Neal Bortz received an email from a listener saying that she was a single mom and that Hillary inspired the same fear in her as does her baby's green poo at 3:00 O'clock in the morning.
Interesting metaphor.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Inuit throat-singing
When I am having trouble sleeping I sometimes go on the computer and browse blogs. I always find it interesting to see what people have to share. Often one link leads to another taking me on a cultural adventure.
Tonight I followed a blogger's link to The Smithsonian's version of iTunes, Smithsonian Global Sound. Browsing that site led to an Inuit throat-singing demonstration by two young women. Sorry I cannot link you directly to their demonstration but if you scroll down the site to the American Indian section you will find them.
I liked the way they enjoyed demonstrating a part of their culture and their costumes. That prompted me to Google "Inuit throat singing" which revealed a Mongolian connection. And, this blog contains a variety of interesting vocal excerpts of throat singing.
Tonight I followed a blogger's link to The Smithsonian's version of iTunes, Smithsonian Global Sound. Browsing that site led to an Inuit throat-singing demonstration by two young women. Sorry I cannot link you directly to their demonstration but if you scroll down the site to the American Indian section you will find them.
I liked the way they enjoyed demonstrating a part of their culture and their costumes. That prompted me to Google "Inuit throat singing" which revealed a Mongolian connection. And, this blog contains a variety of interesting vocal excerpts of throat singing.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Toys from China
The June 18th New York Times has an article about toys from China. It starts out: "China manufactured every one of the 24 kinds of toys recalled for safety reasons in the United States so far this year, including the enormously popular Thomas & Friends wooden train sets, a record that is causing alarm among consumer advocates, parents and regulators."
That suggests to me that if I were buying a toy, any designated as coming from China would automatically be eliminated. I've got to watch out for my safety.
That suggests to me that if I were buying a toy, any designated as coming from China would automatically be eliminated. I've got to watch out for my safety.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Pattern Blogging
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING BLOG HAS LITTLE OF INTEREST OR SUBSTANTIVE CONTENT. DON'T BLAME ME IF YOU WASTE YOUR TIME READING IT.
Pattern blogging is something like male pattern baldness. Blogs that occur in somewhat predictable patterns with occasional bald spots.
I've noted that I suffer from this syndrome as do many others. I suppose it occurs when we get busy with important things in life like walking the dog and taking the trash to the curb. I try to avoid too large a bald spot in my writings thus this useless blog.
Also, one of the reasons for the latest drought is that I am working on a blog that may have some real content. Of course it relates to politics and ranting about incompetence,etc. It has created a condition rather like constipation but I'll keep grunting and soon deluge my readers with fantastic drivel (hows that for a mental image).
Had a phone call the other evening. It was a young lady doing a survey (stress not selling anything), ok, I'm retired and decided to cooperate. Event though there were some questions about what I though of the local grocery, some politics, etc., it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it was sponsord by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. One question that puzzled me was: "If you had a choice of any insurance company, what would it be?" I admit that is not something I lay awake wondering about. I gave a mental shrug but deciding not to confess my ignorance told her "Scott Adams."
A few mintues after completing the survey I had a call back by the supervisor of the young lady doing the survey. He wanted to just verify a couple questions. One was related to my age group, the other was the insurance company I most wanted - I repeated my answer, "Scott Adams." He thanked me and hung up. Now doesn't Scott Adams sound like an insurance company rather then the Dilbert Cartoonist?
I'm watching the US Open while writing this. Just saw a pro (Cabrera) hit a drive that went more then twice the distance I can drive a ball, 397 yards, that is huge.
I gave you a warning.
Pattern blogging is something like male pattern baldness. Blogs that occur in somewhat predictable patterns with occasional bald spots.
I've noted that I suffer from this syndrome as do many others. I suppose it occurs when we get busy with important things in life like walking the dog and taking the trash to the curb. I try to avoid too large a bald spot in my writings thus this useless blog.
Also, one of the reasons for the latest drought is that I am working on a blog that may have some real content. Of course it relates to politics and ranting about incompetence,etc. It has created a condition rather like constipation but I'll keep grunting and soon deluge my readers with fantastic drivel (hows that for a mental image).
Had a phone call the other evening. It was a young lady doing a survey (stress not selling anything), ok, I'm retired and decided to cooperate. Event though there were some questions about what I though of the local grocery, some politics, etc., it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it was sponsord by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. One question that puzzled me was: "If you had a choice of any insurance company, what would it be?" I admit that is not something I lay awake wondering about. I gave a mental shrug but deciding not to confess my ignorance told her "Scott Adams."
A few mintues after completing the survey I had a call back by the supervisor of the young lady doing the survey. He wanted to just verify a couple questions. One was related to my age group, the other was the insurance company I most wanted - I repeated my answer, "Scott Adams." He thanked me and hung up. Now doesn't Scott Adams sound like an insurance company rather then the Dilbert Cartoonist?
I'm watching the US Open while writing this. Just saw a pro (Cabrera) hit a drive that went more then twice the distance I can drive a ball, 397 yards, that is huge.
