This Is News?

I have said, ad nauseum, that I don't bother with the news anymore.  I really think I used to be a news junky, but the stuff that passes for news these days has completely turned me off.  And we have three 'stories' that put me over the edge--the kind of things that make me want to shoot my TV.  (Again, there IS a reason I don't own a gun...)

Our first story deals with a group of organizations trying to strong-arm McDonald's into retiring Ronald McDonald.  Their idea is that HE is a big part of the fattening of America's kids.  Bullshit.  I'll say it again:  BULLSHIT!  Okay, okay--I see what everyone else sees and I do realize that there is a problem here in the US when it comes to weight.  (Believe me, all I need do is look in the mirror.)  But, cartoon characters selling food is the least of the reasons for it.  The number one problem in this country is this:   a family can be fed McDonald's food OR Kraft Mac & Cheese or any number of processed foods for MUCH, MUCH less money than it costs to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.  Until the cost of fresh, 'healthful' (sorry, but I HATE that word) food is as cheap as processed food, people WILL gravitate toward what they can feed their children for less.  And, with the number of mothers who also hold jobs outside the home (I also HATE the term 'working mothers'), time is also a factor--and it does take a lot more time to cook a meal with fresh foods than with packaged.  Obesity in America is more than commercials and it would take days for me to write my impressions--which I won't do here.  Food and exercise are not the only factors at play here--we have society and career choices and other things, as well.  I'm sorry, Michelle O, but getting kids to 'move' is NOT the big solution to the problem we have here.

The second story that sent me reeling was about a 'pageant mom' who Botoxes her 8-year-old daughter and then went on Good Morning America and TALKED about it!  Is there ANYTHING that can be said about this story?  To begin with, I have hated 'beauty pageants' since I was quite young--I always thought the participants were ridiculous.  And then when they came out with pageants for little girls--who, by the way, dress up like little sluts--I was completely appalled.  To find out that these poor little tykes are getting Botox injections isn't surprising, but IS completely disgusting.  This is another reason why the rest of the world hates America.  (And with that statement, I'm thinking that little girl beauty pageants are mostly a US thing--although I COULD be wrong.) 

Story number three has to do with the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver split.  To begin with, this is a non-story for me.  I'm really surprised they lasted as long as they did--they just looked awkward together.  So, the split isn't surprising.  The story that sent me over the edge comes from the LA Times and it is titled 'How To Talk To Kids About Arnold Schwarzenegger's Infidelity.'  Really?  Is he relevant enough these days for kids to even know who he is?  I asked The Oldest about this and she said the story wouldn't even be on her kids' radar, as not one of them knows--or cares--who Arnold is.  So, who exactly is making this a much bigger deal than it is?  Don't most kids have friends who have gone through parents splitting up and haven't parents had the 'talk' with them?  This is a topic that most parents have to get to at some point--just like they have to do the 'facts of life' talk.  So why is this a topic that is so upsetting to kids just because it involves Arnold and Maria?  Am I smelling a publicist at work here?  Unbelievable.

When stories such as these are headline-inducing, I wonder if it IS true that the world is going to hell in a hand basket.  Far too many issues are being ignored by the news people and we allow it.  If we quit 'following' the junk news and actually tried looking for relevant stories, maybe we would go back to the days of insightful and meaningful and informative journalism.  But I highly doubt it.  And so, I will continue to ignore the news and wrap myself in a little cocoon of isolation.



 

Read More

Tough Guy

I am reading the book 'Tough Guy' by Bob Probert.  'Probie' was a hockey player with the Red Wings in the late 80s-early 90s--and then played with Chicago until he retired in 2002.  He was an enforcer and averaged a fight every four games.  He also was an alcoholic and drug addict.  He drove his cars, motorcycles, and boats at illegal high speeds.  He lived life on the edge, both on and off the ice.  He died on 5 July 2010.  He was 45 years old.

