Let’s see… Drought. Depression. Unemployment. Immigration. High fuel costs. Political unrest abroad. Yep. We’re due for another World War. Bet Rumsfeld is praying he lives long enough to start it.
I also predict Cheney will have a mysterious bout of ‘good health’ when election time comes around again. Most likely they will run Jeb, however.
John Walton, age 58, son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, died in a plane crash Monday. The experimental ultralight went down in Wyoming. Board member John was listed as the 11th richest person in the world by Forbes Magazine, worth an estimated eighteen billion dollars. He was tied with brother Jim, just ahead of sister Alice and mother Helen. Hey, Matlock! I’d check those three out first. Just a suggestion.
Went to a township meeting regarding our area growth plan. It was very fascinating, but my butt has a time limit as to how long it can be in contact with a hard metal folding chair. Ouch.
I had planned on showing up in a long sundress and wide-brimmed hat, driving my Corvette, and bringing a glass of ice tea. I’d sit with a straw fan that had the word ‘NO’ on it and swish it every time growth was mentioned, but that kind of fell through. Took the Toyota and Mr. This Won’t Take More Than a Few Minutes, Right?
The event drew 22 people who sat for two hours and viewed slide shows from our planning commission and the county conservation district. We learned about water flow, topography and current zoning designations. When they asked for questions at the end, I almost said, “Where’s the refreshments?”, but resisted.
Learned some incredible things about my neighborhood. Like: of the 21 endangered animals of Illinois, we are home to 18, including my buddy the Blanding’s Turtle. (Mr. Right is breathing a sigh of relief here, as he was concerned our vacation would be spent taking the Vette to Indiana, where I would instruct him to drive slowly with the top down at dusk so I could catch the endangered Indiana Bat in a large butterfly net to bring back with us…)
Our creek water is among the best and cleanest in the state (grade B: it will support trout, but does not act as a trout breeding ground). Rare plants grow here, and no one knows why. Well, something to do with those slow but persistent glaciers. Ephemeral pools and wetlands abound. We were once home to elk, buffalo and cougars. Think I’ll spearhead a reintroduce the puma effort: Block Industrial Growth: Citizens Against The Subdivisions – Nature Only Welcome
(Big Cats Now).
We have the highest point in the county, and the second highest elevation in Illinois.
Our township is the most rural in the county – the last bastion of nature to be found for miles. Almost 10 percent of farmers have applied for farm land preservation status. This just means if a subdivision moves in next door, they can’t complain about the dust and chemicals and have the farm closed down. Yeah. Right.
As exciting as this all may be, the bottom line is again of misery and heartbreak.
We have a wonderful plan to control growth, but it’s not worth the slide screen it was shown on, as developers will just go to the county and threaten to sue everyone in sight until they get their own way. I left even more depressed than I arrived, once I realized everything that will be lost.
More tomorrow.
What I’m Reading: Naked by David Sedaris
What I’m listening to in my Car: Freakonomics
What I’m Recommending: Freakonomics
Stay away from: Places that charge to watch fireworks. It’s un-American.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
A Sirius Blog
Whoo-hoo! The dog days of summer are here! This area has not had as long a string of days topping ninety in June since the dust bowl days of the 30s! About time, I say. As far as I’m concerned, this latitude is too far north for human existence. We’ve got nine months of winter and three of poor sledding. It just isn’t natural.
Spent most of the week calling up people who hate the heat. You know, those sissies who want to move to Canada and wear parkas 24/7.
I say witty things like, “Hot enough for ya?”
“Think we’ve hit triple digits yet?”
“This is the coolest it will be all day” (early calls)
“Was it hot today? I hadn’t noticed.” (late calls)
I’m a real stitch.
Canada? What’s with that? Now, a country with a low population density that speaks English in most parts is a real draw, I must admit. But paying over 60% of my wages in taxes for universal health care and never thawing out is not something that has me packing my bags. What little I’ve seen of Canada didn’t impress me. Too Expensive. Especially gas. Scenic, but that was on the one day the roads were clear of ice, July 5th.
How the cavemen did it is beyond me. Perhaps the formation of a spoken and written language can be linked to living in certain climes – did these hardy souls have 17 grunts for ‘cold’? Storytelling certainly would have been popular as a way to pass the ice age. Much written language can be traced to warmer areas. Perhaps northern fingers were too frozen to hold a stylus? Ink unable to flow?
Spent most of the week calling up people who hate the heat. You know, those sissies who want to move to Canada and wear parkas 24/7.
I say witty things like, “Hot enough for ya?”
“Think we’ve hit triple digits yet?”
“This is the coolest it will be all day” (early calls)
“Was it hot today? I hadn’t noticed.” (late calls)
I’m a real stitch.
Canada? What’s with that? Now, a country with a low population density that speaks English in most parts is a real draw, I must admit. But paying over 60% of my wages in taxes for universal health care and never thawing out is not something that has me packing my bags. What little I’ve seen of Canada didn’t impress me. Too Expensive. Especially gas. Scenic, but that was on the one day the roads were clear of ice, July 5th.
How the cavemen did it is beyond me. Perhaps the formation of a spoken and written language can be linked to living in certain climes – did these hardy souls have 17 grunts for ‘cold’? Storytelling certainly would have been popular as a way to pass the ice age. Much written language can be traced to warmer areas. Perhaps northern fingers were too frozen to hold a stylus? Ink unable to flow?
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Blog Days of Summer
For those of you who have been on the edge of your seat wondering if turtles like hot dogs: they don’t. I think I need a huge government grant, or at least one from the ‘Assorted Meat By-Products’ lobby to further study why.
Gas prices are climbing and I’m ticked. A recent ‘town hall’ type meeting on the topic had few attendees and it was concluded that people aren’t that upset about gas prices. I will begin a letter writing campaign to debunk that myth.
Our township land use meeting will be held tomorrow night. I’m showing up in a business suit and taking the Vette to let those farmers in overalls know that us dinks don’t want any low-income high-density housing or gravel roads in these here parts.
Forget Classmates.com. I’m going to the Chicago Police Department’s new anti-prostitution website to look up the old gang!
Perhaps a few celebrities will show up now and then, as well!
Gas prices are climbing and I’m ticked. A recent ‘town hall’ type meeting on the topic had few attendees and it was concluded that people aren’t that upset about gas prices. I will begin a letter writing campaign to debunk that myth.
Our township land use meeting will be held tomorrow night. I’m showing up in a business suit and taking the Vette to let those farmers in overalls know that us dinks don’t want any low-income high-density housing or gravel roads in these here parts.
Forget Classmates.com. I’m going to the Chicago Police Department’s new anti-prostitution website to look up the old gang!
Perhaps a few celebrities will show up now and then, as well!
Word on the street is the new Herbie movie stinks. I could have told you that as soon as I heard Lindsay Lohan was set to star. What part of her image makes you think “Disney Material”? Bet she slept with Michael Eisner to get the role.
So let me get this straight… it’s okay to compare 9/11 to Pearl Harbor, but not okay to compare inhumane prisoner treatment with Russian Gulags or German prison camps?
And it’s exactly like Jane Fonda calling U.S. soldiers baby killers. Right. I used to be a member of Amnesty International (past tense – I could not give up my belief that the death penalty can be warranted after a fair trial) and never dreamed I’d have to be writing letters to my own government. Chalk that one up to naiveté, I guess. We were all young once.
When Chicago isn’t busy persecuting working girls, they’re hard at work banning sparklers from city limits. Whew! Another Chicago Fire averted. Good work. Now let me get some sleep so I can wake up to fewer airports and more parks.
An eleven-year-old boy scout survived four days in the Utah wilderness without TiVo, Nintendo or a cell phone. And I thought all they taught scouts was to hate gays and non-Christians. Who knew?
And it’s exactly like Jane Fonda calling U.S. soldiers baby killers. Right. I used to be a member of Amnesty International (past tense – I could not give up my belief that the death penalty can be warranted after a fair trial) and never dreamed I’d have to be writing letters to my own government. Chalk that one up to naiveté, I guess. We were all young once.
When Chicago isn’t busy persecuting working girls, they’re hard at work banning sparklers from city limits. Whew! Another Chicago Fire averted. Good work. Now let me get some sleep so I can wake up to fewer airports and more parks.
An eleven-year-old boy scout survived four days in the Utah wilderness without TiVo, Nintendo or a cell phone. And I thought all they taught scouts was to hate gays and non-Christians. Who knew?
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Bleach Boy’s Endless Summer Project
Well, the house is now prepped for staining. Took about 20 gallons of bleach, but there is no mold to be found on our cedar siding. No living things left in a twelve-foot radius, either. The Ruby Throated Humming Bird that used to visit is now a Pale Pink Whooping Cough Bird.
