4 Movies In 4 Weeks #3: Paul Blart: Mall Cop

"It would have been more logical if silent pictures had grown out of the talkies, instead of the other way around."

-Mary Pickford

Last night Alan and I went to see "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." It was Alan's turn to pick a movie, and that is the one he chose. "Really?" I thought, but I went without too much of a fuss, because I figured it was only fair, in that a week earlier I had forced him to endure the chick flick, "Bride Wars." So what if it seemed a little sophomoric from it's trailers, it has the hunky Kevin James in it! Right? Well, I find Kevin James hunky, and besides, he has nice eyes. :) "Ok Alan, why not?"

The Sacramento Bee's review of the movie recommended it for about 8 years old and up. Yeah, that's about right. Rated PG, it was funny, but had a couple of moments that some parents might find a bit questionable, such as one particular scene in a bar, but overall there wasn't anything in it that I haven't already seen on network TV, including the story itself. Don't get me wrong, it was a funny movie, with the proper amount of slapstick that especially appealed to the under 13 year in the audience, and the big kids at heart, like Alan. Heck, I even laughed out loud, and that felt mighty good.

It was predictable in places, and yet it managed to throw me a curve here and there. It was sweet at times, and even though the main character was a man, anyone who has ever felt less then good enough for the world, would be able to identify with his struggles. I did. Male or female, we have all felt the sting of rejection, or the difficulties of trying too hard to impress someone, and most of us have had to watch a dream or two slip from our hands. The movie showed us how those things affected Paul Blart, and his response to them. And that's a good thing. He was someone you could identify with to varying degrees, but mostly if you have ever felt like the underdog, and who hasn't felt that way at least once? Every now and again, it is good to cheer on the underdog with a heart of gold. Last night the audience cheered Paul Blart on... loudly! LOL. It was fun to watch both the movie, and the crowd's response to him.

It was just the right length at 87 minutes. Don't you just hate a movie that goes on and on forever with useless dialog and scenes? Ugg. This was a good movie, that didn't try to be too deep, that stuck to the story with very few diversions, and which concentrated at simply telling the story as it unfolded. Applause, applause. It was co-produced by Adam Sandler, Jeff Sussman and Kevin James, and you could see Sandler's influence everywhere in the film. Especially if you saw the movie, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry." In fact, the only thing missing was Adam Sandler. LOL. Nah, actually, he would have been unnecessary, and that is the point I am making, it was a good movie because there wasn't anything out of place. Very few comedies seem to do that right.

You'll laugh, and that's a good thing. You can take the kids to see it, and that's a good thing too. Go see it. It's a good thing.

I give it 4 out of 5 kernels of popcorn.

-Carly
"In The Aisles"
Dublin, California

Steven's Feline And Furball Friday: Dylan The Wild Child

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still."

-Dorothea Lange

What can I say? This photo was, of course, a mistake, but after I downloaded it to the computer, along with the other photos from this session, I decided I liked it. Knowing Dylan as I do, I can see in it, his inner lion, stalking his prey. See, Dylan is a bit of a putty-tat. Those of you who own cats know exactly what I mean. There are pussycats, and then there are putty-tats. Putty-tats are love bugs. Like Sylvester, they try their best to stalk and then catch their prey, but more often then not they are almost always outwitted by the object of their stalking, even by the inanimate objects. It can be highly entertaining to watch. In Dylan's case, it is not an inanimate object at all, it's his brother Hendrix. Hendrix has already shown great potential in stalking and attacking, but Dylan rarely puts his claws out, and almost never bites. Like I said, he is my love bug. But if you need him to catch a plastic ball with a bell in it in midair... then Dylan is your cat! :)

I haven't played Steven's Feline and Furball Friday in far too long. Friday is the day for pets, go see Steven for all the details!

-Carly
"Wild Child"
Berkeley, California
January 14th, 2009
Afternoon

How Did We Get Here?

"Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break."

- William Shakespeare

It's winter. And for some reason winter seems to bring the blues, even if the sun is shining everyday. I have been a little blue lately, even as we have been experiencing the record setting warmth here in the Bay Area. Why? Good question. I am not sure why. I have some a couple ideas though. It could be that Inauguration Day can't come soon enough for me. I am still going to sleep every night grinding my teeth in anger at what Bush has done to America, and the insidious way he is trying to rewrite history. But that isn't the only thing on my mind, and this entry isn't about him.

Something happened here in the Bay Area a couple weeks ago, that I am not sure has gotten the nationwide attention it probably should have. I touched on it a few entries back. A young man named, Oscar Grant, was on his way home from San Francisco in the wee hours of January 1st, when a fight broke out between two groups of young men while riding BART. The fight was responded to by BART police, who broke up the fighting, then proceeded to arrest the men accordingly. The next events are somewhat mysterious and tragic. During the process of arrest, Oscar Grant was shot in the back, and killed, by a BART police officer, Johannes Mehserle.

There have been many, many amateur videos of the shooting playing on every news channel since the beginning of January. Taken, of course, from different perspectives around the BART station where the incident occurred. They show what happened from different angles, and different time frames. Oscar Grant was laying face down on the platform, with his hands behind his back, and another BART police officer bending down next to him. He was well restrained and not resisting arrest. But in one of the clearest videos, you could see clearly that Officer Mehserle pulled out his gun, pointed it at Oscar Grant, and pulled the trigger. Oscar Grant died a few hours later.

What happened? Why did Officer Mehserle pull the trigger? Did he snap? Did he make a mistake? Or was it a case of cold blooded murder? The videos don't tell you his side of the story. But make no mistake. There was one. We just have to get to it. The video is strong evidence against him. It was unthinkable. After I viewed it I immediately felt angry and sick that something like that had happened. I was just as outraged as everyone else in the Bay Area as the investigation seemed to drag along, with very few answers being offered. BART did not handle things well. Not well at all. And the family and friends have had to endure the pain of losing a son, boyfriend, friend, father, at the age of 22. What a way to begin 2009!

