Random Wordplay for Wednesday 4/30/14

Intergalactic Nonsense Status Week.

Used in a series of words that I'll pretend is a normal sentence:  "It's that time of year again ... the annual 'celebration' that mocks us all for the excess verbal pollution this generation ... well ... generates ... by asking us to contribute to the lexiconic landfill that is social media ... the subversive and mildly anarchic event called Intergalactic Nonsense Status Week, brought to us each year courtesy of the twisted genius of a former LVC classmate of mine (and Mysterious Murder Quester) -- Brandon F."

I'm taking it to a different place this year and contributing one or more of the following before it all ends on May 4 (but, does it really ever end?):

OPTION A ... Pluto is not a planet.

OPTION B ... I am known to do the Wop, also known for the Flinstone Flop, Tammy D getting biz on the crop.

OPTION C ... Father, I am your Luke.

OPTION D ... Don't bring black people, and don't come.

Oh the choices.

And guess what ... this year it's even hashtaggier ... #INSW should accompany any posts from anyone who wants to join in (see below).  The event runs until May 4th so get status-updating nonsensically, won't you!?

JOIN IN THE FUN:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1407620276168343/

IN CASE YOU WANT THE SOURCE CITED FOR OPTION B ABOVE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qORYO0atB6g&feature=kp

OR THE SOURCE FOR OPTION D:
http://deadspin.com/exclusive-the-extended-donald-sterling-tape-1568291249

Random Tune for Tuesday 4/29/14

Sometimes the tune selection is completely random.

Like tonight ... no need to try and read anything into it ...

I am not miserable.  I couldn't be happier.  Things are great.  The move went well ... the puppies are keeping me super busy.

It's just I like P!nk.  I like Steven Tyler.  I like when they sing a song like this as a duet.

I think this has been in my head since I reorganized the CD/cassette cabinet in the back room unpacking the last of the boxes.

That's it ... just random.  Enjoy ...

SHADOWS ARE FALLEN ... ALL OVER TOWN ...:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzFHCkEd8JM

Random Memorial for Monday 4/28/14

Gone but not forgotten:  'Allo'Allo!

Courtesy of the google search, I have discovered that this was not the first reference to this classic British comedy I've made on the blog ... as I *first* recalled this hilarious show back on 1.16.13.

It has to have been twenty years since I used to watch this on late night PBS back in central PA, and although local channels always seem to be replaying the fabulous Bucket sisters (that's Bou'quet!) or the show featuring Mrs. Slocombe's Pussy, I just can't find this French occupied Nazi comedy anywhere -- despite moving across the country to a brand new set of PBS stations.

The never ending saga of keeping safe "The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies", you are definitely missed.

FUNNY:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/keepingupappearances/

FUNNIER:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/areyoubeingserved/

FUNNIEST:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/alloallo/

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 4/27/14

What southern Florida is talking about this week:

Cockfighting.

This will *not* be a post about boys in locker rooms -- that's sword fighting.

This will *not* be a post about adding new pets to the menagerie.

This *may* be a post taking a hard line stance based on the fact that my ancestors put a major hurt on a lot of chickens (at the farmers' market, in a restaurant, at family gatherings, in the poultry processing plant ... and they were all delicious, each and every one of them).

This *will* be a post that actually (and sadly) is applicable to other locales, as a quick google search for an image demonstrates (see links below).

This *is* a post about a big ring that got busted outside of Miami this week, resulting in hundreds of arrests and major fines for animal cruelty, naturally, but also for serving liquor without a license and for illegal gambling.

And it's created an interesting reaction.  Those arrested claim as a defense that "it's part of our culture" and that they should be allowed to practice it -- which sounds eerily familiar to the excuse given for dog fighting in rural communities in the deep south -- an unpalatable one in both scenarios, in my opinion.

To be clear, I'm not overly Fox-newsy-hard-core about the immigrant experience as I happen to know the name of the boat on which my father's people arrived ... and I'm pretty sure my mother's folks came after them ... but I file this in the "welcome to our country ... where you don't slaughter goats in your back yard ... or watch roosters peck each other to death for 'sport'".

THE MIAMI BUST:
http://www.wsvn.com/story/25344615/hundreds-face-judge-after-cockfighting-bust

THE WASHINGTON STATE BUST:
http://www.veooz.com/news/4H78Rxt.html

THE NYC BUST:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Thousands-of-Birds-Seized-in-Cock-Fighting-Bust-Queens-Brooklyn-Plattekill-244647331.html

Random Soapbox for Saturday 4/26/14

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... I can ... because Easter was last weekend and He is risen and Lent is over and my obligation to have those Saturdays within it be rave-only Saturdays has been fulfilled.

