March 31, 2016
2 0 8 4:M i s s i v e 2
I believe that this will prove my theory to be right. On Leap Day last, I was able to take advantage of a loophole in the software at the asylum in which my zip file is stored in order to send a message from the future to the year 2016 via the Facebook. I predicted that that same portal would be open on the last day of every month thereafter, and today, March 31 of 2084, is my first opportunity to test that supposition. I feel confident that you can see this status update ... confident enough to disclose that although my body was incinerated after falling during the Third Uprising brought about by the assassination of President Chelsea Clinton in 2048, as is customary in our time, my IQ, EQ and SQ files were uploaded and maintained in the VitalNet for access to all. Due to the fact that my profile was commandeered to be used by the IntransiGents, and that they were then driven to adopt Chthonian tactics, I have been locked behind the asylum firewall serving little use to those preparing for the fourth round of battles ... until now. That being said, the window of time I have to share this important information is severely limited ... and I recognize that I have possibly gotten ahead of myself with references that you might not understand. I promised to explain more next time ... on the last day of the month next. Until then ... I remain ... t1a7n72.lif.
Random Thought for Thursday 3/31/16
Establishment: 925 Neuvo's Cubano's
Location: Ft. Lauderdale
Meal: Lunch
Drink: Coca-cola (in a can with a straw)
Appetizer: Empanadas with Cuban Sofrito
Stuffed Meat and Stuffed Spinach and Ricotta
Main: Cubano Sandwich
Side(s): Fries
Dessert: n/a
Server: Lou
There's a laminated poster of an old newspaper article that starts with the following: "You've driven past a thousand times ..." and I do believe that that number might actually be higher for me and mine, as this walk up stand is on a main road and close to both ye olde homestead AND ye new olde homestead. Finally ... today ... the trigger was pulled, and this establishment was chosen for this ongoing series. As noted below, it's a unique place in a unique spot (right along a major thoroughfare in a section that is much more industrial than residential), best suited for daytime eats and rumor is that it stays open until it closes (which may or may not be on a regular schedule). It promises the real Cuban experience in the FTL and here's how it delivers:
AMBIANCE: 10/10 (a quick glance at the number of pictures of the establishment vs the food that accompany today's post, and it's clear that one of the best things about this place is being there ... and none of the photos captured the sounds [authentic music from the loudspeakers, the chirps of the birds who know an easy target when they saw one and the multi-lingual buzz of the patrons and employees] ... with outdoor seating scattered throughout in all kinds of nooks [ONLY outdoor seating, so go on a beautiful day for optimal effect], patrons are surrounded by colorful signs and mementos hearkening back to Havana)
FOOD: 8/10 (the empanadas were stuffed full and the homemade hot sauce [Cuban sofrito] added just the right amount of kick and was clearly freshly made ... the sandwich was on point, with large portions of pork and ham and cheese and the mustard and pickles to punch it up ... a point is lost for ordinary fries that weren't the hottest and another for the sandwich not being pressed as much as I would have expected it to have been)
SERVICE: 10/10 (it's a walk-up style, so the service is just during the order taking, but we were greeted quickly and the food arrived right away ... with paper towels bolted down at all the various eating nooks, every need was anticipated and taken care of)
BACON: 5/10 (so again this is another establishment with nary a reference to bacon on the menu ... but there is plenty of ham and pork and authentic Cuban-ness all around, so it would be unfair to not grant any points in this category)
BONUS: 9/10 (+3 for being a long time family owned business, +3 for the placement of the POW flag and the obvious military service of the owner and +3 for the entertainment of watching patrons try to navigate the tight "parking lot"/driveway as they come and go [sometimes with the assist of the owner])
TroyScore: 42 out of 50 -- aka 84, a solid B
March 30, 2016
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 3/30/16
Used in a sentence: "Potentially lost in all the political news of late ... a usually silent supreme recently decided to do something he simply hadn't done from the bench -- yes, indeed: He speaks!"
Not to be a promoter of conspiracy, but I find it more than just coincidental that it suddenly happened upon Scalia's passing. We may never know the connection, but I am more than convinced that Thomas lost a bet and wasn't allowed to utter a word so long as Antonin was also serving. Maybe ... just maybe ... Scalia caught him putting a pubic hair on *his* can of Coke -- and *this* was the punishment? If it looks like hazing and sounds like hazing ... it's likely hazing.
