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Recommended Reading
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
it's my last blogging day until next week, as I'm headed north for some quality time in the great outdoors.
If you're celebrating a national holiday this weekend, don't drink and drive! Actually, don't drink and drive regardless of if you're celebrating anything or not...
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If you're celebrating a national holiday this weekend, don't drink and drive! Actually, don't drink and drive regardless of if you're celebrating anything or not...
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I've always liked ravens.
Unlike their smaller crow cousins; ravens are highly intelligent, opportunistic and not associated with humble pie or segregation laws in the deep south
lately I've been seeing a lot of ravens walking along the road and I wonder if they're too fat to fly, too lazy or if they just like walking all of a sudden.
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Monday, June 28, 2010
my father-daughter time was spent at the local amusement park, where much sugar was consumed, much skin was burnt and many necks wrenched on rides that Ralph Nader would characterize as unsafe at any speed
we had a great day!
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we had a great day!
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Friday, June 25, 2010
I'm seeing my daughter tomorrow!
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
I committed to playing golf with my coworkers today.
I loathe golf.
I did this two years ago with them and left as soon as politely possible. I'm hoping that I can leave even earlier this year. I don't mind chitchatting with my coworkers when I'm getting paid to do so, but they aren't the sort of people I'd want to hang out with on my dime.
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I loathe golf.
I did this two years ago with them and left as soon as politely possible. I'm hoping that I can leave even earlier this year. I don't mind chitchatting with my coworkers when I'm getting paid to do so, but they aren't the sort of people I'd want to hang out with on my dime.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
once again, xkcd.com sums modern life up perfectly:
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
when you're swimmin' in the creek
and an eel bites your cheek
that's a Moray!
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and an eel bites your cheek
that's a Moray!
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Monday, June 21, 2010
If a song (usually old, usually cheesy) is stubbornly embedded in your mind and you can't stop singing it, it's called an earworm, so it stands to reason then that a book you can't stop thinking about would be an eyeworm.
In this instance, I have been afflicted with an eyeworm whose title and author I cannot remember, although I can recite much of the story and describe the major characters. It's an early 1970's cheesy novel about Texas oilmen, the women who love them and the deeds they do. Preceeding "Dallas" by several years, it offered the same lurid sex, manly men and womenly women that Harold Robbins is infamous for, but it wasn't written by Harold Robbins.
I recall the title as "Oil" but google tells me that there's only one book by that name and it was written by Upton Sinclair in the 1920's. Definitely not the same book...
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In this instance, I have been afflicted with an eyeworm whose title and author I cannot remember, although I can recite much of the story and describe the major characters. It's an early 1970's cheesy novel about Texas oilmen, the women who love them and the deeds they do. Preceeding "Dallas" by several years, it offered the same lurid sex, manly men and womenly women that Harold Robbins is infamous for, but it wasn't written by Harold Robbins.
I recall the title as "Oil" but google tells me that there's only one book by that name and it was written by Upton Sinclair in the 1920's. Definitely not the same book...
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Friday, June 18, 2010
Further to Wednesday's entry, here is some follow-up info related to those freaky record albums:
It turns out the album cover is a still from the horribly, horribly disturbing music video of the same name:
Little David Wilkins is still making music and according to his website, he is "300 pounds of fun and excitement".
Also still working the music circuit are the The Minister's Quartet. Going by their website, two of the original members are still shaking their booty for the Lord and it looks like they've hired Eddie Munster to fill one of the gaps.
Beverly Massegee would like to thank her plastic surgeon and Adobe Photoshop for their assistance with her latest album cover:
Which brings us to Mike Crain:
Mikey, mikey, mikey...
it looks like your quirky karate chopping blossomed into full-blown crazy:
Former director Mike Crain turns himself in to sheriff's department
click for article
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It turns out the album cover is a still from the horribly, horribly disturbing music video of the same name:
Little David Wilkins is still making music and according to his website, he is "300 pounds of fun and excitement".
Also still working the music circuit are the The Minister's Quartet. Going by their website, two of the original members are still shaking their booty for the Lord and it looks like they've hired Eddie Munster to fill one of the gaps.
Beverly Massegee would like to thank her plastic surgeon and Adobe Photoshop for their assistance with her latest album cover:
Which brings us to Mike Crain:
Mikey, mikey, mikey...
it looks like your quirky karate chopping blossomed into full-blown crazy:
Former director Mike Crain turns himself in to sheriff's department
Author: Michael Reneau
Source: The Herald-News
The founder and former executive director of a Rhea County Christian camp has been arrested and charged with three counts of sexual battery.
