Wordless Wednesday: Puzzle game... Shhhhh

 

Is today still Monday?

 I am heart sick over many things having had high hopes that humanity had turned a corner in its use of brutality and propaganda.  But alas... 

it’s not just one country, ideology or religion.  It’s practically ALL OF THEM.  

So, I will get to your blog posts to read them and leave comments as soon as I can.  I really appreciate the fact that you read my blog, so thank you all and I’ll see you soon on yours. 🙏🏼

Google, the search Engine that took over the Earth

In case you were wondering why your blog has problems on any platform besides google.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/technology/how-google-dominates.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

She's in Love with the Boy

She's in Love with the Boy

 Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!
 

She's in Love with the Boy (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it HERE

Note to Sam:  That is one very pretty love song. 

1) This song tells the story of Katie and Tommy. She waited for him to pull up in his beat-up Chevy truck. Tell us about your wheels. Well, you see, it's like this....... 

*Saunters to front of stage, left, and says, as an aside*:

 "Gabriel, come blow your horn, She's ranting again!" End Scene. 

We have a non working Truck but it's not beat up, but it also isn't running.  And we have a Jeep.  One of the little ones. It does work.  This is an ongoing saga of sloth and indecision that exists when you have been through so much trauma in the last 8 years that you just don't give a &*$%* anymore.  

I'm sure the neighbors will all throw a party when it finally gets towed away.
 
2) Katie and Tommy stay out until 12:30 AM. What time did you go to bed last night? I retire to bed at 9:30 and then read or play free cell until I fall asleep. Sometimes I catch up on the rotten crap going on in and around Ukraine.  This whole thing really toasts my soul. 

3) The lyrics tell us, "What's meant to be will always find a way." Do you agree? Sure, because we tend to accept what happens to us, no matter how lousy, or unfair it is, because we know there is no other way to live through it.  

We tell ourselves that it was a lesson learned, or it was bloody old Karma, or just God's will. Weed helps us to do this, or drink, but it doesn't really change it into something good, it just makes it easier to bear up under it. I find that revenge is a dark dark alley and generally just stay clear of ANY dark alleys in life as a matter of principal.

4) This was the first big hit for Trisha Yearwood. While she's found her greatest success in music, she's also written top-selling cookbooks. Are you a better singer or cook?  At one time I was very good at both.  Now I am just very happy that I do NOT have to sing for my supper, nor do I have to cook it. 

5) Trisha also appeared in six episodes of the TV drama, JAG. She played a medical examiner and forensic pathologist, which means her character had a medical degree and (at least) one year of additional training. That's (at least) five extra years of higher education. Do you enjoy taking classes? Yes. However: There was a time that I still tried to get my degree, not to teach Special Ed, as  that ship had sailed, but I still wanted to have a Fine Arts degree.  Now?  Meh.. It's still fun to learn new things, like Trigonometry, but it's not as easy to stay motivated. 

6) In real life, Trisha earned a degree in Business Administration before going into music. She uses what she learned in school, keeping a close eye on her finances and those of her superstar husband, Garth Brooks. She says she likes and trusts the people hired to their money, "but I check on them." Do you keep a careful eye on where your money goes?  We are pretty frugal.  I watch it (money) go out the door mostly for books and yarns.  The last of two commodities are now, absolutely, in SABLE territory....

 

7) In 1991, when this song was popular, Dances with Wolves was a hit in the theaters. Have you seen it?  I've seen it, and we own it, and we watch it again every few years. I still will not sit through the mule and mule skinner's killings though.  I've never seen the whole thing..or heard it.  I split!  The rest of the movie, I can watch fairly peacefully. I'm not sure I've ever forgiven Wes Studi for that one. heehee

8) Also in 1991, Seinfeld was a big deal on the small screen. It's still popular in syndication on cable channels and on streaming services. Do you more often watch broadcast TV or streaming/on-demand channels? That would be Streaming.  The last thing I watched on broadcast TV, other than Nature or other PBS shows, was "Major Dad".  What a hoot! I'm not sure what "on Demand" even is.

9) Random question: Have you ever gone a day without laughing?  Of course.  And I'm pretty sure I am not alone in this.

 

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

 

Once again: Thank you Sam for this lovely MEME every Saturday.  It's a highlight of the week!

Readers, if you would like to see other Saturday9 posts, go HERE for the linkie.

That sweet looking little seedling? It's a Carrotwood Tree, and it Non-native

 

 

Photo is c/o of Louie's Garden Center, Riverside Ca.

It's a Carrotwood Tree.  and it's Non-native 

So.. I will either bonzai the dickens out of it, or just rip it out.  So many decisions ..... I think it's used a lot in parking strips around and about.  At least we know someone who has a few of them in their yard.  We can ask them if the roots have cracked the slap yet. LOL!

