Foster The People - Don't Stop

Yes I know it is strange to see me posting, but after watching this video, I just had to. Watch and see the cinematic wonder involved on so many different levels....

I'm still here... somewhat

I know I have been somewhat vague in my "disappearance" from my blog. Number 1, I've been so busy I hardy have time to chew dinner before falling asleep. Number 2, I don't want to give anything away just yet, though really it is a done deal, but I won't take any chances. Number 3, I'm not really sure if I will keep up with this blog since I will have so many more things and people to keep up with.

But... I miss writing, it is sort of a way to catalog my time. I got away from that, and I;m sure there were some funny stories in there somewhere. But anyway. I'm not really sure when/if I'll start posting regularly again, but I sure miss it. Perhaps after all the holidays. Maybe then...

The Foo Fighters Concert

Well, this has been months in the making, and we couldn't miss it (I glad we didn't have to). The show was phenomenal. Pretty much 3 hours of Dave Grohl "Screaming his balls off". He is the ever-present cheerleader and works the crowd flawlessly. Of course it helps if you have had a few, but even if you didn't (we didn't) the show was awesome. Here is a clip just so you know what I'm talking about. The other bands were mediocre at best, but the main event more than makes up for it. If you like rock and roll, these guys (especially Grohl) are working hard for your money, go see them live, it is an incredible show.

Musical Monday ELO - Telephone Line, with Spanish Subtitles

Well I was just pittering around on the internet and I found this:



It was a gift, too special to not share. I don't know why I find this so funny, maybe it is because I can't wrap my head around ELO needing Spanish subtitles, especially when half of them are not really words. But anyway here it is and you are welcome. It is my Halloween gift to everyone.

Musical Monday - Sublime With Rome - Panic

Ok I had to post this... Mainly because I dig Sublime, and yes I know Bradley Nowell has been gone 15 years. But it still sounds like Sublime. I also know I said that I wouldn't be post as much... and I am holding that line. It is because I'm so busy... I don't even have time to do much of anything. But enjoy the video regardless.

A New, New Me

Well it is time to hang up some of my things do... mainly this blog. Why? Basically because I have a new and improved job. And while the old job was great, (really, really great) I was topped out at that job and it was only a 3-4 day account per week, but it paid me for 5 days. This current account is a multi-man work your ass off kind of account. And I simply have no energy or time to update this blog regularly. My weeks are slammed and I wonder if I was crazy in taking this new position. Still I have to ride it out. See where it leads. To do that requires me leaving this blog behind.

I won't say... at least not yet that I'm going to completely quit posting, but I'm not going to be posting as much or as regularly. It is bad, I no longer worry over piddly shit, hell I don't have time to worry over things I might should worry about. But anyway, is this the new normal? Or is this a matter of getting everything settled and then I will be able to do more recreation? Time will tell...

Musical Monday - LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

I think LMFAO may be my new band of choice. Now I don't think a whole lot of the actual music, but the videos are very funny. If you can't laugh, what can you do? Check it out. 

Butterflies

So fall is here. A little Gulf Fritillary landed on my porch (as they often do im the fall)... and let me get up close.

I took some pictures and let him/her go... (though it didn't really leave... it might have been damaged, though I could not see anything wrong, or simply his or her time to die. Still it let me take pictures, so in its own way leaving a legacy off sorts.

Payoff?

Work is a bitch lately. Yeah, yeah... I'm sure you've heard it all before. Basically I started a new job, not really the job I want but with time and some hard licks, eventually yes, I can see it. The job will pretty much come to me, but now that I'm here... I don't know if I want it. Isn't that just the way life is? But now that I have said it, I feel like I got to see it through. I know many people would think that is crazy, but I'm not one to back down.

So I plan on doubling up on my bet, going for broke, so that maybe I can see the promise-land, or at least a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I just hope that I didn't jump too quick... that I can't hang on to what I got. There is little probability of this happening, but still I like to cover my bases.

Which brings me to another issue. I guess I finally found an anal retentive, attention to detail job, but damn if I want it. As always, we'll see. I also find it very important that I say, "I could have opted out." That is... nobody made me do it. And that is just it. Nobody forced this on me and if everything happens the way we think it will happen, I should be sitting pretty. That is the payoff.

So eyes on the prize, keep my nose to the grind and in 2 to 3 months, my hard work will pay off. That is the plan anyway. We will see. The greatest things won involve risk, the bigger the risk, the better the reward. Now it is time to realize that reward... in a few months. 

Musical Monday - Nirvana Nevermind, 20th Anniversary Edition

I can't believe it has been 20 years. I also can't believe every song was a hit. I mean it has been awhile since I listened to the album in its entirety. But I can't  find a bum song on the list. That in and of itself is something. The 20th Anniversary edition has even more songs. While not each one is a hit they stand up to the test of time (plus it helps if you like Nirvana). Curmudgeon is one of those songs... it almost drives you crazy enough to turn it off, but then it relaxes into a funky groove only to go back to insanity again. It is a masterpiece.   

Soccer Saturday (part 3 or 4) on Sunday

I can't remember and for one, the Songbird, things are zooming right along, wins, goals, stopping the ball when she plays defense or goalie. For the other... it is not so good. Losses, missed games, no goals... it is not doing so good. It is just the nature of the beast. When you are younger there are so many opportunities to do things. When you are older... it sort of evaporates. So anyway, we missed my teenager's game because we went running in a 5K at my wife and Songbird's school.


As usual that was an experience. Not really a good one, but not so bad after all. I was clocked at 51 minutes... which is never going to come close to the 15 minutes that real runners are doing. But I pretty much walked the whole thing, and I didn't feel bad at the end, I will call that a victory. That and I was pushing a stroller with an ornery kid in it. Not to mention the Songbird had no shoes (she ran the whole way in her Mary Jane's) and she really was not dressed for it (it was 57 when we started) so there were melt down times for both children. But we pulled through it. And then later that day Songbird scored a goal at her soccer game. I was impressed.

Not so Classic Film Friday - The Troll Hunter

I'm a sucker for a good scary flick, and while this movie isn't exactly a fright festival... it has just enough to make you wonder... Do trolls really exist? Well, if you are wondering, see this movie and perhaps it will change your mind. This film is a lot like Blair Witch or Cloverfield. At least that is how it is filmed. So if you like those movies, this one won't disappoint. Although, it is in Norwegian, so you have to read subtitles. Not very classic, at least not yet, but still...

SOS

As if the whole new job thing wasn't enough drama, I am forced to deal with teen aged drama, which in my opinion is the absolute worst kind of drama there is. Because wherever that drama lies, more drama is bound to follow. This time (most times come to think of it) it is my wife's turn. Not that it is my wife's fault, because I hold her 100% harmless in this whole thing but she was the focus of my teenager's angst.


Why? Because she can get away with it more so than if she were to give it to me, because I will hurt her. It hasn't gotten to that point in years, and why is that? Because it does not feel very good. It hurts her physically. It hurts me psychologically. It hurts everyone. I don't want to do it, hell I try to avoid it at all costs... But I love my wife and I won't let stupid shit come between me and her.

Sometimes kids are just wrong. And when they are wrong, we as parents need to be there, show them how they are wrong, what they need to do to be right, and positively reinforce them to help so they don't screw-up again. Well most kids would do fine with that... but not all. Not mine. She suffers from SOS (stuck on stupid) and continues to make the same mistakes over and over and over. There is something pathological about it. And I don't have the cure. I don't think anyone does... Just wait, sit and wait.

Crooked Toe Anyone?

It Is Always Hard to Say Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy. How I wish it was. I'm just saying... as I write this when I have already left one place, the place I have known for 7 years, compared to that of the new place, that I don't know and all the trepidation involved with the unknown. It is rough. I can't really understand why, but it is. I hope that all this worrying is for naught and that I will grow into the new place as I did the old place. I can hope anyway. I want to do a good job just like anyone, and I put so much pressure to do well on myself... that it is likely completely unnecessary. But it is what it is.