Let’s see… it’s June 20th, and this was supposed to be done over Memorial Day, so add another holiday for the Fourth of July, carry a few more rounds of golf and… Labor Day. Yep. Labor Day. That’s when it will be done.
Saw a car the other day with about a dozen of those Support Our Troops magnets between the taillights. I can’t help but imagine another car backing out from a parking space across the aisle and becoming sucked into the incredible magnetic vortex created by misplaced patriotism, causing it to smash directly into the PC – mobile. Ha!
Oh, and for those of you who do have them on your cars…remember to remove them before washing the vehicle. Water will collect behind it and rust you car out in that spot. Also move them occasionally to prevent uneven fading from the sun. And by the way red-white-and-bluers, those little ribbons are made in China. See how educational this blog is?
The weatherman* predicted this would be one of the ten best days of the year, and I was fortunate enough to have taken a vacation day. The last three days have been perfect, and I logged about 37 miles rollerblading. Sticks and stones will break your bones, and asphalt necessitates skin grafts, but I do enjoy it so. I must admit, it would be a much healthier pursuit if not for the three ice cream stands strategically located at my turn-around point.
Got the Vette out a little this weekend as well. Took it to the local Wal-Mart, just to let the employees think Sam was showing up for a surprise inspection. Can’t wait for Greenwald’s next movie expose on Wal – Mart. I’m hoping it upsets me just enough to shop there less, kind of how Super Size Me now has me ordering only the Happy Meal once a week. I know these conglomerates are bad, so I am taking baby steps to wean myself away from their strangulating grasp. I always shop for price, so if Wal-Mart had never destroyed my small town, I still would be frugal and getting a good deal. What really upsets me is that my town has the most hideous Wal-Mart in existence. It’s so tiny and creepy I hate to shop there, and only use their pharmacy because it is convenient, not because I think I’m getting the right pills or anything.
Drove to an outlet mall across the county and was appalled at the bumper to bumper traffic along the way. Especially loved the new housing development just before the mall. There was a wooden ‘privacy’ fence that looked absolutely ridiculous; it was very long and low against tall condo buildings. At a quick glance the whole development looked like a barracks, no, a prison camp. I am so sick of growth and over population.
Another thing making me sick is gas prices (says the woman who went shopping with the sixties muscle car). I saw high-octane prices of $2.50 per gallon on the way and ended up thinking $2.40 was ‘a deal’, and pulled in to fill up. The engine ran on for just a moment as I shut it off. Did she think I wasn’t going to use the 93 octane? I would have left if they only had 92 there.
In an exacting scientific experiment under controlled laboratory conditions, it was determined that Bearded Dragons do not like hot dogs. Three out of three lizards spit out the offending meat by-product (Chicken! Pork! And Beef!) after being enticed (using the ‘beg and wiggle’ method of hand-feeding) to try a taste. Box turtles do not seem to display the same aversion to slaughterhouse leftovers, but all the results of that study have yet to be compiled. Imagine how this reptilian knowledge could have affected the filming of the movie Jurassic Park. When the kids were pursued by Raptors in the kitchen area, they could have sung the Oscar Meyer Wiener song….
*The Weathermen however, predicted partly cloudy with scattered anarchism.
Let’s see… it’s June 20th, and this was supposed to be done over Memorial Day, so add another holiday for the Fourth of July, carry a few more rounds of golf and… Labor Day. Yep. Labor Day. That’s when it will be done.
Saw a car the other day with about a dozen of those Support Our Troops magnets between the taillights. I can’t help but imagine another car backing out from a parking space across the aisle and becoming sucked into the incredible magnetic vortex created by misplaced patriotism, causing it to smash directly into the PC – mobile. Ha!
Oh, and for those of you who do have them on your cars…remember to remove them before washing the vehicle. Water will collect behind it and rust you car out in that spot. Also move them occasionally to prevent uneven fading from the sun. And by the way red-white-and-bluers, those little ribbons are made in China. See how educational this blog is?
The weatherman* predicted this would be one of the ten best days of the year, and I was fortunate enough to have taken a vacation day. The last three days have been perfect, and I logged about 37 miles rollerblading. Sticks and stones will break your bones, and asphalt necessitates skin grafts, but I do enjoy it so. I must admit, it would be a much healthier pursuit if not for the three ice cream stands strategically located at my turn-around point.
Got the Vette out a little this weekend as well. Took it to the local Wal-Mart, just to let the employees think Sam was showing up for a surprise inspection. Can’t wait for Greenwald’s next movie expose on Wal – Mart. I’m hoping it upsets me just enough to shop there less, kind of how Super Size Me now has me ordering only the Happy Meal once a week. I know these conglomerates are bad, so I am taking baby steps to wean myself away from their strangulating grasp. I always shop for price, so if Wal-Mart had never destroyed my small town, I still would be frugal and getting a good deal. What really upsets me is that my town has the most hideous Wal-Mart in existence. It’s so tiny and creepy I hate to shop there, and only use their pharmacy because it is convenient, not because I think I’m getting the right pills or anything.
Drove to an outlet mall across the county and was appalled at the bumper to bumper traffic along the way. Especially loved the new housing development just before the mall. There was a wooden ‘privacy’ fence that looked absolutely ridiculous; it was very long and low against tall condo buildings. At a quick glance the whole development looked like a barracks, no, a prison camp. I am so sick of growth and over population.
Another thing making me sick is gas prices (says the woman who went shopping with the sixties muscle car). I saw high-octane prices of $2.50 per gallon on the way and ended up thinking $2.40 was ‘a deal’, and pulled in to fill up. The engine ran on for just a moment as I shut it off. Did she think I wasn’t going to use the 93 octane? I would have left if they only had 92 there.
In an exacting scientific experiment under controlled laboratory conditions, it was determined that Bearded Dragons do not like hot dogs. Three out of three lizards spit out the offending meat by-product (Chicken! Pork! And Beef!) after being enticed (using the ‘beg and wiggle’ method of hand-feeding) to try a taste. Box turtles do not seem to display the same aversion to slaughterhouse leftovers, but all the results of that study have yet to be compiled. Imagine how this reptilian knowledge could have affected the filming of the movie Jurassic Park. When the kids were pursued by Raptors in the kitchen area, they could have sung the Oscar Meyer Wiener song….
*The Weathermen however, predicted partly cloudy with scattered anarchism.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Rorschach Blog
Some people say the glass is half full.
Some people say the glass is half empty.
I say, “Is that the biggest glass you’ve got?”
Some people say the glass is half empty.
I say, “Is that the biggest glass you’ve got?”
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Bleached Blonde
Mr. Right-when-you-think-you’re-making-progress has been spending untold hours trying to stain our house. As I may remind you, this was the task that was to be begun and completed over the Memorial Day Weekend.
The stain hasn’t even been purchased yet. He’s still hung up on the whole ‘prep’ portion of the project. First you have to power wash the house. Then he noticed the mold. Apparently you are supposed to stain a house every 2 -3 years. It’s been five, and the wood is black in places. So he is told to use a bleach solution to kill the mold, then rinse. He’s using a sprayer his brother assured him works, just needs a little cleaning. Maybe a part. Or two. Or a complete overhaul.
Mr. Right-after-leaving-the-dock almost sunk in a boat his brother also assured him had only a ‘pinhole’ leak. Or two. Or… At any rate, he should have learned something long ago about borrowed equipment.
But no. He spent hours fixing the sprayer. Hundreds of dollars buying parts. Untold wasted time and frustration when he could have went to the rental center or just hired someone to do the job. But at least we know it will be done RIGHT.
Surprised the dog and cat don’t look like little skunks with white stripes down their backs, there is so much Clorox in the air around here. Worried about the turtles, too. I predict we are not going anywhere for vacation the first week of July as we will be home staining the house. By ‘we’, I mean HIM. I’ll just check into the local Holiday Inn for a week if need be, just to get away from Chemical Central.
Remember the episode (#159 Free Paint Job) on Green Acres where they tried to paint their house, but the wood was so old and dry it sucked up the paint, no matter how much was applied? How they called the chemists from the paint company out and they finally developed a paint that would stick, but then you could hear the boards gasping for air?
Like that…
Have you ever noticed what a great resource the local newspaper’s Letters to the Editor page is? I know exactly which citizens to stay away from, and which to add to my Christmas Card list. Very handy.
