A strange and tragic event reportedly happened in a southwestern Connecticut county last night, resulting in at least twenty deaths, and many more injuries. According to the survivors, they were all attacked by their refridgerators while trying to get a late night snack or meal. Most of those who were injured had broken arms or wrists, some head trauma, as well as people with broken ribs and broken legs, after their refridgerators fell on them, or in the words of one survivor, "The da#* thing jumped on me!"
The authorities are looking into the possibility of a terrorist attack using some kind of hallucinogenic and/or nerve gas, according to one anonymous source. Officially, no one in authority has a comment.
And, in weather, it rained live goldfish in upstate New York, yesterday...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Life Can Be a Bear ( But I'm Not Complaining)
Yep, I live with both a bird, who is a real sweetheart, and a bear, who isn't. Eddie, my favorite bald cockatiel, and no, he is not completely bald, just on the back part of the top of his head. It's happens to be a genetic thing with piebald (mixed colors) cockatiels. The only problem I have with Eddie, King Eddie to you, is as soon as I start reading a book, he starts interrupting me every few minutes for a variety of reasons, such as helping him out of his cage, helping him back into his cage, putting him on top of his cage, helping him off the top of his cage, and of course, for lots of head rubs.
Albert (the bear), on the other hand, is not always so easy to get along with. There's an old joke, what does an 800 pound bear do? Anything he wants...And no, I haven't weighed him. But in my mind, he is easily 800 pounds. So, I do my best not to get him upset. When he starts to get a bit on edge or grumpy, I contemplate going to live in a cave for awhile. It's almost warm enough.
I have been told that caves can actually be fairly warm places to live, even in winter. I know a young Chinese woman who comes from a very small and poor village in central western China, where some people dig caves out of the hillside to live in and stay warm during the cold winter. After hearing about what those people do to stay warm, how can I possibly complain about living with Eddie and Albert. In comparison, I consider my life a piece of cake.
From talking to many of my friends form other countries and cultures, my opinion of life in the US of A, and the American people (referring just to the people of the United States) has been reinforced. I believe we may be the luckiest people of any country in the world. And in general, we are very spoiled to boot (also).
Enough for now. Albert is watching tv, and Eddie is waiting for me to give him the opportunity to disrupt the remainder of my evening. So it's time to try to read a few pages of my current book. Until next time, keep watching the skies. Good Night...
Albert (the bear), on the other hand, is not always so easy to get along with. There's an old joke, what does an 800 pound bear do? Anything he wants...And no, I haven't weighed him. But in my mind, he is easily 800 pounds. So, I do my best not to get him upset. When he starts to get a bit on edge or grumpy, I contemplate going to live in a cave for awhile. It's almost warm enough.
I have been told that caves can actually be fairly warm places to live, even in winter. I know a young Chinese woman who comes from a very small and poor village in central western China, where some people dig caves out of the hillside to live in and stay warm during the cold winter. After hearing about what those people do to stay warm, how can I possibly complain about living with Eddie and Albert. In comparison, I consider my life a piece of cake.
From talking to many of my friends form other countries and cultures, my opinion of life in the US of A, and the American people (referring just to the people of the United States) has been reinforced. I believe we may be the luckiest people of any country in the world. And in general, we are very spoiled to boot (also).
Enough for now. Albert is watching tv, and Eddie is waiting for me to give him the opportunity to disrupt the remainder of my evening. So it's time to try to read a few pages of my current book. Until next time, keep watching the skies. Good Night...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
I Am in Awe of the Beauty All Around Me
Albert, the black bear who shares my apartment upon occasion, told me a story the other day that reminded me of what the word awe actually means. I have heard the word awesome used quite a lot on a regular basis, it seems. And because it is used so much, its power has been watered down (weakened).
Albert told me how as a cub (baby bear), while lost in the woods at night, he stumbled into a clearing. Feeling all alone and scared, he sat down, and looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful, clear night, not a cloud in the sky, and he could see what looked like an infinity of bright, glittering stars way up above his head. And even though he was alone and scared, he could not help but feel incredible awe at the magnificent sight above him.
