I, Ilion (the name I had taken for myself after using the portal on my cell phone to travel to 2084), still had an hour or two to kill that night in Old Orleans after interacting with the old man in the shadows on the corner who had promised he could spirit me away to the original New Orleans, which I knew was at the bottom of the Bay of Mississippi in that era -- and that Old Orleans was really what I would have called Tuscaloosa in my time, although Tuscaloosa was never a port city as this Old Orleans was now.
The arrangement I had made with Mattie 3.0, a character I had written into some short stories back before I made the time jump who had been de-fictionalized by 2084. was that I would be as inconspicuous as possible while I was waiting for him to finish his shift at the sex-porium, so as not to alert anyone to my presence.
Luckily for me, the creators of Old Orleans had gone out of their way to make the experience on this Bourbon Street as retro as possible, so everyone I passed was mostly focused on letting their own good times roll, and a visitor from the future without the telltale sixth texting finger that humans had evolved into having (with a little help from the genetic engineering that the Population Control Board had pioneered in the zoos where the next generation was raised) wasn't to be noticed lurking in the background.
I had previously noted that those creators had succeeded in capturing most of the sights and smells of the famed party street, but as I wandered around to pass the time, I finally realized what was missing.
There were no beads -- and there were no activities that used to power the bead economy. No flashes of breasts or asses or other body parts ... no cat calls. The drunkenness was ever-present around every corner ... but the lasciviousness was missing.
Captain Sandy had briefed me on the boat ride from the Florida Isles about how sex was all of the virtual kind since children were grown in the zoo labs and the sex act wasn't necessary for procreation to grow the population. But still -- in the time from which I came, alcohol was the social lubricant that quickly turned into a sexual lubricant as the amount consumed increased.
I couldn't fathom how drinking in 2084 wouldn't lead to the same outcome, and yet there was nary a nipple to be seen. I'd have to wait until I had the chance to speak to Mattie 3.0 to get that clarified ... and since the window when the VitalNet updates on the last day of every month is closing, *you'll* have to wait until next time for me to share what I learned.
Until then, I remain Ilion in 2084 using Troy-in-2018's social media to contact you. Please be careful ... the time of the *first* Uprising if rapidly approaching.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Monday, November 26, 2018
Random Memorial for Monday 11/26/18
As is tradition for this particular series, I must choose a tune from the cassette that is being discarded ... and, for this post, it will be her interpretation of the classic song from 'Into the Woods' that warns parents about how kids are always paying attention to that which they say and do.
Now there's not enough space to talk about how I was keenly aware of the behavior that I saw from my bio-moms and bio-dads ... so instead I'm just gonna say that Barbra knew that one who is trusted with the well-being of another should be hyper-aware and exceptionally careful about what is said. Children are always listening ...
CHILDREN WILL INDEED LISTEN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAf13cKZ4Tc
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/24/18
... I will, because I'm still two more weeks out from returning to ranting (just in time for the *December* holidays).
Until then, though, I'll continue using this spot to summarize the daily statements of gratitude I'm posting over on the Facebook, because, as the accompanying image states, gratitude leads to awesomeness ... and I don't mind striving toward awesomeness every now and then. Here are this week's daily posts:
SUNDAY the 18th: I am thankful for Kolibri. To be clear -- I'm not gushing about the world's smallest handgun called the Kolibri (I don't carry ... 'cause I'd probably use it against those who fail to put their blinkers on whilst turning) ... but instead about Kolibri as in German for hummingbird as in the code name for the main character in the excellent miniseries Deutschland 8x. I say 8x because the original series was 83 and the one I just finished watching was 86. For the news that I recently learned that this story will indeed be a TRILOGY and that Deutschland 89 will one day air so that the rest of Kolibri's story can be told, I am so so thankful.
MONDAY the 19th: I am thankful for naps. Like the kind when you're on vacation, and so you don't need to set a nap alarm on your cell or tell anyone to wake you up at a certain time, and if you wake up too soon you just roll over and go back to sleep, and you've got one dog on one end of the couch who occasionally talks in his sleep and the other dog on the other end underneath the afghan that your mother (in law) made by hand, curled up on your feet keeping them extra toasty, and the TV is quietly on the 80's channel so if you do dream a little you're guaranteed to have happy dreams filled with people you might not have seen in a while ... and then when you do finally wake up, it's time for lunch and you haven't looked at your work email even just once all day. For *those* kinds of naps, I am quite thankful.
TUESDAY the 20th: I am thankful for Busy Phillips and her new talk show on the E. Admittedly, I was worried at first that I was witnessing what would happen if pumpkin spice materialized into a real life person ... and it's also true that I don't have a 'gram account or catch all of her references that only seem to be relevant to the vaginal crowd ... but I'll be damned if she hasn't won me over with her authentic great big heart and her knowing insight into her generation AND I can neither confirm nor deny whether I sing along to the closing "Mr. Nightgown" song at the end of every episode. For being the perfect talk-show-fix now that Harry Connick Jr's show is done and Kelly Clarkson's show hasn't started, I am actually thankful.
