User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-12-01 22:51 Subject: For real, I've been waiting like 2 months for it to be time to post this. Security: Public Where I'm at: At the fryer I'm feeling: festive I'm listening to: Ding Dong, Ding, Dong Tags: d'awww, holidays, lolz, music, omg he thinks he's tom jones, random, rock stars, silly, tee-hee, teh cute, wrongness, yay!!!

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User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-12-01 22:12 Subject: OUTSTANDING. Security: Public Where I'm at: celebrating in da end zone!!!! I'm feeling: jubilant I'm listening to: WHO DAT Tags: awesome, heroes, nfl, rock stars, saints

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User: charliemc Date: 2009-12-01 19:27 Subject: Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Security: Public Tags: 2009, december-2009, dental, marilyn, pain, shopping, writing

Happily, the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition DEADLINE has been extended, so I have more time to submit. I was going to submit my story "The Christmas Cat" anyway. I'd gone over it today and had it under the necessary word count, plus I'd proofed it fairly well. But now I can go over it again even more carefully. Plus I can submit a second (or even a third) story with the extra time, so that's a very good thing.

The main thing I love about the Writer's Digest contests is that it's SO EASY to make a submission! They're very smart about that, I think.

In health news (smile), I'm having far less pain since my damn tooth has an eruption and swelling. (Marilyn mistressmarilyn calls it an 'explosion,' by the way!) I look pretty scary, but that's okay -- at least I'm barely in pain now.

I am TIRED as can be, and literally slept almost all day long -- no kidding.

We're headed shopping, so I've got to dash. More later (I hope).

User: smwance Date: 2009-12-01 22:25 Subject: Why is Sylar so bad? Security: Public I'm feeling: geeky Tags: heroes, tv shows

A thought occurred to me while watching Heroes last night – why is Sylar considered such a “bad ass?”

If you think about it, he really hasn’t done anything super bad in a long time, and even then, he kind of “shot his wad” at the first season’s climax* by almost wiping out New York City. Granted, going around killing people is really bad, but how is Sylar different from any other mass murderer (and more importantly, what does it say when someone like me finds the existence of serial killers a relatively normal aspect of life)?

The writing in Heroes has been disturbingly uneven with a really engrossing and dynamic first season, a muddled (but excellent character-developing) second season and I thought a stronger, but still not as well-thought out third season. Part of the problem is the main characters were developed to mesh together at the climax of Season 1, but since then, having fulfilled their purposes, the writers have really struggled to keep them relevant to new plot ideas.

I once read or heard that one of the original concepts behind Star Trek TNG was to have a frequently rotating crew to keep things interesting, but the TNG crew we know became uber-popular overnight so they were kept on – with the semi-happy exception of Tasha Yar being knocked off in the first season.** Heroes is the kind of show that could’ve benefited from the same treatment. With an open-ended concept that offers so many possibilities, the writers could had a lot of fun with different storylines and characters. Plus the storylines could be tied together by common themes (i.e., grand conspiracies behind the origins of and/or controlling people with powers) and supporting characters (e.g., a now toothless Mean Mom Petrelli and a “how the Hell does he pay his bills without a real job?” Noah Bennet). Previous characters can be brought back for some story arcs, but it’s clear that trying to pound their square pegs into the round plot holes has been haphazard at best.

Getting back to Sylar, they spend so much time and energy building him up as such a terrible “bad guy” but after what is essentially his biggest almost crime (blowing up New York City), he’s really nothing more than a super-powered boogey man who chops off people’s heads and gets their powers. Now he wanders around with a menacing glare and three-day-old beard making the main characters pee in their pants when he shows up, but never really does anything to them - with the happy exception of Matt Parkman.***

Basically, Sylar has become symbolic of Heroes as a story – a great idea that’s lost steam due to bad planning and story limitations.

On a more positive note, the writers and producers have thankfully avoided the typical comic book trapping of going “bigger and better” with every plot (i.e., no one has attempted to blow up the Earth or become a godlike being – though one might also argue this is more the result of a limited TV show budget). In fact, Heroes might be a much more engaging story over each season had it started small and then moved up to a mega climax like blowing up New York City. The fact that Sylar now just skulks about and terrorizes people in his “under the radar” way could’ve been much more menacing had he not been so soundly defeated early on and hasn’t done anything remarkable since.

By comparison, The Silence of the Lambs subtly and completely makes a seemingly polite and calm Hannibal Lecter intimidating and scary as shit, yet he doesn’t do anything until the beginning of the third act of the movie. I still get a chill up my spine when he slaps the handcuffs on the one guard, announcing that all of the fear the audience has been manipulated into having about him is about to be justified (even more menacing is how most of his horrible attack is off-screen, letting the audience's imaginations and on-screen results generate the horror of what he did).

The lesson that should be learned from Heroes is that if you base a show on such a dynamic and rich idea, the follow through has to be just as dynamic. That means new characters that fit better into new plot ideas and treating secondary/support characters just as they were meant to be. The writers and producers have partially touched on this with the new character Samuel and his carnival crowd. Traveling carnivals are creepy enough to make the mind wonder what he’s up to with a powerbase as seemingly innocuous as a gang of societal outcasts. However, the past few episodes finally implied that Samuel has some big powers and even bigger plans (all while reminding me a bit of Magneto – a villain who actually has noble motivations), but I’ll be very disappointed if the story turns out to be less than "super."

