Spent so much time yesterday catching up on my reader feeds and reading and replying to emails that I forgot to play in the quiz! I created it just after I did this blog and other than missing a few days due to computer troubles, have only failed to play it a couple of times.
June 25, 2012
June 21, 2012
June 20, 2012
pensée
pensée \pahn-SEY\ , noun:
A reflection or thought.
One of the things I really loved about the Harry Potter series was the way J.K. Rowling cleverly turned a word or phrase, particularly about the spells ("Lumos" for light to come from a wand - "illuminate") and potions ("Veritaserum", a truth serum which is derived from Veritas, the Roman goddess of truth) Then there were also main characters such as Professor Lupin, a werewolf (and lupine means wolf-like; the Latin term for wolf is "Canis lupus") or Harry's godfather Sirius Black (Sirius, the brightest star in the sky is also known as the dog star and Black could change into a dog). There are dozens more examples. (but you will have to read the books or see the movies if you haven't already)
This word was one I wasn't familiar with, but she used it for the Pensieve, the memory storage basin in Dumbledore's office and which featured prominently in several of the books, and particularly in the last part of the last book where Harry finds out the truth about Snape.
Yes, Rowling was very clever with these names and descriptions; now she's rich!
A reflection or thought.
One of the things I really loved about the Harry Potter series was the way J.K. Rowling cleverly turned a word or phrase, particularly about the spells ("Lumos" for light to come from a wand - "illuminate") and potions ("Veritaserum", a truth serum which is derived from Veritas, the Roman goddess of truth) Then there were also main characters such as Professor Lupin, a werewolf (and lupine means wolf-like; the Latin term for wolf is "Canis lupus") or Harry's godfather Sirius Black (Sirius, the brightest star in the sky is also known as the dog star and Black could change into a dog). There are dozens more examples. (but you will have to read the books or see the movies if you haven't already)
This word was one I wasn't familiar with, but she used it for the Pensieve, the memory storage basin in Dumbledore's office and which featured prominently in several of the books, and particularly in the last part of the last book where Harry finds out the truth about Snape.
Yes, Rowling was very clever with these names and descriptions; now she's rich!
June 19, 2012
Origami Shadow Art
Origami Shadow Art by Kumi Yamashita: In 2011, famed shadow artist Kumi Yamashita was commissioned by American Express to create a unique work of art for their Tribeca, New York office lobby.
She first invited all American Express employees to be a part of her installation by taking a photo of their profile. Since the size of the space only allowed for 22 pieces, Kumi then chose 22 employee faces. Then, right on site, she worked with shadows and light to create these origami style pieces that, when hit with just the perfect light source, reveal actual faces!
Via mymodernmet
June 18, 2012
Did You Know?
I certainly didn't, not until I read an article earlier this morning about where the stars of Animal House are these days.
I never realized that the same actress played Clorette DePasto, the wild daughter of the mayor in Animal House (on left on below graphic) as well as Maggie O'Hooligan in Caddyshack. (On the right)
Her name is Sarah Holcomb and according to some sources on the 'net, she's living a very private life in Connecticut. She acted in four movies in a two-year span. Both of these movies are among my favorites and I don't know why I never recognized her as being the same actress in the two roles.
Her name is Sarah Holcomb and according to some sources on the 'net, she's living a very private life in Connecticut. She acted in four movies in a two-year span. Both of these movies are among my favorites and I don't know why I never recognized her as being the same actress in the two roles.
June 15, 2012
When I Do It
It's not exactly "skinny" dipping.
| You Are Skinny Dipping |
 That being said, you can be a little mischievous at times. You have a bit of a wild streak! You have probably been accused of being a flirt or a tease - and you're guilty as charged. You are naturally quite playful and coy. You're mostly sugar, but you're also a little spice. |
Flip Flop on the Name
A couple of months ago I bought a pair of flip-flops and kept meaning to write a post about them. Since today is National Flip-Flop Day, I decided I'd better go ahead and do it.
My sisters and I used to wear them all the time when we were on vacation at the lake. Back then, though, we called them "thongs" which means something entirely different these days. When did the name change occur?
I'd really rather write about the thongs of today more than the flip-flops of yesterday. I've never worn the former, but I like looking at them...well, I like seeing women wear them. They sure look uncomfortable, though, but wearing flip-flops is also uncomfortable.
I recently bought a pair out at WalMart; I'm constantly having to run out to my vehicle for something or taking food out to the stray cats and it's too much trouble to lace up my sneakers just to wear them for two minutes. I've ruined several pairs of house shoes by stepping in puddles of water in the dark...or in little "surprises" left by the stray cats. Ahem. I was looking for a new pair of house shoes when I saw the flip-flops on a nearby rack. They were cheap, around three bucks, so I thought they might be something that I could quickly slip on and off and save my much more expensive house shoes.
Here's the kind I bought, a cool looking camo style:
I brought them home, snipped the little plastic tie holding them together and slid my feet into them. Ugh. I remembered why I didn't like them as a kid and the reasons hadn't changed.
First of all, I hate something between my toes and that's the only thing that keeps the flip-flops on your feet. (I also hate anything between my "cheeks" so that's why I suspect I wouldn't like wearing a thong) I haven't worn them enough for it to happen yet, but with any sort of rough use, the rubber toe divider is notorious for popping out of the molded hole. With some doing, you can pop it back into the hole, but once it happens, it will keep happening until the hole tears and then the footwear is useless. I remember being on vacation and having that happen and taking a bit of twine and tying it around the part that sticks through the hole to keep it in place. It really didn't work too well and then it was doubly uncomfortable, the chafing between the toes and a big knot of twine poking up from underneath.
Wearing them for any length of time takes some getting used to. I remember getting blisters on my toes when wearing them on vacation; that was painful enough, but get some sand in between your toes and into the blisters and it's agony.
You can't run in the darn things, either. In fact, that's what usually made the toe piece pop out of the hole when I was a kid. That probably won't be a problem with my new pair as I haven't run anywhere in years, not even when I'm wearing running shoes.
They're also deceptive in that you get the illusion you have protection for your feet, but it's as easy to stub your toe wearing flip-flops as it is going barefoot. That's a little ironic - breaking your big toe from wearing flip-flops and then that being the only thing you can wear on your feet because you then can't wear regular shoes with a broken toe.
I doubt my flip-flops will get much use; oh, I'll slip them on when I think about it when I need to step outside for a minute, but just looking at them makes me shudder thinking about how uncomfortable they are. I would never, EVER wear them in public as do some folks...my toes are just too ugly. Flip-flops look cute on girls though.
I think I'll go Google "girls wearing flip-flops and thongs". That shouldn't be uncomfortable at all.
My sisters and I used to wear them all the time when we were on vacation at the lake. Back then, though, we called them "thongs" which means something entirely different these days. When did the name change occur?
I'd really rather write about the thongs of today more than the flip-flops of yesterday. I've never worn the former, but I like looking at them...well, I like seeing women wear them. They sure look uncomfortable, though, but wearing flip-flops is also uncomfortable.
I recently bought a pair out at WalMart; I'm constantly having to run out to my vehicle for something or taking food out to the stray cats and it's too much trouble to lace up my sneakers just to wear them for two minutes. I've ruined several pairs of house shoes by stepping in puddles of water in the dark...or in little "surprises" left by the stray cats. Ahem. I was looking for a new pair of house shoes when I saw the flip-flops on a nearby rack. They were cheap, around three bucks, so I thought they might be something that I could quickly slip on and off and save my much more expensive house shoes.
Here's the kind I bought, a cool looking camo style:
I brought them home, snipped the little plastic tie holding them together and slid my feet into them. Ugh. I remembered why I didn't like them as a kid and the reasons hadn't changed.
First of all, I hate something between my toes and that's the only thing that keeps the flip-flops on your feet. (I also hate anything between my "cheeks" so that's why I suspect I wouldn't like wearing a thong) I haven't worn them enough for it to happen yet, but with any sort of rough use, the rubber toe divider is notorious for popping out of the molded hole. With some doing, you can pop it back into the hole, but once it happens, it will keep happening until the hole tears and then the footwear is useless. I remember being on vacation and having that happen and taking a bit of twine and tying it around the part that sticks through the hole to keep it in place. It really didn't work too well and then it was doubly uncomfortable, the chafing between the toes and a big knot of twine poking up from underneath.
Wearing them for any length of time takes some getting used to. I remember getting blisters on my toes when wearing them on vacation; that was painful enough, but get some sand in between your toes and into the blisters and it's agony.
You can't run in the darn things, either. In fact, that's what usually made the toe piece pop out of the hole when I was a kid. That probably won't be a problem with my new pair as I haven't run anywhere in years, not even when I'm wearing running shoes.
They're also deceptive in that you get the illusion you have protection for your feet, but it's as easy to stub your toe wearing flip-flops as it is going barefoot. That's a little ironic - breaking your big toe from wearing flip-flops and then that being the only thing you can wear on your feet because you then can't wear regular shoes with a broken toe.
I doubt my flip-flops will get much use; oh, I'll slip them on when I think about it when I need to step outside for a minute, but just looking at them makes me shudder thinking about how uncomfortable they are. I would never, EVER wear them in public as do some folks...my toes are just too ugly. Flip-flops look cute on girls though.
I think I'll go Google "girls wearing flip-flops and thongs". That shouldn't be uncomfortable at all.
