endorsements, and Shaun can have his gum, but I really don't think his design aesthetic needs to be flouted about the domestics department.
Third (and we'll need security to be much more participatory in stopping this behavior), if you can't drive a supersized cart (or buggy for those of you who reserve the right for colloquial geographically based cutesy names for things) through Target's narrow aisles, then you should be limited in your purchases to what fits in one of those I'm-too-poor-to-afford-this-place baskets. (And, that goes for the parking lot as well -- if you don't have the skill set to make decisions about which parking space to take, then you should be forced to take the bus or the el to the location.)
Finally (and maybe contrary to what those rom-com movies might suggest), Target is not a pick-up joint. There are bars for that kind of aggressive style. You have to know that I can see you, leering at the pretty things walking past. Wait -- is that a mirror? Oh -- never mind. Scratch that last rule.
LOUISIANA MAY BAN THE PRACTICE:
http://www.news10.net/news/national/173477/5/Louisiana-lawmaker-seeks-to-ban-pajamas-in-public-
MASSACHUSETTS MISSED CONNECTION:
http://www.missedconnections.com/post/handsome-guy-at-target-milford
I'M NOT BEING GINGER-IST, I PROMISE:
http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/white-bio.aspx
... I think it's time to institute a few rules for the overall Target experience, based on my time spent there this afternoon.
First (and I'm dusting this off from a previous post, but I do feel strongly about it), customers need to know not to wear a red shirt and khakis to shop, as they will -- without a doubt -- be mistaken for employees. [In one positive development, I didn't see anyone in pajamas -- which I know from Facebook is an epidemic back home in the Walmarts ...]
Second (and this is for the powers that be), Shaun White should stay out of kids' bedrooms. I mean I get the allure of "celebrity" endorsements, and Shaun can have his gum, but I really don't think his design aesthetic needs to be flouted about the domestics department.
Third (and we'll need security to be much more participatory in stopping this behavior), if you can't drive a supersized cart (or buggy for those of you who reserve the right for colloquial geographically based cutesy names for things) through Target's narrow aisles, then you should be limited in your purchases to what fits in one of those I'm-too-poor-to-afford-this-place baskets. (And, that goes for the parking lot as well -- if you don't have the skill set to make decisions about which parking space to take, then you should be forced to take the bus or the el to the location.)
Finally (and maybe contrary to what those rom-com movies might suggest), Target is not a pick-up joint. There are bars for that kind of aggressive style. You have to know that I can see you, leering at the pretty things walking past. Wait -- is that a mirror? Oh -- never mind. Scratch that last rule.
LOUISIANA MAY BAN THE PRACTICE:
http://www.news10.net/news/national/173477/5/Louisiana-lawmaker-seeks-to-ban-pajamas-in-public-
MASSACHUSETTS MISSED CONNECTION:
http://www.missedconnections.com/post/handsome-guy-at-target-milford
I'M NOT BEING GINGER-IST, I PROMISE:
http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/white-bio.aspx
January 13, 2012
Random Flashback for Friday 1/13/12
Spoon art.
Twenty year old spoon art.
Twenty year old spoon art taken in the basement of a building.
Twenty year old spoon art taken in the basement of a building that is located approximately twenty miles north of Harrisburg.
Twenty year old spoon art taken in the basement of a building that is located approximately twenty miles north of Harrisburg in the middle of winter.
Twenty year old spoon art taken in the basement of a building that is located approximately twenty miles north of Harrisburg in the middle of winter ... is all I'm saying (all will become clear next week).
January 12, 2012
Random Thought for Thursday 1/12/12
Well ... they don't have this where I just came from. Welcome back to Chicago and up to eight inches of snow, with a few more expected over night.
Although I mistakenly thought that the fact that there were cop cars every mile or so keeping me from speeding home from Midway last night (all along I-55 and LakeShoreDrive) was all about blizzard preparation (turns out that Obama was in town last night shortly before I was on that road), it's still kind of nice to see winter finally arrive in the way of some quality white stuff.
Now sadly, with my remote workplace, there will be no snow day tomorrow. You can't have it all, I guess ...
