Mancandy

I love Jake Gyllenhaal. Though he began acting at a young age (a friend just recently pointed out to me that he was in City Slickers, which thoroughly creeped me out...don't ask. Suffice to say, when I see actors that were once child stars, then I see them NOW as adults whom I deem 'sexy,' I get a little creeped out), I didn't really come to know him as an actor until 2001's Donnie Darko, whose dark, surreal themes completely sucked me in. I've been a fan ever since. He's since become one of those actors (along with Ben Affleck, Vince Vaughn, Johnny Knoxville and Jude Law) whose films are automatic 'must-haves' amongst my DVD collection. He's also one of the few young actors today that I can envision making the successful crossover into "adult" film roles. I can't say the same for the Lindsey Lohans and Hilary Duffs out there, though anything's possible these days, I guess. Click on the image to see Jake's film bio.

Not-So-New World Order

If you're a regular reader of my blog then you know that I have a bodybuilder fetish. Visually, I think they're hot, though I'm firmly grounded in reality, so I realize the majority of them are probably arrogant pricks like I've witnessed on more than one occasion. What else is new, right? Oh well, there's always an exception, right?...right? Dammit, I can dream can't I!?

Anyway, from time to time I'll pick up a bodybuilder magazine and leaf through it at the grocery store, bookstore, etc. I used to buy them all the time, but that slowly tapered off in the mid-late 90's because the format changed so drastically that I can no longer justify spending $5-$7 for a thick, glossy "supplement" brochure masquerading as a magazine, which is pretty much what most of them are now, which I think is bullshit.

Out of all the magazines, Muscular Development is the worst offender when it comes to hawking supplements. Out of a 390 page "magazine," there are 181 full pages dedicated to advertisements alone, and that's not even including the other pages that contain actual articles that have half or 1/3 of the page dedicated to even MORE advertisements. Good god. Ridiculous! You know it's gonna be a shitball issue if the first 24 pages is ads. Don't get me wrong, I still occasionally buy an issue every now and then, but it has to have a spread with someone I really like. No telling how much money I've saved now that I only buy them occasionally.

Anyway, the whole point of this post is that I wanted to share with you an article that ran in the January 2006 issue of Muscular Development. MD likes to post articles that put their demographic in a good light, under the subcategory of 'Research.' This was one that I found interesting:

Men Find Fat Chicks Sexually Undesirable

Most people are overweight or obese, yet men and women rank fat people at the bottom of the sexual attractiveness scale. According to psychology researchers from the University of Washington, most young males would rather go to bed with a mentally ill woman or one with gonorrhea than with a fat chick. Male and female college students were shown six photos of possible sexual partners (opposite sex) with the following characteristics: lean and healthy, armless, wheelchair, mental illness, STDs, or obese. Subjects, particularly the males, found obese women the least sexually desirable of potential partners on the list. The results were similar in people who were overweight themselves. The study shows the extreme prejudice experienced by overweight people and the importance of a good body for sexual attractiveness.

---

First off, I think the first thing that comes to mind is "Duh!" I mean, did we really need a psychologists to arrive at this ground-breaking conclusion? Does Mo'Nique know about this? This may be why her movie, Phat Girlz tanked at the box office.

Secondly, though I can understand to an extent the whole physical attraction dynamic, GONORRHEA?! Wow. I'm sorry, but personally I don't care how 'hot' you are, if you're a no-personality prick, you're still out of the game. If your range of conversation begins and ends with carbs, your favorite powdered protein shake and/or the merits of your dietary supplement, you deserve someone as vapid as you are, cuz in that case I'd rather have a conversation with someone who was mentally ill.