Probert was described as 'larger than life.'  He gambled, partied, and caroused his life away.  Basically, he put his friends, teammates, family, wife, and children through hell.  And he enjoyed life on his own terms.  This book is making me quite depressed.  I was looking for a fun hockey read and I am coming away with the feeling that this was a life that was lost to excess.  As I near the end of the book, while he is extremely honest about the things he did, I get the impression that he never understood that he did anything wrong.  He probably had regrets for what he put others through, but like the puppy who pees on the living room rug, he just doesn't know WHY he's being scolded.  After all, he was having FUN!  Very sad.

And this leads to my 'Things to be Thankful For This Thanksgiving' moment.  How could I ever NOT be thankful for my husband--a man who is stubborn as hell and not always easy to get along with, but also, the most giving, caring, good-natured, and gentle man I have ever known.  Some people might call K dull and boring, but to me he is reliant and laid-back.  Throughout our marriage, he has done his best to provide everything I have ever needed and most of what I have wanted.  I never have had to worry about 'what is he doing' when he left the house--I trust him without any reservations.  As I have said before, we met on the first day of kindergarten and were friends long before we 'got together'--and God knew that was the way it needed to be.  I don't know if I could have appreciated K earlier in my life.  As it is, I had too many moments in the passing years when I didn't always see what a good man it was my great fortune to have.  I love him with all my heart--my mate for life.  And I am truly thankful.

I do hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to thank 'the powers-that-be,' God, the Universe, or whatever higher power you may believe in, for all of the things you have to be grateful for.  That is what Thanksgiving is supposed to be all about.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone!!!!!

Read More

Beyond Understanding

I don't understand why men get absolutely goofy by women's breasts.  They completely get gobsmacked--they can't speak, they drool...just unbelievable.  It isn't as if women act this way when seeing MEN'S bare chests...

Never mind.  :D

Read More

What Could Have Been

In January 1969, George Harrison quit the Beatles--for five days.  John Lennon had this reaction:  "If he doesn't come back by Tuesday, we get Eric Clapton."

The preceding was a bit of trivia that I found in the newest mental_floss magazine--and all I can say is WOW!!!  Just how would this have changed music as we know it, if this had happened?!

Of course, the Beatles would have changed considerably.  While Harrison was an amazing guitarist--he doesn't get the praise for his abilities that he should--having Clapton in the Beatles could have changed their sound substantially.  Could you imagine all of the guitar riffs in Beatles' songs?  Would the Beatles have taken a turn at being like Cream?  Would we have had some of the beautiful ballads like 'Yesterday' if they had a genius guitarist like Clapton?  So many possibilities from what was.

You also have to wonder how long would the Beatles have stayed together.  Just how much of a 'voice' did Harrison have in the group and would Clapton have had more or less?  And how would Clapton have developed his talent in such a group?  From what it seems, Lennon and McCartney had their creative battles--and both had quite the big egos.  Ringo and George were the 'quiet' members of the group and were overlooked and stayed in the background more than they probably should have.  It wasn't till the Beatles broke up that the two of them actually were able to shine.  Clapton always wanted to be the one in the background and had to be encouraged to come to the forefront and do any amount of singing--so, would he have received this type of encouragement if he had been a Beatle?

Then, of course, you have the music from AFTER the Beatles broke up.  Would it still have come to pass?  Would Harrison have become as big a star on his own?  And don't forget everything Clapton did that might have not happened:  the Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith,  Derek & the Dominoes, etc.  Would Clapton have made his way to becoming one of the 'elder statesmen' of rock if he had been with the Beatles?  Could he have sustained his career all these years, as he has?

It is amazing to think about the possibilities of what could have been if one little decision had or had not been made.  The same is true in our own lives:  what if I had/had not gone to the party that night;  what if I had/had not met that person;  what if I had/had not made that wrong turn?  It most definitely boggles the mind to think about!  And this could keep you awake for days, if you let it!  ;)

Read More

Humor

While I can laugh at today's comedians, I find it sad that, too much of the time, they have to resort to obscene language and sex jokes to get laughs.  When I was younger, it seemed as if the most we got in terms of 'off-color' jokes was innuendo--something that went completely over the heads of kids.  Of course, I have NO idea how vulgar these same comedians were 'in concert' in Las Vegas, but on TV they were mild--and very, very funny.  One of the funniest men that I remember was George Gobel.

