Cat Head Theatre

"Hark! Meow!" sayth Hamletpuss, "What news Rosencatzz and Gildenkitty?"
Watch the Cat Head Theatre. Very funny. My cats seemed to enjoy the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbK1eCt97ag

Harper expanding her literary
horizons "Hmm... To Be or Not
to Be..."

Are You a "Dumb American?"

No, You Are a Smart American, Dummy

You know a lot about US history, and you're opinions are probably well informed. Congratulations on bucking stereotypes. Now go show some foreigners how smart Americans can be.

Are You a Dumb American?

I Want My MTV-- So 80's

I want my MTV!!
In the early 80's I was in my late teens and early 20's. I was a consumer of Pop culture, as any person of that age.
I remember MTV in it's infancy.
Below are links to some very cool songs that typify the 80's era. Enjoy! (Check out Aimee Mann all punked out with the rat's tail hairdo) ((Also, the Safety Dance video is downright weird!))
Blue Monday by New Order 1983


Voices Carry Til Tuesday 1985



Safety Dance Men Without Hats 1982


Small Town Boy Bronski Beat -Jimmy Somerville 1984

Mother will never understand
Why you had to leave
But the answers you seek
Will never be found at home
The love that you need
Will never be found at home
bronski beat 1984
'a tale about being queer'

The Composition of the Average Male Brain

The Composition of the Average Male Brain

A. Reasons For War

B. Sex

C. Higher Cortical Functions

D. Balding Anxiety

E. Deep-Seated Refusal to ask for Directions

F. Shoveling Snow

G. Visceral Functions

H. The Male Hearing, Understanding Mismatch Pattern Loop

T.G.I.N.C.

Yes, I grew up in Boston, but (T.G.I.N.C.) thank goddess I'm not Catholic. Still, I've got a haunting, persistent Nun fixation. Scary!

Sally the Camel

Yesterday I visited my two nephews and niece. At 6:45 a.m. I was awakened by the following little ditty. My two nephews (age 6 & 4) sung the song at the top of their lungs. Of course I succeeded in waking up. The song was ringing in my head all day. I drew some cartoons to accompany the song.

Sally the Camel has
five humps (repeat 3x)
Ride Sally Ride!

Sally the Camel has
four humps (repeat 3x)

Ride Sally Ride!

Sally the Camel has
three humps (3x)
Ride Sally Ride!
Sally the Camel has
two humps (repeat 3x)

Ride Sally Ride!

Sally the Camel has
one hump (repeat 3x)
Ride Sally Camel has
zero humps (repeat 3x)

Ride Sally Ride!

The Movies Age Gauge

In honor of the Oscars, take a walk down memory lane. How old are you in comparison to these actresses/ actors? How old were you when 'such and such' movie was released? I found the 'Movie Age Gauge' quizlet on the Daily Meme, along with other fun ways to waste time. http://thedailymeme.com/

You are 43 years old and about:

44 years 5 months younger than Zsa Zsa Gabor, age 88
33 years 1 month younger than Clint Eastwood, age 76
30 years 5 months younger than Kim Novak, age 74
27 years 5 months younger than Burt Reynolds, age 71
23 years 5 months younger than Nick Nolte, age 67
22 years 2 months younger than Ann-Margret, age 65
16 years 4 months younger than Billy Crystal, age 59
13 years 8 months younger than Whoopi Goldberg, age 57
10 years 11 months younger than Robin Williams, age 54
7 years 0 months younger than Tom Hanks, age 50
4 years 7 months younger than Jamie Lee Curtis, age 48
2 years 3 months younger than Eddie Murphy, age 45
7 years 1 month older than Jennifer Lopez, age 36
15 years 8 months older than Jennifer Love Hewitt, age 28
24 years 9 months older than Haley Joel Osment, age 18

and when these movies were released in the U.S. your age was:

The Sound of Music: 1
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 4
Midnight Cowboy: 5
The Godfather: 8
American Graffiti: 10
Jaws: 11
Star Wars: 13
Animal House: 14
Star Trek: The Motion Picture: 16
ET: 18
The Terminator: 21
Top Gun: 22
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: 24
Steel Magnolias: 26
Home Alone: 27
Wayne's World: 28
Jurassic Park: 29
Forrest Gump: 31
Fargo: 32
Saving Private Ryan: 35
Toy Story 2: 36

It Could Be Worse!

Yes, you thought your life was bad.... but.... this article helps you put things in perspective.....
My Question: What was he watching?

