Monday, July 31, 2006

MEME: Monday Madness Miscellanea


Otto says, "I'd like to thank you ALL for playing! I hope you enjoy these because I'll be typing them as I think of them! =) Have a great week!"

1. Do you have a photo blog? If so, feel free to share the link with us! Yes, but I haven't posted a new image for public consumption in a year or so, so I guess the real answer is no...
2. How many pets do you own, and what are their names? If none, have you had a favorite pet in the past? Let's see, there's Willow the Wonderdog, Lucifer, the inside cat, Alex (Alexandra) the Cockatiel, Pumpkin, Grace, Little P, Patches, Smudge, George, Blackie, Whitey, Fred & Socks, the feral cats. And now Lexy Cat, my brother's feline companion. How many's that? Socks is going to a new home just as soon as we're sure he's 8 weeks old... so deduct one Real Soon Now.
3. How many times a week does the carpet in your house get vacuumed? No carpet? How many times a MONTH do your floors get mopped? Not often enough.
4. Which room in your house do you spend the most time in? The "living room" if I am with my wife, the "library" when I'm at the computer. But, in reality, the one room that sees me most consistently is probably the bedroom...
5. Have you read any good books lately? John Scalzi's "The Ghost Brigades" and Charlaine Harris' "Dead As A Doornail." I'm in the middle of Todd McCaffrey's "Dragonsblood" and just starting Leonard Cohen's "
The Favourite Game."
6. What is your biggest source of news? (Newspaper? Television? Radio? Other?)
These days, sad to say, it's the internet, followed by television and newspapers. The only time I pick up a newsmagazine is when waiting for food at China Light. I prefer to listen to Radio Paradise over the internet for the music content -- they have no news. Sometimes, if I'm caught in rush hour traffic, I'll turn on Maine Public Radio and listen to All Things Considered. The local paper's web site is my home page.

If you want to play along, click the link at the top of this entry and you'll be swept away into the Monday Madness funhouse and comments emporia.

Monday Music Mambo - Week 110

Hello mamboers! Today is Fill In The Blank day, so all you need to do is fill in the blanks!

My favorite female musician is _Candy Dulcifer_.
My favorite guitarist is _Al DiMeola_.
My musical guilty pleasure is _The soundtrack of Jesus Christ, Superstar_.
My favorite Beatle is _John Lennon_.

Now, let's see how good your musical knowledge is. Fill in THESE blanks. (Hmm .. I seem to be suffering from brain cramps -- this is all I could come up with. Shameful!)

"Stand By Me" by _________ King.
"8__-5__9" by Tommy ________.
"The Girl's Got _Rhythm_" by AC/DC.
"What's So Funny 'Bout (Peace, _Love_ and ______)" by Elvis Costello.
"One _Piece_ At A Time" by Johnny Cash.
"Save A _____, Ride A _____" by Big and Rich.

I'll try to stop by everyone's sites and tell you if you got the correct answers.

The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've Mamboed. Be sure your Mambo is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can dance too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination and dance like crazy!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to Mambo right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Monday Music Mambo you can Mambo on any day.

Until next time, this is your music-lovin' Mememeister saying have a good Monday and a good Mambo!

Sunday, July 30, 2006

MEME: Sunday Seven - Episode 48



After my recent rant about environmental alarmists who talk about "Global Warming" at every possible turn, I thought that it's only fair to encourage others to do something about the phenomenon. That's the topic of this week's question.

(And you might want to have a look at sites like this one, this one, or this one, for assistance in coming up with your answers.)

But first, Cat, of "Sweet Memes," was first to play last week. Congratulations, Cat!

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name seven things you have done or would be willing to do to reduce your contributions to global warming.
  1. Drive a more fuel efficient vehicle, like maybe a Hummer instead of a GMC 1 Ton Dualie Pickup...
  2. Replace my air conditioners with more efficient models when these wear out in a decade or two...
  3. Reduce the number of baths I take, thus reducing the amount of hot water needed, which will reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be generated.
  4. Stop drinking soda pop (there's a real source of Carbon Dioxide).
  5. Reduce the number of feral cats that look to me. Those damn cat farts really foul the ozone layer...
  6. Build more nuclear power plants. They have no emissions, until they have a "big burp"...
  7. Force a universal switch to solar power so the entire economy of Western civilization collapses, resulting in global economic depression, global warfare and the death of all mankind. That'll teach those butt-fucking greenies...

Restaurant Review: The Maine Chowder & Steak House

Last night, SWMBO¹ and I supped at the Maine Chowder House in Belfast, Maine. It's under new ownership, with a new “chef” and I was curious as to the changes. I've visited this restaurant off and on since I was a small child. It overlooks picturesque Penobscot Bay from atop a hillside next to US Route 1 just beyond Perry's Nut House. I remember quite clearly rolling down that hill with my brothers while my grandmother looked on in horror at our behavior (heheheh) some forty five years ago.

Anyway, it'd been a while since I'd last visited. We chose the hottest day of Summer 2006 to visit. Official temperature at the Bangor International Airport (where all the troop flights come in to clear customs from overseas) yesterday was 87°F. while it was 82°F. down the coast in Rockland. We were midway; split the difference and it was probably 85°F. outside.

Inside, it wasn't. It was closer to 100° and for reasons known only to the wait staff, the windows were closed. Now, most of the time on the coast it doesn't get over 80° so air conditioning isn't a high priority. But there was only one small window unit in the office attempting to provide coolth to a 3000 s.f. dining room. The kitchen must have been Stygian. I know the table next to ours was most pleased when I got up and opened the windows.