Recent DVD Purchases

• Saturday Night Live: The Best of Cheri Oteri © 2006
Comments: It's about friggin' time! I can't believe they have "Best of" DVDs for some of the suckier SNL members, but it took them THIS LONG to release a Cheri Oteri Best of. Good compilation, but a lot of favorites were missing. Better than nothing.
• Mission Hill: The Complete Series © 1999-2002
• Capote © 2005
• Intruder © 1989
Comments: Oh man, I was so excited when I came across this 80's slasher on DVD. I love "discovering" 80's slashers that I haven't seen (it's getting harder and harder to find ones that I haven't seen!). The 80's was THE era of the slasher. The look/feel just can't be duplicated. This one was A LOT of fun. Gory, creative murders.
• Dr. Katz Professional Therapist: Season 1 © 1995
• The Facts of Life: Season 1 & 2 © 1979-1980
• The Eyes of Laura Mars © 1978
• Toys © 1992
• Grease 2 © 1982
Comments: Wow. I know what your'e thinking "Grease 2 SUCKED!" Yeah, I have to admit it is seriously lacking in a lot of areas (Michelle Pfeiffer is AWFUL), particularly the music and casting. However, it does have it's moments. Besides, Maxwell Caulfield is so friggin' HOT and I have a special place in my heart for the 'Reproduction' musical number.
• The Incredible Hulk: The Television Series Ultimate Collection © 1978-1982
• The Ringer © 2005
• Dick Tracy © 1990
• Venom © 2005
• Tristan + Isolde © 2006
Comments: There's something about James Franco that I sometimes find attractive, then sometimes not. He is definitely beautiful in this movie. I think it's the hair. Rufus Sewell also looks hot in this one as well. He's another one that has that on again/off again attractiveness (re: Carrington). Ridley Scott was the executive producer of this movie. I love his work.
• Thank God It's Friday © 1978
• Cheerleader Camp © 1987
• It's Alive © 1974
• Ghostbusters 1 & 2 © 1984/1989
• The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother © 1975
• From a Whisper to a Scream © 1987
Comments: I rented this movie on video back in the 80's, under the title The Offspring. I had no idea it was on DVD, mainly because of the title change (apparently it's the original theatrical title). This is one of those movies that genuinely creeps/grosses me out. Check it out, if you dare.
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory © 1971
Comments: I've been wanting this DVD for years, but refused to settle for the full-screen version. Finally found this one at the pawn shop for $4. Woo hoo! One of those movies that I love to watch on a lazy weekend afternoon.
• Sliver (Unrated) © 1993
• The Agatha Christie Miss Marple Movie Collection © 1962-1964
• The Dark Crystal © 1982
• The Hills Have Eyes © 1977
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets © 2002
Comments: I'll be blogging about the Harry Potter movies later. I still can't believe I've been converted.
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban © 2004
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire © 2005
• Snoopy, Come Home © 1972
• Elvira's Horror Classics: The House on Haunted Hill/Night of the Living Dead © 1959/1968
Comments: Longing for the memories that only her 80's TV show Movie Macabre could bring to the table, I was hoping that this volume (1 of 3) of Elvira's Horror Classics would be just what the doctor ordered. And though I don't regret buying this DVD, it just isn't the same. The transition between Elvira's comments during the movie just aren't as seamless as the TV show. They border on disruptive. Oh well, they say you can't go home again.
• Big Trouble in Little China © 1986
• Hello Again © 1987
• A Lot Like Love © 2005
Comments: I detest Ashton Kutcher, but this movie looks funny, so I bought it. Besides, I like Amanda Peet.
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines © 2003
• Prime © 2005
• Mobsters © 1991
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events © 2004
• Proof © 2005
Comments: The only reason I bought this movie was for Jake Gyllenhaal. Otherwise, I could care less.
• The Cave © 2005
• I Love Your Work © 2003
Comments: I've been interested in this movie ever since I read about it going into production. LOTS of people I love in it, primarily Giovanni Ribisi and Vince Vaughn.
• Shopgirl © 2005
• Heights © 2004
Comments: Again, another one of those movies I already know I'm going to like, based on the trailer. The film has a great, rich, dark look to it.
• Hostel (Unrated) © 2005
Comments: I know I'll be renting this thing eventually, so why not buy it used for the same price I'd end up paying to rent it? I watched part of the featurette and now more than ever, I'm deeply disturbed by it. This one is going to be one of those movies that I save until I'm feeling brave.
• Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit © 2005
• Fear © 1996
• Raising Helen © 2004
Comments: One of my friends LOVES John Corbett. I thought he had some cute moments in Sex and the City, but he's REALLY cute in this movie. Favorite scene: "I'm a sexy man of God, and I know it." So cocky. So cute.
• The Critic: The Complete Series © 1994-1995
Comments: This and the following boxsets were used at the pawn shop and in great condition. I don't really even watch Angel or Smallville (something about Tom Welling bugs the crap outta me), but for $15 each, I couldn't resist. I figure if I don't like 'em I can always sell them on eBay.
• Angel: Season 4 © 2002
• Smallville: Season 1 © 2001
• Krull © 1983
• Superstition (Unrated) © 1982
Comments: I bought this DVD-R and The Boy Who Cried Werewolf on eBay. Never seen Superstition, but have ALWAYS wanted to. Another one of those 80's horror movies that I missed.
• The Boy Who Cried Werewolf © 1973
Comments: This movie has always creeped me OUT. Still does. ::shiver:: Werewolves creep me out.