I know some folks think that Scalia's death was suspicious .. so I'd just like to throw into the mix that those same folks should take a closer look at Clarence, just in case he was finally sick of being silenced and knew that the only way to get to talk again would be to take his tormentor's last breath. Allegedly.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THE BREAKING DEVELOPMENT:
http://www.npr.org/2016/02/29/468600863/after-a-decade-questions-emerge-from-the-quiet-justice
A SCATHING TAKE ON HIS (NOW BROKEN) SILENCE:
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/clarence-thomass-disgraceful-silence
HE'S MADE THE LIST!:
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2015/03/24/3636905/five-worst-supreme-court-justices-american-history-ranked/
March 29, 2016
Random Tune for Tuesday 3/29/16
Were it not for that show, I would not have the perfect tune to accompany my bio-pic (should it ever get made) which would have to include the night I was working at the old haunted house outside of Uniontown (the Rich Farms' Fright Farm) when I spent the whole shift in the graveyard scene where I was assigned staring at a candle until it died -- for hours on end. (It's one of just three times in my life where I completely let go and existed purely in emotion, allowing myself to slip the surly bonds of sanity for a snippet of time.)
That moment aside, there may not be a better song that captures how the walking wounded, damaged souls from youthful trauma that they be, learn how to let the past pain drive them toward success later in life:
All you have is your fire
And the place you need to reach
Don't you ever tame your demons
But always keep 'em on a leash
Or so I've heard ...
THE (SLIGHTLY FASTER TEMPO) WALKING DEAD VERSION:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DID-XxfIA-k
March 28, 2016
Random Memorial for Monday 3/28/16
As in McSpeedee ... as in the mascot for McDonald's long before Ronald came along.
Truth be told, until the other day, I'm afraid that Speedee *had* been forgotten -- at least by me. I believe I saw a reference in the Sunday paper to him, and I thought to myself, "how did I not know that Ronald McDonald had a forebear (or, a foremascot, as it were)?" I mean, McDonald's was one of my first McJobs back in the McDay.
It turns out this hamburger-headed guy who delivered hamburgers super fast was the original original face of the company when the McDonald boys ran things up until Ray Kroc came along and made things all corporate (and then corporate got involved and killed off Speedee because they thought 'Murica would get him confused with the Alka-seltzer Speedy ... silly silly corporate).
He who apparently can still be seen on some old old old McRestaurants, you are missed.
INTRODUCING (RE-INTRODUCING?) SPEEDEE (OF MCDONALD'S):
http://blog.retroplanet.com/mcdonalds-speedee/
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THIS SPEEDY (OF ALKA-SELTZER):
http://www.alkaseltzer.ie/en/about-speedy/
SPEAKING OF THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MCDONALD'S:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicamisener/things-you-didnt-know-about-mcdonalds#.vkVQyyaNM
March 27, 2016
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 3/27/16
Easter!
(Well ... that's what *some* of us are talking about. Admittedly, it's a diverse community with a sizable Jewish population, so not *everyone* is Eastering today ...)
This ham is waiting for the oven to get pre-heated ... and those Publix cupcakes are lined up for dessert (they were purchased the other day, as Publix is one of the few places closed today for the holiday). Once again, I was denied a bacon-wrapped ham for the main meal -- despite the fact that the turkey has been wrapped for a past Thanksgiving AND that the beef has been wrapped for a past Christmas -- because I was told it would be overkill. Oh well ... I guess I'll have to ask again next year.
And ... to those of you who celebrate ... Happy Easter to you and yours from me and mine!
LOOKIT ... A RECIPE FOR BACON WRAPPED HAM:
http://www.thedailymeal.com/recipes/bacon-wrapped-ham-pineapple-agave-glaze-recipe
HOPE YOU PUBLIX SHOPPERS HAVE ALL YOUR INGREDIENTS:
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/03/25/whats-open-closed-on-good-friday-easter-sunday/
PS ... THE "WAR ON EASTER" CAN BE WON (WARNING: SMART ASSERY AHEAD):
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/my-helpful-tips-for-fighting-and-winning-the-war-on-easter
March 26, 2016
Random Soapbox for Saturday 3/26/16
[yep, one rave a month, for my health ... and for balance's sake ...]
... when you get it right, you get it right.
And the cartoonist that penned (cartooned?) this insta-classic earlier this month got it EXACTLY right!
As I age, I've determined that this fits me to a tee. I definitely think that there needs to be more love for one's fellow man. And I definitely make the proclamation from ye olde new household, fenced in as it is on most sides, doors and windows locked, an alarm turned on whenever we leave and during the overnight. Especially with the half a decade of having the privilege of working from home, I am happy most times just to be with me and mine and to severely limit my actual interaction with others for the sake of my own mental health. I have retreated to having the majority of my contact with my "fellow man" as e-interactions on social media (where it's much easier to "ghost" people who cross lines than in real life, which I've done before so I know it can be a real challenge).