WEDNESDAY the 21st: I am thankful for doggie snores. Me and mine sleep in one big pack in the big big bed (for the most part -- the kitties opt out and use the nighttime to explore the whole house and to count down the hours until feeding time in the am), and occasionally that means that someone might wake up in the middle of the night missing a good bit of the blanket OR becoming aware of one or two or three of us engaged in a snore-fest. It may take some time to fall back asleep under those conditions but seeing as how the puppies are already approaching their fifth birthday (after one was on death row and the other was being abandoned to the internet) and knowing that their lives go by so quickly, I'll take them happy and content and sleeping and snoring -- I can always tuck in the sheet as my blanket and catch up on my sleep some other time. For the symphony of snores in c minor, composed by Ozzie and/or Casanova (with human accompaniment every now and then), I am quite thankful.
THURSDAY the 22nd: I am thankful for the feast. See if you can spot the brown sugar dry brined turkey with a homemade herb gravy, the candied yams, the bacon-shallot-honey pan-roasted Brussels sprouts, the spicy roasted whole carrots, the parsnip mashed potato bake with fried sage leaves on top, the northwest fruit and sausage stuffing, the spicy ginger cranberry relish and the brown-n-serve rolls with a cranberry-whipped-butter. (Not pictured: the pumpkin roll with maple cinnamon whipped cream.) More than the feast itself, I am thankful for him who prepared it (Chris Loomis) and them who joined us for the occasion (J.L. Quebbeman and Al Escoto). For being lucky to have so much goodness in one spot, I am so thankful.
FRIDAY the 23rd: I am thankful for the local newspaper -- even if the price keeps on going up and up and up. Whilst buying the Friday edition today (now up to $2.34), one of my convenience store clerk regulars let me know that the Sunday copies are going up to $4.00 starting this weekend. I seem to remember putting a quarter and a dime into the box on the corner to get the Lebanon Daily News back when I was little. Lookit -- I know the young folk get their news on their podcasts or through their dark webs or via a cell phone alert or just by asking 'Alexa' for it, but some of us old folks still like to turn the pages and have a tactile newsday experience, and apparently someone else figured out that we'll pay a pretty 400 pennies for it. Regardless -- for being able to see all the news that's fit to print the old fashioned way -- in an actual *printed* copy -- I am still thankful (also -- get off my lawn!).
SATURDAY the 24th: I am thankful for Penn State football. Mind you, I'm not going to pretend in any way to be a sporty kind of guy ... but I do like me a sense of tradition ... and it has been the way I've spent Saturday afternoons and evenings (and some other occasional random dates and times through the years) since the big move to Chicago nearly two decades ago (which obviously predicated the big move to SoFlo just a few years ago). As a way to feel more connected to my birth place of central PA no matter where in the country I find myself living, I am happy for a bowl-eligible season ... and I am very thankful.
Random Posting for Penn State 11/24/18
1.) Pick a bowl ... any bowl! Actually, just kidding, we'd prefer a New Year's one, of course. Or New Year's Eve even. Just not one of those consolation ones around Pearl Harbor Day, please.
2.) It's well established that the full-contact-whilst-wearing-tights makes football slightly homo-erotic, but shirtless warm-ups may have just added a new gay dimension to the game.
3.) Sometimes, because I'm not necessarily the sportiest, when I'm watching a game, I kind of wonder WHY some things happen as they do. Today, I wondered WHY there was such a thing as an extra point/point after, so I had to go research it. It turns out it's a leftover rugby tradition. Now you and I both know.
4.) Sometimes, because I'm not necessarily the sportiest, I'm not up to speed on news not related to Penn State, so I also had to research all the references to Maryland's Jordan McNAIR -- to which I say ... what a sad sad story.
5.) And just when I think I'm almost informed on things, I see a penalty I've never seen before. I'm looking at you #82 -- and also at you second #82 -- as I don't think I've heretofore ever seen a punishment for having two people of the same number on the field at the same time.
6.) I have to say I was a little surprised to hear that Coach FRANKLIN had to put out a plea for fans to show up to the game. Apparently, the record breaking wet season in PA is to blame (as grass parking lots can't be used), but still. I mean I thought Penn State fans were the type who would park in Johnstown (somewhere up high, of course, 'cause they are well know for their flooding and all) and walk the rest of the way ...
7.) Hey announcermen -- I thought it was a bit of a stretch the first time you attempted the play on words by talking about how "sorely" McSORLEY would be missed at the beginning of the game ... so when you brought back that pun to start the second half of the game, it made me groan.
8.) Hey announcermen -- I'm sure "gap-sound defense" is an established concept ... but when *you* say it, it sounds like a new method of birth control.
9.) I don't care what anyone else says. *My* player of the week is going to *have* to be Trace McSORLEY ... despite finally finding the one thing he can't do well -- and that's grow a beard (he reminded me a little bit of a FTM trans person keeping every little hair that shows up after starting hormones -- not that there's anything wrong with that)!
In closing, thanks to all 21 seniors honored at today's game (see bonus link below/to follow for their individual stories) ... and here's to that upcoming bowl game whenever and wherever it might be, and to our opening Saturday game next Labor Day weekend against the Idaho Vandals (?!) ...
