Oh, Snap!

Who was that Masked Blogger?

You know, the one who went and gave me an idea?????

I Heart Holga

Click here for full size, excellent version...

Dari-ette, originally uploaded by Bo Darville.

Another winner from Bo Darville. Excellent subject/use of Holga lens.

A Language Lesson

Rick Esenberg helps with a little lingo.

Rick I wish it was actually "funny", too.

All in all, I'm pretty tired of all this "you didn't get the joke" sh*t. It's worn out it's welcome. More on that some other time.

The Real Cuba

Anyone who really knows me, knows about my affinity for Cuba. Until about a month ago, I had a Cuba "import" sticker on my car, which was my own "pink ribbon" for the Cuban people. There were many attempts on the life of this sticker, so it finally had to come off.

Fred brings us this awesome statement by Cuban filmmaker Luis Moro. In it, Moro goes after the unwashed but elite Michael Moore and his portrayal of the Cuban healthcare system. It's very, very clear that Moore's representation will make a real Cuban irate. If you were living under these conditions and saw your reality being exploited or misrepresented as somehow dignified, you'd be pretty pissed off, too.



Cuba libre, my friends, it's not too far away. And when it's time, you know who will be on her way for a visit :)

ROTFL

Tom_Barrett: I will not tolerate corruption in city government
Diamondjim: lol

Goldman's. That's Sad

I used to go to Goldman's to look at all the nifty antiques they used to have on that half upper floor. The interior of the building has that turn of the century, "big store" design. Odd stairs, crummy papery tile, tin ceilings.

There was never anything at Goldman's that I considered to be a major purchase, a must have. Although it's always been a museum of what you could buy, and what you can't buy anymore.

And they have a lunch counter....which is always kind of fun.

But what I will miss the most, is the candy counter. You can get all the old world, old school favorites there. Jackstraws, black walnuts, filled raspberries... all the stuff you haven't seen in years. I'd love to go check it out once more before they close. I'll have to pick the right day and time. After they close, there will probably never be another time that I will be drawn to old Mitchell street.

True

This is still a classic... I remember laughing my ass off for hours when I first saw this.

Sorry folks, there's not much more to me than that. Although in my defense, I was 28 at the time.

Kinda Wrong...

I'm a little afraid, although if things worked, I woudn't be

All that said, I agree with Fred's take on Mini McGee. I'm a little concerned. And I shouldn't have to be.

The reason I'm a conservative...

...started many years back. With the Carter years. So I had to lmao - once or twice - when I saw this here via John McAdams:

“I know that President Carter and I have had our differences,” said Mr. Bush, “But I think most Americans will agree with me that he’s a terrific ex-president. Things have never been better since Jimmy Carter left office.”

Classic

Today, and Every Day

"There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life
for one's friends."
(John 15:13)

I always nod to a soldier when I see one. Sometimes I've been driving through a parking lot and passed one in their car, and given them a quiet salute. It's in those moments that we must also be thankful to the soldier, as they may not rejoin us as veterans.

-------------------------------------------------

I think Katharine Lee Bates had the right idea. Too bad so many of these verses are cut out of our modern day version of America the Beautiful

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

America is not only a land, it's a state of mind. It never hurts to revisit the definition of America. When you do, you understand at the level of your soul, what it means to fight for it.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone

Daaaaayum!

Well there goes the phat navigator. There goes the pimp my crib on Lake Drive. Wait, that went a while ago.

Tim Brophy, meathead extraordinaire, will be funding up to $300,000 in payments to former tenants who were renting properties of his that had building code violations.

No surprises. I've talked to people who have bought homes from him. Jonque. If that's what he's selling, you can't imagine what he's renting out. But you all knew that. I'm not breaking any news here.

It's news that he's finally being made to make good on his exploits. We don't see much justice in this city. People don't get punished. If you want to be a crook or a famous architect who wants to do some of his/her crappiest work, ever, Milwaukee is a pretty nice location for you.

There is a little more that I will be linking to on this site in the next few days. Another story about him has emerged and I haven't had the time yet to look into the details and discern any link to the general taxpayer. Or I might just provide the link anyway and let you see for yourself.

One of My Flickr Faves

Repair Work in Lingerie, originally uploaded by vintagephoto.

nuff said.... I love when "Vintagephoto" posts :)

Shoebox Music

There are a few albums that will always be my unwinds. These are the CDs (and some I still have on vinyl) that I'll instinctively put on when I need to recharge. When I just need to fill the house with my presence and enjoy being me.

