Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Happy Halloween!

I guess being a packrat has its merits. My mom recently gave me a box of stuff she found that she thought I might want. There was a lot of crap, but there was the occasional gem as well. BTW, the little image here, to the left of this paragraph, is a scan of one of my all-time favorite and memorable Halloween decorations. Whatever happened to cardboard decorations for the holidays? I really miss them.Here are a few things I picked out to show you:


[1] I have no idea who these kids are, but the picture was among some misc photos from the 80's. I think they may be some random people's grandkids that my parents were friends with, I'm not sure. I just liked the fact that one of them is dressed up like Witchipoo! from H.R. Pufnstuf + I like Casper (and not that new CGI crap..though the Casper movie with Christina Ricci was a lot of fun). I think this was probably taken at the kids' Halloween party at the Country Club, since that's where I was going in the next photo...

[2] Oy vey. Yes, this is me. I thought I was the shit in this homemade cat costume (complete with poseable tail). I remember my mom making it for me and I was so excited. Catwoman, eat your heart out. Whatta spaz I wasam. I have no idea how old I was in this picture, but I wanna say 9 or 10. I dunno.

[3] This blew my mind. This is a piece of my original first Halloween costume (and when I saw 'first', I don't mean that shit where people dress up the infant in some goddamn Anne Geddes monstrosity and tote them from door to door. I know I was pold enough to walk and be taken trick-or-treating, so I'm gonna guess I was 3 or 4. There are some photos of me wearing this somewhere around here, but I wasn't able to locate them in time for the post. I love that my mom kept this. I wanna frame it.

[4] Remember Ernest? As some of you may or may not know (depending on the region where you live), Ernest started out as the spokesperson for Braum's Ice Cream. He was featured in commercials where he'd be forever annoying his unseen friend, Vern. Anyhoo, they were giving these away at the Braum's in the 80's around Halloween time and I'm shocked that Mine is still intact and none the worse for wear. Fun!

[5] I totally remember this Halloween mask because they were giving them away at the local Hallmark at the time. I thought it was the coolest thing ever that they were free. Alongside the masks on the counter, there was a little container holding the stretchy think you you would put through the holes on the side, so you could wear it as a mask after punching it out of the cardboard background it came on. Of course there's no way that this could ever happen again considering some 'tard, roaming free would undoubtedly put out an eye or something with the cord. And/or some organization of witches would protest that it was "stereotyping" Wiccans or some such horseshit. Man, I miss the simple times.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Grief and Steak & Ale

I reluctantly went to the funeral. In retrospect, I'm glad I did. And in the end, I did it more for me and not for Lolita (Ms. Fossil's granddaughter, whom I consider one of my friends). There were less than 20 people there and I was only 1 of two people who was invited (it was a private ceremony) that wasn't family. That made me feel sorta special.

I arrived at 11, but chose not to "view the body." And no, it's not because it's 'creepy' or spooky or whatever. I just think it's morbid and pointless. It's one of those ceremonial funeral things that really irks me. I have no idea why you would want to deliberately mentally scar yourself by making that the last visual you have of someone you love. My mom did it with her mother (VERY bad car accident...it was a closed casket ceremony, with exception to the children; my mother and her 3 brothers) and personally, I think it really fucked her up, mentally. Maybe I'll have a change of mind when it hits closer to home, but as it stands, I think there's nothing to be gained by it.

The day was cold and windy and the ceremony was short but sweet. I didn't see many people crying, with the exception of Ms. Fossil's sister. SISTER. Who knew? Ms. Fossil was 93 (would have been 94 this December), so I never even contemplated that she had any living siblings. During the eulogy, the funeral director (? I don't think he was a preacher) mentioned that if there was one thing that Ms. Fossil didn't like, it was "long funerals" (this got a big laugh from everyone) and that she wouldn't want everyone to be sad or dwell on the negative. So, with that said...

After the ceremony, everyone went to Steak & Ale for lunch. I rode with Lolita and some woman she works with. It was 'okay.' I mean I had a good time (which sounds awful, I suppose, but I told myself "She'd want it this way.") and the waiter was a 7ft hunka hunka burnin' love, BUT I've never really understood the whole connection with funerals and food. But, being a slave to the rhythm, I have to admit I did take some banana nut bread and tuna salad/box of crackers over to her house, for the family, so I guess the beat goes on, huh? I don't know if it's just a Texas thing or what, but as long as I can remember: Funeral = potluck. Go figure. All in all, the funeral "experience" was nowhere near as bad as I'd anticipated. I hadn't been to a funeral since my grandmother died in 1987 (I think), so I was realllly dreading it, but it turned out alright in the end.

BTW, on a somewhat similar note, after much contemplating, I have begun a third blog. The blog will be where I vent about personal things that I can't blog about here because everyone I know knows of this blog (just one of the many drawbacks of lacking humility). I was considering going back to my "old school" journal (read Composition Book) for these things, but this has proven to be much more convenient. Besides, this way I can get all these thoughts out of my head without running the risk of alienating the few friends I do have.

The new blog is not included under this account name, nor will it be linked to here. However, on the off chance that you're remotely interested in the continuing saga (and backstory) of the whole Fossil mania, as well as my occasional unfettered frustration with friends, family, etc., you can e-mail me and request the URL. *This offer is void in Texas

