101 Things About The Loons

Yes - it's our 100th post! (OK, so we missed it by a few!)
So here, by Internet Decree is 100 things about us! (Plus a bonus!)

Angie's:
1. Drummer Addict. Found my Drummer so you can call me recovered Addict. Forever dealing with the dum, dah, dum, dum, DUM.

2. Coffee Addict. Black the first three cups, and the rest of the morning a shot of cream please. And make it a BIG shot.

3. Favorite Sub-Tuna Salad Sub covered w/Black Olives, Jalapenos, Banana Peppers, Lettuce, Tomato, and Dill sauce. Yum!

4. Worst Job EVER-Peeling Hard boiled eggs for 10 hours a day. The smell made me puke every morning. My hands were never out of cold water the whole time of standing at the table. AWFUL. Made me thankful and gave me incentive to continue my education and NEVER, EVER, have to work in an assembly line job again.

5. Chair Addict

6. Wrote my first play at age 8. My first stage production by 9. Editor and CEO of my first newspaper age 10.

7. My first TV job paid $4.50 an hour. Was able to live on my own, drive a new truck, and have a land-line phone. No cable. No bar-hopping. Great time!

8. Collected Caterpillars in a red vase as a kid. Brought them to my bedroom every night and they would disappear by morning. Found out several years ago, my sister HATES caterpillars because my missing "alive" collection!

9.Ran the mile on high school track team for four years. Beat a guy once!

10. Interviewed presidential candidate Ross Perot in a skirt and high heels.

11.Peruvian Shoe-Shiner at the Dulles Airport proposed marriage. I said NO but thanked him.

12.In a Made-for-TV movie starring Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Role: TV news photographer. I nailed it.

13. Professional Jam Maker.

14. Editor High School News Paper.

15. Staff Reporter Northern Iowan.

16. Interviewed two former first ladies, Lady Bird Johnson and Barbara Bush.

17. Interviewed Hal Holbrook in his hotel room. Just him and me. (Nothing happened except for a conversation about his play.)

18.Read every Nancy Drew book in the Fayette library.

19. Read every book written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

20.Weekly visitor of the fire station at one point in my life.

21. Worst place I lived was a flea-bag trailer house, and I am not exaggerating. My sister and I lived with my boss while I worked at a hotel in Florida. We appreciated his hospitality, it was the most disgusting place ever. Bought huge shares in the RAID company.

22.Before having children, only knew how to cook tuna melt sandwiches.

23. Once shared a elevator ride with Leon Spinks. Funny story. After the ride was over, my friend Marlys yelled out, "We just rode down with Leon Spinks." We jumped up and down screaming. My other friend Teri stopped jumping and asked point-blank, "Who is Leon Spinks?" We all died laughing.

24. Guitar Player-Teaching myself.

25.Secretly wants to perform on the guitar to audience.

26.Huge fan of Brokedown Stranger.

27. Now addicted to guitars and find other guitar players far more interesting than before.

28.Wanted to be a network photojournalist.

29.Thought I should move to LA, live in Hollywood and hang out with Big Hair Bands.

30.Bottle Feed kitties. Yes, I am a Cat Mom.

31.Fast becoming fascinated with Italy.

32.Meet and interviewed Stevie Ray Vaughn, one of the nicest "celebs" I ever met.

33.Dream of walking across Scotland for a vacation.

34.Would love to own my own business.

35.I like to trout fish, just don't have my license.

36.Enjoy walking with my dad while he is hunting. I don't carry a gun.

37.Been married twice and have never been on a "honeymoon" guess that means try for a three? Just kidding!

38.Would wear vintage clothes everyday to work if possible.

39.Wrote my first play in 3rd grade.

40.Directed my first backyard play by 5th grade.

41.Directed, produced and edited 4 music videos by age 27.

42.Start a lot of projects, some get done and others are always "waiting to be finished."

43.Would love to open up my own "treasure" shop with my sister Jill.

44.Would love to go on a family vacation with my siblings and parents and my hubby's family, the whole Looney clan.

45.Dream about quitting my job and living on the farm for work.

46.Love to read Non-fiction works.

47.Had a photo published in a book, titled...."Eating His Christmas Pie." Cute shot of Ryker with his face in the holiday pie. Yes, we all skipped dessert that day.

48.Wants to have a cow.

49.Unfinished project right now is a screenplay.

50.Would love to make a difference in someone's life.

Tim's
1. First person born in Johnson County in 1960.

2. Youngest of 6 children.

3. By age 18 had learned how to play and publicly performed:
trombone, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and oboe.

4. Founding member of rock band Voyager.

5. Currently drummer in The 100s.

6. Have two ex-wives

7. Ate nearly nothing besides Skippy Chunky on white bread (folded sideways) until age of 45.

8. Graduated after first semester of senior year of high school.

9. Graduated from Kirkwood Community College.

10. Nominated for "Communications student of the year" at Kirkwood.

11. Started in television in 1985.

12. Learned to love Jalepeno peppers in 2005.

13. Read nearly 20 years worth of back issues of "Reader's Digest" as a kid.

14. Love the Hawkeyes

15. Read Agatha Christie books as a teen.

16. Had my favorite dog, Pandy, from 1972 until 1981.

17. Coached youth baseball for several years.

18. Have two sons.

19. Worked at Howard Johnson's while in high school.

20. Had a kidney removed in 1985.

21. Have a secret love for "Rock Chicks". (Am currently growing my own!)

22. Once studied French.

23. Have been to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico twice.

24. Am obsessed with Alaska.

25. Own every Rush album produced since 1971 (17).

26. Want to mush sled dogs.

27. Lived on a farm the first 18 and last 5 years.

28. Have had 4 "best friends" since jr.high: Ray, Steve, Bob, Angie.

29. Love Bud Light.

30. Drink Black Velvet regularly.

31. Love Johnny Walker Black Scotch.

32. Have wanted to live in Mexico

33. Have wanted to live in Wisconsin

34. Have wanted to live in Maine

35. Have wanted to live in Oregon

36. First car was a huge, white Buick LaSabre, “The Beast”.

37. Hate peas

38. Think politics is easy – you either think that the government is there to work FOR you, or you think that “May the strong (and rich) survive”.

39. Collects shot glasses

40. Has a huge CD collection

41. Love to watch movies and TV with the Babe Wife

42. Wrote a newspaper as a kid.

43. Sang in a quartet in kindergarten

44. Sang in a quartet in High School

45. One concert in High School played the drums in Jazz Band, accompanied a vocalist with a guitar, played trombone and performed an oboe solo in concert band.

46. Have been to Wrigley Field twice

47. Once shot an elephant in my pajama’s. How he got into my pajama’s I’ll never know!

48. Currently contributing to three blogs.

49. Love Monty Python

50. Love ALL my kids

51. Love my wife

Tonight is the Premiere of "Toughest Race On Earth: Iditarod"

Tonight is the premiere of the Discovery Channel series "Toughest Race On Earth: Iditarod".

The series will air at 10PM Eastern Time tonight, and repeat at 11PM ET, 2AM ET early Wednesday, Friday night at 10PM ET, early Saturday morning at 2AM ET, and Saturday morning at 11AM ET.

Tune in for coverage of the race start in Anchorage and Willow. Meet mushers and their dogs. Learn behind-the-scenes strategies and training methods. See exclusive interviews.

Favorite Foreign Films

Here's your chance, Looney Talk readers. List in no particular order or number your top pick in foreign films. Don't be shy. Share your picks.
1. Johnny Stecchino
2. Bread n Tulips
3. Jules and Jim
4. The Pianist
5. Wild Strawberries
Now there are many more, however it will take me additional time to list. So this is it for RIGHT NOW. Come on, comment.

