Nothing like summer to inspire Shark Tank worthy new products.
Who hasn’t been there. So annoying to be stuck on a narrow 2 lane highway behind a massive 18 wheeler or monster bus.
Fret, curse, or risk desperate wobbling back and forth in the lane no more. Stop terrifying passengers.
Forget insisting the one in the front passenger’s seat lean out the window at the next curve and tell you what’s in front of the truck.
Avoid “that look” when you make the perfectly sane suggestion of holding a mirror out the passenger’s window at arm’s length to check out the road ahead.
“NOOOO! Now we’ll never get there before dark.” If you look really close, you can see the 3rd car back has stopped along the side of the road and the driver is banging his head against the ground. (Glyn Baker/Commons.wikimedia.org)
What if those huge vehicles sported a high quality camera on the front of their rig which relayed images of the road ahead to big screen on the vehicle’s back?
Just like seeing through a hole in the truck.
Big red letters could even flash: “Go Now!” like the sports arena screens. Talk about cheering.
If the traffic/road conditions were simply too bad and there was no point in passing the large barge ahead of you, perhaps the truck’s jumbo back screen could offer entertainment like cartoons (Road Runner?)
How about music videos with sing along words with a bouncing ball?
During long stretches of road construction, a perhaps flashing a helpful message on the big screen like “Your tax dollars at work. Here’s the contact information to tell those decision makers responsible exactly how you feel about this mess today.”
Even the sharks would be driven to giggle.
Solutions for everyday problems seem to find Shark Tank an easy swim.
Do you think this new service, Fold, would sink or float?
The premise: People are busy. The laundry gets washed, but who has time to fold and put it all away properly? Clothes are piled on chairs, stacked on tables, or become ghosts on door knobs. Kids grow up thinking it’s normal to dig through the clothes in the dryer to find something to wear.
The company’s solution: pay us and we’ll neatly fold your laundry, and put it where it belongs. Even organize clothes/shoes in closets or drawers. For a mere $30.00 and hour – less if you sign up for weekly or monthly visits.
“Houston company tackles your pile of clean laundry”
It’s neat all right, but really?
Can’t wait to hear Mr. Wonderful on this one. (“10 Kevin O’Leary Quotes Every Entrepreneur Can Learn From”)
Ready to see how these stack up.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
During road trips, the only thing my dad hated more than being stuck behind a big truck was being stuck behind a slow car and a trailer…or worse, a whole line of sight-seeing drivers with travel trailers. They really do make mirrors on telescoping sticks, you know. (Classic: Buick Roadmaster with travel trailer. Slauger/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Got something you want to howl about? Why not enlist a professional? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
A wolf in your pocket would be so convenient.
For those times when you just can’t keep your mouth shut, but should.
Howls. Tiny howls. Big meaning.
The perfect pocket pet is ready: the Grasshopper Mouse.
Just think a mouse version of the Karate Kid.
- Fearless and confident
- Nimble fierce fighter with astute strategy
- A nocturnal carnivore (So you can bring him to the dinner table)
- A social justice warrior: takes care of pests. “Likes” grasshoppers, centipedes, scorpions…
Face it. This is a Terminator Arnold could be proud of.
Able to neutralize poisonous confrontations without backing down, the grasshopper mouse may be worth copying.
Researchers are studying how these mice take venomous bites/stings with only a momentary pause as a protein mutation in their cells’ membranes, neutralizes the pain and prevents a pain message being sent to the brain. The poisonous toxin fails.
How the mouse does it:
- “Scorpion venom is a painkiller for the grasshopper mouse” (Article)
- LiveScience video/article exploring how the mouse deactivates the sodium/potassium channels responsible for carrying the pain messages to the brain. “It’s like cutting a wire.”
The mouse’s unique pain management system may offer a new direction in analgesic drugs for humans.
Doctor, forget yoga and Botox. Going to a pain management seminar by a Grasshopper Mouse.(USPD/Commons,wikimedia.org)
Are these mice actually superior to humans?
Idealistic environmentalists smile that grasshopper mice are eco-conscious enough to recycle perfectly good homes – saving the environment from destruction just for construction.
