Birds

This cinquain style poem was inspired by a photograph taken by Lee at Photographing the Days. I did not want to steal Lee's thunder so I used the picture above from MorgueFile as an illustration only. Please click through and take a look at the photograph Lee took here, it is simple but moving. Thanks Lee for the inspiration.

Birds

by Brian, the old man

Birds

Feathered, Black

Waking, Sitting, Singing

Majestically sharing morning sky

Birds

Jeff Dunham and Walter

Alone at Sunset

I offer this poem to all of those who are alone.

Alone at Sunset
By Brian, the old man


As I sit beside the ocean’s shore
And watch the setting sun
I ponder things about my life
Am I the only one?

Not a soul in sight that I can see
I sit here all alone
The emptiness of God’s green earth
Not a thing to hear me moan.

What can I do to make me whole
And make things seem alright
I turn to God and cry to Him
Why can’t You see my plight?

I know it’s wrong to question You
About these things I fear
Help me let go and trust in You
Give you the wheel to steer.

I look upon the setting sun
In awe of Your great scene
The colors are so beautiful
The water looks so clean

You help me know, You’re there with me
My faith grows more each day
I give to You my heart and soul
For All these things, I pray.

Atlanta Flood - Red Cross Relief Telethon

The American Red Cross is seeking donations for their Disaster Relief Fund for Atlanta flood victims. More rain is expected in the area today. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families in need.

You can participate in 11Alive News Red Cross Relief Telethon to make your donation over the phone at 678-422-8466.

You can donate online by following this link to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

You can also visit 11Alive News for donations and continuing news and coverage.

School Scenarios 1957 vs 2007

Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up mates.

2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good caning by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbour's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normally, goes to university, and becomes a successful businessman.

2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their Dad goes to prison. Billy's Mum has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school .

1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal.

2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro gets extra tuition, passes English, goes to University.

2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. Class action lawsuit filed by anti discrimination commissioner against Education Dept and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers, puts them in a model aeroplane paint bottle, blows up an ant bed.

1957 - Ants die.

2007 - Local police & AFP called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, parents investigated, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during morning tea and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in prison while Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Water Found on the Moon

What was once thought of as a ball of dust and desolation, the surface of the moon has more water on it than anyone ever knew. Water is the critical element which makes it possible to live on the moon for extended periods of time and could be the stepping stone to other planetary exploration. Also, the water’s molecules can be broken down to Hydrogen and Oxygen to make fuel.

The samples which were brought back from past lunar missions had trace water amounts but everyone assumed this was due to the seals on the containers. However satellites orbiting the moon have found ice on the surface amounting to billions of gallons of water. This is a phenomenal breakthrough since each gallon of water costs $80,000 to launch into space.

The distribution of water is at high latitudes toward the poles. The terrain of the moon makes it difficult to get to the water. This means that NASA will have to complete and have a successful land rover to be able to traverse the surface and be able to drive long distances. You can learn more about this in the National Geographic video below.

In a few weeks, NASA plans to crash a rocket into the moon where a satellite can measure precisely what it kicks up.

Today’s NASA image is a Mineralogy Mapper of the Moon and can be found in the sidebar at the end of this page.

Oldman's Cantankerous Words of Wisdom II

Today I offer some more of my sarcastic, cantankerous, ironical, cynical, contemptuous words of wisdom I have collected from various places.

1. Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.


2. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.


3. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.


4. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.


5. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.


6. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.


7. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.


8. Love is grand; divorce is a hundred grand.


9. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.


10. Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.


11. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.


12. There is always death and taxes; however death doesn't get worse every year.


13. I am having an out of money experience.


14. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.


15. It's easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.


16. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.


17. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.


18. Anything free is worth what you pay for it.


19. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.


20. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.


21. I always wanted to be a procrastinator, never got around to it.


22. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.


23. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.


24. A closed mouth gathers no foot.


25. I am a nutritional overachiever.


26. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.


27. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.


28. If marriage were outlawed, only outlaws would have in-laws.


29. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.


30. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.


31. The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.


32. Never miss a good chance to shut up.


33. One of life's mysteries is how a two pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds.


34. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night


35. Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.


36. Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?


37. Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.


38. An optimist thinks that this is the best possible world. A pessimist fears that this is true.


39. People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them that Benjamin Franklin said it first.


40. I don't mind going nowhere as long as it's an interesting path.


41. Indecision is the key to flexibility.


42. It hurts to be on the cutting edge.


43. I don't get even, I get odder.


44. In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.


45. Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.


