Friday Night Hottie #6

Our Selection this week is the lovely Minka Kelly, from the faboulously awesome show Friday Night Lights. She plays the cheerleader girlfriend of the injured star QB. Its hard to tell if her character really cares about her beau, or if she is big on the image that they have cultivated together, but to me, she can really do no wrong.




And while she plays a 17 or 18 year old, Minka is actually 26 years old, so no worries about this being creepy in some sort of way. And if you take a good look at her, she does remind me of Penelope Cruz. Well enjoy Little Known Hottie #6

Man bites Cops

You know the stories. The story about the stupid bank robber who leaves his address on the back of the note he passes to the teller. Or the smash and grab guy who tries to smash a rapper and his posse. And who hasnt heard the old joke about a donut shop being the safest place to work. Well, add this ticket scammer who not only was stupid enough to try and steal money from some of the toughest fans in the country, but also made sure that those fans were Police Officers!!

Feast Dummy

Kind of hard to join in the Friday Feast if you dont have the link isnt it?

Friday's Feast

Friday Feast #2

Hopefully the power will cooperate through this whole list, since its like Hurrican Fall out there right now. Here goes...

Appetizer Whats your favorite beverage?

Mountain Dew would be my pick for this one, just because it covers so many bases. It gets the caffeine that you need, quenches your thirst and can be sampled 24 hours a day, unlike Martinis.

Soup Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

Hmm have to think, since i use the laptop 99% of the time. An Oregon Duck stuffed mascot doll. The connection bridge to update my ipod. A berry candle.

Salad On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

8. Do I use a white lie or two now and then, yes. Do I sometimes say the laundry is done and then scramble around after talking to wifey to get it done, yes. Do i tell the big lies, helllll no

Entree If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

My goodness, odd question. The first one that pops into my head is New York, since everytime I have been there I dont remember anything New. I would probably rename it Manhattan, since thats the part everyone knows.

Dessert What stresses you out? What calms you down?

There are plenty of things that stress me out, though the lack of a job has been a constant. My biggest stresser now is visits from my family. The Ipod really really loud on my way to the airport to them up. Kittie kisses help too and Mrs Duck scratching her nails in my head works as well.


If you join in drop me a line and ill save ya a seat at the table.

A few responses to the most recent TT

A few comments in response

KT-He has 3 books, ive read two of them and the 3rd one is impossible to find, but im still looking

TINK,CHEY-I am still reading some of her old books, though I could not help but know that Benton died and lived even though I havent gotten to that book yet. Ive heard shes gotten creepier recently, we will see.

CARMEN-I want a copy

COLEEN-TY that means alot coming from someone who has already been published.

MEASI-There really quite different in there styles so I could see how you would like one and not the other.

Everyone else your welcome, try em out and let me know whatcha think...

Ahoy, its Apple Cake

Continuing the recipe exchange on Friday idea, here is the recipe for Apple Cake, which was great and lasted the two of us 4 days. Now be forewarned, the batter is sticky, and if Mrs Duck did not have the KitchenAid we might have had some problems.

3 cups of Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup cooking oil
2 beaten eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups chopped peeled apples
1 cup toasted chopped peacans
2 teaspoon lemon peel (we didnt add this and it was fine)
powdered sugar

1.Grease and lightly flour 10 inch tube pan or bundt pan. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice and a 1/4 tea of salt. Set Aside

2.In another mixing bowl combine sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium for 2 minutes. Add dry flour mixture and beat on low until just combined. Fold in Apples, pecans and lemon peel (if using). Pour entire batter into the prepared pan.

3.Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or till wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake on wire rack for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar. Cover and store in refridgerator until its ready to be served.

this comes from the Better Homes and Gardens New cookbook.


If you try it, let me know how it tastes and please feel free to share a recipe, i love new stuff.

Nope not gonna do it

Going to resist the urge to BWI (Blog while Intoxicated) though who knows i might be more brillant this way.

Lower and Lower, how long is left in this election?

This is even low for the Republicans. There should be a rule that there are certain Icons in our country that should be off limits for use in political ads. Its almost like saying Santa Claus is a republican.

Thursday Thirteen #4

Thirteen Authors Sparkyreads faithfully And One mention of a book they are known for, enjoy... 1.Mike Lupica-Amazon.com: Summer of '98. Sports books with humor. 2.Tony Kornheiser-Amazon.com: I'm Back for More Cash: A Tony Kornheiser Collection (Because You Can't Take Two Hundred Newspapers into the Bathroom). A editorialist and sports writer who now calls games on Monday Night football. Some laugh until you cry articles, and its not all about sports 3.Laurell K Hamilton-Amazon.com: Danse Macabre (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter)Books about Vampires and Fairies with a certain twisted view. 4.Kim Harrison-Amazon.com: The Good, the Bad, and the Undead. Books about witches and casting out spirits, yet almost like a mystery murder book as well. 5.Robert B Parker-Amazon.com: Early Autumn. Two of the best heroes in Mystery's, Spenser and Hawk 6.David Maraniss-Amazon.com: When Pride Still Mattered. The biographer of America 7.Al Franken-Amazon.com: Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot. Originally, he was just very funny, now he has become funny and truthful. 8.Darby Conley-Amazon.com: Say Cheesy: A Get Fuzzy Collection, Vol. 5. Cats in a Cartoon, enough said 9.Shakespeare-Ok, I didnt voluntarily read most of his works, but they werent that bad, even if force for educational purposes. 10.Michael Moore-Amazon.com: Stupid White Men: ...And Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!/a>. A little bit radical, but he does get a discussion going. 11.Patricia Cornwell-Amazon.com: Body of Evidence. I first started reading them because she located her books around places my parents used to live, then they just became creepy good. 12.Jane Green-Amazon.com: To Have and To Hold: A NovelThe first chick lit author that i really liked. 13.Other authors that i should be reading more of:Sarah Vowell, Kristin Gore, Zoey Dean, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart, Anne Rice. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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I want to be left alone....

You are Betty Grable

The ulitmate girl next door You're the perfect girl for most guys Pretty yet approachable. Beautiful yet real.

What Famous Pinup Are You?

Maybe TMZ will pick this up

A little fiction suggested by Queen Kukka. Enjoy....

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Im Chris Meowthews and your watching Furball. Lots of news to report up in Minnesota, but now we get word that there is a hastily called press conference being put to gether by Miss Kukka-Maria's press liason, Sparky Duck. We go to Minneapolis now for live coverage.

Thank you for coming everyone, I am Sparky Duck, and I have a prepared statement put together by Miss Kukka as well as some of her other people in her public relations staff (read Agent). I will be reading from this statement, to try and dispel some rumors and innuendo being sprayed around, but I will not be taking any other questions.

