Blog Feed: DiatribesAndOvations

Diatribe: Boy Scouts Of America Vote To Delay Discrimination Until Members Turn Eighteen.

Published on 2013-05-24 05:00:50

I watched the news closely, yesterday, waiting for headlines related to the Boy Scouts of America to appear. Over sixty percent of the organization’s 1,400 delegates from Scouting across the country voted to end a controversial policy banning gay k

Ovation: My All-Time FavoriteSweets

Published on 2013-05-23 05:00:20

I have a terrible sweet tooth.  I always have.  My grandmother always said that I got it from her.  My sweet tooth has caused problems on and off throughout my life … when we were quite young my brother punched a hole in a wall when he learned t

Diatribe: The Teacher Who Touched A Student With His Banana.

Published on 2013-05-22 05:00:17

I’ve spent some time in a classroom.  When I went to college, I studied to be a teacher.  I’ll never forget the first time that I was left alone with a classroom filled with students.  It was fifth grade mathematics and the class had just begu

Ovation: Some Bradys Return To King’s Island After Forty Years Pass.

Published on 2013-05-21 05:00:26

I remember when The Brady Bunch aired on prime time but I learned to memorize each and every episode in reruns after school.  I grew to be a bit of a Brady Trivia nerd and knew all the names of the actors, characters and plot lines from the various

Diatribe: Tracy Morgan Screams As Host Of Billboard Awards.

Published on 2013-05-20 05:00:50

While I’m generally an awards show addict there is always one part of the ceremony that can make me change the channel quicker than no other … a bad host.  This year’s Billboard Music Awards featured comedian Tracy Morgan as the host.  I’ve

Ovation: Donations Instead Of Wedding Gifts.

Published on 2013-05-19 05:00:14

Today I went to a wedding ceremony that started at 10:30 a.m.  I’d never been invited to a morning wedding before so I worried for weeks about what I would wear and had no idea what to expect once I arrived.  It was a beautiful ceremony in a love

Diatribe: “Fine Art” Or “Peeping Tom”?

Published on 2013-05-18 05:00:49

Many years ago, before the invention of the digital camera, I had a friend who worked in a camera store and helped me to get a beautiful Nikon setup at a discounted price.  I assembled quite a few accessories, read a few books and called myself a fr

Ovation: The Possibly-Pending Demise Of User Names & Passwords.

Published on 2013-05-17 05:00:51

Like most people, young and old, the internet has become an increasingly larger part of my life.  I resisted an online presence for a long time.  For many years after my friends, family and colleagues were using online services to pay their bills,

Diatribe: Paying To Ride A Handicapped Coattail.

Published on 2013-05-16 05:00:07

I’ve always loved amusement parks.  I particularly enjoyed roller coasters and, because the lines of people waiting for their turn on the big roller coasters are always the longest, every trip to a theme park required quite a bit of advanced prepa

Ovation: #FitchTheHomeless.

Published on 2013-05-15 05:00:27

Earlier this week, retail giant Abercrombie & Fitch made headlines nationwide when an article from Business Insider indicating that any girl who doesn’t fit into a size large isn’t welcome at the company’s clothing stores became trending news.

Diatribe: “I Will Always Love You” Unless You Won’t Stop Singing On An Airplane.

Published on 2013-05-14 05:00:16

I don’t like Karaoke.  I never have and I never will.  It’s one of those things that seem to only happen to people who have been drinking.  It’s as if a few drinks magically turn each one of us into a country star, an opera diva or a teen id

Ovation: Barbara Walters’ Consistent Career.

Published on 2013-05-13 05:00:45

There’s something to be said for consistency.  Those who are consistent build and maintain a reputation.  If poor choices are consistently made, the reputation that results will not be a good one.  When positive personality traits are consistent

Diatribe: Six (Sad) Reasons People Might Not Wear Seatbelts.

Published on 2013-05-12 05:00:56

I don’t start my car until I fasten my seat belt   In fact, I generally won’t set the vehicle in motion until all of my passengers are “buckled in”, too.  Sure, I have airbags and tons of safety features that weren’t available in cars t

Ovation: Cher’s Mother Makes The Billboard Charts.

Published on 2013-05-11 05:00:02

I had to write some music in college.  It was for an interesting course in which the students wrote and performed what was then called “Twentieth Century Music”.  There were many parameters within which we had to work for our final assignment t

Diatribe: Why Bother Parenting When You Can Buy Your Child Smart Pyjamas?

Published on 2013-05-10 05:00:39

My childhood was filled with books and music.  Books by Dr. Seuss and anything that involved Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy or the rest of the Peanuts gang were staples in our family library.  As a small child, I remember that my mother, my father or

Ovation: Five Silly Headlines From Yesterday’s News.

Published on 2013-05-09 05:00:54

A headline can certainly capture one’s attention.  In the days of the printed newspaper, headlines would be printed extremely large on the front page to attract the attention of potential customers.  The idea of huge black words and, eventually,

Diatribe: Cheese And Onion Chocolate Bars.

Published on 2013-05-08 05:00:17

I’m not a very picky eater.  I always say “I’ve never seen a menu from which I couldn’t order something” but, like most everyone, there are some things that I just won’t eat.  Watermelon, cucumbers and bacon top my list of foods that I

Diatribe: The American Gerbil Society?

Published on 2013-05-06 05:00:05

Over the years I’ve seen or participated in many animal-focused competitions including official American Kennel Club dog shows and Cat Fanciers Association competitions, and I’ve spent countless hours in the audience at various equine events and

Ovation: Rosie Napravnik Finishes Fifth At Churchill Downs.

Published on 2013-05-05 05:00:31

I love to see women working in fields that, historically, have been dominated by men.  After working for many, many years in the financial services industry, one such field, I love to watch glass ceilings break.  Women are rising to the top of many

Diatribe: The Million-Dollar Chinese Rat-Meat Ring.

Published on 2013-05-04 05:00:41

Over the years I’ve developed a distaste for food that has bones in it.  I’ve never been a fan of fresh fish for that very reason but I’ve grown to eating beef, pork and chicken that contains a bone as well.  I think the change began with a p

Ovation: The Restoration Of Fats Domino’s Steinway.

Published on 2013-05-03 05:00:28

Many, many years ago I was given the opportunity to acquire an old upright piano that my grandfather had played in the 1960s.  It was a big, ugly, and extremely heavy, old piece with many of the old, yellowed keys having been lost over the years. 

Diatribe: Guns Are Not Toys.

Published on 2013-05-02 05:00:42

I grew up in a household where we were taught that “guns are not toys”.  My father enjoyed hunting for pheasants, etc. and he kept at least one shotgun in the house.  When he would clean it before a hunting trip he would let us watch and he tau

Ovation: Plan B Receives FDA Approval For OTC Sales To Women As Young As 15.

Published on 2013-05-01 05:00:59

On any given day there are hundreds of thousands of children living in foster care.  Most are believed to be the result of an unplanned pregnancy.  Studies show that about half of all pregnancies are unintended.  Modern science has evolved to the

Diatribe: Some Things Don’t Need To Be Revisited. I’ll Put “Boy Bands” On That List.

Published on 2013-04-30 05:00:23

Have you ever been somewhere or done something so fantastic that you couldn’t wait to do it again only to realize that it wasn’t so wonderful after all?  Perhaps you visited Walt Disney World as a child, had the most fantastic adventures of your

Ovation: Natasha Frost – A Beautiful Bride And A Wonderful Sister.

Published on 2013-04-29 05:00:21

Last week in Minnesota, Natasha Frost and Tony Friesen took the opportunity at their wedding reception to make a statement in support of marriage equality.  When the time came for the traditional “tossing of the bouquet”, Natasha handed the flow

Diatribe: The Hamburger That Looks Fresh Fourteen Years Later.

Published on 2013-04-28 05:00:36

I can’t stand litter in my car.  There is never anything on the floor boards or in the back seat.  The trunk contains a few of those “green” grocery bags and an umbrella but, other than that, my car looks like it could be for sale on a used c

Ovation: Chuckles And Chiclets.

Published on 2013-04-27 05:00:32

I’m on a quest.  After a recent visit to Cracker Barrel, the restaurant where they make you shop in their “country store” until they’re ready to feed you, I started thinking (again) about the candies of my youth … Chuckles and Chiclets in

Diatribe: Faith Healers Let A Second Child Die.

Published on 2013-04-26 05:00:38

I know some people with a really sick cat.  They’re a newlywed couple without children and this tired, old cat is the center of their world.  The cat is old.  Really old.  And it’s been diagnosed with cat cancer in addition to several other a

Ovation: The Reunion of Mike Taylor And Love Love.

Published on 2013-04-25 05:00:53

I’ve always had pets.  At one time or another I’ve had dozens of different animals living under my care.  I’ve had cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, turtles, frogs, birds, rabbits, goats, horses, ants and Sea Monkeys.  And until not too l

Diatribe: Why Would A Hermit Need Bacon And Marshmallows?

Published on 2013-04-24 05:00:38

I was never the kind of kid who would “run away from home”.  I realized that, even on the most difficult days, I pretty much had it made.  I had, however, heard stories about kids who I legitimately thought should seek refuge somewhere other th

Ovation: No Knives On Planes For Now.

Published on 2013-04-23 05:00:22

Like many who travel, I often get frustrated at the security checkpoints in our nation’s airports.  Also, like many who travel, I’ve learned what to expect and how to be prepared.  For example, I will NEVER go to an airport without wearing sock

Diatribe: Shopping For A Mattress.

Published on 2013-04-22 05:00:04

I hate to shop for cars and shoes.  This weekend I remembered that I also hate to shop for mattresses.  I think, at the heart of the matter, is the fact that I don’t like too many choices.  If everything I ever needed came in “cheap”, “mod

Ovation: Hospital Gowns With Backs!

Published on 2013-04-21 05:00:02

Several months ago I had a physical that involved a visit to the hospital.  Although I followed all of my doctor’s rules in advance of the appointment, I was still quite nervous as the inspection drew near.  I hadn’t eaten that morning in advan

Diatribe: Impatient Police Officer Pulls A Gun On Teen In Line At McDonald’s Drive-Thru.

Published on 2013-04-20 05:00:10

Yesterday, on my lunch break, I did some shopping and decided to grab a burger to bring back to my desk.  I chose a Wendy’s because it was on my way back to the office.  As I pulled in to the drive-thru line, the SUV in front of me started backin

Ovation: A Perfectly Harmless Reason To Smile.

Published on 2013-04-19 05:00:40

After all the tragedies of this week … bombs at the Boston Marathon, letters contaminated with ricin, an exploding factory in Texas and a Senate that won’t vote for stronger background checks for those buying guns … I, for one, need som

Diatribe: Will Budweiser’s Skinny Cans Attract New Drinkers?

Published on 2013-04-18 05:00:16

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Beer cans work.  In my college days, my friends and I would occasionally pool our meager funds to buy a six-pack of beer on a Friday night after a long week of studying.  Way back then we could buy Hamm’s Extr

Ovation: The Remember Ring.

Published on 2013-04-17 05:00:36

My grandfather was a notorious note carrier.  He only wore shirts with pockets so that he could carry a pencil with him at all times to jot down thoughts, ideas, names, addresses, etc.  The wallet that he carried in his back pants pocket had so man

Diatribe: Please Keep Your Driveway Out Of The Road.

Published on 2013-04-16 05:00:32

I grew up in a home situated on a corner lot of a small but beautiful subdivision.  Our yard had public sidewalks on two sides with a swatch of lawn between the sidewalk and the curb that we called the “parkway”.  This strip of land, while not

Ovation: K-Mart’s “Ship My Pants” Ad Goes Viral.

Published on 2013-04-15 05:00:15

I work hard to avoid watching commercials on television.  My favorite programs are recorded on my DVR specifically so that I can watch them at my convenience and fast-forward through all of the advertisements.  While there are occasional headline m

Diatribe: Enormous Plastic Shopping Carts Are A Huge Nuisance.

Published on 2013-04-14 05:00:14

Grocery shopping with a toddler can be difficult.  Grocery shopping with other people who have toddlers is even worse.  Grocery shopping with other people who have toddlers and insist on using one of those enormous plastic shopping carts shaped lik

Ovation: The Loving Sound Of Wind Chimes.

Published on 2013-04-13 05:00:08

My grandparents’ two-car garage was destroyed by a tornado in June of 1976.  Behind their home, they decided to rebuild a one-car garage and a covered patio on the concrete slab that was spared by the storm.  They took great pride in their pa

Diatribe: Zombies Made Jerimiah Steal A Truck.

Published on 2013-04-12 05:00:37

Recently, I’ve been coerced into watching the first few seasons of AMC’s The Walking Dead.  I must admit that I find some of it confusing.  I can’t tell some of the live people from the zombies and I don’t understand why there are so many d

Ovation: Happy National Cheese Fondue Day!

Published on 2013-04-11 05:00:50

Baby Boomers might remember the fondue fad of their childhoods when dinner parties consisted of folks gathering with long forks to stick little pieces of just about anything into tubs of hot oil, cheese or chocolate situated above Sterno flames in th

Diatribe: Twitter Killed Cher And Teri Hatcher.

Published on 2013-04-10 05:00:01

I took a typing class in high school.  Long before computers were even a flicker in someone’s imagination, we learned to use a keyboard.  I’m talking before correct-o-type and liquid paper.  I learned to make carbon copies with actual carbon p

Ovation: Luke Bryan Received Validation.

Published on 2013-04-09 05:00:54

It’s wonderful to receive recognition for your work.  To some extent, and in any field, recognition and validation go hand in hand.  Be it an award for perfect attendance, highest sales or Employee of the Year, have the support of your peers may

Diatribe: Saying Things That Don’t Make Sense.

Published on 2013-04-08 05:00:27

Sometimes I say stupid things. Waiter:  “Enjoy your meal.” Me:  “You, too!” As I get older, it seems that this is happening to me more and more frequently.  I joke that I don’t have a “filter” between my brain and my mouth so this ex

Ovation: Nancy Lamperti Teaches Us How To Drink Our Way Into Old Age.

Published on 2013-04-07 05:00:39

I knew it!  All those people telling me, for all those years, that the secret to longevity was a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.  Ha!  I like the way that Nancy Lamperti has made it to 101 years old. Personally, I hope that when my time comes

Diatribe: No Matter How You Do It, Mourning Sucks.

Published on 2013-04-06 05:00:19

I learned this afternoon that my closest friend from my younger years suffered a fatal heart attack as he slept one night last month.  We had lost touch for many years, moving on in our careers and our lives, but had reconnected via Facebook and cha

Ovation: Teenage Sweethearts, Now Septuagenarians, Reunite And Marry.

Published on 2013-04-05 05:00:20

Many of those in opposition to marriage equality for all couples base their argument on the notion that marriage is somehow required for procreation.  Anyone who has completed a high school biology class understands that this is simply preposterous.

Diatribe: When A Cruise Ship Comes Unmoored.

Published on 2013-04-04 05:00:27

I’ve never had much luck with boats.  For a short time, I owned a small watercraft and it was nothing but problems.  I called it my hole in the water into which I threw my money.  Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I was a better sailor or

Ovation: New Jersey’s ‘Tan Mom’ Law.

Published on 2013-04-03 05:00:07

I used to make a point of going to a tanning bed a few times before heading to the beach for vacation.  With a history of bad sunburn, I figured I’d rather be sore and miserable at the office before leaving town that on my actual vacation.  I’d

Diatribe: Joan Rivers, Immature At Eighty, Has Gone Too Far.

Published on 2013-04-02 05:00:53

I stumbled upon a rerun of E!’s Fashion Police last night while I was bumbling around the house.  The program features Joan Rivers and a selection of other co-hosts critique and comment on the wardrobe choices of Hollywood’s most beautiful women

Ovation: April Fools Pranks.

Published on 2013-04-01 05:00:50

I do NOT have a “poker face”.  I’ve never been able to play a prank on anyone … ever.  I’ve tried but I always seem to give a hint of some kind to my target/victim.  I have, however, been successfully pranked on more than one occasion.

Diatribe: Really Bad Drivers With Christian Bumper Stickers.

Published on 2013-03-31 05:00:59

I was almost in an accident today.  As I was leaving the supermarket, waiting for my turn to turn left out of the parking lot, a crazed lunatic came flying up beside me on the right and turned left in front of me.  It was as if I wasn’t there. 

Ovation: Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs.

Published on 2013-03-30 05:00:40

Having my own backyard hens means there’s always fresh eggs in my kitchen.  We enjoy omelets, quiches and frittatas.  We eat them fried, scrambled and microwaved with sides or on sandwiches.  I think that fresh eggs make a huge difference when b

Diatribe: Victoria’s Secret’s “Bright Young Things” Underwear.

Published on 2013-03-29 05:00:55

I have pre-teen nieces.  I love them very much and their welfare is important to me.  Their parents are extraordinarily attentive to all of their needs.  The safety of these young girls is tantamount to their daily routines.  They don’t take ca

Ovation: Finding Secret Cash And Not Keeping It.

Published on 2013-03-28 05:00:31

Do you ever make a dumb mistake over and over?  Just a silly little oversight that drives you crazy every time you do it?  For years I’ve consistently made the same stupid mistake over and over again.  I wash my pants with a Chapstick in one of

Diatribe: Charging A “Just Looking” Fee.

Published on 2013-03-27 05:00:56

I’m an inconsistent shopper.  It seems that I either make impulse purchases or I study, research, compare, price check and shop until my head spins.  I can either make a quick decision or a long drawn-out purchase but there is little in between.

Ovation: The Chestnut Tree Outside Anne Frank’s Attic Will Live To Promote Tolerance In The U.S.

Published on 2013-03-26 05:00:51

Some of the best adventures of my childhood took place in my grandparents’ back yard.  Their property bordered along a golf course and it was always so exciting to hunt for lost golf balls in the grasses along the fairway.  They also had an enorm

Diatribe: Sadly Overlooked Television Comedies.

Published on 2013-03-25 05:00:34

They say that Seinfeld took a few seasons to find an audience … but that was a long time ago.  After its initial premier in 1989 it was doubtful that NBC would pick it up, the show was offered to FOX which declined.  NBC ultimately found the mone

Ovation: Kayla Sloan Performs On Grand Ole Opry Stage.

Published on 2013-03-24 05:00:59

Dreams really can come true.  After a couple of cocktails I’ve been known to tell a story about the time that I performed on Broadway in New York City.  After weeks of rehearsing I was proud to put on a show on the Great White Way.  Granted, it

Diatribe: Starving California Sea Lions.

Published on 2013-03-23 05:00:08

One of my favorite vacations was an impromptu trip to Portland, Maine.  Like many beautiful old cities in the northeastern United States, there is a lot of history to be found.  The Atlantic coastline in the northern states is uniquely beautiful an

Ovation: Obie The Obese Dachshund Loses Half His Body Weight.

Published on 2013-03-22 05:00:49

My dog is fat.  She was fat when I got her.  She came to live with us when a family in a nearby town learned that they would be having a new baby and I fell in love with her at first sight.  Apparently, her previous family didn’t monitor her die

Diatribe: Ten Things That I Find Funny But Probably Shouldn’t.

Published on 2013-03-21 05:00:27

Do you ever find yourself laughing at something and realize it’s probably not funny?  Do you giggle when someone sips soup or coffee that is so hot they burn their lips?  There are many times I find myself snickering when I’d rather nobody know

Ovation: Virginia Library To Lend American Girl Dolls.

Published on 2013-03-20 05:00:55

When I was a kid, little girls always had a doll to play with.  They weren’t particularly fancy and they didn’t always have a dream house but they served their purpose … at least for a short time.  Like most toys in a child’s collection, do

Diatribe: The Ridiculous Notion That Your Ex-Husband Has Cast A Spell On You.