Road Creatures

This fall as you walk down an Iowa gravel road, maybe you'll notice those creatures in nature we call slimy, creepy, crawlers. As it turns out, this season there are so many caterpillars crossing the roads and the snakes as well. All summer I have been looking for the snakes. Not too often did I see them slithering in the grass and into the underbrush. I thought maybe the chickens killed them all. But alas, they are out in full sun on those dusty roads the dogs and I walk most every morning. Today was no different. About every 20 steps there is a caterpillar creeping across. The black and brown fuzzy ones. The same type I captured every fall and brought them into our house. I never knew my sister didn't like them. I would put grass in their home and sticks. Every morning they were gone. The vase I kept them in was short and shallow. I guess they escaped. The dogs love to check out each one as we walk the gravel. IT doesn't matter how many we look at, they all need to be investigated.
Speaking of wildlife, every time I drive past the hog confinement center about 3 miles from our home, I see the same coyote hanging out. He is reddish brown, kind of shaggy. I guess you would say he is living high off the hog. Loon wants him dead. I like to see him. As long as he is not killing chickens, he can stay over there.
And readers, we got our harnesses and ropes for the sled dog team. Loon and I took them out yesterday (Sunday) and walk the waterway to the neighbors road and back home. We were only out there for an hour, but we were beat after doing it. Biscuit is the leader. We tried Krunchy, he kept trying to go to the right. HE pulled pretty hard. Brownie is the best sled dog. She is so good. She just stays in line and follows Biscuit. His ropes are too long. They need to be shortened so he is not too far ahead of everyone.
We'll get some pictures and post sometime.
Keep on reading and write in your comments readers!
Angie

Vice Presidential Debate

Is it going to happen? Word on the street from a guy I know who we'll just call Josh, he says Palin is going to back out of the race. Yeah, she's gonna go home and play Mommy and drive around the hockey team. Or something along those lines.
I think it is great to have someone who is "real" and who is in way over her head. Because that is what life is about. Somebody throw her a life ring or something. Does anyone remember Dan Quayle? Or am I the only one that is drawing the comparison between Sarah and Dan. Remember the spelling of potatoes? Or was it potatoe? I'll have to look it up sometime when I'm not tossing and turning over losing sleep because Sarah Palin may be next in line to run our country. Has anyone seen the headlines recently? What have the fat cats on Wall Street, Congress and across the country in board rooms been doing lately? I'll tell you what they haven't been doing. They haven't been cutting coupons. Or cancelling their vacation to some remote paradise. Let Sarah have her day in debate. It makes great TV. McCain you can't win, no matter who or what you have as a running mate. You may as well have Osama Bin Laden as your vice president. At least we would finally catch him.
Just another of my rants.

Hook Up those Pups!

It's official. The Looney's are getting some harnesses and ropes and all that great stuff that Loon has been dreaming about ordering. Biscuit will get a custom harness, because as it turns out he is small for a sled dog. Go Biscuit. We always root for the underdogs. Did you know Biscuit is a wet nurse for kitties? Yes, it is true. We'll keep you updated, racing fans and dog lovers. Don't worry. No puppies will be hurt on our shift. In fact, I see one old lady getting thrown off the wagon somewhere in the middle of nowhere on occasions. And I see an old man getting left behind in the wilderness without his bottle. Life is gonna be good real soon.

CR Mayor: Sleeping on the Job

Rant if I must,
Hell, it's my blog.
Watching the videotape over and over again,
it's hard to believe the little white haired sleeping woman is the mayor of Cedar Rapids.
If you view multiple times like I have,
you will notice yourself getting sleepy.
I guess that is our way of following along,
isn't that what the city council is doing?
No one seems to be proclaiming, Mayor Wake Up!
We're talking about a flood recovery plan of 1.5 billion dollars.
Shouldn't that be incentive to wake her majesty?
If I were a Cedar Rapidian,
you would sure find me at every council meeting,
Probably yelling at the Mayor,
Wake up it is morning Madam Mayor,
Wake up Madam Mayor, it is afternoon,
Or Hey, you old bag, Wake up.
Seriously. I will gladly help support any Cedar Rapids resident
to the best of my ability to help take in your cause,
of finding some resolution from your council.
Angie

Brownie the Good Dog

Smoke the Cat
Looks like Brownie, the dog is the starting member of the dog team at the Loon farm. She has learned the art of staying at home. She seems to understand her mom and dad, finally. Biscuit and Krunchy remain in the dog house. And on the kitty report, MJ has returned no thanks to Mom. Poor tabby. He just wants to hang around with the family. However, he doesn't seem to get along with the other cats. Probably a bit on the snobby side I would side, Meow.

Walking the Dog

Yesterday was a great day to walk your dog. It should have been National Walk Your Dog day. Why humans, you may ask? Because yesterday was overcast, cool and a Monday. What better day than Monday to get off your bee-hind quarters and move those hams. SERIOUSLY. And can you imagine NOT exercising at least once a day. Imagine the shape dogs would be in if we didn't get out there and walk. Can you imagine that? Hey, Dad are you reading this? Sinking in? Time to get in shape for the great dog race.
Your loving Doggie Daughter,
Brownie

Royal Viewing

This weekend we watched two movies about royalty:
Marie Antoinette (2006) was a modern look at the queen and her struggles to fulfill her duties to her family and her country. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, it had a modern feel, used contemporary (primarily '80s) music, and modern English. Kirsten Dunst was an interesting choice as the star, who she played as rather clueless and manipulated. Harmless entertainment, but not exactly a historical, period piece.
Angie says this: The music at first look was so distracting, I could hardly contain myself. I thought I was sent back to the 1980's and was expecting Madonna dancing around with her off the shoulder shirt. But the movie developed somewhat. It was just a strange juxtaposition. If my last name was Coppola, do you think I would be able to getting funding for making a movie?

The great actress Dame Helen Mirren starred as The Queen (2006), an impressive look at Queen Elizabeth II, during the aftermath of the death of Diana. With the always enjoyable James Cromwell as Prince Phillip, and Michael Sheen as a convincing Tony Blair, this film portrayed the precarious position of the crown with regard to Diana's death. While it was an intriguing look at the inner workings, I have to wonder at the accuracy. It was billed, after all, as "Based on actual events." I would watch it again to enjoy the performances, as well as the scenery, presumably shot in Wales.
Angie says this: Loon, I thought we read credits that had listed shot on location in Scotland? Now I am confused. Great stag! Loon could barely sit there and watch without making all sorts of grunting noises. I was totally expecting some guy to start whispering, ...."oh, look at the size of that rack. We're about 100 yards away, the breeze is from the north, so the old stag can't smell us. Great time to get a shot off....BOOM!!!" This film showed a compassionate, human side of the royals. And it clearly defined the Queen's behavior to her bizarre reaction of NOT publicly reaction to Diana's death. Indeed, time for us to rid of the royal birthline and reward people who become servant's of the people by their "deeds." Long live volunteerism!

WANTED: CHICKEN KILLER!

DEAD OR ALIVE!
Predator... who killed our chickens.
Armed and Dangerous! Vicious Killer on the Loose!
Shoot on Site! Call Johnny Law NOW!
This message brought to you by the F.B.I. (Farm Buddy Impact)

On the Lamb

By Smoke
Finally I have escaped. Freedom! Oh, the sweet smell of independence. Of course, I don't know what the crap I will live. I can't catch anything, my food is put before me twice a day. And drinking? I drink from the cup of my paw. From a big bowl. Where will I find water? But I am free. Now I will have to fight those other dozen male cats I hear every night. The ladies! I'll finally get to chase them. Unless those darn Toms chase me off. Never thought about that. And Little Meredith my muse is indoors. Hanging out with old lady and Lil. Maybe I should try to figure out a way to break in?
CAPTURED!!!!
CRIMINAL FELINE CAPTURED AND PUT BEHIND BARS. WITH THE HELP OF THE LOONEY CANINE SQUAD OF CAP'N KRUNCHY AND DETECTIVE BROWNIE SMOKE THE CAT IS BACK HOME IN THE SAFETY OF HIS MOM AND DAD AND BROTHER AND SISTER AND FELINE FOLKS. THE ENDURING ONE HOUR MUGGY AFTERNOON HUNT TURNED UGLY AT ONE POINT. TEETH GNASHING AND GROWLING, BLOOD WAS SOON GOING TO GUSH. KUDOS ALSO GOES OUT TO MEREDITH THE ENTICER. THANKS TO HER HARD EFFORTS, SMOKE WAS FLUSHED OUT OF THE UNDER BRUSH THAT WE CALL A FLOWER BED.

TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH: IDITAROD

Discovery Channel has announced the premiere of TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH: IDITAROD, on Tuesday, October 7 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Produced by Thom Beers, creator of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, the six one-hour episodes will follow mushers and their dog teams as they take on the elements, the cold and the trail conditions – as they race each other over one thousand miles across Alaska in The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

View trailer:

Great Day to Run Dogs

By Brownie
There's a chill in the air, the skies are partly cloudy and it's a good day to hitch up the team and start training. Why hasn't our dad got us a hitch yet? Or whatever that thing is called that Mom can hook us up to and we can FINALLY run. I just want to run. Poor Mom! She could hardly keep up with us today. She looks like a little old lady trying to hang on to a speeding train. Sunday I caught a "wabbit" I sayzz. (Dad- trying to talk DOGGIE talk here but itz nout wookeen.) Mom made me let the wabbit go. Boohoo. Biscuit and Krunchy loved to smell it and tried to take a bite out of its poor little leg. Mom said, "Drop it!" and being the good girl I am I obeyed. And I never ran off. Score one for me. Woohoo...Dad. Let's get with the program here. If you are really going to consider yourself a DOG MAN, then get the stuff for Mom so she can do all the work.
From your favorite teenage wasteland doggie, Love Brownie.

