Even when the kids don't wake this early, I still do....ugh...  - Lisa

Quote

No one has the right *not* to be offended - Ricky Gervais on why people should lighten up

Some FB posts about sports, Benson, books, and the end of 'As the World Turns'

Sept 16th

LuLu is in the dining room reading "The Mouse who Wanted to Marry" to the little ones. Despite a bad cold, she is reading with impressive inflection and emotion; her ma's genes at work. Well done.

I just finished "Dearly Devoted Dexter", the 2nd in Jeff Lindsay's series about serial killer/vigilante/crime lab worker Dexter Morgan. I have to say, it feels a little creepy to laugh out loud during dismemberment scenes; but aside from a novel premise, great characters, and a solid plot, the books are flat-out FUNNY. I tip my hat to you, Mr. Lindsay. Well done sir, well done.

Sept 17th

Today As the World Turns will end its 54 year run on CBS. RIP. I have many fond memories of watching this soap as a kid - the Tom/Margo/Hal saga, the Dusty/Holden/Lily triangle, Stefano . . . ATWT, you'll be missed.

[Robert Plant's 'Band of Joy']is a very good album. Buy a copy.

Sept 18th

Lu last Monday, as we spent an evening of "Dad/Lu" time.



A rule of Life, as certain as death and taxes: However much you hope otherwise, damn near everything told to a person - even in the strictest most pinkie swear confidence - will find its way into the ears of their spouse.

It kind of surprises me, but I like Jerry Lee Lewis' new album 'Mean Old Man'. The Killers voice is still nasty, and the CD is worth the price

Sept 19th

CC Sabathia wins #20 for the first time in his career as my Yanks move to 90-58 on the year.

News from the Philippine's: troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen, killing a terrorist wanted since 2001 for the killing of three Americans and 17 Fillipino's during the takeover of a hospital. Good riddance, and a job well done.

Just finished 'Dexter in the Dark', bk #3 in the series & by far the weakest. Demonic possesion? Really? My objection isn't spiritual one. I just think it's far more fun to think of Dex as just one royally f'ed up dude. C.

3 INT and a fumble in the end zone that was recovered for a TD . . . tsk tsk. Time to call home and ask Boss Deanna's permission to retire and do some hillbillin' Brett.

I heard an incredible catch by Ryan Braun on the radio today on the way home from work. The kid has put up some fine D in left field this year.

IMO, the best thing you can say about the Carter Presidency is that it inspired the sitcom 'Benson'. Still, I must call douche on DJ's who labeled Carter's recent comments "sour grapes" against Ted Kennedy and a 'cheap shot when he [Ted] isn't around to defend himself'. Wrong. As early as his bio "Keeping the Faith" he accused Ted of sabotaging health care reform for his own political gain. This is nothing new,nor is it cowardly.

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Watched 'The Disappearance of Alice Creed', a harsh but tidy British crime thriller that stars only 3 actors and takes place largely in one room. Alice Cred is brutally kidnapped & kept chained to a bed while her ransom is negotiated. Soon she begins a battle of wits, attempting to divide her captors and gain the upper hand. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't - with unpleasant results. Very well made.

A One and a Two

One, and only one good moment yesterday: When it came time for Junie to get off the bus I told LuLu the driver would only release the kid if you did a dance first. 

"Here let me show you," I said, "A one and a two . . ." and started a disco move on the porch. 

"DAD!," Lu yelled, and started physically shoving me inside. "Go away! You are such an embarrassment! Go! DAAAAADDDD!"

Prayers for Sister Virginia

St Adalbert's alum: I ran into Sr. Kathleen today. She told me Sr. Virginia has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure, and is in very bad shape.

1939: Countdown to War by Richard Overy

Finished 1939: Countdown to War by Richard Overy. It's a very small book (124 pgs of text; in height/width it's not much bigger than a CD case), yet it manages to convey a large amount of information re: the outbreak of WWII. I learned a lot, which I'll pompously call surprising. In fact I may pick up a copy to add to my personal library, to supplement the volumes I have on the war itself.

What's the pt of having your ear pierced if you can't wear three safety pins 'round the house once in awhile?

- a FB post and pic from mid September

A Bad Day

 What a shitty day, before 9 am, I quit my new job, our van broke down (alternator) and our computer keyboard took a dump leaving our comp useless until now. Tomorrow has to be better. At least my boss won't complain how much space I take up anymore....bitch! - Lisa

FB mid September - elections, books, flags and more!

Sept 12th

I finished 'Body Work' by Sara Paretsky. The writing was good, but it seems to rely on character over plot, which is a problem when much of the oomph lies in the the fact the PI is a woman.That may have been a nice gimmick in the '80's, but not today. As to that plot - conspiracy, conspiracy, blah blah. 'Cuz, you know, no one is murdered by anything less than a secret corporate plot. I grade it a C.

It is my deeply held belief that anyone who insists on backing into a parking spot @ a public venue is a pompous ahole w/ far too high an opinion of their own worth.

LuLu with a pumpkin she decorated at Grandma's:

Sept 13th

I just finished "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay, the 1st in the series that inspired the show "Dexter". It's great fun, give or take a torturous death or two. What really makes it tick is the playful voice of Dexter himself as he narrates the action. I'm going to read more in the series.

RIP 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' actor Kevin McCarthy, age 96

Ok - election day is less than 24 hrs away. My picks? Gov: SCOTT WALKER Lt. Gov: KLEEFISCH Senate: RON JOHNSON Congress (4th): DAN SEBRING. And, if I was in State Assembly District 20, MOLLY MCGARTLAND. In my own assembly district 19, I vote for KRISTA BURNS, not because of her party, but because a district that encompasses Bay View should have a rep w/ an address in, gosh, I don't know, Bay View.

Sept 14th

An accident near the airport has knocked down a Cricket tower, leaving most of the south side w/out mobile service. So if you're trying to call me, try FB'ing instead.

And . . . the polls are closed. Hope y'all voted today. As usual I took YaYa with me after school, but all that meant was that I had to give her my "I Voted" sticker. Sooooo not fair.

The French senate has approved a ban on the burqa. ‎"Given the damage it produces on those rules which allow the life in community, ensure the dignity of the person and equality between sexes, this practice, even if it is voluntary, cannot be tolerated in any public place." Jeesh - whodathunk I'd grow increasingly fond of the French?

The phones are still down. I have a land line, but truthfully I don't even know where we keep the phone; it's certainly not plugged in. Anyhow, I called the service dept to find out when the tower was going back online. A nice Indian woman who insisted on calling me "Mr. Daniel" said she would be happy to assist me but alas, failed to back up her claim.

We bought this flag two or three years ago at the Fireside [Theater], but first put it up this week. Sure it's cheese. But this is Wisconsin. We like cheese here ;)