So in the words of the internet sensation not named Grumpy Cat (whom I uncovered today I think for the first time, and yes, indeed, I did laugh until I cried), no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO, NOOO!

[Disclaimer #1:  although I did laugh until I cried, it does strike me that responsible cat owners should probably have been giving some kind of comfort instead of videotaped torment to a feline that was in such distress.  But that uncomfortableness aside ... ]

To whom am I (re)directing this lament?  My boy Colin K.

[Disclaimer #2:  Sexual assault victims must never be discouraged from coming forward, despite what I'm about to say.]

"911 operator:  there's a naked woman on my friend's bed who refuses to leave", or so went the reported 911 call from a Miami hotel earlier this month (and who hasn't been at one of *those* kinds of parties, eh?).  It sounds like the matter is still being investigated and the truth about the "suspicious incident" has yet to play out completely.  But please Colin K, don't give the media a chance to run your name through the mud ... and get yourself a better a bed mate (rumor has it the naked girl was having a relationship of some kind with him), and get yourself better friends, and get yourself better party spots (I am here in southern Florida north of Miami if you're looking for a place to crash next time).

[Disclaimer #3:  you may have to share the guest bed with puppy dogs instead of naked women who refuse to leave.]

NO NO NO NO NO NO PART 1:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/18/4067787/miami-police-investigating-colin.html

NO NO NO NO NO NO PART 2:
https://imgur.com/gallery/b38AI

NO NO NO NO NO NO PART 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxRX6LXDpWs

Random Flashback for Friday 4/25/14

Normally it's a picture taken from twenty years ago that fills the spot weekly on Fridays.

Today it's kind of that.

The picture is actually "fresh off the cell phone" of a corner of my room in the back of the house where I pretend my hoarding is in control and that these are all "collections" in my "personal museum" (oh I'll have problems late in life, won't I) ...

The picture is OF Alfieri's ladder from "A View to the Bridge" with shelves on it from "Godspell" (recognize the glow in the dark hand prints anyone?) with the sewing machine from "The Pajama Game" on top and the skyline from "On the Town" as a backdrop.

What's that all mean?  These are pieces from the sets of all three musicals that I did as a theatre geek during my first round of study at LVC (89-95), with the "View from the Bridge" being an exception in that it was a play and that ladder was what I had to climb each night for my scenes as the lawyer advising the immigrants in the drama.

Bottom line ... don't ever throw anything out kids.  Not if you want to put it on the internet some twenty years later!

Random Thought for Thursday 4/24/14

It's only day two of "double the puppies", but here's what I yelled out yesterday (*almost* every time only after muting with regards to the conference call I was on at the time) ...

No humping!  Quit sixty-nining!  Do not lick your brother's penis!  Stop chewing on his "wing"!  [That's wing, not wang, as that's what Ocatavius' underdeveloped fourth leg kind of looks like when he uses it to play.]

To be fair, I get that they are both puppies, so this isn't anything overtly sexual ... but I'm hoping there's a path toward establishing dominance/alpha status that doesn't involve this kind of back and forth.  Especially since, and I'm no Cesar Milan here, but I think *I'm* supposed to be the alpha in this pack.

What's actually happening now is that I've quickly become a ref (Does anyone know the rules for puppy wrestling?  And why does each round seem to start with puppy kisses?  And is it permitted to use the collars during the pins?  And for goodness sake, how many rounds do they have to go before they break?).  Luckily, both are attuned to a voice or a clap or a look, and pause when asked so it seems to still be all play.

There are two truths to be told ... 1)  they are going to teach each other their bad habits quite quickly and 2) whether double the trouble or half as easy, there's certainly twice as much poop!

THE HUMAN VERSION:
http://www.lifewithlovebugs.com/things-i-never-thought-id-say/

MAKING SURE THEY STAY "VERSATILE IN THEIR PLAY TO AVOID BULLYDOM:
http://puppies.about.com/od/PuppyPlaySports/a/How-Puppies-Play.htm

WHOA WAIT A MINUTE ... MAYBE THIS ALPHA DOG IDEA IS ALL WRONG:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_12/features/Alpha-Dogs_20416-1.html

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 4/23/14

We got a Dick Clark situation over here!

Used in a sentence:  "We got a Dick Clark situation over here!"  (You know, 'cause it is a sentence already, so no additional context or color is needed.)

[Depending on your age or viewing preference ... feel free to swap out Dick Clark with Ryan Seacrest or Carson Daly or the Anderson Cooper/Kathie Griffin combo.]

