Monday, April 30, 2007

Caption It!



Caption the picture in the comments. Winner will be announced Friday!

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Sunday Rambling

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. The weather was perfect here in Indiana. 80's with sunshine both days and only a spattering of rain. I got a list of things accomplished this weekend. Dazd Jr. and I attacked the yard and completed it today. We started yesterday and took our time. Folks...I don't care what the doc says, I'm not able to mow like I used too. I also got our haircuts and finally made it grocery shopping. I also finished and passed 4 online exams this weekend! Yay me!

And so my readers are aware, mostly for the newer ones, I had suffered a heart attack back September 2006. That's why I was worried when my BP was up. I'm on BP meds and thinners under a doctors supervision. Plus my cholesterol I'm taking Crestor, 2000 mg Omega 3 daily and watching my diet. Well...watching yes, thats my story for now. I've strayed here and there but not eating unhealthy like I had been pre-Septemeber 2006. Only thing I have added to my diet is trail mix. It's a vice...lol. I guess I'm gonna have to return to the gym.

I like the playlist I put together this weekend. I'm going to put a few more together. If you missed the original posting, go take a listen here.

If you are interested in listening to a Paramormal Radio Show visit here. Sunday's at 10 pm EST and Thursdays at 9 pm EST. I'm working on those links, for those of you that showed an interest. May just do them as a post for now. I'm working on getting tags added here soon. 300 some odd posts should be easy right? Right? Hello?!?!? So once I figure all that out, you'll be able to read all my posting by topic.

Ok...I'm outta here to fix dinner.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Caption Contest Winners



1st Place: I don't care how many ants you have in the house,I'm not doing this. Rex
2nd Place: Man it is true what they say about dogs acting like their owners...just look at Stevie Wonders dog. MrsJoseGoldbloom
3rd Place: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Monica

Honorable Mention: Ok enough with the kibble, I want cocaine! Hammer

Friday's DJ Spin



Ok...I couldn't figure out how to post the list here. So go here and listen to some tunes. I'll be adding to it as time goes along and creating more lists.

Today's Catch Phrase: Electricity

Ok...before you read any further, I would like to apologize to Dragon for hijacking her comment thread. I obviously have wayyyyy too much time on my hands today. Here's what I posted in her comments section:

Don’t be fooled by his electrifying personality.
Don’t give him any static, he’s seen enough.
Too much coffee will make him wired.
Don’t ask him to check your shorts.
His demeanor is on a short fuse.
With a flip of a switch, he could just up and leave for the day.
Don’t watch the movie Short Circuit while he’s there.
I hope no one was hertz!
If he seems frustrated, he’ll need an outlet.
Hopefully he’ll conduct himself professionally.
Hope he knows what he’s doing and seems grounded.
are you postitive I need shock treatment? I feel negativity coming from you.

And whatever you do, don’t ask how many electricians it takes to change a light bulb. He’s burnt out with that one.

Make sure to hide all your Joules too. He may try and swipe them with lightning reflexes.

I sure hope all these are generating lots of laughs.
Given current affairs, there are issues more pressing that need rectified.
Too much resistance can cos one to lose connection.
I’m thinking of starting a series thats parallel with the topic. Altho I’m not sure if I should alternate or be direct.

It would be tough to transform into a new show.
And someone might not like this and you’ll find me diode along the road.

Drags…I sincerely apologize for hijacking your comments. If MrsJ and Michelle keep instigating, I’m surely not going to be able to diffuse the situation.

Dragon has threatened to send me to the electric chair. I don't think a standard 120v supply has the capacity to produce that much energy. And an electrocution like that requires 3 phases and not just a single phase.

OMG…I am having wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much fun!

Believe in the Unexplainable?

The Unexplainable can cover many areas. The following pertains mainly to Ghosts and the world of the after-life. While many people group UFO's, Bigfoot and many other forms of Urban Legend that while arguably are "Paranormal", I'm going to divide this grouping into separate topics.

Belief is a personal thing. It is instilled in us by our parents and our peers; it is taught to us by our religious and sociological teachers. We are taught to believe in the power of science, we are taught to believe in the power of God, we are taught to believe in natural forces. We modify all of our various inputs to come to our own beliefs. We put greater emphasis on some, less on others and discard others still altogether.

We go forward with our external knowledge and apply our experiences into the database to modify our own beliefs. Some people believe in the power of the Blarney Stone, others do not. I think it is that simple. It is directly related to the environment we grew up in and then how we categorize our experiences using the knowledge we already have. When we were kids Santa visited us every year, the tooth fairy also came around a lot. Later in life we find that what we thought was happening wasn't exactly what transpired, yet we still had the experiences.