Man's body found 1 year after death

Television was still on, authorities say; body partially mummified

The Associated Press

Updated: 1:06 p.m. ET Feb 17, 2007

HAMPTON BAYS, N.Y. - The partially mummified body of a man dead for more than a year has been found in a chair in front of his television, which was still on, authorities said.

Vincenzo Ricardo, 70, apparently died of natural causes, said Dr. Stuart Dawson, Suffolk County’s deputy chief medical examiner.

Police found Ricardo’s body this week when they investigated a report of burst pipes.

The home’s dry air had preserved his features, morgue assistant Jeff Bacchus said.

“You could see his face. He still had hair on his head,” Bacchus said.

Ricardo’s wife died years ago, and he lived alone, Dawson said.

“He hasn’t been heard from in over a year. That’s the part that baffles me,” he said. “Nobody sounded the alarm.”

Neighbors said they had thought Ricardo was in a hospital or nursing home.

“We never thought to check on him,” said neighbor Diane Devon.

Tune In-- or-- Tune Out!

Feline Friends

I've had my two kittens now since September. In the past I've always fancied myself a seasoned feline lover, well versed in kitten care.
But, the little monsters have taken me for a ride and given me a few surprises.
When I think of it, I really haven't been a kitty parent for over 15 years. I even thought to take a course-- "Kitten & Cat Care"-- at the Newton Community Center, or read a book even! I need help!

Here are a few observations/ comments about my feline companions:
Things They Love
1. plastic caps from juice/ cream containers (the round ones with the little loops)
2. boxes
3. shades
4. sitting on top of my computer, with one paw draped lazily over whatever I am trying to read
5. me arriving home
6. looking out the window
Things They Hate
1. coffee grinder
2. me leaving
3. the smell of Ben Gay Medicated Cream
Strange Behaviors1. playing in the toilet (paw splashing & all)
2. depositing their 'kills' (cat toys, caps, string etc.) in their food bowl
3. making low, rumbling staccato 'a-a-ah-a' growling sounds at pigeons.
4. making love to my rabbit fur bomber hat, or leather biker jacket
Nicknames
1. kitty muffins
2. kitty monkeys
3. fur balls

Muffin #1 (Harper Gwendolyn) and Muffin #2 (Willa Rachel)

Blessed Life

What if you were a person who dreamed all your childhood about doing a certain job?
It was kind of a far fetched job.... but you pursued it anyway, and at the age of 26 a very influential mentor set you up with an opportunity to do this very job you wanted to do?
Despite the hardships, you loved this job more than life itself.....
Many people at the time (men mostly) criticized you, saying you weren't qualified. Your tactics were unorthodox. (You were a woman of course)
Still, you proved them wrong and earned a doctorate degree in your field.
What if you later became the best known name in your field?
What if your work contributed to the future betterment of animals, humans, and communities?
What if you were very isolated in this job--- sacrificing a lot of your own needs---and yet....you met a true and noble companion and found love?
What if you raised a child, while doing the valuable work you love?
What if you wrote several books about your work, and founded an institute to carry on your legacy?
What if you taught others, so they could carry on your work, and make possible the survival of a species?
I am speaking of course, of Dr. Jane Goodall.
Despite many criticisms of her work over the past several decades, (I do agree the chimpanzee feeding stations are a problem) in my view, she's lived a blessed life.
She has truly done what she wants to do. She has thought of others while doing it (including animals), and she will leave a legacy.
I'm reading her most famous book, In the Shadow of Man, (1971) right now. Check it out her institute.....
http://www.janegoodall.org/

Are You Left-Brained, or, Right-Brained?

You Are 30% Left Brained, 70% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Two Amazing Cartoonists

I came across a contemporary cartoonist recently, and liked his work very much. His name is Greg Klamt. His work reminded me of a cartoonist from the 80's, whose books I collected for awhile. His name was Ken Brown. Both artists use images linked with a 'play on words.' Very amusing. Check out Ken's book and Greg's website below.
Notes From the Nervous Breakdown Lane by Ken Brown 1985


The Odder Limits-- Cartoonz by Greg Klamt. www.gregklamt.com

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Your Brain is 60% Female, 40% Male

Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female You are both sensitive and savvy Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Things To Say With a Bostonian Accent

Forget "Park the Car in Harvard Yard." Who ever said that anyway??? You can't park in Harvard Yard. You can't even PARRRK anywhere in HAARVAARD SQUAYAH. (any native Bostonian knows that)

How about these quotes? Some of these are actual comments said by local yokels, with a straight face even:
"Let's go down to Target to the cards and parties section."
"I'm her sister from Worcester ya bastard."
"I'm wicked parched. Where's the beer?"
"Hey. Who farted in here?"
"We'll get clam chowder in Revere."

