I got up this morning and went off to my Starbuck's (I say MY, because FaithfulReaders will recall I WAS the DrinkOfTheWeek) for the last time, then started cleaning my bathroom, which has to be the most dreaded task in human experience.
The team of movers arrived at 9 a.m. - I was amazed and dismayed to discover that the team consisted of TWO guys! Boy, did they have their work cut out for them. One headed immediately to the kitchen, and the other tackled the bedroom, which left the bathroom for me to play in. I kinda set up an office complete with a phone and set to canceling all of my services. I even managed to cancel my dial-up internet service, and if you have ever tried to do this, MAN, they are like pitbulls - they just WON'T let you cancel, but I won this time! I was feeling quite proud of myself!
I then realized that the fellows would be at my place a long time, and I had many errands to run, and I was wasting precious time. I asked them if I was required to be there for this process, and they said no, and also declined my offer to return bearing fast food for them. So I went to the post office and changed my address, went to the bank, took the dealership a copy of some paper they needed for my car, did a little shopping, got lunch, found time for ANOTHER Starbuck's run, and gassed up the car, where I FINALLY noticed a dip in the prices!
When I returned, the guys were sitting down outside smoking, and asked where they could go for lunch. I coulda killed them. Instead, I got BACK in the car, and went to fetch them food and drink.
After their refreshments, they started in loading the truck. I never had the experience of people coming in and completely packing everything - they had the paper, tape, boxes, and incredible back strength. As each room was emptied, I followed behind them, spackling and Swiffering, and then I closed the door for the final time, and headed down to Columbus to spend the night with DJ V.
It was quite dark and rainy in Akron as I was leaving, but soon the skies cleared, and the world was bathed in a hyper-brilliant orange-y sunset glow.
And that is when Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Live - The Road Show began.
There I was, driving down the highway when a large peregrine falcon/hawk swoops down directly in front of my car and into the median strip, and impales a medium-sized furry mammal! (groundhog? rabbit? capybara?) It was completely amazing. The Savage Beauty Of Nature, as seen on Ohio's interstates.
I arrived safely, and took at peek at DJ V's new golden car. She had been busy setting up her small apartment, and it was absolutely lovely, inviting and romantic. That girl can set a stage almost as well as the Captain can. I brought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary (90 days - seems much more likely to be like, 3 years, oddly), and Kir Royales were made as we watched an episode of Six Feet Under.
And then DJ V gave me a present, my very own Magdalene, otherwise known as a Garmin GPS! I think it would be really cool if you could get a voice module - I want Eddy from Absolutely Fabulous - "Sweetie, sweetie, sweetie, turn right Now! Oh, bollocks, you bitch troll from hell!" But, I will be very happy with Magdalene's insistent Recalculating!
It was a wonderful, thoughtful gift, as I was SURE I would never find my way around Pittsburgh - what a wacky city of weird streets that is...but the best part was the sentiment:
So you can always find your way back to where you belong - with me
At last, I got to take a shower, and DJ V loaned me her Victoria's Secret pj's.
Sleep was deep, and well-deserved.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Let The Fun Begin!
My how time flies! It was 20 years ago today that Pee Wee's Playhouse debuted! I remember those early Saturday mornings when I lived in The Land Of Chalk Drawings (the world's tiniest apartment)...freshly graduated from college, yet sitting cross-legged on the couch, eating Cap'n Crunch and watching Pee Wee before heading off to work.
Besides the brilliance of Paul Reubens, the show also starred Phil Hartman, Laurence Fishburne, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jimmy Smits, and, my favorite - The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland, Lynne Stewart. And the exhausting, wonderful theme song was performed by none other than Cyndi Lauper. And let's not forget the worst SecretWord EVER : Zyzzybalubah! (you had to be there, Friends!) Then there was the Dinosaur Family (who lived in a mouse hole), A Penny Cartoon...AND GIANT UNDERPANTS
(a longtime, sure-fire favorite)!
