And Then He Wasn't...

Recently a 36-year-old man was killed in town. He was a pedestrian standing on the sidewalk, minding his own business, when a car operated by a 65-year-old female jumped the curb, striking him. The impact sent him across the intersection as the woman's car collided with another vehicle which was stopped. The accident is still under investigation, & it's unknown why it occurred. A toxicology report is currently pending.

The deceased was a well liked resident of town. I happen to know his former roommate well. The few times I've seen the roommate, he's been wandering around with a blank look on his face. I saw him at the grocery store where I offered my sincere condolences. He was standing there staring at the shelves of food. From what I know of him, & what I've seen, it's quite obvious they were more than roommates. I feel sad for him. I know the feelings of loss much better than I'd like to.

Sadly in my career, I've witnessed my fair share of these incidents. I recall a similar accident about 7 years ago. It was just a little over a week before Christmas, & an older female employee of a local department store had just finished work & was crossing the roadway, carrying presents, when she was struck & killed by a male driver in his 20's who was found with a cds (controlled dangerous substance) & paraphernalia in his car.

In a terribly tragic fate of irony, a week later, on the same roadway about a mile opposite of where the other woman was struck & killed, another woman crossing the road at almost the same time was struck by a car & killed as well.

What's the point of this post? I'm not sure. It's certainly NOT meant to depress you- that is far from my intent. Considering the most recent tragedy got me thinking about the other two. All occurring on the same stretch of road. You just never know do you.

One day you or a loved one are here, & then you're not.
Tell someone you care about you love them.

"Vincent"

I'd like to dedicate the following lyrics to Mr. Barner, who in 9th grade, at Roosevelt Jr. High School, introduced me to this song in his Mass Media class. He played the song under two overlapping slide shows which displayed the broken-hearted artists master works. I sat there crying silently & I still do EVERY time I hear it.

Starry starry night
Paint your palette blue & grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul

Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees & the daffodils
Catch the breeze and winter chills
In colors on the snowy linen land

And now I understand
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

Starry starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze
Reflect in Vincents eyes of China blue

Colors changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand

And now I understand
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They did not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you

Starry starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world & can't forget
Like the stranger that you've met

The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed & broken on the virgin snow

And now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free

They would not listen
they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will

-Don McLean

The Whos Down in Whoville...

To continue kicking the "FMB-CDT-RHI-BF-FLU"* dead horse, I bring you further terribly terrifying updates to curdle your cream!

The Geneva-based World Health Organization sounded it's own ominous alarm, raising it's (un)alert level to 1 notch below a FULL-FLEDGED global pandemic. Said "WHO" director-general Margaret Chan: "It's really all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic."

"Who" said that?!......Exactly.

PLEASE NOTE-
No horses were harmed in any way for or during this blog post!

*Please refer a few posts down so you know what the heck I'm talking about!

There is an actual hotline number available to those of you overly concerned like your humble blogger. 1-866-321-9571

Yes it's real! No it's not what you think it might be! ;^)

Well Played Sir!

Most folks who have nothing better to do, & find themselves perusing FLAST somewhat regularly, know that I LOVE to stalk the halls, alleyways, highways, & byways where I work, searching for unsuspecting victims to jump out at, thusly scarin' the beejeebers outa them. Love it, L-O-V-E IT!

Well my loyal friends & part time enemies, today the tables have been gleefully turned against me! Be forewarned the following is not for the fragile nor faint of heart. I always seem to have the upper hand in scaring the heck out of my immediate ADHA laden supervisor. He's always so distracted that he doesn't think to look for me hiding in the ceiling tiles, making him easy prey.

As I stroll down the lonely gloomy poorly lit hallways of work, I'm almost always constantly aware of a potential ambush which never seems to come, or is quickly thwarted by my slick offensive & defensive sweet ninja skills! Today was another matter entirely. I had made it safely through the labyrinth & into my office when out from behind some computer servers leaps my boss, foaming at the mouth & eyes rolled waaay back in his noggin! I'll admit to having been a bit startled, with a mild shake that lasted a few seconds. His face was bright red & he was filled with such glee as he skipped out of my office & into the hallway. He was soooo proud & taken with himself. OK, well played sir- I'll give ya that one, but paybacks can be a bitch & I'm one of the biggest.

I should probably go change my shorts now.

What's Cooking in the Kitchen?!

