Philly Wins Something-Worst Parents Ever

This is one of those coincidental times when something I was thinking of doing as a post seems to fall right into place with another bloggers train of thought post wise. Bond and his Big Leather Couch got into a discussion yesterday and today on his blog about how children these days are coddled and bubble wrapped and how No Child Left Behind is a great idea on paper, and an awful idea in practice. Hop over to the couch and get into the discussion.

Now, how does this tie in with the Duck? Well, this month Philadelphia Magazine did an article declaring Main Line Parents of Philadelphia to be the worst ever! Part of the problems that the article points out is the tutoring process of the SAT's, that costs upwards of $3000 by the way, that will teach your child how to figure out the test, as opposed to learning the information for the SAT's. Because apparently, everyone needs to get into Harvard.

Its also talks about how parents now adays seem to be determined to be there kids best friends as opposed to being the authoritative parent. As opposed to telling Johnny "hey, don't kick the dog" we tell little johnny "kicking the dog may not have been the best decision." Um no Johnny, stop kicking the damn dog before i kick you in the ass. But its easy for me to say, I don't have kids.

It also goes into how children are almost either not being allowed to fail by everyone makes the team, everyone plays, everyone gets a trophy rec league sports, or are being pushed to fail by keeping there expectations so high that they are unattainable. Alot of parents seem to be tying there success in life to what little Johnny and Katie achieve. Its the stage mom idea turned up 10 knots.

If I ever become a parent, and thats still a nice if, I will try to raise my children the way my parents raised me. I only got a spanking 5 or 6 times in my life, but, the fact that I had that fear of getting spanked kept me on the right path. I will strive to get my kids the thing they most want for Christmas or there birthdays, if it is something affordable or at least not frivilous like a pony. But, I will not be buying my kids a grand prize just for being a good boy this week. I will let my son or daughter lose at a game sometimes, because it teaches you to be a good loser. Now, if they beat me at video games, they should, but I still remember playing football board games with my dad or monopoly with my mom and it was loads more fun when we followed the rules and I still actually beat them. That was achievement.

If Scooter screws up in school, give him detention, because I will give him detention when he gets home. Don't do something that one of my fathers student's mothers did. When my dad, who was a Vice Prinicipal in a high school, told Mommy that Scooter was going to get a 3 day suspension for smoking in the bathroom, Mommy denied that Scooter was smoking and when my dad presented evidence, including Scooter saying that he was smoking, Mommy play acted being unconscious and passing out as opposed to accepting it and smacking Scooter behind the head. The paramedics, who were eventually called, even said she was faking. Yep, that coddling a bit.

Quick Update

Mrs Duck is sore and stoned, but home and on the road to recovery. Luckily, while fixing the problem, the Drs did not have to either on purpose or by accident, did not have to break her jaw. Fingers crossed that this is the last time down this road at least with this problem.

Mr Duck is exhausted and wishing he was stoned. We want to thank everyone for there kind words and thoughts. I promise to visit all the TT's of my visitors.

Thursday Thirteen #50-The P!nk One

Thirteen Questions From P!nk See, I am even being technically correct, since that is the way the singer, Pink, spells her name on her Albums? CD's? Downloads? Eh, no matter. I have enjoyed a few songs by her immensely, though as time goes on, two seem to stick with me, Who Knew and this one I am sharing now. So, here are 13 Questions from Dear Mr President. Dear Mr. President, Come take a walk with me. Let's pretend we're just two people and You're not better than me. I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly. 1.What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street? 2.Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep? 3.What do you feel when you look in the mirror? 4.Are you proud? 5.How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? 6.How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye? 7.How do you walk with your head held high? Can you even look me in the eye And tell me why? Dear Mr. President, 8.Were you a lonely boy? Are you a lonely boy? Are you a lonely boy? 9.How can you say No child is left behind? We're not dumb and we're not blind. They're all sitting in your cells While you pave the road to hell. 10.What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away? 11.And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay? I can only imagine what the first lady has to say You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine. How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye? How do you walk with your head held high? 12.Can you even look me in the eye? Let me tell you 'bout hard work Minimum wage with a baby on the way Let me tell you 'bout hard work Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away Let me tell you 'bout hard work Building a bed out of a cardboard box Let me tell you 'bout hard work Hard work Hard work You don't know nothing 'bout hard work Hard work Hard work Oh How do you sleep at night? How do you walk with your head held high? Dear Mr. President, 13.You'd never take a walk with me. Would you? I probably should have mentioned that when I get stressed, I get cranky. And when I get cranky, I hate smugness and arrogance. But, even if you don't agree, I would still love to hear what you have to say. Its all about discussion. Ill try to visit when I can peoples ;p 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

Do They Ever Learn?

As the news of inappropriate behavior or at least awful judgement when it comes to dealing with the legal system continues to swirl around Senator Craig of Idaho, it strikes me that this seems to be another recipe for a meal that we have all tasted before.

I am reserving an opinion on Senator Craig, at least here in this blog. I will say that this is not a new rumor. In fact, this is a rumor that even I have heard before. But, it should not be a real issue in the first place, if he's gay, he's gay, if he's not, he's not. Now I am sure Idahoans will care, since he spent much of his time in office going nice and right, but since I ain't from Idaho and the election is far enough off that if Craig resigns the GOP can find some great replacement by then.

But, what I would like all these politicians to ask themselves, what always gets you in trouble, the action itself, or the cover up? I can list off a whole bunch of incidents off the top of my head, where the fire storm was more sparked by the denial and smoke and mirrors trick, then by the actually problem that they were smoking and mirroring.

Well, I said I could, so why don't I?

