Happy Halloween !

Rest in peace, Uncle Mike

Dan's uncle passed away early this morning at his place in Connecticut.  Dan was very close to Uncle Mike and talked to him almost every day.  Most of those conversations were based on whether the Yankees sucked or not (Uncle Mike was a Yankees fan, Dan is NOT). They would joke and laugh and razz each other.  

Uncle Mike was a wonderful man with an extremely generous heart.  We will miss him greatly.

the porch is aglow . . .

I've been scooping and cutting for hours.  Dan wanted no part of my jack o' lantern fest.  It's one of my favorite things about Halloween season.  So I present to you, MY creations.    

Happy 20th Anniversary Pearl Jam

It was 20 years ago today that a group of five ambitious, mis-matched artists played their first show at the Off Ramp in Seattle.  And the rest is history. Thanks for 20 years of great music !

seriously ? ! ?

When I see stupid Hollywood news like this, I become ill.  Really ??  A birthday cake that cost over $1 million ??  Here's the nauseating story:

per accesshollywood.com:     Recession? Not On Kim’s Watch!: Kim Kardashian is reportedly celebrating her 30th birthday with a diamond encrusted cake, estimated to be worth over $1 million dollars! According to Radar Online, the reality star will celebrate her big day at Glo Nightclub in Westbury, New York, on Saturday. The cake, conceived by restaurateur Nino Selimaj, is aiming to break the $1.65 million dollar cake record. No word if the nightclub will have a paramedic on hand in the event that Kim swallows a couple hundred thousand in bling.

When I think of what that money COULD have been spent on ..... I saw a documentary recently about homeless kids in Orange County, CA.  They attend a public school that caters to their specific needs - regardless of where they spend their nights. Like most states, California's state education funding was cut and one of only two teachers for the whole school was laid off.  The cost of her yearly salary ??  $45,000.  That ridiculous cake could have paid for over 22 years of that educator's salary.  The list of possibilities are truly endless ...

Don't choke on any of those diamonds, Kim.



 

local goats on Colbert . . .

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
People Destroying America- Goats Steal Landscaping Jobs
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

thank god they're getting out of there !

I was glued to the TV last night as the first Chilean miner was pulled to the surface - and resumed watching early this morning as the 11th miner was freed.   My heart sunk when the initial projected estimate for rescuing the miners was still months away.  The strength, courage and endurance that each exhibited is beyond imaginable. 

The New York Times has a great interactive report of the miners (including bios) already rescued and those yet awaiting their turn in the capsule.  It's nice to put faces to the stories. 

 all photos: (AP Photo/Hugo Infante)

 

 

 

 

with all due respect . . .

I never win anything . . .

I did school Dan in a game of Wii ping pong last night, but I'm talking about winning something with award-type benefits.  I was never a winner with the too-many-to-count raffle tickets I have purchased at various past events - not real lucky with scratch off lottery things - my name's never pulled from the bowl at staff meetings for some goofy morale boosting prize.  But my luck changed today.  I got an email that a calendar I entered in a weekly contest had been chosen for Week 1's winner.  Even better - I get 10 free copies of the calendar as my prize.  Guess what the relatives are getting for Christmas this year ????

another great read . . .

I picked up a book at the library last week and I have to admit, I completely judged this book by its cover.  Who wouldn't be intrigued by that photo ?  It reminded me of "it's the new Jan Brady" Brady Bunch episode.  The author recounts her childhood, being a white girl growing up in a predominately black neighborhood of South Seattle.   I didn't realize the local ties until I started reading.  Her stories are funny, compelling and heart breaking all at the same time.  I found myself unable to put the book down until I was finished.  I highly recommend !