46. My inferiority complex is not as good as yours.


47. I plan on living forever. So far, so good.


48. Not afraid of heights - afraid of widths.


49. Practice safe eating - always use condiments.


50. I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.


51. Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.


52. You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.


53. It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.


54. Age doesn't always bring wisdom, sometimes age comes alone.

Once more if the idea of not having an even 50 bothers you please remember to take a chisel tip marker and cross out the ones you like the least. But don’t blame me if the line doesn’t move as you scroll your mouse. hAv a Gr8 dAy!

Bottles, Pirates, Cast-Aways and Genies

Treasure Along the Beach

by Brian, the old man


As I search for treasure
Along the ocean shore
I run across a bottle
I hoped for something more


It looks so old and dirty
And has a simple form
I wonder where it came from
When dragged in from the storm


I wonder if a pirate
Had used it for his rum
Or placed a map within it
Pointing to a king’s ransom


I try to see inside it
The glass is full of fog
Could be from a lost sailor
Got hung up in the bog


Or maybe if I clean it
From swimming with the fish
I will find a genie
To grant my every wish


My fantasy is over
I’ll set it on my shelf
The skull looks good next to it
If I do say so myself

Thanks to my friend Carrie at Prompt Romp for inspiring me with the Image from Wikipedia Commons above.

Atlanta Flooding: Gov. Purdue Declares State of Emergency

Governor Sonny Purdue has declared a State of Emergency for 17 Georgia Counties. He reports three major Interstates were closed, one has been reopened. Asks citizens to stay home and keep safe. Seven residents have been confirmed dead including one little boy. Though President Obama has been unavailable, Governor Purdue has asked for President Obama for a Declaration of Emergency. This will guarantee victims have a place to go as there homes are repaired or replaced where the people will not be displaced. He reports seeing some homes with water up to rooftops stating that homes can be replaced but we can never reclaim the lives that were lost. He reported seeing a house burning while the fire trucks there to help were submerged. He states that there is a huge state wide effort to handle this emergency. There is a water supply shortage in several counties, Stevens County water supply should be back on today. Carrol County is still under a water boiling order. Governor Purdue stated to keep safe and asks Georgians to rise to the occasion. He again reminded everyone to stay safe and stay secure. He thanked neighbors for helping neighbors and communities for helping communities.

The Battle of the Sexes

I could no longer put it off sharing these humorous points in the battle of the sexes.

I hope this puts a smile on your face and a giggle in your heart.

Maturity:
Women mature much faster than men. Most 17-year-old females can function as adults. Most 17-year-old males are still trading baseball cards and giving each other wedgies after gym class. This is why high school romances rarely work.

Comedy:
Let's say a small group of men and women are in a room, watching television, and an episode of "The Three Stooges" comes on. Immediately, the men will get very excited; they will laugh uproariously, and even try to imitate the actions of Curly, man's favorite stooge. The women will roll their eyes and groan and wait it out.

Handwriting:
To their credit, men do not decorate their penmanship, they just chicken-scratch. Women use scented colored stationary and they dot their "i's" with circles and hearts. Women use ridiculously large loops in their "p's" and "g's". It is a royal pain to read a note from a woman. Even when she's dumping you, she'll put a smiley face at the end of the note.

Bathrooms:
A man has at most six items in his bathroom - a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of Dial soap, and a towel from the Holiday Inn. The average number of items in a typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

Groceries:
A woman makes a list of things she needs and then goes to the store and buys these things. A man waits till the only items left in his fridge are half a lemon and something turning green. Then he goes grocery shopping. He buys everything that looks good. By the time a man reaches the checkout counter, his cart is packed tighter than the Clampett's car on Beverly Hillbillies. Of course, this will not stop him from going to the 10-items-or-less lane.

Going out:
When a man says he is ready to go out, it means he is ready to go out. When a woman says she is ready to go out, it means she will be ready to go out, as soon as she finds her other earring, finishes putting on her makeup...

Cats:
Women love cats. Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.

Mirrors:
Men are vain; they will check themselves out in the mirror. Women are ridiculous; they will check out their reflections in any shiny surface--mirrors, spoons, store windows, toasters, and Joe Garagiola's head.

Menopause:
When a woman reaches menopause, she goes through a variety of complicated emotional, psychological, and biological changes. The nature and degree of the changes varies with the individual. Menopause in a man provokes a uniform reaction--he buys aviator glasses, a snazzy French cap and leather driving gloves, and goes shopping for a Porsche.