Nixon-Sheesh, enough said
Bubba-The problem really came to a head (no pun intended) with "what is is"
Gonzo-When your own boss's party is saying that they think you are untruthful, you have warn out your welcome, and you are awful at the lying part about it.
Gov.McSleezy of NJ-The only reason he came out of the closet is because his ex-boyfriend was read to shove him out of the closet. And why did this all spiral out of control, because he had a boyfriend in a position he was unqualified for and tried to hide that fact.
Rep. Jefferson of La-everyone and there mother figured he was corrupt, thats how Louisiana politics seems to go since Huey Long. But his biggest mistake was covering up the fact that he had funds by hiding cash, IN HIS FREEZER.
Anyone remember Ollie North?

See, plenty of blunders on both sides. So, Sen. Craig, you vehement denials just makes you even more of a target for someone somewhere to say, yep I slept with him and he left me a love note and zippo your cooked. If you just sort of tried to laugh it off with a statement like "what, me gay? Look at me, I am shocked my wife is with me, let alone some man." You might have been able to wiggle out of it. Now, its not looking so good.

2 year Anniversary

I was going to do some sort of post on the anniversary of Katrina striking the Gulf Coast 2 years ago. But, I did not really have anything formed in my head and it would probably have come out in some twisted spew/rant. So, let me direct you to Starrlight, who did an excellent post about it that does a good job of laying out the embarrassment it was without sounding like a crazy liberal (like some duck you know)

Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans

Hey, whats a little more stress?

way way back in July, I mentioned Mrs Duck's mouth and jaw problems. I also said something about it being a bone infection somewhere in this blog, but for the life of me I can't remember where. Anywho, Mrs Duck goes in for surgery on her jaw on Thursday. Hopefully it will repair everything that it was supposed to take care of, but we have heard that before. In fact, since I have been around this is the second operation on the same thing.

Now, this is an invasive surgery, involving anthesia, which of course, makes me very nervous, since I am neurotic. But, Mrs Duck is special when it comes to surgery. Not only does she have some fine side effects that she has already blogged about, but she has a broken C something in her neck. Yep, I am blissfully unaware of what is broken exactly. I do that on purpose. But, my mind does wander.

So, on Thursday, we travel down to Center City and Jeff Hospital for another surgery. And I know Mrs Duck is stressed and nervous. I can feel it and it is making me nervous and tense as well. Maybe its because we are important to each other and we are overreacting, but, without saying it, the both of us are a bit scared.

So, send out your good vibes (i will ask for them again, trust me) and allow me to sound like a raving idiot for the next 2 days. I will throw up some sort of Thursday Thirteen and stop by as much as I can, but dangit if this time I aint a wee bit scared.

Jon Stewart at the top of his game

I am sure most of my loyal flock is not surprised that I would be a fan of Jon Stewart.



Scary thing is that this stuff is so funny because I actually knew it already. I guess when it comes to being the most powerful country in the world, whats 50 billion here, 50 billion there. At least its a long payment plan as opposed to just a lump sum. But jeez, one billion spent a year towards infrastructure has to help doesn't it?

The 50K Meme

I know I was tagged for this meme, but for the life of me I can not remember who actually did the tagging. It could have been here, or here, or possibly here, or hell even this blogger, but its so old, and im a so late, I'll just give credit plenty of places.

Anyway, another day, another meme.

A philanthropist awards you $50,000 with the stipulation that you may use half of it for yourself and the other half you must use for the benefit of others. By "benefit of others" it can mean anything really, buying a gift for a family member or donating to a charity.

a. How do you spend the money on yourself?
Not even close, pay off most of my credit card debt. I would save a little bit for a rainy day and then I would take Mrs Duck to the Jersey Shore for a fun weekend, since we have not seen a beach this summer.

b. How do you use the money for others. Please be detailed, so if you say "give X dollars to charity, let us know what charity and why you select that one.
I have my favorite charities already, so it would be pretty easy. I would give 10,000 to Action Aids out of Philadelphia, since I still think HIV and Aids is a problem that has not be correctly taken care of. I would give $10,000 to Shriners Childrens hospital, which i talked about a lot within the blogathon. I would give $5000 to Nothing But Nets, which raises money to buy insect nets for people in 3rd world countries. These Nets help prevent malaria by just keeping the bugs away in the first place.

c. If you were to spend part of your money to have a performer do a show for you, who would it be and why?
While I think spending the money would sort of be a waste, since its not something that would stay with me, beyond my memories and bootlegs of it, but I would of course have to pick U2. Social Conscious and also kick ass musicians

d. If you were to use it on a new vehicle for yourself, what kind?
A hybrid vehicle of some kind, possibly a Volvo or a Honda. I'm not a car guy, it gets me from point A to Point B

e. If you spent part of it to go to a "fantasy" camp, what type would you choose?
Its not technically a fantasy camp, but every year, Disney and ESPN team up for a long weekend where ESPN takes over Disney World. One of the most fun places in the world, jammed with athletes and sports. Yep Im there.

f. If you were to use it to buy season tickets for a sports team, what team would it be?
In a total fantasy land world, I would get season tickets to Autzen Stadium for the University of Oregon football team. But, logically, since its only 50K and I have to get to the games, I would spend that dough on Eagles tickets.

g. If you were to use it to go on a cruise (assuming you like cruises) where would you cruise to?
Alaska, because I think it looks gorgeous and man the pictures would be sweet and plus most Alaska cruises start in Vancouver and I have always wanted to visit there.

h. If you were to use it to go to NYC to see a show (or shows) what would you see?
Les Miserables (again) and Wicked as well. Plus Phantom, yea, Phantom would be cool too.

I will only tag:
Lady Jane
&
Sea Hag

since I know that there is no way they tagged me for this meme.

Louisiana Hottie, The Late Night Edition

I no longer watch as much "adult entertainment" as I used to. You know, age does affect everyone in some way or another. But when I was younger, I think I covered as much porn as I would have needed to for the next 20 years. So, I guess I am still ahead of the game.

Yes, i know, TMI.

