Brooke All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go

Katrina Aid

The American Red Cross asks for donation of money and blood: www.redcross.org

Katrina's Legacy

What can be said? What is left to say? Such suffering, but so much more suffering yet to come. Search and rescue. Barely existing. We'll send our contributions and our prayers; but it seems too little too late. I won't post any links, they are plentiful everywhere and there's wall-to-wall coverage on the 24 hour news channels.

My Dad's Birthday

My brother posted this greeting in the local paper back home. Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Naptime Lucy

Praying For A Miracle

The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the residents of the Gulf states tonight. May God keep you safe through the night and day tomorrow. You can watch live streaming video from television stations WWL and station WDSU in New Orleans. Click on the LIVE COVERAGE link.

Difficult History Game

I guess I just THOUGHT I was a history buff. This is not the easy game it appears to be. Of course, it could be that I am just daft. The History Channel

Brooke's Baby Pic

Because Brooke seemed to be disturbed that there were no monkey pics of her on my blog, I found this one just for her. This one was hidden behind some runny-nose pics in her baby book. See the family resemblance to Cory?

This Is an MP3 Player

Can you believe the state of gadgets? This is an MP3 player specifically designed for women in mind. It's called a MobiBlue Cube. I'd be afraid I'd drop and Lucy would either eat it or swallow it

Quinton Family

My little family. Bill, Patty, Karen and Donnie. How precious is this photo? I don't know the year, but had to be around 1960. Donnie was born in 1959. He looks to be about six to nine months old.

Holy Moly---What a Whopper

Difficult Business

Mother Nature is her OWN boss. That was so brilliantly illustrated this week, as the National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction division experienced a monumental "Oops" with Hurricane Katrina. You can look back a few days to see my post of the predicted path of then TS Katrina. Landfall occurred almost as predicted but every movement since that time completely alluded forecasters. 'Round and 'round and 'round she goes. Where she stops, nobody knows. But God knows.

Muriel Gray's Trip Off the Tongue

I'm listening to a very interesting program this morning on BBC Radio Scotland. It's described as "Muriel Gray travels around Scotland hearing, in our own local tongues, how we live and why we love our language." Glaswegian. Love it. I'm having a little difficulty getting the direct link to the show, but I can direct you to the BBC Radio player, then click the link to Radio Scotland. Then you can click the show of your choice.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Have you noticed my blog has become by-and-large a diary for my Internet explorations? That's not what I originally intended. I thought I'd sit down every night and express my thoughts, feelings, blah, blah, blah. Jeez. I found that is BEYOND boring. I mean, don't get me wrong, certainly, there is a place for every blog. I just find ideas and concepts preferable to feelings and oozing.

Instead, I find I'm blogging sites of interest to me. Maybe I'll opine one day, but for now, I'll travel about here in our webworld and tell you about it.

Another Favored News Site

I change my favorite news sites almost as often as I change jobs, but this one is impressive. Straight-forward, no-nonsensence. Try it, you'll like it.

He Looks Crazy, But He Was Happy

Twenty-two years ago, a fine little man was born into this world in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After the parents were assured they weren't bringing home the Pigg baby, little Cory was taken to his very own house in Mustang, Oklahoma. Years later he was relocated to Central Florida and while there he grew to be a man. Happy Birthday, Cory Quinton Whitehouse! (And I didn't even post a monkey picture. I must be slipping.)

And Then There Were Twelve: TS Katrina

Near Barmouth, Wales

Another Oddity

And she NEVER looks at her hands (you don't have to install the Japanese language on your computer, just click cancel on the pop-up box) Child Genius

Too Much Time

If the creators of this montage had too much time on their hands, what does it say about me that I watched the whole thing? Every utterance of the word "Buffy" made during the first season of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," totaling nearly one minute.

Waiting For the Sun To Come Out

Hurricane Charley Turns One

It's been a year since Hurricane Charley swept through Central Florida. The other two hurricanes didn't have as much debris because Charley took care of any weakened structures or vegetation, branches and such.

We have so many neighborhoods in the Orlando/Kissimmee/Saint Cloud area that still resemble London after the blitz. You don't have to look far to see the familiar blue tarps. I can think of three houses in my very own sub-division that sport tarps, blue and white. Although 2005 has been an active tropical storm season thus far, it's fair that Central Florida has been spared. We still have work to do. I found this picture of Charley on another blog and stole it for you. Enjoy.

Llanfihangel Cwmdu with Bwlch & Cathedine

Okay, so you know I'm bonkers for all things "Scotland." Then last night, in my Internet travels, I went to Wales. Beautiful place. CRAZY NAMES! Jeez, people of Wales, BUY A VOWEL!