I won't review them all at once, but I will as I'm inspired.

Here's my list, in no particular order:

Colors of the Day - Judy Collins
At Last - Etta James
Blue - Joni Mitchell
Forget About It - Allison Krauss

Those are by far my top four. Others will definitely do the job: I love the soundtrack for Stealing Home, I love "Island Life" by Christopher Peacock, and without a doubt, ever, any CD by Mercy Me. They're just one of the most fantastic bands I've come across in a very long time. These are all great CDs and they aren't "emo". I don't like depressing music and I won't listen to something so that I'll feel some type of fake sad. That's a waste of good emotion.

My "favorite" of this list will alternate. Colors of the Day by Judy Collins, for whatever reason, is the one I most recently listened to. I grew up on a lot of folk and bluegrass, and I was a camp counselor. Being that I was a camp counselor, I played guitar, and I taught a lot of folk standards to the kids. This was back when camp was a real bonding experience and was about friendship. Not about making plastic jewelry.

Judy plays a lot of the old standards as well as some traditional folk songs from the turn of the century. As time has gone on she's covered a lot of other folk from our times. Here's why I love Colors of the Day.

1. My mom introduced me to her when she bought this album at Mainstream on north 76th
2. The cover image of Judy looked so much older than me at the time. Now of course, she looks kind of young to me...
3. I love her version of Both Sides Now. It made a lot of sense even when I was 15.
   
4. My Father is a great song. It makes me think of my grandpa on my mom's side because when I hear this song, I think of my mother singing it.
5. Who Knows Where the Time Goes makes more and more sense as time goes on
6. Someday Soon. Yep, as a woman, and as a woman who isn't particularly tied to the idea of waiting to be married to finally be happy and fulfilled with living, this song does make me hope that Someday Soon, it will happen. And to have the faith to "go with him, someday soon", will be powerful.
7. Who doesn't love "In My Life"?
8. Her version of Suzanne is superior
9. And I can find a reason for everything else on this CD. Although Farewell to Tarwathie never really struck me. It was a pain in the ass to lift the needle off the record. Good thing it was at the end of side one when I listened to this on vinyl :)

A good listen to Colors of the Day is an excellent recharge for me, especially on a Saturday afternoon.

One of these days, I'll blog about this baby. Which I'll listen to at any time of the year, but on special occasion :)

Conspiracy Corner

Funny if it wasn't so true....

If A Bulb Breaks, Take The Following Precautions

Go get your darned money back


The JS has a writeup today about the new compact fluorescent bulbs. You have to recycle them. And you need hazmat if they break.

So why can't I have a normal thermometer again????

We need a J-Bone

We need a J-Bone, originally uploaded by batman63.

I needed a flickr moment. In fact, I think I'll have two.

From one of my newest contacts, batman63. Also known as.... DJ Bat Guano.

That's the rated-G version of that AKA.

Why Yes, They Are New

New to me.

Old to someone...

Perfect on a little bean head like mine :)

So When Will They Pass An Anti-Gouging Bill For The Government?

Because the government is the most profitable party in every ounce of gas sold.

Yet they crack the whip on the servant

Guys, it's a little late for that.

NOW the enviros want to close the St. Lawrence seaway to ocean freighters. The moratorium on dumping ballast water is taking too long, and apparently sterilizing the water is impractical. So now it needs to be even more impractical.

Well, I look at this two ways. Why did it take so long for the enviros to get on this one? What happened over the last 30 years that it didn't warrant their attention? Was saving the whales far cooler than saving the world's largest freshwater system? I think the whales owe us an apology for being a big fat resource hog.

Whenever I'm on my way in to Sendiks or Alterra and some young skull full of mush starts waving to me and acting like their my best friend because they want to talk with me about the environment, I get pretty testy. I've even said: "no thanks, I want coffee, not kool aid." Or maybe I should say "why don't you forget about big oil and start thinking about big quagga? Big deep tunnel?"

'cause we have some pretty good stop gaps in place for things like big oil. Corporate pollution.

We don't, however, seem to have a lot of control over what the government does to the environment. Yes, Virginia, that includes lefties, too. It appears that their own ideology has caused them to miss the boat.

What're the Chances?

That I'd get two unique Courtney Gerrish hits in a row? From different parts of the country????

