December 31, 2003
Weekend Visitors
Here's this weekend's four-legged visitors, staying for the night, on their way to new homes in Massachusetts.
Abraham
Babelle
Bailey
Barb
Abbott
Lorraine
Stephanie
All coming in from
Rocky Mountain
Firefly
Santa gave us the Firefly DVDs for Christmas and we're lovin' 'em. Even though we've seen all the episodes already, it's lots of fun watching 'em again. If you haven't seenthe show, try it. If you're a fan and haven't gotten the DVDs, well, what the heck are ya waitin' fer??
Shiny :)
And oh lookie - I found myself a Firefly quiz!
"The Captain"
Which Firefly character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
MRI
Went for the MRI this afternoon, made it through all the tests without moving (YEAH!)
Probably won't find out until Monday whether there's been a change in my neck. At least the vicodin is helping a bit, far better than the darvocet.
Many thanks to Nin and to Ithy for all their help. Hugs :) And to my son, for sitting there patiently, making little jokes (not too big, so's I would laugh) and counting down the seconds until it was over ala Dick Clark! Big hugs :)
December 30, 2003
21 Questions
21 Questions: Courtesy of About Damn Time
1.) What is your earliest memory?
Wow - maybe this isn't such a good idea on darvocet - hmmm....I really, really don't know.
2.) What was the best class you ever took? Why?
Wow - another toughie - I recently really enjoyed the TAC class at the State Police Academy. Does that count?
3.) What do you wear to a big meeting when you need to feel tough and fabulous? What do you put on for comfort when you get home from such a meeting?
I don't do "big meeting"(s) in my line of work. Comfort clothes - L.L.Bean flannel pajama bottoms and a T-shirt.
4.) What cause/s do you give money or time to/would if you had it to spare?
Animal related, St Judes and Easter Seals
5.) What's the one food you can't stand?
Hmmm......I don't like ham very much
6.) The "Dead Poets Society" Special - Did you have a teacher who really reached you? Still in touch with that person?
Yes, damn if I can remember her name though, Sister Mary Corelita. I just found out she passed away to heaven when I went to find her name.
7.) The Eve Ensler Special - if your vagina could talk to the government for 15 seconds, what would it say?
It wouldn't
8.) The Frank Herbert Special - What do you most despise?
Two-faced people
9.) The Harry Potter Special - Which Hogwarts House would you be in -Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin? (For non-Potter readers: this question basically asks, which is your most salient characteristic: courageous, hard-working, intelligent, or ambitious? Characteristics in the same order as the houses, there.)
Gryffindor
10.) The Freud-Did-Say-One-Smart-Thing Special - His formula for happiness was work and love. Got both? Got one more than the other? Which do you feel you need to put more effort into?
Got both
11.) The Carl Sagan Special - Are you more influenced by science or
faith?
Faith
12.) The "Dave" Special - If you were suddenly President of the US, what one project would you focus the most attention on?
Welfare reform
13.) The "A Christmas Story" Special - Is there one toy/gift you really wanted as a kid and never got?
I don't think so
14.) The Indiana Jones Special ("Why did it have to be snakes?") - You're standing across the room from an object for which you've chased across a continent. What would have to be between it and you to keep you from going for the object?
Ticks. I hate ticks.
15.) The Nick Hornby Special - What song/s do you return to over and over, for comfort, for pleasure?
Billy Joel
16.) The Frodo Special - Who's your Sam - who would follow you to the ends of the earth to help you do something you urgently needed to do? Or for whom are you a Sam?
Tough question since I don't know anything about the rings thing. I would follow my son.
17.) The Aragorn Special - What's the one quality your family or your parents have that you really don't want to inherit?
The inability to look at all sides and too be too judgemental.
18.) The Gollum Special - What's a weakness or character flaw that you fear in yourself?
Lack of proper expression.
19.) The "Clerks" Special - What's the worst job you ever had?
Cleaning dog kennels.
20.) The Proust Special - What's your favorite smell? What does it make you think of?
The ocean.
21.) The Jean Auel Special - Do you have a favorite/totemic animal? What is it, and why do you like it?
Wolf. Loyal and misunderstood.
December 29, 2003
Left Lane, Tailgating, Road Rage
For some reason, I can't comment on this post of Rosemary Esmay's about left lane driving over on her page, but the subject is important to me and I'll post here.
Bravo Rosemary! And yes, I knew you were venting when you said you'd cut people off and I don't even know you.