The Telephone:
Men see the telephone as a communications tool. They use the telephone to send short messages to other people. A woman can visit her girlfriend for two weeks, and upon returning home, she will call the same friend and they will talk for three hours.

Directions:
If a woman is out driving and she finds herself in unfamiliar surroundings, she will stop at a gas station and ask for directions. Men consider this to be a sign of weakness. Men will never stop and ask for directions. Men will drive in a circle for hours, all the while saying things like, "Looks like I've found a new way to get there", and, "I know I'm in the neighborhood. I recognize that White Hen store".

Admitting Mistakes:
Women will sometimes admit making a mistake. The last man who admitted that he was wrong was Gen. George Custer.

Offspring:
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and soccer games and romances and best friends and favorite foods and secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

Dressing up:
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage answer the phone, read a book, get the mail. A man will dress up for: weddings, funerals.

Laundry:
Women do laundry every couple of days. A man will wear every article of clothing he owns, including his surgical pants that were hip about eight years ago, before he will do the laundry. When he is finally out of clothes, he will wear a dirty sweatshirt inside out, rent a U-Haul and take his mountain of clothes to the Laundromat. Men always expect to meet beautiful women at the Laundromat. This is a myth.

Weddings:
When reminiscing about weddings, women talk about "the ceremony". Men talk about "the bachelor party".

Socks:
Men wear sensible socks. They wear standard white sweat socks. Women wear strange socks. They are cut way below the ankles, have pictures of clouds on them, and have a big fuzzy ball on the back.

Toys:
Little girls love to play with toys. Then, when they reach the age of 11 or 12, they lose interest. Men never grow out of their obsession with toys. As they older, their toys simply become more expensive and impractical. Examples of men's toys: little miniature TV's, car phones, complicated juicers and blenders, graphic equalizers, small robots that serve cocktails on command, video games, anything that blinks, beeps, and requires at least six "D" batteries to operate.

Plants:
A woman asks a man to water her plants while she is on vacation. The man waters the plants. The woman comes home five days later, to an apartment full of dead plants. No one knows why this happens.

The Man's Remote

These images and antidotes were taken from various emails I have received. If you know, Please let me know of their origin and I will gladly give them credit.

Driftwood Horses

These pics are incredible! These sculptures are done by Heather Jansch who lives and works in Westcountry of England. She builds horses out of the scrap driftwood they find. Not only are they beautiful but they are using what Mother Nature has left behind to create another form of art. She has a wonderful talent. Visit her website here.

Blue Roses

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's no detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my store run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old.. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal."

"Hal, like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of some one's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then.

I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion but I sure love living in God's garden."

Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE don't turn your head and walk off, take the time to smile and say Hello. Because by the grace of GOD this mother could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew.

What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!!!

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

I received this from a friend in an email. It brought a tear to my eye and I just had to share it with you. If you know who is the original author please let me know so I can gladly give credit to them.

Image is taken from Wikipeida Commons attributed to Noumenon here.

Friendship Contract

One of my contacts was asking about how to draw up a friendship contract. I thought this was an excellent idea especially for people are moving, for students at the end of the year, as a New Years Pledge or just something fun for friends to do. She was looking for something for her friends to sign saying they will keep in touch with her but she wanted it to sound official like the real ones. Here is what I designed. I hope it is something you like and enjoy getting your friends to sign.

You can access this image for a large pic on my Flickr at http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3929212331_4ec69d3b11_o.jpg

Little Girl Throws Back a Foul Ball

This is too cute. @MLB Last night NBC Philidelphia reports a Phillies fan caught a foul ball in the upper deck, gave it to his little girl and she threw it back. Here is the video.



To read the story at NBC Philidelphia's website click here.

For Selected Strange Minded People

Only great minds can read this.

This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs?

Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.



i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs psas it anolg in an eimal unisg the epvenole iocn bleow.
Tnhak You!

Another Late Night on the Net

Another Late Night on the Net

By Brian, the old man

Late nights on the Net

I’ll never regret

But I am so tired

I’m no longer wired

Looking at links

But everything stinks

Tried recipes for food

I’m not in the mood

For the links that I click

Are making me sick

Gave Facebook a try

Naught a thing caught my eye

Had Twitter in sight

It’s too slow tonight

Thought I’d read mail

But found no good tale

Then thought I would look

To find a good book

Though nothing I see

Looks worth it to me

I’ll just go to bed

And lie down my head

To dream and to soar

And have a good snore

The Kitchen Sink

Many times I have heard the expression, “everything but the kitchen sink.” This tends to mean everything under the sun or every possible object whether it is needed or not. I have heard it in conversation for example that a store has everything but the kitchen sink or in moving be sure to take everything but the kitchen sink. But why did they pick the kitchen sink? They could have just as easily picked just about anything, “everything but the lamp” or “everything but the toilet”, could have easily been used. Well, the lamp wouldn’t have worked because it is easy to take. This expression became popular in the late 1940’s after WWII. The sink was difficult to carry out because it is connected to pipes and usually bolted down. So they could have said the toilet but I guess people don’t really like to talk about the toilet so the sink would have to suffice.

