Happy New Year!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Mele Kalikimaka, Or In Other Words...

O Holy Night

Up until...oh...about 5 years ago, my favorite version of this song was sung by country artist, John Berry. I can still remember the first time I heard it. It was about 6:30a.m., and I was en route to Columbus, Ohio for an early morning meeting in December. (This was waaaayyyy before fate/destiny/God's incredibly wicked sense of humor dumped me in Cincinnati.) It was pitch-black dark, not a star in the sky, nor a headlight on the roadway to light my way besides my own...and then this song came on the radio. It was beautiful...almost surreal.

I was familiar with John Berry and loved his voice, but this was the first time I had heard his rendition of "O Holy Night" and it nearly brought me to tears. When it was over, the DJ came on and said, "That's Mr. John Berry, folks. The best voice in country music today." I had to agree with him...it was memorable.

Flash forward several years to Cincinnati, Ohio. Once again, I'm in my car, only this time I'm headed over to Hyde Park to pick up lunch. It's Christmastime and I'm listening to the radio when "O Holy Night" begins...only I'm not sure who the artist is. All I remember is, I was so mesmerized by the sheer power, the incredible beauty and passion of the singer's voice that I started crying. I mean I was blubbering like a fool to the point I thought I was going to have to pull over to the curb and compose myself. And that was my introduction to one Josh Groban, only I didn't know for sure that he was the one singing at the time.

A few days later, I was sitting at my desk when Abby (a former employee) walked into my office. It just so happened that the song was once again playing on the radio in the background, and I had tears streaming down my face. (I can't help it...to this day the song/his voice brings tears to my eyes.) I started laughing and told her not to worry, I was okay, I was just a big ol' sappy girl. Anyway, I explained how I had reacted when I first heard the song and that I believed it was Josh Groban, but wasn't sure because...even though I had heard of him, I wasn't certain if I had actually heard anything he'd recorded.

Abby confirmed that was indeed Josh Groban's dulcet tones wafting through the air in my office, and, as luck would have it, she owned a couple of his CDs. Well, she loaned them to me, I listened, and I was hooked. The young man has an incredible voice. In fact, three years ago last March, I saw him in concert...second row seats, center stage, mind you...and it was fantastic. Hands down...if not the BEST concert I've ever attended...it's definitely in the top three, but that's another story for another time.

So, this brings me to the last of my posts on Christmas carols/songs. I'm not saying that "O Holy Night" is my all time favorite, but it certainly is a beautifully haunting melody; especially as performed by these two artists. Oh, Celine Dion does a pretty terrific version as well. There are other carols that deserve an honorable mention, such as: "White Christmas," "Silent Night," "Away In A Manger," and I happen to enjoy one Mr. Bruce Springsteen's kick-ass rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town." But then I suppose that will give me something to blog about this time next year.

"O Holy Night" by John Berry

The John Berry video was posted on YouTube by packfan1999.

"O Holy Night" by Josh Groban

YouTube vid by minmelethuireb2. Merry Christmas everyone.

All I Want For Christmas...Again

Well, I did a similar post last year with the same title, so I guess I'm gonna keep asking for the same thing every year until I wear down Santa, and that chubby old elf with the big old belly in the natty red suit brings me what I want. Yeah, right? Anyway, since this is my 300th post, you have to know the topic is going to be about a certain "tall drink of water" detective (fictional though he may be) who resides in New York City.

This is another song that I heard on the radio...loved it immediately... and determined that I had to own it for my very own. So, after finally hearing the DJ give the name of the group singing the song; i.e., Vince Vance & The Valiants, I went immediately to Amazon.com and made my purchase. The CD...overall...isn't particularly memorable, albeit, there are one or two other songs I do enjoy; specifically, "Christmas Just Ain't Christmas Without You." The title song was well worth the purchase, however.

So, in keeping with my recent trend of "counting down" my favorite Christmas/Holiday songs, I did a search of YouTube and found a video...several actually...of the song. The one I selected, however, is a solitary photo of an old-fashioned radio that never changes throughout the song, so it's just like you're listening to the radio. Since I have yet to venture into the very intimidating world of video making, I put together a Bobby slideshow to go along with it, so you can listen to the song and watch Bobby fade in and out. Yes, this is my "dummied-down" way of contriving a make-shift video for my man and my song.

Bobby Christmas Slideshow


"All I Want For Christmas"

YouTube vid by oldcountrytunes.

Maybe next year, if I'm still alive and kickin', I'll get around to making an actual honest-to-gosh video. Hey, it could happen.

A "Christmas Portrait"

This Christmas CD by The Carpenters is my all time favorite. There are other artists I enjoy just as much, but this particular CD...from start to finish...does not disappoint. At least, for me. Back in the day when I still "did-up" Christmas in a big way, this is the CD I would play...and sing along with...as I decorated my tree.

Karen Carpenter had such a pure, beautifully lyrical voice. Her death was so tragic. As a person who has food "issues" on the opposite end of the spectrum, it is hard for me to wrap my brain around a disease like anorexia. What a waste and so very, very sad.

There are too many songs on this CD for me to pick just one, so I settled on three: "Merry Christmas, Darling," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Okay, so call me a sentimental, old sap. I don't care...there are worse things you could call me.

"Merry Christmas, Darling"

YouTube vid by RicBNH.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

YouTube vid by LoveHowardBanister.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

YouTube vid by NedNickerson2008.

An Eagles Christmas Song

In case you haven't noticed it by now, I am one obsessive lady. When I take a shine to something, whether it's a television show, or an actor in a television show, a book, a photo, an article of clothing, a particular food...you name it...once a specific "craving" worms its way into my head, I simply cannot "let it go" until that craving has been satisfied.

That is precisely what happened when I first heard the Eagles' rendition of "Please Come Home For Christmas." I loved it from the get-go and me being...well...me, I wanted a copy of the song for my very own, so I could listen to it whenever I wanted instead of some random happenstance whenever the local DJ decided to play it during the holidays. And thus my quest began.

Again, this search began a long time before I landed here in the Queen City, way before there were such things as Amazon.com, eBay, and iTunes. I looked everywhere and finally...one day...I asked a clerk in a music store if it was available on a CD. Basically, he told me "no" that this was some sort of "special" recording. I don't recall the specifics, but the long and the short of it was, I had to content myself with a cassette recording of the song I managed to snag from a radio station one Sunday afternoon.