I gave you a warning.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sun is Good for you!
Hey, see the latest medical thingy on the news. Now some researchers say we need to get some sunshine because it helps prevent cancer. They say everyone should get at least 15 minutes of sun each day.
What is funny is the skin doctors are upset about this. Just as they get people to cover up and stay out of the sun...these guys come along and screw it all up.
Scott Adams has it right in this post.
What is funny is the skin doctors are upset about this. Just as they get people to cover up and stay out of the sun...these guys come along and screw it all up.
Scott Adams has it right in this post.
Not All Fun and Games
Its been a rather trying past few days. People think we retirees have it easy but we really have to work at this. Thursday I played golf with a firend of mine here in St. James, and on Friday Hazel, Jason, Linda (a neighbor) and I took Drambuie out of a sail.
The sailing was superbly pleasant. Sunny and warm with winds ranging from 11 to 15 knots. That is a nice comfrotable sailing condition when out for a leisurely sail. I did put a reef in the main to keep the boat flatter and relaxed but it wasn't really needed. In the picture, we are headed back home on a downwind course - thus no heel - with Bald Head Island off to the right. Bald Head is a rather exclusive place that can only be reached via boat (regular ferry service from Southport). Haven't been there yet but plan to change that soon.
I was tired Saturday so just relaxed and didn't try to get anything done. So, today, being somewhat refreshed, Hazel and I went to the beach. It's a 20 minute drive from the house and we finally got there a little after 9 am. The tide was out and plenty of room.
We left the beach around 1:30 pm and there were a lot more people there. I used a zoom on the camera and it looks much more crowded then it is. I was trying to show it more crowded but succeeded better then I intended. There was still plenty of beach room and in the ocean. The water is warm now and we could swim for a half hour or more without getting cold.
Might have to relax tomorrow to recover from today.
The sailing was superbly pleasant. Sunny and warm with winds ranging from 11 to 15 knots. That is a nice comfrotable sailing condition when out for a leisurely sail. I did put a reef in the main to keep the boat flatter and relaxed but it wasn't really needed. In the picture, we are headed back home on a downwind course - thus no heel - with Bald Head Island off to the right. Bald Head is a rather exclusive place that can only be reached via boat (regular ferry service from Southport). Haven't been there yet but plan to change that soon.
I was tired Saturday so just relaxed and didn't try to get anything done. So, today, being somewhat refreshed, Hazel and I went to the beach. It's a 20 minute drive from the house and we finally got there a little after 9 am. The tide was out and plenty of room.
We left the beach around 1:30 pm and there were a lot more people there. I used a zoom on the camera and it looks much more crowded then it is. I was trying to show it more crowded but succeeded better then I intended. There was still plenty of beach room and in the ocean. The water is warm now and we could swim for a half hour or more without getting cold. 
Might have to relax tomorrow to recover from today.
Borrowed Post
I go through cycles like most on here - post several blogs and then have to recuperate from all that effort, puff, puff, puff (maybe its an age thing?). Anyway, that being the case I have decided to borrow this post from "No, I Am Not Claire Martin."
Men Are Just Happier People. Amongst other reasons:
1. Your last name stays put.
2. The garage is all yours.
3. Wedding plans take care of themselves.
4. Chocolate is just another snack.
5. You can be Prime Minister.
6. You can never be pregnant.
7. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
8. You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
9. Car mechanics tell you the truth.
10. The world is your urinal.
11. You never have to drive to another petrol station toilet because this one is just too icky.
12. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
13. Same work, more pay.
14. Wrinkles add character.
15. Wedding dress~$5000, tux rental~$100.
16. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
17. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
18. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
19. One mood all the time.
20. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
21. You know stuff about tanks.
22. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
23. You can open all your own jars.
24. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
25. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
26. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
27. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
28. You almost never have strap problems in public.
29. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
30. Everything on your face stays its original colour.
31. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
32. You only have to shave your face and neck.
33. You can play with toys all your life.
34. Your belly usually hides your big hips.
35. One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for all seasons.
36. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
37. You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
38. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
39. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
Men Are Just Happier People. Amongst other reasons:
1. Your last name stays put.
2. The garage is all yours.
3. Wedding plans take care of themselves.
4. Chocolate is just another snack.
5. You can be Prime Minister.
6. You can never be pregnant.
7. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
8. You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
9. Car mechanics tell you the truth.
10. The world is your urinal.
11. You never have to drive to another petrol station toilet because this one is just too icky.
12. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
13. Same work, more pay.
14. Wrinkles add character.
15. Wedding dress~$5000, tux rental~$100.
16. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
17. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
18. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
19. One mood all the time.
20. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
21. You know stuff about tanks.
22. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
23. You can open all your own jars.
24. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
25. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
26. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
27. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
28. You almost never have strap problems in public.
29. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
30. Everything on your face stays its original colour.
31. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
32. You only have to shave your face and neck.
33. You can play with toys all your life.
34. Your belly usually hides your big hips.
35. One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for all seasons.
36. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
37. You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
38. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
39. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Clogger
Not talking about a hair ball.