My new job is not quite like my old one... eventually maybe it will be, but for now it is something completely new. So new I'm sort of the pilot program and if I do well, then it will be taken across the country. Yeah no pressure there right?

Musical Monday - AWOLNATION: Sail

This is my  first post I'm making from a different position at my job. It has absolutely no bearing on my work whatsoever. But it is worth noting. I might very well be sitting in traffic right next to you... if you happen to be going on the island. Anyway that has nothing to do with this song, but it is what it is. Come "sail" away with me...

Classic Film Friday - The Incredible Shrinking Man

 This 1957 classic asks, "what would you do if a nuclear radiation cloud were to make you smaller and smaller by the day?" or at least shows you how one man deals with it. We were in the middle of the Cold War, and we really didn't know what radiation could (or couldn't) do. Watch as a 6 foot man struggles with becoming a 3 foot munchkin and then beyond that when something like a cat or a spider become a struggle for life. It is a nuclear scare movie but it is a pretty good for its time.

New Me, Same as The Old Me

Well it is hard to believe, but my job is going to end, sort of. Basically I'm moving on to greener pastures, but I'm staying in the same house and keeping the same employer. Actually if I want my old job back, I could probably have it, but it is supposed to be all about moving up, not just staying static. So that is what I'm doing. Movement. But it is scary, any time someone has to move and start off somewhere new... it's scary.

I'm hoping that I will win the news people over and the new place will be just as nice as the old. But you just never know... until it is too late. But that is why we do what we do. So it is time, time to put on a happy face, smile a whole lot, be helpful and in general be nice. That is pretty much how I always am, so it shouldn't be all that hard. But I am entering a difficult situation. Just keep on smiling and helping, and eventually it will all be worth it.

I Wonder...

Line Up Adjustment

So much has happened in the last year. Like for one everybody got a year older. For the littlest of my clan, she went from being 1 to 2, basically she will have doubled her time in the business. Not bad if you ask me. I have been fiddling with my blog somewhat. I’m thinking about moving my as of yet unnamed music day to Monday, for obvious reasons. So Daily Affirmations will be on Wednesday, Classic Film Friday will remain, and Soccer Saturday will all stay where they are and Music Monday will round out the week. That leaves me with three days to talk about whatever.

That seems pretty good. I have given up on the BlogJam. Well I won’t say given up, but its status is comatose so unless someone wakes it up, I guess it will stay that way. I really wanted for the BlogJam to work, but heck who has time to go a make a blog and then keep it updated with regular content? On the list, I’d say no more than 4-5 people (at most) really it is more like 2-3. It is what it is. I will hold out in hopes that more people (with the BT going away, or at least looking like they are going away) perhaps creating an outlet.

Your comments are always welcome here. Honestly I only delete SPAM that I can remember anyway. But that is the cool thing about having your own blog you can let everyone comment or nobody comment or something in-between. You can be as right or left as you want and you can also be as correct or incorrect… because it is yours. I like that. Now I will say that if you want to be taken seriously, you have to at least base something on fact, you can’t claim crazy things… or you could, if you want to be laughed at.

No doubt, I am the source of someone’s entertainment, maybe many people. That is ok, I try to be funny (sometimes). Because in the end if you can’t laugh at yourself and the silly things you’ve done… what can you do?

The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie

This is the Red Hot Chili Peppers latest offering. The song is pretty good, but even more interesting is Anthony Kiedis's mustache. I haven't seen a hairier upper lip since Lionel Richie's 1983's 'All Night Long'. Just saying, people will compare... I can feel it.

Soccer Saturday (part 2) on Sunday

Well my teenager had a game on Monday, it wasn't pretty, and she still lost, but it wasn't as bad as the first game, so for that I am happy. There was a complete lack of passing or pretty much anything else. It was really just a bunch of girls kicking the ball, and it just happened to go in our goal once, so the other team won. Yeah, not so good, but we learned from it. Or at least I think we did.

Practice was the next day and the coach drove home the fact that nobody passed the ball. Ball control, it is all about ball control. Which takes me over to the 5-year-old. She had a practice, and she was on defense the rest of the team was on offense at 2 at a time drill (they were supposed to pass the ball and get around the one defensive player). Songbird wouldn't let anyone by her, she was again a superstar.

Now I don't mean to brag, and really I'm not. Songbird doesn't do anything but the instructions given to her. So many kids get it in their head to do whatever they want and not what parents/coaches are telling them to do. She hears the command and carries out the orders given and that is pretty much that.

I was planning on giving the scores of the games... but I got snared by a stomach bug. The teenager and my wife also git the bug, it was not so good. My wife did go with Songbird and she scored twice, and won the game handily.

A Gift

I got a present, just because... Basically I woke up (last, because... just because) and I got ready, be-bop down stairs and see this along with a note... "I love you XO Mrs. Mad-Hatter"

What did she get me? Old School Hip Hop. A mix tape of sorts. All kinds of memories flashed before my eyes. The break-dancing thing where my older brother got together with friends, gathered some cardboard boxes and tried to become a star.... Nobody made it, thank God. Lots of sexual innuendos, some more apparent than others. Some songs that are just funny, because some goofy white guy would imitate them.







Anyway, for $5 my wife bought me an incredible gift. That is why I love her so much. Yes I know this was on the clearance rack, I know the songs are pushing 20-30 years old, but in my mind, it is the perfect gift.  something I might buy for myself, but she found it on sale. And it is funny, which I'm all about. Who wouldn't spend 5 bux to laugh a little? Thanks must go out to my wife, she knows me better than I know myself.

Classic Film Friday - Yellowbeard

I know with all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, you might think they invented a pirate movie, but you would be wrong if you thought that. This 1983 flick is of course a comedy, but it has so many famous actors in it... well it must be seen. Captain Yellowbeard (Graham Chapman) has a treasure that after 20 years of his imprisonment everyone wants. So who will get it? Hmmmm....

Quiet Hounds

I heard these guys on the internet, I thought it was some kind of spam, but it looks like they are looking for a foot hold. So I'll feature them, they have a nice sound to them and apparently it is free, I like me some free and I thought you might as well...

If Only...

Augustus...

This picture embodies everything about our littlest one. She looks a little mischievous, but sweet, you see her hair, she doesn't care about that. She can make your heart melt and piss you off the next minute, then make you laugh again. This one is going to be trouble.

Soccer Saturdays

Well over the weekend, we had two soccer games... and they were different in just about every way. The game my teenager was in was a cluster... They weren't a team, they were just a gaggle of girl flopping around on the field. It was a learning experience... well I hope so anyway. There was a few bright moments, few and far in-between, but at least there was something. Their coach said it best, now they know what they need to do to turn those weaknesses into strengths. I hope so. Score: 7 - 0.

Now I go to later in the day, and the Songbird in the morning was sick, and was really too sick to play, luckily with the power of medicine and a later game, she felt good enough... Now I asked her and my wife asked her, and we made it abundantly clear that if she didn't feel up to it, we would not go. But she was determined, we had to go. And she was a star. Score: 4 - 2. So opening day was a mixed bag, but I think we all win when we think about what happened. It is just a game after all...

10 Years Gone

I don't really know anyone that died in the 9/11 attacks, so I guess I have the luxury of looking at the event from a more objective viewpoint. But that doesn't mean I am not horrified by the event. I remember when it happened. I was working, in the upstate. I turned on the TV because, it was what everyone was doing. I watched as the second airplane hit. I knew then that this was no accident, that this was a game changing event, and that things would never be the same again.