Here's what I can't figure out - why people who have commented about road rage, etc are also some of the same people who advocate braking when being tailgated? If you think the person is a nut for tailgating, why would you want to piss this nut off?? Just move to the side and let 'em go. In most states, I believe that staying to the right except to pass is the law, so I'm not sure how anyone can condone left lane riding, even if you are going the speed limit. I drive quite a bit, I love to drive and the person who pointed out how that slow poke probably causes more accidents is right. More times than not the person who fails to stay right causes other cars to takes risks that they normally wouldn't and blood pressures to rise in an attempt to get around and ahead.
And as far as writing down that plate number and calling it in, unless the responding officer sees the person behaving in an erratic manner, he isn't going to be able to ticket them on your say so. You, however, can. Inconvenient, yes, so you have to decide how important it is to you. And it's a little tricky, because the ticket has to be issued in the town in which it occurred, which can be difficult to determine when on an interstate and if they decide to fight it, you have to appear in court.
It amazes me how people will argue gun control, yet they seem to forget that everytime they get in their vehicles, they have a lethal weapon in their hands that should be handled wisely.
December 28, 2003
Guess What I Got For Christmas!
I can hear Ithy from here *G*.............anyway - Garrett got me a digital camera!
December 27, 2003
Merry Christmas week!
Take this little wreath by right clicking on it. Then link back to the site from which you take it. Then leave a note in my comments that you took it so we can see just how far it goes around the blogosphere.
I got mine from Mindless Chatter
Our Tree
When I was a girl, my family always put the tree up on Christmas eve. It was always a live tree. This year, we were running so late on everything and due to the pain I was in and opting to foster the puppies last weekend, we didn't get the tree until December 23. We go to the same lot every year at a local church. The trees are always gorgeous. The lot is right along a busy road where the traffic backs up and sits in front of the lot. We were the only ones there. The sun was beginning to set and the man was getting ready to close up shop, removing the strings of overhead lights and taking down the stands that had held so many trees. He smiled and told me all the trees were $15.00 now. I said we'd gotten a late start this year. He remarked that many others had too. We walked through, looking at the trees that remained. I was surprised that there were quite a few trees still left. One seemed to scream "PICK ME!" louder than the others. So we did.
December 26, 2003
I have a question
I have a question. I'll get to it in a second.
Seems that a lot, not all, Republican oriented sites that I co to have a nasty habit of slamming Democrats, actually liberals and the liberal sites slam the president. Rather than presenting their view point in a respectful fashion, it leans towards personal attacks, such as Dean being short, or Bush being a puppet.
So, here's the question - it a respectful way, would you please tell me What this president/presidency has done for you and/or your state?
How has this presidency aided you or detered you. Are your taxes lowered? Is your financilal situation better? Are you employed because of the state of economic, or have things improved for you. Has your state received aid that it wouldn't have or didn't in the past? I think you get the point :)
Thanks
December 23, 2003
Lenny Bruce Pardoned
Pataki Pardons Lenny Bruce Posthumously
"Pataki called his decision, the first posthumous pardon in New York state history, "a declaration of New York's commitment to upholding the First Amendment."
I met Lenny Bruce's daughter in NYC one night, she was very nice, I'm happy for her.
December 21, 2003
Mozilla
Great, not only can I not read Dizzy Girl's site, but now Mozilla won't let me see my own. I so can't stand Explorer. I really, really don't want to have to use it, plus I lik ethe fact that I have my own browser. My son likes Explorer, he has his own, I don't know if we can have two separate ones on here. I guess I could try Netscape again. Seems everytime I get bookmarks that I like this happens.
December 20, 2003
Puppies coming to visit!
If anyone would like to take a peek, we're transporting 7, actually 8 puppies tomorrow. They are going from North Carolina to Massachusetts. 7 of them will be staying with us overnight If you'd like to take a peek at them, they're at Austin, Rhea, Dominic, Thomas, Sophia, Maria, Mackenzie and Jennifer
Austin, Rhea, Dominic, Thomas, Sophia, Maria, Mackenzie will be spending the night and then going on to Massachusetts. Jennifer is going to a foster here in the same town. A bunch of mini D'Artagnans running around!
December 18, 2003
Sammi
This is Sammi. When we first met her, she didn't look anything like this at all, she was in a great deal of pain, due to the fact that she had a broken pelvis. She'd either been hit by a car or thrown from one. She was on her way from North Carolina to Massachusetts where she was going to be cared for and given medical attention. We were lucky enough to be able to participate in this drive, she rode with us from NJ to CT and she was wonderful.