I'm back to perpetuate the thrills & fears of the new Flying Monkey Butt-Cat Dog Tail-Rhinoceros-Bacon Fat Flu. As I obsessively obsess over this new found end-of-the-world calamity, I got to thinking, what about all our Mexican friends (legal or otherwise) that toil in our nations kitchens for mere pennies on the dollar?

Where I secretly reside, I'd say a good (or bad based on perspective) 97 1/2% of the kitchen workers are former Mexican diplomats who are pursuing "the American Dream" (or nightmare, again based on your particular perspective).

Yikes, I may actually lose some weight! I'd better ca$h in on this potentially new diet craze! I'll call it the "FMB-CDT-RHI-BF-Flu Super Duper Pooper Diet Guaranteed Weight Loss Solution Substitution!" Get my publisher on the phone! I'm gonna be rich beyond my wildest dreams for crap sake!

Oh, please pass the bacon- I'm hungry!

WEIRD but is it really TRUE?!

File this under- I get the point!

A Serbian union official from Belgrade chopped off his finger & ate it in a protest over wages that in some cases have not been paid in years, said he did it to show how desperate he & other workers were.

"We, the workers have nothing to eat, we had to seek some alternative food & I gave them an example," Zoran Bulatovic said yesterday. "It hurt like hell."

Really Zoran?! Don't mess with the Zoran! Oh, please pass the finger sandwiches, I'm hungry! ;-0

"God Only Knows"

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me
God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Well life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me
God only knows What I'd be without you

- Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)

Paul McCartney thought this was one of the most beautiful love songs ever written- I'd have to agree.

The BB's have been around for quite a while. When do they finally become Beach Men?! Just wondering.

The Kiss of Death?!

In my continuing series of mind-numbing posts on the well-oiled, hyped, media machine, pumping out fear about the Swine Flu at a feverish pace, we are now informed about the potential danger & subsequent contamination through kissing. They (who are they?) say even a friendly peck on the cheek should be avoided. Poo-poo I say!

I likes me my kisses! I needs me my kisses! They (I'm STILL not sure who they are) can kiss my lily white cracker @$$! :-)

AAAH-CHOO!

What the Heckle & Jeckle?!

I come outside this morning to find a pile of yellow snow on my trusty Element. No, NOT that kind! I mean fresh, dusty, make my eyes red, sneeze & wheeze, pollen! Anybody got some tissues?! I prefer Puffs Plus. Sure it costs more, but I'm worth it!! Also, It's more comfortable on my delicate schnose!

Speaking of yellow snow- kids, don't EVER eat it! Have a snow cone instead! Trust me from childhood experience, it tastes better!

What Do You Mean Tag I'm It?!

Ladies & gentleman, I've been called out! One of my new readers (~VK~) is lookin' for some trouble. Well let me tell you, she's come to the right place! Grrrrr. Wow! I've NEVER been tagged before. At least not as an adult & by a complete stranger to boot! I feel so worldly! Apparently I have to come up with eight things under each heading? That's an unusual number. Oh well, here goes nothin'. Prepare yourselves for what I'd like to call- My Crazy 8's!


8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:

1) Moving to LA with VK
2) FINALLY finishing one of my books
3) FINALLY getting published
4) Beginning one of my short films or film shorts (as Stef refers to them)
5) Selling a pitch, story, or screenplay (film or TV show) to a major studio &/or HBO
6) Doing some more recording
7) Traveling more
8) Losing my virginity to the right person, people, groups, or organizations, (before some pig gives me a cold!).
*BONUS*
9) Retirement..............aaaaaah *swings slowly back in forth in a hammock*


8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY


1) Woke up
2) made a fresh cuppa joe
3) went back to bed
4) read the funny pages- including my favs: "horrorscope", relationship advice, Dear Abbey, circulars, & clipping coupons of course- I can be a thrifty resourceful lad on occasion.
5) went back to bed
6) Showered- (B,B,&H)
7) Rocked outdoor spring festival!
8) Had a VERY nice, relaxing, casual dinner at one of my favorite joints with 2 (yes 2!) lovely ladies!


8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO


1) See my mom (Sally) again
2) See Midnight (cat) again
3) Get a grip on this whole love/relationship thing
4) Make the world a better place- at least my world & the satellites hovering around it
5) Be MUCH MORE patient & tolerant (I'm gettin' there-I'm-a gettin' there!)
6) Make more time for & get closer to my family- especially my EVIL twin!
7) Become VK's pool boy
8) Find a hot pump in size 13! I keed-I keed!