I mourned for folks I had never met. I hugged my daughter extra tight that day after work. I thought of all of my Army buddies, that would no doubt go to war "somewhere". I watched the TV constantly, just trying to get some kind of idea... of the madness that was going on in New York and DC. We lost whatever we had that day, we had to adjust our way of thinking because we couldn't afford to stick out our hand in friendship openly anymore. We had homeland security and whatever else, to guard against a unspeakable act. But do we really? The fact is, nobody has tried that act since, not really, I know there has been a few failed attempts, but nothing substantial. So we let the terror sink in, and we succumbed. And I know something had to happen, I just don't know if it really effects what it is that we are trying to stop.

I'm sorry all those people died, it was a sad, sad day, but here 10 years later, does everything we are doing make sense? Is getting frisked by airport security worth it? That remains to be seen. But I think one of the most important things to say is... nothing at all. At least not from me. We live in this world, we always have and always will. When terrible things happen, armchair quarterbacking helps nobody. Whatever could be said has already been said. It was a sad day and it will remain a sad day.

Randoms

My kids are doing the things that kids do... grow up. In no child is that more apparent than the baby. Which really, she'll be 2 in October, but she has the benefit of being the youngest, so she'll always be my baby. Anyhow, she has a seat in the dining room, (no more highchairs) it is like a booster seat at a restaurant, except it it is secure in that it straps to the chair, she can't flip out of it. But what she can do is a "Dukes of Hazzard" climb out the side. It is funny. She can't push the chair once she is seated, so when she decides she is done, and nobody is paying attention, this is the way she bails.

The Songbird is growing her mind more than anything these days... she can sort of read... not really, but she knows some words. So each night we read 2 or 3 books and it is amazing how much she has progressed.

The teenager is struggling, maybe not so much struggling as she is coming to grips with the real world of high school work, honors/AP work at that. And this year both the teenager and Songbird have soccer practice. That means my Saturdays are a wash, and two week days are long. That's ok, but man I miss having nothing to do.

Back to the little one, we went to Jekyll Island, and paid a visit to Summer Waves water park. She saw all the chase lounges around, and the women laying out getting a tan. Which all seems fine. Then our baby says to me, "Go night-night" and "awwwwww." Basically she was wishing them a good sleep, as they were laying with eyes closed, so she thought they were going to sleep.

Classic Film Friday: Harold & Maude

This is one of those movies that I just love, it is funny, it breaks from the norm, and really it is an outstanding film. Harold (Bud Cort) is a young man, who doesn't really know what to do with himself. He likes death, maybe a little too much... He stages many deaths in front of his mother (Vivian Pickles). Maude (Ruth Gordon) is a 79-year-old embodiment of a free spirit. She does what she wants, how she wants... and doesn't care about much else.

Harold and Maude meet up at a funeral. As it is something they both take pleasure in. And from there, it becomes sort of weird... She steals the priest's car. They meet more and become intimate. Harold decides to marry Maude, even though his family, his psychologist, and priest tell him not to. But Harold's life is in for a bit more of a shock as 80 is the perfect time to die, according to Maude. This movie has so many allegories. Young/old, life/death, war/peace... and course it has a bit of dark humor. Watch it for yourself...

Zee Avi - Ghostbird

I don't know much about this woman, but I like the way she sings. Very simple yet her velvety voice soothes your ears. It bears resemblance to her Brushfire Records boss, Jack Johnson. Not that they are alike, but the relaxing melodies do make you want to sit back and listen to more.

She Aint Sharing...

The above movie was taken in my backyard. The grasshopper was completely unharmed. The stupid dog likes to hold it, but doesn't ever like to share... and doesn't like to kill... it makes me kind of mad.

A/C is Down... Again, Sorta'

So it seems lately that everything is breaking or broken. I know, because I fix things for a living, that we are having some bad luck lately. I say that, because nobody really thinks there stuff is breaking just to spite them. At least I don't.

But anyway you see we have a central A/C unit and it has two zones. One for downstairs and one for upstairs. Well our upstairs unit is acting up. Since the downstairs unit is working fine, and they pretty much share a bunch of the same stuff, I can eliminate much of the outside unit, and the inside unit. In my mind, it could either be a control problem (big bucks) or a damper (much cheaper and fixable) Our unit has two dampers, so that if one zone is hot and the other is cold, the damper will close to the one that is cold and just work on the one that is hot. It does this instead of using two whole units. It is cheaper, and it makes troubleshooting a breeze.

Now too the uninformed something big and expensive like an A/C unit may seem a little daunting. And it may be for me too as I have no refrigeration license. But for less than $75, it may be just the ticket (the damper that is). So I ordered the damper, and while I am waiting, there was/is a whole bunch of people who say... let a professional do it...or worse yet, have the thing on a contract. Well if only I had that kind of money just laying around. It just aint in the cards for me... so wish me luck as a move forward with this. Some people because of age or work or whatever can afford to have their A/C looked at by someone else. I just can't. I can dream, but that is about it. Meanwhile I ordered the part and will try to fix it myself... if I am right I don't expect a parade in my honor, but a small party wouldn't hurt, or at least the big piece of chicken.

NSFW, but really funny, Chris Rock talks about Daddy and the big piece of chicken.



I'll have to let everyone know how it goes...

Darker Days Ahead for the Newspaper Industry

Well I'm afraid old news, isn't very good news. The problem with "news" is it is a fragile thing. And reading old news is sort of stupid, because odds are, you already know about it. This goes for the BT and the Bluffton Packet. And if I don't feel compelled to read it, and I just throw it away... Like the Sun, that comes out monthly, then advertizing is pretty much useless. Because that is what makes the whole thing possible right?

So tell me again why I should read your useless news and useless advertizing if there is nothing of value in its contents? Basically, the paper goes right from curb to garbage can, maybe I'll see if there is any coupons, but otherwise... why bother?

Maybe I'm jumping on them to quickly. But somehow they have to find a reason for me to read what they are putting out, and it can't be news, at least not the kind that we have been getting, because its limited self life won't permit that.

I could think of some things they might do... but I'm not the editor and it really is not my job. But think for a minute, what is hyper-local, who can we count on the paper to cover? And I really don't mean press releases. I'm talking about one on one interviews with the police chief, council members, high school football coach, school principals. I know that that inherently means it will contain some fluff. But it doesn't have to be all fluff.

Something has to happen BT and Bluffton Packet, otherwise, I will continue (as will others, if not most) to drop it off at the trash can and thus your advertizing will suffer, and more people will be let go. Think about it. I wonder if I could get them to stop completely... because I'm basically picking up litter deposited on my front yard every Wednesday.

Oh... Happy Labor Day, I hope you have lots of BBQ and Beer or some other variant on this day.

Interim Report Time

It must be school time again, because already I hear to fights about grades. Whether it is a person making "F's" and their parents being happy with "C's" or even "D's" to Someone making "C's" and their parents want them to make "A-B's" it seems the struggle is never-ending. It really doesn't matter (from the parents point of view) it is whatever the child is doing, it likely isn't enough. Meanwhile for the kid, he/she likely feels a little overwhelmed plus there is that whole understanding that is rarely fully understood that your grade point average is easily pulled down, not so easily pulled back up. (At least that is how it is at my house)

So my teenager says... "what do you want me to do? Make "A's" every-time?" Well... yeah, that would be a good start. Even better would be a true understanding by the teenager that I was not put on this earth for the sole purpose of making her life a living hell. I mean, I guess I could try, since I am already half way there (or better). My daughter is on the track that will lead to college, something I didn't really have (I could have, but it was much easier to join the Army, see the world... blah,blah,blah) and her mother's side of the family... let's just say they don't hold doing well in school as high as I do. But it really is not a problem, or that isn't THE problem.