THE FIRST BIG SNOWSTORM OF THE SEASON HAS ARRIVED:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/12/winter-weather-midwest-snowstorm_n_1202600.html
WHICH EXPLAINS ALL OF THE COP CARS THAT KEPT ME FROM SPEEDING HOME:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/obama-makes-rare-visit-to-chicago-home/
THE GROUNDHOG DAY BLIZZARD OF 2011 STILL IN OUR MEMORIES:
http://www.suntimes.com/3616860-531/2011-chicago-area-blanketed-blizzard.html
Although I mistakenly thought that the fact that there were cop cars every mile or so keeping me from speeding home from Midway last night (all along I-55 and LakeShoreDrive) was all about blizzard preparation (turns out that Obama was in town last night shortly before I was on that road), it's still kind of nice to see winter finally arrive in the way of some quality white stuff.
Now sadly, with my remote workplace, there will be no snow day tomorrow. You can't have it all, I guess ...
THE FIRST BIG SNOWSTORM OF THE SEASON HAS ARRIVED:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/12/winter-weather-midwest-snowstorm_n_1202600.html
WHICH EXPLAINS ALL OF THE COP CARS THAT KEPT ME FROM SPEEDING HOME:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/01/obama-makes-rare-visit-to-chicago-home/
THE GROUNDHOG DAY BLIZZARD OF 2011 STILL IN OUR MEMORIES:
http://www.suntimes.com/3616860-531/2011-chicago-area-blanketed-blizzard.html
January 11, 2012
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 1/11/12
Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adios.
Used in a sentence: "With vacation all but over (I'm in the airport typing this as I speak hoping that the newly precipitous weather doesn't delay the flight home), it's time to bid to southern Florida a Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adios."
[Quick tangent ... what did the Von Trapps have against Latin0s anyway? I mean I know the Latin explosion wasn't what it is now back in the Nazi times, but still, you can probably see Spain from the top of the Matterhorn, no? Why not give out a little Latin love when those kids are singing?]
It's been an enjoyable week ... sunning in the afternoon, drinking many a liquid dinner, making new friends, seeing a few old ones, having engaging conversations, connecting with unexpected people, trying out a few new places, traveling by boat through the Biscayne Bay National Park, and Hard Rocking (finally) at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino (after saying I'd do that for the last 3-4 years since having this regular "sample my retirement" vacation on my calendar) -- in short, cherishing another set of warm and welcoming memories to get through the cold winter ahead.
Oh yeah, and tickets for the annual sojourn to the Palm Desert area were just booked. Flight leaves in 77 days!
I HATE ... TO GO ... TO BED ...:
http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1259
CHECK OUT THE AMAZING POOL!:
http://seminolehardrock.com/
THE NATIONAL PARK ARE OUR GREATEST TREASURE:
http://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Used in a sentence: "With vacation all but over (I'm in the airport typing this as I speak hoping that the newly precipitous weather doesn't delay the flight home), it's time to bid to southern Florida a Goodbye, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adios."
[Quick tangent ... what did the Von Trapps have against Latin0s anyway? I mean I know the Latin explosion wasn't what it is now back in the Nazi times, but still, you can probably see Spain from the top of the Matterhorn, no? Why not give out a little Latin love when those kids are singing?]
It's been an enjoyable week ... sunning in the afternoon, drinking many a liquid dinner, making new friends, seeing a few old ones, having engaging conversations, connecting with unexpected people, trying out a few new places, traveling by boat through the Biscayne Bay National Park, and Hard Rocking (finally) at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino (after saying I'd do that for the last 3-4 years since having this regular "sample my retirement" vacation on my calendar) -- in short, cherishing another set of warm and welcoming memories to get through the cold winter ahead.
Oh yeah, and tickets for the annual sojourn to the Palm Desert area were just booked. Flight leaves in 77 days!
I HATE ... TO GO ... TO BED ...:
http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=1259
CHECK OUT THE AMAZING POOL!:
http://seminolehardrock.com/
THE NATIONAL PARK ARE OUR GREATEST TREASURE:
http://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
January 10, 2012
Random Tune for Tuesday 1/10/12
It's practically become a tradition now that I've made a few days in SoBe a part of my annual "sample my retirement" vacation. And with it winding down (one more night of drunken revelry this evening, and then a return to cold cold Chicago tomorrow followed by work on TH and F -- and then a 3 day holiday weekend!!), it happened today on the way to Biscayne Bay National Park: driving over the MacArthur Causeway past Star Island and blaring a little Gloria Estefan as I got as close as I was going to get to her house. And with today's proximity to New Year's, I'm choosing this inspirational tune to represent that tradition! "People come and they go, but if you've brought some love to their lives ... then you've got something to show."