Service was prompt (it was 7:45 PM, so the rush was well past) and the young man was attentive, keeping my wife supplied with her cold beverage of choice.. For an appetizer I had fried calamari while the better half opted for fried onions. Both were in a flour-based tempura batter that was fresh, light, flaky and seasoned very lightly. Somehow, set-ups of napkins and utensils were forgotten in the rush to get us seated after the party of eight ahead of us had been ensconced in their own corner of the room, so I can truly say they were “finger licking good” without stepping on KFC's territory.

Both of us were too hot to appreciate salads, so we went straight for our entrees. My wife had chosen deep fried Maine shrimp, homemade french fries and coleslaw, all good, but the fries could have been held in ice water a while longer to truly crisp them and the slaw was a bit on the bland side. Meanwhile, I'd ordered a “Portuguese Fisherman's Kielbiesse Stew” which was essentially a bouillabaisse with kielbasa in a roma tomato and kale base containing clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, white fish (haddock and pollack), a smidgen of lobster and crab in a rich broth fortified with cognac and sauterne.

Frankly, the “stew” was delightful in flavor, but the actual cooking method employed left something to be desired. Cook had some problem with insufficient heat on the stove, or the shellfish had (recently) passed from the heat, or s/he had had a bit too much cognac. Rather than allowing the clams and mussels to open on their own, it appears from the amount of broken bits of shells in the dish that our souschef felt it was necessary to mash the daylights out of them with a large mallet. Two hadn't opened at all (one each, cherrystone (!) clam (not an indigenous variety) and mussel, to be exact). I reiterate it was most tasty and very filling, there were no repercussions from the apparently moribund shellfish and I heartily recommend ordering same, just not late on a Saturday night on the hottest day of the year.

Dinner for two with no alcohol nor dessert (we were too full) with tax and tip was just over $70. Not so high as to give someone from Southern New England, New York or Jersey pause, but substantial for a native Mainer. Half the cost is in the view and it is truly unsurpassed. I'd give them a warm middle-of-the-road recommendation, without being too enthusiastic. You can find better food and better views, just not in one location. They have a ways to go to bring themselves back to the consistently good food of the past. But you can't beat the view with a stick...

The web site is displaying menus from yesteryear and I didn't pay close enough attention to see if the hours are the same. The image on the homepage bears no relationship to the view as the lighthouse depicted is outside Portland, almost a hundred miles away!

¹ SWMBO – She Who Must Be Obeyed

MEM: Saturday Six - Episode 120



Hope you're enjoying the summer but staying cool. One way do that is to get out of the dangerous heat long enough to answer these six questions!

But first, Wil of "The Daily Snooze" was first to leave a link to the specific entry in which he answered the questions, so he was first to play last week. Congratulations, Wil!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. If you had to choose a theme song for your blog, which would would you choose and why?
Summertime” as sung by Janis Joplin – it resonates with me. I'd loved the George Gershwin original from Porgy and Bess since childhood.
2. Which was the last kind of doctor you visited, and which one do you need to visit the most?
The pulmonologist was the last; the endocrinologist is the one I see the most often; the cardiologist should probably be my most frequent visit. My primary care provider isn't a doctor – she's a Nurse Practitioner.
3. What's stopping you from making the appointment with the doctor in #2?
Money. The new insurance company appears to have taken the attitude that only visits to the FNP will be covered and then only twice a year.
4. Take the quiz: How scary are you?

You Are Creepy

Serial killers would run away from you in a flash.

How Scary Are You?


5. What's the most exotic drink you've tried recently? Did you like it enough to have another at some point in the future?
Mango Peach Snapple. It wasn't bad – I'd drink it again.
6. Who was the last person you had an online conversation with? How long had it been since you had previously talked to that person either on the phone or in person?

The last was a fellow named Dale. I think the last time we'd actually talked was sometime around Christmas, but it may have been Labor Day.



Meme: Unconcious Muttering -- Week 182

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Week 182

12 hours, 12 minutes ago

I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Italy :: pasta

  2. Honk :: horny / geese

  3. Shades :: sunglasses

  4. Tool :: thumb

  5. Modern :: ancient

  6. Tension :: headache

  7. Conservative :: Bill Buckley

  8. Weight :: obese

  9. Insurance :: due / car

  10. Political :: Feh!

Want to play along? Visit La Luna NiƱa's place to find out how, what, why, etc.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Giving Used Truck Dealers A Bad Name

Need a new vehicle? This little story from the NewsChannel 5 Network: "Bill Heard Chevrolet in Antioch, Tennessee" should be enough to convince you that this is a dealership to avoid, forever.

Better yet, avoid Chevrolet forever for letting this bastard keep his franchise.

I've been a proud owner of a Chevrolet truck for over 28 years, but after reading about this piece of slime, I wouldn't have another one in my dooryard ever again. I submit you should consider the same stance.

Via John Scalzi.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

MEME: Wednesday Mind Hump -- Randomly Generated

Rfduck, lifting his bleary eyes from his search for the One True Lyric to “Danny Boy” muttered sarcastically, “Greetings! Ready for another mind hump? I don't have a theme for today, so I'll just ask random questions. Until next time, this is your music-loving mememeister wishing you a happy hump day!”