FYI ... COMPLAINING ABOUT BOWL GAMES HAS *ALWAYS* BEEN A THING:
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/6/14/17455798/are-there-too-many-bowl-games
WHERE I LEARNED ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE POINT AFTER:
http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/why-are-there-still-extra-point-kicks-rugby-conversion-touchdown-history/1996ok8ducov91vmwgp4dur5x7
THE SAD STORY OF MARYLAND's JORDAN McNAIR:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24351869/maryland-terrapins-football-jordan-mcnair-death-dj-durkin-scandal-line
BONUS LINK ... ALL THE SENIORS:
https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Trace-McSorley-Koa-Farmer-Amani-Oruwariye-among-Lions-set-for-Senior-Day--125174422/#125174422_7
Monday, November 19, 2018
Random Memorial for Monday 11/19/18
Or, to be more accurate, Frank Parker and Peggy McCay -- who both passed away in the final months of 2018, one right after the other.
Those how know me best know that I've been a fan of the DOOL since college (although it's also true that I stopped watching on April 10 of 2012 [yes, I recorded the date] and that I keep on putting off returning to Salem but expect to do so one of these Days before they get cancelled). As such, I can still feel a little something something when the OG Brady couple leave the real world (and not just the soap world) for that great big fish market in the sky (you know if you know).
Those old folks who knew full well that a little fish chowder (and a whole lotta love) could solve just about any problem (from dissociative identity disorder [hey Kimberly!] to reappearing daughter-in-law back from the dead [hey Hope!], and even though I know, that when it comes to death, I have to understand that, "like sands through the hourglass, these ARE the days of our lives", you (both) will be missed.
OH NO NOT SHAUN BRADY!:
https://soapdirt.com/days-of-our-lives-death-frank-parker-shawn-dies-shawn-brady-dool-cast/
OH NO NOT CAROLINE BRADY!:
https://tvline.com/2018/10/09/peggy-mccay-dead-days-of-our-lives-caroline-brady-dies/
THE BRADY FAMILY TREE:
https://www.thoughtco.com/brady-family-tree-1027871
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/17/18
... that's exactly what happens on the blog in November.
On the Facebook, it's a daily statement of gratitude (that is really more like a paragraph of gratitude ... 'cause I never did love how to edit and I sure do enjoy stringing lots of words together). But at the end of the week, those statements/paragraphs are gathered for their more permanent home here. To whit:
SUNDAY the 11th: I am thankful for the end of the "Great War" -- and for those who served in it, like the late Paul Neidermyer, my paternal grandfather*. (*Ancestry DNA test pending). Peace came to the lands on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of November, 1918. Or, to quote President Woodrow Wilson a year later when Armistice Day became official: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations …” To face down the new challenges with which our country must deal on this 100th anniversary of that armistice, let's all strive to make America peaceful and just again -- particularly on the global stage. Were we to truly accomplish *that* task, I would be quite thankful.
MONDAY the 12th: I am thankful for the legacy of Stanley Martin Lieber. I can't lie, though -- I've been a Batfan all my life ... and I even came late to expanding into the rest of the DC universe. I actually passed over all the Marvel movies until they became the next items on my list of things to see in my ongoing #SuperheroSaturdays series within the last two or three years. The truth is that I got exposed to the magic of Stan Lee during his two season "Who Wants to be a Superhero" reality competition show. *That* was when I learned how earnest and honest and optimistic he was about what we all could do to help those around us if we only harnessed our imagination for the good of humanity. For ultimately teaching us that the answer to the titular question of his show was that we ALL can be the superhero, I am oh so thankful.
TUESDAY the 13th: I am thankful for the PDQ. How thankful am I? So thankful, that I'll wait in this line a full 18 minutes and 13 seconds to score my quality "fast" food chicken fix (yes, I timed it on my cell phone stopwatch). I'm not sure if the cars were wrapped around the building because yesterday was a holiday ... or because it was the last day of their bogo chicken sandwich coupon campaign for their email subscribers like me and mine ... or because everyone else is just as thankful for their tasty tenders as I am ... but as someone whose family* was all about the chicken (*Ancestry DNA test pending), I am willing to wait a little longer for the kind of chicken for which I am very thankful.
WEDNESDAY the 14th: I am thankful for all the critters, great AND small. The latest to join our family here in the southern Florida house? This little tropical house gecko -- and boy oh boy is this one tiny. I'm going to have to resist the urge to name him, though, as I fully expect the puppies and/or the kitties will chase him back under the door frame and outside from whence he came. For knowing that sometimes I'd much rather hang out with any (and all) of the animals than a few (or most) of the humans -- and for the variety of creatures that living here provides -- I am so thankful.
THURSDAY the 15th: I am thankful for the whipple. Or, to be more precise, for the MODIFIED whipple. What with today being World Pancreatic Cancer Day, I've got the MODIFED whipple on my mind, as that's what my surrogate grandmother JoAnn had back in Pittsburgh after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, when such a thing was still experimental (or at least experimental for that area). As it turned out, the procedure extended her life for YEARS, even though she had to pop enzymes for the rest of her days (it will be ten years since she passed next October). For the whipple and the extra time it gave us, I am quite thankful.