Published on 2013-03-19 05:00:07

Last Saturday, I went to see Oz the Great and Powerful in IMAX 3D.  It was fantastic.  The special effects, in particular, were wonderful to see in three dimensions but I found the witches to be particularly interesting.  I’d never really questi

Ovation: The Clown That Lost His Funny.

Published on 2013-03-18 05:00:46

I’m always impressed by parents who encourage their children to reach for goals that some might feel are out of their reach.  Of course, I believe that children should be allowed to be children, but I also think that many of them appreciate being

Diatribe: The Roach Bus.

Published on 2013-03-17 05:00:40

As a teen, my grandmother and I went on an adventure together.  I had never traveled without my parents so it was a big deal for me to leave town without them but Gammy and I flew to San Francisco, took a bus ride up the California coast to visit wi

Ovation: The Top Secret Drum Corps Of Basel.

Published on 2013-03-16 05:00:42

Some of the best times I had in high school were with the band.  While I fancied myself as more of a concert band musician, participant in marching band was required for everyone.  Our biggest marching performance was the Labor Day Parade and, of c

Diatribe: CDs On Your Car’s Visor Can Blind Oncoming Traffic.

Published on 2013-03-15 05:00:00

I have a rule in my car when it comes to music.  I don’t turn on the stereo if there’s someone else in the car with me.  I find it difficult to carry on a conversation when there is music or talking going on.  I guess, for me, a car is too sma

Ovation: National Potato Chip Day.

Published on 2013-03-14 05:00:50

Things WILL be different when I rule the world and one of the first items on my Domination Agenda will be to rearrange every supermarket on the planet so that bread and potato chips are the last two items that shoppers encounter before they reach the

Diatribe: Counterfeiter Returns A Printer To WalMart With Bills Still Inside.

Published on 2013-03-13 05:00:26

I’ve been using copy machines and printers for most of my adult life.  Over the years I’ve used everything from dot-matrix printers, ink-jet printers, laser printers, etc. and they all have one thing in common.  They all require paper and that

Ovation: Harvard Study Confirms That Red Wine Can Provide Anti-Aging Benefits.

Published on 2013-03-12 05:00:46

I have friends and family that are wine connoisseurs.  While they haven’t studied abroad, taken courses or shadowed a renowned sommelier, they have consumed enough wine to consider themselves professionals.  They’ve been fortunate enough to tra

Diatribe: Playing Soccer And Marten Bites.

Published on 2013-03-11 05:00:18

When our kids were younger they played soccer.  Playing soccer has many benefits for children that are not offered by other sports.  Soccer players learn about teamwork, about strategizing and planning ahead and they get a lot of exercise while the

Ovation: Granny Nannies.

Published on 2013-03-10 05:00:41

Have you ever had to move a loved one to a nursing home?  For some older people, this move is a wonderful opportunity to receive around-the-clock care that they need.  Many seniors, however, do not require frequent medical assistance but don’t ne

Diatribe: Minnesota Grandmother Charged With Voter Fraud After Inadvertently Casting Two Ballots.

Published on 2013-03-09 05:00:36

I’m sometimes forgetful.  I admit it. In my teens, when I first learned to drive, I would sometimes visit my grandparents in the evenings.  We would play cards, eat snacks and enjoy our time together.  When I eventually left their house for the

Ovation: Subaru’s Zombie Car Recall.

Published on 2013-03-08 05:00:17

I drive a Toyota Camry Hybrid and I love it.  However, I’ve had my car for almost three years and I’m still confused by the keyless ignition system.  I enjoy the fact that the fob I carry in my pocket affords me many conveniences and I get cert

Diatribe: Will Jack McFarland Ruin “SMASH”?

Published on 2013-03-07 05:00:06

I’ve been enjoying the NBC series SMASH since its much-hyped debut last season but I’m quickly losing interest.  This week’s episode may have been a turning point for me.  I fear that the addition of Sean Hayes to the cast may be the moment t

Ovation: Granny’s Goulash & Boil-In-Bag Pasta Could Change Your Life.

Published on 2013-03-06 05:00:55

I come from a long line of pasta lovers.  I had grandparents who were young children during the Great Depression and, consequently, had learned to stretch a food budget to a maximum.  Although my family is not of Italian descent, pasta has always b

Diatribe: A “Gun-Shaped” Pop-Tart Can Get A Boy Suspended.

Published on 2013-03-05 05:00:57

I love Pop-Tarts … particularly the frosted brown sugar variety and all the ones that involve chocolate chip cookie dough.  I’ll open a package with the intention of eating just one and, every time, I’ll eat both of them.  Kellogg is countin

Ovation: Heidi Klum To Be Fourth Judge On “America’s Got Talent”.

Published on 2013-03-04 05:00:49

I’m a big fan of Project Runway and its co-hosts Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.  They both bring a sense of sophistication, professionalism and credibility to the competition.  In addition to her duties as host, Klum also serves as a judge, sharing her

Diatribe: Hand-Held Portable Cash Registers.

Published on 2013-03-03 05:00:49

I did some shopping at the mall today.  I hadn’t been there in quite some time but I was on a mission.  I went, specifically, to JC Penney and was surprised to learn that they no longer use cash registers.  I was greeted by a woman who appeared

Ovation: The Return Of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”!

Published on 2013-03-02 05:00:22

As a musician, I was terrible at improvisation.  My sight-reading skills were above average and I could always “play what’s on the paper” so the only time I encountered difficulty was in a jazz or dixieland ensemble.  These situations often c

Diatribe: To At Least One Indonesian Mother, Size DOES Matter.

Published on 2013-03-01 05:00:38

Most mothers sincerely want what’s best for their children.  They work hard, as do fathers, to see that their offspring are healthy, educated and safe.  Some parents work two sometimes three jobs in order to send their children to private schools

Ovation: Pull Tab Obsession Pay-Off – Finding An Engagement Ring.

Published on 2013-02-28 05:00:35

For as long as I can remember, I’ve saved the pull tabs off of every can of soda, beer, etc. that I’ve opened.  I think my grandmother started it.  I don’t remember what charity fundraiser was involved but the initial rumor insisted that the

Diatribe: Watered Down Beers.

Published on 2013-02-27 05:00:44

When I was a struggling college student a six-pack of cheap beer could be had for as little as two dollars.  I think we bought Hamm’s Special Light at a liquor store that was just “off campus” and we certainly got what we paid for.  The beer

Ovation: The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata.

Published on 2013-02-26 05:00:32

Since we have backyard chickens I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that utilize fresh eggs.  After all, you can only eat so many omelets and so much quiche before they become routine and boring.  Some time ago I discovered a recipe for an

Diatribe: Is “Dancing With The Stars” Still About Dancing?

Published on 2013-02-25 05:00:49

I’ve always said that I watch entirely too much television.  But I stopped watching ABC’s Dancing With the Stars many years ago.  I think Season Two, when Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke were the winners, was the last time I watched regularly.  M

Ovation: Ten Favorite Oscar Trivia Questions.

Published on 2013-02-24 05:00:46

I’m a trivia junkie and Oscar Trivia has always presented a particular challenge to my memory.  Of course, there are those who specialize in Oscar trivia and work from year to year to commit all the nominees and the winners to memory.  Below, I p

Diatribe: Making Waffles When There Are Bullets In The Oven.

Published on 2013-02-23 05:00:11

My grandmother was a wonderful person.  Like my grandfather, she was kind at every opportunity.  She always dressed, kept her hair styled and her nails manicured.  She was also an immaculate housekeeper who took great pride in the tidiness of her

Ovation: Anne Hathaway’s Oscar.

Published on 2013-02-22 05:00:56

It’s not often that I see a movie performance and know, without a doubt, that I have witnessed an award-winning performance.  But when I saw Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables I was certain that I would see her on stage come

Diatribe: Mother Faces Prison After Hiring Strippers For Son’s 16th Birthday Party.

Published on 2013-02-21 05:00:29

There are many ways to celebrate a child’s “coming of age”.  In the United States and Canada, young girls have a “Sweet Sixteen” party to celebrate their progress into womanhood.  In Latin cultures a girls fifteenth birthday is celebrated

Ovation: Nine Putts At Once.

Published on 2013-02-20 05:00:08

My family travelled quite a bit when I was a child and we were always on the lookout for a miniature golf course.  We took pride in our ability to tell if a course was challenging by just a passing glance from the highway.  Back then, many campgrou

Diatribe: What Not To Do When You Win The Lottery – #1) Blow Yourself Up.

Published on 2013-02-19 05:00:36

Have you ever wondered “What would I do if I won the lottery”?  I do.  And I find myself thinking about it every time the Powerball jackpot reaches a record size or someone is in the news for receiving an unexpected windfall.  I like to think

Ovation: Presidents’ Day.

Published on 2013-02-18 05:00:57

Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington’s birthday on February 22 (it’s is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by th

Diatribe: Bunnies Doing Destructive Damage In Denver.

Published on 2013-02-17 05:00:29

One day last spring I opened the glove box in our car and found that several of the paper napkins I keep there for emergencies had been shredded.  As I removed the odd discovery, I also found some bird seeds.  Our glove box looked like the bottom o

Ovation: Hitler’s Toilet Seat Could Be Yours.

Published on 2013-02-16 05:00:20

I remember the days when people would go crackers for anything that might have been touched by Elvis Presley.  These items didn’t have to be autographed or photographed they just had to be something that was “his” and fans went bonkers trying

Diatribe: Kissing Dogs For Money.

Published on 2013-02-15 05:00:52

My dog is a “licker”.  It drives me nuts.  She’s somewhat particularly about who she licks and how much she licks them but I am, by far, her favorite person to “kiss”.  And she is certainly in the running for “fastest tongue in the wes

Ovation: Saying “Goodbye” To Print Media.

Published on 2013-02-14 05:00:21

I used to subscribe to several magazines.  My favorite was always Entertainment Weekly.  For many years it arrived in my mailbox on Fridays and I would read it, cover to cover, by Monday morning when I would bring it to the office to share with the

Diatribe: Excessive Coca-Cola Consumption Contributes To Death of New Zealand Woman.

Published on 2013-02-13 05:00:03

I drink far too much diet soda.  Truthfully, drinking any amount of diet soda is probably far too much but I’ve been able to convince myself that diet soda is somehow “better” for me than regular soda.  I know it’s not good for me and I con

Ovation: Happy Fat Tuesday!

Published on 2013-02-12 05:00:57

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Diatribe: A Literal Butt-Dial.

Published on 2013-02-11 05:00:21

We’ve all heard stories about attempted prison escapes involving about jailbirds who receive a file in a cake and saw through the bars of their cell or clever inmates who dig tunnels with soup spoons like they did in Escape From Alcatraz.  Through

Ovation: Whitney Houston Tribute At Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Published on 2013-02-10 05:00:27

I’ve never understood the point of wax museums.  I suppose that, in years gone by when it was virtually impossible to come face to face with a famous person, a wax model was the next best thing.  Nowadays, wax figures are so lifelike that it’s

Diatribe: Paying $110 To Eat Dirt.

Published on 2013-02-09 05:00:35

I remember when I was really little there was a neighbor kid who ate dirt.  He would do it on a dare.  We would dare him a lot.  He would actually offer “Hey, want to see me eat some dirt?” and we’d always let him show us.  Ultimately, one

Ovation: Cheating Armstrong Sued For Winnings.

Published on 2013-02-08 05:00:25

I imagine we’ve all met a cheater.  Not a person who has a secret sexual affair but a person who is less than honest in a quest toward a goal.  Maybe it was someone who filed an insurance claim that they shouldn’t have or parked in a handicappe

Diatribe: Putting Underwear On Michelangelo’s David.

Published on 2013-02-07 05:00:24

I’ve never understood why many people have so many hang ups when it comes to nudity.  The human form is an amazing and beautiful creation and I think it’s awful that so many of us are taught, from an early age, to be ashamed or embarrassed of th

Ovation: Yoda Get His Own Movie He Might.

Published on 2013-02-06 05:00:29

I love “the movies”.  I always have.  Since my younger years when I worked in the concession stand at a nearby four-screen theater I’ve preferred the experience of watching a story unfold on a big screen.  Of course the movie going experienc

Diatribe: Death By Garden Gnome.

Published on 2013-02-05 05:00:46

We have a garden gnome in one of the flower beds along the side of our house.  His name is “Gnomie” and he’s been there for many years.  His once brightly painted gnome uniform long ago faded into a sort of gnome camouflage that allows him to

Ovation: Karen Carpenter, On The 30th Anniversary Of Her Death.

Published on 2013-02-04 05:00:29

While the careers of today’s pop stars often appear to be centered on their personalities more so than their musical inclinations, it used to be that the best singers were also fantastic musicians.  The voice is, after all, an instrument like no o

Diatribe: The Norwegian Diaper Shortage Of 2013.

Published on 2013-02-03 05:00:36

Remember a few years back when the price of cigarettes jumped dramatically?  There was a small market just across the state line not far from my home.  Not only did people drive to the next state to buy lottery tickets, they bought cartons of cigar

Ovation: Chicken Wing Cupcakes.

Published on 2013-02-02 05:00:04

Contrary to recent rumors, there will be plenty of chicken wings for Super Bowl Sunday celebrations.  In fact, the National Chicken Council estimates 1.23 billion chicken wings will be gnawed this weekend. After the Washington, D.C.-based chicken tr

Diatribe: The Hazzard County Squirrel Slam.

Published on 2013-02-01 05:00:31

Tree Rats, Bushy Tails, Squacks or Nut Grabbers … whatever you want to call them … they’re still squirrels.  And you either love them or you hate them.  Personally, I’m “pro-squirrel”.  I like robosquirrels, squirrels that can pull fir

Ovation: Barbra Streisand To Sing On Academy Awards Telecast.

Published on 2013-01-31 05:00:07

I love Barbra Streisand.  In high school, a friend and I were on a perpetual quest to be the first to own every one of her albums.  I lost.  But, I was fortunate enough to receive cassette recordings of all the albums that we collected and I memor

Diatribe: Using Cocaine In Elementary School Science Projects.

Published on 2013-01-30 05:00:03

As a young student, I really didn’t have to work as hard as my peers to get good grades.  I was diagnosed with exceptional reading skills at a very young age and I think that helped a great deal.  While not a textbook overachiever, I completed my

Ovation: Andrew Cooper Is The New Lucky Vanous.

Published on 2013-01-29 05:00:52

It’s been nineteen years since Lucky Vanous made his debut as Diet Coke beefcake in this famous commercial … And now Diet Coke is, apparently, feeling nostalgic as they’ve introduced a new offering in the male skin advertising concept … In 

Diatribe: Hundreds Perish In Brazilian Nightclub Fire.

Published on 2013-01-28 05:00:16

The office building where I work has a system in place for evacuation in the event of a fire.  On each floor there are designated “fire marshals” whose job it is to be a liaison between the people in their office and the building’s management.

Ovation: Screen Actors Guild Awards & Predictions.

Published on 2013-01-27 05:00:05

I love awards shows.  I always have.  And one of my favorites has always been the Screen Actors Guild Awards.  The SAG Awards, which made its debut in 1995, is different than the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards (“Oscars”) because ac

Diatribe: Stealing Manhole Covers To Sell As Scrap Metal.

Published on 2013-01-26 05:00:51

We used to have huge reverse vending machines around town that were called Golden Goats.  They were, essentially, enormous trash compactors and their purpose was to collect aluminum cans.  There was one particular Golden Goat that resided on the ed

Ovation: McDonald’s To Serve Certified Sustainable Fish.

Published on 2013-01-25 05:00:55

I’m not a particularly finicky eater.  I can order from any menu and there are very few things that I avoid.  Most notable is my aversion to any food that contains bones.  Consequently, I avoid certain cuts of meat (including chops and some stea

Diatribe: “The Taste” Is A Spoonful Of Boring.

Published on 2013-01-24 05:00:50

I watch too much television and, admittedly, there are times when I find myself watching something because I’m too lazy to search for the remote control.  This, in part, explains why I know so much about House Hunters and other HGTV fare.  Last n

Ovation: Country Music Returns To New York City Airwaves.

Published on 2013-01-23 05:00:06

Ever since I got my first Sony Walkman, all those years ago, listening to the radio was something that I did less and less frequently.  Young people today rarely, if ever, listen to the radio.  Of course, there are those who enjoy satellite radio b

Diatribe: Do We Really Need ATMs That Give Exact Change?

Published on 2013-01-22 05:00:32

Not too long ago, I predicted the demise of ATM machines within the next few years.  As the use of debit cards increases around the world, the availability of “cash back” options has also increased.  It used to be impossible to get cash after n

Ovation: Rum Cake From A Neighbor.

Published on 2013-01-21 05:00:10

We have wonderful neighbors.  Yesterday, one of them brought us a homemade rum cake.  She had told us some time ago that she would be bringing one over but that it took several days to make and to “set”.  I’d honestly forgotten that she was

Diatribe: Subway Restaurants … Where A Foot Doesn’t Always Equal Twelve Inches.

Published on 2013-01-20 08:28:50

I like a good sandwich as much as the next person.  I also like a “cheap lunch” … so, I’ve been known to eat at a Subway Restaurant.  I’ve never understood their peculiar napkin policy but I’ve always found Subway to be one fast-foo

Ovation: Street Performers And Magicians.

Published on 2013-01-19 05:00:21

I get a kick out of “street performers”.  These people really love to entertain and they do it for the pure joy of performing.  I’ve personally performed with marching bands and played Dixieland on floats in parades.  I’ve played duets at

Diatribe: Quelle Surprise! Armstrong Used Drugs!

Published on 2013-01-18 05:00:23

Sometimes news really isn’t news.  Ashley Simpson mimed her performance on Saturday Night Live?  Janet Jackson was secretly married?  Jodie Foster is gay?  Lance Armstrong used drugs?! Seriously … did anybody really think that he didn’t use

Ovation: The NCycle.

Published on 2013-01-17 05:00:34

Kids today don’t have nearly as many freedoms as they did when I was a child.  From a very young age, I was allowed and encouraged to explore my neighborhood.  As I got older, my world got bigger.  Once I got a bicycle, there was no limit to the

Diatribe: Gas In The House Leaves Water To Burn.

Published on 2013-01-16 05:00:59

For a period of time during my college years I lived alone in an off-campus apartment.  It was an interesting apartment composed of half the third floor and all of the attic in an old Victorian home.  There were a few other apartments in the buildi

Ovation: Precious Memories & Old Photos Found In Antique Cameras.

Published on 2013-01-15 05:00:06

In my basement I keep a box marked “precious memories”.  Stored carefully inside this carton are relics and artifacts from my childhood and memories of relatives and ancestors long gone.  I’ve kept a cap that was knitted for me by a grandmoth

Diatribe: Deaf Man Stabbed When Sign Language Was Mistaken For Gang Signs.

Published on 2013-01-14 05:00:32

When I was in college, I had a deaf friend.  He was a super nice guy, really smart, and always had a smile on his face.  He was dating a friend of mine and we spent quite a bit of time together.  My friend would translate for us because I didn’t

Ovation: Freshneck – The “Netflix For Neck Ties”.

Published on 2013-01-13 05:00:00

My household has always watched a lot of movies.  We always enjoy gathering in front of the television to watch a video together.  Of course, watching at home allows for pauses to get snacks, run to the bathroom or (in my case) just take a break to

Diatribe: Kate Middleton’s First Official Portrait Should Be More Flattering.

Published on 2013-01-12 05:00:16

I hate to have my picture taken.  I always have.  No matter how hard my mother tried to dress me at my best for Picture Day at school, no matter how many compliments I received at a wedding, I would always hate the way I looked in the final product

Ovation: 5th Brooklyn Scouts – How Scouting Should Be.

