Dusty In Here

link

The video tells the story far better than I could.

Malik Stewart and Steve McKee (Credit: Vanessa Schlueter)

Mitchell and Steve McKee (Credit: Vanessa Schlueter)

This kid was doing it all for his dad - he started working out in the summer and wasn't even sure if his dad would be alive long enough to reach his goal - to win the state championship and hopefully give his dad a moment that he would not remember or think of his dire situation. The other competitors all knew about Mitchell's goal, but what made everyone really emotional was when Stewart, who wanted to win a championship just as badly as Mitchell, went to the father to congratulate and hug him.

It's enough to give a person hope for our future.

Kinky?!?

YouTube link CBS News Link
Naw, just sweet. Take a break from politics, hate and discontent and just enjoy this one.

The story on CBS Evening News was longer and contained more information, namely at the end: the gentleman was asked what job he retired from.

He replied that he felt perhaps all this was atonement - he sold rotisseries.

It Cannot Be So

link

Forty years since Blazing Saddles was released? Suddenly I feel just a little bit older.

Of course the fart scene is probably the most iconic and representative of the humor contained within - somewhat crude, sophomoric and totally funny. Mel Brooks didn't depend on just dialog alone - the whole movie is full of visuals and sight gags such as the sign we read as the camera pans past the horses towards the men eating their beans: Administrative Personnel Only - aged, Western fonts, and it just looks like a sign from the Old West. Mel made sure we got to see that little effort.

Mel also made use of some great comedic actors for his films, and this one is no exception.  Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, and Madeline Kahn for sure. Actors like Clevon Little, Alex Karras, Slim Pickens and John Hillerman weren't known primarily for humor, but they were all great character actors that Brooks was able to utilize quite effectively, among so many others I'm not mentioning.

The movie truly was pretty weak at the end - as if Brooks really couldn't figure out an effective way to stop. When the "fourth wall" was broken and the last fight scene broke down studio walls into another set and then the cafeteria wasn't quite up to the previous standard. However, things were somewhat redeemed when Korman's character was shot and the heroes rode off into the sunset in a Caddy limo.

One thing we can count on for sure - a movie like this could never be made today.



H/T Og, who truly noticed the anniversary first

Classic

link

Warning for language!

Carol Burnett and her comedy troupe were just plain brilliant, and this example of uncensored outtakes only reinforces their mastery of hilarity, timing and so on. Nothing like this on the vast wasteland these days.

H/T Nunkle Kim

They're Crazy!

For those of you who don't know, Spangles is a Wichita, KS based burger and fast food chain. I think the closest store is in Hutchinson - I've eaten there before and it's ok. I like their sourdough bun burgers.

So, because I'm bored and sitting at home, I guess I notice stuff like this. Check out this ad for some Spangles chicken sandwiches - but what I really want you to look at starts around the 25 second mark:

link

I'll be the first to admit that a burger like that catches my eye. However, tackling one of those beasts would require rolling the ol' clock back by quite a few years - I just don't have the room or the appetite for a whole one of them.

Just what is it? 

It would be "The Beast."

It’s a burger named “The Beast,” and it features six 1/3-pound steak burger patties layered with 12 slices of American cheese and topped with mustard, ketchup, onion and pickle.
The burger, a 3,000-calorie monster, is too big for the average mouth to even bite. But that’s not stopping Spangles customers.
On New Year’s Day, said marketing director Stephanie Huckins, 12 people ordered the burger, including a pair of brothers who challenged each other to a burger-eating contest.
The burger, which costs $21.99, was the brainchild of Dale Steven, the chain’s co-owner.
“It’s something fun for people to talk about,” Huckins said. “We don’t expect people to eat it alone by any means.”
The Beast is a limited-time offering but will be around as long as customers keep ordering it, Huckins said.
By the way, if the sixer isn’t enough, you can also get The Beast in a value pack for $24.99.

I suspect we haven't started hearing the outrage from nutrition nuts about this - about how Spangles is irresponsible, people are gonna die, etc. and so on. The usual, in other words.

But honestly - how many of us aren't well aware that there would be a ton of calories and fat in this sucker? Criminy, just look at all the processed cheese food between the slices of meat!