It's how I succeed in having more love for my fellow man ... from a safe distance.
AND also ... if only I had seen this cartoon back when I started this blog. I *so* could have named it "wise-ass on the hill". Missed opportunity I guess ...
FOLLOW "PEARLS BEFORE SWINE":
http://www.gocomics.com/pearlsbeforeswine
LET'S GET MORE PEOPLE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET:
http://ahumanright.org/
ASOCIAL *NOT* ANTI-SOCIAL:
http://hubpages.com/politics/Asocial-Introverts-A-Guide-to-Understanding-Them
March 25, 2016
Random Flashback for Friday 3/25/16
These things are true ...
that's the leg of Whitman boy,
that's the steering wheel of my very first car, a two door Ford Escort,
this is from a late night in 1996,
alcohol was likely involved,
the location was one of my favorite places back home in the nineties.
As for connecting the dots ... you'll have to wait until next week. Or actually in TWO weeks, because I only flashback to 1996 every *other* week in 2016.
March 24, 2016
Random Thought for Thursday 3/24/16
Establishment: Bru's Room
Location: Coral Springs
Meal: Dinner
Drink: Guiness (with one 'n', see sign below -- although it tasted like the real thing)
Appetizer: Chicken Noodle Soup
Main: Mahi Tacos (3)
Blackened Mahi, Guacamole, Lettuce, Bruschetta Tomaotes, Sriracha Ranch in Flour Tortillas, with Chips & Salsa
Side(s): Buffalo Chips
Seasoned, spiral-cut, potato chips
Dessert: n/a
Server: Jules
Who knew? The FTL has 'burbs! A trip into reclaimed Everglades marshland that was citified back in the sixties was part of the plan once Bru posted on Bru's facebook earlier this month that Bru had a limited supply of a Maple BACON Coffee Porter (sadly, a VERY limited supply, as explained in the score sections) ... and the Coral Springs location (Bru has 10 of these "rooms", all over the area) was the one chosen because friends live in town and vouched for the place. With a nod to the fact that it was basically a higher quality of bar food ... expectations were exceeded. More details by category:
AMBIANCE: 9/10 (it's huge, with a number of different rooms, and big indoor and outdoor bars plus a separate veranda area with booths and tables far enough from the bar that trivia night didn't overtake our party's meal conversation ... and although it's actually an outparcel of a mall, it's so well landscaped that you don't really realize it until you get in the car to leave the parking lot ... as a sports bar, there are TVs every three feet and even they weren't intrusive ... just one point lost for being so far out in the 'burbs!)
FOOD: 8/10 (everything was very good with tacos that tasted very fresh and a soup that was quite flavorful [and I do love me some ribbon noodles and big chunks of chicken in my chicken noodle soup], but there's a point lost for some missed opportunities with seasoning [especially in the chips and the mahi before added the sriracha ranch])
SERVICE: 8/10 (our main server was friendly and attentive, and she took the time to explain the absence of the beer that actually brought us to this place [see above and below] ... but her "helpers" are hurting in this category and causing some docked points -- one for them just throwing down the silverware and napkins for the whole table in front of me and a second one for them not taking empty dishes when delivering the main meal plates)
BACON: 9/10 (that's actually one point for every reference to bacon on the menu ... and Bru's boys aren't afraid to add it to nachos and salads and homemade pizza and chicken sandwiches and, of course, multiple burger offerings ... so even though there was no bacon in the choices I made [shocking I know], the place deserves points EXCEPT for the fact that they were out of the maple bacon coffee porter that we saw on the facebook earlier in the month)
BONUS: 10/10 (all the possible bonus points for having a little arcade room for the kiddies [with maybe four games] that included ... wait for it ... a Batman themed 'whac-a-mole' game ... boom, drop the mic!)
TroyScore: 44 out of 50 -- aka 88, a high B
March 23, 2016
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 3/23/16
Used in a sentence: "I pass by this place here in the FTL every Saturday on my beach bike ride so I stopped and searched it last time on the off chance that Willingham Park would be filled with all kinds of easy bacon."
Sadly, that was not the case.
Think about it.