THE ONLY ONE SURE THING IS CHANGE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeRT6_h6q3w&ob=av2e
THE ONLY ONE SURE THING IS CHANGE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeRT6_h6q3w&ob=av2e
January 9, 2012
Random Memorial for Monday 1/9/12
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January 8, 2012
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 1/8/12
What the Miami metropolitan area is talking about this week:
... just a few things about that election coming up soon.
Now that Florida moved up their primary, the locals will be playing an earlier role in this long drawn out primary campaign. I expected to hear ads on every other commercial or trip over signs everywhere ... but did not. Of course, with it being such a big state (some say it's much more representative than IA and NH with its diversity across many categories), it might just be that the candidates are choosing to more selectively spend their hard earned cash. The polls here seem to mimic the country with the rotating "most favored candidate" in the lead at any given time ... but I guess we'll know more as NH and SC get their turns in the spotlight (or it could be that we'll know less, if it the results continue to be so varied).
A final thought for Jon Huntsman. You appear to be the best of the bunch and people may finally be understanding that our leaders need to have the "presidential" factor. Hang in there!
IT'S A ROGUE STATE PLAYING WITH THE ESTABLISHED RULES:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1194512.ece
A POLL A DAY WITH DIFFERENT RESULTS:
http://www.politico.com/2012-election/florida/
COULD IT FINALLY BE YOUR TURN IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/08/jon-hustsman-earns-his-applause-at-sunday-s-n-h-debate.html
... just a few things about that election coming up soon.
Now that Florida moved up their primary, the locals will be playing an earlier role in this long drawn out primary campaign. I expected to hear ads on every other commercial or trip over signs everywhere ... but did not. Of course, with it being such a big state (some say it's much more representative than IA and NH with its diversity across many categories), it might just be that the candidates are choosing to more selectively spend their hard earned cash. The polls here seem to mimic the country with the rotating "most favored candidate" in the lead at any given time ... but I guess we'll know more as NH and SC get their turns in the spotlight (or it could be that we'll know less, if it the results continue to be so varied).
A final thought for Jon Huntsman. You appear to be the best of the bunch and people may finally be understanding that our leaders need to have the "presidential" factor. Hang in there!
IT'S A ROGUE STATE PLAYING WITH THE ESTABLISHED RULES:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1194512.ece
A POLL A DAY WITH DIFFERENT RESULTS:
http://www.politico.com/2012-election/florida/
COULD IT FINALLY BE YOUR TURN IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/08/jon-hustsman-earns-his-applause-at-sunday-s-n-h-debate.html
January 7, 2012
Random Soapbox for Saturday 1/7/12
I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...
... time waits for no one. I can no longer say that I'm in my thirties. I have decided that I can say "I'm barely in my forties" (and I'll milk that for as many of the next years as I can get away with it). But no matter what wordplay I use, the following things have recently reminded me that I'm old:
1.) I now know all the dead people during every awards show "in memoriam" segment.
2.) Tom Cruise's son is now a respected DJ at parties.
3.) If I continue to vacation like I'm auditioning for the Jersey Shore, I'm going to need a vacation from my vacation when I get home.
But there is some good news. First, the final analysis of the 2010 census changed the categories of life stages in that whereas twenty years ago, Americans moved from kids to teenagers to young adults to middle-aged to seniors ... now, we follow the following path: kids to tweens to teenagers to starting adults to established adults to middle-aged to active adults to seniors to oldest old. Basically -- that allows me to still exist in the "established adults" category for a few more years, effectively postponing my middle age!
And the best news of all -- regardless of how many decades I have under my belt, I feel like I could live forever what with all the love and support and well wishes and a few youtube videos that were sent my way today. My smartphone is tired from sending me all the notifications (and I think the people at the pool this afternoon found it to be very annoying), but I am very happy to have gotten each and every one. Thank you!
