I'm in Wichita, Kansas tonight, where I attended the wedding of a friend of mine. He'd lived in St. Louis for several years before returning to his native Kansas to be firefighter a few years ago. We were in a small group together through our church with a few other guys and we all became pretty close as a result. Several of our friends from that period of our lives came in for the wedding, some of us married to each other, others still single. It was nice ceremony, short and sweet. The reception was great and now I'm back in my hotel room.
I arrived in town this afternoon and didn't have time to sight-see at all. Won't have time tomorrow, either. The drive is about 7 hours from St. Louis, all interstate. Scenery-wise, not much to see, except for the beautiful Flint Hills area of Kansas between Emporia and El Dorado. It reminded me a bit of Ireland (not that I've been there, just what I've seen on television!)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
In A Few Hours...
this morning Chili and I walked in air so thick and humid you could cut it with a knife. I just went out to get the mail and, well, let's just say a cold front has passed over since then. I guess that explains the showers we got in late morning.
P.S. sock it to me! will miss ya, Dick.
P.S. sock it to me! will miss ya, Dick.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday Night SOC...
-- I'm covering the Sunday night shift for a vacationing co-worker. The phone's been ringin' in above-average mode for a Sunday night tonight. Well, I've been putting out the fires as they have flared up so far (crossing fingers.)
-- Weather forecast for the next two days, both of which I am off work: They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad...bleh...
-- Speaking of weather, a warm front and a cold front have been butting heads 'round the St. Louis area all weekend long and it's been scattered storms today. I hate that Chili-dog has to be home alone tonight--local radar shows heavy weather right over my little corner of St. Louis County. She gets visibly upset, as most dogs do, in times of storms. The bathroom rugs and (if I don't close my bedroom door) my bedroom rugs bear the brunt of her anxiety. Fortunately I remembered to close my door before I left tonight. She got a visit from St. Louis Pet Sitters tonight so that's a bit of relief.
-- Tried out the new McAlister's Deli that has opened near my house. Was not overly impressed. They do same basic thing that Quizno's and Bellacino's and Subway does, just with a wider selection of sandwiches and sides. I got a 6-inch toasted roast-beef and cheddar sub with a side of mac and cheese and a nice big cup-o-Sprite for $8.00 and change.
-- I rented "Juno" last night. Not a bad little movie. Ellen Page was good in the title role, but I really liked J.K. Simmons in his role as the dad. I have always liked him whenever he popped up as a psychiatrist on Law & Order. He's one of those low-key character actors that brings a lot of believability to whatever role he plays.
-- Tragic scene near my house yesterday - a woman suffered a seizure while driving past a bus stop at South County Center shopping mall. Her car ran over several people at the bus stop and landed on a parked car behind it. One teenager is dead and several others were injured. You just never know when your time's coming, folks. What if that kid could have known when he woke up in the morning that his life would be over in a few hours?
-- Ominous rumblings from the intersection of Arsenal and Pestalozzi streets in St. Louis. Anheuser-Busch is **reportedly** being pursued for merger by a foreign beer conglomerate. A-B is very much the heart and soul of the St. Louis economy and I hope they can successfully fend off their pursuers. I find it interesting that this news was first reported in an internet blog. Wouldn't have happened like that even 5 years ago. 5 years ago, most people thought a blog was the sound you made whilst driving the porcelain bus.
-- I really, really hope that gas doesn't hit $4.00 a gallon this week. That will SO freak me out. Don't you think that somehow, somewhere, the Middle East oil barons are having a prolonged good laugh at our expense? I was amused that our Congress held another committee meeting to publicly flog Big Oil's CEOs last week. You can do that as much as you want, boys, but guess what: THEY DON'T CARE. We're gonna keep on buying what they sell, no matter what the price.
-- YAYIAMHAPPY that the Cardinals took 2 of 3 games from the Padres and Dodgers. They're hanging in there. ESPN.com commented that we have a fearsome 3-4 combo in Pujols and Ludwick.
That's all for now.
-- Weather forecast for the next two days, both of which I am off work: They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad...bleh...