First, Miss Kukka-Maria will not be running for Senator this year in Minnesota. Or any year for that matter. Especially since she was quoted as saying I cant believe that we have to come here for the Super Sexy Hyper Talented cat convention. That was a mistake, what she meant to say was that I can't believe we dont come here every month.

Second, Miss Kukka-Maria did not say that Mr. Kennedy was as smart as a scratching post and that Ms. Klobuchar needs to find herself some contact lenses. In fact I hate these 3rd party blind quotes being propigated as fact. (a sidelong glance to the agent).

Third, while it is true the Miss KM was and is a proponent of Iams and Purina, and yes being a celebrity, she does have some pull with you bumpkins, er, modest people of Minnesota. But, she has nothing to do with the attempts to make either of those foods mandatory for all cats in Minnesota. Again, nothing could be further from the truth, since Miss Maria would love to sample Innovo, Whiskas and any other cat food product. Please feel free to contact me with an sort of endorsement ideas.

Finally, while it is true, (clearing throat and glaring backstage) since it was caught on tape, that Miss KM did say she cant believe you all had a Wrestler as Governor, she was on a prescription for catnip and was not in the right frame of mind when the quote was taken. The catnip is strictly medicinal, for a slight pulled muscle in her back, though not, I repeat not, due to any gaining of any weight!

Now, if anyone would like, there are autographed pictures on the back table on the way out, but again, I will say that there will not be any further comments from Miss KM until this convention is over, which by the way has not gotten enough media coverage that is for sure.

Political quicksand?

First, yesterday was not the best day for Sen. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania, who is in a tight race right now with the Democrat, Admiral Sestak. Though, it is the Philadelphia region and we like our politicians with a bit of a mud on there lapels. This race though has been very nip and tuck and the way that things have been going so far for Republicans in general, the timing sucks for Weldon.

Then there was the Minnesota Senatorial Debate over the weekend, on Meet the Press. Now I would not have though that Minnesota would have been a place that would go red, and after watching the debate, I still dont think it will go red, since Kennedy seemed quite, um, dry. (Ok Mrs Duck said dopey) and Klobuchar, while inexperienced, was an excellent debater. So, it should noy be a surprise that a poll came out the same day that had the Klobuchar, the democrat, up by 22 points. Mr. Kennedy might have debated better if he actually acknowledged his opponents presence while they were on the air.

I dont know how they do it

Cardinal fans in Arizona, the 3 of you out there, must be looking longingly at the Chase building this morning, trying to figure how hard it would be to jump.

Fire Denny Green

After last night's disaster, I am sure there is plenty of cries to get Denny Green out now, today, period. You can't blow two 14 point leads in the fourth quarter and survive as a coach. This is a team that had Emmit Smith and now has Edge James at running back and still finds itself mired at about rank 20 or so in rushing. They have 2 of the most exciting wide receivers in the game right now and a rookie at quarterback that is going to be a stud and they still CANT WIN!

New Stadium-CANT WIN
New Uniforms-CANT WIN
A Hard Hitting Secondary-CANT WIN
a defensive line that has managed close to 30 sacks over the last 2 years and they just CANT WIN.

Somehow I think it might be the coaches fault by now.

My Fantasy Football day

(Editors Note: My actual post on my fantasy league message board. Can you tell I was a tad annoyed that I am losing going into the Monday night game?)

I Hate Kevin Jones

Ok, I dont hate Kevin Jones, I hate the fact that I didnt
play him. Plus, it was the only way I could think of as an
excuse to use a Jenna Jameson picture. Though, I do hate the
fact that I didnt realize that Frank Gore would gain as much
yards as Al Gore would against San Diego. Now I am off to go
find a curse for the Chicago Bears defense,

Coach Wiccan out

Little Known Hottie #5

Our Winner this week is Lindsey of the Minnesota Vikings. Yes, I am a sucker for brunettes and a sucker for curly hair, so this one is right up my alley im afraid. 't Shh, dont tell Mrs. Duck, but this discovery was made by watching the NFL Cheerleader Playoffs which quite frankly is a pretty stupid show, but they have a dance competition!

Recipeville

Kristie from Slacker-moms-r-us came up with idea and I love it. I adore cooking, everyone says I should become a chef, but I want my hobby to stay a hobby. Anyway, Im going to post a recipe and if you try it, let me know how it went or share your own on your blog and lemme know its there.

Chicken Mole Poblano a recipe I got from The Great American Cookbook, which by the way I only paid a dollar for at Michael's.

3 Tbsp oil
4 chicken pieces, about 8 ozs total
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 hot DRIED chile reconstitueted and chopped (the canned chiles are too hot)
1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
1 tbsp chopped almonds
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, cumin and ground cloves
3 tomatoes peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
1.5 cups chicken stock (plus some extra incase its dry)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 oz semisweet chocolate (i used powder)

Serve with rice or noodles

1.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside

2.Add the onion, garlic, and chiles and cook for 5 minutes. Add the sesame and the nuts and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, stock, raisins, peanut butter and chocolate and stir well. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

3.Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. (I blended a half of a cup or so and that worked out fine, instead of the entire sauce)

4.Return the mixture to the skillet, add the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer covered for an hour or so (after 35 minutes the mixture was good to go for us) or until chicken is tender, adding more stock as necessary.

5.Serve over rice.

Sparkys Notes:Ok, I made this last week, and it tasted great, except it was way too hot, even for me. I used the goya chipolte peppers in adobo sauce because i could not locate any dry peppers. Big mistake, no matter how many additional tablespoons of peanut butter and chocolate I added, it was still hot. So, next time, I will use a seeded jalapeno or poblano fresh pepper if I cant find dried.

My First Friday Feast (FF#1)

Appetizer How many hours a week do you spend reading other peoples blogs?

Well, I would say roughly about 10 hours a week or so. I have to blog rolls of blogs I check out every day in my favorites and I also have a couple of blogs that are almost like commercial ones, like Deadspin and Wonkette, which I read a few times a day.

Soup Your community wants everyone to give one thing to put into a time capsule. What item would you choose to include?

Hmm, I think I would do a little combination type thing. I would include an Ipod because I think that is one of the biggest technological advances of our time and I would include the Fly Eagles Fly song, as well as as many podcasts from WMMR and as many live cuts from the Electric Factory I could find. Oh and I would have to include a charger too, since the battery will die in that much time.

Salad What is the most interesting tourist attraction you've ever visited?