Friday, October 27, 2006

DVD Purchases


Legends of Horror Collection
- Mark of the Vampire
- Mad Love
- Doctor X
- The Return of Doctor X
- The Mask of Fu Manchu
- The Devil Doll
The Crush
Comments: Warner Bros. did an outstanding job with this boxset, some of the movies even have their original trailers! AND, they did what I wish more companies would start doing, when it comes to multiple DVDs in a set, they put the DVDs in slim cases instead of one of those cacca-doodie digipaks. Hurray! Now if Warner could do as good a job being my new cable company (they stink compared to Comcast).
Green Street Hooligans
Comments: I bought this for Elijah, that's about it. I'm sure it's a good movie, I remember seeing the trailer, but at the core: It's about Elijah.
Pink Lady...and Jeff: The Complete Series
Comments: For those of you who remember this super-obscure, short-lived novelty show from the 80's, you're probably as shocked as I was when it was released as a DVD boxset 5 years ago. I wanted it then, but it was one of those titles that I kept telling myself I would buy...eventually. Well, 'lo and behold, my friend Nathan bought it for me for my birthday. Whee!
The Facts of Life: Season 3
The Venture Bros.: Season 1
Comments: Wow, what a great animated show! I just love it. It's like a dysfunctional Jonny Quest meets The Hardy Boys.
"The Front"
Comments: A recommendation from Nathan that I decided to buy because (1) it was super-cheap ($4) and (2) I like Woody Allen...in small doses. And (3) the movie's premise sounds intriguing: # A cashier poses as a writer for blacklisted talents to submit their work through, but the injustice around him pushes him to take a stand.
Prince of Darkness
Comments: Can you believe there's an 80's horror movie I haven't seen? Well, it's true. There are lotsa people in this movie that I like (Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker...ROWR!), PLUS it doesn't hurt that it's directed by John Carpenter. I'm saving it to watch on Halloween night!
The Night of the Iguana
High Anxiety
Comments: I thought the only way to get this movie was to buy the Mel Brooks boxset, so boy was I pleasantly surprised when I found it for sale, solo. Sweet! Besides, I already own all the Mel Brooks movies I want to own.
Windy City Heat
Greg the Bunny: Best of the Film Parodies
Comments: Okay, technically, I haven't bought this yet, since I can't seem to locate it locally, but I KNOW I will be buying it, so I put it on the list.
The Fairly Odd Parents: Abra-Catastrophe! The Movie
Ed Wood
Comments: I forgot how much I loved this movie until I saw it on cable recently. Again, it's one of those DVDs I've been meaning to buy, but I've been waiting to find it for under $15 (no small task). Well, I FINALLY did, so it's one of those I bought myself for my birthday. Also saving this one for Halloween night!
Rock 'n Roll Nightmare
Comments: Let there be no mistake: This movie is stink-o-rama. BUT, Jon Mikl Thor has some seriously juicy man pecs and that's about the only reason I bought it (re: the shower scene....ROWR!). The other reason? The showdown with "The Devil" at the end of the movie. OMG, it's so bad it's good.
Fighting Tommy Riley
Groovie Goolies: The Complete Series
Comments: *See Greg the Bunny
Nacho Libre
Beetlejuice
Comments: I have been meaning to buy this DVD for sooooooo long. Recently found it for $5. Woot!
Walt Disney Treasures: Mickey Mouse in Black and White ()
The Addams Family: Volume 1

Thursday, October 26, 2006

mOlé!

Today I'm going to have a couple of small moles removed from my face. I'm dreading it like you wouldn't believe. Cosmetically, they don't bother me, but my mom has been at me for years to get them removed (i.e. after my dad's Cancer diagnosis a few years ago, to be exact).

I have one near the top of my left eyebrow. Personally, I've never thought twice about it until my mom started harping on it. The plastic surgeon says that since the mole is "clear" (i.e. devoid of pigment) she's not concerned about it. The removal will leave a scar, but I don't really care. The mole is a few centimeters in diameter, but since it's so deep, the incision is larger.

The other mole is smaller and in the lower part of my right sideburn. Now THIS one I don't mind having removed since it's been decapitated on more than one occasion by the various overzealous (not to mention horrified) barber over the years. However, this mole does have pigment, so I'm hoping the biopsy comes back negative.

Since the moles are too deep to be frozen/burned off at the dermatologist's office, he referred me to the plastic surgeon who will be doing the procedure in her office. *Shudder* I'm not so worried about the pain of them being cut out, as much as I am of getting stitches in them both. I've never had stitches and I've always dreaded the day I'd ever have to have them. For me though, it's not so much the needle routine as much as it's the sticky sound the rubber gloves & blood will make. I saw that once in a movie and it's haunted me ever since.

So, wish me luck. I promise not to cry...much. My new code name will be 'Scarface.' LOL! sigh

P.s. If possible, I'll try and get 'Before/After' pictures, for posterity.

P.s.s. Thankfully, my insurance is going to cover this or I might be trying this...which costs more with shipping than my copay.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Retro Interiors

Having just purchased Better Homes and Gardens 1971 book Decorating Ideas Under $100, I found so many inspiring interiors that I thought I'd share my favorites with you. I realize that not everyone is a fan of the 70's, but you gotta admit, good design is timeless.


[1] This may seem "cluttered" by today's standards, but I love it. I think it's eclectic, inviting and comfortable-looking. Unlike my aunt's house who, even in the 70's/80's had all the warmth of a rectal thermometer. You never felt completely comfortable at her house because everything was so over-styled and artificial, not to mention everything was from the same "collection" and/or color scheme. I remember the formal living room/dining room was all blues and cremes and light-colored wood, while the informal living room/dining room was all wood and gold colors. I hated it. Give me comfortable any day. It's your home and it should reflect you. My aunt's home said "Pretentious & anal-retentive."

[2] I love all the colors and graphic elements in this room. I esp. love the Peter Max-style pillows.

[3] I thought this was such a great idea. Apparently the upper part of the piece of furniture had been a discarded wine rack at a liquor store which was simply placed on the top of the wood cabinet base. Both pieces were refinished to make a uniform look. I LOVE that the wine rack was repurposed as a book shelf!

[4] I am normally NOT a seashell fan, but I really like the collage/collection of seashells in the simple frames, hung above the couch.

[5] This might induce an epileptic seizure in some people due to it's intense combination of graphics and colors, but I really like it.

[6] Another great idea: This bold door idea is nothing more than 2 posters that have been sprayed with adhesive and attached to the door, then a clear lacquer coat was applied for a protective finish. Great idea.

[7] I just loved the shape of this cabinet and the great orange tiled floor that ties in all the other orange decorative elements. Nice.

[8] I LOVE this "you can make it" lamp idea! Here's what the captain for this photo had to say: You can build this hanging light fixture from a wire fish-keeper. First, remove top and bottom circular traps from keeper and reattach with wire two inches from bottom. Spray-paint mesh black. Make a cylindrical tube of white vinyl-coated lampshade material. Cut material to size, form a tube, and fasten with white glue. Insert tube into keeper. Next, place light socket, with ample white electrical cord, inside of tube and knot cord where it comes out top of tube. At the knot, wire cord in middle of keeper. Cut, sand, and paint an arm of wood, drilling holes at front and back to slip cord through. Ingenious!

[9] I love this colorful modular look. Esp. love the yellow book shelf with the square shelf areas. Simple, but timeless.