Let me put it this way... I want my daughter to have the best life that she possibly can. With that comes sacrifices, a bit of work, of quite a bit of arguing (apparently). I'm doing all I can, though really, by the time they're a teenager, what can be done? Anyway, I think part of the problem is now that she is in high school, she is going to classes that have some sophomores, juniors, and seniors in them (she is a sophomore) and she wants to be around some senior/juniors and do what they do. All fine and good, but she is on a different track. So how do I get my kid to understand that while yes, it may be cool to hang with upper class-men, They are finishing up their high school and she is just beginning.

And tell me again why I care? I mean it really doesn't affect me. So all of this fighting and whatnot is for what? To make sure that she doesn't make a mistake that she will regret later in life. But it is her life, not mine. Always walking the tightrope.

Robot Overlords

You know our time on this planet is finite. Like the dinosaurs, eventually we will be replaced and/or the earth will be enveloped by the sun. Here we see the exchange of two robots talking to each other. I'll be dead before the robots take over, but it is coming perhaps.

Classic Film Friday -The Grass is Greener

Well this movie starts out rather slow, but what it lacks in excitement it makes up for in plotting. Basically Cary Grant as Victor, Earl of Rhyall and his wife Hilary (Deborah Kerr) are out of money. So they open the castle up to tourists. Grow mushrooms, live a life a bit more humbling. That is until Charles Delacro (Robert Mitchum) shows his way into a portion of the house marked private. Charles and Hilary start an affair even though they know they shouldn't.

Victor knows his wife is cheating, but he is very British about it (maybe? I don't know) but he starts thinking of a way to get his wife back. And so he invites Charles over and they go fishing together. Many mishaps happen and we are left feeling that poor Victor is going to be left with Hattie Durant (Jean Simmons). Then the plan is hatched and they Charles and Victor will have a duel. Settling things for good.

And they do, but how does it end? Hmmm, you'll have to see this 1960 classic film yourself to find out, but I'm sure you could guess. Seen on the Netflix instant viewer.

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

I was turned on to the song by my teenager. Because everyday she is shuffling. Also notice the guy dressed as Jesus. Unbelievably funny. So get your shuffle on, and go party!

He Will Do It...

Good News

After a night out on the town, I can honestly say that I am definitely not an alcoholic. We went out, had some drinks, had some more drinks, and got hammered. That part was fun, but the next day... that is a whole different story. My body simply can not recover the way it used to. I just can't drink the way I used to. That's ok with me... I didn't want to be an alcoholic anyway.

I'm not saying I got religion and I'm swearing off the booze for good. I'm having a beer as you read this (maybe) but I am saying that it is impossible (right now) for me to be an alcoholic. Maybe epiphany is more like it, like Bill Cosby said, "You owe it to yourself"

BT... R.I.P.

So The Bluffton Today is going to be free again, but at the cost of daily - to twice a week publication. I can only see things going down hill from here. Almost nobody is there from when it started 7 years ago. I guess we all knew it was going to happen, but now what? I feel torn about the whole thing. I want us, the people of Bluffton to have a paper, but I don't think it was really Bluffton Today's thing anyway.

I liked having someone I could oppose around. That is sort of why I started this whole blog, because I didn't want my words, what I wrote to become fodder for the paper to print whenever/however they wished, plus they went in and edited some things too, because they didn't want "Pool-pooping" a term that they came up with (it still ranks 6th when you google it). Oh well, that is the thing about trying to repress something... in trying to repress, you actually help it to grow. And I got more than a little fed up with their constant non-reporting even though they were a "newspaper". (like the school board/referendum or town/county issues or even issues with their own site)

Then I had my issues, mainly the stroke... my wife moves up in the world, and I really don't care much about what is going on anymore. That isn't to say I don't follow it, because I do, I'm forced to live it. But I know my kids are doing reasonably well, and they keep paying my wife... I'll leave that up to someone else to nitpick with them.

Back to the BT, this is their supposed first day of recreating themselves... which is supposed to be better, more of an online presence, so far I see nothing. Great more of the same. I can't knock on them too hard though, but if you wanted to be a reporter (no way in hell would I take that job) and you are starting off a new thing, wouldn't you make your presence known? I don't see anything different, new, or otherwise. Come on BT, don't leave me hanging... again.

Ok I got the paper, looked though it... it was/is more like a um, newspaper I think the adds are much less obtrusive, but everything is just jumbled in sort of willy nilly. No web presence at all. I think they are supposed to increase web presence. Well... we will see... I got my copy but it was wet... so, some things never change. (I know I have the POA approved newspaper holder beneath the mailbox, but it is easier to just chuck the paper)

Car Issues

Running scared from the hurricane yet? Me neither. What was supposed to be a fairly relaxing weekend turned out to be less than that due to a broken window regulator. What is that? It is a part of your and my car (that is if your car has power windows). I'm fairly sure that 95% of cars these days have them, so I figured maybe instead of paying someone I'd post some pictures so if you find yourself (as I did) with a broken window regulator, you too would look back and say "I can do that".

How did it wind up like this? That I have no clue about. It was a typical humid August morning and dew was fogging up my ride to work. I put the windows down so that I could see and whamo, the passenger side window would not go back up. I believe something slipped in the linkage but I can't be for sure.

The first part is getting the door panel off. Well this is done with hidden screws and pop off clips. You should look everywhere. And notice things may need to be disconnected (like speakers, the door lock or window switch) and look for screws in the door handle. Once all of that is taken care of... as it was for me, I couldn't get the part right away. I ordered a new regulator through Amazon (thanks internet) for about half price as the dealer and/or auto parts store. It pays to shop around. So I knew I would have to ride around at least a day, in my case 2 (because the overnight wouldn't help, I was busy the next day... second day would be fine and almost $15 cheaper) day delivery, I fashioned a wedge to go between the door and the glass (mine was a Crescent wrench wrapped in duct tape) yes if this ever happens to you, you'll find that what ever you have will have to do.

Now that isn't saying if you want to take your car in and have serviced by a professional, by all means if you can afford it, go ahead, I'm a processional amateur and I'm cheap and because I don't have money laying about. So I wedged a tape covered wrench in-between and kept on riding. You do want to make sure it is really tight and you may have to pull over/just leave it if it goes back down. Also doing this will make the window useless to you. It will also make it a bit more accessible by folks you may not want to have access... take valuables out of the car until you fix it. You need to take on a certain amount of responsibility, otherwise leave it to an auto mechanic (I am not nor do I ever want to be an auto mechanic). The main reason for wanting the window up was because I wanted to keep rain (if I got any) out and the cool A/C in. Plus it might deter the criminal element if they saw that it looks to be ok, if they were to really look, I'd be in trouble, but I live in a fairly nice neighborhood, so this should not be an issue.

Still driving around with a duct taped wrench is more than many can stand. It is a problem and I will combat that by driving our other car unless I am forced to drive my car (i.e. go to work). I really just want to keep the weather out until I get the new part installed.

Just an update, I drove with the wedged window, and I don't recommend it for the light of heart. For one thing padding and whatnot is in that door panel, I left mine off, because I didn't want to do more work than is needed. I also found this site for my car individually, however you may find some other for your make and model of car... the internet is a beautiful thing and google even more so. Now I don't feel like I have to get pictures as this guy has me covered. I will say what a strange world we live in when something as simple as a car window not operating properly interrupts us (me) so greatly. This happened to me on Thursday, Friday I'm going to the high school football game (Bluffton won 60-14), and Saturday my part arrives. If only the window would have gotten stuck closed...

All told it took me about 2 hours. And that's figuring in the time it took to make the wedge. Do I want to do it again? Not really, but I know I can if need be, and saved myself a $300-400 repair. I guess that is the main thing, I saved money and did it myself. I feel good about that...

OK Go & The Muppets - Muppet Show Theme Song

Being a child in the late 70's and 80's, I liked me some Muppets. It is probably the most down home clean fun that anyone can have, So when they came out with the new Muppets movie I thought, I am so taking my kids to this. In the meantime, they teamed up with OK Go. See what you think...