I have formed an opinion that ghost hunters are not hallucinating. I've had my own experiences which validate most of what I read. I am not ready to conclude though that ghosts are the only plausible answer. Every instance of unexplainable moments hase an explanation. Just because we cannot prove or disprove that moment scientifically shouldn't allow us to dismiss it as a tall tale. The Earth was once flat, right?

I've read a lot of articles concerning the paranormal (but not even close to all of them) and one thing I have picked up on is everyone believes differently about different things. Some us believe there is no other explanation for ghosts than ghosts, some of us believe ghosts are not even in the realm of possibilities. I grew up in a semi open-minded environment; my parents did not force their opinions on me. I was allowed to come to my own life conclusions. This led me to look at every side of every issue.

I do believe you when you tell me you saw a ghost, you aren't making it up, and this is what you believe you saw. I do not necessarily believe it was a ghost though. I can't prove to you it wasn't a ghost anymore than you can prove to me it was a ghost. But I do believe you experienced something as yet unexplainable.

People are reporting experiences I've never had; do I dismiss them as fruitcakes? Nope, they could be exactly correct. They believe they are experiencing what they are reporting and that is good enough for me. Without getting scientific, I'd love to see some experiments done. I'd love for them to be able to prove to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is exactly what they say.

Today I believe what I believe, tomorrow I may believe something else.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

It's All About Me

I was cruising through my archives today and wanna know what I found? Go ahead...guess. C'mon...it's only a guess.

Well I didn't think of those but you're close enough.

I've not written anything lately. Nothing Nada Zilch Yes, I've posted but I've not written anything on a consistent basis. Ok, there was one, there was this post. It only took 20 minutes and that was from interruptions. But the creative juices have dried up. So I turn to what's easy for me and thats humor. I don't feel talkative most days and that's a personality downfall.

So todays post is all about me. Random thoughts abound within my head and I'll attempt to amuse you, or provoke you. Just don't lash out in anger, k?

Why is it people can write emails and responses that are disrespectful? I mean c'mon, if you feel that way say it to my face. Don't place it out there in a public arena. You got a problem with me, tell me to my face cowards. (This is something totally outside the realm of this blog) Obviously you know me in real life. So stop being a coward. But don't expect me to take it sitting down either. Dish it out and prepare to have it served in return.

Hmmm..what else is new. Oh yes, my cholesterol? Ummm...it's back up. Yea, that was my remark too. So I see the doctor Monday to see why it's gone back up. I've also noticed my blood pressure is "higher than average". And when I say average, I'm talking around 115/65. Lately its been 130/65.

So who here, of my 5 or 6 readers, believes in the paranormal? Anyone? **crickets chirping** Hello...this thing on? Ok, if you're embarrassed to speak up, then leave a comment in the suggestion box on your way out. I have some links I can add here.

Have any of you checked out MyBlogLog? well I know a few of you have cause we've found each other. I was tentative at first signing up there. Looked like something that wouldn't be productive. But I've found a lot of great sites there. And I think I've picked up 1 or 2 readers along the way. Go check it out.

Ok...I've run the well dry for today. Make sure to keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Wednesday's Thoughts

Any of my esteemed readers watch The Shield on Fox FX? Anyone....hello..yes you in the back...care to comment?

Ok...I'm lost as usual. Claudette leading Vic along into thinking he's got a chance to stick around at The Barn? Somewhat surprisingly it works like a charm. And the new replacement guy? INS Border Patrol?

Claudette keeps Hyatt's head in the right place with regards to Vic's reputation on the streets and in The Barn. Wha?

And all this hoopla last season with Cavanaugh...and he just ups and spills the beans in ONE episode?

Aceveda's is still around and exactly why?

Shane, he is just all over the place as a character.

Lem's package delivered to the Strike Team was heartbreaking. To see the light reading Lem meant for his time in the joint portrays a part of Lem's personality that we've never seen.

I'm not sure what to think of Julien becoming a member of the Strike Team. What happened to that cute policewoman Dutch was skirt chasing last week?

The waiting room of the hospital was an Emmy performance by Mackey. I'm not sure I've seen pain on Vic's face like that. He calls out to Corinne about her dream about Lem, muffled by the glass, was emotional stuff.

Ok...wake up now. I'm done ranting over confusing shows. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you watch the show.

UPDATE

Go watch this video.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Offbeat Tuesday

Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest.

Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.

90% of bird species are monogamous; only 3% of animals are.