But, as I was searching the IMDB for my hottie of the day from Louisiana, I found out that one of my all time faves was born there. So, while I could not pick Stephanie Swift as the 50 in 50 hottie from the Bayou State, because I have my rules about porn stars and stuff like that, I could still share at least a little glimpse of her, couldn't I? Well, sure I could, its my blog.

Not Exactly a Disney Movie

We traveled down to South Philly for the capper on the golf, football, relatives Friday. Villa Di Roma was the choice and if you are ever in South Philadelphia it is certainly some place you should add to your eating list. It is one of those restaurants thats screams authentic. You are looking out for one of the Sopranos to walk in the door while you wait for your table. In fact, it is apparently in the same vicinity of where Philip "The Chicken Man" Testa was blown up by a nail bomb sent to his row home. Yep, that kind of authentic.

But the good thing about that kind of restaurant is that the pasta is cooked fresh, the sausages are homemade and the prices are fair and kind of cheap. For drinks and a lovely filling italian dinner, it was only about $55 per couple. And that is including homemade cannolis. It is one of those restaurants that you would think you would see in Lady and the Tramp, though not as schmaltzy Italian. One drawback is the cash only policy, but it also should not be too surprising.

Now, this would be an extremely boring post if I did not have something else to it but a foodie review. Or at least, you would think I was in Villa Di Roma's pocket. I do want to stress that what I witnessed next had nothing to do with the restaurant at all.

We were walking back to the car, another slight complaint about South Philly, not alot of parking. And as we walked we passed a wide variety of shops, most closed. One of the shops was a well known butcher and gourmet food establishment in Philadelphia and I am not talking about Wawa. Well, there lights were still on inside and Tin Man, who was lagging a bit behind the rest of the group said something along the lines of "hmm will you look at that." I am the kinda guy who will always have my feathers perked by a statement like that and so I doubled back. Inside the store, amongst the food and such were not one but two mice running around there floor. I am not going to say they were rats, but I am also not going to call them sweet little field mice. They were healthy city mice, running amongst the grains and rice and pasta and who knows what. I still feel my stomach flipping a little bit now in thought about it. I know this can happen all the time in the city, but I am much better at being oblivious then actually seeing the evidence with my own eyes. Yick!

50 States 50 Hotties-Lousiana/Manic Monday Faith

Louisiana, you were beginning to worry me. I thought for all the people that had to live in the state, or at least have been born in the state, you would have had some hotness. But, I was struggling to come up with one, since you will soon hear about the 2nd runnerup. Then, I found W.

Reese Witherspoon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 22, 1976. She first got noticed in the movie Cruel Intentions, where she also met her future Ex-Husband Ryan Phillipe and then made a small splash in the movie Election. I must admit, I liked the book better then the movie. This was followed by the Legally Blond series and the rest is history.






And then in a moment of blogging synergy, this weeks Manic Monday over at Its a Blog Eat Blog World is based on the word faith.

As opposed to going the religious route, or even the philosophical route for the word Faith, when I hear the word, many times, the first thing that pops into my mind is that its a girls name. Maybe because little bro's first girlfriend was named Faith, maybe I watched too much Murphy Brown, but no matter, thats what happens. And coincidentally, the co-star of Murphy Brown, Faith Ford was born in Louisiana and she was the 3rd choice for todays hottie, being just beat out by Ashley Scott. But, this is not that shabby a version of Faith.

I might be afraid of Virginia Woolf after all...

Rhian had this quiz over on her site and of course I just had to take it. Dammit if it did not read the whole my life on the inside thing. I think I may need therapy.

You're Mrs. Dalloway!

by Virginia Woolf

Your life seems utterly bland and normal to the casual observer, but
inside you are churning with a million tensions and worries. The company you surround
yourself with may be shallow, but their effects upon your reality are tremendously deep.
To stay above water, you must try to act like nothing's wrong, but you know that the
truth is catching up with you. You're not crazy, you're just a little unwell. But no
doctor can help you now.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

And Andel, whose my girl, had some of these quizzes up. I do sound yummy.

You Are Smores

Unusual and unconventional, you make your strange ways work for you. You've got personality - no one's denying that!

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

Your Mind is PG-13 Rated

Your mind is definitely a little dirty. You're naughty, but not trashy. You don't shy away from a dirty joke, and you're clearly not a prude.

Do You Have a Dirty Mind?

Project 365 #91-Golf Sights

Trying to resurrect the Project 365 blog project here and also over at Sparky's Photo Hut, but I have to tell you, I am very very far behind. So, its gonna be a lot of catching up.



Back in April, we went to the Verizon Heritage Classic in Hilton Head. Though Sunday was not the best day to go, as you can see from the picture above, it did give me a great opportunity to take some pictures that you usually can't take at a golf tournament. The winds were bad that day, blowing the little white balls off the green. For some reason, I did not feel that sorry for the golfers though.

7 Days, The Victors Baby

I don't know if you all realize this, but about 7 days from right now, COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON STARTS! Can you tell I might be a tad bit excited by this fact? Now, I pull for the Buckeyes over the Wolverines when it comes to the big game in November, but when it comes to fight songs, Hail to the Victors stomps all over whatever the Buckeye band comes up with. And for one of my favorite Pirates, here is a clip of her favorite Enterprise captain giving the UM Marching Band a little direction.



And even though I now live in Pennsylvania, the fact that I loathe Penn State football still sticks with me, so any chance to show the Nittany Lions losing in heartbreaking fashion, even if the game is 2 years old is a good time in my book.

Why Indeed

Why does one part ask an opinion on something, and then when part two gives there opinion, after heming and hawing, saying I don't care what decision is made, why exactly does part two end up being the bad guy when there opinion did not concur to the decision being made, part two is the one that ends up feeling like the bad guy or girl or duck?

50 States 50 Hotties-Alabama

The Gulf Coast continues to be our focus in this 50 in 50. Mostly because the weather still sucks, but also because the searches so far for a selection has been pretty darned easy.