FRIDAY the 16th: I am thankful for the commies who fought so that I could have paid vacation days despite living in a capitalist environment. (Pardon me, but I'm watching the 'Deutschland 86' miniseries, so I'm all caught up in the world of East German spies circa the Cold War). In other words, tomorrow starts a full 9 days of a holiday staycation vacation. For being able to post on the Facebook almost any time of the day or the night during this upcoming time, I am very very thankful.
SATURDAY the 17th: I am thankful for the Greek yogurt that comes with the goodies in the separate part of the container that you get to FLIP into it before you eat. It turns out my palate in my old age has a thing for texture, and it also turns out that that same palate enjoys the yogurt more when it's got chunks of chocolate chips and caramels and pretzel bites and other slightly less healthy items to enhance the whole yogurt eating experience. For the fun of flipping in my daily afternoon snack I am quite thankful.
Random Posting for Penn State 11/17/18
1.) The. Most. Winningest. Ever.
2.) Now if only Trace McSORLEY can become the face of winning on the interwebs and knock that crazy one of the two-and-a-half-guys fame and that idiot in the White House off of all the "winning" memes.
3.) I've admitted before that I don't know all the football rules ... or the football stats ... or the football regulations ... or the difference between onsite and offsides, but I sure do get excited whenever I get to yell "big throw ... BIG throw ... BIG THROW" any time the ball is in the air for any extended length of time.
4.) I wonder if Scarlet Knight Saquan (with an 'a') got jealous of all the success of our Saquon (with an 'o') last year?
5.) Also -- how many other Saquan/Saquons are out there? Was there some surge in popularity in that name two decades ago that I missed?
6.) Hey boys ... that's a lot of sacks. Thankful to be on the giving end instead of the receiving end, though, as that starts to banish from memory the Sackenburg debacle from a few years back.
7.) Hey announcermen -- thanks for explaining that the red haze on the field at the outset was from all the cannon fire that kicked off the game, as I was all but sure that the TV was dying -- and I was not prepared for dealing with that kind of loss during the holidays.
8.) Hey announcermen -- I had no idea that y'all were so good at throwing shade, but saying that the Rutger's player is probably driving the team bus because he's doing it all out there on the field by himself sure did sound just the right kind of bitchy.
9.) I don't care what anyone else says. *My* player of the week is going to *have* to be Trace McSORLEY ... 'cause the guy is running out of records to break!
In closing, thanks to Jared's 'Dare to be Devoted' ad campaign -- specifically the ad that aired today that featured the "godbrother" relationship between Devin FUNCHESS and KJ HAMLER. (I know there's no crying in baseball ... but I'm guessing a few tears can be shed in college football.) Also -- here's to the final in-season game against Maryland next week back in Beaver Stadium at 3:30 pm ... and may they NOT give us the same kind of scare they gave The Ohio State today.
SO. MUCH. WINNING!:
https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2018/11/17/18099442/trace-mcsorley-becomes-all-time-winningest-qb-in-penn-state-history
SAQUON WITH-AN-'O' EXPLANATION OF HIS NAME:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPmGGSwhyz4
KJ AND HIS GODBROTHER:
https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/Article/Charismatic-receiver-KJ-Hamler-looks-to-Bugs-Bunny-as-role-model-120502272/
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/14/18
Used in a sentence: "After seeing this recent Sunday comic strip, it struck me that I just might be a blueneck."
Let's be clear -- there was once upon a time (back in central PA), when I was associating with late 80's-era Republicans (which I now attribute mostly to geographical influence), and then I traveled and met some people who weren't just like me, and learned that I wasn't who I thought I was, and I generally had my mind expanded beyond the ever-present themes prevalent in where I grew up and I began to appreciate the "other" and to embrace the "other" parts of myself.
Let's *also* be clear -- the actor that was once in me (or perhaps I should re-phrase that to "the actor instincts I once cultivated") -- has (have) given me the ability to keenly observe in most situations and has(have) allowed me to become a part of just about any grouping in which I find myself ... in a manner that means I can find a way to belong anywhere (whilst also never completely never really belonging anywhere at all).
Which is all the long way to say that IF living a somewhat unsophisticated life (often shirtless, 'cause I do reside here in the SoFlo after all), despite taking a somewhat intellectual approach to a lot of things after collecting a number of degrees in my youth, and all the while aligning myself with a primarily blue progressive agenda -- if all that makes me a blueneck, then so be it. After all, my people (on both sides of my family*) lived in trailers just two generations ago, so I fully embrace the trailer-park-weltanschauung I inherited. [*ancestryDNA test pending]
Lookit -- all I'm saying is that if I'm-a gonna be a blueneck, I'm-a gonna be the best blueneck I can be.