-- Speaking of weather, a warm front and a cold front have been butting heads 'round the St. Louis area all weekend long and it's been scattered storms today. I hate that Chili-dog has to be home alone tonight--local radar shows heavy weather right over my little corner of St. Louis County. She gets visibly upset, as most dogs do, in times of storms. The bathroom rugs and (if I don't close my bedroom door) my bedroom rugs bear the brunt of her anxiety. Fortunately I remembered to close my door before I left tonight. She got a visit from St. Louis Pet Sitters tonight so that's a bit of relief.
-- Tried out the new McAlister's Deli that has opened near my house. Was not overly impressed. They do same basic thing that Quizno's and Bellacino's and Subway does, just with a wider selection of sandwiches and sides. I got a 6-inch toasted roast-beef and cheddar sub with a side of mac and cheese and a nice big cup-o-Sprite for $8.00 and change.
-- I rented "Juno" last night. Not a bad little movie. Ellen Page was good in the title role, but I really liked J.K. Simmons in his role as the dad. I have always liked him whenever he popped up as a psychiatrist on Law & Order. He's one of those low-key character actors that brings a lot of believability to whatever role he plays.
-- Tragic scene near my house yesterday - a woman suffered a seizure while driving past a bus stop at South County Center shopping mall. Her car ran over several people at the bus stop and landed on a parked car behind it. One teenager is dead and several others were injured. You just never know when your time's coming, folks. What if that kid could have known when he woke up in the morning that his life would be over in a few hours?
-- Ominous rumblings from the intersection of Arsenal and Pestalozzi streets in St. Louis. Anheuser-Busch is **reportedly** being pursued for merger by a foreign beer conglomerate. A-B is very much the heart and soul of the St. Louis economy and I hope they can successfully fend off their pursuers. I find it interesting that this news was first reported in an internet blog. Wouldn't have happened like that even 5 years ago. 5 years ago, most people thought a blog was the sound you made whilst driving the porcelain bus.
-- I really, really hope that gas doesn't hit $4.00 a gallon this week. That will SO freak me out. Don't you think that somehow, somewhere, the Middle East oil barons are having a prolonged good laugh at our expense? I was amused that our Congress held another committee meeting to publicly flog Big Oil's CEOs last week. You can do that as much as you want, boys, but guess what: THEY DON'T CARE. We're gonna keep on buying what they sell, no matter what the price.
-- YAYIAMHAPPY that the Cardinals took 2 of 3 games from the Padres and Dodgers. They're hanging in there. ESPN.com commented that we have a fearsome 3-4 combo in Pujols and Ludwick.
That's all for now.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
I Am A Fundamentalist...
Last evening I enjoyed a rockin' concert in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill. A friend of mine from church plays guitar in a local band called Fundamental Elements. They held a CD release party to celebrate the release of their latest and greatest CD, "The Cycle We're Living In." I had never heard the band play a note before so I went having no idea what to expect. What I heard was definitely pleasing to my ears. Their sound is influenced by pop, rock, funk, and hip-hop elements that plays very well in concert. For a $5 cover charge and $5 more for the CD, I felt I got my $10 worth. The band's opening act was a duo known as "Scratch Track." Think Johnny Cash meets Gnarls Barkley (thanks to my friend Jim Barnard for that description from his review of the concert.) They joined FE on stage near the end of their set and that really turned things up a few notches. Below is a 30-second cell-phone video of the combined band's funked-up arrangement of "Man Of Constant Sorrow." It REALLY cooked!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Made In Russia...
Because it's the Friday before Memorial Day and because I can...
Leningrad Cowboys & Red Army Choir - SWEET HOME ALABAMA
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Memo To The San Diego Padres...
Just stay out of Albert Pujols' way, OK? It's just the safe thing to do.
That is all.
AP takes out a Padres pitcher AND catcher in the same inning.
That is all.
AP takes out a Padres pitcher AND catcher in the same inning.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Nothing Like A Good Joke...
What kind of number travels a lot? A roamin' numeral, of course.
Friend of mine started this new diet where all you eat is spices. He ran out of a certain one and had to run to his neighbor's for more. Now he's living on borrowed Thyme.