90% of New York City cab drivers are recently arrived immigrants.

98% of all murders and rapes are by a close family member or friend of the victim.

98% of the weight of water is made up from oxygen.

99% of the pumpkins sold in the US end up as jack-o-lanterns.

A "2 by 4" is really 1 1/2 by 3 1/2.

A "Blue Moon" is the second full moon in a calendar month (it is rarely blue).

A "hairbreadth away" is 1/48 of an inch.

A "jiffy" is actually a proper time unit for 1/100th of a second

A "quidnunc" is a person who is eager to know the latest news and gossip.

A 1,200-pound horse eats about seven times it's own weight each year.

A 1.5 oz. milk chocolate bar has only 220 calories. A 1.75 oz. serving of potato chips has 230 calories.

A 10-gallon hat actually only holds about 3/4 gallon.

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Monday, April 23, 2007

Caption Contest




Caption this picture in the comments. Winners will be announced Friday.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Silly Saturday

Four married guys go fishing.

First guy: "You have no idea what I had to do to be able to come out
fishing this weekend. I had to promise my wife that I will paint every
room in the house next weekend."

Second guy: "That is nothing, I had to promise my wife that I will build
her a new deck for the pool."

Third guy: "Man, you both have it easy! I had to promise my wife that I
will remodel the kitchen for her."

They continue to fish when they realized that the fourth guy has not
said word. So they asked him.

"You haven't said anything about what you had to do to be able to come
fishing this weekend. What's the deal?"

Fourth guy: "I just set my alarm for 5:30 am. When it went off, I shut
off my alarm, gave the wife a nudge and said, "Fishing or Sex" and she
said, "Wear sun-block."

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Why did the snowman call his dog Frost ? Because frost bites !
Why did the poor dog chase his own tail ? He was trying to make both ends meet !
What happened when the dog went to the flea circus ? He stole the show !
What happens when it rains cats and dogs ? You can step in a poodle !
Diplomacy is saying "nice doggy" until you find a rock.
What has four legs and an arm? A happy pit bull.
My karma ran over my dogma.
Why isn't there mouse flavored cat food? There is fish flavored!
Do radioactive cats have 18 half-lives?
What is the difference between a dog and a fox? About 5 drinks.
Why did the cowboy buy a dachshund? He wanted to get a long little doggie.
If there is H2O on the inside of a fire hydrant, what is on the outside? K9P.
What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Friday Night DJ Spin

Ok folks...it's Friday night and time to dance.








Slow dance with some blues...


A classic...




Take a step back in time...









Caption Contest Winners

And this weeks Caption Contest Winners are:

First Place: After all the kneading in the world failed to make the PBD rise, the Happy Homemaker decided to show him what happens when she doesn't get to butter his bread. Undomestic Goddess No Link...hope she returns.

Second Place: Don Imus as his alter ego PDB looks on and laughs yeah I got you nappy headed ho's while his wife pokes at the alter egos of Jesse Jackson,Al Sharpton and their followers. Becky

Third Place: Because of racial upheaval, Pillsbury has decided to target it's goodies to black folks! Edited to add , Whitey looks on in shock. Tony

And of course Honorable Mention: The Pillsbury Dough Boy opens his own Tanning Salon. From the oven, Daisy Dough Girl realizes somethings not right. Dazd

Thanks for all those that participated. Look Monday for a new contest!

Original Post

Friday's Follies



Thursday, April 19, 2007

Today in History

Anyone out there remember whats important about today?



The event that forever changed our Nation and our World. BMS...

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Patriot Guard

The night slowly turns to dawn as the sunrise crawls cautiously over the barren black path. Calm embraces the moment as a gentle breeze quietly ruffles the landscape. The air is crisp and chases the warmth from the skin. Off in the distance a rumbling can be heard, stirring both creature and man alike. All eyes face the East in preparation of the suns warming embrace. And yet the rumbling grows ever louder and breaks the eerie silence. And from the East a glint of light breaks the horizon. Dancing in unison with the sunlight as it shatters the darkness. And then another glint flickers along the horizon. All too soon the horizon is alive with flashes as the rumble gains strength. And just as quickly the flashes cease and they form a looming shadow cascading through the countryside.

The shadow gains momentum as it descends upon the unknowing people. The rumbling transforms into a dull roar as the shadowy beast advances. The wind carries an ominous odor, familiar yet strange. All eyes are still affixed upon the sun, mesmerized by the shadowy beast emerging from the horizon and the sun devours the crisp air. Nervously they shuffle in place frozen by indecisiveness.