Courteney Cox-Arquette was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 15, 1964. Of course, the biggest part she ever had, possibly the biggest part she will ever have or at least the one she will always be known for is Monica on Friends. Don't feel bad for her though, she became a gazillionaire from that part. She first burst onto the scene in the Dancing in the Dark Springsteen video, where she actually danced better then Bruce, not that that's a huge feat. She was last spotted on the TV show Dirt on F/X, which for my taste was just a tad too odd.

Personally, I like the shorter hair version of Ms. Cox. But, short hair is a Achilles heel for me.

The Grown Up Meme

I have all these memes that I have gotten tagged for and what do I do? I do one that has no tags at all. When Yoshi talks about being a procrastinator, I am right on the top of his list.

One Gal's Musings had this meme on her blog this week and it is back to school season here in Philadelphia, at least in the colleges here. And that of course makes me very nostalgic. So, the Grown Up meme seemed to be perfection. No tags, but if you do it, please let me know and I will point some eyes that way.

1. Do you have a college degree?
Yes, a bachelor of arts in history. Alot of good thats done me

2.What was the amount of your last electric bill?
$142

3. Do you have life insurance?
Yes, for now at least

4. How many hours per week do you work?
and get paid for it 0; the cooking cleaning etc stuff around the house, 15 or so

5. Have you ever attended a Toastmasters event?
No, but I think those are like roasts right? Those always look fun on TV

6. Favorite place to attend Happy Hour?
In the old days, the Stone Balloon in Newark, De. Nowadays, if not my kitchen, 2021 in the city.

7. How many miles is your commute to work each day (one way)?
Down the stairs. Though the wife has an hour commute everyday by train. My old commute was almost an hour and a half one way.

8. What time do you get up every morning for work?
7:15 AM

9. What is your definition of sleeping in late?
10:00. If I sleep any later then that, my whole morning is all screwed up, like I am in a fog or something.

10. Do you check your cholesterol on a yearly basis?
Oh hell no

11. How large was your first cell phone bill?
$49 or so

12. Does your employer provide good health insurance?
Eh, I am on Mrs Ducks plan, it was better then mine but the co pays still suck

13. Did you use the internet to write a research paper?
No, the internet was still just something that you could just check email with when I was in college. It was a novelty, not a tool.

14. Have you attended a High School reunion?
Nope, I actually just missed my 15th anniversary last year.

15. How many jobs have you held in your professional career?
3 different companies, with one company I had 3 different jobs, so I guess thats about 6

16. Have you ever been fired or laid off from a job?
Yes, problem with being in banking was that mergers mean layoffs. I am on layoff duty as we speak, though no one wants to listen to me when I internally scream, no more BANKING

17. What is your favorite drink?
Mountain Dew and in the alcohol variety, it would be a Stoli Martini with olives, Up

18. What is the most expensive bottle of wine that you have in your refrigerator?
Now, this bottle of Riesling was a gift, heck from the wedding last year, but I am sure its a $18 bottle of wine. The cheapest one on the wine rack is $6. Gotta love the Aussies.

19. Have you been divorced?
Yep, boy that was fun ;p

20. How old were you when you stopped getting ID-ed for Alcohol?
I got ID'd last month at one of those TGIF, Ruby Tuesday places. Hell, I got ID'd for smokes last week.

21. Favorite casino?
I have never been to Vegas, so I guess it would be the Taj in AC. Though the Resorts was a favorite because I actually won money for the weekend.

22. Are you happier now than you were in high school?
Yes, I get laid now ;)

23. Did you ever have Hypercolor shirts?
No, but my brother had one. So I know what they are, its just that it seems I am always to old for new trends.

24. Do you remember when Michael Jackson was black and was attracted to older people?
Yes, he was still black in Thriller and that was a great album. The change was happening though.

25. Do you remember when MTV actually played music videos?
Yes, which is why I like Fuse now, because they still play videos. Videos were my summer soundtrack when I was a teen.

26. Have you had a will made?
Sort of. There is no will now, but before I got married, my boss had a if I die in a plane crash will, which said who would take the cat and where the small pittance of money would go. Now, Mrs Duck knows I want to be cremated, but thats it.

27. What music was in your cd / cassette player when you were 16?
Guns N Roses, Living Colour, U2-Rattle & Hum, INXS, Bobby McFerrin, Troop, Keith Sweat. So much more.

28. Favorite fancy / upscale restaurant?
Roy's, asian fusion cooking, a nice little taste of Hawaii in Center City

29. How long has it been since you attended a kegger?
Ok, technically it was 1996. But, few weeks back, the Senator had a birthday party with a keg and I had to go back on Sunday to help him kick it.

30. Where were you when you found out about 9-11?
Work. I was listening to Imus in the Morning on the radio in my office and Chuck McCord the news guy said that a plane had hit one of the towers. They thought it was just one of those piper cubs. When they said a 2nd plane hit, we scrambled to get the old TV set up at the branch. Its amazing how fast 2 guys can get a 30 pound TV up when its really important. The whole branch just stared agast. Being in Central Jersey at the time, you could see the smoke from where we were. Still give me shivers.

Like I said, if you do the meme, let me know, I would love to see it.

50 States 50 Hotties-Mississippi

The weather here has been awful this last week. I mean like Scotland awful. So, I have been thinking about the warmer climates of the country today so, Mississippi is the natural jump off. Plus, some day, I want to visit Oxford. But, enough about me.

Lacey Chabert was born on September 30, 1982 in Purvis, Mississippi. She is probably best known for her role on Party of 5 where she played the youngest of the Salinger girls. Its apparent that she is all grown up now. One thing I did learn besides the fact that Lacey is still smoking hot, is that she has done a lot of voice work, including both on Family Guy before Mila Kunis and also the Wild Thornberry's, a cartoon I just don't get.