 George Gobel was born in 1919 and passed in 1991.   He had his own TV program in the late 60s, but I remember him best from the Tonight Show.  He would tell stories about his 'wife' Spooky Old Alice, in his homespun, low-key way.  His nickname was 'Lonesome George.'

Some quotes from 'Lonesome George':

“If you build a better mousetrap, you will catch better mice.”

 “My uncle was the town drunk - and we lived in Chicago.”

“College is a place to keep warm between high school and an early marriage.”

 One of the best, funniest 'bits' I ever saw on The Tonight Show involved 'Lonesome George.'  After Johnny spent time talking with Bob Hope and Dean Martin, George came on as the last guest.  He sat down, all 'regular' guy and homey, looked around and said to Carson, "Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?"  He completely stopped the show with that line.  A classic, if there ever was one.  Sad that we don't have more like him these days.

Read More

Working On It...

I have been working on a 'review' of the NOOK and plan on posting it within a day or two.  If you are interested, stay tuned...

In other news...our town has been buzzing because we have had another celebrity in town.  The actor John Stamos has been here for a few days and testified in the trial against the people who allegedly tried to extort money from him today.  The trial should be done tomorrow and then the jury will find these people guilty--I see no other outcome.  Whether they are telling the truth or not, I think the jury probably was too star struck to disbelieve anything told to them that would put Stamos in a bad light.  Just my opinion.  So, if you want to find out more of what I'm talking about, here is where you can read more of the story.

Read More

Theatre of Death

Alice Cooper's newest tour is called the 'Theatre of Death.'  Despite the name, it is quite tame compared to what we get to see on TV all of the time.  As far as the music and a stage show goes, it WAS a great deal of fun.  It is amazing to think that 'Alice Cooper' is 62 years old--he certainly doesn't look like it onstage.

Here are some pictures that I took during the show.  I took many, many pics, but for one reason or another, most of them didn't come out.  Part of the no-good pics was the fact that I had many tall people standing in front of me and the other reason was the flashing stage lights.  But, I got enough for memories.

We were sitting in row 17--and it didn't seem quite as far from the stage as the picture shows.

And then, the lights went down, a bell rang, the curtain raised, and Alice came out singing 'School's Out.'  The crowd went wild!

Here we have the obligatory picture of Alice in the guillotine.

This is probably the best picture I got of Alice.

Alice singing with is head in a noose.

And after being 'hung.'

The band playing during one of the costume changes.

And one of the last songs before the encore.

For 90+ minutes, the band played/Alice sang, the crowd was on its feet and cheering, and I slowly lost all ability to hear clearly.  (It took me about a half hour afterwards before I could hear close to normal.  I know, I lost some of my hearing, but I don't do this very often--and it WAS worth it.  ;))  While I loved the Eagles concert we last went to, THIS one was much, much more fun.

And, for a little more...some info I learned while getting ready for the concert:

--'Alice Cooper' was the name of the original band...

...but, when Vincent Furnier--the lead singer--went onto a solo career, he took the name for himself.  As compensation for using the name, he pays the original band members a yearly royalty fee.  While no number has been disclosed, each member gets enough money to live quite comfortably.

--Alice Cooper's wife filed for divorce in 1983...

...but after reconciling, they have remained together.  They married in 1976 and have three children.

--Alice Cooper practically drank himself to death and was hospitalized twice for his alcoholism...

...but quit drinking for good in 1983.  He has since helped and counseled many musicians with drug and alcohol problems.  He has been recognized and awarded for the help he has given to others with addictions.

--To compensate for his not drinking, Alice took up the game of golf...

...and plays the game six days a week.  Some have said he is good enough to be a pro.

--This last tour was 'banned in Finland'...

...well, in one venue in one city, that is.  The owner of the building didn't like some of the images, violence, or words to some of the songs, so he wouldn't allow the concert to go on.  Cooper had no problem with the decision--he felt it was the owner's right to decide who should perform in his building.  While I'm not sure if the show was rescheduled elsewhere in Finland last year, he WILL be appearing in the country during this leg of the tour.

--His music is of the 'shock-rock,' 'hard-rock,' 'heavy-metal' genres...

...and has nothing to do with Satanism or any Satanic symbolism.  The themes to his shows/music are along the horror, murder, insanity, and moralistic lines.