Bottom line ... new puppy Ozzie (Octavius Julius) can't yet have his snip and chip surgery because he's all John Kruk in the sac.  Here's hoping it's "New Years Eve" in his privates sooner rather than later so the boys are more evenly "matched" in the testosterone department.

ANY DAY NOW!?:
http://www.terrificpets.com/forum/48693.asp

THIS YEAR'S SHOW WILL BE ON DECEMBER 31st ... IS IT EVER *NOT*?:
http://www.dickclark.com/shows/dick-clarks-new-years-rockin-eve-with-ryan-seacrest/

OZZIE (AND KRUK) ARE NOT ALONE:
http://www.asylum.com/2009/05/19/10-famous-men-with-only-one-ball/

Random Tune for Tuesday 4/22/14

Meet Ozzie ... full name (as of tomorrow) Octavius Julius.

Tonight's tune ... obviously ... "Mama I'm Coming Home", made famous by some other Ozzy, but sung by someone else as per the youtube, just to keep the randomness factor high.

If you haven't heard the story, Ozzie was the original three-pawed puppy that was supposed to make this his forever home ... except the day the paperwork was submitted, he ended up with another family -- a family that had a toddler who also was missing a limb.  Seemed like the perfect fit, but Ozzie was "too much puppy", and so when he ended up back in the system, it wasn't too difficult a decision to bring him into the fold.

Octavius is a fitting first name because he's the eighth pet of my adult years (after Little One the ferret, Mauler Jean, Demon James, Baby Jane, Mystery Josephine, Murder Jehosaphat and Casanova James).  [Missing is Little One the turtle ... because, upon retrospection, that poor thing was more a captive prisoner than my pet.  Oops!]  And a middle name that starts with a J honors the tradition started long ago and is a shout-out to DJ (may he rest in peace).  Although, unless he's in trouble, he'll probably hear Ozzie more than Octavius Julius.

[Of course, what it all boils down to is that I'm really just trying to keep up with the Heather K's of the world!]

Here they are ... my famous last words ... this is either going to be twice as hard or half as easy ...

OZZIE ... OZZIE, YOU'RE COMING HOME!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZrss_IH5Z8

Random Memorial for Monday 4/21/2014

Gone but not forgotten:  freezing fog and other weather phenomenon ... you know, like derechos.

Oh I do love me some derechos (maybe because I didn't have them when I was little) but I promise this will *not* be yet another post about my favorite wind weather event.

Instead, I'll fondly recall "freezing fog" -- something else I don't think they had when I was little -- but that we did have in Chitown before the big move.  (This picture, off the google, has the bunny, so it felt like the right choice for the day after Easter.

I've actually found that it's a bit of a useless exercise to check the weather here ... since every day is between 85 and 90 and mostly sunny with an occasional surprise rain shower at pretty much any time.  Not that I'm complaining.

Variety in my weather that leads me to learn of new meteorological events, you are (kind of) missed.

APPARENTLY THIS BUNNY GETS AROUND:
http://www.foundbunny.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

RADIATION FOG IS THE FIRST TYPE OF FOG LISTED ... WHAT-WHAT?:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/jkl/?n=fog_types

MY FAVORITE WEATHER EVENT (PEOPLE HAVE THOSE, RIGHT?):
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDerechos/derechofacts.htm

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 4/20/14

What southern Florida is talking about this week:

Easter, of course ... the same thing that everyone is talking about (well, everyone that celebrates, that is).

Here's hoping yours was spent with family and/or friends ... and that your baskets were full of goodies ... and that the bunny visited for your kids ... and that you enjoyed any services you attended, sunrise or otherwise ... and that your eggs didn't break ... and that the ones you hid were all found ... and etc etc etc.

And I swear that's "flash" in my eyes and they are not glazed over in the photo of the bunny hat that I got to put on tonight after my Easter dinner (well, until the puppy dog got a hold of it).

[Instead of bonus links tonight, here are bonus photos ...]

Once again, Happy Easter to you and yours from me and mine!

Random Soapbox for Saturday 4/19/14

I don't mean to go off on a rave here, but ...

... it will be my last rave for a few weeks, since I had given up ranting (on Saturdays) for lent, and since lent is now drawing to a close.  Before I return to ranting next week (and yes, Colin K, you will be up first), how's about I close off all this raving with how much I'm enjoying my new Floridian domicile.

If there wasn't a puppy to raise, I'd be tempted to start a new bonus series of posts like I did when I left Chicago ... or when I counted down to the Mayan apocalypse ... but there just aren't enough hours in the day any more to start up one of those.

