Sunday Song

I can't remember if I have posted this song or not. I like the groove of it. It is by a Christian band enjoying some commercial success.

Song: Stars
Band: Switchfoot

I want a ton of days like this one!

Today, I got to have a two-hour lunch with my cousin's son. He has asked for some help and advice on his college applications, essays, and search for schools. It was really nice to sit across from a family member who wasn't judging me, wasn't trying to make me feel inferior, and who wasn't making hate myself. I am the black sheep of the family. I've never thought like them or lived my life like them.

My cousin's son has always had wonderful level of intelligence and delight in learning things. He has true intellectual curiosity. He plays soccer, piano, and trumpet. Not because he was forced into it, but because he had genuine interest and passion in those areas. He reads on his own time. He loves to read about wars, foreign affairs, and loves to try to understand how the world operates via politics and relations. This is his passion. Sitting and listening to him articulate his dreams and what he wants to pursue just made me so proud of him. We have both had similar struggles with the same family members. In fact, his mom and he are going through things that I have been through: a broken home and the BS that comes with it, a seriously ill parent, having family members mock my aspirations, and wanting and education in a family that doesn't quite understand the value of anything beyond blue-collar work. I'm proud of my blue collar background, but if there is an opportunity to exceed, it, by all means it should be exceeded.

I left our lunch feeling like my cousin is just going to be an awesome man. I was very impressed by him. I'm also very proud. I used to toss baseballs to him. The higher I could throw them, the happier he was because it required him to work harder to catch the ball. That's sums him up, completely. "Give me a challenge and I'll figure out a way to deal with it and surpass it."

Then, when I left, I decided to go to a movie. I saw We Own the Night with Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, and Eva Mendes. I highly recommend this movie! Phoenix must get an Oscar nod for this! I mean it! The movie had my attention the entire time. I found myself afraid for the characters, sad, sitting on the edge of my seat, and totally loving it! If I talk about the movie in any detail, it will give stuff away, so just go see it. It is rated R and the opening scene is third-base type action and very adult--so don't take anyone with you, that if you saw it together, it would make you squirm. Check out the movie's site for more info. (I placed the link in the movie title.)

So, how can I top such an awesome day? The Flyers are playing the Hurricanes. That means, Roddy is in town! Woooo hooooooooo!!!! I think I'll find a way to sneak into his room ala Laverne and Shirley style (anyone remember that episode? Laverne and Shirley sneak into Fabian's room? Think it was Fabian.). Here's something you probably didn't know: Rod Brind'Amour completed his college education at Temple University in Philadelphia. What did he study? Education--to be a teacher. Think he'd want to teach at my school when he retires? Huh? It would make me reallllllly happy. Heh.

Music and stuff

On the way home from a 60+ hour week tonight, I heard a Led Zeppelin song that I had not heard in ages. I used to own the Led Zeppelin III album, and this is one of my favorite songs from it. It also reminded me of a guy who used to be my friend. He looked like a young Robert Plant, including the long curly, wavy hair. We had a funny friendship. He and I happened to go out to California around the same time. I was really bored one day and I called his mom (a former teacher of mine, so I knew about him going to LA before I did, and had seen him in passing when he visited her at school) and she gave me his phone number. We never hung out in California, but when he came back a few months after I did, we hung out all the time. He had this thing about kissing me on the lips. I never quite got it. It was the type of kiss that was a little too long for a peck. One time, because he had a girlfriend, I turned my head so he'd kiss me on the cheek. Eh, he wasn't happy with that move. He was "willing," but I wasn't. He could be verbally abusive, and well, I had enough of that for one lifetime, so I just remained friends with him. Anyway, this song reminded me of him and those kisses.


Song: "Friends"
Led Zeppelin

Caption Contest

Have fun..I'll post winners Monday evening by 10:00. Have a sweeeeeet weekend!

Sweet-tooth
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito reacts as Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani passes him a plate of cookies at a National Italian American Foundation gala dinner in Washington.

OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Wyatt

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!

5. John D.: "Have a cookie, Justice Alito. One of my ex-wives baked 'em."

4. Wyatt Earp: Rudy: "Try one. Hillary made them especially for you."

3. Cowboy Blob: They're all shaped like severed horse heads!

2. Rodney Dill: I thought Marty Feldman was dead.

THE WINNER IS...

1. Vincent Antonelli: (Alito, thinking to himself): I SAW the bastard leave the men's room without washing his hands, and now he passes me the cookies?! No Freakin Way! If he thinks he's puttin' that hand on my bible at the inauguration he's got another thing comin'.. ew, is that a hair on that one?

Not so PC

*Warning: A bit salty...


Achmed The Terrorist - Watch more free videos

OK! Who did it?

The fatigue monster and general ick I've been feeling for days turned into a hellacious night of leg/ankle/foot cramps. I literally had eight of them within two hours last night and was up most of the night. THEN...around 4:00-5:00, like sun pushing out the cloudy skies after a storm, the fatigue vanished, as did a lot of the leg pain. I even felt the general ick disappear.

