JUST A JEEP GUY

CHILDHOOD CRUSH: ROBBY BENSON

2012-01-27T11:48:00.000-05:00

When I was in 6th or 7th grade at St. Mary's and we went to see the movie One On One with Robby Benson and Annette O'toole. It was supposed to be this empowering story of how hard work, friendship and love can overcome adversity. Robby played Henry Steele, a standout basketball player from a small town who learns the hard way how to make it in college and in life.

Annette and Robby in One On One

Sure it was a good movie and who didn't have a crush on Robby back then but what was seared into my memory was Henry's roommate/friend, Tom, walking around in his tightie-whities. His look was all-American and his build was more like today's Rugby players than today's basketball players. I luv's me some Rugby physique. The actor never did anything else.

Tom looked a lot like this but blonde and a little less beefy. YUM!

But this is supposed to be a post about Robby Benson so here more of the blue-eyed cutie who has aged very nicely.

Robby was the voice of The Beast.

Robby today.

The original Bieber.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY - MUG SHOT OF THE YEAR!

2012-01-25T11:06:00.008-05:00

Who would you most like to rehabilitate or be locked up with?

Each week you'll cast vote for one of four past MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY favorites until you decide who gets paroled.

Online Surveys & Market Research

LAST WEEK'S WINNER!

Your winner with 39% of the vote.

WINNERS TO DATE

Winner Week #1.

Winner Week #2

Your winner of week #3 with 41% of the vote.

Your other winner of week #3 with 41% of the vote.

LAST DAY TO VOTE

2012-01-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

We have another very close race this week for Mug Shot of the Year. Be sure to cast your vote here.

SAD BUT TRUE, POLITICAL & SEXY TOO

2012-01-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

DOGABLY PAWFECT DOGGIE COMICS

2012-01-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love a hot guy in his Jeep with his best friend?

The first time I saw this, I really did think it was an actual commercial for the first

15 seconds or so and that all these TV doggie products had finally gone too far.

CYNDI LAUPER DOES NY POWERBALL

2012-01-20T00:19:00.000-05:00

Ya...I'd do this! I would have never thought to do it but I'm easily influenced by commercials.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY - MUG OF THE YEAR

2012-01-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

Who would you most like to rehabilitate or be locked up with?

Each week you'll cast vote for one of four past MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY favorites until you decide who gets paroled.

#3 (not Tebow in 10 years))

Online Surveys & Market Research

LAST WEEK'S WINNER

IS A TIE!!

It was no contest as #2 and #4 each took 41% of the votes.

WINNERS TO DATE

Winner Week #1.

Winner Week #2

STOP SOPA

2012-01-18T12:27:00.000-05:00

I don't understand quieting a voice just as I don't understand when a person is in a position of influence resigns their position in protest. I don't disagree nor do I agree completely. I have posted the information and I have contacted my representative. Now am I not supposed to read other blogs? Should I not leave or read comments?

Should the worst happen and this bill get passed, it won't shut-up bloggers or the internet so why shut up now?

LAST DAY TO VOTE

2012-01-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

You have 24 hours to cast your vote for this week's very close race for MUG SHOT OF THE YEAR.

Cast you vote here.

NOW THAT THE DECORATIONS ARE DOWN, THE POST IS UP

2012-01-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas afternoon, Truvy loves my 14 year old nephew but
he didn't want to be interrupted while Skyping with his girlfriend.

This year I went to town on decorating the house. I did fore for my mom then because I wanted to, I knew it would be a hard year to get into the Christmas spirit. I was very slow to take them down (except for the outside lights - I took advantage of the warm weather and feared a predicted below normal cold with big snows) for two reasons. First, it was going to be a lot of work and the second reason hit me as I put things away - this might have been my mom's last Christmas. All signs point to recovery and she has her last chemo on the 30th before going on a maintenance program and really, the possibility is always there for each of us but this was tough.

So now that I've brought you down, let me bring you back up as I post my pics and show the difference between years past and this year's more inspired decorating. You'll notice no people pics. Nobody took any this year and even in a good year, I have always been very camera shy.

Fireplace 2011

Fireplace close-up 2011

Fireplace in years past - notice I've painted and removed that outdated boarder.

Christmas tree 2011

Truvy in Santa's chair by the tree 2011.

Christmas tree 2010.

My mom loves snowmen and has collected a few over the years and get them as presents from her kindergarten kids every year, so this year I created Snowman Village.

