Looking out my window...

But, How Do You Feel Really?

 
Copper On Our Patio
Photo By Sharon

 

It has happened. I'm addicted to tv news. Well, not any old tv news. The most outstanding news (IMHO) is msnbc news. It is mainly liberal biased, which of course means they tell us the truth. Well, Rachel Maddow does.

As part of watching the news from my bed (the bedroom has the largest and bestess tv in the house) I also can now surf the web, look up stuff and play games on my newly purchased IPad2.

When I first received my IPad2 I felt it was, despite all the hype, a bit lackluster. I don't really play games all that much (ok, sometimes a lot, when I'm clearing my mind or in deep thought). But, after peeking into different apps and exploring more and more each day, I have to enthusiasticly say... it is one of the most wonderful gadgets created.

Speaking of enthusiasm, you might find it difficult to REALLY know how I'm feeling when I'm writing. I mean, you can't see me after all. You might be able to tell by my writing, the words and punctuation I use, but you still can't see me. You're at a disadvantage.

Even if you could see me, would you really know how I was feeling? I was thinking about this the other day. Society has given us a face of unspoken truth. People ask us how we feel. Most will respond "Okay." Perhaps with a smile. You might get a "Pretty good." But, you won't get, or not very often, "I'm terrible and the world pretty much sucks."

That's why I love our dog Copper. And perhaps why we all love our pets. They don't lie or beat around the bush. They, on the other hand, often stare at us with their deep penetrating eyes, trying to figure us out.

There is no need for me to figure out if Copper is happy and well. His tail. His tail tells only the truth.

More Bangs For Your Buck!

 

Copper Hides Under His Bangs 2010.
Photo by Sharon.

A few people noticed I stopped writing. Thank you. My computer crashed from viruses. In case any of you have not experienced this, I have now crashed twice. Let me explain.

My mom asked if I should just buy another computer. Well, not really. I have a friend who fixes these crashes. But, even with backup, you pretty much have to build up the computer just like you've been doing the last year or so doing before the crash. So, unless the hard drive is killed, or worse, there isn't any reason to buy a new computer. Unless, of course, it's time for a new one anyway.

Most everything we experience should provide us with at least one learning point.  This time around I've learned that computers should be turned off when not in use. Especially overnight, 'cause while you're sleeping the viruses are eating up your data and programs. Even if your computer goes into a "sleep" mode. They do this very quietly so as not to wake you up. But, they do it none the less.

Bad people send out viruses because, well, because they can and they're bad people. The attacks come into our computer through various means: worms, trojans, etc. They come in attached to something else, like maybe the chain letters we all receive. The trojans skip by safe guards because they are like the Trojan Horse - the outside is great, but dangers are hidden inside. Worms kind of tunnel in and once deep inside start to devour everything.

More News...

The Chief and I have been watching the news lately. This is something we have not done for a long time. Why? It's depressing. And, we get our news on-line.

But we recently discovered MSNBC: Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, and Lawrence O'Donnell. After that we go to the Comedy channel and watch Jon Stewart and then The Colbert Report. Whew!

In the photo at the top of this post is our super-dog Copper. Copper watches from his place on our bed the same things we do. His now VERY long bangs are intended to send us a message: "I can't watch this political stuff anymore!"

Hmm. I wonder what his reaction to watching Fox would be. We'll never know, because then I would have to hide under my covers with my pillow over my head, and my fingers stuck in my ears.

Nope, not gonna happen.

A VIDEO THAT MADE ME THINK & ONE THAT MADE ME SMILE

The first video is from Rachael Maddow. My new idol. She is smart, witty, thoughtful and has great insight into today's world.

http://bit.ly/bvsTh5

This video makes good vibrations and makes me smile. Is he crazy? Maybe, but as far as performance art, he ranks right up there with Lady GaGa.

 

TO LOOK OR SHOOT, OH WHAT SHOULD I DO?

 
Pilfered Photo of male Red-winged Blackbird

Today I just happened to glance at the feeder (oh, only every five minutes!)  and what did I see? My wonderful cardinals? No, not yet. A male Red-winged Blackbird! That's a first for my patio.

Oh, yes, I've seen them before, elsewhere, but not here. Don't forget, I live in a condo on what was farmland just 11 years ago. No trees. Now, after 10 years our trees have grown sufficiently to attract, well, to attract those critters that like trees. Exception: the squirrels have yet to discover our little development. They'd have to cross a VERY busy street to get here. Be safe, stay where you are.

At first I wasn't sure what he was. The coloring on his wings was covered up except for a tiny stripe of mostly yellow, at least until he flew away. I looked him up in my Peterson Field Guide just to make sure I was correctly identifying him (yep, I was) and learned that they cover up the colors with an umbrella of black feathers. Unless, of course, it is spring, the mating season. Typical male dating behavior: show off your assets until you get the gal and never exposed them again. To her.

And, why the pilfered photo you ask? 'Cuz by the time I finished identifying him and turn my camera on to shoot, he was gone. A frequent occurrence when trying to take pix.

 

WebDonuts Cartoon Contest I have been reading these cartoon for a few years now. Some of them I don't "get." But, generally I find them to be humorous and a good way to start the day (along with Dilbert, Savage Chickens, Basic Instructions and Calamities of Nature).

Recently I started to submit my own captions for his "Cartoon Captions Contest." Oh maybe three or four times. Not winning but having fun. The current contest cartoon is:

I had some ideas floating around in my brain. Of course, "twins" was a major concept. And "double dip ice cream cone." After a few days I saw what others were entering and connections were being made to the movie "The Shining." Finally I had it! And this is what I submitted (No, I hardly ever give up. Even if I've said "I give up." Or, look like "I gave up." Chances are, somewhere deep in my brain, I haven't given up.):

July 12, 2010 at 11:38 am

“Double our pleasure, double our fun… another conjoined cone, please!”

For me, that was it. And then... I got this email from the comic's author:

Ha!  Good one, and way better than anything I could come up with

myself.   Thanks for playing!

Gruhn

And to which I replied:

Thank you! I'm walking on air with giddiness. Even if I don't win, I've won already!
Sharon

I'll let you know what happens. Even if I don't win.