Movie: Bread & Tulips

Pane e tulipani (2000), an Italian film, was a very interesting and entertaining movie. In a journey of self-discovery, an unappreciated housewife start a new life in Venice - by herself. Through her new friends and newly-discovered sense of self, she comes to realize that her life really was unfulfilled. The romance was barely noticed and quite surprising - to her and the viewer. Romantic and funny, without being overly sweet or crazy, this movie was a pleasant surprise. Apparently, I like Italian films!
Angie Says This: I loved it. The textures of this Italian movie made me want to pack my bags and leave for Venice on the next train out. Seriously. Turns out I too, love Italian films. Not that I have seen more than half a dozen that I can remember. Lighthearted but thought-provoking. The only thing about watching a subtitled movie is this, if you turn your head for one second, you could miss something. So I suggest watching when you have fresh eyes and maybe aren't quite ready to run a marathon. It goes well with the morning's coffee. Ah cafe! Ciao!

Angie's Favorite Band that she has never seen LIVE but heard

Voyager circa 1979

From Mother

Distracted, the Mother said to her boy,"Do you try to upset and perplex and annoy?Now give me four reasons -- and don't play the fool --Why you shouldn't get up and get ready for school."Her son replied slowly, "Well, Mother, you seeI can't stand the teachers and they detest me.And there isn't a boy or a girl in the placeThat I like or, in turn, that delights in my face.""And I'll give you two reasons," she said, "why you ought to Get yourself off to school before you get caught;Because, first, you are forty, and, next, you young fool,It's your job to be there,You're the head of the school." Gregory Harrison

The meaning of color and your Birthday

Here's an email I received from the BABY SISTER. Have some fun and share your answers.
Don't cheat, If you are honest, this tells the truth. It's pretty good. Write your answers on a piece of paper,
and NO cheating!! The answers are at the bottom.
1. Which is your favorite color out of: red , black , blue , green , or yellow ?
2.. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, black or white?
5. Name of a person of the same sex as yours.
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like Flying or Driving more?
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean more?
9. Write down a wish (a realistic one).. When you're done, scroll down. (Don't cheat!)






Answers 1. If you choose: Red - You are alert and your life is full of love. Black - You are conservative and aggressive. Green - Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back. Blue- You are spontaneous and love kisses and affect ion from the ones you love. Yellow - You are a very happy person and give good advice to those who are down. 2. If your initial is: A-K You have a lot of love and friendships in your life. L-R You try to enjoy your life to the maximum & your love life is soon to blossom. S-Z You like to help others and your future love life looks very good. 3. If you were born in: Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected. April-June: You will have a strong love relationship that will not last long but the memories will last forever. July-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a m ajor life-changing experience for the good. Oct-Dec: Your love life will not be great, but eventually you will find your soul mate. 4. If you chose: Black: Your life will take on a different direction, it will seem hard at the time but will be the best thing for you, and you will be glad for the change. White: You will have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you, but you may not realize it. 5. This person is your best friend. 6. This is how many close friends you have in your lifetime. 7. If you chose: Flying: You like adventure. Driving: You are a laid back person. 8.. If you chose: Lake: You are loyal to your friends and your lover and are very reserved. Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people. 9. This wish will come true only if you send this to five people in one hour.. Send it to ten people, and it will come true before your next birthday

Music You've Been Listening to Lately

Who have you been listening to readers? Which artist is in your Ipod? Or if you are like me in an old fashioned CD player in the car. Can't believe after a mere 20 years, the CD player is a thing of the past. Doesn't it make you long for the days of 8-track's? I hear there is a vinyl comeback. Loon, quick! Get that turntable out so we can spin a few discs. We've ton of THAT music.
Ok.....so here is my list.
Alejandro Escoveda
Blue Mountain-Mixed
the100s-Not yet released CD
Robert Randolph

Viewer's Response.....
Seether. We went to a Seether concert at the Dubuque fairgrounds. With new friend Beth. And her buddy Ron.

Heard 8 bands at the Conesville rally last weekend. Woo hoo!

Playing my acoustic guitar.

Listening to ABBA lately, believe it or not.

Michele Branch.

Deep Purple.

Rush.

A Dog Tale: Teenage Wasteland

By Brownie
You can say that I am bi-racial. My dad was a full blooded Yellow Lab. My mom was part Chow-chow, part Golden Retriever, and yet another part mixed-Lab. I am pretty. My tail curves like a Chow-chow. With piercing black eyes, I just want to be petted. And to run off like a teenager. Run away and see the world. Chase the rabbits into their burrow. Run the squirrels up the tree. Make those cats screech to a halt. And scare off the white tail deer. Runaway is what I love to do. But Mom doesn't like it when I run off. So I only do it when she is not paying attention. Dad gets VERY MAD when I run off on Mom. But he just doesn't understand I have social engagements to make. I have neighbors who need to sniff me. I think they just don't understand me and my needs. I always come home, just not when they want me to. I come back on my own time. Did I mention I am pretty? I have the putrid smell of defecation splashed all over my matted fur. I wag my tail at the slightest attention. And I have a lovely low bark. I don't like to have my fur brushed. Except maybe my neck. That feels good. Too bad my parents just don't understand my teenage-like mind.

My Name is Lily: Life on the Farm

By Lily the Cat
Today it is raining. I am a cat and I am stuck inside the warm farm house. We live in the country. There are more cats outside. There are three wolfish-like dogs living out in the barn. Chickens run free on the ground out here. Sometimes, an owl or sly fox eat the chickens. I see this through the windows. But all I ever tell my Mom is "Meow."
Today I licked my Mom's fingers. It tasted of spicy chicken. I did not see Mom go outside and kill the chickens. She must have gotten them from that great food place that I only see what she brings home. I love to sneak in places I don't belong. Today I decided to hide in the top shelf of the cupboard in the kitchen. This is where Mom hides all the grocery bags, cleaner's and odds and ends. Stuff that she doesn't like to see but uses everyday. When Mom got home from that great grocery store, she jumped when she opened up the door to the cupboard. There I was sitting on top of the used grocery bags. How did I get up there? Maybe you should stay at home and watch me. I do more than just take cat naps.

Labor Day Weekend Movies

We started Sunday morning with 2 French, subtitled movies, written and directed by François Truffaut.

Jules et Jim (1962) is a dizzying display of love and devotion. The title characters, two men, have a loving friendship that no woman can come between. Even Catherine, the "love anyone, anywhere, anytime" woman who blows into their lives. While the men value their friendship more than their love of Catherine, they do take turns being with her. And she uses poor Jules as a doormat, constantly cheating on him. All-in-all, I'm just not sure what they see in her. Ditch the skank!

Le Dernier Metro (1980) stars Catherine Deneuve as the wife of a Jewish theartre director, during the German occupation of France. She runs the theatre and stars in the production, while her husband lives in the basement and gives notes. Gérard Depardieu is her co-star and also part of the resistance. While the acting is first-rate, the story just watches the action, without really involving us. Not really a message, more of a documentary, almost.

Then we watched The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) from Australian Peter Weir. A weird and quirky film about teenagers in a small Australian town who use the tricked-out, Mad Max-styled cars to wreck hapless passer-bys. The entire town profits from scavenging the wrecks, even while the townspeople protest the "shiftless" teens. But, nothing is done to attempt to stop them, until the mayor "adopts" one of the innocent victims. Sound confusing? It was! However, it was dark and twisted, with the great "ball" scene at the end. This movie allowed Weir to direct his next film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. At least this one had an ending!

We then changed gears (double-pun!) and watched Transamerica (2005), starring the fantastic Felicity Huffman as a transgender woman ready to have surgery to complete the process. In a complicated, movie-only reason, she drives her unsuspecting and unknown son across the country. They of course get to know and respect each other, even though she never tells him she's his father. Some of the scenes are funny, and the concern seems genuine. The most moving scenes, perhaps, are when the grandparents, who are overly-critical of their "son" and his transformation, completely dote on their brand-new grandson. Classic! In the end, life isn't perfect but the two seem to come to grips with their relationship. More or less a Hollywood ending, but the great acting holds up throughout this interesting drama.

Keeping with the theme, we finished the day watching Boys Don't Cry (1999), with the Oscar-winning performance by Hilary Swank. Based on a true story, 20-year-old Teena Brandon masquerades as a boy, Brandon Teena. Dating girls and being one of the guys, drinking, partying and getting in trouble, she/he's heading for trouble. And trouble finds her in the form of the male friends she makes, as she gets serious with Lana, Chloë Sevigny in another star-turn performance. The man discover the truth about "Brandon" and the movie ends in a savage way. Sadly true, a very emotional story.