Mr. Mesherle was arrested a couple days ago in Zephyr Cove Nevada. The police knew where to find him, and there is no indication he tried to run. In fact, he went with the arresting officers peacefully. The evening news showed a clip the his extradition hearing, and I had expected to see a monster walk into the courtroom, based on what I had seen for myself through the videos on the news, but the young man who walked into that courtroom was anything but a monster. He was shackled, and visibly shaken. He stood tall, but had a child like innocence to him. He had a look on his face, which I believe was genuine. It seemed to say, how did I get here? What happened? I don't understand. Mr. Mesherle is just 27, making him just 5 years older then the man he shot.

No one understands the death of a 22 year old. No matter how it happens. No one understands the cowardly act of shooting a person in the back. No matter why. No one understands murder. Justice is very often misunderstood. How to give it and how to achieve it. Mr. Mesherle will be in an Oakland courtroom later today to face charges of murder. Time will tell to what degree of murder it will be. Some things are certain at this point. An unlawful killing took place at the hands of Mr. Mesherle. Two tragedies took place that night. Two families have lost a son in their 20's and every ones life is a little different right now. How this will play out is anybodies guess, because so far only one side of the story is apparent. I want to know more.

Why did he pull his weapon on an unarmed, restrained man? There is an answer to that question, but for the life of me I can't think of what it might be. In the meantime there is grief all around. Two peaceful protests regarding this case, have been turned upside down by rioting, resulting in multiple businesses being vandalized by splinter groups of the original peaceful protest planners. How damaging businesses that have nothing to do with the case completely escapes me. But there are opportunists everywhere I suppose. All I know is that the actions of those involved in the rioting amounts to an injustice, which is strange, because isn't that what the peaceful protest is pleading for? Justice? But I wonder, considering what's happened, can there be justice at this point?

Oscar Grant's life is over. Mr. Mesherle is facing years, maybe more like decades in prison if convicted. Can he get a fair trial under the circumstances? Are there 12 people out there right now who haven't seen the video for themselves? What happened? Why? My heart goes out to the family of Oscar Grant, and to the parents of Mr. Mesherle, who woke up this morning to a bomb threat. Why hurt his parents because of his actions? It is all so sad. No matter what, life will be forced to go on, and we may never know what happened, or why Oscar Grant had to die.

:( {{{WEEP}}}

ABC 7 Video Page (Several videos of different aspects of the case are available)

-Carly
"In Janaury"
San Francisco, California

My Babies Are Growing Up Too Fast

"If there is a spot of sun spilling onto the floor, a cat will soak it up."

-Joan Asper McIntosh


Can you believe how big Dylan as gotten? And Hendrix is even bigger! We took both boys for the weigh-in yesterday, and here is the result. Dylan is now 4 lbs 10 oz and Hendrix is, hold onto your hats, 6 lbs, 9 1/2 ounces! He is almost 2 pounds heavier then his brother! Goodness... where have my little fuzzy babies gone?

We don't know their exact age, but Dr. B guesses that they are within a week or so in age, and they were probably born very late in August, or maybe the first of September, so we decided to make September 3rd their official birthday. I haven't decided yet if we will do a party in the yard for them the way we did Elvis. They are their own people, although they were great fun during Christmas and Hanukkah, so we will probably do something special. Think a party at Chuck-E-Cheese might be a good idea?LOL. Wouldn't you love to see those party photos?

We let them out in the yard yesterday to let them run around and play for a while. The weather has been really warm for January, with temperatures reaching the low 70's. Glorious weather... really, really nice, so used the opportunity to get in some practice using Alan's camera. I am really hesitant to use it, if I lost the lens cap, or scratched the lens, I would feel so bad, but on the other hand, my boys are growing so fast that I want to save as many memories as I can. You know... they have both lost all their kitten fuzz! How can that be? ;)

Dylan is my boy. He cuddles with me and sits on my lap while I do my blogging or other online activities. Hendrix is Alan's cat. He follows him around and runs for the door when he hears him get home from work. Hendrix loves hugs, and will stretch upwards with his front feet stretched upwards so he can be picked up. Dylan prefers the snuggle to a hug, but both boys love to show affection and that is really nice. Dylan plays a game of fetch with me each night before bed, while Hendrix carries his favorite stuffed animal "Chip" around the house, biting and chewing on him, then saving him and grooming him when he is done. It's so much fun to watch him carry Chip around. By the way, "Chip" is a squirrel, and was named after the squirrel that used to be the logo for Blue Chip Stamps. Remember Blue Chip stamps?


What do you think? Is there a resemblance? LOL.



I love my fur babies! :)

Dylan, November 6th, 2008

Hendrix, October 28th, 2008

-Carly
"Dylan In The Sun"
Berkeley, California
January 13th 2009
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #20: Snack Time!

"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking, if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity."

-Voltaire NOW CLOSED!

Can you believe we are on our 20th photo shoot assignment? You guys have been incredibly supportive, thank you so much for playing along! You make me smile. Now... on to the assignment!

My snack alarm goes off everyday at 3:30 PM on the dot. Most often, I crave something sweet. I don't always give in, but sometimes I do. This week I am looking to broaden my horizons a bit. Show me what you snack on, when you cave to temptation!

EMPS #20: SNACK TIME!
An afternoon SNACK, a midnight SNACK, a mid-morning SNACK. It's all good. Chips and Salsa, a baked sweet potato, a slice of Starbuck's Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake, cheese and crackers, fresh veggies and dip, tea and cakes, BBQ potato chips, fresh fruit, Bagel Bites, popcorn, PB&J. Whatever you like to SNACK on, is mighty good for this assignment!