Sammi is now being cared for by a wonderful woman who knows how to work wonders.
If you have the time this season, stop by your local rescue, drop off some dog bones or bedding, see if there's a dog in need of companionship or a walk. Or sign up to take part in a rescue transport, there are many lists on Ma href="http://www.yahoogroups.com">Yahoo groups
December 12, 2003
Keiko
I just read on IWon.com That Keiko, the beautiful whale from "Free Willy", had passed on. Peace to you, Keiko.
Riddick Is Back!
There's a short clip for the Chronicles of Riddick, the sequel to Pitch Black, on the old Pitch Black web site.
December 11, 2003
Shelter Dogs
If you're an animal lover, please pass this link along. It looks like this documentary will be an interesting one.
Shelter Dogs This documentary will be shown on HBO on Tuesday, January 27th 2004 at 7:30 EST.
The Film's Synopsis -
" In December 1999, filmmaker Cynthia Wade, interested in making a film about ethics, approached shelter owner Sue Sternberg and asked if she could document the events at Sue's facility. Sternberg not only offered unrestricted access to everything that happened at the shelter, but she also entrusted Wade with complete editorial control over the project.
For more than two years, Wade filmed pet surrenders, staff meetings, temperament tests, adoptions and euthanasias. The film took approximately eight months to edit and was completed in February 2003."
I read in the documentary film maker Cynthia Wade's bio, that she has been a guest speaker at my alma mater, Marymount Manhattan College
Both of our dogs are strays and our beloved Spike, who passed away of old age, came from the shelter. As did Toast, another beloved member of the family when I was in college. And 5 of our 6 cats came from rescues.
Recently, we had the pleasure of transporting dogs who were taken from a shelter so they could go to a rescue in another state. They went all the way from NC to MA. It was a pleasure to take part in their trip. If you're interested in dedicating your time to transporting, there are quite a few rescue lists on Yahoo Groups
December 10, 2003
Cute, goth? Which way?
I found this site, Graphic Garden
yesterday and I think it's so cute.
It always amazes me how I can find cute and goth, equally appealing. No, the site isn't goth, it's me I'm talking about! *G* I some times wonder about people who can be so strict in their likes and dislikes and in their leanings, whether they be political or religious etc. I seem to weave from one side of the road to the other, often distracted by the flowers or the stars or the clouds.
Save Disney
My co-worker passed this along to me this morning
It's a site by Disney and Gold. Worth a look if you're a Disney fan like me, or if you're into seeing how two business guys who've just resigned from a major corporartion going about handling the situation.
Yule Log Update
So...no NYers missed the litte Lindsay faux pas?? Hmmmm....*G*
Here's an update from Cynopsis on the Yule Log and information on how it can be watched on the internet (!)
A little more on the Yule Log. Okay, John Lindsay wasn't Mayor of NYC in 1953. Amazing how many of you know that. Also, the Yule Log kicked off its long run in 1966 (when Lindsay was Mayor, I think). Now for a little more updated news on this log - it's available for the first time this year on the internet. Yes, even if you don't get WPIX, WGN or another Tribune owned television station, you too can watch the yule log by going to http://wb11.trb.com/news/local/wpix-yulelogjumper.htmlstory, where you can get the log and a little theme music to boot. Yes, it's a little pixelated, but step far enough back from your pc and it looks great.
December 8, 2003
Santa!
Wanna know where Santa is at? Try these web sites to check his progress!
Tracking Santa on Norad
Claus.com
Were you naughty or nice?? Find out!
Naughty or Nice?
Here's my answer -
Just when we were about to give a "Naughty" rating, this one came through last week with a good deed. Great work! Back to the "Nice" list. But watch out for interrupting when others are talking, and burping without an "excuse me"&even when you think no one heard the burp! Remember, I hear it all!
Whew! *G*
Yule Log
On WPIX
The Yule Log will burn for four hours on Christmas morning from 9a-1p (instead of the traditional 2 hrs), and will be available in HDTV format for the first time on the WPIX-DT digital signal. True, the log gives little heat, but it sure will look grand. The first Yule Log was a 17-second loop of the fireplace at Gracie Mansion, when John Lindsay was Mayor of NYC in 1953. You'll be happy to note that this year's Yule Log is the same as it was in 1953, just remastered, and the sound track has been the same all these years.
Courtesy of Cynopsis
Pirates of the Caribbean 2
Pirates of the Caribbean 2 will begin production in January 2005, with returning cast members Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as well as producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Gore Verbiniski, and writers Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott, according to USA Today.