*BONUS*
8 THINGS I ATE TODAY


1) 1 1/2 cups of coffee
2) Lot's of water
3) Multi-grain roll (so good) with some butter (so bad)
4) some S&P cashews w/dark chocolate covered prune bits- don't knock it 'till ya try it! It's yummy & it keeps me regular! ;^)
5) Protein drink
6) A HUGE glass of OJ w/Lot's of pulp
7) leftovers from last night- including absolutely yummy sweet potato crinkle cut fries w/Cinnamon & sugar lightly sprinkled on top.
8) A hearty bowl of NEW honey flavored (chemical) Kix- kid tested, mom approved! Can't be bad, right?!




Those are my 8's for now. I'm a little sleepy so I'm sure I left some good stuff off the list- I guess there's always part II!

When Pigs Fly!

Aids, Avian Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Swine Flu, Pandemic, Epidemic!!!!
Is this the end?!

We've heard these terms on and off for over a century. It's in the papers- out of the papers. On the news-off the news. So what is it? I'd barely hear or read of any of this in the media lately, then suddenly over the last few days it's EVERYWHERE! Swine Flu all over Mexico- now it's in the US! I know how the media is so I'm trying not to freak out, but to be honest I'm a bit wigged out. Is it really that bad? Granted every so often a virus or good old fashion plague will come along, but come on, now of all times? We've got a new president, & my latest band has only played two gigs!

Yes, I'm joking a bit, but that's just my defence mechanism coming into play. It comes out when I'm scared &/or nervous. Being a Virgo & a cautious optimist I figured something was coming. I figured it would be something very simple, but very contagious. Something we are unprepared & unequipped for.

Hopefully this too shall pass. What about my blog?! I still haven't had my first last kiss yet, not to mention that whole silly virgin thing.

Born To Run

In honor of today's gig, I dedicate this CLASSIC rocker to myself & the fellow Jersey rocker who wrote it- I forget his name. I think his name is Bruce something...

In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway dream
At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages on highway 9
Chrome wheeled fuel injected and steppin' out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
It's a death trap it's a suicide rap
We gotta get out while we're young
'Cause tramps like us baby we were born to run

Wendy let me in I wanna be your friend
I wanna guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs 'round these velvet rims
And strap your hands 'cross my engines
Together we could break this trap
We'll run 'till we drop and baby we'll never go back
Will you walk with me out on the wire
'Cause baby I'm just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I wanna know if love is wild girl I wanna know if love is real

Beyond the Palace hemi-powered drones scream down the boulevard
The girls comb their hair in rear view mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in the mist
I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight in an everlasting kiss

The highways jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive

Everybody's out on the run tonight but there's no place left to hide

Together Wendy we'll live with the sadness

I'll love you with all the madness in my soul

Someday girl I don't know when we're gonna get to that place

Where we really wanna go and we'll walk in the sun

But 'till then tramps like us baby we were born to run

Thinkable Thoughts

GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE

"The most unfortunate thing that happens to a person who fears failure is that he limits himself by becoming afraid to try anything new."

-Author Unknown (at least to me)

Set List

Since a few of you are apparently unable to fly in (sarcasm), for Playbacks 1st big gig (more- sarcasm) I thought I'd at least post our two set lists. That way I'm able to confirm that you really didn't miss much! ;^)

SET #1

- Secret Agent Man (Rivers)

- Monkees Theme

- I'm A Believer (Monkees)

- Soul Deep (Box Tops)

- Who'll Stop The Rain (CCR)

- The Last Time (Stones)

- Little Sister (Elvis)

- Outside Looking In (original)

- I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better (Byrds/Petty)

- The Letter (Box Tops)

- I Fought The Law "& Wolf Won!" (Bobby Fuller Four?/Clash)

- I Saw Her Standing There (Beatles)

- Pretty Woman  (Roy Orbison)

SET #2

- Little Bit Of Soul (?)

- Cynical Girl (Crenshaw)

- Steppin' Stone (Monkees)

- The Kids Are Alright (Who)

- Creedence Medley (Can You Guess Who?)

- Mr. Tambourine Man (Dylan/Byrds)

- Gloria (Them w/Van Morrison)

- Into Your Arms (Lemon Heads)

- I Want To Hold Your Hand (Beatles)

- 867-5309/Jenny (Tommy Tu Tone)

- Peace, Love, & Understanding (Costello)

EMERGENCY TUNES

- Brown Eye Girl (Van Morrison)

- So It Goes (Lowe)

- Thank You Girl (Beatles)

That's about it. Barely out of the 60's- limping into the early 90's....sorta.