Friend of mine started this new diet where all you eat is spices. He ran out of a certain one and had to run to his neighbor's for more. Now he's living on borrowed Thyme.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday Night SOC - Quick Hitter..,
- Have to settle for a quickie tonight, folks. Time got away from me as I the boob tube enveloped me in its tractor beam. Both the M*A*S*H finale and "The Empire Strikes Back" were on at the same time tonight!
- My lawn mower is out of commission - I think the throttle control is out of whack. Adjusting the coil-spring did no good. Apparently I am able to work on computers all day but 2-cycle engines are lost on me. It died on me as I was about to cut my front yard yesterday. The back yard looks great; the front, not so much! Now, how to fit it in my car's trunk to make the trip to the repair shop? Stay tuned, people!
- The Cardinals' ship has been listing to port all week. They lost 2 of 3 series but got back on track this weekend, beating the Tampa Bay (don't call us Devil) Rays at home 2 out 3 games. Injuries are beginning to creep in oh-so-ominously. Closer Izzy has been banished to Florida to recover his psyche and maybe some of his pitches, too, who knows? Center fielder Ankiel's shoulder is reportedly sore. Local sports scribes are clamoring for the appearance of someone named Joe Mather from the minor leagues team. I hope Don Tony can hold the team together.
- What can (Big) Brown do for you? Only win the first two races of the Triple Crown. He looks like the real deal but Pimlico has been the undoing of many a great horse, so we'll see in three weeks. No horses expired after the race yesterday so PETA had nothing to complain about. No more than usual, that is.
- My lawn mower is out of commission - I think the throttle control is out of whack. Adjusting the coil-spring did no good. Apparently I am able to work on computers all day but 2-cycle engines are lost on me. It died on me as I was about to cut my front yard yesterday. The back yard looks great; the front, not so much! Now, how to fit it in my car's trunk to make the trip to the repair shop? Stay tuned, people!
- The Cardinals' ship has been listing to port all week. They lost 2 of 3 series but got back on track this weekend, beating the Tampa Bay (don't call us Devil) Rays at home 2 out 3 games. Injuries are beginning to creep in oh-so-ominously. Closer Izzy has been banished to Florida to recover his psyche and maybe some of his pitches, too, who knows? Center fielder Ankiel's shoulder is reportedly sore. Local sports scribes are clamoring for the appearance of someone named Joe Mather from the minor leagues team. I hope Don Tony can hold the team together.
- What can (Big) Brown do for you? Only win the first two races of the Triple Crown. He looks like the real deal but Pimlico has been the undoing of many a great horse, so we'll see in three weeks. No horses expired after the race yesterday so PETA had nothing to complain about. No more than usual, that is.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
A Dog-gone Good Time!...
Today I took Chili up to
Forest Park for the annual "Bark In The Park" festivities. Dogs of all shapes and sizes (and their owners of all shapes and sizes) converged on Cricket Field in Forest Park for the Humane Society of Missouri's annual benefit for rescued animals. There was a mass dog-walk to start things off (we got there late and snuck into the middle of it) and then all the dogs mingled amongst the tents set up for dog-related organizations from all over the area. Several local bluegrass bands performed throughout the day, which I thought was very cool, personally. The Purina Incredible Dog Team performed aerial acrobatics and the St. Louis Police Canine unit showed off their skills. I showed Chili around Forest Park a bit afterwards. She was plum tuckered out! I have posted pictures at my Flickr account.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday Night SOC...
-- this one's early tonight because I covered the late shift at work last night and didn't sleep until after 2:00 a.m., so I'm bedding down early tonight. Yes, that was me you saw watching reruns of "Emergency!" on hulu.com late in the midnight hour. Television medical dramas have come a long, long way in 36 years.
-- Mother's Day tasted good this year! I
joined my bro, sis-in-law, and adorable Lydia at my parents' church in Festus this morning. My parents proudly showed off Lydia to their friends as they passed by. She was quiet through most of the service but she got fussy towards the end. We had lunch and a lazy afternoon at my parents' house afterwards. The weather was unpleasantly cool, cloudy, and extremely windy but the sun broke through by late afternoon.