Can we make a drinking game out of this, or something?

Whatta clod. It's good to be Gerrish

Note To Self, Get Back To Work

I can't help it. This is too good not to share. Darned you, Scott Feldstein!

Taken from the comments for this picture:

foreground… CRINKLY! WANT!!!
background… I IS LAMP.

Note: "Some" Women Prefer "Ugly" Men

I read with interest this article in the Sun today. The angle of the article is basically that hot chicks like ugly guys because they're sick of the hot guys.

"Selena has dated her fair share of hunks, but has given up on gorgeous guys because they’re dull – both in and out of bed.

I can’t imagine anything more boring than classic handsome looks,’ she says. ‘I prefer no teeth, baldness and piercings to model looks. I like celebs such as Adrien Brody and Mackenzie Crook rather than Brad Pitt.

‘Ugly men try harder. They care more about you and treat you like a princess. Good-looking guys are self-obsessed. That’s not attractive."

There's a lot in this article that completely oversimplifies attraction. Hot chicks get tired of self-obsessed boring hot guys. That's the premise.

It's another case of the media making a statement and putting it in print for the masses. Ah yes we have spoken. So it shall be true.

Anyone who is alive and has a pulse knows that looks are great. They're fantastic. But they can be shot to pieces by the person's actions. If someone presses your buttons, well, those buttons turn on the love lights and the object of your affection can't show a bad side in those lights.

We all want someone who is interesting. If someone sparks your interest, you're attracted to them. What I think the article is missing is the following: It's hard to keep up appearances. And I don't mean hair, clothing, cars, makeup, etc. I mean it's a lot of energy to either put your light under a bucket or pretend you're somebody you're not in order to gain someone's attention or good graces. That energy that you have to gin up inside you every time in order to be around a certain person who meets the white-picket-fence personality, is exhausting. Who wants to pretend to be something they're not in order to gain the attention of someone who will impress your friends, make you feel like you "got a hot one", only to leave you bored, exhausted, and living a lie.

If you're interesting, you'll find someone interesting.

Then you can apply the rest of your standards: values, stability, warmth, communication, whatever it may be. But regardless of what things look like, we all know what we want. No reason to try to have any epiphanies about what hot chicks want, now.

Original article:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,11000-2007230354,00.html

Tom McMahon: Not To be Missed

http://www.tommcmahon.net/2007/05/the_continuing_.html

The Only "Good" Cat Is...

a cat with cheez on it's head....


Now. Back to our regularly scheduled cat-free programming.

Follow Through Is Kind of Important

Tonight, without fail, I vow to finish Vogue 9558.

Too bad my camera is out getting a few alterations and nips and tucks of its' own....

But it's gotta be done so that a) I can wear the darned thing and b) I can work on Wayne Hancock without guilt.

Because you know, soon it will be time to start this little number, which will be called Mercury Four. Because ya know.... surf is inspiring and all :)

Just wait 'till you see the fabric and purse materials I've picked out for it. Really, it will be like no other.

You Know You Want One

What a Guy

"Maybe his solution will be to get out his small varmint gun and drive those Guatemalans off his lawn."

John McCain. Grown-up extraordinaire.

A Day Off

The newly-engaged Brother Mav is in town, so I'm taking a couple of days off. Today I finally feel better. How best to celebrate?

Lunch at Cubanitas' with Mom and Mav. Cuban sandwiches and a completely bitchin' mojito for each of us. Today was a good day.

Wayne the Train at Shank Hall

(Preface: I'm trying to switch over to Amazon for my audio links. We'll see how it goes. The music links should open in new windows.)

If you have an appreciation for the craft of music and the craft of heartfelt songwriting and true talent, then you would have no problem enjoying a Wayne Hancock show. This is real Honky Tonk, Juke Joint Swing. Not that boring crap you remember on the radio in the 70's. He's been covered numerous times, and has had a long, successful music career on his own terms instead of looking for his 15 minutes.

The first time I heard Wayne's music was when Hank III (Hank Williams III) covered "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs". Wayne's been here many times in the past few years, but unfortunately I've waited to find someone to go see him with. Heck with that...as you can see.

I met Wayne on his way in to Shank Hall for the show on Friday night He asked me what I'd like to hear. I was totally starstruck of course, and I said, "I'd love it if you could play "No Lovin' Tonight." He played it right after the opening song. Wayne is just a little shorter than me, slightly shy, and smiles a lot. He has a very thick Texas drawl. He came over to talk with me at the break too, to see how I was enjoying the show. I really like southern manners and charm, and Wayne brings that with him.