The little kid in me who still worships Batman, Superman and the X-Men loves the ideas behind Heroes, but I’d like to see some more imagination let loose on it. Given how bad of shape NBC is in,**** and assuming they keep Heroes going, a big shake up might be fun and revitalize it as a potentially great show again.




* Now there’s a mixed metaphor!

** Due to low popularity and Denise Crosby’s Playboy shoot.

*** Which is no fault of Greg Grunberg, an engaging “everyman” actor stuck with a lame character.

**** Despite having the best network news, NBC has no real “anchor”/flagship shows, a few so-so funny sitcoms, is still trying to ride the ER coattails with way too many medical dramas, and a painfully unfunny new Jay Leno show (though I argue Leno was never funny to begin with). That and you know you’re in trouble when Comcast is “kicking the tires” with not-so-subtle indications about wanting to buy you up.

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-30 17:48 Subject: Dentist? Thursday. Security: Public I'm feeling: blah Tags: 2009, cleaning, dental, dentist, food, housecleaning, it-manager, it-related, kent, marilyn, november-2009, pain, tv

Shannon got me a dental appointment for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. I need to hang in there until then. There's pain, but I'll deal.

Kent wrote back to me today. He said he never got my email I sent last Monday (???). Okay. Of course, he checked in with Marilyn mistressmarilyn first, who asked him about contacting me. The list of things to tackle is long and needs to be addressed right away, but I've no clue when he's coming to the office at this point.

I'm finally coloring my hair. It's needed it for ages. When I had the flu, I wasn't up to it. Then I was busy. Then with this dental issue I didn't feel up to it, either. But I'm FORCING myself today!

Hopefully our Domain issue is resolved. I tried to phone them, but couldn't reach a person. I left a message, and they FINALLY phoned back hours later, while I was napping. I won't say what I'm thinking now, as I'm pretty annoyed with them. But we used another credit card, so it should be okay. If not, we'll be pulling a bunch of our domains and hosting them somewhere else -- and we have quite a few! So...

We just watched an episode of "Hoarders" on A&E. I immediately started dumping things! No, we don't BEGIN to be like that. We have a lot of stuff, but it's not all trashed and disorganized. I can usually find what we're looking for and keep things neat and orderly. But we have way too much and need to get rid of tons, so we're back on it! Watching that show freaks me out. How do people live like that?

Actually, I've tried to help some friends who were living somewhat like that. But it's tough, because the person you're helping has to be willing to try -- and to try very hard.

My face has really started to swell up. It started while I was napping today. I'm going to try some cold packs to see if I can bring it down a little. Right now it hurts, but I'm not dying, thankfully. And I did get good enough to eat, too, so that's a good thing.

User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-11-30 12:18 Subject: This is it; I'm finally going to go postal. Security: Public Where I'm at: climbing the clock tower. I'm feeling: Splode. All over the Internet. I'm listening to: the sound of me pacing back and forth muttering to myself. Tags: aaahh!!!, angry, bitches, bullshit, computers, cunts, fuck this stupid shit, idiots, interwebz, jerks, learning is fun, morons, psycho, rant!, retards, teh horror, wtf?????, zomg

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User: smwance Date: 2009-11-29 21:55 Subject: In case anyone is curious... Security: Public I'm feeling: impressed Tags: successories

Total Number of Entries: 161

Total Number of Successories: 1,446

Largest number of successories in one entry: 32

Smallest number of successories in one entry: 1


Yeah...I think I've gotten this creative urge out of my system by now (not that I wouldn't make more if the urge strikes again...y'know...never say never)!

User: smwance Date: 2009-11-29 21:23 Subject: Some random successories fun Security: Public I'm feeling: amused Tags: successories

( Some are slightly NSFW )
Recent past successories (both by me and ones I've found online) can be found here. The complete index of all my posted successories can be found here.

User: smwance Date: 2009-11-29 19:01 Subject: Best thing I've heard a religious leader say in years Security: Public I'm feeling: impressed Tags: politics, religion

"A fundamentalist is someone who has stopped listening."

Rick Warren
Meet The Press (this morning)

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-29 12:44 Subject: Dental is a Bitch! Security: Public I'm feeling: okay Tags: 2009, dental, dentist, food, medicine, movie, november-2009, pain, root-canal, tv, zuma

Clearly I'm due for a root canal, because the tooth I had emergency work done on (last Monday) is giving me some of the worst PAIN I've ever felt. (And remember, I have a pretty HIGH pain threshold, as a rule.)

Dr. Mary (my dentist) told me the tooth might not settle down -- meaning I'd have to have a root canal and get it crowned, so this isn't out of the blue. I was HOPING it wouldn't come to that, of course, but I've had a lot of root canals in my life...

The COST concerns me. I have no dental insurance and it's expensive as hell, so how am I supposed to pay for it? (I guess I should say, how is Marilyn mistressmarilyn supposed to pay for it? I'm the full-time volunteer, so it's not like I make $$$ that could cover it.)

Anyway, thank God for the Hydrocodone-APAP (generic Vicodin). Even that doesn't begin to do away with the pain. Last night I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep, so I sat up at the computer, instead (wondering if I could take additional pain meds on top of the Vicodin). When we finally went to bed around 4:00 a.m., I just propped myself up in bed and tried to lie as still as I could. Every heartbeat was another throb of pain, but I did finally go to sleep.

Waking up was the bad part, as the minute I got up and moved around it began to hurt again. (sigh) I've taken another Hydrocodone (I can take one every six hours) and I've used Campho-Phenique inside my mouth (I know they don't recommend it, but I've been doing that since childhood with a lot of success). Happily at this moment in time, the pain is somewhat under control.