Hmm, I actually have to go back to the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Though it was not one museum, but a group of museums, it seems to be a Museum I still remember, and I still love that educational enterntainment now.

Main Course If you could give an award to anyone for anything, who would it be and what would the award be titled?

Hmm, I would give the award to my Father, because no matter how hard I try to avoid it, I still pattern my life after his example. I would call the award Exhibit A

Dessert What do you think your favorite color reveals about your personality?

Well, Purple is my favorite color, and I think it reveals how I am a tad out of the norm, because while purple is a hugely popular color now, I was ahead of the curve! Hmm, im a trendsetter?


If your gonna join in, leave a comment and put your name in the linky

An Ice Pick in my brain

Last night was either a migraine or some sort of sinus infection thing going on. I actually dont think it was a migraine, because Big Poppy gets migraines and I was not as handicapped as he has been, but it was annoying. I will say though that the cold compresses at the back of the neck really works, for some strange reason. I dont know if it is because it distracts the front of your head from pain, or if it really does something, but it worked. At least I did not have to resort to Head On, though scary as it is, I did consider it.

Grey's Talk

So, we had a Grey's marathon last night, well at least a Grey's double feature since last week was a tad crazy. I truly do enjoy this show, though more times then not Izzy annoys me in one way or another. My question is from last nights show, where did Denny Jr get all that money from?

Thirteen ThingsSparky got for his Birthday 1…. $65.00 in Itunes Gift Cards. I am an Itunes/Ipod Junky 2.Evanescence-The Open Door. Besides the fact that Amy Lee is beautiful, her voice is spectacular. I really wanted this CD, which says alot since im a Itunes Junkie :) 3.my Precious Brett Favre jersey. I have been asking for this for four years. Gonna break it out this weekend. 4.What looks like a great book and an Imus in the Morning favorite guest 5.I love Vampire books, so I am hoping L.A. Banks will join my stable of authors I already read. 6.I dont even like to watch hockey on TV, but the NHL franchise from EA Sports has been one of the greates games ever created, so I updated my collection 7.After reading this blog, do you think I would miss the opportunity for a Keith Olbermann book? 8. My Oregon Slippers, well a replacement, since the ones I got last year I wore into the ground, until they fell apart. 9.I adore Sarah, she writes more beautifully then she sings. I cant wait to crack this DVD open. 10. The Oregon Yell-o Spirit T-Shirt, though it is a double XXL, I havent gained that much weight, but I see it being hard to return, so this may become a sleep shirt. 11.Free dessert from Famous Dave's Barbeque Ribs and Sauces. This was my choice for a Birthday dinner, and when you sign up for the P.I.G. club, they send you something free on your birthday. Yummy bourbon bread pudding, thank you very much. 12.Woken up in the middle of the night -wink wink, nudge, nudge- 13.A terrific day, where I felt loved and at home, even though the only visitors I got was Mrs. Duck. I am very lucky and I know it. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

For Red's Mother

well, also for Red too, since its probably hurting her more now...

By the great Sarah McLachlan

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell.

Hold on
Hold on to yourself.
You know that only time can tell

what is it in me that refuses to believe
this isn't easier than the real thing.

My love
you know that you're my best friend.
You know that I'd do anything for you
and my love
let nothing come between us
my love for you is strong and true.

Am I in heaven here or
am I...
At the crossroads I am standing.

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow
and will see another day
and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face.

Oh god
if you're out there won't you hear me.
I know we're never talked before

and oh god
the man I love is leaving
won't you take him when he comes to your door.

Am I in heaven here or
am I in hell
at the crossroads I am standing.

So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow
and we will see another day
and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face

Hold on
hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell.


ps-its always the bagpipes that get me

Now I know why the Shrub gets nothing done

Its obvious, he has so much on his plate. Im unemployed, Ill take one of his jobs!

Alright, I can be Fo Real Fo Sure

Thanks to good ole pimpmaster Zeus I to can have a pimped out nickname. I always wanted to be like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Ludacris, and now I can be. Actually I do have a few choices, either based off my real name making me

Crazy Eyes C. Jazz

or my stage name

Sugartastic Sparky Flex

Though amazingly, I actually am a fan of choice A. Hmm Philly Transplant brought to you by Crazy Eyes has a certain ring to it.

Get your pimp name here, sorry, music video chicks not included.

Wadda Week Pt 2

The fun continues...

Tuesday was non existent. Probably because we walked in from the game at 2 in the morning and even with plenty of sleep I was totally and utterly exhausted. Poor Mrs Duck had to go to work. I can't even tell you what I really did that day.

Wednesday was a haircut down in Center City. I go to Jen at House Productions Studio. She does a nice job, though how hard can it be to cut my hair, you just have to cut it short. But Mrs. D does not like when I go to the Hair Cuttery and since it was a gorgeous day, a trip into Center City was not that bad. You just have to be out of town by 3 or the traffic gets disasterous. One highlight, besides saying hello to Mrs Duck at work, was a visit to the Amazon Cafe! on Market Street. I love there juice smoothies, plus they say they are putting little boosts of vitamins in them, though Im not totally sold on that. The coconut drink just brought back memories of Hawaii.

I was able to get out of the city in a reasonable amount of time and hit the Acme to pickup some odds and ends for dinner. Though I made a slight mistake in picking up peppers for dinner. Chipolte peppers in Adobo sauce are not a mild as I remember them!! Though I will share the recipe later, I can say that it was hotter then I remembered it, no matter how much chocolate powder or peanut butter I could add.

Should he stay or should he go

The soap opera that is the future ofJoe Torre's career in New York has continued for another few days. I actually think that they might as well keep Torre, since he's going to be paid for another year anyway, and at almost 10 million dollars to boot. Plus knowing Steinbrenner, he will want to steal as much limelight from the Mets as he can, so firing Torre before Wednesday makes no sense. And if he does keep Torre, he has Larry Bowa as a built in interim manager if things go sour early next year.

Then again, who really cares, the Yankees will continue to overspend on free agents no matter whether its Torre, Pinella, Bowa or Porky Pig as the manager.

Bizarre

Seems I really need to look into getting flickr, since those pictures came out looking a bit out of wack. Not that I am going to spend my time to fix em now, my nose feels like its going to explode.

Pictures from the Linc-Eagles/Packers

Wadda Week Pt1-The Linc

Well, I am finally out from underneath the deluge of the in-laws, I am able to look back over the last week, my birthday week. Thrilling isn't it? Anyways, on to part one, The Ducks go to the Linc.