Wayne played a little over two hours. He has a very strong three piece band in Eddie Biebel on guitar and the young but legendary Jake Erwin on standup bass. It's hard for me to put exactly how good Wayne's show is into words. He's funny, he's humble, he talks to the audience, and he takes you along for a Honky Tonk, Western Swing ride that nobody else can.

Here are samples of two really great songs from his new album.

Going back to Texas when I'm through

Shooting Star From Texas (one of my favorite songs, wish I could find a better sample with the beautiful lyrics)

I took some live footage, but YouTube of course, has some of better quality:

Here is the title track from his new album, Tulsa


And another high quality clip: Gonna Be Flyin' Tonight


Humor of the night...emphasis mine..

"Talked sh*t about mahself one time. Almost got my aaass whuuped."

After the show I told him I couldn't wait for him to come back and play again, and that I would see him next time. That's how good his show is, and how close you can get to him.

On Myspace

Patrick has the perfect smileyface to describe exactly how I feel

Except I don't have it here.

Something about a smiley face barfing.

I have so much I want to blog about but I should wait until I feel better.

Especially because I want to do justice to my posts about the BBA McMiller's event, and the most fabulous Wayne Hancock show at Shank Hall on Friday.

till then...

Nothing Says "Icebreaker" Like Ammunition

Ok, Fuzz martin said it, and I asked for reproductive rights to post it here. Wait. That don't make no kind of sense....

Alright, the point of this here post is to remind you about the BBA shooting event at McMillers' on Saturday. 10:00 - 2:00. Don't use Mapquest, unless you're in to long Saturday drives. I mean longer than you probably can afford with these here gas prices, and stuff.

On the other hand, the longer you drive, the less ethanol in the gas. Discuss.

This is bad, but it's not my fault

It's early and I have a terrible astigmatism. I'm the worst at not wearing my glasses at the exact moments that I should be. How so many men sat at formica kitchen tables in the morning while reading the paper when it wasn't 6 inches from their face is beyond me.

Visiting the JS online at wee hours (at a formica table) is my modern day equivalent of this ritual. This is the first photo I saw this morning, at this exact size, on a busy and text-heavy webpage template. My first thought was, Thank God, the JS is FINALLY doing a story about how people seem to think that garbage bags are passe. Each and every day that I drive into work I see people's garbage piled on the curb in front of their house. Not in the trash bins, not in trash bags, not even in boxes. It's as if they walk from the house with their crap to the curb, and drop it in a pile.

No, that's the absolute last thing this photo is about obviously. And before anyone gets appalled or offended or thinks less of me, you have to understand that I see the curbside dumping scene day in and day out. Couple that with 5:01 a.m., no coffee and glasses, and that's what happens.

It's a shame that that's the case, but it's not my fault. The angle at which this photo was taken and everyday occurrences are to blame. And I don't know if that's better than being shielded if only momentarily from the reality that someone's baby was gunned down on our streets.

I have it on good authority

that there will be breaking news in the next few days regarding one of the city's most notorious slumlords. I don't always care about these things, but this one is a real piece of work.

A Week Or Two Later....

I was mumbling and grumbling as I left Bayshore this evening from an after work errand.

I really needed something important, and every store I went into gave me the same chilly response for some reason. No greeting, no may I help you, no nothing.

Until I went to Talbots. I was greeted in a friendly and sincere manner. This woman found me exactly what I was looking for to make an upcoming event just right. A little more than I wanted to spend, but it all mattered.

Still a little cranky, I drove out of the mall. On my right I noticed a couple walking. The man was pointing upward at some of the features of the new construction. He was smiling. His face was even a little bit lit up. It was Charlie Sykes.

Outstanding

Apparently, we can save the planet faster than we can save Social Security.

That's gitt'ner done.

Totally Tubular Tunes....

I have been completely grooving off of the outstanding Mercury Four Cd that was given to me at the Wanda Jackson show. Mercury Four is an instrumental surf band out of Seattle. The CD is called "Codename Aurora", and some of the tunes really are like taking a trip. The first and 14th tracks are my favorite. Check'em out and don't forget that we actually will have summer, and soon....

