My Memorial Day plans are all askew and it reminds me of MJ. ;-) Mostly because the pool party (who really has pool parties anyway?) I was supposed to attend has been rained out (praise God) and I'm left with a limited menu of options. I want to choose the MOST relaxing menu item and it seems FISHING is that thing. Because I can read, drink beer, relax outside in the breeze, AND go fishing. I can do just about anything while fishing. Which is sort of like MJ's blog. You can do just about anything while perusing the Wrap. So MJ should come back. Because this right here is way more work than I had in mind today. I'm going fishing, people. (anyone wanna bait my hook?) You should too.
Love, mopsa
PS--HEY MJ- 'S' and 'T' are here -- the boys from NYC. They asked about you. Suddenly I'm not so fun any more!!! Wanna come over?
Whilst looking at flight times online for our upcoming trip to Naples, I became puzzled as to why it took 4 hours to fly to Italy from London but only 2 hours on the way back. I actually entertained the thought that wind direction may have had something to do with it. Fortunately, I was chatting online with Andy who, pearl of sanity that he is, reminded me of the time difference. I am an idiot.
Pam - Hurtling towards Obscurity
'Cause MJ always gives the best link drops... here's one from moi to her:
*muchas smoochas*
...to buy the house across the way, and pick out tiles and the like.
Of course, I'd also want to have a "missus" to remind me how amusing a trip to Lowes can actually be.
However, seeing as I don't have a "missus" or the cash to buy out my neighbours, I'll have to settle for knocking a few walls down over at my little blog.
And, man...if this is what it feels like to be in MJ's shoes...
...well, suffice to say that I think the missus is one lucky lady.
I could not resist the chance to mess with MJ's blog. In fact, I am so excited right now, my bodily functions are... well, you don't really want to know about that... suffice it to say that I'm really really excited.
Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know that MJ promised to write me at least six more songs to record. So, while she's off galavanting, she'd better be coming up with some good lyrics. Or else. And no more songs about the damned house! I'm tired of every chorus turning out to be an ode to drywall.
That's about it from the East Coast. Hope MJ has a wondermous time in cowgirl land or wherever the hell she is.
I've decided that while MJ is away, I am going to adopt her persona and charisma. What this translates to is that I'm going to start a massive remodeling project on the house across the street (although in my case I don't own it which could be a problem), document my nextdoor neighbor's triffid progress, have everyone hanging on my every word, then bugger off for a few days.
Macs are cool. MT is grand. Yatesy doesn't know what he's talking about.
AND THIS IS A HOSTILE TAKEOVER!!
Turn up the music, raid the fridge, find the booze cabinet and let's PARTY!
This is your CAPTAIN speaking.
Oh yeah, while I'm away - the mice shall play.
Guest Posting is now enabled. Don't be shy now... Feel free to just say howdy, tell embarrassing stories about me, pimp your blogs, or do whatever the hell you want. Just don't forget to let people know who you are. And don't BREAK anything fer pete's sake.
Adios Amigos!
And I am outta here...
It's that time of year folks - when I get to go play cowboy for a week. I'm heading out to visit an old friend (or as the Missus likes to call her, "my ex-girlfriend") in Texas. The Missus will hold down the fort here while I cavort in honky tonks in and around lovely San Antonio for 6 days. Consider this advance warning that I will not be updating Ye Olde FishWrappe until next week.
Speaking of Texas...
I think I am allergic to George Bush. Abu Dahbu Gra... Abba Dabba GRABU! Gesundheit! During that riveting speech last night, I was in the other room and had one of those uncontrollable sneezes - you know the "no warning - full body explodes" kind? I wrote a whole detailed post about that sneeze, but I decided to hit "save as draft" instead of publish. You can thank me now or later - it's up to you. I didn't want to leave you for a whole week staring at a rambling about mucus.
Instead I leave you with this:

via hollis
Cheers all - have a FANTASTIC Memorial Day Weekend - make the most out of it, you know I will! YeeHaw!
or "a funny thing happened on the way to..."
We went on our 978th trip to Lowes yesterday, this time to purchase all of the appliances for the remodel project across the street. The Missus had picked everything out online, item numbers, model numbers, prices - the whole deal. Unfortunately, I think we ended up getting only one matching item from the list. Everything else changed once we were there.
