I promise this is not a pompous portrayal of life lessons I’ve learned. Today’s topic is a podcast carried by two charismatic and convivial hosts.
Alliteration aside, Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant never fail to educate and amuse me. Even the occasional boring subject leaves me laughing and learning due to their unique banter. I sometimes feel like we’re all sitting around a kitchen table drinking beer or something. They really bring that much of a conversational approach.
Not long ago, a friend of mine suffered a flea infestation. So I sent her the link to the podcast that discussed how to eradicate them. Some episodes are available on iTunes but the full catalog can be found here:
Stuff You Should Know
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
R is for Robot Chicken
“Robot Chicken” has to be one of the funniest shows on the planet. Of course, I have a twisted sense of humor. Thank heaven, so does Seth Green.
Remember Thunder Cats and Masters of the Universe? These folks animate the toys for hilariously irreverent sketches. Sometimes, the writers pull something out of where the sun don’t shine. One can’t help wondering if controlled substances are a creative tool. One of my favorite skits features a clown funeral.
Yes, you read that right. Don’t think that sounds like an amusing scenario? Try adding a jack-in-the-box coffin.
Yes. They went there.
In that same episode they really upped the tempo, cranking out countless vignettes in a very short amount of time. Thank heaven for the DVR, because we routinely rewind a segment in order to catch all the gags.
The writers are not afraid of offending anybody and they rip on every trope imaginable. If you like to laugh, set your DVR for “Robot Chicken” featured during Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming and prepare to be amused, or maybe appalled.
Honestly, I feel humor is very important to human health. What’s your favorite source of laughter?
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Remember Thunder Cats and Masters of the Universe? These folks animate the toys for hilariously irreverent sketches. Sometimes, the writers pull something out of where the sun don’t shine. One can’t help wondering if controlled substances are a creative tool. One of my favorite skits features a clown funeral.
Yes, you read that right. Don’t think that sounds like an amusing scenario? Try adding a jack-in-the-box coffin.
Yes. They went there.
In that same episode they really upped the tempo, cranking out countless vignettes in a very short amount of time. Thank heaven for the DVR, because we routinely rewind a segment in order to catch all the gags.
The writers are not afraid of offending anybody and they rip on every trope imaginable. If you like to laugh, set your DVR for “Robot Chicken” featured during Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming and prepare to be amused, or maybe appalled.
Honestly, I feel humor is very important to human health. What’s your favorite source of laughter?
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Monday, April 20, 2015
Q is for Zachary Quinto
Zachary Quinto first came to my notice when he portrayed Spock in the 2009 movie “Star Trek”. I’m sure many fellow science fiction geeks are well aware of this. He really does a fantastic job, in my humble opinion. But I’m more of a horror fan than admirer of this rebooted cinematic series.
And Mr. Quinto was amazing as Dr. Oliver Thredson on television’s “American Horror Story: Asylum”. He looked the period part, too, with that black hair all slicked down and the sixties era conservative dark suit and tie. This is shallow, but he made that look sexy.
“AHS: Asylum” is definitely not for the faint of heart. Its introduction showed so many warning letters (TV-MA, L, S, V for the various parental guidelines) that my partner called it alphabet soup. And yet we could hardly wait for each week’s new episode.
Scary themes and dark storylines are somewhat of an addiction, I must admit. Is there a guilty pleasure on your DVR?
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And Mr. Quinto was amazing as Dr. Oliver Thredson on television’s “American Horror Story: Asylum”. He looked the period part, too, with that black hair all slicked down and the sixties era conservative dark suit and tie. This is shallow, but he made that look sexy.
“AHS: Asylum” is definitely not for the faint of heart. Its introduction showed so many warning letters (TV-MA, L, S, V for the various parental guidelines) that my partner called it alphabet soup. And yet we could hardly wait for each week’s new episode.
Scary themes and dark storylines are somewhat of an addiction, I must admit. Is there a guilty pleasure on your DVR?
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Saturday, April 18, 2015
P is for Elizabeth Peña - May You Rest in Peace
Last October, talented actress Elizabeth Peña passed away at age 55. Without going into sad details, I will tell you that this Cuban born actress graced the US entertainment industry for 35 years. She even took a few forays into television directing.