HOW BLUENECK ARE YOU?:
http://allowe.com/laughs/book/You%20May%20Be%20A%20Blueneck.htm
WHY DID REPUBLICANS START DISPARAGING ADVANCED EDUCATION:
http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/01/why-conservatives-love-dumb-presidents.html
THE RED/BLUE DIVIDE MAY ACTUALLY KEEP US TOGETHER AFTER ALL:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/red-america-and-blue-america-depend-on-each-other-thats-how-it-should-be/2018/04/23/834021f8-470a-11e8-9072-f6d4bc32f223_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a40f7c3f5b99
Monday, November 12, 2018
Random Memorial for Monday 11/12/18
I know that it's pretty old because that cassette was once white and has aged into that dirty yellow color.
I also know that it's pretty pretty old because I distinctly remember all but wearing it out in my very first car, the yellow gold Ford Escort, flipping the tape over to hear side 1 again when side 2 was done, in that generation's version of putting it on "repeat".
Finally, I know that it's pretty pretty pretty old because it's one of those releases where *every* single song is worthy of being featured in this post since they are all just that good. So much so, that I'm going to break with tradition and post TWO tunes in its memory (and by the way, you should know by now that the CD version of the album is currently in the massive music collection, which makes this cassette a duplicate, which is why this is in the trash in the first place).
As I said, any of the songs *could* be listed below, but seeing as how ain't nobody sings a sad sad song full of the heartache that comes from knowing too too much about human nature like Bonnie does ... it's going to have to be the ones that all about the sadness everybody in town felt when they found 'Louise' ... and the sadness that comes from realizing that it's finally time to pack up and leave a loved one as you sing your 'Opening Farewell' to them.
But really, go find this whole album and put it on repeat. You're welcome.
SO SO SAD, PART 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wut4Tn7GcBY
SO SO SAD, PART 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_70MgKn8jY
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/11/18
Not one ... not two ... but THREE recounts (insert the maniacal laughter of the Count from Sesame Street as he climaxes a counting task).
Since our move from Chitown in early 2014, I've always said I wanted to live in a place where my vote counted. Now I guess I have to modify that sentiment to say that I want to live in a place where my vote gets recounted as well! Not everyone in the country can be so lucky.
Two quick notes: first, no one can honestly dispute whether or not my county's supervisor of elections has a history of some problematic choices -- she does -- although she only took office in 2003, so I don't want to hear anyone trying to "hang some chads" on her, as she wasn't in that role when the big recount happened that went the way of the younger Republican Bush -- George, not Jeb -- which I say only because the prevaricator-in-chief attempted to manipulate his ignorant minions into believing that recounts only benefit the Democratic party.
Second, these recounts are required BY STATUTE because the races have candidates who are within a half percentage point of each other. So anyone who is crying foul is doing so prematurely (and probably with an ulterior motive to advance a certain fool's agenda item to denigrate our democracy) and needs to take a seat and to #stfu. And spoiler alert -- if said machine recount reduces the difference to a quarter percentage point, then there's going to be an in-depth MANUAL recount ... so get ready, 'cause there's more than a good chance that this story has got legs.
Oh ... and guess which county is going to play a special role in the upcoming 2020 Presidential election? Hint: it's my county. And you're welcome America.
TO BE FAIR, THIS PERSON HAS A HISTORY OF TROUBLES:
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-who-is-brenda-snipes-20181109-story.html
THE SOURCE OF THE TIMELINE FEATURED IN THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE:
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Timeline-2018-Florida-Election-Reporting-Certification-and-Recount-Results-500171462.html
HERE COMES THE 2020 ELECTION!:
http://time.com/5450501/florida-recount-2018/
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/10/18
... 'tis the season.
And 'tis the *tradition*, because it's what I do *every* November. Over on the Facebook, it's a daily statement ... and here on the blog, it's a weekly summary.
Without any further ado:
SUNDAY the 4th: I am thankful for the improvements that modern technologies provide. As someone who famously had almost bloody fingers because he didn't know which way to work an allen wrench hex key when putting a "build-your-own-furniture" desk together (I was trying to turn the small end), I couldn't be more pleased that the latest put-air-in-your-tires thingamajig has a built in digital display and a beeper to tell you when you should stop filling up one tire and move on to another. For making the task of driving fully inflated so easy that even *I* can do it, I am most thankful.
MONDAY the 5th: I am thankful for the bougainvillea. In a previous November in an earlier year, I was thankful for the *neighbor's* bougainvillea, which used to creep over the back yard fence and provide a "pop of color". Then the trash people moved in to that house, and they cut down all the foliage. Luckily, though, we had liked what we had seen so much, that we had gotten a small version for the back patio (see it on the picture on the right, getting watered [to the extent that the puppies would allow]). That little potted bougainvillea was subsequently replanted over by the new post-Irma fence, and now it is free to grow and to take over OUR yard. For no longer having to rely on the kindness of neighbors for our "pop of color", I am definitely thankful.
TUESDAY the 6th: I am thankful for the ability to vote (see my "I voted!" post from earlier today) ... and even more thankful for the ability to spend the evening watching the results come in (my work calendar tomorrow has been cleared of meetings and is just a "task" day) ... and I am the most thankful that the bar has been stocked for the evening. For that perfect combination of democracy-in-modern-times and alcohol, I am quite thankful.