Extra Credit: Show me your favorite dish, bowl or tray to serve it on!

**Please Read**

You have until 9:00 PM ET next Sunday night to complete the photo shoot assignment, and post it to your Blog or Journal, and comeback here with a direct link. NO HYPERLINKS! It must be the full URL back to the entry specific to this photo shoot. Also, it would be really good to include a link back here, so other folks can join in the assignment! :)

Linking List for EMPS #19: NAP TIME 01/05/2009

NOW CLOSED!

1. Judi

2. Liz

3. Suzanne

4. Karen

5. Em Dy

6. Linda

7. Laura

8. Terri

9. Connie

10. Mike

Ok everyone, GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS! Make me hungry this week, with pictures of delicious SNACKS! See you next Monday with an all new photography assignment!

-Carly
"Starbuck's Reduced Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffeecake"
Starbucks
Berkeley, California
November, 2008
Afternoon

4 Movies In 4 Weeks #2: Bride Wars

"I've learned that life is too short and movies are too long."

-Denis Leary

Last Friday was Alan's birthday, so we had a nice dinner, followed by dessert, followed by presents, then it was time to choose a movie. See, in addition to being his birthday, it was also the second Friday of our 4 week movie blitz! We have the month of January to use the 8 free movie tickets we got from an Old Navy promotion. What should we pick this week? In that it was Alan's birthday, I was fully prepared to let him choose the movie for the second time. "Nah, you pick this week," said he, "I want next week instead." Ok," said I, not wasting a moment to pick a chick flick. And boy did I!

Bride Wars was nothing short of a chick flick, and it wasn't anything more either. Typical... that best describes it. Not that I am complaining or anything, it totally delivered on fluff and lightness, but it did have more then one serious moments too. Not the kind that leave a lump in your throat for months, but more like gentle moments between female friends that all women know about. I don't want to give anything away, but the truth is, women can be competitive, sometimes brutally so, and that is just the facts ma'am.

Sometimes it's over a the last pair of Woodstock slippers at the Charles Schulz museum store, and sometimes it's over a wedding. That was me by the way, fighting over the Woodstock slippers. LOL. Guess what? I won! In the movie it was a wedding date being fought over, and nobody won there. But there was a happy ending. Like all chick flicks... there is always a happy ending.

Kate Hudson was gorgeous in the movie, even with blue hair. She looks and sounds more like her mother, Goldie Hawn, every single day! Anne Hathaway was great as her best friend, and fellow bride to be, although she seemed a little flat from time to time. There was a good bit of suspension of disbelief, but it wasn't that deep a film, so I just brushed it aside, and enjoyed seeing where the story went. It seemed like there might be a hint of a sequel at the end, which would be a bad idea. Just let this story end here. Good story. Ok chick flick. Fun. No need to over think it.

I give it 2 1/2 popcorn kernels out of 5.

-Carly
"Popcorn In Neon"
Dublin, California
January 9th, 2009
Late Evening

Round Robin Challenge: Camera Resolutions

"The other day when I was walking through the woods, I saw a rabbit standing in front of a candle making shadows of people in a tree."

-Stephen Wright

My pal Steven has chosen this Round Robin outing for us to come up with topics we would like to tackle here on the challenges in the future that will flex our photography muscle. The idea is to post a photo of one, and suggest two additional ideas, which makes three topics total. :) Here are mine...

1. The first one you see is "Earth Tones." Photograph any object that has a natural deep color to it. Here is a handy color chart that will be provided with the challenge. http://squarework.com/notebook/earth.html

2. "Safe & Secure." Photograph anything the makes you feel "Safe & Secure."

3. "Candlelight." Set up a scene, and photograph it by candlelight.

Be sure to follow the Linking List below, to find out what everyone else has come up with for future challenges, or better yet, come on and play along. All you have to do is visit the official Round Robin Blog for the details. Who knows, your idea might just be the next one chosen!

Linking List

1. Steven... (sometimes) photoblog
Posted!

2. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

3. Monica... Photographer's Choice
Posted!

4. Terri... Ways I See The World
Posted!

5. Gina... Gina's Space


6. Linda... Mommie's Treasures
Posted!

7. Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

8. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
Posted!

9. Marina.. Milepebbles
Posted!

10. Annie... Pictures Of Craziness
Posted!

11. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

12. Julie... Julie's Web Journal
Posted!

13. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

14. Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati


15. Vicki... Maraca
Posted!

16. Suzanne R... SuzyQ421's Photo Blog
Posted!

17. Kathy... Through The Viewfinder **Welcome New Member**
Posted!

18. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

-Carly
"Muted Cherries"
Berkeley, California
January 9th, 2009
Afternoon

Things I Think About While Wrapping Alan's Birthday Present

"A hug is the perfect gift; one size fits all, and nobody minds if it is exchanged"

-Unknown

It's a busy day around my house today. Alan is at a class, and I am not sure what time he will be home, so I have a million things to do before he gets here. Like make the pie for dessert tonight, and get the balloons from the party store. Should I get 47? Should I just get 4, one for each of us? Decisions, decisions. There's stuff going on everywhere, and it is all so interesting, not to mention the things happening in my little world, like the fact that I don't actually have kittens... I have flying monkeys! They look like kittens, but they fly. Kittens don't fly. LOL. Whatever they are... they are too cute, even when they are being bad. :)

Here's what else I am thinking about today...

1. "Joe The Plumber" is becoming a war correspondent? What? Huh?