1. What's your favorite beverage? It used to be Bourbon 'n' Branch back in the bad, old days. These days, I get my thrill from a Decaf, black iced coffee or a decaf, unsweetened iced tea. (how do you unsweeten iced tea, anyway?)
2. Have you ever been surfing? If so, how did you like it? I have gone body surfing in Maine, Virginia, Washington and Florida and long board surfing in California. I sucked at board surfing. Who knew you needed to do thirty things really well all at once? But even though I took the cake in the suckage category, I adored surfing. These days, I suspect it'd be an instant recipe for broken neckage.
3. What do you like to put on a hot dog? A sweet young thang... Oh, never mind, my bad. Ketchup and raw onions.
4. Who's your favorite Australian? She had the nom de guerre of “Bernadette” and she was a sweetie; very easy on the eyes. She pioneered the concept of an “online girlfriend” porn site. Constant harassment by the Australian government accompanied by a very trying course of treatment for breast cancer resulted in her retirement. These days, it's my favorite ex-pat pussycat, Shauna, author of the long-running blog “What's new, pussycat” and the tales of her sister, her husband and buds, her travels, the MotherShip and herself. That be good reading...


On another note, a work in progress, a poem (free verse) about my brothers and I has appeared on my writing journal, Snoozelets. That is all.

The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've humped. Be sure your hump is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can hump too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to hump right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Wednesday Mind Hump you can hump on any day.



Monday, July 24, 2006

QUIZ FOR GROWN-UPS

Dornbrau, the luscious proprietress of Dust Bunny Club of North America states, “I've noticed that most Internet quizzes seem to be more geared towards the teen population, so here's one that is a little more age appropriate for the older generation:”

1. Assisted living or nursing home?

Suicide, when the time comes.

2. What is your least favorite clinic to go to?

The cancer clinic. It gives me the willies!

3. If you won the lottery, which loan would you pay off first?

House note, then the car(s).

4. What do you want to be when your kids grow up?

Alive.

5. Do you still remember who your first grade teacher was?

Not really. Mrs Paulheamous? I can't really be sure anymore...

6. How many years has it been since you graduated?

Thirty-nine. Seems like yesterday.

7. How many hours of sleep (including naps) do you need each day?

More than I get.

8. Sex: weekly, monthly, or annually?

Now and again, is more like it.

9. X-lax or Metamucil?

Metamucil on those very rare occasions ... I prefer salads.

10. Happiness is _a cold nose and a warm gun_.





Monday Music Mambo - Week 109 - Opinion Day

Hello everyone! Monday is here again, so let's mambo! Today is opinion day, so give me your opinion on . . .

Country Music: Now and again I'll like a song, but most of it leaves me saying, “So what?”
The Beatles: What can I say ... I was there from the beginning. I like them, I do, precious.
Synthesizers: Love them. Dave Moog and Jan Hammer are my heroes.
Banjos: Can be over done, but are essential bluegrass instruments.
Ray Charles: There will never be another like him.
Heavy Metal: So much noise!
"Stairway To Heaven" LOL, I've got 27 covers of STH and still can't remember the words!
Violins: Vunderbar! Can tear my heart out when well played.
Bruce Springsteen: The “Boss” always puts on a good show and some of his work has become true classics.
The Blues: The root of it all – hardly a day goes by with out some blues in the bottle...

The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've Mamboed. Be sure your Mambo is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can dance too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination and dance like crazy!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to Mambo right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Monday Music Mambo you can Mambo on any day.

Until next time, this is your music-lovin' Mememeister saying have a good Monday and a good Mambo!

MEME: Monday Madness Blanks Out Again

Monday, July 24, 2006

Otto was heard to expound, “Hello, fellow bloggers! I hope you all have a great week and I also want to thank you for playing Monday Madness! Now, for this week's questions...”

1. I won't eat past _o'dark thirty_ o'clock in the evening.
2. My favorite subject for photographing is _landscapes_.
3. I use _Graphic Workshop Pro_ most often to edit my photographs.
4. If I'm having trouble sleeping, I usually _read blogs_.
5. When I'm hungry for a snack, I usually eat _sardines in tomato and basil sauce_.

Want to play along? Click the banner to get the original questions and to leave a link in the comments to your answers.

MEME: Sunday Seven - Episode 47



They solve crimes with the greatest of ease, sniffing out clues that most of the rest of us would never notice. Supersleuths are the subject of this week's edition.

But first, Julia, of "Aesthetic Vibes," was first to play last week for the second week in a row! Congratulations again, Julia!

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name seven of your favorite fictional detectives.



  1. Kinsey Millhone

  2. Spenser

  3. Sunny Randall

  4. Travis McGee

  5. Poirot

  6. Sherlock Holmes

  7. Philip Marlowe



Sunday, July 23, 2006

Unconscious Mutterings -- Week 181

Unconscious Mutterings

Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head. AND you don't have to have your words up on Sunday. Take all week if you want! Read the FAQ for more information.

Sunday, July 23, 2006
Week 181

I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Requirements :: minimum
  2. Pizza :: mushroom and bacon
  3. Dating :: disasters
  4. Issue :: recent
  5. Sharp :: tongue
  6. Distinguish :: between
  7. Remote :: control
  8. Felony :: probation
  9. Exercise :: bike
  10. Choose :: coffee or tea?

MEME: Saturday Six -- Episode 119



Here we go with another installment of questions. If you'd like to submit one, click the email link in my profile and send it to me.