Timsgarry Island

November

Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry.

Soon we must all face the choice between

what is right and what is easy.

Oh My Goodness!!

It's been a long, long time since I felt so good about the company I work for and the people I am fortunate enough to work with. Granted, the folks know how to entertain. But "Bohemia!" was a production of volunteer musicians, singers, stagehands, etc to benefit a local childhood cancer charity group. I also realize some of these Cast Members are professional, para-professional but the lion's share of the cast of last night's performance was composed of SUPERSTARS posing as everyday, ordinary Cast Members. I was SO very impressed at the quality, variety and goose-bump producing moments of last night's show. It's so amusing to consider that some of the most inspiring and touching numbers were performed by someone who might take your ticket at the Magic Kingdom, or might be in charge of a marketing campaign for WDW, or may be a clerical worker at Celebration. It's no coincidence that Central Florida is usually picked as an audition site for "American Idol." EVERY single performance was by far above and beyond the caliber of "American Idol." The orchestra was small but amazing and the chorus added just the right touch of showmanship and ensemble accompaniment. What a show! What a good cause! What a blessing that so many of my fellow Cast Members are willing to devote their precious time and abundant talents to such a performance! (Oh, by the way, I enjoyed "Bohemia!" in case I didn't make that clear. BAG)

Sites of Interest

Dogster
Global Voices Online
Internet Slang Dictionary & Translator
Food 411
NYPL Digital Gallery
Complete Review: A Literary Saloon and Site of Review
refdesk.com The Single Best Source for Facts
World News WNN

The Next Big Thing

Moblogs. You knew it was coming. Send your digital photos from your cell phone directly to your blog. The Next Goldmine:Moblogs

HOW EXCITED AM I?

Granted it wasn't anything earth-shattering, but the Audioblogger is working!! How cool is that? I gotta tell you, this whole blogging, podcasting, audioblogging thing has me fascinated. It's so much more than a journal, really. It's not a diary. I just think it's FUN!! (I know, I'm such a dork.)

Praying For the Twin Sonic Booms

No one in Florida will be complaining about the "boom-boom" of hearing the re-entry of the shuttle Discovery early tomorrow morning. Getting startled from sleep at 4:46am would be a welcome sound and a blessing indeed. May God bless and keep the Discovery crew and ship safe to return home to a grateful nation and thankful family and friends.

Time For Another Scotland Pic

Lingering

At last a thundershower instead of a blistering, lightning-charged thunderstorm. A frightfully hot and humid afternoon gave way to a breezy, drizzling early evening. A true pleasure. The back porch was awash in freshness rather than the blast-oven it usually is. The storms rolled in slowly, taking its' sweet time to wet the ground. Of course, the light rain eventually turned into quite a soaking, but I enjoyed lingering with the rain. Relishing the smells and sights of my own backyard.

Rita's Moving to MSNBC

Leaving Fox News behind, one of my favorite TV journalists, Rita Cosby, has a new show on MSNBC. I've concluded that I enjoy Rita's style of reporting because a) she is a woman of ample size, b) she doesn't indulge in the sensational emotionalism of a Nancy Grace or Greta Van Susteren (not that I don't watch these gals, but they are rather dramatic and oftentimes repetitive) and c) she did a bang-up report on the Oklahoma City bombing conspiracy theories, giving credence to the terrorism link that surely existed.

Audioblogger

Trying my best to use the third-party client (Listenlab) to set-up Audioblogging. There's a glitch in the system so far. I think using an audioblogger would allow me to share my even-more-dull and mundane thoughts while driving down the road, free-associating. I know you can't wait.

Historical Ignorance

Recently I've been hanging-out in Wikipedia. I find the "Wikiquote" section especially interesting. Reading the actual texts of speeches, documents and observations of hundreds of famous, infamous and moderately obscure people I am totally ignorant of has really been an eye-opening experience. Take Abraham Lincoln for instance. My education has been seriously lacking where Lincoln is concerned. I had a wonderful American History teacher in junior high school who made our country's history come alive for me. I learned the Civil War was more about state's rights than slavery. I had read that Lincoln wasn't particularly interested in racial equality, but mates---I had NO idea his beliefs were outright racist. Naivete thy name is Karen. Here's an excerpt of what I found so completely foreign:

"I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races. I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will ever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality.
And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race."

From the Fourth Lincoln-Douglas Debate (18 September 1858).

I realize this is only one example, one debate and Lincoln had a whole body of speeches and opinions. I think I have quite a bit of reading yet to do.