I picked up Mrs Duck and we had actually an easy time getting down to the stadium. Though I realized later because it was Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur or one of those jewish holidays, actually a good time to go to a Monday Night game. The seats were nice, the Eagles won and it didnt rain. Now the Rest

The Good from Eagle vs Packer 10/2/06
1.The Eagles won. It was for a brief period of time kind of a nailbiter. Its amazing what a difference Westbrook makes, because without him, at least against Green Bay, the Eagles had no running game. But Donovan finally decided to start running, thankfully.

2.McFadden's at Citizen's Bank Park. This place was alot of fun, and actually not that crowded, at least for what you would think with an Eagles game across the street. The beers were cheap and the music was good. Highly recommended if your gonna be at an Iggles game.

3.The seats were great, at least when it comes to sightlines. We were right on the 50 yard line, and there was no place hidden from view. Well worth the money.

4.I was glad Greg Lewis had a great game. Though if they say he's 6 feet, then I am Chris Matthews of MSNBC.

The Bad:
1.Favre had a horrible game. Ok, horrible might notbe the right word, but he threw 2 interceptions and could not get his team into the end zone. I was really hoping to see a glimpse of the old Favre, but, I will take just seeing him play at all.

2.Sitting for over an hour in the parking lot to be allowed to leave the stadium. Something that they really need to work on down at the stadiums is the fact that there organization is lacking. We left the game early and were still sitting there with people who stayed until the bitter end. Next year, maybe the subway.

The Ugly:
1.The collection of fans around us. I dont know if because it was a Monday night game, the older guard gave there tickets away to there kids, or if it was the fact that they had the chance to drink all day, but in general I felt the gathered upper level fans were quite rude. Rude to the point that they yelled and tried to make the people in front of them sit down to watch the game. I have been to plenty of games, you don't sit the entire time. Rude to the point that they booed and yelled at first aid workers who were tending to a drunken fan that fell down the stairs, because all of his bleeding was taking too long to clean up, and they couldn't see. Stand Up for Christ Sake!

Overall, an enjoyable experience. A Monday Night game has a certain electricity. Though I think Mrs Duck and I both decided that it would be only a once a year trip.

Thursday 13 #3-And you thought last week was personal

Thirteen Things Sparky has seen in the last 20 years or so 1.That cats can actually smile with there eyes. There is a certain little glint that shows up in Kitties eyes when she sees you after a long trip or even when you are about to feed her. It is just the slight recoginition that says, thats my dad and he's here to take care of me again. 2.9/11. No offense to anyone that lost anybody, but if you did not live north of Virginia, it did not affect you the same way. The pain stayed over and over again, thanks to the local news, accept for the fact that the local news went off the air because of the loss of the antennaes. The pain and fear in people's eyes in NJ, and the fact that I could drive up the turnpike and see the smoke was and is unforgettable. 3.The pain of divorce. Perhaps I got married to young, or married for all the wrong reasons, but a divorce is still somethin that is hard to get over. My advice, don't get married before your 30, you have no idea what you want in life. 4. That a vodka martini is a terrific drink. Olives are a delicacy and it should be a national law that a martini is required after work. 5.Bill Clinton. Yes, he was a bad bad boy in his social life, but as a President, he was my Kennedy. My President that helped me to realize that politics could actually make some sort of difference and that my vote actually made a difference. Plus, he was a natural and brillant campaigner. 6. The happiness that was in my wife's eyes when we first saw each other on our wedding day. There was something so warm, so perfect in her face. She calmed me that day, made me happy and she does that everyday without even knowing it. 7. TV has improved 10 fold over the last 10 years. In the old days, the Cosby Show was groundbreaking. Now we have some great stories being told on Lost, Studio 60, NCIS, House,Grey's Anatomy and Friday Night Lights. I will miss the West Wing, but I do firmly believe that it made TV watchers much smarter in the end. 8.That greed causes pain. My family went thru a rough spot, a spot that will never make any of them the same ever again. And it was all caused by greed and the need to think that you got something out of you families lives that was material. I hope that makes the victors happy. 9.The sunsets in Arizona and Hawaii. They are both natural marvels, yet so different in there makeup. Arizona, Phoenix specifically, is a manmade engineering feat, especially when you realize it is the in the middle of the desert. Hawaii is a natural treasure, because it is made of volcanic rock. Everyone should see them each sunset once, to see how brillant and how different they both are. 10.Football is the national pastime! Its something that brings entire cities and states together that baseball just can't handle. Ohio IS Buckeye football. Texas is High School football. I have seen the brillance of Kordell Stewart Hail Mary, a Doug Flutie Dagger against Miami, The Buffalo Bills comeback and The domination of the Giants running game. 11. The greatest games I have seen? Well, the greatest game ever was between Lightbulb HS and Dolly Middle HS, the school my dad worked for. Lightbulb was up by 13 points with 6 minutes to go, and they were chirpy. In fact the biggest blowhard was the schools Athletic Director, someone that should at least know that both schools and teams were playing hard and this game was important to them both. So it was very very sweet when Dolly Middle returned a 90 yard punt for a touchdown and then caused a fumble and threw a 60 yard pass for a touchdown to beat good old Lightbulb. As I think about it, I dont think those Eagles ever recovered, and my dad and I both lost our voices from screaming so much and telling that AD to stick it up his, well you know... 12.Christopher Cross, America, Eddie Rabbit, Bell Biv Devoe, U2, Hootie and the Blowfish, Kool and the Gang, Bruce Springsteen,Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan, Gin Blossoms, REO Speedwagon, Love Seed Mama Jump and Live. Was every concert great? No, but it gave me an appreciation for different types of music, expanded my listening horizons. Plus, when the concert was great, you appreciated it alot more. 13. Family. My family, small as it is, is all down in the Lonestar, so they are not around or we dont see them as much as I would like. But Mrs. Duck's family has stepped up and made me feel like one of there own, even before we were officially hitched. Its nice to have some people to lean on when you need them, either by phone or in person. Amazements that missed the cut: The Bill Buckner "Behind the Bag" play, Ronald Reagans Assasination attempt, 99 yards by Alex Molden that solidified my love for Oregon, Iran/Contra, Desert Storm I and II, my nephews being born, Evanescence, the passing of Maureen and Megan, AIDS, the pathetic Fox News Channel, Keith Olbermann news icon, the Daily Show, ESPN, Philadelphia: the movie, Tom Hanks megastar, Remember the Titans, Seabiscuit, the run of Smarty Jones, poor Barbaro. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Oh and incase you haven't guessed it, yes its Sparky's birthday.

With Cool Whip...

I know everyone is waited with baited breath to hear about our adventures down at the Linc. -crickets- Ok, im sure there is someone curious, but right now my brain is tapioca pudding. I will say that it was an enjoyable experience, that I would like to have only once a year.