Chevy announced the 2006 Z06 will achieve 0-60 MPH is 3.7 seconds while still in first gear and pricing will start at $65,800. We’re talking 505 HP here. Even comes in my favorite Daytona Sunset Orange! See you at the Lotto ticket window…
The stain hasn’t even been purchased yet. He’s still hung up on the whole ‘prep’ portion of the project. First you have to power wash the house. Then he noticed the mold. Apparently you are supposed to stain a house every 2 -3 years. It’s been five, and the wood is black in places. So he is told to use a bleach solution to kill the mold, then rinse. He’s using a sprayer his brother assured him works, just needs a little cleaning. Maybe a part. Or two. Or a complete overhaul.
Mr. Right-after-leaving-the-dock almost sunk in a boat his brother also assured him had only a ‘pinhole’ leak. Or two. Or… At any rate, he should have learned something long ago about borrowed equipment.
But no. He spent hours fixing the sprayer. Hundreds of dollars buying parts. Untold wasted time and frustration when he could have went to the rental center or just hired someone to do the job. But at least we know it will be done RIGHT.
Surprised the dog and cat don’t look like little skunks with white stripes down their backs, there is so much Clorox in the air around here. Worried about the turtles, too. I predict we are not going anywhere for vacation the first week of July as we will be home staining the house. By ‘we’, I mean HIM. I’ll just check into the local Holiday Inn for a week if need be, just to get away from Chemical Central.
Remember the episode (#159 Free Paint Job) on Green Acres where they tried to paint their house, but the wood was so old and dry it sucked up the paint, no matter how much was applied? How they called the chemists from the paint company out and they finally developed a paint that would stick, but then you could hear the boards gasping for air?
Like that…
Have you ever noticed what a great resource the local newspaper’s Letters to the Editor page is? I know exactly which citizens to stay away from, and which to add to my Christmas Card list. Very handy.
Chevy announced the 2006 Z06 will achieve 0-60 MPH is 3.7 seconds while still in first gear and pricing will start at $65,800. We’re talking 505 HP here. Even comes in my favorite Daytona Sunset Orange! See you at the Lotto ticket window…
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Bit of a Blog
So Mr. Right –After – Work goes straight to the barn after arriving home Thursday evening. I hurry out to join him, as I noticed the very nice dress clothes he had on.
Me: What are you doing out here – trying to get your good clothes all greasy?
Him: I’m just reading the label on this sprayer.
Me: Change into work clothes!
Him: I’m just reading a label.
Me: Well, I’m going inside to read the label on the back of the Spray N’ Wash bottle. I’ll need it later.
I really can see the parallels between the Douglas couple and us – Oliver driving a tractor in a suit and tie? Mr. Right’s refusal to remove dress clothes. I have hay fever, love to shop, and possess the same cooking skills as Lisa. And sometimes, we drive over to Pixley in our convertible, just to have some intelligent conversation.
A Really Fun Holiday: Thanksgiving at the Mell-Blagojevich household.
If Howard Dean keeps making statements that inflame both parties, I may just have to send him some money.
If anyone is suffering undue pain as a result of the Supreme Court ruling against the medicinal use of marijuana, they should just call Rush Limbaugh and ask if he’s got any OxyContin left.
After acquittal, did Elizabeth and Anne Hatch call up the Bush twins to giggle and plan where to meet for a drink?
Headline: “Psychologists Probe Diary of Mom Accused in Killing”
Just what kind of field day will authorities have with this blog at my trial??
Be a patriot: Oppose the Patriot Act.
Have you been watching the new advances in brain surgery techniques? It is now possible to operate without incisions by using the Gamma Knife – not a knife at all, but gamma radiation aimed a specific site in the brain to destroy tumors. No cutting. No scars. No proof your brain has been altered. And to think I spent all that time worrying about the Patriot Act just a second ago! What I really need to worry about is what my government is secretly doing with gamma rays. Can you say Manchurian Candidate? What of the friendly folks in North Korea? Like they haven’t been using it in their Super Solider program? Can’t wait until evidence of stereotactic frames are found during the dismantling of Guantanamo Bay prison camp.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Observes, Leaves, and Blogs
Enjoyed a long walk on a sticky summer night with the dog this evening, and came across one of those cutsie little signs that said “Matt’s Party” with a few festive balloons and an arrow pointing the way. As it was on our route, we soon passed the celebration. Held down a secluded dirt road on about a five acre plot, I could hear young people playing volleyball while a rock band warmed up. How nice, a big party for a graduation, I thought. Then I saw the second sign.
This one was hung on the mailbox across from the driveway in question. It too was created with magic markers and had some balloons tied behind it. This one said “Matt’s Party Your There”. Now granted, Matt may have just graduated preschool, for all I know. But I do know one thing. He should be so ashamed of that sign, whether he created it or failed to correct it, that he should give his diploma back.
For what it’s worth: Senator Barack Obama will meet an untimely end before the next presidential election. Let’s face it; he’s the only thing standing between Hillary and a nod for the Democratic presidential candidate nomination. Remember what happened to JFK, Jr.?
This one was hung on the mailbox across from the driveway in question. It too was created with magic markers and had some balloons tied behind it. This one said “Matt’s Party Your There”. Now granted, Matt may have just graduated preschool, for all I know. But I do know one thing. He should be so ashamed of that sign, whether he created it or failed to correct it, that he should give his diploma back.
For what it’s worth: Senator Barack Obama will meet an untimely end before the next presidential election. Let’s face it; he’s the only thing standing between Hillary and a nod for the Democratic presidential candidate nomination. Remember what happened to JFK, Jr.?
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Blog Preservation Program
Made some calls today about local issues. First off, I called my road commissioner and asked him when the convicts were coming by to pick up our trash. He said they were expected July 11 and again in August. I told him how pleased I was with the program and how I’d be really glad to see that old sofa go. (Mr. Right didn’t want used furniture, so I dodged a bullet there. But ugly furniture was apparently ok, so who knows how close I came?)
Wanted to volunteer my bullwhip and vicious (well, at least to other male dogs) canine for the cause, but I resisted. The road commissioner already thinks I’m nuts. I call him at least twice a year letting him know I don’t want my section of the road turned to gravel. He likes to chop up pavement, and I worry. I notice how he beautifully paved the section of township roads that goes by the trustee’s houses, however…
I also asked about the ‘land use’ plan for the township. He claims it will be more restrictive. (More restrictive than what? Chicago’s?) We received a newsletter inviting us to hear the new plan later this month. Not two days later, the 127 acres went up for sale. Coincidence? I think not. The new plan most likely allows ½ acre lots with 132 unit apartment buildings on them. I see them naming the new development ‘Shady Oaks Subdivision’ and knocking down all the trees to put in roads. Hear they are asking a little over $2 million for the land. I’m sure for that price, there will be a toxic waste dump allowed, if desired. Money talks. Those without, blog.
Then I called the woman behind the lawsuit against our city in the case of a gravel pit west of town. The one approved over many residents’ objections (like every council decision). Seems the City Council sure was eager to approve this little project, and can we overlook the fact that some city officials were employed by the gravel company in the past? Can you say kickback, kiddies? The city grabbed the pit before the county could, yet got very little concession from the mining, about four cents a ton. Meanwhile another community negotiated closer to twenty-five cents a ton and many other infrastructure funding concessions for roads, etc. Anyhoo…
A local environmental group is suing the city (who has since said the mining corporation must pay legal fees to answer the suit) alleging that a recent survey of endangered and threatened wildlife was not conducted on the site before approving the project. Seems some of my pals the endangered Blanding’s turtles have a home out there, and could be disturbed.
I offered my support as a turtle lover and development hater, and we had a very nice conversation. Thank goodness somebody else out there loves turtles. Speaking of my love for animals…
Remember the post I did about the toxic waste dumping off the coast of California? Turns out that exact spot is the best place in the U.S. to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat. For a mere $795 they will let tourists get in a cage to dive near them, and this sounds like a pretty neat vacation to me. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Jaws 3-D was a flop at the box office, but a real-live radioactive monster of the deep could be lurking out there now, just waiting for the July 4th surfers…The whole Jaws meets Godzilla thing has potential. I’ve never read any of the Meg books though, tried one and found it silly.
I suppose you have heard about the massive layoffs at GM. Industry analysts say by 2010 Toyota will be the largest auto maker in the world. Well, I for one am not rushing out to buy another Toyota. Of the few producers posting a gain, Subaru was up 1.4%. Great. There goes my negotiating leverage. On the plus side, it is now my patriotic duty to buy a new Corvette and single-handedly save the American economy. Tough job, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice.
What I’m Reading: Us Weekly: Tom and Katie Getting Married!