Published on 2013-01-11 05:00:57

I learned this week that one of my classmates from my childhood had passed away.  While we weren’t the best of friends, we did grow up together.  We had the same teachers in preschool, elementary school, grade school and frequently in high school

Diatribe: Drunk Horseback Riding.

Published on 2013-01-10 05:00:24

I really enjoy an afternoon in the saddle.  Horseback riding is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic things that I do.  A slow ride down a quiet trail through meadows and woods on a sunny Spring day is intoxicating.  We don’t go fast (my man

Ovation: Facebook Reunites Sisters After Seventy-Two Years.

Published on 2013-01-09 05:00:44

As of October 2012, social media juggernaut Facebook reached one billion users.  Like me, you’re probably one of them.  Facebook has become a wonderful tool in many of our lives, a way to reconnect with friends from the past, keep in touch with d

Diatribe: Octomom Is Back On The Dole.

Published on 2013-01-08 05:00:44

I know people who, by no fault of their own, find themselves on government assistance.  These are the people for whom these programs were created.  A death in the family, an injury or extreme medical condition, loss of a job or the need to care for

Ovation: Georgia Bears Get Tunnels Under Highway.

Published on 2013-01-07 05:00:30

One night last month on my way home from work I was driving along the same two-lane country road that I’ve driven every night for years when an animal jumped in front of my car.  I clipped it with the left front fender of my car.  I couldn’t te

Diatribe: Rocky Mountain Oyster Beer.

Published on 2013-01-06 05:00:54

In the mid-1970s, Americans were asked to take the Pepsi Challenge.  Usually set up in a shopping mall or other public location, a Pepsi representative would set up a table with two blank cups … one containing Pepsi and one with Coca-Cola.  Rando

Ovation: To Cut Down On Waste, Starbucks Offers Reusable Cups For Only One Dollar.

Published on 2013-01-05 05:00:14

One of my guilty pleasures is a large Diet Coke from McDonalds.  They only charge one dollar for a big Styrofoam cup and, if you “dine in”, you’re allowed to customize your own ice-to-soda ratio.  Plus, I think they have the best straws …

Diatribe: Fake Braces As Fashion.

Published on 2013-01-04 05:00:24

When I was a very young child, the only children I knew that wore braces were “the rich kids”.  The field of cosmetic dentistry had not yet come to be and the cost of orthodontia was outrageous.  Many of my peers had a crooked tooth or somethi

Ovation: New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie Is Disgusted And He’s Not Afraid To Say So.

Published on 2013-01-03 05:00:01

Anyone who has ever lived through a natural disaster, be it a hurricane, a tornado, flood or fire, knows all too well the lingering turmoil that affects the lives of everyone involved.    The period of “rebuilding” refers not only to the rebui

Diatribe: Starting The Year Off With Guns A Blazin’.

Published on 2013-01-02 05:00:18

While our elected officials continue to play politics in Washington and as of “dinnertime” on January 1, 2013, at least forty-four American citizens had been shot and seventeen others killed. Seven people were shot, one of them fatally, during a

Ovation: Happy New Year!

Published on 2013-01-01 05:00:08

I’ve always been a big fan of ABBA.  And their New Years tribute is an all-time favorite! Are you an ABBA fan? ———————————————————

Diatribe: Top Diatribes And Other Scandals Of 2012.

Published on 2012-12-31 05:00:50

This time of year, the week between Christmas and New Years Day, the world’s focus often turns to year-end reviews, Top Ten lists, red carpet recaps and annual updates from most any and every news and entertainment outlet imaginable.  This blog

Ovation: Subway Pusher Identified And Charged With Murder As A Hate Crime.

Published on 2012-12-30 05:00:18

The New York City subway system is an amazing engineering accomplishment.  Personally, I find it overwhelming. My “commuting into the city days” are far behind me.  Every workday for several years, I got up early enough to drive my car to the t

Diatribe: The Father Who Beat His Kids For Farting In The Car.

Published on 2012-12-29 05:00:33

Let’s face it … Farts Are Funny.  Who among us hasn’t found humor in the unfortunately timed passing of gas by those around us?  Within our homes and among our own family we undoubtedly address the occurrence of flatulence in our own way.  R

Ovation: Paying It Forward, Or Backward, In Winnipeg.

Published on 2012-12-28 05:00:22

When visiting Toronto I determined that, generally speaking, Canadians are quite friendly.  Whereas during a typical workday at home I rarely, if ever, speak to strangers, I found that the people of Toronto were far more likely to nod and smile and

Diatribe: Eighty-Five Gun-Related Deaths Each Day.

Published on 2012-12-27 05:00:33

Christmas Day sounded more like the Fourth of July in my neighborhood this year.  The sound of gunfire in the air indicated that Santa Claus had delivered an extraordinary number of firearms to nearby households the night before and that the gun own

Ovation: The Zambezi River Hippos Of Memphis.

Published on 2012-12-26 05:00:02

I’ve always enjoyed a trip to the zoo.  Growing up in Chicagoland, trips to the Brookfield Zoo were something that I could never get enough of.  I’d look forward to family outings, class field trips and any opportunity to tag along with anyone

Diatribe: Ten Christmas Accidents To Avoid.

Published on 2012-12-25 05:00:47

We made it!  Christmas day is finally here! We’ve finished the decorating and the shopping and now it’s time for fellowship and food.  Each family has its own Christmas traditions but, unfortunately, they can sometimes be hazardous.  B

Ovation: What Christmas Is All About.

Published on 2012-12-24 05:00:59

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Diatribe: Mistletoe – Embracing Beneath A Parasite.

Published on 2012-12-23 05:00:36

Evergreen plants and trees have long been a favorite for use in decorations during the holidays.  Favorites include the poinsettia, holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood, magnolias, Christmas trees and, of course, the peculiar tradition of mistleto

Ovation: Madonna Won’t Sing If You Smoke.

Published on 2012-12-22 05:00:15

I remember a time when customers were asked “Smoking or Non-Smoking” when entering a restaurant and then being seated in the designated area to enjoy their meal.  In 1975, the state of Minnesota was the first to restrict smoking when it enacted

Diatribe: Apocalypse Schlamocalypse.

Published on 2012-12-21 05:00:25

In 1999, I spent the better part of my career bumbling from one “Y2K Preparedness Meeting” to another.  The world was convinced that computers were going to shut down society because their clocks wouldn’t be able to turn over from 1999 to 2000

Ovation: Zuckerberg Donates Almost $500 Million To Charity.

Published on 2012-12-20 05:00:49

I know some very philanthropic people … old family money that allows them to make donations via a charitable trust created for just this purpose.  They are approached by many worthy causes on an almost daily basis.  They give to their alma maters

Diatribe: The Redneck Renaissance And Hillbilly Porn.

Published on 2012-12-19 05:00:02

For many years, we’ve shared a terrible, cloying and awful pastime at our house that we call “Kuntry Tawk Day”.  During Kuntry Tawk Day we see which of us can annoy the other the most and the longest by continuously talking with a stereotypica

Ovation: Senator Feinstein Pledges To Introduce Assault Weapons Ban.

Published on 2012-12-18 05:00:50

I’m not a gun person.  I lock my doors and keep a baseball bat in the closet of my bedroom.  That’s enough to make me feel safe.  I understand that many folks live and work in crime-ridden neighborhoods and places that are outright dangerous.

Diatribe: Leave The Hemingway Cats Alone!

Published on 2012-12-17 05:00:41

Years ago when I finally bought my dream car, a Mustang convertible, I couldn’t wait to drive it to Key West.  I was thrilled by the prospect of driving south on Route 1 from the mainland, across each of the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge and

Ovation: Egg Nog

Published on 2012-12-16 08:40:40

There are many holiday traditions in which I have rarely, if ever, taken part.  Mistletoe, for example, has never figured prominently into my celebrations.  I’ve never once met or even heard of anyone who roasted chestnuts on an open fire and

Diatribe: Sneaky House Republicans Raise Limit Of Taxpayer Funding To Defend DOMA.

Published on 2012-12-15 05:00:08

The agreed upon spending of resources, be they time or money, is an important aspect of an efficient budget.  Household budgets work in a similar fashion to budgets of business and of government budgets.  There must be discussions and negotiations

Ovation: Bauballs – A Festive Way To Raise Testicular Cancer Awareness.

Published on 2012-12-14 05:00:37

When we decorated our Christmas tree last week, we decided that it was time to part with some of our ornaments.  We had amassed a collection of almost 1,000 over the years and we decided that we didn’t have an emotional attachment or a memory assi

Diatribe: Giant Rubber Duck Obstructs London Traffic.

Published on 2012-12-13 05:00:07

My hometown has a history of, among many other things, quarrying.  By the mid-19th century, limestone quarrying took over as the main economic fact and sustained the town’s growth.  Limestone from the area was used to build many buildings in the

Ovation: A Boy Who Hosted A Toy Drive Instead Of A Birthday Party.

Published on 2012-12-12 05:00:33

I’m going to a Christmas party on Saturday night where guests have been asked to bring a toy to donate at the door.  I’ve participated programs like this before so I know that the toy I bring should remain unwrapped.  Supposedly, by being unwra

Diatribe: Pit Bulls Are Usually Not Good Baby Sitters.

Published on 2012-12-11 05:00:19

I know a twelve-year-old girl who has recently started babysitting her baby brother.  Some might think that she’s too young to be left alone with a toddler but, personally, I find her to be far more mature than many folks twice her age.  She foll

Ovation: Being Positive.

Published on 2012-12-10 05:00:03

Recently, I enjoyed a nice dinner with a friend who is determined to send positivity into the universe with the hope of receiving positivity in return.  He’s making an effort to act positively and to say only positive things.  Being negative, he

Diatribe: GUEST POST! Judge Rules California Paparazzi Law Unconstitutional!

Published on 2012-12-09 05:00:23

Bad news for Celebs! As per TMZ, a judge in the car chase of Justin Bieber has ruled the California paparazzi law as unconstitutional, in the month of November. Can’t the Celebs enjoy a little privacy? Can’t they defend themselves from the papara

Ovation: GUEST POST! Tips For Filing A Car Insurance Claim.

Published on 2012-12-08 05:00:56

When you buy a new car there will be added expenses. You need pay for maintenance and operating cost. However, there is the chance of unexpected situations that may damage your vehicle. One of the best ways to deal with all those circumstances is to

Diatribe: Does TVGuardian Help Lazy Parents Censor Their Family’s Entertainment?

Published on 2012-12-07 05:00:39

I get it.  Some people are offended by what they see on television and in the movies.  We’re all, frequently, offended by something.  Anne Coulter and road rage come to mind.  Most of us learn to avoid the things that make us angry because bein

Ovation: Mckenna Pope Takes On Hasbro Because Her Brother Wants To Bake.

Published on 2012-12-06 05:00:55

For generations, little girls were taught that they’re not supposed to play with trucks or get dirty and little boys were taught to hate the color blue, get dirty, and never ever play with dolls.  Unlike most, the toy industry has a history of gen

Diatribe: Who Knew There Was More Than One “Chief Exorcist”?

Published on 2012-12-05 05:00:46

Years ago, someone in our house received a Ouija Board as a gift.  It scared the bajeezus out of my little sister.  The mere sight of the game in its box, still wrapped in the plastic seal from the factory where it was produced, would send her into

Ovation: Annoying Orange Makes It Big.

Published on 2012-12-04 05:00:46

Several years ago, we boarded our horses at a somewhat public facility.  It was a nice barn and most of the people there were easy enough to get along with.  There was one woman in particular that I always enjoyed seeing.  She was there all the ti

Diatribe: Does Cruise Control Do More Harm Than Good?

Published on 2012-12-03 05:00:02

After spending countless hours on the highway over the years, I’m convinced that Cruise Control does more harm than good.  Cruise Control, sometimes known as “autocruise”, is a system that automatically controls the speed of a vehicle by takin

Ovation: Secret Santa Gives Hundred-Dollar Bills To Victims Of Hurricane Sandy.

Published on 2012-12-02 05:00:59

One time we were waiting in line at McDonald’s behind a young man with a big genuine smile wearing ill-fitting clothes and looking like he was “down on his luck”.  He ordered a hamburger from the Dollar Menu and a glass of water while explaini

Diatribe: Renaming “Gilda’s Club” Insults Radner’s Memory.

Published on 2012-12-01 05:00:33

Saturday Night Live was one of the television shows that, as a youngster, my parents probably didn’t want me to watch.  It was on late at night, after all, for a reason.  The humor that it contained was  clearly aimed at an adult audience an

Ovation: Liebster Award Nomination – Discover New Blogs!

Published on 2012-11-30 05:00:39

Miss E at Looking For Pemberly has  nominated DiatribesAndovations.com for the Liebster Award for Blogging! It is said that the Liebster Blog Award started in Germany (probably) and is used to highlight smaller, lesser known blogs.  The Liebster is

Diatribe: Coffee That Costs More Than Gasoline.

Published on 2012-11-29 05:00:48

Being the creature of habit that I am, I almost always fill my tank at the same pump in the same filling station.  It’s a somewhat dilapidated, family owned filling station that features a small market and several hot food items served by friendly

Ovation: Charles M. Schulz of “Peanuts” Fame.

Published on 2012-11-28 05:00:52

Growing up, our family gathered pretty much every Sunday throughout my entire childhood.  Be it on “Mom’s Side” or on “Dad’s Side”, there was always something going on.  There was always good food, and good conversation but sometimes, a

Diatribe: Should Dannielynn Birkhead Be A Second-Generation Guess Model?

Published on 2012-11-27 05:00:02

Anna Nicole Smith’s career began in 1992 when a spread in Playboy brought her a tremendous amount of exposure leading to a contract with Guess Jeans.  Possibly most famous for marrying a millionaire almost sixty years her senior, The Anna Nicole S

Ovation: The Consequences Of Messing With Santa.

Published on 2012-11-26 07:55:46

Santa Claus is a big part of Christmas for many children the world over.  The secular representative of the holiday season has a long history of bringing smiles to the faces of youngsters and joy to the hearts of all.  Kids of all ages look forward

Diatribe: Complimentary Gift Boxes Are No More!

Published on 2012-11-25 05:00:10

Despite the fact that I detest holiday shopping, I found myself in an outlet mall this weekend where I learned that a phenomenon that I first discovered just a few years ago has finally become the norm.  There are no more complimentary gift boxes! I

Ovation: Powerball!

Published on 2012-11-24 05:00:54

Many years ago, I lived in a very small, rural, community in an area that was quite remote.  My commute to work every morning was at least an hour’s drive and groceries were generally purchased on the way home from “the city”.  Th

Diatribe: No More “Dirty Jobs” For Mike Rowe!

Published on 2012-11-23 05:00:38

Whenever I have a particularly bad day at the office, I look out my window and think to myself “At least I get to work indoors and sit down”. There are so many careers that require hard physical labor, the endurance of extreme weather con

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Published on 2012-11-22 05:00:46

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Diatribe: Are Liquor Stores In Airports A Good Idea?

Published on 2012-11-21 05:00:05

The last time I traveled internationally, I tried to take advantage of a Duty Free store at the airport to buy an unusual bottle of rum that’s not available at home.  Because the liquor store was in the airport, it was relatively easy to purchas

Ovation: Illinois Man Cleans His Desk And Wins A Million Dollars.

Published on 2012-11-20 05:00:44

I like to think that every house has a “junk drawer”, a catch-all place for odds and ends left lying about or for which there is no dedicated storage space.  We like to perpetuate the illusion that we are neat and organized so I often employ the

Diatribe: Suleman Octuplets Record Christmas Tune.

Published on 2012-11-19 05:00:26

In 1980, at the age of fourteen, Brooke Shields was featured in an advertisement campaign for Calvin Klein jeans.  Some thought the content of the advertisement, “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.” was inappropriate

Ovation: Big Bang Theory Flash Mob.

Published on 2012-11-18 05:00:25

Last month, the cast and crew of one of my favorite television comedies, The Big Bang Theory, surprised its live audience with a flash mob!  I get a big kick out of flash mobs!  This one began with Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit “Call Me Maybe.” The

Diatribe: Missing The Old “Glee”.

Published on 2012-11-17 05:00:46

I’m afraid that one of my favorite television shows from the last few years, FOX Television’s Glee, has jumped the shark.  In its first couple of seasons, I found it wildly entertaining and filled with characters that I could care about facing r

Ovation: People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Are Also Generous.

Published on 2012-11-16 05:00:09

Today, People Magazine’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive” edition hits newsstands.  This year, the title has been granted to actor/dancer Channing Tatum.  The star of recent hits 21 Jump Street, The Vow and Magic Mike joins the ranks of such Hollyw

Diatribe: The Surprise Ending Of Janeane Garofalo’s “Joke” Marriage.

Published on 2012-11-15 05:00:07

Marriage equality has been in the news a lot lately.  Earlier this month, voters in four states agreed to extend the rights of civil marriage to same-sex couples within their borders, a challenge to California’s Proposition 8 will reach the Suprem

Ovation: Titanic Jewelry On Display.

Published on 2012-11-14 05:00:27

Throughout my travels as someone who dabbles in antiques, I’ve come across many different and unusual pieces of jewelry.  I’ve seen beautiful tiaras, hat pins, earrings, necklaces, brooches and rings that were worn by women long gone.  Be they

Diatribe: Tickle Me, Elmo, Indeed.

Published on 2012-11-13 05:00:21

This story gives new meaning to the term “role play”. Sesame Street’s little red dynamo, Elmo, is in the news today.  Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, has been accused of statutory rape as a result of a sexual relationship seven years ago by a

Ovation: Little Rascal Norman “Chubby” Chaney Finally Gets A Headstone.

Published on 2012-11-12 05:00:32

As a kid, one of the favorite treats my family enjoyed was a trip to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor.  It was a wonderful restaurant with long, picnic-style tables where they served cola by the pitcher.  The kitchen and pizza oven were separated from the d

Diatribe: “Instant Credit” At The Check-Out line!

Published on 2012-11-11 05:00:02

I learned many years ago that “Instant Credit” is a very bad idea.  Many retail establishments have continuous promotions whereby customers are invited to apply for a credit card in exchange for a percentage off of their first purchase using the

Ovation: Winner of “Big Brother Australia” Proposes During Live Finale.

Published on 2012-11-10 05:00:32

Every marriage proposal is special.  Many happen at romantic upscale restaurants and others on Jumbotron screens at major sporting events.  Sometimes the “proposer” will concoct an elaborate surprise for the “proposee” that includes a huge

Diatribe: Too Darned Many Pillows On The Bed!

Published on 2012-11-09 05:00:19

We’re in the process of redecorating a guest bedroom and one of the things that is giving us the biggest headache is the purchasing of new bedding.  For me, I’d be fine with a nice set of sheets, a blanket, a comforter and a couple of pillows. 

Ovation: “SKYFALL”

Published on 2012-11-08 05:00:01

I don’t go to the movies very often.  It’s expensive and, frankly, the other theater goers don’t behave very well.  We’ve determined that it’s often more economical and enjoyable to wait until a movie is released on DVD, buy it, and watch

Diatribe: The Dangers of Motion-Activated Air Fresheners.

Published on 2012-11-07 05:00:09

Our house is a “smoke free zone”.  It is not, however, a pet free environment.  We have two dogs and one cat that live in the house with us and, what with the three of them and the smells that we bring home from the horses at the barn, I often

Ovation: Mad Magazine Celebrates Sixty Years!