The sun and the shadowy beast close the distance rapidly. Finally from the shadows an image appears, bringing with it a soothing calm for the people. For in this image waves gallantly the colors of red, white and blue. As the beast’s image shatters into fragments, the ten riders began their formation. The ominous smell is quickly recognized as a mix of leather and fuel. The senses are alive and working spontaneously to process all the information. The rumbling increases as these brave guardians of the patriotic brethren thunder past on steel horses. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table returning triumphant from battle and weary from the ride maintain formation until their ceremonious journey pauses. From this day forward a bond has been forged. Acknowledgement of this bond is unspoken, exchanged only by a hand shake and the familiar gaze within their eyes. A sense of honor and respect envelops the crowd, intensified by each handshake. And when the honor, respect and gratitude is validated, the guardians climb upon their steel horses. As the guardians thunder into the distance escorting their new brethren, the rumble turns into a ceremonious cannonade. The final journey home of our patriotic brethren will be forever engrained within the memories of both fellowships.

From this day to the ending of the world we in it shall be remembered. We lucky few, we band of brothers. For he who today rides by my side and stands by these courageous brethren with me, shall be my brother. And he who rides with foot pegs down, shall forever be embraced by our fallen heroes, patriotic and guardian alike. Let no man paint abstract lectures of this bond nor cast stones upon glass houses. And with this, no man shall break the bond between the guardians and the patriotic brethren.

Wayback Whensday

My version of Wayback Whensday...videos below the fold.







Tuesday, April 17, 2007

It was Bound to Happen

I did not have time to prepare. Nor did I even realize it. And I'm completely stunned.



That CMK has awarded me the honor of being a recipient of a Thinking Blogger Award. Here's what she had to say:

Dazd has a blog that is a little of this, a little of that--and it is all good. He writes passionately of soldiers he knows in Iraq, trivia, knock-knock jokes, and various aspects of his life. This is another blog where you can laugh, cry, and everything in between. 'Caption This' photos are hilarious and he puts up some good music videos, too.


Psssst...I think it's the music videos myself that keeps her coming back.

Oh and before I go any further...yes I realize the firt part of my post was misleading. Would you have expected anything different?

Now, I am tagged and have to list 5 blogs that make me think. So, here goes:


First, here are the rules--

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).

Here are my 5 nominees in no particular order:

Deer Camp Blog: Rex is definitely a person of intelligence. It's not everyday that I, the Great Dazed and Confuzed, get duped into a frenzied hunt for artifacts only to be told it was a spoof. His blog doesn't just cover hunting though. His topics do dabble into the world of archaeology and the unknown. And you're never sure just what the next post will offer.

Hammer: One of these days his childhood memory posts are going to fuel the urge to post my own. This man has experienced more of life than I can possibly achieve. When I grow up, I hope I can tell my story with half the illustrative flair he presents.

Warts and All: Here is a lady who is blossoming into herself right here in Blogland. Oh don't let her deceptive claims of naive perceptions fool you. Just when you start to believe this myth, she posts something that strikes a chord. And it's not a chord of disdain rather one of the thinking caliber. And you gently nod knowing that you lulled yourself into that mindset.

ksquest: I cannot give an opinion just yet. I just found this blog today via Walrilla. And the post I read moved me deeply. I'm still regaining a foothold on reality as she made me realize something vital today. But that's another story for another post. Go read this post, if you don't accomplish anything else today.

Dirk_Star: If there ever was a Hall of Fame for storytellers, this man would be in the top 5. He adds an artistic flair to his words that produces a sense of guilt within the reader for picturing the moment. And one can almost never tell which part of a story is 100% and which part is creative writing. In the end, you don't really care since your imagination and intelligence were provoked.

If you've already posted a Thinking Blog Award, at least post in the comments here the link.

All of you, and I mean all that I read daily invoke thoughts within the Dazed and Confuzed one. It's tough to pick just 5...really it is!

OffBeat Tuesday

The Economics Nobel Prize is sort of a quasi-Nobel. The endowment for the prize money was created much later than the original grant money from Alfred Nobel for the other "real" prizes.

The world's oldest active parliamentary body is the Icelandic Althing which met first before the year 1000.

There are 556 officially recognized native American tribes.

The last time American Green cards were actually green was 1964.

The pelican was adopted as a Christian symbol early on because mother pelicans would pierce their own breasts to feed their brood with blood -- seen as a sacrifice not dissimilar to that of Jesus' by the Church leaders.

The targets in both skeet and trap shooting, commonly called clay pigeons, are actually made from tar and pitch.