So, whoever prayed for me, THANK YOU! I feel tons better and it allowed me to be really productive. :)

HEADLINES!!!!!!!!!

Hey, my inability to sleep (leg/ankle/foot cramps) is your gain. Can't promise these are all that witty, but at least I got my eyes open enough to see what I was typing. ;P

1. Sen. Kennedy 'Eating Ice Cream' After Surgery on Blocked Artery... Is the ice cream laced with booze and bacon® fat?

2. Dentist claims breast rubs appropriate
I guess drilling someone's mouth gets him in the mood. Wouldn't a rub imply a little time put into it? I've worked through drug-induced hazes, before. That ass would be wearing his balls for earrings.

3. U.S. military looking at alternatives to Turkey
Prime rib seems like a good choice. Or we could finally invade Iran and use their bases.

4. MAN WALKS AROUND NYC -- NUDE!
Hope it wasn't cold. I just hope he wasn't wearing black socks with sandals.

5. Sex Party alleges postal discrimination
The party was extremely upset that their requests for stamps for their post-office-athon were denied.

6. Oh, he's walking the plank in his undies again..
Is that the same as walking his dog? Heh. Well, there is more than one way to read the sentence.

7. Drunken priest punches cop, jailed
This after he attended an Eagles game and picked a fight with nuns of the Our Lady of Rocky Balboa parish.

8. Woman finds niche mothering squirrels
I hear the breast feeding is a beyotch!

9. Couple scare robber with decorative ax
Martha Stewart would be proud of their choice of frilly and blood reistant touches.

10. Philippine police told to use whistles instead of guns
The special whistles emit a high-pitched sound that only criminals can hear.

Don't you love construction?

I just love when the same road has been under construction since June! I mean, I can't breath in enough exhaust fumes! That Jersey Black Lung should be kicking in any day, now. That trek of jammage took me 15 minutes--not even a mile. I was so happy that I was able to leave work just before 6:00 p.m., and then this! Grrrrrr!

Cool cell phone camera, eh?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLEA!!!!

One of my all-time favorite bassists.

MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!?!?!?!?!

Captain America over at First In has added a new facet to his blogging: audio of his voice! Soon, we'll be calling him Captain Gabby.

Gaw...what a Philly accent! I'm waiting to hear that I can get my tickets for the "Show of Shows" soon. HA!

Somehow, I always imagined the good Captain like this. Not this.

(All in love, Captain!)

It's not just art, it's BACON!!!!!!!!!

Apparently the market for art is taking a hit because of global financial concerns. But come on? Is that a reason to underbid a naked man turning on a light? Personally, I wouldn't pay a naked man turn on a light, but I would like to watch.

I wonder if he's cold?

A bad thing?

It is a bad thing when it is 5:30 a.m. and you are on your computer, avoiding the fact that you have to go to work (knowing you won't get home until 7:00-8:00 p.m.), and you want a stiff drink and greasy food, right? Maybe I just need some BACON!®

A faith thing

The fatigue monster has struck again. At least it is not 24/7 like it used to be. However, that means a dim mind and that I didn't get any work done this weekend. As a result, I'm just flat out stressed--which makes me feel more fatigued. I'll learn to take in stride, someday. When I get like this I look at and listen to a lot of music. I thought I'd share these two songs.

The first song just kind of met me where I am right now. I'm not a big fan of the band, as they are an example of what is wrong with the music industry, but that's an argument for another time. I'm about the message right now.

The second song just kind of seems to go with first song in sentiment. I'd rate myself a "Grade A" screw-up a lot of the time. That's why I need God and that's why these songs helped me today.

I hope they help you all in some way. I don't like to be preached at; therefore, I don't like to do it, myself. So, this hugely flawed person is just going to wish you a nice Monday and hope that you at least find some peace in the message of the songs. :)

"Ain't the Leaving Kind"
Rascal Flatts



"Arms of Jesus"
Clay Crosse

Yep, I'm a dreamer.

Mrs. Grim has this up at her blog, so that we may visit another blog. I've been doing that a lot, today. It has been a literal trip around the world. Bloggy goodness is everywhere. :) You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all... But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you. Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses. Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others. Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life. Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

YAY!!!

The Flyers won their first home game by beating the Islanders! Yippeee!

Yeah, there were some fists and hits, but what I liked the most was the end of the game. Flyers' defenseman and team captain, Jason Smith, got an empty net goal because he went down to the ice and stopped the puck with his body, twice. After the second time, he got his stick on the puck and it went in to the Islander's empty net, ending a scoreless streak that has haunted him since January.

Welcome to Philadelphia, Smitty! (Biron...29 saves. Nice.)

Sunday Song

This week's Sunday song is a two-fer. I really like the group, Selah. They have a new female singer, so the awesome, smoky voice you hear has been replaced by a non-smoky, but equally talented singer (in case you go looking for their music). The song "Wonderful Merciful Savior" moves me.