I somehow doubt Mary can work me in tomorrow. In fact, we're not even sure she'll do the root canal (part of the problem). It should prove interesting to find out, anyway. And I keep taking my Amoxicillin, hoping that will help things. (It always makes me laugh, as Amoxicillin is what we've given to our CATS for years and years! Usually as a pink liquid, though -- mine is capsules.)

Meanwhile, life goes on, pain or no. I'm so thankful we're on vaca right now, with nothing at all to do. (I need to color my hair, but that's honestly all I have to do right now.)

My blood sugar was elevated yesterday morning (not over 200, but still pretty high), but it was much better today. So that's a good thing, anyway! One issue at a time, please. (grin)

By the way, yesterday we go to Rite-Aid, which is our pharmacy. I'd talked to Mary first thing in the morning, so she'd phoned in a refill of my Vicodin at 8:00 a.m. Marilyn needed her pills and I needed this, so we head over well before 5:00 p.m. (the pharmacy closes at 6:00 on Saturdays). They have NO RECORD anywhere of prescription. So I phone Mary who tells me she did it right after we talked, which I figured was true. She has to phone the pharmacy and give them the info, then she calls me back and again assures me that she had done it in the morning. They barely get it ready before 6:00, so it took us over an hour at the store. (sigh) I think we were lucky to get it at all -- but I made it damn clear I wasn't leaving the store without my pain meds! (I was in a lot of pain at that point and out of medicine, facing the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday -- and I was getting pretty angry and upset, needless to say...)

It's another BEAUTIFUL day here, by the way! I realize I haven't mentioned anything much other than the dental thing, but life does go on, after all!

And Marilyn and I have managed to eat a lot of good food and watch a lot of TV and play a lot of Zuma, pain or no pain. (smile)

I love vaca!

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-29 14:14 Subject: Winter Cleaning Security: Public

I've just given the cooker its pre-Christmas clean. Both ovens are gleaming and inside and out because I took the hob scraper to the burnt on grease on the glass doors and gave them a jolly good scraping. The worst shelves got a soak in the bath in deadly chemicals and the not so bad ones got a brillo scrub.

I think I may have killed my magic microfibre cloth and I had to rescue the hobscraper from the bin where I'd thrown it out with the newspaper.

Still, that's something else I can tick off the to-do list.

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-29 09:13 Subject: As a bat Security: Public

Where did I leave my glasses?

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-28 18:58 Subject: Another "OH!" Security: Public

The latest on the hospital is: The company running us (Sutter Health) is suing the county saying the contract they last signed isn't valid. They are going into arbitration, but probably not until after the holidays, plus don't forget they have to give us 90 days notice before closing, so I figure I'm looking at a good 6 months at least before we get shut down, if it ever comes to pass. So, YAY to that.

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-28 17:43 Subject: Back from Vegas Security: Public

After I finish 3,000 loads of laundry and working tomorrow I'll have time to do a travelogue.

ETA: Oh! In Twitter news:
( Read more... )

That's TV's Frank to you and me, Russ. (though his followers-to-following ratio leads me to believe he's not too picky.)

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-28 00:21 Subject: Reality TV and the White House is B.A.D. Security: Public I'm feeling: annoyed Tags: 2009, november-2009, reality-tv

Reality TV mostly bugs me. Yeah, I've watched a lot of it and I admit I've enjoyed it. But I've also been disturbed by these shows -- over and over again.

And when some couple thinks it's okay to go to the White House for some Reality TV show??? That's just WRONG. It's bad.

And the people behind it? They should be FINED. Fined over and over again. Because MONEY is the only thing people like that understand.

And, hey, people? Let's NOT make celebrities out of this misguided couple, please. They weren't clever. They don't deserve praise. They should be jailed and fined and we should treat them like criminals. Because that's what they are.

Do we really want people trying to crash gatherings at the White House?

Personally, I zero tolerance for all this Reality TV CRAP that is making people behave in insane ways. People are crazy enough without making it more desirable. The problem is every one of us who watches this crap. In fact, I'm borderline myself, by even blogging about it. Which is why I'm not going to mention any individual names or any the titles of any shows.

Okay, I'll admit that I think there are some really GOOD Reality TV shows out there, like "American Idol" and "The Biggest Loser" -- even though I've had frustration with "The Biggest Loser" when it becomes another "Survivor" with crappy gamesmanship. (I don't like shows that pit people against one another and that REWARD negative social interactions. Period.)

Balloon Boy didn't help things AT ALL. And all the jokes about it and attention? Figure it out. (sigh)

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-27 17:00 Subject: Thanksgiving? Good Times! Security: Public I'm feeling: great! Tags: 2009, books, food, jodi, marilyn, mitch, movie, november-2009, reading, tv, zuma

The day started out with SLEEPING IN, so that was good from the get-go. (smile)

Then eating (and eating and eating) and games (loads of Zuma). Then the movie with Jodi and Mitch (to see "2012"). After that Jodi headed home, but Mitch stayed and we all ate more and watched "Angels & Demons" On Demand. Marilyn mistressmarilyn and I had wanted to watch it anyway, and Mitch had never seen it before, so it was good fun.

Mitch left around midnight, then we headed to right to bed. I was having trouble sleeping (pain from the tooth that was worked on Monday morning), but I was lying down and reading -- and slept in again today, so I got a lot of rest.

Today is eating and watching TV and playing games, yet again. I actually just got my best score ever for Zuma -- cool, huh. And I had a long soak in a hot bath, too. What a blast! No work. In fact, I don't think I've done one single useful thing all day long. (shock!)