When Albert told me that story, I remembered doing the same thing when I was a boy. Laying out in a field late at night, and looking up at the night sky. There have been moments in life when the beauty of the world around me has pierced my very being right through the center. I find that in those moments of awe, I also feel a great sadness. And a great joy. I will never be able to express this feeling in words the way I would like. But, I will be forever grateful, and do my best to be worthy, of this great gift of life.
Albert told me how as a cub (baby bear), while lost in the woods at night, he stumbled into a clearing. Feeling all alone and scared, he sat down, and looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful, clear night, not a cloud in the sky, and he could see what looked like an infinity of bright, glittering stars way up above his head. And even though he was alone and scared, he could not help but feel incredible awe at the magnificent sight above him.
When Albert told me that story, I remembered doing the same thing when I was a boy. Laying out in a field late at night, and looking up at the night sky. There have been moments in life when the beauty of the world around me has pierced my very being right through the center. I find that in those moments of awe, I also feel a great sadness. And a great joy. I will never be able to express this feeling in words the way I would like. But, I will be forever grateful, and do my best to be worthy, of this great gift of life.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Monkey Dream
Dreams, and I don't mean those dreams we have for our future life, are strange messages sent by our subconcious minds in an attempt to communicate with our sleeping conscious minds. The problem is, our conscious minds don't speak the same language. But it does make dreaming an interesting experience, at the least.
I don't always remember my dreams, and even with some of the bizarre ones, I only have a somewhat fuzzy recollection of the events that took place. Take last night, for instance.
I was being pursued by a couple of someones, whom I took to be some thugs of one kind or another. We ended up on a street bordered on one side by a forest of what must have been nut trees, I have no idea what kind. But suddenly, we, the thugs and I, are being pelted with nuts by a small army of tiny monkeys that are in the trees. The dream then goes a bit fuzzy, and the next thing I know, one of the thugs is holding a gun on me, and we are in some kind of a trailer, or a house shaped like a trailer. I then throw a couple of the tiny monkeys (where I got them, well, let's just say that part is also kind of fuzzy) at the thug, who proceeds to get quite distracted. One of the monkeys gets under his clothes, and he starts doing a very good impression of someone with a severe tiny monkey infestation about his person. Time is very subjective while dreaming, but let's say a minute or two later, the monkey climbs out of his mouth. After which, it seems I made my escape. Probably in the dream, but definitely from the dream, as I then woke up.
And so, what was my subconscious mind trying to tell me? When attacked by thugs I should look for the nearest tiny monkeys to throw? Or maybe, stay the hell away from any nut trees?
What was my subconscious mind doing while my conscious mind was learning English?!! Probably conceiving a plan to confuse and bewilder that rational part of my mind every night for my entire life. Sigh...
#!@% dreams...but boring they ain't...
I don't always remember my dreams, and even with some of the bizarre ones, I only have a somewhat fuzzy recollection of the events that took place. Take last night, for instance.
I was being pursued by a couple of someones, whom I took to be some thugs of one kind or another. We ended up on a street bordered on one side by a forest of what must have been nut trees, I have no idea what kind. But suddenly, we, the thugs and I, are being pelted with nuts by a small army of tiny monkeys that are in the trees. The dream then goes a bit fuzzy, and the next thing I know, one of the thugs is holding a gun on me, and we are in some kind of a trailer, or a house shaped like a trailer. I then throw a couple of the tiny monkeys (where I got them, well, let's just say that part is also kind of fuzzy) at the thug, who proceeds to get quite distracted. One of the monkeys gets under his clothes, and he starts doing a very good impression of someone with a severe tiny monkey infestation about his person. Time is very subjective while dreaming, but let's say a minute or two later, the monkey climbs out of his mouth. After which, it seems I made my escape. Probably in the dream, but definitely from the dream, as I then woke up.