Delaware is the only state with part of its border defined by the arc of a compass. (Except that other state next to Delaware with the same border.)

The oldest weapon still in use in the American military arsenal is the Mameluke hilt sword carried by officers in the U.S. Marine Corps. The sword dates back to the Barbary Pirate Wars of 1801-1807. The sword was given to Lt. Presly O'Banen by the ruler of Tripoli for the aid rendered by the Marines in the Mediteranian Fleet.

The second is defined as being 9,192,631,770 times the time it takes for a cesium-133 atom to swap hyperfine levels in its ground state.

The Vatican (Papal States) was the only political entity to grant recognition to the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-1865).

The Greek national anthem has 158 verses.

There are 2,598,960 possible hands in a five-card poker game.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Caption It!



Caption it in the comments. Winners will be announced Friday.

Monday Morning is Here!


What a weekend!

We spent two days at the Country Music Expo here in Indianapolis. A lot of walking folks...a lot of walking. The weather didn't cooperate Saturday but we dressed appropriately. Even though it was inside, they still had a couple of big doors open for the food court. The weather Sunday was great and the crowds were down in numbers. A lot of interesting booths and displays.

I even spent some time with the Military personnel at the Expo. They had booths set-up for PR and let me tell you, all of them were shocked when I shook hands and thanked them for protecting my freedom. A couple didn't know how to act...I made a few friends along the way so it was time well spent.

That's all I have for know. I had to come back to work to rest. heh

Friday, April 13, 2007

Friday Night DJ Spin

My regular readers know Friday nights are for jamming to good tunes. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone.












Weekly Caption Contest Winners



My talented assistant and I have decided the winners. Thank you all that participated here.

1st Place: "Oh yeah baby, can you feel Mr. Anchovy's love? Tell me who's your daddy!" Dirk Star
Second Place: "I thank thee, O Holiest Flying Spaghetti Monster for that which I am about to receive" Chickie
3rd Place: A day off from work, a four foot pizza...and a blowjob under the table. I tell ya, life doesn't get any better than this. Ambulance Driver

Honorable Mention: After receiving his personal pizza, Johnny had to wait and eternity for his beer. 4' pizza - $45 Spilled beer and a replacement - $22 Being satisfied before pigging out - priceless!! DNR

Things you Should Know

Question #1: What should you NOT do on National Media?

Go watch both videos here...trust me you won't be disappointed.

Question #2: And will MM get her own MSM Talk Show?

That's yet to be decided but those videos prove she has control under fire. Go read her article here.

And before anyone jumps on the bandwagon, I don't care who you are or what race you are...that was a fine example of a classic smack down.

And just so you know, I'm offended he called me whitey. I prefer honky or cracker.

Friday Follies

Anyone have an idea who this is? *snicker*






Having a bad day? You have to do this!!!
--Go to Google.com
--Click on Maps.
--Click on "get Directions".
--From New York,New York
--To Paris,France.
--And read line # 23.

If you don't laugh, you can't read :)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

This Takes Balls

Well, in his case it takes one.

U.S. man awarded $786,760 in testicle injury lawsuit...

Let's take a look shall we?

AKRON, Ohio: A jury awarded $786,760 (€585,997) to an Ohio man who says he has endured years of pain and must walk bowlegged after his left testicle was struck by a broken weight-machine bar at an athletic club.

"I can barely walk, let alone run. There's a constant throbbing of pain. I mean, it's my testicle. That's a very uncomfortable spot to feel pain," said Jason Houston, 25, adding that sex is tenuous following the February 2004 injury at a local YWCA, the Akron Beacon Journal reported in its Wednesday editions.




Ok...did you all see that? "Sex is tenuous", "constant throbbing" and he was at a YWCA. YWCA translates to "Your Womanly Club Athletics" or something along those lines. Whereas YMCA translates to "Your Manly Club Athletics"...close enough.

Houston has been receiving treatment for pain since. A nerve pain blocker was installed, but that has not corrected all the pain.

"It's a horrendous injury. Everyone who hears his story just kind of winces," Meeker said.


Yes I'm crossing my legs now as I read this and starting to feel nausea. A small bead of sweat is forming on my brow...

Houston has fathered a daughter and plans to marry next month. He has been forced to leave college and some jobs because his injury has left him unable to walk at a normal pace, Meeker said.


Wait! Wha! Let me re-read that portion. It says he has fathered a daughter BUT the injury leaves him unable to walk a normal pace. Obviously he was able to do the horizontal bop at a decent pace.