Snowman Village 2011

Close-up of Snowman Village.

This is the second year I've setup a tree in the den. I did this after I learned that my mom had a bunch of her mom's (my grandma's Christmas ornaments). I didn't remember I had done this for years with my other grandma's tree. At least I'm consistent. It's a pre-lit, comes in just 3 pieces, Martha Stuart tree that was fairly inexpensive and very quality.

Grandma's Christmas tree 2011.

D'oh! I forgot to take pictures of the house this year.
So here's 2010's White Christmas which with all the storms
we had ruined the lights we had and I had to get all new ones and all LED's.

LOOK AT THAT umm..FIT

2012-01-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

Let's see them do this on Project Runway!

SAD BUT TRUE, POLITICAL & SEXY TOO

2012-01-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

ARE YOU DVRing?

2012-01-14T15:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight at 9 pm est on BBC America is the two hour American premier of The Fades and stay tuned for The Graham Norton Show with special guest Madonna:

The thing that jumps out at you when you watch The Fades is that it's wildly different than any ghost story you've ever seen before. The spirits of the dead are hanging around instead of "ascending," and their accumulating presence threatens to cause the end of the world. Only a few special people, such as a young man named Paul, can see these dead people, much less deal with them.

You've seen a ghost before and you've seen a vampire or a werewolf before, but you've never seen a Fade before. And they are almost ghosts, but not quite, because they're Jack [Thorne]'s version of what that means. And they're almost zombies, but they're not quite, because they're Jack's version of what that means... The battle between the living and the dead is something he's drawn up with his own philosophy of the world.

As the show goes on, you're supposed to ask what's really good and what's really evil, and you come to realize the Fades aren't just simple monsters. The show aims to take all of the ghost and zombie lore you know and "turn it on its head." And just when you think you've figured out the rules and complexities of the Fades, the show turns it around and reveals a new layer to the mythos, so that with each passing episode, things get more complex. "Viewers seemed to like the fact that the mythology deepened and changed every week."

BBC America has brought us Dr Who, Torchwood, Being Human (not the crappy one on Syfy), Primeval and many others including (I think) Merlin on Syfy.

A DOGABLY PAWFECT WAY TO KEEP WARM

2012-01-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

The cold weather has come to stay here in NY so here are some pics to stir your embers.

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales

Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World

Buddy Bear @ One Step At A Time,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys [NSFW]

and join in all the doggy fun.

CHILDHOOD CRUSH: MAN FROM ATLANTIS

2012-01-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Truthfully, I only remember this show because of Patrick Duffy and his tiny square cut swimsuit. Oh and his body and good looks. Of course there was Dallas which I watched but wouldn't call myself a fan. Patrick has aged beautifully, political and 1950's views aside,

It was my dream too.

Look'n good at 60.

CAN YOU?

2012-01-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

After looking at it a few times, I read a few blogs and came back to it and found it right away. About a minute total. How about you? No revealing the answer in the comments please.

Thanks BosGuy.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY - MUG OF THE YEAR

2012-01-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN! This week I think will be really tough to make a choice.

Who would you most like to rehabilitate or be locked up with?

Each week you'll cast vote for one of four past MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY favorites until you decide who gets paroled.

Online Surveys & Market Research

LAST WEEK'S WINNER

Your Winner, in a landslide with 62% of the votes!

WINNERS TO DATE

Winner Week #1.

HOW DID I MISS THIS?

2012-01-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Big Book of Cher. Actually it's titled YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE LAST OF ME and it chronicles the life and career of Cher by each decade. It has huge beautiful photos (the book is at 11x18 and 216 pages) and is on sale at B&N for just $12.99!

I CAN'T RESIST

2012-01-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

To me, this photo captures a moment where Taylor Hudson (professional wrestler and ally to LGBT's) is so sexy. Again, to me, this photo is magical and has all the elements they look for on America's Next Top Model. Then again, I could just be horny.

Thanks to kenneth in the (212).

AN APPLE OR TWO A DAY

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

My first candid iPhone pics.

Beary smart and into photography judging by the
very cool tat of a camera on his inside right arm. I
wanted to ask him if I could take a pic but he went to lunch.

Skinny jeans smart and much better looking then
I was able to capture. He was that skinny though.