Thursday Thirteen #49-The Arizona One

Thirteen Things about Arizona Since my folks retired, they have lived in many different places. I think its because they get restless in one spot, so every few years or so, they move again. They are currently in the San Antonio area, but Mrs Duck and I have not visited there yet. Out of all the places they lived before Texas, Arizona was my favorite spot. So, 13 facts and bits about Arizona. 1.Arizona is the 48th state in the union. It was incorporated into the United States on February 14, 1912. 2.Whoever came up with the statement "But its a dry heat" has never been in Phoenix at 2 pm in August. About the only thing that is dry is the heat, because the rest of your body is soaked. 3.Arizona does not have daylight savings time. Which can get annoying when you are trying to call from the eastern time zone, because sometimes it is a 2 hour time difference and sometimes its 3. 4.They have a pretty cool state flag. 5.The Gin Blossoms, who I have already mentioned once this week, were based out of Arizona. Stevie Nicks was also born in Phoenix. It is usually a big deal when Fleetwood Mac makes an appearance there, like some sort of homecoming. 6.In July and August, Arizona experiences the Monsoon season, which features winds, heavy downpours and very very cool lightening. 7.Sedona is a city in Arizona that seems to have an artsy culture. Though I could see how artists are drawn there, when surrounded by the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, which almost appear to glow, or be alien rock formations. 8.Alice Cooper is also a famous musical son from the state. He has returned to open up a couple of sports bars, one located very close to Bank One Ballpark, which I am sure by now has changed its name. Cooper is a near fanatical golfer as well, which is probably another reason he decided to move back to Arizona. 9.Speaking of Golf courses, there are over 300 of them within the state. 10.Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the worlds most prominent architects, had his winter home, Taliesin West in Scootsdale. It is now open to the public and trust me, it is well worth the trip. 11.Arizona was home to German and Italian POW camps and Japanese Internment camps during World War 2. I actually visited a site of one of these camps, after it was closed of course, but did not know it at the time, since it is now the Phoenix Zoo. 12.Of course, Arizona is where I first experienced the wonder that is an In N Out Burger. This maybe one of the biggest reasons I miss visiting Arizona. 13.One of the other reasons I miss visiting Arizona is because it is a photographers dream. 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

Preseason can be fun

You know, it just hit me, last Friday was one sports filled Friday. First there was golf, and then the Eagles at the Linc. I may not see sports in person for a while now just to make up for it with Mrs Duck.

Preseason games are usually boring as heck. Especially when they are pro football preseason games. Most of the guys do not want to get themselves hurt, so they don't play. The coaches don't want to tip there hands for the upcoming season too much, so they use base defenses and offensive schemes (english translation:the plays are very vanilla and chocolate). So, most times the games are not that exciting and the tickets are easy enough to scam off the real ticketholders.

However, a game like this can be exciting as all get out when you are 7 rows from the field on the 25 yard line! I used to watch games this close all the time, high school games in NJ. When I looked at the tickets that Mrs Duck had gotten from a career oriented connection, I think I almost fell over. And when we found our seats, we had to double check that we should have been that close.

I can see why the big guns pay that much for a ticket that close now. You hear the different calls on the field, are able to wave to the long snapper as he practices and see the sweat glisten off the cheerleaders. Ok, it was hot as all hell and Mrs Duck will hate that last line, but it was true.

One other benefit, is some great pictures, which I will share a few of now. Again, I think I do have some skills when it comes to photography, but when it comes to pictures at football games, its all luck, or at least being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Best action shot:Lito Sheppard returning an interception for a touchdown.






I savored these seats, because I will probably never get this close again.

I hate my long irons

The good thing about a jam packed weekend, is the fact that it gives you plenty of blog fodder to work off as the week goes on. Heck, the danged weekend gave me at least 4 posts off the top of my head and then a few ancillary ones as well. Now thats my kind of weekend.

So, golf, a game that is supposed to be relaxing and fun. Many people say that you are supposed to get out all your aggression and tension by smacking the hell out of a little white ball. For me, it just seems to stress me out more.

Makefield Highlands is a beautiful, sort of links type course, with very few trees, wide open fairways and rolling topography. It also has some screwy dog legs left and right and some of the fun fun fescue. I spent alot of time in the damned fescue!

I throw the first hole out, I pretty much hopped out of my car and rambled quickly up to the first tee without any warm ups. And the middle holes, 2 to 8 were pretty uneventful, except for the fact that I could never really use my driver because it would have put me in a bad spot. So I had to rely on my long irons (clubs 2 through 7) and they just suck! They cause me to spray the ball all over the course, being a danger to everyone within two holes of me on either side. Hence, the tension.

Things did pick up after hole 10, a hole I was cursing on, so how much worse could it really get. But, on the 13th hole, I had a great drive, nice and straight, a nice shot with my hybrid club and then, holy shit, I chipped in from off the green for a birdie!! I mean, it looked like one of those dramatic, movie type Tiger Woods chips. The fact that I lost my golf ball three times on the next 5 holes did not deter the excitement I got from one freaking birdie.

50 States 50 Hotties-South Dakota

we had to go way way back into the archives to find today's selection. And while, deep down, she was not even my favorite of the "Angels" she has aged well enough to still be considered at least warm if not hot.

Cheryl Ladd was born in Huron, South Dakota, July 12, 1951. Most recently, she was on "Las Vegas" though I am hearing James Caan is leaving this year, which will make it hard for her to play his wife on the show when it does return. Ladd had kept her career going with many many Lifetime TV Movies, but her most famous role of course is the 90 episodes she had on "Charlie's Angels"

Solving this whole Civil Union issue thing

A few weeks back, Mrs Duck and I watched the political forum on the Logo Network. It was the Democratic contenders, though all the Republicans were invited to attend, though all declined. Though, not a surprise, the LGBT base is not exactly one Republicans running for President do not feel all warm and fuzzy about. The forum was not a debate, since each candidate appeared all on there own with some interviewers and the questions were not exactly hard hitting, but at least the candidates got the chance to express there views on homosexual issues. Pretty uneventful actually, except for Governor Richardson saying homosexuality was a choice. Egads man! If there is one accepted answer that would be used to avoid answering that questions is that you are unsure whether it is a choice or a part of your chemical makeup that you can't control. But, never ever say its a choice out right! Shockingly, his spin team put out a statement 2 hours later saying the Governor was confused.