I won't be ordering this bad boy any time real soon or even way down the road. However, I do salute Spangles for having the intestinal fortitude to introduce and market such a beast. I might have to make it a point to give them some business on their other offerings next time I'm in the Air Capital. Let's face it, this thing rawks.

Finally, The Truth!

link

All these years of being conditioned not to stare, even though it's obvious that someone is looking for attention.

I feel so much better now.


H/T Firehand

Really?

link

I've seen several stories about this situation on different news programs for the past couple days, and one thing they all seem to share is the lack of someone, anyone, saying: "You know, if I'd have ordered this stuff a week earlier, none of this would have happened."

Yes, I realize that UPS and FedEx said they'd get the package there by a certain date.

Has anyone consulted the terms and conditions posted on both company's sites? They aren't responsible for overwhelming demand and bad weather tying up their air shipments.

Frankly, I have little sympathy for these people. They ordered stuff at the last possible second during the busiest time of the year during winter with all it's problems with disabling storms and expect the best possible outcome? What happens if they send the wrong size/color/whatever?  Talk about your sense of entitlement - it's on display here big time.

So, cry me a river. Maybe next time you'll allow enough time to account for unexpected delays.

Laugh I Thought I'd Die

Surely we've all heard about the fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's memorial service, attended by heads of state from all over the world with this nimrod right beside them as they gave their speeches. Now we find this out:

A man being criticized by sign language experts for providing fake interpretations while standing close to President Obama and other heads of state at Nelson Mandela’s memorial says he becomes violent “a lot” and was hallucinating during the event.

Just the kinda guy you'd want standing next to Dear Leader. Just because, here is a clip showing the faker next to the President - so we know it really happened.


link

Now, I realize that the slip up in security is the fault of South Africa's security agency. Fine. However, as far as protecting Dear Leader, our Secret Service - the supposedly finest crack protectors on the planet - failed. How?

They trusted someone else to take care of their own security responsibilities.

Did they check each and every person who was going to be on the stage with Teh Won? Did they ask for complete background info on all these people? Did they verify this information?

Seems obvious they did not.

There are so many ways that the fake interpreter could have killed the President or any other leader that it's ridiculous. Where would we be if he had? What would our Secret Service have to say for itself then?

The point I'm working up to here is to just remember this little incident the next time someone tells you that you should not protect yourself because you should leave that to the police.

Are the cops as "high quality" as the Secret Service? Are they right beside us at all times?

Of course not.

Are we allowed to vet our protectors? Make sure they can shoot straight, can handle a weapon without negligent discharges? Guarantee that they won't show up in the middle of the night dressed in black, carrying military weapons and kill our pets even though they're at the wrong house? Tear the place down and never acknowledge that repairs will be needed?

Of course not.

How about maybe just show up on time when we need 'em?

Nope, can't even do that. What's more, if they don't make it, they aren't responsible. You paid for the service, but if it sucks, you have no recourse. Can't sue. No refund.

We've just seen the A team of personal security blow chunks internationally by trusting someone to take care of their responsibilities.

Why should I allow my right to personal defense to be abrogated in favor of an ineffectual law enforcement system?

So, when someone suggests that is just what we should do, I'm gonna be saying politely "You may piss off, madam/sir. It's my right, my responsibility, and no one is going to do the job effectively besides me."

I may not even be that polite.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Teri Garr, 69.

The pic on the left is when she was in an episode of the original Star Trek television series. She costarred with Robert Lansing in the episode Assignment:  Earth, which was supposed to produce a spin off series employing both her and Lansing. Unfortunately it did not sell. She also proved her comic chops in the Mel Brooks black and white comedy Young Frankenstein, where she was quite enticing to a teenager - hawt comes to mind!


link

Truly impressive pair of assets!

In 2002, she revealed that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis and has become a major advocate for related causes.

I'd have to say that what cemented my thinking she was pretty special was her noted appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. Her banter with Letterman was something to see - truly a lot of fun.

At any rate, I wish her nothing but the best. Happy Birthday, ma'am.

When?

link

When was the last time a friggin' tag irritated your skin?

Yeah, Hanes is hardly the only men's clothing manufacturer to stop using tags and go to printing right on the article of apparel. But just what do you suppose is cheaper, printing the info on the material, or purchasing additional material, cutting it to size, then print the necessary info and sew it into place? You betcher ass it's cheaper the "new" way.