Costly Kids
Wow. That's a lot of money, but thinking of the yearly cost of food and clothes, plus college, it sounds about right. Since that's an average, it makes me think of the privileged kids who are above the average and especially those children who get below the average cost spent on them, sometimes much less. I know people who probably have spent close to that much on beer in the same amount of time.
Some of the comments on the Yahoo Facebook wall (where I saw the link to the article) were - as usual - getting heated. Some people were saying their children's love was worth much more than that while others said they were never going to have children. Of course - as usual- there were self-righteous types who were replying to the anti-having children posters telling them they shouldn't have children if they were going to have an attitude like that. Good grief, they just SAID they weren't having children; why rake them over the coals for not wanting children? I have a sneaking suspicion that the critics would never admit they wish they hadn't had children and were jealous of those who weren't. They're probably the ones who shouldn't have had children.
I had a friend who told his mother he wasn't having children. (and since he was gay, I figured it would've been a safe bet) She told him "But who will take care of you when you're old?"
"I dunno." he replied. "But I ain't havin' nobody stick ME in a nursing home."
Nothing wrong with not having children, but I personally think *some* people who have children shouldn't have them and/or they have too many. It's still a free country - for the time being - so pop those kids out like your womb was a Pez dispenser, I don't give a damn. Just keep them quiet in restaurants, that's all I ask. Oh yeah, and keep 'em off my lawn, too.
Reminds me of an old joke:
A traveling salesman was making calls in the back woods and stopped at a primitive cabin where at least a dozen kids were playing outside in the dirt. He could tell the family was very poor and it wouldn't be any use in trying to sell them something, but he really needed to use the bathroom so he asked the harried looking woman if he could use their facilities. Shifting a baby from one arm to the other, she pointed towards an outhouse in the back yard.
The salesman walked toward the privy and opened the door, but as he looked down into the hole, he could see a young child struggling in the muck, the head barely visible. He ran back to the front, frantically screaming for someone to help the child. The woman followed him to the outhouse, looked down in the hole at the child and to the salesman's horror, put a leg into the opening and with her foot pushed the child's head below the surface.
"My God!" exclaimed the salesman."Why did you do that?"
Without batting an eye, the woman replied "I reckon it'd be easier to make another one than it would be to clean that one up."
Holding People's Hand
Cute video, but I've watched it ten times and can't make out what the woman at just past 1:00 says to him. Someone please tell me. If you do, I'll hold your hand.
June 12, 2012
June 9, 2012
YOLO
YOLO= "You only live once." I saw this several years ago on a Facebook wall. The subject was the most daring things people had done and one guy said he and his girlfriend had climbed some mountain last summer and someone else said they thought that was crazy and the mountain climber replied "YOLO".
I wasn't familiar with that particular acronym, but it didn't take long to find out what it meant: You Only Live Once - Mainly used to defend doing something ranging from mild to extreme stupidity (That's from the website Urban Dictionary. I'm not linking to it because 90% of the definitions on the site contain some...or a lot...of profanity. I'm thinkin' it's more than fair that I cite the source even if I don't insert a hyperlink)
I don't think climbing a mountain is stupid; I wouldn't do it, but I can think of a lot more stupid things there are to do. The way YOLO is being used most of the time is stupid, though.
Since that time I've seen it hundreds of times on the 'net, on Twitter feeds and set as a Facebook status. It's becoming overused, much in the way Hotel California was played way too much on the radio. That song was great the first dozen times I heard it, but when it was played a dozen times a day....
It was like that with YOLO for a long while, then - thankfully - it fell into disuse. It wouldn't go away completely - there were the isolated incidents that would call attention to it again, such as when Zac Efron got a YOLO hand tattoo. It's making a comeback, though, and a search of the 'net will show that I'm not alone in thinking it's being used far too often and in the wrong context.
I was reminded of it again the other day when some doofus posted in a fan group something like "Me 'n a bud drank a fifth of vodka, polished off a case of malt liquor and smoked a whole oz. of some crazy kine. YOLO." Yeah, I thought. You only live once, but you'll also probably only live a short time.
I suppose you only live once, but I prefer to go by the haiku written by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel You Only Live Twice:
You only live twice:
Once when you are born
And once when you look death in the face
I'm certainly not a spy nor a combat veteran, but I have looked death in the face, both literally and figuratively. That's for another blog post, though.
The following is from the 1967 James Bond thriller You Only Live Twice opening, sung by Nancy Sinatra. (The movie bears little resemblance to the novel, by-the-way) I love the opening bars of the tune.
I wasn't familiar with that particular acronym, but it didn't take long to find out what it meant: You Only Live Once - Mainly used to defend doing something ranging from mild to extreme stupidity (That's from the website Urban Dictionary. I'm not linking to it because 90% of the definitions on the site contain some...or a lot...of profanity. I'm thinkin' it's more than fair that I cite the source even if I don't insert a hyperlink)
I don't think climbing a mountain is stupid; I wouldn't do it, but I can think of a lot more stupid things there are to do. The way YOLO is being used most of the time is stupid, though.
Since that time I've seen it hundreds of times on the 'net, on Twitter feeds and set as a Facebook status. It's becoming overused, much in the way Hotel California was played way too much on the radio. That song was great the first dozen times I heard it, but when it was played a dozen times a day....
It was like that with YOLO for a long while, then - thankfully - it fell into disuse. It wouldn't go away completely - there were the isolated incidents that would call attention to it again, such as when Zac Efron got a YOLO hand tattoo. It's making a comeback, though, and a search of the 'net will show that I'm not alone in thinking it's being used far too often and in the wrong context.
I was reminded of it again the other day when some doofus posted in a fan group something like "Me 'n a bud drank a fifth of vodka, polished off a case of malt liquor and smoked a whole oz. of some crazy kine. YOLO." Yeah, I thought. You only live once, but you'll also probably only live a short time.
I suppose you only live once, but I prefer to go by the haiku written by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel You Only Live Twice:
You only live twice:
Once when you are born
And once when you look death in the face
I'm certainly not a spy nor a combat veteran, but I have looked death in the face, both literally and figuratively. That's for another blog post, though.
The following is from the 1967 James Bond thriller You Only Live Twice opening, sung by Nancy Sinatra. (The movie bears little resemblance to the novel, by-the-way) I love the opening bars of the tune.
June 7, 2012
June 6, 2012
Firefox 13.0
Firefox just released the newest version of their browser. From Firefox 13 Tweaks Tabs, Home Pages, Speed and Security
Before the upgrade, when Firefox users clicked to open a new tab, they saw simply a blank page, unlike browsers such as Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer, which provide users with links to recently opened or favorite sites. Now, the Firefox homepage will feature icons that enable quick access to bookmarks, history, settings, add-ons and downloads. Additionally, when users click for a new tab, they'll see thumbnails to their most recently and frequently visited sites.
I really like the thumbnail part when opening up a new tab and it does seem a little faster. Only one of my add-ons was not compatible, much fewer than with other releases.
The funny thing about this is that I've almost always liked the upgrades Firefox has done. I didn't like the last few MSN Group upgrades and don't like the new Facebook Timeline, so I take offense when people say I (or others) don't like change. The changes Firefox has done are easier to get used to and are more useful than other "upgrades" I've gone through. Even going from Windows98 to XP wasn't as bad as trying to get used to the new Timeline. (so that's why I installed some extensions for Firefox that hides it from me!)
I do wish my Windows Media Player on this Vista machine was more like the one I had with my XP computer. It's definitely not an improvement, I don't care how much they try to convince me otherwise.
The very best upgrade I ever had was going from dial-up to DSL. Who wouldn't want a hundred times more speed? (I really need to upgrade to cable, though, but my speed is satisfactory for now)
Before the upgrade, when Firefox users clicked to open a new tab, they saw simply a blank page, unlike browsers such as Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer, which provide users with links to recently opened or favorite sites. Now, the Firefox homepage will feature icons that enable quick access to bookmarks, history, settings, add-ons and downloads. Additionally, when users click for a new tab, they'll see thumbnails to their most recently and frequently visited sites.
I really like the thumbnail part when opening up a new tab and it does seem a little faster. Only one of my add-ons was not compatible, much fewer than with other releases.
The funny thing about this is that I've almost always liked the upgrades Firefox has done. I didn't like the last few MSN Group upgrades and don't like the new Facebook Timeline, so I take offense when people say I (or others) don't like change. The changes Firefox has done are easier to get used to and are more useful than other "upgrades" I've gone through. Even going from Windows98 to XP wasn't as bad as trying to get used to the new Timeline. (so that's why I installed some extensions for Firefox that hides it from me!)
I do wish my Windows Media Player on this Vista machine was more like the one I had with my XP computer. It's definitely not an improvement, I don't care how much they try to convince me otherwise.
The very best upgrade I ever had was going from dial-up to DSL. Who wouldn't want a hundred times more speed? (I really need to upgrade to cable, though, but my speed is satisfactory for now)
It's Official
3% of people taking this recent quiz at StartSampling are...well, not sure just WHAT they are, but they're not normal.
Honestly, who doesn't like ice cream? I guess there's the lactose intolerant, but....
Honestly, who doesn't like ice cream? I guess there's the lactose intolerant, but....
June 4, 2012
Zombie Attack!
The latest viral video. The guy almost gets shot around the 2:00 mark, then near the end the tables get turned.