Three on Thursday

 1.  After a rain spotted up the window, the little Easter Bunny came back for seconds.  He ate up all my little potted succulents. 

 

2.  The mystery bush/tree, the one planted by a bird,  is now two feet (plus) tall.  

But what the dickens IS IT?!?  It has to be a back country bush or tree, but what?

3. 

 

Next on my Lists: A Modern Day, "Heroes for America". 

Thank you, Adam Kinzinger, for taking a stand! 

This Article from The Hill has his full statement of what he has had to go through just for doing his duty to his country.  Liz Cheney also has been black balled but not like Adam Kinzinger is, and by his OWN family on top of an unrepentant political party.  

 

 

Saturday Nine: Jack And Diane (1982)

Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme! 

Jack and Diane (1982)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The video for this song features lots of snapshots. Do you have many physical photo albums? Or do you store your pictures digitally?  

I've stored them in albums, though they are also stored digitally at two sites.  We got the slides stored on discs that were loaded into my Photo processors, and then stored digitally.  That way the kids all have access to their childhood photos and all.

 2) This song tells the story of "two American kids growing up in the heartland." Young Jack dreams of being a football star. When you were in high school, did you fantasize about stardom? If yes, what were you going to be famous for?  

No.  My goals were Oil painting (Art), and Geology, in the specialty of Paleontology.  

3) Diane wears Bobbie Brooks slacks (at least briefly). Bobbie Brooks is a popular brand at Walmart. If you had a $50 gift card for Walmart, would you be more likely to use it toward groceries, clothes, household items, or electronics?

Aww Gee, do I have to shop there?  OK.  Then, I'd head straight for the Nursery and buy plants.

4) They go to the Tasty Freeze. If you were to run out for fast food right now, where would you go?

I'd hop right out there and get fish and chips with an NAB to drink.

5) When John Mellencamp made this record, he was known professionally as "John Cougar," a stage name suggested by his manager. He has said that adopting a stage name is something he regrets. Looking over your life, if you could take a "do over," what one thing would you like to do differently?

I'm old enough and wise to the world.  If you change one thing, you change everything.  Having said that, I would try to be a wiser and more intuitive Momma.  That could have possibly changed the course of life for the most important people I've ever had any influence with.  

6) Even though he suffered a heart attack, John Mellencamp continues to smoke, admitting that nicotine is something he simply can't kick. Do you have a habit you wish you could break?

I'd like to break out of being so freaking serious about the state of the World. That is something that over which I have "0" influence anyway. 

c/o Medical News Today

7) John's daughter Teddi was one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She went on to join the cast of Big Brother. Do you watch any reality shows?

No, though I am currently watching a movie/documentary about Aretha Franklin.  What a horrid reality that must have been to live through.  Poor Aretha. 

c/o Everyday Health.com

8) In 1982, when this song was popular, William Windsor was born. He's better known by his job title. Without looking it up, do you know who he is?

9) Random question: What do you do when you can't sleep?  

I read something on my kindle or play Free Cell on my iPad.  

Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Thank you Sam!  This was fun and made me think more than usual about things that go bump in my brain, like the two cells that rub together now and again.!  Nahahaha!

Readers, Go HERE to see the linkie for this Saturday9.

The true history of Ukraine, not Putin’s version.

Here is a link to the  New Yorker Magazine Article by Isaac Shotiner speaking with Serhii Plokhy.

Think your life is hard? Don't walk on the grass somewhere in say, Florida.... Especially if you are black.

This is an article from The Marshall Project.  

I'd like to remind people that "civil disobedience" can get you a prison sentence. What better way to quash dissent?  Your memory is too short if you don't remember things like what happened in the 60's and the 70's, and 80's: Event's like Seattle? L.A.? NYC?  

I don't think anyone in this article is behind bars for sit in's or simple holding up a placard.  That could change, though. 

I believe we do have a problem of brutalization in our prisons, which can only be solved be a thorough shake up of "for profit prison systems". You know the ones; they are ones that don't care to re-habilitate, but sure do make people who are hidden in the shadows a lot of money.  

So, anyway, here we are.. a nation badly in need of peaceful protest and reform. So, let's start with the Crappy Prison systems now in operation.  You know the ones.  If they and the courts collude, could very well punish PEACEFUL civil disobedience with prison time.  That's half way to a Banana Republic. 

We don't need to look at Russia for a bad example, though it is likely ten times worse.  We need to look  to ourselves.  

We are a beacon for the world, or so we think.  But really, how could such disgusting treatment happen HERE, in Prisons, which are supposed to reform, not be even more abusive than life already is, in the US?  