SAD BUT TRUE, POLITICAL & SEXY TOO

2012-01-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went with a suggestion from Anonymous with a slight spin. I hope you all like it.

DOGABLY PAWFECT DOGGIE TREATS

2012-01-07T15:18:00.001-05:00

It's so nice when you can make something by hand for your doggie or your friend's doggies, especially for those dogs who have everything. Once you have these ingredients in your pantry, they're quick and easy to make most anytime you turn the oven on. Thanks to Bo of Bo's Bowl for this recipe, one of several he has for dogs which is only fitting since he and his partner have three. I've also made 5-10 of his recipes for humans and all have been delicious.

Bo's dog Sampson

Quick Dog Treats

adapted from Eco Dog by Marshall & Deskevich

1 cup wheat germ
2- 4oz jars baby food (meat or vegetable flavor)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a bowl combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the greased baking sheet. Flatten the balls with the back of a fork. Then bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool the treats on a wire rack.

For variation: Add 1 tbs pureed garlic to ward off fleas, or 2 tbs ground flax seed meal for a shiny coat.

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales

Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World

Buddy Bear @ One Step At A Time,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys [NSFW]

and join in all the doggy fun.

WHO WOULD YOU RATHER

2012-01-06T08:00:00.004-05:00

wear?

David Beckham in David Beckham Bodywear

OR

Rated M by Mario Lopez

Online Surveys & Market Research

BRADLEY COOPER SHIRTLESS! HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY!

2012-01-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

Bradley Cooper is one of my favorite celebrity crushes and it's not because he is so handsome or because he has a great body or the most beautiful blue eyes but when he flashes that smile, I just want to melt. He's a great talk show guest and really let's his personality loose. I give you ample evidence to enjoy.

My second favorite picture of Bradley.

My favorite picture of him.

My dream sequence.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY - MUG OF THE YEAR

2012-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Who would you most like to rehabilitate or be locked up with?

Each week you'll cast vote for one of four past MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY favorites until you decide who gets paroled.

Online Surveys & Market Research

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

Your winner with 38% of the votes.

Cuming in a surprising close 2nd with 35%.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Thanks to Marc of Deep Dish for the creative inspiration.

5 FOR 5 AGAINST: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL

2012-01-03T08:00:00.018-05:00

I took my mom, dad and aunt to the movies and our favorite diner. My Aunt is one of mom's sisters, she's just 58 and her son is a helicopter mechanic in Afghanistan. It was mom's choice to see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol despite non of us having seen MI's 1-3. So we went.

Dinner was very good as usual ( had the best chocolate moose cake) but the movie was a really pleasant surprise. You didn't have to see the previous movies to enjoy it or to follow the plot which was pretty solid and tied up all the loose ends. Loose ends are a pet-pieve.

5 FOR

Jeremy Renner - "Next time I get to seduce the playboy millionaire."
Simon Peg - Shaun of the Dead, Scotty in Star Trek
Locations - real or CGI the cinematography was great. Definitely a big screen movie.
Numerous bits of very good of comedy. The movie didn't take itself too seriously.
Tom Cruise

5 AGAINST

Tom Cruise - hard to get past the crazy.
Tom's hair.
Old mad scientist able to beat-up Tom Cruise one of the best agents in the world? Twice?
Removing/breaking windows over 100 stories up is like opening a door on a plane. Right?
Obvious hint that there'll be an MI 5.

Honorable Mention

Automated parking garage.
Gagets - spy movies may have replaced scifi as predictors of future technology.
Shinny, tight fitting suits worn by Renner and Cruise - highlights very nice asses and crack sweat.

SHERFFIUS-LESS SUNDAY & FRIENDS ON MONDAY

2012-01-02T11:00:00.002-05:00

Since John Sherffius has retired, I need a new title for this post. Suggestions?

These Palate Cleansers may leave some hair in your teeth but
what a great reason to floss!

This week's theme? Speedos.

IT'S A BRAD, BRAD WORLD SHIRTLESS

2012-01-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Rachael Zoe's former assistant, Brad Goreski, has his own show on Bravo where he takes on the cutthroat world of fashion styling. All I can say is that if he takes his shirt off and sticks out that tongue, Bravo will have a new hit reality series on their hand. He and Andy Cohen would make a very interesting threesome. It's a Brad, Brad World premiers tonight at 10 pm est.

HAPPY 2012!!!