Folks...us guys can tell you with certainty that an injury like this will leave you to walk funny. And it'll leave you to feel pain for days afterwards. And you won't even think about banging sex after such an injury. And watering the daisies relieving yourself hurts too. And why hasn't he had any surgery to remove the injured boy or deaden the nerve? I know...he'll be handicapped with only one boy. One side will hang lower then the other. Phrases will have to be modified..."He sure has allot of ball for doing that", "he sure is brave but they don't clank when he walks anymore", AC/DC sing-along "I got big ball, you got big balls, together we got 3 balls in all"...I bet wearing an athletic cup with tight pants would look funny too. Kinda like one side is caved in.

I'm thinking he's damn lucky that he wasn't doing reverse leg curls. Cause he thinks he walks funny now...



Can you imagine?

I kinda felt sorry for the guy until I read he had fathered a child. Suck it up, grow another ball and be a man for Pete's sake.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Wayback Whensday

My version...








OffBeat Tuesday...Late Edition

heh I forgot Off Beat Tuesday!

27% of U.S. male college students believe life is "a meaningless existential hell."

3% of all mammals are monogamous

315 entries in Webster's 1996 dictionary were misspelled.

315 words in the 1996 Webster's dictionary were mispelled.

4 tablespoons of ketchup has about the same amount of nutrition as a ripe tomato.

40% of all people who come to a party snoop in your medicine cabinet.

40% of McDonald's profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.

43.7% of all statistics are made up right on the spot

48% of astronauts experience motion sickness.

52% of Americans drink coffee.

55.1% of all US prisoners are in prison for drug offenses.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Rocks in my Head

What is the fascination with rocks? Rocks seem to be the typical boys dream of fortune. Rock collecting during it's infancy consists of acquiring every rock of shape, size and color. I was no different...

During my childhood years into my teen years, I was fascinated with rocks. I could spend hours looking through pea-size gravel for that magical looking rock. I could spend the same amount of hours in the driveway finding the perfect relic. 5 gallon buckets filled with my fortune littered the garage. I couldn't let those rocks suffer the elements you know. If I was particularly bored on any given afternoon, I'd pour a bucket into the driveway and search. Yes...it was the same rocks but that wasn't the point.

I even fancied fossil's for a short time. I had accompanied my Dad to a science type exhibition at a local school. And that's where I learned of fossils. I bought a couple of those fossils and I believe they are still located within my parent's house. I spent many hours dreaming of finding fossils and daydreaming of how dinosaurs roamed the Earth. I was fascinated with Dr. Leaky and his exploits with finding fossilized remains of early humans.

Sunday night I was watching the Travel Channel and a show grabbed my attention. The show is called "The Best Places to Find Cash and Treasures" and if you're into rocks and gem hunting, this show is for you. While watching the show, a flood of childhood memories rumbled through my thoughts. Especially when they were looking for geodes. I can still see myself sitting there with a hammer trying to crack open a round rock in search of diamonds. Geode it's not but the enthusiasm is all the same.

My fascination ceased when Earth Science class studied Geology. A rock is a rock I used to tell myself. And a hill is a hill as well as a valley is a valley. It became too complicated for my pea-sized brain. I gave it a valiant effort because I seriously was deciding if Geology or Anthropology was in my future. My simpleton ways clouded my judgement and I chose another journey. I only wanted to find the cool stuff, I didn't much care for the details. Give me a pick, hand trowel and brush!

My son also has a fascination with rocks, even from an early age. I foresee in my future rock hunting expeditions along with his new metal detector he got for Christmas. Even if I can further his enjoyment with my simpleton ways or further his knowledge thru experience, it'll be worthwhile spending those bonding moments.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Monday Musing

I trust everyone had a great Easter weekend. I mean c'mon, it was a 3-day weekend. Nothing wrong with that right?

I finally purchased the new pushmower I'd been threatening to buy the last 3 years. Nothing fancy just a self-propelled one that hoepfully will decrease the strain of mowing my ponderosa...all 1/8 acre of it. And it should assist Dazd Jr. with mowing as we have a couple of areas that are sloped. We didn't get it all fired up this weekend...too cold! Plus I still want to coat the bottom of the mower deck with a primer to delay rusting.

I got an Easter basket! woot! 41 years old (cough) and I still enjoy a basket of candy. No I didn't pig out like years past due to health reasons. But it was still nice to have a choccy bunny for breakfast. Dazd Jr. decorated the eggs this year. He did a great job too. I missed that festivity as I was napping. C'mon...buying a lawnmower is tough work.