Sociologists shout “Whoa! Family matters!”
After spotting a desirable neighborhood, some dirty rat tricks are employed. Mousification by intimidation. They have no problem turning on even their own kind. Kicking them out.
Is this an example of the “sins of the fathers” being passed on to their children?
Grasshopper mice apparently learn aggression from their fathers. Offspring raised by two parents seem to bully other mice and attack insects more often and more ferociously than those raised by single moms.
Father may know best, however, as their future survival may depend on mastering their dad’s lessons.
Behavior that sounds spookily familiar.
- Explore their realm: “Hidden Kingdoms – Grasshopper mouse” (BBC)
- The desert version of “Jaws”! Mice’s bite force “Mouse bites like a tiger“. (Wired)
The Grasshopper Mouse Guild possibly consulted a PR team concerning nicknames.
Although that “Karate Kid” was cute, just like the furry cinnamon mice, they really didn’t want to be the next popular Pocket Pet.
Wanted to cast a bigger shadow. “Miniature Wolf of the Desert” has much more bite to it.
And if fits: they howl at the moon. On their hind legs. Nose to the wind. Howling. Really. (Click that link and tell me it doesn’t look like a wolf howling at the moon.)
Sound experts say if you slow their high-pitched howls down, it sounds just like a wolf.
Ah, Grasshopper, you are as you believe.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
(Howliday inn! Grasshopper mouse about 1:39.)
Restless this time of year.
There should be big red X’s across the calendar days.
Rocky Mountain trail to Cascade Falls ©
Closet’s choices should be narrowing as each day passes.
“I’ve washed, folded, stacked, and counted. Don’t even think about it. Find something else to wear.” Mom would warn as suitable attire was forced into yawning suitcases. We happily looked like faded cast aways for the last week of school.
As soon as the last school bell rang, we sprang into the car faster than old St Nick into his Christmas sleigh.
Escape. Miles to go before we’d sleep. (Maybe a donut during a coffee stop. Sugar!)
Summer’s was a reward 4-6 weeks of living in a string of National Parks.
Hauling water to the campsite by bucket, cooking over a camp stove, and sleeping on wiggly canvas sling army cots in a floorless tent.
Skunks thinking the cot legs were some weird obstacle course just for them.
Sleepily eating breakfast at a damp picnic table as a small fawn walks up to see if you’ll share that cup of milk. (Maybe a lettuce leaf instead?)
There should be maps spreading promised across the table.
Like the migratory birds, I feel it.
Like the migratory birds, I fear crashing into an illusion – being confused by a storm – flying headlong into what should not be there.
Yet. The restlessness persists.
Icy waters generously fling sparking jewels at your feet among the pebbles. Far too precious and magical for this world, they only last for a moment or two before disappearing.©
Some are called by water. Lured by seagull calls.
Some by sweet blooms and lush grazing.
Some seek solace in painted sands.
Some feel the mountains’ rhythmic breathing. Hear the icy waters tumbling as they scatter diamonds of light among the rocks. Turn towards the hawk’s sky call.
Restless. With the car so close and the road right there.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Yosemite giant begging you to stay the day.©
Bulky and bothersome is an understatement when there’s an elephant in the yard.
It would be nice to have a clear view of things. Especially with the landscape awake and cooperating. But he blocks everything.
Yes, with an elephant in the yard, it’s always a circus.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
We’d try to budge him to a different, less intrusive spot, but he just locks up and refuses to move.
Blockade or not, things have to be watered. Go ahead. Drag the hose across his feet…not a shift nor a shuffle.
I don’t want to even think about what’s under him.
It’s not that we don’t like him. There’s an air of Sesame Street’s Mr. Snuffleupagus about him…but he’s never been invisible. To anyone. Ever.
Oh, OK. It’s my fault. I said they could bring him home.
And it wasn’t too bad at first when he happily fit back against a wall out of sight of the living room windows.
Guess, it’s like bringing a cat home: Almost never seen until it gets comfortable. And then it’s too late.
He’s aging. Coat paling. Joints sounding a bit rusty.