2012-01-01T18:00:00.006-05:00

I wish you all a new year filled with love, happiness, friendship and good health! Let's hope the Mayans' just said, "2012 is far enough and stone ain't cheap!"

xoxo,

Sean, Miss Truvy and The Tramp

HAPPY 2012 by NON SEQUITUR

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 2012!!

2012-01-01T12:00:00.006-05:00

I wish you all a new year filled with love, happiness, friendship and good health! Let's hope the Mayans' just said, "2012 is far enough and stone ain't cheap!"

xoxo,

Sean, Miss Truvy and The Tramp

HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.007-05:00

I wish you all a new year filled with love, happiness, friendship and good health! Let's hope the Mayans' just said, "2012 is far enough and stone ain't cheap!"

xoxo,

Sean, Miss Truvy and The Tramp

I know, I know his ballon says 2011. He came to my
party last year and I haven't let him leave.

DOGABLY PAWFECT LESSONS DOGS CAN TEACH US

2011-12-31T09:00:00.008-05:00

TAKE NAPS
We live in a fast-paced society that doesn't value the power of unplugging. Learn from your dog and take some zzz's to replenish. Napping is heart-healthy and may also help you learn. Maybe it's time to try that new trick after all!

DRINKS LOTS OF WATER

Our dogs know that they need to drink water after they've exerted themselves. This simple act is true for us too. Keeping hydrated is healthy for your body and your mind. So drink up, the water's fine!

DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET DIRTY - JUST JUMP IN

Don't over think it! Want to join in? Just do it. Like the dog park, the world is filled with many games -- some cleaner than others. If you want to play, go get dirty!

SEE YOUR PARTNER WITH NEW EYES
Ever feel invisible to your partner but not your dog? Learn from your pooch and welcome your honey home with lots of excitement. Who wouldn't want to be greeted by a jumping, kissing, tail-wagging lover? Your partner will feel appreciated, and you will benefit from practicing seeing him or her with new eyes.

FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE AND DO IT OVER AND OVER
Just like dogs can play fetch all day, find something you love and start doing it --over and over! Not only will it be a lovely joy-trigger each time, but you'll also get better at your passion the more you practice.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE

Whether your dog is named Charlie, Munchkin or Mo, your pup quickly learns its name. And whenever that name is uttered, you-know-who will come running over. Explore who you are -- when you find it you will recognize yourself (hint: it might not just be your name!). Learn from your pooch and know who you are. Then let your freak flag fly!

TAKE LOTS OF WALKS

Our pooches know how to laze around the house, but they also know how to get up and move their bodies. Take a walk a day with (or without) a friend, and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.

BREATHE DEEPLY
While canines pant to regulate their body temperature, we too can create balance by remembering to breathe deeply -- in and out. It might not make you any cooler, but doing so can regulate our emotional temperature and bring us some much-needed stress release.

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

Did your dog steal a lick of ice cream out of your bowl? Or perhaps ripped your favorite shoes to shreds? While you might be tempted by anger, most likely you will eventually look at your furry friend with love and forgiveness. Learn from your pooch!

DON'T HOLD GRUDGES

Know that crushed look that crosses your pooch's face when you say "no" in a stern tone? A few moments later it's like they have forgotten. When we become permeable like a pup, we can experience our feelings then move forward. This way we can enjoy the new moment instead of reliving past pain.

SPEAK UP WHEN THINGS DON'T FEEL RIGHT

Why did your pooch just bark? Whether it's to warn you of a foreign invader (falling leaves count!) or to tell you something (most likely that they are hungry), our furry friends speak up. So listen to your instincts and tell someone how you feel and what you need -- you might just get it! Even if it's a kitten.

CLEAN YOUR PLATE
All too often we let our food go to waste, throwing out wilted vegetables and days-old leftovers. No canine worth his or her chunks and gravy would ever let such a thing occur! Learn from your pooch and lick that plate clean. Just make sure you portion properly before eating every last kibble and bit!

SHAKE IT OFF

Shit happens. Whether you're caught in a physical or emotional storm or simply had to do something you don't enjoy (not another bath!) shake it off and move forward. The sooner you can do so, the sooner you can forget all about it!

SNIFT IT OUT

Whether it's a new business deal or a potential mate, the power of research cannot be underestimated. The first thing our furry friends do when they meet each other is sniff to approve. Learn from your dog and don't jump into any commitments without first sniffing out the situation. If it smells fine, it's OK to play.