But first, Julia of "Aesthetic Vibes" was first to play last week for the second week in a row. Congratulations again, Julia!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment there, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. If you had the chance to press a button and find out for sure whether or not God exists, would you take that risk, even if it meant that believers might find out there isn't one or that non-believers might find out that there is?
Certainly. I am a curious ape, after all...
2. Whatever your position on your belief of God, if you found out beyond any doubt that you were wrong, how much do you think you would change how you live your life?
Too late now. My sins are my own and I DO own them.
3. In honor of Planters' 100th birthday, what's your favorite kind of nut?
Cashews.
4. Looking back over your high school years, what label would best describe your personality?
Nebbish.
5. Take the quiz: How controlling are you? (Thanks to Shelly.)

You Are 44% Control Freak

Generally, you are in control but not a control freak. You life is usually in order.
However, sometimes you get too obsessed with making everything in your life picture perfect.

Are You A Control Freak?



  1. Did you expect a higher or lower score?

    A higher score, but not by much more.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Time Flies...

My brother's obituary as it appears in today's Bangor Daily News.

Here's the death announcement they made at the University of Maine's UMaine Today Online.

These links will only be functional a few days, by the way. Things are still very confused and the sheer amount of information and detail that must be accumulated is daunting, to say the least. More in a couple of days ... I miss the leisure time to read your blogs and journals.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

MEME: Unconscious Mutterings -- Week 180

Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.

That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this excercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.

"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head. Please, provide a link to your answers in the comments at LunaNiƱa.com. AND you don't have to have your words up on Sunday. Take all week if you want! Read the FAQ for more information.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Week 180

10 hours, 47 minutes ago

I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Video :: production

  2. Fantasy :: worlds

  3. Homework :: research

  4. Crush :: slugs

  5. Late :: early

  6. Husband :: wife

  7. Soccer :: mom

  8. Wine :: cooler

  9. Before :: rising

  10. Romantic :: interlude



MEME: Saturday Six - Episode 118



I had a late dinner with a former co-worker, so that's why tonight's questions are a bit late. (But I still beat the midnight deadline!)

Before the questions begin, Julia of "Aesthetic Vibes" was first to play last week's set of questions. Congratulations, Julia!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. What is the last ethnic dish you ate at a restaurant?
Tortelini Buscata
2. If you had the chance, would you visit the country famous for that dish?
Sure thing -- in early spring or late autumn before it gets too hot.
3. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? How much did you get last night?
I'm up to four. About that, maybe a little less.
4. Does more sleep make you feel more tired or more awake the following day?
More awake, to a point. Over seven and I feel groggy and foggy all day.
5. Take the quiz: Which fast food restaurant are you?
Before the quiz, I'm an Arby's. Beefy, but cheesy. After the quiz? See for yourself:
Take the quiz:
Which Fast Food Restaurant Are You?

Wendy's
Dave's food sure does taste good, but at what cost? By the time you reach Dave's age, you might just be dead, considering the fact that a classic double with cheese has 44g of fat 18g of those are saturated. Do what tastes right?

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

6. How often do you eat at this restaurant?
Maybe once a week. Lately, it's been the old standby of a chili salad or one of the "frescatta" sandwiches. I do NOT like Wendy's burgers -- too greasy.

If you have a Reader's Choice question you'd like to see asked (and answered), click the e-mail link in the Blogger profile and send it to me.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

There's always a reason for silence...

Just a quick entry to let you know I haven't forgotten y'all. I'm tied up in thirteen kinds of knots coping with the sudden death of my brother on Thursday afternoon. As you might imagine, that event has claimed all of my concentration and energy and likely will continue to monopolize my time and energies for the near term. I will try to pop in now and then to let you know I'm still thinking of you (I do, you know that, don't you?) and let you know what's happening. In closing, I want to share this passage from a wonderful piece by Paul Little, a writer I admire. You can read the entire piece here at his AOL Journal Aurora Walking Vacation.

The storm which sank his ship was sudden, and unexpected, and the initial onset of grief was much like being swept from the safe and sturdy deck of his life, and plunged into the chaotic sea. An initial certainly of his doom flashed through his being for but an instant, then he was quickly tossed up from the Sea of Grief upon a sandy shore of calm on the Island of Loss.

Friday, July 14, 2006

MEME: Weekend Assignment #120

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #120: Searching for Pets

Each week, John Scalzi, AOL's “Blogfather” poses a question to the AOL Journals community and anyone else who'd like to play along. If you want to participate, leave a link to your entry in the comments at John's AOL Journal, By The Way (just click on the link above to be swept away to the specific entry). You'll need an AIM identity, hardly a problem for the vast majority of users in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand or just about anywhere else except China.

Weekend Assignment #120: Do a Web search on a pet's name and let us know some of the interesting things that pop up. It doesn't necessarily have to be a current pet -- if you've got a previous pet whose name will elicit more interesting Web results, by all means use that one instead.

Extra credit: Tell us an interesting name of a pet that wasn't your own.



Dear John,

It's time to speak of our dearly departed friend, companion, and (ahem) bitch extraordinaire, “Myla” -- a German Shepherd Dog who owned me for nine years (too few). She died two summers ago. I haven't been able to bring myself to replace her yet, as she was truly a dominatrix at heart and, well, you just don't go replacing ladies like that too quickly. One needs to heal for a while. Sadly, I have no pictures to share with you. It was just one of those things. I never got around to taking her picture until it was too late...

A web search on her name turned up about 1.2 million entries, the very first one to a “luxury sexy lingerie, designer sex toys, stockings and suspenders, beauty products and accessories” shop. How odd is that? Then there's a link to Myla Goldberg's page on the Random House site – she wrote Bee Season which was made into a motion picture starring Richard Gere and Juliette Binoche in 2005. And there are lots more where those came from (1.2 million – Jeez!)