Not just a show for the tykes, in its entire run, the Playhouse took home 22 Emmy Awards.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Gentlemen, Check Your Engines
I awoke, not terribly inspired, knowing I had just this day to prepare as much as I could for the movers.
I thought it would be special to not move dirty clothes, and so I tackled the laundry first. In my haste, I neglected to check my work shirt pockets before throwing the clothes into the washer and then the dryer...and I was not amused to discover that five shirts were ruined because I stupidly washed my favorite pen, which exploded and leaked all over the things in the dryer! Man, I HATE that!
I got my storage area completely emptied - not that it was a big deal - I stored mostly luggage, my Christmas tree, and many, many empty boxes. I don't really throw boxes away when I purchase something, probably because I have learned that I will be moving somewhere soon, and it makes your life easier to have good boxes for fragile items...
Then it was time to take my car back to the dealership so they could discern why the engine light was on...It took them three hours. The reason was some kind of fume/valve thingy.
I was very happy to get behind the wheel, and not see that amber engine glaring at me!
And, the repair didn't cost me any money - just a chunk of my time, which at this point is very limited, rare and valuable. But I did get to catch up on my tabloid reading - always a bright side!
I thought it would be special to not move dirty clothes, and so I tackled the laundry first. In my haste, I neglected to check my work shirt pockets before throwing the clothes into the washer and then the dryer...and I was not amused to discover that five shirts were ruined because I stupidly washed my favorite pen, which exploded and leaked all over the things in the dryer! Man, I HATE that!
I got my storage area completely emptied - not that it was a big deal - I stored mostly luggage, my Christmas tree, and many, many empty boxes. I don't really throw boxes away when I purchase something, probably because I have learned that I will be moving somewhere soon, and it makes your life easier to have good boxes for fragile items...
Then it was time to take my car back to the dealership so they could discern why the engine light was on...It took them three hours. The reason was some kind of fume/valve thingy.
I was very happy to get behind the wheel, and not see that amber engine glaring at me!
And, the repair didn't cost me any money - just a chunk of my time, which at this point is very limited, rare and valuable. But I did get to catch up on my tabloid reading - always a bright side!
Monday, September 11, 2006
That's All Folks!
The day began on a bad note what with DJ V heading south to Columbus. It will be several days before we will get to be together, and I am not happy about that fact, but we are being mature and taking care of business.
So, off I went, to face the Mass Leave-Taking...MyAdoringPublic, J-Lo...At least the three of us got to go to lunch, and I picked Champps, because I really love their tortellini Sylvina - ricotta cheese tortellini tossed with sauteed chicken, spinach and basil in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, served with great garlic bread. It was a lovely day, and we got to enjoy our lunch out on the patio. My generous and kind friends hooked me up with a Starbuck's giftcard and thermos, AND a bottle of Veuve Clicquot...something great must be happening soon, as I'll that chilling in the fridge!
It was very touching that a couple of employees made a special trip on their day off to come in and spend some time with me, and I quickly realized that my day would not be about working, it would be all about sitting around, talking and spending a few final moments with my co-workers. Sounds better than it was - it's really hard parting from so many great folks.
My OpticianFriend arrived in the afternoon, and brought in my new spectacles. She really wanted to take the day off (and ended up doing so) but she made the trip in, just to deliver my glasses to me. What a pal!
Then there was the ubiquitous GoingAwayCake, which benefits the staff much more than the "recipient".
And finally, I turned in my keys, and took my leave.
No more one hour, one-way commutes!
I headed home, packed up a few things, and took the mirrors off of my antique dressers.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Playing Hooky
I decided, under the good influence of Mr. Beauregard Van Horne, to call off from work today, and to enjoy a leisurely day with DJ Volvo.We stayed in bed until 1 in the afternoon, which in itself was a terrific reason for taking the day off. After showers were taken, breakfast was prepared (scrambled eggs, toast, chimichurra rice with Mediterranean cheese style yogurt).
