Random Observations

A staple of noir waterfront environs is the dingy, seedy tavern. The dim light provides cover for a host of sins. Rail-thin floozies dance before a crowd of ruffians and scalawags. When someone enters, these hardened, grizzled brigands do not turn as if to say "Welcome, stranger!", they turn to measure up the mark and judge how easy it would be to separate him from his money. I think the modern equivalent of these taverns would be car dealerships.

I enjoy handbell choirs, though I wouldn't run over my grandmother with a bulldozer to see one. Their exaggerated arm movements always seem a bit distracting though, as if they are trying to scoop water from a waterfall in slow motion.

The study of History is simply the attempt to answer two questions. What did people want, and what did they do to get it?

Kelly Clarkson is the triumph of studio production techniques and marketing over actual vocal talent.

The words bogie, bogeyman, booger, bugger, etc... all share similar etymological roots. (HT: Paul) I guess it's a good thing the military says "bogie at six o'clock!", it sounds better than "snot balls at six o'clock!"

John and Hanna have come to really enjoy the movie Toy Story. In his bedtime prayers lately, John will say "and thank you for Sid, who tortures toys just for fun".