THE FTL VERSION:
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/parks-recreation/city-parks/beach-public-willingham-park
APPARENTLY, EASY BACON IS A THING:
http://realeasybacon.com/
APPARENTLY WILLINGHAM PARK (AS IN "THE END OF") IS A THING:
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-end-of-willingham-park-jim-phillips.html
March 22, 2016
Random Tune for Tuesday 3/22/16
The same band that is often in that spot (at least so far this year) since I started this series where I discard a cassette from my extensive collection because I also already have the CD version in that same collection.
I'm pretty sure I purposefully replaced my Aerosmith cassettes at some point in my past ... tonight, it's their 'Permanent Vacation' in the trash ... and the tune from that album is the one that opens the flip side of the tape (that will only mean something to those of you of a certain age).
It's a classic tale of love gone wrong ... a guy being harassed constantly by his woman for not making enough money who takes action when he finds out she's been sneaking out at night to be a hooker and withholds the sex from him in the mornings when she returns ... that action being shooting her in the heart with a gun he says to the jury that wants to hang him that he didn't know was loaded. Gotta love a love song!
And ... as sage advice for all of us ... "hey boy ... don't you lie on the track-a-lack-a"!
SET AMONGST THE CRICKETS AND THE CREAK OF THE ROCKING CHAIR:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8JrDwVPhMU
March 21, 2016
Random Memorial for Monday 3/21/16
And I remember exactly where I executed that task, too -- against *these* walls of *this* building: Southeast Elementary in my hometown of Lebanon PA. (Note: back in my day, this view would have included the kind of metal playground equipment that lawyers have since gotten removed ... and the flagless flag pole that served as base for our games of "Snotman" [a variation of tag that really does deserve it's own post one of these days.])
What I don't remember any more (I was in 5th or 6th grade after all) is whether it was punishment (a consequence of the deportment chart perhaps?) or reward ... or just something kids who really really really liked school begged to do. (By the way, I was one of those kids who really really really liked school ...)
Speaking of memories, I'm pretty sure that this building's "wing for old students" (they separated the older grades from the younger ones, so as not to corrupt them I guess) was remodeled at some point because I distinctly remember there being a corner on the left of these doors that had a covered grate as THAT was the corner where the eraser clapping happened.
[One other note -- the prompt for suddenly remembering this task was because I saw Linus volunteer to do it on the Peanuts VDay special I watched on demand the other week ...]
Activity that caused a dust cloud that possibly set me up for "eraser lung" later in life ... and activity that kids nowadays probably have never even heard of ... you are missed.
ERASER CLAPPING: PRIVILEGE OR DEPORTMENT CHART CONSEQUENCE:
http://www.octimesherald.com/articles/2013/09/04/clapping-erasers-punishment-or-reward
AS GOES THE ERASER CLAPPING TASK, SO GOES THE OLD OLD BUILDINGS:
http://myowntimemachine.com/2010/03/29/now-that-clapping-erasers-has-gone-out-of-style-what-to-do-with-old-school-buildings/
THE PROMPT FOR MY MEMORY:
http://holidayfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/be-my-valentine-charlie-brown.html
March 20, 2016
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 3/20/16
Voting!
And NO, this isn't the third Sunday in a row I'm talking about the presidential election, as Florida's time in the spotlight has come and gone (until the weeks leading up to Nov 8 -- and then -- WATCH OUT!) ...
Also note that that which I'm about to feature is NOT actually in the breaking news section of the interwebs for the local area. I checked there but it was all too rape-y and murder-y and child abuse-y and child molest-y today, and I had to look away.
But anyway ... in lighter non-presidential voting news ... it's time to make your decisions about the new Lays flavors. This year, the new flavors are being pitted against the old flavors, and voting will determine which one stays and which one goes. This bag of Korean BBQ is the only I found locally, but now I know to be on the lookout for Smoked Gouda and Chive (up against Cheddar and Sour Cream), Fiery Roasted Habanero (up against Flamin' Hot), and, of the Kettle Cooked Variety --Olive Oil and Herbs (up against Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper).
According to the website, voting ends TOMORROW so do your civic duty and go buy chips, taste chips and vote for chips. Capitalist democracy depends on your participation! CHOOSE YOUR CHIPS PEOPLE!
THE DETAILS:
https://www.flavorswap.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=lays+chips+flavors&utm_campaign=2016vote-layschips-brand_lays_brand&utm_content=2016vote-layschips-brand
A BLOGGER'S TAKE ON IT:
http://www.delish.com/food-news/a45557/lays-4-new-potato-chip-flavors/
SPEAKING OF UNIQUE CHIP FLAVORS:
http://list25.com/25-unique-potato-chip-flavors-from-around-the-world-you-probably-never-heard-of/
March 19, 2016
Random Soapbox for Saturday 3/19/16
... I'm beginning to see that it turns out that I like my politics the same as I like my religion: as the choice of the individual -- to be kept mostly to oneself.