-- felt a twinge of sadness when I read of Dottie Rambo's untimely death overnight. She'd just sung a concert here in the St. Louis area and was en route to a Mother's Day concert in Texas when her bus wrecked on I-44 near Mount Vernon, MO. I suppose if you're a traveling gospel singer as she was, that's how you might hope to go, in a bus on the way to your next gig. I always hate to hear of people dying suddenly, with no chance to say goodbye to their loved ones. Another living legend of gospel music gone on to glory.
-- have you seen that Dannon Activia yogurt commercial with Jamie Lee Curtis? The one that really annoys me? Does anyone really believe Jamie Lee Curtis stopped in the dairy aisle of her local A & P to read a yogurt carton? I mean, really! That almost insults my intelligence. And that $25 phrase she throws out in the middle of the monologue, "Bifidus Regularis" - that has nothing to do with yogurt. It describes Biff after his nightly dose of Metamucil.
-- more musical goodness from Dusty Groove America coming in the mail tomorrow. Yay!
-- was disappointed in Hallmark's offering of Mother's Day cards this year. I didn't find a single one that I liked. There was a LOT of pink and purple and flowers on the cards this year. Add in a ton of trite poetics and you get one non-plussed Matlockjohn. I stopped in at a nearby Family Christian Store and bought a Dayspring card with a nice bible verse inside.
-- memo to all stores who offer "rewards" cards that are all the rage these days. no, I don't have one of your rewards cards, and I don't want one, so please just ring me up and let me get on with my life. That is all.
-- on the lighter side, did you know that the Cateract is the favorite American car in Japan? No charge for that one, folks.
-- it's time to fold laundry and then fold myself into the sack. Have a good week, gentle readers.
-- Mother's Day tasted good this year! I
joined my bro, sis-in-law, and adorable Lydia at my parents' church in Festus this morning. My parents proudly showed off Lydia to their friends as they passed by. She was quiet through most of the service but she got fussy towards the end. We had lunch and a lazy afternoon at my parents' house afterwards. The weather was unpleasantly cool, cloudy, and extremely windy but the sun broke through by late afternoon.-- felt a twinge of sadness when I read of Dottie Rambo's untimely death overnight. She'd just sung a concert here in the St. Louis area and was en route to a Mother's Day concert in Texas when her bus wrecked on I-44 near Mount Vernon, MO. I suppose if you're a traveling gospel singer as she was, that's how you might hope to go, in a bus on the way to your next gig. I always hate to hear of people dying suddenly, with no chance to say goodbye to their loved ones. Another living legend of gospel music gone on to glory.
-- have you seen that Dannon Activia yogurt commercial with Jamie Lee Curtis? The one that really annoys me? Does anyone really believe Jamie Lee Curtis stopped in the dairy aisle of her local A & P to read a yogurt carton? I mean, really! That almost insults my intelligence. And that $25 phrase she throws out in the middle of the monologue, "Bifidus Regularis" - that has nothing to do with yogurt. It describes Biff after his nightly dose of Metamucil.
-- more musical goodness from Dusty Groove America coming in the mail tomorrow. Yay!
-- was disappointed in Hallmark's offering of Mother's Day cards this year. I didn't find a single one that I liked. There was a LOT of pink and purple and flowers on the cards this year. Add in a ton of trite poetics and you get one non-plussed Matlockjohn. I stopped in at a nearby Family Christian Store and bought a Dayspring card with a nice bible verse inside.
-- memo to all stores who offer "rewards" cards that are all the rage these days. no, I don't have one of your rewards cards, and I don't want one, so please just ring me up and let me get on with my life. That is all.
-- on the lighter side, did you know that the Cateract is the favorite American car in Japan? No charge for that one, folks.
-- it's time to fold laundry and then fold myself into the sack. Have a good week, gentle readers.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Height Of Evil!...