I Have Returned

Well, the trial has come and gone and I've had time to decompress. I'll be blogging about the whole experience in a later series of posts, but for right now, I've OD'ed on the whole jury duty thing, so I'll be blogging about other things for now.

During my hiatus, My So-Called Strife celebrated it's 2-year blogiversary (Wed. June 21st). To honor the occasion I'll be giving away copies of my favorite books, movies and music. More details to come.

Also to come:
• A Letter from Summer Camp: Circa 1984
• A People in Your Neighborhood Photo Collage
• Local Mancandy Photo Collage
• Fantasy Movie Favorites
• More: Currently Reading, Recent DVD Purchases and Mancandy posts.
• And, of course, more all-around bitchiness. Hurray!

So, stay tuned, there's plenty to look forward to!

Get a Load of This Turd Sandwich

This whitetrash pussy made the news recently when he became irate because of a call and punched the referee in the face. Since the incident, a warrant for his arrest (misdemeanor assault) was issued and he's since surrendered, but is literally letting his lawyer do all his talking for him. Opting not to talk either in newspaper articles or on the various news stories that have been circulating since the incident.

The local news did a story on him this weekend and his attorney instructed him not to talk, that he would answer any and all questions. The attorney maintains that his client, Charles Kirkland, 47, is "In no way criminally responsible for anything that happened." During the news story, the referee said that after he made a call that there was a lot of uproar from the stands and that Kirkland told him that they were gonna have a "talk" after the end of the game and that he (the referee) told him 'no, we'll talk now' and that's when Kirkland gave him a shove in the chest and punched him in the face.

Of course, Kirkland's lawyer paints another scenario: " ...in other words, inviting him onto the playing field, some 15 or 20 yards past the sideline to actually have a discussion (yeah, right, 'discussion') about whatever he needed to talk to him about right there on the spot. The referee's chest was bowed out, his hands began to ball up in fists and the closer they got to each other, Mr. Kirkland believed that he wasn't necessarily walking into a conversation (whatever). He felt like he was in imminent bodily danger, that there was an opportunity at that point for the referee to cause him bodily harm, that it was imminent and his choices were limited and he chose to strike the referee first."

Have you heard a bigger pile of shit? Whatever! The only truly "imminent" thing is the kick in the nuts he so richly deserves. Naturally, the pussy kept his eyed averted downward during the interview, like the cowardly bully that he is. He faces a possible fine of $4,000 and up to a year in jail. I hope he gets them both. In addition, the entire football team has also been punished. The team has been suspended from playing in their next football tournament, which was scheduled for this past Saturday. Good! I hope all the guys reamed out his turd of a kid, too. People SUCK!

The Finish Line is Within Sight

Well, jury duty is slowly drawing to a close. I think we begin deliberation today, so this will all be over sometime early this week. I have so much to blog about (regarding the process, the people, the experience, etc.), but I can tell you this: I am ready for it to be over. I'm surrounded by people I can't relate to and I'm exhausted from exerting the energy to keep up this whole facade of being "sociable." To be quite honest, it's depressing me.

So, I heard this song on the radio the other night and part of the lyrics totally hit home with me. The song, titled I Don't Wanna Be, is sung by Gavin DeGraw:

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think about me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

This Creeps Me Out

...on so many levels.

Lights, Camera, Faction!

*Today's post is courtesy of Marianna over at Gatochy's Blog.
When you enjoy movies you also enjoy talking about them, and reading about them, and anything that has to do with the subject because you enjoy it per se. So naturally a critic's opinion is interesting to a movie fan. Even if you don't always agree with them or share the same taste it can still be an enjoyable and even fascinating experience to see things through someone else's eyes.