2. I hate the skirt I am wearing, it tends to fly up a little too easily in public. So why am I wearing it?

3. There is a couple in New York going through a divorce, the husband donated his kidney to his wife in 2000, and now he wants it back. He claims she cheated on him, and therefore she needs to give the kidney back because of the pain and suffering she inflicted on him. I have felt like I lost a piece of myself over a break-up, but this is a taking it to a whole new level.

4. I really like the color green.

5. My toaster broke this morning. How did fate know I was craving a piece of cinnamon toast with my entire soul this morning?

6. Damn it... now I have to shop for a toaster!

7. We are going to see "Bride Wars" tonight at the movies. I love looking at wedding dresses. If the world ended tomorrow, and I was the last person on earth, I would totally raid wedding shops!

8. Tom Cruise is not all that!

9. David Duchovny is still all that. I hope he and Tea Leoni work things out.

10. I just love Dove Cucumber and Green tea stick deodorant.

11. Yes, I am wrapping the very manly gift I gave Alan for his birthday in Christmas paper because I couldn't find birthday gift wrap that I really liked. LOL. Thank you for asking. :)

12. The Tasmanian Devil has the strongest bite of any living mammal.

13. You say Ketchup, I say Catsup. Let's call the whole thing off.

14. MACY*S is closing 11 stores nationwide, due to the economy. If the government decided to expand the bailout to include retail, I would want them to be at the top of the list. Can you imagine Thanksgiving without the MACY*S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE? :(

15. I think Kevin James is a little bit hot!

16. I wish I could send a condolence card to John Travolta and Kelly Preston.

17. A young man from Hayward, Oscar Grant, was shot in the back and killed by a BART police officer, in the wee hours of January 1st. It is a tragedy that shouldn't have happened, and it seems that the authorities are dragging their feet in the investigation. Amateur video of the shooting has been playing on the news nearly every night since it happened, it was senseless. How could this young man be dead? If you are interested in seeing the videos and learning more about this story, click here.

18. I really need to get my hair cut. It grows so fast. No bangs. I look terrible in bangs.

19. I want to drop 15 pounds... anyone want to join me? If so, speak up. We'll do it together! It's always easier when you have a pal along for the fun.

20. La la la la...Time passages, there's something back there that you left behind, oh oh time passages, buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight. (Time Passages, by Al Stewart)

21. Pop Tarts have way too many calories for me, but goodness I could really go for one right now. Especially if it had some frosting on it.

22. I have exactly $3.56 in my wallet. LOL.

23. I just heard on the news that Long's is now laying people off, as the new jobless figures show that the unemployment rate is the highest in 16 years. It is now 7.2 percent.

24. I am going to do my holiday shopping for next Christmas a little at a time over this next year.

25. My after breakfast blood glucose reading is 96!

26. I wonder if Rod Blagojevich will resign, now that Illinois has moved to impeach him?

27. Sarah Palin seems to think that if she had been running on the democratic ticket, she would have been embraced. No Governor Palin... you wouldn't have! She just doesn't get it.

28. I wonder who Barack Obama will name to the office, George Bush created, Director of Lessons Learned? It pays $100,000 per year.

29. I can't find my blue notebook.

30. January 26th is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! I better start planning... time is flying so fast, it will be here before I know it!

That's it. That's what I think about while I wrap Alan's present. How about you? What kind of randomness goes through your mind while doing a task or errand? If you want to... feel free to share! What do you think about while you read my blog?

-Carly
"Manly Christmas/Birthday Wrap"
Berkeley, California
January 9th, 2009
Morning

Facing Life Without George (Rated PG - 13)

"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday, but never remembers her age."

-Robert Frost

I have decided to tackle more then one subject in this entry. Short little vignettes, or Carly being random.

Better Than A Heating Pad!

I haven't posted in a couple days, because these cold days of January have been getting to me. My mood is good, but my arthritis is working overtime. Sigh. It's a little better right now as I write this, but I know that by this afternoon I will be sitting with the heating pad on my knee and lower back. It's not so bad, I usually get a few laughs watching the kittens at play. When Dylan first came to live with us, he was shy, and reserved, and really didn't play a lot. Hendrix was all play, so I was a bit worried about how well things were going to mesh. Now, as I type this, they are playing with the favorite box! Beautiful, growing like weeds, and brothers until the end. They make some happy noises! When they get tired, one or both come over to me, and sit on my knee. It's better then the heating pad, for both my arthritis and my soul.

And You Thought Life Would Be Boring Without Him!

Have you been following the senate race in Minnesota and the goings on regarding the senate appointment in Illinois? I am just amazed at what I have seen this election season! Although I don't know why... after all... it's politics! It seems to me that Roland Burris has a legitimate right to that senate seat. He hasn't been accused of doing anything illegal, but he is a bit of a thorn in the side of politicians who were embarrassed by the actions of Rod Blagojevich. Simply being a thorn isn't enough. Perhaps if being a thorn were enough, we could have gotten rid of George Bush without waiting for his retirement. Sheesh.

Just after the election was over last November, I kept hearing folks talk about how there was almost a bit of sadness that the whoopee cushion that was George Bush was going to be leaving the spotlight. Where would we turn for comic relief? Sarah Palin wouldn't even be around to carry on the NINCOMPOOP torch? What were we to do? I told those people, "Don't fret, we have only lost George Bush, we still have politics! We will always have politics!" And sure enough... I feel entertained this week anyway. LOL.

He's The Birthday Boy or Life With George!

Tomorrow is Alan's birthday, and I want to make it especially nice for him. This is the first year since the death of his brother, Daryl, and I know he has been missing him a lot lately. It is especially sad because they were born on the same day, 4 years apart. So it's Darryl's Birthday also. {{Weep}}. I loved that guy, and of course, so did Alan. All these feelings will be coming up again, as we approach the one year anniversary of his death. As hard as this all is, I really want to make Alan's birthday a nice one. I got him a George Foreman Next Generation Grill for his present, and I am making him a fresh cherry pie, his favorite, for dessert. After dinner we will go to the movies, with the second set of our Old Navy movie tickets. I think we are just going to take the day as it comes. It will be ok I think.

