It's nailbite city here with the birds learning to fly. I think there's all these millions of birds out in nature doing whatever, why should I care what happens to the ones right around here?
But it's been a busy time with the baby birds being kicked out of the nest, then flopping around and not knowing what to do. The parents seem beside themselves, raising a racket, acting crazy when we're out there.
My dog attacked a baby bird, which I didn't know was going to happen or it wouldn't have. But it looked like the bird got away with no serious damage. I pulled the leash right away. Except then he wasn't flying, just hanging around. At one point it looked like he was stuck by the garage. So I went out and he flew back into the open where the parents could see him.
Today there was one that looked like he was stuck in the fence. So I went nearby and my being close scared him into getting away. Then I was away and came home. There was a rabbit jumping in front of the car, like he never would veer off. And all of a sudden a baby bird jumps up and hits the front of the car and I don't know what happened. It looked like he went to the left, and I went over there later and he wasn't anywhere around.
But they're out there, by the windows, on the fence, and the parents are busy squawking, so it's a very trying time for them. Good thing there aren't that many cats out or there'd be no survivors.
Flying is a great ability to have. Too bad they have to learn and get geared up for it.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sirens
I've heard a couple excessive-sounding sirens today. Sometimes I think the police are just big kids who like the thrill of turning on the siren. They're out there playing just like we did when we were kids.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Mr. Food
We were at a restaurant and somehow got on the subject of Mr. Food, the lovable cook from local TV news. Since then I looked him up online and he's got quite a TV empire going, with something over 100 channels across the country, a full blown studio and everything that any guy would want.
That's interesting. I knew he couldn't be from around here, since everywhere I ever go I see him on TV. His catch phrase of "Ooh, it's so good" is also famous, his bread and butter, so to speak, and it's an officially registered "sound mark," according to his website. It says it's one of only 25 sound marks registered. Can that be? We have "sound marks" and somehow there's only 25? I need to register the one of me hollering downstairs to my wife to bring me a roll of toilet paper. "Hurry up, Mildred!"
Sorry for that little indiscretion. I'm obviously under the misconception that I'm being paid by the word here. When the fact is, I'm not being paid at all. Unlike Mr. Food, no doubt. 100 and some channels, 30 years, beloved cook, he has to be bringing in some big bucks. I hope he lasts another 30, but like everyone he can't go on forever. So that'll be a sad day.
The reason we were talking about him was I was imagining what if his name really was Mr. Food, like Samuel L. Food or something. And a lion escaped from the zoo and ate him. The headline would be, "Lion Eats Food," and everyone would go, Yeah, what do you expect them to eat?
But the lion in this case goes, "Ooh, it's so tough!"
That's interesting. I knew he couldn't be from around here, since everywhere I ever go I see him on TV. His catch phrase of "Ooh, it's so good" is also famous, his bread and butter, so to speak, and it's an officially registered "sound mark," according to his website. It says it's one of only 25 sound marks registered. Can that be? We have "sound marks" and somehow there's only 25? I need to register the one of me hollering downstairs to my wife to bring me a roll of toilet paper. "Hurry up, Mildred!"
Sorry for that little indiscretion. I'm obviously under the misconception that I'm being paid by the word here. When the fact is, I'm not being paid at all. Unlike Mr. Food, no doubt. 100 and some channels, 30 years, beloved cook, he has to be bringing in some big bucks. I hope he lasts another 30, but like everyone he can't go on forever. So that'll be a sad day.
The reason we were talking about him was I was imagining what if his name really was Mr. Food, like Samuel L. Food or something. And a lion escaped from the zoo and ate him. The headline would be, "Lion Eats Food," and everyone would go, Yeah, what do you expect them to eat?
But the lion in this case goes, "Ooh, it's so tough!"
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Iron King - Episode 20
I can't believe I just finished episode 20 of the Japanese TV series "Iron King." That means I have just six episodes to go. I think I'm going to miss it, even though the premise of the episodes does tire me out a little.
There's a lot of Gentaro whipping the big old robots with a metallic whip he has, that, incidentally, has a miraculous reach. And once you've seen that 20 to 50 times, two or three times per episode, you've basically seen it. And Iron King getting the crap beat out of him ... until he finally prevails. In episode 20 the big monster Kabutoron was holding him upside down and pounding him up and down, his head smashing the ground ... must have been 10 or 15 times, while Gentaro prepared a bunch of gas balloons that would have something to do with Kabutoron being exploded.