In the extra credit department, my mother used to have a toy poodle named HeyĆ¹ (pronounced Hey – You!). Then there was the Black Labrador Retriever of a friend of my brother's named, due to propensities demonstrated from the very first day they met, “Trouble” -- very apropos...

That's a wonderful shot of Krissy you used with your entry for this week's assignment – she's becoming more beautiful every day. Have a great weekend.

wil

Thursday, July 13, 2006

You Drive Like A Girl...

Stolen from Pammy, who swiped it here.



Your Driving Is: 79% Male, 21% Female



According to studies, you generally drive like a typical male.

You're confident in your driving skills, and hardly any situation gets the better of you.

And while you may have a few tickets under your belt, you're still a very good driver.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

MEME: Wednesday Mind Hump – 'Tis A Gift To Be Simple

We've made it! The week is half over! We get to celebrate with a mind hump! Today is simplicity day. I like that!

1. What is the most simple pleasure of your life? Or one of them, if you can't think of THE one.

Breathing. You have no idea, until you can't, just how pleasurable a breath of cool, crisp air is...

2. Name one thing you've done to simplify your life.

I've stopped struggling against the machine. Giving in and “settling” is so much simpler.

Keeping with the day's theme, today's questions are short and simple. That, and I can't think of any more.

The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've humped. Be sure your hump is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can hump too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to hump right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Wednesday Mind Hump you can hump on any day.

Until next time, this is your music-loving mememeister wishing you a happy hump day!

Monday, July 10, 2006

MEME: Monday Music Mambo - Week 107

Hello everyone! It's time for another Monday Music Mambo. Yesterday was Rock and Roll Day, so let's just do that one!

1. Who are your three favorite rock bands (any sub-genre)?
Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones.
2. Who are three people you think are most important to rock and roll history?
George Martin, Dick Clark and Elvis Presley.
3. What's your rock and roll nickname?
Erik the Dead.
4. Is rock and roll dead?
No, but it's audience is changing. Far more fragmented than it was in my youth. Still youth-oriented, but appealing to a smaller slice of the populace. Fortunately, there's far more kids than there were when I was a rock 'n' roll impresario.


The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've Mamboed. Be sure your Mambo is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can dance too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination and dance like crazy!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to Mambo right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Monday Music Mambo you can Mambo on any day.

Until next time, this is your music-lovin' Mememeister saying have a good Monday and a good Mambo!

MEME: Monday Madness -- Timely Questions



In her email this week, Otto expressed the following sentiments:

Hello Everyone! This week's Monday Madness questions are up; with a little help from my daughter! Thanks so much for playing and I hope you all have a WONDERFUL week! =)

~Otto (aka Natalie)

1. What is your favorite framed object in your house? A painting of my mother by her mother.
2. If you had a choice of being a
carnivore or a herbivore, which one would you be, and why? I'd be true to my nature and thousands of years of evolution. I'd continue to be a carnivore, or more accurately, an omnivore.
3. Who do you think should have won the
FIFA World Cup? Italy.

4. What's your feelings on stormy weather? Love it, if I can sit and watch it happening; hate it if I am or those I love have to be out in it.
5. Do you believe in "time out" chairs? No. I believe in corporal punishment.
6. Have you ever bought or sold anything on Ebay?
Many times as a buyer.

MEME: Sunday Seven - Episode 45



We're talking big business in this week's question. Proctor & Gamble is one of the nation's top manufacturers and it has a multitude of famous brands in its arsenal. I suspect that most people could spot at least seven products in their home that are P&G brands. Can you?


But first, Darrelle, of "The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intensions," was first to play last week! Congratulations Darrelle!

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
List up to seven Proctor & Gamble products that you have in your home or regularly use.


Well, this was a no-brainer. I just went down the list and picked the one's we have at home right now:

  1. Charmin

  2. Crest

  3. Downy

  4. Febreze

  5. Head & Shoulders

  6. Cascade

  7. Era

Have a nice week, folks.

Take A Hike

Came across this over at Shelly's chocolicious Cyber Chocolate blog. Where should you take a hike to?

You Should Travel to India

You're a passionate, gusty traveler - and India's gritty urban centers won't scare you away.
Maybe you'll take in the Taj Mahal, eat the best curry of your life, or attend a huge street festival.

What Asian Country Should You Visit?

Sunday, July 09, 2006

MEME: Unconcious Mutterings – Week 179

Free association is described as a "psychoanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.
That's an admirable goal, but for the purposes of this exercise, we're just hoping to have a little fun with the technique. Each week I'll post ten words to which you can respond to with the first thing that comes to mind.
"Rules are, there are no rules." There are no right or wrong answers. Don't limit yourself to one word responses; just say everything that pops into your head. AND you don't have to have your words up on Sunday. Take all week if you want! Read the FAQ for more information.

I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Face it :: consequences

  2. Healthy :: curiosity

  3. Cartoon :: character

  4. Device :: malfunction

  5. Raider :: Corporate

  6. Closer :: deals

  7. Admission :: of guilt

  8. Culture :: Corporate

  9. Stakes :: High

  10. Heartbroken :: bereft

MEME: Saturday Six - Episode 117



The temperatures outside have come down a bit since some heavy rains that hit earlier in the week. But I'm not expecting the cooler weather to last long. I do, however, expect the topic of weather to inspire one of the questions!

But first, Cat
of "Sweet Memes" was first to play last week's set of questions. Congratulations, Cat!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. What is the last food you prepared that you burned badly?
Hard-boiled eggs. I forgot they were on the stove and went out to the garage for something. Only the sound of the smoke alarm distracted me from my absorbing project enough to realize my error...