What I’m listening to in my Car: Robert Plant, Mighty Rearranger
What I’m Recommending: Robert Plant, Mighty Rearranger
Stay away from: Fish Finders with built-in Geiger Counters
Wanted to volunteer my bullwhip and vicious (well, at least to other male dogs) canine for the cause, but I resisted. The road commissioner already thinks I’m nuts. I call him at least twice a year letting him know I don’t want my section of the road turned to gravel. He likes to chop up pavement, and I worry. I notice how he beautifully paved the section of township roads that goes by the trustee’s houses, however…
I also asked about the ‘land use’ plan for the township. He claims it will be more restrictive. (More restrictive than what? Chicago’s?) We received a newsletter inviting us to hear the new plan later this month. Not two days later, the 127 acres went up for sale. Coincidence? I think not. The new plan most likely allows ½ acre lots with 132 unit apartment buildings on them. I see them naming the new development ‘Shady Oaks Subdivision’ and knocking down all the trees to put in roads. Hear they are asking a little over $2 million for the land. I’m sure for that price, there will be a toxic waste dump allowed, if desired. Money talks. Those without, blog.
Then I called the woman behind the lawsuit against our city in the case of a gravel pit west of town. The one approved over many residents’ objections (like every council decision). Seems the City Council sure was eager to approve this little project, and can we overlook the fact that some city officials were employed by the gravel company in the past? Can you say kickback, kiddies? The city grabbed the pit before the county could, yet got very little concession from the mining, about four cents a ton. Meanwhile another community negotiated closer to twenty-five cents a ton and many other infrastructure funding concessions for roads, etc. Anyhoo…
A local environmental group is suing the city (who has since said the mining corporation must pay legal fees to answer the suit) alleging that a recent survey of endangered and threatened wildlife was not conducted on the site before approving the project. Seems some of my pals the endangered Blanding’s turtles have a home out there, and could be disturbed.
I offered my support as a turtle lover and development hater, and we had a very nice conversation. Thank goodness somebody else out there loves turtles. Speaking of my love for animals…
Remember the post I did about the toxic waste dumping off the coast of California? Turns out that exact spot is the best place in the U.S. to see Great White Sharks in their natural habitat. For a mere $795 they will let tourists get in a cage to dive near them, and this sounds like a pretty neat vacation to me. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Jaws 3-D was a flop at the box office, but a real-live radioactive monster of the deep could be lurking out there now, just waiting for the July 4th surfers…The whole Jaws meets Godzilla thing has potential. I’ve never read any of the Meg books though, tried one and found it silly.
I suppose you have heard about the massive layoffs at GM. Industry analysts say by 2010 Toyota will be the largest auto maker in the world. Well, I for one am not rushing out to buy another Toyota. Of the few producers posting a gain, Subaru was up 1.4%. Great. There goes my negotiating leverage. On the plus side, it is now my patriotic duty to buy a new Corvette and single-handedly save the American economy. Tough job, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice.
What I’m Reading: Us Weekly: Tom and Katie Getting Married!
What I’m listening to in my Car: Robert Plant, Mighty Rearranger
What I’m Recommending: Robert Plant, Mighty Rearranger
Stay away from: Fish Finders with built-in Geiger Counters
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
It was the Best of Temperatures
Left work today and one of those flashing time and temp boards informed me it was a balmy 91 degrees Fahrenheit at 4:28 p.m. Now obviously, that thermometer was in the direct sun, but that’s okay because it was all I needed to put a smile on my face and a left turn indicator on the car. I swung into my health club to see if they finally got the outdoor pool running (no matter how nice it is, they never have it going before, or even during, Memorial Day. This is just plain stupid, as it would be much more cost-effective to try and use it as much as possible in this frigid clime).
I was in luck, both pools were open and available (if they are teaching classes in one, they can still host open swim in another). Enjoyed the outdoor puddle (it’s not very big, and only comes up to my neck) for a little and then took a shower. Left feeling very refreshed, when I notice a message on my cell phone. My rollerblading buddy wanted to skate, so I called back and got her VM. Said I would meet her at the trail at 6:30, a time I could make if I really hurried.
Declined Mr. Right’s offer to meet me for dinner (and I had a Pizza Hut coupon, and could have made a big show of offering to pay…darn!) so I could hurry out to the trail. I am extremely fortunate to live 20 minutes away from a world-class rollerblading-friendly trail. Unfortunately – for all the years I have spent skating – I never have mastered the whole ‘turn’ or ‘stop’ thing, and have scars to prove it.
Didn’t meet up with my skate partner, she never got my message on her cell phone. The bigger the technology, the bigger the potential it won’t work. Can you hear me now? Nope.
Did a very easy seven miles on a beautiful evening and enjoyed myself anyways. Except for the part where the trail passes the Waste Treatment Plant. Yep. Nothing quite like the septic smell of municipal waste on a ninety degree day. No lie, one time a few years back we skated by the retention pond and there were these two women in bathing suits sitting on lawn chairs looking out over the cesspool. I never did figure out if they worked there and just wore bathing suits because it was so hot, or if it was locals thinking that was a resort area. Phew.
Saw some good news in the paper today for a change! It seems the county will be having convict work crews picking up litter along the sides of our roads this summer. Seeing as our road is a huge toxic dump (I’ve seen everything from booze bottles to old furniture molding in the ditches) I really hope they come here. And give them a shovel full of hot asphalt to fill in the potholes while they are here. If they need anyone to supervise the chain gang (think Cool. Hand Luke, etc.) I’ll be happy to volunteer. I love horses, guns and dogs. I could be a very successful overseer.
Wonder if we’ll get any celebrity convicts? OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson…oh, wait, they were all acquitted…. (still time to get Jackson on the latest count)
Martha Stewart could have tidied up the road and planted some daffodils while she was at it.
Hear about the auto auction two weeks ago where the Hemi Cuda went for $700,000? Yes, that’s the correct number of zeroes. Wonder who bought it? Who has a million dollars burning a hole in their pocket for something too rare to drive? It had 3,000 original miles. Where do you park a car that expensive, other than your living room? “I had the paisley curtains all picked out, and then Ted brings home this lime green muscle car and ruined my whole color palate…” Wonder if he called Geico to get the best deal on insurance for it? I think calling Lloyds of London would be your only real option…
This brings me to my favorite pastime: “If I Were the Richest Person on Earth”
Boy would there be some changes! First off, the most outrageously expensive (and worth every penny) car that I would rush out to buy would be the 1967 Corvette Convertible 427. Red, with a black stripe down the hood. This would set me back at least $200K.
I would drive it very cautiously over some nice smooth road for about ten to twenty miles, just to see how it handled. I’m not looking for a race car, I just admire this body style. I can have track time in other cars, but this specimen is for admiring. After that little jaunt, it would be on display in my Garden Room. This is a special room built on the back of my mansion that has a semicircle of glass windows. Two French doors open wide enough to drive the car in and place it on the mirrored turntable in the middle of the room. There’s a black lacquer grand piano in one corner, and lots of potted plants. The floor is oversize squares of exotic polished marble. A massive chandelier hangs from the center of the room (but not directly over the car, just in case). Think Great Gatsby.
Some visitors might like it, some might think it silly. I must admit few would remember it after having walked through my foyer…the one that looks like the last scene of the movie Jurassic Park, since Sue the dinosaur would not have gone to the Field Museum for $8 million. I would have out bid them (they were underwritten by McDonalds on that purchase – hmmmm…food that makes you fat sponsoring a skeleton….interesting) and put her (same mounting, they did a fantastic job) in my three-story entry way. Now that makes an impression on guests. If I had any. I’m not into guests. But if you’re the richest person on earth, you have to brag to someone. So I’d let people from my hometown through. Then give them job applications to be my stable help on the way out. Ha!
I was in luck, both pools were open and available (if they are teaching classes in one, they can still host open swim in another). Enjoyed the outdoor puddle (it’s not very big, and only comes up to my neck) for a little and then took a shower. Left feeling very refreshed, when I notice a message on my cell phone. My rollerblading buddy wanted to skate, so I called back and got her VM. Said I would meet her at the trail at 6:30, a time I could make if I really hurried.
Declined Mr. Right’s offer to meet me for dinner (and I had a Pizza Hut coupon, and could have made a big show of offering to pay…darn!) so I could hurry out to the trail. I am extremely fortunate to live 20 minutes away from a world-class rollerblading-friendly trail. Unfortunately – for all the years I have spent skating – I never have mastered the whole ‘turn’ or ‘stop’ thing, and have scars to prove it.
Didn’t meet up with my skate partner, she never got my message on her cell phone. The bigger the technology, the bigger the potential it won’t work. Can you hear me now? Nope.