However, I never agreed with allowing critics to see movies ahead of the public -- one thing is for someone to have a different opinion from mine; quite another is for them to be given the privilege of forming an opinion and forcing it on me before I've had a chance of forming an opinion of my own.

Fortunately, it seems critics are losing this privilege, and not a moment too soon.

From PREMIERE June 2006:

"It's come to this: After more than 20 years of turning his thumb up or down, Roger Elbert has been forced to whip out a new extremity.* Sitting alongside critic Richard Roeper on their TV show, he's been wagging a 'finger of shame' for the past year when a studio doesn't provide them early access to a movie to review. So far in 2006, there's been a disturbing uptick in the trend: Eleven films opened without review screenings, as opposed to just two over the same period in the previous year. 'I wave my finger back and forth, and we say, 'The studio doesn't think this movie is good enough to be seen by movie critics, but they think it's good enough to be seen by you,' Elbert tells me, sounding more amused than annoyed."

The whole article is terrible, but my problem is not with this one critic in particular, but rather with the whole concept he stands up for.

I can accept the idea of an opinion maker in politics, for instance. Politics is a complicated subject, one where you shouldn't make judgments based on a gut felling, but rather on knowledge and reason. It can be useful for a voter to seek the opinion of someone who is better informed and wiser and more experienced. After all, who you vote for has the power to make life altering, sometimes world altering, decisions.

But art is just instinct and taste and reacting to something on a gut level, therefore no one should have the right to interfere with that process, and manipulate how you react to a work of art before you've experienced it first-hand. I don't know whose interests studios serve when they allow critics to see a movie before the rest of the world, but it's certainly not the public's, so the sooner this changes the better.

* No, I did not make that up, I swear.

Mancandy

I originally became aware of Pierre Cosso when I saw him in the movie An American Werewolf in Paris. The lackluster sequel can't hold a candle to the original, but it has it's moments...and it's eyecandy. Click on the image to see Pierre's acting bio.

iZod

First off, the title of this post has absolutely nothing to do with the content of this post. It's just the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this Ziggy comic strip. Secondly, since I started jury duty this week, and since I wasn't disciplined enough to get my shit together before it began, I don't have next week's posts together ahead of time like I normally do. I actually have a folder full of topics, ideas, images, but none of it in a cohesive format...yet, but I'm working on it! In the mean time, if anyone's blog cup runneth over, I'm open to post submissions if there's something you wanna blog about.

So, since [1] I don't want to take the time to figure out the whole 'contributors' thing on Blogger and [2] I don't know if anyone is even gonna wanna do this, you can e-mail me your post submission, should you choose to participate and I'll find a photo to accompany your post and post it while I'm MIA or until I can finish some posts of my own. If no one bites (and seriously, if you don't I promise not to pout) I'll continue to post, just maybe not every single day, at least until the trial is over in 2-3 weeks. You can e-mail submissions to: KirkkitschBlog@aol.com. Just let me know who/what URL to link back to you, so I can give credit where credit is due.

I'm going to bed now, I'm beat.

Currently Reading

Halloween III: Season of the Witch by Jack Martin © 1982
Synopsis: The streets are quiet. Dead quiet as the shadows lengthen and night falls. It'Halloweenen. Blood-chilling screams pierce the air. Grinning skulls and grotesque shapes lurk in the gathering darkness. It's Halloween. The streets are filling small cloaked figures. They're just kids, right? The doorbell rings and your flesh creeps. But it's all in fun, isn't it? No. This Halloween is different. It's the last one.

Comments: Though a lot of horror fans like to poo poo this installment in the Halloween movie series, it's actually one of my favorites. The main complaint people have is that "There's no Michael Myers!" Well, doi! Those worth their weight in broomsticks know that the Halloween series was originally intended to be a series of horror films that took place on or around Halloween, not necessarily the slasher franchise it's become. However, with the runaway success of the original, a sequel was made and the Michael Myersfranchisese was born.

This particular installment revolves around the the mysterious disappearance of one of the Stonehenge stones, a witchcraft conspiracy and a popular series of latex Halloween masks with a sinister purpose...all to be revealed at midnight on Halloween. The genocide will be televised. Even if you don't read the book, I urge you to see the movie. Lots of creepy thrills and chills.

