Monday, January 31, 2011

Trees and Fiction

So this morning I wake up to find a note on my door from my neighbor. It seems some limbs broke off our very tall and old tree and landed in her driveway, just missing her car. Oops! The thing is that we cleared out this tree a lot last year. It's just that it's so tall. I'm not sure what we're going to do. Tree trimming really isn't in my budget right now.

I'd rather think about writing more of my fan fiction, which has been slightly on hold for a week or two as I work to pay off my Black Friday indulgences (that'll be the one and only time I'll ever do that ... well, maybe).

My fan fiction website is pretty basic. I try to keep it decently attractive, but I must admit that I'm not an expert. I think it takes both creativity and patience.

Okay, well now I'm off to get things done (I hope). Smiles, all!

Verbs and Proper Names

Isn't this a kick? When they came out with the new words and such at the beginning of the year, they also listed 5 words that were used incorrectly. One of these was 'google' as in "I googled it" and "Just google and you'll find what you need."

I have actually laughed at this all year because, yes, I use Google as a verb. I consider it to be like kleenex which was once just a brand name, or Band-Aid, or Q-Tips. These were all brand names that ended up becoming 'one' with the product itself.

In my opinion, the dictionary and word people need to get with the program. Google has expanded. It's a proper name for the business, but it's also a verb, as an action, as in "I google most every day."

Hope everyone is having a great day. The weather has cleared up. I ran a bunch of errands this morning and now am watching The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on DVD.

Monday, January 17, 2011

5-0, CHiPs, and Games Galore

I just finished watching tonight's episode of Hawaii 5-0, and my favorite part was the tag which had Steve and Danny watching a CHiPs marathon on TV and each of them vying to be Ponch. Erik Estrada must love this episode.

Actually, I think it's neat that they had this kind of show. It's actually very realistic in how it was handled, and it was fun to watch. I still say Scott Caan has stolen the show from Alex O'Loughlin.

Anyone a bingo fan out there? I have to admit that I don't play online at bingo sites, but I've always loved to play bingo. We used to play it at home a lot.

I love games like that -- Monopoly, Scrabble, Go to the Head of the Class. Oh, and Yahtzee. How about Battleship? I used to play that with a neighbor all the time.

My grandparents loved card games like Canasta and other board games like Chinese Checkers. I admit I love that game a lot.

I guess I'm feeling a little nostalgic, but there's nothing wrong with that!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Custom cards and Shanks Independence

I was going through some things recently and found some old business cards I'd had printed up. You know, I love business cards, even if you don't really have a business. Years ago, a friend and I made some up just as a joke for a friend. I guess that started it. I've made up all kinds of cards in the years since to use for my collecting and groups that I was a part of it.  I've used real photographs, pre-printed designs that the printer had available, and even created a few pieces of artwork, primitive as they might be. Those were the days!

I've been watching Stargate SG-1 and having memory flashbacks. ThisTV is airing the 2-part Evolution show. I remember that it was the weekend between the filming of Part 1 and Part 2 that I first met Michael Shanks, who played Daniel Jackson on the series. There was a big deal at this convention over whether or not he was going to come clean shaven or not. He had actually been told not to shave because of the nature of the storyline, but he also knew his fans at the time preferred him clean shaven. That time, he chose us and dealt with the producers when he got back.

That's Michael -- very independent, very stubborn, very much his own person. You just never know what he'll do next. :}

Friday, January 14, 2011

It's Almost Time for NASCAR and F1

Racing is about to kick off again for NASCAR over at Daytona in Florida. I'm hoping for a good season, but I'm already sick of hearing about Jimmie Johnson, and I actually haven't read a thing about him. I just don't like the guy, and he may be a good driver, but he's a lousy teammate. My goal for 2011 is to ignore him as much as possible when the season begins and focus on the drivers who are both great drivers and great teammates -- Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards.

Formula 1 will kick off soon enough, too. The Speed Channel is actually going to air their F1 coverage in HD this year. They have all but four of the races as I recall, so there will be a lot of viewing possible.

For me, NASCAR is the more exciting and entertaining of the two circuits. F1 is getting better, but they still have a ways to go in getting the 'race' into their racing.

Redemption and Girl Scout Cookies

I just heard the neatest story on the news. A convenience store owner (it's a gas station and convenience store) had a young man come into his store earlier this month. The young man handed over a note that essentially said that as a teenager, he'd robbed from the store practically every day. He said he'd changed now, that he'd become a Christian, and that he felt compelled to do the right thing. So, along with the note, he handed the owner $200 which is what he'd valued his thefts at. The owner was impressed, accepted the money, and wished the young man well. That note now resides on the counter for current teenagers to see, to realize they do have a future and that stealing isn't necessary. Isn't that a great story? Way to go to the young man making good on his past mistakes.