Sometimes you have to really *see* the refrigerator to understand that it's too *short*. I honestly had no idea that they came in different heights. We ended up going for a rather tall, good looking, side by side with ice and water in the door.
This is the type of fridge I have lusted after for years. I don't know why. Somehow just the idea of being able to get ice without opening a door is like nirvana to me. Alas - while whoever buys the new house will be living a life of ease with instant ice and water, I'll just be here staring across the street with envy while continuing with the opening and closing and opening and closing of the freezer door... Sigh.
We ordered everything; front loading washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas range, and side by side fridge to the tune of $2,600.00. Ka-ching! Damn.
Turns out our 10% off coupon expired 10 days ago. Double damn!
So The Missus decides to opt for the zero payments, zero interest for 12 months deal they have going, but you have to have a Lowes Credit Card. She's filling out the application and we head up to customer service to get the credit approval. The Missus decides she needs to use the restroom and disappears for 5 minutes.
Aside: Now this is going to sound incredibly politically incorrect but where the hell does Lowes do its recruiting? Between the cross eyed appliance guy, the tottering old, deaf and seriously slow witted vendor guy and the customer service chick with only one hand, it felt like everyone who worked there was straight out of a Gary Larson cartoon. Like it was Big and Odd Parts Day at Lowes.
So anyway back to the story at hand (ba-dum-bum)... I'm standing there waiting while the lady runs the credit application. No problem. But then I get a "Hmm, uh, that's interesting" and a "Is this her correct drivers license number?" and finally an "I'll be right back, don't go anywhere." from the customer service chick. She comes back and is now on the phone reading off some "keycodes" or something from her terminal screen when The Missus returns and asks "Is there a problem?" I shrug "I think she's just running your social security info for credit approval, I don't know what's going on."
The Missus: "Uh... my social security number?"
Me: "Eh-up"
The Missus: "Oh. Well that's going to be a problem..."
Me: "Why?"
The Missus: "Because I made it up."
Me: "You WHAT?"
The Missus: "I made it up! They don't need to have that information and who knows where that piece of paper goes - anyone could get ahold of it!"
Me: "You do realize that they need your correct SSN in order to get credit approval."
The Missus: "Oh."
Customer Service Chick (now with puzzled look): "This isn't your correct SSN?"
The Missus: "No."
CSC (loudly): "Well that explains why I'm on the phone with the FRAUD Dept.!"
The Missus: "FRAUD?"
Me: "FRAUD?"
CSC: "FRAUD! - You lied about your SSN. You can't do that!"
It was like an episode of I Love Lucy... "FRAUD?"... "FRAUD?"... "FRAUD!"
"Oh, Loocy - you've got some 'splainin to do!"
At this point I half expected to see some wanna-be cop come out and handcuff us both. Thankfully, they let us pay for the goods with another card and just let us go without further embarrassment or humiliation.
And today between the convenient hours of 2-6PM we should have a butt load of new appliances arriving. Not that we can do anything with them. The floors aren't even in yet!
"Oh Loocy - You've got some layin' to do!"
"Here’s a little number I wrote the other day while out duck hunting with a judge…" Eric Idle Presents: The FCCSong
via the missus
Lifetime has a new game out: OpenHouse. Your goal is to make complete couches within your budget.
Leopardy Jeopardy: Two player game. See how long you can keep your hand in the cage. The Missus got chomped and walked away muttering "that's a stupid stupid game"...
A new twist on the old game of Breakout.
Cute... Piip Show. Watch the birdies...
Feral Cheryl The Anit-Barbie.
Too funny: The Shining in 30 seconds, re-enacted by bunnies
via MissCrankyRants
In other news:
Sopranos Spoiler...
Official Recap: Long Term Parking
Oh man... I knew it was going to happen. In fact, I thought she'd be first whack of the season. I have to admit I got choked up though (no pun intended). I had a soft spot for Ade, despite her being the biggest coke ho east of the river. Did she really think Chris would flip? Hello?! Why, why, why did she get in that car with Silvio? I guess she really was that stupid. Sigh. Also, is it just me or did Carm seem a little too June Cleaver last night? There was something about her hair... It was strange. But that champagne cork/detached retina comment made me spew my cocktail...