I've made it no secret that I pray a lot. Often, I feel like I am asking God to move every mountain in the world. Watching the little girl in this video dance among people fully laid out in prayer reminds me of a couple of things. The first thing I'm reminded of is the complete innocence I once possessed. Because of that innocence, I had such faith. I used to sit at a window next to my bed from the time I moved into my grandmom's house until I left it to go sow some oats in Los Angeles. I'd sit and stare at the sky and the stars and pray. My whole life I prayed for the same things and continue to do so. Ironically, my bed is next to a window even now and I often find myself moving the curtain a bit to stare at the sky at night. Often, I wonder where God is in my prayers. I believe He hears me, sees my hurts, my struggles, my hopes and desires. I find myself thinking back to that innocent kid, before all the real hurts of life.

Watching this little girl also reminded me of when I used to look for an excuse to dance. I took lessons when I was small, but it became too costly for me to continue. Whenever I was home alone (which was a lot) or banished to my room (which was voluntary, given the alternative) I'd put on music and dance. I'd get dance books from the library and memorize the photos and copy them. I understand and "get" the complete freedom and innocence of the little girl in the video: The complete innocence and freedom to dance around like no one is watching (to borrow a cliche) and to believe God hears me and sees everything that happens in my life.

Artist: Selah
Song: "Moving Mountains"

auf Wiedersehen

Werner von Trapp (Known as Kurt in the movie, Sound of Music) has passed at the age of 91.

In honor of his family's fame and escape from the Nazis in Austria, I give you this:



(H/T: Yahoo)

If you'd rather see the "Monsterpiece Theater" version of the movie, then pay a visit to Alistair Cookie.

Because I care. . .

Really, I do.

A lot of the people who read my blog are menfolk, or women with menfolk, so I when I saw a web article about what men should eat every day, I thought I'd pass along the information.

Then I got to thinking about how you all love to enjoy adult beverages. So, I thought I'd share how much the menfolk should be drinking (not of my own devising; got the list somewhere):

Recommended Intake of Alcohol per Day

Men and healthy moderate drinking: It is possible to drink alcohol and be healthy. In fact there is a lot of evidence that drinking small amounts of alcohol is good for you. Research suggests men (and women) who consume one or two alcoholic drinks per day have a lower death rate from coronary heart disease than abstainers. The recommended safe intake for men is around 3 units of alcohol a day. That is 21 units per week.

One unit of alcohol is the equivalent to:

• a regular strength glass or small bottle of beer/lager or
• a glass of wine or
• a small measure of spirit
• Reminder: A single can of strong beer is around 4 units of alcohol.

Well, of course I had to cover all the bases. What else do men need?

Be sure you get your check-ups (yeah...all of them). Well, the womenfolk want you all around for a really, really long time.

Also, make sure you're getting some, well, a lot. Well, if you have problems in that area...Reader's Digest (yes, Reader's Digest) has a list of things to improve your chances of enjoying yourself more. (This is for men and women.)

So, there you have it, guys: eat, drink, and have lots of sex!

Hey, it is free advice. What else do you want from me?

I know Karate (and a few other words in Chinese)...

What's next? Anthony Michael Hall and Molly Ringwald in a twist on the Odd Couple with sexual tension?

The video: Be surprised.
The artist? Ummm....

The song is not all that good.
The video is long.
HOWEVER, you will laugh your ass off if you are a child of the '80s.
Hint: Wax on. Wax off.

My favorite season

I love the smell of fall. The mixture of cool rains and the scent of the leaves are something I look forward to every year. It is when I begin to smell the burning of wood in fireplaces. I wonder who is reading a book, enjoying a beverage, or just curling up in front of the warmth of the fire. I like the nip in the air. It makes the air feel so clean. I think it is time to get out my favorite blankie and curl up to enjoy the cool air coming in my window. Yes, a window open a bit at night, with cool air streaming in, is the best sleep there is (it would be even better if it was raining).

No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face;
—John Donne

There is music in the meadows, in the air–
Autumn is here; Skies are gray, but hearts are mellow,
—William Stanley Braithwaite

Ode to Autumn
by John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,--
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

Caption Contest

"Hello, is this thing on?" Go put some words into this guy's mouth. Have fun! I will post winners Monday evening, by 10:00. Have a great weekend!

Head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, attends a news conference in Tehran, Iran, Sept. 3, 2007. Hillary Rodham Clinton's vote in Sept. 2007 to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization is reverberating on the campaign trail, especially with Barack Obama, who is again questioning her antiwar credentials and judgement. (AP Photo/ISNA, Mehdi Ghasemi, File)

OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Wyatt

THIS WEEK'S WINNERS!!!!

4. Cowboy Blob: Yes, I know the fliers said "Punch and cookies"....too freakin' bad. Take your Saltines, sit down, and Shut Up! Death to America!

3. Rodney Dill: "No we do not have any gay people here, but we do have lots of sheep... and camels..."

2. Chip: (Tagging on Vincent)

Prior to his stoning after NY trip with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mohammad Ali Jafari explains why he slipped away during Mahmoud's speech:

I want all of you reporters to look me in the eye when I say this: "I did not have sexual relations with that man in the bathroom, George Michael..."