Reasons To Grill...

I have wanted to get him this grill for a long time. We like grilled foods, and it does drain a good bit of the fat and grease from the meat. I like BBQ foods, but there is so much in the news about the carcinogens from burned meat, so this little gadget seems like a good way to have that yummy flavor of grilled meat, only in a little healthier version. Also, I am afraid of fire, so I never do the BBQing, so this will be a nice way to surprise him with a big steak once in a while, especilly when there is something to celebrate. :)

Like Inauguration Day!

Alan and I are so relieved to have George Bush leaving office, we have decided to have a fancy special dinner that night... complete with champagne! I have been reading about people throwing big inauguration parties this year, in fact there seems to be more parties celebrating Obama's inauguration then there were on New Year's Eve. I suppose 2008 didn't leave folks with much to look back fondly on. A year of sorrow and loss. I am hoping that with the Inauguration will come a fresh, happy, new start. We know things will be getting worse, before it gets better, but at least we all see it coming.

Facing Life Without George

Will life be dull without George W. Bush? Perhaps. Just look at some of his quotes from times past...

"I don't know where Bin Laden is. I have no idea and I really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority."

-March 13, 2002

"So what?"

-George W. Bush, responding to an ABC News correspondent who pointed out that Al Qaeda wasn't a threat in Iraq until after the U.S. invaded, Dec 14th, 2008

"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."

-Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to George Bush leaving Washington on January 20th. I can believe the damage that was done to America while he was president. I breaks my heart to think about the way he changed America, and the wedge he managed to drive between us. I don't know if Obama will be able to fix a lot of what's happened, but I still believe it might just be our best chance. And just think... it will all be getting much, much worse, before it gets better. That's a profound thought. Sigh.

We'll Always Have Rod Blagojevich

Oh well, Sarah Palin is the gift that keeps on giving, and we have Al Franken now as a senator from Minnesota, and in a pinch, we will always have Rod Blagojevich. The republican party seems a bit amused with that whole mess, and you know what? So am I! The appointment of Roland Burris to Barack Obama's senate seat was one last FUCK YOU for the road. It's the stuff of a bad paperback political thriller. LOL. I, for one, am eternally grateful for the amusement. GO ROD, GO ROD! And good luck Mr. Burris.

-Carly
"I Love You Deerly"
Christmas Fantasy In The Woods
Berkeley, California
December, 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #19: Nap Time

"What a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk at about three o'clock every afternoon, and then lay down on our blankets for a nap."

-Barbara Jordan, quoting Robert Fulghum, in 1987, at Middlebury College

EMPS #19: NAP TIME.

THIS ASSIGNMENT IS NOW CLOSED!
Does anything feel better then a nice refreshing nap in the middle of the day? It feels especially nice on a cold winter day, so, here is your photography assignment for this week. Photograph what NAP TIME means to you! Do you have a favorite place to take a quick NAP? Does someone who lives with you take NAPS? If so, photograph them, with their permission of course, NAPPING away. How about your pets? My cats love a good NAP, maybe yours does too. If so, photograph them in mid-snore. Where do you NAP? Couch, bed or recliner... it's all good! Show me where you NAP! This week it is all about NAP TIME.

Extra Credit: Show me a favorite blanket, comforter, afghan, throw or pillow that is essential to your NAP TIME routine!

**PLEASE READ**

You have until next Sunday evening, at 9:00 PM ET to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal, or website, and then comeback here and leave me the direct link. Remember folks, I cannot accept hyperlinks. You can leave a hyperlink in addition to your full link, but you must remember to also leave me the full link back to the entry that is specific to this week's photo shoot assignment! Also, please include a link back here so other folks can find the assignment and play along as well. :)

Linking List for EMPS #18: Watching The Clock. 12/29/2008

NOW CLOSED!

1. Em Dy

2. Sherrie

3. Karen

4. Suzanne

5. Jama

6. Terri

7. Liz

8. Judi

9. Vicki

10. Wammy

We saw some gorgeous time pieces this week! Thanks for participating everyone!

Go Be Photographers! See you next Monday with an all new Photo Shoot Assignment!

-Carly

2 Good 2 B True

"Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one."

-Mark Twain

As of January 1st, 2009, it is no longer lawful to text message while driving, here in California. Last July a law went into effect that said that you must use only a hands free method while talking on your cell phone, so I am assuming that the specifics of text messaging weren't written into the law concerning cell phone use, and that's why there was a delay in putting into place a law specifically concerning texting. But when you think about it, shouldn't that have been covered in the original law, under the words, HANDS FREE DEVICE ONLY? Strange. Very Strange. I saw on my local news, that the hands free law is being broken right and left anyway, because the fine doesn't really amount to much, and there is at least a bit of resistance to new law. I love the excuses folks have been coming up with, when stopped by a CHP officer...

1. My dog ate my Bluetooth.

2. I have an ear ache.

3. People look at me funny.

4. My mother is hard of hearing, and she can't hear me very well when I use this thing.

5. The battery isn't working.

6. I can't hear my stereo as well.

7. Honestly officer, I just lost my Bluetooth out my window, like 5 minutes ago!

8. Law? What law?

I like driving, and yes, sometimes I like talking on my cell phone, while I drive. That's why I bought the phone. I hated the fact that I had to go out and purchase a device that made the whole experience hands free, because I can actually talk, and drive at the same time, and it felt a lot like I was being punished in a way, for the actions of other's who couldn't. But I was a good girl, and I went along with the law, but sometimes it seems like I am the only Schmuck who does. Just the other day I counted 5 cars, with folks behind the wheel, talking on their cell phones, and texting, while driving and it was not hands free. What's a girl to do?