Everything Bad is Good for You: How Today's Pop Culture is Actually Making Us Smarter by Steven Johnson © 2006
Synopsis: Johnson takes on one of the most widely held preconceptions of the postmodern world--the belief that video games, television shows, and other forms of popular entertainment are detrimental to Americans' cognitive and moral development. Everything Good builds a case to the contrary that is engaging, thorough, and ultimately convincing. *Courtesy of Amazon.com

Comments: Been meaning to read this one for some time. Just renewed my Costco membership, so I picked up a copy...and a vat of chocolate pudding.

Anybody Can Write: Ideas for the Aspiring Writer, the Beginner, and the Blocked Writer by Roberta Jean Bryant © 1999
Synopsis: A fun, user-friendly guide to kick-starting your creativity and filling that blank, white page with your inner self. The point, says Jean Bryant, is to relax and have fun, and to discover in the process the richness of your own inner resources.

Comments: I enjoy picking up books on writing, from time to time. This one is a fun read. Though it's not one of the techniques described in the book, I was inspired to write a future post in a "new" (to me) way in the future. Lots of fun ideas. Picked it up at Barnes & Noble for around $5. Worth it. Naturally, it's on Half.com for 75¢. Oy vey.

Ice Cream World of Baskin-Robbins by Thomas P. Jones © 1975
Synopsis: The sweetest, creamiest, fizziest, frostiest, fruitiest, maltiest, fudgiest, and most delicious all-American flavor-spectacular... A seasonal collection of prizewinning recipes and flavor-full facts...

Comments: I found this book at a used book store recently. It's an awful lot of fun. Tons of great, interesting recipes (not all ice cream recipes, like you'd expect), divided up into months by chapter. Groovy little illustrations throughout. Very 70's, Peter Max-ish

Queer Duck

For those who had Showtime in 1999, you may be familiar with Queer Duck. QD starred in a series of shorts that would come on between features. QD's voice was supplied by JM J. Bullock, who I can't stand (he's on that short list of people I'd like to set on fire, including: Marc Summers, Colin Quinn, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier). QD's friends consisted of: Oscar Wildcat, Openly Gator and Bi Polar Bear. As it turns out, all the episodes are being released to DVD in July and a movie is in the works for 2006.

[ Click to watch all 20 episodes online ]

69¢ Well Spent

I'm Surrounded By Retards

Moms-to-be Fret Over 6/6/06
Seattle Times: FORT WORTH, Texas — It's 2006. And June 6 is near. You got it: 6/6/06 — 666, the mark of the beast, the Antichrist. Are expectant parents aware of the evil implications? Carrie McFarland of Dallas is. "I'm going to be induced on the 4th or 5th," McFarland said. "If my doctor had offered to induce me on the 6th, I wouldn't have done it." Her trepidation over her son's birthday isn't religious. "To avoid teasing," she said.

No doubt, the 6/6/06 babies — and their parents — are in for some ribbing. "I refuse to give birth on that date," said Bethany Morian of Weatherford, Texas. "I'll cross my legs and watch the clock."

Christian Burton of Fort Worth is awaiting his first child, a boy. "I'm a God-fearing man, and I would prefer him not to have a 666 date," Burton said. But he will not opt for his wife to induce labor to prevent birth on that date. "I'll only be concerned if he has a 666 birthmark on his head," he said.