June 3, 2012
Icehoused
It's really hot here today; after a few days of near-rain and cooler temps, it's back to the standard Panhandle summer heat.
I sure wanted something cold to drink earlier; I had finished off the single Diet DP in the fridge and was thirsty for something else. I looked in the fridge, but the jug of cold water just didn't appeal to me. That's when I spied the six-pack of Icehouse beer I had bought a month or two ago. "Probably ain't any good." I thought to myself as I grabbed a bottle and opened it up. I sniffed of it - smelled OK, then took a small sip, ready to spit it out if it tasted "skunky".
Nope, tasted darned good!
I'm on my third one and am starting to slosh a little bit. ("slosh" means to feel it) It's got 5.5% alcohol weight by volume, a little more than regular beers. (Bud has 5%) It's certainly enough for me to feel it, though. I've always been a fairly cheap drunk.
I checked other beer's alcohol content and while doing so, found out that "Icehoused" is a new urban term. The "G" rating of this blog prohibits me from defining it or linking to the sites, but trust me, it basically means "drunk".
Won't be long, maybe with one more beer, that I'll start getting hungry. I've always been that way. I'll certainly need to not drink so much that I can't operate a can opener. Funny how a can of pork 'n beans tastes so good sometimes. If I drink much more than I have already, I'll have trouble sleeping.
Yeah, better close this post out or I'll be guilty of "PWI" - posting while intoxicated. The good thing about getting drunk is that I get so much more clever and witty and oh-so-much more handsome.
Upsate...er..Uplate...uh...Update: I'm just about to go get the sixth one. I put it in my freezer so it will be very cold. I've knocked off five soldiers already, fixin' to put the last one to rest. I'm gettin' a hankerin' for those pork 'n beans.
No beans yet, but I want to dedicate the following tune to all the other drunk sods.
Thank goodness I'm already home.
I sure wanted something cold to drink earlier; I had finished off the single Diet DP in the fridge and was thirsty for something else. I looked in the fridge, but the jug of cold water just didn't appeal to me. That's when I spied the six-pack of Icehouse beer I had bought a month or two ago. "Probably ain't any good." I thought to myself as I grabbed a bottle and opened it up. I sniffed of it - smelled OK, then took a small sip, ready to spit it out if it tasted "skunky".
Nope, tasted darned good!
I'm on my third one and am starting to slosh a little bit. ("slosh" means to feel it) It's got 5.5% alcohol weight by volume, a little more than regular beers. (Bud has 5%) It's certainly enough for me to feel it, though. I've always been a fairly cheap drunk.
I checked other beer's alcohol content and while doing so, found out that "Icehoused" is a new urban term. The "G" rating of this blog prohibits me from defining it or linking to the sites, but trust me, it basically means "drunk".
Won't be long, maybe with one more beer, that I'll start getting hungry. I've always been that way. I'll certainly need to not drink so much that I can't operate a can opener. Funny how a can of pork 'n beans tastes so good sometimes. If I drink much more than I have already, I'll have trouble sleeping.
Yeah, better close this post out or I'll be guilty of "PWI" - posting while intoxicated. The good thing about getting drunk is that I get so much more clever and witty and oh-so-much more handsome.
Upsate...er..Uplate...uh...Update: I'm just about to go get the sixth one. I put it in my freezer so it will be very cold. I've knocked off five soldiers already, fixin' to put the last one to rest. I'm gettin' a hankerin' for those pork 'n beans.
No beans yet, but I want to dedicate the following tune to all the other drunk sods.
Thank goodness I'm already home.
Only 20%?
|
You Are 20% Sociopath |
 In other words, there's no way you're a sociopath... but you can spot one pretty easily! |
Liking Your Own Facebook Posts
Liking your own Facebook posts is like giving yourself a high five in public.
- Conan O'Brien
I saw this quote as the rebuttal to someone on a totally unrelated subject. Others chimed in , saying it was lame, stupid, etc. I didn't see one reply in support.
It made me Google "liking your own Facebook posts" and there were millions of mentions about it (18.1 million), but this one stood out as one of the few in defense of the practice: Should you like your own Facebook posts? As is almost always the case, some people had to chime in with their own and insulting opinions.
To be honest, it's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned but I do wonder why people do it.
The reason I bring this up is because I accidentally liked one of my own posts earlier and quickly unliked it before anyone could notice. Maybe it's a bigger deal to me than I'm admitting. It just seems like it's....not sure of the word or phrase I want to use...maybe "self-promoting"? I wouldn't dream of mentioning it on my own wall and especially not on someone else's wall who does it, though.
I've seen several of my Facebook friends like their own posts and it's always struck me as odd. One friend does it all the time, but she can't be bothered to like even one of my own posts. THAT does bother me. She's the one who sent the friendship request. What's the use of having Facebook friends if you don't interact with them? Other friends like nearly every one of my posts and I appreciate it; at least it lets me know they've read them. The same ones always like my replies to their posts and that lets me know they appreciate ME reading THEIR posts. Seriously, it doesn't take much effort to click the "like" button.
I've been culling my Facebook friends list because if they don't care about my posts, then why should I care about theirs? I'm not being dramatic here; it's just that there are reasons I spend time online: one is to learn - the news, recipes, subjects that interest me, etc. Another is to be entertained - the learning could be lumped in with that, because I enjoy finding out things I didn't know. Last, but not least, I love the 'net because it allows me to keep up with friends and family members. It's almost a Catch-22 thing with that, though. If they don't care enough to keep up with me, why should I care about keeping up with them?
- Conan O'Brien
I saw this quote as the rebuttal to someone on a totally unrelated subject. Others chimed in , saying it was lame, stupid, etc. I didn't see one reply in support.
It made me Google "liking your own Facebook posts" and there were millions of mentions about it (18.1 million), but this one stood out as one of the few in defense of the practice: Should you like your own Facebook posts? As is almost always the case, some people had to chime in with their own and insulting opinions.
To be honest, it's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned but I do wonder why people do it.
The reason I bring this up is because I accidentally liked one of my own posts earlier and quickly unliked it before anyone could notice. Maybe it's a bigger deal to me than I'm admitting. It just seems like it's....not sure of the word or phrase I want to use...maybe "self-promoting"? I wouldn't dream of mentioning it on my own wall and especially not on someone else's wall who does it, though.
I've seen several of my Facebook friends like their own posts and it's always struck me as odd. One friend does it all the time, but she can't be bothered to like even one of my own posts. THAT does bother me. She's the one who sent the friendship request. What's the use of having Facebook friends if you don't interact with them? Other friends like nearly every one of my posts and I appreciate it; at least it lets me know they've read them. The same ones always like my replies to their posts and that lets me know they appreciate ME reading THEIR posts. Seriously, it doesn't take much effort to click the "like" button.
I've been culling my Facebook friends list because if they don't care about my posts, then why should I care about theirs? I'm not being dramatic here; it's just that there are reasons I spend time online: one is to learn - the news, recipes, subjects that interest me, etc. Another is to be entertained - the learning could be lumped in with that, because I enjoy finding out things I didn't know. Last, but not least, I love the 'net because it allows me to keep up with friends and family members. It's almost a Catch-22 thing with that, though. If they don't care enough to keep up with me, why should I care about keeping up with them?
June 1, 2012
May 31, 2012
Culling the Reader Feeds
Whew, I feel like a huge weight has just lifted off my shoulders.
I just now un-subscribed from my TasteSpotting feed. It's a great recipe site, gathering recipes from all sorts of websites, but it just got to be too much for me to deal with. The latest stats say it has 690 posts/week and believe me when I say, an extra hundred posts per day to wade through was just too much.
It was twice as worrisome when I also had the foodgawker feed. According to their latest statistics, they posted 1,563 recipes this last week.
Both sites were good at finding other recipes sites I subscribed to in my reader, but the problem with the feeds were that most recipes were uninteresting or nothing I cared to save or try (like eel, etc.) Quite a large number were also in other languages and most of the time it wasn't worth the effort to translate them.
I probably have 30-40 recipe site feeds in my reader now; some post every day or multiple times a day,but others publish less frequently. I think I've got plenty for now. I also frequent other sites that have recipes and get several newsletters every day in my email inbox.
Yep, I feel better already. This will let me devote more time to the dozen Dallas Cowboy website feeds I have.
I just now un-subscribed from my TasteSpotting feed. It's a great recipe site, gathering recipes from all sorts of websites, but it just got to be too much for me to deal with. The latest stats say it has 690 posts/week and believe me when I say, an extra hundred posts per day to wade through was just too much.
It was twice as worrisome when I also had the foodgawker feed. According to their latest statistics, they posted 1,563 recipes this last week.
Both sites were good at finding other recipes sites I subscribed to in my reader, but the problem with the feeds were that most recipes were uninteresting or nothing I cared to save or try (like eel, etc.) Quite a large number were also in other languages and most of the time it wasn't worth the effort to translate them.
I probably have 30-40 recipe site feeds in my reader now; some post every day or multiple times a day,but others publish less frequently. I think I've got plenty for now. I also frequent other sites that have recipes and get several newsletters every day in my email inbox.
Yep, I feel better already. This will let me devote more time to the dozen Dallas Cowboy website feeds I have.