Published on 2012-11-06 05:00:56

My childhood always included books.  Be they comic books, Hardy Boys Mysteries or TV GUIDE, I was always reading something.  And as soon as I had cash of my own to spend on reading materials, I somehow, naturally, gravitated to Mad Magazine.  Perh

Diatribe: Hitting A Skunk With A Car.

Published on 2012-11-05 05:00:36

The garage in our house has two doors.  We haven’t used one of them for years, because our second vehicle has been a truck that’s too large to fit inside, and so half the garage has slowly became a storage area.  Then, just last week, we bought

Ovation: “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together”.

Published on 2012-11-04 05:00:54

In response to Hurricane Sandy, several members of the entertainment community quickly volunteered their time and talent to organize a benefit concert to aid victims of the storm that devastated the Northeast of the United States.  On Friday, Novemb

Diatribe: Pastor Kevin Swanson Says The Gays And Abortions Caused Sandy.

Published on 2012-11-03 05:00:12

In a previous Diatribe about folks blaming earthquakes, hurricanes and Tsunamis on American’s increasing tolerance and acceptance of their homosexual neighbors I tried to rationalize that, perhaps, it’s natural for people to search for something

Ovation: George Lucas Gives Away Billions.

Published on 2012-11-02 05:00:59

When Star Wars was released in 1977, it was a global phenomenon.  The movie displayed special effects and sounds that the movie going public had never seen or experienced.  People waited in lines that had never been seen by theaters before.  Georg

Diatribe: Brad Pitt’s Chanel No5 Advertisement.

Published on 2012-11-01 05:00:00

In college, more or less on a dare, I entered a poetry contest.  I spent all of twenty minutes writing what I thought was nonsense about the experience of riding in an elevator.  “Staring up while riding down …” is all that I remember about i

Ovation: Top Ten Scary Halloween Candies For 2012.

Published on 2012-10-31 05:00:23

Trick-or-Treating was almost as good as Christmas for a sweet-toothed kid like me. Back in the days when it was ok to wear one of those plastic masks that made your face sweat so much you couldn’t see, and we didn’t worry about “reflective tape

Diatribe: Gun Hidden In Book And Donated To Library.

Published on 2012-10-30 05:00:18

We have a “book-safe” on a bookshelf in our living room.  It’s a metal box that locks and was made to look like a book.  I don’t remember the title of the book and, honestly, couldn’t tell you where the key is hidden.  We bought several of them to give away as Christmas gifts a [...]

Ovation: Flu Shots May Prevent Heart Attacks.

Published on 2012-10-29 05:00:57

Every October, my office makes arrangements for an on-site visit from a “mobile nurse” so that everyone can get a flu shot.  They figure it’s in their best interest to make it easy for all the employees to get the shot so they pay for it and make it as easy as possible.  They also [...]

Diatribe: Why Are Tissue Boxes Always Ugly?

Published on 2012-10-28 05:00:13

My grandmother often kept a box of tissues on the top of the toilet tank in her bathroom.  She had a fancy boxlike cover with a slot in the center under which she would place the opened box of tissues, allowing for one sheet at a time to be gently tugged from the box.  When [...]

Ovation: Shaun Duling’s Dog Runs For Miles To Stay With Him.

Published on 2012-10-27 05:00:21

Every morning, my chubby little dog goes outside as soon as I wake.  Usually in a groggy stupor, I walk her to the door and let her outside for her first break of the day.  Since we live in a fairly secluded setting, it’s not unusual for me to step outside in my sleepwear without [...]

Diatribe: Dollar Rent A Car Rant.

Published on 2012-10-26 05:00:32

I’ve always thought that “vacation money spends easier”.  For example, when I’m on vacation at the beach I won’t hesitate to pay outrageous prices that I would never agree to at home.  Somehow, the atmosphere and the relaxation help to justify the cost.  The expense of a family vacation at a theme park, too, can [...]

Ovation: Spider-Man Washes Windows.

Published on 2012-10-25 05:00:11

There are many days when I count my blessings and relish in the fact that I work indoors.  When I see construction crews on a cold January morning or roofers in the blazing August heat, it makes me love my job even more.  Sitting in my temperature controlled office on the fifth floor with a [...]

Diatribe: Log Cabin Republicans Endorse Romney.

Published on 2012-10-24 05:00:54

I studied “statistics” and “probability” for quite some time in college.  One of the first things that students learn is the Bell Curve, which gets its name because its shape looks like that of a bell, which illustrates the concept of probability distributions.  Politically, in days gone by, a bell curve might indicate that statistically [...]

Ovation: “Star Wars” Flash Mob.

Published on 2012-10-23 05:00:33

I get a big kick out of Flash Mobs.  There’s something about the unexpected organization that really interests me.  Here’s one that I find particularly interesting. Have you ever been a part of a Flash Mob?  What was it like? ——————————————————————————- Like this post? Follow the blog and get involved in discussions! Find “Follow via [..]

Diatribe: Sunscreen That Catches Fire.

Published on 2012-10-22 16:02:44

When I was a kid, people would go to the beach to “lay out” and get a tan.  Kids would run in and out of the surf without a care in the world, splashing and enjoying the experience.  We didn’t worry about “skin cancer”, we only worried about “sunburn”. Lotions were expensive and were primarily [...]

Ovation – Pandora Radio And The Music Genome Project®.

Published on 2012-10-21 05:00:25

When I was a kid, it was a really big deal to have a “cassette recorder”.  For the first time, average people could carry a relatively small and portable piece of equipment designed to record sound.  Of course, shortly thereafter, cassette tapes became the popular format for selling and enjoying music from artists of all [...]

Diatribe: “Bachelorette”, Emily Maynard, Ends Another Made-For-Television Engagement.

Published on 2012-10-20 05:00:07

It’s often quite difficult to find someone who can stand to be with you for any length of time, yet we hope to find a perfect mate … someone with whom we can make and share memories and, eventually, grow old with … a special person to share life’s “journey”.  From the billions of people [...]

Ovation: “America’s Next Top Model” To Include Men In Cycle 20.

Published on 2012-10-19 05:00:19

Those in my inner circle know that I love game shows.  When I win the lottery, I’m going to apply to be a contestant on all my favorites including Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Amazing Race and Big Brother.  I watch several television competitions (not to be confused with “reality” programs that simply follow housewives [...]

Diatribe: How Many Preschoolers Do You Think You Should Put In Your Hatchback?

Published on 2012-10-18 05:00:49

Very few of us remember much about our preschool, or nursery school, days.  We were quite young and just beginning to understand the concept of learning.  Preschool is when most of us are taught important building blocks for learning … like colors and days of the week.  For many, it’s the first interaction with peers [...]

Ovation: Beyoncé To Perform During Super Bowl XLVII.

Published on 2012-10-17 05:00:56

One of the funniest stories that we tell at our house is about a Super Bowl party.  It was during  Super Bowl XLII (February 26, 2008) that featured Aerosmith, NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly as the halftime entertainment.  The party was in full swing when the performance began and we all found [...]

Diatribe: Bus Driver Road Rage.

Published on 2012-10-16 05:00:52

I have a good friend that owns and drives a motor coach for a living.  It’s a large, state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line bus that includes all the bells and whistles that a rock star might expect when they go on the road.  Twelve people can sleep comfortably on the motor coach as it travels from destination to [...]

Ovation: One-Armed Push-Ups And A Rubik’s Cube.

Published on 2012-10-15 05:00:13

An avid puzzle enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to opportunities to solve a new conundrum.  Be it the old interlocking iron rings-type puzzle, crossword puzzles or the pegboard puzzles found on the tables at most Cracker Barrel restaurants.  One of my all-time favorite puzzles is the Rubik’s Cube. First created in the mid-1970s by Erno [...]

Diatribe: Fighting A Stop Sign.

Published on 2012-10-14 05:00:58

On the road to our house, there’s a three-way intersection.  Drivers travelling in each of the three directions are met by a stop sign.  The intersection is “in the country” and it’s quite rare that two cars arrive there at the same time.  Frequently, motorists will roll through the intersection without coming to a complete [...]

Ovation: Ryan Andreson and Andy Zerbinopoulos – Eagle Scouts To Admire.

Published on 2012-10-13 08:00:05

It’s no longer news that, last July, after a confidential two-year review and despite at least one board members stand, the Boy Scouts of America enthusiastically reaffirmed its policy of excluding both gay youth and gay troop leaders from participation.  As a private organization, they are well within their rights to do so.  But just [...]

Diatribe: Scary Beautiful “Front-Heeled” Shoes.

Published on 2012-10-12 05:00:57

Fashion has never been terribly important to me.  Of course, as a youngster I didn’t want to be the kid that stood out because of my wardrobe, so I begged my parents to buy me clothes that would help me to blend into the crowd. Later in life, I found myself working in a high-end [...]

Ovation: Happy Birthday Emily Deschanel.

Published on 2012-10-11 05:00:32

Several years ago, my folks introduced me to the magical world of Netflix.  They had been enjoying the service for some time, watching old television series and obscure movies via the internet by using their DVD player.  They were excited to share their new found fun with us and introduced us to series like Weeds [...]

Diatribe: GOP Candidate Uses Bible To Justify Killing Rebellious Children.

Published on 2012-10-10 05:00:44

I grew up in a time and a place where it was acceptable, within reason, to spank your children when they misbehaved. I, myself, was rarely spanked. But, if memory serves, the harshest form of physical discipline that I ever received was what I called the “the shoulder squeeze”. You see, my mother always kept [...]

Ovation: Justin Bieber Can Really Sing.

Published on 2012-10-09 05:00:55

Far too many pop singers rely on technology to enhance their voices.  For every superior vocalist like Christina Aguilera or Kelly Clarkson, there seems to be three like Ashley Simpson or Britney Spears.  While performers who utilize electronic voice enhancement devices or pantomime/lip-synch techniques to maximize their vocals can still be highly entertaining, they’re often [...]

Diatribe: “TV’s Number One Show” … Really? Why Do We Tolerate False Advertising?

Published on 2012-10-08 05:00:50

I hate false advertising.  It seems that it’s becoming increasingly tolerated by the masses. One cold December morning many years ago, I arrived at my doctor’s office for an 8:00 a.m. appointment.  There were several other patients waiting in the cold when the eight o’clock hour passed and the clinic didn’t open.  The sign displayed [...]

Ovation: America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Published on 2012-10-07 05:00:03

My family has always taken a lot of pictures.  Every vacation, birthday and special occasion has been documented with photographs.  For many years, our pictures were developed into “slides”.  My grandparents, in particular, would work diligently to sort and organize all of the slides and store them in special trays that would load into a [...]

Diatribe: GUEST POST! It’s Your Fault: How We Only Have Ourselves to Blame When it Comes to Car Accidents and Injuries.

Published on 2012-10-06 05:00:38

Human error is the leading cause of all auto accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Not rain, or sleet, or sprinting cats or flaming boulders from the sky. The decisions drivers make behind the wheel are the root cause of terrible collisions that cause thousands of dollars [...]

Ovation: World Teachers’ Day.

Published on 2012-10-05 05:00:50

It takes a really special person to be a teacher.  To be successful, they have to be extremely passionate, kind, caring and patient.  Most are teachers because they seek the rewards of watching a child learn and grow, of making a difference in those young lives and of seeing the impact that they can have [...]

Diatribe: When Did Sitcoms Get So Dirty?

Published on 2012-10-04 05:00:47

Long ago, when I was a kid, our televisions only received three network channels and a couple of local stations.  Not every household had a television and many were still watching black-and-white sets.  Like today, families would arrange their evenings around their favorite television programs. Prime Time television programming was focused primarily between the the [...]

Ovation: Liam Neeson Is A Really Good Sport.

Published on 2012-10-03 05:00:18

I’m all for raising awareness for various causes.  Over the years, I’ve participated in many walks, marches and other fund-raisers, but never on national television.  Liam Neeson was willing to strip down to hot pink underwear for the sake of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Monday, the movie star visited The Ellen DeGeneres Show and [...]

Diatribe: Roadkill In A Restaurant.

Published on 2012-10-02 05:00:21

A while back, when we were boarding our horses in a public facility that required us to visit twice each day, we would often stop for a quick dinner on the way home from the barn.  One of the places that we frequented was an ethnic takeout restaurant.  We would call ahead to place our [...]

Ovation: Happy 30th Birthday, Epcot!

Published on 2012-10-01 05:00:04

I’ve been to Walt Disney World many times.  I think the first few times I was there the only attraction was the Magic Kingdom.  And that was enough.  We stayed at the campground on the Disney property, Fort Wilderness, and we got to ride boats and monorails and it seemed that they made it really [...]

Diatribe: Death By Falling Llama.

Published on 2012-09-30 05:00:22

Several years ago we bought a quarter horse mare.  She was overweight but beautiful nonetheless with a good temperament and a shiny sorrel coat.  We were confident that we could adjust her diet and exercise routine to get her in top shape.  But, after several weeks under our close care, she didn’t lose any weight.  [...]

Ovation: National Coffee Day.

Published on 2012-09-29 05:00:21

I used to drink a lot of coffee.  I car pooled to work every day and my day ended first so I would wait for my ride at the Starbucks near my office.  Every day I’d buy a “Decaf Tall Sugar-Free Vanilla Americano” and I’d sit in one of their comfy chairs and read or [...]

Diatribe: Stick Figure Death Threats.

Published on 2012-09-28 05:00:23

I’ve always been good at word puzzles.  I love crossword puzzles, Scrabble and Seek-A-Word magazines.  My grandmother, too, used to work puzzles all the time.  Sitting comfortably in her rocking chair across the room from the television, she would solve puzzles and circle words until late into the evening when the light began to fade.  [...]

Ovation: Renato Grbic, Heroic Fisherman.

Published on 2012-09-27 05:00:18

Years ago, I worked in a downtown office building that had a beautiful view of the river.  Often during telephone calls, I spent many hours deep in thought (or not) gazing out the window at the river and its surroundings.  I watched the water level rise along the banks after heavy rains and commented on [...]

Diatribe: Las Vegas, Your Goretorium Doesn’t Scare Me.

Published on 2012-09-26 05:00:47

I don’t really get frightened.  I have friends and loved ones who are terrified by snakes or spiders and others who are afraid to use their telephone during a thunderstorm.  For me, horror movies can be quite entertaining, particularly when they’re suspenseful and don’t rely on blood and gore to shock the audience.  While I [...]

Ovation: Ohio University Marching 110′s “Gangnam Style”.

Published on 2012-09-25 05:00:08

I was a High School Band Geek and I loved every minute of it.  Rehearsals, concerts, solo contests and parades consumed my life.  Hours devoted to practice, taking and teaching private lessons took the place of a social life.  I loved it all with one exception … football half-time shows.  While I was an award-winning [...]

Diatribe: Buying Pizza With Priceless Coins.

Published on 2012-09-24 05:00:18

As a child, my grandfather would give my younger brother and I a silver Kennedy Half Dollar every week when we visited for Sunday dinner.  We would bring them home and hoard them in special hiding places as if they were gold bars.  As the years passed, our collections began to grow.  Unfortunately, as those [...]

Ovation: Minsk The Rescued Squirrel.

Published on 2012-09-23 05:00:01

Years ago, when I was a smoker, I would go outside periodically during the workday on a “smoke break”.  Like most office buildings, ours had a designated area for employees to take their breaks but my BFF, Smoking Buddy, and I would go for walks around the building while we smoked.  The sole purpose of [...]

Diatribe: Motor Oil, Underwear And Tomatoes … Prepare To Buy Clothes At Kroger.

Published on 2012-09-22 05:00:55

Once upon a time, everyone in a town had to plan a trip to the General Store to pick up items that they couldn’t grow/build/bake/sew themselves on their own land.  Shopping trips were major expeditions that required time to travel as well as funds to make purchases.  For some, these trips were annual adventures.  For [...]

Ovation: In The Future, A Driver’s License Will Be A Thing Of The Past.

Published on 2012-09-21 05:00:03

Getting a driver’s license is an American right of teenage passing.  While laws vary from state to state, and there are exceptions to every rule, most teens get a “learners’ permit” on or about their fifteenth birthday which allows them to practice their driving skills with an adult licensed driver present in the vehicle with [...]

Diatribe: Don’t Be A Jerk At The Grocery Store And Expect Others To Wait In Line While You Send Your Kid On A Scavenger Hunt.

Published on 2012-09-20 05:00:58

On my last trip to the supermarket I found myself in a checkout line behind a scatterbrained young mother with two children in tow.  One was a toddler riding in the basket of her shopping cart and the other was a little girl of about six who was, clearly, ready to go home.  The woman [...]

Ovation: Cats … Gotta Have One.

Published on 2012-09-19 05:00:17

I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a cat.  While most of the cats in my life were “outdoor” cats … cats that would come and go as they pleased, searching for love and affection only on their terms and on their schedule … I have enjoyed the company of [...]

Diatribe: Dead Christmas Trees Make Me Sad.

Published on 2012-09-18 05:00:35

I’m pretty certain I inherited my love of Christmas decorating from my mother.  As a youngster, decorating for the holidays each year was a family affair.  Nativity scenes, reindeer, snowmen and Santas would come down from the attic to find their places on walls and tabletops while the everyday knickknacks would then take their place in [...]

Ovation: GUEST POST! Distinguishing The Real Heroes Of Our Generation.

Published on 2012-09-17 05:00:37

The word “hero” gets thrown around often. There are certainly heroes from all walks of life, all around the world. Interestingly enough, most people who are considered heroes would deny that they are heroic. Many people fall into becoming a hero, for example, when they save someone from a burning building. While others are considered [...]

Diatribe: New York City’s Sugary Drink Ban.

Published on 2012-09-16 05:00:35

Last Thursday, in a move meant to combat obesity and encourage residents to live healthier lifestyles, New York City’s Board of Health voted to ban the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than sixteen ounces in restaurants and other venues. “It’s time to face the facts: obesity is one of America’s most deadly problems, [...]

Ovation: “Finding Nemo” Returns To Theaters In 3D.

Published on 2012-09-15 05:00:35

Almost ten years ago, Pixar’s Finding Nemo won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.  The beautifully animated film tells the story of a father fish looking for his little son, Nemo, as he struggles to make his way back home to the ocean.  The filmmakers populated the animated water world with a school of [...]

Diatribe: Do Not Eat The Pelicans.

Published on 2012-09-14 05:00:33

I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the beach.  I’m not a typical sunbather … a lay out and read, sort of beachgoer … but more of a nature nerd when it comes to sea creatures, plants, etc.  Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the plight of many endangered creatures including the manatee [...]

Ovation: The Inspirational Dancing Of Jean Sok.

Published on 2012-09-13 05:00:03

I can’t dance.  I know and understand how it’s done but I’m simply not coordinated, determined, athletic, patient, artistic or motivated enough to make it happen.  Even though my classmates and I learned to square dance in middle school on rainy days when we couldn’t go outdoors for recess and I studied Ballroom Dance in [...]

Diatribe: Is That A Monkey In Your Pants Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

Published on 2012-09-12 05:00:15

For Christmas in 2011, I travelled to Wisconsin for a family reunion.  I had shipped all of my gifts ahead of time so that I wouldn’t have much to carry as I trekked my way through the various airports involved in my trip.  Airport security had been strengthened to historic levels as a result of [...]

Ovation: The Heroes Of 09/11/01.

Published on 2012-09-11 05:00:03

Click here for an interactive 360-degree panoramic image of the National September 11 Memorial. Tagged: 911, 911 Memorial, fallen heroes, heros, never forget, September 11, September 11 Memorial, Twin Towers

Diatribe: Overly-Repeated Television Commercials.

Published on 2012-09-10 05:00:42

I’m a creature of habit and one of my habits is television. It’s always on in the background of my life. In the mornings, when I dress and get ready for the office, I watch the local news. I find it helpful to hear a weather forecast and traffic report before I start my day. [...]

