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.
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)
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/
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.
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
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
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
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!!!"
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:
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”
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.
I took this quiz--- not surprisingly, I'm more Yin. I agree with all the words pertaining to me-- but 'metal' is a little out of place. 'Mental' perhaps??
What's your brain dominance? Lefty or righty? Below are my results.
Brain Lateralization Test Results
Right Brain (40%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain. Left Brain (62%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain
This past weekend I had my first acting debut. I have NEVER taken an acting class previous. For my assignment, I was Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire." Not exactly an easy first debut, but an easier part than my acting partner, E.E.F., a.k.a., "Blanche DuBois."
Blanche DuBois is undoubtedly one of the most complex characters in American theater to portray. ((Thanks to Tennessee Williams. A drag queen trapped in a straight woman's body)) My acting partner played her admirably. I was Stella, the lover of brute Stanley, the matronly woman, the salt of the earth, the Eve of the universe. Though my lines may have been easy to memorize, it was difficult for me to "find" the character. Still, it was a fantastic experience. I wish to act again, perhaps in a 'beginners' class this time. We acted out Act One, Scene One, where Blanche has just arrived to New Orleans. After participating in the scene, I'd like to rent the 1951 (Elia Kazan) film version again to watch and analyze Kim Hunter's performance. I want to see the rest of the stellar (pardon the pun) cast's performances as well-- Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, & Karl Malden.
Trivia Fun Fact: To audition for the Broadway version of "Streetcar," Marlon Brando was given car fare to Tennessee Williams' home in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he not only gave a sensational reading, but did some house repairs as well.
We've all heard of Altered Minds, but what's an Altered Book???? According to the International Society of Altered Books Artists, an altered book is..... simply put: "It is any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be ... rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned ..." http://www.alteredbookartists.com/ This past Sunday my friend M & I took a course entitled "Altered Books" at the Paper Source in Cambridge, MA. I had heard of altered books, and had seen a few at some exhibits and open studios. I was intrigued & fascinated by the concept, but had never yet made an altered book myself! I knew very little of the techniques. What was the course like? Well, we did learn a few techniques, but not as many as I would have liked. The demonstrations only fueled my fire. Still, it was quite the female bonding experience--- kind of like an old quilting bee. Mainly, a bunch of women (yes, it's mainly a chick thing) sat around on a rainy afternoon for 3 hours barely talking & intensively creating. And it was loads of fun!! I definitely went into 'the zone'.... The Altered Book I made that day was my 'experimental' book. I have a more extensive and meaningful project in mind. I wish to take an old book I have from 1905, about the "Kings of Norway," and transform it into a tribute/ genealogical record of my grandfather. My grandfather, Hjalmar Nilsson Grimstad, was born in Norway in 1905. I have photos, letters, family trees, etc...., about my grandfather Hjalmar's life, but no meaningful way to integrate all this information. I'm hoping my Altered Book will be this outlet. I've started my book & I'll keep you posted! Meanwhile, here are some samples of some fantastic Altered Books...
For the NEw Year, I've decided to take the TBR Books Challenge... Throughout the year, I have to read 12 books. I came across this "To BE READ" challenge on thehttp://www.librarything.com/website. The description of the challenge is below.
The challenge is to read ONE "to be read" book from your collection each month during 2007. Create a list of 12 books that have been on your TBRList for at least 6months or more, and then you readone of those twelve books a month from January 1st to December 31st, 2007.
Are YOU up for the challenge?
If you want to 'officially' take the challenge, there's a yahoo group that you can join to report in on your progress. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tbr_challenge/join It's also fun to see what books other people have selected.
Here's My Kitty Approved List, not necessarily in Order. As you can see, I'm not much fiction reader. Only 2 novels made the list:
Journal of Solitude May Sarton
Walden Henry David Thoreau
The Autobiography of Malcolm X Alex Haley
The Hungry Ocean Linda Greenlaw DONE
On the Road Jack Kerouac
In the Shadow of Man Jane Goodall DONE
An Ordinary Life Transformed Stephanie Rutt DONE
A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson
Speak, Memory Vladimir Nabokov
The Day the World Came to Town 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland Jim Defede
Below are my results.