May 29, 2012
Rude Interruptions
For the entire weekend, my cable has been breaking in at least once an hour with emergency test messages. These tests are usually limited to once/week, along with the weekly Saturday noon test of the emergency broadcast system. (the last time I complained to them was when they preformed the weekly test when the National Weather Service was warning of a possible tornado in the storm that was going on at the same time. After complaining to the cable company, I found out it was the city that used poor judgment in testing the sirens during the storm)
The message shows up only for a few seconds (it's still doing it), but it's done it at the most annoying times. The final straw was last night when I was watching Pawn Stars and the owner told a customer "I'll give you...." and then came the message. I didn't miss but ten seconds of that program, but it was a detail I didn't want to miss.
It made me so p.o.'d I went to the CableOne website and left a message and got an email from them an hour or so ago. (at least I got a reply) Here's what they said:
Thank you for submitting your online inquiry. Unfortunately we are unable to discuss your issue via email. Please call us at 806 273 5258 for further assistance with this matter. We look forward to resolving your issue.
I immediately fired back a response:
Well, I don't understand why it can't be discussed via email; in fact, I don't really care to discuss it at all, I only want it fixed.
I wonder why it couldn't be discussed in an email? Even if I called them, I figure they would just apologize and tell me it was a glitch and that there was no one on duty due to the holiday weekend. I guess I was the only one who complained. I certainly don't see how it could be MY fault. Maybe it's the city's fault again and maybe I'm complaining to the wrong people. Regardless, it's darned annoying.
The message shows up only for a few seconds (it's still doing it), but it's done it at the most annoying times. The final straw was last night when I was watching Pawn Stars and the owner told a customer "I'll give you...." and then came the message. I didn't miss but ten seconds of that program, but it was a detail I didn't want to miss.
It made me so p.o.'d I went to the CableOne website and left a message and got an email from them an hour or so ago. (at least I got a reply) Here's what they said:
Thank you for submitting your online inquiry. Unfortunately we are unable to discuss your issue via email. Please call us at 806 273 5258 for further assistance with this matter. We look forward to resolving your issue.
I immediately fired back a response:
Well, I don't understand why it can't be discussed via email; in fact, I don't really care to discuss it at all, I only want it fixed.
I wonder why it couldn't be discussed in an email? Even if I called them, I figure they would just apologize and tell me it was a glitch and that there was no one on duty due to the holiday weekend. I guess I was the only one who complained. I certainly don't see how it could be MY fault. Maybe it's the city's fault again and maybe I'm complaining to the wrong people. Regardless, it's darned annoying.
I'm an Advertising Einstein
Although I really don't think it's much to brag about.
Go take the quiz Do You Recognize These Famous Logos? and see how you do.
I'm not sure if my great score is due to a good power of observation or simply from watching too much mind-numbing television.
Go take the quiz Do You Recognize These Famous Logos? and see how you do.
I'm not sure if my great score is due to a good power of observation or simply from watching too much mind-numbing television.
Edit: I had trouble uploading the graphic of my score and finally got it to go, but now it doesn't show up. Blogger doesn't report any issues, so maybe it's just on my end.
Edit again: Just now noticed that the right-hand column is now under all the posts, so I'm hoping it's on Blogger's end and that it will soon be fixed.
Happy Birthday to Me!
Pre-posting this one seven months before my birthday. I hope I'm not alone when this is posted.
Hard to be romantic when there's no one to be romantic with.
Good grief, I must have been feeling particularly sorry for myself when I scheduled this.
Hard to be romantic when there's no one to be romantic with.
Good grief, I must have been feeling particularly sorry for myself when I scheduled this.
You Are a Romantic |
 You have the mind of an artist, even if you haven't developed the talent yet. Expressive and aware, you enjoy finding new ways to share your feelings. You often feel like you don't fit in - especially in traditional environments. You have big dreams. The problem is putting those dreams into action. Your strength: Your vivid imagination Your weakness: Fear of failure Your power color: Coral Your power symbol: Oval Your power month: November |
May 27, 2012
Twilight Zone - Golden Earring
Formed in 1961, Golden Earring has been active for more than 50 years non-stop, which makes Golden Earring the world's longest surviving rock band, formed a year before The Rolling Stones.
May 26, 2012
Reading Speed Test
What speed do you read?
Go to the site, click the button "Start Reading" and start reading. (duh) Comprehension figures in too, so try to absorb what the text says, not just zip through the few paragraphs. (like I am prone to do at times on quizzes and tests)
Here's a screen shot of my results:
As you can see, I read 727 wpm, faster than the average college student, high-level executives and college professors, but a little slower than high-scoring college students. (Since I was barely a college student and most definitely not a high-scoring one, that doesn't bother me.)
Still, my score was much, MUCH slower than 4700 wpm, which is how fast the world speed reading champion reads.
Reading Speed Test
Go to the site, click the button "Start Reading" and start reading. (duh) Comprehension figures in too, so try to absorb what the text says, not just zip through the few paragraphs. (like I am prone to do at times on quizzes and tests)
Here's a screen shot of my results:
As you can see, I read 727 wpm, faster than the average college student, high-level executives and college professors, but a little slower than high-scoring college students. (Since I was barely a college student and most definitely not a high-scoring one, that doesn't bother me.)
Still, my score was much, MUCH slower than 4700 wpm, which is how fast the world speed reading champion reads.
Reading Speed Test
May 22, 2012
May 21, 2012
May 19, 2012
They're Expensive Hear
I've been using a cheap set of headphones I bought from WalMart to replace another cheap set I bought from Amazon a few years ago, so I thought I might price them again and see if there was one of decent quality that wouldn't cost too much.
These sound OK, but they just don't have the range I'd like. For one, the bass level isn't very good. I've gone into the equalizer and tried to adjust it, but these phones just won't handle it. They also don't have the volume I want; they're perfectly fine listening to talk radio or most music, but when I play my AC/DC I want it LOUD, y'know? (what's the use of listening to it if it's not played at the intended sound level, nearly enough to bust your eardrums!)
I have some good quality "bud" type phones that give me the volume and sound that I want, but they're uncomfortable and I read something just the other day that said they can give you an infection that can cost you your hearing. No thanks, if I lose my hearing I want it to be because I played "It's a Long Way to the Top" at too many decibels, not from some eardrum rot.
So, I went to Amazon and typed in "headphones" into the search box, then selected the highest rating, 4 stars and up. I probably shouldn't, but trust most of the reviews there and haven't been steered wrong...yet.
A list of headphones came up, so I clicked on the first one. At the top of the screen were the words "You purchased this item..." and gave a date from a few years ago. They weren't BAD headphones, but they just didn't tolerate me sitting on them or getting up and trying to walk away with them still on my head. The set still works, but only if I hold one of the wires "just so". I don't know why I keep them, but figure they'll be good for something someday - maybe I can fix them or use the jack for something else.
Yeah, right.
I don't remember what I paid for the original headphones, but they were new. They're not something I would buy used - the thought of putting something on my ears that have been on someone else's grosses me out. The new price is really reasonable for an inexpensive set of headphones, but I really don't think I want to pay that much for used ones. (click image for larger view)
May 17, 2012
Nacho Usual Quiz
| You Are Nachos |
 You are carefree and light-hearted. You try to always make the best of things. While you enjoy being with other people, you also value your alone time. You like to reflect, think, and pick things apart. You like to study everything carefully. |
Again, this quiz is pretty much spot on. OTOH, I probably flatter myself just like it did. Nachos ARE just about my favorite Mexican(type of) food. Not a big fan of it, not like most of my friends and family. I'd rather have a hamburger or Chinese.
Good News!
Only my head is fat.
I was reading a post in my reader - How I Eat - by well-known food author and personality David Lebovitz, and saw a link to the CDC BMI Calculator (BMI - Body Mass Index)
I've figured my BMI before, but it's been a while. I remember doing it about 10 years ago on my mom's computer and getting the results that I was "morbidly obese". Yikes. I was concerned, but my mom reassured me (which mothers do so well) that I wasn't all that fat and that she was sure there were other variables to take into consideration, such as body frame, muscularity, etc. Still, when I have seen BMI calculators since that time, I avoided them. I didn't need the reminder that I was fat - the little tag on my pants told me I was every time I put them on.
I went ahead and plugged in my height - 5'11" - and weight - 185lbs - and it told me this:
Your BMI is 25.8, indicating your weight is in the Overweight category for adults of your height. For your height, a normal weight range would be from 133 to 179 pounds.
Overweight? Six lousy pounds and that makes me fat? Good grief, if I was 133 lbs. I'd have to move somewhere there was no wind, far away from the Texas Panhandle. Remembering what my momma had told me, and hoping for different/better results, I found another BMI Calculator. It gave me the same number but also added this:
People falling in this BMI range are considered overweight and would benefit from finding healthy ways to lower their weight, such as diet and exercise. Individuals who fall in this range are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses. If your BMI is 27-29.99 your risk of health problems becomes higher. In a recent study an increased rate of blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease was recorded at 27.3 for women and 27.8 for men. It may be a good idea to check your Waist Circumference and compare it with the recommended limits.
So, that's what I did, going to the Body Fat Calculator. As a male, all I had to supply was my waist measurement. Women have to input their wrist, hips and forearm measurements. I'm not sure why that it's so simple for men. I found it odd that women have to input so much more to quantify their body fat, but I went on. I don't think I have any sort of tape other than a retractable one, but I did know my pants size - 32 - so I used that. After hitting the Calculate Body Fat button, I got this:
You have a Body Fat Percentage of 12.55%.