AND THIS WEEK'S WINNER IS....

1. Vincent Antonelli: The photo on the general's desk belies any official statements that Iran has no gay couples. Word on the street is that the Ayatollah calls him "my General Jabootie"

Oh, fek!

Wyatt has a pretty funny "nuns gone wild" story over at his site. In honor of those nuns, I give you my favorite Irish priests:

WELL...

It's Wednesday. Yep. Wednesday.

You know what? As one approaches the 80s, one needs to let go of the '80s.

It's a musical week!

I really like Amy Winehouse's music. Her lifestyle of booze and drugs? Not so much. I hope she gets serious help, though. Otherwise, she might be one of those singers talked about having died young. I love this song: "Back to Black."

Yes, they do make your ass look big!

So, I stayed up to watch the Flyers play the Canucks. Ummm...that's not until Wednesday night. I hate the beginning of the hockey season. I can never get it right.

I saw this commercial during the Hurricanes/Maple Leafs game tonight. Thought it was funny.

Couple of Songs

This song is a popular song from back in the day: "Love Hurts." However, it is performed by Elvis Costello and Emmylou Harris. It's different. I kind of like it. I had to sing this song in front of a bunch of people, once. Scary.



Another song that I like that I have been wanting to hear lately is "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews. Yep. I like one or two songs, but that's it! Really!

A blog-thing for a blah day

You Should Play the Guitar

You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn. You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed. You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book. It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you. Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play. You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star. Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

YOU KNOW YOU WANT THEM! HEADLINES, SILLY!

1. CNN meteorologist: Gore's film is 'fictional'...
Next, the enlightened meteorologist will state, "This just in, the Colts have won the Super Bowl!"

2. Confused Moose Thinks He's a Cow...
Transpecies freak! Next thing you know he'll be walking around singing Judy Garland songs.

3. iPod catches fire in man's pants
Why did this song pop into my head?
(poor taste alert)

4. Charges dismissed in sherry enema death
See, if he had used a top-shelf vodka, he'd be fine. I don't even want to know what kind of sick freaks give each other sherry enemas.

5. Burglar" turns out to be drunk neighbor
Captain America assured the neighbors that he'll make sure Wyatt stops wandering naked and drunk into people's houses.

6. McCain Wants Greenspan, Dead Or Alive...
Ooookayyyyyyy. That's a good way to make friends and influence people. Jon Bon Jovi is said to be looking into copyright infringement.

7. Chinese girl , eight, prepares to swim Channel by paddling with legs and arms bound
Isn't that child abuse? Oh wait, it's CHINA!

8. Doughnuts are not the enemy, claims the professor of obesity
It's what's in the doughnuts that kill you. Embrace the lard, people! (That made me a little queasy.)

9. Drug-related crime is main cause of jail sentences in Iran
Homosexuality is still a death sentence, however. Wait. I thought they did not have the same societal ills as we do. Someone very important is a bit dellusional, eh?

10. Pelosi: 'I pray for Bush all of the time'...
Praying to your voodoo gods will not get you anywhere, Nancy.

Apparently Obama is God, now.

I am a born again Christian. I have been since a young age, despite severely backsliding in my youth for a good long time, and even though I have quite an evident edge to me (quite flawed), I am very serious about my faith and about what the Bible says.

I am wary of leaders or purported leaders (of any political party) who go into churches and use the "language" of the faith. Not only do I find it condescending, but also disturbing. There are leaders who quietly walk their faith while in public office, but that faith should never be used like a marketing idea to get elected to public office. A public official should not use the "language" to prey on the emotions of those who have faith and who are sitting in a church where they should be worshipping God and not listening to a campaign speech from a candidate for public office.

It still amazes me that with all the "separation of church and state" that goes on, the Democrats walk their hypocritical feet down the aisles of churches.

I just read the following quote of Obama as he spoke to a church:

"Sometimes this is a difficult road being in politics," Obama said. "Sometimes you can become fearful, sometimes you can become vain, sometimes you can seek power just for power's sake instead of because you want to do service to God. I just want all of you to pray that I can be an instrument of God in the same way that Pastor Ron and all of you are instruments of God."

He finished his brief remarks by saying, "We're going to keep on praising together. I am confident that we can create a Kingdom right here on Earth." [UMM, DUDE, ONLY CHRIST CAN DO THAT WHEN HE RETURNS TO REIGN ON EARTH FOR A WHILE. GUESS YOU MISSED THAT PART IN THE BIBLE!!!]

I cannot tell you how dangerous it is for someone to use that language. Not everyone sitting in a church is "churched." That's how fanatics are born. It is also twisting the Bible to fit ones needs.

Wouldn't the cats be on the side of the Persians?

300 Trailer With Cats - Watch more free videos

Some perspective

Today, I was at my local, overpriced hippy food market and I decided to buy some flowers. I chose what I thought were really pretty and colorfully robust flowers.