Classic Film Friday: The Aristocats

I had to replay this movie because, my current toddler loves this movie as much as her sister does and her sister before that. Also I like the country bumpkin dogs... they are my favorite part of the movie. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, but if you watch it through the eyes of a child, it is perfect in every way.

I know this movie is not really a "Classic" per se, but I think it is, it holds a special place in my heart, and it is almost 40 years old. It's my older daughter's most favorite "Kid Movie". We Netflixed it for that and because my younger daughter is going to be a cat for Halloween... Because everybody wants to be a cat.

It's about a family of French cats (a mama and three babies) who have it pretty good as far as cats go. Anyway it's all taken away by a money grubbing butler. It's out away from Paris where they cross paths with Thomas O'Malley (Phil Harris), an alley cat that will show the kids how the other side lives, and falls in love with duchess (Eva Gabor).

From it's pretty much classic Disney, but that's not always a bad thing. There's plenty of comedy to go around, especially with Napoleon and Lafayette, Pat Buttram (Napoleon) George Lindsey (Lafayette), two dogs, looking for trouble. The butler gets what's coming to him, the kitties all get to go home, and one more child is addicted to this movie. It's not Dumbo or Lady in the Tramp, but it is pretty good.

Alice Cooper - Lost in America

My wife and I were talking the other day... And basically, we started thinking about well we need a dog (because the two young kids probably deserve a dog they can call their own) and a convertible, and a golf cart, and a house with an in-ground swimming pool... with cable. Of course I'm kidding, except for the dog... we are thinking about it, but it hasn't gone beyond the thinking stage... yet. All of this reminded me of the mid-nineties Alice Cooper song. Lost in America...

There can only be MANY

Not So Political

I really try to be a non-political person. I try to make my blog a very unpolitical environment. Mainly because I don't much care... If I like the person who is in office I'm a gullible fool if I don't like the person, I suffer from sour grapes. I know that sooner or later one faction is going to win over the other, and the really funny part (This pertains to congress) is the people we elect we generally feel they do an ok job, but the others in congress... not so much. So basically it is everyone else's problem, our guy is doing just fine. Whatever.

I really feel torn by these two sides... because I like parts of both, but really who has my point of view on these things? The part that really makes me crazy is the way we choose who we vote for. We ask really stupid questions like are you pro choice or right to life? Well, unless the person is a woman of child bearing age... who the fuck cares?!? Pro/anti gun? Really? We are simply going to have to find a way to live with guns, they aren't going away, so deal. The same goes for drugs and anything else illegal to do... if someone wants to bad enough, it is going to happen. Gay marriage? I didn't think it was any of my business or anyone else's. Ok perhaps you or your friends or family don't approve, but since when is that really an issue? If you don't like something, don't do it, so if everyone is abstaining from everything gay, why would you care about what is going on in someone else's home? We get caught up in these stupid straw-man arguments, that take away from real issues... And it aint just the politicians, it is the media and anyone else that may happen to comment on the "quasi-issue" or "Red Herring".

Fiscal responsibility? Does anyone running for office really know what that means? If they don't spend money, then they won't get government contracts for their state, if that doesn't happen they may not be re-elected, now who really wants that? How many politicians have you heard of that run a campaign on "I didn't do anything". Everybody has his or her pets. Some want to "trim" the budget, some like a strong defense others like to help the poor or help the disadvantaged youth or what have you. It is all a big game, and while I'm thankful for the right to vote, I completely understand why voter turn out is abysmal.

What does it mean for me? What is going to happen to me if you do or don't get into office? I'd say pretty much nothing either way. So why bother with it at all? In fact look at this news article. It paints a fairly grim picture of both sides. I don't know how we could turn this ship around, and I'm not even sure I would want to. I'm so tired of all the political wrangling, You can't vote for him because he hates kids, well you can't vote for her because she is in the pocketbook of big business... blah, blah, blah... Enough already. I give, honestly can someone really run for office, any office, that isn't a crook, liar, or something else not so nice? Is there anyone left? Maybe I need to review 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' for Classic Film Friday.

Or do I... maybe all of this haranguing is for nothing, because it has been going on pretty much since we started this country? Maybe. Perhaps I am searching for a utopia that never before or will exist, but I can hope can't I?

A Part of the System

It's funny. Watching my little girl (the 5-year-old, AKA the Songbird) transition from daycare to school aged child... watching as she adapts and how we as parents cope with "losing our baby" and the kid we get back. I'm not saying any of this is bad, because it is going to happen no matter what. I am saying, wow, I had a preschooler and what I get back is something much better, richer... just plain more.

I think letting my kid go to school is just as much a boon to the school as I'm sure the school wants me to be assured that my daughter will be safe and learning. In return I get the future. Yeah I get the future astronaut or president or doctor or whatever. Seeing that right before your very eyes has an effect in you. I was too young to appreciate the teenager's first year. I mean I knew it was something, but I didn't write it down(at least that I can see). And I'm sorry for that but you can't change that now.

The teenager is about to be 16. Oh my god... Teenagers are full of drama and more drama and did I mention drama? Especially girls, So looking forward 10 years, it is really not going to be fun, but somehow I'll manage. Here is hoping that everyone has a good and successful school year. I will be awing the kindergarten achievements and holding on for dear life when I look at the high school. Isn't parenting a joy? Just keep looking at the hand turkey and count to ten (or 20 or 100) there is nothing to see in the high school...

Damn Kids Just Keep Growing Up...

Augustus (the baby) is learning that by putting words together, she can make sense. Yes it's true. The other day she said "Meow eat um-um (food)." I know to those folks that don't have kids or forgot what it was like to see the beginning of communication... it might not seem like much. But she is stringing words together, sometimes not making any sense (to us) but still she tries.

There is still the one word yells, usually when she wants something. "Muck" (milk) or "Juice" or "ahmi" (any lunch meat, but specifically salami). I can't remember the Songbird being so vocal about everything. And that is fine, a quiet kid is a good kid. Anyway once they learn to talk, it is just about impossible to get them to shut up. So I'm just sitting back and watching the interactions between the 3 kids, and us parents and marveling at it all.

The teenager has come along. We can trust her a bit now. Though I expect to be disappointed by her at any second. It is what it is. She likes being at the high school, she understands that it is work to keep her grades up and it will only get harder from here. Maybe, just maybe beating my head against the wall has made a small dent. We will see.

The Songbird broke our hearts again this week. She lost her first tooth this week. My wife cried. Which was interesting because she did not cry when she went off to kindergarten. But I certainly am no expert on the ways of women... but I boo hooed like a baby when I took the teenager to kindergarten, so I at least understand.

Classic Film Friday: Coal Miner's Daughter

With it being Mrs. Hatter's birthday, I figured why not do a review of her all time favorite movie. It is based on the true story of Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) and her husband "Mooney" Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones). It tells the story of how a back woods country girl became an county music star and all the ups and downs they went through in that transition.

The movie also portrays Patsy Cline (Beverly D'Angelo) as one of Lynn's heroes growing up and catalogs her chance at meeting and becoming friends with her. The movie eventually ends with Loretta being at the top and I think that is what makes this movie so endearing to my wife. Her roots in Kentucky aren't all that far from Loretta's (Hazard is maybe 60 miles from Butcher Hollow) and it is a feel good story though many obstacles are overcome.

Bob Marley

As you may (or may not) know my wife, Mrs. Hatter loves her some reggae. And she made me like it too. Bob Marley was in the news (I know he has been dead for decades) with a video made about the starving kids (and adults) in Somalia. I can't say that it is very appealing to watch desolation but I understand the need to help. If you want to see that video, this is the link.

I don't know if it will do any/much good. I know it just isn't like those people are starving (they obviously are) but there is more to it than that. But I'm not going to talk about the social or political or religion problems of that area. I just want to jam with Bob. Tomorrow is my wife's birthday, and in honor of her birthday, here is some Bob.