Hmmm...that didn't sound so bad. Maybe not good, but not bad. I remember the chart from using the calculator at mom's that I was something like 30% fat back then. My pants size back then was larger too, probably a 40. I clicked on the Body Fat Chart and found this:
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Classification Women (% fat) Men (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12% 2-4%
Athletes 14-20% 6-13%
Fitness 21-24% 14-17%
Acceptable 25-31% 18-25%
Obese 32%+ 25%+
Wow. I fall within the "Athlete" category, never mind that I'm far from being one these days. I understood the results, though and was pleased that while I'm technically overweight, I'm by no means FAT.
Of course, there's also the need to factor in that there are days I'm a few pounds more than I was today and that on other days I'm a few pounds less. Water weighs 8.3 lbs/gallon and my weight can go up when I'm fully hydrated, down when I need to drink. I drink a lot of water because I know that doing so helps me control my weight and blood sugar.
Yep, water weighs a lot and that's why I shake the heads of broccoli at the grocery store before putting them in the sack. I don't want to pay $1.99/lb. for excess water.
If I was broccoli, I'd cost $368.15. Any bidders? You gotta take the 23 lbs. of fat with me, though.
Edit to add: I bought some broccoli at the store earlier; it was .99 cents/lb. on sale. I'd be willing to cut MY price by half, too.
I was reading a post in my reader - How I Eat - by well-known food author and personality David Lebovitz, and saw a link to the CDC BMI Calculator (BMI - Body Mass Index)
I've figured my BMI before, but it's been a while. I remember doing it about 10 years ago on my mom's computer and getting the results that I was "morbidly obese". Yikes. I was concerned, but my mom reassured me (which mothers do so well) that I wasn't all that fat and that she was sure there were other variables to take into consideration, such as body frame, muscularity, etc. Still, when I have seen BMI calculators since that time, I avoided them. I didn't need the reminder that I was fat - the little tag on my pants told me I was every time I put them on.
I went ahead and plugged in my height - 5'11" - and weight - 185lbs - and it told me this:
Your BMI is 25.8, indicating your weight is in the Overweight category for adults of your height. For your height, a normal weight range would be from 133 to 179 pounds.
Overweight? Six lousy pounds and that makes me fat? Good grief, if I was 133 lbs. I'd have to move somewhere there was no wind, far away from the Texas Panhandle. Remembering what my momma had told me, and hoping for different/better results, I found another BMI Calculator. It gave me the same number but also added this:
People falling in this BMI range are considered overweight and would benefit from finding healthy ways to lower their weight, such as diet and exercise. Individuals who fall in this range are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses. If your BMI is 27-29.99 your risk of health problems becomes higher. In a recent study an increased rate of blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease was recorded at 27.3 for women and 27.8 for men. It may be a good idea to check your Waist Circumference and compare it with the recommended limits.
So, that's what I did, going to the Body Fat Calculator. As a male, all I had to supply was my waist measurement. Women have to input their wrist, hips and forearm measurements. I'm not sure why that it's so simple for men. I found it odd that women have to input so much more to quantify their body fat, but I went on. I don't think I have any sort of tape other than a retractable one, but I did know my pants size - 32 - so I used that. After hitting the Calculate Body Fat button, I got this:
You have a Body Fat Percentage of 12.55%.
Hmmm...that didn't sound so bad. Maybe not good, but not bad. I remember the chart from using the calculator at mom's that I was something like 30% fat back then. My pants size back then was larger too, probably a 40. I clicked on the Body Fat Chart and found this:
Body Fat Percentage Categories
Classification Women (% fat) Men (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12% 2-4%
Athletes 14-20% 6-13%
Fitness 21-24% 14-17%
Acceptable 25-31% 18-25%
Obese 32%+ 25%+
Wow. I fall within the "Athlete" category, never mind that I'm far from being one these days. I understood the results, though and was pleased that while I'm technically overweight, I'm by no means FAT.
Of course, there's also the need to factor in that there are days I'm a few pounds more than I was today and that on other days I'm a few pounds less. Water weighs 8.3 lbs/gallon and my weight can go up when I'm fully hydrated, down when I need to drink. I drink a lot of water because I know that doing so helps me control my weight and blood sugar.
Yep, water weighs a lot and that's why I shake the heads of broccoli at the grocery store before putting them in the sack. I don't want to pay $1.99/lb. for excess water.
If I was broccoli, I'd cost $368.15. Any bidders? You gotta take the 23 lbs. of fat with me, though.
Edit to add: I bought some broccoli at the store earlier; it was .99 cents/lb. on sale. I'd be willing to cut MY price by half, too.
May 15, 2012
May 14, 2012
Testing
This is just a test. Do not attempt to adjust the dial.
Just joking...I'll explain later.
I did not know there was a Blogger page to see the most recently updated blogs.
I made the post, then kept checking. I wasn't for sure if I'd get an update without clearing my cache, but it turned out I didn't need to do that; all I did was keep reloading the page. Hundreds of entries appeared and I had to use the search feature on my browser to find this post.
I found the link while reading about a conservative blog being closed by Blogger. (which is owned by Google) I'm not sure there's a concerted effort by Google to shut down anything conservative (although I DO think they're in bed with this progressive govt.) but rather the blog was probably marked as spam by readers who were offended by the posts on the blog.
Who knows? Either way it's a bad thing; if Google IS censoring a conservative viewpoint, then it should alarm everybody, no matter what their political affiliation. If the shut down is due to reader complaints, it's not any better - I'd hate to have my blog deleted due to something totally out of my control, with absolutely no recourse or having anyone hear my case. (Google offers no "live support" for Blogger)
I've read several articles lately about how it's much better to have your own domain if you want to host your blog. I've read some say how to get your own space, then use Blogger as your template. Seems to me as though that would almost be as dependent upon Blogger as having a free blog w/ their service.
I don't know; I'm not sure if it's worth the yearly cost of hosting or the fee for buying a domain name and the hassle of renewing it. Still, it's something I'm thinking of checking into but I'm not convinced that with what little I do with this free service that I would suddenly do more with something I've paid for. I don't know enough about anything to make people want to read what I write and I'm sure that even if I did, I couldn't make a living being a professional blogger.
Still, the idea of being at the mercy of Google/Blogger has me a little uneasy. It's given me a lot to think about.
Stay tuned, will let you know.
Just joking...I'll explain later.
I did not know there was a Blogger page to see the most recently updated blogs.
I made the post, then kept checking. I wasn't for sure if I'd get an update without clearing my cache, but it turned out I didn't need to do that; all I did was keep reloading the page. Hundreds of entries appeared and I had to use the search feature on my browser to find this post.
I found the link while reading about a conservative blog being closed by Blogger. (which is owned by Google) I'm not sure there's a concerted effort by Google to shut down anything conservative (although I DO think they're in bed with this progressive govt.) but rather the blog was probably marked as spam by readers who were offended by the posts on the blog.
Who knows? Either way it's a bad thing; if Google IS censoring a conservative viewpoint, then it should alarm everybody, no matter what their political affiliation. If the shut down is due to reader complaints, it's not any better - I'd hate to have my blog deleted due to something totally out of my control, with absolutely no recourse or having anyone hear my case. (Google offers no "live support" for Blogger)
I've read several articles lately about how it's much better to have your own domain if you want to host your blog. I've read some say how to get your own space, then use Blogger as your template. Seems to me as though that would almost be as dependent upon Blogger as having a free blog w/ their service.
I don't know; I'm not sure if it's worth the yearly cost of hosting or the fee for buying a domain name and the hassle of renewing it. Still, it's something I'm thinking of checking into but I'm not convinced that with what little I do with this free service that I would suddenly do more with something I've paid for. I don't know enough about anything to make people want to read what I write and I'm sure that even if I did, I couldn't make a living being a professional blogger.
Still, the idea of being at the mercy of Google/Blogger has me a little uneasy. It's given me a lot to think about.
Stay tuned, will let you know.
May 13, 2012
matrilineal
matrilineal \ma-truh-LIN-ee-uhl\ , adjective:
Inheriting or determining descent through the female line.
Appropriate for Mother's Day,huh?
Inheriting or determining descent through the female line.
Appropriate for Mother's Day,huh?
May 11, 2012
Friday Night TV
I can't believe it! I get several dozen channels but sometimes there's nothing on that I want to watch. I'll admit that I'm a little picky about my programs - I don't watch Survivor, Dancing With the Stars or anything like those. I don't care for many of the popular sitcoms, I don't like talk shows or any politically slanted (either way) discussions. I get my news off the 'net.
That said, this is a fantastic TV night. Fantastic that there are some great shows on, but it's causing me a problem with trying to see several programs. Friday night is Supernatural, a show I try to not miss. I watch the reruns that come on early in the morning. The problem is that Whale Wars: Viking Shores is on at the same time. The good thing is that Whale Wars is coming on again later tonight, so I'll watch it then.