Best Buys

• Long-Playing 'Microgroove' record: Tony Martin. 50¢
• Lemonade Bomb Pops (NEW!). $2
• Creative Zen Nano MP3 player. $40*
Comments: First off, I originally bought an iPod Nano for almost 7X what this cost, then found out when I got home that I have to be using OS X. Oops. Back to the drawing board. So then I saw this one on Amazon and it was ORANGE (my favorite color; comes in 8 or 9 colors), I had to get it. Anyway, here's the selling points for me:
- Stores up to 500 songs on 1 GB internal flash memory
- Includes an FM tuner, voice/FM recording, and line-in encoding (i.e. I can transfer MP3s directly from the stereo or portable CD player)
- Super slim and lightweight design (1.32 x 2.58 x 0.51 inches/0.8 ounces)
- Drive mode allows you to store data files such as photos, etc.
*Also included: earphones, USB 2.0 cable, line-in cable, AAA Alkaline battery, quick start booklet, installation CD, neck strap
• Windex Lime: Multi Task (NEW!). $3
• Funky Phantom comic book (1974). 50¢
• Classics Illustrated comic book: Faust (1967). $1
• Suave Coconut shampoo. $1.25
Comments: The smell of coconut always reminds me of summer. Now I smell like summer!
• Puffs Design Motifs tissue (NEW!). $1.25
• Muppets Exclusive action figure: Uncle Deadly. $10
Comments: For those unfamiliar with the Muppet, Uncle Deadly, he premiered in the episode where Twiggy was the host. Uncle Deadly is the "Phantom of the Muppet Theater." His interests include:
- Lurking around the theater
- Modeling the latest in cape wear
- A good old-fashioned melodrama
- Tap dancing
The figure is so detailed and nice. The ghost, skull and even Uncle Deadly himself, all glow in the dark! Very groovy. Only available online. I bought mine on eBay.
• Chrome Dead Head watch. $35
Comments: I dug out of the trash found this catalog at the post office when I went to check my P.O. box. It was for a company called Bud K. They cater to the renaissance festival crowd, what with all the dorky swords and misc. LOTR-style weaponry, but they did have a handful of cool stuff too. This chrome "Dead Head Watch" was one of them. It comes in red or green (much more vibrant/richer in real life than the pictures on their site) and the skull flips up to reveal the face of the watch. I may be too old for it, but I bought it anyway 'cause I liked it!
• Ohio Blue Tip matches (1970). 99¢
• Sweet 'N Low box of 100 packets featuring The Pink Panther. $1.75
• Betty Boop cowgirl Texas Lottery scratch off cards. $1 *Click 'scratch offs' to see all the fun/cool scratch off games we have here in Texas!

*With Amazon.com credit card application/approval: $30 off first purchase!

Cavity Creeps...X10

Whenever you think you have dental problems, remember this man: The elderly Israeli man in the photograph is thought to have been infected when he sat down under a tree to sleep. A sarcophagid or 'flesh' fly crawled inside his mouth and deposited its live larvae in the gaps between his gums and teeth.

I will never complain about my teeth again. I'm going to go throw up now.

Fat Cat, Little Chair

Meet Cootie! One of my friends sent me her latest pics of her cat, Cootie. Just thought I'd share.

Office Politics...Circa 1979

Among the various school reports, photos, etc. in the boxes my mom sent back with me, were a handful of cartoons that were apparently circulated around the office back when my mom used to work for the electric company. Stuff that would so get you fired today, was nothing more than crude office humor to be 'mimeographed' and passed around the office. Here's one of them. (This needs to be printed to truly be appreciated) *Click the image for a printable version

Home Sweet Home: The Pictures

[1] The interior of the drive-in where my mom and I had lunch.
[2] The best salsa and chips I've had in a lonnnng time!
[3] Man oh man were these enchiladas GOOD!
[4] One of the exterior architectural elements of the retirement home.
[5] Whitetrash model-face. Though he doesn't look it in this picture, he was much darker. I'm talkin' savage tan. *I apologize for the blurriness, but I was in spy-mode.
[6] Some assorted toys at one of the thrift stores I frequent when I go home. They have tons of dolls. I thought this was a bizarre way to display some of them.
[7/8] Flowers around my parents' house
[9] One of the tables in the lobby of the retirement home.
[10] This little cutieface fell out of one of the two nests (poor kid!) that the Martins (AKA Swallows) have built under my parents' carport for the last decade or so. My mom put him back where he belonged and no one was the wiser. For such a tiny little bird, he had huge feet. It looked so strange when she picked him up and these huge feet popped out from underneath him. LOL!
[11] The lobby of the retirement home.
[12] My salad from when I had lunch at the retirement home. Since I didn't want radishes or pea salad, this was as good as it got.
[13] Yet another architectural element outside the retirement home. Beautiful.
[14] Lunch, retirement home style: French fried taters, catfish, tartar sauce (this humongous glob was dished out for me by the waitress), chocolate cake (me no likee...tasted like it wasn't finished cooking throughout. Apparently it wasn't a problem for my father, however: he ate both mine and his. LOL!) and iced tea. I like a good glass of iced tea and this one was excellent.
[15] Detail of the embroidery on my mom's 'housecoat.'
[16] Meet Stinky The Wonder Runt! Okay, his name's not really Stinky, but he was the runt of the litter. Very sweet. He wants to come hang out with you.
[17] The real Axis of Evil.

Part 4 of 4