One can only wonder what else she might have accomplished had she lived another twenty years, or even just one more decade.
I first noted this cinematic treasure in the movie “Jacob’s Ladder”. Ms. Peña’s performance inspired me to name a pet cat after her character. The woman’s smoky voice and petite yet mighty presence come to mind clearly as if I watched the film right this minute. Meanwhile, my feline Jezebel’s large attitude emitted from her small, smoke-gray form seems to pay that performance unique homage.
Somehow I never discovered Ms. Peña’s many other large and small screen appearances beyond that 1990 theater release. Clearly some research needs done, whether I seek older releases or those most recent. The majority should be available in some form or another. I’m sure seeing her would be delightful.
If you are a long-time cinefile like me, what favorite character sticks with you?
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One can only wonder what else she might have accomplished had she lived another twenty years, or even just one more decade.
I first noted this cinematic treasure in the movie “Jacob’s Ladder”. Ms. Peña’s performance inspired me to name a pet cat after her character. The woman’s smoky voice and petite yet mighty presence come to mind clearly as if I watched the film right this minute. Meanwhile, my feline Jezebel’s large attitude emitted from her small, smoke-gray form seems to pay that performance unique homage.
Somehow I never discovered Ms. Peña’s many other large and small screen appearances beyond that 1990 theater release. Clearly some research needs done, whether I seek older releases or those most recent. The majority should be available in some form or another. I’m sure seeing her would be delightful.
If you are a long-time cinefile like me, what favorite character sticks with you?
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Friday, April 17, 2015
O is for The Office of Letters and Light - Hosts of National Novel Writing Month
The Office of Letters and Light is the official group that organizes November’s National Novel Writing Month. Having enjoyed it the last few years, I recently learned that freelance writer Chris Baty started the project back in 1999. In that inaugural year, 21 participants in the San Francisco Bay area dove into the challenge.
The next year 140 folks joined in and Mr. Baty personally verified that 29 of them successfully managed to write 50,000 words toward a novel. His dedication impressed me. Then word spread and the movement exploded. About five thousand people registered in 2001.
Now hundreds of thousands of novelists comprise the group. I attended some local write-ins last November and gained a friendly year-round writing group. The charity event called ‘The Night of Writing Dangerously’ in San Franciso seems like a blast.
But if gatherings aren’t your thing (and they usually aren’t mine!), you can find encouragement via forums and Facebook and emails from the NaNoWriMo folks. The pep talks can be really amusing as well as inspiring. As for the event rules, they are simple.
I won’t go into them but will add one more thing. There are no limitations on genre or fictional theme. I met one fellow writing a series of short stories. While that may not be valid to the rules, I hope it will inspire you to join in the fun.
Happy writing!
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The next year 140 folks joined in and Mr. Baty personally verified that 29 of them successfully managed to write 50,000 words toward a novel. His dedication impressed me. Then word spread and the movement exploded. About five thousand people registered in 2001.
Now hundreds of thousands of novelists comprise the group. I attended some local write-ins last November and gained a friendly year-round writing group. The charity event called ‘The Night of Writing Dangerously’ in San Franciso seems like a blast.
But if gatherings aren’t your thing (and they usually aren’t mine!), you can find encouragement via forums and Facebook and emails from the NaNoWriMo folks. The pep talks can be really amusing as well as inspiring. As for the event rules, they are simple.
I won’t go into them but will add one more thing. There are no limitations on genre or fictional theme. I met one fellow writing a series of short stories. While that may not be valid to the rules, I hope it will inspire you to join in the fun.
Happy writing!
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
N is for Nasturtium - Edible Beauty
I have enjoyed many gardening successes and plenty of failures. One that comes to mind from the first category is nasturtium. The large seeds are easy to handle (unlike snapdragon seeds, for example) and sprout quite well sown directly into garden soil.
As my blog title suggests, the flowers are edible. Just be sure not to use pesticides on them, but they are hardy enough plants that I never needed any. Silky on the tongue, their petals deliver a delicately peppered little snap to salads. Ingesting the flowers is even said to provide some dietary vitamin C and lutein. While some folks eat the leaves, I have not yet tried them.