I guess the problem I have with the kitchen sink is not the sink at all. It is the dishes that are the problem. Having to wash and dry dishes can be a pain in the neck, and back, and legs, and ###, we won’t say that word. The invention of the dishwasher is a wonderful thing. Now all they need to do is invent something that will load the dishwasher and put the clean dishes away.

Of course what is really irritating are not the dishes but people letting the dirty dishes build up in the sink or leaving chunks of food on their plates for others to have to scrape it off into the garbage. Personally, I like to do all of the dishes for the day at one time. Of course for me, one days worth of dishes does not even come close to filling up the dishwasher so I load the dishwasher once a day after dinner. I like to rinse the dishes off before I put them into the dishwasher. I don’t trust the machine to do the work. I find if I do, I end up having to clean them a second time because I will find small food particles on them. I know some dishwashers are better than others so you do what you want to do. I’m just ranting here.

So why am I talking about the kitchen sink. That’s easy, because when I first started writing this blog I said it would include everything including the kitchen sink. So this is it, my article to include the kitchen sink. Don’t you like the pretty pictures? LOL they are not pictures of my sink, I have one of those standard stainless steel double-sided sinks. It has a garbage disposal on one side but doesn’t have a sprayer; I wish it did. Luckily, it is really easy for me to keep up the sink now that I am healthier (see below) and don’t have problems like I mentioned here with people and their dirty dishes, I used to and it can be really frustrating. So, go do the dishes and have a great day!

(Read OLDMANBLURTSOUT™ to follow my Journey to a Happier and Healthier Lifestyle.)

The Superior Scribbler Award

Carrie at Cogito Ergo Scribit has passed along to me the Superior Scribbler Award. This marks the first award that Oldman's Cantankerous Point of View™ has recieved. Thanks Carrie! I truly feel honored.

Award:
The Superior Scribbler

1. Each Superior Scribbler, must in turn, pass the Award on to 5 most-deserving bloggy buds.

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and name of the blog from whom he/she has received the Award.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display the Award on his/her blog and link to this post which explains the Award.

4. Each blogger who wins the Award must visit this post and add his or her name to the Mr. Linky List at the Scholastic-Scribe's blog. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who wins this prestigious Award!

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

According to the rules, I hereby pass this prestigious award to the following bloggers.

Mari at Dzmari Photoblog

Tim at Live Smart

Barbara at Melancholy Musings

CK0712 at Football News from a Chick

Erich at WorldView Conversation

Meet Me in the Stairwell

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Goodbye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK ... I am ready to go." I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe on Me now."