[10] I thought this was interesting: A candelabra made from broomstick handles, metal funnels and candles. Neat!

[11] I LOVE green and black together. I also really love those little plantation shutters. They never go out of style and let you control the light. LOVE this room.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

The End of an Era

Well, it looks like the Fossil Files are officially closed. My next door neighbor, Ms. Fossil passed away at midnight on Tuesday, October 24th. She had a heart attack last Tuesday, but didn't tell anyone until 2 days later. After some prodding, her granddaughter and one of her daughters took her to the hospital where she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit. Two days later her internal organs began to fail and she flatlined once before being revived. She never fully recovered.

I realize I blogged about the negative aspect of our relationship or whatever you wanna call it, however I know I'll come to miss the annual poinsettia appearing on my doorstep come Christmastime and the varying potted flowers that appeared in the Spring. I'll miss looking out the window and seeing her clothes hanging on the clothesline, the white car parked in her driveway and just having someone I know in this town. It's all gone now.

Services are this Friday. I haven't decided if I want to go now or pay my respects later. I haven't been to a funeral in almost 2 decades and I'm not sure I want to start now. I'll have to think about it.

R.I.P. Ms. Fossil.

Bite Me

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Monday, October 23, 2006

Mooch

Late Saturday night (11...11:30PM), I make a run to the grocery store for a few things. As I pull into my parking space, I illuminate a guy in his late 20's/early 30's, talking to a little black boy, about 8 or 9 years old, near the guy's car. Since the older guy is looking so intense, but not angry, whilst talking to the little boy, I wonder what's up.

As I get out of the car, the older guy immediately approaches me and asks if I have a cellphone. I think "Oh boy, what did I just walk into?" Then the guy says, in a concerned tone of voice, "His parents locked him out of the house and he can't get back inside. He just asked me for 50¢ so he could buy a Coke." I say "Oh. Sure, just a sec," and I get back in the car and retrieve my cellphone. With a raised eyebrow, I offer it to the kid, asking "What's the phone number?"

Before this story gets too far ahead of itself, let me clue you into a few things: [1] There are apartments & condos within walking distance of the grocery store's/shopping center's huge parking lot. [2] The weather had turned chilly that night, in the mid 40's. [3] I'd seen this kid before and he knew it. The whole 50¢ thing is what tipped me off.

The little boy starts to back away from the both of us, in the direction of the apartments, telling us that "It's okay," while the older guy, obviously concerned, says "No man, it's not okay. It's cold out here," then turning to me to say "We gotta call the police or something. He says his parents locked him out. That's just not right." By this time, the kid is halfway across the parking lot, probably thinking what suckers we are, or how he just got caught in a LIE.

I turn to the guy, who is adorably cute & clueless, and tell him not to worry, that the kid isn't locked out and that he does this shit all the time, apparently, day or night. It's his schtick. I've seen him before, usually during the day, and he waits outside the exit and asks people if they have 50¢. The guy, obviously still disturbed by the fact that alleged little boy + locked out + cold weather= bad, is still missing the big picture. He says "You think his parents get him to do it?" then follows up with "I tried to get him to go inside with me, so we could tell the manager (of the grocery store), but he didn't want to do that." I say "Yeah, and if he was really locked out, he would have been more receptive to getting help. Notice how he's retreated, quite quickly once things started to get complicated. Trust me, he's not locked out. He does this all the time." The poor guy is obviously still somewhat bothered by the whole 'locked out' scenario, but he listens to reason and thanks me for clueing him in. I say "Sure, no problem," and head for the store entrance.

First off, emotionally, I'm all over the map when it comes to this situation. First off, it royally PISSES ME OFF that the little scumbag is lying to people to bilk them out of their money, however small the amount. It's not cute, it's not harmless and it sets a precedent. Secondly, it renews my faith in humanity when I see people like the nice guy, who still genuinely want to help out a stranger. And third, it also makes me really sad that because of fuckups like this con-artist kid, people like me are cynical and skeptical.

It's shit like this (combined with other negative experiences with panhandlers) that have molded me into the skeptic that I am today. I am a homeless (Allegedly. They could just be lazy, for all I know) person/panhandler MAGNET. I swear to God, I could be in a crowd of 50 people and they'd hone in on me like they had radar installed. Here's just some of my experiences with the lowlives:

[1] Having read a heart-warming Dear Abby column recently, as to what to do when homeless people ask for money, Abby suggested that instead of giving them money (for those that just use it to buy more alcohol), to buy them a meal at a nearby fast food establishment.

Ever the ideological moron, I did this one day after being approached at a stop light by a homeless man. I drove down the street and bought him a hamburger combo at a Wendy's, drove back and gave it to him. Instead of gratitude, I was met with "I don't like lettuce/tomatoes/Coke, etc." while rummaging through the bag. I drove away feeling foolish and vowing to never again fall for the 'routine,' instead opting to just give anyone/everyone a blanket "No."

Of course, being a sympathetic idiot, I have sense given some truly needy/appreciative people some change and they have indeed gone and bought food with it. Not to get all Jesuslicious, but it's like that old saying "There but for the grace of God go I." I'm not sure what all the theological implications of that saying are, but for me, I interpret as "It could be me."

[2] Having just got in my car, still sitting in the parking lot of the sub shop I just came out of, I was in the process of putting my seatbelt on when I hear someone tapping on my driver-side window. First off, it scared the shit outta me and secondly, when I looked up and saw that it was some panhandler guy, I just shook my head and said "No." Forever the creative liar, he's quick to say "No, I just wanted to ask you where the bus stop is," in a tone that says 'Geez, you're paranoid.' I point to the bench 10 paces DIRECTLY BEHIND HIM and think "Whatever, dick. You fuckin' liar. You got pegged correctly the first time and that's your quick 'damage control'-routine." I just hate people...most of the time, but not always.