We ran to Target to purchase a shower curtain rod for my new apartment, and went to a few video stores in hopes of picking up a used copy of Inside Man, because DJ V said that Jodi Foster's legs were amazing. Is there any other better reason to see a movie? I think not.
So, we did not find a used copy of the film for sale, and ended up going to the coffeeshop for blogging, and excessive gloating on my part that I have turned DJ V all obsessive over getting cover art for her iTunes songs....
We ran to Target to purchase a shower curtain rod for my new apartment, and went to a few video stores in hopes of picking up a used copy of Inside Man, because DJ V said that Jodi Foster's legs were amazing. Is there any other better reason to see a movie? I think not.
So, we did not find a used copy of the film for sale, and ended up going to the coffeeshop for blogging, and excessive gloating on my part that I have turned DJ V all obsessive over getting cover art for her iTunes songs....
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Feel The Love (A Little)
TIME magazine asked readers to check one of the boxes on the magazine's August 28 cover to let the world know how they feel about Hillary Clinton.
4,539 covers were received. Who, these days has time to actually drop something into the mail?
Today, they finished counting up the votes, so here are the results from the Luddites casting paper ballots:
LOVE HER - 2,286
HATE HER - 2,122
NEITHER - 131
But, the TIME.com poll recorded a whopping 110,029 cyber votes!
LOVE HER - 40,821
HATE HER - 39,280
NEITHER - 29,928
Looks like we love those kooky Clintons! Just a little.
4,539 covers were received. Who, these days has time to actually drop something into the mail?
Today, they finished counting up the votes, so here are the results from the Luddites casting paper ballots:
LOVE HER - 2,286
HATE HER - 2,122
NEITHER - 131
But, the TIME.com poll recorded a whopping 110,029 cyber votes!
LOVE HER - 40,821
HATE HER - 39,280
NEITHER - 29,928
Looks like we love those kooky Clintons! Just a little.
Spring Cleaning Is Not Enough Sometimes
Roxanna Jones of Ironton, Missouri was cleaning a house when what to her wondering eyes should appear - a discarded snake skin.
Clever FaithfulReaders will know immediately that this was no ordinary snake skin. This little treasure was twelve feet in length.
Roxanna took the snake skin to a sixth grade teacher, Julie Bales.
After looking at the coloration, the pattern on it and the size, I figure it belonged to a Burmese Python, Bales said (obviously a Faithful Reader herself...).
Here is my favorite quote from the report:
According to an expert at the Missouri Department of Conservation, the snake is not indigenous to the Heartland.
Whew! Thanks for that newsflash, Department of Conservation!
Clever FaithfulReaders will know immediately that this was no ordinary snake skin. This little treasure was twelve feet in length.
Roxanna took the snake skin to a sixth grade teacher, Julie Bales.
After looking at the coloration, the pattern on it and the size, I figure it belonged to a Burmese Python, Bales said (obviously a Faithful Reader herself...).
Here is my favorite quote from the report:
According to an expert at the Missouri Department of Conservation, the snake is not indigenous to the Heartland.
Whew! Thanks for that newsflash, Department of Conservation!
The Final Countdown
This afternoon was the start of the Long Goodbye.
MyFriendJason was the first to leave work today, and for some reason, that parting was to be the most difficult for me...
I got a chance to have one last hotdog from the SmokinHotHotDogGirl, and discovered that she is an accountant at her day job...
And finally, it was my last evening with ZekeNewBuffalo. I will miss our long nightly conversations about everything and nothing. Coworkers like these are few and far between, and very hard to replace...
MyFriendJason was the first to leave work today, and for some reason, that parting was to be the most difficult for me...
I got a chance to have one last hotdog from the SmokinHotHotDogGirl, and discovered that she is an accountant at her day job...
And finally, it was my last evening with ZekeNewBuffalo. I will miss our long nightly conversations about everything and nothing. Coworkers like these are few and far between, and very hard to replace...