And so, what was my subconscious mind trying to tell me? When attacked by thugs I should look for the nearest tiny monkeys to throw? Or maybe, stay the hell away from any nut trees?
What was my subconscious mind doing while my conscious mind was learning English?!! Probably conceiving a plan to confuse and bewilder that rational part of my mind every night for my entire life. Sigh...
#!@% dreams...but boring they ain't...
Monday, February 27, 2012
Coming Soon to Your Town
A well-known line from an alien invasion movie (or was it a tv show?) was to watch the skies, keep watching the skies. (I know. Skies is a bit misleading since there is only one sky. I just like the sound of it.) And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China (an expression, friends, just an expression) ? Not a damn thing. But I've received warning that the future is close, and that future includes the flying of military drones within US borders. Just another reason to watch the skies. If you dance naked in front of your television set late at night, someone may be watching through a high tech camera flying well above you. Flying spy planes, and small ones at that. And remember, these little spy planes can carry missiles. Hmmm...How safe do you feel in your bed at night?
And yet, there's another reason to keep your eyes on the skies. Albert, whose been hibernating for a couple of months (he is a black bear, after all), became a bit restless recently. I think it's the weather. It hasn't been much of a winter. Anyway, he told me a story last night. It's a legend among the bears, that they originally came to this planet from space. The legend goes, that they were trying to escape from an extremely hostile race of aliens that were intent upon exterminating all other life forms wherever they found them. Most of the bears have forgotten this legend over time, according to Albert, who got it from an ancient bear he met down in Arkansas, or someplace down south. Because, of course, none of the original bears who escaped from their home planet are alive today. All that remains of the race of bears were born here, on this planet.
Dangerous times, my friends (as they all are, actually). If a drone doesn't shoot a missile into your living room because you flipped it off, it just might be possible that a homicidal race of aliens could stumble across our planet and wipe out all earthly life.
So, I believe I have brightened your day enough for the time being. But it might be in your best interest to keep watching the wide open space above your head. And, the next time you look up at the stars at night, make sure that they are unmoving, as good stars should be.
And yet, there's another reason to keep your eyes on the skies. Albert, whose been hibernating for a couple of months (he is a black bear, after all), became a bit restless recently. I think it's the weather. It hasn't been much of a winter. Anyway, he told me a story last night. It's a legend among the bears, that they originally came to this planet from space. The legend goes, that they were trying to escape from an extremely hostile race of aliens that were intent upon exterminating all other life forms wherever they found them. Most of the bears have forgotten this legend over time, according to Albert, who got it from an ancient bear he met down in Arkansas, or someplace down south. Because, of course, none of the original bears who escaped from their home planet are alive today. All that remains of the race of bears were born here, on this planet.
Dangerous times, my friends (as they all are, actually). If a drone doesn't shoot a missile into your living room because you flipped it off, it just might be possible that a homicidal race of aliens could stumble across our planet and wipe out all earthly life.
So, I believe I have brightened your day enough for the time being. But it might be in your best interest to keep watching the wide open space above your head. And, the next time you look up at the stars at night, make sure that they are unmoving, as good stars should be.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Going South
For something to go south is NOT a good thing. Unless you happen to be going to Disney Land from further north. So, when I say my cold went south, it means it got worse. But having learned from experience, I made an appointment with my Doctor as quickly as I could, and started antibiotic treatment right after. With the help of some strong cough syrup, I am able to get enough sleep to survive. I won't be jogging for at least a few more days, maybe longer, but I will live. And that seems to be a good thing.
During this period of illness, I have managed to do some reading, and to watch the last Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part II. Twice, in fact. Being laid up (recuperating) can make one (in this case, me) stir-crazy, but when one (again, me) doesn't feel well, and has no energy, going out to play is simply out of the question.