We didn't end up doing the Black Friday shopping (no real surprise), but we're getting ready to buy some things online, so... (grin)

And it might be time for another nap!

User: smwance Date: 2009-11-27 16:37 Subject: Wine in politics Security: Public I'm feeling: amused Tags: cheney, politics, wineries, wines

Secret Service agents visit winery to chat with state dinner couple

As someone who's a fan of Virginia wines and wineries, I'm going to remember not asking for asylum at one should I ever try to evade the Secret Service.


New group tries to convince Cheney to run in 2012

"...the race is about the heart and soul of the GOP..."

So, naturally, they want to elect a man who has neither?

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-26 16:48 Subject: Happy Thanksgiving! Security: Public I'm feeling: thankful Tags: 2009, food, jodi, marilyn, mitch, movie, november-2009, thanksgiving

We stayed up ALL NIGHT LONG last night, and didn't go to bed until around 7:00 a.m. (smile) Fun, fun!

It's been a rainy day, but no matter -- we've been warm and comfy in our house!

So much to be THANKFUL for this year. I should do a long, long list later on...

I didn't get up until past noon, which was very nice. Now Jodi is here and we're visiting as we wait for Mitch to arrive. Then the four of us are heading to the movie to see "2012."

User: bluescreenlife Date: 2009-11-26 10:10 Subject: Happy Thanksgiving! Security: Public

This goes out to Tammy, she knows why!!

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-26 14:17 Subject: "On to mains plate 3, boys!" Security: Public I'm feeling: full

I experienced my first ever "all you can eat" Chinese buffet for lunch today.

There's a couple of old hands moving off the project next week so the team all went out for lunch. A few of them had been to China Buffet King before and recommended it. It was an easy choice for a last-minute lunch for 17 people, and it was close to the office too.

We got there at 12:00, and after a few minutes confusion as the poor waiter tried to sort us out a big table, we were seated, told the ropes and pointed at the food. There were 2 huge canteen counters of hot food and one smaller one of cold food. There was soup, rice, noodles, bread and crackers too.

And no restrictions at all on amounts. So basically you lifted a plate, took what food you wanted, ate it and went back for more. You could eat nothing but starters and dessert, or try every main meal on offer. The waiters would happily take away any empty plates and no-one checked you when you went up for another clean plate. I know the guys in our group did 2 starter plates, 3 mains and 2 dessert plates.

So why on earth were people re-enacting Close Encounters of the Third Kind and piling their plates literally 4 or 5 inches high with a selection of food that looked like your giant ball of Plasticine just before it blended into that ugly grey putty colour? The waiters explained how it worked when they gave you a table, so it can't have been that they thought you could only go up the once.

I enjoyed the food and I'd go back again, but I'll be people-watching the whole time.

Most entertaining sight of lunch: the dessert plate consisting of a 2-layer castle of apple strudel slices, containing custard, surrounded by balls of banana fritters and topped off with a giant cube of red jelly. It was worthy of a Turner prize.

User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-26 13:35 Subject: For Shezza Security: Public

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User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-11-25 17:20 Subject: Nooooo!!! Security: Public Where I'm at: pacing back and forth, plotting vengeance I'm feeling: enraged I'm listening to: Imperial Death March Tags: aaahh!!!, angry, assholes, bastards, bitches, computers, cunts, drama, fuck this stupid shit, fucktard, gah!, homelife, idiots, internetz, jerks, life, morons, not-funny, rant!, retards, stupidity, teh horror, whiny, wrongness, wtf?????, zomg

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User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-25 14:51 Subject: Pie! Security: Public I'm feeling: happy Tags: 2009, food, hump's, marilyn, november-2009, thanksgiving

Marilyn mistressmarilyn and I are now eating berry pie (heated with ice cream). Yummy! Hump's has the most wonderful berry pie...

And I just made a new icon. A little doofy turkey, wearing a Pilgrim hat. (heh) Okay, it's not a classic, but I like it anyway. (And I sat here at Hump's and made an icon, for crying out loud...)

Good coffee, too. I think I'll have another sip!

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-25 14:16 Subject: Blogging from Hump's! Security: Public I'm feeling: cheerful Tags: 2009, clatskanie-oregon, food, hump's, laptop, marilyn, november-2009, thanksgiving

Marilyn mistressmarilyn and I are not only here eating at Hump's Restaurant & Lounge (in Clatskanie, Oregon) -- we're also online! They now have a cyber cafe! How cool is that?

Marilyn is eating a nacho, and I'm having our usual (very good) chicken strips.

But the main goal is the homemade pie that we'll have for dessert! (smile)

We brought along our laptops, but I don't think either one of us was thinking we'd use them here! This is truly a first for us. (Messy fingers makes typing this a bit difficult...)

I'll wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving now, but I'll hopefully repeat that later, too. I hope all my LiveJournal Friends are enjoying today as much as I am!