--Alice stays far away from politics...

...and has spoken against musicians who give opinions on politics and publicly support politicians.  His philosophy is that politics should not mix with rock music.

--And, finally, Alice Cooper is a born-again Christian...

...REALLY!  While he has shied away from discussing his religious beliefs, in recent years he has become a bit more vocal about them.  He stays clear of what he calls 'celebrity Christianity' and says,   "It's really easy to focus on Alice Cooper and not on Christ. I'm a rock singer. I'm nothing more than that. I'm not a philosopher. I consider myself low on the totem pole of knowledgeable Christians".  "So, don't look for answers from me".  When asked how a shock-rocker could be a Christian, he said, "Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's real rebellion!"  He has a charity that is in the process of raising money for a Christian-based teen center to be built in Arizona, where he lives.


If nothing else, 'Alice Cooper' is quite a complex and interesting person.

Read More

Vajazzling

I KNOW I'm out of the loop. I KNOW I'm a hick. I KNOW I don't pay much attention to things that aren't hockey. But HOW did I miss this one? Vajazzling. As in 'adding Swarovski crystals to your lady bits.' Yeah. If you need to read some more, you can find an article here. Now I know for sure: If I live long enough, I WILL have heard everything.

Read More

Celebrity Sighting

A friend and I went to a restaurant tonight and I had a celebrity sighting--maybe multiple sightings. At least I think I did.

This past week the USOEC (United States Olympic Education Center) at our local university was the site of the speed skating world cup. Speed skaters from all over the world descended on our town to compete in order to get a spot in the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver. I know nothing about speed skating--and I'm not too interested. As far as the winter Olympics are concerned, the only thing I'm waiting to see are the men's and women's hockey competitions. Period. As far as speed skating, the only person I know that competes is Apolo Anton Ohno--but doesn't EVERYONE know him?

(For those who DON'T know, this is Ohno.)




So, back to the story. As my friend and I walked into the restaurant, a group of people walked in ahead of us. They were NOT speaking English and one of the young guys had a jacket on which said 'Latvia' across the back. I'm assuming this was my first celebrity sighting. Shortly after this, another young guy walked into the main dining area and several people began to applaud. I'm assuming this was my second celebrity sighting. He then went and talked to the couple who began the applause and sat down for a bit of a conversation. After this guy left, another one went to the couple's table and greeted them. My third sighting, I guess. The couple was SO excited to meet these young men--and talk to them--that I have the feeling they were a big part of the US Olympic team. And that they did very well this past weekend. I REALLY wish I knew who I saw. I could have been REALLY excited.

Read More

Waiting For The Implosion

And we STILL have to hear about Michael Jackson 432 days after he died? Good grief.

Anyway, it seems that his family--who has exploited his death beyond belief--now are upset because yesterday's interment service has been widely reported by the media. The family drive from Encino to Glendale was televised AND the family had invited some cameramen to record the star-studded service, yet they were dismayed at the intrusiveness of the media. Can this family GET any crazier? I thought after the King of the Crazies died, things would calm down, but it's not to be. Seems as if there are more than enough nuts in this family to take his place--and we aren't talking La Toya, surprisingly!

Read More

Let's Do Some Rambling

K had an appointment with his nephrologist and internist today--mainly because of his gout. The bottom line: everything HEALTHY that we have done to try and make our diets better are now the things that are bad for him! He has to avoid dairy, whole grains (mainly wheat,) nuts, beans/legumes--all high phosphorus foods. This includes cola, chocolate, and beer. Because he had another flare-up this morning, he now has CHRONIC gout and not just acute episodes. And he is now going to have to take yet another medication from now on. This will REALLY make us change our lifestyle.

**********

A little over a week ago we saw the neighbor's cat carrying something--its prey--from our yard. To me, it looked like our baby rabbit. I haven't seen the rabbit since then, so I probably was right. If the hawk had taken the rabbit, so be it--that is the circle of life. But I can't handle having an animal that isn't even supposed to be unleashed do this. It is just, plain wrong.