You can listen to their songs for free at their myspace page

(Their CDs are Codename Aurora, and Endless Beach. Endless Beach is a little more hard-hitting, Aurora has better arrangement)

Oh SNAP! How did I forget track 11? perhaps the best track on the CD????

If We're Going to Use Words Like Gutless

Then we need to start with Mayor Barrett's own administration.

His chief of peeps is signed up to a neighborhood watchgroup as Mayor Barrett. He responds to the group using Mayor Barrett's name, and says "Hi this is so and so".

So here you go to your email address and see an email from the mayor, and it appears that the mayor is responding to a critical issue. Nope. It's one of his "people" who lives in the neighborhood. Not the mayor who in fact, also lives in the neighborhood and could respond on his own behalf.

Or said unsaid person could simply sign up to the group as himself. Because why else would he have access to the email address? I mean, come on. I can respond on behalf of my boss. Power trip? Not thinking people will believe you if you respond as yourself?

Get a gut.

The First Step is to Admit You Have a Problem

Hi everyone, my name is Phel Jones

(Hi, Phel)

And I have Michael Moore Derangement Syndrome

Hey Sugarpies

Don't forget....this Saturday's the day.

McMiller's 10:00 - 2:00. Stop by the BBA for the details from Second Amendment expert extraordinaire and event organizer Chris!

Flick'em - PJ Chmiel is the MAN!

finalposter-scan, originally uploaded by pjchmiel.

Look at this fantastic work he did for his friend's wedding. Click on the above link to see the entire description from the man, himself.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the Master Gardener extraordinaire, French speaking chef, Pinup In-Chief, and partner-in-crime to all of my eccentricities. She's truly from whence my "let's go check this out" nature originates. And is founding mother to the term, "Don't Tell Father".

Love you mom,

Bee.

Well it's about darned time....

Yesterday I worked pretty hard all afternoon to try and finish the beautiful Vogue 9558 lounging robe. I'm making the black and white robe, but I'm lining it with a lightweight faded peach liner. Which means making a duplicate of the first robe, and finding a way to attach it to the first, outer robe. Which sounds easy until you try to attach it and maintain the integrity of the flat laying collar.

When finished, I'll make a black and peach hair tie, a la Rosie the Riveter. And it wouldn't be complete without lounging slippers, which in those days were not flat, and usually involved feathers.

Whoever marries me will likely have a kickin' pompadour. Or he will be a nice, normal man who loves his wife dearly, in all of her quirky vintage glory.

My Turn

Fuzz did it, Owen did it, now me. I had some interesting hits these past two weeks, here goes:

26 miles across the sea (I had 52 hits, no wonder)
Courtney Gerrish (and "Courtney Gerrish Shooting")
Chris Goodman Fox 6
Blogstalking (this one came from Washington DC, loves it)
Pesto bratwurst (no idea...)
Bunning, Disapproving Rabbits
Pinup (well thank you)
Hot ass mess
Shoe dangler
Murth mobile (not "mirth")
Theotis Tate
Ronson Touch Tip Lighters, Maltese Falcon Desk Lighter, Sam Spade's Lighter
53206 Foreclosures
springfield long slide v16
Ethtanol from Weed
what weighs the most in per cubic foot (you came to the wrong place, son)
"we put the nut in nutrition"
Alec baldwin borderline personality disorder
Girl for Halloween
Hot Cha Cha

Sometimes, I question people's sobriety when the sit down to Google things. Or, if for some reason, they thought that nobody was looking. Especially Ms. Phel Jones :)

It's Time To Get Down to Bidness

'cause there are other concerts coming up...and stuff....

It will be in all black stretch cotton. The only thing to fear is... buttonholes. I'll be making the one on the right.

PS: I had meant to have this one done to wear to the Wayne Hancock show. So.... this one will of course be named "Wayne Hancock"

What's Odd About This Screenshot from the JS?

Wanda Jackson at Shank Hall

Or better yet, Phel meets one of her idols, if she ever had one. Or pinup meets pinup :)

Last night I had the most amazing time - I finally got to see Wanda Jackson live. Wanda is very appropriately called "the Queen of Rockabilly". Back in the mid 50's when Elvis, Buddy, Jerry Lee and Johnny were hitting the scene, Wanda was right there next to them. In fact when you listen closely enough to her work, you wonder which of the above might have been influenced by this petite firecracker. And that's really who she is - smart, classy, sharp, and above all, a true Lady.