So, in the end I'll probably get conked on the head by some homicidal loser, because I let them approach me because I was too worried I'd appear 'paranoid' if I hurried to my car and locked the door instead of hearing what they have to say. Oh, and BTW, I've stopped feeling guilty about locking my door when someone is nearby and I'm sitting in the parking lot, at a stop light, etc. I used to feel guilty if the person happened to be black or Hispanic or whatever, but you know what? It's not a minority thing, it's an EVERYONE thing, so if the person feels like "That's racist," fuck them. I'm an equal opportunity distruster (it's a word!), so there. Deal with it...or don't.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Mancandy


While reading up on the remake of the 1978 made-for-TV movie The Initiation of Sarah, I recognized the face of one of the actors in the movie: Ben Ziff (whatta name!). I could've sworn I'd seen him before, but I couldn't put my finger on where or when. I distinctly remember his face (God, he's hot, just look at that mouth! Kissable.) because even then I thought he was so cute. Well, after doing a little sleuthing, it turns out I have seen him before. He was one of the eager interns in a batch of Dell computer commercials (remember those?). The whole "intern" angle was the new ad campaign that replaced the "You are sooo getting a Dell"-dude, since he was arrested for buying pot from an undercover policeman (narc!).

Annnyway, Ben is going to be in the remake of The Initiation of Sarah, whic premieres on the ABC Family 13 Nights of Halloween this Sunday at 7PM (check local listings for time and channel). As you know, I'm not a huge fan of remakes, but I am a sucker for teens (or at least people portraying teens) in danger movies. Plus, I can never resist a teen movie where telekinesis, witchcraft or bloodshed is on the menu. PLUS, you gotta love the fact that Morgan Fairchild is reprising her ORIGINAL ROLE as one of the house mothers for the sorority (at least from what I've been able to surmise). It never ceases to amaze me she's knock knock knockin' on 60's door. I swear she made a pact with the Devil.

A Message From Kirkkitsch...and Kotex

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Thursday, October 19, 2006

Velox

A few years ago I was commissioned to sell an antique pre-Holocaust photo album that had originally been the property of an affluent Jewish family. Before I sold it, I was given permission to choose whatever photos I wanted from the album before it was sold. I put them in a 'safe place' (so safe, that I forgot where they were...I do that a lot) and just recently 'discovered' them all over again. I just love them and thought I would share them with you. *BTW, 'Velox' is the brand of photo paper (A Kodak brand) used.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Crosswalks: Society's Mind Bogglers

Where I live there are 3 main streets that run parallel to each other: Collins, Cooper and Bowen. I often take Bowen because it bypasses the throng of idiots I'd run into over on Cooper. You know, all those people who love shopping at the mall, sharing their kickass bass their car stereo has to offer and getting moist over the mere mention of The Olive Garden ("They have the best breadsticks!"). You know the types.

Half way down Bowen, there is an elementary school. It's not literally off the side street, but it's somewhat nearby. So, I'm (as well as 4 other vehicles; 2 in front, two in back of me) in the ONE lane to turn left and I see this huge procession of children being led by alleged adults, across the street I want to turn onto...but we can't because these retards in charge of school children are allowing them to continually stream across the street even though the crosswalk sign says otherwise. And they continue...and continue...and continue. While these morons let what seems like a neverending procession of children cross the street, the rest of us are (Myself and the others behind me, coming from the north that want to turn left + the line of vehicles coming from the south, waiting to turn right) left to sit through not 1 but THREE traffic light changes. WTF is wrong with people? I'm all for patience, within reason, but this borders on retarded.

*At this point not even half the kids have finished crossing the street yet.

Later that day, yet another crosswalk sign manages to elude some dumbasse's realm of perception, when I'm stopped at a corner, waiting to turn right and he's stopped ON the corner, on his bicycle. The light turns green for me to cross. I check the crosswalk sign (because I'm paranoid I'm gonna turn, thinking I have the right-of-way, and run over someone's ass), it has the RED hand that means STOP/DON'T CROSS, so I start to turn and the fucktard on the bike slowly rides out in front of me. I throw on my breaks in order not to hit the moron, throwing all the stuff in the seat, into the floorboard. Unfortunately, it never dawns on me, until after the fact, that I should have laid on the horn, not that'd it matter. I'm sure he'll go on to do it again somewhere else.

Also, at what point did people stop hurriedly getting their ass across the street, even when they have the right-of-way? I swear the kids at the school zones deliberately walk slow, whether it be elementary-high school. And don't even get me started on the dumb motherfuckers who saunter across your path in shopping centers. Taking their time, talking on the cellphone, everything short of reading a book. I never assume just because I have the right-of-way as a pedestrian, that when I go to cross traffic in a shopping center parking lot, that people are automatically going to stop for my ass. Personally, I think the whole sue-happy culture we live in these days has contributed to this dumb shit (re: people sauntering out in front of cars). I can't tell you how many times I've had people take their sweet fuckin' time crossing in front of me. There are times when I wanna pull a Halle Berry on their ass, but you know anyone who isn't a celebrity, wouldn't be gettin' no "200 hours of community service" and a slap on the wrist. Must be nice to be above the law. Whatever.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

It's Comin'!

Monday, October 16, 2006

24/7

While scouring the Internet for images for my archives, I stumbled upon some of the new calendars for 2007. Here are just a few of my favorites. Man, James Dean sure was good lookin'. DAMN! He'll forever be on my list of 'Perfect Men' (sans the whole 'aversion to bathing' thing). Now if there were only a Johnny Knoxville or Vince Vaughn calendar...

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Teen Questioned for Online Bush "Threats"

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)- Upset by the war in Iraq , Julia Wilson vented her frustrations with President Bush last spring on her Web page on MySpace.com. She posted a picture of the president, scrawled "Kill Bush" across the top and drew a dagger stabbing his outstretched hand. She later replaced her page on the social-networking site after learning in her eighth-grade history class that such threats are a federal offense. It was too late.

The 14-year-old freshman was taken out of class Wednesday and questioned for about 15 minutes by two Secret Service agents. The incident has upset her parents, who said the agents should have included them when they questioned their daughter.

"I wasn‘t dangerous. I mean, look at what‘s (stenciled) on my backpack — it‘s a heart. I‘m a very peace-loving person," said Wilson, an honor student who describes herself as politically passionate. "I‘m against the war in Iraq. I‘m not going to kill the president."

After they left, Kirstie Wilson sent a text message to her daughter‘s cell phone, telling her to come straight home: "There are two men from the secret service that want to talk with you. Apparently you made some death threats against president bush." Moments later, Kirstie Wilson received another text message from her daughter saying agents had pulled her out of class. "They yelled at me a lot," she said. "They were unnecessarily mean."

Wilson and her parents said the agents were justified in questioning her over her MySpace.com posting. But they said they believe agents went too far by not waiting until she was out of school.

Assistant Principal Paul Belluomini said the agents gave him the impression the girl‘s mother knew they were planning to question her daughter at school. There is no legal requirement that parents be notified.