Mike Crain, 65, turned himself in to officers at the Rhea County Jail Friday after a grand jury issued an indictment for him on Oct. 5 for the felony charges.
Crain has garnered much recognition over the last 35 years for the creation of Dayton-based Fort Bluff Camp and the National Association of Christian Athletics as well as for his "Karate for Christ" martial arts demonstrations.
According to Rhea County Investigator Rocky Potter, two women have alleged that Crain groped them in the office facilities of Fort Bluff earlier this year. Both were employees at the camp, Potter said.
One of the alleged victims is a minor. The teen reported that Crain molested her while they were alone on two occasions this year - once in May and another time in August, according to police reports.
The other alleged victim told police she was sexually assaulted in August as well, Potter said.
Both women claimed that they were alone with Crain when the incidents occurred, according to police reports. In one case, the alleged victim was asleep and reportedly awoke to Crain assaulting her.
Potter said campers were probably on the campgrounds during at least one of the reported incidents.
Crain was released from jail after he paid a $5,000 bond.
In 1974, Crain and his wife, Naomi, founded Fort Bluff on Ogden Road, located atop Dayton Mountain.
According to Herald-News archives, the camp is host to about 10,000 children every year through its various camp programs and athletic events through the NACA.
According to a statement released by the organization, Crain had to step down from his leadership positions with Fort Bluff after suffering strokes in 2007. His wife Naomi was named as President and CEO in April 2008, the statement said. The camp's statement said that Mike Crain suffered from "progressive cognitive dementia."
Mike Crain still worked and lived on the campgrounds, though, according to Potter.
Days after the alleged incidents occurred in August, Naomi Crain left her positions with the camp, and Tim Walterbach was named Executive Director of Fort Bluff Camp.
According to Walterbach, the Crains have not been officially affiliated with Fort Bluff or the NACA since then. The released statement indicated the separation was a result of Crain's medical problems.
"Mike and Naomi Crain are no longer affiliated with NACA/Fort Bluff Camp," the statement said. "There was a mutual agreement for their separation. Mike's illness prohibits his and Naomi's involvement in the ministry of NACA/Fort Bluff Camp."
"We're saddened by the situation," Walterbach said on Monday.
The camp had no other comments to add to the released statement.
click for article
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I'm looking out my office window and cannot think of a single thing to write about. The "message waiting" light on my phone is blinking and I don't want to check it because whatever's waiting there is nothing but a pain in the ass that I won't want to deal with.
definitely time to move on...
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definitely time to move on...
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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
There is some serious WTF going on with these album covers. I realllly want to see a transcript of the cover art approval discussion...
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
why do some people exagerate so much? do they think it emphasizes their observations or concerns?
If you had a big poop, just say that you had a big poop. describing it as "the most incredible poop in the history of pooping" only reveals your inner drama queen. either that you you'd better be able to prove it.
the same goes for the road to your house. don't call me up and describe it as "the worst road in the entire province!" and expect me to say "ZOMG!!! I'll be right there!!" because again: all you're doing is exercising your inner drama queen.
just calm the fuck down, describe your problem factually and then hang up the phone secure in the knowledge that you didn't act like a hyperexcited 5 year old.
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If you had a big poop, just say that you had a big poop. describing it as "the most incredible poop in the history of pooping" only reveals your inner drama queen. either that you you'd better be able to prove it.
the same goes for the road to your house. don't call me up and describe it as "the worst road in the entire province!" and expect me to say "ZOMG!!! I'll be right there!!" because again: all you're doing is exercising your inner drama queen.
just calm the fuck down, describe your problem factually and then hang up the phone secure in the knowledge that you didn't act like a hyperexcited 5 year old.
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Monday, June 14, 2010
things that I thought during the commencement ceremony for the 468 young adults in my son's graduating class:
Why are so many of these kids heading to bible college?
What the hell is bible college, anyway?
Seriously? your goal is to be a pro motocross racer?
All the asian kids are going to med school or engineering
I've never seen a kid who wants to be a prison warden before
Apparently girls only come in blonde these days
It's not necessary to say that you want to be a successful businessman. It's kinda implicit
No one plans on getting married in six months and living in a trailer?
What's with the Special Ed kid whose goal is to "keep smiling"?
Look at the rack on that Milf!
What kind of last name is "Human"?
I liked that Valedictorian kid's speech
That kid who's "taking a year off to relax" is never gonna move out
Is this how fresh-faced I was at 17?