Still, my obsessive soul was not completely satisfied. I wanted a "real" copy of the song, dang it. I mean, here I was...cold, hard cash at the ready...and nothing to show for it. Then, one day, I got the bright idea to check Amazon.com. I typed the name of the song in the "search" box and...low and behold...through the magic of the Internet, there it was. I gleefully plunked down my $4.98 plus S&H for a CD that contained this song plus one other...whose title I don't recall and, quite frankly, I've never listened to. I would have paid more...thus the life of the obsessive compulsive. It took me...literally...years, but I finally got what I wanted. (Maybe Bobby should beware, huh?)

Oh, well. I know this song has been recorded by a host of other artists, but there is just something about Don Henley's throaty rendition that "pulls" me in. So, this leads me to the next of my "favorite" Christmas songs: "Please Come Home For Christmas."


YouTube video by eaglesonlinecentral.

The Christmas Theme Continues

I'll get back to posting about Bobby and "My Big Fat Freakin' Life" in a few days. I really do miss "playing" with Detective Goren...just needed a wee break from all the capping and photo sorting and quoting. Don't get me wrong...while I love doing it...it can become a tad tedious at times. I guess Christmas came around at just the right time.

Anyway, I decided to post another of my favorite Christmas Carols. It 'tis the season, after all. Next up is "Carol Of The Bells." I think what I love most about this song is...if it is done correctly...the choral voices actually sound like chiming bells. But then again, I suppose that was the intent of the composer. (Nothing gets by me, folks.) Oh, well...it's the little things that capture my interest.

In my search of YouTube for a video of the song, I happened upon one that is of a decorated home synchronized to the music. So, I thought...what the hey? It's Christmas. The vid was posted by AgentJack13 and is really cool...at least, I think so. All I can say is, there are a lot of people "out there" with a good deal more energy and creativity than I possess. God love 'em and more power to them; I do enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Well, since I first posted this, YouTube took down the video, so I decided to replace it with this one done performed by "Celtic Woman," which was posted by Palmie01. Hope this one lasts.

"Carol of the Bells"

Christmas Decorations To The Extreme

I used to "Christmas" like nobody's business waaaaayyyy back in the good old days of yesteryear. Christmas changed significantly after Mom and Dad passed away and then after I landed here in Cincinnati...even more dramatic/drastic changes occurred affecting the way I celebrate the holiday.

I used to have a beautiful tree, meticulously trimmed with myriad ornaments I had collected over the years. Now, in my matchbook-sized apartment, there is no tree...haven't had one since 1999. In addition to the tree, there were the "special" Christmas bears, music boxes, Department 56 Dickens Christmas Village, and other decorations strewn about the house. It was homey, comfy. My favorite thing to do was turn out all the lights and watch TV by the glow of the Christmas tree lights. Ah, those were the days.

Don't get me wrong, I still have a few special things I put out in an effort to summon the old Christmas feeling. Nowadays, though, instead of a 7' tree, I have an 18-inch Boyds Bear tree and a Nativity crafted by the Danbury Mint. I still have a few Christmas Bears and a couple of smaller battery operated Boyds trees. The upside is, now it takes me an hour or two at the most to get everything out and in place whereas it took three or four days to do the decorating in the past.

But, I have to admit that, even in my glory days, I never contrived to create the sort of outdoor, over-the-top, extravaganzas that many people undertake these days. I kept it very simple in that area; i.e., some garland and a few strands of clear lights woven around and through the front porch banister, a tasteful wreath, and that was about all I could muster.

That is lame and tame compared to the video I chose to highlight in this post. Actually, this display is from 2005 and is on a house in Mason, Ohio, which is about 20 miles...give or take...north of Cincinnati. It was highlighted on the local news and, later, on a Miller Lite commercial. The guy who did this is an electrical engineer, and it took him two months at a cost of $10,000 to hook up the 25,000 lights. (Eat your heart out, Clark Griswold.)

Actually, it's pretty cool, and has a really big finale, but I wouldn't want to live next door to the guy. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!



Well, the vid I originally used was taken down by YouTube, but I found another posted by houseofboyd.

Vincent "Cooks"

Well, to be honest, he watches his sister prepare some oven baked sweet potato fries and mix-up a batch of three-cheese garlic mashed potatoes, but he is in the kitchen. Anyway, it took a little bit of detective work, but I finally tracked down the follow-up segment to Vincent's earlier appearance on "Good Things Utah."

The only problem is, every time I try to embed it on my blog, it really screws things up, so I have to settle for the link to the video. So, I thought I would go ahead and post that here for anyone who might want to peek at it, besides me, of course. The link is listed in the list of videos on the left hand side of the page, however, the video that immediately starts to play when you arrive at the site is of Vincent's first segment on the show. You may have to scroll down the list to find the video...if it's even still there.

Evidently, Vincent is not too handy in the kitchen, but that does not necessarily mean his alter-ego;" i.e., Detective Goren, shares a similar lack of culinary skills. At least, I know in my fantasies, Bobby is more than adequate in everything he sets out to accomplish. I thought it was cute when he said his sister was a "good" cook, but the food at the restaurant was "great," adding that his sister didn't do the cooking at the restaurant. Brothers are so much fun. I know..I had three.

Vincent D'Onofrio In Utah

Well, "everybody" ... that would be, like, all two of you ... has probably already seen this by now, but I had to post it here anyway. I have to say that this is one of the better interviews I've seen with Vincent D'Onofrio. The women interviewing him are not going "ga-ga" over his "star" status for one thing, and they can speak in coherent sentences, so that is always a plus. And VDO comes across as poised and relaxed, not uncomfortably "shy" like he has appeared to be in some of the past interviews I've seen.

One thing, though, Vincent states that the new season of LOCI will air in January, "he thinks." So, clearly, USA Network is not keeping their stars in the loop. Oh, he also says he loves how well USA is treating the show.

They talk throughout the interview about how Vincent is going to be "cooking" with his sister later in the show, but if that segment is available, I haven't found it yet, but I will keep looking. 'Til then, enjoy the show.


I was in such a hurry to get the video posted that I forgot to mention that he is in Utah to do some charity/fund raising for things like "Shop With A Cop," etc. There is also an article, photos, and another video clip available from "The Daily Herald" and it can be found...hopefully...here.

Politics...Not My Cup Of Tea

I am quite certain that Music Wench will do a much more complete, thorough and entertaining job at analyzing the idiocy that is Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich when her schedule slows down, and she has time to blog again. Until then, I just have to rant a bit. I simply must ask...what was the man thinking? Well, obviously, he wasn't. Evidently, the man has completely lost his mind, in fact.

I mean, nowadays, when a person lives his life in the public eye...as most certainly the governor of a state does...one should be a little more cautious as to the breadth and depth of the corrupt activities in which one engages. That's all I'm sayin'. So, why...WHY...I ask you did this moron believe he could try to SELL Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder and it NOT garner the attention of...oh, I don't know...the FBI? Idiot.