I wasn't sure what I could expect out of a live performance. She's 70. She performed mostly gospel music and for many years had stopped playing the music that made her famous. With each song she performed I was happily surprised that she could still hit the notes and sing them almost exactly as she used to. In the 50's she'd really hit some notes, and she had a uniquely characteristic growl as you can hear in "Fujiyama Mama". She can still do all of that, even pop her voice in a manner that you would associate with Jerry Lee Lewis' style. She didn't shy away from any of the songs that would challenge a singer of her age. But that's what's so magical about her.

That magic was there the entire evening, and you could feel it in the room. She can almost channel the mid 50's. I think I might have felt that in the days before the show, because when I decided I would see her, I did just as a woman might have in those days...I "made myself a pretty dress" for the occasion.

After the show, I of course was able to meet her. She held my hand as I talked with her and as an empath I can tell you she is full of electricity. You can't help but feel the energy radiating from her when you're in her presence. She complimented me on my dress, and I couldn't hold back, I told her I made it myself. It was dorky, but I knew she of all people could appreciate my thought process.

If you have two minutes, check out this video on Youtube. It pretty much sums up who she is.



Any dress I make gets its own name. This one will always be a Dress Called Wanda

And my very, very wonderful souvenir of the evening and my conversation with Wanda Jackson...


I can't close this post without giving major props to the band that is playing the gigs with her: the Luster Kings. I was able to chat with the lead singer and also spent time talking with the very interesting Marshall Scott Warner, who plays out with the Luster Kings and also with his own bands, The Mercury Four (themercuryfour.com) and many others. He makes me wish I had more rockabilly friends.

It's going to be a super summer with all the upcoming gigs :)

If I Can't Go, Nobody Can

Michael Moore is a #1, Grade A, Genuine Article Asshole.

I am so envious that the rules don't apply to him. Some of us have had "Cuba" stickers on our cars for years - our own little conservative pink ribbon for those oppressed by communist dictators. Some of us have wanted to go there for a long time for the love of the country and culture. Not to spite our own country, of course.

Guess who else would really like to go to Cuba - people who have left family behind. Guess who would like to travel OUT of Cuba? A lot more people - especially those who have sacrificed greatly to give family members a better life in America. I'm sure they'd love to be reunited instead of flipping the bird to the country that was able to provide those family members with a better life.

Get in line you stinky f***.

Better yet, why don't you get in line for the shower.

Better yet, go to Cuba or some other communist dictatorship and stay there. See how long they tolerate you. Better them than us.

Courtney Gerrish's Gaffe Must Be Infamous

Because I get hits for her every single day, from all over the country.

Guess it's a small world, after all. Nobody's mistakes or self-serving, me-first-isms can hide forever anymore.

Hot Damn, I wish that worked for me.

"There are going to be times when I get tired," he said. "There are going to be times when I get weary. There are going to be times when I make mistakes."

- Barack Obama

Right Now, Nothing Smells Better Than Cherry Blossoms

and there's even a great song, to boot....
(or, Amazon.com link)

A late afternoon walk hits the spot....

Besides the fact that I plan to move in the next year, anyhow....

I've thought about this for a long time. I currently live in a duplex and I have great neighbors. The flat is big, and it's very affordable given today's market. My energy costs offset that affordability by an awful lot, as I'm sure it does for most people.

But as energy prices continue to rise, I think that it will be inevitable that I will have to move back to an apartment. Simply because heat will likely be included, and there will be central AC in the summer.

It will be a bittersweet event... I love this place and all its old charms, have loved my neighborhood, and the luxury of not hearing neighbors above or below me. This place also has a garage which floats my boat more than you could know.

The upside...well...having more people around and the opportunity to meet more people will be good. When you're in the midst of all that racket you'll daydream about having a place of your own, but it does change the dynamic of your social skills and your circle. Plus most people my age don't live in apartment buildings.

But... in the long term, I will have more disposable income to either invest, save, take trips, or otherwise defer. It's a hard choice.

The other larger choice... is whether to stay in an area and a state that is rotting. Other parts of the country offer a much higher standard of living than Wisconsin does. Anyone who has traveled knows that. Sure other places bring their own issues, but what is hardest about leaving this city is the very long, slow an painful goodbye that I have been experiencing for the past 20 years, as the city continues to slip into a senile shell of what it once was.

Dear Journal Sentinel

You know what, being in the word business, you should learn to read.