Wish me luck. Please come visit me in the hospital after the gig to sign my leg cast!

Close Encounters

The sixth man to walk on the moon, former NASA astronaut Edgar Mitchell, says we are NOT alone in the universe. Mitchell, who took part in the 1971 Apollo 14 lunar mission, is certain aliens exist, a fact the US & other nations are covering up.

Mitchell made the claim at a news conference in Washington following the 5th annual X-Conference, a meeting of UFO enthusiasts & researchers. CNN quoted Mitchell as saying that mankind has long wondered if we're "alone in the universe. But only in our period do we really have evidence."

He added, "I urge those who are doubtful: read the books, read the lore, start to understand what has really been going on. Because there really is no doubt we are being visited."

- Andy Geller (NY Post)
Edited by me because people keep complaining my posts are TOO LONG!

OK, Edgar. Interesting statements, but you're still not telling or showing this supposed proof of ET life in or out of our world. It doesn't say how old Mitchell is- perhaps he's grown a bit long in the tooth, if you know what I mean. So Mr. Mitchell, put your money where your mouth is &- show me da money my friend. I'd like to think that ET's & UFOs exist. I'd like to think we're not alone unless these otherworldly species want to annihilate us poor earthlings.

GAK-GAK-GAK! Take us to your leader!- Mars attacks (film reference).

WEIRD but is it TRUE?!

Talk about your loaded diaper...

A couple strong-armed their way out of a Spokane, Wash., Safeway by punching out a security guard so they could make off with a package of Huggies, police said. At least the man yelled "sorry" as he hit the guard in the face.

I'd say that couple's in some pretty deep $h!t! ;^)

WEIRD but is it TRUE?!

Hold your water!

Michaela Dutton, 21, of Birmingham England, has found that she's suddenly become allergic to water. She now only drinks diet soda, & is only able to shower for just 10 seconds at a time. Worst of all, she can hold her 3-year-old son only briefly when he cries because she might come into contact with his sweat, tears, & saliva.

This allergy affects only 1 in 230 million people!, and as of yet there is no treatment. Can you imagine? I can't. I'm a mild clean freak. I have to take at least one shower a day. It's sad- I feel bad for her. Just think how much deodorant & perfume that poor girl is going to have to buy.

Bang the Drum Slowly

After months & months of going NOWHERE, my band Playback will be playing our first 2 gigs. Our first is at a modest sized club, Crossroads, a few towns over. We'll be playing this Friday night from 9pm 'til 11pm.

The second gig is downtown at the annual "Spring Fling" (lame name). This is a rain or shine event that takes place in the central business district that's closed off to vehicular traffic for most of the day. We play on the outdoor stage from 2:30pm 'til 3:15 on Sunday.

So here's the problem. After playing together for about 8 or 9 months, about 5 of them seriously, I feel we're not nearly as far along as we should be. We barley have 2 full sets worth of material, & our spotty rehearsing schedule hasn't helped. We've been cramming in as many practises as possible this week to be ready. Sadly I don't feel completely confident.

For Friday nights gig we're either going to have to play very sloooow or turn into a psychedelic jam band of which we are anything but. We do have a 3 song CCR medley that perhaps we can play until the amps blow.

On top of all that, there's been a bit of dissension in the ranks. At this point, it seems to be me & the bass player vs. the two guitarists. Lot's of disagreeing emails flying to & fro these past few days. The bass player & me have top secret conspired meetings where we plot the demise of the other two- heh, heh, heh.

We just have to get through these two gigs, & then we're definitely going to have to rally the troops for a face to face sit down. We'll see what happens. It would be a shame to break-up after only two gigs, but I've been in numerous bands since I was a young'in so there are relatively few surprises.

R-O-C-K ON!

The Target Incident (or, how NOT to replace a lightbulb!)

One recent deep dark velvety night, I awoke to the sweet gentle calling of the wild. OK, so I had to pee, but that doesn't sound as romantic, does it?! As I stumbled (literally) through my apartment in a sleepy (non purple) haze, I realized my nightlight was out. I wondered if the bulb had simply blown or perhaps there was a frightening conspiracy afoot being perpetrated by the monsters under my bed.

Despite my fears, I was too tired to do anything about it, choosing to wait until the safety of daylight. I returned to bed with my glass of milk, checked under the bed & inside the closet, & eventually fell back to sleep. With the glory of a bright & beautiful brand new day, (actually it was raining) I gulped my morning joe, showered & shaved, & I was off to pick up a new bulb & some other stuff at Target.