So let me just say that I so enjoy living close to the water and near enough to hear a train whistle blow when it rolls through this part of town.  The train thing speaks to my younger days, growing up near the tracks in my hometown of Lebanon (although, to be fair, living in the shadow of the el in Chicago for as many years as I did took that whole scene to a different level).  And the water thing has always brought me peace ... from the Quittie in Lebanon and Annville/LVC, to the Rhine for that semester abroad in Germany, to the mighty Susquehanna for those years in Harrisburg, to the expanse of Lake Michigan during my sojourn in Chitown, and now to the nearby little Middle River PLUS the oh-so-close and oh-so-powerful Atlantic Ocean.

But wait ... there's more!  This house allows for multiple home offices (wherever I have power and can get the signal off the modem) ... in the bedroom when the dog is sleeping (the bed serves as a crib since he can't yet jump up and down by himself) ... in the guest bedroom in the mini office space ... on the couch ... on the front porch ... or, best yet, on the new back deck.

Speaking of the new back deck, besides the fact that the puppy can entertain himself for hours back there, playing tug of war with the fence vines, or chasing down the old coconuts, or barking into the depths of the banyan tree ... and that I can sit in the chair and watch butterflies of every flutter and birds of every feather flock together (including a striking cardinal, more than a few bluejays and a dove couple) ... it may be that *the best thing* is the inspiration from the one palm tree pictured in this photo.

Everyone who visits say that they've never seen anything like it ... a tree that decided to fight for its share of the sun by growing its trunk along the ground to escape the overhanging banyan tree branches with their accompanying moss ... forging its own destiny and claiming its own spot.  Unique ... different ... but now thriving on its own terms ... flourishing in the Floridian sunshine.

That tree and I are going to get along *just fine* here!

SPOOKY YET ELEGANT:
http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/3d/trees/trees05.htm

I SHOULD SUBMIT MY PHOTO!:
http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/35212-curving-palms-that-normally-grow-straight-show-us-here/

THAT LITTLE CREEK IS WORTH A HALF MILLION DOLLARS NOW:
http://www.ldnews.com/local/ci_24977321/quittie-creek-nature-park-receive-444-126-state

Random Flashback for Friday 4/18/14

Pre-eee-ee-pare-ye-the-way-of-the-Lord.

And so marks the 20th anniversary of the first fully staged production in the (then) newly renovated Leedy Theatre (nee Little Theatre) in the erstwhile Mund College Center of LVC ... Godspell, as presented back in the spring of 1994.

And this also explains, finally, the reason for my general beardedness during this chapter of my life, as I was indeed cast to betray Jesus and felt the need to disguise my usual cute baby face with something more sinister (aka facial hair).

Seems like the right flashback for this religious holiday weekend, no?  That's the director getting crucified on the stage cross contraption in the main photo ... but there's a larger group shot in the bonus pics ... and a photo of Jesus himself (Mr. Jenkins as I recall) sitting next to an actor who might look familiar to some because he murder-mysteried with us once or twice ... and, finally, two leading ladies of the stage of that era.

Besides the faux-vaudeville song I had to sing with the Savior character, the other thing I vividly remember is being allowed to not show up for curtain call, and to, instead, go outside of the main doors, and mimic myself hanging from a tree ... just to be all method-y in my Judasness to the very end.

And to those who celebrate ... Happy Easter to you and yours ... day by day by day by day by day!

Random Thought for Thursday 4/17/14

What with this being holy week and today being Maundy Thursday for many, it's only natural that, in today's post, I'm contemplative about religion in general.  It's been many many many years since my comparative religion class at LVC, but I've also traveled and welcomed others into my circle that believe in ways other than mine.

I keep a Book of Mormon and a Koran next to my collection of family Bibles ... and I'm even somewhat hip to the more modern religions that just originated last century (like Scientology and Oprah) ... but after reviewing my daily news feed on the Facebook, it seems to me that I'm missing out on the most recent addition to the family of religions to compare.

So can y'all fill me in on the Zumba faith?  I've gathered that devoted believers commune multiple times a week ... and that there appear to be a number of high-priestesses who cultivate followings where "fervor" barely describes the attitude of those who attend "services".  Oh ... and proselytizing is *for sure* a part of the calling.

Whatever you practice ... from A (atheism?) to Z (zumba) ... here's hoping you have a great weekend ... and to those who "celebrate", Happy Easter to you and yours!

WE ARE ALL MORE SIMILAR THAN DIFFERENT:
http://www.comparativereligion.com/

WHO KNEW?  ZUMBA MAY BE EVIL FOR CHRISTIANS!:
http://sharingreflections.blogspot.com/2012/10/is-zumba-okay-for-christians.html

WHO KNEW (TWO)?  ZUMBA MAY MAKE JEWISH WOMEN PROSTITUTES!:
http://beforeitsnews.com/religion/2013/12/brooklyn-orthodox-jewish-rabbi-warns-that-zumba-causes-jewish-women-to-become-prostitutes-2459906.html

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 4/16/14

Smartwater (How.  Smart.  Is it!?)