Monday night we watched You Kill Me (2007), a dark comedy starring Ben Kingsley as an alcoholic hitman. Sent to San Fransisco to dry out, he is "guided" by Bill Pullman (doing a great job, actually "acting" in a surprising role where he is not the ex-husband or nice-guy, but a rather dark and dangerous and unattractive loser) and helped by his AA sponsor Luke Wilson, in an unnecessary role, under-utilized and merely cast to add a younger "star", IMHO. Ben meets Tea Leoni (an executive producer and unsuspecting wife of sex-addict Fox Mulder) and guess what - they fall in love! Thanks to his new love, he cleans up his act and gets back to what he does best - killing people. While the great acting of Ben Kingsley (add him to the list of must-see actors) and Bill Pullman are fun to watch, the movie ends up with a fairly traditional (including the obligatory "twist") ending. A fun diversion, just don't hope for a deep message.

And that was the holiday viewing, down on the farm.

Should've Gone Canoeing!

Three years ago this weekend, the Wife said, "Let's go canoeing!" Foolishly, I said, "Nah, it's a holiday weekend, there'll be too many people on the river."

So, we bought paint and painted the house and garage!

The moral of the story is: Always go canoeing!

What Would I Have Changed?

By Cold Chewy
Have you ever been asked that question? What would you have changed? Maybe you were in a job interview. How are you suppose to answer that? Do you want the truth, future employer? What is the right answer. Honestly, I ask? What exactly are you looking for? Do you want a crystal ball reader? The last time I was asked this, I said in a nutshell, I really wish I wouldn't have put my foot in my mouth. Now, too honest? What gives? Provide me with some insight readers. Yes, you know I am looking for something, because I have yet another story to pass along. You are going to have to wait for this one.

Oh to be a Lawyer!

What a glorious job - Attorney at Law

$100 an hour.
I'll get back to you.
What was it I was going to do for you again?
Oh, that's right. I'll get right on it.
I'll call you.
I'm sorry, I was really busy.
What were we talking about?
I'm glad you called me.
I have it here somewhere.
Don't worry - I'll take care of it.
Sorry, its been crazy around here.
Now what was it again?
I'll send you the bill.

I Wish I Were a Mute

Do you ever have days when you think that? I mean to speak well. I mean to sound intelligent and smart. But some days things just don't roll off the tongue like I intended. Either be a mute or hire a vocal editor? Oh, yeah, that's it. Have someone to take my words and rewrite all while I am in the interviewing process? Great idea. Any one out there know how we can patent this idea. I think it is a million dollar maker.

THE COPING DIET

Only girlfriends can understand this one. This is a specially formulated diet designed to help women cope with the stress that builds during the day.

Breakfast
1 grapefruit
1 slice whole wheat toast
1 cup skim milk

Lunch
1 small portion lean, steamed chicken
1 cup spinach
1 cup herbal tea
1 Hersheyʼs kiss

Afternoon Snack
The rest of the Hersheyʼs kisses in the bag
1 tub of Hagen-Daaz ice cream with chocolate chips

Dinner
4 glasses of wine (red or white)
2 loaves garlic bread
1 family size supreme pizza
3 Snickers Bars

Late Night Snack
1 whole Sarah Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from the freezer)

Remember: Stressed spelled backward is desserts

Send this to 4 women and you will lose 2 pounds
((You see....by posting this I don't have to send it and I'll still lose 2 pounds. Probably 2 million because that is how many readers we have reading our blog.))

Concentrate

email
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear. This is not a joke; someone will call you by phone or will speak to you about something that you were waiting to hear.

Now how many of you get these on a daily basis and they sound REALLY great until you get the bottom and it says if you don't email 5 people in the next 5 minutes you'll get 5 years of bad luck, or something along those lines? So, I just posted this on our blog, you can read it and concentrate and think about it and realize that the spirit that makes us is pretty cool. Now, if I get to work and find out that I'm f**ked out of a job, that might suck at first, but somebody else will think it is good. (Probably not the family banker man!)

Looney Farm Inventory

And just what do we keep on the Looney Farm, you might all be asking yourselves?
20 chickens (and declining!)
including the bad-ass rooster Wino, and his butt-boy sidekick Blackie

18 outdoor cats (The actual Matriarch of the family was Nellie. Father was Big Balls)
Grey Mama(Her Mom was "Talkie" and Talkie's Mom was Marshmellow and her mom was Nellie) - matriarch and nice, albeit somewhat feral, main-mama
Black Mama (Her Mom was Sylvia and her mom was Nellie)- and not a very good one at that - so no more motherhood for her!
M.J. (Murphy Junior) - a super nice gray-brown tabby Tom that we love so much we got him "fixed" so he wouldn't run off. He still picks fights with the other males, however. He looks a lot like Murphy.
Tippy - white with brown markings, tips of her ears and tail are white. Deep blue eyes. Twin sister to one of my all-time favorites, Squeak (named for the way she would yell at me as a newborn as I walked by the box the kittens were in). Poor Squeak lost an eye and nearly lost a leg and eventually used up all 9 lives. Squeak really loved me and I still miss her.
Patch - White with patches (get it?) of gray and brown. Nice cat who lives in the woods, but comes in to eat and go on walks.
Bootie Barker - beautiful silver male with white booties, named after a NASCAR crew chief.
Precious - a fluffy orange MALE, very cranky (possibly due to his name?)
Henry - named after Henry Rawlings, as they both yell a lot, he is a sweetheart orange tabby who was under-sized at birth and we weren't sure he was going to make it.
Diego - another orange male tabby (ankle-biter!) Diego's brother Baby ran off, (another name issue?) we think he's the top Tom prowling the neighborhood. Dad was a wandering, dark orange tom with dark yellow eyes named Norman New Cat.
Blondie - little orange tabby female (and my special friend!)
Simba - Blondie's twin sister who is extremely feral!
Myron - smallish gray-brown tabby with beautiful blue eyes!
Sausage & Cheese - pretty, fluffy calico, aptly named by Iron Man
Tigger - nice orange tabby, very friendly kitten
Frosty - (or Frosted Alps, Frosted Flakes, etc.) Tig's twin sister, extremely feral!
China - another wild kitten, cool black and gray mottled color, named after Asia, similar in color, who had the map of Asia on her forehead! (R.I.P., Asia)
Socks - kitten similar to Bootie, very cute, we are desperately trying to tame him!
Meredith - had a sibling, Grey (Meredith Grey, TV fans) who didn't survive living in the barn. Meredith is the sweetest little calico you could ever meet. (See below)

3 dogs
Krunchy - big, black, loving Alpha dog (His Mom was Annie and died 4 weeks after giving birth. I had to bottle feed him and his other 3 littermates. He came to work with me. Cutie.)
Brownie 2- she's so pretty and, ahem, blond! (She was named after the other Brownie who was Krunchy's littermate, who was runover on my birthday. Devestating to everyone. And she was "Pinky's" special dog. So the next week, I gave in to those tears of loss. We tried Sunshine, Goldie but only Brownie would do. How could I say NO to that face?)
Biscuit - spastic, hyper and intelligent little hyper dog. Oh, did I mention he's hyper?

3 indoor cats
Murphy (Anna, Josephina, Elizabeth) Brown, Investigative Kitty - my 15-year-old cat, I've known her longer than just about anybody, we've been through a lot together, she's my "divorce kitty", she saved my life when I was down and out. (Since his 3rd marriage, she's mellowed and is a super nice kitty. She fit in way before the Loon did.)
Lily - Pinky Brewster's beautiful cat, loving and sweet and incredibly clumsy! (She has been to school. She's a celebrity.)
Smoke - The Babe Wife's "special friend", the most beautiful silver coat you've ever seen. Named after Babe's fav driver, Tony Stewart (See? I'm secure!) he is her "dog-cat" in that he acts and lays on the floor like a dog, he's the little dog she never had! (Smoke does tricks for his treats. He can jump pretty high. And he loves to lick Meredith's butt. So I call him the official butt-licker.)

What Do I Wear?

by Apple Pantie
What should I wear ladies, to an interview? I don't own a full blown suit. Any suggestions? And if I wear open toed sandals, should my nails be painted? Are hose required, or is skin OK?
Help me out ladies. Not taking comments from over-sexed men.