More Bostonian Speak:
1. suppa--evening meal at 5 or 6
2. jimmies--chocolate sprinkles
3. tonic-- soda
4. ahut--your uncle's wife
5. barrel--trash bin
6. brar--bra
7. dungarees-- jeans
8. rotary--roundabout; traffic circle
9. packie-- liquor store
10. bang a uey--make a U-turn (usually illegal)
11. hermit--molasses cookie
12. spa--ma & pa convenience store
13. frappe--milkshake
14. sub--hero; grinder
15. bizaah--weird

Favorite Cop/ Detective Shows

The Best Detective Show Ever

I love cop/ detective shows. What is it about the gritty reality that zones me out and takes me out of my world?
One would think it would be the opposite. Reality?? Helping you escape????
But situational comedies do not help me escape. The inane plots, one dimensional characters, canned laughter, and outright stupidity of the dialogue irritates me.
With cop episodes, the characters and plots are just 'real' enough to be believable. At the same time I know I'm watching a show. (& the people have much bigger problems than me)
Below are my top 12 cop/ detective shows. IF I were to pick two or three that are the greatest, I would recommend 1. Homicide: Life on the Street, 2. Prime Suspect (Helen Mirren), and 3. Inspector Morse.
TOP COP SHOWS
1. Cagney & Lacey
2. Inspector Morse Series (PBS)
3. Prime Suspect Series (PBS)
4. Homicide: Life on the Street
5. Law & Order
6. CSI
7. NYPD Blue
8. The Wire
9. The Shield
10. Forensic Files
11. Third Watch
12. Adam Dalgliesh (PBS)
Many are available on DVD. Happy watching!

"Christine!!!"

Memorable Ads From the 70's and 80's

Memorable Ads from the 70’s and 80’s

Commercials bring up a mix of feelings for most people. On the one hand, we hate them, as we are inundated with them minute by minute. Every second products are thrown at us—both visually and auditorily-- that we will never use or care about. Car advertisements are the worst, in my opinion.

Any yet, old commercials stick with you. The clever slogans, images, songs, refrains, and quotes ring in your brain.

Unfortunately, as I’ve discovered, there’s also a sense of comfort in recalling or seeing old ads. Like old pop songs, they bring you back to another time and place.

I’ve been thinking about this because the other night I made a joke. I said, “She told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on….”

A few of the older gals in the group laughed, as they recalled the commercial I was referring to. Any yet, did I even know anything about the commercial I was referring to?

I looked it up on Google and found it was an old Breck Shampoo ad from the 1970’s. I don’t think I’ve ever used Breck Shampoo. And yet I recall the advertisement as if it were yesterday.

It’s creepy really. As the voice-over chimes “she told to friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on….,’ there’s an almost ‘Stepford wives’ multiplication of women’s faces. All the women are smiling mysteriously like Mona Lisa. Are they satisfied with their shampoo choice, or something deeper?

Google Video brought me to other ads I recall.

Mr. Whipple reminds me of Saturday nights when I was about 8 or 9, sitting with my grandmother watching “The Lawrence Welk Show.” Out there in the long distant past T.V. land, Mr. Whipple—that old pervert-- is still busy squeezing the Charmin. Around him stands a cooing, giggling group of suburban housewives. They do seem a little too excited about toilet paper.

I don’t think I have EVER consciously bought Charmin toilet paper.

Another ad that seemed to be on the air in various versions for years is the ‘Madge’ commercial of Palmolive Dish Detergent. Madge reminded me of my Aunt, or any nice neighborhood lady next door. She was wicked and sincerely concerned at least about women’s hands remaining soft.

Madge was on daytime T.V. ads mostly. I remember as a bored teenager sitting watching endless afternoon soap operas, again while visiting my grandmother, and being strangely comforted by the familiarity of Madge.

Of course Morris the Cat—who over the years (though he looked the same in every ad) was probably six or seven different cats--- is partially responsible for fueling my love for felines. See Morris below, and Mr. Whipple:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbXPjzM5no4

She told two friends, & they told two friends.....

Crazy Scooterist

Scooter Adventure
Last night I rode my scooter into Boston. It was 36 degrees when I left the burbs of West Medford. I was hoping for the best weather-wise, but, after all, this IS New England.