Ovation: Introducing Dasani Drops.

Published on 2012-09-09 05:00:39

I don’t drink enough water.  We all know that it’s important to drink plenty of water, especially on hot summer days like we’ve experienced in the last few months.  I’ve tried carrying an “eco flask”, re-filling empty store-bought water bottles, adding lemon wedges, frozen grapes or Splenda to make it more interesting.  But it still [...]

Diatribe: Plastic Pink Flamingos Stolen And Held For Ransom.

Published on 2012-09-08 05:00:56

My folks always took a lot of pride in their front yard.  Living on a fairly busy street near the high school, quite a few people would drive by regularly and it was important to them that our house always appeared to be well-kept.  My family returned from a vacation one summer to find that [...]

Ovation: Hand Sanitizer On Restaurant Tables.

Published on 2012-09-07 05:00:38

When I travel I make an effort to sample local foods.  It’s an opportunity to enjoy restaurants other than national chains that offer foods that I can’t find at home.  There are many regional chains that the locals find trite but visitors enjoy.  For example, on a recent trip west I had my first experience [...]

Diatribe: The Dead Fish Of Lake Erie.

Published on 2012-09-06 05:00:29

I used to be an avid aquarium enthusiast.  I was quite young when I got my first tank, a ten-gallon tank with a lighted cover, and I messed with it constantly filling it with swordtails, mollys, platys, cichlids, kissing gouramis, and dozens of tetras.  I also included an assortment of catfish, eels and other peculiar [...]

Ovation: Ecological Wall Mounted Shampoo Dispensers In Hotels.

Published on 2012-09-05 05:00:45

When I travel, I tend to rely on the hotel where I’ll be staying to provide shampoo and soap for my stay.  I worry that I’ll pack the wrong size bottle of something that will provoke a search of my luggage at airport security.  The toiletries that most hotels provide are perfectly fine for my [...]

Diatribe: Voice Mail.

Published on 2012-09-04 05:00:00

I don’t like to leave voice mail.  I’d much rather send an email that I can draft, review and reread before I press “send”.  When I do leave a voice mail message, I always feel like I ramble on, don’t sound prepared and forget to say something.  But, as much as I dislike leaving voice [...]

Ovation: PBS’s “The Joy Of Painting” Lives On.

Published on 2012-09-03 05:00:18

One of my grandmothers was a big fan of public television.  I remember that, when we would spend weekends with her, she would tune the television to PBS to distract my brother and I and keep us occupied while she worked in the kitchen.  At the time, PBS was the only station that she could [...]

Diatribe: Speed Restricted Vehicles. Does Slow Really Equal Safe?

Published on 2012-09-02 05:00:08

On my Top Ten List of the Most Nerve-Wracking Experiences In Life, somewhere around items four, seven and nine, would be “MOVING”.  As a young adult, trying to find my place in the world, I moved quite frequently.  At first, I could move everything in my car.  Later, I required assistance from a friend with [...]

Ovation: Australian Football League Endorses Anti-Harassment Campaign.

Published on 2012-09-01 05:00:01

Civil rights for LGBT Australians are far ahead of those in the United States.  Since the 1970 Australian laws have increasingly begun to apply equally to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples throughout all states and territories.  Lesbian co-mothers are recognized as legal birth parents of children conceived through in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination.  Same-sex [...]

Diatribe: Coal Miners Lose A Day’s Pay To Attend Political Rally.

Published on 2012-08-31 05:00:13

Many years ago, I worked for a fairly large company that had a reputation for being somewhat philanthropic in the community.  A regional charity arranged annual giving opportunities whereby they offered to accept donations via payroll deduction.  Of course, as all good fundraisers do, they made a competition of it and every company in town [...]

Ovation: Bill Nye, The Science Guy, And Evolution.

Published on 2012-08-30 05:00:42

Growing up, my family attended church services in a beautiful old building that was originally constructed in 1873.  Twenty years later, the congregation received a donation that allowed them to construct a newer building made of limestone and I thought that old church building was simply fantastic.  There was a narrow staircase that led to [...]

Diatribe: Parenting v. Censoring: “The New Normal” Pulled By NBC Affiliate Prior To Premiere.

Published on 2012-08-29 05:00:42

I find censorship of any kind to be disgusting.  Why one adult thinks that he or she is somehow qualified to make decisions about what another adult sees, reads or hears is mind-boggling.  When I was a child, my mother would send me to bed when it was time for Laugh In and she monitored [...]

Ovation: Doctor Stuck In Traffic Borrows Child’s Bicycle To Get To Surgery On Time.

Published on 2012-08-28 05:00:37

Medical professionals are often portrayed in the media as super rich (Dr. Heathcliff “Cliff” Huxtable” of The Cosby Show), awkwardly intelligent (Doogie Howser), overly charismatic (Dr. Derek Shepherd aka McDreamy of Grey’s Anatomy), possibly insane (Dr. Henry Frankenstein or Dr. Hannibal Lector), really mean (Nurse Ratched of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest), immature and [...]

Diatribe: Why Don’t Restaurants Include Drink Prices In Their Menus?

Published on 2012-08-27 05:00:40

I’ve been known to enjoy a Happy Hour on occasion.  I also enjoy a “designer martini” or a special margarita once in a great while.  I like a bargain but I’ll splurge for special events.  Recently, I paid fifteen dollars for a glass of wine when I was at the theater but, when I buy [...]

Ovation: “True Blood: Eats, Drinks, and Bites From Bon Temps”.

Published on 2012-08-26 05:00:58

I’m not a big fan of Cajun food, but I do love New Orleans and the culture surrounding southern Louisiana.  The history of the region is fascinating and the city is one of the oldest in the nation.  Naturally, there are many stories associated with the history of the area. True Blood, the hit HBO [...]

Diatribe: Is Skittles’ Walrus Commercial Really Offensive?

Published on 2012-08-25 05:00:15

Commercials have been around for as long as television.  Often, commercials have been aimed at catching the attention of children.  While children are not often consumers themselves, they can have quite a large influence on their parents’ purchasing decisions.  Sometimes commercials are silly.  Nobody buys breakfast cereal because a sassy toucan tells them they must [...]

Ovation: Barbra Streisand’s “Release Me”.

Published on 2012-08-24 05:00:00

As a youngster, I was obsessed with Barbra Streisand.  My best friend and I knew every word to every song she had ever recorded and could quote lines from all of her movies.  It was my mission to own a copy of every album that she released.  I would spend hours and hours making “mix [...]

Diatribe: One Shouldn’t Act Like A Traffic Cop When One Is Behind The Wheel.

Published on 2012-08-23 05:00:59

Imagine that  you’re at a four-way stop sign and the person about to cross in front of you from the right clearly isn’t confident in his/her ability to understand the machinations of the intersection.  You know that they have the right of way but they stare at you as if in a trance.  Could this [...]

Ovation: Hugh Hefner Thinks Marriage Equality Benefits Everyone.

Published on 2012-08-22 05:00:15

In 1953, a young man named Hugh Marston Hefner mortgages his furniture, borrowed money from banks and raised funds from investors, including his mother, to launch Playboy magazine.  The undated first issue featured Marilyn Monroe from her 1949 nude calendar shoo.  The magazine was a big success and made a ton of money.  His business [...]

Diatribe: “Headlines from the 1960s for $500, Alex.” – Women Invited To Augusta Is, Sadly, Big News.

Published on 2012-08-21 05:00:44

I don’t golf.  More accurately, despite countless attempts, I can’t golf.  For me, the game is entirely too frustrating and offers very little reward.  One of my grandfathers was an enthusiast and many family members enjoy the sport quite often.  They have all the equipment and clothing that is required including special gloves and hats [...]

Ovation: Old Ironsides Sails Again.

Published on 2012-08-20 05:00:32

Growing up in a Chicago suburb, I was fortunate to be exposed to the many museums found in the city.  The Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium and The Museum of Science And Industry were the destinations for many school field trips and family outings.  The latter was always my favorite.  I remember it as more [...]

Diatribe: Is Diana Nyad Crazy Or Determined?

Published on 2012-08-19 05:00:23

I’m not much of a swimmer.  I never took lessons but I had lots of opportunities as a child, on family vacations and such, to learn the basics.  My mother didn’t swim and it was important to her that my siblings and I be able to, at least, tread water if the need ever arose.  [...]

Ovation: A Batman Pool Is For Sale In Illinois.

Published on 2012-08-18 05:00:49

Last weekend I finally got to see “The Dark Night Rises”.  We went to an IMAX theater (which always makes me a little bit too excited) and arrived early enough to get good seats in the middle where the sound is the best.  I also received a coupon for a large drink. About twenty minutes [...]

Diatribe: A Pregnant Man Can’t Get A Divorce In Arizona.

Published on 2012-08-17 05:00:22

As a child my family vacations and adventures were always found on the highways and interstates.  We traveled in a motor home and saw so many sights.  I didn’t really appreciate it at the time, but my family allowed me to see and do and taste and try things from all across the nation.  Today, [...]

Ovation: Mobile Payment Technology Is On The Move.

Published on 2012-08-16 05:00:40

My grandfather carried a huge wallet in his back pocket.  In it, he must have kept every receipt for every purchase with notes jotted on the back of each and every one.  I think he carried every picture of us grandchildren that he was ever given.  The driver’s seat in his car had a divot [...]

Diatribe: Popcorn’s Butter Flavoring May Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease.

Published on 2012-08-15 05:00:45

Back in my teenage years when I worked in a movie theater we popped fresh popcorn all day long.  At the end of each shift, the machines were cleaned and readied for the next day and any leftover popcorn was up for grabs.  I used to bring it home in huge plastic bags.  It was [...]

Ovation: Crash-Proof Cars Are Coming.

Published on 2012-08-14 05:00:44

In the recent past, large electronic billboards have been appearing on the larger highways near my home.  I’ve seen them before in other, larger, cities where commuters and local drivers seem to like the fact that they get a little extra information while they’re on the highway.  The signs indicate how much travel time is [...]

Diatribe: Can A Lefty Get A Break On International Left-Handers Day?

Published on 2012-08-13 05:00:38

The world is built for right-handed people.  School supplies are designed with right-handed students in mind.  Left handed children often feel disadvantaged from an early age.  Their homework papers get smeared, they can’t cut paper with the average pair of scissors and, if they’re lucky enough to find school supplies designed for left-handers they’re significantly [...]

Ovation: Surviving Monkees To Reunite For Davy Jones Tribute Tour.

Published on 2012-08-12 05:00:15

When I was a kid, I lived for Saturday morning cartoons.  My younger brother and I shared a bedroom on the second floor of our house and my parents slept on the ground floor.  I remember, excited by the opportunity to watch cartoons, sitting at the top of the stairs shouting “Is it 7:00 yet”!” [...]

Diatribe: Emails That Say Nothing But “Thank You” Are A Waste Of Space And Time.

Published on 2012-08-11 05:00:23

My nieces are the Queens of the Thank You Notes.  I’m so proud of them (and their parents) because I know how difficult it can be to get a child to sit still long enough to write a note, address an envelope and get it into the mail.  Since they were very small, this bit [...]

Ovation: Special Needs Hug Girl.

Published on 2012-08-10 05:00:23

Last weekend, when I was out and about, I was approached by a young woman with special needs who lunged at me with outstretched arms, a huge smile, and shouted “HUG!”  Her statement wasn’t a request and it wasn’t a demand, she was simply stating her intention.  She looked me in the eye, wrapped her [...]

Diatribe: Locker Decorations.

Published on 2012-08-09 05:00:51

One of my guilty pleasures is reality television.  Not the type of “reality” where cameras follow someone around hoping for something interesting to happen so they can capture it on film, but the educational and competition programs.  Anything with a challenge, a puzzle or a race will keep my attention far longer than a real [...]

Ovation: Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Familes Act of 2012.

Published on 2012-08-08 05:00:20

Like most people, I hate funerals.  For me, the period of mourning leading up to a funeral service is particularly grueling time.  “Up North”, where I was raised, we called this occasion a “wake”.  In the South, it’s known as a “viewing”.  Whatever you choose to call it, this time is very important as it [...]

Diatribe: Understand Flashing Traffic Signals.

Published on 2012-08-07 05:00:55

Flashing traffic signals are no joke.  Most drivers understand that when they see flashing red lights at a four-way stop light instead of normal traffic signals they should approach the intersection as if it was a four-way stop sign, alternating lanes proceeding through the intersection, one car at a time.  Flashing yellow lights indicate that [...]

Ovation: Marylin Monroe (06/01/26 – 08/05/62)

Published on 2012-08-06 05:00:13

Fifty years ago today, Marylin Monroe’s housekeeper found her dead in her Brentwood, California home, naked in bed with empty pill bottles nearby.  The official cause of death … “probable suicide”. For many, the suicide explanation seemed a little too neat and convenient.  For starters, there was no suicide note and no liquid nearby that [...]

Diatribe: In Defense Of Buckyballs.

Published on 2012-08-05 05:00:30

Children of the Seventies might remember Klik Klaks.  It was a simple toy featuring a small ring with two cords of approximately ten inches in length that each had a solid, somewhat heavy acrylic or plastic ball, at its end.  They were fun!  You could really get them going, bouncing off one another, and make [...]

Ovation: Harry Nelson Sets His Own Olympic Record … For Attendance.

Published on 2012-08-04 05:00:47

Growing up, I was rarely absent from school.  My mother saw to it that I was dressed appropriately, fed and out the door with my sack lunch regardless of how much whining and protesting I forced her to endure.  Of course, there were times when I was actually ill and she would keep me home, [...]

Diatribe: What If Olympic Hero Ryan Lochte Was A Pig And No One Noticed?

Published on 2012-08-03 05:00:33

In this day and age when everyone gets the knickers in a twist over the slightest little thing, it seems to me that Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s recent statements about women, sex and relationships should be getting more attention.  His mother, while being interviewed on the set of NBC’s Today show stated, in no uncertain [...]

500th POST Ovation: Lichtenstein’s 1961 Creation, “Electric Cord”, Resurfaces And Is Worth Millions.

Published on 2012-08-02 05:00:28

I’ve always wanted to live in a grand old house … one with an attic so large that I could stand in it without bumping my head.  A really old home with a lot of history.  I watch shows like If These Walls Could Talk or Bath Crashers where people often discover things hidden in [...]

Diatribe: Getting Stuck On A Roller Coaster Makes An Amusement Park Less Amusing.

Published on 2012-08-01 05:00:24

I love amusement parks.  As a youngster I was fortunate enough to visit many different theme parks across the country.  When Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois first opened, it was close enough for a day trip and there was always a group of high school students that had convinced a parent to chaperone [...]

Ovation: Ricky Martin To Be Living La Vida Television.

Published on 2012-07-31 05:00:54

On Saint Patrick’s Day in 1999, I picked up the only brand new automobile that I’ve ever owned.  Having always driven used cars, my new ford Mustang GT Convertible was the car of my dreams.  I had ordered it directly from the factory, in my favorite color, with leather interior and a sound-system upgrade.  I [...]

Diatribe: Mind Your Manners – No Personal Grooming At Work.

Published on 2012-07-30 05:00:50

Baby Boomers remember that, long ago, gentlemen would stand and remove their hats as ladies entered a room.  They would jump up to hold a chair for a woman at a dinner table.  They would hold a door open for her.  Women would bathe, dress and fix their hair in private.  Children referred to adults [...]

Ovation: World Santa Claus Congress.

Published on 2012-07-29 05:00:40

Travelling for business can be a lonely experience.  I don’t do it often but on occasion I’m asked to attend a conference or a continuing education event on behalf of my firm.  I enjoy visiting different cities and experiencing new surroundings but I don’t like to go alone.  At the end of the day, I [...]

Diatribe: Spaghetti And Meatballs Ice Cream.

Published on 2012-07-28 05:00:44

It’s that time of year again … time for state and county fairs to ramp up the fairgrounds across the country.  State fairs originated as a competitive exhibition of livestock in various categories, the display of farm products which were not necessarily for sale, and other competitions among participants in categories including handicrafts, baked goods, [...]

Ovation: Corey Bernstein Invites Kirk Cameron To Lunch.

Published on 2012-07-27 05:00:34

Kirk Cameron, faded child-star and outspoken foe of homosexuality, has his work cut out for him in New Jersey.  His controversial 35-city “Love Worth Fighting For” tour, which he touts as a mass marriage-counseling event, is scheduled to make a stop in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.  The event is expected to be well attended, but [...]

Diatribe: Can 911 Crews Navigate Confusing Detours?

Published on 2012-07-26 05:00:12

Years ago, I was part of a committee that was responsible for moving our entire company into a new office space.  It was a large undertaking but the committee did a good job of keeping everything on schedule and under budget.  One of my biggest concerns was the fact that the new building did not [...]

Ovation: The Overwhelming Kindness Of Johnny Karlinchak.

Published on 2012-07-25 05:00:49

Last spring, we had some really bad weather pass through our area.  Several storms knocked over many large, old trees and downed power lines across the region.  There was so much rain that the ground grew soft and roots were loosened.  Many of the storms brought lightning shows and roaring thunder.  One particular storm brought [...]

Diatribe: Tripp Palin Is A 3-Year-Old Bigot And His Mommy Thinks It’s Funny.

Published on 2012-07-24 05:00:15

I grew up in a place where children were taught to behave.  I was raised by a loving family that had very high expectations for me.  They expected me to be polite, obedient and respectful of my elders and.  When I misbehaved, my actions were met with stern disapproval and I learned from a very [...]

Ovation: Metapaper.

Published on 2012-07-23 05:00:24

Folks with iPads or other tablets are quickly learning that there are many many WiFi networks out there.  Surprisingly, many are not password protected in any way.  Many businesses, particularly restaurants and coffee houses, are offering free WiFi access to their customers in an effort to win their business.  Consequently, more and more users are [...]

Diatribe: A Bear At The Mall.

Published on 2012-07-22 05:00:35

Going to the mall has always been an opportunity for “people watching”.  I’m never surprised by the characters that I see in any mall that I ever visit.  In all my years of shopping adventure, I have never encountered wildlife. A mall in the Pittsburgh area had an unexpected visitor Saturday night: A bear wandered [...]

Ovation: Boston’s Mayor Menino Vows To Block Chick-Fil-A Over Discriminatory Attitude.

Published on 2012-07-21 05:00:01

Many years ago, a new fast-food restaurant called Chick-fil-A was built on a small piece of property adjacent to the local mall.  We decided to explore the new restaurant and found that it was clean and comfortable.  The food was tasty, albeit somewhat overpriced, and the atmosphere was friendly.  With time, the restaurant developed a [...]

Diatribe: Waterbeds For Cows? Udderly Ridiculous.

Published on 2012-07-20 05:00:22

Many years ago, I lived in a Baltimore row house for a short time.  In an effort to save some money, a few friends and I rented a recently renovated three-bedroom home in a historic neighborhood.  The first floor contained a kitchen, living room and guest bathroom that we would all share, the second floor [...]

Ovation: Backstreet Boys To Reunite For 20th Anniversary.

Published on 2012-07-19 05:00:34

I admit it.  I enjoyed the “boy bands” of the 1990s more than I should have.  I often, mostly when alone in my car, found myself singing along with 98 Degrees, Color Me Badd and *NSYNC.  The music was fun.  It was simple and there were always harmonies that were not difficult to master.  But [...]

Diatribe: Not Enough Family Restrooms.

Published on 2012-07-18 05:00:38

Public restrooms can be quite frightening places. Parents alone with a child or children often face anxiety when it’s time for a bathroom break.  For example, more often than ever, fathers are escorting children to public places such as malls and playgrounds and parents, both fathers and mothers, are often uncomfortable taking their opposite-sex child [...]