Bob Marley- Could you be loved


Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up


I Shot The Sheriff

It's Funny Looking...

I Hope I Don't Foget Where I Came From

Lately things at work have been see-sawing like crazy. One minute of happiness can turn into 3 minutes of shear terror, 5 minutes later, it is all roses again. I hate that, hell I don't think anyone really likes it, save some masochistic fools. As I climb the proverbial career ladder, I'm reminded of the little guy, who tries and tries and tries... but never wins the respect of his bosses, and I will someday be that boss.

I understand that as a boss you feel pressure from above to be better, do more with less, make chicken pie out of chicken shit. But I still remain loyal to the little guy, and understand that though we may want something to be a certain way, wanting something and the way it really is... are two completely different things.

A buddy of mine is an A/C mechanic. It is a time of year that isn't kind to A/C units here in the south. There was a problem with one of the units he takes care of... his boss found that it was because it had not been cleaned properly. Well yes, and no. The reason it had not been cleaned properly is because to do the job means taking the A/C down and thoroughly cleaning the unit (while it is not running). Okay, so when can he really do that? If he does it now the A/C will be down and thus people will complain, and my buddy is suddenly not doing "his job" or he could wait until it is cooler, but then he is seen as being lazy.

Either way he loses, but he is an excellent A/C mechanic, who just can't catch a break. I don't know what to say or do in situations like this. I understand each person's point of view, but it doesn't really solve anything. I hope that when I do become the boss I have the patience to hear my subordinates out before jumping on the "stomp on the little guy" bandwagon. At least I would hope so...

A Cat's Life

I have been keeping an eye on our (really it is Mrs. Hatter's) cat. Why? well you see the cat is really, really, really old. The time varies but we think she in at the youngest 17, 19 at the oldest. She has been around. And she goes through times of when she won't eat to times when you can't feed her enough. Being so old, it makes me edgy that she may be finally dieing. I don't like to think of that, and neither does my wife. But we both know that day is eventually coming.

So now do we just let it happen, or do we take her to the vet and put her down? Now before anyone gets their feelings hurt, she is a diabetic, a very old cat, and has accidents now and then. Not only are they accidents but there is blood involved. It is not that we don't love her, because she has lived with us all this time. And will continue, but we know the clock is ticking for her. Add to that we have small children, again not that it is a problem... unless the cat has an accident, and we find out about it from one of our kids because they have blood or poop on them.

Maybe I'm worried about nothing. I hope I'm worried about nothing. She (the cat) is laying here next to me as I write this. I pet her and she is happily purring. Maybe that is all there is to it. We all go sooner or later, how many times we get petted is the difference between a good life and a bad one. Maybe. At least for cats anyway.

Yep, Pretty Much

This is Natalie Dee's website

Your WTF Moment... brought to you by The Masters of the Universe

So He-Man was a product of the 80's. I get that, and yeah he looked rather gay. Ok he dressed (when not in He-man form) like a complete flamer. But you take what you are given. In the 80's it was He-man.

Classic Film Friday: Roller Boogie

What can I say, I like to watch a good train wreck. This film has about as much to like (rainbow suspenders or and other disco wear) as to hate (plot holes you could walk through) but if you want to take a ride on the hilarity of the late 70's disco era films, this one is a can't miss.

Bobby James (Jim Bray) and his band of cohorts are teenagers on the boardwalk in Venice California. They like to skate, as in roller skate. There was a time when everyone liked to skate, and this was probably the peak in the fad. Terry Barkley (Linda Blair) is a rich girl who likes the same things all the other teenager like. But she is on the track to be a flautist, and that doesn't really mesh with the disco scene.

But against all odds Bobby and Terry find each other and fall in love. And things are going great. That is until the mob comes by the roller rink and gives the place the shake down as the rink is on some valuable land that could be turned into a high priced store or maybe condos (We really never are info as to why). Well how does this affect Terry and Bobby?

Well see there is this roller boogie competition. And if the mob has their way it will end the competition. So Terry and Bobby and friends have to unearth the truth before it is too late. Will they? Hmmmm...

The Strokes - Taken For A Fool

What is not to like about this video? It looks kind of tripy. Anyway a good song and a cool video, who could ask for anything more?

The Dragon-o-saur

I'm A Good Guy

I have to brag on myself (again). We recently passed some national accreditation inspection. Woo Hoo! Ok so we passed, and really we are supposed to and did. But we cannot, no matter how hard we might want to, escape time. What do I mean by this? Well that is great and I feel accomplished, but what about next year? Or the year after that? Or the year after that? The point I'm getting to is there is always another inspection just around the bend.

I know that sounds somewhat defeatist of me. And seriously I've contemplated some other profession for the very same reason (I found nothing that I liked or that didn't suffer from the same thing). So it is what I do and that is ok. I can take a breather having just passed inspection, but not too much, as the omnipresent "next inspection looms. Kind of like a comic book nemesis. You have to always be ready, because you can't ever put it away for good, just for right now. It is the world we live in. I'm ok with that, because sometimes you lose, I didn't this time but you never know if I might (doubtful, but still). You are only as good as your last inspection says you are. Yep, pretty much. So I'll be a good guy for a while.

Here We Go

Well not to brag to much on myself, but I will (just a little bit). Things at work have improved tremendously (not that it was all that bad). Basically things have expanded and I am going to reap the rewards of that expansion. I can't or won't go into too much detail but it looks like I could call the lowcountry home for a long time. This is a good thing because I really didn't feel this confidant 6 months to a year ago.

Now I just need to bone up on my leadership skills and work hard to not make the mistakes of my predecessor. I've worked for years to get to this point, now it just takes a small leap of faith to take it to the next level. That is the "hard" part. Nobody likes change. Everybody wants it, but nobody likes it. Everybody thinks they like it because they don't actually think it will be them who changes. Always someone else. This time it is me (hopefully). Nothing is set in stone as of yet. But I think (hope) that my long range plans (though they took a bit longer than I imagined) will come to fruition and I will not have to move to ascend the career ladder... So far so good.

Classic Film Friday: C.H.O.M.P.S

This is one for the kids (yes I know, many a classic film is, but this is just for kids) No adult would believe this... ever. But for a child, it's fairly easy. Brian Foster (Wesley Eure) works for a security company and he has an invention that will change everything. Ralph Norton (Conrad Bain) is Brian's employer and the father of Casey (Valerie Bertinelli) who is in love with Brian.

Then there is C.H.O.M.P.S the robot dog. This is the reason everyone will watch this movie. watch as C.H.O.M.P.S gets the bad guys, again and again. Yeah this movie is not a Oscar nominee by any means, but kids will be jumping up and down for C.H.O.M.P.S, and that is all that matters right?

Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight

So this is a video that comes recommended by the teenager. So that right there should tell you something. This seems like bubblegum pop at best. But I was asking her if she knew of any songs out right now. And this is the song she listed. So here is Hot Chelle Rae... Tonight Tonight. 

He is a Peeper

The Debris Story

As you may already know... I am from New Orleans and anytime I hear about this or that new restaurant that is "New Orleanian" I both groan and I hold out hope too. I want to taste my heritage, but I don't want bad food labeled as being from New Orleans, when you couldn't be further from the truth one place on Hilton Head serves Gumbo without any roux in it... Sacrilege! So I heard about this sandwich shop in Savannah, The Second Line, with has a very limited menu, but they promise true roast beef and "debris" po'boy. A po'boy is a sub-sandwich, it is called a po'boy because way back when, only a poor person would eat it. Debris is all the left over bits of roast beef.