Gerber daisies (native of South Africa) are my most favorite flowers in the world (followed by any daisy, tulips, and roses). They are bright and big. When I used to work in a flower shop in Los Angeles, I always used to try to get customers to add them to the bouquet arrangements I would make for them. The flowers always made me smile.

When I was choosing my flowers I saw a bright yellow type of Gerber that I'd never seen before, as I was used to the bright pinks, deep reds, and bold oranges. These daisies have almost a sunflower quality to them. I thought they were beautiful, so I chose them and also picked up a bouquet of assorted flowers with roses. When I got outside into the bright sunshine, I noticed that a few of the daisies (they are very fragile and don't last long) were a bit mangled, discolored, and missing some petals. It would be easy to kind of be a little miffed about paying $10 for a bouquet of imperfect flowers, but then when I remembered that it won't matter in ten years, I gained a little perspective.

You can see what you think is beauty and then find out it is marred in some way. Most likely, you will be disappointed. In fact, you might even now think that the beauty you so admired is completely ruined. However, as within the bouquet I purchased, there might be beauty amongst the imperfection. A few beautiful flowers among the battered ones still give that bouquet beauty. Are the other flowers still worth keeping? Yes. Just like with bruised fruit, you put aside the imperfection for what might still otherwise be good, and in the fruit's case, sweet.

I was upset when I saw that a few of my flowers were battered, discolored, and missing petals. However, I was still able to see what attracted me to the bouquet, and that made the flowers worth keeping and admiring.

SUNDAY SONG

Song: "Everything About You"
Band: Sanctus Real

The Good Stuff

I've been working on that attitude of mine this week. I've also been thinking about simple things that make me happy.

Stay with me on this one. It is a good thing.

Before I got ill I used to cook and bake all of the time. In fact, a way to deal with stress was to bake lots of stuff and take it to work or give it to my friends. I'm an especially good cookie and cake baker. Once, when I had some friends over (used to have some of those) for dinner, I served a chocolate fudge cake. It was a little dense, very yummy, and made me feel higher than a kite when I ate it. I made it from scratch, even the frosting. When I frosted it, I took a serrated edge, lightly scraped the side of the cake and then shaved bittersweet chocolate onto the top of the cake--all for decoration, of course. They thought it was a store bought cake. I took it as a compliment. But that is not why I cooked and baked for my friends and co-workers. Yes, it is nice to hear that your efforts are appreciated and that you do something well. However, what meant the most to me was their enjoyment of what I was able to do for them. I feel like that a lot. I always want to do things for people. I like to make people happy and to make them smile. It isn't a "people-pleaser" attitude. It is what people in my faith call a "servant's heart" kind of attitude.

When I see someone hurting, I want to comfort him or her. When I see that someone has a need, I want to meet it in some way. When I see that I have a resource or talent from which someone might benefit, I want to offer it. Something leaps in my heart when a student actually asks for help. It is just something that makes me feel like I matter. It is also something I feel like I'm supposed to do. I like to give.

So, I was thinking today about how much I miss cooking. I haven't been able to stand long enough to cook, and there are reasons that relate to my mom and my living situation, but I miss entertaining. I miss being a part of "things." I miss doing things for others and meeting their needs in some way. Hopefully within the year, I will be in a position to entertain and put smiles on the faces of people I care about--friends and relations.

I look forward to it.

It is going to snow!

Really. As you all know, Isaiah Thomas was found guilty of sexual harrassment. However, what makes this even juicier is that now the good Reverend Al's response to the evidence provided in court:

Al Sharpton on Saturday vowed to lead protests against Madison Square Garden unless New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas apologizes for a remark that suggested he holds whites and blacks to different standards when it comes to using a derogatory term for women.

Now, while what Thomas said and believes is deplorable, it is evidence of the double standard seen for years. Sadly, it also shows how some African-American men feel about women of their own race.

No woman (unless she is a mean, nasty human being) should ever be referred to as a bitch by any man, especially in general terms. I don't walk around calling guys dogs or pigs (but I love men).

It will be interesting to see if Sharpton backs up his words with deeds. I'm sure a bad jogging suit and hairstyle will be involved if a protest does happen.

(H/T: Fox News)

A search, poetry, name association, music...

It all started with a search someone did for "psychobilly poems" that led him or her to my sitemeter. I was a bit intrigued. I like psychobilly music and had never heard that there was a form of it in poetry. (Well, I see music as poetry, but not all of the academics do, so I have to make a distinction lest I anger the literary gods.)

Well, I haven't found anything, but it did lead me to the Beat poet era. No, the era did not gain its name from poets being beaten! (I know you wiseasses too well.) To be short and sweet, it has to do with how the poems were written and how they were expected to be read. Better said: I was reading some Modern American poetry and came across a poet that seemed interesting to me.

Like most poets, Anne Sexton was very troubled. I think that is what causes good poets to write such expressive poetry. They are bubbling over with emotion and are so in touch with their inner-workings that they can craft words that show the pictures of their minds. (Makes me kind of glad that my own poetry sucks.) As I continued my meandering around the poetry sites, I decided to read some of her poetry and then decided I'd share a few of her poems:

The Kiss
The Big Heart
Cinderella (The end of the poem is great!)

