Me: {puts on sweats, followed by jeans, then one pair of socks and another; next came the T-shirt, a hoodie, and a coat, followed by shoes. a stocking cap, and pulling the hood up, then finally two sets of gloves}
Also me: Ok let’s go outside so you can pee…
Riley: Why so much fur?
Me: {stares in Texan}
This movie was recommended to me by a friend named Alex 1.0 who nearly wasn’t a friend for recommending this movie. You see, 15 minutes into the movie Peter Dinklage hadn’t appeared and I really, really needed for him to save the day because the protagonist of the story was the worst – I mean I even told Jennifer the Yankee, who is amazingly anxious to see this movie, that is as the scariest movie I had ever seen in my entire life. how is that for a ringing endorsement? The thing is, the horror wasn’t because this was a horror movie, it’s because I am a middle-aged American. To be fair, I also didn’t know what the movie was about. I watched it without having watched the trailer (which follows), or reading anything about the movie.
I do feel the need to warn you – the ending may not be what you expect it to be.
Continue reading I Care A Lot: Yeah, Ok, Sure
Once upon a time in small town America, little Jimmy would throw the paper from his bicycle from a satchel hanging on his handlebars. From there, the newspaper would be fetched by Fido and brought to the breakfast table where it would be read over a cup of coffee. Articles are mainly written about local events – the types of events that rural America would completely miss out on otherwise.
In today’s fast food society, no one has time for this quaint aspect of Americana. “Mom and pop” newspapers have had to change with the times. They have to eschew this cost inefficient delivery method for off the rack and mailing papers to their subscribers instead.
Running a newspaper, especially for a small community, may not sound rewarding. The hours are horrible – I know a man who runs a newspaper, and works 70 hours a week on average, and it’s not unheard of him to work 90 hours per week. He is always going to local sporting events, covering police calls, and visiting local fairs. Despite all of this, he loves what he does. He loves seeing the community grow, especially the local children as they grow to adulthood and join the community as productive citizens. The work truly is rewarding.
I believe that our local newspapers should be supported, so that they can thrive. They have their hands on the pulses of our communities, and they serve a vital function in our culture. What about you?
I am an unabashed, unapologetic fan of the Atlanta Braves. For the second year in a row, we won the National East Division, and I hope to see something like this from 1992 again:
And of course this from 1995:
One thought that I have always found interesting is that fans consider themselves as part of the team, and you can tell by the way I said “we won” earlier in this post. We are part of the team, in our hearts. I never disparage someone for loving sportsball or which team they support (though I do like to joke my favorite football team is whoever is playing the Dallas Cowboys this week).
Whoever you root for, may you and your team win so that you can experience that great emotion – unless it comes at the cost of another Atlanta Braves championship!
Every year, I look forward to attending a bout or two of the Dallas Derby Devils roller derby league. This year, for the first time, I have purchased a season ticket. Tonight was the first bout night of the season, and I can tell you already that the season ticket was the right decision!
First, I want to thank all of the women who make Dallas Derby Devils what it is. You all are amazing skaters and gifted athletes – I wish I had just a smidgen of your skill!
Second, I want to take a moment to call out the captains and co-captains of each team. I know one of you, and I know she is a shining example of each of you; your teams love you all and your leadership of your teams is second to none!
Third (I better be careful, I’ll have to take my shoes off if I start counting too high and no one wants that…), I like to always say a few words about the skaters who drew my attention most.
And I can’t forget those on my team!
I look forward to watching you all throughout the summer!
The conversation is really interesting, or would be if you cared. She had a blind date last night; he brought his pet ferret named Steve. Steve, you learn, is missing his back paw – fishing accident, or so the story goes. The poor ferret now has difficulty reaching up in his cage to push the button to release the treat. She fell in love with Steve last night, she says.
Continue reading In Which You Just Wanted a Coke
I don’t like cats; never have. They are mean, vicious even. They lack an intelligence that dogs have. Chances are, those reading this will either agree with me or shout at the heavens how wrong I am. We all live on a continuum (more on that in another post). But, and let me be frank here (not not Frank, just frank), if you disagree with me on this subject, well, you’re wrong.
Now that I have your undying admiration (or outright hostility), let me explain to you why.
Continue reading In Which Cats are Evil
When you are 16 you learn to drive.
At 18, you get to vote.
Getting drunk is a milestone at age 21.
Many people get there first job somewhere in there as well.
Then a lot of people go to graduate college (or not).
They may get married.
Children are a common next goal.
Buying a car and a house are major milestones.
Eventually retirement comes about.
What did you accomplish in that time? What toll did “winning” at life take from you? So many people are unhappy and they don’t know why. The things we all achieve, house, kids, career, aren’t they designed to make you happy? When, then, are so many people unhappy?
To me, the answer is that they “won”, and the price they paid was their happiness.
To you, dear reader, I quietly beseech you remember what makes you truly happy – it is often the little things. Write a poem. Take a picture. Paint a landscape. Read a boo, or maybe write one. Make snow angels and build snowmen. Fall down (jump into) a pile of leaves. Hug a dog. Learn to ski. You don’t need to do anything big – just do something that you enjoy. Take back what “winning” has stolen from you.
Find your happiness and share it with others. What makes you happy?
Reproduction without permission is not permitted.
DAY 1
My wits are the reason I yet live, and the lack of them is why they all died, the fools. I write this journal in the hopes that one day someone will find it, and deliver it to my dearest Morgan. When last she saw me, I was boarding an honest trading ship bringing much needed cargo and stock to those desperate in need. The voyage was a simple one, without too many events. Oh sure, there was a sea serpent but that is to expected. A pirate here, a pirate there, nothing to be alarmed about. At least not yet.
Continue reading Diary of a Scoundrel (Part 1)
Some movies like to tell of grand adventures. The Favourite starts in the mud and tells a “small” story instead, and then expands to give a political power play between cousins, one at the pinnacle of society, and one fallen from those heights and trying to reclaim her position.
Released on the 23rd, The Favourite didn’t see a wide release, so you may have to do some looking around to find it, but to me it was worth the search.
Spoilers after the trailer, of course.
Continue reading The Favourite: Who Should I Root For?
the dingo was here 