"This has been an ongoing problem," said Ann Brick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union in San Francisco.

Former Govs. Pete Wilson and Gray Davis vetoed bills that would have required that parents give consent or be present when their children are questioned at school by law enforcement officers. A similar bill this year cleared the state Senate but died in the Assembly.


Do Secret Service agents really have this much free time on their hands? Where will they strike next, roughing up some disgruntled elementary school kids who refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Gimme a break. Talk about a waste of resources. Ridiculous what passes for "news" these days.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Bottled Water

When I'm out and about and it's hot outside, I notice that I usually reach for water instead of a soft drink. I think it's because it's not as heavy, not necessarily because I'm all about health, health, health (I still drink Coke With Lime and Tab like a fiend). Most bottled waters have a plastic aftertaste that I find very distinctive, though most people have no idea what I mean when I say that. Here's my top 3 bottled water favorites. BTW, I'm almost certain that Fiji's deliciousness has a lot to do with the shape of their bottle...as weird as that may sound.


*Note: I realize this is a lame post, but I have lotsa stuff to do today, so it'll have to do. Also, I know it may sound pretentious to be talking about bottled water, esp. since, growing up in the 80's I never thought I'd be paying for a bottle of WATER. Funny how things change.

Man Ray

As I blogged about on Wednesday, here is my favorite photo from the Time-Life book, Photography Year 1974. Now you know this had to be the influence for the NIN's 'Closer' video and/or Madonna's 'Erotica' video. The photographer's name is Man Ray. To see more of his photography, click here.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Spooky! Spooky!

I received this flyer in the mail today. I loved it so much, I just had to share it with you. I've always thought the Little Caesar's character was cute and seeing him as The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Frankenstein and Dracula have forever earned him a place in my pop culture archives. Sweet!

Candy Leaves a Bad Taste in Your Mouth

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers for the film Hard Candy. If you have not seen the film and/or intend to, please disregard today's post.


It's at times like this that I wish I more eloquent. Here's hoping you 'get' where I'm coming from and if not, well, I guess I'll have to live with it. Whatever the case, last weekend I rented the movie, Hard Candy. I chose its' movie poster as one of my favorites in a previous post, along with some others and having seen the trailer, I was looking forward to seeing the movie.


For those who may not be familiar with the Lions Gate film, here's a brief synopsis, courtesy of the IMDB: A mature 14-year old girl meets a charming 32-year old photographer on the Internet. Suspecting that he is a pedophile, she goes to his home in an attempt to expose him.


First the pros:
- The movie is visually beautiful. I thought the overall look of the film was consistently great. It didn't get too gimmicky with the editing and gave the film a foreboding feel.
- The acting was top notch. I felt like the characters were relatively plausible and well-acted without being over the top or hammy, an all too easy pitfall with these type of suspense thrillers.
- As I mentioned earlier, the poster art is excellent. Conveys the message of the film perfectly while leaving the interpretation to your imagination. A-1.
- The subject matter, though "controversial" was unsettling on multiple levels, as well as the characters motives, etc.


Now the cons:
- Before I even saw the film, I already didn't like the actress who played 14-year-old "Hayley." Her androgynous, pie-eyed emo demeanor didn't fool me for one second. I'm not saying that you had to be a rocket scientist to conclude that she was somehow going to be the antagonist of the film (depending on your perspective), I'm just saying that the wide-eyed bookworm routine didn't fool me. She was acting way too naive and initiating way too much "bad" behavior, to be plausible. Plus, I wanted to punch her in the face really really hard.
- So many things left me with questions:
[1] When Hayley eventually discovers the hidden photos and declares "This is officially sick," I wonder whose definition of "sick" she's using. She's 14 years old for Pete's sake. She not my first choice for defining what's "sick."
[2] When Hayley says (paraphrasing here) "Just because girls can imitate being a woman doesn't mean they should do what women do." Um, then why would they be taking on these mannerisms to begin with? It's called being a 'cock tease.' Play with fire and you're bound to get burned eventually. This isn't a thumbs up to pedophilia, but you have to be realistic with the whole "child" angle today. More about that later in the post.


Reading multiple, MULTIPLE reviews on IMDB, which isn't saying much, considering the general age and what constitutes "good cinema" these days, I realize that what I'm about to say next probably won't be a popular viewpoint, but I don't really care. I have to get it off my chest, so it won't be bouncing around in my brain, left to stagnate and fester over time.:


I didn't like the movie. Though pedophilia creeps me out (not to mention, baffles me as to how having sex with a child is "sexy"...ech), not to mention being amoral, the film failed in getting me to side with the so-called "child/victim" in the movie's scenario. Instead, it just made me angry, like most topics that already have a built-in standard audience response. Looking over the reviews, it's obvious that it's much more popular to say "He got what he deserved" than to question the motivation behind the person who instigated "it" because they're considered a "child" according to the law, therefore the law is on their side. And should you question that, then you're considered "bad" or somehow morally corrupt for daring to question the integrity/motivations of a "child."


Whether we want to admit it or not, all children are not the innocent, cherubs we portray them as. And when I say "children," I'm referring to anyone old enough to initiate sexual behavior, however ill-conceived, etc. Which brings me to the whole "victim" card parents and their "children" love to toss out there anytime something happens because they (the parents) failed to do their job. Prime example: This post from earlier this year. Another, more current example, is the whole MySpace debacle. As you may or may not be aware, online predators didn't exist until MySpace was conceived (can you taste the sarcasm?). Back in May of this year a 13 year-old girl (she told him she was 18) ran off with a man she met on the Internet. The man was 25 years-old and did not sexually molest her (miracle of miracles), but was initially held in jail. And this is just ONE of many stories (*Google 'myspace teen rape' for more) about children being preyed upon by big bad adults. Of course, no one seems to want to talk about that fact that a lot of these "children" take provocative pictures of themselves and blatantly misrepresent themselves in their online profiles. Apparently men that talk to them or are targeted by them, are supposed to utilize their psychic powers to determine if the person he's talking to is legal or not.