And I finally showed Dazd Jr. what happens when Peeps go bad. That's right...peeps can be evil you know. So what happens to a Peep thats gone bad? Simple...you put him in the microwave and watch him expand 4 times his natural size. Pretty cool although I got in trouble. Not because he was shown one of my pranks but because I used a regular plate instead of paper plate. Good thing the dishes were already done! heh

Did the Easter Bunny treat you right this year?

Caption It!



Caption the picture above in the comments. Winner will be announced Friday...or Saturday. I always forget. heh

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Caption Contest Winners



1st Place: Doris and David bunny set off to find a rest home for the nagging acerbic mother in law. Hammer

2nd Place: "Okay Flopsy...you get us rolling and I'll pop the clutch...Mopsy, are you gonna get out and help or just sit there wiggling your nose?" AD

3rd Place: "Let's see that damn tortoise beat us now"! MrsJ

Honorable Mention: "Alright, which one farted!?" Dazd (It's my contest, site and rules bwahahahaha)

Friday, April 06, 2007

Easter Facts

The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating their goddess of offspring and of springtime, Eastre. When the second-century Christian missionaries encountered the tribes of the north with their pagan celebrations, they attempted to convert them to Christianity. They did so, however, in a clandestine manner.

How a Date is Chosen

Prior to A.D. 325, Easter was variously celebrated on different days of the week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In that year, the Council of Nicaea was convened by emperor Constantine. It issued the Easter Rule which states that Easter shall be celebrated on the first Sunday that occurs after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox. However, a caveat must be introduced here. The "full moon" in the rule is the ecclesiastical full moon, which is defined as the fourteenth day of a tabular lunation, where day 1 corresponds to the ecclesiastical New Moon. It does not always occur on the same date as the astronomical full moon. The ecclesiastical "vernal equinox" is always on March 21. Therefore, Easter must be celebrated on a Sunday between the dates of March 22 and April 25.

The Decorated Easter Egg

The egg is nature's perfect package. It has, during the span of history, represented mystery, magic, medicine, food and omen. It is the universal symbol of Easter celebrations throughout the world and has been dyed, painted, adorned and embellished in the celebration of its special symbolism.

Before the egg became closely entwined with the Christian Easter, it was honored during many rite-of-Spring festivals. The Romans, Gauls, Chinese, Egyptians and Persians all cherished the egg as a symbol of the universe. From ancient times eggs were dyed, exchanged and shown reverence.

In Pagan times the egg represented the rebirth of the earth. The long, hard winter was over; the earth burst forth and was reborn just as the egg miraculously burst forth with life. The egg, therefore, was believed to have special powers. It was buried under the foundations of buildings to ward off evil; pregnant young Roman women carried an egg on their persons to foretell the sex of their unborn children; French brides stepped upon an egg before crossing the threshold of their new homes.

With the advent of Chrisianity the symbolism of the egg changed to represent, not nature's rebirth, but the rebirth of man. Christians embraced the egg symbol and likened it to the tomb from which Christ rose.

Old legends blended folklore and Christian beliefs and firmly attached the egg to the Easter celebration. One legend concerns the Virgin Mary. It tells of the time Mary gave eggs to the soldiers at the cross. She entreated them to be less cruel and she wept. The tears of Mary fell upon the eggs, spotting them with dots of brilliant color.

Another legend tells of when Mary Magdalen went to the sepulchre to anoint the body of Jesus. She had with her a basket of eggs to serve as a repast. When she arrived at the sepulchre and uncovered the eggs, lo, the pure white shells had miraculously taken on a rainbow of colors.

Decorating and coloring eggs for Easter was the custom in England during the middle ages. The household accounts of Edward I, for the year 1290, recorded an expenditure of eighteen pence for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and colored for Easter gifts.

The most famous decorated Easter eggs were those made by the well-known goldsmith, Peter Carl Faberge. In 1883 the Russian Czar, Alexander, commissioned Faberge to make a special Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie.

Ornamental egg designers believe in the symbolism of the egg and celebrate the egg by decorating it with superb artistry. Some use flowers and leaves from greeting cards, tiny cherubs, jewels and elegant fabrics, braids and trims, to adorn the eggs. They are separated, delicately hinged and glued with epoxy and transparent cement, then when completed, they are covered with a glossy resin finish. Although the omens and the mystery of the egg have disappeared today, the symbolism remains, and artists continue in the old world tradition of adorning eggs.

The Easter Bunny

During the Middle Ages, the rabbit also became associated with chicken eggs, since both were symbols of fertility and rebirth in the spring. The Easter Bunny as a holiday symbol delivering candy and eggs is thought to have started around that time in Germany.