Well, I mind my own business and daydream about laws, regulations and or officialness I would like to see on the books...

1. There must be a major tax exemption for anyone who owns a pet! If you own two, then you get even more money back.

2. If you annoy the majority of people, in at least one national poll, then you have to go away. Not die mind you, just slink back into the woodwork from which you came. So long Joe The Plumber! Goodbye Sarah Palin. You're outta here George W. Bush! Oh yeah, that's right, you're outta here anyway! (SMILE)

3. No more 4 years for a president. National elections should be held once a year. You have one full week to cast your vote, with April 15th being the deadline.

4. You should be able to surrender your pet at a firehouse, or police station or pet hospital, no questions asked. Folks are living in dire times, and pets are being abandoned along with the houses being foreclosed on. It's tragic.

5. Every third Thursday of the month, everyone needs to just stop whatever they are doing at 1:00 PM, take a death cleansing breath, and just shut the hell up for 5 minutes!

6. Smoking comes with a license. The $10.00 cost of the license goes directly to the American Cancer Society. Hopefully it would inspire folks to try to quit, and actually help curb underage smoking. Doesn't it just break your heart when you see a kid of 14, or so, smoking?

7. Chocolate really does need to be the official national food! Dark chocolate is actually good for you!

8. One night a week should be Television Classics night on at least one network. All wonderful old classic shows. I Love Lucy, Burns & Allen, The Phil Silvers Show, Our Miss Brooks. There are a lot to choose from.


What do you think? Are my dream laws for the birds, or is there one there you like? What fantasy law would you like to see on the books for 2010? Would it be a fun law, or a serious one? Share your ideas with me.

-Carly
"Life Goes On"
Berkeley, California
April 20th, 2005
Mid-Morning

4 Movies In 4 Weeks #1: The Day The Earth Stood Still

"Most Horror movies are certainly that."

-Brendan Francis

Back in December my favorite store, Old Navy, had a special promotion, here how it worked. Be at the store when it opens, get into line, get a special bracelet, purchase $20.00 in store merchandise, receive 4 free movie tickets. I was needing a few more presents, and they had exactly what I needed. So, I got up really early on the day of the promotion, put on my 4 layers of clothing, and got myself down to the store bright and early. Actually, I left later then I was wanting to, so I was just sure I would be out of luck because of the long line that would surely have already formed.

Well, if you remember, I told you about it in a entry back in December. There really wasn't much of a line to worry about. It seems that the promise of movie tickets wasn't even enough to coax folks to spend this past holiday season. So, I did my $20.00 worth of shopping, purchasing 3 scarves for Sarah, and a pair of slippers for Alan, collected my book of tickets, and I was home before 9 AM. I was smiling all day long, because I was going to surprise Alan with the tickets when he got home that night. Silly me. It seems he had heard of the promotion also, and he needed a few things as well, so he went to a different Old Navy, in a different city, during his lunch hour. Imagine how surprised we BOTH were that evening, when we both pulled out our big surprise for each other. LOL.

Fast forward to the present time. We now have enough tickets to go on 4 dates in the month of January. We only have until January 31st to use the tickets, which was the downside of the promotion. Still, there are some movies that came out just before Christmas that Alan and I wanted to see, but for whatever reason time didn't allow for. One of those movies was the one we saw last night... "The Day The Earth Stood Still." We love the old classic, as you already know Alan and I are big fans of those old black and white gems. Who doesn't love a good horror movie? Although I have to admit, I am a big of a snob when it comes to remakes. I hate it when the original movie is changed too much. Sometimes it works out, but for the most part it always seems like a cheap effort in the end.

The new version of "The Day The Earth Stood Still" didn't even rise to that level! If you haven't gone to see it yet... don't bother. It is a waste of time. The editing was flawed, you could tell in different scenes that a green screen was being used. The new story had MAJOR flaws. The acting by everyone was stiff and boring, especially Kathy Bates, who played the Secretary of Defense. It is unusual to see that from her. It was as if she were just wanting to get the silly dialog over with and go home. It has been a long time since I saw a film that didn't contain at least one single clever moment, but last night that is exactly what happened. Nadda. The role played by John Cleese could have been phone in. By the time I left the theater I was wondering what Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connolly had been thinking when they took on the roles? Bad acting. Bad editing. Bad directing. Bad movie.

Ho Hum.

I think I will just forget I saw it, and focus on next Friday and the next movie on my list.

Ho Hum.

So tell me, what upcoming movies are you looking forward to seeing?

Bride Wars
He's Just Not That Into You
Confessions Of A Shopaholic
Inkheart
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
The Unborn
Hotel For Dogs
New In Town

-Carly
"Buttered Popcorn"
Regal Movie Cinema
Dublin, California
January 2nd 2009
Afternoon

Different Sides Of One Rainbow

"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."

-Douglas Pagels

I was going through my archives yesterday, as I did my annual year end clean-up of my photo files, when I found this photo from spring of last year. I don't believe it made it to to Ellipsis, which seems like a shame, because I like the colors in this photo very much. Cosmos are such beautiful flowers, and during the spring and summer months, they can be found all around San Francisco, especially in Golden Gate Park. It is impossible to look at a cosmos in bloom, and not feel good inside! I think I will be adding some of these flowers to my garden again this year. I did roses only last year, but I want to do more with the flowers this year. Gardening is something I look forward to with great anticipation, especially during the cold winter days. It was cold yesterday, so I went looking through my files for a splash of color. Isn't it gorgeous?