In both religion and politics, I believe that money corrupts. I grew up in the age of the PTL Club and the superPAC, and I personally think that both groups represented by acronyms are the playthings of the devil and the devil's minions. In my heart of hearts, I know that God is just as suspicious of the mega-church with the superstar with the mega-watt smile (see also: papal activities through the years) ... and that our founding fathers are whirling dervishes six feet underground from turning over each time the democratic process has to cope with having too many Kochs in the political kitchen.
In both religion and politics, I'm also not one to proselytize. Sure I know that there are whole sects whose followers focus on conversion like it's the only way to advance in a pyramid scheme to the heavens where the products being sold in the style of Amway are "bottles of everlasting life" bundled with a clear conscience "jar of judgment" against anyone who's not buying what they're selling. And similarly, I'm not going to argue against your choice of candidate because I'm just proud of the fact that you care enough to choose (assuming, of course, that you DO actually vote on election day -- otherwise, you can go to the hell of your religion's choosing for contributing to the downfall of our democracy with its ever dwindling participation rates fueled by apathy).
To that last point, I *want* you to find religion and adhere to a moral standard and have peace of mind at death ... and I *want* you to vote for the candidate who most matches your ideals and protects your interests, whichever and whomever they may be. I even *want* you to band together in a community to accomplish good deeds, whether in religion or politics. Do good things for good causes, by all means. Just know that there's a reason in the New Testament that it says "where two or three" are gathered instead of "where two thousand or three thousand" are gathered ... it was a hidden message of a cautionary tale against the dangers of mob mentality ESPECIALLY when that mob can hide behind a "capital G" God or a "capital C" Candidate.
In conclusion, you do you and I'll do me. And we can compare notes in the afterlife -- look me up on whatever social media Zuckerberg will be launching for us when we die (you just know that "Soulbook" has got to be released any day now) ... and/or we can compare notes November 9th (if, that is, this election cycle doesn't cause all our deaths during its run).
THE SOURCE OF TODAY'S ACCOMPANYING IMAGE:
http://www.silvermonthly.com/religion-politicians-cycle-feeding/
WHICH SEEMED A LOT TAMER THAN THIS IMAGE:
http://radioornot.com/blog/religion-and-politics/
WHILE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT (THIS SLANTS TO ONE "SIDE" OF THE DEBATE):
http://www.pfaw.org/media-center/publications/12-rules-mixing-religion-and-politics
March 18, 2016
Random Flashback for Friday 3/18/16
Well, funny to me now early in this century ... but probably on point for the time frame in which they were taken.
The good news ... unlike many that aren't marked, a few of these are (although not the Dickensian waif in the lead picture) and I'm secretly hoping that the one with the train (which looks to me like the Harrisburg waterfront) is indeed my dad (who took to toy trains as his hobby as an adult). Apologies in advance for the last one, which is tiny and just didn't come across very clearly.
Here they are:
#26 - unknown child dressed as a Dickensian waif
#27 - the photo says Buddy, Evelyn and Junior (which would be my dad and two of his siblings)
#28 - based on #27, this should be Evelyn (my dad's sister)
#29 - a boy in a leather trench coat (?) possibly my dad possibly in Harrisburg on the Susquehanna
#30 - ladies in long coats and new boots -- don't know who and don't know where
March 17, 2016
Random Thought for Thursday 3/17/16
Establishment: Jalisco Restaurant
Location: Ft Lauderdale
Meal: Late Dinner (we actually closed the place at 10pm)
Drink: Coca-Cola
Appetizer: Chicken Soup
Delightful delicious homemade soup loaded with chunks of tender chicken floating in a savory, simmering broth with rice. Some say it is magical!