DJ C-SQUARED IS HIS MONIKER:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/2011/12/30/20111230tom-cruises-son-connor-lands-dj-gig-nye.html
NEW LIFE STAGES FOR AMERICANS:
http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2011-08-10-1Acensusturningpoints-CV-_CV_U.htm
QUOTES FOR THE OCCASION:
http://www.bdayquotes.com/40th_Birthday_Quotes/
... time waits for no one. I can no longer say that I'm in my thirties. I have decided that I can say "I'm barely in my forties" (and I'll milk that for as many of the next years as I can get away with it). But no matter what wordplay I use, the following things have recently reminded me that I'm old:
1.) I now know all the dead people during every awards show "in memoriam" segment.
2.) Tom Cruise's son is now a respected DJ at parties.
3.) If I continue to vacation like I'm auditioning for the Jersey Shore, I'm going to need a vacation from my vacation when I get home.
But there is some good news. First, the final analysis of the 2010 census changed the categories of life stages in that whereas twenty years ago, Americans moved from kids to teenagers to young adults to middle-aged to seniors ... now, we follow the following path: kids to tweens to teenagers to starting adults to established adults to middle-aged to active adults to seniors to oldest old. Basically -- that allows me to still exist in the "established adults" category for a few more years, effectively postponing my middle age!
And the best news of all -- regardless of how many decades I have under my belt, I feel like I could live forever what with all the love and support and well wishes and a few youtube videos that were sent my way today. My smartphone is tired from sending me all the notifications (and I think the people at the pool this afternoon found it to be very annoying), but I am very happy to have gotten each and every one. Thank you!
DJ C-SQUARED IS HIS MONIKER:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/2011/12/30/20111230tom-cruises-son-connor-lands-dj-gig-nye.html
NEW LIFE STAGES FOR AMERICANS:
http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2011-08-10-1Acensusturningpoints-CV-_CV_U.htm
QUOTES FOR THE OCCASION:
http://www.bdayquotes.com/40th_Birthday_Quotes/
January 6, 2012
Random Flashback for Friday 1/6/12
Happy New Year 1992!
And so begins another year of flashing back twenty years (to the first year of my twenties) -- which was a year of great transition for me. A major catalyst for many of those changes was my involvement with a theater group that my father's brother's son ran ... which started off innocently enough with a performance of "A Turn to Glory" with this cast in Columbus Ohio.
I played Greg, the best friend of an up and coming star high school wrestler who was needing to learn a life lesson about pride coming before a fall (Jonathon on the far left in this photo) -- if I recall all the details from the January 1992 show. And I do vividly remember that I stole the scene from him with my look of anguish at having betrayed him in order to save him ... which in turn led to a very brief period of time where I had an agent (kind of). In hindsight, it's a little amazing how this involvement affected so many other aspects of my life ... but that's another story for another Friday.
January 5, 2012
Random Thought for Thursday 1/5/12
Note to self: when feeling the need to show others that there really is a little ball inside of the Guinness can, there is probably a better way to prove it then to tear it open with your key and then peel back the can structure with your opposable thumbs to grab said ball -- and then proceed to drip blood all over the bar counter from the multiple cuts you acquired (whilst grinning gloriously that you were right, of course).
Postscript note to self: if you are so determined to be right all the time (even those few times when you're not), perhaps it may be a better strategy to sometimes do it in silence.
I COULD HAVE SPARED MY THUMBS AND JUST WHIPPED OUT THE INTERNET:
http://www.neatorama.com/2008/03/20/the-ball-inside-the-guinness-can/
OF COURSE THERE'S AN IMAGE GALLERY FOR CUTS ON HAND:
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=cuts+on+hands+pics&gbv=2&oq=cuts+on+hands+pics&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=4063l9656l0l10125l18l14l0l2l2l1l312l2157l1.6.4.1l12l0&oi=image_result_group&sa=X
MAYBE I CAN "SPIN" IT AS STIGMATA?:
http://www.gospel-mysteries.net/stigmata.html
Postscript note to self: if you are so determined to be right all the time (even those few times when you're not), perhaps it may be a better strategy to sometimes do it in silence.
I COULD HAVE SPARED MY THUMBS AND JUST WHIPPED OUT THE INTERNET:
http://www.neatorama.com/2008/03/20/the-ball-inside-the-guinness-can/
OF COURSE THERE'S AN IMAGE GALLERY FOR CUTS ON HAND:
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=cuts+on+hands+pics&gbv=2&oq=cuts+on+hands+pics&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=4063l9656l0l10125l18l14l0l2l2l1l312l2157l1.6.4.1l12l0&oi=image_result_group&sa=X
MAYBE I CAN "SPIN" IT AS STIGMATA?:
http://www.gospel-mysteries.net/stigmata.html
January 4, 2012
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 1/4/12
Mountaha! Match it! Rrrroundy's!