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Better To See You With My Dear
I got to go see my OpticianPal this afternoon, and use my insurance for the year, picking out new frames. She has everything all ready for me, so all I have to do is show up and shop.
She pulled out the runner-up frames from last year, and I still liked them. She preferred them in the bronze-y color, rather than the black ones I liked. I trusted her judgment - even though I really liked a frameless pair a lot...oh well, that will be NEXT year's pair...
I am eagerly awaiting delivery on Monday!
She pulled out the runner-up frames from last year, and I still liked them. She preferred them in the bronze-y color, rather than the black ones I liked. I trusted her judgment - even though I really liked a frameless pair a lot...oh well, that will be NEXT year's pair...
I am eagerly awaiting delivery on Monday!
I Tried That Phrase For Some Library Books Once...
“We are dismayed to be unable to return them, by their irretrievable loss,”
said the president of the Georges Pompidou Center, one Bruno Racine following the news that a 1971 wall sculpture by Peter Alexander was destroyed when it fell from a museum wall shortly before the show, Los Angeles: 1955-1985, opened on March 8, and a 1967 wall relief by Craig Kauffman tumbled to the floor during public visiting hours on July 15.
Since the accidents were first reported in The Los Angeles Times last month, the museum has pouted that it does take proper care of the artworks it borrows. Mr. Racine said that the Pompidou had invited the artists to remake the works at the center’s expense, but that they had not yet responded.
Hmmm..maybe I should have offered to re-type those library books...
said the president of the Georges Pompidou Center, one Bruno Racine following the news that a 1971 wall sculpture by Peter Alexander was destroyed when it fell from a museum wall shortly before the show, Los Angeles: 1955-1985, opened on March 8, and a 1967 wall relief by Craig Kauffman tumbled to the floor during public visiting hours on July 15.
Since the accidents were first reported in The Los Angeles Times last month, the museum has pouted that it does take proper care of the artworks it borrows. Mr. Racine said that the Pompidou had invited the artists to remake the works at the center’s expense, but that they had not yet responded.
Hmmm..maybe I should have offered to re-type those library books...
Those Damn Hippy Granola-Eating Patchouli-Wearing Greenpeace Freaks
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The Long Weekend
The long weekend began today, with us having to get up and head off on separate road trips. DJ V hooked me up with her GPS, which was fantastic, because those Pittsburgh streets are just crazy...
Everything started out real nice, until I started the NewCar, and the damn engine light came on! DJ V calmed me down and suggested that the service department was open and that I should call them, so I did. They seem to think that the detailers, while detailing the engine got a little sloppy and something got into someplace it shouldn't have. They seemed to think it would take several starts of the engine to burn it off, and that it would be fine to drive as long as it didn't flash... wow, was that comforting...
I arrived in Pgh on time, safely in the new 'hood, and met up with my new landlord and got the MANY keys to my new home. I took photos, and was driving myself crazy envisioning how my stuff was going to fit into the space. Although the building is from the right era, the apartment itself is quite modern, and none of my stuff is going to work right. But, I have air conditioning, and that might make it all worthwhile.
I ran across the street to the coffeeshop to build my friendship with my NewBarista, where I discovered that not only are they not open on Sundays, they don't sell the New York Times, which foils several of plans for my fantasy Sunday mornings...
I then turned around and headed home, so that I could work until 2 am!
When I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror this time, I noticed I looked uncannily like Laurie Anderson, and I found that comparison much more palatable. To celebrate, I drove to work listening to her Live In New York concert CD from 2001.
Everything started out real nice, until I started the NewCar, and the damn engine light came on! DJ V calmed me down and suggested that the service department was open and that I should call them, so I did. They seem to think that the detailers, while detailing the engine got a little sloppy and something got into someplace it shouldn't have. They seemed to think it would take several starts of the engine to burn it off, and that it would be fine to drive as long as it didn't flash... wow, was that comforting...