When we exited our venue for the evening, it was raining and generally miserable. My friend kindly offered to drive me home, but I would have to abandon my scoot and pick her up in the morning. She looked so lonely, so in a rash moment of scooterist-stupidness, I said, “Don’t worry. I’ll make it.”

I have driven in rain often and in snow once (the first day I picked up my scoot on an otherwise sunny October day). Generally, one can ride a scoot in rain, though miserably. I was well equipped with my green rubber pants, gloves, and padded, reflective Nitro jacket.

As I started out, the experience was wet, with poor visibility, but I zoomed along. I got as far as Union Square in Somerville when suddenly the rain turned to snow. The snow became a two inch layer of slush on the street and a two inch layer of snow on the sidewalk. Realizing that instant death could be imminent, I stopped the bike and was forced to walk with her on the sidewalk. To make matters worse, I was on a hill, so it was slow going pulling along my 250 pound scooter. I only tipped over once, though, I’m proud to say.

After a while, it got rainier and less hilly, and I got back on my bike and motored. With my blinkers on, I rode cautiously on the far right side of the road, very slowly. I probably looked like grandma in a golf cart. I got home okay just as the precipitation was turning into snow again. I was chilled to the bone.

Moral of the Story:

“As Hot As Those Green Rubber Pants Look Baron, No Riding Your Scooter in February”

A Strange Song From the 80's

There's a song from the 80's I recall---88 Lines About 44 Women. It still gets airplay occasionally, but when I mention it, most people don't recall the song. It was quite unusual. Probably a one hit wonder from a Punk Rock band called "The Nails." The more popular version of the song appeared in 1984. I think some of the lyrics of the song are offensive. But, all and all, I can't resist the song because it's odd, clever, & memorable, and typifies the Nihilism of the early 80's. Here's the link, the song accompanied by a weird animation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE1i2zLG9yY

88 LINES ABOUT 44 WOMEN

Deborah was a Catholic girl
she held out till the bitter end
Carla was a different type
she's the one who put it in
Mary was a black girl
I was afraid of a girl like that
Suzen painted pictures
sitting down like a Buddha sat

Reno was a nameless girl
a geographic memory
Cathy was a Jesus freak
she liked that kind of misery
Vicki had a special way
of turning sex into a song
Kamala, who couldn't sing,
kept the beat and kept it strong

Zilla was an archetype
the voodoo queen, the queen of wrath
Joan thought men were second best
to masturbating in a bath
Sherry was a feminist
she really had that gift of gab
Kathleen's point of view was this
take whatever you can grab

Seattle was another girl
who left her mark upon the map
Karen liked to tie me up
and left me hanging by a strap
Jeannie had a nightclub walk
that made grown men feel underage
Mariella, who had a son,
said I must go, but finally stayed

Gloria, the last taboo
was shattered by her tongue one night
Mimi brought the taboo back
and held it up before the light
Marilyn, who knew no shame,
was never ever satisfied
Julie came and went so fast
she didn't even say goodbye

Rhonda had a house in Venice
lived on brown rice and cocaine
Patty had a house in Houston
shot cough syrup in her veins
Linda thought her life was empty
filled it up with alcohol
Katherine was much too pretty
she didn't do that shit at all

Pauline thought that love was simple
turn it on and turn it off
Jean-Marie was complicated
like some French filmmaker's plot
Gina was the perfect lady
always had her stockings straight
Jackie was a rich punk rocker
silver spoon and a paper plate

Sarah was a modern dancer
lean pristine transparency
Janet wrote bad poetry
in a crazy kind of urgency
Tanya Turkish liked to fuck
while wearing leather biker boots
Brenda's strange obsession
was for certain vegetables and fruit

Rowena was an artist's daughter
the deeper image shook her up
Dee Dee's mother left her father
took his money and his truck
Debbie Rae had no such problems
perfect Norman Rockwell home
Nina, 16, had a baby
left her parents, lived alone
Bobbi joined a New Wave band
changed her name to Bobbi Sox
Eloise, who played guitar,
sang songs about whales and cops
Terri didn't give a shit
was just a nihilist
Ronnie was much more my style
cause she wrote songs just like this
Jezebel went forty days
drinking nothing but Perrier
Dinah drove her Chevrolet
into the San Francisco Bay
Judy came from Ohio
she's a Scientologist
Amaranta, here's a kiss
I chose you to end this list.

©1981,1984 The Nails