Courtesy of Cynopsis
December 7, 2003
Pearl Harbor
It is our obligation to our dead -- it is our sacred obligation to their children and to our children -- that we must never forget what we have learned.
And what we have learned is this:
There is no such thing as security for any nation -- or any individual -- in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.
There is no such thing as impregnable defense against powerful aggressors who sneak up in the dark and strike without warning.
We have learned that our ocean-girt hemisphere is not immune from severe attack -- that we cannot measure our safety in terms of miles on any map any more."
December 9, 1941 - Address of the President from the Oval Office
Additional Links:
Navy History
Pearl Harbor Remembered by Helen Thomas
Cool Quiz
Bev has a cool quiz. I love seeing cultural differences. If anyone else decides to participate, please leave a link to your answers, thanks!
1. A body of water, smaller than a river, contained within relatively narrow banks? Creek or crick, as some people say it. I say creek.
2. What is the thing you push around the grocery store/supermarket?
Shopping cart
3. A metal container to carry a meal in? Lunch box
4. The thing that you cook bacon and eggs in? Frying pan.
5. The piece of furniture that seats three people? A couch
6. The device on the outside of the house that carries rain off the roof? Gutter
7. The covered area outside a house where people sit in the evening? A porch
8. Carbonated, sweetened, non-alcoholic beverages? Soda
9. A flat, round breakfast food served with syrup? Pancake
10. A long sandwich designed to be a whole meal in itself? Sub.
11. The piece of clothing worn by men at the beach? Swimsuit
12. Shoes worn for sports? Sneakers
13. Putting a room in order? Cleaning up
14. A flying insect that glows in the dark? Lightning bug
15. The little insect arthropod that curls up into a ball? Pill bug
16. The children's playground equipment where one kid sits on one side and goes up while the other sits on the other side and goes down? Seesaw
17. How do you eat your pizza?
Folded, point first.
18. What's it called when private citizens put up signs and sell their used stuff?
Garage sale
19. What's the evening meal? Dinner
20. The thing under a house where the furnace and perhaps a rec room are?
Basement
December 6, 2003
Saturday snoozin's
Only a dusting of snow here, not even an inch and since it's stopped, I think it's past us now.
My pillows aren't just calling me, they're screaming for me!
Have a great Saturday peoples :)
December 5, 2003
Friday Musings
It seems to be getting colder here, so far, all we've had is rain.
Sebastian gained almost a pound in a week. He had another treatment today.
Christa got booted. I didn't realize until about a half hour after the show that Darrah had lied to everyone and pulled it off. Too bad the women don't stick together better.
Which X-Men Character Are You?
You are Storm!
You are very strong and very protective of those
you love. You are in tune with nature and are
very concerned with justice and humanity.
Unfortunately, certain apprehensions and fears
are very hard for you to overcome, and can
often inhibit you when most need to be strong.
Which X-Men character are you most like?
brought to you by Quizilla
Courtesy of Ith
December 4, 2003
What Color Are You?
#40E0D0 |
Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well. Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything. |
Courtesy of Neurotic Fishbowl
Courses in Blogging
Sample of some of the course titles:
Creating and Maintaining a Weblog
The Blogging process
Making Improvements to Your Blog
Wow!
Courtesy of Lost Remote
December 3, 2003
What State Are You?
Maine is your state. It's pretty and nice and
quiet and not crowded. I love Maine, so do
you.
What State Is Perfect For You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Courtesy of Ithy
What Cookie Are You?
What Kind of Cookie Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Courtesy of Jay
Thanks Jay!
December 2, 2003
Survivor
I don't understand why Rupert was so popular. I thought he was a putz. The guy steals the other tribes belongimgs and them later feels bad because they're such a sorry lot, something he was directly responsible for. If you're hgoing to be a bastard, then be a bastard. And he whined about how he was bullied, yet he used his girth to intimidate, much like an abusive spouse would. I know we get a lopsided view of the goingings on and the man may be very nice, but based on the view we saw, I think he was a controling self centered ass who let his ego get the best of him.
Jon - wow, talking about taking the grandma card to the ninth degree. This guy is incredible, he's like a stereo typical pit bull, all drive, no morals, no remorse. For the record, I don't have a problem with pit bulls, just the asses who own them and not all pit bull owners are asses, I'm just referring to the ones that are. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone else who planned their strategy that far ahead. Question - did the show separate him and his guest from the other tribe members because they wanted the audience to get the juicy side and wouldn't have been able to really see him bask in it around his other cast mates? Or, were they afraid he'd slip and someone would beat the %$#& outta him? Again, for the record, I can't stand this guy either.