A good portion of the country of Myanmar was wiped out by a cyclone last week. A humanitarian crisis has ensued as the death toll has reached well into the 5 figures and many thousands more are without adequate food or shelter. Some foreign aid has reached the country and more should be on its way but the military junta government is going on its merry way conducting the country's business as if nothing is wrong! They have blocked distribution of all relief supplies and food so far.
I know the Bible tells us in Psalm 37 to not fret because of evil men, when they succeed in their ways, but I'm having a hard time with this, folks.
I know the Bible tells us in Psalm 37 to not fret because of evil men, when they succeed in their ways, but I'm having a hard time with this, folks.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Multiplyin' Like Rabbits...
Incredible, but true, folks...I don't make the news, just pass it along.The Duggar family of Tontitown, Arkansas, 17 children strong, will welcome their 18th(!) child next January.
Read all about it here.
Forgive me, folks, but I find it funny that the husband's name is Jim Bob.
Not A Best Buy...
I was in my local Best Buy last night doing a bit of shopping because I was considering a new cell phone for a certain maternal relative of mine who has a holiday being celebrated this weekend. My eyes fell upon a certain display phone that had no price tag associated with it. I asked a young blue-shirted associate about this and he checked behind the counter. His reply: "we actually don't any in stock and we don't even sell that phone anymore."
Stupidly, I continued on in this conversation. "So if this phone isn't being sold and no one has any hope of getting one from this store, why is it still on display?" "Because we haven't had time to take it off display," he replied. This was about 15 minutes before closing time. There was not much traffic in the store and there were at least 5 other associates milling around not doing much of anything.
I went and looked at LCD flat-panel TVs until about 5 minutes before closing time. The phone was still on display when I passed by.
sigh...
Stupidly, I continued on in this conversation. "So if this phone isn't being sold and no one has any hope of getting one from this store, why is it still on display?" "Because we haven't had time to take it off display," he replied. This was about 15 minutes before closing time. There was not much traffic in the store and there were at least 5 other associates milling around not doing much of anything.
I went and looked at LCD flat-panel TVs until about 5 minutes before closing time. The phone was still on display when I passed by.
sigh...
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
I Am Amused...
at the Major League Baseball Players' Association. They have opened an investigation into why several of its big-name players are still free agents. Players such as Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton, David Wells and Mike Piazza are still jobless as of this writing. A few teams have job openings that these players would fit nicely into, yet they remain unsigned.
I have a theory, maybe I'm wrong but hear me out. These "star" players they're concerned about are all near or above the age of 40! It's called "they have nothing left and but won't admit they're through!" What's more, Barry Bonds, who is the biggest of the big names, IS UNDER INDICTMENT BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!! HELLO! No team is going to touch him as long as that monkey is riding shotgun on his back. The fact that Bonds' old team, the San Francisco Giants, have removed all references to him from their stadium should tell you how they feel about him.
Now, mind you, I have nothing against the age of 40 or athletes who play up to and beyond that age but if you've got no gas left in your tank you should just retire quietly and move on. Matt Morris is a good example of this - he is still in his early 30s but retired this week after being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Pirates can't use you, then you know your career is really over, folks.
Should all Realtors whose listed homes aren't selling band together and investigate why that is so? Should all salesmen whose products aren't selling investigate why their products won't well?
Give me a break...
I have a theory, maybe I'm wrong but hear me out. These "star" players they're concerned about are all near or above the age of 40! It's called "they have nothing left and but won't admit they're through!" What's more, Barry Bonds, who is the biggest of the big names, IS UNDER INDICTMENT BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!! HELLO! No team is going to touch him as long as that monkey is riding shotgun on his back. The fact that Bonds' old team, the San Francisco Giants, have removed all references to him from their stadium should tell you how they feel about him.
Now, mind you, I have nothing against the age of 40 or athletes who play up to and beyond that age but if you've got no gas left in your tank you should just retire quietly and move on. Matt Morris is a good example of this - he is still in his early 30s but retired this week after being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Pirates can't use you, then you know your career is really over, folks.
Should all Realtors whose listed homes aren't selling band together and investigate why that is so? Should all salesmen whose products aren't selling investigate why their products won't well?
Give me a break...
Monday, May 05, 2008
Pedal Pusher...