Funny thing is, while I was rifling through the poetry and reading ones that I really like, but found too personal a reaction to share (lest you know what is going on with me), I had a moment of name association. I was reminded of a "one-hit wonder" named Charlie Sexton. I know...my brain is skeeeery. Thought I'd share that song, too. (I remember thinking this guy was so cool.)

A show I like

I really like the show Numb3rs.

I'm not the best math student, However, I have always wanted to master the skill. I am really jealous of those who have found the secret to math.

Even though the show is a bit contrived, when the character, Charlie Eppes, played by David Krumholtz, goes into his riffs about how things happen from a mathematical perspective...it really interests me and "wows" me.

The brainy nature of the show aside, I also think Krumholtz is a hottie. ;P

Why you numskull!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LARRY!!!!!!

Today would have been the 105th birthday of Larry Fine. I spent many Saturday mornings watching the Three Stooges. I always giggled at their humor. There is an irreverence about them, and as a stubborn person who hates authority...I love it!

IT'S TIME

Tonight I stayed up to watch the Flyers game. Do I have to be up for work in two hours? Yep. But I just saw the prettiest goal by Briere. WOW!

The Flyers are offcially 1-0-0 on the season. SWEET! (The Rangers won, too. I only mention that because I want to be nice to Wyatt.)

What do I love about hockey besides the speed and the click of the skates on the ice?

I love to watch the goal celebrations.



I can also appreciate a really nice goal, even if it is scored against the Flyers. Pretty is pretty and skill is skill and both must be acknowledged. I used to love watching highlights of Stevie "Wonder" Yzerman.

Ya know?

ADIDAS

Dagnabit. Ugh.

CAPTION CONTEST

I won't be leaving work until around 9:00 tomorrow evening. I probably won't feel like posting anything, so I'm posting a little early this week. Have fun! I'll post winners by 10:00 p.m., Monday.

In this photo provided by Walking with Dinosaurs-The Live Experience, entertainer Whoopi Goldberg whispers to a model Ankylosaurus backstage at the arena tour of Walking with Dinosaurs-The Live Experience Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Walking with Dinosaurs, Bill Kostroun)


OTHER CONTESTS:

• Bullwinkle Blog
• Cowboy Blob
• Deathlok
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Wyatt

THE WINNERS!!!!!!

5. Mrs Grim: If you'll go over and eat Barbara Walters, I will SO rule my show.

4. Deathlok: Haa! It took 15 years, but I finally found something uglier than me.

3. Cowboy Blob: Sure, I'd "do" a leathery old dinosaur...then after Nancy, I'd do you too!

2. Rodney Dill: Whoopi trades beauty secrets with Helen Thomas on 'The View.'

AND THE WINNER IS.......

1. Wyatt Earp: Whoopi Goldberg supports yet another cold-blooded murderer: the Ankylosaurus.

If you want a good laugh,

go to Captain America's blog and watch this!

Seeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

If guys would just learn to accept a nice, ugly fat girl like me, they wouldn't run into crap like this.

Besides, mine are real and much more fun.

GET READY TO GRRRRRRRRRUMBLE!!!!!!!!!

I'm in a really good mood today! I won my football pool AND I'm in first place overall in our pool. Call me RT the Scot! (Well, I have a little Italian, but I'm not Greek.)

THEN, I went shopping and found four pairs of shoes that fit really well and it means that I don't have to wear sneakers. I've been wearing sneakers almost everyday for three years. I am sick of wearing sneakers. I even managed to get a little heel. YAY!

THEN, I went to buy a suit for tomorrow night (meet the parents) and I got 50 percent off what I bought! I needed a good day.

I'm sure you all have some gripes, though. Go ahead, let it all out--purge the bile! I'll be more than happy to respond with snarky or helpful responses...depending upon my mood. Have a great evening!

In other news: I got an email that there are immediate openings for teachers in D.C. Hmmm...(kidding)

I VANT TO SUCK YOUR BLOOOOOOOD!!!

Your Vampire Name Is...

Jezebell of Pain

What's Your Vampire Name?

More family stuff...

Before I begin this, let me just say that I'm going to try to not talk about this stuff anymore (or at least for a while). It is just getting too depressing and I hate whining.

About a week ago, my dad's remaining uncle died. It is like my family is disappearing and with all of the death in past year alone, it has become sad to watch my father experience all of this hurt. Just a few weeks before my grandmother died, her sister died. Then, his uncle died in July, another aunt (wife of an already deceased uncle) was placed on life support--haven't heard anything, but we know how that usually turns out. Then, last week, my Uncle Ian. I'm leaving out all of the other family members he lost since his grandmother died in 1992. I knew many of these people, some more than others, but just the same, my dad really knew them well and I know he's hurting.