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was with the Firefighters, the Police Officers, the Emergency Workers. I was there, watching each brave step they took.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take My hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go." I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

~~~ God ~~~

Written by: Stacey Randall

I originally received this in an email but after research I found that it was written by Stacey Randall. I reprint it here on this anniversary of that horrible event in honor of those who died and for their families. Please take the time to take a moment and pray for them and for our country. Also, I ask that you fly your flag proudly today in remembrance of all who have given their lives for our freedom. Thank you.

No. 9, Time for Baseball & Beatles

The day for celebrating MLB and the Beatles has arrived; today is 9/9/9. It is a wonderful day. Baseball has always been my favorite sport and I have always loved the Beatles. It is difficult for me to write this article because I really could talk for hours on both subjects. I will therefore limit my conversation to my most memorable experiences.

Baseball has always been a passion of mine. I grew to love the sport as a child. My father and uncle use to take me to see the Boston Red Sox as a child. We lived in Connecticut but they were our favorite team. I loved the peanuts at the park, they were better somehow. In fact, when I wasn’t able to go my uncle made sure to always bring me a bag home from the game. My favorite player was Carl Yastrzemski. I was only seven at the time when in 1967, he led the Sox, yes to me they are the one and only Sox, to winning the American League pennant for the first time in two decades. That year he was voted the American League MVP. It is hard for me to believe even after all of this time he was the last player to win the batting Triple Crown. I was excited in 1989 when he was voted into the Hall of Fame, an honor he definitely deserves.

We moved to Georgia when I was eleven and though the Atlanta Braves were struggling back then I shortly became a fan. I can remember Chief Knockahoma dancing up high in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium cheering them on. During those days we were lucky to have the bat of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron to keep our spirits high. We always sat on the lower level on the first base side between the base and the foul pole. Still to this day it is my favorite place to sit except for the one time I got to sit right behind home plate but that is another story.

I remember in 1973 thinking Aaron was going to break Babe Ruth’s record only to be disappointed and having to wait another year. And then came April 1974, opening day in Atlanta. History recounts it as a cold night but all I can remember is the excitement. He walked on his first at bat to my dismay. I was anxious for him to break the record. Then in the fourth inning, as Downing threw his fastball Hammerin’ Hank cracked his bat for homerun 715 breaking the long time standing record. I can remember the crowd going wild and fans running out on to the field to run the bases with their hero. It was such a glorious moment for us all. It still brings a tear to my eye as I sit and write about this account. Little did we know at the time that he had also broken May’s National League record of 2062 career runs; we were too wrapped up in the moment and it wasn’t until the sportscaster announced it on the radio that we became aware of that milestone. Hank Aaron will always remain one of my heroes. He brought me many hours of joy in my childhood. I have included a video honoring Hammerin’ Hank and that day below.

As for the Beatles, I am still to this day a huge fan. I remember the day when John Lennon was shot. I can remember the time He and Yoko spent in bed to demonstrate for peace. I can remember the rumors of Paul being dead and playing Revolution No. 9 backwards to hear those words. So many signs were rumored about his death from his bare feet on Abbey Road to the rumors of the lookalike contest where Billy Spears took his place. They were a great group that offered a wide variety of music. Honestly, as I said above I could talk for hours about this subject but instead I will leave you with a couple of videos for your enjoyment. Be sure to record and play Revolution No. 9 backwards to hear that Paul is dead.

You can read MLB’s article, Baseball revolves around the number nine, for more information about baseball and the number nine by clicking on the title. The Beatles reference to the number nine is entirely from the mystique surrounding the song Revolution No. 9 and the rumors of Paul McCartney’s death.

Have a wonderful day celebrating the day of the number nine! Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, …

All we are saying is give peace a chance. ~ John Lennon

My Cantankerous Scale of 1 to 10

We’ve all seen numerous questions in our lives asking for our opinions based on a scale of one to ten. In grade school and high school we were asking questions like “How much do you like me? How pretty am I? As adults we are asked to rate how the service was at the local restaurant or how much we agree with this statement or that. We don’t seek out these questions; we are usually prompted for our opinions (unless you are one of those people who believe you can get rich answering survey questions). They offer guidelines of what the numbers are supposed to represent like we don’t already know that 1 means bad and 10 good. Of course there are those that like to switch them around so you get confused which is bad and which is good. Well, below I offer my guidelines to these ratings.

ONE - If something is a one I’m not wasting my time answering the question anyways so why even include it in the scale. If it is a question that I have to answer because I was stupid enough to start taking some stupid survey in the first place all of the questions I answer start becoming ones. Especially if it is one of those surveys that never seem to end then I just start putting 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1…

TWO – Let’s face it, if something is a two, I’m giving it a one. You might as well just remove this number from the choices. There are no twos. Twos are for those sissy people that feel bad about rating a one a one.