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Why are so many of these kids heading to bible college?
What the hell is bible college, anyway?
Seriously? your goal is to be a pro motocross racer?
All the asian kids are going to med school or engineering
I've never seen a kid who wants to be a prison warden before
Apparently girls only come in blonde these days
It's not necessary to say that you want to be a successful businessman. It's kinda implicit
No one plans on getting married in six months and living in a trailer?
What's with the Special Ed kid whose goal is to "keep smiling"?
Look at the rack on that Milf!
What kind of last name is "Human"?
I liked that Valedictorian kid's speech
That kid who's "taking a year off to relax" is never gonna move out
Is this how fresh-faced I was at 17?
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Friday, June 11, 2010
Today is son #2's high school graduation ceremony.
Another lifetime milestone that has snuck up on me over the passing years. The last graduation of his that I attended was at his Montesorri preschool in Prince Rupert and that was 15 years and two marriages ago.
I look at him - at all my children - and I still marvel at the miracle of life evident in their existance. Their hair, their eyes, their smell and skin....all of these things were created by Ex1 and me and at no point did we ever stop and visualize this day.
I am so very proud of them all.
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Another lifetime milestone that has snuck up on me over the passing years. The last graduation of his that I attended was at his Montesorri preschool in Prince Rupert and that was 15 years and two marriages ago.
I look at him - at all my children - and I still marvel at the miracle of life evident in their existance. Their hair, their eyes, their smell and skin....all of these things were created by Ex1 and me and at no point did we ever stop and visualize this day.
I am so very proud of them all.
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
While Europe's eye is fix'd on mighty things,
The fate of empires and the fall of kings;
While quacks of State must each produce his plan,
And even children lisp the Rights of Man;
Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention,
The Rights of Woman merit some attention.
~ Robert Burns
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Wednesday, June 09, 2010
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Tuesday, June 08, 2010
If you're over 40 or enjoy what's referred to as "classic rock", then you may remember a song called "Two For The Show" by a Canadian band called Trooper.
While many songs have deeply personal lyrics that can be cryptic to anyone other than the author, there's no denying that the person who wrote this particular song was a real jerk:
Two for the show
And my mother wants to go
It'll break her heart when I tell her
She's too old
It isn't "if" he tells her, it's "when he tells her". All she wants to do is see her son perform but this guy has already decided that shit needs stomping on. Get your ass back in the kitchen, mom. you ain't goin' NOWHERE lookin' all wrinkly and old!
I'm in my place
I got makeup all over my face
I think I know my lines
But I dunno
One for the money
Two for the show
Three for the lady on the radio
Four might be the one
You'll never know, you'll never know
If only there was a better way to go {way to go}
Two for the show
Waiting in the wings
While the queen of virtue sings
It'll break her heart when I tell her
She's out of key
If they gave her half a chance
She could soon learn how to dance
So she could earn her living
Gracefully
Again with the fixation on shattering other people. Not only does your singing make my goddamn ears bleed, but you're far better off sticking to something that doesn't require you to open your mouth at all. Like dance or marriage to a Taliban cleric.
One for the money
Two for the show
Three for the lady on the radio
Four might be the one
You'll never know, you'll never know
If only there was a better way to go {way to go}
Two for the show
0 comments
While many songs have deeply personal lyrics that can be cryptic to anyone other than the author, there's no denying that the person who wrote this particular song was a real jerk:
Two for the show
And my mother wants to go
It'll break her heart when I tell her
She's too old
It isn't "if" he tells her, it's "when he tells her". All she wants to do is see her son perform but this guy has already decided that shit needs stomping on. Get your ass back in the kitchen, mom. you ain't goin' NOWHERE lookin' all wrinkly and old!
I'm in my place
I got makeup all over my face
I think I know my lines
But I dunno
One for the money
Two for the show
Three for the lady on the radio
Four might be the one
You'll never know, you'll never know
If only there was a better way to go {way to go}
Two for the show
Waiting in the wings
While the queen of virtue sings
It'll break her heart when I tell her
She's out of key
If they gave her half a chance
She could soon learn how to dance
So she could earn her living
Gracefully
Again with the fixation on shattering other people. Not only does your singing make my goddamn ears bleed, but you're far better off sticking to something that doesn't require you to open your mouth at all. Like dance or marriage to a Taliban cleric.