I guess his wife is just as bad. One article I read depicted her, Illinois First Lady Patricia Blagojevich, as a modern-day Lady Macbeth who plotted against her husband's "perceived" enemies and backed his corrupt schemes. Well, why wouldn't she? After all, he was trying to snag a high paying position for her, too. Don't they sound like a fun couple? Let's invite them over for tea.

And the thing is...he's a Democrat. It just goes to show you that... when it comes to politics... "stupidity" is not "exclusive" to the Republican Party. Nope...idiocy is one quality that is truly bipartisan.

But the icing on the cake came this morning when I found the following headline in a Yahoo News teaser: "Joe The Plumber: Appalled By McCain Bailout Support." Intrigued, I clicked on the link and read the article. Basically, he didn't agree with McCain's reasons for bailing out Wall Street...was angered, in fact. Aw, gee, that honeymoon ended rather quickly, didn't it?

Anyway, I guess their "falling out" occurred near the end of the campaign, so Sam (that's Joe's real name...Sam Wurzelbacher) also hit the campaign trail with Sarah Palin. He had only praise for her, calling Palin the "real deal." He was quoted as saying, "It disgusts me on how often they try to bash her just for her sincerity. She really wants to work for America."

But the surprising thing I learned from this article was that "Joe" has evidently written a book about his experiences stumping around the country with McCain and Palin. Who knew the man could read, let alone write? And it's due out this month. (Gee, do I have time to add it to my list to Santa?) I can hardly wait to see what awe-inspiring, thought provoking...dare I say..."profound" words of wisdom good ol' Joe has to share with the rest of us "common folk."

You know, I have been wondering what sort of material George W. would be looking for when gets around to planning his "Presidential Library." Unfortunately, I think I've found it.

Favorite Christmas Carols

And I have several. So many, in fact, it is difficult to choose just one favorite carol, so I am going to start with one by a truly classy guy...Johnny Mathis. My oldest brother introduced me to this artist's dulcet tones wayyyyy back in the day. Of course, Johnny is best know for his ballads like, "Chances Are," "The Twelfth of Never," "A Certain Smile," "It's Not For Me To Say," and...well, the list goes on and on. Ah, what memories those titles inspire.

He has produced a number of Christmas albums/CDs through the years, as well. He sings the "traditional" holiday ditties with as much aplomb and dignity as he displays in his renditions of the more reverent songs such as "Silent Night" and "Oh Holy Night." But the Christmas Carol that first comes to my mind when I think of this particular artist is "What Child Is This," and that is the one I have selected for this post.

Come to think of it, Johnny is probably best know for his version of "The Christmas Song." You know, "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." But, everybody and anybody who even thought about cutting a Christmas album sings that song, and I am heartily sick of it. So, rest assured you won't be finding that tune in my top ten list of favorite Christmas Carols.

But this one did make the cut: "What Child Is This" by Johnny Mathis. I found it on YouTube...where else...and it was posted there by leeestrada. What ever oh ever did we do before the Internet and blogging and YouTube and emailing and such? Oh yeah, I'd read a book every now and then.

Quoting "Homo Homini Lupis"

For me, I thought this was another solid episode for the inaugural season of Law & Order CI and an oddity in that the detectives are not investigating a murder, but a kidnapping. Eames looked so young with her hair styled the way it was when she and Bobby went to confront Colter about his missing family under the guise of “spreading the good news” about the Good Book.

Ever notice how Bobby and Eames talk on their cells or work phones sometimes? For example, when Eames takes a call when they’re checking out Colter’s workplace, she pulls the phone away from her face and is hanging up the phone while she’s...you know...still talking. They do that frequently.

It’s funny how things jump out at me now, too. Like, Colter taking the call from the kidnapper on the pay phone. Of course, this was filmed in 2001/2002, so cell phones were just becoming the “in” accessory to own. But just try to find a bank of pay phones like the one in this episode nowadays.

The look on Colter’s face when Simon asked him which of his daughters he liked “better” was profound…chillingly reminiscent of “Sophie’s Choice.” A movie I have watched only once, by the way. Yeah, the perp in this one was especially “monstrous.” He probably makes my top ten list of “most despised” LOCI villains, but he is not at the very tip-top of that list. Oh, no... that distinction goes to someone else...who shall remain nameless.

HHL Slideshow Part I


There was obviously some bad feelings going on between Lucas and his dad, ya think? And, considering that Lucas was an embezzler and not so good with money, his dad most likely had good reason for feeling the way he did. But he did come through and pony up the money in the end. You know, folks, the “love of money” truly is the root of all evil. Just look at the state our nation’s…the world’s…economy is in as a result. Oh well, I wonder if the wife stayed with Lucas after all this played out. ‘Cause if ever, oh ever, there was a wife who had grounds for divorce, it's her.

Kudos to Maggie though. A young girl like that, being brutalized/ violated like she was. Yet, she still possessed the presence of mind to get a peek at her kidnapper from under her blindfold, and ended up getting the evidence to nail the son of a bitch in the end. Way to go, Maggie.

HHL Part II


I’ve gotta say, we’re almost sixteen minutes into this one, and there’s not a whole lot of Bobby-action going on here. In fact, Eames is the one who takes the lead, initially, in the interrogation room when they finally manage to drag Lucas’s sorry butt in there for questioning.

At last we learn something new about Bobby…and Eames. Between the two of them, they have handled nearly a dozen kidnappings and that does not count hostage situations. We also find that Bobby has a “superstitious” side when he says “knock on wood” in reference to their track record; i.e., they haven’t lost anybody…yet.

I’m sure that some vigilant screencapper out there has already spotted this and talked about it on one of the other LOCI/Vincent blogs, but this is the first time I noticed that one of the buttons on Bobby’s shirt is unfastened in the interrogation scene with Lucas. (See what gems one finds when one advances the screen frame by excruciatingly slow frame?) If he’d only go ahead and unbutton the whole dang shirt, it would make me the happiest of women.

You know, I love Bobby and everything, but I think it was a little presumptuous on his part to go barging up the stairs, demanding to see the girls when they had just experienced this horrible ordeal at the hands of two strange men. And then there he is…another strange man invading their home. There was a lot of discussion about this episode a few weeks back on a blog devoted to Vincent D’Onofrio.

I think I've finally figured out Bobby's interrogation tactics...he just talks and talks and TALKS until finally the person being questioned or interviewed just blurts out anything to get him to shut up. I say that with all due respect for the man and heaps of love, love, love.