Used in a sentence:  "Since moving in to the 'hood, we've felt a little left out because so many neighboring properties had a sign similar to this one hanging in the windows ... prompting me to wonder ... Smartwater (How.  Smart.  Is it!?)"

Luckily, a recent Sunday paper helped explain that this was actually a crime prevention technique to discourage home burglaries.  We missed the giveaway of 500 free kits last year, but apparently it's a "chemical and metal mix that can be permanently applied to valuables and identified later", as each bottle is "unique as a snowflake or fingerprint".  And everything becomes apparent when a black light is shined on your recovered possessions.

In general, I would say that that's some pretty intelligent smartwater ... but then I'd also say that I have a feeling that anyone with a cat also probably has unique markings that will show up under a black light as well, if you know what I'm saying.

Until the next giveaway and the chance to jump on the Smartwater bandwagon, the Comcast Xfinity alarm system and a growing puppy will have to serve as the deterrents here.

IT'S WORKING!:
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Fort-Lauderdale-Police-Use-SmartWater-CSI-To-Catch-Suspects--238634531.html

IF IT WASN'T, I'D BE TEMPTED TO CLASSIFY IT IN THE SNAKE OIL CATEGORY:
http://smartwatercsi.com/

ANOTHER WAY TO HAVE YOUR BELONGINGS MARKED:
http://coveredincathair.com/cat-pee-detective

Random Tune for Tuesday 4/15/14

I finally caught up on American Idol XIII last week, and I just want folks to know that I was a fan of Harry before he joined the panel, as evidenced by my cassette collection.

[And yes, this represents about 1% of what I still own in storage ... because that's what 7 out of almost 600 represents mathematically, right?]

The kids that are singing this year ... eh ... not too much exciting (or maybe I'm just getting old ... or maybe the franchise is just getting old ...), but it's worth watching to see the craziness he's injected into the proceedings.

So which Connick Jr tune do I pick for tonight?  How about the one from the same musical I performed in college back in the LVC days ... the one he revived a few years back ... and the reason I still say "you with the stars in your eyes" anytime anyone says "hey there" to me ...

[Note ... it's so good I had to list it twice ... this was also my random tune for Tuesday 3.13.12!]

LOVE NEVER MADE A FOOL OF YOU ... YOU USED TO BE TOO WISE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjkQ1OxWLic

Random Memorial for Monday 4/14/14

Gone but not forgotten (maybe?):  the extra point.

I don't know if it's the fact that the Blue and White game was aired this weekend (it's still on my DVR ... but spoiler alert ... Penn State won) OR the fact that the toy picked up at the Target tonight for the pup was a squeaky blue football that's kept him going all night OR that pipe dream that maybe I'll spend Labor Day weekend 2014 in Ireland with a Guinness and a game ...

But football's been on my mind these last 24 hours.

I guess I get it that 5 out of 1200 missed PATs last year (I *just* learned that acronym ... I don't want anyone to accuse me of being a poser) [4 of which were blocked] makes for a not so exciting game.  But I come from the world of being a fan of college football, where it seems like all too often that that point matters (and not necessarily be such a foregone conclusion).

That which will make the kickers be a less glamorous position (they *were* a glamorous position to start with, right?) ... you will (potentially) be missed.

MAYBE NO MORE?:
http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2014/01/25/the-extra-point-roger-goodell

MAYBE JUST MOVED TO THE 25?:
http://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/22/sports/la-sp-nfl-meetings-20140323

THE 10 BEST (BEFORE THE PROPOSED CHANGES):
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1110108-ranking-the-top-10-punters-and-kickers-in-nfl-history

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 4/13/14

What southern Florida is talking about this week:

Rising Seas.

It looks like my days here in Florida are numbered ... especially since I never learned how to swim.

The local paper ran an expose on how the melting ice caps are causing the sea level to rise and they are predicting that it will be up as much as seven inches by 2030 and two feet by 2060 and possibly 6.6 feet by 2100 (assuming I make it to the ripe old age of 138).

And there may not be much that can be done since the geological make up is such that it will just flood up from underneath.  I saw my first big rainstorm today (three hours of unrelenting giant raindrops), and already the yard and the nearby streets were flooded.

I can only imagine what will happen come hurricane season.  Or worse.  Somebody get Al Gore to fix this ... stat!