You, Me and Favree

That is actually how Brett Favre's name was originally pronounce, Favree, though eventually everyone would know how to really pronounce his name once he got to Green Bay. I had Favre on my radar since the late 80's when I was reading a newspaper article while on family vacation in Georgia. It was when he was still a junior, but I find it amazing still as I can see the article in my head, where I was sitting and telling my father this guy out of Southern Miss could be pretty good.

Little did I know, I wish I was that brillant with other things, I'd be an investment genius.

Anyway, thanks to Doc & Subway, Mrs. Duck and I will be taking in the Eagles/Packers game tonight. I am totally jazzed! Favre has been a hero of mine since those early days, and to have the chance to see him in person, even if it is the older, less nimble, Favre, there are still flashes of his brillance in there.

So, what I am rooting for tonight? An Eagles win, 42-35, and a great day by Favre, running around and flinging the ball all over the place to receivers who come through for him once again. Its the least I could hope for isnt it?

And I promise to take plenty of pictures!!

The Carnival awaits...

And luckily, especially if you are going to read it over the weekend, the hosts of theCarnival of the Mundane seemed to at least get a Mike Ditka impersonator, but that makes sense since they are based in Chicago. If your looking for a rousing speech, or some great writing, stop on by. (plus you can read my own addition to this month carnival, shhh im not bragging though)

Puddle Dance

Great news, at least for me, ITS RAINING!!! I might get through a normal day tomorrow!!!-does a little jig-

On another front, what kind of deal with the Devil do you think Tommy Tuberville made? Luckiest man in the south. Ok, I realize 90% of you have no idea what im talking about, Im beat, I may not know what im saying either.

Some days you just dont want to watch the news

Again you see why all those sitcom reruns are so popular around dinner time...

This story, involving a horrible Car crash in Ocean City, NJ just got the newscast off to a great start. Followed by...

This terrible story about a Fire in Bensalem, though at least the kids were rescued and have a chance to survive. This one was scary because its like 10 minutes from here.

I have never been happier to see Cecily Tynan

And with news like this, and the Colorado shooting, and the high murder rate in Philadelphia, and the smoking ban, and the Phillies playoff drive, I can understand why we never hear about Iraq on our local news.

Allergy Perfect Storm

Today is not a good day for my sinuses. First, it is ragweed season, which is just a killer. Then the landscapers decided to come and cut the grass, causing that weed and seed of the grass to go flying into the air as well. All I need for it to just be a priceless day is a bag of pollen and 30 year old dust to be placed in the houses ventilation system and I will be absolutely peachy keen.

Good news is on the way though. There was a 3 hour rain delay in Pittsburg today. Why is that good news? Well Pittsburgh rain almost always finds us here in Philly, so things may die down for a day or two.

I cant take a nap, though I really do want too :<

Thursday Challenge

A counter point to the Thursday 13, at least until my imagination gets going again. Check out Photo Theme for Thursday for this weeks challenge word. Or you could just guess first in the comment page and then look, make it a game. Anyways

Thursday Thirteen #2

Thirteen Things about Sparky This weeks list, 13 of my guilty pleasures, things that I would not exactly volunteer freely, though now I am admitting it arent I? 1.My vices:Camel Ultra Lights and Vodka Martinis with 3 olives. There is nothing like a smoke right after that first cup of coffee and nothing like a Martini after a stressful Friday. 2.The Dr. Phil Show: Yes, its an Oprah knockoff, though I think of it as a Donahue knockoff, but I still have the TiVo going when its got some sort of interesting guests on. And now, with the Dr. Phil House, there is even more of a chance of eruptions and Texan homespun wisdom. 3.This show drives Mrs. Duck crazy but, Judge Judy. Mrs. Duck thinks she's rude and shrill. Honestly, that probably what I love about the dang thing. Plus, it gives me a slight taste of the NY attitude I was used to growing up with, yet I can turn it off, something I didnt get to do growing up. 4.Books by Laurell K. Hamilton. I actually am leaning a bit more towards the Merry Gentry series, but Anita Blake has more books to read. Now this is a guilty pleasure because the main characters of both her books are usually hotter if there males as opposed to females. They are kind of like Romance novels with lotsa blood. 5.Mike and the Mad Dog on the Fan!. I grew up listening to these two characters, out of the first major Sports Talk radio station. They have lost a bit of there edge as they have gotten older, but they still can be hilarious and brillant sports wise all in the same show. 6.The Oregon Ducks especially Ducks football. I am a rabid fan of this team. I will still stay up until 1 am just to watch the West Coast games. And don't get in front of me during the fourth quarter of a close game. 7.Eeyore!! I love this little gloomy gus of a character, even though I am almost 34 years old. I think it might be because he reminds me of me a little bit, at least in my college years for sure. Plus, really, I think Eeyore might be the 1st Goth. 8.Stuffed Animals in general. I think there is a part of me that still thinks I am freeing them from there terrible existence in a Hallmark store. I know its strange, but thats why it would be a guilty pleasure right? 9.Clay Aiken. Yes, he is the new Barry Manilow. Yes, he is probably a bit wiggly. Yes, he looks like Howdy Doody in that new haircut. The boy can still sing! 10.Yes, all guys love Paris Hilton, or at least they would take a long look at her, or Halle Berry or even Uma Thurman, but I just love Tiffani Amber Thiessen. She was really good at being Bad on 90210, and that kissing of a girl scene on "Fastlane" was my first glimpse at girl on girl action. 11.WWE Smackdown vs Raw for the Playstation 2. I DONT watch wrestling, but the game is freaking awesome. And so easy to play. Its an electronic soap opera for guys! 12.Cloisonne Lapel Pins, another hobby that Mrs. Duck hates, because I have these suckers stacked all over the place, yet I havent filled my first shadow box yet. But, its the little collectable I can always find no matter where I go on a trip. 13.Degrassi: The Next Generation. A lovely little teen steam drama on the N imported from Canada. I should be a bit worried actually since I know its on The N. But, the writing is better then 90210 or Saved by the Bell, the acting a bit cheesy and I may be a dirty old man, but some of the chicks are hot. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

T.O. Soap Opera continues, sadly

Though, deep down I still do not totally believe that T.O. would attempt to commit suicide. Now I am not a medication expert or anything like that. But, from what limited knowledge I do have, I am sure pain killers can make you depressed in some way, especially if you are already a tad bit unstable, which no one can dispute. I hope its not true, because for all his faults, T.O. is still a great player, and deep down I still think he can be a very good teammate. I might be a bit polyanna though.