Here's a quick sampling of some recent search strings that led people to my little corner:
Ah, good times...
Back by popular demand (okay, one person asked if I would bring it back) is the rotating Fishwrap image up top. And I was tired of that mug on the right so I swapped it out. I'm wanting a whole redesign here but have no time. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe June. Let me know if something doesn't work.
Hey! It's Friday! And I heard that you were drunk and mean down at the Dairy Queen...
This week I thought I'd share some tunes that are going through heavy rotation here at Chez Fishwrap:
Dairy Queen - Indigo Girls
Sunrise - Norah Jones
Creepin' In - Norah Jones (with Dolly Parton)
[ed note: all mp3 links expire 7 days after posting]
Oh wait - wrong game.
Despite my clearly being in the free zone, JadedJu got me in GeekMans game of Blogger Tag.
I can see you all scurrying into the shadows - too late...
TAG! You're IT!
$2.67!
That's what I paid for mid-grade at the pump this morning. $41.60 to fill my Jeep. Premium was $2.76... what the fuck?
Now, don't any of you smarty pants out there start in complaining about my complaining and the price of a gallon of gas-o-leen vs. the price of a gallon of milk blah blah blah de dah... This sucks. $3 bucks a gallon isn't that far off I guess... Grr.
/ rant
This one is for my sweet missus, a woman who suffers from extreme "Look! It's a button! What does it do? I have to push it!" Syndrome. Go ahead... you know you want to push it.
Didn't satisfy your curiosities? Push this button.
Okay, I had to watch this shirt folding demonstration about 5 times and I still don't get it. No, I don't think english would have helped. There's a reason I never worked at the Gap. I can't fold. There I said it. I am not ashamed.
Timewaster: Maze.
Not safe for work: Now that's some trick! Muscle Control
OddTodd has a new clip out. If you have been following OddTodd's lack of career the past few years then this is a MUST see. Wait for the end. It's worth it!
via the missus
Okay, there's stupid... and then there's HELLO? What the hell is wrong with you people?
via oddgirl - not to be confused with oddtodd.
Speaking of Oddgirls and Twilight Lovers... The ultimate collection of lesbian pulp fiction cover art: StrangeSisters.com
This is kinda cool: The Infinite Cat Project
After seeing this guys neighbors apartment I don't feel so bad about our little crack acres shit hole rotting garbage pit we bought across the street. Speaking of which - I'll be working on that houselog today.
In other news:
I received an email from a reader yesterday who works on HBO's Deadwood. I have failed to mention that the missus and I are fucking hooked on this fucking show. It took me a while to fucking warm up to it, but now it's a must fucking see following the fucking Sopranos. How many fucks can a fucking fuck fuck? Here's the Fuck Count for the Deadwood season to date.
My favorite line so far is Janes: "I don't drink in a bar where I'm the only fuckin' one who's got balls!"
Any other fucking Deadwood fans out there?
I know it's a day late... sue me. I also owe ya'all an mp3 - maybe this Friday will be a Two-fer. Wacky, crazy!
Friday Night:
Typical Friday night happy hour at Hamburger Mary's with the usual suspects. PP made an unexpected appearance. He's not here often enough and when he is, it's usually for just a night and the bastard never calls. It was great to catch up with him. After a few drinks we all headed over to M Modern Gallery for a pre-opening reception for "Bubbles the Artist". Met an interesting woman from Andorra (a country I had never heard of before.) Bubbles work is a very funny mix of folk and outsider art. Surprise guest at the opening - none other than Paul Reubens. Paul is surprisingly mellow. Not that I expected him to be PeeWee or anything, but the man is downright sedate. Still charming and engaging, but very low-key.
Returned home to receive a terrifying message that my (almost) 2 year old niece was in the hospital after having a seizure. She's okay now, it was a reaction to a vaccination but scared the living hell out of everyone.
Saturday Report:
Spent most of the day painting the interior over at the renovation. We had ourselves triple booked for Sat. Night. There was the new neighbors BBQ, the missus had a prior commitment and we were supposed to stop over at the Caliente Tropics at some point for the Equality Awards.