I also heard that the Girl Scouts have new packaging for one of their cookie offerings this year. I'm not sure why they didn't do it for all of them. I don't really think the American public would have rebelled at the new, more eco-style packaging. Rather, I think it's worth applause. Now if only the price were affordable. Unfortunately, cost has made them out of my league now.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

More on Today

The rainy drizzle has stopped, allowing the dogs some time outside, and I'm still watching Here's Lucy and enjoying it, but I decided to come back and ramble some more about today's happenings.

Lately, my browser is crashing a lot and I haven't been able to figure out why. It's really frustrating. One of the things I did to try to eliminate problems was make sure that all of my extensions and plug ins are up to date. All but two were, and I don't think those are responsible. I need to figure this out, though.

While looking around, I came upon Java PDF. I wish I'd found it earlier because my sister has been looking for exactly this kind of information. Better late than never, I suppose. I've been curious about how to make PDFs, too. Maybe now I'll learn.

For those wondering, my hands are a lot better, but there's still some lingering redness, though very light, and the itcy scaliness is still around but nowhere near what it was at its worst. I had no idea it would take so long to get totally over that contact dermatitis. Part of me wonders if I've developed some little something about dust. I just emptied out the dust trap or whatever you call it for the dryer and it feels like my hands have reacted to that a little. Weird.

Until next time, smile!

Rain, Photos, and Here's Lucy

Its drizzling rain today which is better than when it pours. Still, I actually have gotten a lot done, tossing out some trash, doing some housecleaning, and making calls to people saying 'take me off the mailing lists.' Honestly, there is just too much junk mail out there. The poor trees.

While going through some things, I ended up looking at photos and remembering some fun times in the past. I really feel lucky to have had some treasured experiences -- a couple of great cruises, lots of celebrity events, meeting and sharing time with Patrick Swayze, having some fun at conventions with Michael Shanks, traveling around the USA, and so much more. Having the pictures to look back on is just awesome.

The photo world has changed a lot now, too. These days photo printing is more technological, sharp, and easier in some aspects. Remember all of those 35mm rolls of film? I still have some, but I'm not sure there is any place to get them developed anymore. Everything is digital now it seems.

Off I go to watch more of Here's Lucy, a show I haven't seen in years now. I'm really enjoying it, though.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Brown Takes Away Cell Phones and other News

It's been an interesting news day in California, and it began with Governor Jerry Brown signing the order to take away roughly 48,000 cell phones from state employees. He even turned in his own phone. I love this. I'm all for it, and the move to reduce the driver's pool. It's time the state government learned how to operate like the rest of us. I suspect that all of their car use isn't necessary, not in this age of videoconferencing and other technology.

Go Jerry!

Then there was the report about the smart meter issue. It really didn't conclude anything, though. Requested by a couple of politicians in response to complaints, the report said there wasn't a correlation between the meters and health issues reported by homeowners. At the same time, it said more study was necessary.

Now that was waste of energy, in more ways than one.

And Michael Douglas says his tumor is gone. I'm not a fan per se, but for anyone, this is good news. I also hope that he moves forward in becoming a better father to his son, who really needs a dad who is present in his life.

Congratulations, Michael.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Swayze Checks, More SG-1, and Just Rambling

It's the wee hours and I couldn't sleep so I got up to surf around on the computer while watching some classic shows on DVD. Right now I have Branded on. That was the 2 year military western series that starred Chuck Connors. It's pretty good.

Part of my surfing earlier was for office supplies and equipment. I was just looking to see what was out there, for things like file folders, notebooks, and checks. It's the kind of thing you have to stay on top of to make sure you don't run out.

I love getting customized personal checks, too. I have had all kinds during my life. I had ones with Patrick Swayze on them for a time. Those made for great conversation pieces. Of course, there have been some scenic checks and dog ones, too. It just gives paying the bills some pizzazz.

A few other odds and ins: the dogs are getting used to their new outdoor automatic water filler, and that's making me happy big time. I saw two fun episodes of Stargate SG-1 tonight. I really do miss that show when it was at its best. Finally, it's still cold as can be -- low 40's during the day. Brrrr!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Brrrr, it's Cold!

I am so glad that I don't live in the snow trodden areas of the country. I can't imagine what that would be like. It's cold enough here where it's low 50's during the the day and in the 30's at night. The good news is that this cold won't last long.

I'm watching an old western on DVD right now. It's called The Restless Gun. I've only just seen one episode until now. John Payne is the star. He's probably best known as the lawyer and romantic lead for Maureen O'Hara in Miracle on 34th Street. I haven't seen enough yet to see if I like it.

What I do like are automatic water feeders. Why didn't I try these out before? What a convenient item to have. I acquired one for the dogs for inside the house over the holidays and that has been so terrific that I just got them one for outside. They are still getting used to that one, but they are using it. This makes me a happy camper.

Speaking of happy campers, it's been fun to see some of the vintage year episodes of Stargate SG-1 on the SyFy again. I saw Enemy Mine the other day and just roared when Jack told Daniel to go to his happy place.

Have a great day!

 
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