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.