On right now is a two hour episode of Deadliest Catch, another show I love. Since it's an extra-long episode, it will conflict with Supernatural. Thank goodness it too repeats later. There are also some great movies on tonight,several I've been wanting to see. One is a Mel Gibson flick, Edge of Darkness. I'll have to miss it, but I'm sure it will be on again. I'd also like to watch Avatar all the way through, but it has been on quite a bit here lately, so I bet they'll air it again, probably several times this weekend. Caddyshack, a movie I've seen at least a dozen times, is coming on in a little bit. I wouldn't mind watching it again, but I would rather watch my other shows. If the other shows weren't coming on, I'd be satisfied with watching reruns of other favorites such as King of the Hill, American Dad!, Lockup, Storage Wars, Frozen Planet, or Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Great TV night! Gotta go, Supernatural is coming on in 30 minutes!
Edit to add: I just found out that it's "Sweeps Week". No wonder there are so many good programs and movies on.
That said, this is a fantastic TV night. Fantastic that there are some great shows on, but it's causing me a problem with trying to see several programs. Friday night is Supernatural, a show I try to not miss. I watch the reruns that come on early in the morning. The problem is that Whale Wars: Viking Shores is on at the same time. The good thing is that Whale Wars is coming on again later tonight, so I'll watch it then.
On right now is a two hour episode of Deadliest Catch, another show I love. Since it's an extra-long episode, it will conflict with Supernatural. Thank goodness it too repeats later. There are also some great movies on tonight,several I've been wanting to see. One is a Mel Gibson flick, Edge of Darkness. I'll have to miss it, but I'm sure it will be on again. I'd also like to watch Avatar all the way through, but it has been on quite a bit here lately, so I bet they'll air it again, probably several times this weekend. Caddyshack, a movie I've seen at least a dozen times, is coming on in a little bit. I wouldn't mind watching it again, but I would rather watch my other shows. If the other shows weren't coming on, I'd be satisfied with watching reruns of other favorites such as King of the Hill, American Dad!, Lockup, Storage Wars, Frozen Planet, or Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Great TV night! Gotta go, Supernatural is coming on in 30 minutes!
Edit to add: I just found out that it's "Sweeps Week". No wonder there are so many good programs and movies on.
Foolish Facebook Feuding
I belong to a lot of Facebook groups and fan pages; ones about TV shows, movies, politicians, celebs and several Amarillo media outlet pages. With the recent backlash over North Carolina’s marriage vote followed by President Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage, the pages have seen activity such as I've not witnessed before since I became active on Facebook.
For the record - I'm not "for" gay marriage...but I'm not against it, either. It really should be a non-issue, as I take the libertarian stance that govt. has no place in marriage. I'm on record as saying gay marriage won't be the downfall of this great nation, but the continued loss of our freedoms will be. The only "problem" I have with same-sex marriage is one of semantics, namely that marriage has been defined as between a man and a woman. If gays want to "marry", then there should be a different word to describe it, such as "civil union".
That's not the point of this rant, though; reading through a thousand or more posts from both sides of the issue I've been offended by many of those arguing for and also by many against it. The anti folks are the most obnoxious - but not by much. Most use the Bible verses to argue their case and they have a point...but many are not being very compassionate when they state their case. Personally, I consider myself a Christian, albeit not a very good one, but the judgment isn't mine to pass out. I can send no one to Heaven, cannot sentence anyone to Hell. There have been a few against it that have had that compassion, though...voices of reason in an unreasonable crowd.
The pro people are almost as bad, bringing up the argument that the Christians pick and choose what they want to follow from Biblical teaching. They're right, but they are so full of rage it's hard to give sympathy to their views. The hatred between the two groups is frightening. I almost feel as though I'm caught in the crossfire.
What annoys me the most is the President's change of heart over the issue. He's been on record as being against it, but just as soon as N. Carolina passes the ban, he changed his mind. He may have agonized over it, who knows? I'm not against his new-found stance, but I think he has seen a poll or study that showed he was losing the (for example) 18-24 vote and needed to sway them back into the fold. I don't need to see statistics to know that it's the older generation that holds the anti viewpoint and that the younger generations have little or no problem with gay marriage. I think the President is doing what he does best and that's being a consummate politician. (and that's what I hate the most about politicians, especially the ones that are good at being one)
What's also troublesome is that there are many other issues for the President with which he should concern himself; our dwindling civil rights and vanishing privacy, several wars, the economy and many others. We have our service people dying and the drums of war are beating even louder...people are out of work and we're putting ourselves into debt that our children's children's children won't even begin to pay off...and Big Brother is here, Orwell's 1984 a few years late here in 2012. I may seem callous, but same sex marriage should be far down the list of his concerns. Something that affects perhaps 3-4% of the population shouldn't take precedent over the things that affect us all.
Anyway...I shouldn't sit on the fence about this. If it were up to me, I'd let gays legally join together using any word to describe it but "marriage". I'm still against the govt. being involved with whatever one wants to call it, though, but since it is, then allow any two people a license. Let the churches decide if they want to perform a ceremony.
Sure, let them legally join together. Let them have the same tax and other advantages that heterosexual couples have. As some comic once said, they deserve the right to be as miserable as the rest of us.
For the record - I'm not "for" gay marriage...but I'm not against it, either. It really should be a non-issue, as I take the libertarian stance that govt. has no place in marriage. I'm on record as saying gay marriage won't be the downfall of this great nation, but the continued loss of our freedoms will be. The only "problem" I have with same-sex marriage is one of semantics, namely that marriage has been defined as between a man and a woman. If gays want to "marry", then there should be a different word to describe it, such as "civil union".
That's not the point of this rant, though; reading through a thousand or more posts from both sides of the issue I've been offended by many of those arguing for and also by many against it. The anti folks are the most obnoxious - but not by much. Most use the Bible verses to argue their case and they have a point...but many are not being very compassionate when they state their case. Personally, I consider myself a Christian, albeit not a very good one, but the judgment isn't mine to pass out. I can send no one to Heaven, cannot sentence anyone to Hell. There have been a few against it that have had that compassion, though...voices of reason in an unreasonable crowd.
The pro people are almost as bad, bringing up the argument that the Christians pick and choose what they want to follow from Biblical teaching. They're right, but they are so full of rage it's hard to give sympathy to their views. The hatred between the two groups is frightening. I almost feel as though I'm caught in the crossfire.
What annoys me the most is the President's change of heart over the issue. He's been on record as being against it, but just as soon as N. Carolina passes the ban, he changed his mind. He may have agonized over it, who knows? I'm not against his new-found stance, but I think he has seen a poll or study that showed he was losing the (for example) 18-24 vote and needed to sway them back into the fold. I don't need to see statistics to know that it's the older generation that holds the anti viewpoint and that the younger generations have little or no problem with gay marriage. I think the President is doing what he does best and that's being a consummate politician. (and that's what I hate the most about politicians, especially the ones that are good at being one)
What's also troublesome is that there are many other issues for the President with which he should concern himself; our dwindling civil rights and vanishing privacy, several wars, the economy and many others. We have our service people dying and the drums of war are beating even louder...people are out of work and we're putting ourselves into debt that our children's children's children won't even begin to pay off...and Big Brother is here, Orwell's 1984 a few years late here in 2012. I may seem callous, but same sex marriage should be far down the list of his concerns. Something that affects perhaps 3-4% of the population shouldn't take precedent over the things that affect us all.
Anyway...I shouldn't sit on the fence about this. If it were up to me, I'd let gays legally join together using any word to describe it but "marriage". I'm still against the govt. being involved with whatever one wants to call it, though, but since it is, then allow any two people a license. Let the churches decide if they want to perform a ceremony.
Sure, let them legally join together. Let them have the same tax and other advantages that heterosexual couples have. As some comic once said, they deserve the right to be as miserable as the rest of us.
May 8, 2012
In My Case
4 sides equals square.
| Your Four Sided Personality is UDCG | |||
 Side 2 of your personality is devious. You are calculating and enjoy being a little wily. Side 3 of your personality is cool-headed. You aren't swayed by emotional appeals. Side 4 of your personality is gregarious. You love to meet and converse with all sorts of people. |
May 6, 2012
May 4, 2012
A Picnic Every Day
I used to roughneck for a man named Delmer Miller; he was quite a colorful character and had part of his nose missing from a long-ago fight. He was rough-edged, but had a great sense of humor. (and could also be petulant and childish, as you'll see)
I was single when I worked for him and like most bachelors, my lunch box didn't hold a decent meal - or the love - that most married men's lunch boxes had in them. I often went out to work with not much to eat, sometimes just a few packages of cheese crackers and a couple of pieces of fruit.
After missing many meals because I would sleep right up until the time to go to work, I got in the habit of making a couple of sandwiches when I got home, then putting them in the fridge. I also bought some small Tupperware containers from my sister and filled them with slices of tomato and lettuce so they wouldn't make my bread soggy until I was ready to eat my sandwiches. I also learned to use mustard on my sandwiches because on hot summer nights mayo or salad dressing would spoil before it was time to eat.
Sometimes while eating our lunch - when we had time to eat it* - Delmer would quip "Ain't this great? A picnic every day!"
It was funny the first few times we heard it, but...
*(I used to work for an old man and we once had some down-hole trouble on the rig and for several nights we didn't even have time to eat our lunch. One of the other roughnecks was bitching about it on the ride home and the old man told him "Hell, boy...I give you two chances to eat every day!" "I'd like to know when THAT is!" sniffed my co-worker. "Well..." dryly replied the old driller, "Once on the way out to the rig and the other on the way back.")