Sandra - haven't liked her from day one
Christa - her voice annoys me
I like the rest.
Time to go run errands
December 1, 2003
What Do You Think?
I admit it, I'm a real stickler when it comes to spelling. Typos happen,but blatant spelling errors are usually obvious and can't be mistaken for typos.
Over the summer, while on vacation, I purchased some items from a local vendor. It's a pretty rural area. The items were very nice and I looked forward to being able to make further purchases via their web site. However, the web site kept coming up "not found". I kept trying over the last 5 months and finally, the other day, there it was! As I paged through the various pages describing the business, what they had to offer, how to order, etc, I was amazed at the amount of spelling errors. It made me cringe because I couldn't help but think that anyone wanting to order from them would have to question their business sense.
Am I being a snob? And....should I send an E-mail and offer to help? This is a business that was operating out of the person's mobile home. The product is great and stands a chance of becoming a really lucrative one if marketed properly.
Suggestions?
Schooling - Who's Responsible?
Found an interesting post about this calendar over at About Damn Time. In the comments section, one person posted:
"I think it's a flaming shame that any group of people has to take off their clothes to raise money for something that is the RESPONSIBILITY of all of the citizens in any locality - the support of their schools. And if you people can't see that, well - that makes me doubly glad that I don't live in the USA anymore."
Rather than start a "thing" on someone else's blog, I'll discuss it here -
My question - Why? Why is it everyone's responsibility? I have no use for the local school system. Why should people who opt for private, parochial, home schooling etc, be forced to pay for the education of others? Why are seniors being forced to carry this burden? Why are singles, or couples who have decided not to have children made to pay for other people's children to go to school? Why am I forced to pay to towards a school system where I reap no benefits and have no say? I own a rental property and in case anyone is wondering, my tenants don't have any children. I can't even vote in that municipality because it isn't my residence, yet how the local government governs has a direct effect on my property. But, that's getting off track. If in fact we should all be responsible for the education system, which at this point we are, then why aren't teachers considered servants of the public as police officers and staff are? I'm not allowed to strike, why is a teacher allowed to strike? Shouldn't they be governed by the same set of rules?
Went to see Elf tonight, it was cute. The soundtrack looks great.
Does anyone else put sticky notes all over their computer monitor in order to remember everything that needs to be done? I have so many on there now that my sticky notes have sticky notes.
I *finally* managed to remove the vertical blinds from the kitchen window. I'm sure they were probably expensive, but not only did I not like them, they weren't functional for us and some of the slats had broken and it just plain looked bad. We replaced it with a mini-blind that *just* made it into the slot. The window is 75 inches. The blind looks nice, it was recycled from my room, but it looks nice. It actually makes the space look bigger. I broke a drill bit, which sucked.
I'm fascinated with history. I love looking at photographs that give me a look into what things looked like during my grandparents time and my parents time. I have a diverse age group to choose from. My mother was much younger than my father, so I have hers and his and his parents and her parents, all from different times, but all living in NY. No, we haven't strayed very far.
My birth certificate lists my father's occupation on it. Interesting. the certificate is more informative than they are now.
I clicked on a site in Pet finder today and I was surprised to see a rescue charging $250.00 for a mixed breed dog. Why? I don't think that animals sould be released to anyone and I do think that a charge is acceptable, but shouldn't there be some incentive to adopt a rescue dog? You can buy a purebreed puppy for $250.00. NOT, that I think purebreeds are better, I don't, but, people will pay to know the heritage etc. There are quite a few people that think that if there is even a hint of a pit bull in a dog, they won't adopt. For many people the $250.00 would be for what they might consider piece of mind.
I sent an E-mail, but I haven't heard back from the people that we transported those rescue puppies to a couple of weeks ago. I haven't seen them listed on their page either. I think it would have been nice if they had let the volunteers know how they were.
Roy Disney is resigning. My first reaction was sadness. He wants Eisner to step down too. He has a lot of criticism of Eisner. Funny, because he was apparently the force behind getting Eisner in and Walt's daughter's husband out.
I love going to Disney, but as a Disney somewhat frequenter, I think the park and it's employees have changed and not for the better. One of Roy's complaints is about the parks. I think Disney has spread itself too thin and should concentrate more on what they have right now instead of what they are building next.