But, as we watched this debate and watched many of the candidates, especially the front runners, sort of hem and haw about the idea of gay marriage or civil unions or someplace in between, I came up with my own brillant solution.

the word Marriage itself has religious connotations, making it difficult for people to turn around on as giving Marriage rights to a couple that is not a man and a woman. Heck, to me the word marriage is a derivative of the word matrimony, which is a sacrament in the Christian religion. So, lets take marriage out of anything that has to do with civil government. Its not a marriage license, its a civil union license. Its not a marriage tax, its a civil union tax.

Now, I am not saying take marriage out of the entire vernacular, just take it out of anything governmental. If you get wed by someone who is tied even in some loose, Church of Elvis type way, to a religious order, they can call it marriage. So a priest, rabbi, shamen, guy who you met over the internet perform a wedding ceremony and can say, you are married in the eyes of God, the form you sign as a legal document is a civil union license. I mean, how many laws on the books are there that say you have to confirmed by the time you are 15, that you have to know yiddish by the time you are 13 or even have to have your pee pee snipped of some of its skin when you are a child? Yet, the stigma or feelings of religious organizations still have a power in a law of a love between 2 people? Interesting, isn't it?

And, you can say you are still married. When you go to a diner, you order a coke, when you want a brown caffeine soda, yet the waitress knows what you mean, even if they only serve Pepsi. So, say you are married all you want. Just sign a form from the state saying your husband is Jack or Katie or whatever, that says civil union license.

What else can I solve?

Wants some Gin with your Poetry Train?

This is a song of my youth and it actually was a song that I was able to hear while in college and picture one particular red head coed. Short part of a long story, I was an idiot when it came to women in my sophomore year of college and did not know how to read the signs of a chick that wanted to hook up. While forward, she was not forward enough. So in the end, two semi shy college students just got drunk and neither one of us managed to get lucky that night. We stayed friends and for whatever reason, this song reminds me of the girl from Upper Darby.

Get more Poetry Train here...

Found Out About You by the Gin Blossoms

All last summer, in case you don't recall,
I was yours and you were mine; forget it all.
Is there a line that I could write
That's sad enough to make you cry?
And all the lines you wrote to me were lies.
Months roll past the love that you struck dead.
Did you love me only in my head?
The things you said and did to me
Seemed to come so easily.
The love I thought I won you give for free.
Whispers at the bus stop.
I heard about nights out in the school yard.
I found out about you.

Rumours follow everywhere you go,
Like when you left and I was last to know.
Well, you're famous now and that's no doubt.
In all the places you hang out
They know your name and they know what you're about.
Whispers at the bus stop.
I heard about nights out in the school yard.
I found out about you.

Street lights blink on through the car window.
I get the time too often on A.M. radio.
Well, you know it's all I think about.
I write your name, drive past your house;
Your boyfriend's over; I watch your light go out.
Whispers at the bus stop.
I heard about nights out in the school yard.
I found out about you.

The Quiz break

For the times when I got nothing to say. Or at least am to lazy to type that I have nothing to say.

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

Got this one from Pam, of course.

My Liberal Identity:

You are a Social Justice Crusader, also known as a rights activist. You believe in equality, fairness, and preventing neo-Confederate conservative troglodytes from rolling back fifty years of civil rights gains.

Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com

Finally, this one from the Daily Bitch (kick ass name, aint it?) Except for the gourmet food part, this quiz was accurate. Now if mozzarella didn't make me sick.

What Your Pizza Reveals

You have a hearty appetite. You are likely to complain if a restaurant has small portions. You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are dependable, loyal, and conservative with your choices. You are definitely unique and artistically inclined. You should consider traveling to Prague. The stereotype that best fits you is guy or girl next door. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being average.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

My First Pay Per Post

and in all actuality, it could be my last, just because I have set my own rules for Pay Per Posting on this blog.

Anyway, how did I get here? Well, way back in November I think, I signed up for at the website to become a postie. The whole idea of course is to drive traffic to different websites, that we bloggers post about. And then, once approved, they pass us some cash. See, simple.

Well, I signed up because they were asking people to talk about the Go Philly website, and how they ran this promo for one night free if you stay one night in the city. This sounded perfect for me, I am from Philadelphia and have used the website. Plus, for the first night of the honeymoon, we used that exact promo to get two nights in the city for the price of one, well sort of one since we had a suite, but thats not here or there. But, my humble little blog here did not qualify, because I did not have a good enough rank. So, I waited and now here I am, apparently I count for something now.

But, you may ask, why this also maybe the last pay per post, post? I hear you asking right now. Well, I believe that a blog should not be inundated with them. So, if it is a product I have used, would use if I knew about it, or a website that I frequent, then there might be a PPP about it. But, it has to be something that means something to me. So there will be no posts for eat veal, the Christian Science Monitor, or Easy Date Asian Style. I will not sell out this blog that I have come to build and love. But, if someone wants to pay me to do a little post about Recipezaar.com, then I am there, since I love there site and use it every week. My favorite corn dog recipe? Yep, look for a post if someone asks. Stuff like that.


Also, I can promise that there will be a limit to PPP. This will not become a Pay Per Post blog. I hate when that happens. So, I promise not to become one of those people. I believe my blog speaks enough for me. Its a fun hobby, and I don't want it to become a job. But, I am not an idiot either. If someone out there wants to pay me for my hobby and I don't have to sell my soul to do it, why not? You would do it to, though I know some folks might even consider selling an itsy bitsy piece of there soul, but thats why I love my readers.