HHL Part III


Okay, I am hardly one to talk about another’s appearance, but take a gander at the hairdo the loan shark’s attorney is sporting. It reminds me of a skunk for some reason. I can barely pay attention to what he’s saying…or anyone else for that matter…because his “do” is so loud. Actually, I ended up editing that section out of my slideshows, but if you check out the "Extras" post, you'll see what I'm talking about.

I don’t know what it is about this man, but the way certain words roll off his tongue do weird things to me. For example…pussycat. Need I say more?

And this man, this incredible man...is one bundle of hyperactive energy. For example, the scene when they’re listening to the tape of Nicky Torres, and he keeps pacing all about. Then there is the scene when Eames is reading aloud about Simon from a file, and he can hardly wait for her to relinquish it. And then there is the scene when Eames is talking calmly to Maggie and Bobby is standing behind her...fidgeting...looking at the floor, the wall, the ceiling. Take a pill, darlin'.

Okay, how come every other cop show I watch…when an officer shoots someone in the line of duty...said officer is put on desk duty or some such until there is an investigation? But when Eames shoots someone, hardly anything is ever said. I mean, the only thing said was by Deakins and that was he had read the preliminary report and it was a “good” shooting. What's up with that?

I love the scenes when we get the “double-shots” of Bobby. Like, when he is in the observation room, looking through the two-way mirror at Simon, and we get that reflection in the mirror. Nice. He looks good in “casual” clothes, too. "Scruffy" definitely looks good on him.

I love how Bobby always insinuates himself into people’s lives. Like, when he starts up the stairs at the Colter house, telling the parents that he and Eames are gonna have to talk to Maggie…with their permission…of course. He’s already halfway up the stairs. Who’s going to stop that big guy? I'm just askin’?

HHL Part IV


An off the wall comment here, but I wonder if Susan and Bobby go shopping at the same plaid shirt store. Also, anybody notice that the lavender chair in Maggie’s room – Eames sits in it – is just like the chairs in the interrogation rooms at 1PP? Guess LOCI has always been frugal with their props budget, huh?

I eluded to this earlier, but I could not help but notice how “antsy” Bobby was when he was standing behind Eames when she begins to...very gently...question Maggie? The man cannot hide his feelings very well, can he? He’s worse than I am. I mean, just look at his body language, looking all around, shifting his weight, even looking up at the ceiling…biding his time, thinking, pacing a bit. He’s not a patient waiter, my Bobby.

The look on his face when he is talking to Maggie, trying to convince her to open up and help them nail Simon to the wall, is just so full of emotion, compassion. (Music Wench is right; i.e., the writers made Eames the stoic cop, Bobby’s the emotional one. I like it that way.) He wants so much for Maggie to open up to them…it’s just a matter of him finding the right “button” to push to get her to unleash all that pent-up anger…rage… resentment. (Hmm…come to think of it, when he’s finished there, he can come visit me 'cause I've got a couple of buttons I'd like him to push. Oh, yeah.)

HHL Part V


I have to say that I thought this was one of the better “gotcha” interrogation finales. I just love watching Bobby “handle” this imbecile…humiliating him, degrading him, goading him until he proudly shows off his scar, thereby, giving Bobby the lead-in necessary to get at that all-incriminating tattoo. All I know is, I could never be depended upon to draw anything…not even a stick man, even if I had a whole day to look at it.

So, I found the fact that Maggie – who had all of…what…five seconds to commit Simon’s tattoo to memory – got every detail right, the dates, the letters, even the tiger’s stripes…downright remarkable. But then again, it’s only a TV show, after all. The bad guys are supposed to get caught, and Bobby goes about it all in such a unique, ingenious and oftentimes quirky way that I can usually overlook the absurd…usually.

And when our stalwart detective has had his way with the horrible man, he just straightens himself, looks at the attorney and says, "Now, he's ready for arraignment." Good stuff.

HHL Part VI


Well, as Porky Pig would say, "Th-th-th-That's All Folks!" Next up is "Semi-Professional," which along with "Badge" are my two favorite episodes from Season 1. It may take me a while to get the next one ready...there's a little thing called Christmas on the horizon. I hate it when "life" makes demands on my "Bobby-Time."

Just Bobby In "Homo Homini Lupis"

Y'all know what time it is...it's "Bobby-Time." And that's about all I have to say on the subject. I'm saving all my "good stuff" for the "Quotes" post. Yeah, right.

Anyway, I thought the good detective was looking especially fit and trim and dapper in this episode...despite the heinous subject matter. Some people...perhaps...did not find the storyline believable when Bobby took the young rape victim into his arms to comfort her. She had been viciously assaulted by a strange man, after all, and here was another stranger invading her personal space.

I don't know, I guess you can just call me Switzerland; I'm neutral on the subject. It could have gone either way, I suppose, but D'Onofrio made it work.

And with that, let's have some Bobby.

Just Bobby Part I


Just Bobby Part II

"Homo Homini Lupis" Extras

I have three small slideshows featuring different groupings of "extras" I found in this episode. One is devoted to the "infamous" tongue flicks, and there are several in this one...even Eames gets in on the act. And, yes, I realize that one of the photos is extremely blurry, but I included it to show that, even in a burst of speed, the man's tongue has a will of its own.

Then there are the caps that just tickle my funny bone for some reason, and I "try" to add a witty caption.

Finally, there is a slideshow for Bobby, "The Thinker." I just love watching this man "ponder." You can almost see the wheels turning, hear the gears grinding, visualize the internal workings of that magnificent brain as he ruminates on the situation.

The "Tongue" Slideshow - No Captions Necessary


"The Thinker" Slideshow - Again, No Captions Necessary


Extras Slideshow With Captions

Partners From "Homo Homini Lupis"

Here are the "Partners" slideshows from "Homo Homini Lupis." Yes, that was plural. I didn't realize I had capped so many of Goren and Eames together. Granted, the nuances in many of them are so subtle, others may not notice the difference, but I do.

It's silly, really. Sometimes I feel so "guilty" when I delete a photo of Bobby...even if it is an exact replica of a previous cap. I know...I need an intervention. Anybody want to form a support group? I didn't think so.

Partners Slideshow I


Partners Slideshow II

Eames From "Homo Homini Lupis"

It's been one of those weekends. I have been working on this episode off and on for several days now. It's one of those: the harder I try the "behinder" I get scenarios, I fear. My goal was to get all five posts done this evening, so I can move on with piddly things like: grocery shopping, laundry, holiday baking, Christmas shopping, and gift wrapping.