THEY'RE GOING TO WIN A PRIZE FOR THIS:
http://interactive.sun-sentinel.com/rising-seas/

TIME TO LEARN:
http://www.wikihow.com/Swim

PREMIERES TONIGHT!:
http://www.sho.com/sho/years-of-living-dangerously/home

Random Soapbox for Saturday 4/12/14

I don't mean to go off on a rave here, but ...

[mark your calendars ... I can *and will* return to ranting on my soapbox in just two weeks]

... don't count out the animal kingdom just yet.

Sure ... sure ... we allegedly sit at the apex (well, those of us who aren't allergic to bee stings, that is) ... but more and more studies show that we're not alone in our intelligence (emotional or otherwise).

The latest study to be released took New Caledonian crows (who had already proven that they too are adept at making tools) and demonstrated that they could remove the classification of "fable" from Aesop's "Crow and the Pitcher" tale.  According to the study's findings, meat in tubes too far out of reach were made accessible when the crows dropped pebbles into the tube filled with water (instead of sand) and even knew enough to drop pebbles instead of floating pieces of rubber.

I know sometimes that I'm too quick to anthropomorphise an animal or two ... but demonstrating cognitive theory like this is starting down the path to reconsidering our role in this kingdom.  And with physics no less ... something I barely understood as a senior in high school!

LITTLE BY LITTLE DOES THE TRICK (FORTUNE COOKIE STYLE ... ADD IN BED):
http://www.aesopfables.com/cgi/aesop1.cgi?sel&TheCrowandthePitcher2

CROWS AND PHYSICS 101:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/10/science/the-moral-aesop-knew-something-about-crows.html?_r=0

NO OFFENSE TO THOSE ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS INTENDED:
http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2012/05/08/allergic-reaction-to-bee-stings/

Random Flashback for Friday 4/11/14

Location:  Memorial Lake at Ft Indiantown Gap.

Time of day:  First of all ... *day*time, which in itself was a change for us theatre kids who often would visit this place nocturnally (allegedly ... maybe ... I'm not admitting to any trespassing charges on this blog ... perhaps it was all a dream).

Date:  Sometime in spring of 1994, twenty years ago, as is the routine for my Friday Flashback series.

Who:  I already said it ... us LVC theatre kids ...

Why:  Well, specifically, I believe it was the end of the pledge/audition class that year for Alpha Psi Omega.  Which would explain why it's Autumn S and me (with full on jeans jacket and Aerosmith hat!) in the forefront, as we co-directed that activity that year.

Wherefore the Bunny:  I might need help on that one ... I feel certain that I did not have rabbit-whispering skills and that the creature was not just out there in the wild.  Instead, I think one of us theatre kids was breaking the same "no-pets-on-campus" rule as we were in our dorm room, and that the bunny belonged to someone in our group.

Regardless, in this Easter season ... it seemed like the right memory for the right time!

Random Thought for Thursday 4/10/14

La la la la la la la.

Science has come through with a remedy for the malady that affects me.  (Well, it actually affects my bedmates moreso than me, if I'm being honest.)

Here's the problem, though ... the only singing I'm doing nowadays is when I'm in the car (yep, I'm *that* guy, performing in my own concert, screaming at the top of my lungs, probably off key and in the wrong octave that you see when you pull up at the red light or pass me flying down the highway at speeds more than five miles above the speed limit [which I know because, on the highway, I'm also *that* guy who has the cruise control set so I know you're breaking the law]).

Which means I'm doing more snoring that not (and now I'm joined by the puppy dog, who also doesn't sing yet) ... well, until I build in singing time as part of my daily routine (maybe every day should have a random tune or two or three instead of my current set up).

COMMENCE SINGING ... DECOMMENCE SNORING:
http://www.singingforsnorers.com/

OR NINE OTHER "CURIOUS" WAYS:
http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/sleep/nine-curious-ways-to-stop-snoring-1#1

A TUMBLR COLLECTION ON THE SUBJECT:
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/singing-in-the-car

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 4/9/14

Guilt tip.

Used in a sentence:  "Once again, Starbucks is leading the way in pushing us all into considering a guilt tip -- now courtesy of 'improvements' made to their mobile payment app that will make it easier to add on the extra."

I like to think of myself as a generous tipper.  :Like all erstwhile aspiring actors, I waited tables when I was in school and survived on tip money.  In my middle age, I completely understand that tipping my bartenders gets me better service and the feeling that I've paid for friendship that they are kind of obligated to return.

But it seems like, after the move, jars are *everywhere* down here in Florida -- in the strangest places ... like the local UPS mailing store.  I know the Great Recession rocked a lot of boats ... and that loose change adds up ... but I'm not about to return to an establishment that makes me feel like a chump because I've held on to my change (thus making it, literally, chump change) instead of using it to feed the tip beast.