Did a very easy seven miles on a beautiful evening and enjoyed myself anyways. Except for the part where the trail passes the Waste Treatment Plant. Yep. Nothing quite like the septic smell of municipal waste on a ninety degree day. No lie, one time a few years back we skated by the retention pond and there were these two women in bathing suits sitting on lawn chairs looking out over the cesspool. I never did figure out if they worked there and just wore bathing suits because it was so hot, or if it was locals thinking that was a resort area. Phew.
Saw some good news in the paper today for a change! It seems the county will be having convict work crews picking up litter along the sides of our roads this summer. Seeing as our road is a huge toxic dump (I’ve seen everything from booze bottles to old furniture molding in the ditches) I really hope they come here. And give them a shovel full of hot asphalt to fill in the potholes while they are here. If they need anyone to supervise the chain gang (think Cool. Hand Luke, etc.) I’ll be happy to volunteer. I love horses, guns and dogs. I could be a very successful overseer.
Wonder if we’ll get any celebrity convicts? OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson…oh, wait, they were all acquitted…. (still time to get Jackson on the latest count)
Martha Stewart could have tidied up the road and planted some daffodils while she was at it.
Hear about the auto auction two weeks ago where the Hemi Cuda went for $700,000? Yes, that’s the correct number of zeroes. Wonder who bought it? Who has a million dollars burning a hole in their pocket for something too rare to drive? It had 3,000 original miles. Where do you park a car that expensive, other than your living room? “I had the paisley curtains all picked out, and then Ted brings home this lime green muscle car and ruined my whole color palate…” Wonder if he called Geico to get the best deal on insurance for it? I think calling Lloyds of London would be your only real option…
This brings me to my favorite pastime: “If I Were the Richest Person on Earth”
Boy would there be some changes! First off, the most outrageously expensive (and worth every penny) car that I would rush out to buy would be the 1967 Corvette Convertible 427. Red, with a black stripe down the hood. This would set me back at least $200K.
I would drive it very cautiously over some nice smooth road for about ten to twenty miles, just to see how it handled. I’m not looking for a race car, I just admire this body style. I can have track time in other cars, but this specimen is for admiring. After that little jaunt, it would be on display in my Garden Room. This is a special room built on the back of my mansion that has a semicircle of glass windows. Two French doors open wide enough to drive the car in and place it on the mirrored turntable in the middle of the room. There’s a black lacquer grand piano in one corner, and lots of potted plants. The floor is oversize squares of exotic polished marble. A massive chandelier hangs from the center of the room (but not directly over the car, just in case). Think Great Gatsby.
Some visitors might like it, some might think it silly. I must admit few would remember it after having walked through my foyer…the one that looks like the last scene of the movie Jurassic Park, since Sue the dinosaur would not have gone to the Field Museum for $8 million. I would have out bid them (they were underwritten by McDonalds on that purchase – hmmmm…food that makes you fat sponsoring a skeleton….interesting) and put her (same mounting, they did a fantastic job) in my three-story entry way. Now that makes an impression on guests. If I had any. I’m not into guests. But if you’re the richest person on earth, you have to brag to someone. So I’d let people from my hometown through. Then give them job applications to be my stable help on the way out. Ha!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Soon to be a Major Motion Picture
So….Stephen King’s son Owen now has a writing career…bet it was really tough for him to get that first book contract and all…Actually Kirkus magazine gave his first novella a great review and said he was a writer to watch. It was so gushy, I suspect they were paid off or threatened by Cujo or something. Kirkus has a reputation as a very snarky, acerbic review source – which only makes me want to go work for them so I too can call 500 page novels ‘a frightening waste of trees’ and disparage characterizations as ‘to call his protagonist a cardboard cutout is to insult paper dolls everywhere’. Now if that’s not a job for the president of Sardonics, Inc., I don’t know what is!
Mr. Right (as in, “I’ll get right to it…tomorrow”) may be conceding defeat in the whole stain the house sweepstakes. First he had to powerwash the cedar siding. While he was at it, he washed the outside windows, which I thought was great, until they dried to a soapy haze and I can no longer see out them. Then he noticed some boards looked dark. He was told if they are black, that denotes mold. The mold must be blasted with bleach, and then rinsed. He spent hours trying to hook up a sprayer to do this. It’s a huge, tiring job. He told me he thinks he is going to hire someone to stain the house. I said, this is where I insert the I-Told-You-So. Whew. I feel better now.
Polished the wheels on the Toyota and they look great – it’s going to hurt to give up that car. Very beautiful when detailed, just wish it could handle a Midwestern winter. Weird weather has kept me out of the Vette; several thunderstorms moved through our area this weekend and I didn’t want to get caught in any, so I have yet to really spend a day out and about with it. A nearby city is doing a Vette cruise night Wednesday, but storms are predicted again.
Why I Blog –
A recent survey found one of three U.S. High School students thought the press had too much freedom and even more thought the government should approve newspaper articles before they are published.
There is officially NO hope for the future.
And by the way, Newsweek ran that article about the Koran being flushed down the toilet past the pentagon before publication.
Book title that tries too hard: “Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star”.
Book that proves I should be published, if this is the kind of thing that gets a green light: Everything I Ate: A Year in the Life of my Mouth. It’s a picture book. More specifically, photographs of everything this guy ate for a year. He ate cereal almost every day. This is getting published. I. Am. Not.
Ok, so I’m not exactly the reincarnation of Sylvia Plath. But when they make a movie of my blog, I want Janeane Garofalo to play me. I want Owen Wilson for Mr. Right.
Wonder what those Jackson trial jurors are thinking??? Bet they ask the judge if they can give out the electric chair for ‘general weirdness’.
Remember, when you’ve seen one shopping center, you’ve seen a mall…
What I’m Reading: Devil in the White City
What I’m listening to in my Car: Audioslave Out of Exile
What I’m Recommending: Not Tonight Honey, by Susan Reinhardt
Stay away from: Household Chores
Mr. Right (as in, “I’ll get right to it…tomorrow”) may be conceding defeat in the whole stain the house sweepstakes. First he had to powerwash the cedar siding. While he was at it, he washed the outside windows, which I thought was great, until they dried to a soapy haze and I can no longer see out them. Then he noticed some boards looked dark. He was told if they are black, that denotes mold. The mold must be blasted with bleach, and then rinsed. He spent hours trying to hook up a sprayer to do this. It’s a huge, tiring job. He told me he thinks he is going to hire someone to stain the house. I said, this is where I insert the I-Told-You-So. Whew. I feel better now.
Polished the wheels on the Toyota and they look great – it’s going to hurt to give up that car. Very beautiful when detailed, just wish it could handle a Midwestern winter. Weird weather has kept me out of the Vette; several thunderstorms moved through our area this weekend and I didn’t want to get caught in any, so I have yet to really spend a day out and about with it. A nearby city is doing a Vette cruise night Wednesday, but storms are predicted again.
Why I Blog –
A recent survey found one of three U.S. High School students thought the press had too much freedom and even more thought the government should approve newspaper articles before they are published.
There is officially NO hope for the future.
And by the way, Newsweek ran that article about the Koran being flushed down the toilet past the pentagon before publication.
Book title that tries too hard: “Secrets of a Gay Marine Porn Star”.
Book that proves I should be published, if this is the kind of thing that gets a green light: Everything I Ate: A Year in the Life of my Mouth. It’s a picture book. More specifically, photographs of everything this guy ate for a year. He ate cereal almost every day. This is getting published. I. Am. Not.
Ok, so I’m not exactly the reincarnation of Sylvia Plath. But when they make a movie of my blog, I want Janeane Garofalo to play me. I want Owen Wilson for Mr. Right.
Wonder what those Jackson trial jurors are thinking??? Bet they ask the judge if they can give out the electric chair for ‘general weirdness’.
Remember, when you’ve seen one shopping center, you’ve seen a mall…
What I’m Reading: Devil in the White City
What I’m listening to in my Car: Audioslave Out of Exile
What I’m Recommending: Not Tonight Honey, by Susan Reinhardt
Stay away from: Household Chores
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Travel Blog 2
You're Pakistan!
You used to ask people what they thought about things, but quite
recently you've decided to just do stuff without asking nicely. You really want to go
to the mountains, but for some reason, people won't let you, mostly because they won't let
acquire any nice sweaters. In the meantime, you're avoiding alcohol and pork and trying
to balance eating right with not falling behind in your competition with your next-door
neighbor.
Take
the Country Quiz at the href="http://bluepyramid.org">Blue Pyramid
Take the quiz! It's lots of fun! Although I don't care for Pakistan, I could see I would be India or Pakistan from how the questions were leading me down the path...