User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-25 10:12 Subject: I'm sure I've mentioned this before but Security: Public

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User: smwance Date: 2009-11-24 23:27 Subject: Apparently "purity tests" aren't just for fun anymore... Security: Public I'm feeling: pensive Tags: politics, republicans

I know a man who’s about two weeks older than I am. He’s a non-denominational pastor. He’s a good guy – honest, spiritual, welcoming (especially to those different than he is – in fact, he operated a church group that openly invited any and all to join in their discussions). He’s possibly one of the most open-minded Christians I’ve ever met. Unfortunately, being a small church pastor like he is in the Washington, DC area means it’s hard to make ends meet, especially since he and his wife also have four daughters (and yes, his wife works, too). At one point, he had a part-time pastor job at a church that invited him to become a full-time pastor (i.e., more pay and solid benefits). He accepted but before he was hired, they asked him to sign a document giving a rundown of the church’s fundamental beliefs. It was an “all or nothing” deal – you couldn’t disavow any of them and still be accepted for the position. Problem is, he read one item he didn’t agree with, and try as he might through thought and prayer, he couldn’t justify accepting that one item. When he told the church elders this, they said they couldn’t accept him as a pastor.

EDIT: This really is a true story, I just hope I'm remembering it correctly.

I often wonder what it says about a church or religion that’s unwilling to accept someone into its fold without some “proof” of their faith or trust in it.

A GOP purity test?

RNC members draft new 'socialist' resolution

It is NEVER a good sign when any political body begins throwing around terms like “purity” and “agenda” (more importantly, it seems far more “tasteful” to assume political parties have agendas since using the word is often with a negative connotation). To be fair, the GOP’s one outstanding quality has always been their reliance on a solid platform, whereas the Democrats’ is more transient, usually dominated by circumstances being whatever they are. There are clearly pros and cons to both mindsets, but like any ideological spectrum, once a consensus moves to one extreme end of it, things start to get more than a little wonky.

Ever since Obama was elected and sworn in, most of the GOP’s responses have been simply “if it isn’t our idea or in line with our beliefs, then it’s bad” and confront every Democrat-backed speech, resolution and bill with nothing but the repeated complaint “it can’t work.” It’s always good to inject a healthy amount of skepticism into any major political decision – there’s nothing wrong with questioning something before accepting or denying it. However, if all you do is yell at the top of your lungs about how nothing is good or won’t help, as well as not offer any constructive answers or alternatives of your own, then you’re nothing more then a naysayer. Inevitably, everyone gets tired of hearing nothing but negative dismissals, so it’s no wonder the GOP has struggled to maintain even a superficial level of legitimacy these days.

I’ve pointed out a few times on here that if the GOP really wants to get back on track and gain public support again, it needs to focus and pull itself together. There’s a certain wisdom, even in as volatile a social, economic and political atmosphere as today, in laying low to focus on getting yourself back in shape before stepping into the spotlight again. But the Republicans didn’t do that. Instead, after soundly losing the election and a Hell of a lot of public integrity, they’d rather kick and scream in the hope of simply being a challenging voice against the Democrats. To be fair, they haven’t been entirely unsuccessful – especially considering how they’ve stonewalled a lot of Democrat-backed legislation while having a minority in Congress. Still, with mouthpieces like Sarah Palin, Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh offering almost daily “kneejerk,” ill-thought out (if thought out at all) and usually inflammatory responses whose only result is riling people, the GOP remains a frustratingly effective impediment to progress.

Formulating an agreed-upon set of ideals to work from is a good start, but a stand against socialism and a “purity test,” both invoking the name of Ronald Reagan?*

First, the Republican Party needs to realize that the Cold War is over and socialism isn’t communism. Further, no one is trying to turn the U.S. into a communist stronghold (well, no one mainstream or powerful enough to anyway). For that matter, there are some basic advantages to socializing some programs, as well as some equally fundamental downsides (on the flip side, we've seen first-hand that a private-sector based solution left without enough accountability can be equally problematic). But if sticking to “traditional values” isn’t solving problems, then maybe it’s time to consider other options.

Second, the GOP offering a “litmus test of sorts” to its members is sending out a tremendously bad message. Besides the sickening insult to individualism, and freedom of speech and belief, demanding or requiring proof that someone belongs to a group with a cause…well, do I need to discuss the parallel to pre-World War II Germany? I’m not suggesting that we’re seeing the rise of American fascism, but the GOP attempting a comeback in such a dreadfully negative manner is no better than its members continuing their counterproductive naysaying.

Yes, having a central platform of ideals as a foundation to work from is a good thing, but demanding your group’s members prove they’re truly one of you undermines trust and faith in all of the members. What if the “purity test” became mandatory? What if someone does, says or votes for something or someone counter to those beliefs? Even at a cursory level like this, a thuggish mentality can still take hold that could aggressively – even dangerously – ostracize anyone who publicly veers from the party’s platform (whether voluntarily or “outted”).

The GOP getting it’s house in order is a great first step, but exercising what might become some kind of neo-McCarthyism is no way to prove their ways are the best ways. Our problems require constructive, forward-thinking solutions, not repeating some of the less-than-idealistic parts of history. If the Republican Party wants to show people that its way of thinking is what’s best for society, a far better step would be to find ways to demonstrate how its values will generate the best solutions. They need to think, create and build those solutions rather than secure some kind of ideological stronghold that generates an unwelcome atmosphere for anyone who doesn’t stick with the entire party line.

What kind of message do you send when your opening line is “you’re either with us, or against us?”





* “And the Lord Reagan said ‘thou shall smite all socialists and it will be good!’”