And if you think you already can, you might want to revisit the part about learning to read called comprehension.

Executive Pay Proxies are written in legalese because lawmakers (the SEC) asked them to write it. The law requires it. Companies aren't going to respond by writing a Little Golden Book bedtime story about how little Johnny worked hard and was rewarded for his efforts. You know not of what you editorialize.

Legalese and Proxyese is the real world. Maybe you should take off your cardigans with the elbow patches and get out into it. Besides, you get what you ask for, so step up your comprehension skills and deal with it.

And another thing: All these laws you liberals demand - all these controls and regulations - mean lawyers. Guess what language lawyers speak?????

Felicitations!

I'm just flipping tickled that Nicholas Sarkozy won the French Presidency. He's tough, he's as conservative as a Frenchman can be, he's energetic, feisty and articulate.

And he can get some shit done.

A ton sante, Sarko!

Foreclosures up in 53206

Taxes affect the poor just as much as the "rich". The rich in most cases means anyone above the poverty line. If you ask me, the level of "poverty" is the new middle class.

The JS has a story today about the rise in foreclosures in zip code 53206. They cite a UW study which points to many issues like subprime lending and inflation, but something strikes me about the item that sits at the top of their list, and the language thereof:

" Homes doubled in value between 2000 and 2005, from $26,826 to $53,225 for the average three-bedroom house"

The homes didn't double in value. In fact, because of factors surrounding the area, the true value of the homes has decreased. The homes were reassessed which (pay attention, JS) means that their taxes went up. That means their monthly payments are going up.

The opportunity for land ownership was one of the incredible benefits available to the settlers of the new world. They escaped not only religious persecution, but oppressive taxation. Now, oppressive taxation is taking foothold again and is affecting those among us who have finally achieved the dream of home and land ownership against the odds that have faced them. And it's being taken away and blamed on factors other than rising taxes and liberal policies. The last thing I want is for people such as those in the JS's story to lose their homes. The second last thing I want is for those people to be driven out of their neighborhoods by the uncontrollable, decaying and violent society.

I'll bet you these folks would love to see the national guard here for the summer, so they can enjoy sitting in their yards or chatting with neighbors on the stoop.

I'll bet you these folks would love even more to see taxes go down. I would love to ask one of the featured homeowners if they feel that the Journal's story glazes over their tax plight.

Reflecting on the week

(cross-posted from my Fox 6 blog)

Last Saturday morning I was sitting in a room full of bloggers who were listening to different panelists. I was restless and didn't stay. But what sticks with me is something that started on that day, and progressed throughout the week.

Charlie Sykes was on a panel with Brian Fraley and Ed Garvey. On the influence of bloggers on media, Charlie referred to Patrick of Badgerblogger.com, and pointed out that Patrick's content is unique. And it is. He also noted that Patrick can and does offer content that few blogs and news outlets can offer.

Then within 24 hours, Charlie lost his mother in the blaze.

72 hours later, Patrick was posting the audio of McGee's statements, of which we are now all familiar.

It moved the community, and influenced the media - local and national. It also prompted action.

The full-circle nature of those days might always stay with me. From the moment that Charlie declared Patrick's influence, to the tragedy, to the blog post heard throughout the community and nation. To the gathering and action. I'll never forget it.

What also stays with me is knowing I was in the room with Charlie before his entire world changed. Something about that is emotional for me. Perhaps all this blogging hasn't destroyed my social skills and empathy, after all.

Votez for moi, or else

I'm tired of whining liberals who think that losing an election means there must be some mistake. Worse is trying to put ideas into people's head - self-fulfilling prophecies.

Get over your rejection issues, s'il vous plait.

Because trust me, those of us with more normal perceptions think you're a bunch of babies in a panic.

"if you don't vote for me, there will be violence"

How ridiculous does that sound? I wish you could see it from here. Why, Segolene Royal, why for you tarnish our fair gender?

I hope you lose tomorrow. I hope Sarkozy kicks your overprimped ass. Maybe you could go pay a visit to Hugo Chavez, and leave France alone. The only people who want to vote for you are thugs who burn cars and beat up cops. What a proud constituency. What a measure of your character and success.

You big baby.

More McGee - Suspended Indefinitely, Two Year-Old To Occupy Timeslot

Professor McAdams has a post featuring the press release from WNOV

That Just Dents My Saturday Morning Routine

I went to the bank like I always do on Saturday morning. Only to see that it was closed, no I wasn't too early - I was too late for the robbery that had just taken place.