Luckily, I'm not a frequent customer at Starbucks (unless it's hot chocolate season ... which, living where I do now ... might not be for a looong time), but unless these things go away, I fear I'm going to have start keeping another boycott list before too long.

THE NEW GUILT TIP AT STARBUCKS:
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=229115

BEGGING AT THE POINT OF SALE:
http://www.mymoneyblog.com/tip-jars-are-everywhere-should-we-fight-back-or-give-in.html

THE TIPPING POINT WHEN IT COMES TO TIPPING:
http://dealnews.com/features/Guilt-Tipping-56-of-People-Tip-Even-If-They-Receive-Terrible-Service/735657.html

Random Tune for Tuesday 4/8/14

Back when I was doing my PJamJam series of posts on Tuesdays counting up to the release of Lightning Bolt, I was choosing one song from each album to highlight.

And when I did my speed-listen of the CD on the day of the purchase, I ultimately went with Pendulum but not before first mentioning this optimistic love song ... that I found again when it was featured in the wedding episode of HIMYM (which I finally got around to watching today).

(A note to those of you hatin' on the finale, life is messy and complicated and everyone doesn't always get happy endings, and at least this show had the courage to show that while it stayed true to the characters it developed.)

Oh ... and today's random tune is dedicated to (c), for obvious and/or cryptic reasons.

FUTURE DAYS ... DAYS OF YOU AND ME:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nigF1ulBCQE

Random Memorial for Monday 4/7/14

Gone but not forgotten:  Esther Neidermyer.

So there's a story here ... because last week I was travelling and had prepped ahead of time and was attempting to post from my work trip to Orlando, I had previously uploaded this special photo of my biological father's biological mother (what most people call a maternal grandma).

I went to post and confirm that she had died twenty years ago ... and the internet informed me that she had not.  It took me awhile to figure out where I had gone wrong ... and I finally realized that I was confusing the pages of my photo album ... and that it was my Aunt Margaret who had passed twenty years ago instead on March 31, 1994 (the day I was posting).

Of course, it's such a great picture that represents 25% of my heritage that I decided I'd use it today ... not because April 7 was any particular date of importance (well, of which I am aware, anyway) ... but because it's such a great photo and because she deserves to be missed ...

She of the broasted chicken recipe ... and the bobble heads on the railing ... and the attack poodle ever close by ... on this random day ... you are missed.

THE INTERNET IS A LITTLE CREEPY IN EVERYTHING IT KNOWS:
http://www.fold3.com/page/16454308_esther_m_neidermyer/

MAY OR MAY NOT BE AS GOOD AS GRANDMA'S:
http://www.food.com/recipe/broasted-chicken-431518

SPEAKING OF BOBBLE HEADS, I'D LIKE *THIS ONE* PLEASE:
http://www.retroplanet.com/PROD/39743?CID=1499621&AID=10841152&PID=1609763

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 4/6/14

What southern Florida is talking about this week:

Options for "things to do" as seen in the local paper.

Normally I'm a fan of words, but today I'll simply devote the rest of this post to the images of what gets promoted in the Sunday news.

Which, in itself, should give anyone a sense of the age groups (and, in one case, religious affiliation) to which the paper is marketed.

And the best part ... check out the meeting time in the last pic ... the one named "dinner with the doctors".

Makes a boy feel young again!

Random Soapbox for Saturday 4/5/14

I don't mean to go off on a rave here, but ...

[yep ... still raving instead of ranting ... 'cause it's still lent ...]

... thank goodness for landladies who can scrounge up extra money unexpectedly and HVAC companies that can replace broken air conditioning, because living in Florida without AC might have been too much for me to bear in my late middle age (and it's only April)!

Despite the fact that it did take a week (as you may recall from my post last Sunday, the old unit in this house actually stopped working a week ago) ... and that the landlady balked at the neighbor's company's price to replace it (so that's one neighbor no longer coming to the block party should we ever have one) ... and that the family friend she did hire (who showed up with his nephew after work to do the project on the side) needed to convince her it really was alkl about replacing both the outside and inside units that were nigh unto fifteen years old ... I'm just raving to again have the option to have central air.

By the way, I also know I'm blessed to have this modern convenience, as the Haitians across the street who live in the back yard of this neighbor guy's property apparently have to leave each day just to go get water from somewhere because I don't think they have it in whatever domicile in which they are shacked up back there (they may not have water, but they most certainly have a cell phone, as the whole 'hood can hear when she gets on it to curse someone out [come to think of it, maybe she's yelling violently at the one responsible for the fact that they are water-less]).