User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-24 17:10 Subject: 2 tv reviews Security: Public

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User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-24 16:03 Subject: Lovely mulletty Waddley goodness Security: Public

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User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-24 10:51 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public

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User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-23 23:53 Subject: Can You Say 'Busy Day'? Security: Public I'm feeling: cheerful Tags: 2009, angel, car, cooking, dental, dick, food, jodi, marilyn, november-2009, shopping, sister-sue, thanksgiving, writing, writing-circle

We started the day with Marilyn mistressmarilyn taking me to the dentist. Mary filled my tooth, but told me if it doesn't take, I'll need a crown -- and if I need a crown, she'll have to do a root canal first. My fingers are crossed that it will be okay. I was supposed to get Vicodin and penicillin to take. We dropped those off, but never had a chance to pick them up, so I'm in some pain tonight. (We'll get them tomorrow after work, for sure.)

Next we went shopping, mostly for groceries for dinner -- focusing on a Thanksgiving dinner-type theme. (smile)

Then we came home and both wrote for our Writing Circle assignment.

Then I started cleaning house, and Marilyn took off to get her hair done.

I scrubbed the bathroom and vacuumed the living room and kitchen (mainly rugs there). Plus I picked up and moved furniture and decorated for Thanksgiving. I also did a load of dishes.

Finally I started cooking. I made a chicken and rice casserole using turkey gravy (for flavor). Then I made sweet potato balls and put both in the oven. I also made cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. I cleaned celery for a vegetable dish (celery, black olives and carrots). I fixed a salad and a plate of potato rolls. Marilyn made her fabulous bean dip and put out salsa and chips. It was a huge spread, with more food than we could all begin to eat!

Sister Sue suzy_qp brought over party mix (woo hoo), so we snacked on that, too.

Then we had both pumpkin and mince meat pies for desert (with coffee). Yummy!

The usual suspects were there: Angel, Dick, Jodi, Sue, Marilyn and me. We read our stories (except for Dick, who didn't write this time -- he read from a Stephen King book). And we did our monthly exercise, where Marilyn gives us two topics and we write for around 15 minutes. Some good stuff comes from that, by the way!

We shared and laughed and had a good time.

Now we've played some Zuma and watched some TV -- and I'm headed for a much-needed nap!

Tomorrow we have work -- and I have a bunch of IT work to tackle...

Plus I need to FINALLY get my health insurance paperwork done, or else! (It's due in a few days...)

And Marilyn's supposed to take the car in tomorrow, before our trip on Wednesday...

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-23 19:08 Subject: WHAT?!?! Security: Public

I tried to register on Blip.com under my DJ name and was informed it was ALREADY TAKEN!!!

Anyone who knows me knows I have been using the DJ name "Mixmaster B" since 1990. FOUL!

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-23 17:08 Subject: FINALLY Security: Public

Here's the episode: http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right/video/ (that changes by day, so scroll down and click on 11/23 if you miss the window)

ETA: Reliable sources tell me I'm glimpsed at 10 min, 41 seconds, lol.

*They did NOT cut the Clock Game screwup like I thought they would! (Though like I said, that woman was the world's worst Clock Game player in the history of time, so it wouldn't have mattered.)

*I stood in the bathroom line with the tie-dyed shirt lady (Dana) and she was super nice and I'm so glad she won her pricing game. (I even took a picture of her with her friend, lol.)

*They DID cut a round of overbids on the IUFB+ (Item Up For Bids) round. On the Gucci watch everyone was bidding like $1500 and when the bidding got to Jill (the large-chested black lady) the whole audience was screaming "ONE DOLLAR!!!!" and she turned around and said like "$1001" or something retarded.

*The entire audience was FLUMMOXED by the Head & Shoulders costing almost $9. (I think there was an actual collective "gasp!") Someone on a Price is Right MB said "oh it was the 23oz size is why." I'm sorry but a gallon JUG of HEAD & SHOULDERS should not cost more than $5. WTF?

+that's TPIR (THE PRICE IS RIGHT) insider talk, heh.

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-23 13:59 Subject: Oh mercy! Security: Public

I'm still waiting for "my" episode of TPIR go up on CBS.com, but until then I COMMAND you to watch this ROTFLMAO Let's Make a Deal clip!!! UNREAL!

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-23 21:34 Subject: 5 Weeks! Security: Public

I bought a serendipitous Christmas present way back in early September, and ordered my cards from the usual catalogue. The downside of this was it gave me a false sense of security and I promptly stopped thinking about anything Christmassy.

Then someone pointed out last week that it was just over 5 weeks away. Cue panic.

Since then I've ordered the turkey, sorted a couple more presents[1] and dug the cards out from their safe place. Might even write them this weekend.

How are your Christmas preparations coming along?


[1] Need to investigate a point and shoot digital camera. Time to hit the reviews. What was that camera you recommended eyekiller?

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-23 21:20 Subject: And still the cat snores Security: Public

Having a lazy evening on the sofa tonight: G at one end, me at the other, Dawson in the middle and Regenesis on'telly. I do like Bob in Regenesis, even when they do silly story lines with him.

There's two reasons for the laze: the first being a dreadful night's sleep last night. Really, really dreadful. I was either too hot in bed, or too cold; I couldn't get comfortable; when I did doze off I'd wake up before an hour had past. The second was because today I took charge in the new job. K leaves at the end of the week, so it was time I took on the whole lot. It didn't go to badly, although there were several queries that didn't fit the guidelines and I had to wing it a little. Things got interesting after lunch when I was asked to get involved in another work area; on top of the two I already have. I've passed that onto new Boss to let him decide. In the meantime I'm going to concentrate on the job I joined to do.

So far, so good.

User: melios Date: 2009-11-23 20:10 Subject: (no subject) Security: Public

Listening to judy garland "get happy". Its not about getting happy so much as its about the glory of dropping dead. I'm going to change it.
Been keeping busy enough. Going out meeting the new people. Trying to learn spanish. Listening to old disco. Listening to old rock. Not so much listening to any new stuff. Its not that good. Oh wait. Neko case. But even that's not sooo new. Oh and I want to move. That is all.

