On Why
For whatever reason, several times this week my mind was a day ahead that the actual day. For instance, Wednesday night I was thinking it was Thursday, so I posted Opinions in the Shorts a day earlier than normal. Of course that was a carrier over from Tuesday night when I was thinking it was Wednesday. In order to fulfill my self-imposed obligation, I looked through old bookmarks to gather a collection of random thoughts – and now I can delete these. Enjoy. Which did you watch? Any favorites?
On Looking Back
Does anyone remember this commercial from days gone by?
. On Food & Wine
Food recalls are serious – so when one happens, the media has an important role in informing the public. Does anyone remember any of these recalls? 😉
Did you know that guitarist Jimmy Stafford (of Train) is involved with wine?
. On Kindness
If you needed a kidney, who would you ask? If a friend asked you to donate one of your kidneys to them, would you do it? Would you ask a stranger or consider donating to a stranger? You will have to watch this one on YouTube.
. On Travel
Are you looking for a unique adventure? Would you consider staying here?
. On a Musical Treat
Being in the grip of winter, fall seems so long ago. Besides, after the move – no more fall leaves to rake or mow!
. On to the Weekend
Because it has been so long since I’ve done a cartoon post, here’s a tribute to a classic character.
On Politics
Here are my key reasons why I did not watch the State of the Union (SOTU):
It’s a collection of applause lines over many topics with little substance
Congressional behavior is predictably pathetic (Suggestion: Stand and clap at the beginning; sit, listen, and be quiet; stand and clap at the end, then leave to run to the cameras)
The SOTU is a Constitutional requirement, but the opposing party’s response is nothing more than political grandstanding
I’m unhappy with the both parties
Given the predictable responses by both sides in Congress, I ask them this question about their legislative prowess: Which is worse: Sending a bill to the other chamber knowing they won’t act or not acting on a bill that was sent?
The past week delivered Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) declaring President Obama started the war on women, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) blaming Democrats (again) on the government shutdown, Mike Huckabee (R-AK) making a ridiculous statement about libido, and the Arizona Republican Party censuring their senior senator from their own party, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
I said it before and it’s time to say it again: China carrying the bulk of US debt is a common misconception. Here’s the breakdown.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Dad Delivers State of the Union Rebuttal Directly into Television Screen
Increasingly Worried Man Hasn’t Yet Come Across any Guacamole in Burrito
Area Grandma Enjoys Flourishing Correspondence with Mailer-Daemon
Best, Most-Original Idea Man Ever Had Returns 14,000 Google Search Results
Spookiest Sound Effect Grammy Goes to Lord Chillingsworth
On Potpourri
The anticipated debate between science advocate Bill Nye and Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham is approaching, and no doubt will deliver a narrow view, thus providing a false choice. Here’s an article.
The recent Grammy Awards were big news. The show now focuses on performances and promotion over the awards. After all, there are over 80 categories, and how many did they broadcast? 10?
The AFA musical production for 2014 will be …. (click here for the drum roll) …. Life: The Musical. The production date TBA.
The Explorer of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean ship in the news with the recent norovirus, is the ship we were on this fall in Canada …. and no, the news doesn’t discourage me from cruising with Royal Caribbean in the future.
FYI for those living in/near metropolitan areas: When needing a new appliance, don’t forget the local independent dealer. We went to one and discovered the big-box stores were NOT close on price!
Here are your weekend celebrations
(Fri) Brandy Alexander Day, Fun at Work Day, Backward Day, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, Hell Freezes Over Day, Baked Alaska Day, Working Naked Day
(Sat) Serpent Day, Freedom Day, Hula in the Coola Day, Robinson Crusoe Day, Change Your Password Day, Decorating with Candy Day, GI Joe Day, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, Spunky Old Broads Day, Take Your Child to the Library Day, Face and Body Day
(Sun) Crepe Day, Dump Your Significant Jerk Day, Groundhog Day, Groundhog Job Shadow Day, Hedgehog Day, Sled Dog Day, Play Your Ukulele Day, Wetlands Day
Let’s use a dose of the 80s to whip everyone into the weekend with Ohio’s own Devo. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Wow … was it ever cold here. And to add dollop of insult, Anchorage (Alaska) was in the 40s! I stayed in as much as possible, but when I went outside, the raw cold was quite noticeable! Fortunately, it wasn’t overly windy.
The winter blast engaging the southeastern US reminds my wife and I of weather we encountered about three years ago along the Florida-Alabama coast. While the north wind was strong and cold, snow was falling several miles inland … and 50 miles inland received 7 inches of snow! Believe me, all they do (understandably) is treat the roads with sand.