Unfortunately, the space I used to grow nasturtiums has been rendered too shady. I really ought to try fitting these annuals in with my perennials out front. Surely I can squeeze in a few. Recalling this interesting plant makes me want to try.
I learned that a perennial type exists, as well. A little more research is required before I seek it out. Meanwhile, I want to go annual flower seed shopping. ~rubs hands together~ Is it May yet? Now that things are warming up I’m ready to garden.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
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As my blog title suggests, the flowers are edible. Just be sure not to use pesticides on them, but they are hardy enough plants that I never needed any. Silky on the tongue, their petals deliver a delicately peppered little snap to salads. Ingesting the flowers is even said to provide some dietary vitamin C and lutein. While some folks eat the leaves, I have not yet tried them.
Unfortunately, the space I used to grow nasturtiums has been rendered too shady. I really ought to try fitting these annuals in with my perennials out front. Surely I can squeeze in a few. Recalling this interesting plant makes me want to try.
I learned that a perennial type exists, as well. A little more research is required before I seek it out. Meanwhile, I want to go annual flower seed shopping. ~rubs hands together~ Is it May yet? Now that things are warming up I’m ready to garden.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
M is for Marilyn Manson - Music to My Ears
In the mid 2000’s I got hooked on reading autobiographies of rockstars. Then I found the biography of Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson) from 1999. “The Long Hard Road Out of Hell” hooked me completely with Mr. Warner’s irreverent humor and obvious intelligence.
Not even finished with the book, I went out and bought his most recent album of the time, “Eat Me, Drink Me.” Then I sought the band’s first album, “Portrait of an American Family”. That led to an obsessive desire to own everything I could get my hands on, music or otherwise.
My partner refers to that time in our lives as somewhat frightening and also really, really fun. Interesting eBay purchases arrived in the mail on an almost daily basis. My MM music collection is so extensive that I had to create subcategories on iTunes such as for live performances, interviews, and rarities. Meanwhile, I recently purchased “The Pale Emperor” and have to say the band is in fine form.
Marilyn Manson is far from my only music, but certainly takes up the most space. What are you listening to these days?
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Not even finished with the book, I went out and bought his most recent album of the time, “Eat Me, Drink Me.” Then I sought the band’s first album, “Portrait of an American Family”. That led to an obsessive desire to own everything I could get my hands on, music or otherwise.
My partner refers to that time in our lives as somewhat frightening and also really, really fun. Interesting eBay purchases arrived in the mail on an almost daily basis. My MM music collection is so extensive that I had to create subcategories on iTunes such as for live performances, interviews, and rarities. Meanwhile, I recently purchased “The Pale Emperor” and have to say the band is in fine form.
Marilyn Manson is far from my only music, but certainly takes up the most space. What are you listening to these days?
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Tuesday, April 14, 2015
L is for Luna, My Beloved Pet
October 5, 2014 went down in my personal history as a very sad day. The stray cat who forever changed my life finally left it after a brief and heroic battle against cancer. I enjoy much better quality of life thanks to that gray and white moggy. Her intrepid demand to enter my heart and home literally improved my health, as lifelong asthmatic symptoms responded well to the new medications her presence demanded I try.
Luna ultimately opened the door to two other rescue cats. I sadly never saw them act terribly close with Luna but honestly believe that my “first born” wanted nothing else in this world but to be with me. Her life certainly never revolved around food like another cat I know (you know who you are, my sweet and goofy Tilly). She slept on my pillow each night, bounded downstairs to the laundry room every washday, and snuggled on my lap at just about every single opportunity including her very last morning on this earthly plane.
For a few glorious years I joked about being a living futon. If there is such a thing as an afterlife, I hope to somehow resume that duty. Either way it was an honor knowing her.
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Luna ultimately opened the door to two other rescue cats. I sadly never saw them act terribly close with Luna but honestly believe that my “first born” wanted nothing else in this world but to be with me. Her life certainly never revolved around food like another cat I know (you know who you are, my sweet and goofy Tilly). She slept on my pillow each night, bounded downstairs to the laundry room every washday, and snuggled on my lap at just about every single opportunity including her very last morning on this earthly plane.
For a few glorious years I joked about being a living futon. If there is such a thing as an afterlife, I hope to somehow resume that duty. Either way it was an honor knowing her.
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