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Gotta Keep Movin’ in O.B.
Nice piece. Well-written and always enjoyable to read a well-told story. I just hope "Maria" doesn't get in trouble! (I worry about these things :). Enjoy your new car and your new neighborhood.— April 15, 2009 7:18 p.m.
Junk Talk
I think the term "cootchie" is kinda cute; I've known men who named their counterparts "Thor" and other such mind bogglers so I guess there's some precedent. Odd though that, as Barbarella points out, even us strong broads are a little squirmy with the V word. I was raised by a pack of no nonsense from-the-mother country la dolca vita loving Italian women. They took no prisoners; tolerated no wallflowers. And while off-color jokes among girlfriends are good for an occasional giggle...the V word has always made me uncomfortable too. Particularly when every single "feminine hygiene" product is named with Vaga-this or Vaga-that with commercials usually showing some woman in a swimsuit talking about things I wish she'd keep to herself...and don't get me started on the tampon commercials (we know allllllllllllll about tampons, trust us, we'll buy them no need to advertise - although that "mother nature" one IS cute. Oddly, you rarely if ever see male hygiene products for itch or genital B.O....mustn't ever happen huh?) I have to say though Barb your niece is no doubt a precocious little smartie being raised by and around some strong, intelligent women. She'll no doubt be ruling the world soon...:)— April 15, 2009 6:56 p.m.
Water-Drinking, Tokyoites, Fart-Eating
No offense taken "magicsfive" (you're one of my favs, btw :)...I have not tested for diabetes recently, but I did have insulin dependent gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy (20 years ago) and I am reaching that magical age when I guess I should be on the lookout for a Type II return. I have, however, kept my weight in check and stay active...so I figured I was just thirsty...lol. I have had others tell me that when they did the regular water drinking thing as I have done for years now, it seemed to increase their thirst. So I wondered if that was part of the re-hydrating process. I know the body learns to "hoard" water when one doesn't regularly get enough. Once it begins to trust that it will be hydrated regularly it expends it regularly (normally). With regular output, I would imagine regular input is needed. Your expertise in this area, your thoughts period, are greatly appreciated!— April 15, 2009 6:14 p.m.
Water-Drinking, Tokyoites, Fart-Eating
I've often wondered what happened as a result of that poor woman's death in regard to the radio station. Those signed waivers would not protect them from negligence nor intentional conduct. If I remember correctly, the DJ's were fired...but I sure hope more than that occurred for that family. Btw, Matt...:) It seems the more water I drink, the more water I want to drink. Have a sprung a leak or is that part of the natural process of hydration?— April 15, 2009 4:55 p.m.
A Mule for the Road
I appreciate your response almost as much as I appreciate your stories. You strike me as a humble person, and like most artists create for the joy of it uncomfortable with the thought of it being any more than that. But it is. I also found your piece regarding the day you were robbed riveting. And as I wrote you in my email, you should be published formally. You could make a living doing so I have no doubt. More please! :)— April 15, 2009 4:24 a.m.
Happy Tummy
For Josh at post #95 (95?!) and Barb, et. al.... Josh your curiosity and skepticism is probably what makes you a good journalist. When I practiced law, I too would approach most tales told with probing questions for more facts too because I was also curious and skeptical (not to mention you kinda have a duty to reasonably investigate). But for the most part these people were strangers. If, as you asked me, an African American friend came to me and said he or she had been hassled by the cops I would ask for more details. But not because I didn't believe my friend. Only because I cared about what happened to them, and felt maybe by getting it out I could help them deal with it (or help them sue :). Point being, with someone I know or someone who has not given me a reason to think otherwise, I don't come from a position of "prove it." Unless and until they give me reason to think otherwise, once credibility is earned it does not need to be re-asserted. For me, anyway. And btw, I just returned to SD from Trinidad, CA...Humboldt County, so your having attended Humboldt State is not only one more reason for me to read your columns, but also explains your "natural" skepticism. lol... And of course you are right, meat eaters can be just as obnoxious as those on the other side of the fence. Perhaps even more so as their are more of them. They are wrong too. All I have to say is I am at the top of the food chain, and while I love animals, if I am cold or hungry they better look out. And dear much beset upon Barb... you have defended yourself well and I enjoyed your column about your experiences with militantly-minded Vegans. I don't think it was your intention to insult anyone, and I was surprised by the vitriol that's been posted here by some (although I would guess you were not). I particularly thought your point about vegetarians who own cats was well taken. And please keep in mind that I occasionally cook for friends' dinner parties or do some selective catering...so if there is going to be any kind of potluck as joshb, Mike1, and my new friend Suzanne (SDaniels) suggest I will gladly bring the bruschetta. Bruschetta which is guaranteed to make any who partake moan with each bite (both the mild and spicy varieties). That's my goal: food to moan by (that can be eaten by all). Interestingly, whenever I have agreed to prepare a menu for pleasure or pay I am the one who always needs to ask if there are any vegetarians or special diets. Perhaps more social awareness is called for in this area, along with tolerance. These qualities are not dependent upon whether or not someone will eat something that has a face. For raising this awareness, I think Barbarella should be appreciated.— April 15, 2009 3:17 a.m.