WEDNESDAY the 7th: I am thankful for documentaries. It kind of reminds me of the old days in school when the teacher would decide to take a day off and would wheel the TV/VCR cart in front of the classroom and "outen" the lights (I grew up in PA Dutch country) -- and that day's learnin' would be from whatever was on the screen. Now I can do that continual learnin' in the comfort of my own home -- although it's on demand now, and it's likely found on the HBO. Today, for instance, I watched 'Baltimore Rising' and I got informed about all those who tried to keep Baltimorians from rioting during the Gray trials. For that to which I'd never be exposed were it not for the documentarian's camera, I am so thankful.
THURSDAY the 8th: I am thankful for the fact that I am finally starting to embrace modern technology ... which means my little black book of lists on random scraps of paper and index cards and such, which is where I also stored my favorite fortune cookie fortunes, is practically retired. In its place, I use the "color notes" app on the smart phone, which thankfully seems to have an endless limit of lists I can store there. (Lest you judge -- remember that science says that the kind of people with clutter on their desks and their phones are the genius kind). For an easy way to keep track of tasks and lists and dreams and wishes and all kinds of such things ... I am very very thankful.
FRIDAY the 9th: I am thankful for those who want to make a difference and who choose to take action to do so (part 1). In the classic words of Robin Sparkles (you know if you know), all y'all back in central PA should be saying "let's go to the (Lebanon Valley) Mall" tomorrow, Saturday, November 10th between 10am and 4pm to enjoy the Veterans Day vendor show (with proceeds going toward a military cause [Keystone Military Families]). All the details can be found at this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2183029761769934/ For those back home who walk the walk instead of just talking the talk, even though I'm far away and can't join in, for you and what you do, I am most thankful.
SATURDAY the 10th: I am thankful for those who want to make a difference and who choose to take action to do so (part 2). For instance, back in my hometown of Lebanon PA, there are those who spend Veterans' Day weekend highlighting the plight of homeless veterans by BECOMING homeless for the weekend, becoming reliant on a public who too often likes to look away for food and monetary donations. I understand it's a wet, cold and thoroughly icky weekend for this activity ... which only makes the mission more poignant. For those back home who care so deeply that they'd brave the elements to prove a point, I am so thankful. (And they'd be thankful were you able to help out the cause : https://www.facebook.com/HomelessVetsAwareness/ ).
Random Posting for Penn State 11/10/18
1.) Woo-hoo! Win #885 is in the books (and no, they don't *all* belong to McSORLEY -- just the last 29!).
2.) I had kind of forgotten what a noon game was like ... not that I'm complaining ... only just saying.
3.) 30 degrees but feels like 19, eh? Pretty sure I haven't felt *those* temps since Feb of 2015. Again ... not that I'm complaining ... only just saying.
4.) I'm no physical therapist, but I sure do hope that Trace-with-a-knee-brace is doing whatever he needs to do to stay as healthy as he can to close out this season ...
5.) And I'm no bowl game assigner, but I sure do hope that we land one over New Year's ... instead of those ones that get burned off before Christmas.
6.) I will say that my glass is normally of the half full kind, but the catastrophizer in me does always think that a missed point-after all but guarantees that we're going to lose that game by just one point. Happily, that was not the case today.
7.) Hey announcermen -- the television program before the game on my local ABC channel was Jack Hanna and his wild kingdom, so your nature-documentary-style opener about lions and badgers was kind of a spot-on segue.
8.) Hey announcermen -- you know how you joked about how wonderful Siri was but at least she couldn't replace you? Well you must not have seen how China premiered it's artificially intelligent news anchor this week. I do fear that your days are indeed numbered.
9.) I don't care what anyone else says. *My* player of the week is going to *have* to be Jake PINEGAR ... 'cause regular readers know I'm fond of a kicker, and today our kicker finally got to see a lot of action!
In closing, thanks to the announcermen (on whom I usually pick) for all your Penn State trivia knowledge this week. I did not know that our original colors were pink and black ... and I did not know our original mascot was "old coaly" ... and I did not know that the origination of the "we are" chant was in response to standing up for the right for college football to be integrated ... and also rest in peace Wally TRIPLETT, who just passed away and for whom Penn State fought back in the day -- and by "back in the day", I mean the 1940's, although football and racism still get paired together often enough in modern times. Here's to extending the Scarlet Knights' losing streak by yet another game next week ... and Trace: rest up that knee, son!
FOR ALL YOU STATS LOVERS OUT THERE:
http://www.winsipedia.com/penn-state
BOWL PREDICTIONS (AS OF BEFORE THIS GAME [UNLESS THEY UPDATE IT]):
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2805214-bowl-predictions-2018-updated-predictions-after-week-11-cfp-rankings
ANNOUNCER PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS WILL ONE DAY SOON BE ROBOTS:
https://www.upi.com/China-launches-worlds-first-AI-news-presenter-at-conference/8151541783736/?rc_fifo=5
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Random Wordplay for Wednesday 11/7/18
Used in a question: "Are you ready for tomorrow's Day of Philanthropy campaign at my undergrad alma mater, connected, as all things must be nowadays, to the hashtag #RaiseUpLVC ?"