Well, he came to the right place. Once here, it’s a forever home. Even for aging grills the size of elephants.
Reality is, we’re fond of him and have gladly replaced parts as needed. Kept him snuggly covered in winter.
Currently waiting for replacement valves for the manifold (that entire part no longer available) and found a nice, just the right size, stainless scrap to switch out part of his worn undercarriage.
Who said old fashion, hot rod car mechanic experiences don’t translate as useful life skills?
Elephant grill maybe old, but still shining and ready to heat things up.
Warms your heart, too. Doesn’t it?
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Hide ‘n sheet. (According to Elephant Grill, if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. So there, Tiny)…And there is no truth to the rumor that we have considered harnessing and hitching Molly Malamute to Elephant Grill to wear her excess energy out by pulling it down the street.) ©
Hot rod pink flamingo. ©
As you can see, my flamingo has racing stripes.
Naturally. To keep up around here.
Mandatory as things come and go: items, thoughts, situations, minutes, and minuets.
Right.
But is it?
A fine dance. One we all stumble through – whether realizing it. Much less understand the meaning of it.
A loved, yet hated, pre-existing condition:
Something one has that only leads to worse case scenario – even with interventions.
Oddly called “life”, this march to death.
Ironic, really
Oh, we can make something out of this. Common thinking these days.©
Do you ever wonder about the shape of grey? Not “A”. Grey.
Gray seems fat, yet sassy. Contemporary curved. Thumb your nose at established. Impressionistic painting.
Grey seems classic, solid, traditional. Architectural. Structured like a Greek temple.
Small details matter – in grey lines and other. Sets the table of thought and meaning.
Not obvious to you, perhaps, but that’s how I read: the shape, not the meaningless components.
So my old flamingo is sticking with it to keep up by what ever means.
He may be aging and plastic, but willing to hot rod it and enjoy what is flying by.
Gets an “A” for effort.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
You don’t know Pink? They just make you smile.
- “Backstory: Extinction of an American icon”.
- “In the Pink no more” (NY Times)
- “Don Featherstone, inventor of the Pink Flamingo (in plastic) dies at 79” ( What an interesting life. While it is said he had a form of dementia, I think maybe he simply flew away with his thoughts. Happy flamingos and all.)
Shadows chairing life warn against sitting too long.©
The German sends her best regards.©
No one wants to be endangered.
Biting may have been routine – even required at one point – but tends to cause invitations to be withdrawn.
Canines figured it out quickly when encountering humans ages ago. (Do not listen to the snorting and snarky comments by the cat.)
Certain species had better get a grip on themselves – instead of others – or they may find themselves to be species non grata.
Someone cautiously poke a FYI to the Komodo dragons. Not the way to win friends and a warm spot by the fire.
- Mauled by Komodo dragon, tourist suffers severe injuries to legs.
As a German Shepherd of formidable stature (my vet always says with great admiration I’m a BIG girl) and trained in skills to gain cooperation from difficult humans, I am aware some are intimidated when I set paw in the door. But wisely, I know my strength and prefer to negotiate with quiet firmness.
However, some people are not lucky enough to have such as I by their side.
Their small fur companions do their best, but sometimes it is dangerous.
Deadly even.
This is the reality – as if victims of domestic violence don’t have enough to fear. I cannot say it better:
Flyer for “Safe Paws” program of Bay Area Turning Point Shelter
The most dangerous species of all is out there.
As an intelligent canine, I am not hounding for donations, simply presenting a pet project that might work in your own neighborhood.
Many want to make the world a better place, but are either chasing their tails in overwhelm, or afraid they will bite off more than they can chew.
You could be the pick of the litter for fetching this idea to your community or fostering an endangered pet.
What do you think? Wanna help save a life? Paws up?
I, The German, may be retired to a supervisory role, but still have a good nose for sniffing out good and plenty of encouraging woofs left in me.
Appreciate your sit, stay, and listen
The German
Paws for peace.
Running down a dream. Upside down: matches the event.©
You wait for it. With a daring of overridden fear. The thrill promised.