And this is the kind of fine line-type shit I'm talking about. Granted, in the film, the male character DID know he was meeting a 14 year old and obviously had a whole "routine" for luring in young girls, you also have to take into consideration that these "children" are intentionally seeking older men out (or in the case of the movie, not to mention numerous episodes of Dateline, are baiting these men under the guise of vigilante "justice"). Sorry, I'm not buying it. Say what you will, two wrongs do not make a right. And that, my friends is the movie in a nutshell. Hard Candy is one of those movies you will either love or you'll hate. There doesn't seem to be much room for anything else.

*Note: And for anyone who thinks the whole online 'child as prey' thing is strictly a girl thing only, think again. I've popped into AOL's 'Town Square' chat rooms (a generic chat room for anyone, but mostly frequented by straight guys and gals) from time to time and it's been overwhelmingly underage MALES who seem to be trolling for girls, aging anywhere from 13 to 17. Go figure.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Misc. Book Purchases


Zabar's Deli Book by Susan Katz © 1979
Comments: This is SUCH a great-looking book. The images inside are collages composed of old woodcut clipart and are very reminiscent of some collages in one of my woodcut clipart books, done by one of my all-time favorite Surrealist artist, Max Ernst. A must-have for anyone who's a fan of New York and it's pop cultural history.
Kitsch: The World of Bad Taste by Gillo Dorfles © 1969
Comments: I went to an estate sale a few weeks ago and was shocked to see this book on one of the bookshelves, compared to the rest of the home's contents. I don't really believe in kismet, but this purchase seemed like it was meant to be. I hope the previous owner knows it went to someone who will appreciate it. This is one of those books that I've been wanting for some time.
The Muppet Movie by Steven Crist © 1979
Comments: I have fond memories of this movie. It was and still is one of my all-time favorites. I remember seeing it multiple, multiple times in the theater and also fondly remember pestering my mom to buy Cheerios, who, at the time, had Muppet Movie trading cards on the back of the box. It was a real hard sell, considering I didn't even like the cereal (at the time) and only wanted the box so I could cut out the cards on the back.
Boy Scouts of America: Lifesaving © 1971
Comments: The illustrations and photographs in these little BSoA books were so wonderfully kitschy that I had to buy them. The weird thing is, I found them at completely different places at different times, yet they're from the same time period. Weird.
Boy Scouts of America: Safety © 1971
Gods & Goddesses of the Movies by John Kobal © 1974
Werewolf! by Bill Pronzini © 1979
Comments: Just in time for Halloween!
Am I a Good Lover? The Answer Is in the Palm of Your Hand © 1981
Comments: C'mon, I HAD to buy this! It's just too deliciously cheesy. I felt like I should be sportinging a leisure suit and some shellacked hair a la the cast of Ron Burgundy.
Photography Year 1974 by Time Life Books © 1974
Comments: This book was in the Clearance section at Half Price Books for just $1!! It is FILLED with tons of beautiful images, both B&W and color. I bought it for the photographs of Man Ray, one in particular, which I'll be posting later. A dynamite book of photography!
How to Star in Swimming and Diving by Charles Batterman © 1968
Comments: Again, I was sold the minute I got a load of the cheesy B&W photographs, illustrating the various diving techniques. Fun stuff.
Masters of the Universe Play Pad
Patter for Standard Tricks by Robert Orben © 1950
Comments: After seeing the cover for this little booklet, combined with my love of vintage magician imagery, I had to get this booklet.
Easter Kitten by Janet Konkle © 1955
Comments: I found this old ex-library book at a, what I lovingly call a 'junk store', but the merchant prefers the term 'collectibles shoppe.' Whatever the case, this book was too cute not to get. All the images inside are actual B&W photos of a kitten, a duckling and an Easter egg. Adorable!
The Old Darnman by Charles L Goodell © 1906
Hollywood Album 2: Lives and Deaths of Hollywood Stars From the Pages of The New York Times © 1979
Dear Teen-Ager by Abigail Van Buren ("Dear Abby") © 1959
Pillowtime Tales by Marion K. DeGroot © 1944
A Study of the Junior Child by Theodora Whitley © 1923
Comments: Though not illustrated, this book is filled with lots of charming "old school" information. Unintentionally funny in this day and age. Perhaps I'll print some excerpts from it later.
Orson Welles: The Rise and Fall of An American Genius by Charles Higham © 1985
Comments: I know Cheryl over at Blog, Tarsier, Blog! will want this one, if she doesn't already own it. And if not, luckily, she can get a copy WITH dustjacket (and what a great dustjacket) for $2 over at Half.com! Can't wait to start reading it. BTW, there are plenty of nice B&W images inside too!
The Yuppie Handbook by Marissa Piesman and Marilee Hartley © 1984
Comments: My 'Handbook' collection may be nearing completion. I now have the Preppie Handbook, the Hoser Handbook, the Jewish American Princess Handbook and the J.A.P. Handbook (they're different books, same concept).
Mel Brooks' High Anxiety by Robert H. Pilpel © 1978
Comments: My friend Nathan got this book for me and I love it. I didn't even know it existed! I also recently bought the DVD, so now I can celebrate my love of this movie in just about every medium.
Do You Remember Pong, 8-Track, and Betamax? by Michael Gitter © 2005
Comments: My friend Terri sent me this book and I LOVE it. It chock-full of images and text about everything pop culture circa the 70's and 80's. Sigh...perfect.
Personal and Community Health by C.E. Turner © 1963
Comments: Filled with great kitschy B&W images!
Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Ideas Under $100 © 1971
Comments: Oh man, I LOVE this book. I will definitely be posting images from this book in more detail later. Good stuff!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

And the Winner (Finally!) is...

Back in August, I posted a contest for a copy of one of the books I was reading at the time, The Revenge of Kali-Ra by KK Beck. Well, like an idiot, I got sidetracked (it doesn't take much these days) and completely forgot to do the drawing for a winner. I did the drawing last night and the winner is Haley. If you're still out there Haley, send me your shipping address info and I'll get the book out to you ASAP.

Thanks to all that took the time to enter and I sincerely apologize for the delay. And if you didn't win this time, don't sweat it. There will be more drawings in the future. I promise! :)

Where the Kisses are Hers and Hers and His...

One week ago today, the 8th and final season of Three's Company was released to DVD. Season 8 is contained on 4 discs, along with multiple featurettes, bloopers and more. The great thing about the set is that it's priced under $20 ($12.99 NEW at Half.com)! How cool is that?! And that's not just a New Release price, like some other boxsets I've bought, whose price skyrockets after the first week of release, but a SET price. Very affordable.