Used in a sentence: "As I address the last couple dozen hours of my thirties with plenty of time to rest and relax and reflect on vacation (I safely arrived in Florida, and somehow managed to bring Chicago weather with me like the dust cloud on that dirty kid from Peanuts) ... I recognize that I may be on the edge of some minor OCD episodes: namely in that I must, in some bizarre call-response behavior pattern, yell out 'Mountaha! Match it! Rrrroundy's' upon hearing or seeing those references."
Explained further: It started with watching the contestant Mountaha on one of those reality shows. Every time her name was mentioned, I felt obligated to repeat that name -- which became a torture of sorts once my close family found out about this compulsion. And then the Walmart commercials began this season with a cast of characters who yelled from every corner of the Wal-world to go ahead and handle the price match situation with a shout-out to "Match It!". Again, compulsion quickly kicked in and I had to join in the retail roundelay every time I heard the ad.
And speaking of roundelays, I recently became aware of the latest fixation -- the "generic" brand at my new grocery store Mariano's is called Roundy's. And, while shopping (or, heaven forbid, when I see the product on my own pantry shelves), I roll my r's and trill a little tribute to "Rrrroundy's"!
Hey -- I'm getting older. If I haven't embraced my own quirks by now, I'm running out of time. Bring on the mild Tourette's/OCD -- let's just keep it limited and clean!
MOUNTAHA!:
http://www.buddytv.com/mountaha-mmas2.aspx
MATCH IT!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXOU7DQdS8
RRRROUNDY'S!:
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2011/01/roundys-to-open-three-chicagoland.html
Used in a sentence: "As I address the last couple dozen hours of my thirties with plenty of time to rest and relax and reflect on vacation (I safely arrived in Florida, and somehow managed to bring Chicago weather with me like the dust cloud on that dirty kid from Peanuts) ... I recognize that I may be on the edge of some minor OCD episodes: namely in that I must, in some bizarre call-response behavior pattern, yell out 'Mountaha! Match it! Rrrroundy's' upon hearing or seeing those references."
Explained further: It started with watching the contestant Mountaha on one of those reality shows. Every time her name was mentioned, I felt obligated to repeat that name -- which became a torture of sorts once my close family found out about this compulsion. And then the Walmart commercials began this season with a cast of characters who yelled from every corner of the Wal-world to go ahead and handle the price match situation with a shout-out to "Match It!". Again, compulsion quickly kicked in and I had to join in the retail roundelay every time I heard the ad.
And speaking of roundelays, I recently became aware of the latest fixation -- the "generic" brand at my new grocery store Mariano's is called Roundy's. And, while shopping (or, heaven forbid, when I see the product on my own pantry shelves), I roll my r's and trill a little tribute to "Rrrroundy's"!
Hey -- I'm getting older. If I haven't embraced my own quirks by now, I'm running out of time. Bring on the mild Tourette's/OCD -- let's just keep it limited and clean!
MOUNTAHA!:
http://www.buddytv.com/mountaha-mmas2.aspx
MATCH IT!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXOU7DQdS8
RRRROUNDY'S!:
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2011/01/roundys-to-open-three-chicagoland.html
January 3, 2012
Random Tune for Tuesday 1/3/12
It's been a day for tying up loose ends before hitting up Florida for vacation. Hence, the pics of "the tree, deconstructed" (it may be true that I watch too many food competition reality shows ...) and this final entry in the Dead Celebrity Tune Trilogy for those who passed on in 2011. Featured today is a Chicago girl who made it in her own right -- but who burst into my consciousness courtesy of Donnie W's brother Mark. I think she was more a featured part of the tune and not a member of the Funky Bunch, but we did lose her this past March ...
IN MEMORY OF LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s&ob=av3e
IN MEMORY OF LOLEATTA HOLLOWAY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s&ob=av3e
January 2, 2012
Random Posting for Penn State 1/2/12
First things first -- I'm watching the game on the DVR and I've mid-way through the second quarter so far -- so although I would hope things get better, my fear is that it gets worse -- but my comments should be viewed from that perspective:
1.) Question: I'm aware that ticketcity probably put up a lot of money to name this bowl, but may I offer up the Passover Bowl instead? Or the Predator Bowl -- only in that it's the Cougars against the Nittany Lions (in the Cougar family, right)?