I arrived in Pgh on time, safely in the new 'hood, and met up with my new landlord and got the MANY keys to my new home. I took photos, and was driving myself crazy envisioning how my stuff was going to fit into the space. Although the building is from the right era, the apartment itself is quite modern, and none of my stuff is going to work right. But, I have air conditioning, and that might make it all worthwhile.
I ran across the street to the coffeeshop to build my friendship with my NewBarista, where I discovered that not only are they not open on Sundays, they don't sell the New York Times, which foils several of plans for my fantasy Sunday mornings...
I then turned around and headed home, so that I could work until 2 am!
When I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror this time, I noticed I looked uncannily like Laurie Anderson, and I found that comparison much more palatable. To celebrate, I drove to work listening to her Live In New York concert CD from 2001.
Page 163
That is the page you are asked to rip out of James Frey's faux memoir, A Million Little Pieces.
You can then send it along with a receipt showing that you had purchased the book BEFORE January 26th, the day he "came out", AND a signed statement that you thought the book was a memoir.
You will receive a refund of the cover price - no matter what price your receipt shows you paid - a whopping $23.95!
I believe Mr. Frey will be shredding each refund check into a million little pieces personally, by hand, as he had stuffs each refund envelope as part of his reparation agreement...
You can then send it along with a receipt showing that you had purchased the book BEFORE January 26th, the day he "came out", AND a signed statement that you thought the book was a memoir.
You will receive a refund of the cover price - no matter what price your receipt shows you paid - a whopping $23.95!
I believe Mr. Frey will be shredding each refund check into a million little pieces personally, by hand, as he had stuffs each refund envelope as part of his reparation agreement...
Just For The Record
Sure, it's the name of Streisand's Boxed CD Set...
But that's not what I'm talking about here.
Let the record show, TWO of the Top 5 slots belong to me!
No further explanation will be given...
But that's not what I'm talking about here.
Let the record show, TWO of the Top 5 slots belong to me!
No further explanation will be given...
Why Did The Python Cross The Road?
To digest the pregnant ewe it swallowed for lunch!
The 6 metre long snake was discovered in the village of Kampung Jabor, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Firefighters had no difficulty in capturing the python, as it was unable to move.
Conservationists are deciding whether to keep the 200 pound snake in a zoo or release it back into the wild.
The 6 metre long snake was discovered in the village of Kampung Jabor, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Firefighters had no difficulty in capturing the python, as it was unable to move.
Conservationists are deciding whether to keep the 200 pound snake in a zoo or release it back into the wild.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Licensed To Be Cranky
I had to take the NewCar back to the dealership today for its detailing appointment, and DJ V was kind enough to drop me off before heading down south for the afternoon...
I took advantage of my day to be sequestered at home to throw out more crap. As I like to remind DJ V, I once moved across the country to Seattle with a suitcase, a backpack and my cat. That's it. Now, here I am after four years with a stupid amount of accumulated crap...The Penpal will agree, one of my fondest wastes of time is "going through things"...
Anyway, seven hours later, the folks from the dealership came to pick me up and I went to Swenson's for some refreshment, and to read a little of my book. I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror, and realized that today I looked way too much like Limahl from Kajagoogoo.
What with all of the working, cleaning, waiting, looking like an 80's pop singer, I was pretty cranky. When DJ V arrived back home, she made sure I got some food (more Swenson's, but a milkshake this time), and put me to bed, and excused my crankiness because of my prior good behaviour... {substitute verbiage alert!}
I took advantage of my day to be sequestered at home to throw out more crap. As I like to remind DJ V, I once moved across the country to Seattle with a suitcase, a backpack and my cat. That's it. Now, here I am after four years with a stupid amount of accumulated crap...The Penpal will agree, one of my fondest wastes of time is "going through things"...
Anyway, seven hours later, the folks from the dealership came to pick me up and I went to Swenson's for some refreshment, and to read a little of my book. I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror, and realized that today I looked way too much like Limahl from Kajagoogoo.