I did get in a nice 1.5 hr ride on Grant's Trail late this afternoon, a little over 13 miles round-trip. Temperature was just right with just a bit of breeze. On the map above, I went from 1 to 8 and back.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sunday Night Stream Of Consciousness...
Last Sunday night's ramble produced one positive review, so I'm going at it again tonight. Let's see what comes out of my brain this time...
-- My Saturday was good, thanks for asking. I took Chili to a couple of pet stores to sniff around and meet other dogs. We came home and did a bit of yard work in the back yard, interspersed with some romps in the grass. Romping is good for the soul, I have come to believe.
-- I'm having a couple of people come by tomorrow to give me estimates on replacement windows for my house. I'd promised myself I'd take this summer off from doing any home-improvements, but it can't hurt to look into it, right? My windows are old, single-pane, and drafty. Not to mention not energy-efficient in the least. Maybe some siding, too? We'll see.
-- "Charlie Wilson's War" - rented it Thursday night. Another great movie. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are the big name stars and they turn in their usual stellar performances. However, the reason to watch this movie is Philip Seymour Hoffman. He's one of my favorite actors. His role as a dumpy, profane spy is a perfect one for him. He steals every scene he's in.
-- Come on without, come on within. You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn.
-- My friend J delivered baby Logan on Thursday evening. The pictures I've seen show a happy family. I'm happy for them. Feeling guilty that I didn't remember to go visit them and another hospitalized friend Friday night.
-- My parents babysat Lydia Joy last night while her parents went to church and out to dinner afterwards. I stopped by and visited them and her. Finally! Finally! I got to hold her for an extended length of time! I hadn't held a baby like that since I was back in the nursery at Faith Baptist Church ten years ago. She is four months old tonight. Can't tell you how satisfying it is to see my parents finally getting to enjoy her after being preoccupied with my grandpa's illness for so long.
-- The weather was picture-perfect today, absolutely perfect in every respect. Abundant sunshine, cloudless sky, and just-right temperature. A fine day for a picnic. Which is what I attended after church today. My Monday-night bible study's annual Spring outdoor party took place at Queeny Park and we had a great time enjoying good food and fellowship. Yes, I got some sunburn. Yes, it will probably smart a little in the morning.
-- Will try to get in a bike ride on Grant's Trail tomorrow. I found out I can't participate in the fund raiser bike ride my biking friends are preparing for because it's happening on the day I'm away for my friend's wedding in Kansas. Bummer!
-- Look up the expression "old master" in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of Freddy Cole. He's Nat "King" Cole's younger brother and he's been a jazz vocalist in his own right for decades. His latest CD was Grammy-nominated for good reason. His voice is superb and the Bill Charlap trio backs him up perfectly.
-- My Saturday was good, thanks for asking. I took Chili to a couple of pet stores to sniff around and meet other dogs. We came home and did a bit of yard work in the back yard, interspersed with some romps in the grass. Romping is good for the soul, I have come to believe.
-- I'm having a couple of people come by tomorrow to give me estimates on replacement windows for my house. I'd promised myself I'd take this summer off from doing any home-improvements, but it can't hurt to look into it, right? My windows are old, single-pane, and drafty. Not to mention not energy-efficient in the least. Maybe some siding, too? We'll see.
-- "Charlie Wilson's War" - rented it Thursday night. Another great movie. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are the big name stars and they turn in their usual stellar performances. However, the reason to watch this movie is Philip Seymour Hoffman. He's one of my favorite actors. His role as a dumpy, profane spy is a perfect one for him. He steals every scene he's in.
-- Come on without, come on within. You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn.
-- My friend J delivered baby Logan on Thursday evening. The pictures I've seen show a happy family. I'm happy for them. Feeling guilty that I didn't remember to go visit them and another hospitalized friend Friday night.
-- My parents babysat Lydia Joy last night while her parents went to church and out to dinner afterwards. I stopped by and visited them and her. Finally! Finally! I got to hold her for an extended length of time! I hadn't held a baby like that since I was back in the nursery at Faith Baptist Church ten years ago. She is four months old tonight. Can't tell you how satisfying it is to see my parents finally getting to enjoy her after being preoccupied with my grandpa's illness for so long.