Like the few seconds between turning the knob on the gas stove, hearing that frantic click, click, click, before the whoosh and the fire.
Concerts are like that.
Last weekend Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers arrived for their 40th Anniversary Tour performance at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Woodlands, TX.
Of course, a sold-out crowd.
Rock’s better in Red, though.
Next time, we’ll roll back to Denver even if it means a forced march road trip.
Eagles’ guitarist Joe Walsh was stellar as the opener.
The audience was right with him. Expectations built for the headliner.
Joe Walsh is somewhere in that white blob. Just view from prone position on the ground – sort of like the blond drunk chick with the flailing elbows who was vertically challenged even before Petty took the stage. Gotta learn to pace yourself.©
Petty played the list, but…
It’s complicated: a good concert is a fine weaving between the musicians, the play list, and the audience. This time some intangible chord didn’t wrap.
Petty’s performance seemed a bit too much like a let’s-get-this-done precision stage show with little connection with the audience. I’d hate to say he phoned it in, ’cause the music hit the mark, but…
The English Webb sisters, Charlie and Hattie, well-known vocalists and musicians in their own right, didn’t seem to be utilized to add the dimension they are capable of…although tambourine skills are helpful, I suppose.
An audience a bit too well-heeled? Too suburban? Good mix of old, young, stylish, and the flip of flops, yet an odd flatness even though everyone enthusiastically knew the words and was more than willing to boogie.
Last time at Red Rocks all 3 components were up and running down a dream.
Placed best in shows.
OK. Not aliens. Joe Walsh and crew. Worthy of being seen from outer space.©
Everything considered, it was a pleasant evening, but calling a Tom Petty concert “pleasant” is a little weird.
Shouldn’t feel like going out for dinner and a show, right?
But hey, got some really intriguing abstract artsy images.
Lightly delighted.
Phil, the philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
- Houston Press concert review: “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion”
- More about the Cynthia Woods venue here. It’s also a cool outdoor space. Flowing white roof lines of the pavilion always reminds me of Denver Airport’s architecture.
What? You don’t know rocks from Red Rocks?
Rocks of ages. People never could stay away. Even before the Utes most likely. Officially promoted in 1906 as a unique outdoor entertainment venue with perfect acoustics, Red Rocks Amphitheater benefited from major improvements by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941. Beatles, Hendrix, the Dead, as well as Opera and Easter services. (We’ll ignore that 5 year ban after the Jethro Tull riot..) Still rockin’ after all those years. Never been? Bucket list it.
Joe Walsh in this really great Sweet Dreams shark t-shirt. A must have except it’s YSL and $350.00. ©
Take it for a spin? Direct drive, but a bit cranky. Hand-powered dishwasher invented by Carl Hultenberg, 1860.(Tekniska Museum, Stockholm Sweden/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Completely wired, routinely spinning, but above all else, when it’s their time, they are electric.
Just how much faith do you put in machines?
Box them and label them as you will, running the dishwasher and running for office swish and swirl alike.
Pre-cleaning is debated hotly.
Some recommend scrubbing proactively while others just turn a blind eye and hope for the best? (The latter the most common.)
Positioning is another item that racks up discussions.
You never know whether to stand like ones together or mix them up to get the best results.
How important is it to keep the delicate ones placed high in the machine surrounded by those just like them while keeping the sturdy, able to withstand anything ones down at the gritty bottom level?
While transparency may signal fragile danger, anything can crack under certain circumstances.
How things stacked up then.”Now, Sparky, what do they mean wear thick rubber soled shoes when operating?”(Electric dishwasher, 1917/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Then there’s the disturbing clinking once the machine is started even though you stacked it in so carefully.
Unexpected noise may warn that things won’t wash well. Enough to rattle anyone.
Promoters’ products and claims promise sparkling results before each cycle.
If desired results aren’t what was expected, all sorts of finger-pointing and blame scatters everywhere: It’s always the substance, or poor organization, or outdated procedures.
Recommended heat can go either way: permanently marring with etching or the reverse smoothing surfaces to a Phoenix-like gleam.