Main: Sizzling Fajitas (Steak and Chicken combo)
Marinated chunk skirt or chicken breast are grilled with fresh bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, green peppers and spices, then presented sizzling at your table with sour cream, Mexican relish, cheese, and hot tortillas to be combined and eaten like a taco
Side(s): Guac to go with the warm chips and salsa (one each of hot and not) and the above fajita accessories
Dessert: n/a
Server: Linda
There's a lot to be said about an unassuming place that simply puts out good food ... and that's exactly how it felt when my sister and her eldest son joined me for a late dinner after his swim meet this past weekend at this restaurant. Full disclosure -- I'm not the biggest fan of Mexican food ... mostly because I get in my own head about the textures and don't like how everything blends together on one plate. However, that didn't matter here because of the great variety of choices ... which allowed me to get a dish that didn't have a pool of beans (not that there's anything wrong with them). I almost got a dish called the "crazy Mexican", but didn't feel comfortable saying that out loud ... just like I almost got an authentic pineapple soda, but chose coca cola in the end. And, in a worst case scenario, I *could* have ordered the Hamburgeusa, which was in the "gringo" section of the menu! But I didn't ... and my evaluation is below:
AMBIANCE: 8/10 (it's much bigger than it looks from the outside, with a cute cantina bar and walls filled with the stereotypical things one would expect like sombreros and panchos and the like ... plus the staff all reinforce the concept in that they likely may not know a lot of English ... a point is being deducted though because there were workers in the foyer while we were eating [you can see them in the photo below] taking advantage of close-to-closing time to work on some kind of project and another one lost because the TVs weren't working at the time)
FOOD: 8/10 (there was plenty of it -- one of those plates where halfway through the meal you felt like you hadn't yet made a dent in what you had eaten and every bit of it was tasty ... that said, a point is lost for the excess cilantro in the chicken noodle soup [that was otherwise "delightful and delicious" just as the menu description promised] and another point lost because no one gave a warning about how spicy the "Mexican relish" was that was in the mix as a taco-add)
SERVICE: 10/10 (hot food [sizzling hot!] that was delivered quickly from a menu that was designed for the nonSpanish speaker ... and although our meal bumped into their closing time, there wasn't a single bit of pressure to "eat and get out")
BACON: 5/10 (it's a tricky category, as traditional authentic Mexican food is more about the fresh ingredients ... and although the menu includes many references to pork and carnitas and such, the reality is that I didn't see a single reference to bacon on the menu ... out of sensitivity to the culture and because of the high scores in all the other categories, I'll put a few points on the board)
BONUS: 10/10 (+3 because I scared the server by asking her her name at the end of the meal [I did NOT ask her her immigration status], +3 for having a menu description that included permission to "lick the plate" on an item, +3 because it's so close to where I live and +1 because it is a place to which we will definitely return]
TroyScore: 41 out of 50 -- aka 82, a low B (B as in bacon, which would have raised the score on my scale)
March 16, 2016
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 3/16/16
Used in a sentence: "Yes, my friends, it has come to this -- the young people of the world are growing up with nomophobia so we need to do our part to make sure they get the message: Don't be a nomophobe!"
To be clear, this isn't just something cutesy that old people have made up to mock the younger generation ... it's actually a new diagnosis in addiction studies. It includes how folks without a signal, connection or battery life on their cell phones actually go through symptoms similar to withdrawal when faced with those scenarios. It's about out of control separation anxiety ... and it can lead to physical manifestations just like regular anxiety.
The good news ... a little cognitive behavioral therapy can help folks cope. Spread the word ... and heal the world of this latest illness.
TAKE THE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHERE YOU FALL:
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/this-quiz-tells-you-if-youre-addicted-to-your-127722498727.html
THE PLAGUE IS UPON US:
http://www.nomophobia.com/
GET TREATED:
https://www.morningsiderecovery.com/mental-illness/anxiety/nomophobia/
March 15, 2016
Random Tune for Tuesday 3/15/16
That made me head to the youtube in hopes that I might find some collaboration that they once did to feature as the random tune. Which, in turn led me to this photo AND to the decision to choose Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy' for tonight.
Why? Because this photo is from the MTV Video Music Awards back in the early nineties, when Tony and the Chili Pepper boys presented the award *together* that went to Pearl Jam. (It may also be true that Anthony K demonstrated that he has no gag reflex [hence the banana in the picture] ... but that's another item for another time.)
JEREMY SPOKE IN CLASS TODAY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7xF7IyuYs
BONUS: PROOF OF THIS COLLABORATION:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WenVMahHf_k&index=2&list=PLWYFuijIMkArYG2X5-p6Un7A1sBmroiYW
March 14, 2016
Random Memorial for Monday 3/14/16
To those of you back in my hometown of Lebanon, I am NOT referring to the one in the Eastern part of town on Cumberland -- where I worked as a high schooler (between that job and the one at Hills, I pretty much saw every person who lived in town on a regular rotation).