Ovation: Charlie Sheen To Donate $1M+ To USO.

Published on 2012-07-17 05:00:27

I’ve never been a big fan of Charlie Sheen.  I think his performance in 1986’s Platoon was pretty good but, other than that, it seems to me that he’s always pretty much playing “himself”.  I enjoyed television’s Spin City when it starred Michael J. Fox but lost interest once Sheen took over as the lead [...]

Diatribe: The Sierra Rose – So Ugly Someone Had To Sink It?

Published on 2012-07-16 05:00:36

I used to own a boat.  It was an outboard ski boat that I “fixed up” and used to go fishing on a nearby lake.  It was far from beautiful but it worked and I was excited to be a “boater” for the first time.  I paid to keep it in a marina figuring, by [...]

Ovation: Fifty Years Of The Rolling Stones!

Published on 2012-07-15 05:00:50

In 1997, I saw the Rolling Stones perform live at one of the stops on their Bridges To Babylon tour.  While I had never been a die-hard fan, I was offered a ticket at the last minute and thought it would be fun.  Everyone in town was excited about the concert, it was completely sold [...]

Diatribe: Justin Bieber Got A Ticket And Nobody Died.

Published on 2012-07-14 05:00:23

On Saturday, August 30, 1997, I traveled with friends to Knoxville, Tennessee to watch a University of Tennessee Football game at Neyland Stadium.  It was a great game and UT’s star quarterback, Peyton Manning, was all that anyone could talk about.  It was a really hot day and, by the time the game ended we [...]

Ovation: Brazilian Prisoners Pedal Their Way To Early Release.

Published on 2012-07-13 05:00:14

One summer when I found myself single and selfish, I spent an extraordinary amount of time at a local gym.  Back then, we called them “health clubs” but it was really just a smelly warehouse with a variety of resistance machines and free weights.  There was a separate room called the “Cardio Room” that had [...]

Diatribe: Judge OKs Missiles On London Rooftop.

Published on 2012-07-12 05:00:32

Many years ago, we bought a townhouse in a reasonably sized development with quite a bit of common amenities.  It was my first experience with a “homeowners association”.  I certainly understand why these associations are necessary and that, in the end, they benefit all of the property owners involved but this one seemed over-regulated and [...]

Ovation: Original Owner Drives Three Million Miles In A 1966 Volvo.

Published on 2012-07-11 05:00:56

In college, one of my buddies drove a 1965 Mustang convertible.  It was a miserably uncomfortable and tiny old car but it was a lot of fun.  We spent quite a bit of time together as we both played trombones in the concert band, we belonged to the same fraternity and he didn’t mind being [...]

Diatribe: The Obama Utility Bill Scam.

Published on 2012-07-10 05:00:44

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I learned that “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”.  If I get an email from the nephew of an Arabian sheik who insists that he’ll pay me a million dollars to help him and his brother, the Prince, move funds from their native [...]

Ovation: Ernest Borgnine (1917 – 2012)

Published on 2012-07-09 05:00:18

I cry at movies.  Not all movies, of course, and not always when the filmmakers likely intend to illicit emotion from their audience.  There are some movies that bring me to tears the first time I see them but never again after that.  And yet others that make me emotional every single time.  Most recently, [...]

Diatribe: GUEST POST! Add One More To The Most Ridiculous Lawsuits List!

Published on 2012-07-08 05:00:57

We’ve all read or heard about some ridiculous lawsuit or another that just left us scratching our collective heads. Like the woman who sued McDonalds because the coffee she spilled on herself was hot and burned her. What? Coffee is hot? Say it ain’t so. Here’s a look at the latest frivolous, ridiculous, preposterous lawsuit [...]

Ovation: Steve Martin – Actor, Comedian, Author, Playwright, Producer, Musician and Composer.

Published on 2012-07-07 05:00:30

One of my favorite albums in my teenage years was Steve Martin’s “Let’s Get Small”.  I would play that record over and over, alone in my room, and laugh until I had tears in my eyes.  Eventually I had every word of it memorized.  He was a “ramblin’ man”!  Some of his comedy may not [...]

Diatribe: Would You Book A Cruise To A Nation Where You Are Not Welcome?

Published on 2012-07-06 05:00:20

I’ve travelled quite a bit but I’ve never been on a cruise.  Everyone I know who has ever taken a cruise says it was wonderful and that I “must” go on a cruise some day soon.  There’s just something overwhelming about the experience that has prevented me from participating.  First and foremost, cruises can be [...]

Ovation: Convenient Donation Centers From AmVets and Goodwill.

Published on 2012-07-05 05:00:12

I never wore hand-me-down clothes.  I was the oldest child and the first, actually, of a generation.  All of my first cousins were younger so all of my clothes were always new.  Being the first baby and the first grandchild in both my mother’s and my father’s families, I was pretty much spoiled rotten.  I [...]

Diatribe: Ten Independence Day Facts To Think About.

Published on 2012-07-04 05:00:02

1) Technically, Independence Day should be August 2, 1776.  That’s when a majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (50 of the 56) actually put pen to paper. 2) This year, Americans are expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on fireworks displays while as many as 1 in 194 citizens will [...]

Ovation: Taco Bell Is Not A Food Tease.

Published on 2012-07-03 05:00:55

My hometown was so small that we only had one traffic light.  There were two supermarkets, one drug store, one clothing store and one hardware store.  They were all located, more or less, “downtown” … the historic block of buildings built of dolomite from nearby quarries.  We had several taverns and many churches but only [...]

Diatribe: Power Lines And Trees Just Don’t Mix.

Published on 2012-07-02 05:00:36

Many years ago, we bought our house in December.  It was a nice, older home on a good-sized lot away from the hustle of the city.  Still close enough to work in town but far enough to be considered “in the country”.  It had lots of curb appeal with a row of mature trees along [...]

Diatribe: There Should Be A Limit To The Amount Of Time A Plane Is Allowed To Sit On A Runway Without Affording Passengers The Opportunity To Deplane.

Published on 2012-07-01 05:00:36

The biggest inconvenience that I’ve ever encountered in an airport, aside from the idiosyncrasies of my fellow passengers, was an early New Years Day flight departing from Southwest Florida Regional Airport.  It was a particularly chilly winter and, on that morning a rare frost covered the landscape.  We boarded the plane as scheduled and left [...]

Ovation: Tom Spicer Does Crazy Things With Ping-Pong Balls!

Published on 2012-06-30 05:00:06

My aunt and uncle have the most fantastic basement.  It has a kitchenette and a fireplace.  I spent hours of my childhood fascinated by a laundry chute that enabled them to drop dirty laundry from the upstairs bathroom into the laundry room in the basement.  I thought it was the most ingenious invention and modern [...]

Ovation: Hockey Coach Faces Charges For Tripping Opposing Team’s 13-Year-Old Player.

Published on 2012-06-29 05:00:29

I’ve been to my share of sporting events.  Throughout my high school and college years many games were all but mandatory for those of us involved in the band programs.  The “pep band” was an extra-curricular, volunteer, group that was never really a volunteer association at all.  Everyone took pride in the ensemble and wanted [...]

Diatribe: Is “Deserve To Die” Ad Campaign Offensive Or Just Stupid?

Published on 2012-06-28 05:00:50

At one point in my life, I thought about a career in advertising.  To be successful in the field, one must be truly creative and innovative.  Marketing campaigns come and go and each seems to have a personality of its own.  Creative teams are always looking for a new way to generate interest in a [...]

Ovation: Ella Rake’s First Aid Skills Saved Her Mother From Exploding Ravioli Scars.

Published on 2012-06-27 05:00:06

I’ve never taken an official “first aid” course (unless you count having a college roommate in a pre-med program), but I have had quite a bit of on-the-job experience over the years.  I currently keep a First Aid kit in my truck, in my bathroom at home, my desk at the office and in my [...]

Diatribe: Cigarette Flickers + Drought = Forest Fires?

Published on 2012-06-26 05:00:22

Like most children, I was always fascinated with fire.  Campfires were the best fires because there was usually food nearby.  Once, in a particularly brilliant moment of childhood stupidity, I chose to march around a campfire with a blazing marshmallow at the end of a stick, hoisted high above me like a drum major, when the [...]

Ovation: Divers Qualify For London Olympics.

Published on 2012-06-25 05:00:15

I used to love to go swimming.  Throughout my childhood, when we went on family vacations my favorite moments were always “at the pooh”!  My mother wasn’t much of a swimmer (I struggled with “dog paddle”) so I wasn’t allowed to do much swimming in the deep end but I always wished that I could.  [...]

Diatribe: Guest Post! A Letter To A Girl Who Won’t Take A Hint.

Published on 2012-06-24 05:00:25

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all experienced a one-sided affair.  We’ve all known someone who just won’t take the hint.  We try to spare their feelings but they just won’t listen.  So we become a bit more blunt … a little nastier … hoping that they’ll back away.  But they don’t.  Feeling that [...]

Ovation: David Letterman And Justin Bieber’s “Sixteenth Chapel”.

Published on 2012-06-23 05:00:29

I’m not a big fan of Justin Bieber and I’m not a big fan of tattoos.  I am, however, a fan of David Letterman.  Back in my college days I would watch Late Night with David Letterman while I studied late into the night.  I remember thinking that his humor was “edgy” and his personality was [...]

Diatribe: The Supermarket Is No Place For Animals.

Published on 2012-06-22 05:00:48

I have a dog and I love her to death.  She greets me when I return from the office at the end of a long day with love and kisses and, I swear, a big smile on her face.  She keeps me company when I do yard work, cuddles with me while I watch television [...]

Ovation: Gift Cards Can Work Like Christmas Clubs!

Published on 2012-06-21 05:00:54

I like to think that I’m a very organized gift-giver.  For many years I carried a day planner with me at all times.  I was lost without it.  It contained my calendar and my address book.  Each year, right after Thanksgiving, I would buy a refill packet for the coming year’s calendar and I would [...]

Diatribe: Woman Asked To Cover Cleavage Before Boarding Flight To New York.

Published on 2012-06-20 05:00:52

The duties of a flight attendant on a major airline are very important.  To maintain the passengers they must learn, understand and implement many FAA regulations.  There are many airline employees that do a perfectly marvelous job of providing customer service and safety at the same.   Nonetheless, I’m frequently annoyed by flight attendants.  Often, they exhibit [...]

Ovation: David Burtka – Partner, Father, Friend, Performer & Chef … But Not Yet A Husband.

Published on 2012-06-19 05:00:45

Perhaps known more for his relationship with television and Broadway’s Neil Patrick Harris than for his own work on stage and screen, David Burtka is an accomplished man in his own right.  Born and raised in Michigan, and trained in acting at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Burtka made his own Broadway debut in 2003 opposite Bernadette [...]

Diatribe: Baby Soaps That Test Positive For Marijuana.

Published on 2012-06-18 05:00:11

My life has been blessed, in the last year, with many babies.  They’re all so cute and, for such tiny people, they have huge personalities.  And they smell wonderful.  I don’t know what it is about babies that makes them smell so perfect and innocent, but someone needs to bottle the fragrance and market it [...]

Ovation: Uncle Classic Barbershop.

Published on 2012-06-17 05:00:35

Unless you count the six weeks in 1970 when the “natural fro” popularized by Mac Davis was in fashion, I’ve never had a stylish haircut in my entire lifetime.  I’m one of those people whose hair has a life of its own.  I was born blonde and, eventually, grew to have brown hair.  My beard, [...]

Diatribe: Paying To Have Dirty Dishes Delivered To My Home Seems Really Stupid.

Published on 2012-06-16 05:00:33

I love to host dinner parties.  I enjoy using my good dishes and serving plates, my coasters and special napkins, and I really enjoy a good meal.  Hors d’oeuvres are always served with a cocktail or a nice glass of wine before we sit down to enjoy a salad (frequently a Caesar Salad “kit” from [...]

Ovation: Board Member James Turley Works To End Boy Scouts of America’s Legacy Of Discrimination Toward Gays.

Published on 2012-06-15 05:00:19

As a young boy, I enjoyed being a Cub Scout.  Like most little boys, I was only there because my parents took me there.  It was a lot of fun.  There were arts and crafts projects, snacks at every meeting and we got to wear uniforms with snazzy sashes and bandanas around our necks.  It [...]

Diatribe: Has Flag Day Been Forgotten?

Published on 2012-06-14 05:00:16

In my hometown, most houses had a little metal bracket on their front, usually near the mailbox, that was used to display the American Flag.  On special occasions, namely patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day or Labor Day, the flags would be displayed from early in the morning until dusk.  Never was a U.S. [...]

Ovation: Dog Poop DNA Testing – Laboratories Aren’t Just For CSIs Any More.

Published on 2012-06-12 15:10:46

Some of my parents live in a beautiful retirement community in Southwest Florida.  On any given morning, before the sun grows high and the temperature rises, the people in the neighborhood go for walks.  Since all the neighborhood’s retirees really have to do is monitor what goes in and what comes out of their bodies, [...]

Diatribe: Buying Zombie Bullets To Prepare For Zombie Apocalypse?

Published on 2012-06-12 05:00:32

“Always be prepared” is the famous motto of the Boy Scouts of America and mothers across the nation.  From an early age we’re taught to know what to do in most any emergency and to have the tools and supplies necessary to weather through any storm.  It’s certainly good advice and has inspired others to [...]

Ovation: Infrared Outdoor Grilling.

Published on 2012-06-11 05:00:00

I love to grill out.  I have some favorite recipes, as do most of us, and I’m not afraid to try new things.  I enjoy cooking chicken breasts marinated in Italian dressing, burgers, hot dogs, shish kabob and bratwurst.  But mostly I like a good steak.  I generally buy what’s on sale (no bones) and [...]

Diatribe: What Are “Man Candles” And Are Men Dumb Enough To Buy Them?

Published on 2012-06-10 05:00:18

I’m annoyed by marketing gimmicks that prey on the, supposed, dimwittedness of men.  To me, commercials that feature a dufus guy who needs to be rescued by a woman before he embarrasses or hurts himself trying to do “women’s work” are very offensive.  The women in the advertisements, invariably, roll their eyes as if to say “He’s [...]

Ovation: Texas To Raise Speed Limit to 85!

Published on 2012-06-09 05:00:21

Baby Boomers will remember a time when the speed limits on our nation’s highways were significantly higher than they are today.  Of course, there were fewer cars on the roads back then and, consequently, fewer roads.  Cars in the sixties and early seventies offered few, if any, safety precautions other than a lap belt and [...]

Diatribe: Bank Gives Counterfeit Bill To Customer And Won’t Take It Back.

Published on 2012-06-08 05:00:55

Once upon a time, back in the olden days before debit cards and magnetic stripes, I worked in management in a movie theater.  We had four big screens and a big lobby area with a somewhat large concession stand.  All transactions, at both the candy counter and the box office, were done with cash only.  [...]

Ovation: Andrew De Leon – Don’t Judge This Book By Its Cover.

Published on 2012-06-07 05:00:28

Have you ever met a little dog that was just so cute and adorable that you wanted to reach out and stroke its fur?  Scratch it behind the ears and smell its puppy breath?  Only to be met by a scathing growl, bark or attempted chomp?  Looks can be deceiving in so many ways. But [...]

Diatribe: When Did It Become A Crime To Cheer At A Graduation Ceremony?

Published on 2012-06-06 05:00:02

I had the pleasure and the honor of attending two very different graduation ceremonies this spring and, at each of them, family members in the crowd applauded and cheered for their respective graduates as each received their diplomas.  Sure, the host of the festivities asked that we “hold our applause until all the graduates had [...]

Ovation: Is “Ted” The Cuddly Dudley Of A New Generation?

Published on 2012-06-05 05:00:05

One of my favorite childhood toys was Cuddly Dudley.  He was a large plush dog, almost thirty inches tall, and was one of the stars of Ray Rayner and Friends on Chicago’s WGN-TV.  The stuffed dog, originally created as a marketing gimmick for the Chicago Tribune, was used as a puppet on the popular show [...]

Diatribe: Woman Gets High And Drives Off With Her Baby On The Roof Of Her Car.

Published on 2012-06-04 05:00:02

Mornings can be really hectic.  The logistics of getting a family ready to start their day, dressed and fed and out the door on time, can be overwhelming.  We all have our special routines that work under our specific circumstances.  If you’re like me, skipping a step or forgetting one item can ruin your entire [...]

Ovation: The Junk Castle.

Published on 2012-06-03 05:00:45

Did you ever build a “fort” when you were a child?  We used to build spaces that we’d call our own all the time and we’d use whatever materials we could find.  If someone in the neighborhood got a new appliance for their kitchen, there would be a huge cardboard box that we would claim [...]

Diatribe: Erie School District Of Illinois Pulls “The Family Book” From Shelves Over Reference To Same-Sex Parents.

Published on 2012-06-02 05:00:50

It always surprises me that adults give children so little credit.  It seems that some imagine them as little animals that need to be “trained” and that they’re impossible of thought, understanding and reason.  Certainly, some subject matter is beyond a toddler’s comprehension, but we should never assume that something will “just confuse them” without [...]

Ovation: Free The “Cleaning Fairy” And Send Her My Way!

Published on 2012-06-01 05:00:26

I never got an allowance as a child, but I never wanted for anything either.  I had very few household chores and my responsibilities were minimal.  As long as I made my bed every day and didn’t leave dirty clothes thrown about, I was considered “tidy” and all was well.  Our house was a split-level [...]

Diatribe: A Hyphen Is Most Certainly A Valid Character!

Published on 2012-05-31 05:00:13

Many years ago I invested quite a bit of time, energy and money into the process of changing my name.  I included a hyphen so that my name would more closely resemble that of the children I was helping to raise.  It was a complicated process involving many trips to the county courthouse, piles of [...]

Ovation: Couple Wears Matching Clothes Every Day For Thirty-Five Years.

Published on 2012-05-30 05:00:51

Years ago, it was rather trendy for young lovers to dress alike on outings to amusement parks or other destinations as a sign of solidarity.  “We are a couple!  You can SEE that we belong together!” It’s true, what they say about couples that have been together for a long time.  They do tend to [...]

Diatribe: Is Fifty Shades Of Grey Today’s Exorcist?

Published on 2012-05-29 05:00:42

I’ve always been a voracious reader.  My folks set a good example by including reading in my life from a very young age.  They would make a point of reading in front of me … newspapers, magazines and books … so that I became interested, too.  I was allowed to read for a little bit [...]

Ovation: Observe A Moment Of Remembrance At 3:00 p.m.

Published on 2012-05-28 05:00:46

In accordance with the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution, which was passed in 2000, all Americans are asked to, at 3:00 p.m. local time, voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps. Never forget that so many [...]

Diatribe:Traffic Jam Caused By Naked Man Chewing On Another Man.

Published on 2012-05-27 05:00:15

Like most folks, I spend my share of time sitting in traffic. And like most drivers I’m infuriated by the fools that insist on driving down the shoulder of the road to cut over into the front of the line at the last minute. I think those people are selfish and ignorant. When we encounter [...]

Ovation: Huckleberry’s Pig Out Palace!

Published on 2012-05-26 05:00:47

I love picnics.  Before my family grew too large to gather regularly, we had weekly gatherings that we called “shindigs”.  Our grandparents, great aunts and uncles would take turns hosting the picnics and they were always a great time.  During the summer months, we would have our parties outdoors and there would be ball games, [...]

Diatribe: Pistols As Door Prizes? What’ll They Think Of Next?