Proof machines can hold grudges: Of course there’s a crack. And, of course, that style is discontinued.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
After all said and done, you always cautiously examine for crummy flaws before shelving in hope.
May all the salmonella, harmful microorganisms, and invisible threats be washed away so the table can be set for a better day.
Although there’s always a chance that the dish simply gives up and runs away in a swoon.
Phil, the Philosopher of the Hedge.
We have local elections this week: school board, city council, small stuff along with bond elections that determine funding (and taxes). Low level elected officials – some of which are less important/prestigious than people believe; some of which can lead to more important positions with a party in the future. This is where baby elected officials and politicians cut their teeth and hone their political skill and trade. Always amusing.
What do you think? Is a country like a restaurant with menus making you think you have choices, some stuff served to you that you don’t like, and you have to pay for it all anyway.(1940.NARA poster/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
And there was great rejoicing.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Having restless nights wondering “Oh, my. What happened next?”
Three short riddles follow up stories in recent posts:
When is a caution removed as a precaution?
When it’s a frightening towering flood gauge in front of a neighborhood home.
And when it’s learned proper procedures which must include discussions with residents of the community were not followed. (If the residents ever find out who asked for those signs and who decided to immediately install them….)
“Flood signage in SW Houston neighborhood to be removed”
Natural signage: if you can’t see the tree, water’s too deep to venture in. Of course, a bit of commonsense helps. Recovering marsh where Pine Gully meets Galveston Bay.©
When does a destructive bunch get a wink and a smile from a state legislature?
When some elected officials wonder if tossing poisonous hog bait around is really the for the best.
“Feral hog apocalypse” has been halted in its’ tracks as the company that produces Kaput Feral Hog Bait has pulled its product from use in Texas. (Wild hogs are grinnin’ and rip-roaring through farms, ranches, and subdivisions, but they shouldn’t consider this is a get-out-of-jail-free pardon.)
“Texas House orders study before using poison on feral hogs”
Bouquets always seem to last longer in fresh air. Pine Gully trail. Hog free so far. ©
When does a police SUV dovetail into Earth Day?
When it’s designated a bird sanctuary.
Once the Momma Pearl made the 911 call, the orange habitat cones were placed (as required by city ordinances) around PPD Unit 187. The pregnant dove cooed she had reservations: requested a nice window view. She was scammed! Who wants to upset an expectant mother? The city is happily accommodating her. (Scroll the Pearland Police Facebook page, April 17 nesting, and 20-24-27 for videos/pictures of Pearl and her family. The department also rescues ducklings who fall into storm drains and reunites them with their very anxious mom. FB video of that, too.)
“Pearland police share photo of first chick in the nest on windshield of official SUV”
Dreamy endings.
Now you can rest easy.
Have a great weekend.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Another guessing game! See the deer at edge of clearing? A small herd celebrated Earth Day by taking the young ones to see the human zoo.(and Molly was quite polite as the deer, one by one, bolted right past her – down the bank, up the bank and into the shady woods before stopping in their designated viewing spot.)©
Strike while the kitty litter is hot! Now is the time.
What? That should be “letter” not litter? Dunderhead. Tend to your own mess.
Knowing Us as you do, kind visitors, it is obvious We would never stir you in the wrong direction. Might cause nausea.
Staff, remove your hands from across Our mouth. Extreme fang warning! Better.
We don’t care if you have a family. Get back to that desk and complete the Twin Peaks scripts before May 1st! (USPD/Commons.wikimedia,org)
“A writer! A writer. My kingdom for a writer!” There. Problem easily solved. Surely there are some available.
A realm-worthy reward for words possibly on the horizon. Finally.
Frequent visitors know that We, as RC of the Realm, hold writers in high esteem.
On occasion We preside over salons of not only hair, but of wordy lines in books of crinkling pages or of discussions of last night’s offering from the Moving Window of Entertainment – also know by Staff as “The Tea of Bees” for some unknown and illogical reason. (Any dunderhead knows bees are far too industrious to sit around drinking – unlike some species We know...)