What with all of the working, cleaning, waiting, looking like an 80's pop singer, I was pretty cranky. When DJ V arrived back home, she made sure I got some food (more Swenson's, but a milkshake this time), and put me to bed, and excused my crankiness because of my prior good behaviour... {substitute verbiage alert!}
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Speaking Of Cars For Sale...
Had I only known, I could have held on to the SexyCorolla until the gavel falls on Cher's Hummer H2!
How cool would that have been? Seems Cher is divesting herself of about 800 items, including stage costumes by Bob Mackie, jewelry, works of art, furniture and the aforementioned big ol'SUV.
Here's the quote:
She is redecorating her home, going for a Moroccan-Tibetan look and selling the Gothic revival items, said Darren Julien of Julien's Auctions. He added that the mannequins supporting the dresses had to be especially made because of Cher's special figure.
Define "special."
How cool would that have been? Seems Cher is divesting herself of about 800 items, including stage costumes by Bob Mackie, jewelry, works of art, furniture and the aforementioned big ol'SUV.
Here's the quote:
She is redecorating her home, going for a Moroccan-Tibetan look and selling the Gothic revival items, said Darren Julien of Julien's Auctions. He added that the mannequins supporting the dresses had to be especially made because of Cher's special figure.
Define "special."
New Arrivals
I spent the lion's share of the day waiting for the purchase of my new car to go through, while DJ V whiled away the hours laying on the couch at home, reading and eating bon bons and being fanned by the cabana boys...
The couch is very accomodating...
We went out for a late brunch to the Cracker Barrel, then I had a list of errands to run - I had to return a camera bag to BestBuy (too small), get a haircut (conceptualized by DJ V), look at phones ... all kinds of necessary tedium.
We then walked up to the coffeehouse, because the NewCar was safely ensconced in the garage, and sucked up the free WiFi.
While we were there, I received a call from Hollywood Stafford - his new baby arrived - safe, sound and happy! I know Hollywood will be a wonderful dad! What a great journey he is embarking on! I am very happy for him...
It was getting late, and I had a craving for shrimp, so DJ V and I returned to the "scene of the crime" for dinner. It was there that I discovered her hidden passion for Amstel Light. After all of these years - I had no idea.
After dinner, I put my PartnerInCrime to the test, and she passed with flying colors. It is not just anyone you can be on the run from the Law with, y'know?
Then, we wanted to relax and watch a movie, and apparently I was in a regressive state, and thrust one of my favorite stupidly enjoyable films upon her unsuspecting eyes - but anyone will agree, the final scene is a COMPLETE payoff. I am always impressed by experts in their field, any field, so, I can watch Cassandra twirl her tassels any day. That's some talent, folks.
The couch is very accomodating...
We went out for a late brunch to the Cracker Barrel, then I had a list of errands to run - I had to return a camera bag to BestBuy (too small), get a haircut (conceptualized by DJ V), look at phones ... all kinds of necessary tedium.
We then walked up to the coffeehouse, because the NewCar was safely ensconced in the garage, and sucked up the free WiFi.
While we were there, I received a call from Hollywood Stafford - his new baby arrived - safe, sound and happy! I know Hollywood will be a wonderful dad! What a great journey he is embarking on! I am very happy for him...
It was getting late, and I had a craving for shrimp, so DJ V and I returned to the "scene of the crime" for dinner. It was there that I discovered her hidden passion for Amstel Light. After all of these years - I had no idea.
After dinner, I put my PartnerInCrime to the test, and she passed with flying colors. It is not just anyone you can be on the run from the Law with, y'know?
Then, we wanted to relax and watch a movie, and apparently I was in a regressive state, and thrust one of my favorite stupidly enjoyable films upon her unsuspecting eyes - but anyone will agree, the final scene is a COMPLETE payoff. I am always impressed by experts in their field, any field, so, I can watch Cassandra twirl her tassels any day. That's some talent, folks.