I ended up staying at the BBQ for most of the evening. Our hosts were M and K, two really great guys who just bought the "perfect" house up the street. They moved in last week and decided to invite all of the neighbors over for drinks and some grilling.
Our street is a little one block street that goes nowhere. There are about 18 homes - 14 of which are gay gay gay (we, of course, are the only lesbians and are simply referred to as "The Girls"). It's nice a quiet street, no sidewalks, no streetlights. There's no reason to be on our street if you don't live here. As a result, everyone knows everyone else, but surprisingly enough we've yet to have a neighborhood party.
What a hilarious group of neighbors we have! The prize of the evening was meeting Ginger. I had never actually spoken to Ginger, but I know her husband Al pretty well. I only know Ginger from her car. Everyone knows Ginger's car. Ya just can't miss the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac - and she has the hair to match - a giant blonde beehive. I now know more about the Mary Kay Empire than I ever thought I needed to know. Ginger also entertained us with her hilarious stories of traveling through Europe, Octoberfest and getting lost in Paris - all told in her charming slow southern drawl ... "So I said to Al, dang it, we're lossst! So then I go up to the nearest young person (they're the only ones who speak American over there) and ask them where the heck the Eiffel Tower is! Do you know what they did? They looked at me like I was craaazzzy! So then you know how you talk louder when some doesn't speak english? Well I said it again slowly... WHERE IS THE EIIIIIIFFEL TOWWWWWEER. This girl just pointed towards the sky and walked away! Well, wouldn't you just know it? We were standing right underneath it the whole time. I never even bothered to look up!"
We laughed! Oh how we laughed! Friends, do you think I was going to leave this little show for some awards dinner? No friggin way! Priceless entertainment!
Around 10:00, the missus and I walked back down the block enjoying the warm starlit night. One of the many reasons I adore Palm Springs, the desert night sky is like nothing I've ever seen.
Sunday Report:
My day off. I lounged by the pool most of the day and got a little too much sun (which I am still paying for today). We ordered pizza for dinner and watched our sacred Sunday line-up... Okay Sopanos fans... WTF? That whole dream sequence was too much. "Tony, we have to have some ground rules. For one, you can't keep that horse in here." Too funny. I can't believe there are only two more episodes! I want more!
IOC gives go-ahead for transsexuals to compete.

Congrats to the great state of Massachusetts. Today YOU make history with the first state recognized same-sex marriages.
WOO HOO! I'm so happy for you all. Enjoy the party!
Don't mess with the old bunny.
Whoa. Dude. Spin-O-Vision. Trippy.
Want some infuriating fun? Try Paint by Numbers. It's not what you think... It took me forever to get the "Easy! Try this one first!"
Why you should never put your picture on the internet.
Appalling 75pc Gold-Plated Versace Flatware Set
via mopsa
There's nothing fluffy or funny about this post. If you want happy - come back tomorrow.
I don't pretend to know everything or anything really for that matter. I don't know what to say right now, but I have to say something. I haven't really thought this out so I am sure it is fraught with contradiction...
I watched the video. You know which one I am talking about. The Nick Berg video. I don't know why I watched it - I wish I hadn't - but I did.
I'm ill.
I won't link to it - it's gruesome and graphic and horrific, but if you have to see it, I'll only email you a link. I understand. I watched it too remember.
I've read across a dozen blogs that there should be moral outrage. That we should go kick some terrorist ass. That now we should step it up and kill all those mother fuckers before they kill us. AND that the anti-bush people slash media are hiding this video from the public. If only the public could see it, primetime live, then everyone would feel the same sense of outrage and revenge. The key word here being revenge. I suspect that a lot of these people also proclaimed to support Bush's banning of any media coverage of returning caskets out of respect for the privacy of the family...
Two words. Bull shit.
Yes, I am outraged. No this should not be shown on national television. I've never seen anything so horrific. But is the public being shielded by a liberal media?
No. We, as a civilized society, do not show real people being really murdered on television. Generally speaking.. never mind, you know what I am saying... I have my issues with media. And I suspect that there is contradiction in what I get angry about. Photo's of our fallen soldiers flag draped caskets - yes - that is allowing our nation to grieve and honor our sevice members. A human being (American or not) being brutally beheaded? No. We just don't watch that. Or at least not in that last 100 years.