I Want to be a Musher

By Apple Pantie
For years I have had a dream. One that keeps me up late at night. It wakens me from a dead sleep. The thought of running a team of dogs along the mountains in Alaska makes my heart race. The idea of having not just 3 dogs, but 300 dogs makes me giddy like a school girl. And scooping the poop. Oh, the smell of the decaying feces in the heat of an Iowa summer, just makes me wanna snap a photo as a keepsake. And exercising my team of dogs. Yes, exercising my dogs. I can't wait to get up every morning at 5 to take the team out. And again in the evening. Depending upon the time of year, sometimes late into summer's night. In the winter running early while it is snowing and blowing. The more bitter the wind, the better.
Yes, dear readers, this has been a dream. The reality? I don't have enough money to feed 300 dogs. I don't have enough money to add a cat to the house. And exercise? I barely have enough time every morning to walk the 3 dogs I have. And today, they got all excited over a coon up the road. I could hardly contain them. They almost dragged me down the gravel road. Wouldn't that have been a sight? Some middle-aged woman being dragged by a pack of wild dogs. I wonder if I could have called in sick? And last but not least, where would we put 300 dogs? We have almost 5 acres of land. Every inch is taken. We have an east woods. We have an open field. We have a veggie garden, herb garden, west woods, north woods and the open range of the front yard. Doesn't seem to me that we have enough room for any more dogs. Instead, I think I'll get back to my dream of being in a punk band. I already have a name for my band.....keep on blogging folks. I can't tell you everything in one blog.

Hey, fart-joke fans

And all fans of testosterone-driven humor:
Check out my new side-project, the Land O'Loon.
I'll be sharing things from around the 'net that might not fit in between gardening tips, child-rearing questions and rips on me.
Don't worry, I'll still be here with those oh-so-popular, comment-driving posts that have made Looney Talk the hottest site on the web.

So for all your fart jokes, stupid signs, inappropriate humor and
MONTY PYTHON - LOTS AND LOTS OF MONTY PYTHON
needs, head over to the Land O'Loon.

Not trying to be catty here, but

HOW MANY CATS DO WE NEED IN THE HOUSE?

There appears to be a campaign under way by The Babe Wife, Pinky Brewster and even Iron Man, to add to our in-house cat population. We already have three (3) indoor cats:
Murphy Brown, my 15-year-old, cranky, hairball-puking, old-lady cat;
Lily, beautiful, nice and clumsiest cat you'll meet;
Smoke, Ang's precious dog-cat, with a beautiful silver coat, crazy, dog-like poses, attacking the other cats and generally being a pain in the arse (he's a cat, after all!)


The object of our affections is Meredith, a gorgeous, sweetheart, tiny little calico. So I ask you, dear readers:

How many indoor cats are enough?

Discuss.

Straight Hair or Kinky

Getting ready for an interview two weeks ago, I heard a great report about straight hair vs curly hair. Who do guys like? Who do kids like? Who do potential bosses like? Now I ask you, millions of LooneyTalk blog readers.
Girls, would you date straight hair guy over curly-headed dude?
Guys, would you?
Kids, who is better looking curly hair?
or straight?
Boss, who would you hire?
Straight?
Curly?
Comment.

Bigger is Better? Future Predictions

Here's an article Loon found and I thought we should put it in our blog. Small schools are what makes up this great state of Iowa. But if we don't do something, those charming schools will be shut down forever and we'll be busing our kids into Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. Kids will be sleeping in dorms as transportation will become unbearable for parents. If your student is an athletic or musician they'll be housed appropriately. Read this article and let us know what YOU THINK.
Officials predict more district consolidation
Associated Press State and school leaders say there is a new wave of school district consolidation that could alter the landscape of education in Iowa. The consolidation is happening in school districts that are facing budget crunches because of shrinking enrollment, skyrocketing expenses and troubles cutting back. And the cash-strapped schools arent getting the same type of help they used to from the state. ­Theyre in a real balancing act,said Judy Jeffrey, director of the Iowa Department of Education.­I think theres going to be another wave of consolidation. Just how many Iowa school districts will consolidate depends on whether some can dig themselves out of a financial hole. State officials say enrollment has dropped in twothirds of Iowas 362 school districts. Those districts lose more than $5,000 in state aid for each student who leaves. District leaders were warned last spring that 60 school districts were on track to operate in the red in 2008 and 2009. ­I see right now more districts in potential financial difficulty than Ive seen in the almost nine years Ive been doing this,said Larry Sigel, school finance director for the Iowa Association of School Boards. He helps train school leaders on how to manage their budgets. Experts say Iowas tradition of local control had enabled even the smallest school district to survive, but thats changing. In 2004, lawmakers started to phase out a state budget guarantee that bailed out schools struggling with declining enrollment. And last year, the Legislature gave the Iowa Board of Education power to shut down school districts that run in the red for two years in a row. The new practice has been put to use. Last spring, the boards members shut down the Russell school district, where leaders blamed financial troubles on declining enrollment and mismanagement. Jeffrey said that sent a message to other districts. Some schools had made major efforts to avoid Russells fate. For example, residents in the West Bend-Mallard district in northwest Iowa raised $850,000 to save their school district. But voters in some districts have opted not to keep their school districts open. Voters in Taylor County decided not to bail New Market out of its financial hole. In Millersburg, the towns only school will be empty this time next year if voters agree to merge the Deep River-Millersburg and English Valleys school districts, which have about 600 students between them. ­I think people have accepted the inevitable,said Twila Gerard, 67, a town historian who was part of Deep RiverMillersburgs first graduating class in 1958. ­Theres not enough children.

Political Window View

By Angie
Now that the Olympics are over what are we going to be talking about and watching every night? Looks like the democratic convention this week.
I know politics and families don't mix. So conservative family members, be forewarned!
Here's just a couple of things I would like to point out.
1. I have one house and one house only. It's not a big house, but it's home.
2. Hanky Panky. It's great until you get caught. It feels good so you do it. No one WANTS to get caught, but sometimes it just happens. Kinda like taking a dump when you are at someone else's house. You don't want to but it just needs to be released.
3. Politicians are PAID to talk about how great they are. The rest of us have to figure out ways to make ourselves sound not so self-serving when having a conversation with our friends/families/co-workers.
4. The last haircut I had, I paid $25 and that was with an eight dollar tip. What did Obama and McCain pay?
5. Does knowing the names of foreign countries make a person experienced to run the country as the president?

It will be interesting to watch, the DNC this week. I know I will because of my job. And when I get home, we'll be catching up on all the shows we missed because of the Olympics.

How Many Arms Does Your Dog Have?

By Angie
Readers, can you believe I overheard this? I never met a dog who has arms, but I found out last night that my Biscuit has two arms. And he had a stick through one of his arms. Can you believe that?

Recommend A Book

Hey All...... Iron Man needs to read a "chapter" book as he calls it. Something that a male middle-schooler may read. A book that is easy to get into to and maintain the reader. Not too long. Any recommendations would be considered and appreciated.

I Didn't Mean To: Reading the Fine Print

By Cold Chewy
Mark this up as experience is all I can rationally say. As you know millions of readers, I am on a career quest. In doing so, I have been hitting all the Internet sites of available jobs in the area. Everyday I hit it hard from the comfort of my own living room. It is quite easy and I have been finding a lot of different job opportunities. Now, however, the computer and myself have a relationship similar my marriage. We respect each other but sometimes we aren't on the same page. And once something is said, written, checked, or marked, and the SEND button is launched, it is out there forever.
Here's the completely insane part. I am applying for an editing position. One that requires me to look over other people's words and papers and whatever else they want me to read over for corrections or edit. Detail-oriented and all that jazz. Well...OK. So from the comfort of home, I fill out an application. I attach a resume and cover letter. I go through the painful, lengthy process of filling out the employment application and quickly read the other unimportant pages that require either a yes or no checked. Hell, who cares, right? Yes I agree to that. Yes, I comply to all that. Yes, I am a convicted felon. WHAT? I checked YES that I have been convicted of a crime other than a simple traffic violation or misdemeanor. OH S**T. F**K!!!!!! Now what have I done?????? I got an email back from this prestigious company, the company that employs about half of Iowa City and anyone who needs a job that knows how to write or edit. Yeah, they said they could not use a person who is a convicted felon. "BUT I'M NOT" I plead. "I simply checked the wrong box. I didn't read the fine print." My pleas go unheard. It doesn't matter. Now I may as well BE a convicted felon to them. Nothing I say or refill out will ever change that. Yes I checked. F**king YES I checked. So stupid. I am so stupid for not reading all the fine print. The boring print. The material I gaze at and say to myself, "too much boring stuff to think about much less read. " So I say to you my fellow readers, you too can be a convicted felon if you don't read the fine print. I guess I would not have been a very good EDITOR would I?

New Comedy Series

A new series is coming to IFC (Independent Film Channel):
"Z Rock"


Based on a real-life band from Brooklyn, it is the story of brothers Paul and David Zablidowsky and their good friend Joey Cassata, who play in the metal band "Z02", which has opened for Kiss.
However, to make ends meet, they also perform at children's birthday parties and bar mitzvahs as "The Z Brothers".