My dad told me about this latest death, today. He usually waits, my guess is absorbs it, for a week and then tells me. Consequently, I did a lot of thinking today while processing this information coupled with the news of my aunt's cancer. In between all the grading and the interaction with students, I thought about how eventually, this type of stuff happens. But it is a jolt that keeps hitting me, especially this past year. I also thought about how I've changed in the past year. I used to be the type to just say "f'k it" and "f'k them." I'm not like that anymore. Even the slightest loss seems to kick my ass. For example, in the months leading up to when my best friend married and moved away, every time I saw her, I broke down in to serious sobs. That's not me.

Loss of any kind is hard. Experiencing varying degrees of one kind or another, over and over and over again, is just kind of making me weary. However, at the same time it makes me want to live and be around as many people as possible and makes me want to build relationships with people. I also now realize how much I need to be around my parents and vice versa.

It just kind of hit me, today. I still need my own life, but I shouldn't feel bad about wanting to be sure I'm near my parents and wanting to be there for them. As I have said at one time or another, I'm all they have and they are all I have. They are the only ones that really don't judge me or reject me. I can't turn my back on them.

Today, I finally let go of that "trapped" feeling I've had for a while and accepted my life for what it is and how it is. My head is swirling today, so I'm sorry if this was weird in any way. I just needed to get some things off of my chest and think out loud.

Drumroll, please!

And the winner of the "Next Dictator of the 21st Century" is. . .

HEADLINES!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. Big splash cannot dampen greatest day for "Wet Woody"
Ummm....a wet woody is a bad thing?

2. Ahmadinejad Cements Ties With Venezuela's Chavez, Declares 'No One Can Defeat Us'... Then the two men went back to their padded cells and hit their heads against the wall for a while.

3. NOONAN: Americans should not fear talking--and listening--to those whose views we loathe...
However, that only applies to conservatives. Liberals don't have to do it. (snaaaaaaaark)

4. Worm poop a success
See, Washington can make its own fuel.

5. China bans "sexual sounds" on airwaves
Ohhhhhhhhh!

6. Older brothers fuel aggression in siblings, study finds
Uh, Wyatt? (Well, I have read Randall's comments.)

7. King Tut Exhibit Leaves Philadelphia
Ok. Tell me every time you hear the words "King Tut" that your mind doesn't not go back to childhood at the skating rink on a Saturday afternoon? Huh? Yes, doing the hand movements, too.

8. NYC Food Vendors Compete for Prize
Wait. Salmonella is a prize?

9. Life's short -- have an affair, sign urges
Hmm...

10. 19,000 insurgents killed in Iraq since '03
Now, that is good news.

May I borrow your towel?

First, Wyatt tried to make the girls happy by posting a picture of Tom Brady. Ummm...he's a dork, Wyatt. Anyway, Mrs. Grim then retorted with pictures of Hugh Jackman. However, she neglected the poor man's best asset. His BODY! Heh. Here's a yummy Hugh Jackman photo. Nice...a man not afraid to have chest hair. Why are guys shaving their chests these days? WHY!?!?!

Family

When I was little, my aunts used to take care of me quite often. Usually because my mom was working a lot and my grandmom and I needed a break from each other. I have one aunt, in particular, that kept me overnight a great deal. When I was with her family, I always felt like I was in a family. I never felt that way any other time. She has a husband who absolutely adores her and would no doubt be lost without her. She has children, their spouses, and grandchildren, all of whom, love her very much. I was telling my cousin the other day just how much I always appreciated what my aunt did in allowing me to spend time with her family. That's why the news of her being diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer has just knocked the legs out from under me.

Please, ladies...for your sake and the sake of your loved ones, keep your appointments with the "ewww yucky" doctor, so that at least things might be caught early if they need to be caught.

I am setting a goal for myself that this time next year I will be as fit as I have ever been (Lord willing). I have found a hospital-based wellness/fitness program that includes a gym, trainer, and dietitian. I could be doing wiser, debt-related things with my money right now, but I need better health. Without it, I'm not going to have the life that I so desire. A year from now, I want to be able to walk in the next "walk" that raises awareness of ovarian cancer--for my aunt.

Slowwwwww day

I'm watching the Phillies, hoping they don't squander a lead and hoping the Mets continue to go down in flames. While doing that, I've decided to post a few comics that I thought you might like. Ugh, the agony of loving sports teams!

Sunday Song

Lately, I've been finding myself, while in prayer, saying that I have to believe that God is real and that He hears me in addition to seeing what is going on in my life. Today, I had one of "those" talks (me ranting) with God. I'm frustrated by a lot areas in my life and the news I received yesterday about my aunt put me over the edge a bit. But, I keep saying "I have to believe" that the faith I have had for so long is real. I've seen evidence of God's provision and His answers to prayer. I'm human, though, and sometimes it just all gets to be a bit much.

God's sense of humor? After my hissy fit, I was eating my lunch and almost seriously choked on a pea. A PEA! It was down that wrong tube...scary. But then a few minutes after I dislodged the deadly pea, my best friend called me to see how I was doing because she had felt the need to do so.

So, today's Sunday song is what is in my heart. I've never heard of this singer, but I really like her voice (If I could sing well, this is how I'd want my voice to sound), and the song itself is good.