This guy is good. As a kid, I fantasized and (sometimes as an adult) being able to publicly do something that surprised, amazed and wow'ed people. I think this fellow dose it.
This guy is good. As a kid, I fantasized and (sometimes as an adult) being able to publicly do something that surprised, amazed and wow'ed people. I think this fellow dose it.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Democratic Debate
Hazel and I watched the democratic debate last night. At two hours, I was ready for them to end but I did find them interesting and worthwhile to watch. The debate was spirited at times and provided some opportunity to see how the candidates differed.
This morning I went to a CNN site providing analysts scorecard of the debate. I think they are wrong. The analyst view the debates from an entirely different perspective then the average viewer. They have a "history" with the candidates and accordingly rate on the basis of this previous knowledge and on conjecture as to how the average viewer sees them. For example, to say that Clinton won the debate because she didn't put her foot in her mouth IS WRONG! If the question had been whether the debate changed their status, okay. But Clinton did not shine last night.
For me, it was the first time I saw some of these people represent their positions. I liked Richardson (at least he promoted his record in very favorable light) in the debate even though I reject his Iraq position. Mike Gravel? Well I hope he stays around to throw water on the other candidates. Sometimes he even said something worthwhile but as a serious presidential candidate - no way. It was like one of those group settings where one individual consistently says things out of sync, the others politely pause and then resume their discourse as though he had said nothing.
I think Edwards gained some points, Obama showed substantial grasp of issues, Clinton had a face lift, Biden surprised me and will get further scrutiny from me. He was a little too forceful at moments but had good comments, Dodd - not impressed, Kucinich - please no!
Course I'm a republican so might not vote for any of them. Frankly, I want to vote for the person that I think can best lead the country. It's unlikely Ill agree with all of their platform. I just want competence.
The big surprise? That the debates weren't canceled for a "Going to Jail" party for Paris Hilton. Don't we have our priorities here?
This morning I went to a CNN site providing analysts scorecard of the debate. I think they are wrong. The analyst view the debates from an entirely different perspective then the average viewer. They have a "history" with the candidates and accordingly rate on the basis of this previous knowledge and on conjecture as to how the average viewer sees them. For example, to say that Clinton won the debate because she didn't put her foot in her mouth IS WRONG! If the question had been whether the debate changed their status, okay. But Clinton did not shine last night.
For me, it was the first time I saw some of these people represent their positions. I liked Richardson (at least he promoted his record in very favorable light) in the debate even though I reject his Iraq position. Mike Gravel? Well I hope he stays around to throw water on the other candidates. Sometimes he even said something worthwhile but as a serious presidential candidate - no way. It was like one of those group settings where one individual consistently says things out of sync, the others politely pause and then resume their discourse as though he had said nothing.
I think Edwards gained some points, Obama showed substantial grasp of issues, Clinton had a face lift, Biden surprised me and will get further scrutiny from me. He was a little too forceful at moments but had good comments, Dodd - not impressed, Kucinich - please no!
Course I'm a republican so might not vote for any of them. Frankly, I want to vote for the person that I think can best lead the country. It's unlikely Ill agree with all of their platform. I just want competence.
The big surprise? That the debates weren't canceled for a "Going to Jail" party for Paris Hilton. Don't we have our priorities here?
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Fortune Cookie
Most fortune cookies do not tell your fortune e.g. you are going to be run over by a Hummer. Instead they contain some sort of boring statement. Thus when eating at a Chinese restaurant the other day I didn't want to even bother opening my fortune cookie. Hazel would not permit that and opened my cookie for me.
For once I felt it was right on. It said, "You have a potential urge and the ability for accomplishment."
Hazel...Hazel...yoohoo...Hazel, now where did she go?
For once I felt it was right on. It said, "You have a potential urge and the ability for accomplishment."
Hazel...Hazel...yoohoo...Hazel, now where did she go?
Lobster Sale
And now its a week later, Saturday, June 2nd. This morning I went to Southport to help with a Lobster sale sponsored by our church, proceeds to benefit the church's Outreach program. While I was there we cooked about 700 lobsters and then my shift was over so don't know how many were cooked in total - the sale ended mid-afternoon. We were also selling live lobsters for those that wanted to prepare them at home.
Hazel and I decided it was time for us to experience the fun of cooking a live lobster at home so I brought two live ones home with me. I thought about giving them names but Hazel would be even more upset at killing them then she was already. She advised me not to look into their eyes when putting them in the pot. She also wanted me to feed them vodka and club them. I rejected all ideas and forced them into a steaming pot of boiling water. HeHeHeHeHeHe
Hey, when you're old and retired you gotta get your kicks however you can.
Hazel and I decided it was time for us to experience the fun of cooking a live lobster at home so I brought two live ones home with me. I thought about giving them names but Hazel would be even more upset at killing them then she was already. She advised me not to look into their eyes when putting them in the pot. She also wanted me to feed them vodka and club them. I rejected all ideas and forced them into a steaming pot of boiling water. HeHeHeHeHeHe
Hey, when you're old and retired you gotta get your kicks however you can.
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