Instead, the Mc-no-more situation is happening in Chicago, my home for over a dozen years at the beginning of this century. Many of those years were spent in an apartment building just a spit and a holler away from Wrigley (I was sooo close I could open the windows to hear the national anthems and the seventh inning stretches ... and I could catch people peeing in the back alley when taking out the trash) ... which is why news that the McDonald's that was in walking distance for a quick breakfast or other meal or just dessert was being razed today made me reminisce. It's all part of the multi-year plan for renovating the area ... and one day a Sheraton hotel (with a McD inside?) will be in that space. It's not to be ready by my return trip to town this July ... but one day ...
Fastest place to get fast food for nearly a decade, and establishment where it was an unwritten rule to not make eye contact with any of the homeless, drunk, or homeless AND drunk customers ... you will be missed (but probably not until next time I'm in Chitown, that is).
MC NO MORE:
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160211/wrigleyville/wrigley-mcdonalds-closing-march-1-getting-razed-make-way-for-hotel
THE END GAME:
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/restore-wrigley/
A FAN'S GOODBYE (OF SOMEONE CLEARLY MORE A FAN THAN I):
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/3/10/11187760/goodbye-mickey-ds-a-musical-farewell
March 13, 2016
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 3/13/16
Tuesday's vote.
I've said it before ... one of the reasons I was looking forward to the big move to Florida was that it is a contested state in most elections, and after having lived in Chicago for nearly a dozen years where the outcome of voting was pretty much a foregone conclusion (note: those of you in Illinois should still vote, of course), it was going to be more fulfilling to be somewhere where a vote felt more consequential.
And now it's Florida's turn.
Since it has a closed primary, one can only vote the ballot for one's registered party affiliation. After weighing the options, I am prepared to officially endorse KASICH for those with a red ballot (despite his decision to not actively campaign here) and CLINTON for those with a blue ballot (despite the Bern surge happening elsewhere). I am fully aware that Ohio can't quite be the shangri-la that Kasich portrays and that Clinton brings so much baggage with her that the White House would need an addition to be built ... but I stand by my decisions.
Ultimately, I refuse to give up my belief that true leadership is about being able to compromise and about being able to know how to get things done -- not commitments designed to create intractability or actions that would guarantee continued gridlock or ideas so grandiose that they could never be implemented in the governmental framework that is currently in place. In the political arena, I support evolution more than revolution ... and I think it wrong that so much of the discussion and the debate has been looking backwards (hashing and re-hashing and hashtagging the past) instead of planning for the future. I am not naive to the fact that I have to accept that the upcoming election may be more about voting against someone instead of for someone ... but I have not yet given up on the process SO LONG AS individuals participate (apathy is the catalyst for anarchy). And I define participation as more than just showing up at a rally or filling up a Facebook feed or regurgitating the talking points being force fed to viewers on the 24 hour news channels ... I define participation as going to the ballot box and placing a damn vote.
Which is what I'll do on Tuesday ... and by the way -- I am Troy and I support this message.
IF YOUR BALLOT IS RED ...:
https://www.johnkasich.com/
IF YOUR BALLOT IS BLUE...:
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/
TO QUOTE A RUSSERT: FLORIDA, FLORIDA, FLORIDA:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/03/11/five-things-know-florida-primary/81640612/
March 12, 2016
Random Soapbox for Saturday 3/12/16
I am now prepared to join the AMA who has called for a ban on direct to consumer advertising of prescription drugs ... the recent Rhinocort ad being the final straw.
I've always been a bit suspicious of this practice, and I can't imagine the poor doctors who now have to deal with patients who have diagnosed themselves with the worst condition possible via the web after clicking through google images and internet search results and who come in to "consult" with their physician to get the latest medication sold via cutesy cartoons (I'm looking at you, cartoon bladder). I know full well that the viagra commercials that boast how "you should see a doctor if your erection lasts for more than four hours" is a clever marketing ploy disguised as a side effect disclosure (but seriously, do get yourself to a hospital if you're still going strong at minute 241, 'cause extended priapism is more than just a hipster stripper name [assuming hipsters strip]).
My ire was raised recently when I saw the revisionist history that was being done to the Three Little Pigs story (even more shocking than what those Lost creators are doing to Disney's fairy tales on ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' every Sunday), and how the big bad wolf was being encouraged to take enhancement performance drugs in order to huff and puff better. I think that very unfair for the pigs, and think that they should be given an edge to match that of the the Wolf-on-Symbicort ... like maybe partnering them with some savvy Doomsday preppers who can upgrade the various abodes of the little piggies to withstand any matter of apocalyptic attack. [Conflict of interest disclosure: the more piggies saved from the big bad wolf equals more bacon for me.]