50 States 50 Hotties-North Dakota

I know very little about North Dakota. I know its capital is Bismark and I could have sworn that Mt Rushmore is there, but I can not say that with 100% clarity. What I can say, is that even that state has a hot actress.

Leslie Bibb was born in Bismark, North Dakota on November 17, 1974. Up until her role in Talladega Nights in 2005, she was one of those actresses that you see in some of those smaller roles all the time and you say, hey, she sure looks familiar, including stints on Crossing Jordan, Nip/Tuck and ER.

Had a Grand Post planned

It was all political and complex. It probably would have pissed some people off, which is something I really do love doing. But, I turned around and it was 10:00 and the kitchen was still dirty from dinner, Garden State was the on TV set (a darn fine movie by the way) and I was stuffed.

Plus, golfing again tomorrow morning, at Makefield Highlands or something like that. Subway and Doc are in town, its Subway's annual family reunion at the shore and they come by and see us before they head down for the weekend. This happens every summer at this time and it usually involves an exhibition game of the Eagles. Yep, we got the tickets too, so we are off to do that tomorrow night. Sounds like a full weekend, all crammed into one day, which is usually how it is when Subway and Doc head up this way.

So, next week, the post in my head. So now, how do I tick people off before I go?

Starrlight sent this to me this week, and I said to myself I am going to go nowhere near it. Eh, Fuck it.

Ladies and gentleman, the V.P. as Kreskin...

50 States 50 Hotties Wisconsin, plus another bonus

The land of cheese and Favre is todays state we get into. I do not find it surprising at all the 3 of the 4 early choices for todays hottie were blond. I hope it is just some sort of coincidence and not an aryan plot to rule the world with cheese.

Did you know Charlotte Rae of the Facts of Life was born in Wisconsin?

Oh no, shes not the hottness though.

Heather Graham was born January 29, 1970 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The lovely Miss Graham is best known for her roles in one of the Austin Powers movies as well as Boogie Nights, a better movie then it sounded like it would be. She also accentuated her hotness on Scrubs in 2005. I did have to be careful with pictures, because it seems Miss Graham is not that modest in most of her movies.



Oh yea, and the Andel is at it again. Check out her Thursday Thirteen this week for some more eye candy if you are of the female persuasion. All NC-17 rules apply.

Thursday Thirteen #48 The Bookshelf One

Thirteen Books on Sparky's shelf I seem to be very popular with memes and tags for them. Actually I love that I get tagged all the time, because it means people are interested in my thoughts. Or they run out of people to ask and since I am around a lot, I am an easy target. I am going to go with idea number 1. Anyway, Wylie of Wylie's Words did not officially tag me for this one, she did offer it to me to do if I needed something during the blogathon. I did not get to it then, but I will share it with everyone now. Its the bookshelf meme, an attempt to learn something about the blogger (that would be me) from the books that they have read. Official Rules: "The rules are to provide a list of books that you have on your shelves to see if anyone can learn about you from them - but not just any books. They have to be books that you've actually paid for, nothing given, borrowed, stolen, or whatever." I think I paid for almost all of these, but they are all books that I have read and if I did not pay for them, I asked for them as a gift and everyone knows as you get older, the amount of gifts you get at your birthday is less, so its like buying. (Wow, long explanation for an easy list) 1.Sammy's Hill by Kristen Gore 2.See Jane Date by Melissa Senate. Actually read it right when I was about to get back into the dating scene, not exactly a confidence builder, but funny. 3.Every Witch way but Dead-Kim Harrison-currently my favorite paranormal witch series 4.My Sisters Keeper-Jodi Picoult-ok Mrs Duck bought this one, sue me. GREAT 5.Girls on Film by Zoey Dean-Its like a off shoot of the Gossip Girl series, certainly not as bad as it sounds. 6.Its Not You Its Me-Alison Rushby. Its a fiction book, from Red Dress Ink, not the dating guide for women. I am not that in touch with my feminine side, sheesh. 7.Nothing's Sacred by Lewis Black 8.Bragging Rights:A season inside the SEC by Richard Ensberger-hey, my first mention of a sports book! 9.God in Concord, a Homer Kelly Mystery by Jane Langton-I could read it again because I can not remember one thing about this book besides the fact I have read it. 10.Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand-Favorite Book Evah! 11.Worst Person in the World, Vol 1-Keith Olbermann I will behave and make absolutely no comments 12.Five Against One by Kim Neely-The story of the rise of Pearl Jam and Grunge. Yep, Im a grunge duck. 13.From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell-Slight problem with this book, its based on the books before it and I think I only read one of the 3, so the plot was gripping but not Oh wow gripping Any of them books you have read? Any books I should read?? 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

Afternoon Absence

A few, and I mean a small minority of few will notice that the posts have sort of dwindled this week, besides the hotties, I have not offered much. Well, I blame the Ken Howard, who I have been petsitting for over the last week or so. That and I blame My Sister's Keeper, but I will have more on that later.

Its not bad, I sit and keep Ken company, walk him a few times and read my book in AC. And I am actually getting paid, ok its 50 bucks but its still 50 more then I had before. But, did you ever realize how when you have to actually be someplace at a certain time, it seems to take longer for everything to get done before you get out the door? I don't know how Mrs Duck does not manage to miss the train every day.

But, the book is over with, unfortunately, but I will put up a full review of that later. But there you go, an actual afternoon post with a little substance to it.

50 States 50 Hotties-Minnesota

To the land of ten thousand lakes. Or is it a thousand lakes? Or is it Land O Lakes Butter? I get them all confused, but to make life easy, I just have to post a hottie.

Jessica Biel was born in Ely, Minnesota on March 3, 1982. She is certifiable hot. Miss Biel first burst onto the scene as the bad daughter on 7th Heaven. She also has had multiple movie roles, though she was extremely sexy in Blade III-Trinity.