Just for the record, I do not accept any funding for the views expressed on this blog. That's just because no one has offered me cash yet. Please, offer me cash.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Before or After?
Vice President Dick Cheney offended by Amenesty International
I just want to know if this was before or after his luncheon with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? Did they order Panda patties and Green Sea Turtle Soup?
After lunch, he was quoted as saying, "Holocaust? What holocaust?"
I just want to know if this was before or after his luncheon with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? Did they order Panda patties and Green Sea Turtle Soup?
After lunch, he was quoted as saying, "Holocaust? What holocaust?"
Lone Blog in the Wilderness
Evil development marches on, unabated…
Now 137 acres at the east end of our road is up for sale to the first lucky developer with a bribe… bet they’ll name the subdivision Shady Oaks and fell all the trees to make access roads for the 240 houses they can cram in. I’m so sick of this. Just spoke to someone who lives in Utah, by the Kennecott mine. They live in a small community of 12K that is bordered by land owned by the mining corporation. Instead of keeping the land for future mining, they sold it and now the house building will begin – swelling the town to 30K in the next five years. Even a mine shaft in the desert is not safe.
This is so disgusting. I wish I were Buddhist. Buddhists have no attachments (which makes it really hard for them to vacuum under a couch).
Speaking of too many people on the planet…
The Pope is urging Italians to boycott a referendum aimed at repealing restrictions on artificial insemination and embryonic research. At one time, Italy was among the world’s most liberal countries in terms of artificial means for getting pregnant, producing some of the oldest moms and imposing few restrictions on reproductive experimentation.
In December of 2003, laws were passed by the Italy’s center-right government cracking down on all aspects of assisted fertility. Now all fertilized eggs (limit 3) must be implanted at once – you can’t freeze some for later, or destroy any. You also cannot screen embryos for abnormalities. I’m totally against these restrictions, and will watch with interest as I feel these issues will continue to face America as well.
When it come to stem cell research (something I emphatically support – remember when dissecting cadavers was taboo? – get over it people) Bush has threatened to veto any such bill that crosses his desk. Incidentally, he hasn’t vetoed anything yet – threatened to, many times, but as the House and Senate are Republican majority, it hasn’t been needed.
But really, the issue here is: do we need federal funds supporting stem cell research? Of course not. Just because Korea is five years ahead of us on the creation of Super Soldiers is no reason to throw a couple of billion at the problem. Private labs will do just fine. I’m sick of Viagra commercials, aren’t you? Now I want to be told to ask my doctor for Stem-topia™ for what ails me. Can’t wait to who gets to drive the Stem-Cell Stock Car, or what celebrity will convince me Stem-Cell therapy is hip and glamorous.
Thought for the Day: Goals are Dreams with Deadlines – Diana Scharf Hunt
I love deadlines. Especially the whooshing noise they make as they go roaring past…
Now 137 acres at the east end of our road is up for sale to the first lucky developer with a bribe… bet they’ll name the subdivision Shady Oaks and fell all the trees to make access roads for the 240 houses they can cram in. I’m so sick of this. Just spoke to someone who lives in Utah, by the Kennecott mine. They live in a small community of 12K that is bordered by land owned by the mining corporation. Instead of keeping the land for future mining, they sold it and now the house building will begin – swelling the town to 30K in the next five years. Even a mine shaft in the desert is not safe.
This is so disgusting. I wish I were Buddhist. Buddhists have no attachments (which makes it really hard for them to vacuum under a couch).
Speaking of too many people on the planet…
The Pope is urging Italians to boycott a referendum aimed at repealing restrictions on artificial insemination and embryonic research. At one time, Italy was among the world’s most liberal countries in terms of artificial means for getting pregnant, producing some of the oldest moms and imposing few restrictions on reproductive experimentation.
In December of 2003, laws were passed by the Italy’s center-right government cracking down on all aspects of assisted fertility. Now all fertilized eggs (limit 3) must be implanted at once – you can’t freeze some for later, or destroy any. You also cannot screen embryos for abnormalities. I’m totally against these restrictions, and will watch with interest as I feel these issues will continue to face America as well.
When it come to stem cell research (something I emphatically support – remember when dissecting cadavers was taboo? – get over it people) Bush has threatened to veto any such bill that crosses his desk. Incidentally, he hasn’t vetoed anything yet – threatened to, many times, but as the House and Senate are Republican majority, it hasn’t been needed.
But really, the issue here is: do we need federal funds supporting stem cell research? Of course not. Just because Korea is five years ahead of us on the creation of Super Soldiers is no reason to throw a couple of billion at the problem. Private labs will do just fine. I’m sick of Viagra commercials, aren’t you? Now I want to be told to ask my doctor for Stem-topia™ for what ails me. Can’t wait to who gets to drive the Stem-Cell Stock Car, or what celebrity will convince me Stem-Cell therapy is hip and glamorous.
Thought for the Day: Goals are Dreams with Deadlines – Diana Scharf Hunt
I love deadlines. Especially the whooshing noise they make as they go roaring past…
Monday, May 30, 2005
A Blog About Nearly Everything!
Just had some of that ‘seedless’ watermelon…
A) it has seeds
B) it is nowhere near as good as ‘regular’
I’d like one of those square watermelons, much easier to put in the fridge.
Still reading “A Short History of Nearly Everything”, and it’s quite superb.
One of the more thought provoking little tidbits is the history of lead additives – especially in motor fuel. It detailed how GM, DuPont and Standard Oil conspired to use lead to stop engine ping and knock when they knew full well it was killing a staggering amount of workers (and a vast many more were left permanently impaired) in their poorly ventilated shops. Also loved the part where the U.S. (joined by just about every other nation that had radioactive waste) dumped barrels of deadly goo off the shore of California and about 50 other ocean sites around the world for years. If the barrels floated, the Navy gunners would shoot the barrels full of holes to sink them, thus letting all the waste out…. These were not special-lined barrels, designed to withstand an atomic blast, just run-of-the-mill 55 gallon drums. If nothing else, the book convinces you mankind is but a flash on the planet, soon to destroy himself or be destroyed by the inevitable march of time. At any time a volcano, virus or asteroid could wipe us all out. Periodic mass extinctions on earth are normal operating procedure, and I for one feel better knowing mankind will most likely be wiped out with very little trace. Why so cynical? Look around.
Not much time to write today – it was a warm, perfect sunny day! After so many cold and wet ones, it was especially welcome and I took the opportunity to put on my Red, White and Blue bikini (in honor of the holiday) and bask a little. I have no desire for a tan – my complexion is ‘three days dead’ and can only be upgraded to ‘Casper the friendly Melanoma’ with prolonged exposure, but I do need to feel the sun to charge up my internal thermometer, just like my pet reptiles.
Got the Vette out for a little. Need more ‘nice weather’ time to give it a full detailing and coat of polish. It will soon be ready for local cruise nights and low-pressure car events. A Corvette show like Bloomington Gold would never accept my car, but I love it just the same and intend on driving it. I have long wanted to start my own website ‘needanothervette.com’ to solicit funds so I can buy her a little sister. Perhaps I should work on that a bit…
A) it has seeds
B) it is nowhere near as good as ‘regular’
I’d like one of those square watermelons, much easier to put in the fridge.
Still reading “A Short History of Nearly Everything”, and it’s quite superb.
One of the more thought provoking little tidbits is the history of lead additives – especially in motor fuel. It detailed how GM, DuPont and Standard Oil conspired to use lead to stop engine ping and knock when they knew full well it was killing a staggering amount of workers (and a vast many more were left permanently impaired) in their poorly ventilated shops. Also loved the part where the U.S. (joined by just about every other nation that had radioactive waste) dumped barrels of deadly goo off the shore of California and about 50 other ocean sites around the world for years. If the barrels floated, the Navy gunners would shoot the barrels full of holes to sink them, thus letting all the waste out…. These were not special-lined barrels, designed to withstand an atomic blast, just run-of-the-mill 55 gallon drums. If nothing else, the book convinces you mankind is but a flash on the planet, soon to destroy himself or be destroyed by the inevitable march of time. At any time a volcano, virus or asteroid could wipe us all out. Periodic mass extinctions on earth are normal operating procedure, and I for one feel better knowing mankind will most likely be wiped out with very little trace. Why so cynical? Look around.
Not much time to write today – it was a warm, perfect sunny day! After so many cold and wet ones, it was especially welcome and I took the opportunity to put on my Red, White and Blue bikini (in honor of the holiday) and bask a little. I have no desire for a tan – my complexion is ‘three days dead’ and can only be upgraded to ‘Casper the friendly Melanoma’ with prolonged exposure, but I do need to feel the sun to charge up my internal thermometer, just like my pet reptiles.