Also yesterday, the cats and I had a tragic mishap with the camera. I took it out to give it a thorough first of the year cleaning, at the same time the kittens experienced a spike in activity. LOL. Needless to say, CRASH... BOOM... SWEAR WORD... my beloved digital camera is no more. :( Alan bought me that camera 5 years ago, and it hasn't been out of my hand ever since, so needless to say, I am a bit sad tonight. All is not lost, however, I do have a wonderful , wonderful, simply wonderful 35mm film camera which I love with my entire being, and in a pinch I also have Alan's digital camera, which takes much better macro shots then mine did, so all is not lost. In fact, it gives me a chance to take a look around and do some research into what kind of camera I will get to replace the one I just lost. Any suggestions?

The Face Of A Bad Kitty...
Dylan, January 1st, 2009

In the meantime, I will still be posting lots of new BAD KITTY photos, and I am paying a visit to the city sometime next week, which always provides me with inspiration. You can't go to San Francisco and not find something to photograph! I was just talking about the new opportunities I was looking forward to with new year, I just didn't think I would be meeting one on the first day of January, but who am I to question fate? The philosopher in me knows that when digital camera shutter door closes, another one opens. Maybe with interchangeable lens, 15MP, and accompanied by a new camera bag! In to each life a little rain must fall, but when the sun comes out there is usually a rainbow to enjoy... sometimes in digital color!

-Carly
"Pink Cosmos"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2008
Afternoon

Happy New Year 2009!

"We will open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on the pages ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and it's first chapter is New Year's Day!"

-Edith Lovejoy Pierce

It's finally here... 2009! I am ready for the New Year, and all the wonderful opportunities waiting for me. People, places, things, it's all fresh and new, and I am ready to take it on! How about you? Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to in the coming year? Tell me what you think. Will 2009 be better then 2008? Do you have big plans in terms of how you will face the coming year? If you feel like sharing, please do so. I would love to know what you think. Look into your crystal ball, and tell what the New Year will be like. Good, Bad, or Otherwise.

From Our House To Yours... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love, Carly, Alan, Hendrix & Dylan

Happy New Year 2009
San Francisco, California
December, 2008
Early Evening

The Butterfly Gallery Of 2008

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must also have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."

-Hans Christian Anderson

Here is a compilation of my favorite butterfly photographs from 2008. I love photographing butterflies, because they have taught me so much about lighting and instinct and most of all patience. Every year, I wish for the same goal to finally be realized. I want to photograph the Mission Blue butterfly, which is found only here in the Bay Area, Marin County, and the San Francisco Peninsula to be exact. It has been listed on the endangered species list for a number of years, but through some hard work and conservation, it has been making a comeback. Maybe this year I will finally find her. Marin... here I come. I have from March through May to locate the butterfly, then it will be gone for another year. With a little luck this will be the year. Cross your fingers for me!

Enjoy...

Black Swallowtail


Question Mark

Common Checkered Skipper

Great Southern White

Cecropia Moth

Orange Sulphur

Monarch

Viceroy

Luna Moth

Julia
Great Southern White


Buckeye
-Carly
Butterfly Circus
Conservatory Of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #18: Watching The Clock

"Even a stopped clock is right twice a day."

-Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach

THIS PHOTO SHOOT ASSIGNMENT IS NOW CLOSED!

We are all about to see a new year dawn, so, let's give 2009 a proper welcome shall we?

EMPS #18: WATCHING THE CLOCK.
Here is an easy one folks, grab your cameras and show me the time. A clock, a watch, an hourglass, the clock on your cell phone, the clock in the town square. If it tells time, it will be perfect!

Extra Credit: Show me a clock with your favorite time of day on it.

**PLEASE READ CAREFULLY**
You have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET to take your photo, publish it to your blog or journal, and then comeback here to leave the direct link. Please remember, I cannot accept HYPERLINKS. It must be a link that goes back to the an entry specific to this photo shoot assignment. And please check your links carefully before you leave them.

Linking List for EMPS #17: Holiday Greetings. 12/22/08

NOW CLOSED!

Karen

Sherrie

Suzanne

Liz

Terri

Jama

Laura

Connie

Carly

Well done everyone! See you next year, actually next Monday, with an all new Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot Assignment! Happy New Year!

-Carly

A Night Of Celebrations

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."

-Amanda Bradley

Last night, Alan and I, decided to have a nice dinner at home, then take a ride over to San Francisco, to see the lighting of the Menorah, in Union Square, for the 7th night of Hanukkah. The first candle lit this year was in honor of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, who were killed in the recent Mumbai massacre. I have never been to a public lighting ceremony before, so it felt nice to be able to go last night. I enjoyed myself very much. We listened to the music and watched the dancing, and when the children in the crowd sang the Dreidle Song, a smile came to our faces. I think we will go at least one night of Hanukkah from now on. It was just lovely, and you left with such a good, warm feeling of family.

On our way to to San Francisco, we saw from the Bay Bridge, that Coit Tower was lit up in red, I believe in honor of the Emerald Bowl, which was playing at AT&T park. I had completely forgotten that the game was being played last night! LOL. So THAT explained the traffic crossing the bridge! LOL. Anyway, in the Cal vs. Miami game, Cal came out ahead, 24 to 17. I would have thought that Coit would have been lit in green, for the Emerald Bowl, but when I checked the official logo, it was in red. Go figure. LOL. If you happen to know why the logo is in red, rather then green, give me a shout. Or if you know of another reason why Coit was lit up last night, feel free to leave me a comment in the comment thread for this entry.


It was a beautiful night last night, no matter where you were in the San Francisco. It was mild in temperature, the sky was completely clear, and folks were happy no matter where you looked. That kind of happiness is fun to be around. Sometimes the best way to help your own mood, is to surround yourself with positive, happy, enjoyable experiences. We try to do that as much as possible. The only thing that was missing last night, were our two little boys. I could just see them singing and dancing along with the other children. Hendrix would have been singing louder then anyone else, and Dylan would have been hopping up and down with excitement. He does that when he is happy. There I go again, like with Elvis, I don't see to kittens, I see two little people. LOL.