We've long been bird dogged off into thinking that Russia is worse?  What sort of thinking is that??? Magical thinking?  

We are the world strongest democracy.  Yes, we are!

We shouldn't treat ANYONE like Sh*t .. No one.  

This happens to be Florida.  But I'd bet it's not all that different in far too many other prison systems in the States. 

Saturday 9. W. O. L. D. Harry Chapin

 Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!  

W.O.L.D. (1973)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song tells the story of a man who has made a career in radio.  How many professions have you worked in? 

I've never had a profession, only various jobs.  I was all set to finish college to be a special Ed Teacher but God had other plans.. lol 

I got to put on my Roller skates yet again!

2) He describes himself as "45 going on 15." This morning, do you feel older or younger than your years? 

Older, in fact I feel a whole lot older, though I used to feel younger than my age, and looked younger.  That is no longer true.  

3) He estimates that he's traveled thousands of miles, from town to city, as disc jockey at various stations. Have you ever relocated for a job? 

No, I have not.  Our family has though.  We came to live in the south of California for a job, even though I wanted to go North, to Central Coast. 

4) This song is written as though he's reached out to an ex. Is there someone from your past who is on your mind this morning? 

No one besides my daughters.

5) Tell us about a radio personality you grew up listening to. 

I listened to Kacy Kasem quite religiously for decades.  It was fun. I also listened to a local station because the maniac DJ's at 91X.  They were such a Crack Up!  I also listened to KGB and that got a start out of people who didn't know it was only a radio station. 

6) This week's featured artist, Harry Chapin, was an Oscar nominee. Before he became a musician, he wrote and directed a documentary about boxing called Legendary Champions. When you sit down to watch a movie, would you prefer action, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, thriller or documentary? 

Everything mentioned above is on my list at streaming stations, except for Horror.  I don't like it.  I do like some of it I guess... if it's totally wild, and funny, such as, "Eating Raoul", or the two spoofs that Simon Pegg did, "Hot Fuzz" and "Shawn of the Dead". I've watch those several times over the years. Maybe it's time to dust them off as a cheerMeUp! 

7) Today Harry Chapin is fondly remembered for his philanthropy. He filled his calendar with benefit concerts that supported local food banks all around the country. How would you like to be remembered? 

I guess I'd like to be remembered as a kind person but also one that fought for the rights of others.  Maybe as a Brave person, I guess. Mr. Z and I went to LOT of Peace Marches and vigils against the wars.  I loath warmongering politicians. 

8) In 1973, when this song was popular, one of the top-selling toys was a Curious George book packaged with a plush Curious George. Can you recall a favorite book from your childhood?  

Yes, I read the Dick and Jane books that my grandparents bought me.  I still have them I think.  The books are nearly in tatters, and feeling their ages.  

Later, I read, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and another Jules Verne that I can't recall the title of right now.  That's when I fell in love with the Sea. I was 6 or 7 because it was right before we had to move out of the house that my mother loved.  

She was sad, I was sad, so I read my books.  Mother collected books!  I inherited that gene from her, to my hubby's dismay. Lol She and I both belonged, for years, to the Book of The Month Club.  I got most of my mother's books when she died suddenly and you can see two of her sets on the shelf, the one of with the coffee pot, and the one with the tiny books down in front. She collected Agatha Christie. 

This is only one of my bookshelves, and there are also three or four book piles on the floor in a few rooms.  Thank God for e-books. 

An added note: Many might thing this is my favorite book but it's not... hehe

9) Random question: Here's $100. What will you spend it on?

Oh!  That is very kind of you, Gal!  I think I will buy  some dresses.  I need some.  Thanks! 

Thank you Sam, for this fun meme.  I always enjoy it.  

This week I will remember to link up!

Readers, if you would like to see other Saturday9 post for this Saturday, Go HERE. 

Three On Thursday..

 One: A quote from Robert Reich:

"By the 1990s, when I was secretary of labor, corporations employed some 61,000 people to lobby for them, including registered lobbyists and lawyers. That came to more than 100 lobbyists for each member of Congress." 

I really hate it when any Ignorant Face Book "Pundit disrespects this man, either for his training or his scholarship. 

 

Two: The delicate Beauty of a "Silver Dollar" Succelent flower stalk

 

Three:  My shade garden and succulents are where I found my solace.  I hope to have it back while I can still enjoy it.  We will see.....

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tears? A "must read", about climate change.

Since this is a touchy subject( though of course this means mostly for the ones who are hyper focused on making big piles of cash to do what with only God knows) INHALE...

I’m putting this up on Tuesday and calling it "Tuesday Tears". And that is because this kind of chicanery makes me sad.

Think of it as “The music of the Spheres, namely a dying Earth, or a human-or if you will- a mammalian one.  A "Sayonara, Baby!" moment.