Very Superstitious

Ok, a new plan of attack when it comes to the interviewing process. If you don't know this feathered friend too well, you might not know that I am a very superstitious being. I mean to an OCD level. I kiss my finger then kiss the side of a plane every flight for luck. I knock wood anytime anyone even mentions the word pregnant. Black cats get spit on and I was more then relived when we were able to move our flight to Hilton Head from Friday to Thursday since Friday was a Friday the 13th. So, yes I am out of my mind when it comes to superstitions and changing luck.

So, until further notice, especially after this latest interview when I get the whole "they have decided to go in another direction speech" I am unemployed. Once I say I am no longer unemployed, it will mean I have gotten through all the interviews and gotten an offer. I think somewhere in my brain that I keep talking about it and I keep jinxing myself in some way. I know its wrong and silly, but after 2 and a half years (I took the first 6 months and did not look for a job at all) of interviewing with no success, ya gotta change something.

So, you the reader can help. Next time I say, I have an interview next week, YELL AT ME

50 Hotties 50 States-Kentucky

It is a common misconception, at least on my part anyway that Ashley Judd was born in Kentucky. And while she maybe one of the most famous or at least one of the hottest alumni of U.K., she is not Kentucky born. So, plan B, a little search.

Rebecca Gayheart was born in Hazard, Kentucky on August 12, 1971. She is probably best known for her stint on 90210, at least in my book. I think she was Dylan's wife that got killed the first week they were married. But, she is also married in real life to Dr McSteamy from Grey's.




But, I also could not pass up the chance for some extra eye candy. So, as a hat tip to Mrs Duck, who think he is quite yummy, George Clooney was also born in the Bluegrass State.

Becoming Jane-3 Quacks

Over the weekend, Mrs Duck and I ventured out to the movie theater, to see Becoming Jane starring Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. We were in one of those smaller theaters, but it was jam packed, and I could count on one hand the amount of guys in the room. But, those guys that dropped there girlfriends off and went to see Transformers again, actually missed something quite good.

The movie is loosely based on the younger life of Jane Austen, who really needs to further introduction or follow up. Hathaway did an excellent job of portraying the young Austen with some spirit, but also the beginnings of being a hopeless romantic. I found the way that they showed the creative process of Austen quite interesting. Someone as talented as her still had a fragile self confidence when it came to her writing. And in one part, the switch of expressions of Hathaway from when she is just dancing at a ball to dancing with the one she has an attraction for was priceless. Hathaway has grown up from the bumbling character in Princess Diaries.

The movie was beautifully shot and the soundtrack really got you sucked into the story even deeper. Plus, you could see how Austen may have based some of her most famous works off her experiences growing up, because some were just too similar.

The movie may have been a tad long, I could have clipped 5 minutes here or there of trudging through the woods or cleaning up slop, but most of the time was needed to introduce the characters and make the plot expand even more. I never looked at my watch.

Now, I knew the end, because I am a history geek. But, Mrs Duck was not that up on every facet of Austen's life, so be sure to bring a hankie if you do see it.

Becoming Jane=3 quacks out of 4

-

Oh and be prepared for a glowing review of My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult in the weeks to come. I picked the book up yesterday around 9 or so and could not put it down until 1 in the morning when my eyes finally gave out. Love this book already.

All Rapped Up on the Poetry Train

As always, the Poetry Train runs through alot of different places on a Monday. But, they are all fun places. The lyrics of this song, Where'd Ya Go, by Fort Minor are very powerful. But, the video makes even more of a strong statement when you pair it with the words and the music. Sometimes rap music can say a lot more then yo bitch.




Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever
that you've been gone
Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever
that you've been gone
Please
Come back home
(Intro:)
Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like its been forever
That you've been gone
(Verse 1:)
She said some days I feel like shit
Some days I want to quit
And just be normal for a bit
I don't understand why you have to always be gone
I get along but your trips always feel so long and
I find myself trying to stay by the phone
Because your voice always helps me to not feel so alone
But I feel like an idiot: working my day around a call
But when I pick up I don't have much to say so,
I want you to know it's a little f**ked up that
I'm stuck here waiting, at times debating
Telling you that I've had it with you and your career
Me and the rest of the family here singing
Where'd you go.
(Chorus)
(Verse 1:)
Come back home

You know, the place where you used to live
Used to barbeque up burgers and ribs
Used to have a little party every Halloween
with candy by the pile but now
you only stop by every once in a while
Shit
I find myself just filling my time
With anything to keep the thought of you from my mind
I'm doing fine
And I'm planning to keep it that way
You can call me if you find that you have something to say
And I'll tell you
I want you to know it's a little f**ked up that
I'm stuck here waiting, at times debating
Telling you that I've had it with you and your career
Me and the rest of the family here singing
(Chorus)
(Verse 3:)
I want you to know it's a little f**ked up that
I'm stuck here waiting, no longer debating
Tired of sitting and hating and making these excuses
For why you're not around, and feeling so useless
It seems one thing has been true all along
You don't really know what you've got till it's gone
I guess I've had it with you and your career
When you come back I won't be here and you can sing it

Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever that you've been gone
Where'd you go?
I miss you so
Seems like it's been forever that you've been gone
Please come back home[x5]

50 States 50 Hotties Tennessee

Major props to Tennessee. Not only do they have excellent music, some major historical points, and yummy food, but they also have some very hot women born there. Bond, are they all this good though?

Megan Fox was born May 16, 1986 in Rockwood, Tennessee. She made the FHM Top 100 for 2006. She also had major roles in Transformers, as well as the sitcom Hope & Faith. Go Vols for sure.

Saturday Night in Tennessee

Well, I don't know exactly what is happening on a Saturday night in Tennessee, but since that is the region we are focusing on for the 50 states, 50 hotties project and I am still in need of some football lets look at some great Tennessee stuff.

1.The Music City Miracle.



2. And football in Tennessee can not really exist without "Rocky Top"