Your midweek dose of satire from The Onion is below. Which is your favorite? For those wanting that extra challenge, make your own headline by using only the words in the headlines below. My combo is at the end. Have a good rest of the week!
Tears get into pizza bagel
Piano keys not involved in The Entertainer noticeably distressed
Seventh grade biology class grossed out having to dissect horse
Area woman almost images taste of peppermint mocha on tongue but stops herself
Boss came to work today dressed as guy who fires Sean
High school football player gives girl friend his mouth guard to wear to class
Lovers lost in fog
Gatorade releases new performance suppository
Mom’s head rotates demonically after passing sign for antique wicker furniture
Newly naturalized citizen taken around USA for orientation
My Combo:Distressed boss in tears after tasting suppository
Another weekend has gone into the memory bank, so how was yours?
Ours was lower key than normal. We had time on the ballroom floor, started Saturday by shoveling the new snow, stayed in that evening by watching Backdraft with good wine (and company), then Sunday afternoon we went to the movie theater for Philomena (thumbs up).
After a mild Sunday, temperatures will be dropping overnight to pave the way for blistering cold (low of -10 F, -23 C scheduled for Monday night/Tuesday morning). At least it’s only a 3-day blast, so Thursday starts the upswing.
(Mon) Bubble-Wrap Appreciation Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Punch the Clock Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day, Thomas Crapper Day, Chocolate Cake Day
(Tues) Kazoo Day, Daisy Day, Blueberry Pancake Day
(Wed) Curmudgeon Day, Freethinkers Day, Puzzle Day, Seeing Eye Dog Day
(Thurs) Croissant Day, Inane Answering Message Day
Alert 1: The last week of January also means it’s your last chance to celebrate Love Yourself Month and Get Over It Month.
Alert 2: Here’s an attempt to break the comment record on WordPress. Click here and then comment on anything (if needed, use the a celebration from above, and tell them I sent you.
Here are two choices to start your week, so watching one or both. Enjoy … and have a good week!
At the Time: The Musical – Prologue, Elyse disclosed that Ode to Joy was played at her wedding. Then, my research staff discovered this video from her wedding (and just in time for Tuesday)
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With a toast to Bubble-Wrap Appreciation Day, here is a guy wasting his employer’s time and money.
Some like to complain about spending by the Department of Defense (DoD). As with any government agency, the DoD is subject to inefficiency. However, as it continues to trim its budget, the lawmakers inflate DoD spending by appropriating for equipment that the DoD doesn’t want. Here’s an interesting article.
In a response to what I wrote in last week’s OITS about Gov. Christie’s (R-NJ) situation, I appreciate this comment from Cayman (@Drinks Well With Others): “As much as I like the guy, the Governor cannot claim the buck stops here on the one hand and then play this off as someone else’s doing on the other. Not when these geniuses were hand-picked by him, he can’t.”
The warped nature of political philosophy continues to creep into daily life as the other day I heard a radio ad for Conservative Tours dot com. Sounds like the perfect tour for someone needing to be told what they want to hear.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Inclement weather prevents liar from getting to work
Report: Lake ice grows safer to venture out on with each beer consumed
Hundreds feared dead in Coors Light Party Train crash
Sports media unsure how to fit Super Bowl coverage into two weeks
Beauty industry announces new initiative to make women self-conscious about their palms
On Potpourri
The curtain closed on the successful run of Time: The Musical. After the regimented nature of the previous acts, it seems my wide-open closing requirement surprised some readers – so the producer will be receiving a medical evaluation. I hope to unveil the next musical right here in the OITS: Vol. 209.
Except for a few minor notes, our home did well with the buyer’s inspector, thus things continue to progress in a positive direction. Meanwhile, it’s time for the bitter cold to get out-of-town!
Sorry, but because of time demands, Saturday Morning Cartoons continues its hiatus until further notice.
From the Who-Cares file, is anyone surprised about the trouble finding Justin Bieber? Why are Jon and Kate Gosselin still in the news?
Here are your weekend celebrations
(Fri) Beer Can Appreciation Day, Compliment Day, Peanut Butter Day, Eskimo Pie Day, Talk Like a Grizzled Prospector Day, Speak Up and Succeed Day
(Sat) Irish Coffee Day, Seed Swap day, Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day
(Sun) Peanut Brittle Day, Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement, Australia Day, India Day
Let’s use a dose of my high school days to send everyone into the weekend. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs, so cheers to The Stampeders from Canada with Sweet City Woman. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 