My daddy had a saying that most certainly applies here:

Don't piss on me and tell me it's raining

Makes Sense To Me

link

Who knew? Ashton Kutcher, formerly famous party boy, appeared on the Teen Choice Awards and gave a rather inspiring speech about how hard work is preferable to an entitlement mentality for young people.

He then appeared on Ellen to talk about it. Turns out he's an entrepreneur as well as actor these days, and has some very definite thoughts.

He's not quite setting the standards Mike Rowe is, but I'm willing to cut him some slack. Surprised the whee outta me.

US Spitfire Reconnaissance

link  big screen link

I'd forgotten that I've seen this before. If you have as well, it's still worth a few minutes of your time.

An unarmed, unescorted reconnaissance plane over WWII Germany? Just for a chance for a high school graduate to fly?

These men had steel nards, and we owe a lot to them.

H/T Michael Z.Williamson on Facebook

Remember, It's Trick OR Treat

link

I tell you what, if I had kids and they came home crying about being called fat and getting gypped at this woman's house, I'd be leading the charge for the "trick" side of trick or treat. Eggs, toilet paper, dog doo - the works. If Ms. Goody Two Shoes wants to stand in judgment on children on a childrens' time honored holiday, she should stand ready to deal with the consequences. If she wants to be an abberation on society, then don't be shocked when society takes the appropriate reaction.

Sebelius Owns Up

link

Well, not really. It's SNL. Can ya believe it? SNL dissing something the mighty O is responsible for? Oh, wait, it's really the obstructive Republican's fault, or W.'s, or perhaps Bonzo. Not this Administration.

The Horror! The Horror!

link

I used to like the horror genre. Owned all the Stephen King books, even.

Not so much anymore, but this "movie" definitely appeals to me. Common sense? Hell yeah.

H/T CDR M at Ace of SpadesHQ

Goin' To The Dogs

link

A US man who wants to be a dog says he spends his days running around on all fours, eating food out of a bowl, and chasing cars.

Gary Matthews, 47, an unemployed IT technician in Pittsburgh, dons a shaggy dog costume each day to become his alter ego, Boomer.

He also sleeps inside a giant kennel which he keeps inside his more traditional human home, reports the Huffington Post.

He wants to live his life as a dog.

I do have an opinion on this subject, as you may well imagine. However, I recognize that some might find what I have to say objectionable. Thusly this opinion will be published under the fold, so if you think you might be offended, I invite you not to read the extended entry.

Never Give Up! Never Surrender!*

link

The fullest expression of a bulldog's tenacity and commitment? Or just another pain in the a$$???

I'm for thinking when the white lion cub finally loses patience, our doughty little warrior is gonna have his feelings hurt......

*bonus points for the source of the quote in the title

H/T CDR M at Ace of Spades HQ 

The End Times Are Nigh

link

First off - this is from MSNBC of all places - and it happened there????

And I keep telling liberals who try to pigeonhole my politics to just the Republican Party, or call me a Tea Bagger or whatever that Both Parties Are To Blame, Dammit.

We didn't get here in this mess overnight, and it was not just one side of the aisle or the other, or the party of the President at the time, or any one individual.

I like what this guy had to say, and more importantly how he said it. Great rant.

But if he thinks our Child of Chicago Politics In Charge is gonna Do The Right Thing by exposing the corruption that put all of Congress in power and keeps them there is going to happen, he's got another thinking coming. Because, the same types have put our Affirmative Action President in place, and they've been getting a pretty good return on their investment, plus he's gonna continue to deliver. He's not about to grow a set and discover morality if it means screwing over the people holding the reins. End of story, sorry Fellow Americans (not really), but That Is The Way of Things.

H/T Scott

Comfort

For her and me. She really never stays very long, but she does like to drop in and say hello fairly often.

A Dawg's Lament

Dawg isn't happy about being "fixed" and feels a kinship with a lost nut ball. Can ya blame him?

And now for something a leeeeetle bit different:


link

Odd. I don't remember seeing this on Sesame Street!?!?

And a golden oldie parody of a childhood toy (Slinky) - but I gotta warn you it is totally not safe for work!