**********

I realize I have been suffering from hockey withdrawal--and it has been in a very, very big way. I have taken to watching baseball every chance I get. As I told The Youngest: people have to worry about me if I ever start watching football. If that was to happen, we can all expect the Apocalypse to occur very soon. (The Tigers are doing very well and are in the pennant race. I even have my favorite players already. Please don't let me become obssessed about this!)

**********

There are some that will deny that fall is here. I have no doubt that we are experiencing fall. We live just a couple of blocks from the high school and the marching band is practicing for the football season. I can hear the music from my living room and bedroom. Both of my girls were in marching band, so I KNOW the sounds of fall--and these are it.

**********

(I'm not a Sarah Palin supporter and I don't hate her like a lot of people do. However, I don't think anyone should have to read what a puke like this kid has to say about them--in a national magazine, at that.)

So Levi Johnston--you know, the baby daddy of Sarah Palin's grandchild--has been paid by Vanity Fair for 'his story.' And tell it he does. At least it seems that way. I haven't--and won't--read the article. There are many reports and 'blurbs' from the article, and it is not pretty. Suffice it to say, he doesn't come across as anything more than a spoiled teenage boy who would probably say anything for his 15 minutes of fame--and the odd amount of money he got for this. This whole thing is so bad that someone commented on the story titled "Surprise: Even MSNBC thinks Levi Johnston's a lying scumbag":

"What a pathetic little boy. You know you’ve lost it when even MSNBC has tired of your Sarah schtick."

Is there any doubt that he is being manipulated to say the worst things he can come up with? Or IS this just about the money? I wonder who his handlers are? Hopefully, this is his last hurrah.

**********

And as of today, we are one month away from the first game of the 2009-10 NHL hockey season. The Wings open their season by playing St Louis twice in Sweden. The day can't come fast enough for me!

Read More

As Endorsed By...

Oprah and Dr. Oz got their panties all in a bunch and have decided to sue some internet companies selling acai products. Acai--for those who don't know--is one of the newest 'superfoods.' It is a fruit that grows in the Brazilian rain forest and it is supposed to 'cure what ails ya.' Maybe, maybe not--who is to say. Anyway, Oprah and Oz have sung the praises of the berry and sites selling the products on the web have exploded--and Oprah and Oz are pissed. They claim the sites have been using them as endorsing their particular products and they say they haven't done so.

What exactly is considered an endorsement? The different sites I have looked at say something along the lines of "As seen on Oprah" or "Dr. Oz's superfood" or "Dr. Oz said on such and such show." Nowhere have I seen it said that Oprah or Oz are a fan of XXX product or YYY product. Of course, I don't have the time or money to find every site on the net that sells this product, so there MAY BE some sites that are blatantly lying. All I'm pretty sure of is this: what Oprah wants, Oprah gets. I'm sure she will win--and probably add money to her millions.

And as a bit of an aside: I know a lot of people flock to anything Oprah recommends/endorses. As far as I'm concerned, if I see her name on something, I RUN AWAY as fast, and as far, as possible.

Read More

Is It Because They're So Young?

Two events of the last day make me wonder about the younger generation. And maybe it isn't the generation as much as it is talented youngsters with big egos. Whatever it is, there are a few 20-somethings that I really have little to no respect for--no matter WHAT accomplishments they may have on their resumes.

Very early this morning, I finished reading the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich. This is the story of the founding of Facebook and, to tell the truth, I am so disgusted by the whole thing that I have to think whether or not I want to continue using Facebook. I didn't find a sympathetic character in the entire book and I find the developer/co-founder/whatever he is a real sleazeball. Zuckerberg--the co-founder--seems to be as big an asshole as Steve Jobs is. Of course, the people who were screwed over by Zuckerberg are only a half step less sleazy than he is, but less sleazy they are. And Sean Parker--a co-founder of Napster--is just scary. I cannot believe ANYONE would want their company associated with this guy in any way, shape, or form. After reading about these people, I just wanted to take a long, hot shower. And I definitely would never want to meet any of them in person.

So, I'm just surfing around the web this afternoon when I find the STORY of the day--and it, too, makes me wonder what the hell is going on. Patrick Kane is a star with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is making money hand over fist--and stands to make even MORE when he signs his contract next year. (He probably will get anywhere from $6-8 mil per year, or more. And this doesn't include any endorsements.) He is 20 years old. He was arrested this morning.