Delmer had a wife who absolutely doted on him and once when I brought out some stroganoff my mom had given me when I ate supper with them, told his wife that he too wanted something else besides sandwiches in his lunch box. That day, while Delmer was asleep, she cooked a big batch of stew and sent some out in a wide-mouth thermos. She had also baked some cornbread and had included a couple of big slices of that, too. He ate every bite and when he got in that morning, gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her it was great.
The next night he opened up his lunch box and found another thermos full of the stew. (like I said, she had made a big batch of it) He complained about it, but still ate it. The next night he opened up his lunch, muttering that there had better not be any more stew, but when he opened up the thermos...yep, more stew.
In a fit, he poured out the thermos into the lunch box, crumbled up the cornbread and stirred it all up with a spoon, then closed the lid, lit a cigarette and got a cup of coffee. He was in a bad mood the rest of the shift and we tried our best to stay away from him.
I knew there would be fireworks when he got home and confronted his wife and I knew I really shouldn't, but I followed him inside before getting in my own vehicle and going home. She greeted me and tried to kiss Delmer, but he shrugged her off and plopped the lunch box down on the table. She asked what was wrong and he said he was hungry and angry that she had put "the same damn thing" in his lunch again. She opened up the lunch box and even though her eyes narrowed in anger, she didn't say anything about the mess inside the box but asked "Well, what DO you want in your lunch?"
"I don't care." Delmer said. "Just sumpthin' different."
That night when we all sat down to eat, Delmer was telling the rest of the guys, also bachelors like me, how he had "handled his old lady" and that we should take lessons. "You'd better believe there's sumpthin' different in here tonight!" he bragged.
There was. It was a coconut and a hammer.
After missing many meals because I would sleep right up until the time to go to work, I got in the habit of making a couple of sandwiches when I got home, then putting them in the fridge. I also bought some small Tupperware containers from my sister and filled them with slices of tomato and lettuce so they wouldn't make my bread soggy until I was ready to eat my sandwiches. I also learned to use mustard on my sandwiches because on hot summer nights mayo or salad dressing would spoil before it was time to eat.
Sometimes while eating our lunch - when we had time to eat it* - Delmer would quip "Ain't this great? A picnic every day!"
It was funny the first few times we heard it, but...
*(I used to work for an old man and we once had some down-hole trouble on the rig and for several nights we didn't even have time to eat our lunch. One of the other roughnecks was bitching about it on the ride home and the old man told him "Hell, boy...I give you two chances to eat every day!" "I'd like to know when THAT is!" sniffed my co-worker. "Well..." dryly replied the old driller, "Once on the way out to the rig and the other on the way back.")
Delmer had a wife who absolutely doted on him and once when I brought out some stroganoff my mom had given me when I ate supper with them, told his wife that he too wanted something else besides sandwiches in his lunch box. That day, while Delmer was asleep, she cooked a big batch of stew and sent some out in a wide-mouth thermos. She had also baked some cornbread and had included a couple of big slices of that, too. He ate every bite and when he got in that morning, gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her it was great.
The next night he opened up his lunch box and found another thermos full of the stew. (like I said, she had made a big batch of it) He complained about it, but still ate it. The next night he opened up his lunch, muttering that there had better not be any more stew, but when he opened up the thermos...yep, more stew.
In a fit, he poured out the thermos into the lunch box, crumbled up the cornbread and stirred it all up with a spoon, then closed the lid, lit a cigarette and got a cup of coffee. He was in a bad mood the rest of the shift and we tried our best to stay away from him.
I knew there would be fireworks when he got home and confronted his wife and I knew I really shouldn't, but I followed him inside before getting in my own vehicle and going home. She greeted me and tried to kiss Delmer, but he shrugged her off and plopped the lunch box down on the table. She asked what was wrong and he said he was hungry and angry that she had put "the same damn thing" in his lunch again. She opened up the lunch box and even though her eyes narrowed in anger, she didn't say anything about the mess inside the box but asked "Well, what DO you want in your lunch?"
"I don't care." Delmer said. "Just sumpthin' different."
That night when we all sat down to eat, Delmer was telling the rest of the guys, also bachelors like me, how he had "handled his old lady" and that we should take lessons. "You'd better believe there's sumpthin' different in here tonight!" he bragged.
There was. It was a coconut and a hammer.
May 1, 2012
Russian Through My Vacation
Moscow? Really?
| Your Summer Vacation is Moscow |
 You take life by the horns and are big on taking a chance. You aren't going to sit at home bored! You are a truly extroverted person. People matter to you, and you get so energized from socializing. You are downright amusing. Your odd sense of humor gets people laughing. |
I've been to the Moscow in Kansas and I never want to go back. We played a football game there when I was a junior in h.s. and there was freezing drizzle all through the game. We had them down 20-0 at the half. Kansas football had a rule that if there was bad weather or one team was handily beating the other and both teams agreed, the game could be stopped at halftime. When our coach came into the locker room after talking with the Moscow coach and told us we had to keep playing, I quickly changed my soggy socks for my dry "street" socks. They became soaked in a matter of seconds and I went home with no socks, chilled to the bone and shivering on our old, cold ancient bus. I've been miserable since then, but that's in the top five of all-time misery.
Here's one of the best Beatles songs, IMHO. The best one with the song and footage of the group in Russia had the embed code disabled.
April 30, 2012
Heil to the Cheap Laugh
I saw an article earlier about how today is the anniversary of the death of Adolf Hitler by suicide in his bunker in 1945. I'm sure it was just a coincidence, but Family Guy had an episode just last night with this clip:
Even as horrible as is the subject matter, both suicide and Hitler, I couldn't help but laugh.
Shame on me.
Even as horrible as is the subject matter, both suicide and Hitler, I couldn't help but laugh.
Shame on me.
April 27, 2012
nosh
nosh [nosh]
verb (used without object)
1. to snack or eat between meals.
verb (used with object)
2. to snack on: They noshed peanuts and cookies while watching television.
When I first saw this entry in this blog's Word of the Day feed (in the right-hand column), I had to laugh. It's not a word I would ordinarily use - and it's not one used in the circles I run in - but I do often use it, only no one hears it.
"No one" except the Beej, my old cat-varmint. He's not the brightest animal I've ever been around and isn't even the smartest cat I've ever owned. My old B-cat knew several words but he reacted the most to "chicken?" and would go nuts. I swear, he could smell a pkg. of KFC takeout before I even opened up the car door. He also knew "bird" and when I'd say it, he'd make that little sound most cats do when they see a bird, along with a quiver of the mouth.
The Beej knows "outside?" and will go to the door if that's where he wants to go and will run into another room if he doesn't want to go out. He also knows "hungry?" and will go to his food bowl if I say that. He also knows "nosh" and when I ask "Wouldja like a nosh?", he perks up because he knows he's getting a treat or two from a pkg. of Meow Mix "Ocean Explosion" seafood-flavored treats.
They're something I've always bought him; they're only a buck for a pkg. at the dollar store and I've found that it's a good way to get him to eat leftover food in his bowl at which he'd ordinarily turn up his nose. I just say "Nosh?" and sprinkle a few on the perfectly good cat food - put out only an hour or two before - and he'll finish up the food. (mostly)
The Beej has always been wary of strangers; the first time my British friend Elle came over to see me, he would have nothing to do with her. I gave her a pkg. of the treats and told her to call to him, speaking his name and saying "Nosh?" I watched her coax him to her with the treats, then went to take a shower. As I left the room, she was petting him and he was content with being fussed over.
About ten minutes later, I was rinsing off when she frantically called through the door "Come here...B's sick!" I jumped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and went to see what was wrong with my cat. He had thrown up several times and was at the door, wanting out, still retching. I went ahead and let him out, then noticed the package of treats laying on the floor. I picked it up and found it was empty; she had fed the entire contents to him!
I knew he'd be all right and looking out the door, could see him eating a few blades of grass as cats (and dogs) will often do when their stomach is upset. I told her she shouldn't feed him more than a few at a time, that they must be very rich. I figured it was probably the same as eating a box of chocolates, a couple of pieces of pie followed by a huge slice of cake washed down by a double milkshake....just too rich for him all at once.
It didn't turn him off the things, though; he'd still eat the entire pkg. if I fed it to him.
verb (used without object)
1. to snack or eat between meals.
verb (used with object)
2. to snack on: They noshed peanuts and cookies while watching television.
When I first saw this entry in this blog's Word of the Day feed (in the right-hand column), I had to laugh. It's not a word I would ordinarily use - and it's not one used in the circles I run in - but I do often use it, only no one hears it.
"No one" except the Beej, my old cat-varmint. He's not the brightest animal I've ever been around and isn't even the smartest cat I've ever owned. My old B-cat knew several words but he reacted the most to "chicken?" and would go nuts. I swear, he could smell a pkg. of KFC takeout before I even opened up the car door. He also knew "bird" and when I'd say it, he'd make that little sound most cats do when they see a bird, along with a quiver of the mouth.
The Beej knows "outside?" and will go to the door if that's where he wants to go and will run into another room if he doesn't want to go out. He also knows "hungry?" and will go to his food bowl if I say that. He also knows "nosh" and when I ask "Wouldja like a nosh?", he perks up because he knows he's getting a treat or two from a pkg. of Meow Mix "Ocean Explosion" seafood-flavored treats.