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: "Rob Bolden is starting". Sorry Bobbie boy -- but didn't we spend most of the semester determining that you just didn't have the skills we needed? Nothing personal and more power to you ... but do we really think that your heart is in this game?
3.) Commentator that made me giggle: I didn't actually hear the announcer make reference to it, but I'm fan of Nelly's (it's with a 'y', right -- cause 'ie' puts a different spin on that statement). Good to see a little country grammar being brought to the bowl season!
4.) Stat of the day: 0. That would be the score at the end of the first quarter -- understandable as it was also the number of completions, first downs, and yards as stats recorded for our boys.
5.) Final thought(s): JoePa -- I wish you a speedy recovery from all of your health issues. Jerry's victims -- I wish you peace and courage and patience as the wheels of justice turn very slowly and this cloud will hang over us for multiple seasons. Matt McG -- I don't know all the details, but I wish you team unity (the kind that doesn't end up with you concussed and seized up on the floor of the locker room). Justin Brown -- I wish you many returns like the one you just did while I was typing this. The fans -- I wish you an off-season to join me in putting behind us this season horribilis (to borrow a phrase from the Queen) -- to a 2012-2013 season separated from this scandal.
THEY PAID SO MUCH MONEY, I FEEL OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE THE LINK:
http://www.ticketcity.com/
I LOVE ME SOME NELLY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10aEpRRtww
THE NITTANY LIONS PLAY THE BOBCATS IN 243 DAYS:
http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-12/big-ten/2012-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-schedule.php
1.) Question: I'm aware that ticketcity probably put up a lot of money to name this bowl, but may I offer up the Passover Bowl instead? Or the Predator Bowl -- only in that it's the Cougars against the Nittany Lions (in the Cougar family, right)?
2.) Commentator comment that made me groan: "Rob Bolden is starting". Sorry Bobbie boy -- but didn't we spend most of the semester determining that you just didn't have the skills we needed? Nothing personal and more power to you ... but do we really think that your heart is in this game?
3.) Commentator that made me giggle: I didn't actually hear the announcer make reference to it, but I'm fan of Nelly's (it's with a 'y', right -- cause 'ie' puts a different spin on that statement). Good to see a little country grammar being brought to the bowl season!
4.) Stat of the day: 0. That would be the score at the end of the first quarter -- understandable as it was also the number of completions, first downs, and yards as stats recorded for our boys.
5.) Final thought(s): JoePa -- I wish you a speedy recovery from all of your health issues. Jerry's victims -- I wish you peace and courage and patience as the wheels of justice turn very slowly and this cloud will hang over us for multiple seasons. Matt McG -- I don't know all the details, but I wish you team unity (the kind that doesn't end up with you concussed and seized up on the floor of the locker room). Justin Brown -- I wish you many returns like the one you just did while I was typing this. The fans -- I wish you an off-season to join me in putting behind us this season horribilis (to borrow a phrase from the Queen) -- to a 2012-2013 season separated from this scandal.
THEY PAID SO MUCH MONEY, I FEEL OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE THE LINK:
http://www.ticketcity.com/
I LOVE ME SOME NELLY:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10aEpRRtww
THE NITTANY LIONS PLAY THE BOBCATS IN 243 DAYS:
http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-12/big-ten/2012-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-schedule.php
Random Memorial for Monday 1/2/12
Gone but not forgotten: my giving of birthday wishes accompanied by a youtube video.
What can I say? That gimmick of mine was so 2011. Searching through videos as if I was selecting a card. Trying to find the right one to meet my description of "random" that wasn't offensive or too long or off point in some other way. I found a lot of cute kiddies being forced to sing the traditional song, and more than a handful of singing waiters. I almost found every name (although I did have to be careful to grab the right spelling a few times). And a good many were images that were unintentionally creepy (like the upside down faces or the people experimenting with fun mirror filming).