My blood was boiling. Not because I couldn't do my transaction - but because of the inherent boldness of criminals in this community. Like it or not and see it or not, the law abiding citizens and businesses of Milwaukee and in this case its surrounding area, are being preyed upon. Thugs and crooks know that the politicians are weak and that the police can't act and last but not least - we in Wisconsin are for all practical purposes, an unarmed society.

I've banked there for ten years. I would have loved to have seen the manager, who is about my size, pick up a twelve gauge and point it in their direction.

I'm A Coal-Fired, Electric Girl Myself But....

This caught my eye this morning. Stop over by Dad29 for his post about water vs. wind generated power, and the State's resistance to one over the other.

Cheap shot I know....but it's no surprise they prefer hot air in Madison. If there's any one government program that I do agree was on the right track, it was Hoover Dam.

Flick'em - The McSenior Edition

Horses.Ass, originally uploaded by Tyrven.

Today's Flick'em is in honor of our community's very own Horse's ass. If you think about it, there is a striking resemblance.

And of course, it's one for Senior, and one for Mini. He isn't gray yet, but he is a chip off the old block.

A Blog Crush

So is it possible to have a blog crush? Has this ever happened to you? That you can't wait to get back to the blog and see what the author(s) are saying, and the comments that follow close behind? This is not to be confused with Blogstalking. I mean that shit's just as scary as the real deal. And stats speak volumes. Yes, yes.... we can see you out there. We meaning....any blogger who is paying attention. Dang transparency...and stuff!

To The Bastard Who Was Taking Pictures of Me With His Cellphone This Morning

You're lucky I don't hit boys.

Now. Get off my lawn.

Take a Wild Screaming Guess

Barack Obama's team was initially working somewhat in tandem with the "owner" of the Myspace page that they most recently took over.

Here's what I'd like to say about this.

Initially the page was run by Joe Anthony, then the Obama team wanted to work with him. So the arrangement was made, even allowing the team access to his passwords. Now, as we all know, it's been taken over because it's .....well apparently it's justified now as for the common good.

Now HOW does this sound familiar? Take a wild, screaming guess.

Why was this progression predictable?

Honk if you have a sick mind

Dear Masked Blogger

Deep inside, I think she's full of worms.

Sincerely,

Phel

My Heart Goes Out To Charlie Sykes

Who lost his mother in a fire today.

Will keep you in my prayers, sir.

Drop in on The National Conversation...

"Well, I guess that’s what a lot of free thinkers out there find refreshing. I don’t wear my race on my sleeve. It’s just a small part of who I am. I have no animosity toward plantation liberals. I just find the water they carry to be tepid, fetid, old and tired. Whether they’re carrying it for white people or black people, bad water is bad water."

Read the rest here. While I'm happy that James was able to have some R&R frolicking on the beaches of Negril, Jamaica... it's good to have him home :)

Dear Zach De La Rocha...

Chere Zach,

We know you have a hard on for Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. We know that you're dying to slaughter those who don't agree with your wet dreams of totalitarianism. We know that you have itchy fingers to line 'em up and shoot 'em, just like they did in the Cuban Revolution.

We know that.

And that's why creatures of your ilk must be controlled, contained, or otherwise stopped.

Ps - your ass would be shot within three seconds in any of the above scenarios. That's just the way it is.

Love,

Phel

h/t: Sean at the American Mind

Flick'em

Today's Flick'em is a motel sign from the Starlite in Columbia Heights, MN. For better viewing, click for full size.


Starlite Motel, originally uploaded by Bo Darville.

Bo Darville uses a Holga lens to capture this vibrant shot.

That's Never A Good Hit at 3:30 a.m.

Although, when I got my permanent lump on my head, I was able to sit up by about the same time.
At the time, I posted the very graphic pictures on my old blog, and believe me they were terrible. For whatever reason (stress, alcohol, something or other) I was sleepwalking and ended up knocking my ass out. I distinctly remember seeing white light. So whoever you are, try to keep a bag of frozen peas in your freezer at all times.

Otherwise, you'll find yourself at the gas station at 4:00 a.m. to buy ice. Being lucky that the dimwit behind the bulletproof glass is as dim as he is, because that's all you can handle at the time. Until he says, "maybe it will go down".