From the press release:

In the show the band members play fictionalized versions of themselves, exaggerating their actual experiences — including a pitched rivalry with other New York-based children's musicians — pursuing the recording contract that long eluded them.

Like the dialogue in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "This Is Spinal Tap," much of that in "Z Rock" is improvised, though with the players working off highly detailed outlines. Most of the situations in which their characters are placed by the show's writers and producers — who include Mark Farrell, a former producer of "Curb" — are adapted from tales the band told in hours spent sitting around a table.

For a supporting cast the producers surrounded the musicians with stand-up comedians and improv players, including Lynne Koplitz (who plays the band's dedicated if addled manager, Dina); Greg Giraldo (as a powerful record producer, who delivers an endlessly profane reprimand to Paulie Z after the band is late for his son's birthday party); and Jay Oakerson (as a club manager who repeatedly propositions Paulie, who is straight).

Among the many musicians playing fictionalized versions of themselves in cameos are John Popper of Blues Traveler (who agrees to sign the Z Brothers, not ZO2, to a recording contract, but only after Dina sleeps with him); Dee Snider of Twisted Sister; and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors. Joan Rivers plays Joan Rivers, but reimagined as Dina's aunt.

"It seems on the show like we're reckless, but we're not in real life," Mr. Cassata said. "We never put the ZO2 career in jeopardy. That stuff is definitely artistic license."

"Z Rock" premieres this Sunday night, Aug. 24 at 11:30 p.m. ET.

What's YOUR Name?

Readers. Now is your chance for some inter-active fun. Just follow the directions . You know, if it says to name your pet rock....Loon is BLUE and ANGIE is pink. I thought that would be easy to distinguish. Added is one of our FAVORITE READERS...FRANKIE! She's in orange. Pinky Brewster is PINK.
1.. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)Pandy Ranger
Scooter Pilot
Cthulu Windstar
Lily Lumania
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)Vanilla Chocolate Chip
Cold Chewy
New York Fudge Snickerdoodle
Cookie Dough Peanut Butter
3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)T-Loo
A-Loo
F-Sto
D-Cla
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)Detective Black Dog
Detective Black Cat
Detective Purple Owl
Detective Pink Panda
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)Michael Solon (that sounds like a porn name LOON!)
Janine Sigourney
Diane St Luke
Rayn Austin
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
LooTi
LooAn
StoFr
Cla-Da
7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)The Red Whiskey
The Purple Coffee
The Orange Cola
The Light Purple Gatorade
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)Deyo
Ham Herbert
Posey Deyo
Sam Les
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)Drakkar M&M
Obsession Free
Cabotine Snickers
Paris Hilton Starburst
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's & father's middle names )Phelan S.
Leslie Sue
Edith Smith
Janine Reinhard
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher's last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)Fiala Fresno
Heyer Houston
Casady Chicago
Higgins Helena
12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)Fall Morning Glory
Halloween Bleeding Heart
Autumn Hollyhock
Christmas Lily
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now + "ie" or "y")Banana Shorty
Apple Pantie
Pear Crocky
Peach Capri-ie
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)Coffee Cottonwood
Granola Oak
Soy Maple
Cereal Christmas Tree
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + "Tour")The Drums Raining Tour
The Guitar Thunderstorm Tour
The Sudoku Storm Tour
The Volleyball Snow Tour
GIVE IT A SWIRL AND TELL US YOUR NEW NAMES! I will add your new names to our list if you send them in to us.

News Report

This just in from your reporter in the field, A. Looney:

"I'm waiting for them to find that freakin' professor. I think he ran off with MaryAnn."

An Open Letter

Dear Blogsphere inhabitants:

I hereby apologize for my terrible intelligent behavior in the past few years days. I realize now that my fears were just a symptom of my beautiful mind insecurities. I will try harder to ignore the reality relax about the factual so-called "dangers" on the internet.

From here on out, I freaking swear to allow my insane loving wife to write any stupid thing that crosses her empty mind with no rational objections at all out loud.

Further more, any and all personal details of my miserable life can be gossiped about discussed in great detail. No more commenting editing revising censoring shall take place. Feel free to contact the wife Angela J. Looney, SS#555-74-6789 at her email address or come on over - the house is never locked - 235 Mulberry Dr. for any of our "intimate" ha, ha details!

In closing, I'd like to quote finally some intelligent remarks Monty Python again? who can best express my repressed emotions:

Manager: I want to apologize, humbly, deeply, and sincerely about the fork.
Man : Oh please, it's only a tiny bit... I couldn't see it.
Manager: Ah you're good kind fine people, for saying that, but I can see it.., to me it's like a mountain, a vast bowl of pus.
Man: It's not as bad as that.
Manager: It gets me here. I can't give you any excuses for it - there are no excuses. I've been meaning to spend more time in the restaurant recently, but I haven't been too well...

AND NOW THE PUNCH-LINE
Man: Lucky we didn't say anything about the dirty knife.

Tidbits to Chew

by Angie
Back to School....I remember those good ole' days of getting ready to go back to school. Opening up my new box of crayons and smelling them. Filled with the inspiration to become a better "colorer" than Becky Griffin. Holding my number 2 pencil in my hand and convincing myself I will beat Karen Kudrna with a higher grade. And just knowing that I won win a recess race against Barry Bentley. No, it never happened but the dream of doing all those still occupies the dark caverns of my mind. Now, my kids Pinky Brewster and Iron Man are participating in the back to school rituals. Do they have those same inspirations that I did when I was a kid? Probably not. But that is OK. I really don't want them to. What are their hopes and dreams? Right now, the biggest one is "to quit band!" Oh, for the grace of Mozart, you can't quit band. It is an easy A. Unless you don't go to your lessons. Pinky Brewster will tell you all about that.
Puppy Love?.....As you readers may know, dogs or the dream of having more dogs occupies the future here in Looney Land. What, may I ask you, is the number one consideration to keep in mind when raising dogs? Comments are encouraged.
Career Change vs Job Change.....It hits like a divorce. Sometimes you want it, sometimes you know it's coming but don't want to admit, and sometimes it just hits you in the face without expecting it. Readers I ask you what is your definition of career change vs job change. Words of wisdom (I know you Looney's are full of this!) and ways to keep the ole mind from going insane.
In closing....I had given my resignation as writer of the Looney Talk post. However, after careful consideration and talks with the management, we have come to an agreement and my columns will keep coming provided as it does not exhibit bad taste, intimate conversations, intimate actions (unless it has to do with enormous size or amount of sex ) or anything else that would look, say, indicate, presume, suggest, imply or paint my immediate family in a way that would be considered piggish, less than appealing, stinky, jerk, prick, stubborn, or any other type of adjectives that a spouse wouldn't want the other spouse to say about them in public.

Oil Can

A British man has been banned by the courts from visiting his fiancée at her apartment after neighbors complained about the couple's noisy sex sessions.

Owners of the building applied for the order after Hinton was accused of threatening people who lived in the building after they complained about their noisy sex life.

Neighbors said numerous times they were woken up with the sound of her headboard repeatedly banging against the wall. One woman told the court that her young daughter was left suffering nightmares and bed wetting because of what she had heard. Another man complained of having to take time off work because of the sleepless nights.

Maybe they should've posted notes like these (from http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com)

LoB - Quote

Ex-leper: Spare a talent for an old ex-leper?

Brian: Did you say... "ex-leper"?

Ex-leper: That's right, sir. Sixteen years behind the bell, and proud of it, sir.

Brian: Well, what happened?

Ex-leper: Oh cured, sir.

Brian: Cured?

Ex-leper: Yes, sir. A bloody miracle, sir. God bless you.

Brian: Who cured you?

Ex-leper: Jesus did, sir. I was hopping along, minding my own business. All of a sudden, up he comes. Cures me. One minute I'm a leper with a trade, next minute my livelihood's gone. Not so much as a by-your-leave! "You're cured, mate." Bloody do-gooder.

Brian: Well, why don't you go and tell him you want to be a leper again?

Ex-leper: Ah, yeah. I could do that, sir. Yeah. Yeah, I could do that, I suppose. What I was thinking was, I was going to ask him if he could make me a bit lame in one leg during the middle of the week. You know, something beggable, but not leprosy, which is a pain in the arse, to be blunt. Excuse my French, sir.

Mandy: Brian! Come in 'ere and clean your room!

Brian: Alright [drops a coin in ex-leper's cup]]

Ex-Leper: Thank you, sir, thank y - half a denarii?! For me bloody life story?

Brian: There's no pleasing some people.

Ex-Leper: That's just what Jesus said, sir!