Well, almost. Whilst sitting in the ol' Element (clown car) I was mentally checking off things in my head so I didn't forget anything. Car-check, keys-check, list-check, coupons 'cause I'm cheap-check, Chinese throwing stars-check, pants-oops! After a wardrobe correction I was off.


I'm a man & I love Target!- I'm not ashamed to admit it. I've been to the Wednesday meetings, have you?! I had brought the blown bulb along for shopping reference. Now most anyone would have kept it in their pocket, but NOT me. No, I was carrying it around the store in my hand. After picking up a few unnecessary items, I realized I would probably be better off with a cart. I located one, & as I grabbed the cart handle, C-R-U-N-C-H! Yup, you guessed it, the bulb in my hand shattered into a billion little pieces!


Oh no. I was afraid to look. I sloowly opened my hand to survey the damage. Like a beautiful snowfall on Christmas morning, those tiny shards were sticking into my hand like shiny holiday glitter, but that's NOT the best part. The filament or middle of the bulb-part-thingie was embedded into the center of my palm. And then came the blood. Drip-drip-drip, all over Targets shiny floor!

After deciding not to faint which could be construed by some to be unmanly, I decided to head to the pharmacy as that seemed to make the most sense in the throws of my medical crisis. If you wanted to find me you wouldn't need bread crumbs nor the yellow brick road. All you'd need to do was follow the crimson red droplets of my dwindling life force that dotted the floor like an ADHD connect-the-dots.

I arrived at the pharmacy counter with a pale countenance & with a faint quiet plea I asked if they had a surgeon on staff for emergency suturing, or at least a Band-Aid or three. My gentle desperate cry was met with a indifferent, um...no. WHAT? No medical supplies or first aid kit for scenarios like mine?! You mean I'd actually have to buy a box of Band-Aids for just one or two?! Um...yeah.

Don't panic!, I repeated over & over to myself like some bad yoga mantra. With my mind spinning like a carousel from Dante's inferno, I quickly made my way to the men's bathroom which was...locked?! Mustering up whatever bravery existed in my body, (apparently only my pinkie finger) I invaded the ladies room after announcing myself of course.

There I pulled the metal & wire splinter from the palm of my hand, & cleansed my wound. I wrapped my injured paw in paper towels to stem the flow of blood & decided I may as well pick up what I came for. As I was about to leave, a woman entered. She was a very large & mean spirited looking woman. She sized me up while giving me the stink eye. I excused myself & fled hoping she wouldn't call security!

As quickly as I could, I completed my shopping & drove myself to the nearest hospital. Actually I just drove home crying like a baby. Once there I cleaned myself off & applied my own (free!) Band-Aid.

So ladies & gentleman-including kids of all ages, that is my silly tale of woe as could only happen to me! There is no moral to this story. In fact there are absolutely NO morals involved! I survived & I'm still standing to share this tale with you. Thank you & good night!

PS- If you enjoyed this humble post about self mutilation, you'll probably enjoy a similar one from long ago entitled "The CVS Incident".

Kids PLEASE don't try this at home!

Thinkable Thoughts

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

- Albert Einstein,
genius (1879-1955)

Dancing in the Dark

I try to stay away from gossip. It tends to be bad, but I understand it's a part of human nature. We love our celebrities, & with celebrity comes gossip! I'm sure most of you are aware of the stories all over the media about my fellow New Jersian, Bruce Springsteen, allegedly having an affair with a woman he met at a fitness club in South Jersey near his home.

I met him many years ago when my band played a gig where he made a surprise appearance. Out of all the musical celebrities I've had the pleasure of meeting, he was the most down to earth & humble. Unfortunately this is not the first time Springsteen has faced such allegations. Apparently it all began when the woman's husband filed for divorce naming Springsteen as the main reason. Who knows if it's true or not. I'm very curious to see how it all plays out.

I try my best not to judge- glass houses & all that...

Go Susan Go!

She's matronly & not particularly attractive. Never been married, nor had a love life- no, I'm not talking about me, besides I'm a guy!  ;-)   & she's bordering on frumpy. Her name is Susan Boyle. A 47-year-old from England. You may have read about her. She's all over the media, You Tube, etc.