Germany is also where the first edible Easter bunnies were made during the early 1800s, when baked pastry bunnies first appeared. Together with gummy candies shaped like eggs, (which is where jelly beans came from), they were placed in straw nests in secluded areas of the house or in the garden for children to find.

The custom changed over time and eventually the Easter Bunny began to deposit eggs - in childrens shoes. It may well have been the world's first scavenger hunt!

When German people came to the United States, they brought their customs with them and soon everyone was waiting for the Easter Bunny to arrive with colored eggs, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans!

Children's shoes were not big enough to hold all of the goodies, so Easter baskets became the popular place to hide the holiday goodies.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Oh...It's Almost Easter



Yes it's true...Easter's been cancelled. The Peter Cottontail Workers Union cannot find a replacement quickly. Peter XXI was seen throwing eggs at passing motorists. Police speculate one driver went into a fit of road rage. The investigation provided numerous physical evidence. However, police are concerned that no chocolate was found. So they are considering the possibility of a heist.

A suspect has been named just moments ago. Elmer Fudd is wanted for questioning.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Wednesday Follies

What would you do?





The snow finally melts in Upstate New York to reveal a gruesome scene.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Tuesday Night Blues

Folks...I'm not feeling the blues. A friend of mine is feeling down and out. And as I've been told before, I can spin a mean set of tunes. So with a little help from my assistant La Diosa del Mar, we've put together a fine set of tunes to relax and reflect too.

So to my friend...listen and enjoy. Get lost in the lyrics and never forget who you are. Tomorrow is always a new day and you control your own destiny!
















Offbeat Tuesday

"Forty" is the only number which has its letters in alphabetical order. "One" is the only number with its letters in reverse alphabetical order.

"Four" is the only number whose number of letters in the name equals the number.

"Rhythms" is the longest English word without the normal vowels, a, e, i, o, or u.

"Stewardesses" is the longest word that can be typed with only the left hand.

"Tautonyms" are scientific names for which the genus and species are the same.

"Taxi" is spelled exactly the same in English, French, German, Swedish, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Augustus Caesar had achluophobia—the fear of sitting in the dark.

Phobophobia is a fear of fearing.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Dilemma #2

It seems I'll need to avail myself again of your Dilemma section because I find myself in a quandry. I feel I really don't need to deal with insensitive self-centered individuals like the guy I wrote to you about in January. But unfortunately it seems that he's decided to impose his online presence on me again, which I find both spiriitually and emotionally painful.

Read more and leave your comments. Our collective wisdom is once again being requested.


A few months back you and your readers were instrumental in helping me get through a tough time by giving me some really great advice. At the same time you all were wonderful in providing some much needed support and guidance on a personal matter. I followed your collective advice and got through the whole situation with dignity and some patience. It seems I'm once again in need of your collective wisdom.

The married individual whom I wrote about that led me on making me believe he was single and whom I severed all communication with back in January has decided to begin visiting a new site I created. In the past 4 days he has left comments for me that although inoccous, are very painful, because they are reminders of the lying, cheating scum he really is and of my stupidity in falling for his lies.

I've done nothing to invite these visits. In fact, I find his commenting at my site spiriitually and emotionally painful. Nor have I done anything with his comments because I want to make sure what would be an effective way of handling this. I've stopped posting at the new site, because its too painful to go visit there right now. Just discovering the comments on a daily basis feels like I've been kicked in the stomach each time. I've also NOT deleted his comments until I"m sure what the correct course of action is. I'm unable to ban his IP address at the moment and that feature won't be available anytime soon. You see I need to ban his whole domain, as has access to lots of pc's. My new site is unmistakably mine not only because its under my name, so there is no misconception of mistaken identity.

As I see it I have only 2 options left in this situation:

- not post at my new site for now (in order not to deal with him), then delete the comments and ban him from my site as soon as that function is availabe or

- delete the comments (because ignoring hasn't stopped him) and ask a male friend to email him asking the married scum to leave me alone. When I ended communication with him in January he continued emailing me for a week or so, and finally stopped only after the threat of me publishing a post of the situation with links to his site.

I hate the idea of involving a 3rd party, but some men it seems don't respect a woman when she asks to be left alone and it takes others in a show of support to force arrogant, self-centered individuals to back off and leave others alone. If you have another course of action or additional thoughts on how to handle this situation I'd really love to hear them, 'cause I must say, I've never dealt with anything like this. Please know your wisdom and words will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jane Doe in a warmer & friendlier city

Original Dilemma Post

Caption It!



Caption the picture above in the comments. Winner will be announced Friday.