Got the Vette out for a little. Need more ‘nice weather’ time to give it a full detailing and coat of polish. It will soon be ready for local cruise nights and low-pressure car events. A Corvette show like Bloomington Gold would never accept my car, but I love it just the same and intend on driving it. I have long wanted to start my own website ‘needanothervette.com’ to solicit funds so I can buy her a little sister. Perhaps I should work on that a bit…
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Free Gift With Purchase
Went to Arlington Park Race Track (Thoroughbred horse racing) Friday afternoon. If you need any proven methods to pick winners, just ask me. I have 47 that do not work, so you can skip right over those. Can’t pick any right, don’t know what my problem is… it got to the point where I was deliberately selecting the ugliest horse with the worse record and still not winning anything. The law of averages says I should have had at least some hits. I hope the groundskeeper at the park is appreciative – I paid his salary for the year. On the plus side, I bought a nice T-shirt in the gift shop. They have a really nice gift shop.
Ok, let’s face it, there aren’t many gift shops I dislike. I can think of one though- we were in Hannibal Missouri doing a Mark Twain weekend. There were these little clapboard houses that were turned into shops and museums to capitalize on their favorite son. We went into this house where the front was a gift shop and an elderly woman told us for a few dollars we could go into the museum/haunted house area. Now what Mark Twain has to do with a haunted house, I’m not really sure. Perhaps it was supposed to be the caves Tom and Becky were lost in, or something. She said there would be a tour guide and wax figures depicting Twain and his family, and characters from his books, etc. Then you walked through the haunted house and ‘exited through the gift shop’. Ever notice how every tourist trap exits through the gift shop? And I’m sucker enough to spend big buck whenever I do…
So we pay a nominal fee (which is a good thing, as you read on…) and enter another room. Behind a large pane of glass are less than a dozen wax figures, all in one “room”. A college student rattles off a spiel she has memorized while each figure is illuminated by a spotlight in turn. Whoo! Now that’s excitement. Then we clump around in the dark haunted area, where nothing is as frightening as the loss of my $2 to the old lady.
That whole weekend was lame. We took a “paddle boat” cruise down the Mississippi, only to find that the boat had an artificial paddle wheel. It didn’t move. It was just wood slats on a semi circle that hid the actual submerged propeller. At least that attraction had a decent gift shop. Mr. Right bought me a beautiful throw with a globe and animals of the world woven into it. Still have it, very nice. About the greatest gift shop was at Mote Marine…
Ok, let’s face it, there aren’t many gift shops I dislike. I can think of one though- we were in Hannibal Missouri doing a Mark Twain weekend. There were these little clapboard houses that were turned into shops and museums to capitalize on their favorite son. We went into this house where the front was a gift shop and an elderly woman told us for a few dollars we could go into the museum/haunted house area. Now what Mark Twain has to do with a haunted house, I’m not really sure. Perhaps it was supposed to be the caves Tom and Becky were lost in, or something. She said there would be a tour guide and wax figures depicting Twain and his family, and characters from his books, etc. Then you walked through the haunted house and ‘exited through the gift shop’. Ever notice how every tourist trap exits through the gift shop? And I’m sucker enough to spend big buck whenever I do…
So we pay a nominal fee (which is a good thing, as you read on…) and enter another room. Behind a large pane of glass are less than a dozen wax figures, all in one “room”. A college student rattles off a spiel she has memorized while each figure is illuminated by a spotlight in turn. Whoo! Now that’s excitement. Then we clump around in the dark haunted area, where nothing is as frightening as the loss of my $2 to the old lady.
That whole weekend was lame. We took a “paddle boat” cruise down the Mississippi, only to find that the boat had an artificial paddle wheel. It didn’t move. It was just wood slats on a semi circle that hid the actual submerged propeller. At least that attraction had a decent gift shop. Mr. Right bought me a beautiful throw with a globe and animals of the world woven into it. Still have it, very nice. About the greatest gift shop was at Mote Marine…
Thursday, May 26, 2005
And in Other News...
Today’s Headlines
Convicted Child Molester Found Dead – foul play not suspected
Yeah. How hard did they look for it?
Higher Gas Prices and Construction Awaits Drivers
Well, if G.W. would bring the troops home from Iraq and put them to work repairing the roads, bet we’d see an improvement in both
Runaway Bride Faces up to $11,000 in Fines
Oh, I’m sure she’ll pay it; she’s always followed through on her commitments before…
Secret FBI Records Cite Quran Abuse Allegations
But does anybody apologize to Newsweek? Noooooo….
That whole situation ticks me off beyond belief. I support Newsweek, and I’m so far in the minority, I doubt it even pays to detail why. Newsweek bowed to government pressure, which proves who controls the press. I can’t help but think the government WANTS things like the photos and reports of abuse aired. It furthers their end to create a showdown between Christianity and Islam, and a few innocent people like myself will suffer. Support Atheism. It’s a non-prophet religion.
Interesting moral dilemma of the week: Saw a TV news segment on a former newscaster who faces prison time for the solicitation of sex from a minor. The story goes: a family man and professional TV newscaster enjoys Internet chat rooms and ‘talking dirty’ with the people he meets online. One profile he checks out is that of a 15-year-old girl. He starts a correspondence with her, including sexual talk. After a very long time of this (a year? I don’t recall) he arranges a face to face meeting with her, supposedly for sex. He shows up at the apartment address he was given, where police arrest him. His version of the story is he thought it would be a much older woman awaiting him, not a 15-year-old. His wife is standing by him, as are his two young girls.
What should his punishment be? He faces jail or probation of course, but he also fears having to register as a sex offender the rest of his life.
Now, I’m very happy a crime was prevented. I didn’t get to see any of his conversations, but I doubt his defense. Why not meet the woman for coffee first, if he understood people on the net misrepresent themselves?* He should certainly be punished. Hopefully, to the extent he will not repeat the crime. But do I think he should register as a sex offender? No. No crime was committed. Just the intent. If I buy a gun while thinking of murder, then change my mind, was a crime committed? This falls into the whole area of entrapment, and it can only go so far.
Speaking of entrapment, wonder if Mr. Right will try to get me to help with this whole stain the house project? I’m all for being a do-it-yourselfer if it saves a few bucks. Heck, I’d embalm a family member myself if possible. I’ll bet formaldehyde in 55 gallon drums is pretty reasonable, and I’ve seen a few episodes of CSI…
Staining sounds pretty dull. I’m from the MTV generation. More than 30 seconds of something causes my mind to wander. Reason #456 as to “Why I’m Not a Famous Author”.
*I’m actually a loving, giving, sweet charitable person who thinks of others first; nothing like my on-line persona. Ha!
Convicted Child Molester Found Dead – foul play not suspected
Yeah. How hard did they look for it?
Higher Gas Prices and Construction Awaits Drivers
Well, if G.W. would bring the troops home from Iraq and put them to work repairing the roads, bet we’d see an improvement in both
Runaway Bride Faces up to $11,000 in Fines
Oh, I’m sure she’ll pay it; she’s always followed through on her commitments before…
Secret FBI Records Cite Quran Abuse Allegations
But does anybody apologize to Newsweek? Noooooo….
That whole situation ticks me off beyond belief. I support Newsweek, and I’m so far in the minority, I doubt it even pays to detail why. Newsweek bowed to government pressure, which proves who controls the press. I can’t help but think the government WANTS things like the photos and reports of abuse aired. It furthers their end to create a showdown between Christianity and Islam, and a few innocent people like myself will suffer. Support Atheism. It’s a non-prophet religion.
Interesting moral dilemma of the week: Saw a TV news segment on a former newscaster who faces prison time for the solicitation of sex from a minor. The story goes: a family man and professional TV newscaster enjoys Internet chat rooms and ‘talking dirty’ with the people he meets online. One profile he checks out is that of a 15-year-old girl. He starts a correspondence with her, including sexual talk. After a very long time of this (a year? I don’t recall) he arranges a face to face meeting with her, supposedly for sex. He shows up at the apartment address he was given, where police arrest him. His version of the story is he thought it would be a much older woman awaiting him, not a 15-year-old. His wife is standing by him, as are his two young girls.
What should his punishment be? He faces jail or probation of course, but he also fears having to register as a sex offender the rest of his life.
Now, I’m very happy a crime was prevented. I didn’t get to see any of his conversations, but I doubt his defense. Why not meet the woman for coffee first, if he understood people on the net misrepresent themselves?* He should certainly be punished. Hopefully, to the extent he will not repeat the crime. But do I think he should register as a sex offender? No. No crime was committed. Just the intent. If I buy a gun while thinking of murder, then change my mind, was a crime committed? This falls into the whole area of entrapment, and it can only go so far.