Published on 2012-05-25 05:00:08

My only experience with shooting a gun was, as a boy, on a pheasant-hunting trip with my father.  He cajoled me into shooting his shotgun (against my wishes if I recall correctly) and it about knocked me on my hind end.  Ever since that day, and possible even before, I’ve been one of those left-leaning [...]

Ovation: Adam Lambert Makes Billboard History.

Published on 2012-05-24 05:00:49

In 2010, I had the opportunity to see and hear Adam Lambert perform live when his Glam Nation Tour made a stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.  The venue, the original home of the Grand Ol’ Opry, holds historical significance to the music community as well as hosting a variety of performers throughout each year.  He [...]

Diatribe: The Despicable Pastor Charles L. Worley And His Flock Should Be Ashamed.

Published on 2012-05-23 05:00:28

I believe in Religious Freedom. I believe in Freedom of Speech. I believe in the separation of church and state. I believe that every reasonable person, regardless of their faith, must denounce this hateful man. It saddens me to think of the children in his audience.  This is how they learn to hate. This is how they learn to [...]

Ovation: 73-Year-Old Woman Climbs Mount Everest … AGAIN!

Published on 2012-05-22 05:00:20

I grew up in a house on a hill.  It was a somewhat steep street and the local high school was at the bottom of the hill.  On the high school grounds, there were two tennis courts.  They were reasonably nice asphalt courts with functional nets and tall fences all around.  My friends and neighbors [...]

Diatribe: Please Don’t Vaccuum Around Our Feet.

Published on 2012-05-21 05:00:01

Back in the 1970s we had shag carpeting in our “rec room”.  It was a long shag and it was green.  After it was vacuumed, we would “rake” it.  We had a special, plastic rake that resembled the tool one might use when working in the yard and, when company was expected, we would use [...]

Ovation: Sugar-Free Slurpees!

Published on 2012-05-20 05:00:29

When I was young, there was a small market in my hometown named White Hen Pantry.  It was close enough to be a destination whenever we went on a “bike ride” and they had a ICEE machine.  It was a big deal back then to enjoy a frozen Coke.  Like today, they were served in [...]

Diatribe: Tigers In A Petting Zoo? Really?!

Published on 2012-05-19 05:00:35

As a child, I was always fascinated by petting zoos.  Frequently, my folks would give in to what I’m sure was incessant whining and pleading and allow me to pet some goats.  I was intrigued by the double-door system at the entrance to most of these attractions and wondered how often one of the animals [...]

Ovation: Betty White’s Off Their Rockers.

Published on 2012-05-18 05:00:58

Baby Boomers will remember a television show called Candid Camera.  Created and produced by Alan Funt, the show was a hidden camera/practical joke series that initially began on radio as Candid Microphone in 1947.  The show was first broadcast on television in 1948 and its last original broadcast was in 2004. What could be considered [...]

Diatribe: Prudish Chaperones Spray Lysol On Dancing Prom-Goers.

Published on 2012-05-17 05:10:23

When it comes to dancing, teens have pushed the boundaries of what their parents call “good taste” for generations.  We’ve seen chaperones try to keep dancers from touching each other in popular movies like Dirty Dancing, Footloose and this famous scene from 1978’s Grease. Clearly, parents continue to disapprove of how their children dance as [...]

Ovation: Bloomberg Supports Marriage Equality In NC University Commencement Speech.

Published on 2012-05-16 05:00:30

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending a commencement ceremony at a small Christian College in the midwest.  Like most commencement exercises, it was a very nice ceremony that honored many well-deserving graduates.  Graduation ceremonies are always very emotional as students end a chapter in their lives and begin another.  The transition can be [...]

Diatribe: Cashiers Who Want Our Telephone Numbers.

Published on 2012-05-15 05:00:55

Back in the day, we used to sign up for “mailing lists”.  If we were interested in a particular product or wanted to be notified when something went on sale, a shopkeeper would take our name and number and file it away until he or she could call us to make a sale. Then we [...]

Ovation: Danny Lesh Steals His Own Bicycle Back From A Thief.

Published on 2012-05-14 05:00:11

When I was a boy, I was allowed to ride my bicycle to the library and to the drug store.  It was an adventure and it felt like a really long ride.  I rode a golden Schwinn with a sparkly banana seat.  I took reasonably good care of my bike and was careful to keep it [...]

Diatribe: Trayvon Martin Target Practice.

Published on 2012-05-13 05:00:01

An unidentified Florida entrepreneur admits he is trying to profit off Trayvon Martin’s death by selling gun range targets featuring the teen who’s death has sparked a nationwide controversy. Although Martin’s face does not appear on the paper targets, they feature a hoodie with crosshairs aimed at the chest. A bag of Skittles is tucked [...]

Ovation: Coal Miner’s Daughter On Broadway.

Published on 2012-05-12 05:00:26

Grammy-nominated Zooey Deschanel, the star and a producer of the Fox comedy New Girl, could soon be spending some time on Broadway in a role that might steer her on a course toward even greater notoriety. On Thursday night, country music legend Loretta Lynn announced from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that she has personally selected [...]

Diatribe: Don’t Get Drunk And Strap Your Kids To The Hood Of Your Car.

Published on 2012-05-11 05:00:15

I’ve always taken the responsibility of being a Designated Driver very seriously. It’s not always fun to be the one in the group that’s sipping Diet Pepsi while the others are enjoying cocktails and letting off steam but it’s worse to have an accident or an arrest on the way home. I was once a [...]

Ovation: The President Has Evolved!

Published on 2012-05-10 05:00:12

I’ve always tried very hard to not lie about who I am.  I don’t wave flags and there are no rainbow bumper stickers on my car.  I make no excuses.  I am not ashamed. And today I am proud. I’m proud, and I’m grateful, that our President has spoken out on my behalf. Copyright © 2012 [...]

Diatribe: Crazy Apples – Flavored Apples

Published on 2012-05-09 05:00:10

I remember when they used to make things “apple flavored” so that kids would eat them.  Times have changed. I recently discovered something called Crazy Apples.  They’re flavored apples that are advertised as a “ready-to-eat healthy snack”.  Out of curiosity, I bought a “bubble gum” flavored apple to see if someone had really figured out [...]

Ovation: Vice President Biden Is “Absolutely Comfortable” With Marriage Equality.

Published on 2012-05-08 05:00:41

It appears that the Obama administration’s views on marriage equality might be “evolving” a little more quickly than in the past.  In the last few days, two high-ranking officials have publicly expressed their support for nationwide marriage equality.  First, Vice President Joe Biden told NBC’s Meet The Press that he was “absolutely comfortable” with civil marriage [...]

Diatribe: “Street Newspapers”

Published on 2012-05-07 05:00:41

I support fundraising efforts of many organizations but I have little tolerance for beggars.  Fundraisers that are organized, advertised and have a purpose are always more successful than panhandlers or folks with signs on the side of the road.  I hate to be approached by a stranger when it’s obvious to me that they’re going [...]

Ovation: What Would Brian Boitano Make?

Published on 2012-05-06 05:00:02

I think figure skating is fascinating.  I’ve always been impressed by the way skaters have to be both athletes and artists.  What they do is very very physically demanding yet, to be successful, they have to be dancers, gymnasts and actors.  They must have the strength and stamina to perform, usually solo, for as long [...]

Diatribe: Priscilla’s Big Fat American Gypsy (Arranged) Wedding On Television.

Published on 2012-05-05 05:00:52

Cable channel TLC, the home of intellectually stimulating drivel like Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids and Counting and Sister Wives, is about to aim a little lower with My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.  As the title suggests, this eight-episode series will feature the gypsy communities in our country and their weddings.  The first episode [...]

Ovation: Happy No Pants Day!

Published on 2012-05-04 05:00:27

Once, I thought about buying a kilt.  It was a fleeting thought at a unique store in a town at the base of the Smoky Mountains.  The store, Celtic Heritage, seemed really out-of-place in the region but was stocked with what appeard to be authentic Irish merchandise.  The music playing in the store was wonderful and the [...]

Diatribe: Even Well-Trained Dogs Can Fall Out Of Truckbeds.

Published on 2012-05-03 05:00:38

There’s a dog in our neighborhood that has a bad limp.  I don’t know the dog, or the people who it belongs to, but when I see it dragging a leg around I feel bad.  It’s just a dog.  It’s my understanding that this dog was hit by a car and didn’t receive treatment.  A [...]

Ovation: Alex Boston Fights Back … And Sues Her Cyberbullies.

Published on 2012-05-02 05:00:20

Kids can be really mean.  I know that I did my share of “picking” but I was more often than not the kid that was “picked on”.  Kids were relentless with their verbal assaults and my sharp tongue kept me ahead of the pack on most occasions.  There were fights on the playground and someone [...]

Diatribe: Birthday Cake In The Face Leads To Stabbings.

Published on 2012-05-01 05:00:44

I love Mexican food.  I think I could live on cheese dip and margaritas.  It wouldn’t be a long life but it would be tasty.  There’s one Mexican restaurant in particular, close to my home, that I frequent with some regularity.  They have really good food, reasonable prices, great margaritas (2-for-1 on Saturdays!) and the [...]

Ovation: The (Possible) Return Of Dippin’ Dots!

Published on 2012-04-30 05:00:01

When’s the last time you saw an ice cream truck?  Years ago, during the summer months, during the short time between dinner and sunset, the kids in my neighborhood and those nearby, would strain their ears to hear the bells and the music of the Ice Cream Man.  The younger kids would never have the [...]

Diatribe: Youth Escort Policies. Are They Unfair To Well-Behaved Teens?

Published on 2012-04-29 07:39:38

Let’s face it … teenagers don’t really have a lot of options when it comes to entertaining themselves.  Used to be they could gather at a “malt shop” a bowling alley or a “teen club” but these places no longer exist or are too costly for the average teen to enjoy with any frequency.  In [...]

Ovation: SNOPA – The Social Networking Online Protection Act.

Published on 2012-04-28 06:40:37

The lines between our personal lives and our professional lives are quickly blurring.  It used to be that we were either on the clock or off the clock … we were either at work or not at work.  People were able to enjoy a family life outside of business hours.  With advances in technology this [...]

Diatribe: Being Awake When You’re Unconscious.

Published on 2012-04-27 05:00:49

I’ve always been susceptible to sunburn.  When I was a child, I was fortunate enough to get to travel with my family on many many adventures.  Like most American families, one of our favorite destinations was the state of Florida.  Over the years, we visited every beach along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and [...]

Ovation: Crown Crust Cheeseburger Pizza!

Published on 2012-04-26 05:00:30

I love pizza.  I always have.  In fact, one of the biggest treats for young baby boomers was probably pizza.  I learned at an early age that a frozen pizza could become the best meal or late night snack ever.  In my small town, we didn’t have an Italian restaurant but we had Turnabout Pizza. [...]

Diatribe: Drinking Hand Sanitizer Leads To Alcohol Poisoning.

Published on 2012-04-25 05:00:42

I use a lot of hand sanitizer and I enjoy an occasional cocktail but this is ridiculous.  Six California teenagers have recently been hospitalized in separate incidents where each was diagnosed with alcohol poisoning resulting from their drinking hand sanitizer!  And doctors are warning parents that this is a dangerous and fast-growing trend. Apparently, some [...]

Ovation: The Bugs Are Going To Be Bad This Summer And The Birds In New York City Will Be Dirty.

Published on 2012-04-24 05:00:21

We didn’t get a hard freeze last winter and there has been an awful lot of rain so far this spring.  It stands to reason that the bugs are going to be bad this summer, spreading illness and discomfort wherever they go. Mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile Virus, are a serious health threat to livestock [...]

Diatribe: Too Much Stuff On A Restaurant’s Table.

Published on 2012-04-23 05:00:57

Growing up, my mother always kept a centerpiece on our kitchen table.  She didn’t like the look of an empty table when it wasn’t in use and thought it was nice to have something pretty taking up the space in the middle.  Over the years she displayed various artificial flower arrangements and seasonal decorations but [...]

Ovation: A Day As A Tourist Makes You Appreciate Your Home.

Published on 2012-04-22 05:00:24

For many years, my folks have owned a condo in Southwest Florida.  They’ve always let the entire family use it for vacations and, now that they’ve finally retired and live there full time, it serves as a sort of guest house.  We love it there and it’s become a sort of second home.  Over the [...]

Diatribe: Don’t Make Me Beg To Pay You!

Published on 2012-04-21 05:00:18

Used to be that anywhere you spent your money there was a person waiting to take it from you.  I guess as we become an increasingly cashless society, the need to have someone “guarding the register” has decreased.  Personally, I hate it when I have to beg someone to take my money. I’m not necessarily [...]

Ovation: Staff Sergeant Anthony Loverde Reinstated After DADT Discharge.

Published on 2012-04-20 05:00:07

Staff Sergeant Anthony Loverde, discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 2008 under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law, will soon return to active duty.  Loverde will take the oath in Sacramento next month and be assigned to the 19th Operations Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.  His reinstatement will be [...]

Diatribe: Life As A Rodent At Villa Hamster.

Published on 2012-04-19 05:00:04

I get an outrageous kick out of “plushies”.  Whenever I see someone dressed in a fluffy animal suit it makes me smile.  Years ago, there was a British hidden-camera television show called Trigger Happy TV that would make me roar with laughter every time I watched.  Dom Joly and his crew would often feature plushy costumes in [...]

Ovation: Sometimes It Takes A Lot Of Guts To Chase A Dream.

Published on 2012-04-18 05:00:33

I chased a dream once and I caught it.  At an early age I determined that music would be my life’s passion.  I started tinkering with my grandfather’s piano and was eventually introduced to a “recorder” in elementary school.  In the fifth grade, I was deemed old enough to participate in the band program at [...]

Diatribe: Dumbell Dropped On Bullet Injures Weightlifter.

Published on 2012-04-17 05:00:41

I’m not a “gym person”.  Once upon a time, I went religiously.  I had a routine that included a particularly grueling amount of time on a Stairmaster followed by several repetitions on the various resistance weight machines.  Plus I got to use a tanning bed for no additional charge.  I’ve never been muscular or buff [...]

Ovation: The Art Of Alicia Raney.

Published on 2012-04-16 05:00:59

Like many folks, I like to decorate my home with items that make me feel good.  As a teen, I hung album covers on a cork wall beside a poster of Debbie Boone and ticket stubs from my favorite movies.  In college, the posters were framed and featured photos by Ansel Adams and prints by [...]

Diatribe: Breaking A Lease On A Haunted House.

Published on 2012-04-15 05:00:25

I got my first apartment when I was in college.  After three years of living in a dormitory, I found an off-campus rental unit that I could afford with a roommate.  I loved having a place of my own and made many wonderful memories there.  There were late night study sessions and an occasional beer/pizza/video [...]

Ovation: I Think I Might Like To Coupon Extremely.

Published on 2012-04-14 05:00:28

Sometimes, I use coupons.  But I, generally, only use them to buy things that I would buy anyway.  I’ll often wait until something goes on sale and then stock up.  A recent episode of one of my favorite television shows, FOX’s Bones (are you with me, Tivo Mom?), focused on the world of “extreme couponing” and illustrated [...]

Diatribe: Paraskevidekatriaphobia Trivia

Published on 2012-04-13 05:00:47

I’m not a particularly superstitious person.    I’ll walk under ladders, break mirrors and talk baby talk to black cats that cross my path.  I live on the edge like that.  You won’t see me throwing salt over my shoulder or spinning around a designated number of times.  I’m certainly not afraid of Friday the 13th. [...]

Ovation: My Titanic Heart Will Go On In 3D.

Published on 2012-04-12 05:00:03

Last week I finally got to see my favorite movie, Titanic, on the big screen again as it has been re-released in 3D on its fifteenth anniversary.  While I’ve watched it countless times over the years on video, it was a real treat for me to see it again on the “big screen”.  The story [...]

Diatribe: Please Don’t Get Drunk And Breastfeed A Stranger’s Baby.

Published on 2012-04-11 05:00:28

The decision to breastfeed a baby is a very personal one made by many mothers.  According to the 2011 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Breastfeeding Report Card, as many as 74% of new mothers breastfeed their infants for at least a short time and, by the age [...]

Ovation: Polar Bears Don’t Care If They Lose Some Hair.

Published on 2012-04-10 05:00:49

I always had a wild head of hair.  My hair, like my father’s, is naturally curly and can never be cut and styled to keep up with trends.  In the seventies I wore it long and wild.  In the eighties, I’m not proud to admit that I wore a mullet.  Ever since the nineties, when [...]

Diatribe: Why So Many Vodka Flavors?

Published on 2012-04-09 05:00:23

I had my first real cocktail on my 21st birthday.  My mother and stepfather treated me to dinner at a somewhat upscale restaurant near town to celebrate and, because I had reached legal age, suggested that I order a drink.  I didn’t know anything about mixed drinks but I understood that some of them could be [...]

Ovation: Before There Was Photoshop We Had Smiley Face Stickers.

Published on 2012-04-08 05:00:02

Once upon a time, a beloved family member underwent a painful divorce.  Married at a young age, the spouse had truly become a part of our family and, consequently, appeared in many family photos.  After the dust had settled and the divorce was in the past, we still had beautiful family portraits that we enjoyed.  [...]

Diatribe: The Woman Willing To Do It For Two McDoubles.

Published on 2012-04-07 05:00:58

Many years ago, I found myself with a particularly bad habit of stopping on my way home from the barn at McDonald’s where I would order two McDoubles with no mustard for dinner.  I often felt like I smelled like a horse or was too dirty to go inside a nice restaurant for a quick [...]

Ovation: Robosquirrels

Published on 2012-04-06 05:00:29

We have several bird feeders in the yard at my house and we enjoy a variety of songbirds as they appear outside our windows.  We see lots of common chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, wrens, finch and occasional Towhee and a lot of woodpeckers.  But, I must admit, my favorite guest at our bird feeders has [...]

Diatribe: Foods With Faces Are Not For Me.

Published on 2012-04-05 05:00:20

I recently enjoyed a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant with a somewhat famous chef.  To help us make dinner selections, our server, a polite and professional man named Collin, did a fantastic job of explaining the menu and special items that the chef had prepared for the evening.  One item that was available was [...]

Ovation: Indian Man Single-Handedly Plants “Molai Woods”.

Published on 2012-04-04 05:00:50

I don’t have a green thumb.  I’ve always thought that plants were fascinating and I enjoy having them around.  Unfortunately, the lifespan of a plan shrinks significantly once it finds itself under my care.  Over the years, I’ve brought to life and subsequent death many interesting and curious plants.  I was oh so proud of a sunflower [...]

Diatribe: Does Anyone Else Think “Mandatory Valet Parking” Is A Nuisance?

Published on 2012-04-03 05:00:23

Prom Night, May Nineteen-Seventy-Mphmphnsk.  A double date with my best buddy and his girlfriend.  I went to his prom with one of his classmates instead of going to the prom at my own high school.  I was closer to the friends that I had made at work than I ever was with the people in [...]

Ovation: New York State Bans Synthetic Marijuana.

Published on 2012-04-02 05:00:05

Convenience stores didn’t always carry the variety of items that they do today.  Most of today’s markets have more inventory under the counter beneath the cash register than traditional filling stations ever stocked.  They often carry some of the most peculiar merchandise designed to garner impulse purchases from customers of all kinds. I’m amazed at [...]

Diatribe: Prepare For More Junk Mail As USPS Advertises “Every Door Direct Mail”.

Published on 2012-04-01 05:00:42

I hate junk mail.  The sending of thousands of advertisements with the hope of getting a tiny percentage of recipients to respond is hardly a new marketing strategy.  Fortunately, advances in technology allow us to reduce the amount of unwanted electronic mail that we receive and reduce the time that is wasted sorting through it.  [...]