Death By Python In Indiana
An autopsy found 23-year-old Patrick Von Allmen's death was caused by asphyxiation around the neck and chest. His 14-foot pet python was found uncaged nearby the unresponsive body...
Monday, September 04, 2006
New Wheels
I celebrated my Labor Day today, laboring at my job, but since it was a holiday, I left early.
My secret plan was to take advantage of any Labor Day car sales that might be going on.
We had spotted a 1995 Jaguar that was absolutely lovely near my house, but I really didn't want another high-mileage vehicle. I would be thrilled with anything that had less than 75,000 miles at this point...
So, to make my purchase I went to a very small dealership, the only Chrysler dealership owned by a woman, which pleased me very much. I parked the SexyCorolla real far away, and strolled about the lot, checking out the JEEPs, and my favorite - the Volvo black sedan with tan leather interior. A lovely vehicle to be sure, but not one to be gracing my garage for awhile.
After I had made my decision, I had to find a salesperson. This was definitely not a high-pressured sales environment. The salesman I was eventually assigned to was quite busy, as he was selling two vehicles to one person, so he told me to just pick out a car and take it for a drive for awhile...ok.
As we began to settle up the deal, it was apparent that the transaction would not be completed by closing time, and it was a holiday and all...so they sent me home in my new car, without collecting any sort of payment from me whatsoever. Just for a minute, I thought driving to Maine would be super fun. I arrived home a bit before DJ V, and hid the new acquisition in the garage as a surprise.
We went out for a late dinner at a local Italian place - one that was still open. The manicotti was quite tasty. Crappy ambiance there, but we enjoyed the theatrical presentation of our two small dinner plates, wheeled out to our table on a cart.
I guess it is just all about the mode of transportation today...
My secret plan was to take advantage of any Labor Day car sales that might be going on.
We had spotted a 1995 Jaguar that was absolutely lovely near my house, but I really didn't want another high-mileage vehicle. I would be thrilled with anything that had less than 75,000 miles at this point...
So, to make my purchase I went to a very small dealership, the only Chrysler dealership owned by a woman, which pleased me very much. I parked the SexyCorolla real far away, and strolled about the lot, checking out the JEEPs, and my favorite - the Volvo black sedan with tan leather interior. A lovely vehicle to be sure, but not one to be gracing my garage for awhile.
After I had made my decision, I had to find a salesperson. This was definitely not a high-pressured sales environment. The salesman I was eventually assigned to was quite busy, as he was selling two vehicles to one person, so he told me to just pick out a car and take it for a drive for awhile...ok.
As we began to settle up the deal, it was apparent that the transaction would not be completed by closing time, and it was a holiday and all...so they sent me home in my new car, without collecting any sort of payment from me whatsoever. Just for a minute, I thought driving to Maine would be super fun. I arrived home a bit before DJ V, and hid the new acquisition in the garage as a surprise.
We went out for a late dinner at a local Italian place - one that was still open. The manicotti was quite tasty. Crappy ambiance there, but we enjoyed the theatrical presentation of our two small dinner plates, wheeled out to our table on a cart.
I guess it is just all about the mode of transportation today...
Crikey
Driving to work today, all dark and early, I heard the terrible story of Steve Irwin's untimely demise.
Irwin was filming a episode for the Discovery channel (The Ocean's Deadliest...) at Batt Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and swam over a stingray, which flicked its tail into his chest, stabbing him in his heart. Mr. Irwin removed the long, poisonous barb and died within seconds.
If I'm going to die, at least I want it filmed, Irwin said in a 2002 interview.
His death was caught on videotape. Shades of Timothy Treadwell...
Mr. Irwin's death was only the third known stingray death in Australian waters, according to shark and stingray expert Victoria Brims.
Irwin was filming a episode for the Discovery channel (The Ocean's Deadliest...) at Batt Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and swam over a stingray, which flicked its tail into his chest, stabbing him in his heart. Mr. Irwin removed the long, poisonous barb and died within seconds.
If I'm going to die, at least I want it filmed, Irwin said in a 2002 interview.