2. Did you eat it anyway?
Oh, no. Not a chance. It was nasty... ruined a VERY expensive pot.


3. What is your favorite carnival ride and why?
Ferris Wheel – it is just so relaxing, once loaded, to go swooping through the air in a great circle.


4. Take the quiz: How is your Inner Child?


Your Inner Child Is Sad

You're a very sensitive soul.
You haven't grown that thick skin that most adults have.
Easily hurt, you tend to retreat to your comfort zone.
You don't let many people in - unless you've trusted them for a long time.

How Is Your Inner Child?


My comment about this: It's a crock of cow dung dressed up with no where to go...

5. What is your ideal summer day?
Cumulus clouds in an otherwise clear day, winds from the west at a whisper – just enough to stir riffles on the water, temperatures starting out in the teens and settling in around 21° and holding steady while I paddle my kayak in silence except for the sounds of nature.

6. What was the setting of the last dream you remembered?
My old office in the early to mid 90's. Summertime, as the air conditioner in the window was going. The rest is best left to my imagination.



Saturday, July 08, 2006

Hmmm...

According to this quiz I got from Julia Bliss, I've got about half a decade left...




You Will Die at Age 61



You're pretty average when it comes to how you live...

And how you'll die as well.

Friday, July 07, 2006

MEME: Weekend Assignment #119















John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #119: Boston!

Home of baked beans and the Red Sox.

Share some of your favorite (or not so favorite)
things about this quintessential New England
metropolis.

From the Big Dig to local Founding Fathers, it's all
up for consideration. For the purpose of this Weekend
Assignment, you can consider things near Boston as
well (in Cambridge or other nearby cities).
Extra credit: Did you ever want to go to college at Harvard?

Dear John,

As the largest city in New England, Boston holds a special place in the hearts of most northern new englanders. You truly can't get here without passing through Boston if you're coming by air. Boston's Logan International Airport has that interesting approach over the water where, if there's a sudden downdraft, you end up dead in the water 1500 feet short of the runway.

On land, it's a different kettle of fish. Or scrod. Your choice. There's good, historical reasons for the situation, but you have to change trains in Boston, going from South Station to North Station by either shanks mare, a taxi or by bus, if you know the routes. So, to go from New York City to Portland, Maine on a train, you have a really inconvenient shuffle of baggage and people in the middle of your trip. Same deal if you want to go by bus.

And the drivers in Boston are the worst in the USA, possibly the worst in North America (and I have driven in both Montreal and Mexico City, where drivers have reputations for insanity behind the wheel). Keep that in mind while crossing the street. We play 'kill the pedestrian' games up here. For real. And it really is 5 points extra if you get a pregnant woman in a crosswalk...

But, it's not all bad in Boston. There's Faneuil Hall (Quincy Market), the New England Aquarium with it's IMAX theater, The Computer Museum, The Freedom Trail, Boston Common, The Big Dig (you can even go underground and see the tunnels close up and personal), Old Ironsides, Roxbury and Southie – there's all sorts of places to visit. Walk around, see the sights. Keep in mind that Boston can be a very tough town (remember Spencer For Hire was about a Boston private eye and filmed in and around the city) so do carry protection you know how to use and are unafraid to use if necessary.

The one thing I don't advise you to do while in Boston is to drive. There's plenty of public transportation and real people like you, not just those who can afford no other means or mode of transport, use it every day. Learn how it works and take advantage of the system.

Have a great weekend. Give my best to Krissy and Athena – they've been looking radiant lately. And then get your ass back in your chair and apply your fingers to the keyboard and your nose to the grindstone – you have a book to finish!

wil

P.S. About Harvard and me. The rumor that I failed to get into Harvard Medical School is just that – a rumor. I did get into the library once, though...

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Bondage Duckie

I wonder what the local fire department would do if he showed up for their annual fund raising Duckie Race?

Adult Toy Chest -- "I Rub My Duckie" Bondage Quack

"The hot, new Bondage I Rub My Duckie� is the second release in the Collector's Series and the naughtiest Duckie yet, bound in its shiny black corset, sassy spiked collar and sporty tattoo. It's a fashion statement that's so dressed to thrill that it includes its own set of Duckie-sized handcuffs!

Was: $24.95 Now: $17.97
More Information"

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

MEME: Wednesday Mind Hump – Workaholic Day


RFDuck, of the Oregon Cajun Ducks, raised his head from his beer long enough to utter these fateful words:

“Hi everyone! All recovered from Independence Day? Sorry, it's back to work today! Vacation is over. How appropriate, because today is Workaholic Day.”

1. Are you a workaholic, or lazy? Or in between? I'm both. When I last worked, I routinely put in 70 and 80 hour weeks. No overtime pay – I was a salary man. Now I am a lazy bum, sleeping 'til noon, accomplishing naught of worth nor value to the world.

2. Do you think people are overworked today, or do you think they manage a good balance of work and non-work life? Depends where you are. I think most Yanks work too much; most French and Germans work too little. That's hardly a balance. Canadians and most Brits work just the right amount. Given my druthers, though, I'd rather have the work to play ratio of the Aussies.

3. What's one job that you'd glady put in hour and hours of overtime for? Medical Doctor.

4. Fun, random question: Do you prefer hot dogs or hamburgers at a cookout, and why? So many variables go into this answer. Do you know the cook? Is s/he the type to buy high quality ingredients, stores them properly and handles them hygienically? Does s/he tend to overcook meats on the grill? Under cook? Are they a piercer or masher?