The LooneyMooners

If you have not seen this series yet, you may want to look at your schedule and take some time off. Oh, wait, it hasn't hit the airwaves yet, it is only available on-line.
It's a great story about two creative writers, who use the internet to settle the intimate details of their life. One is not very happy about this. The other thrives off the emotions being exposed to the world.
They are a happily married couple until it comes to their blog. The gloves come off and the slug fest begins.
Episode One: Sign on doors reads DO NOT DISTURB
(Looks like they have kissed and made up.)

Tune in next week when one writer gets a chance to write for the local newspaper as a columnist.

Censorship...Who Is Watching

(this post has been censored.)

What's a Blog For?

by Angie
Don't answer that! It is a question I pose.

Quote for Today: Life of Brian

Mandy: Your father was a Roman.

Brian: You mean... you were RAPED?!

Mandy: Well... at first, yes.

Brian: I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!

Childhood Musical Influence

Here is an artist that was played in our house frequently as I was growing up that I will never forget:

Oh yeah!

Favorite Summer Drink

by Angie
It's almost over, so let's try to hang on to it as long as we can. Name your favorite summertime drink, leave your recipe, and tell us WHY you like it. Don't be shy slushes:)
1. Cold Beer-I like Corona with fresh squeezed lime. You can't beat this.

Movie Review

Click-Adam Sandler film. Cute and funny, teary moments to boot. Music from my era, so I tended to relate. Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner play his parents. It's one of those movies you can watch if you are having a hard time figuring out your life. It kind of reminds you that some of the treasures in ones life is not the money or job promotion, but those who stand beside you.
Nearing Grace-Set in 1978 New Jersey, a high school senior who falls for the rich spoiled girl who abuses him for her own selfish ways. Meanwhile, his one true friend watches without telling him how she feels about him. ANother movie with nostaglic music. Lots of dope smoking. I am not sure I remember high school like that. Loon says he's not ready to see this one right away. (Am I right, Loon?)
Six Feet Under-Season 2-Yeah, I know it's not a film, but for what it for is this is some of the best acting, writing, directing, photography ever on the small screen. We have been stringing ourselves with this series. Because it is so intense and deep, we watch one episode and think about it for a week or more. Now, we have just finished season 2 and it is like missing your best friend while away at college. Wow, is all I can say about the finale. Totally amazing. IF you have not seen this series, start. Let us know, it makes a great gift for the holidays.

Tilling Mania

by Angie
With summer half over and the weeds high in the garden, I have finally gotten my tiller back to the garden. If you remember, it has been broken for well over 6 weeks. So during that time, I decided to not fight the weeds, the grass, the insanity of it all and leave the garden to grow by itself. Now, I am dealing with the aftermath. Imagine, leaving your children for six weeks, letting them eat or drink whatever they can. Wild to the wind. Yes, that is what my garden has become. We tried to dig the potatoes. Oh, last year it was the great Irish Potato famine. This year was different. I had great big plants. They looked luscious. Until the tiller broke. Now, we had to look thru the tall grass to find the brown stems of a once alive potatoe. Digging into the dirt, hard has stone. It felt like clay. Mud clay. Isn't that what the Native Americans used to make their eating utensils? All the onions were still out there as well. Their stems had all but dried up. I found some, dug them up and they had grown about half an inch. Seriously. Now, I am contemplating not putting out a garden next year, and support the local farmer's market. Those tomotoes, they are having some blooms but that shaking them everyday is getting a little old. I can only shake so much, ya know? The lesson to be learned here is this, when you use those little red flags out there to spot a row, pick them up when the plant starts growing. They don't need to be tilled into the soil.

LoB Quote

[trying to hear Jesus' sermon on the mount]
What did ‘e say?
He said blessed are the greek.
The greek? Whaddya wanna bless them for?
No, no, he said blessed are the meek!
Oh, I'm glad they're getting something, they have a hell of a time.

Summer Olympics

What's been the best that you've seen? How about Michael Phelps and the rest of the US Men's Swim Team? Awesome. Inspiring. Unbelievable. Terrific. Record-setting.
We're waiting to watch US Women's Volleyball today.
Tell us WHO you are watching

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC NIGHT

Changes to Saturday Nights this fall.

Life of Brian - Quote of the Day

[The audience members at the back of the crowd are having trouble hearing the Sermon on the Mount.]

Man: I think it was, "Blessed are the cheesemakers"!

Gregory's wife: What's so special about the cheesemakers?

Gregory: Well, obviously it's not meant to be taken literally. It refers to any manufacturers of dairy products.

DEFINITION OF A BAD DAY

By Angie
Have you ever had one of those days? New technology, new car place, new shoes, and finding a new job all in one hour? Well folks, it happened to me just the other day. It has taken me over 48 hours to get over it and it still leaves me believing that I must be a 7th grader inside a middle-aged woman's body.
Back in June, I wisely purchased a new-to-me Honda Pilot. We refer to it as the "Cadillac" because it has leather interior, heated seats, and everyone knows Loonies don't drive super nice looking cars. Nice cars, but not super looking good cars. Not on this branch of the family tree for instance. Well, what can I say, I guess I didn't read the fine print before signing the marriage certificate? Anways, I also am looking for a new job. Possibly a new career but definitely a job that is from 8 to 5.
Now back to the day. When I needed the oil changed in my new to me "Cadillac" instead of going to my beloved friends, I went to the dealer because of the maintenance agreement we signed up for. Oh, did I mention, we Loonies never sign up for maintenance agreements-except for this time.

Now this day I decided to dress-up for work and wear a new dress with matching shoes. Why? At this time in my life, middle age, I am trying to dress for success that is what I am doing. Trying to boost my already practically non-existent self esteem. My beautiful new shoes seem to be too high with no support. However, they are beautiful sling-back charcoal grey sandals. Did I mention they are missing rubber soles? So that means they are slippery on any surface other than gravel.

So, now I am wearing shoes that I don't feel comfortable in, going to a car place that I don't feel comfortable in, and my "Cadillac" is covered in a thick layer of gravel dust and grime. Dressed for success? My new to me "Cadillac" needs a car washing. So, I decided to try out a car wash. I have been to this car wash, but not in awhile, obviously. I pull up, and realize I don't have exact change. So I put in a ten spot and the machine REJECTS it. What the f**k I say. I try again. Rejected again. So I start putting in dollar bills. No, they won't accept this one, but they do the other. But I only have 5 dollars and I needed six. The last Washington I had got rejected. So, turning off my "Cadillac" leaving it parked directly in front of the car wash I walk into the convenience store. The lines are six people deep, on both cash register's. Did I say this was over the lunch hour? It was. So I pull aside a clerk and ask her, "Do you have anything to do with that car wash out there? It won't take my cash. She says, " I will help you, stand in line Mam." Did I say there were about 12 people already standing in line? Did I tell you that I couldn't stand up without slipping while walking into line? Well, now I just did. So, I stood in line. Dressed for success. In beautiful shoes that I couldn't stand up in. In a pretty dress but sliding all over the place. I jumped gracefully to the next cashier when that line became shorter. That cashier who didn't KNOW me had no idea WHAT I was talking about when I asked her about the car wash. I had to start over. That machine out there won't accept my CASH. I explained I filled up on pump 3 and went to get a car wash. I already put in this much money and it won't accept my other bills and I just wanted to wash my dirty, filthy, "Cadillac" that I obviously have no business driving around in because dressed for success only means I am fooling NO ONE. So flatly she hands me a receipt with a code to punch in. THE HOLY CODE. Walking back to the car wash without trying to fall off my towering heels, I try to compose my dignity. I punch in the code, only I punch in the wrong code, three different times. Did I say I was beginning to have a bad day? Now it is confirmed. I am having a bad, bad day. Got the code punched in right, so I drive in. Of course I drive too far and have to back up. My mirrors are getting hit by this huge red thing. What have I done? Am I going to have the paint peeled off my "Cadillac" before I even paid my second car payment? Did I mention that I don't even have to make the payments? Yes, I am a spoiled rich girl driving a "Cadillac" that Sugar-Daddy pays for. Except we are Loonies, the Sugar Daddy reminds me on a daily basis.
Then, I get the phone call that I have been waiting for. The one call that will step up my career. You know, make me successful. My heart is pounding. But, I have all the confidence of a two-ton elephant. I am a Looney. Then I hear it. "We are interviewing candidates and sorry but you are not one of them."
In disbelief, I don't even get into the interview portion of the job? "What?" I asked unbelieving to my ears. "Sorry," the voice says on the other end, "You don't have enough experience. " De Ja Vu.....those were the words said to me over 20 years ago when I got into this biz. Now, officially I am having the WORST day of my career.
Morale of this story...."Cadillacs" are nice to look at as I'm driving my beat-up Ford.