Some time around 5 AM, Kane and his 21 year old cousin were picked up by a cab in the nightclub district of Buffalo, NY. When the cabbie charged them $13.80, the kids gave him $15. The cabbie gave $1 back in change and said he didn't have the coins to give back $.20. The kids got mad, one of them grabbed the cabbie by the throat, one punched the 62 year old man in the face and broke his glasses, and then they took the $15 from the guy. The cops were called, the cabbie pressed charges, and the kids were arrested. And that is pretty much where the story stands at this time. Now the waiting period begins to see if anything more comes of this.

Now back to my original question. Are these kids--and to me they definitely ARE kids, as they are young enough to be my children and most of them are even younger than my youngest--just being kids? Or are they so filled with their own egos that they believe they can get away with whatever they want? Do they feel as if the world owes them? Have they had it so easy that they don't think they have to behave with any amount of manners?

The people in the book are, basically, computer geeks. They seem to not have many of the social graces and live in their own geeky worlds. They also are geniuses, or very close. But, does this mean they can't treat people with any decency? Does this give them license to do what they want and hurt others because they 'don't know any better?' Just because someone is 'brilliant' doesn't mean he/she should get a pass when it comes to being a decent individual. But, in many circles, I guess genius lets a person get away with anything.

Then, we have the athlete. For the most part, the Red Wings (and probably other teams, as well, but I know about the Wings) let their players develop and mature before they are brought to 'the big club' and payed hundreds, or millions, of dollars. Many teams, however, have 18, 19, 20 year old kids signing big-money contracts and praising them to high levels. These kids don't have the maturity to handle the pressure, the fame, or the money that they have. Many of them believe the hype surrounding them--mainly because they were big fish in little ponds from the time they were toddlers and have been told from the time they could walk how great they are. And they were handed everything as soon as it was seen that they had any amount of talent whatsoever. So, they have egos that just won't quit.

I know that I have no idea how much of anything I read regarding either of these stories is true or false. I really can't judge any of these people. I want to believe that the next generation isn't going to hell in a hand basket, but after reading too many stories like these, I don't know if I CAN trust.

Read More

Let's get Ready To Ramble

When I was a child--don't know if it is still the case--our local newspaper would publish the outer page on green paper. They called it 'The Green Sheet.' I don't remember what the content was on the green sheet.

**********

How sad and disturbing is the news about the Billy Mays' autopsy? While the coroner still says he died of heart failure, it is now thought that the heart problems came from cocaine use. The tox report showed he had used cocaine. He reportedly also took several pain killers--including oxycodone--because of hip problems. You NEVER know what is going on behind closed doors, do you?

**********

One of the neighbors talked to a guy who works for the company that will pave our road and he said they (the workers) have NO idea when the job will be done. I guess it will be done before the end of October, because the snow will start falling by then and it is extremely difficult to pave during a snow storm.

**********

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that The Youngest had a sick cat. It had to be put down. The ultrasound was inconclusive, but his kidneys failed and there was nothing more to be done for him. It is sad to think I will never see Sam again. He was a very sweet cat.

**********

On 5 August I celebrated ten years of being a non-smoker. Once again I gave myself an anniversary gift and went and bought the phone I've been wanting.



The Nokia E71x is about the neatest thing and I am having SO MUCH FUN with it. I don't even think I know half of what this thing can do and I've been playing with it for days. I didn't find the price to be all that bad, but my monthly plan increased by $15. I still haven't told K. I'm hoping he doesn't notice. ;)

Read More

Beating A Dead Horse

Two recent reasons why I don't watch the news:

--I am sick to death hearing about Barack, the professor, and the cop sitting down and having a beer together. The entire story just went on way too long, but STFU already about the damn beer! Am I supposed to think that this makes Barack a 'common' man? This whole thing would NEVER have been such a big deal--and I'm talking from the beginning of the 'story'--if the MSM hadn't kept at it like they have. This never should have been more than a one day story, at most.