I did make it to the Library today, and had a truly marvelous time. Really. Although it took just about all the energy I had, I plan on doing it all over again tomorrow. God willing, and the creek don't rise (an expression). At least it's something to look forward to.
Anyhow, I reckon I'll live for another day. And when you come right down to it, what more can one ask? Ok, maybe a few good friends. And I have to tell you, without the wonderful friends I have (and probably don't deserve), life would be a much greater hardship.
To all my friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
During this period of illness, I have managed to do some reading, and to watch the last Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part II. Twice, in fact. Being laid up (recuperating) can make one (in this case, me) stir-crazy, but when one (again, me) doesn't feel well, and has no energy, going out to play is simply out of the question.
I did make it to the Library today, and had a truly marvelous time. Really. Although it took just about all the energy I had, I plan on doing it all over again tomorrow. God willing, and the creek don't rise (an expression). At least it's something to look forward to.
Anyhow, I reckon I'll live for another day. And when you come right down to it, what more can one ask? Ok, maybe a few good friends. And I have to tell you, without the wonderful friends I have (and probably don't deserve), life would be a much greater hardship.
To all my friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Xin Nian Kuai Le! or, Happy New Year!
It's a new year, and I don't know about you, but I'm still alive. Kind of amazing really. Anyway, nothing terribly exciting has been happening. Same ol', same ol'. Still never have enough time, what with taking Mandarin lessons from a pretty (and married) young Chinese woman in a laundromat, among other things. Yep, in a laundromat. That's what I said. The other things? Well, I'm still tutoring Esol (English as another language) at the Library 6 to 7 hours a week. And to quite a wild bunch of Chinese, Haitians, & South Americans.
And of course, there's Eddie, my wonderful cockatiel companion with a male pattern baldness problem. Not that he minds. His only real concerns are being fed, getting lots of head rubs, and yelling into the telephone whenever he gets the chance.
My other companion, Albert, who happens to be a black bear, is at this moment hibernating in one of my larger closets. Before the hibernating thing overtook him, he was busy traveling trying to scare and intimidate as many Republicans as he could through the South and West. But he finally called it quits, at least for the time being. He made some comment about it there being too many of "those stupid idiots" for him to eat. That's the best I can do translating from bear language.
Anyroad, right now I'm suffering some type of cold virus, or sinus infection. Just been laying around the house the last couple of days, watching bad tv, drinking lots of herbal (and some green) tea, and sucking on Hall's cough drops. Can't really complain though, this is the first cold I've had this Winter season. If you can call this a Winter.
I hope y'all are doing just fine, and finding as much enjoyment in life as you are able. Remember, if the Mayans are right, the world ends this December 21st. So make a point of doing all those things you been wanting to, just in case.
No matter whether you celebrated the western New Year on January 1st, or the Chinese New Year on January 23rd, a very Happy New Year to you.
And of course, there's Eddie, my wonderful cockatiel companion with a male pattern baldness problem. Not that he minds. His only real concerns are being fed, getting lots of head rubs, and yelling into the telephone whenever he gets the chance.
My other companion, Albert, who happens to be a black bear, is at this moment hibernating in one of my larger closets. Before the hibernating thing overtook him, he was busy traveling trying to scare and intimidate as many Republicans as he could through the South and West. But he finally called it quits, at least for the time being. He made some comment about it there being too many of "those stupid idiots" for him to eat. That's the best I can do translating from bear language.
Anyroad, right now I'm suffering some type of cold virus, or sinus infection. Just been laying around the house the last couple of days, watching bad tv, drinking lots of herbal (and some green) tea, and sucking on Hall's cough drops. Can't really complain though, this is the first cold I've had this Winter season. If you can call this a Winter.
I hope y'all are doing just fine, and finding as much enjoyment in life as you are able. Remember, if the Mayans are right, the world ends this December 21st. So make a point of doing all those things you been wanting to, just in case.
No matter whether you celebrated the western New Year on January 1st, or the Chinese New Year on January 23rd, a very Happy New Year to you.
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