Nothing more delightful than a cat lecture lively discussion after watching The Moving Window episodes. Characters, humor, plot twists full of irony, foreshadowing, or satire – Paws down, nothing like a good story told well.
Yet, without a care for the distress it may cause, there are whispers that The End is Near.
Staff has tried to shield Us – hoping some miracle will occur.
But the reality is that unreality of The Moving Window is threatened.
We, as RC of the Realm, understand this is is a scary situation, but together We shall survive.©
Wow shall let you read for yourself. Yes, yes, there may be a quiz afterwards.
- Hollywood writers vote to authorize strike as deadline looms “Why? Why?” you ask. And which shows will come to a complete stop? Soaps for one.(MarketWatch)
- Will TV writers strike? Here’s what you need to know (Washington Post)
- Hollywood writers’ strike: Here’s what’s at stake. Who is WGA. Why writers say “Bring it.”(Vox)
- Will late night TV go off the air in May? (The Wrap)
Long suffering writers who actually managed to secure a place at the script writing desks are struggling under old salary practices despite the changes in the industry and studio profits doubling over the past 10 years.
Different suits, same conflicts. Pre 1978. Dick Van Dyke Show episodes “It wouldn’t hurt them to give us a raise”, and summer reruns not fun for writers.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
We wish We could wave a paw and voila, a solution. Desperately wishing that. Enough to get hives from worry.
(Note to staff: commence stockpiling The Tea of Bees visual products)
The 2007 writer’s strike lasted 100 days. And what happened?
Reality shows. Multitudes of low-budget, idiotic reality shows.
Viewer supplied funny videos which rapidly became laughing at others getting hurt videos. (And humans wonder why their little one are becoming so mean to each other? Snort. A petite, elegant, polite snort.)
Shows’ seasons were permanently shortened after the strike, so blink and you missed the new episodes.
(What do you mean there is no room left to record? Dunderhead! How are We expected to survive? How many episodes of Beachfront Bargain Hunting can you watch? Cull. Ruthlessly cull.)
But The Horror didn’t end there.
Clever, witty, intelligent scripts with solid plots and well-developed characters seem to have left the buildings forever.
Replaced with potty humor, violence, over-the-top special effects, and a silliness that might entertain a third grader, but not the average Golden Retriever.
And, oddly, a bunch of stereotype characters who are super easy to create dialogue for and place in predictable plot situations.
Then there’s the trendy, pretty on the surface, but shallow dribble shows. Nothing lasting to chew on there (Or to cough up later to examine at leisure until someone steps in it.)
Can it get any worse, you ask? Probably.
Crossing union strike picket lines? Mary Tyler Moore fretted over that in the newsroom. (Episode: “Thoroughly Unmilitant Mary“(CBS/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Such distressing news, but you must prepare yourselves.
By royal decree and expectation Out of gratitude you may leave a can of tuna or salmon by the door.
On your way out.
Take comfort in the fact that “Game of Thrones” episodes are done and ready to show.
We graciously acknowledge your tears of happiness.
You are thrilled. We can see that.
Now carry on.
Perhaps you can rediscover books.
Or face to face conversations.
Staff! Move them along. They seem to be in shock raptured in hope.
Get those darn cans out of your pockets and exit immediately.
We may need supplies if there’s a strike. Starving writers may be more hungry than usual!
(One can for starving writers; one for moi)
The paw has waved!
Audience fini
Adieu!
I am RC Cat and I approve this message.
The Mounties always get their man. Annie Oakley musically got her gun. And Sophie happily got her sidewalk.
Remember the little girl who wrote Houston’s mayor asking for his help to get her sidewalk to school fixed? (Original post here)
Only to have the Debbie Downer Public Works and Engineering Department respond with “Sure. In a couple of months.”
Surprise: “Bumpy Sidewalk fixed after 8-yr-old girl writes letter to Mayor”
Mayor Turner met with Sophie and wanted her to know even the smallest hand can move government.
She may have also learned “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Might be a hint for parents in other neighborhoods: get that child some stationary and put the tv station on speed dial.
I don’t think it’s planted in Miracle-Gro. (click2houston)
How would you feel if you woke up one morning to find this in your front lawn?