Short answer: hamburgers are usually preferred if I know and like the way the cook prepares food; hot dogs if they are an unknown quantity to me.

If you'd like to participate, visit the Wednesday Mind Hump Massage and Pizza Parlor and follow the directions written over the pay phone on the wall of the hall to the loo...

Lucky for them...

In today's excerpt, Gavrilo Princip, member of a Serb nationalist group known as the Black Hand, assassinates Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, in June of 1914. This started a chain of events that would lead to World War I, the Great War, an unprecedented war with over 15 million deaths and 22 million wounded:

"On the morning when the drama opened, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was making an official visit to the city of Sarajevo in the province of Bosnia, at the southernmost tip of the Austro-Hungarian domains...

"In the crowds along the route of the motorcade that day were six young men who had traveled to Sarajevo for the purpose of killing the archduke. Five of them...were Bosnian Serb teenagers--youths born and raised in Bosnia but of Serbian descent. All five were sick with tuberculosis, curiously enough, and all were members of Young Bosnia, a radical patriot organization linked to and supported by a deeply secret Serb nationalist group formally called Union or Death but known to its members as the Black Hand. Though the Black Hand had been active for years, Austria-Hungary's intelligence services still knew nothing of its existence. Its purpose was the expansion of the Kingdom of Serbia, a smallish and ambitious country adjacent to Bosnia, so that all the Serbs of the Balkans could be united. Its ultimate goal was the creation of a Greater Serbia that would include Bosnia, and its members were prepared to use terrorism to achieve this goal..."

"...Gavro Princip, nineteen years old...pulled out his revolver, pointed it at the stopped car, and fired twice... "

"...assassinations were not unusual in those days. In the two decades before 1914, presidents of the United States, France, Mexico, Guatemala, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic had been murdered. So had Prime Ministers of Russia, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Persia, and Egypt, and kings, queens, and empresses of Austria, Italy, Serbia, Portugal, and Greece. People had grown accustomed to such things and to expecting that their consequences would not be terribly serious."

G.J. Meyer, A World Undone, Delacorte, 2006, pp. 3-8

Aren't Bill Clinton and George Bush lucky the world view on political assassination has come around to the notion that it IS a terribly serious business?

Via Delancey Place, a daily inspirational quotation of a book passage to get the synapses firing on all eight cylinders...

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

MEME: Forty Things

Found this over at Patrick's, but have seen it elsewhere and, I swear, I answered this or something like it last year sometime. Nothing new under the sun...

1.Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Yes. It is not pleasant.
2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
No.
3. When was the last time you went sledding?
When my children were adolescents. The youngest is now 34. Do the math.
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
I think I sleep “better” when I sleep alone. My wife says different. I do not sleep alone.
5. Do you believe in ghosts?
No, but it's fun to make believe.
6. Do you consider yourself creative?
Yes. Unrequited, but creative...
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Yes. Incompetence and illegal behavior led to the failure of the justice system. The jury's decision was the correct one, given the circumstances. I do believe he will someday be made to pay for his acts. Probably when he kills the next one.
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Angelina.
9. Do you stay friends with your exes?
Usually, but not always.
10. Do you know how to play poker?
Yes, but not well. I suck, actually.
11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
Yes, but it wasn't intentional.
12. What's your favorite commercial?
Right now, nothing comes to mind. My all time favorite is probably the old Jeep commercial “Death Takes A Holiday”
13. What are you allergic to?
Strawberries and bee stings.
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around do you run red lights?
I do a stop-look-listen and then go. The one time you run a red light and aren't careful is the day you get killed.
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Of course.
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Sox
17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
Yes, many times, mostly in my youth.
18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Rarely. Maybe one in a hundred?
19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
I can't recall.
20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles?
Sure. Rocky Raccoon, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, When I'm 64.
21. What's the one thing on your mind now?
What to make for dinner.
22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass Barbie is?
No
23. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Yes
24. What cell service do you use?
Tracfone – I only carry a cell phone for emergency use. It is not on unless I need to call out.
25. Do you like Sushi?
Love it.
26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?
More than I can count.
27. What do you wear to bed?
T-shirt in summer, turtleneck in winter – I get stiff muscles in my neck and shoulders if I don't.
28. Been caught stealing?
No.
29. What shoe size do you have?
44
30. Do you truly hate anyone?
Not sure and don't feel like wasting the time needed to suss out the answer.
31. Classic Rock or Rap?
Rock
32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
Today, it would be Andie MacDowell ( I watched part of Four Weddings and a Funeral at lunchtime).
33. Favorite Song?
Spring of '65 as performed by the Peter Stampfel while with the Holy Modal Rounders
34. Have you ever sang in front of the mirror?
Yep.
35. What food do you find disgusting?
At my size, I can't afford to be picky...
36. Do you sing in the shower?
Only when alone in the house – last time I killed the canary.
37. Did you ever play, “I'll show you mine, if you show me yours?”
Sure.
38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
Sadly, yes.
39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?
Yes
40. Have you ever been punched in the face?
Several times. I am a pugnacious bastard when I get drunk...

There you have it. Want to play along? Windoze users just RIGHT CLICK and choose “Save Link As” to download this list (in HTML format) and open it in your editor and get started supplying your answers. It beats having to erase someone else's answers... Mac users, do what you have to do to FTP a file...

QUIZ: Blogthings - How "Average American" Are You?

Via Paul at Aurora Walking Vacation, who claims to have stolen the idea from Patrick.


You Are 40% "Average American"







You are average because you don't think people should be jailed for using marijuana.