Song: "I Have to Believe"
Artist: Rita Springer

What a rube!

Amazing Rube Goldberg - Watch more free videos

A HUG

I was just reading a story about a school that has banned hugs. Now, granted, the hugs were banned because of hallway congestion, but why entirely ban them? I don't see much in the way of kids kissing (thank God!) in my school, but I do see a lot of hugs. Hugging is therapeutic. I often have students that don't see their parents much because of the hectic teenage schedule in conflict with the equally busy schedule of the parents. I also see a lot of kids who are starved for attention and affection. A classmate's hug might be the only affection some of my students ever get. Think about it. I dare say a few of us who read this post, me included, came from homes where affection was somewhat unheard of. I know what it is like for a parent to reject a hug or not be affectionate.

I also remember when high school was a place where I saw a couple of friends (was a complete outcast, but had one really good friend) and received hugs quite often. It was a mutual need for affection that was not sexual in nature. We hugged in the hallways, in the smoking section, and when we were out and about....even in my car (nothing bad came from it).

Simply, these kids really do need affection and that is why they turn to things to cope and feel good. Hugs should be the least of our worries.

There are times that I'm really jealous of my students. They can just walk up to someone they know and get a hug. It is the one time in life that hugs and affection among friends is so easy and effortless. I even had a girl rest her head on the shoulder of the guy next to her, today. She wasn' meaning anything tawdry by it; she just wanted affection.

I think of all the things lacking in my life, what I miss most is affection and to be hugged. I really do think that its purpose is to help restore people and provide well-being.

There just isn't enough of it these days.

My aunt needs your prayers.

My mom's youngest sister has just been diagnosed with cancer. She had surgery today and they feel they got all of it. Your prayers for her strength and health are greatly appreciated.

A whole bunch of stuff...

I think I'll take you through the wacky day. Nothing major, just feel like sharing. I woke at my usual 4:00 am, but with a huge headache. That sucked, because I was just plain cranky. However, all of that was cured when I passed by the odoriferous presence of a dead skunk...newly dead. It made me think of Ssssteve and his self-proclaimed favorite scent. I laughed, and guess what? The headache went away (not the crankiness, though).

Once I got into my first class, the sunny disposition of my students made me happy. I really do like being around them most days. They are intelligent, very funny, and they make me feel like I have a purpose in life. That's a good thing.

Next stop? I left school a little early to get blood work done and then decided to go to a clothing store that specializes in the larger lady. I'm never happy when I go there, since everything is hideous and never my style (have no choice, though). When I got there it was quite apparent that they were having a huge sale. Are you ready for this? I bought a really nice 3/4 length leather jacket, a nice top for work, and couple of sweaters....50 percent off! Mama happy!

Then....well, let's just say the phone chick from last night was trying to perform brain surgery: So, last night was just the beginning of cell phone hades. It turns out that the "awesome" phone activated by the "awesome" chick was lacking in some of the "awesome" stuff I ordered along with the phone, like my text messaging. So that phone call took a half hour after I took it to the store and the resetting didn't work. I also bought a universal car adapter. Ummm...not everything is universal it turns out (no biggie; just ordered it online). Then, I noticed that I couldn't access the web on my phone. Damn. Not that I'll use it much, since I got per-use, so that I don't have the thing attached to my hand (now I know why guys are always grabbing themselves...the phallic phone is a fun toy). I can't seem to get the phone out of my hand. Anyway, that was another hour on the frickin' phone.

All of this stuff? No biggie, as there are more important things in life about which to stew.

CAPTION CONTEST

It's that time again, folks! It has been a long-ass week for me and I know for some others. Let's all welcome the weekend with a giggle and hopefully some adult beverages or whatever floats your boat. Have a great weekend! I'll post the winners around 10:00, Monday evening.

P.S. Vinnie: They're dudes. Just in case you get confused again.

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Cowboy Blob: I've got two hundred dollars, two-thirty yen, three phone numbers, and two proposals of marriage from Japanese businessmen. How 'bout you?

5. Rodney Dill: Waking up in a parochial school uniform and perm clued CarrotTop in that this was gonna be a rough day.

4. Fiar: Holy Crap! Raggedy Ann and Andy have really gone to the gutter.

3. Vincent Antonelli: Wyatt and Vinnie's dates waiting to get picked up and taken to the prom. Don't ask where the corsage went.

2. Wyatt Earp: The Oompa Loompa hookers never brought in the customers.

And the winner is.........

1. Deathlok: Buffoondock Saints.

Honorable Mention:
Redneck:

Guy #1: "You know, Mrs. RT has some weird punishments when we get in trouble in her class."

Guy #2: "Shhh. If she hears us, we might have to sing 'I'm a Little Teapot' again."

(Ms. or Miss will do, thanks.)

OTHER CONTESTS:
Bullwinkle Blog
Cowboy Blob
Right Pundits
Rodney Dill (I got an honorable mention this past week!)
WILLisms (This is probably the cutest picture I have ever seen.)
Wyatt