Life of Brian Daily Quote

OK - I was trying to find a Life of Brian (LOB) quote to go with my movie ranking, but ended up nearly pasting the entire script into my comment!
So I've decided to post a daily (or weekly, bi-weekly, whenever the F I feel like it!) quote from LOB.

We start where we should - at the beginning...

The Nativity: in a stable in Bethlehem, a baby lies in a manger. His mother, Mandy, is startled by the noise as three camels arrive outside.]

Mandy: Aarrgh! Who are you?

Wise Man 2: We are three wise men.

Mandy: Well, what are you doing creeping around a cow shed at two o'clock in the morning? That doesn't sound very wise to me.

Wise Man 3: We are astrologers.

Wise Man 2: We have come from the East.

Mandy: Is this some kind of joke?

Wise Man 1: We wish to praise the infant.

Wise Man 2: We must pay homage to him.

Mandy: Homage? You're drunk, it's disgusting! Out! The lot, out! Bursting in here with tales about oriental fortune tellers. Come on. Out!

Wise Man 1: No, no, we must see him.

Mandy: Go and praise someone else's brat! Go on!

Wise Man 2: We were led by a star.

Mandy: Led by a bottle, more like. Get out!

Wise Man 3: We must see him. We have brought gifts.

Mandy: OUT!

Wise Men: Gold! Frankincense! Myrrh!

Mandy: Well, why didn't you say? He's over there.....Sorry the place is a bit of a mess. Well, what is myrrh anyway?

Wise Man 3: It is a valuable balm.

Mandy: A balm? What are you giving him a balm for? It might bite him.

Wise Man 3: What?

Mandy: That's a dangerous animal. Quick! Throw it in the trough.

Wise Man 1: No, it isn't.

Mandy: Yes, it is. It's great, big mmm...

Wise Man 3: No, no, no. It is an ointment.

Mandy: Aww, there is an animal called a balm,... or did I dream it? So, you're astrologers, eh? Well, what is he then?

Wise Men: Hmm?

Mandy: What star sign is he?

Wise Man 1: Capricorn.

Mandy: Capricorn, eh? What are they like?

Wise Man 2: He is the son of God... our Messiah.

Wise Man 1: King of the Jews.

Mandy: And that's Capricorn, is it?

Wise Man 3: No, no — that's just him.

Mandy: Oh. I was going to say, otherwise there'd be a lot of them.

Name Your Top 5 Music Inspirations

Here's Your Chance Readers!
Name your top 5 music artists that inspired you. Music that made you turn the corner on your life journey. Music that set you in motion.
Share with us why you choose said artists.
Don't you just love LISTS!

Angie's List
1. The Beatles
(Without the Beatles, I would have been listening to Cher over and over.)
2. Fleetwood Mac
(Spending hours and hours listening to their music, playing their music on the piano, and NOW learning the music while strumming the guitar, it is ageless to me and still awesome. Plus, Lindsey Buckingham is one of the greatest guitarist I have ever seen both in person and heard on a record!)
3. Metallica
(These guys brought the big hair of the 80's and early 90's back to the reality of what it is, metal. Head banging and heart pounding, ravaging metal. )
4. Queen
(Long time my favorite band, as a teenager and as an adult. Yes, I did take some Queen time off when I thought they went too POP. However, before Freddie died, got back into them with Innuendo and was back in. That was what 17 years ago? Now, Queen is often played every Friday night as part of Loon and my Friday Night Music Night play list. As a guitar player,now I am listening closely to the guitar parts and I am totally amazed by Brian May. Love him. He also is one of the greatest guitar players ever.)
5. The Replacements
This band was one of my FAV band's during college, early professional career. They never sold out, just dropped out. And now, I am finding out that some of my favorite music today (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, The 100s) may have been influenced either directly or indirectly because of this Minneapolis based band. How cool is that? Totally:)
And the final band....(Yeah, I can count but it is my BLOG and I can do whatever the hell I want......plus I live with this man and you guys don't so you know what you can do if you don't agree with me.....F**k off! :)
6. The 100s
(Without these guys, I may not be sitting here in the living room writing this review. And I certainly wouldn't be a guitar player. They have totally inspired me in all aspects of my life. That drummer is so CUTE.)

What's Your Top 5 Movies

Ok Millions of Readers, Now is YOUR chance to shine....
Rank the TOP 5 MOVIES of ALL TIME

Angie's List
1. Schindler's List
2. Johnny Stechinno
3.Pulp Fiction
4. Braveheart
5.Easy Rider

Tell me all about your rankings..why you did it...what makes the film one of your fav's...and other impertinent info.
Angie

Digging Up the Dirt

by Angie Loon
After more than six weeks of being in the garage and/or shop, the tiller is back to work. The garden of weeds sprinkled with remains of vegetables is in shambles. The chickens loved having me till the garden yesterday. Absolutely enjoyed being able to roll in the dust and take a long bath. IT was a great opportunity for them to peck at the insect I tilled up.
I still can't find the potatoes. The grass is almost as tall as me.
Maybe next year I won't plant so much garden, and spend more time watching movies?

Our Weekend Movie Review

Manic-A white knuckled, emotional rollercoaster ride. If you have ever thought of harming yourself, you NEED to watch this film. It's a great look into the mental institute and gives valuable insight into the mind of those people whom you may not understand. Watch the careers of the young actors, they gave intense performances.
The Wind in the Barley-Another intense film, this time 1920's Ireland. Authentic costumes, scenery, mannerisms, lanuage, a great look at what it was like during that particular turbulent time in Ireland's history.
Picnic at Hanging Rock-An Australian film adapted from a novel. What really got me is there wasn't the resolution in the film I needed. Quite frankly, I was very disappointed. Set during victorian times in Australia, lots of sexual undertones. Loon and I were again predicting what the next line would be. Kudos to the Loon, he won that round. Maybe the resolution would be in the novel?
Ed TV-Yeah, I liked this one. Directed by Ron Howard so right there you know it will be cute and funny. Ellen DeGeneres was great. She should have her own TV show:) If you need an uplifting funny comedy this is one to put in the machine. Matthew McCaughney and Jenna Elfman were cute together. Woody Harrelson plays Mac's brother. Would love to see those to in a Natural Born Killers sequel titled, "the Brothers" could be interesting.
Best in Show-This was a great funny comedic mock documentary. Written off kilter so to speak. Loved the characters and the dogs. Parker Posey played a great annoying dog owner. She is my least favorite actress by the way. Fred Willard, he was great an the play by play announcer a t the dog show. And Eugene Levy as the husband of Catherine O'Hara. The dog owner with a past of hundreds of lovers. Great film, worth the laughs.
Almost Famous-A great film about a young budding rock journalist following around the band on a tour. Stillwater is the band. Kate Hudson is the band date who the young journalist falls in love with. Great scenes. Good music. Set in 1973, I was a little young but I remember going to parties similiar to what the band was at. Especially the Topeka, Kansas party. Loved the guys in the band, loved the band dates, there is a purpose-to appreciate the music. If you ever wanted to be in a touring band, this is a must see film.

DTV Primer

Or "What the heck is the deal with my TV?"

In February of 2009, all television broadcasters in the United States are required to stop broadcasting in standard format and only broadcast a Digital Signal.

If you have a traditional TV and you have cable service or satelite, you should NOT have to do anything. They should be making the transition themselves. Your old analog TV should be fine.

If you use an antenna to receive the local stations, you will need to do one of of the following:
Buy a "digital-to-analog converter box" available for $50 - $60. There is a $40 coupon available from the government website (thanks, Uncle Sam?) at http://www.dtv.gov/. It hooks in between the antenna and TV and allows you to view your local channels.

Or:

Purchase a "digital-ready" television set from a reputable dealer. Plug in antenna, watch your local stations.

Now HDTV (High Definition TeleVision) is a DIFFERENT issue!

While digital is the means of sending the signal, hi-def is a type of signal. It is a wide-screen (16X9 vs 4X3 standard def), high-resolution picture. True HD can only be viewed on a HD television set. On a standard set, the side edges will be cut off, the resolution average.

Currently, the broadcast networks are airing some of their programming in HD. The local stations pass it on. As time goes on, more programming will be produced in HD.

Cable companies and satellite distributors are putting out more and more HD channels - seeking to have upwards of 150 channels by the first of the year!

So, a converter box is fine for casual viewers of local stations.

An HDTV set will allow the viewing of high-quality images. Smaller HD sets are very reasonably priced. Good-sized (36" or so) flat-screen, LCD or plasma sets begin around $600. Large sreens can be had for around $1,000.

Now, you can view your old VHS and DVDs on any set. Recording HD programming is a different issue altogether!

And "Blu-ray" won the DVD format battle (HD-DVD meet Betamax) so to watch HD DVDs you'll need a new DVD player...

This will take years to work itself out!