As with almost everything, it became an adopted and "in" food thing, and so the po'boy was for every-boy. Funny how it works out that way. But anyway, back to Second Line. My dining experience was sort of jaded. For a sandwich shop, you would think they would have your order made within 5 minutes. Not so much. And I had my kids with me, so they were climbing on the chairs, rolling on the floor, basically acting a fool. The food was good, but I don't know if it was worth that kind of wait... and the bread (the secret to any good po'boy) was off somewhat.

The place was really setup for the bar scene there on River Street. And I would have loved it if I had been part of that and probably I would have gone there with out question to satiate my hunger after a few drinks. But instead I was there with my kids, and it was a really long wait (2 hours all together). It wet my appetite for a good (better) roast beef po'boy. There are a plethora of recipes online. I decided to use this one.

This was what I remember about a good roast beef po'boy. There is nothing our instant gratification society would approve of, but man was it good. It takes time, like 3 to 5 hours. This is not something you walk into, you must plan ahead. But the reward is so much better when you do plan. And you might even have some for lunch the next day. (If there is any left). I disappointingly can't recommend the Second Line, but I can suggest if you have a Saturday or Sunday you make your own. Publix has an descent French bread loaf. Make it yourself, and while you're at it buy a good 6-pack or 12-pack, invite some friends over and make happy. That is what it is all about right?

Cancer is Still a Bitch

I haven't spoke on this much, I really don't know why. My mother underwent surgery, a lumpectomy, the surgery was unsuccessful. The doctor was partly to blame and my mom has to share some of that blame as well. Basically, we went in and found more lumps that were cancerous. She will need a mastectomy. And then comes the whole reconstruction thing, plus she still has to go on the radiation and chemo afterward. It is a long time before my mom will feel like a whole person (if she ever feels like a whole person).

So we are doing the best that we can do... I mean I can do nothing but worry, so I keep worrying. My mother seems in good spirits and so that is good. She still has much to do, many appointments to make, places to go. I feel for her. I can't make any of the steps for her, but she doesn't really need me to do it for her anyway, but still ... you want to do for your mother (at least I do). Cancer is a long haul, no matter what the prognosis. There is good and bad with that, I guess my best bet is to take the good and forget about the bad.

The Hidden Meaning Behind "Eye Yah"

My littlest has been growing by leaps and bounds. Not just with her size, but with her ability to talk and tell us what she wants. This is good because I stay lost with females, be they are 2 or 62, and I live with all of them. Anyway the baby has started a kind of language all her own. If you hear her saying "Eye Yah!" something is hard and she can't quite get it. So she (I guess) is projecting her will with a "Eye yah!" and trying it a bit harder. Which is funny, but it can quickly end in frustration so you better not laugh too long.

This can be putting on clothes, climbing up (on something that she may/may not have permission to climb up on) something (like the sofa or bed) or it could be a toy she wants to get to do something a certain way... and it is not working for her. It is amusing and it perplexes us as well, because, how did a karate chop (the "Eye yah") become my daughter's go to phrase? If you hear it... chances are my daughter is nearby. That or you have walked into a ninja battle...

It Is Everybody's Fault

Oh lord... Seriously, I am starting to think that we really can't get anything done until after the deadline has come to pass. There is always a hope that someone will save the day at the eleventh hour, but more likely than not it is going into overtime. I blame everyone, because everyone has their heads up their respective asses. Compromise is going to have to happen. I don't see any other way around it. What does that mean? It means you have some stuff you like and some stuff you don't like but everyone walks away a winner (and a loser). I don't get why the folks on the right or left side of the aisle are so adamant that the other side is so wrong they don't care what happens to the rest of the country... this shit has got to stop.

If that is all our government is anymore, count me out, because that is just too crazy. Under that system of rule only the extreme right or left will control us. I think we are a middle of the rode kind of place, why the hell would we be anything else? My god, I can just imagine other folks looking in at us and wondering... or worse laughing and pointing, because we can't come to an agreement on pretty much anything. Instead of trying to make this side or that side bend to one way of thinking, are there any senators/congressmen out there reaching out  to the other side? At all???

Just a side note: I wrote this before the president and speaker had their speeches Monday night. They are still not playing ball. Neither side is ready apparently, because each side has to save face. I don't know why we have to go through all of this. I still fault both sides. I think the president came out looking better, but he also came off as a bit of a weasel. While Boehner looked like somebody had a gun to his head. I have a weak stomach for politics, I just want everything to work and I'll work too. I guess that will never happen. I know people are fed up with Washington. But they are always fed up with Washington.

Classic Film Friday - The Love Bug

Add this one to the "I can't believe I haven't reviewed this before" list. This movie, a live action film never fails to make kids and adults stop in their tracks and just watch the movie. Everybody loves Herbie (the VW Beetle) and it is hard to understand why. I have ridden in them before (no AC, AM radio, they are rather loud... and cramped) but it makes sense because it is like the "little engine that could".

And it plays on that so much throughout the movie, you can't help but love The Love Bug. It stars Dean Jones and Michele Lee and Buddy Hackett but really you watch for the little car what it does and you smile. This movie probably ranks in my top 5 for family friendly movies... and is not animated and it has something that even the adults like in it.    

Cracker - Teen Angst

Me and my wife got into this long drawn out discussion about this song. She had never heard of it and I simply could not believe it. It is from 1992. Here is Cracker singing Teen Angst. We are still arguing discussing how she doesn't know the song...

Ummm... Sure...

I know this is supposed to be an old story but man... if you look at the position those two are in... and then put it with "Let's Make Rabbits" well you could have yourself a porno right there is all I'm sayin...

I Have Been Water Fested

You know, as long as I had been here there are some things I have never done. One was go to any kind of Water Festival event, and the other was go on a boat. Well I could scratch both off my to do list in one outing. We (Mrs. Mad Hatter and myself) got an invite from someone with a boat to come out to the sandbar in Beaufort. I said heck yeah and we left the two little kids with the older big kid and off we went.

Well it was a bit... trailer trashy... I don't mind, heck I spent many of my years growing up in a trailer. Basically everybody that has a boat... from the yachts to a kayak/canoe (and some others I wasn't quite sure about.) comes to the sand bar to drink and drink and pretty much drink. They also have a bunch of dogs (I would say keep the dog at home, but anyway) and a number brought grills. You wait for low tide and everyone offloads, and drinks, there may be some horse shoes or corn-hole but really it is all about the drinking. This made me feel better about my own drinking problem (self-proclaimed). I did not have a drinking problem at all, if you looked at any of these people. But it is all relative I guess.

The very next day (Monday) we were again invited to Motown Monday. The singer (Reggie Deaz) is in the same class and my wife and we said we were down with the Motown, why not go see the guy sing? So we went saw the band, saw some friends, drank a little (I was driving, so I stopped after 2) and it was so nice to break free. Oh my, how it was nice to break free!!! We were gone from 7pm-12am. No kids, no job, no worries. It was great. In fact it was so great we did it again last Saturday.

Which is why I didn't/couldn't update my blog... I was having too much fun to stop and tell anyone about it. And there is something to be send about that fact. Now, now I have to reel in those jet-setting ways, get back to reality and become the tax-paying citizen again (not that I ever quit, but you know what I mean). Maybe we'll do it again next year :o)

From the "It Could Be Worse" department...

A guy a know, let's say a colleague, honestly way back... 15+ years ago, we both worked work the same company. I took over his job for a month after he left, then I went to work under him at a new job... which he left again. Anyway I found out through a mutual friend that he shot himself and he is now in ICU in Greenville SC. He is not expected to make it. I just can't believe it. He had a wife and kid(s), I don't know what caused him to think that killing himself was his only option. I know he was suffering with MS (multiple sclerosis), but still I think (I really don't know) he had something to live for.

I have never been close to this person, but still this is the closest I've come to anyone who attempted to take their own life. I makes you pause for a while. I'm just thinking what is he thinking? I guess we will never know. Now he is in ICU with his guts exposed (they can't sea him back up due to infection) waiting to die. I can't even imagine. Which is why... it could be worse.