The Next Monkey is Brookie

Brooke is a little peeved that I don't poke fun at her the way I do with Cory blog-wise. Neither one of them have the link to the blog, but I share it with them occasionally. I made it as clear as I could to Brooke that I only publish pictures of monkeys referring to Cory because of the jibing nature of our previous e-mails and because I know it annoys him. I'm afraid Brooke feels slighted. I've decided the next extraordinary monkey pic I find I'll have to caption it for Brooke. Imagine being aggravated for NOT being aggravated. (Shaking head and grinning broadly.)

My Darling Girl

Hmm

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

What was the greatest thing before sliced bread?

Why don't tomb, comb, and bomb sound alike?

Don't anthropomorphize nature. It really hates that.

And finally,

An Irishman's been drinking at a pub all night. The bartender finally says that the bar is closing. So the Irishman stands up to leave and falls flat on his face. He tries to stand one more time, same result. He figures he'll crawl outside and get some fresh air and maybe that will sober him up. Once outside he stands up and falls flat on his face. So he decides to crawl the 4 blocks to his home and when he arrives at the door he stands up and falls flat on his face. He crawls through the door into his bedroom. When he reaches his bed he tries one more time to stand up. This time he manages to pull himself upright but he quickly falls right into bed and is sound asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

He awakens the next morning to his wife standing over him shouting at him."So, you've been out drinking again!!""What makes you say that?" He asks as he puts on an innocent look."The pub called, you left your wheelchair there again."

Why I Like Dogs

At Last My Pal, Tupperware Tom Turkey

Slug that I am and have already confessed to be, finally, at last, uploading a couple of pics of my friend. (I wonder now that I am "of a certain age" I find myself marveling at all God's creatures. Point in case, recently on break, I found myself talking to an unusually large lizard that is one of millions of lizards that inhabit the landscape around my building at work. He was quite unafraid of me. But, really, is this normal behavior? I know you're wondering now how long it will be before I'm posting pics of lizards. LOL Hell's bells. I no longer know or can even venture a guess what "normal" truly is these days. Back to Tom.) This was the day of the WW bagel frenzy. Click on pics to see enlarged version of Tom.

L7 & Such

Not having anything to do with "square" meaning mundane, boring or average--this square refers to the photo format. An interesting photography site listed as "Square America- A sprawling series of square format snapshots documenting American life from the late 1940s through the early 1970s" This could be YOUR family.

For the historian in us all, this is a great site to view historical documents. Charters of Freedom " A New World Is At Hand"
NARA

Never last, but also surely not least, a primer for all things Podcasting: Explore the World of Podcasting: Play, Download, and Create MP3s about Interesting Things

Blog This

As you see I haven't gotten around to uploading any of my latest digi-pics. I'm getting lazy again, I guess. After all tomorrow is the weekend and I can blog to my heart's content and upload away as I go about my chores and generally enjoy being a slug.

I'm excited that I get to go to a show called "Bohemia" at the ABC Theatre at Disney-MGM Studios this Thursday. It's a lavish, all-singing compilation of the best songs from recent Broadway shows. Right up my alley, you might say. Several of the gals at work have made this our "Ladies Night" for this month. Disney doesn't do banal or mediocre, so it should be quite entertaining. Heck, trained, technically savvy singers can sing to me all night. I'm a sucker for showtunes. My friend Connie from work has been asked to join the ensemble cast. She's been a para-professional singer for years and always participates in Disney's Candlelight Processional every December at EPCOT. It's seems we have another performer that's been hiding her candle under a bushel. My pal Dawn actually toured in summer-stock musicals in her twenties. Dawn is pushing 50 and is yearning to take-up singing again at a community theatre level. She's going to "Bohemia" as well to see what the troupe is up to these days. Several stars may emerge from obscurity. (Me, I can't hold a tune in a bucket, but have an appreciating ear and supportive spirit for those with talent.)

Boortz

My old buddy syndicated Atlanta talk-show host Neal Boortz had a good one yesterday. He said, "Do you know what La Quinta means in English? It means "behind Denny's." Too funny, but true.

Gobble Gobble

Guess what? I was able to get up-close and personal with Tom Turkey today. I just happened to have a few WW bagels left in the little truck this afternoon. Not surprisingly, turkeys like bagels just as much as ducks do! What a co-inky-dinky. I was able to get some extreme close-ups of my buddy. Wild turkeys are rather jumpy creatures, but when he decided he liked my bagels he followed me around like a puppy dog. Pictures to follow when the lightning subsides tonight. I'm gonna turn-off my computer now before we lose power again. (Extremely stormy night.)

Speaking of Trivial

Cory as a baby, circa 1983