-- The weather was picture-perfect today, absolutely perfect in every respect. Abundant sunshine, cloudless sky, and just-right temperature. A fine day for a picnic. Which is what I attended after church today. My Monday-night bible study's annual Spring outdoor party took place at Queeny Park and we had a great time enjoying good food and fellowship. Yes, I got some sunburn. Yes, it will probably smart a little in the morning.
-- Will try to get in a bike ride on Grant's Trail tomorrow. I found out I can't participate in the fund raiser bike ride my biking friends are preparing for because it's happening on the day I'm away for my friend's wedding in Kansas. Bummer!
-- Look up the expression "old master" in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of Freddy Cole. He's Nat "King" Cole's younger brother and he's been a jazz vocalist in his own right for decades. His latest CD was Grammy-nominated for good reason. His voice is superb and the Bill Charlap trio backs him up perfectly.
The Odd Things I See Sometimes...
A couple of oddities from the weekend...
Chili and I encountered this on our evening walk last night - look closely:
Taken from inside my car before leaving church this afternoon. Click on this picture and you'll see a PT Cruiser with, yes, *whitewall tires* and 1940s-style hubcaps. oh-so-retro:
Friday, May 02, 2008
Modern Manners...
Today's Miss Manners column was a doozy...witness:
Dear Miss Manners: What do you do when your only daughter has her mother (a redneck) escort her down the aisle instead of her living father? The mother is the force behind this.
As a young couple, the two divorced early. My brother went his way, and she did also. Over the years, he supported the child monetarily and not as much physically.
Her mother's side is more controlling. As aunt and uncles, we all sent gifts, but all went unrecognized. We have excused this with lack of manners from parents.
Should we lower ourselves as rednecks and take care of them in a restroom? Or pretend their actions are a slap in the face to our family, especially my brother, who did the best that he could as a young dad and adult? It leaves me to believe that they are vindictive and money grubbers.
Please help me understand their ignorance. Your comments and suggestions are important and much needed.
Gentle Reader: It strikes Miss Manners that what is needed is a security guard in the restrooms.
Her suggestion is that you all calm down and not hurl charges of ignorance (along with other insults) that could better be used against you.
Galling as you will find this, having the parent who actually reared the daughter give her away at her wedding is traditionally correct. With two parents in the house, it was the father, but the underlying idea was that the bride had been living under his protection, and he was about to transfer custody to the bridegroom.
Now we all know that today's bride does not care to consider herself in need of either such protection. But if she likes the anachronistic custom, she need not scurry to find a male to do it. In the absence of a custodial father, the mother is not an improper choice.
(I added the bold and italics)
Dear Miss Manners: What do you do when your only daughter has her mother (a redneck) escort her down the aisle instead of her living father? The mother is the force behind this.
As a young couple, the two divorced early. My brother went his way, and she did also. Over the years, he supported the child monetarily and not as much physically.
Her mother's side is more controlling. As aunt and uncles, we all sent gifts, but all went unrecognized. We have excused this with lack of manners from parents.
Should we lower ourselves as rednecks and take care of them in a restroom? Or pretend their actions are a slap in the face to our family, especially my brother, who did the best that he could as a young dad and adult? It leaves me to believe that they are vindictive and money grubbers.
Please help me understand their ignorance. Your comments and suggestions are important and much needed.
Gentle Reader: It strikes Miss Manners that what is needed is a security guard in the restrooms.
Her suggestion is that you all calm down and not hurl charges of ignorance (along with other insults) that could better be used against you.
Galling as you will find this, having the parent who actually reared the daughter give her away at her wedding is traditionally correct. With two parents in the house, it was the father, but the underlying idea was that the bride had been living under his protection, and he was about to transfer custody to the bridegroom.
Now we all know that today's bride does not care to consider herself in need of either such protection. But if she likes the anachronistic custom, she need not scurry to find a male to do it. In the absence of a custodial father, the mother is not an improper choice.
(I added the bold and italics)
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