LEARN TO RECEIVE

For many of us it's easier to "do" than to "be." Our pooches know how to give love, but also how to receive it! Instead of doubting your self-worth and keeping love at arms-length, practice receiving it in all its many forms. It may even feel better than that belly rub your pooch asks for!

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales

Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World

Buddy Bear @ One Step At A Time,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys [NSFW]

and join in all the doggy fun.

CHILDHOOD CRUSHES: MICHAEL ONTKEAN

2011-12-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

My first memory of Michael is from The Rookies and I remember my sister and I crying when he was killed. I was ten years old.

Then, when Making Love came out, I was determined to see it, not so much for him (but he helped) and a 2.5 mile walk in about 5 inches of snow wasn't and didn't stop me. I went to that movie three times and have since watched it countless times. Harry Hamlin was pretty hot but he didn't and never did it for me.

Michael has aged very, very well and has been in several other favorites/notable roles including an infamous strip scene in Slap Shot, as the Sheriff in Twin Peaks, Postcards from the Edge and Just the Way You Are.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY - MUG OF THE YEAR

2011-12-28T15:05:00.001-05:00

Who would you most like to rehabilitate or be locked up with?

Each week you'll cast vote for one of four past MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY favorites until you decide who gets paroled.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Thanks to Marc of Deep Dish for the creative inspiration.

COMIC RELIEF

2011-12-27T10:33:00.000-05:00

Especially for Brian.

SHERFFIUS-LESS SUNDAY & FRIENDS

2011-12-25T08:05:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
There are so many political cartoons this week that I though we
should start off with a Palate Cleanser or two. Enjoy!

Add caption

A DOGABLY PAWFECT CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

From our family to you and your's, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Miss Truvy and The Tramp
Whenever I try to take their picture, they act as if they're being punished.

Our friend and Tramp's look-a-like Bandit

Soooo cute

Me too

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales

Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World

Buddy Bear @ One Step At A Time,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys [NSFW]

and join in all the doggy fun.

I WANT HIS BODY

2011-12-22T22:51:00.002-05:00

...in my arms, in my dreams and as my own.
His is my ideal body in tone, proportion and hair.

He was found on Adam4Adam.

NO FURNITURE POLISH OR DUSTING REQUIRED

2011-12-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

This was so good I had to "imitate" Todd X at Iced Tea and Sarcasm. And Peter, it's by an Amsterdam firm.

Farm-to-Table

December 15

The picNYC table by Haiko Cornelissen Architecten is an unusual object that aspires to transplant a snippet of rural life into your city apartment. Attuned to the growing phenomenon of urban farming, the folded aluminum table might blend into any chic urban interior, save for its tabletop of grass, soil and water-draining stones. The vegetated surface is designed to offer the surreal experience of picnicking indoors, providing an earthy bed on which to nestle a bottle of wine and place fine dishware. As the designers explained: “Suddenly, spilling water becomes a necessity instead of a problem and wine glasses need coasters not to prevent ring stains but to avoid tumbling.” More after the jump!

This new Chia Pet of the furniture world also requires constant care, calling on owners to tenderly hand cut their elevated plots of grass and tend to their demands for temperature and sunlight. If treated with love and affection, the table rewards owners with a flourishing indoor garden, accommodating grass, flowers, herbs and vegetables alike in endless combinations of flora. However, if neglected, the table may be quite unforgiving, interiorizing all the charm of a lifeless, unkempt lawn and perhaps emitting the odors of a flat of compost. Thus, not only does the picNYC table transform the average city dweller’s dining experience with its surreal reversal of indoor and outdoor, but it also integrates the rewards and responsibilities of rural life into city living, challenging urbanites to quite literally confront farm-to-table connections in a highly aesthetic manner.

[All images courtesy the architects]

by Kelly Chan

posted in Product sustainable design

tagged design, farm, furniture, green, Haiko Cornelissen Architecten, picnic, PicNYC table, product, Rural,sustainability

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY

2011-12-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

Mug Shot Wednesday will be posted later today or possibly tomorrow. Sorry for the delay but here's someone to "think" about.

HAPPY HANUKKAH

2011-12-20T18:00:00.004-05:00

...especially to my first love Ross whom I always had to remind when the holidays were. I was such a good roman catholic.