-Carly
"Coit Tower In Red"
San Francisco, California
December 27th, 2008
Early Evening

Round Robin Challenge: Favorite Toys

"It is never too late to have a happy childhood."

-Tom Robbins

Karen's choice for this RR is "Favorite Toys." We don't really collect toys per se, and I was never really a part of any of the uber Toy sensations in toys, such as Beanie Babies, but we do like good old fashioned board and card games. We had some classic games that Alan had as a child, but they were lost to the hands of a thief some years back. Now we mostly have the card games and a few board games like Monopoly and Balderdash. Skip-Bo is Alan's favorite of the card games, my favorite is Quiddler. Fun. I wish I could find Masterpiece, or Stock Market at a toy store again. I should probably take a look around eBay, I know Alan would love to get one of those old games some birthday or Christmas. For now we have Skip-Bo, which we play so often, that I just got a brand new set for this Christmas, to replace the set I got last year! We play it a lot!

I love stuffed animals, as a little girl that would probably be considered my favorite toy. I had a small stuffed skunk named Stinky, and a stuffed turtle my brother brought back from Vietnam. I still have the turtle, but he is packed safe away in our storage room outside. I still love that turtle after all these years. I have a multitude of bears scattered around the house, which for some weird reason the cats have shown no particular interest in. LOL. I guess the stuffed Christmas bear was something special in their eyes. My very favorite stuffed animals is a Boyd's moose, I named him Ross, after Ross Perot. LOL. He is always on my bed or on my desk. When I have a good pout on, I have been known to drag him from room to room. LOL. He just makes me smile, so it's nice to have him around. Moose are such beautiful animals. I wish it was practical to own one. Yep, I am one of those crazy old ladies who still loves stuffed animals at the advanced age of 46!

Be sure to visit all the participating Round Robins, by clicking on the links below!

Linking List

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

Marina... Milepebbles
Posted!

Em Dy... Captured Beat


Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

Suzanne R... SuzyQ421's Photo Blog
Posted!

Marie... Photographs & Memories
Posted!

Linda... Mommy's Treasure
**Welcome New Member**

Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!

Molly... Return of the White Robin


Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

Terri... Ways I See The World
Posted!

Valerie... Rosemary's Other Baby


**Don't forget to find out what our next challenge will be! Drop by the official Round Robin blog later this weekend to find out all the details! See ye next year!

-Carly
"Skip-Bo"
Berkeley, California
December 2008

Tra La La La La La La La La

Q. What do vegetarians wish for Christmas?

A. Peas on Earth goodwill toward men!


Is that the face of a bad kitty? Yep, that is indeed the face of a bad kitty! LOL. No, actually, that is the face of a kitty who is hopelessly in love with a stuffed Christmas bear. As with all children, the Christmas tree has been an almost unstoppable temptation for my little boys. The lights, the bears, the ornaments, it's all so inviting, that I ask you, what's a kitten to do? Well, he investigates! LOL. Their mommy could have avoided the trouble by not putting up a tree, but why do that? It came as a wonderful lesson in boundaries, that I am proud to say has taught Hendrix the word NO! He now knows the word, and Dylan, who you see in the picture, responds best to hearing his name, said in a very disappointed tone. They are great kittens, and for the most part, the Christmas season has been smooth sailing, especially with the new big Santa sack we bought at Costco to hold the gifts until Christmas morning.



Santa came in the wee hours of the morning on Christmas morning, and he was a generous soul this year. I got a new bracelet, and some music, a SIMS2 expansion pack (Apartment Life), a new warm luxurious bathrobe in powder blue. A new apron, which has an original hand drawn design on it, by a local designer! It's FABULOUS! A new set of cookie sheets and a turkey roaster, and a new cookbook from The Cheeseboard Collective, here in Berkeley. I LOVE that place. Imagine, if you will, 600 kinds of cheese all in one room! LOL Don't even get me started about the bread! Oh my, there is just nothing like one of the Asiago rolls warmed slightly, and served with a big bowl of tomato soup, and a Cranberry Vinaigrette salad.

Alan got some new music from Santa as well. The Best of Bob Dylan and the best of Jimi Hendrix. There is going to be a lot of music playing in our house this year. Hendrix is crazy for Three Dog Night, and Steppenwolf. Whenever I put their music on, he just cuddles right into me, and cuddles. Dylan is more of a Harry Connick Jr. fan me thinks. I listen to his music often, and when I do, it is usually Dylan's turn to snuggle in. Alan also got a new brown sweater, and a pair of slippers, from Hendrix. Hendrix likes to bite his daddy's feet, so Santa, and Hendrix, thought that new brown slippers would be the perfect solution. :) Cozy.

It's been a great Christmas this year. There was a moment or two of sadness as we remembered those who couldn't be with us. Alan's brother Darryl, our friend and landlord P. and of course, Elvis. I will miss all of them forever. It has been such a difficult year, losing all three, but they were here in spirit. Darryl is a constant presence in our hearts, as we think about all the fun we had once upon a time. And I couldn't help but think of "P" as I cooked our Christmas dinner. He got me a new stove just a couple years ago, 3 days before Christmas. Thanks again "P." And I already told you about all the little happy surprises concerning my Elvis this Christmas. He was THE WORLDS BEST KITTY. Now he is HEAVEN'S best kitty. Be sure to ask for him when you get there. He will be the one in the tuxedo. Meow. :)

-Carly
"Bad Kitty"
Berkeley, California
December 24th, 2008
Late Evening