Should Call Him Khem
Suzanne, or "SDaniels"...I too was stupified that "gopher bashing" won the apparent only prize, let alone first prize, to date for March. (At the end of the piece, I sat staring at the screen, one side of my face scrunched up, head tilted to the opposite side and all I could say was, "haaaaa?" The crickets creaked on... And yes, dear RDVaughn, you are both a gentlelady and a scholar to thank us personally and publically. I am certain that Suzanne and I were not the only ones who greatly appreciated your talent at story-telling about your neighborhood. Perhaps if you had bashed 'ole Bas with a shovel like March's first place winner did to his neighbor's gopher it would have moved you to the top. Oh well, ours is not to question, but to keep trying... please let us know where else we can read your work. For some reason I remembered some blurb that you were published elsewhere...Be well and write on! Lisa a/k/a "lallaw"— April 15, 2009 12:43 a.m.
Happy Tummy
So, "joshb" at post 84...would you then agree that some people are just clueless or and/or inconsiderate, possibly judgmental because they think the rest of the world should just do as they do because their way is the right way? Do we really need a specific example of a named person acting this way to make that statement any more true? I understand what you are saying, that Barbarella may have exposed herself to cries of "foul," "fantasy," and "lies, all lies!" by not being more specific (you may even be rightly inferring that it makes for better writing)... but I doubt that would have dampened the heat she's taking now. From the tone of some of these posts, I think specifics would have just re-directed the rage much like a fire break before a canyon fire. Extreme positions often provoke extreme reactions when questioned. And not just in this genre. Think animal rescue worker versus back yard breeder - zowie! Moreover, I don't see how naming names would have added to B's point which I took to be a simple one: she doesn't appreciate others imposing their chosen lifestyle on her, especially when leveled with attitude. Who does? I just don't see any basis to question her credibility when she writes about her experience in this regard any more than any other personal experience she writes about. Whether someone agrees or not that doesn't make her opinion wrong nor negate her experiences. Did I miss your point?— April 13, 2009 2:49 p.m.
Happy Tummy
Wow, "stuntdouble" do you realize that the content and tone of your post #82 proves precisely what Barbarella had to say about the militant attitude she's encountered among some Vegans? Judgmental, harsh, intolerant, i.e., militant. Bordering on the angry, and two clicks from climbing a bell tower with a high powered rifle if one disagrees with their world view. Just HOW is it you KNOW her claimed experiences are just "personal fantasies"? Your anger and insults are wholly misplaced. Not to mention annoying. I've never had such experiences, but I am familiar with the attitude she describes. And after reading some of these posts regarding her DIARY, (you do understand the difference between a diary and a news article, right?) I have no doubt she reports her experiences accurately. Again, wow. Barbarella, these guys are a bunch of legumes. I wouldn't bother responding to their missives. They don't get it because they don't want to get it. Either that, or they are just really cranky from hunger.— April 13, 2009 12:11 p.m.
Mrs. Brown
? Did we see the same movie? For those who like historical dramas, and even for those who don't, this is a very dramatic, interesting, fairly accurate, highly enjoyable movie. Dame Judi Dench was superb; Billy Connelly's performance as John Brown was riveting; and, Antony Sher was quite entertaining as PM Benjamin Disraeli. The remaining cast are not "cardboard" they act aptly British and entirely believable. Dench won the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and BAFTA Scotland awards for Best Performance/Best Actress for her role, and was nominated for an Academy and SAG Award. (She certainly did not look too old to play Queen Victoria as Victoria appeared around 1863 when John Brown became her manservant. Have you seen pictures of Victoria at age 44? Dench did her much justice). Connelly was nominated for a SAG, BAFTA, and BAFTA Scotland award (and most likely would have won at least one of them but for his "outsider" comedic background); and, the film itself was nominated for a BAFTA and Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film. If you have a Netflix account you can watch it instantly, and is certainly worth your time if you are looking for something good on TV. Considering some of the mind-melting meringue out there that have rated two "dots" from you, this movie certainly deserves a 2.5! (3 in my book). Perhaps, Duncan, you just aren't that into old Brits? :)— April 13, 2009 2:25 a.m.