THREE – That’s a good BAD number. That’s a number that tells them you really think it’s not that good. Of course if you are the one wanting the results you should count all threes as ones.

FOUR – This is a number to use when answering something you really don’t care about but it is leaning on the bad side; FOUR is the same as SIX with bad connotations.

FIVE – This is the number for wishy-washy people who can’t make up their minds and for questions you really could care less about.

SIX – This is a number to use when answering something you really don’t care about but it is leaning on the good side; SIX is the same as FOUR with bad connotations. WOW, it is the opposite of four, same wording and everything. Bet you didn’t see that coming.

SEVEN – Now we are starting to get into the meat of the numbering system. Most things we are asked to rate end up on the good side. I believe this is because in school we really don’t use the lower numbers in our grading system. Let’s face it, there are A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s and F’s and we have been conditioned that anything below a SIX is failure at its best. So when rating something a seven we are basically stating what we are rating is average. Not especially outstanding but of good quality.

EIGHT – GOOD, that’s what it means. It is above average and we like what we see. There can be some improvement made but it stands on its own and is of acceptable performance. There is no ambiguity here, good means good.

NINE – This is for those things that are excellent and outstanding. The word exceptional comes to mind. It really can be considered the highest number on the scale because most things in life are not perfect.

TEN – Simply means FANTABULOUS. It is something that is orgasmic, makes your mouth water and leaves you wanting more. Caution, tens can lead to obsession.

In conclusion, I leave you with these definitions.

ONE = BAD, NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
TWO = ONE
THREE = ONE
FOUR = FIVE
FIVE = WISHY-WASHY OPINION
SIX = FIVE
SEVEN = AVERAGE
EIGHT = GOOD
NINE = EXCELLENT
TEN = ORGASMIC

Or even more simplistic

ONE = Yucky
FIVE = no opinion
TEN = Yummy

Final pondering of cantankerousness:

Why do we all want to be number one and then say people are tens when they’re great?

Cantankerous Stuff For Sale

Sometimes people place ads and don't really pay attention to what they are saying in them. Grammar and spelling can make the ads take on a whole new meaning. Of course, there are those who are cantankerous and place ads just for the fun of it. These advertisements were taken from newspapers, message boards, notices, signs and various places that people advertise their stuff. I don't think I'll be purchasing anything but they sure bring a smile to my face.

• sign say "I need tickets to the game" and on the other side it says "Tickets for sale!"


• GEORGIA PEACHES California grown - 89 cents/lb.


• craigslist "iPod Tough for sale"


• NORDIC TRACK $300 Hardly used, call Chubby.


• My comments I make and my opinions are my on but there for sale!


• COWS, CALVES : NEVER BRED. Also 1 gay bull for sale.


• My neighbors put their house up for sale. I'm really going to miss their cat


• FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG. Looks like a rat. Been out a while. Better be a big reward.


• One lap kitty for sale - quite fond of digging claws into lap.


• FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.


• For Sale : Parachute. Only used once. Never opened. Small stain.


• 2 WIRE MESH BUTCHERING GLOVES, 1 5-finger, 1 3-finger, PAIR: $15


• Mother for sale. Seriously. I can't take her negativity anymore; I'm barely holding myself together as it were.


• FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER . 8-years old. Hateful little bastard. Bites!


• 4 sale - U have 2 pick it up -- Space Junk - Orbiting junk zooms past space station


• my brother is currently for sale :)


• SNOW BLOWER FOR SALE...ONLY USED ON SNOWY DAYS.


• TICKLE ME ELMO, STILL IN BOX, COMES WITH IT'S OWN 1988 MUSTANG, 5L, AUTO, EXCELLENT CONDITION $6800


• Lost: small apricot poodle. Reward. Neutered. Like one of the family.


• TICKLE ME ELMO. NEW IN BOX. HARDLY TICKLED. $700


• A superb and inexpensive restaurant. Fine food expertly served by waitresses in appetizing forms.


• Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00.


• FULL SIZED MATTRESS. 20 YR WARRANTY. LIKE NEW. SLIGHT URINE SMELL.


• For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.


• Tired of cleaning yourself? Let me do it.


• DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR VALENTINE - HAVE YOUR SEPTIC TANK PUMPED.


• Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home, too.


• Wanted: 50 girls for stripping machine operators in factory.


• FREE 1 CAN OF PORK & BEANS WITH PURCHASE OF 3 BR 2 BTH HOME


• Wanted: Unmarried girls to pick fresh fruit and produce at night.


• JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer $300.


• We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand


• FREE PUPPIES.. Mother, AKC German Shepherd. Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.


• WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE Worn once by mistake. Call Stephanie.

And the best one?: LOL....
FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes
Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer. No longer needed.
Got married last month, Wife knows everything..!!!

Hop on Over, I'll Be There for You

I offer this poem to all of those who encourage and support me.

Hop on Over, I'll Be There for You
By Brian, the old man

Bunny Hop
Bunny Go
Along the trail
Off to the show

He hears a sound
Stops on the trail
He hops some more
Into a pail

He is so fat
And round you see
He can't get out
Needs help from me

I gently push
the bucket over
He hops right out
Into the clover

He looks once more
As if to say
Thanks my friend
You made my day

I sit and think
He's fat like me
Glad for friends
To set him free

Friends give me hope
Support my goal
To lose the weight
And make me whole

Like my friends
You make me think
To eat healthy
Watch what I drink

Bunny hop
Bunny go
Thanks my friend
Enjoy the show

Funny Cats

I have always enjoyed the antics of cats. I just had to share this video. These cats are hilarious!