You are not average since you've known your best friend for less than ten years.



MEME: Monday Madness -- Firecracker 400 Edition

Otto woke on Monday morning with a hangover and someone's bra covering her forehead, lying in a chaise on the deck of a miniature Titanic, which seemed to have run aground sometime during the middle of the night and was listing precariously. The cold, cruel light of dawn struck her full on the eye as she peered past the lace of the Victoria Secret Special. This was not an auspicious beginning to her day. Then she remembered ... she'd forgotten to post the Monday Madness! Here's her lame excuse:

Sorry, faithful Monday Madness participants! I lost track of my days; with this weekend being a holiday weekend here in the US, it slipped my mind until now to post questions. Please forgive me! OK, on to this week's questions...”

“Thanks to
Tricia for the first three questions below!”

1. Have you ever traveled outside of your own country? Several times. Mostly for pleasure.
2. If you could be any animal, which animal would you be, and why? A mongoose – they live on the knife edge of reality.
3. Do you read
manga? Hell, I don't know as I'd know her if I met her on the street...
4. Are you doing anything special to celebrate Independence Day? (For those of you who don't live in the U.S., did you do anything special this past weekend?) Well, I had planned on cutting my toe nails.
5. How many memes do you participate in regularly? Seven, including this one.
6. How much is a gallon of gasoline where you live? Have you cut down on your driving since the prices have gone up? Last I checked was night before last, it was $2.899 for low-test (87 octane). You're damn tootin' we've cut back. Aside from commuting, groceries and doctor/pharmacy visits, we haven't been anywhere. My wife hasn't seen her salary double in one year but Mobil and Texaco have. Fuckers.

Have yourself a merry little firecracker of a 4th of July folks.




Monday, July 03, 2006

MEME: Monday Music Mambo - Week 106

Greetings and happy almost-4th of July, everyone!
Today is Air Conditioning Day
at the Mambo HVAC World Headquarters (where you, too, can acquire the keys to the Monday Mambo washroom – there's even a chalk board to leave graffiti and links to your answers there, too.)

The rules are, there are no rules!!! All you need to do is copy and paste the above questions into your blog and add your responses. After you've finished, return here and leave us a comment so we'll know you've Mamboed. Be sure your Mambo is linked back to http://bdinsanity.blogdrive.com so others can dance too.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. If one of the questions doesn't inspire you then simply "pass" it. Just use your imagination and dance like crazy!

If you don't have a blog or you're an exhibitionist *woo hoo* feel free to Mambo right here in our comments section. There's absolutely no pressure ... although it's called the Monday Music Mambo you can Mambo on any day.

Until next time, this is your music-lovin' Mememeister saying have a good Monday and a good Mambo!



1. Name one song that is like a blast of cool, refreshing air to you.
Only one? Damn! OK – here's one that gets me to tapping my toes while simultaneously chilling me out: Buckwheat Zydeco's Ma 'Tit Fille
2. Name five musicians who you think are the coolest.
The cool cats in my 'pentheon' include Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Al Dimeola, Candy Dulfer and Michael Doucet. And don't forget Doug Kershaw up there in sillouhette...
3. Air conditioning fills your house with cool air to help you beat the summer heat. Wouldn't it be cool if we had music conditioning for our houses and buildings too? What song, artist or album would you want to fill your house with?
Constrained to only one artist (I won't even go into the concept of just one song or album – shudder) I'm going with the tunes of my youth, the Fab Four, the vanguard of the British Invasion, the one, the only, The Beatles! Their depth and variety of music, particularly near the end, might, just might keep me from going stark raving screaming mad. What a horrible fate – consigned to listen to the music of only one band for the rest of my days. Horror --- pure horror...


Have a good Mambo, boys & girls. Keep the greasy side down and buckle up for your sake as well as mine – I hate hunting for body parts in the pucker brush...

The Official God FAQ

Well, that answers MY questions ... The Official God FAQ

Duck, Chicken Little

So that was the strange feeling that passed over me this morning ...
Asteroid Misses Earth By A Whisker

POLITICS - HUMOR: Things That Go Boom

Somehow, amidst the noise and haste of the past week, I overlooked telling you to take a look at this George Danby cartoon and see if it doesn't tickle your fancy (or at least your funny bone): Boom!

MEME: Sunday Seven - Episode 44

Sunday Seven - Episode 44



Do you have plans to attend a Fourth of July barbeque this Tuesday? If so, or if you've attended one this weekend, this question will be right up your alley!

But first, Julia, of "Aesthetic Vibes," was first to play last week! Congratulations Julia!

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name seven things -- they don't have to be food -- that no Fourth of July barbeque really feels right without.

Either answer the question in a comment here or answer it in your journal and include the link in a comment. (To be considered "first to play," a link must be to the specific entry in which you answered the question.)


Ah, but I like food ~~ it is what makes it a barbeque, after all. But I'll try.


  1. Horseshoes pit

  2. Frisbees

  3. smoked brisket (you had to know food would sneak in sooner or later – it's a barbeque)

  4. hamburgers and hot dogs

  5. watermelon

  6. iced beer

  7. first aid emergencies:

    a. cuts and scratches requiring band-aids and kisses

    b. poison ivy

    c. first and second degree burns (it's a barbeque)

    d. bee/wasp/yellow jacket/hornet stings

    e. twisted ankles

    f. head injuries (it's surprising how much damage a cast iron pan can do when wielded by an angry spouse – really)

    g. upset stomachs requiring antacids – because some of us don't know when enough is too much, and

  8. friends and family.