If you know me at all, then you know that I loved my college days so much, that I stayed there to pursue THREE degrees, officially graduating TWO times (in '95 and '00), basically being a student for ONE whole decade (from the fall of 1989 to the winter of 2000, with a few semesters off intermittently for other pursuits). It's where I discovered who I was ... where I met some of the best people, both in front of the classroom and in the seats around me ... where I embraced a liberal arts approach to life ... where I honed my critical thinking skills ... where I made memories that have lasted my lifetime.
Let's face it -- had the government not stopped letting me borrow money OR were I independently wealthy, I'd still be there today!
Since the government did indeed cut me off when I maxed out my loan eligibility and since the most I've ever won playing the lottery was $50, I can't join in in too big a way for the fundraising telethon to come tomorrow (Nov 8) when the goal is to get 1000 donors in 24 hours. But even though there aren't going to be any buildings named Neidermyer on the ever-growing campus any time soon, I *can* do my part to be 1 of those 1000 in the morn -- because they will accept gifts of any size to meet their goals.
Anyone able to join me? Let's #RaiseUpLVC together!
DETAILS OF THE DAY OF PHILANTHROPY CAMPAIGN:
https://www.lvc.edu/support-lvc/funding-opportunities/day-of-philanthropy/
ALL ABOUT MY ALMA MATER:
https://www.lvc.edu/
150 LVC MEMORIES:
https://capcognition.blogspot.com/search/label/LVC%20%7C%7C%20CL%20Memories
Monday, November 5, 2018
Random Memorial for Monday 11/5/18
Also gone but not forgotten: Reba's 17th album 'It's Your Call' -- at least in *cassette* form, as it used to be when it was in the music collection before it found itself in the trash can tonight as the latest cassette to be "done like that" seeing as how the CD is *also* already in the music mix.
(To tell you the truth, I had thought that I had already featured all of the Rebas in this category, but I found this one in the bottom of the box tonight.)
Twenty six years ago, when this was released, I was listening to ALL the songs ... but the one I'll feature tonight is Reba's take on the Patty Loveless tune 'Baby's Gone Blues', 'cause who doesn't like them some classic country crooner who is "sang"ing the blues ...
IT'S SO HARD ON MY HEART GOING FROM GOOD INTO GONE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFb8F9bwqf4
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 11/4/18
How it's (finally) VOTING time! Take it from me -- I have NO idea what regular non-political commercials look like any more. Anyone know if people still try to sell stuff that way?
In the previous two weeks, I offered up my endorsements for the major state races (go GILLUM and NELSON!) ... and summarized my suggestions for how to handle the plethora of tricky statewide amendments on this ballot (YES on only 4, 12 and 13).
But as Billy Mays probably pleaded at the pearly gates when he passed back in the summer of 2009, "but wait ... there's more"!
At the risk of inducing "ballot fatigue" here in the SoFlo, the local paperwork will also have a county wide taxation question and 11 "questions" about making changes to the county charter. Here's the good news -- my recommendations there are easy to remember:
NO on the penny increase to the sales tax for transportation improvements (something they are trying again after failing to get a similar measure passed in the primary), as there are way too many of us living paycheck to paycheck in Trump's America, and we need our pennies more than they do ... plus "they" don't really yet have fully formulated plans for spending those projected billions of dollars.
YES to all of the charter changes EXCEPT for the one that tries to weaken the inspector general's ability to commence an investigation (changing a "must" to a "may"). The rest share a general theme of creating more transparency in county government on a wide number of issues -- and the fewer back-room secret deals we have, the better.
So there you go. You are now prepared for the vote. Plus don't forget -- the next Presidential race is in just less than 24 months ... so expect to see *those* ads starting up any day now.
BALLOT FATIGUE -- IT'S A REAL THING:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/long-ballots-democracy/413701/
I AGREE -- NO ON THE PENNY TAX (AGAIN):
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/endorsements/fl-op-end-broward-penny-tax-transportation-20181013-story.html
I (MOSTLY) AGREE -- YES ON EVERYTHING BUT THE INSPECTOR GENERAL:
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/endorsements/fl-op-end-broward-county-charter-questions-20181023-story.html
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Random Soapbox for Saturday 11/3/18
... 'tis the season.
As I've done in Novembers past, there will be no ranting on Saturdays during Thanksgiving. Ranting on other days is still possible, and seeing as how election day is also this month, highly likely.
Over on the Facebook, I'm doing a daily statement of gratitude, and so each Saturday for the near future, I'll gather the previous week's output here so that my thanks can be permanently recorded (in case I ever have a down day and need to go looking for reasons to buck up like the bestest buttercup). To whit:
THURSDAY the 1st: I am thankful for writing the rent check. Oh sure, it may be a bigger number than I'd like it to be ... but three and a half years into this relationship with this easy going landlord, and there's nothing more comforting that setting up house and keeping up house and filling up the house with those you love and those who love you. If the price for that is the cost of a monthly rent check, then thank goodness I get to write a rent check each month.