The fact is, I am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, so another self-imposed "deadline" bites the dust. It's barely 6:00p.m., and I'm ready for bed. I just have one question: how did I manage to get this old so fast?

Oh, well. For anyone who might be interested...besides me, of course...here is Detective Eames from "Homo Homini Lupis." Granted, it was not an easy episode to watch; especially in ultra-slow motion while screencapping, but it was well- acted none the less.

Eames Slideshow

Not To Beat A Dead Horse...Or A "Bad" Hair Cut

Okay, now that the initial shock of Mr. D'Onofrio's new shorn hair style has worn off...a bit, I can get on to other things. I mean, it is his head, after all. In fact, Vincent can shave off all of his hair and paint his scalp blue if that is his inclination, and it would be none of My Big Fat Freakin' Business. Still, I do hope the longer locks are well on their way to making a comeback by the time he starts filming LOCI again.

Anyway, the surprise of seeing the new hair style that Vincent D'Onofrio is sporting these days reminded me of a scene from my all time favorite sitcom...EVER..."Wings." The show aired on NBC from April 1990 through May 1997, but, like another show that is near and dear to my heart, I don't believe it ever got the respect it deserved. Mainly, I suppose, because shows like "Seinfeld," "Cheers," and then "Frasier," etc., were considered the "glory" sitcoms in those days.

As for me...give me the wholesome, comical antics of Joe and Brian Hackett, Helen Chappel, Lowell Mather, Roy Biggins, Fay Cochran, and Antonio Scarpacci any day of the week and twice on Sunday over the mindless, soulless, nothingness that "Seinfeld" evolved into, but I digress.

Oh well, back to the hair cut, "Wings," and the set-up for the scene in the following slideshow. Helen's sister, Casey, came back to Nantucket at the beginning of Season 6 after her husband ran off with all their money, leaving her penniless and destitute. Casey is...how shall I say it...a bit of a snob. Joe and Brian can barely tolerate Casey, but Antonio...the "lowly" cab driver...is instantly smitten with her even though he can barely bring himself to say two coherent words to her without appearing like a blithering idiot.

Anyway, the day arrives when Casey needs to get her hair done, and she wants to borrow $200 from Helen to fly off to some fancy-schmancy New York salon. Helen, instead, talks her into going to a local beauty shop called "Yankee Doodle Scissors" and hilarious sitcom mishaps ensue. The slideshow doesn't do the scene justice, but...alas...since I have no video making skills, this will have to do.

Antonio has but one line in the scene at the very end, but it is precisely what I would dearly love to do to the one responsible for shearing off the luscious salt-and-pepper locks of my Detective Bobby.

Wings Slideshow


So, if I happen to run into Mr. D'Onofrio on the street, I'll walk up to him and say, "Whoever did this...

...to you, I will kill them."

What Was He Thinking?!?!?

Okay, when USA decided to postpone the premiere of Law & Order CI's Season 8 until...like...you know...the 12th of NEVER, I didn't say a word. I mean, as a long suffering die-hard fan of the show, I have grown accustomed to it being treated like the bastard stepchild at a family reunion by NBC and...now...the USA Network.

But this...THIS!! Vincent D'Onofrio, my God, what have you gone and done to your hair? Don't you realize that what you do to yourself, you also do to Detective Goren? Where's the love? Where's the respect? My God, man, where's the hair?

"Oh, the humanity!" she moaned wretchedly, as she buried her face in her hands and wept freely.



These pictures are pretty much all over the Internet now, but I'm pretty sure I snagged these over at Jazzy's (et.al.) Blog. I guess, the good thing about hair is that it will grow back...you know... eventually. (Please, God...let it grow back!) I volunteer to hunt him down and rub Miracle Grow on his head if that will help.

I need chocolate...and...tequila. I cannot believe he did that to that beautiful, gloriously magnificent healthy head of hair. I just wish I had been on hand to sweep up all those luscious locks. I need to go lie down now.

Is The Grass Always Greener?

Greener Grass...

It's important in life to reach out, to strive for greater achievements, to go for that greener grass that is on the other side of the fence. But one must also be careful...

Sometimes you can reach too far!

But when you find yourself over-extended and you're stuck in a situation that you can't get out of, there is one thing you should always remember...

Not everyone who shows up...

Is there to help you!!!!

Yep, it's been that kind of week, so the next time you get your head stuck in a fence, be sure to...WATCH YOUR BACK!!

Black Friday...Indeed

At least, that is how it turned out for one poor, unlucky soul in New York this morning where a Wal-Mart employee was actually trampled to death...I'll repeat that..."trampled to death" by an over-zealous, out-of-control stampede of early morning shoppers. I've been going to write about this all day, but am still in a state of "disbelief" about the whole thing. I mean, people stepped over the man to go into the store and, later, shoppers complained, yes, I said COMPLAINED when the store announced it was closing temporarily due to the tragedy. They whined because they had been in line since Thursday morning. So, stupid is as stupid does, is all I have to say about that. Don't believe me...read about it here.

Of course, I live in a city that has the unfortunate distinction of being the locale of the ill-famed "The Who" concert in December 1979 where eleven people were trampled/crushed to death (and dozens more injured) when the crowds rushed the doors at the Riverfront Coliseum, (as it was called then) so perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised at how galactically stupid some people can be. The band was performing a "sound check" and the crowd thought the concert was starting, and, since the venue was using "festival" seating, meaning first-come/first-served...well, the rest is history.

Music Wench wrote about the Wal-Mart stampede on her blog, too. I had a feeling this would be a topic that would spur her to write about, and she did not fail me. She also recounted the story of why she stopped doing the day after Thanksgiving shopping-thing, and that got me thinking about the reason I stopped participating in that annual ritual as well.

Now, I have never been one to get up ultra-early in the morning and go stand in line for hours in the cold or rain or what-have-you, looking for that "gotta have" deal. That is not to say I never ventured out on Black Friday. I used to, but not anymore. Mainly because, I cannot endure large crowds of people at my ripe old age. For the most part, they're just mean and rude and obnoxious. If I want to subject myself to that kind of idiocy, I'll just turn on Fox News, but I digress.

The "incident" that has forever dissuaded me from seeking out that gem of a special sale item happened to me on a day after Christmas shopping trip instead of a Black Friday outing, however. Like Music Wench, my "life altering" moment came back in the early-to-mid-80s. Back then, I used to "Christmas" like nobody's business. And, yes, I meant to say it that way, because Christmas was very much an "action" word to me. I would start shopping the day after Christmas for the next year. My holidays now are drastically different, but that's another story for another time.