Talk about curb appeal for anyone trying to sell a house.
The new house on the right is built up (probably constructed after the last big flood), while the older one story home on the left sits at what used to be the normal building height in the area. So what has changed? How did this happen?
This is one of the neighborhoods where small houses on large grassy lots are being by oversized houses crowding out green space or by rows of townhouses. The city/county haven’t improved flood water management all along the watershed as residential density has grown.
Easier to put up signs and shrug, “Consider yourself warned?”
Flood signage causing mixed emotions in SW Houston Neighborhood (Video/article)
Officials are silent about who ordered the signs put up and why they aren’t on the median instead of by someone’s front door or in their yard.
“Important to remember, ” one city official said, “that it’s a $200 fine to remove or destroy a sign.”
Seems unfair it’s fine for the city/county to punish someone for trying to protect their home’s value (and it’s feelings).
Not the HOA’s Yard of the Month award. (Click2houston)
So maybe letter writing should be back style for school curriculums. They are supposed to be preparing students for real life experiences, right?
Speaking of schooling, the Flight Attendants’ Union and a certain American Airline person needs to replace Bart Simpson at the blackboard with an assignment to write 100 times: “Don’t mess with distressed moms in Texas or threaten those who step in to help them.”
Exactly who was the one with “air rage” and out of control, Mr. Union President?
Didn’t his mom ever tell him “if you keep shaking’ that finger in people’s faces, it might end up getting’ bitten off?” The level-headed might think that’s something worth writing down and remembering.
Y’all travel on friendly now. Letterhead worthy idea.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Why can’t they do anything about it?
Could if they wanted. A man walked on the moon.
Look. Wheels are not a complicated form. If they can colorize old movies, they can get the spin right if they wanted to. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
So why don’t they get the wheels of vehicles on tv to spin in the direction they do in real life. Reel life tire rotation boggles the mind, causes queasiness in some, and distracts from important messages in the commercial – like how many cup holders there are.
Make it some sort of techie /video/camera engineering challenge.
If anyone really cared about accuracy, that would be fixed. Fake news.
Are you one of those people who keeps food in the plate in separate corners and don’t like to mix them?
I’m like that about sports.
Mind bobbles right now with basketball (Rockets up 2), baseball (Astros ahead in their division), the Texans football team is gearing (Even their cheerleaders squad is back in practice and public appearance mode) and both Houston’s soccer teams are up and running (Dynamos and Dash).
It’s like the story of the “Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe” with too many children. Can’t focus full attention on any of them. Neglect happens.
What happened to “there is a season, turn, turn, turn” to that season’s sport?
See. The cheerleaders are already jumping. Oh, wait. These are players of a different sort. Confused by the uniforms. (1973 USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Rushing before time. Jamming things together is problematic.
Look what happened with the holidays.
Christmas in the stores along side of Halloween just down the aisle from New Years’s and Valentines.
Worrisome precedent. Why not just have your choice of holidays whenever you want – so it benefits your schedule.
President’s Day (better combined 2 in 1) is much more convenient here.. or here. Cinco de Mayo or 4-20 are hard to shift, but some aren’t date specific. Look. even St. Patrick would agreed a weekend works.
Could this mixed up Calendar-Sports Correspondence possibly be the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Oh, well. The change of seasons and passage through the calendar year may soon only be known by the color of the leaves and weather…if anyone is able to turn stiff necks and glazed, red, over-worked eyes away from screens head to notice.
Seems really backwards, right?
Solutions, like X Files’ answers, are out there. (But unless it they get picked up on a viral video, they will remain a mystery.)
Got game.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Dancing with the Stars, 1945 season. Next Olympic sport? Takes talent, skill, and team work. And viewer interest.(Rita Hayworth.Time, Inc/Columbia pictures (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
They weren’t kidding about one-armed bandits.(Vintage postcard/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
They thought their ship had finally come in. Well rested, armed with anti-sea sickness pills, and cash, they flowed onboard.
Like in the Gilligan’s Island song: for a free-spirited tour. Ironically, just like the song, with an unplanned island ending. Luckily, it was Galveston Island.