Gods and Monsters

What do you dream about?
Name/Nickname:
Age:
Zodiac Sign:	AquariusAriesCancerCapricornGeminiLeoLibraPiscesSagittariusScorpioTaurusVirgo
Fav. Color Combo:	Blue/SilverBlack/WhiteGrey/RedGreen/GoldPink/BlackPurple/BlackBlue/OrangeBlack/RedMix and match theseNone of these
Your dreams generally include:	Realistic conversations and other interactions
Approximate number of monthly nightmares:	42
The worst monster you've seen in a dream:
Your dreams are usually	crystal clear
Percentage of dreams involving sex - 26%
Will your dreams ever come true?	(8) - Yes. - (8)
This fun quiz by cutelilangelx - Taken 1080510 Times.

Make Money Taking Surveys!

Quizzes of Disbelief

Or at least quizzes from Suspension of Disbelief

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times... You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

You Are 62% Passionate, 38% Compassionate

You are very passionate, especially when it comes to love. In fact, it's sometimes difficult for you to tell between love and lust. You jump in head first, and figure things out later... usually when it's all over!

Is Your Love Style Passionate or Compassionate?

and one I found myself..., though I hate the answer!!

You Are Most Like George H. W. Bush

You're considered boring by people that don't know you well. But like Bush senior, you do crazy things. Maybe you'll end up banning broccoli in your house, or puking on the Prime Minster of Japan!

What Modern US President Are You Most Like?

Old Friends

Its amazing how you can not see someone for such a long time and fall right back into the friendly barbs and nicknames like you see them everyday.

Mrs. Duck and I made the trip to NJ, a long trip it was actually. Though I did take the scenic tour to get there, showing her some of my old stomping grounds and haunts. Though things have changed some actually, alot less farmland then I remembered.

The occasion for the trip was some of my old roommates christening for there youngest daughter. Well, youngest daughter is kinda silly since its there only daughter. And, on a sidenote, the priest that ran the ceremony seemed to be on the express lane service, since there was no pomp, circumstance, or even emotional attachment to the ceremony itself.

But, undigressing, my friends were very happy to see us and meet Mrs. Duck. Our conversations flowed and fell back into it like it was 10 years ago. Overall a great time, except for the fact that it feels like a long long trip!

Books, Glorious Books

So, apparently I have been tagged by Neila of Blog that Mommy and since I have found most of her posts quite humurous, as well as the fact that I do read more then the sports pages and blogs, I would do the lovely little meme.

Though lord knows im getting old, the mind is slipping some...

1.One Book that Changed your life:Hardest question First- Good gravy, this is a hard one, but of course it is since the question warned me that it is the hardest one! I cant really recall a book that was Boom! my life is different, but Superfudge by Judy Blume was a life changer, because it made me want to read, and keep reading. Its one of the first books I remember ripping through and being interested in what would happen next book

2.One book that you have read more then once- Well, I could cheat and say King Lear by Shakespeare since I had to read it once in High School for a class and once in College for a class, but that was not voluntarily. But, along those same lines was Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, which I never had to read for a class, yet read 3 times. I just love it, the wittiness, and also the fact that sometimes I need a translator to get every word. Plus, I even loved the movie.

3.One Book that you would want on a Deserted Island- Something huge, but not dry and boring, which takes Moby Dick out of the mix. Though Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities) by Charles Dickens would be a perfect book. You have something to celebrate the holidays with, and some other things that you could spend months on. Plus, I have never actually read Hard Times, so it would be something new.

4. One book that made you laugh outloud:-I have read plenty of books like this, alot of those so called "chick lit" books that Mrs Duck reads have made me chuckle, snort, smile, or have milk coming from my nose. But, for this list The Life of Reilly: The Best of Sports Illustrated's Rick Reilly by (naturally) Rick Reilly was a hilarious book. Yes, it was alot of articles that I had probably read before, but I still couldnt help myself but laugh at some of this brillant witty musings on sports.

5.One book that made you cry-Well, you would think that this would be a hard question to answer, but actually, A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks popped into my head quite easily actually. I think because it was about people that werent that much younger then me when I read it, and that I could transport myself into the couples situation, thats why I cried.


6.One Book that you wished you had written- Easy, Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. It's right in my wheelhouse, its a historical book, which is perfect being a history graduate. And, its about horse racing!! which I adore. I love those beautiful creatures. But, I do not think I could have written anywhere near as well as Ms. Hillenbrand did.

7.One book that you wish was never written:. Again, I am going to take some of those horrible books that I was forced to read in college and high school and just include a book that I read voluntarily. (Drumroll) The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger. This is sacriledge to Mrs. Duck, who loved this book. And she says that the evil boss is like alot of people in real life. To which I say, if I wanted to read about awful people in Real life, I would read a biography!!

8.One book you are reading at the moment: There are two, since I am currently between books and trying to decide which one to crack open. One is Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison. I love books about Vampires and Witches and occults and all that fun stuff. Yes, Im weird for a guy, but it is the perfect October book. The other option is Sunday Money: Speed! Lust! Madness! Death! A Hot Lap Around America with NASCAR by Jeff MacGregor a book about a year in Nascar. I have just been too lazy to go downstairs and find it.

9.One Book you have been meaning to read: Hmm, coincidentally I just did my Birthday list, so I have a few Ive been meaning to read. Though The Worst Person in the World: And 202 Strong Contenders by Keith Olbermann is the number one book on my list, so I would say its currently the book I have been meaning to read.

10.Five people you would like to see do this.-I am going to be nice, since its the weekend, so I am not going to directly tag anyone, but if someone wants to join in out of my sporadic readers, just let me know and ill list ya.

Blue Ducks Week 2 Review, and a Quack of a Question

The Blue Ducks came back to earth last week, with a blow out loss to the Mood Swings. Warrick Dunn and Frank Gore again had very good games, but the 400 yards and multiple touchdowns put up by Archie's Older Son and the many kicks by Nate Kaeding (one of my draft day botches) was just too much to overcome. We lost by 32 I think.

This week is a huge divisonal showdown with the Ladyboys. And I am at a tough decison on who to start at QB. Rex Grossman ripped Detroit last week, so one would expect some great numbers from Brett Favre, but Hasselback is playing a Giants secondary that has looked hideous all year long. Any thoughts would be so welcomed.

Greys Double Standard

So, Mrs. Duck and I were discussing Greys Anatomy, or at least a moment during the show while taking a TiVo break to clean up from our High Class Mickey D's dinner. She was railing against McDreamy, saying that he was being really unfair and that Addison apologized. For whatever reason, my but she cheated 1st defense, was not getting through. However, what did get through was, but if the shoe was on the other foot, McDreamy would be a snake. All Mrs Duck could do is smirk!