Should we go kick some terrorist ass? Isn't that what we've supposedly been trying to do? What do you suggest we do next? Kill everyone and let God sort 'em out? I think that's what some folks are doing.
Here's where I stand. Right or wrong in your mind. You know why Nick Berg was beheaded? Because we are at war. Because the Bush administration fails to recognize that they have failed. Because a couple of cowboys (and cowgirl) decided to have some so-called fun - or horseplay*. Well it wasn't just a couple - prisoner abuse is happening all over and ya know what? These cowboys have just painted a big bulls eye on every single American Soldiers back. No, every Americans back. We are all at risk now. Welcome to reality. What happened to Nick Berg could happen to any of us.
It makes me sick. What I saw has only hardened my resolve to get the fuck rid of fucking GW. He's going to get us all killed - one way or another - with this goddamn holy war he's waging.
We. Are. So. Screwed.
My heart goes out to Nick Bergs family. No one should have to go through having their son/daughter/father/mother/brother/sister brutally and publically murdered - for the whole world to see.
I am so, so very sorry.
* "A military official who has seen the photos said that one depicts soldiers sodomizing prisoners with chemical lights and another depicts sex between two U.S. soldiers. The official could not confirm a CNN report that said a video exists that shows guards fondling and kissing a female detainee. "They apparently show some fooling around and some horseplay. There are some that show detainee abuse," the official said. He added that of the more than 1,200 images being reviewed by Pentagon investigators, fewer than 400 are "bad.""
Fun, Games, Oddities
Puppy Curling! I love this game!
Gravity. Uh Miss? I'm certain I purchased a roundtrip ticket... Well yes, the view is lovely from up here but this music is driving me crazy...
Do you have what it takes? The Apprentice Game. Avoid your annoying co-workers and make it to the top. The water cooler gives you super power.
Black Jack - and a bunch of other casino games.
Stress Relief: Cannot Find Server. You'll figure it out...
via presurfer
Urine Good Hands! There are some things about baseball that I really didn't need to know...
Historic Archives:
Read Print - a free online library. Very cool.
Inventing Entertainment. The Motion Pictures and Sound Recordings of Edison Companies. A HUGE archive of Edisons motions pictures and recordings.
Far from Heaven: A Good Wifes Guide
Survivor Reminder: Don't forget to go vote for Rupert!
Or, if you're like me, write a check damn it!

585 miles - SF to LA in 7 Days
If any of you are so inclined, my good friend Leah is riding again this year in the AIDS Lifecycle. And her lovely wife Miss Jennie is doing the Roadie thing. Less than a month to go, so any donation - large or small - would be greatly appreciated!
Go! Leah Go! WooHoo!
You can say that again!
Nothing like a too close for comfort spitfire fly-by to give the old ticker a jump start! Holy crap! I can't believe the camera guy didn't ditch it!
via b3ta
In other news:
Thelma has finally returned home and she's purring like a kitten. Time to go for a cruise. Have a great weekend all!
Hey! It's Friday! Happy No Pants Day everyone! It's Miller time. So turn it up and hit me with music... brutalize me with music now...
Trenchtown Rock (Live) - Bob Marley & The Wailers
[ed note: all mp3 links expire 7 days after posting]
Direct from Canada: Talking to Americans. I can only shake my head... stupid, stupid people...
If you would like to avoid American Stupidity - Here's a state by state breakdown by IQ , average income and who they voted for in '00. (that's right LA - Connecticut is the smartest state... no need to rub it in.)
Sculptures made from Matchheads. Then he lights them on fire.
Coolest Lawn Ornament Ever.
Don't be a jerk. Buy some for your circle of friends!
Timewaster #476: Got some time to kill and a dollar bill? Make your own Money Shirt.
Ever wonder what it looked like to break the sound barrier? Or what it sounded like?
Patron Saints of Graphic Design
Saint Exacto
"After tireless service to the Queen of Production for many years, he suffered a breakdown and was found in a moor spray mounting farm animals together..."