 The article is from MIT.  And if ANYBODY knows what they are talking about, MIT profs do. 

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/07/21/1056291/do-these-heatwaves-mean-climate-change-is-worse-than-we-thought/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Tax loop holes in the screwed US tax codes..

A Quote from an article in the Washington Post article from awhile ago.“ 

‘But the tax was never intended to hit the smaller subsidiaries that make up private equity portfolios’ said Ashley Schapitl, a spokeswoman for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who called industry claims to that effect ‘nonsense.’  Independent analysts largely agreed with that reading of the provision. The language in the bill was intended to make sure they are treated the same way,’ said Steve Wamhoff, a tax expert at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank. ‘The idea that billion-dollar private equity funds must be protected to save small businesses is absolutely absurd.’ “ 

In answer to a “cat who ate the canary” sly smile on the face of certain over-confident new lawmaker to National Governance.  

Big Bad John

Readers, if you would like to participate in this or just see other Saturday Nine posts, go HERE to the Linkie.

1) This song tells the story of a stern, enigmatic miner. None of the other miners knew much about him. When people first meet you, do you think they see you more as mysterious or straightforward?

I am straitforward.  I do have some part of the "feminine Mystique" about me, but let few people see it. 

 

2) During a serious accident, many of the miners panicked. But not John. Think of your family, friends and acquaintances. Who would be the most dependable in a crisis?  Serious accidents .. hmmm..  I guess that it would be my hubby.  I can't think of any of my friends, whom I know well enough, to be able to guess how they would do in a crisis.  I told before that I once had to walk into gunfire to save some elementary kids.  Happily the shooter had to reload so we got back out safely.  What a horrible day that was... Every time there is another senseless shooting, it is sadder and sadder.   

3) His heroism allowed 20 miners to escape, but cost John his life. According to the lyrics, there's a marble slab on site of mine that honors him. Is there a memorial to a local hero in your town? Yes, it's in Balboa Park, A War Memorial Building. 

4) This song was written and performed by Jimmy Dean. He began composing it on a flight from New York to Nashville. How do you amuse yourself while traveling? You'll find Looking out the window chatting with my hubby, and listening to music. 

5) Jimmy Dean hosted a long-running variety show on CBS, which is best-remembered today for introducing Jim Henson's puppets -- especially Rowlf, a dog who sang and told jokes. While Rowlf didn't make it to Sesame Street, he was a recurring character on the Muppet Show. Are you a Muppet fan? Yes, I love the Muppets! 

6) Jimmy found success in business with The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company. He sold the company to Sara Lee in 1984 for $80 million. Today Jimmy Dean breakfast products are still popular in grocery stores all over the country. What's your favorite breakfast? My favorite breakfast is a cheese Omelet with hashbrowns and cinnamon toast.  

7) In 1961, when this song was popular, Vogue asked if fashion sense is inborn or if could a woman could learn to be chic. What do you think? Do you think style is either something you have, or you don't?  No I don't think that way.  Everyone should wear what they like, I think, and as long as it doesn't get them arrested, all is good.  Kookie styles are fun, too. 

8) Also in 1961, Ernest Hemingway took his own life. Did you read Hemingway in English class? Can you recall any other novels you read for school? Oh yes, we were stuck reading that one, which IMHO is his dullest works.  But he also wrote other things that I liked a lot better.  I read Moby Dick and also Two Years Before the Mast in that time period and liked them both a whole lot better.  

 9) Random question: Think about the last "white lie" you told. Was it to make your own day easier or spare someone's feelings?  Generally if someone does something to me that is out of character, and they apologize, I will just say i's OK.  No biggie.  My skin is pretty thick now.  

Thanks Sam!  This is always fun.  

Three on Thursday: Bike Flipping , in French canal.

1. This is from the Guardian, I think.. It could actually be from just about anywhere because the Nail biting, Screw Loose, Maniac in me is grasping at any funny little scrap of news it can find.....

   Le Page por l' Article   

2. Do you despair of the glib "pack", "Variety", "plethora", etc. of Politicians now telling bold faced, Whopping, BIG ol' lies when they run a country where no one is allowed to ask questions?  I do.  I also don't understand how anyone in their right minds (those not subject to said Politician's draconian punishments) could believe a word they say! 

3. I want a cat. In fact I'd want two cats, but then I'd have to get a house keeper.  And, the budget just won't stretch that far.  

How on EARTH does one keep the cat hair in check? 

 

Wordless Wednesday:

Monday Music: Fran Guidry, a favorite player of slack key Hawaiian Guitar

He's such a calm and peaceful man.  Hubby and I met him a couple of years at concerts he gave with another well known player, Ledward Kaapana.