User: eyekiller Date: 2009-11-23 11:15 Subject: Awesome Security: Public

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User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-11-22 16:43 Subject: A Perfect 10. Security: Public Where I'm at: Celebratin' in da end zone, bay-bee!!! I'm feeling: 10 and 0!!!!!!! I'm listening to: WHO DAT!!!!! Tags: heroes, nfl, saints, yay!!!

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User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-22 14:21 Subject: I LOVE Our 'New' Office! Security: Public I'm feeling: thankful Tags: 2009, festival, home, home-office, marilyn, november-2009, office, thanksgiving, work, writing, writing-circle

I was just 'tweaking' the area around my computer desk (my desk) in our home office, and the entire experience just makes me SMILE so damn big! I really LOVE the entire office now. Wow, it's very cool.

Some basic elements are unchanged, actually. The desk that belonged to my grandparents and then my Mom is still in the same place -- and I'd already cleaned it off previously, which has been helpful already. Our two computer desks aren't moved, either -- but these new (used) desks are quite an upgrade from what we had before! So many of the changes are really little things, but cool ones! Like Marilyn's mistressmarilyn bulletin board hanging on the corner wall near her desk, which I can easily and happily glance at by just turning my head. And these new (used) chairs will lean back if you want them to, which I find nice.

Anyway, it feels NEW to me in every GOOD way possible. And more organized and easy to use. After we finish up the last of it, I'll be sure to take photos and share them here. (There are still a few things that need to go 'back' from where they had to be moved when the furniture was brought in. But no big deal.)

This is all a very good thing as we get ready to both work here at home during the day time. Obviously I've been doing that for years and years, but it's going to be different with both of us doing it for the next couple of months. That's not to say that Marilyn hasn't done a TON of work from home forever, but this will be different with her doing all sorts of projects she's only done in the office in the past.

And speaking of offices, I'm very much looking forward to going back in to our interim festival office, too! I'm really pleased with where we'll be. It's just a really nice and really workable space -- and it feels like a lovely surprise to me. I hope the entire Staff feels as good about it as I do.

So very much to be THANKFUL for this Thanksgiving! And I'm looking forward to hosting the Writing Circle in our 'new' living room -- and potentially having some work-related meetings there, too! I always (daily) have a LONG list of blessings that I'm thankful for. But this even tops that list! (happy dance)

Today is sunny and NOT raining, so I need to shower so we can run necessary errands. Tomorrow will be about cleaning and cooking, as usual. Hopefully I'll get some WRITING done today, otherwise tomorrow will be about that, as well!

LIFE IS GOOD. It's really worth every second of all the hard work that has gone into it. I'm still sore and tired, but that's okay. Look at the outcome, after all!

User: voguevixen Date: 2009-11-21 14:25 Subject: WTF? Security: Public

I ordered some stuff from Amazon yesterday. The stuff from an outside vendor just shipped but I went to "where's my stuff" and it says the Amazon stuff won't ship 'til Dec 21 and will arrive AFTER Dec 25! So much for one of my xmas gifts BAH!

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-20 13:40 Subject: Yawning. (Quit That!) Security: Public I'm feeling: busy Tags: 2009, festival, food, it-manager, it-related, marilyn, november-2009, sister-sue, starbucks, sue-b., work

We got out of the office around 10:00 last night. Headed for Taco Bell for dinner and then home. Got to bed by around 1:30 a.m. Up again early today and at work by just past 8:00.

Today has been WILD. We had to take a break to run home, as sister Sue suzy_qp is picking up furniture we've given her, so she needed the alarm left off and the cats locked up. There's no way we can leave the cats locked up until whenever we finally get home today (???). And we hate leaving the alarm off -- it's just not safe.

Anyway, the afternoon will be setting all the computers back up again -- Marilyn mistressmarilyn and I will be doing that all alone (of course). (I'll do my IT-rant later on -- I don't have time for it now.)

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL TODAY IS OVER.

Sue B. got us all Starbucks and lunch (lunch is waiting for us downtown when we finally leave here), to keep us going. Doesn't she ROCK (as always)???

Gotta run! Later!

User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-20 21:17 Subject: Munch Security: Public

I'm sure beef Monster Munch used to be a lot less sweet than these are.

User: maeincarnate Date: 2009-11-20 14:37 Subject: It's Friday Poll Time! Security: Public I'm feeling: full

No poll next week, kids. See you in December.

Poll #1488082 Friday! Friday!! Friday!!!
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 8

calamine_tea -- What is the best way to tell the sandwich lady that you want just a little bit of mayo and actually get a little bit of mayo without sounding like one of those high maintenance food people?

eideteker -- Sorry, but our question is in another castle.

pooplord -- What is the ultimate Thanksgiving meal? Meat, sides, dessert, beverage, the works? Let's break it on down. Please check all that apply. Meat:

Please check all that apply. Sides:

Not sure where to go with beverages or whatever "the works" is. Please check all that apply. Desserts:

renob423 -- how many fiona apple songs can you actually get stuck in your head? she had like 2 songs and i can't even remember the one that isn't criminal. Well, there's Paper Bag, which I mentioned last week. what was the best mid/late 90's female singer 1 hit wonder?

renob423 -- what was the best of the riot grrl bands?

Oprah's quitting her TV Show.