She recently appeared on British televisions Britain's Got Talent, a version of American Idol from across the pond. It's conceived & produced by Simon Cowell (boo-hiss!) of AI fame. His co-judges are Piers Morgan & Amanda Holden, whom I know nothing about. I don't watch much TV, & will admit to not being a fan of AI, or shows of that ilk. I've been reading about Ms. Boyle & had to see for myself what all the hoopla was about.

Via You Tube, ( I apologize for no link- I'm lame) I watched the above describe woman walk bravely on stage to the sounds of laughter from the audience. She spoke briefly with Simon, then began to sing "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miserables. A very beautiful song. As soon as Ms. Boyle began to sing, there came an audible gasp from the audience. She had obviously been blessed with a beautiful voice by God. The audience sat silently transfixed as they watched- I did as well.

Tears began to slowly stream down my face. Cowell sat there with his head in his hands, eyes wide. Holden's eyes welled up, & Morgan was beaming. Morgan said, "Everyone was laughing at you- no one's laughing at you now." The audience was on it's feet, as was Holden & Morgan. Cowell remained seated, (big surprise) but impressed. She received 3 "yeses", which apparently rarely occurs.

Score another win for the underdogs! I hope you win Susan- show 'em all!

Thinkable Thoughts

"History would be an excellent thing if only it were true."

-Leo Tolstoy
Russian author (1828-1910)

I wholeheartedly concur Mr.T!

Hippity-Hop

Holy rolling stones! Tomorrow's the BIG day. Happy Easter to one & all! If you don't celebrate, then I wish you a Happy Kiester! In honor of the holiday, I'm posting a "themed" WEIRD but is it TRUE?!- dedicated to Zetz.

A Croatian farmer is doing a booming Easter business in naturally laid green eggs.

Stipa Gregacevic was astonished when his prize hen, Fata, began laying the colored eggs at his farm in Forkusevci. "I can't really explain why it happens," he said. "Some say it might be because we put red pepper in the hen food."

I think Mr.G. should check with Dr. Seuss's estate before he advertises his green eggs. Speaking of eggs, I have to go lay some. I wonder what color they'll be.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I'm on your side when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

-Paul Simon
(Simon & Garfunkel)

A classic song, & IMHO one of the most beautiful
songs ever written. This song occasionally makes me cry.

Are You Bein' Good?

Despite what your practising, amateur, or professional beliefs may be, I wish you all, but not some of you, a good, if not great Friday!

OK, how 'bought pretty good? Even kinda good is more than acceptable.

I took the day off so it's been pretty kinda sorta OK for me.

"The Getaway Short"

A while back I had mentioned conceptualizing a short video for our police department. One of our officers was attempting to obtain a grant which would hopefully result in our acquiring one of those ATV quad thing-a-mabober doohickies (that we DON'T even need!). The officer had a few lame ideas for the video, but basically wasn't prepared on the day of the actual shoot.

About one hour before the filmmaker arrived, I gave the officer a how about this-this- & this. Of course she liked my idea because- HEY, it's me, & her ideas as previously mentioned were L-A-M-E! :^)

I heard it had been recently posted to You Tube, so I checked it out just prior to writing this post. I think it came out pretty good. When I first saw it, the latter half with the crappy music had not been added so I wasn't even aware It had been tacked on until just now. At least the cool part was my idea & well shot "gorilla style" by a guy named Rubin, & with almost no prep time.

So I'm watching the end credits roll when something like "conceptualized by Officer Nicole Stivale" appears, followed shortly by some special thanks or some sort to me? W-H-A-T?! That really burns my britches! I realize in the big scheme of things it's just a little vid that very few will see, but it's the "give credit where credit is due" thing. It's the priciple of it! I know I probably seem like a little baby, but where does that little girlie get off stealin' my thunder.

It's about honor people & I've been dissed! I'm callin' my lawyer in Hollywood! This is unacceptable! I'm callin' you out Officer Stivale! Bad cop- NO donuts! Off with her head!
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

OK, I feel a little better now......or do I?

Potentially BIG News!

This could be potentially good, or potentially very bad!

As it's April 1st & a day for fools & all of their foolishness, I'll hold off with the details as some of you may gasp in disbelief & I do not wish to be the boy who cried Wolfe!

Thinkable (Foolish) Thoughts

"Who's more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?"
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars episode IV- A New Hope
(1977)
Long before MOST of you were born! ;-)
And yes, I'm a geek & I'm proud!

Extra added surprise bonus
-Song of the day-
"The Fool on the Hill"- The Beatles

Oh, by the way, have a silly April Fools Day!