Having watched all the episodes, I was pleasantly surprised to see that so many of them were favorites of mine. To be honest, after 8 years and multiple cast changes, some of the seasons kind of run together. Plus the fact that TVLand doesn't air them consecutively, doesn't help. LOL! I've since learned to pay attention to Janet and Terri's hair, to help in my mental timeline. Janet discovered some major black eyeliner and rouge in season 8 and Terri dumped the Supermodel makeup and cut her hair. Voila! Welcome to season 8!

So anyway, I digress. Some of my favorite episodes took place during Season 8: Grandma Jack (Jack dresses up as a woman to win the prize money for a baking contest...for women only), She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (Larry & Jack find a quiz in a magazine, convincing them that either Janet or Terri wants to have an affair with Jack, so they take them to a mountain retreat to find out which one it is), Itching for Trouble (Jack's former high school crush is married to an extremely jealous schoolmate. Jack ends up in the bushes with his crush and both contract a severe case of poison ivy, but Jack can't let the husband know) and even one that I'd never seen the entire episode of, Jack's Tattoo (Jack goes into the hospital to have a tattoo removed from his butt {a heart that says "The Love Butt"}, but Mr. Furley thinks he's going in for a sex change and Janet thinks he's going in for a vasectomy). Plus, lots more!


The great thing about the series is that the storylines were almost always funny and imaginative (I say almost because, I, not unlike Joyce DeWitt, hated the rarely-seen in reruns episode where Janet dons a blonde wig and her personality changes...for the worse). The final season was no exception, with great episodes right up until the season finale, which, personally, felt rushed and half-assed. But, then you have to factor in the fact that behind the scenes, the cast was at odds with the fact that John Ritter was secretly negotiating a spinoff for himself, called Three's a Crowd (horrible!). Overall, though, season 8 doesn't fail to deliver the goods. A must buy and at under twenty dollars, there's no reason not to!

Now here's hoping that Anchor Bay releases The Ropers spinoff series to DVD. A completely underrated spinoff that should have lasted more than one season. Norman Fell and Audra Lindley (AKA "The Ropers"), and even Jeffrey Tambor, were great characters with lots of potential. I loved the show and it saddened me that it had such a short (but sweet) shelf life. The network should have given it more of a chance. Shame on them!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Cookbook Purchases

As you may or may not know, I have a weakness for retro recipe books and booklets. Feel free to check out my retro recipe blog, Jam Handy!


Better Homes and Gardens Favorite Ways With Chicken Turkey, Duck and Game Birds © 1968
Better Homes & Gardens Barbecue Book © 1959
Better Homes and Gardens Snacks and Appetizers © 1974
Better Homes and Gardens Encyclopedia of Cooking: Volume 3: Special Edition © 1973
Better Homes & Gardens Dessert Cook Book © 1967
Better Homes and Gardens Casserole Cook Book © 1967
The American Home's Meals in Minutes © 1964
The Finishing Touch: General Foods Kitchens
The Cookie Jar Cookbook © 1991
Jimmy Dean's Best Sausage Recipes © 1973
Better Homes and Gardens Meat Stretcher Cook Book © 1974
June Roth's Fast and Fancy Cookbook © 1969
Cookie Time © 1992
The Tupperware Book of Picnics Parties & Snacks © 1967
McCall's Cooking School © 1976

Friday, October 06, 2006

Former Angel Battles Cancer

Los Angeles - Farrah Fawcett has undergone surgery to treat cancer. The 59-year-old star of the original 'Charlie's Angels' TV series appeared to be glowing with health at the Emmy awards five weeks ago but has since had an operation to remove a tumor from her lower intestine. The tumor has been described as "the size of two strawberries" and she now faces a gruelling course of chemotherapy treatment to overcome the potentially fatal disease.

A friend said: "Farrah faces hell but she's determined to be tough. She's told everyone around her, 'Look I've stopped crying, now you stop too.'"

Yesterday (10.04.06) Fawcett put on a brave face as she walked to her gym, in Los Angeles, but she looked exhausted and unwell.

While the actress dazzled at the Emmys with her 'Charlie's Angels' co-stars she was bravely hiding her illness.

A family friend said: "Though she looked magnificent at the ceremony, Farrah had been feeling faint, suffering abdominal pain and having cold sweats for two months."

Fawcett has now moved back in with her ex Ryan O'Neal, who has had Leukemia himself. O'Neal cancelled a film shoot to look after Fawcett and accompanied her to the UCLA Medical Center where she had radiation treatment to shrink the tumor.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Paperback Purchases

As promised, here is the first installment of my recent book purchases. First, the paperbacks:


Strange Fruit by Lllian Smith © 1948
The End of the Night by John D. MacDonald © 1961
A History of Shadows by Robert C. Reinhart © 1982
Comments: Love those cheesy 'dramatic' gay novels
The Lodger by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes © 1941
Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton © 1977
The Catch Trap by Marion Zimmer Bradley © 1980
Comments: Another early gay novel. I think I may have this one, but with a different cover.
The Cheap Detective by Robert Grossbach © 1978
Phone Call by Jon Messman © 1979
Reply Paid by H.F. Heard © 1942
Comments: LOVE this cover. It's so ahead of its' time. The cover is so modern and the book is in such good condition, I was shocked that it was printed in 1942.
Barnabas Collins In a Funny Vein © 1969
Comments: Vampire jokes. You know I had to pick this up.
Selections From Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book © 1983
Flash Gordon: The Ice Monster by Al Williamson © 1968
The Sky Block by Steve Frazee © 1958
Comments: Another great cover. I am such a sucker for a great bookcover.
Marye Dahnke's Salad Book by Marye Dahnke © 1961
Mystery of the Witches' Bridge by Barbee Oliver Carleton © 1969
The Voodoo MAD © 1963

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Dreamy

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Carpe Cart

Though Halloween is weeks away, here's a brief little story that happened to me last October.

About a month ago, I was talking with one of my friends about various random things, as usual, and somehow we got on the topic of "ghosts." She happens to believe in them, I'm more of a skeptic. One of those "I'll believe it when I see it"-types. So, in the process of telling her something weird that happened to me last October at the local Joann Fabrics, she flipped out because she used to work at that same store and something weird happened to her there as well, but neither of us had ever told each other about it.