Gambling is illegal in Texas, so the Jacks or Better Casino, floats their 155 foot vessel 9.1 miles out into federal waters for six hours of gaming. That is if you don’t run into one of the massive buoys warning about the rocky jetties and other obstacles. Only a little gash about 5 feet long ended their fun Easter weekend, but the passengers were able to continue holding their drinks rather than ending up in it. Not quite the Titanic.
I found this immediate company statement odd “The incident is under investigation, so to state that is was due to the captain on duty falling asleep at the wheel is speculation.”
Oh. Nothing like getting ahead of the rumors. Company went on to suggest it was the darn fault of a bright light noting a disabled ship, another buoy, or a blind spot…or maybe those diabolic Gulf dolphins moving stuff around? A snarky shark? A jovial jelly fish. We have lots of all those….and buoys.
But the games will return. Jacks might do better with a local pilot/skipper on board…and how about some of those big, white, pillow-like boat bumpers/fenders all along the sides?
- New casino cruise ship opens in Galveston (Video and ship pictures)
- Galveston casino yacht crashes less than two weeks after grand opening. (Pictures and news article)
- Newly opened Jacks or Better Casino damaged in crash. (Passenger accounts. Video.)
Whoa, howdy! Buoyed by that jolt.(1945.postcard USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Another humorous jolt shows that despite claims that the country is too fractured to ever unite isn’t completely true.
Everyone was totally united in being appalled and furious at United Airlines last week.
United Airlines must be hoping that trouble only comes in threes:
First was the mother of all examples of bad judgment with the elderly doctor dragged from his seat.
Then there was the scorpion that fell from the overhead compartment and stung a passenger from Houston. (Video)
And on Saturday a bride and groom were kicked off their flight (video) out of Houston IAH. Their wedding flight. On Easter weekend. On a plane with LOTS of empty seats. It’s true they didn’t sit in their assigned seats, but that guy was passed out across theirs when they boarded. The plane was half full – what’s the problem, flight crew?
Back when the skies were friendly. Chicago Municipal Airport postcard, ca.1930-1945.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
You’d think United would be walking on eggshells and doing anything possible to keep remaining customers happy.
Especially on Easter weekend.
Guess the company likes to roll the dice and take a gamble.
Tuesday, the United CEO is supposed to give an update at a stockholder’s meeting. Would like to be a scorpion on that wall.
Landed and see.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Read the history of The Free State of Galveston here. Gambling and wild ways. Another post: Right Amount of Naughty“
During the 1920-40’s tourists, movie stars, and celebrities strolled among lavish casinos on Seawall Broadway. Once gambling reform began, people simply sauntered down long piers to nightclubs over the water that had secret gambling rooms in the back. Wasn’t legal, but by the time the Texas Rangers got there, no evidence was to be found. (1934 Postcard by C.T.American Art Colored Chicago, Ill. Seawall Specialty Co./Commons.,wikimedia.org)
“Watch it kid. I think they’ve spotted us. Not a peep about our little chat now, hear?” (Holiday card ca. 1907.Nat. lib.of Norway/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Hope some bunny finds you and brings a basket load of smiles.
Maybe even a grin to two.
A chuckle being too much to ask?
You know that kid that always waits up for Santa Claus? Same thing. Wonder if she’s holding the preferred treat for the Easter Bunny or is she going to use the branches as a threat to make sure she gets her share. (Holiday card.ca.1916.Nat. Lib.of Norway/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Spring chicks. (and a couple of stuffed ones?) How long do you think these two sat for this? The one on the left looks a little glazed. Could be the inspiration for the current trend of elegant portraits of the very small. (Holiday card ca.1930 Nat.Lib.of Norway/USPD/Commons,.wikimedia.org)
Carded.
Happy Easter. May it be picture perfect.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
See. Things not so different. Mom still in charge of the Easter eggs which must, of course, be more fabulous than anyone else’s on the block. Darn that Faberge! So much pressure. (Holiday card ca 1915.Nat.Lib.of Norway/USPD/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 