Still, I'm going to miss it. Six episodes to go.
In episode 20, this is what I wanted to mention, there's an absurd amount of fighting in the snow. The Titanians from outer space have inhabited the bodies of some Japanese peasants. And they fight, fight, fight, minute after agonizing minute. Finally they become their Titanian selves.
One thing about the Titanians, these guys are scary, the scariest of Gentaro and Goro's opponents in the series. They are from outer space and have some greater abilities than the other enemies. They don't just have big monsters, they become the big monsters. The poison gas in the balloons was a pretty nasty looking power too. But fortunately they're dispatched in much the same way as the other monsters, through Gentaro and Iron King finally getting their act together and exploding them somehow.
There's a lot of Gentaro whipping the big old robots with a metallic whip he has, that, incidentally, has a miraculous reach. And once you've seen that 20 to 50 times, two or three times per episode, you've basically seen it. And Iron King getting the crap beat out of him ... until he finally prevails. In episode 20 the big monster Kabutoron was holding him upside down and pounding him up and down, his head smashing the ground ... must have been 10 or 15 times, while Gentaro prepared a bunch of gas balloons that would have something to do with Kabutoron being exploded.
Still, I'm going to miss it. Six episodes to go.
In episode 20, this is what I wanted to mention, there's an absurd amount of fighting in the snow. The Titanians from outer space have inhabited the bodies of some Japanese peasants. And they fight, fight, fight, minute after agonizing minute. Finally they become their Titanian selves.
One thing about the Titanians, these guys are scary, the scariest of Gentaro and Goro's opponents in the series. They are from outer space and have some greater abilities than the other enemies. They don't just have big monsters, they become the big monsters. The poison gas in the balloons was a pretty nasty looking power too. But fortunately they're dispatched in much the same way as the other monsters, through Gentaro and Iron King finally getting their act together and exploding them somehow.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
American Idol Scam
OK, now we know. Adam was cheated out of winning American Idol by the show's corporate sponsors.
The NY Times is reporting it today that there were some shenanigans afoot, power texting in apparent violation of the rules. Remember that little print at the end of every show, about certain voting practices being prohibited?
Somehow, despite everything, Kris Allen prevailed. The biggest upset, etc. As it turns out it wasn't an upset. It was corporate robbery.
Well, they won't have to vote as many times next year to railroad whoever they're for in, because they won't have my votes to compete with. One person with a cellphone voting the normal way. There's no reason to even watch a show that's a scam.
The NY Times is reporting it today that there were some shenanigans afoot, power texting in apparent violation of the rules. Remember that little print at the end of every show, about certain voting practices being prohibited?
Somehow, despite everything, Kris Allen prevailed. The biggest upset, etc. As it turns out it wasn't an upset. It was corporate robbery.
Well, they won't have to vote as many times next year to railroad whoever they're for in, because they won't have my votes to compete with. One person with a cellphone voting the normal way. There's no reason to even watch a show that's a scam.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
St. Raphael The Archangel
I got a free laminated Catholic devotion card today. Even though I'm not Catholic, sometimes I like to see these cards.
It definitely shows how anyone can be pigeonholed, typecast, even an archangel.
OK, he's St. Raphael the Archangel. In ancient, biblical literature, he only appears by name in the Book of Tobit. I looked it up, and Tobit is a guy who goes blind because some birds poop in his eyes. So he must have been a very sound sleeper. Raphael at some point heals him.
So that's what we know of Raphael, and the prayer to Raphael on the back of the card zeroes in on this one tiny detail, which had to have been only one minor episode in the life of a whole archangel.
It says, "I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as you once helped the young Tobias on his travels." Raphael goes, "If I hear that story one more time, I'm going to strike you with blindness, not cure it." That's just my humorous description of what would have to be frustration with being known for such a small thing.
The card allows for more miracles than just counteracting the blinding properties of bird poop. It says, "I especially ask of you the favor (name it) and the great grace of purity...." etc. So name the favor!
It definitely shows how anyone can be pigeonholed, typecast, even an archangel.