First, her story: She said that one night while she was closing with another girl, that there was no one else in the store. The girl she was working with was doing things in the actual store, while she (a manager at the time) was in the back (the store and the storage/office area is separated by a door located at the back of the store) doing the closing paperwork. While the whirring and clicking and clacking of the adding machine was going on, she heard the giggle of a little girl, as if she were running around with someone else, playing tag or hide-and-seek. She initially didn't think anything of it, assuming some kids were still in the store (you know how observant parents are these days), so she got up to go tell them that the store was closed and it was time to leave.

When she got up to go tell them to leave, she didn't find anyone, so she went out into the store and asked the girl she was working with if she'd seen/heard anything. She girl hadn't, so my friend got on the intercom and announced that the store was closed, assuming whoever was still lingering around would come forward. When no one did, she went back to the office to finish her paperwork. She heard the laughter of a little girl again, and this time she was pissed. She got up and went out into the storage area of the store, turned on all the lights and made a thorough search. Nothing. She was starting to get more than a little nervous, so this time she went and got the other girl she was working with, told her to leave what she was doing and come sit in the office while she finished the paperwork.

Once back in the office, she told the employee what she'd heard and asked her if she was sure she didn't hear it. She hadn't. The girls were began getting scared and my friend went back to her paperwork, determined to get it done as quickly as possible and get the hell outta dodge. That's when they both heard it...again. A little girl's giggle-y laughter. They both just sat there, frozen. That's when they both said "Fuck this. I am OUTTA here!" They got their stuff together, left the store, locked the door and went home.

Now for my story: This is the story I had told my friend that spurred her to share her story with me. She was shocked when I told her because no one believed her when she told them what happened that night. Neither of us had known about the other's experience, so I think that's what she found so shocking. I really hadn't given my 'experience' much thought until I heard her story, so it all came together in an interesting way.

One afternoon last October, I was at Joann's Fabrics, browsing their Halloween decorations. On one of the aisles there sat a big, metal cart, unattended, loaded with the paper that they use to wrap the customer's fragile items in (ceramic, glass, etc.). As I stood looking at the decorations, the cart ever so slowly moved towards me. I didn't think much of it at the time and pretty much ignored it...until it did it again. This time the top piece of paper sort of ruffled ever so lightly, as if a gust of wind had made it flitter. I looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, but no one else was nearby. The closest person was over in the fabric department, at the other end of the store. I just stood there smiling, thinking "weird!" and decided to take a picture, to blog about it later.

Well, I recently ran across the picture and that's what prompted me to tell my friend about my "moving" experience. I'd thought I'd deleted it LONG ago, but there it was on my desktop, in my "Digital Pix" folder.

She later told me that the few carts they did have, were relics. All made from this really heavy metal and all having those ridiculously bad wheels (think of the lone cart at the grocery store that you inevitably pick, that's a total lemon), which made them frustrating, if not nearly impossible, at times, to maneuver. Strange.

*Note: This didn't really have any significance to be before, but if you look directly at the end of the aisle, that's the door that goes into the back storage/office area.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Shenanigans

This weekend I went to The Magic Time Machine in Dallas, with some friends. For those not familiar with TMTM, read my previous post or go here.

When we arrived, the place was packed and we were told there was a 30 minute wait, which was nowhere near as long as we'd anticipated, so we took our little pager disc and went upstairs to the arcade/disco/bar to kill some time. Upstairs it was like 150º and we were all about to die of heatstroke. Thankfully, we discovered some video game where you shoot zombies (Area 51) and the heat ceased to matter anymore. Man, it was really fun, and I normally don't even attempt to sway from anything that doesn't remotely resemble a video game from the 80's because usually they're too complex for my little brain to handle, but Area 51 was a blast! Plus, I'm a good shot.

Thirty five minutes later, we were seated by Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and our waitress, Wonder Woman came by with menus and asked if we'd be starting with drinks and/or appetizers. I ordered a Poison Apple (apple martini) and some Mozzarella sticks. The waitress asked us if we were celebrating anything special and we all fell silent. I did NOT want any birthday fanfare, especially here, where loud and embarassing are king. Then when someone said "it's his birthday" it began. She asked what my name was and someone said "Molly. Molly Ringwald," so from there on out I was referred to as 'Molly' by the waitress. Neat. :P Later, I ordered the fried shrimp and two scoops of vanilla ice cream for dessert...which they ended up bringing out with a pink birthday candle in the middle of, while The Mad Hatter, Wonder Woman and Jack Sparrow (I think that's the name of Johnny Depp's character in Pirates of the Caribbean) sang some really loud, obnoxious version of Happy Birthday to me. Lovely. LOL! Actually, I don't embarrass too easily, so I just went with it, but I could have lived without it.


Everyone's meal comes with a trip to the salad bar (an old jalopy converted into a salad bar). As we stood in line, the woman in front of me was desperately trying to conjole some spoiled-ass 10-year old kid. We were all like "WTF?! This bitch has to be convinced to have a good time here?! Gimme a fuckin' break!" This took for fuckin' ever because the girl's lip was dragging the floor (as my parent's would say) and was just soooo "sad." WTF-ever. Meanwhile, there are 8 of us waiting in line for this stupid bitch and her granddaughter to get the fuck outta the way so we can get our goddamn salads. Ridiculous! Once back at the table, we all were on the same wavelength, saying that's like taking your kids to Disneyland and having to convince them to have a good time. Kids suck.

We sat and talked for a while after dinner and everyone was mesmerized by all the activity going on. I felt a little ridiculous, having chosen SUCH a little kid's-style place to have dinner, but I tried not to think about it too much. I thought it'd be fun, but I think the combination of it being SO busy and there being SO many things going on and so many kids running around, made it a bit overwhelming.

The table across from us was being waited on by G.I. Joe and I thought he was a hottie. Keep in mind the place is REALLY dark, so when you don't have your glasses on, everyone looks good. All I know is that he had some nice, veiny biceps and some kind of accent (I think he was Australian or British...the din was pretty loud in the restaurant). He was cute to me, so as we were leaving, I noticed a few people going around taking pictures of various people and things, and he was one of them. He was clearing a table on the way to the exit, and some woman had just asked to take his picture and he was very obliging, so I thought "What the hell, I'll ask too," so I did. My friends were passing by as my flash went off and they all looked at me like "Oh my God." One of them said "Be obvious why don't you" to which I replied "Eh, who cares. He's hot and it's my birthday." LOL. Like I said, I don't embarrass easily.

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