So, in life as in TV, there are double standards. And when it comes down to it, us men are just wrong!

Fall's First Random Friday

While it has felt like fall pretty much the entire week, except for the weird almost 90 degrees on Monday, its now officially fall. Though honestly to me, as soon as Labor day passed and it became wall to wall football weekends, its been Fall. Anyways, on to the 10.

1.Love's Recovery-Indigo Girls-1200 Curfews Live CD

2.I will Buy You a New Life-Everclear-So Much for the Afterlife

3.I Will Wait-Hootie and the Blowfish-Live Bootleg

4.Daily Feed 4/21/06-Preston and Steve-Wmmr.com

5.Delicate-Damien Rice-O

6.Run-Snow Patrol-Final Straw

7.Until the End of the World-U2-Best of CD 1990-2000

8.Possession-Sarah McLachlan-Itunes Exclusive

9.Bitter Sweet Symphony-Coldplay & Richard Ashcroft-Live 8 London

10.96.7-Itrip station

Seems to me its the live version list, since most of the songs are either live or acoustic versions, or people I have seen in person.

Favorite: I Will Wait by Hootie. This song is such a memory song for me, brings back college, plus a shoutout to the Buckeye, since he discovered this band for me.

Least Favorite:Until the End of the World, U2. Its still a good song, but I just cant wrap my head around some of the U2 songs that we would have seen on the Zoo Station tour.

Seen Live: Indigo Girls, Hootie and the Blowfish, U2, and Sarah. Though I would love to add Coldplay to the list sooner rather then later.

If you want to join in, leave a comment and Ill link ya. Heres the list ive found so far.

1.Friday Random Ten by Lauren and Co
2.Sam & Becky Boo know music
3.A Modest Construct » Friday Random Ten LXXXIII, songs Sparky's never heard of
4.Apartment 2024 » Blog Archive » Yea Marisa!-Random Friday–What You See (is what you get)

Thursday 13-What does the weekend hold

I love this idea, so I am borrowing it from Kailani. If you want to join in on the fun, feel free. If not, at least you can see how lame my days could be.

1.Watching Real Time with Bill Maher
2.Laundry, theres always Laundry
3.Getting into the Ryder Cup
4.Sleeping Late Saturday
5.Getting up early for a Sunday and heading to NJ
6.Going to an old college roomates childs baptism or is it christening
7.Polishing off the invitations for our Halloween bash
8.Fretting over my fantasy stats
9.Going out to Dinner at one of those semi chain restaurants. Applebees is like our local Cheers.
10.Going somewhere of Mrs. Duck's choosing for dinner Saturday
11.mmm more coffee
12.hearing complaints about the length of my birthday list
13.blogging as usual

Truer then you know

Sparky Duck -- [adjective]: Fuzzy to the touch 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Thanks to the PalmTree Pundit for this nice waste of three minutes.

My Little Kerosene Heater

I have been up for almost 3 hours already, because I was freaking freezing. Ya see, I have to sleep with as little clothes as possible, though sorry not naked, because Mrs. Duck for whatever reason seems to get even more warmer as she sleeps. I mean, like steaming, sweating hot. So if I snuggle next to her, I would lose weight from sweating myself. Unfortunately, it causes me to lose my heat source when she gets out of bed to take a shower. So, freezing I was!! Plus little Miss Kittie had a hairball issues, causing the comforter to have Kittie um spit all over the place.

So, I am up because we are at that weird weather stage here in the Delaware Valley where it is too warm still to be all garbed up in jeans and winter clothes, but it is too cold to be running around in shorts and a T-shirt. Plus, this condo is like an Ice House. Shocking, I know, since there is so much wrong with this place in the first place.

Brrrrr

Let our Phillies go!

And here is the followup. Mrs. Duck can tell you I have been quietly whining because I cant watch the Phillies on there drive for the wild card. "But, why Sparky? Your in the Philadelphia Area?" Well, thanks for asking. It appears Comcast got a perfect little carrot that makes sure Satellite TV will not get local coverage of the sports teams that are on there airwaves, holding CSN Philadelphia hostage. And guess what, its a law that only is in effect HERE! Check out Let our Phillies go! and sign the petition to Senator Specter to try and get the bill rescinded, so I can watch Ryan Howard, and Mrs. Duck can get her Flyers Fix.

A great Philly Blog -Civil Defense - a weblog by Joshua Breitbart

This blog is being featured in the Philly Future blog competition or whatever it is. And for one of those rare times Civil Defense - a weblog by Joshua Breitbart is a blog that I was already reading.

Though in his latest post, he is actually trying to do a great thing that actually affects me. So more to come shortly, you all know though if it has to do with Sports Ill at least mention it.



phillyfeaturedblog

6 weeks of Santorum left??

You know its beginning to become easy to tell who both political parties are worried about and who they think will win. Lynn Swann, still floundering I assume, is still running the same campaign ad that was running over the summer. And its not even that good an ad, everyone knows who Lynn Swann is. Ive seen ads for both Wheldon and his Opponent, as well as for Fitzpatrick and his opponent, so that right there says it must be at least a race. Heck, we even get the NJ Senate race down here, though really the two candidates are very very entrenched in North Jersey politics.
However things are getting fun when we get a new Santorum ad. They are getting slimier and slicker, which must mean he's either not as close as he would like, or not as out in front as he would like. But The Coffee House | TPMCafe has done some digging on the ad, and as usual, its just plain wrong. Yes I know, we are all shocked (insert your favorite sarcastic look here). Now, we will know things are going bad for Slick Rick when either we see a Shrub appearance, or an ad where Casey eats kittens.

Here he goes again

First words out of the Shrubs mouth at the UN, a reference to 9/11 and Islamic Extremists. So predictable is scary

Banned Books attempts at the year 2000

great and I was looking for things to add to my Birthday List anyway. How many have you read?

1. Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
2. Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
7. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
8. Forever by Judy Blume
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
10. Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
11. Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
12. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
15. It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
16. Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
17. A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
19. Sex by Madonna
20. Earth's Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
21. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
22. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
23. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
24. Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
25. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
26. The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
27. The Witches by Roald Dahl
28. The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
29. Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
30. The Goats by Brock Cole
31. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
32. Blubber by Judy Blume Oh My God, Blubber???
33. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
34. Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
35. We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
36. Final Exit by Derek Humphry
37. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
38. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
39. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
40. What's Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
42. Beloved by Toni Morrison
43. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
44. The Pigman by Paul Zindel
45. Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
46. Deenie by Judy Blume
47. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
48. Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
49. The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
50. Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
51. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
53. Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
54. Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
55. Cujo by Stephen King
56. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
57. The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
58. Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
59. Ordinary People by Judith Guest
60. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
61. What's Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
62. Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume Holy Cow
63. Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
64. Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
65. Fade by Robert Cormier
66. Guess What? by Mem Fox
67. The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
68. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
69. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
71. Native Son by Richard Wright
72. Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women's Fantasies by Nancy Friday
73. Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
74. Jack by A.M. Homes
75. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
76. Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
77. Carrie by Stephen King
78. Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
79. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
80. Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
81. Family Secrets by Norma Klein
82. Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
83. The Dead Zone by Stephen King
84. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
85. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
86. Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
87. Private Parts by Howard Stern
88. Where's Waldo? by Martin Hanford This must be a joke
89. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
90. Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
91. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
92. Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
93. Sex Education by Jenny Davis
94. The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
95. Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
96. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
97. View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
98. The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
99. The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
100. Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier



Dang, only 22, I guess I have more reading to do. I understand a couple on this list, at least being a little harder for kids to get there hands on, but Where's Waldo??

Well, Celebrate one and all,ALA | Banned Books Week is coming next week.

Another Reason to move to Hawaii

Beyond its beauty, which I am going to begin sharing here, I took so many pictures I should have posts forever. And then there is the sandy beaches, near perfect weather and excellent food. But, there is also only a few Snakes. And one of the snakes that they do have sounds actually like some sort of huge worm, not exactly a threat to humanity. I was watching this show about Hawaii on the Discovery Channel and it seems the only other snake, that is at least legally there is the green tree snake (sp?) which seemed to just be around to be sure that they can train the "Snake Beagles" to look out for on the importing ships. Oh, and its another reason I love beagles, they want to stop one of my biggest fears.

TiVo is going to be smoking

Oh yes, I know this is not exactly the biggest problem to have, especially since we have just survived a long hot summer of reruns. Thank goodness for the Closer. Anyway, tonight starts the new fall season and the Tivo is going to be in overdrive.

First we have Two and a Half Men. Yes, not groundbreaking TV, far from it actually, but some of there throw away lines are very funny, and Charlie always does seem to find some hot chicks.

Mrs. Duck and I have been hooked in toVanished, which is a show that is really going nowhere, yet its like a really bad book your 200 pages into, you want to see the outcome, even if you dont care who lives or dies.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is the next choice for the night. Aaron Sorkin is a terrific writer, I would watch a TV show that he has written thats based off the Dominos Pizza menus, because he would find 18 ways to say the word pizza. Plus Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet and Bradley Whitford, perfection.

Oh, and theres another crazy DR Phil on UPN 57 oh wait CW 57, and also Deal or No Deal finding some way to drive you nuts by giving away 6 million dollars to some really greedy people.

So what are you watching?

Kleenex for Sooner Fans

OK, yes, maybe Pasinger jumped the onside kick a bit. But, it was darn close. And dont give me this they never recovered the ball nonsense, the whistle blows, the plays dead, no matter how much the ball rolls. Sooner fans, lets also remember one thing, your defense did NOTHING to stop the Ducks, which would have made this discussion mute.

A Hottie 2fer, Including one for the Ladies

Well, its seems that I have fallen behind on the hottie of the week, so I am going to give you a two for one. And, it certainly is a deviation from my normal category of chicks, since one is a dude. Yes, Ladies, one for you as well. And all with a philadelphia flavor.

Our 1st is AJ Feeley. Back with the Eagles this year, I remember him from Oregon back when Joey was at QB. Mrs Duck remembers him because she used to stop in front of the TV set when he was playing, apparently he is still cute. When I told her he was back with the Eagles, she stopped and gave an mmmmm noise. I just think he's better looking then Koy. But, I am better looking then Koy...



And then there was Heather. Our second hottie is Heather Mitts who makes Sporty Spice look like a German Shepherd. Blonde and Fit, now living, or at least last I heard living in San Diego, coincidently, her and AJ are a couple. Imagine the kids these two will have.



so you see I can be an equal opportunity lover of the flesh. Ya love me dont ya?

Philly Photo by Alankin

Got this from the Metroblogging Philadelphia site, and really I think it does a great job of capturing Philadelphia probably because I think Philadelphia, for all it problems, is still alot like those old time cities, where you can turn the corner and still run into a person you know.

Its not a Friday unless its a Random Friday

And its a tandem Random Friday, as Miss Kittie

  
has decided to curl up next to the laptop.

And away we go

1.Daily Feed 7/18/06-Preston & Steve-Wmmr.com

2.Want to Be Free (Live)-Goo Goo Dolls-Live in Buffalo

3.Beautiful Day-U2-Best of U2 1990 to 2000

4.Drunk Show, Part II-Preston & Steve Daily Feed-Wmmr.com

5.Fairytale of New York(Christmas in the Drunk Tank)-The Pogues-???

6.The Sound of Silence-Simon & Garfunkel-The Essential Simon & Garfunkel

7.We Are the Champions-Kanye West-Paid in Full Compilation CD

8.Shut Em Down-Public Enemy-Def Jams Greatest Hits

9.Where are you Christmas-Faith Hill-How the Grinch Stole Christmas

10.Hey Jealousy-Gin Blossoms-New Miserable Experience


Favorite Song-Beautiful Day by U2:surprise surprise I know, but how can you not adore U2?

Favorite Xmas Song-Fairytale of New York by the Pogues. The Pogues are one of those underapreciated Irish bands. They had some great songs over the 80s and the 90s. This is one of those Christmas songs that you can listen to year round. Well maybe not in Mid-July.

Least Favorite-I like em all, but if I had to chose, I would say We Are the Champions. The song has a great sample, but it seems like Kanye might have missed the mark a bit.

Seen Live-U2 & The Gin Blossoms, who I actually just saw last year, and they still sound good. I just dont think they can write anything good anymore.

Blue Ducks Recap Week 1

Blue Ducks 53, FNG 48

spurred on by a big game from Heath Miller (and by the way a thank you to Nick Saban for having a girly arm when it comes to throwing the replay flag), a solid effort from Warrick Dunn, and the Giants defense actually stopping the Colts running game, the Blue Ducks got off to a fine 1-0 start to our year.

Fantasy Stud-Heath Miller-100 yards of receptions plus a touchdown, equals 12 very important points

Fantasy Dud-Kevin Jones. Though really thats my mistake, the Lions havent been able to run since Barry Sanders retired.


Fantasy MistakeFrank Gore on the Bench. 17 points!! I knew the Arizona defense had not improved.

Happy to be 1-0 going into week 2.