Classic Film Friday: Easy Money

What is not to love about Rodney Dangerfield? Watch as he tries to reform from his gambling, smoking, drinking and philandering ways and go on a diet... it is an hour and a half of laughing at Rodney aka 'Monty' Capuletti as he tries harder and harder to win his mother-in-law's money (as described in her will). Nicky (Joe Pesci) is Monty's best friend in this adventure. I love the one-liners in this movie. And they don't always come from Rodney.

Fatboy Slim: The Rockafeller Skank

This is a blast from the not so distant past. Why post it now? Why not. Maybe if folks got along like the people in this video... things would be better. Just sayin'.

Offered With No Comment...

Alcohol

Alcoholism runs in my family. We can trace it (my aunt has our lineage traced down 20 or so generations) to some native Americans, or Irish or who knows... The thing is I know I am predisposed to like taking a drink. And I do. This doesn't mean I get rip-roaring drunk or even a little buzzed... sometimes I go days or even (rarely) weeks without taking a drink at all. But usually I like to imbibe.

And I know there is nothing wrong with that. For now anyway. But I wonder, as I get older and my health is more of a concern if I should worry about it? I know a lot more than I ever wanted to about cancer and how what we take into our bodies can make us sick. And a part of me longs for a cold beer or cocktail at certain times. It just doesn't feel the same without it. Like say vacation, I would like to kick back with a drink. Again I'm not talking about being drunk, just the relaxation that can only come (for me) with a drink in my hand.

I really don't know. I don't know if it is worth it to live for a year or two longer or even 5-10 years if I have to do that while abstinent. My wife would likely try to convince me otherwise, but I am unsure. My father is likely dieing. Hell we are all dieing, but my dad I think has congestive heart failure, at least from the descriptions he gives me (edema and feeling short breathed a lot). Now I am not a doctor, so really I have no idea, but he paints a picture for me. He is trying to stay at work even though he collects social security because:

He has life insurance with his job, once he quits the life insurance goes away. He wants to take care of his wife, and that is the only thing he has.

He likes to drink, he usually has his first beer around 10:30 on the weekends... Yeah, he is an alcoholic. But he has his reasons. Life is hard, he is still working at 68, at a very hot and nasty job, he works at a paint factory, he is a 10 year survivor of throat cancer, and his wife bitches at him (which makes me wonder why would he even care about her... why? because it is all he has). Now he doesn't drink on the job (I think) and never drinks and drives (I think). He also never has a very good car. So he is always fixing one of them. Usually 2 or 3 at a time. Which all of this means stress, stress leads to depression, depression leads to drinking.

So he has a long grocery list of reasons why he drinks, mainly it is to dull the senses to all the bad things so that he can remember the nice things better. I know that is a fantasy, but for him it works and like I was saying, he likely does not have long in this world anyway, why not go out happier rather than not so much? That is what I keep telling myself anyway.

There are multiple reasons why he should not be drinking. But why even begin to entertain them now? He is going to die, maybe not this year or 2 years from now, but eventually we all have to go. I can't make those decisions for him, if he is going to clean up and live the sober life, I'm all for it, but that doesn't stop me from wondering about myself.

I feel like I am walking a tightrope. Drink too much and you are a lush, don't drink enough and... well what kind of life is that? I don't want to alienate friends by being too sober or drunk, I just want to have a good time, live life as much as I can, and make the most out of the time I have on this earth. So do I walk that rope until I die or do I simply drop off, going the full sobriety route? Maybe I'll never know...

The Pennsylvania Trip

Well, the vacation was a mixed bag. We got to see some things, we got exposed to different cultures, we also caught some nasty bug up there and we came home with everyone sick. That part, really sucked, but I guess it happens to all of us. Looking back at the photos, I guess we had a nicer time than I remember. The negative and the last thing is remembered more than the positive. At least for me. Here are the pics:

 Ricketts Glen, a state park that has some spectacular waterfalls.

Like this one

Or this one, that the teenager is trying demonstrate how not to fall from a waterfall...

Here Songbird spots a place to call her own.

Then we went to Steamtown... a national park (who knew?)

Next we are at Kirby park to celebrate the 4th... and so was everyone else...

No doubt to see Augustus in stickers...

Or maybe it was the fireworks show.

On to Hershey Park, plenty of roller coasters and lines and mascots to keep you busy all day.

And the occasional race car ride...

And more mascots... This one with almost the whole family...

Overall it was a trip that I think nobody will forget... I won't anyway, we got to see a lot and do even more. I'm glad we went and even gladder we have these photos to remember how much we did...

Back From "Vacation"... I Need More Time

Holy Shit! Man that week blew by, we had fun, saw a few things and got rid of a few piles of money in the process. But I need some time to just be myself, let me relax a bit and chill out for a few...

Classic Film Friday : Flash Gordon

What the hell?!?! I could have sworn I posted a review of my all time favorite movie growing up as a child. Now I understand there is a remake in the works, and I've no doubt that the acting will probably be better, but there is a certain panache that you will never have because you don't have Queen singing your songs in the movie. So by rights, this was a classic when it came out in 1980.

Watching the movie now... well did I say it was a great movie way back in 1980? Year it has not aged well. But if you like campy, big budget sci-fy movies, then this has to be in your top ten list. Sam J. Jones is Flash, a quarterback for the Jets. HE is coming back to New York from vacation where he meets Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) as they will be share the small plane back to NY. About the same time that Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) is planning to destroy the earth.

The plane takes off but then the pilots are killed by a falling meteorite (Ming's doing) Flash takes the wheel and crash lands in Dr. Hans Zarkov's (Chaim Topol) greenhouse. Zarkov just so happens to have a rocket and he needs more people to operate the controls. So Flash, Dale and Zarkov are now in a rocket and heading to Mongo (Where Ming is). They promptly get taken prisoner.

Was that out of this world enough for you? No well good because it gets better. They meet the bad guys, Klytus (Peter Wyngarde) and General Kala (Mariangela Melato) as well as some want that want anything but Ming... Prince Barin (Timothy Dalton) a sort of woodland race and Prince Vultan (Brian Blessed) a winged hawk-man. Watch as Ming kills Flash (or thinks he's dead) only to come out of everything alive and listen to Freddie Mercury's vocals and Brian May's guitar. This movie is one of my all time favorites... I have it on DVD, you should too.

Vacation - Iron Butterfly - In-a-Gadda-da-Vida

I'm still on vacation and I was telling the teenager how they had this song that was really long like it took up a whole side of a vinyl record. Yes I know, it was my mom's record and yeah I also know that that kind of music pretty much was adored by people who took drugs and drank. But still, it is what it is. Enjoy some Iron Butterfly while I'm away.


Iron Butterfly In-a-Gadda-da-Vida - long... by 1236bigcat

Buckwalter Place Greenway Trail - Thumbs Down

I know I'm really not here this week, but I must tell you, or not tell you about Buckwalter Place Greenway Trail. Well it sucked. I try to keep an open mind to these sorts of things I really tried. But all it really is... is a trail around a parking lot. It does not go far enough into the woods, and there is absolutely nothing of interest anywhere. I thought that it would go around the parking lot but at some point I thought it would veer off to a special place and you could see some wildlife or something. I got nothing. I'm sure that when this place was being pitch to the city council the fact that it has "Greenway" somehow made it better, but honestly you could walk around the parking lot of Wal-Mart or Target and pretty much get the same thing... without lob-lolly pines falling down around you. I'd give the whole Buckwalter Place Greenway Trail big needs improvement... at best. I had such high hopes for it, but I guess that was my own fault. Maybe I'm wrong, but really... let's just say it is the first and last time I'll ever make the mistake of traveling this trail again. It does have some kind of iPhone thing you can download, but I don't have that... so...