Speaking of entrapment, wonder if Mr. Right will try to get me to help with this whole stain the house project? I’m all for being a do-it-yourselfer if it saves a few bucks. Heck, I’d embalm a family member myself if possible. I’ll bet formaldehyde in 55 gallon drums is pretty reasonable, and I’ve seen a few episodes of CSI…
Staining sounds pretty dull. I’m from the MTV generation. More than 30 seconds of something causes my mind to wander. Reason #456 as to “Why I’m Not a Famous Author”.
*I’m actually a loving, giving, sweet charitable person who thinks of others first; nothing like my on-line persona. Ha!
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
The Human Stain
So let’s see…there’s about what, 52 hours until the Memorial Day weekend? My husband, Mr. Right (It wasn’t until after our marriage that I discovered his first name is Always) has announced that he will stain our house. In one 3-day weekend. This coming 3 day weekend. Oh, you say, he must have measured the house, calculated the square footage, determined the type and amount of stain needed, ordered it two weeks in advance, and rented scaffolding and other paint-related paraphernalia. Yeah, right. I think there’s a roller in the basement. Somewhere.
How do men accomplish anything? How many times have you heard men blamed for wars? Ever hear of the 100 Years War? Executed by women, this conflict would have taken an afternoon at most. Men?
Heard a rash of teenage vandalism has broken out in the county, especially in movie theater parking lots. One man had obscenities carved into the side of his red Corvette convertible. Now I’m really paranoid* and don’t want to leave my car alone for even a minute. If I do go to a movie, it will be a drive in, and I’ll be invoking my constitutional right to bear arms.
Hear about the movie theater that was robbed by the guy in the Darth Vader mask? Demanded money and fled on foot. What, the X Wing in the shop?
Thought for the Day: Can you even imagine a world with no hypothetical situations?
What I’m Reading: A Short History of Nearly Everything
What I’m Watching: Channel 5 News
What I’m Listening as I write this: Angel of Retribution
What I’m Recommending: Not trying to fool me with low gas prices on a holiday weekend; I know you will keep them artificially high forever, Axis of Evil
Stay away from: Vegetarians
*Actually I’m a paranoid with low-self esteem. I don’t think anybody important is out to get me.
How do men accomplish anything? How many times have you heard men blamed for wars? Ever hear of the 100 Years War? Executed by women, this conflict would have taken an afternoon at most. Men?
Did you bring the arrows?
Um, no. Did you?
No. But I’ve got a sword here…
We’ve got a catapult, but no ammo…
Ok, everybody, let’s meet back here tomorrow at dawn…
Dawn? That’s pretty early. Can’t we sleep in til 10?
Shall we just postpone the whole thing until after jousting
season?
Yeah, that works for me.
But let’s come out here every day, so the wenches don’t get wise-
Agreed!
Heard a rash of teenage vandalism has broken out in the county, especially in movie theater parking lots. One man had obscenities carved into the side of his red Corvette convertible. Now I’m really paranoid* and don’t want to leave my car alone for even a minute. If I do go to a movie, it will be a drive in, and I’ll be invoking my constitutional right to bear arms.
Hear about the movie theater that was robbed by the guy in the Darth Vader mask? Demanded money and fled on foot. What, the X Wing in the shop?
Thought for the Day: Can you even imagine a world with no hypothetical situations?
What I’m Reading: A Short History of Nearly Everything
What I’m Watching: Channel 5 News
What I’m Listening as I write this: Angel of Retribution
What I’m Recommending: Not trying to fool me with low gas prices on a holiday weekend; I know you will keep them artificially high forever, Axis of Evil
Stay away from: Vegetarians
*Actually I’m a paranoid with low-self esteem. I don’t think anybody important is out to get me.
Blogger Girl is Back!
Sorry about the hiatus. But that’s the thing about writing: you must be very motivated and disciplined to do it. This explains why I don’t have any thing on the best seller list. Or the remainder bin, for that matter. Like the wise saying goes: better to be a has-been than a never-was. *Sigh* I admit it. I’m a never-gonna-be.
Husband had a bit of a time getting back from his business trip to Florida. His flight was to leave at 3:17 p.m., but the plane had a mechanical problem. Yeah, right, how about a work slowdown by disgruntled pension-less airplane mechanics? They were told to wait, as United would not cancel the flight (since that might result in a refund or passengers taking a bus or something). Finally they were told a 7:45 p.m. arrival would be turned around and flown back to Chicago to get them out by 8 p.m. At 8:30 the pilot shows up and says no one told him about the return flight, so he went and checked into a local hotel thinking his shift was over. Oh, yeah, I want my life in this company’s hands…
Loved the excitement of the Preakness Stakes this Saturday! Afleet Alex made an unbelievable recovery to win, one for the record books and something I really didn’t think a race horse could do. After nearly falling to his knees, he pulled away strongly going on to a commanding win of nearly five lengths. Had he fell, the consequences for him, his jockey, and others on the track could have been devastating. Furthermore, had he not won, a foul may have disqualified second place finisher, Scrappy T; possibly leading to third place finisher (and Kentucky Derby winner) Giacomo being declared the winner. An intriguing premise, to say the least.
Gas prices have declined about four cents a gallon. Wheeee. Big whoop. Nice to know I have to pay MORE at the pump because the war in Iraq is so expensive. Oh, sorry, I mean the liberation of Iraq. We won the war, lost the occupation. Let’s face it, we’re trying to train these people to ‘police themselves’. Shoot their own insurgent countrymen. It’s a complex issue – did we learn nothing from our own civil war? Of course not.
Continuing to save up for the yet-to-be-named new car I intend to purchase before October. Got a key in the mail for a local car dealership. If the key starts the car you win it! Yeah, right. The dealership wins your name and address, that’s all. Still, I will try.
I don’t know why I’m in such a writing slump, this should be getting easier, not harder. It’s not lack of ideas, it’s just lack of execution. I have some topics to cover, but don’t know where to begin, or am just too lazy to begin. Reminds me of a quote I saw today. There was no attribution, but I love it: A conclusion is the place you got tired of thinking.
In conclusion….
I will try to write tomorrow if you will try to read tomorrow. Although I really think you have the lesser of commitments! If you are not entertained, you won’t come back. See all that pressure on me?
Husband had a bit of a time getting back from his business trip to Florida. His flight was to leave at 3:17 p.m., but the plane had a mechanical problem. Yeah, right, how about a work slowdown by disgruntled pension-less airplane mechanics? They were told to wait, as United would not cancel the flight (since that might result in a refund or passengers taking a bus or something). Finally they were told a 7:45 p.m. arrival would be turned around and flown back to Chicago to get them out by 8 p.m. At 8:30 the pilot shows up and says no one told him about the return flight, so he went and checked into a local hotel thinking his shift was over. Oh, yeah, I want my life in this company’s hands…
Loved the excitement of the Preakness Stakes this Saturday! Afleet Alex made an unbelievable recovery to win, one for the record books and something I really didn’t think a race horse could do. After nearly falling to his knees, he pulled away strongly going on to a commanding win of nearly five lengths. Had he fell, the consequences for him, his jockey, and others on the track could have been devastating. Furthermore, had he not won, a foul may have disqualified second place finisher, Scrappy T; possibly leading to third place finisher (and Kentucky Derby winner) Giacomo being declared the winner. An intriguing premise, to say the least.
Gas prices have declined about four cents a gallon. Wheeee. Big whoop. Nice to know I have to pay MORE at the pump because the war in Iraq is so expensive. Oh, sorry, I mean the liberation of Iraq. We won the war, lost the occupation. Let’s face it, we’re trying to train these people to ‘police themselves’. Shoot their own insurgent countrymen. It’s a complex issue – did we learn nothing from our own civil war? Of course not.
Continuing to save up for the yet-to-be-named new car I intend to purchase before October. Got a key in the mail for a local car dealership. If the key starts the car you win it! Yeah, right. The dealership wins your name and address, that’s all. Still, I will try.
I don’t know why I’m in such a writing slump, this should be getting easier, not harder. It’s not lack of ideas, it’s just lack of execution. I have some topics to cover, but don’t know where to begin, or am just too lazy to begin. Reminds me of a quote I saw today. There was no attribution, but I love it: A conclusion is the place you got tired of thinking.
In conclusion….
I will try to write tomorrow if you will try to read tomorrow. Although I really think you have the lesser of commitments! If you are not entertained, you won’t come back. See all that pressure on me?
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Too Busy to Blog
Sorry I haven't posted anything lately, but hope to put some new material up soon.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
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