YOUR QUESTION HERE

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-19 20:42 Subject: I'm Tired. Security: Public I'm feeling: busy Tags: 2009, marilyn, november-2009, paul, tired, work

It's around 8:30 p.m. -- and there's no end in sight.

Marilyn mistressmarilyn and I are here alone (surprise?) -- she's still packing up her stuff, and I'm working on the computers. Yes, still.

Paul has been AWESOME. He was here longer than anyone else (except us), and has offered to come by tomorrow, too. That would be great, as it seems like there are things that were neglected, even with all of our incredible organization.

Anyway, I need to get back at it, so maybe we won't be here 'til midnight! (Joking, joking. I think!)

User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-11-19 17:02 Subject: Another reason to not get married. Security: Public Where I'm at: not under any tent, I can tell you that. I'm feeling: shocked I'm listening to: Here Comes the Bimbo Tags: awesome, dance, drinkin', du'uhh, idiots, lolz, oops, psycho, stupidity, teh horror, viddy, woot!, yikes!, zomg

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User: kellcrow7 Date: 2009-11-19 16:31 Subject: It's always got to be something with me. Security: Public Where I'm at: Pacing back and forth in front of Penelope I'm feeling: Internet!!!! I'm listening to: Matrix theme Tags: aaargh!, computers, coolness, homelife, internetz, worried, yay!!!, yikes!

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User: shereenb Date: 2009-11-19 13:57 Subject: Windy hills and rainy days Security: Public I'm feeling: no cobwebs here

The rain and wind couldn't keep us out of the mountains on Monday.

We had been watching the weather forecast in the days before, and I have to confess to feeling a bit sulky at all the rain and wind mentioned. zeaphod used all his mountain leader skills to pick a route for us that would work with the weather, and he even changed it a little on the day when the weather wasn't quite as bad as we expected when we got to the hills.

It was still wet and windy, and occasionally windy enough to buffet us as we walked and make us stagger if we were standing still. zeaphod knew of some old quarry huts that provided shelter for tea break, and we all climbed into his bright orange bothy bag for our lunch stop up at the Mourne Wall. Now that was a windy spot, but we were toasty enough. I'd left my walking pole outside the bag, so I had to hold an arm out instead. If I didn't do that I ran the risk of getting slapped in the face by the bag.

I know Dad had been apprehensive both because of the weather and the fact this was his first off-road hill walk. He needn't have worried. He was lighter on his feet than I am when it came to jumping over boggy bits, had no trouble keeping up and is already talking about going back on a blue sky day to get a better look at the top of the pass and the views.



All in all it was a much better way to spend a Monday than sitting at my desk faffing about with spreadsheets.

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-18 22:38 Subject: Dental Thing... Security: Public I'm feeling: blank Tags: 2009, dental, marilyn, microsoft, november-2009

I just had a filling come out on the right side of my mouth (an upper tooth). What a pain. I'll have to phone and see when my dentist can work me in...

Well, so far it doesn't hurt, so I guess it's not that big a deal.

And I'm done with the garbage and recycling, so that's a good thing.

I was just doing some Windows XP updates on Marilyn's mistressmarilyn computer, as I hadn't done them in ages. So after rebooting, the damn thing tries to set up auto downloading of updates. I turned it off on her computer because even when I had it set for 'download but don't install,' it was still installing things and screwing stuff up for her (a known issue, by the way).

Have I mentioned lately that I hate Microsoft?

(heh)

Anyway, I'm now going to play Zuma, before moving more furniture. I think I've earned some fun...

User: charliemc Date: 2009-11-18 20:57 Subject: It's 9:00 and We're Home From Work Security: Public I'm feeling: super busy Tags: 2009, busy, festival, it-manager, it-related, marilyn, november-2009, ron-computers, work

We just got home from the office and unpacked a bunch more stuff (boxes, etc.) that we needed to get out of there. The first part of the move -- which includes breaking down the computers -- happens tomorrow. I'll be at home in the morning to move furniture and prepare for the furniture that's coming home from the office -- then Marilyn mistressmarilyn will come home to get me and take me back to the office. Obviously I'm the lead on the computer break down. (Hell, if Ron doesn't show -- and I'm not counting on him at all -- I'll be doing it alone.)

We were the last there, again. Surprise! But we made some major headway in Marilyn's office. We were both feeling a little sad as we left. We've loved being in that building -- it's been a wonderful home for the festival! And we had some great years there, including our Centennial year. It is very sad to be leaving. I can easily recall when we moved into the building -- and remember moving Marilyn's furniture all around until we had it just the way we wanted it! (smile)

Now that we're home, I've already unpacked one box and will soon tackle others. I need to get started on the garbage and recycling (it's Wednesday night... sigh...), so I can get that monkey off my back as soon as possible!

I'll probably make us some dinner, too. We had lunch at 2:00, so we're both hungry now.

Tomorrow and Friday will be hugely busy days, so it would be nice to get some rest and get to bed at a decent hour tonight, if it works out that way. Hopefully I'll wake up with lots of energy tomorrow, because I'm going to need it!

I did finish the eBulletin today -- but I need to make a change for Carol tonight before sending it tomorrow morning. I probably won't do any more coding-type work for the rest of the month, as I'll be too tied up with IT stuff (plus we're supposed to have next week off, for the most part -- I'm really looking forward to that!).

The cats are very glad we're home. Clearly they missed us today! (Well, it is more than 12 hours later, after all!)

Time to get busy again. And Dad? It's raining out! (grin) Had to happen, considering it's garbage night!