One for the money
Two for the show
Three for the lady on the radio
Four might be the one
You'll never know, you'll never know
If only there was a better way to go {way to go}
Two for the show
Monday, June 07, 2010
I spent the weekend in deep thought (well, deep for me anyway) over opting out of the career early and I'll be darned if I could come up with a good reason to stick around.
About the only thing keeping me here is the heavy payout penalty on my mortgage and there's less than three years left on its term
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About the only thing keeping me here is the heavy payout penalty on my mortgage and there's less than three years left on its term
Friday, June 04, 2010
Brought to you by the good folks at Ted.com
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
As of today, I now have seven years, 11 months and 27 days to go until my earliest retirement with a full pension.
Not that I'm counting or anything.
Lately I've been asking myself if it's worth sticking around for it, or if I'd be better off opting out of this progressively unsatisfying job, selling my place and relocating to the east coast to start my own business. In doing so there'd still a pension coming at age 55, it would just be reduced.
I suspect that my inner voice of practical-minded "just stick it out" is in actually, my fear-based "don't take a chance" voice in disguise.
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Not that I'm counting or anything.
Lately I've been asking myself if it's worth sticking around for it, or if I'd be better off opting out of this progressively unsatisfying job, selling my place and relocating to the east coast to start my own business. In doing so there'd still a pension coming at age 55, it would just be reduced.
I suspect that my inner voice of practical-minded "just stick it out" is in actually, my fear-based "don't take a chance" voice in disguise.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
I saw a bumper sticker today that said "will work for world peace" and it occurred to me that if people consistently fail at creating their personal peace, how the hell are we collectively going to create world peace?
IMO, this is one of the major obstacles to both personal and world peace:
Main Entry: spite
petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
We spend far too much time collecting and nurturing our grievances and then biding our time as we wait for "the right opportunity" to avenge ourselves. We do this as individuals, as families, as communities and as nations.
and until we let that shit go, peace is just a pipe dream
0 comments
IMO, this is one of the major obstacles to both personal and world peace:
Main Entry: spite
petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
We spend far too much time collecting and nurturing our grievances and then biding our time as we wait for "the right opportunity" to avenge ourselves. We do this as individuals, as families, as communities and as nations.
and until we let that shit go, peace is just a pipe dream
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
reaping what one sows
"Five women presenters have resigned from the Arabic news channel Al-Jazeera after being accused of not dressing modestly enough
After the channel refused to back them, the five women, some of the best-known faces in the Middle East thanks to the channel's popularity, quit. Three others have registered protests while staying with the station
An internal inquiry has since cleared the official, the deputy editor-in-chief Ayman Jaballah, and asserted that the channel had the right to dictate how its presenters appeared.
The women concerned in the latest clash are Jumana Nammour, Lina Zahr al Deen Jullinar Mousa , Luna al-Shibl and Nawfar Afli, the first three from Lebanon, the other two from Syria and Tunisia resectively.
All are relatively liberal societies, and the five appeared with their hair uncovered, in contrast to some of Al-Jazeera's other women presenters, as well as heavily made up.
According to sources within the channel, there had been an escalating conflict between the two sides, with Mr Jaballah in particular making repeated comments about the women's "clothes and decency".
..."
it's funny how folks have no issue with taking a paycheque to decry the lax morals and values of another culture but become outraged when that exact same lens is eventually turned on themselves.
In choosing to work for a media agency known for extolling the virtues of Islamic fundamentalism, what did these women think would happen?
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"Five women presenters have resigned from the Arabic news channel Al-Jazeera after being accused of not dressing modestly enough
After the channel refused to back them, the five women, some of the best-known faces in the Middle East thanks to the channel's popularity, quit. Three others have registered protests while staying with the station
An internal inquiry has since cleared the official, the deputy editor-in-chief Ayman Jaballah, and asserted that the channel had the right to dictate how its presenters appeared.
The women concerned in the latest clash are Jumana Nammour, Lina Zahr al Deen Jullinar Mousa , Luna al-Shibl and Nawfar Afli, the first three from Lebanon, the other two from Syria and Tunisia resectively.
All are relatively liberal societies, and the five appeared with their hair uncovered, in contrast to some of Al-Jazeera's other women presenters, as well as heavily made up.
According to sources within the channel, there had been an escalating conflict between the two sides, with Mr Jaballah in particular making repeated comments about the women's "clothes and decency".
..."
it's funny how folks have no issue with taking a paycheque to decry the lax morals and values of another culture but become outraged when that exact same lens is eventually turned on themselves.
In choosing to work for a media agency known for extolling the virtues of Islamic fundamentalism, what did these women think would happen?