--And come on already, how the f***ing hell much longer do we have to be subjected to the Michael Jackson 'story?' I'm waiting for the big news to be the inventory of his underwear drawer! ENOUGH!!! I'm crying 'uncle!' It can stop.

Read More

Randomness

For the last couple of days it has been a bit on the cool side. We're talking around 70 degrees or less. YAY!!! However, the humidity has been in the 4962% range. BOO!!! We are experiencing cool, damp conditions--DUH!!!--and it is getting a bit old. EVERYTHING is wilted and clammy--including me. The humidity in our bedroom is over 75% and I'm afraid I'm going to start seeing moss growing on the walls one of these days. Uncomfortable doesn't quite cover the way things are.

**********

Early Saturday morning there was an apartment fire 'back home.' Four people were killed. Arson is suspected.

I hope the person who did this is caught and strung up by the balls. Out in the middle of the woods. Where the mosquitoes, black flies, coyotes, bears, and other wildlife live. Till he screams for mercy. And no one listens.

**********

The Youngest--my animal lover--has a sick cat. He is one of her oldest and will undergo tests--including an ultrasound--tomorrow. She is just devastated. I feel so terribly useless. I wish I could help her. :(

**********

Our local Junior A hockey team has set its roster and put out the schedule for this year. Seven of last year's players are off to college, so there will be a very different look to the team. The team seemed to be in some trouble--financially--but is still here for the year. They did so much better last season and hopefully will do better this year. It is very good for the area and local hockey to have a Junior team here.

Once again, there will be a 'Paint The Rink Pink' game for breast cancer awareness. I want to attend, as we did last year. I'm hoping that this year they will have a teddy bear toss again. I was sick all of December, so wasn't able to go last year. I have two bears to contribute, so really SHOULD get there. The season starts on 25 September, so I only have two months before hockey begins!!!

**********

Celebrity sightings!!

Apolo Anton Ohlo and Mark Spitz have been seen in our town recently. But NOT by me. :)

Our local university is an Olympics training center, so people come here to train or tryout for Olympic teams. The speed-skating training was held here earlier this month and the trials will be here in September. Apolo Anton Ohno was one of the skaters here. He has won five medals in previous Olympics.


Every year there is a charity swim for diabetes that takes place on one of our local lakes. This year, Mark Spitz came here for the event. (NOT to swim, just to speak.) He was a winner of nine gold medals in the Olympics. Before Phelps won HIS medals, Spitz had the most gold won in a single Olympics. He won 7 in 1972.

WOW!! We are getting to be a hot-bed of celebrity activity around here. ;)

Read More

???????

Obviously, I don't share the way a great many people feel, but I have to ask: What the hell is this country/world coming to? Have you watched any television today? Have you even had your television on? Every other channel is devoted to Michael Jackson. While the coverage of all of this has been absolutely ridiculous up to now, today is even worse--if you can believe it. I. DON'T. GET. IT. He didn't find the cure for some disease, he didn't have great wisdom to explain the meaning of life, he didn't save the world from any of the ills that are here, he didn't contribute anything significant but some songs and videos, and yet he is being deified and glorified more than any leader--governmental or religious--that I have ever seen. He was a man who groped himself in public and probably did the same to little boys in private--just WHAT is there to admire about him. I hope someone has enough guts--and doesn't look for the money the family will pay to keep quiet--to come out and tell the truth. Because, the truth IS out there.

Read More

My Goodness

They seem to be dropping like flies! Billy Mays--infomercial king--was found dead today at the age of 50.

Read More

And We Have Our Three...

It seems as if deaths--especially celebrity deaths--come in threes. Today, we finished the three with Michael Jackson dying. Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett were the first two. I can see lots and lots and lots of tribute shows in the future.

Read More

Like Anyone Didn't See This Coming

Jon and Kate have filed for divorce. And if you don't know who I'm talking about, you haven't been anywhere near the internet for a long, long time. These people drive me absolutely insane. I watched their show one time and only got through five minutes before I couldn't take it anymore. She was such an absolute bitch that I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to watch the show and having to see her for however many minutes it ran. Anyway, I hope this doesn't mean each of them will get their own show now. WHY don't they just go away? But there is hope that they will, at some time. J Lo went away, right? :)

Read More