Hanukkah, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, begins at sundown tonight and is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE and that after the forces of Antiochus IV had been driven from the Temple, the Maccabees discovered that almost all of the ritual olive oil had been profaned. They found only a single container that was still sealed by the High Priest, with enough oil to keep the menorah in the Temple lit for a single day. They used this, yet it burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready).

ODE TO TRUE BLOODS NEWEST VAMPIRE

2011-12-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

What's that on your face? :)

Tickle my feet?

Is this wide enough?

I'll be naked, on the floor and ready when you cum in.

Tattoo.

I'm dirty and need to take a shower.

You takl'n to me?

I was just admiring that bubble but of yours.

Fuck yah! Take it all the way.

Thanks, that was great.

Just some beefcake.

I can be a pretty boy as well.

I think you like me better this way.

Sooooo satisfied.

Thanks to MNPP for many of the pics.

SURFING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

2011-12-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

As I walked on the boardwalk in Long Beach in the 35 degree weather, I watched these guys surfing and Walking in a Winter Wonderland kept running through my mind even though it's not officially winter for a few more days and there was no snow.

After 5 tries, I finally got a good pic of some one riding a wave.

Sal lived on the 4th floor of this building which is on the
board walk and had the view of the above photos.
We had the best sex in that condo and Italians are the greatest kissers.

A SLICE OF HEAVEN

2011-12-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

Actually it was 2 slices and a coke at Gino's in Long Beach.
There is no better pizza then NY pizza.

SHERFFIUS-LESS SUNDAY & FRIENDS

2011-12-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks to reader Jay, I learned that John Sherffius has retired. This information surprised me in that he posted nothing on his webpage and had no farewell cartoon. According to this story, he only gave a week's notice and will continue in his other endeavors. His POV will be missed.

Palate Cleansers:
It's all in the jeans.

THE MEANING OF LILA

2011-12-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Follow Lila, her GBFF Boyd (Gay Best Friend Forever), Annie her adopted daughter
who is recovering from Leukemia, loves to gamble and is a genius, her married
gay adoptive Uncles Dr. Fine and Alan and Lila's other friends at: GoComics.com

The Meaning of Lila

STEVE NILES' REMAINS

2011-12-17T20:56:00.000-05:00

If you didn't watch Steve Niles' Remains on Chiller last night, you missed a bad zombie movie and you missed seeing him. My camera doesn't do Anthony Marks' body or good looks justice.

Oh, and Grant Bowler (from Ugly Betty) was in it to - he had several sex scenes.

A DOGABLY PAWFECT NAP IN DADDY'S LAP

2011-12-17T08:00:00.003-05:00

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales

Buddy Bear @ One Step At A Time,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys [NSFW]

Nick @ Homo Eroticus [NSFW]
Buddy Bear @ One Step at a Time

Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World
and join in all the doggy fun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA

2011-12-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

This is one of only a handful of pictures we have of my Grandma Donohue. This is
me sitting n her lap when I was 1.5. Some how I got the Christmas tree you see in the
background and would put it up in my room for many years until it fell apart when I was about 12.

Grandma would have been 114 today. As the story goes, I say story because my father isn't sure, she and my grandfather met when they were older and because of WWII they didn't plan on having kids. Opps. She had my dad when she was 42, not unusual back then if it was your 10th or 11th kid, but very unusual for your one and only. In stark contrast, my mom's mom was 20 when she had my mom so when I was born, Grandma D was 73 and Grandma Harrington was 42.

Grandma D was a woman ahead of her time as she always worked and was a very successful secretary. She raised my dad alone from the age of 10 when his father, Joseph Donohue, died of cirrhosis of the liver/alcoholism (ironic that I now have cirrhosis and never really drank). She had a brother, Benjamin Walsh who married but had no children. Grandpa D had 5 older sisters, none of whom ever married or had children (were they really Irish Catholics?) Needless to say, I'm the last of the Donohue line.

I don't remember much about her but I do remember her laugh, that I pulled the loose skin under her chin and said Gobble, Gobble and that she always had pennies for me and my sister when we'd visit. The day before she went into the hospital for a pacemaker, she wanted to create a memory for us and took me and my sister to Nathan's in Oceanside, NY. It was a cold and rainy day and this was a huge Nathan's with an indoor stage (for puppet shows, music festivals and plays) and game room and a small amusement park (not unlike Astro Land in Coney Island). The eating area had about 100 brightly painted metal picnic tables. The Nathan's is still there but the stage and huge eating area have been replaced by a mini mall. Nathan's still makes great hot dogs and the best french fries. I told this story during Thanksgiving dinner. See Grandma I still remember.