OK, he's St. Raphael the Archangel. In ancient, biblical literature, he only appears by name in the Book of Tobit. I looked it up, and Tobit is a guy who goes blind because some birds poop in his eyes. So he must have been a very sound sleeper. Raphael at some point heals him.
So that's what we know of Raphael, and the prayer to Raphael on the back of the card zeroes in on this one tiny detail, which had to have been only one minor episode in the life of a whole archangel.
It says, "I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as you once helped the young Tobias on his travels." Raphael goes, "If I hear that story one more time, I'm going to strike you with blindness, not cure it." That's just my humorous description of what would have to be frustration with being known for such a small thing.
The card allows for more miracles than just counteracting the blinding properties of bird poop. It says, "I especially ask of you the favor (name it) and the great grace of purity...." etc. So name the favor!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wow, It's Hot
It's really hot today. In the winter I forget how hot it gets in spring and especially summer. I'm sitting here with a sweaty forehead. The windows are open, but everything is very stuffy.
I guess it's about time to turn on the air conditioner. Just got done paying the heating bill.
Or I could be like the pioneers, which I don't know what they did precisely. Maybe they stripped down to their raccoon hats and sat under a shade tree. You're never too sure what the pioneers did. When I hear that they needed to take the wheels off their wagon and float it across every stream they came to, I'm thinking they were capable of anything.
But I like getting places. And to think of a journey that takes three or four months, wow.
It's hot.
I guess it's about time to turn on the air conditioner. Just got done paying the heating bill.
Or I could be like the pioneers, which I don't know what they did precisely. Maybe they stripped down to their raccoon hats and sat under a shade tree. You're never too sure what the pioneers did. When I hear that they needed to take the wheels off their wagon and float it across every stream they came to, I'm thinking they were capable of anything.
But I like getting places. And to think of a journey that takes three or four months, wow.
It's hot.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Crazy Guy Alert
I like to document all those times in my life when I'm suddenly glommed on to by a crazy guy. It happened again today.
I was minding my business, taking the dog down by the lake. I'd just gotten out of the car, headed for a bench, and I didn't make it, before a guy on a bike pulled up and started talking to me. At first it was OK, then I realized it was a crazy guy who wasn't going to leave. This became even more obvious after he'd been there 10 minutes, going from one subject to another.
The dog took a poop and he was calling it a landmine that he wouldn't want to step on. But it wasn't there long, a few seconds, before I cleaned it up. The dog did the scratching of the grass, like wiping her paws, and the guy thought she was trying to bury it. He told a few dog stories of his own, including one about a dog that had been neutered and probably wondered what happened to his missing parts. Then blah blah blah...proving to be endless.
We expressed the desire to take a walk and that's the only thing that dislodged him from our presence.
I was minding my business, taking the dog down by the lake. I'd just gotten out of the car, headed for a bench, and I didn't make it, before a guy on a bike pulled up and started talking to me. At first it was OK, then I realized it was a crazy guy who wasn't going to leave. This became even more obvious after he'd been there 10 minutes, going from one subject to another.
The dog took a poop and he was calling it a landmine that he wouldn't want to step on. But it wasn't there long, a few seconds, before I cleaned it up. The dog did the scratching of the grass, like wiping her paws, and the guy thought she was trying to bury it. He told a few dog stories of his own, including one about a dog that had been neutered and probably wondered what happened to his missing parts. Then blah blah blah...proving to be endless.
We expressed the desire to take a walk and that's the only thing that dislodged him from our presence.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
30 Days
For some unknown reason I'm thinking of the old Chuck Berry song, "30 Days." I haven't heard it for a number of years. I have a Chuck CD but it's not a good one. Now that I think of it I might have more than one. I'll go check...be back...
Nope, I just have that one crummy CD. It's a "Best of" that is from Japan, and an old budget CD from the '80s. It doesn't tell you it's either re-recordings or concert versions of his songs. So you can tell it's a loser.
I see it does have the song "Thirty Days," spelled out like that.
Here's what I remember of the lyrics: "I'm gonna give you 30 days to get back home." Bringing up the question, Why so generous with the timeframe there of 30 days? I would hate to wait around for 30 days for someone to get back home. I suppose if they're an astronaut or Arctic explorer, Shackleberry or Shackleford, that's only fair.