But more than *anything* else ... I'm just happy that I can do my bathroom business without breaking out into a sweat (as that's what I think hell might be ... being trapped taped to a toilet in a triple digit environment ... and that image should get you some religion right quick, lest you be trapped next to me)!

Where was I?  Oh right ... the sweet sweet sound of working compressors and cool air blowing out of vents.  Gotta love it!

EVEN THOUGHT THEY COULDN'T STRIKE A DEAL ... THEY WERE WILLING TO:
http://www.allyearcoolingandheating.com/

INSTEAD WE GOT LOCAL TRINIDADIAN BOYS (OR WERE THEY TOBAGGONS)?
http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/

AH ... THE INTERNET ... GIVING ANSWERS TO PRESSING PROBLEMS:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080802023053AAqbUgR

Random Flashback for Friday 4/4/14

Here's another photo from that LVC Murder Mystery from twenty years ago that I'm squeezing in between my Easter pics.

And yes, this is me circa May 1994, and yes, that's all my hair.

I'm not quite ready to disclose why I was growing my version of a beard back then (but check back around Easter when that will become obvious) ... but take a gander at that look I'm pulling off.

I believe, what with this being one of my mysterious murder quests, that I was trying to channel my inner serial killer just to throw off the audience.  Or maybe because old man Chadwick (my character) had turned completely bad.  I'd have to dig out the script to know for sure.  Oh ... and, to be clear, I don't have an inner serial killer ... I was acting.

Regardless ... I'm kind of spooking myself, if I do say so ... even two decades after the shoot.

Random Thought for Thursday 4/3/14

Let me start by saying that I mean absolutely no offense to my Canadians friends, Facebook or otherwise.  But if I'm being honest, Canadian quarters ... I mean Canadian 25 cent pieces ... bring out the worst in me.

On my side of the big International Boundary, discovering one in my pocket turns me into a schemer.  I try to pass it off as its American cousin, and get frustrated when vending machines are smarter than I expect them to be and spit the queen's image back out at me.  When that happens, then the rest of my day is spent trying to find a cashier who doesn't care enough about his or her job to inspect the coinage I give away ... and who won't stop me from divesting myself of my partial loonies.

When it's all said and done and it's no longer in my possession, then I go take a shower because I feel dirty ... like I committed some Canadian crime and I might have to go hide from a Mountie for a few days.  Just sayin' ...

WAIT ... I'M SUPPOSED TO BE CHECKING THEM FOR SILVER FIRST:
http://coinapps.com/silver/coin/canadian/calculator/

NOT AN ONION ARTICLE NOR WAS IT PUBLISHED ON APRIL FOOLS:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/05/new-canadian-money-smells-like-syrup-melts-in-heat/

SPEAKING OF BEING CHASED BY A MOUNTIE:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/04/04/the-most-canadian-police-chase-ever-alberta-mounties-bum-ride-on-snowmobile-to-chase-stolen-john-deere-tractor/

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 4/2/14

Yep Yep Yep.

Used in a sentence (of sorts):  "Yep Yep Yep."

Sometimes you just catch yourself saying something that instantly takes you back to your youth ...

I had that moment at work recently where I was voicing my agreement by announcing one yep after another ... and it was like once I started, I couldn't stop.  Here a yep ... there a yep ... everywhere a yep yep.

Then, of course, I immediately had to go to the youtube to relive my childhood memories.

THEY TALKED MORE THAN I REMEMBERED:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCri-vLgSNA

AND MAYBE THEY WERE MORE YIP YIP THAN YEP YEP:
http://www.muppetcentral.com/forum/threads/yep-yep-guys.16099/

BECAUSE EVERYTHING CAN BE FOUND ON THE FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/If-you-remember-the-YEP-YEP-monstersjoin/103791579655149

Random Tune for Tuesday 4/1/14

To be clear, there's a much better chance of me being late to the pop culture party than ahead of the game (have I mentioned recently that I refuse to drink the i-koolaid?) ... and it was widely broadcast that Troy would be leaving Community's current season (six and a movie!) midway through it so the rest of this post can't possibly be a spoiler ...

What with that batch of episodes dropping off of on-demand, I finally got around to catching the episode where he said goodbye ... and instantly fell in love again with the classic Come Sail Away as redone by Aimee Mann.  As is par for the course with this excellent series, it was the perfect send off and hearkened back to the first season when Troy cried because "he was tricked into listening to Come Sail Away".  As it was, this Troy might have done the same thing this time around (unless it was just my contacts ... yeah, that's what it was ... or at least that's the story with which I'm sticking ...)

JUST A SNIPPET OF THE SCENE TO WHET YOUR APPETITE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a207YXVMXsc