So for 2012, I'm on a new birthday mission. I will donate $1 to a charity for each FB birthday. You may think that those 100 pennies may not go so far – but since I’m doing it for every one of my FB connections that makes his or her big day public, the cumulative amount will end up having a greater effect. The list of charities is below:
JAN -- RAINN
FEB -- Ronald McDonald Charities
MAR -- PAWS
APR -- Lustgarten Foundation
MAY -- National MS Society
JUN -- Vital Bridges
JUL -- Save the Children
AUG -- Muscular Dystrophy Association
SEP -- Autism Speaks
OCT -- Susan G Komen for the Cure
NOV -- Greater Chicago Food Depository
DEC -- Trevor Project
As excited as I am to incrementally make a difference, the time spent trolling through the youtube ... you will be missed.
JAN 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.rainn.org/
FEB 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.rmhccni.org/Houses
MAR 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.pawschicago.org/
What can I say? That gimmick of mine was so 2011. Searching through videos as if I was selecting a card. Trying to find the right one to meet my description of "random" that wasn't offensive or too long or off point in some other way. I found a lot of cute kiddies being forced to sing the traditional song, and more than a handful of singing waiters. I almost found every name (although I did have to be careful to grab the right spelling a few times). And a good many were images that were unintentionally creepy (like the upside down faces or the people experimenting with fun mirror filming).
So for 2012, I'm on a new birthday mission. I will donate $1 to a charity for each FB birthday. You may think that those 100 pennies may not go so far – but since I’m doing it for every one of my FB connections that makes his or her big day public, the cumulative amount will end up having a greater effect. The list of charities is below:
JAN -- RAINN
FEB -- Ronald McDonald Charities
MAR -- PAWS
APR -- Lustgarten Foundation
MAY -- National MS Society
JUN -- Vital Bridges
JUL -- Save the Children
AUG -- Muscular Dystrophy Association
SEP -- Autism Speaks
OCT -- Susan G Komen for the Cure
NOV -- Greater Chicago Food Depository
DEC -- Trevor Project
As excited as I am to incrementally make a difference, the time spent trolling through the youtube ... you will be missed.
JAN 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.rainn.org/
FEB 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.rmhccni.org/Houses
MAR 2012 CHARITY OF CHOICE:
http://www.pawschicago.org/
January 1, 2012
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 1/1/12
What Chicago is talking about this week:
Obviously ... the fact that it is 2012.
And, surprisingly, the fact that it's the last new year's eve celebration we'll all have together (at least, if you believe those pesky Mayans and their calendars) didn't turn the night into anything overly raucous.
Now it's time to settle in to the new year -- and, just as we all say goodbye to 100 watt bulbs across the country, it's important for us to become aware of the 214 state laws that went into effect a few hours ago. For instance, back seat riders must now wear a seat belt -- and bikes (who are supposed to stop at traffic lights but seldom do) can now legally proceed through a red light after waiting two minutes.
Something in me hopes that the local cops have more important things to do than to start enforcing those two regulations. You know, like working to fight the crime that seems to be increasing in the 'hood!
214 NEW LAWS FOR ILLINOIS IN 2012:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/new-illinois-laws-in-2012_n_1177019.html
SEARCH YOUR OWN 'HOOD FOR THE CRIME RATE:
http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/
SELECTIVELY OBEYING TRAFFIC RULES:
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/12/uncomfortable-relationship-between-bikes-and-red-lights/623/
Obviously ... the fact that it is 2012.
And, surprisingly, the fact that it's the last new year's eve celebration we'll all have together (at least, if you believe those pesky Mayans and their calendars) didn't turn the night into anything overly raucous.
Now it's time to settle in to the new year -- and, just as we all say goodbye to 100 watt bulbs across the country, it's important for us to become aware of the 214 state laws that went into effect a few hours ago. For instance, back seat riders must now wear a seat belt -- and bikes (who are supposed to stop at traffic lights but seldom do) can now legally proceed through a red light after waiting two minutes.
Something in me hopes that the local cops have more important things to do than to start enforcing those two regulations. You know, like working to fight the crime that seems to be increasing in the 'hood!
214 NEW LAWS FOR ILLINOIS IN 2012:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/01/new-illinois-laws-in-2012_n_1177019.html
SEARCH YOUR OWN 'HOOD FOR THE CRIME RATE:
http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/
SELECTIVELY OBEYING TRAFFIC RULES:
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/12/uncomfortable-relationship-between-bikes-and-red-lights/623/
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