His death was caught on videotape. Shades of Timothy Treadwell...
Mr. Irwin's death was only the third known stingray death in Australian waters, according to shark and stingray expert Victoria Brims.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Mission Accomplished
A major milestone today -
At 11:04 a.m. {EasternTime}, the SexyCorolla attained
300,000 miles
It will now be let out to pasture, after years of Faithful Service.
Thanks to the Penpal and The MightyBobster - it was a true and loyal steed.
For more info, check this out.
At 11:04 a.m. {EasternTime}, the SexyCorolla attained
300,000 miles
It will now be let out to pasture, after years of Faithful Service.
Thanks to the Penpal and The MightyBobster - it was a true and loyal steed.
For more info, check this out.
The Mighty Have Fallen
So there I was, sitting outside on my lunchbreak, singing along with the Muzak filtering in from the outdoor hidden speakers in the mall, when I realize...
Hey! This is Angel by Eurythmics...ON MUZAK!
So very sad...
Hey! This is Angel by Eurythmics...ON MUZAK!
So very sad...
Send In The Clowns
Read an interesting article in the NYT today.
From this article I learned a new word: coulrophobia , which is the fear of clowns. I am not sure if there is a word for fear of clown portraits painted on black velvet, but if you know what it may be, please advise...
Also, I was pleased with the high quality vocabulary of the writer, dropping in one of my favorite terms learned in my Theatre History class, schadenfreude, a word that sees far too little usage in my opinion.
The article offers several reasons why people who do not suffer from coulrophobia find clowns fascinating, or even comforting.
One is that there’s something about someone falling on their face that will always be funny. We all know what it feels like to be an idiot.
Okay. I get that. Here is another:
For the audience the appeal stems from the vulnerability of the actor. Despite the humor and goofy outfits, the actual performance is often moving, even sad. When you look at the clown, you understand. He’s like a skinless grape.
Assignment: Please explain how an actor is LIKE a skinless grape. Feel free to expand on the dangers of creating metaphors. One page essay, double-spaced. Thanks.
From this article I learned a new word: coulrophobia , which is the fear of clowns. I am not sure if there is a word for fear of clown portraits painted on black velvet, but if you know what it may be, please advise...
Also, I was pleased with the high quality vocabulary of the writer, dropping in one of my favorite terms learned in my Theatre History class, schadenfreude, a word that sees far too little usage in my opinion.
The article offers several reasons why people who do not suffer from coulrophobia find clowns fascinating, or even comforting.
One is that there’s something about someone falling on their face that will always be funny. We all know what it feels like to be an idiot.
Okay. I get that. Here is another:
For the audience the appeal stems from the vulnerability of the actor. Despite the humor and goofy outfits, the actual performance is often moving, even sad. When you look at the clown, you understand. He’s like a skinless grape.
Assignment: Please explain how an actor is LIKE a skinless grape. Feel free to expand on the dangers of creating metaphors. One page essay, double-spaced. Thanks.
Friday, September 01, 2006
The Champagne Was Flowing!
Over 300 hundred people stopped by Blomqvist Fine Arts in Norway before 9 pm to toast the return of the two stolen paintings by local boy, Edvard Munch.
The paintings were taken two years and nine days ago, and are reported to be in fairly good condition, given the rumor spread by the Norwegian underworld that they had been "burned up."
We know that both pictures have been handled roughly and that Madonna has received a scratch or gouge, but I have been informed that the damages are not irreparable, said Erling Lae, the commissioner of Oslo’s city government.
I knew my refrigerator shrine would come through in the end...
The paintings were taken two years and nine days ago, and are reported to be in fairly good condition, given the rumor spread by the Norwegian underworld that they had been "burned up."
We know that both pictures have been handled roughly and that Madonna has received a scratch or gouge, but I have been informed that the damages are not irreparable, said Erling Lae, the commissioner of Oslo’s city government.
I knew my refrigerator shrine would come through in the end...
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