Ovation: Lifetime Memories Are Made At Children’s Birthday Parties.

Published on 2012-03-31 05:00:41

When you’re a small child, celebrating your birthday is a really big deal.  It’s the one day each year that is “yours” and you, naturally, get to be the center of attention.  When I was in elementary school, students would bring a special treat for the class on their birthday.  Mothers would pack cookies or [...]

Diatribe: Can You Really Justify A $26 Hot Dog?

Published on 2012-03-30 05:00:01

A big treat for me when I was a kid was a trip to Bozo’s Hot Dogs in Lockport, Illinois.  It was a little trailer-looking restaurant with outdoor seating at picnic tables in a covered area … almost like a drive-in.  But  you had to get out of your car to place your order at [...]

Ovation: 8-Year-Old’s Eye-Thumb Coordination Catches A Burglar.

Published on 2012-03-29 05:00:04

I’ve always had good eye-hand coordination.  As a youngster, I could whip things up with my Tinker Toys, my Lincoln Logs and my Erector Set with one hand behind my back.  As I grew older, my skills helped me to excel at a variety of tasks things from crochet to clarinet.  I dabbled in wood [...]

Diatribe: Easter Egg Hunt Cancelled Due To Aggressive Parents.

Published on 2012-03-28 05:00:21

When my brother, sister and I were very small, our parents would always give us wonderful holiday celebrations.  Both my mother and my father each had only one sibling of their own so our extended family was of a manageable size and everyone was usually included.  Easter was a favorite of mine.  Not only because [...]

Ovation: Together 60 Years, Married For One, Dead Within Two Weeks.

Published on 2012-03-27 05:00:56

We’ve all met them … Couples that have been together for so long that each partner has lost his or her identity and become half of the larger whole.  Couples that have been married for decades enjoy a shared identity that defines their love and their life together.  As they get older, it often becomes [...]

Diatribe: People Move Across State Lines But State Lines Shouldn’t Move Across People.

Published on 2012-03-26 05:00:50

Anyone who has ever bought a home has seen a diagram of the plot of land that they have purchased.  Property ownership is mostly determined by land surveys and great care is taken to document transactions when parcels change hands.  Most property lines were determined generations ago and new surveys generally take place only when [...]

Ovation: Antique Shopping Can Be A Fantastic Stroll Down Memory Lane.

Published on 2012-03-25 05:00:48

I’ve always liked old things.  I used to get a big kick out of helping my grandmother in the kitchen.  She had an old aluminum egg-beater that you would crank to whip eggs.  I was fascinated by the cogs and gears and couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to crack and egg and hear that thing [...]

Diatribe: Why To Include Lizard Chemo In Your Wedding Budget.

Published on 2012-03-24 05:00:49

Several years ago, I was asked to stand in a dear friend’s weeding as a “bridesman”.  I’d never done anything like it before but she’s somewhat irresistible and doesn’t take “no” for an answer so I agreed.  It was, after all, an honor to be invited to witness her marriage. At the time, we were [...]

Ovation: DiatribesAndOvations’ First Blogiversary!

Published on 2012-03-23 05:00:52

Today marks the first anniversary of DiatribesAndOvations.com.  While I’m still somewhat curmudgeonly, my “exercise in self-therapy” appears to be effective.  I’m proud to say that I have been able to find something nice to say every other day for an entire year.  I’ve stuck to my guns and kept each post (relatively) short and sweet [...]

Diatribe: Nobody Tells Us That License Plate Covers Are Illegal.

Published on 2012-03-22 05:00:01

Not too long ago, some friends of mine bought a new vehicle.  They shopped and shopped and studied manuals and websites for months before deciding to buy their SUV and, since they bought it, take great pride in its care and maintenance.  They’re an older couple and they added side rails to make it easier to [...]

Ovation: Missing Wallet Returned With Twenty Extra Dollars Inside!

Published on 2012-03-21 05:00:33

There are few things more exasperating than losing one’s wallet.  In this day and age, when identity theft is all too common, our wallets contain everything that there is to know about us.  Our driver’s license details our home address, a specimen of our signature and a picture of our face.  The credit cards that [...]

Diatribe: Why Didn’t I Think Of That? Panda Poop Tea!

Published on 2012-03-20 05:00:17

Do you ever think to  yourself “Why didn’t I think of that?”  For example, when you see people paying upwards of thirty dollars per pair to wear ugly plastic shoes with holes in them, do you think “Somebody’s getting rich”?  Another genius thought about marketing a blanket with sleeves and has sold millions of Snuggies.  And [...]

Ovation: Agent Snickerdoodle And The Secret Cookie Service

Published on 2012-03-19 05:00:34

One of my family’s traditions is “Cookie Night”.  Each year, the first Saturday in December is reserved for baking Christmas cookies.  Throughout the year, we all save tins and boxes in order to pack up the different kinds of cookies that we bake.  Complex decorations and exotic holiday recipes are balanced with standard favorites and [...]

Diatribe: Parents Must Be Responsible For The Actions And Safety Of Their Children.

Published on 2012-03-18 05:00:09

Last Wednesday, a 3-year-old girl was thrown from a carnival ride at a Texas rodeo and suffered minor injuries.  The toddler was simply too small to safely enjoy the ride and she slipped through the installed safety harness.  Some would like to hold the ride’s operator responsible for the accident.  But I think the blame [...]

Ovation: St. Patrick’s Day & Lots Of Green Beer.

Published on 2012-03-17 05:00:37

St. Patrick’s Day occurs each year on March 17th and is a day set aside to remember one of Ireland’s patron saints.  In the U.S., it is largely a celebration of Irish-American culture and heritage focusing on Irish themed parties, traditional Irish food, the color green, shamrocks, leprechauns and beer … lots and lots of green [...]

Diatribe: The Love Boat To Be Sold For Scrap Metal?! Say It Isn’t So!

Published on 2012-03-16 05:00:06

Back in the days before blended families, latch-key kids and built in baby sitters, baby sitting was a great way for young people to earn some cash.  My parents, however, relied on my grandparents on the rare occurrences that took them away from home.  I had some great times and made wonderful memories on many [...]

Ovation: HBO Does The Right Thing And Cancels “Luck” Before Any More Horses Die.

Published on 2012-03-15 05:00:10

I think that horses are magnificent animals.  They can give us absolute trust and work extraordinarily hard in exchange for very little but food, water and shelter from the elements.  More than four million Americans are involved in the industry as horse owners, service providers, employees or volunteers and tens of millions more participate as [...]

Diatribe: School Buses Should Have Seat Belts So Kids Won’t Die!

Published on 2012-03-14 05:00:14

We didn’t always have seat belts.� Baby boomers will remember a time when children road on “the hump” or in the back window.� Eventually, seatbelts were no longer an optional accessory and they became mandatory in all cars and trucks … then shoulder straps … then car seats.� Now, in many places there are laws [...]

Ovation: Working To Change The MPAA’s Rating Of “Bully”.

Published on 2012-03-13 05:45:14

A few years back, I found myself writing a letter to the corporate office of our local movie theater chain because they refused admission to a seventeen-year-old that wanted to see a movie that was rated “R” with a group of his older friends.  I worked at a movie theater for many years, at one [...]

Diatribe: Banda Music And Black Market Tubas.

Published on 2012-03-12 05:00:54

About half-way through my college music experience, the baritone horn player in the concert band graduated and I was asked to take his place.  I had never played a baritone before but was quite proficient at the trombone and the two instruments are similar in many ways.  I borrowed a baritone horn from the school’s [...]

Ovation: GUEST POST! 10 Most Underrated Cartoons of All Time – By Taggart

Published on 2012-03-11 06:00:50

Before cartoons developed into nonsensical vomits of imagination, they had contiguous plotlines and didactic agendas, even if that agenda was thinly veiled jingoism. The animated series of the past, circa 1985–1990, was never subtle and always tackled the world’s biggest issues with the delicacy of an ACME anvil. This is the era of Voltron, The [...]

Diatribe: Laser Pointing Father Gets Arrested At High School Hockey Game.

Published on 2012-03-10 05:00:01

I have a cat.  He’s crazy.  When he was a kitten, almost fifteen years ago, I lived in a house that had floor-to-ceiling picture windows in the living room.  After dark, the kitten would run around the room and throw himself at the windows in a futile effort to catch moths and other bugs that [...]

Ovation: Consider Yourself Challenged! Name That Tune To Make A Comeback!

Published on 2012-03-09 05:00:19

I grew up in a very musical household.  My grandfather was a professional musician, my mother was an avid organ enthusiast and there was always a radio playing somewhere in the house.  We would enjoy singalongs at Shaky’s Pizza as often as possible and there was rarely a family gathering that didn’t include laughter and [...]

Diatribe: Michigan Lottery Winner Continues To Accept Government Assistance.

Published on 2012-03-08 05:00:37

I’ve not been so lucky when it comes to winning the lottery.  I buy a ticket every week but have yet to win a big jackpot.  I’m reminded of this old tale … Sam was in dire trouble. His business had gone bust and he was in serious financial trouble. He was so desperate he [...]

Ovation: What To Do When Your McNugget Resembles George Washington.

Published on 2012-03-07 05:00:18

I’m not always the best “shopper”.  I try to research big purchases to be informed and I like to shop around online to be sure that I’m not paying too much.  I always look for coupons or codes that will save a few dollars.  I’m not a “penny pincher” by any means but I hate [...]

Diatribe: Bluetooth Users Could Be More Considerate.

Published on 2012-03-06 06:00:45

Have you ever encountered a friend or colleague and stopped to say “hello” only to be greeted by a violent game of charades, including animated pointing at the head and fingers to the lips in shush-fashion? Odds are good that you’ve spoken to someone that was already involved in a conversation using a hands-free Bluetooth. [...]

Ovation: If You Like Flash Mobs, You’ll Love CASH MOBS!

Published on 2012-03-05 05:00:18

I love Flash Mobs.  I find it fascinating that so many people can organize themselves, rehearse, and perform the intricate choreography.  And they manage to keep it a secret, too.  There’s no way that I could memorize all the steps and words and moves but I sure do like to watch them!  This is one [...]

Diatribe: Stop Worrying About What You Pay For Gasoline And Start Worrying About How You Use It Instead.

Published on 2012-03-04 05:00:35

I know many people who will drive across town or wait in long lines to save a couple of cents per gallon when they buy gas for their vehicles.  I’m just not that way.  I never let my gas tanks fall below the quarter-full mark so, when I do stop to fill up, I can [...]

Ovation: GUEST POST! “Matilda” Is A Musical Hit At London’s West End – By Harpreet Chahal

Published on 2012-03-03 05:00:57

Roald Dahl’s much adored novel Matilda has been beautifully transformed into a musical by the one and only Dennis Kelly and award-winning comedian and musician Tim Minchin. The brand new musical has been given a 5 star review by The Mail and is said to be “hilarious, moving and magical” by The Telegraph. The production by The [...]

Diatribe: Are Those Stolen Hashbrowns In Your Pants Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

Published on 2012-03-02 05:00:26

I’m no stranger to college cafeteria food.  Back in my college days living in a dormitory, everyone bought a “food program pass” that allowed us to much eat all we wanted whenever the cafeteria was open.  The food wasn’t fantastic but there was plenty of it.  Nobody ever went hungry and it was quite common [...]

Ovation: Toys R Us & Archie Comics – vs- One Million Moms

Published on 2012-03-01 05:00:37

One Million Moms (there’s probably not really a million of them) is an organization that confuses me very much.  The organization was created as a project of the American Family Association to, supposedly, give mothers an opportunity to “stand against the immorality, violence, vulgarity and profanity the entertainment media is throwing at your children.”  In [...]

Diatribe: Folks In Wasilla, Alaska, Are Talking Smack About Art.

Published on 2012-02-29 05:46:46

In 2003 and amid much controversy, Musica, a bronze statue was installed in Nashville’s Music Row Roundabout as part of an urban renewal project for the area.  Created by Alan LeQuire, Musica is the largest sculpture commission to date and, possibly, the largest in the United States.  It features nine human figures, as tall as [...]

Ovation: What A Wonderful World.

Published on 2012-02-28 00:40:25

There’s a lot of hate in our world.  A lot of destruction and despair.  But there’s also a vast amount of beauty that’s ours to behold.  Last Saturday I had the privilege of enjoying the local symphony orchestra perform Aaron Copeland’s Symphony No. 3 and it was fantastic.  As I listened, I thought about how [...]

Diatribe: “Family Stickers” On Your Mini Van Are A Very Bad Idea.

Published on 2012-02-27 05:00:04

In my childhood travels, one of the places that we visited was Wall Drug Store, a tourist attraction located in the town of Wall, South Dakota.  It’s still a huge tourist trap stuffed with every imaginable souvenir and famous for its marketing campaigns including free water for visitors.  Back then, they had a reputation for [...]

Ovation: Comic Book Collection Bring $3.5 Million At NYC Auction.

Published on 2012-02-26 05:00:16

As a boy, I always enjoyed comic books.  I was more of a Bugs Bunny/Scrooge McDuck/Huckleberry Hound connoisseur than a superhero/“graphic novel” fan.  I would read them after bedtime, under the covers with a flashlight, like so many other children of the time.  I would even read the advertisements for ant farms, x-ray glasses and [...]

Diatribe: Great Shows – Guest Post From Josue Nichols

Published on 2012-02-25 05:00:34

I never knew there were so many great shows on my extended channels. I recently signed up for some Direct TV Deals in my area and I can’t get enough of all these ridiculous TV shows that seem to be plaguing the airways. For example, have you seen that show called Love and Hip-Hop? The [...]

Ovation: Heroes Catch Baby Dropped From Burning Building.

Published on 2012-02-24 05:00:31

I used to cook a lot more than I do now.  One night, I was preparing an old-standby spaghetti dinner when I heard a strange “POP” from near the oven.  I turned to look and noticed that the water had stopped boiling.  Then I saw a little bit of smoke followed by a lot more [...]

Diatribe: “Dance Moms” Abby Lee Miller Is Despicable.

Published on 2012-02-23 05:00:16

I admit it.  I’m a long-time viewer of Lifetime Network.  For many years I would turn it on as I went to bed because I could never fall asleep while listening to the news.  For years, I would drift off with The Golden Girls quietly snipping at each other across the bedroom.  Then, for many [...]

Ovation: The NAMES Project AIDS Quilt – 25 Years Later.

Published on 2012-02-22 05:00:02

I feel old today.  I participated in the 1987 March on Washington for LGBT equality.  It was one of the most liberating days of my life.  To be surrounded by thousands of LGBT people that were seeking nothing but the same happiness and freedom that I wanted, was truly a celebration.  I met people from [...]

Diatribe: The Extinction Of Cartographers, Navigators And Maps.

Published on 2012-02-21 05:00:25

When I was young, my family had a motor home and our vacations were spent on the roads.  Our courses were always plotted in advance and we would have a nightly destination.  I remember how much I loved to sit in the passenger seat as we travelled down the highways and watch our progress on [...]

Ovation: Here’s To New Friends.

Published on 2012-02-20 05:00:23

It’s funny how, sometimes, it can be difficult to meet new people.  Some of us have friends that we’ve known for years, often for a lifetime, and sometimes we meet new people with whom we feel close from the start. We went on another road trip this weekend to an out-of-state fundraising event.  Trying to [...]

Diatribe: Is Proposed Tattoo Policy Another Attempt To Legislate Morality?

Published on 2012-02-19 05:00:48

I don’t have a tattoo and I will never have one.  I’m simply not capable of making a decision with that much impact … a decision that will, literally, go with me to my grave.  But I understand that, for the tattoo aficionados among us, they are a wonderfully permanent expression of individuality and personality.  [...]

Ovation: Maverick The Weimaraner Goes From Craigslist To Westminster.

Published on 2012-02-18 05:00:44

We have two dogs at our house.  We found them both on Craig’s List.  They belonged to people who simply could no longer care for them so they posted a free online advertisement.  We agreed to pay a small fee to prove that our intentions were good and we met with the owners to assure [...]

Diatribe: How Can Someone Let Their Mother Die Of Hoarding?

Published on 2012-02-17 05:00:04

I admit it.  I have a morbid fascination with A&E’s Hoarders and Hoarders: Buried Alive.  Each episode of the Emmy-nominated program focuses on two different people who excessively acquire and are unable or unwilling to throw away huge quantities of items that appear to be useless and have no value.  With the help of psychologists, professional organizers, [...]

Ovation: FCC Approves Updated Robocall Rules!

Published on 2012-02-16 05:00:11

We’re thinking of getting rid of the telephone in our house.  The only reason we have a “land line” is because the cell service in our house used to be sporadic and we wanted to be sure that we could dial 911 if we needed emergency assistance.  Everyone in our household, like most others, has [...]

Diatribe: It’s Too Soon For Grammy’s To Shower Chris Brown With Love.

Published on 2012-02-15 05:00:06

I watched every minute of the 2012 Grammy Awards on television and, for the most part, I enjoyed it.  Big wins by Adele and moving tributes to the late Whitney Houston were expected and did not disappoint.  But I was, frankly, disgusted by the amount of time devoted to Chris Brown.  He was seen center [...]

Ovation: Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Published on 2012-02-14 05:00:38

At my house we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.  We don’t need Hallmark or 1-800-FLOWERS to tell us when to be in love.  (See Fathers Day)  We celebrate our anniversary instead because it’s about us and our relationship and not about the Love Industry.  On Valentine’s Day, restaurants are crowded, red heart decorations take over the [...]

Diatribe: Virginia School District Works To Ban “Cross-Gender” Dressing.

Published on 2012-02-13 05:00:38

Several years ago, my local school system implemented a formal dress code.  It was an intense process involving lots of emotions on both sides of the issue.  School administrators argued that a consistent dress code would make for a safer learning environment while parents and others believed it would create unnecessary household expense, stifle a [...]

Ovation: Video Poker vs. Blackjack vs. Slot Machines

Published on 2012-02-12 05:00:58

I love to go to casinos with my mother.  I’ve had some good times watching her play video poker.  She can make a twenty-dollar bill last for hours.  I don’t know how she does it since I don’t have the patience.  I need video poker tips.  Slot machines don’t entertain me because there’s no thinking [...]

Diatribe: Know The Difference Between Having A Handicap And Having A Parking Permit.

Published on 2012-02-11 05:00:30

One of the last things that my late grandmother and I did together, just the two of us, before her final turn for the worst was a shopping trip.  She wanted to go out for a sandwich and look around a new department store that had recently opened in town and she asked me to [...]

Ovation: Water Bottles Banned At Grand Canyon.

Published on 2012-02-10 05:00:52

I used to go to a lot of hockey games.  Hockey fans are a wild bunch, rowdy and fun and loud … and thirsty!  They’d spend outrageous amounts of money on huge cans of draft beer, “souvenir cups” of soda and the occasional bottle of water.  As time went on and bottled water became more [...]

Diatribe: Am I The Only One That Thinks Police Officers Should Set A Good Example On The Road?

Published on 2012-02-09 05:00:21

When I got my driver’s license, back in the age of AM Radios and windows that you had to crank up and down, I was confident in my abilities.  I had gotten a perfect score on the written portion of the test and completed a behind-the-wheel program at my high school.  I was ready to [...]

Ovation: Thanks To The Kindness Of A Stranger, A Misdial, Not A “Butt Call”, Saved A Life.

Published on 2012-02-08 05:00:12

High on my list of Most Embarrassing Things That I’ve Done is my famous “Britney Spears Butt Call”.  The incident occurred, a long time ago, as I drove to the barn to do chores very early one morning.  It was before daybreak and, tired and groggy from rising early, I was alone in the truck [...]