FRIDAY the 2nd: I am thankful for dreams. I don't mean the grand aspirational ones that keep a person motivated, although they are certainly a "nice to have". I mean the weird ones that happen when you are asleep and that seem to make no sense at all but that apparently are letting you release all kinds of stress in healthy ways. And, as a bonus, sometimes they are oh-so-randomly filled with people from your past. For instance, Gerald W, Jenn G and I all survived a helicopter crash the other night, and we did so by walking really fast on top of the water of the lake where we landed ... and just last night, I led a bus trip back to my hometown of Lebanon PA, where things fell apart because Amy G and Amy GT, looking like they did in high school in 89 of course, refused to get back on the bus because I hadn't give them the right itinerary (sorry ladies). And don't get me started about the drones-on-demand that were flying overhead uber-style waiting to be summoned to solve problems and to answer questions as needed. For setting loose a wild imagination in what I think is a harmless way, for that I am so thankful.
SATURDAY the 3rd: I am thankful for long rides in a car with an old-fashioned CD player (I'd also be prepared to be thankful if the car had an old-old-fashioned cassette player, but then said car might be from the 80's and might not be that reliable). Bonus gratitude -- when that drive is long enough that you can have a nearly complete curated Toad the Wet Sprocket concert (ending with the most recent Glen Phillips solo project). Bonus bonus gratitude -- when the drive with the curated concert happens because you get to catch up with that good college friend of yours that you see about every two years of late. For all three things, I am quite thankful.
Random Posting for Penn State 11/3/18
1.) And the *last* time we were shut-out continues to be a date in 2001.
2.) Of course, a win would have been nice -- but they were ranked fifth in the country and all, so ... you know ...
3.) As it were, circumstances were such that I missed the first half of the game ... so maybe *I'm* to blame for that performance as the boys might not have wanted to score unless I was watching.
4.) In similar news, if anyone can explain why the game that was on the ESPN *wasn't* on the ESPN Radio channel on the Sirius at the same time, I'll be patiently waiting. I saw their lineup and I don't want to hear jack-douches *talking* about the sports ... I want to hear the *sports*!
5.) You know that moment when you're happy to see Tommy STEVENS in the game ... and then he runs the football ... and then he immediately throws the interception ... yeah, it was that kind of day (although credit where credit is due since he did come back for that one score).
6.) Oh Trace-with-the-knee-brace. That made me sad -- although it probably made you MORE sad.
7.) Hey announcermen -- commenting how saying that Trace is 6ft is "being generous" makes you sound like a mean girl. Just thought you should know.
8.) Hey announcermen -- I normally direct *two* of my comments your way in these posts, but you may have heard that I only saw half the game, so unless you have the answer to #4 above, I've got nothing more to say to you this week.
9.) I don't care what anyone else says. *My* player of the week is going to *have* to be Michigan's Chase WINOVICH ... 'cause, you know ... those golden locks of HAIR though.
In closing, thanks to Yetur GROSS-MATOS, 'cause, you know ... I just like to say his name (almost as much as I like to say SHAKA TONEY) ... and here's to next week's home game against Wisconsin at whatever time it will be. PS -- can we pretty pretty please orchestrate a win?
WHY DOESN'T THE RADIO CHANNEL HAVE THE GAMES THAT ARE ON THE TV?:
https://www.siriusxm.com/espnradio/weeklyschedule
COME ON ... THAT HAIR THOUGH!:
https://www.hercampus.com/school/u-mich/chase-winovich-great-hair-and-aggressive-football-player
I'M STARTING TO TAKE A SHINE TO THIS GROSS-MATOS FELLOW:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2018/10/09/Penn-State-DE-Yetur-Gross-Matos-numbers-add-up-to-a-promising-future/stories/201810090124
Thursday, November 1, 2018
JUST ONE MORE ... statement of gratitude (November 2018)
JUST ONE MORE ... statement of gratitude.
Now more than ever, I plan to fully participate in the annual tradition of giving of thanks -- expanded beyond just that one day (the earliest possible Thanksgiving date this year, what with the month starting on a Thursday) to the whole month, because doing so is perfectly aligned with the spirit of the original mission of this series: to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks (or just me) to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach and apathy often seems to be running rampant.
By the way, kudos to those of you who have successfully expanded the tradition to a whole year ... or even an evergreen, every day concept, as I've seen over on the Facebook. Studies have been done that show that people who are grateful sleep more soundly, engage more authentically and love more deeply. It's simple -- your quality of life will improve if you take a moment to appreciate the moments you are in, and who doesn't want a higher quality of life?
(Also -- fingers crossed that practicing your gratitude statements early on in the month will prepare you for all for which you [hopefully] have to be thankful after the first November holiday is over -- that of election day next week, of course.)
As always, participate how best suits your life -- be grateful for the little things ... for the profound things ... for the things you normally pass over in your day to day routine ... for those that came before ... for those who give you the support you need ... for the bare necessities ... for the luxuries ... for the groceries ... for the "this" ... for the "that" ... for the "in-between". For whatsoever you pick and howsoever you choose to do it, only be sure to choose to offer up just one more ... statement of gratitude!
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