Back then, my favorite thing was to go to the Hallmark store the day after Christmas to stock up on cards, wrapping paper, ornaments and such for the next holiday season. All their Christmas stuff was half off...you can't beat that with a stick. But this one year, and I cannot remember which year it was precisely, I had scoped out this one ornament in particular. It was a Santa with a bag full of presents slung over his shoulder, sitting perched atop an old fashioned bicycle. Actually, it looked more like a tricycle what with the huge front wheel and teeny-tiny rear wheel. He was gorgeous, and I had to have him, but that was back in the day when money was tight, so I decided to wait and try to get him for half-price the day after Christmas.

So, my friends, Darryl and Jane, and I drove up to the Huntington Mall bright and early the day after Christmas, which just happened to be on a Sunday that year, so the stores were not opening until noon that day. As luck would have it, I was the first one in line...not that that would ultimately matter.

As I stood there, a crowd began to grow around me, and I struck up a conversation with one lady. Turns out, she was after the same ornament. We had already scouted them out...there were two left-- one in the box and the display ornament. Now, a true "collector" wants to have the original box for eventual "resale" value, but at this point, I just wanted the damn ornament.

The store had one of those chain-like doors that opened like a garage door from floor to ceiling. At some point, my friends came back to check on me, and they saw me pressed up against the door, my fingers entwined in the links, clutching on for support. When I think back on it, I realize I must have looked like one of those "Garfield" toys suction-cupped in someone's car window.

While I was standing there, I noticed this little old woman off to the side, who had this look of apprehension on her face. About that time, I overheard someone behind me saying if they saw something in someone else's hands that they wanted, they would just rip it right out of their hands. Which prompted stupid me, trying to be the voice of...you know...reason, to say, "People, people, it's Christmas." And then that very same "lady" announced in the most hateful voice that still resonates in my ears today, "Christmas was yesterday!" Shortly after that, the little old lady with the look of fear on her face wisely got out of the line.

Would that I had done the same, but I was still determined to stick it out. When the time came for the store to open and that door started to slowly draw upward, the adrenalin started churning in my gut. As soon as it was high enough, I ducked under the door and made a bee-line for the coveted Santa ornament. The other lady was with me step for step. She went low for the one in the box...I went high for the one on display. By the time I had it in my trembling hands, I was almost physically ill.

And that is when I decided....never again!

As I was walking around the store, trying to calm my frazzled nerves and half-heartedly looking at other sale items, I decided right then and there that...from that point forward...if I could not afford to pay full price for something that I wanted that "desperately" then I didn't need it. And I have been true to my word; I am not enticed/lured to stores by their sales, and I have the credit card bills to prove it. If I happen to "luck" into a bargain when I'm out shopping, then so be it...good for me.

But as for those poor, misguided souls who just had to have that LCD HD TV or the $9 DVD so much so that they lost sight of their humanity, their compassion, their basic human decency...indeed, lost sight of the very reason we're supposed to be celebrating Christmas...I have to ask: were the few dollars you saved really worth a man's life? Just ask Mr. Damour's family in case you're somehow doubtful of the answer to that question.

Happy "Bobby" Thanksgiving!

I'm sitting here, trying to decide what to write, and I realize the card pretty much says it all. So, I'll just wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving, filled with family and friends and tradition and great food. And when all the fanfare of the day has settled and the house is once again quiet, you can spend the remainder of your Thanksgiving watching tapes or DVDs of this hunka-doodle-do detective. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

"The Insider" Quotes

I must have been in a pretty "cranky" mood when I originally made my notes for this episode, because I said some really nasty, unkind things about the Lilly character. I decided to "tone it down" for the post, however. Suffice to say, I didn't like the spoiled-rotten brat one little bit. I did like "The Insider" overall. It was fun watching Bobby; et. al., match wits with the FBI and come out on top.

In this episode, we get a rare glimpse of Bobby...the teacher. When we first see him, he asks the young cop on the scene “what he makes of this?” When the kid offers his assessment of how the guy was murdered, Bobby then gives him a lesson in how to analyze a crime scene, but in a good way. He did not come across as being superior or arrogant.

Ever notice how Bobby sometimes stammers a little bit when he’s around/questioning pretty young girls? And when the young chippie tells him she wouldn’t associate with people who carry weapons, “now, would I,” I love the sarcastic/cynical expression Bobby shoots her way. All in all, I do not believe he was overly impressed with the upstart debutante.

Hmm? I don’t know if it’s me or what, but I’m not finding a lot to comment on in this episode. I mean, I liked it…I’m just not noticing a lot of Bobbyisms in the first half…other than an inordinate amount of tongue flicks. I’ve counted four so far. Sometimes, we can watch an entire episode without that titillating organ making an appearance. Not so in this one. It is…distracting…but in a very good way.

Okay, this is as good a place as any to insert the first slideshow. There are six altogether, although the last one is shorter than the rest.

"The Insider" - Part I


I felt sorry for Pete, the poor schmuck who got beat up and then Bobby and Eames coax him into fingering the guys that did the beat-down. The scene where Bobby is sitting next to Pete on the couch cracks me up. I mean, there he is in a sling, his face is all beat up, and Bobby reaches over and gives the guy a "comforting" pat on the back causing Pete to wince slightly. I'm thinking, way to go, Bobby. That’s a heck of a way to treat your star witness.

There is another repeat guest star sighting in this one. Well, there may be more, but I found one. The red head, Serena. She was with Lilly at the club. Anyway, she shows up again in Season 5 in "Proud Flesh" as the wife of the guy that Eames ends up shooting on the courthouse steps.

"The Insider" - Part II


While, I did not care at all for the FBI guy, he was an excellent foil for Bobby's superior intellect. I loved it when Bobby told him, in no uncertain terms, that the club was on their beat. In this episode, we learn that undercover work just isn’t in Bobby’s nature...at least that's what he says to Hampton. Now, Bobby's talking about police undercover work here 'cause I'm fairly confident the “other kind” of undercover work is very much in his nature.

Okay, I “assume” Bobby took both coffee cups to Forensics because he wasn’t quite certain which one was his and which one Hampton had used. If not, he was just messing with the folks in the lab for the hell of it. And he is obviously not a vegetarian since he had pastrami for lunch that day, which gave him heartburn...hence the antacid. All I'm saying is, the next time Bobby feels the urge to have his saliva “analyzed,” I volunteer for the job.

"The Insider" - Part III


I love Bobby’s reaction when Deakins asks him what his problem is with Hampton. Bobby sighs and sort of shivers his distaste/dislike for the guy. I’ve known people like that in my life, so I know where Bobby’s coming from. I also like his reaction when Deakins tells him not to talk to him about Hampton as a suspect until he comes up with a motive. Tsk, tsk…shouldn’t Deakins know our Bobby well enough by now to realize that nothing motivates him more than a challenge like that, as was evidenced by the look he threw at Eames and his subsequent demeanor as he exited Deakins’ office.