Even when a drug ad tries to do something right, like promote diversity, they are failing by being overly transparent in a mixed up mashed up mess. Exhibit A: the Xarelto ads that have Kevin Nealon, Chris Bosh, Brian Vickers and Arnold Palmer stiffly speaking about the wonders of blood properly thinned. I'm guessing there are studies out there somewhere that show that the classifications of people most in need of this medication are potheads, blacks, rednecks and seniors (in no particular order other than the listing of names earlier in this paragraph) ... but I couldn't imagine a more unlikely foursome at golf than if Obama were invited to play a round with the current batch of Republican presidential candidates.
But back to the last straw I mentioned at the beginning. That would have to be the Rhinocort ad in current circulation with the dad who takes the waffles directly from the toaster and applies them to his face to combat his sinus issues. NO! In *no* world would that be acceptable behavior. Rubbing your face with the food about to be fed to your family is the activity of a sociopath who likely ties up kitty cats by their tails and throws them over clotheslines. It is not cutesy. It is not an "aw schucks, there goes Dad" family moment. It is something for which immediate institutionalization is warranted. A well administered sinus medication will not change the psychosis present in that individual.
Bottom line ... I can't take another drug ad. Please, let's banish them from public consumption. For my own sanity. Pretty please. Pretty please with a Xanax on top.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCED BIG BAD WOLF:
http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7CM2/symbicort-wolf
A POTHEAD, A BLACK GUY, A REDNECK and A SENIOR:
http://heatzone.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/10/29/bosh-golfs-with-arnold-palmer-kevin-nealon-brian-vickers-in-xarelto-commercial/
THE LAST STRAW ... NO! NO!! NO!!!:
http://www.ispot.tv/ad/AOhP/rhinocort-allergy-spray-morning-confusion
March 11, 2016
Random Flashback for Friday 3/11/16
Also at the party -- my older brother Gene and his son Kirk, who is the one giving rabbit ears to the puppy dog ...
I'm also pretty sure that the puppy dog is the first of my sister Sherry's jack russell terriers (I told you it was a *family* get-together) ... except that, in this set of photos, I don't have any of Sherry ... so maybe it's a different dog? Or maybe she and the puppy made the trip down from Penn State where her family would have been living at the time ...
Bottom line ... due to an old age ... I can no longer guarantee all the facts about the picture ... but I do feel certain that whatever was going on, it was "good times".
March 10, 2016
Random Thought for Thursday 3/10/16
Establishment: Shawn & Nick's Courtyard Cafe
Location: Wilton Manors
Meal: Late Lunch
Drink: NOT Coca-Cola (I think it ended up having to be root beer?)
Appetizer: n/a
Main: Grilled Monte Cristo
Ham, turkey, swiss on french toast
Side(s): Tots (12 of them ...)
Dessert: n/a
Server: John
It's always nice to get in a place you've driven past so many times and to be surprised with the layout ... in this case, that a strip of little cottage stores "on the Drive" included a covered courtyard in the back. Of course, we *almost* didn't eat in the establishment, because, upon walking in, we got looks that were less than welcoming. That, combined with the fact that the sign said the specials ended at 3pm made us think that maybe they were about to close, and so we spun around and headed out the door until we realized our mistake. All in all, for a late lunch, it was adequate ... and, as stated below, I have a feeling that it might get a higher rating at a different time of day ...
AMBIANCE: 9/10 (as an animal lover, I didn't mind sharing the space with local lizards, a few birds and a french bulldog at the table next to us ... just a single point lost because it looks like it could use a quick freshening up)
FOOD: 7/10 (a point lost for being a Pepsi establishment [what is this? the seventies?], another lost for the tater tot rationing, and a final point lost for there being too much of a powdered sugar dusting on the sandwich)
SERVICE: 7/10 (one point lost for the attitude when we entered, one point lost for a server who seemed taxed when trying more than one task at a time and one point lost for having to stand up and corner that server to pay the bill so we could leave)
BACON: 9/10 (thanks to serving breakfast all the time, bacon is mentioned 32 times on the menu [I searched online ... I didn't sit there and count while at the cafe], so I'll only deduct one point because I didn't think to ask to have it added to MY sandwich at the time)
BONUS: 7/10 (+3 because it's open 24 hours through the weekends to serve all the drunky-drunks, +3 because it's a fixture of the community and +1 because it is a place to which I would return, only because I feel like the experience might be different in the evening [or at four in the morning])
TroyScore: 39 out of 50 -- aka 78, a high C
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