Then here's another snippet: "I'm gonna send out a worldwide hoodoo, that'll be the only thing that'll suit you, I'm gonna see that you be back home in 30 days." So, there's a worldwide hoodoo involved, meaning that maybe the 30 days is necessary. She might be in Tibet, studying at the feet of whoever's left over there. Or in the Andes, buying mints. Or floating on the Amazon, looking for rare books. Or in Australia trying to find out what the Australian word for "Beehh" is.
A hoodoo, I'm taking that for a ruckus or a call that is bound to be heard, talked about and effective. It will "suit you," maybe meaning she needs quite the persistent persuasion to get back home in 30 days.
Nope, I just have that one crummy CD. It's a "Best of" that is from Japan, and an old budget CD from the '80s. It doesn't tell you it's either re-recordings or concert versions of his songs. So you can tell it's a loser.
I see it does have the song "Thirty Days," spelled out like that.
Here's what I remember of the lyrics: "I'm gonna give you 30 days to get back home." Bringing up the question, Why so generous with the timeframe there of 30 days? I would hate to wait around for 30 days for someone to get back home. I suppose if they're an astronaut or Arctic explorer, Shackleberry or Shackleford, that's only fair.
Then here's another snippet: "I'm gonna send out a worldwide hoodoo, that'll be the only thing that'll suit you, I'm gonna see that you be back home in 30 days." So, there's a worldwide hoodoo involved, meaning that maybe the 30 days is necessary. She might be in Tibet, studying at the feet of whoever's left over there. Or in the Andes, buying mints. Or floating on the Amazon, looking for rare books. Or in Australia trying to find out what the Australian word for "Beehh" is.
A hoodoo, I'm taking that for a ruckus or a call that is bound to be heard, talked about and effective. It will "suit you," maybe meaning she needs quite the persistent persuasion to get back home in 30 days.
Friday, May 22, 2009
No More American Idol
Do you believe I'm off American Idol? That I'm not going to watch it anymore? That's true.
That's how peeved I am that they couldn't find a way to make Adam Lambert the winner. And when I quit watching something, it's not only dead to me, as far as I know it's dead.
Take Survivor for an example. Survivor is dead to me. Not through any offense they committed, unlike American Idol, but just out of boredom with it. I was having a hard time getting interested. It would take me up to about the seventh week to know the people's names, etc. Then it was the same old same old same old same old .... all the time.
So one day I said That's it, and I quit watching it, and I never went back. And since the CBS station is only on at our house once in a blue moon (this is true), I never seen promos for it or anything. Somewhere online one day I think I saw evidence that Survivor is still on.
American Idol ... it's had its day as far as I'm concerned. I liked it. I started watching it in like the fourth season. Whichever season V___ Solomon (she was a woman contestant) was on. She was the first person I saw singing on American Idol. I think her name was Vonselle. I liked her right away but she didn't make it too far.
Since then I've been a regular viewer, even though they do tend to get a few duds in there. I actually thought Kris Allen was one of the duds along the way, but he surprised me by hanging on and eventually winning. I still think he's a dud ... but a lot of people like him.
So that's it. When I quit something, it's quit. Cold turkey, no need for nicotine patches. It's all willpower and determination.
That's how peeved I am that they couldn't find a way to make Adam Lambert the winner. And when I quit watching something, it's not only dead to me, as far as I know it's dead.
Take Survivor for an example. Survivor is dead to me. Not through any offense they committed, unlike American Idol, but just out of boredom with it. I was having a hard time getting interested. It would take me up to about the seventh week to know the people's names, etc. Then it was the same old same old same old same old .... all the time.
So one day I said That's it, and I quit watching it, and I never went back. And since the CBS station is only on at our house once in a blue moon (this is true), I never seen promos for it or anything. Somewhere online one day I think I saw evidence that Survivor is still on.
American Idol ... it's had its day as far as I'm concerned. I liked it. I started watching it in like the fourth season. Whichever season V___ Solomon (she was a woman contestant) was on. She was the first person I saw singing on American Idol. I think her name was Vonselle. I liked her right away but she didn't make it too far.
Since then I've been a regular viewer, even though they do tend to get a few duds in there. I actually thought Kris Allen was one of the duds along the way, but he surprised me by hanging on and eventually winning. I still think he's a dud ... but a lot of people like him.
So that's it. When I quit something, it's quit. Cold turkey, no need for nicotine patches. It's all willpower and determination.
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