Ah, he’s not sporting the infamous tie clip. At least he’s not in the scene at the foundation office where he places the cell phone call to Phoenix. Check out the phone, by the way…the pull up antenna. Boy, things sure have changed in a relatively short amount of time. Oh, and was anyone else “turned on” when he used his “teeth” to tug the antenna into position. It’s the little things we all notice.

"The Insider" - Part IV


Once again, the best line of the episode goes to Eames; i.e, “And I want a foot massage from Derek Jeter.” I feel the same way, Eames, only I want my massage from that tall drink of water who is standing beside you when you deliver this line.

I loved it when Bobby proved the arrogant FBI guy wrong about the knife used to kill Carlyle. His smug, “well, right there you’re wrong,” really touched a nerve, but Bobby promptly set him straight. Poor, stupid, little man, could not tell when he was up against a superior intellect. And, yes, about half-way through the show, I learned that the FBI guy’s name was Wallis, but I like the sound of “FBI Guy” better.

Anybody else want to smack the smug twerp, Hampton, when he called Bobby a frustrated, second-rate city cop? Idiot dirtball.

And the second best line goes to Bobby when he "leans" down to tell Vinny if he doesn’t hang the murder rap on Hampton, then Bobby’s going to hang it on him. I do love it so when Bobby uses his “powers of persuasion” to “coax” the bad guys into doing his bidding.

"The Insider" - Part V


I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this episode, but I’ve seen it a LOT…okay. So, how come I’m just noticing the line Bobby says to Hampton when he enters the hotel room, and he goes over and thumps the bed and asks him if he’s given it a workout yet. So, the image that immediately comes to my mind is: hotel sex with Bobby. Oh yeah, I could so get on board with that!

I have to say that I was a little disappointed with Bobby’s "gotcha" scene or “aria” with Hampton. When he said Lilly was weak and Hampton used her and that really pissed him off...I guess I just expected something a little more eloquent from my big guy.

I loved Hampton’s reaction at the end. He just couldn’t believe that the FBI Guy was handing him over to the NYPD…that he had, in fact, been nailed by a “frustrated, second-rate city cop.” So much for what he knows. There is absolutely nothing second-rate about Bobby. He’s grade A, number one PRIME all the way.

"The Insider" - Part VI


You know, I should probably comment on how Carver supported Bobby & Eames, and how Deakins "appeared" to be more interested in covering his butt than taking on the FBI. Guess I just did, huh? All the "regulars" had some good moments in this one. Next up..."Homo Homini Lupis."

Just Bobby & "The Insider"

This will be my final blog entry of the evening. I still have the "Quotes" post to finalize, but that one takes a wee bit longer due to the number of slideshows involved, as well as my comments on the episode. So, I won't get to that until tomorrow. Besides, the two Tylenol PM I took an hour or so ago are starting to kick in, and I am about to fall asleep as I write this.

So, without further ado or any fanfare whatsoever, here's.......Bobby!

Just Bobby - "The Insider" - Part I


Just Bobby - "The Insider" - Part II

"The Insider" Extras

I found several little "gems" in this episode. Well, at least I thought they were amusing. There were also several "tongue sightings" in this one, so I simply could not resist the temptation to highlight them. Perhaps not my best "captions," but then no one is paying me to be funny.

"The Insider" Extras Slideshow


And I thought this photo was worthy of a second look. Notice how the fabric is stretched taut across that wide, expansive chest. Oh, so there is no mistaking my "intent" here, I'm talking about Bobby's chest.

Partners From "The Insider"

Here are a couple of slideshows of Goren & Eames as they go about tracking down the smarmy perp in this episode from Season 1. This one had a lot of twists and turns and a couple of roadblocks thrown in to boot...from the feds. It was oh so interesting to watch them pick their way through the maize of clues to the ultimate satisfying conclusion.

I especially liked Deakins' line about Bobby's "magic gut." I've got news for the Captain, however. I've got a sneaking suspicion that the dear boy has a "wand" that's got a bit of magic in it as well. Hey, don't blame me. It's Sunday night...it's been a long weekend.

Partners Slideshow - "The Insider" - Part I


Partners Slideshow - "The Insider" - Part II

Eames & "The Insider"

I've been working on "The Insider" off and on all weekend, so I shall start as I usually do with a slideshow devoted entirely to Detective Eames. Loved her line about wanting a foot massage from Derek Jeter. Personally, I'd rather have one from that tall drink of water sidekick of hers, but then there's no accounting for taste, is there?

Eames Slideshow - "The Insider"

The BIG Game

One sure way to know that Thanksgiving is just around the corner is that time honored tradition known as the Ohio State - Michigan football game. The Buckeyes vs. the Wolverines. Shouldn't be much of a contest, huh, considering one is a nut and the other a beastly animal that rips flesh from the bone. But the buckeye is poisonous, so I suppose that helps even the playing field...so to speak. This year's game will take place in Columbus and the kick off is at noon at the "Horseshoe" on the Ohio State campus. They pack 100,000 people (more or less) in that place...which is both fascinating and scary at the same time.

Anyway, I almost forgot about the game today, which is tantamount to sacrilege in my family. I don't know why, really. I mean, none of my immediate family went to school there. Well, my nephew Chad did for one semester, but that's it. I am, in fact, a Bobcat not a Buckeye. Nevertheless, one would think we were all alumni given the number of OSU sweatshirts, jerseys, hats, blankets, and other assorted paraphernalia that finds its way under our Christmas Trees each year.

I have to admit that I get caught up in the hoop-la surrounding the "big game" as well as its storied past. Names such as Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and Archie Griffin come to mind, and what Ohioan worth his/her salt doesn't get a little "verklempt" watching the "Best Damn Band In The Land" perform "Script Ohio?" I still remember the first time I saw it performed in person.

It was 1976, a Sunday night at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was, in fact, prior to a World Series game between the Reds and Yankees. (The Reds swept 'em in four that year, but I digress.) The grounds crew laid down big strips of white tape on the astroturf to mark off the lines and, when they announced what was about to happen, the crowd went WILD. It...was...great! I have had the pleasure to witness it firsthand several times since then, but one never forgets one's first time.

So, in just a few minutes, the competition that is billed as "the greatest rivalry in sports" will begin. I truly do not care who wins...I just hope it's a good game. One thing is an absolute certainty...emotions will be running high on both sides of the line of scrimmage...it should be a good one.