They're something I've always bought him; they're only a buck for a pkg. at the dollar store and I've found that it's a good way to get him to eat leftover food in his bowl at which he'd ordinarily turn up his nose. I just say "Nosh?" and sprinkle a few on the perfectly good cat food - put out only an hour or two before - and he'll finish up the food. (mostly)
The Beej has always been wary of strangers; the first time my British friend Elle came over to see me, he would have nothing to do with her. I gave her a pkg. of the treats and told her to call to him, speaking his name and saying "Nosh?" I watched her coax him to her with the treats, then went to take a shower. As I left the room, she was petting him and he was content with being fussed over.
About ten minutes later, I was rinsing off when she frantically called through the door "Come here...B's sick!" I jumped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and went to see what was wrong with my cat. He had thrown up several times and was at the door, wanting out, still retching. I went ahead and let him out, then noticed the package of treats laying on the floor. I picked it up and found it was empty; she had fed the entire contents to him!
I knew he'd be all right and looking out the door, could see him eating a few blades of grass as cats (and dogs) will often do when their stomach is upset. I told her she shouldn't feed him more than a few at a time, that they must be very rich. I figured it was probably the same as eating a box of chocolates, a couple of pieces of pie followed by a huge slice of cake washed down by a double milkshake....just too rich for him all at once.
It didn't turn him off the things, though; he'd still eat the entire pkg. if I fed it to him.
April 26, 2012
The Weight - The Band
To celebrate slimming this blog down a little by deleting some modules and unneeded graphics and scripts (which decreased load time from 4+ seconds to a little over one second with my connection), here's a great classic tune.
I took a load off. Not a big one, but some.
I took a load off. Not a big one, but some.
April 25, 2012
Footie & Football Fouls
I've got a good online friend from England - her nickname is "Minnie". She's a devoted fan of the Chelsea soccer (footie) team. A long time ago when we were chatting on IM, she asked if I followed soccer and if so, what team did I like. I allowed as I really didn't like soccer all that much, but if I did, I might follow Arsenal because that was such a cool name for a team.
Oops, wrong answer. I knew soccer fans were...well, "fanatical" about their teams, but I didn't know about the hatred they could have for other teams. (I like American football, but have grown less and less interested in all sports as I've grown older. I do follow the Dallas Cowboys and have been a fan since I was a young boy, but I don't watch them if they're playing badly. Why would I want to suffer through that? Personally, I don't "hate" other NFL teams, but will admit to disliking Philadelphia mostly because of their obnoxious fans) It wasn't very long until I got a pkg. in the mail from my British friend; in it were two Chelsea jerseys, one white and one blue. My allegiance to a particular footie team had been decided for me!
Chelsea played Barcelona yesterday; I wasn't for sure what was at stake, but I did some research and found out it was an important match (the Champions League Semifinal) and that the team from Spain was the World Cup Champs. (was? were? The British form of singular/plural confuses me a little. Where Americans would say "Chelsea is a great team.", the Brits would say "Chelsea are a great team." I guess it's something to do with the former thinking of a team as a singular unit while the latter thinks of a team being individual players. Just always found that odd. It's almost like the USA being considered a union of individual states pre-Civil War - "The United States ARE..." and afterwards being thought of as a single entity "The United States IS....")
Anyway....I watched a little bit of the match, but was confused a little bit by the Barcelona squad being able to keep the ball near the Chelsea goal as much as they were. I then found out that John Terry, a Chelsea star player, had been given a "red card" - being ejected from the match for a flagrant foul on a Barcelona player, Sanchez. Here's a video of the infraction:
Good Grief, that wasn't much more than a love tap. Sanchez deserved an Oscar for that acting performance. Terry could have shot him with a pistol and he wouldn't have gone down that fast.
As said, Terry was ejected from the match. I didn't know that a team would have to play short-handed the rest of the game. That doesn't seem right. Chelsea went on to play great defense and eventually knotted the score at 2-2. I know next to nothing about the game and even less about how that can be considered a win, but that's what happened and Chelsea moves on into the playoffs.
(I also don't understand how the various leagues work - my friend Min tried to explain it to me once but I was more confused after the explanation than I was before. I remember thinking at the time it would be like trying to explain the game of baseball to one of those remote Amazonian tribes. I did catch on that the worst teams have to "drop down" into another league and that sounds like a good deal to me and wish they'd try it in the NFL.)
The Terry "foul" reminded me of another foul committed by Albert Haynesworth, then of the Tennessee Titans, against Andre Gurode of the Dallas Cowboys from a few years ago.
What Terry did paled in comparison, wouldn't you say?
Note: Doing a little dab of research on this post has made me much more knowledgeable about soccer. I still don't know much, but I know more than I did yesterday. Now I need to find out what the fans sing during soccer matches. I watched a bit of a Liverpool match (scousers!) a couple of years ago and heard them singing "You'll Never Walk Alone". Odd.
I haven't asked her, but I bet my British friend Min might think Liverpool should sing the chorus of "Hair Of The Dog".
April 24, 2012
Firefox Make Link Add-on
I've also been trying to configure my Firefox browser the way I like it. I hadn't noticed until the last post but when I tried to make a link, I discovered I hadn't d/l the "Make Link" add-on.
It's the most handy add-on, especially for blogging or posting in forums. All you have to do is highlight the text you want to add a link to, then right click and select the type of code you want:
As you can see, there are several options; the html code works here in Blogger, but there are several forums I frequent that use the forum code or BB (bulletin board) code. It's quicker than using a rich text editor.
A great add-on and I highly recommend it.
Make Link
A Texas-Sized Gripe
Since I first got on the 'net, I've been reading all sorts of memes about Texas. Most are funny, some are stereotypes but true, but there are several that just aren't true. I see people write that Texas is flat - not so, not even here in the Panhandle. Part of Texas is called the Hill Country for good reason. There are mountains in far west Texas. Another misconception is that Texas is hot. People who think that should spend a winter here in the top of Texas. Another is that Texas is all desert. Good grief. Texas borders the Gulf of Mexico and has some lovely beaches; east Texas has loads of timber and from here to Lubbock is some of the finest farmland in the U.S.
That's OK, though...those ideas are from people who just don't know any better. There's one thing, however, that's perpetuated by Texans themselves and I want to set the record straight.
There was a recipe post that hit my reader yesterday that finally made me decide to rant. The post - The Texican Burger - brought up the "what kind of coke do you want?" meme.
Me: Do you want a coke?
Not me: Yes.
Me: What kind?
Not me: Dr. Pepper.
This is such crap. I was born and raised here in Texas, lived here for over half a century and I've NEVER heard anyone say that nor been asked anything like that when ordering a soda. If you asked for a Coke, that's what you got. If you ordered a DP, they knew you meant Dr Pepper. (which originated in Waco, Texas, btw.) If you asked a waitress for a strawberry coke, she would probably tell you they had Fanta or Big Red or maybe you'd get a Coke w/ strawberry flavoring added.
Maybe this all stems from the popularity of Coca-Cola and being asked if you would like a coke. "Yeah, gimme a DP." That's the only thing I can think of that comes close to "What kind of coke...?" meme.
I belong to a couple of Texas Facebook groups which have posted this among other Texas "truths". Along with this (and that Texans all drive pickups with gun racks and school lets out during hunting season or that all the women are blonde and have "big hair"), they also state that "true Texans" don't say "soda" or "pop" or "soda pop". Like I said, I'm a native Texan and I say soda and pop and soda pop.
Do a search for "texas what kind of coke do you want" and you'll see thousands of posts that continue this idiotic idea. Maybe there's something to the stereotype that Texans are stupid - maybe I've just grown up around the smarter ones and the rest of Texas is filled with dumb asses.
That's OK, though...those ideas are from people who just don't know any better. There's one thing, however, that's perpetuated by Texans themselves and I want to set the record straight.
There was a recipe post that hit my reader yesterday that finally made me decide to rant. The post - The Texican Burger - brought up the "what kind of coke do you want?" meme.
Me: Do you want a coke?
Not me: Yes.
Me: What kind?
Not me: Dr. Pepper.
This is such crap. I was born and raised here in Texas, lived here for over half a century and I've NEVER heard anyone say that nor been asked anything like that when ordering a soda. If you asked for a Coke, that's what you got. If you ordered a DP, they knew you meant Dr Pepper. (which originated in Waco, Texas, btw.) If you asked a waitress for a strawberry coke, she would probably tell you they had Fanta or Big Red or maybe you'd get a Coke w/ strawberry flavoring added.
Maybe this all stems from the popularity of Coca-Cola and being asked if you would like a coke. "Yeah, gimme a DP." That's the only thing I can think of that comes close to "What kind of coke...?" meme.
I belong to a couple of Texas Facebook groups which have posted this among other Texas "truths". Along with this (and that Texans all drive pickups with gun racks and school lets out during hunting season or that all the women are blonde and have "big hair"), they also state that "true Texans" don't say "soda" or "pop" or "soda pop". Like I said, I'm a native Texan and I say soda and pop and soda pop.
Do a search for "texas what kind of coke do you want" and you'll see thousands of posts that continue this idiotic idea. Maybe there's something to the stereotype that Texans are stupid - maybe I've just grown up around the smarter ones and the rest of Texas is filled with dumb asses.
April 23, 2012
Not Eggzactly Right
| You Are a Poached Egg |
 You have an incredible sense of focus and determination. You don't let yourself make many mistakes. You are a high achiever. You like to challenge yourself, and you get great satisfaction from being the best at something. While you have high standards, you aren't really all that competitive. You only compete with yourself. |
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