Super Secret Celebrity Secrets. Oh man, those arms...
It was only a matter of time... Satanic Hamster Dance
| Which Bob Dylan song are you? Tangled Up In Blue |
| Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
Or... A River Runs Though It
[ed note: if you taped/tivo'd this and haven't seen it yet, don't worry - there's nothing in the world that could actually spoil this movie...]
Okay so the first night was hilarious. The first hour of last night was hilarious. Then the tedium set in so the missus and I played the "Dialog Prediction Game" and we were pretty spot on with a number of them. Especially the "I Love You's"
"I love you son"
"I love you ... dad"
"I love you Mom"
"Honey, I love you"
"I've always loved your mother."
And again, "I've always loved your mother."
"Be careful out there."
"I'm a doctor, damnit!"
"I'm going in."
Best line never delivered but should have been:
Governor to Assistant: "You're right, you are cold."
Ten points to FEMA dude for the intense stare/throwing of coffee cup... and again with the cable. "It broke!"
And who's bright idea was it to use The Claw Game to deposit the nuclear warheads? "Aw crap. I wanted the bunny! I need more quarters damn it!" "We don't have TIME!"
Gotta love the crescendo of angels singing... And the President to FEMA dude "Do it for the Gipper" speech.
Mac was dead on with Armageddon and Independence Day - but let's not forget the "Gone with the Wind" pan shot of the evacuation center...
What I learned:
• Just as I've suspected all along. The San Andreas Fault does NOT run through the Coachella Valley at all but takes a sharp turn to the North around Riverside! This means that if the events portrayed in 10.5 ever happen - We are safe and sound here in Palm Springs and we'll all have beach front property! Woot!
• It's okay to fly 100 ft. over the site of a recently detonated nuclear warhead in a helicopter.
• It's entirely possible to evacuate millions of people from Los Angeles.
• You can find your family in a sea of 10,000 people in less than 2 minutes if you just believe.
• You can get from Sacramento to Barstow in the back of a 30 year old pick up truck in less than three hours. I knew there had to be a shortcut!
Yes - a complete waste of time. Two nights in a row. Dig it.
Did anyone else waste a perfectly good evening watching Part 1 last night?
I lived through a rather large quake and was a little nervous about watching it. Would it trigger another panic attack?
I had nothing to fear. Any shortness of breath came from laughing my ass off. It was definitely a 10.5 on the Cheesefactor Scale, but like a train being swallowed by a giant fissure - I couldn't look away.
The acting was friggin awful despite there being some decent actors in it. Kim Delany, Dulé Hill and what up with Beau Bridges and the Ronny Reagan imitation? That's a new low for you buddy. And the dialog... OMG! "Daddy?!?" Absolutely hilarious. All those camera tricks were making me a little dizzy. Quick Pan! Split screen! Zoom! Shake it! Shake it! Zoom the Split Screen!
What was NBC thinking? I know it Sweeps Week and all but c'mon.
So um, I can't wait for tonight's exciting conclusion! What will happen?!? Will California break off and fall into the ocean?! I'm on the edge of my seat!
You have to ice down your lap top because of extra innings.
After a nice long chat with my good bud Staz, it looked like the Giants were heading into extra innings so I decided to come out and listen to the game (I loves my mlb.com Gameday Audio).
So I'd only been out here for 30 minutes and my iBook starts a-whirring and buzzing and screaming for mercy. So what's a clever butch to do? No - I didn't use my beer can, that would be wasteful. I went in and grabbed a couple of ice packs from the freezer and rigged up a nice cool zone for the laptop to sit on.
Some might ask "MJ, why don't you just go inside where there's air conditioning? It's hot ya damn fool!" Because. It's not the same. I have to be out here on my patio, cold beer in hand. Listening to KNBR. There is no logic. But that's baseball.
It's 105º again today ... Jesus, it's only May 2nd and we're already hitting triple digits regularly. It's gonna be a long summer folks. Before you know it, it'll be July and 118º. Ack. My sympathies go out to all those insane fools at the Coachella Hella Hot Music Festival. That must be fucking miserable right about now... All that dust, sun, heat and dehydration just for The Cure? Then again, who am I to judge... Rock on sister!