I found a couple of YouTube videos to "commemorate" the event, including the aforementioned Script Ohio. It is worth watching. I'll just end with these parting refrains of the Ohio State Fight Song:

"Slash through to victory,
we cheer you as you go.
Our honor defend,
we will fight to the end
for O-HI-O!"

Script Ohio

Posted by crashoveride1288.

A Little Trash Talk

Posted by Luv2BDiffrnt.

My Dermatologist Is A Republican

Okay, so maybe that is not the “sexiest” of titles, but it was the best I could come up with on this cold, dreary day in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is one of those stories I didn’t take the time to recount when it actually happened, but it has been “nagging” at me, so I’m thinking there’s no time like the present. Besides, once I get this out of the way, I can get back to “playing” with Bobby, so I’ve got some incentive here.

Anyway, back in August, I made a trip to the dermatologist to have a “questionable” mole removed. While I was there, I went ahead and made an appointment to go back to have several more moles, bumps, and skin tags removed from my face, neck, chest and back in mid-October.

At the time of the initial office visit, Dr. Greenwald gave me a prescription for a numbing cream that I was instructed to apply to all the moles I wanted removed one hour before the scheduled appointment. The prescription also included some rather…I thought…peculiar directions. You see, after applying the ointment, I was to wrap the areas in Saran Wrap. Oh, goody. Not only did I have to become a contortionist to spread on this unctuous salve, but then I was expected to wrap myself up like some ginormous mutant deli sandwich and ride through the streets of Cincinnati to boot.

Sigh…I hate my life.

But as luck would have it, Dr. Greenwald graciously informed me that I could come in an hour before the scheduled surgery, bring all the stuff with me, and one of her staff would assist me. So, come the day of the appointment, I gathered up the goo and the wrap and trundled off to the doctor.

True to her word, I sat in the waiting room for no more than five minutes before a very nice woman summoned me back to one of the exam rooms. Her name was Debbie, and she chatted away as she very solicitously applied dollops of the numbing cream to various parts of my body with an extra long Q-tip. Every now and then, she would pause and take a step back and look at me. This maneuver prompted me to comment that she reminded me of an artist admiring her handiwork, and I was like this big ol’ three dimensional canvass.

Talk about your abstract art. Luckily, I won’t be hanging in a gallery near you anytime soon, or like…ever.

After Debbie finished dabbing on the "Spackle," she dutifully applied the Saran Wrap and then left to attend to other patients. So, there I sat, alone in the exam room with only my thoughts to keep me company. It is times such as these that one’s rambling thoughts are given to much speculation. I mean, it is 2008 after all. We’re supposed to be one of the most medically advanced countries in the world, and this is the best we can come up with as a means to deaden the pain of a minor surgical procedure? I’m thinking we can do better.

Anyway, eventually Debbie came back to interrupt my pensive ruminations and escort me to the exam room where the surgery would be performed. By this time, I was growing weary with all the waiting and was ready to get this show on the road, so I was relieved when Dr. Greenwald entered the room a few minutes later.

Just like the last time, she was friendly and chatty. Like I said before, I think she tries to carry on a conversation to keep the patient’s mind off what is being done to them. The last time, she numbed both areas with a needle, but since I had so many “blemishes” to be removed this visit, she opted to go with “ye old” freezing method. She had a canister of liquid nitrogen with which she proceeded to “spray” me.

Forget the canvass I mentioned earlier, now I was feeling rather more like the side of a house being spray painted. And I gotta tell ya…the numbing cream…didn’t numb so much. It did okay, I guess, to the areas where it had been applied. But the “spray” had a tendency to wander beyond the intended area, and it stung like heck...like hundreds of little bee stings nailing you at the same time. About two minutes into this process, I was wishing I had just left well enough alone.

But you know, as "they" say: in for a penny in for a pound. I sucked it up…determined to persevere. About this time, Dr. Greenwald had moved around to my back, and she was working on a rather large mole that would have to be burned off rather than frozen. So, as she sticks me with the needle, she asks me if I had watched the “debate” the previous evening. (She was referring to the final debate between Obama and McCain.)

Now, as I have mentioned before, I hate politics. Let me say that again lest you do not fully comprehend the intensity of my sentiment. I HATE POLITICS! I seldom discuss them with people who share my political beliefs…let alone with virtual strangers. No good can come of it, I tell ya. And I almost never, ever watch debates. I hate those, too.

So, when Dr. Greenwald asked me if I had watched the debate, I told her, “No.” I went on to explain that I hate debates, that I already knew who I was voting for, therefore, I thought I would spare myself the agony of watching. Then, out of the blue, Dr. Greenwald offered this totally unsolicited declaration, “Well, I certainly hope you’re not voting for Obama.”

Awkward silence on my part.

Then Dr. Greenwald added, “I really think he will ruin our country if he’s elected president.”

Okay, this is when a part of me wanted to come back with a well thought out, concise yet totally pertinent and snappy one-liner as to the present state of our country that has been pretty much laid to waist by the present REPUBLICAN administration, but cooler heads prevailed. Instead, I opted to employ a simple stratagem that has served me well my whole life and has gotten me through so many uncomfortable situations…humor.

As the smell of burning flesh…my burning flesh…permeated the exam room, I just chuckled and said, “Hey, you’re the one with the blow torch…I’ll vote for whoever you want me to.”

And that was that…potential ugly situation avoided. Perhaps the next time I have to schedule a visit with the good doctor, she will choose a more "neutral" topic to discuss. You know, something like... religion.

A Post Office Miracle

Okay, so maybe "miracle" is too significant a term to use in this situation, but regardless of what you want to call it, I'm still scratching my head over this one. You see, Monday morning, I put two movies in the mail to return to "NetFlix." The next morning, I received the standard email notification from them alerting me to the fact they had received said movies.

What's so noteworthy about that, you may ask? Well, Tuesday was "Veteran's Day" and the banks and federal offices and the Post Office were all closed that day. So, how the heck did these puppies get delivered when no one was working on Tuesday? That's my first question. It gets curiouser and curiouser.

Later that day, I received another email from "Netflix," telling me that the next two movies on my "queue" were being mailed for delivery on Thursday. That sounded about right since...you know...there was no mail delivery or pick-up on Tuesday.

So, you can then...perhaps...imagine my surprise when I returned home from work Wednesday evening to find two bright red "NetFlix" envelopes laying on the floor in front of my apartment door. I still can't figure this one out. I mean, the Post Office I'm familiar with simply is not that efficient. Hey, I'm still waiting on a Christmas card that was mailed in 1982 for cryin' out loud.