2011-12-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

2011-12-14T23:02:00.000-05:00

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY

2011-12-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Another mediocre week. Was a law passed prohibiting the arresting of good looking hot men? Of course many of these guys would qualify as (as my ex fiance, Peter, would put it) Butta-ah-face, but we don't get to see their bods. :(

#1
"You have something in your teeth"

#5
"Look Ma, no cavities!"

#6.1

#6.2

#6.3
At first I thought they used the same picture 3x.

Next week begins the BEST OF MUGSHOT WEDNESDAYS.

THE BACKLASH AGAINST LOWE'S

2011-12-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

Russell Simmons Blasts Lowe’s For Pulling “American Muslim” Ads

First, thanks to everyone for the positive comments on my last post and for complaining to Lowe's, especially Mark from Running with Blue Sponge for copying my post.

I read this on CDAN (I can't find CDAN's post but here is another link to the story) and then saw it on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Sometimes the good guys do win.

BOYCOT LOWE'S

2011-12-12T21:27:00.001-05:00

After reading this post in Joe.My.God. about Lowe's pulling it's advertising from TLC's American Muslim (and else where) I sent the following to Lowe's:

I'm an American of Irish/Catholic descent and I object to you pulling your advertising from TLC's American Muslim because a few bigots complained so I am boycotting Lowe's. I am not a bigot/racist or prejudiced and I will not support a company that is. I will be requesting my friends, family and people I meet to do the same. If you cave to the prejudiced views of one group, who will be next?

Here's the not-so-easy to find link and if you blog and support complaining to Lowe's, please use my post. Lowe's Corporate

SHERFFIUS SUNDAY & FRIENDS

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Lot's of friends this week but still no Sherffius.

This week's palate cleanser theme:
"Raise your hand if you're sure!"

A DOGABLY PAWFECT LOVE STORY

2011-12-10T08:46:00.003-05:00

I saw this a while back on Iced Tea and Sarcasm and thought it worth sharing.

Families come in all forms

Check out this totally cute story from wildbearpajamas which proves once and for all that dogs are better than cats.

My mom’s friend adopted this lovely dog after he was abandoned by his previous family. His name is Shaun. Shaun had always been very good at eating all his food. Every last bit that was, he ate it. One day he started leaving a little bit behind. He wouldn’t eat everything, no matter what. He always left a little behind. Every morning when my mom’s friend checked Shaun’s bowl, the food was gone. That was very strange, because Shaun always spent the night by her side. One night she decided to investigate the food situation. She waited quietly by the food bowl and then, in the middle of the night, a cat came through the window and ate the remaining food. She noticed the cat was actually pregnant. A week or so later the cat came into her house and gave birth to 6 little kittens. Shaun took care of them as if they were his own babies. My mom’s friend adopted the cat too (her name is Meow) and they took care of the kittens until they all found a loving home. Nowadays Meow and Shaun live happily together as a family and they each have their little bowl of food.

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales, David @ Alokoli,
Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys and Nick @ Homo Eroticus [both NSFW],
Buddy Bear @ One Step at a Time and Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World,
and join in all the doggy fun.

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

#2
He looks sweet.

#3
He could be Christopher Meloni's brother.

#5
Power bottom for sure dude.

#8
Very well groomed.

#10

#11
I know it's not but it should be.

SHERFFIUS SUNDAY & FRIENDS

2011-12-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week's palate cleanser theme:
Facial Hair

A DOGABLY PAWFECT HOMEMADE TREAT

2011-12-03T08:00:00.040-05:00

Thanks to Bo at Bo's Bowl for a yummy treat and today's post.

Quick Dog Treats - A Recipe for the Pups!

Since we have three VERY SPOILED pups...we go through a lot of dog treats! Not all of them are homemade, but I do enjoy making them...and they do enjoy eating them! And this is the easiest recipe I have found...no rolling...no cookie cutters...and only two ingredients. And it is much better for your waistline to make treats for your pups, than for yourself.

Quick Dog Treats

adapted from Eco Dog by Marshall & Deskevich

1 cup wheat germ
2- 4oz jars baby food (meat or vegetable flavor)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a bowl combine the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the greased baking sheet. Flatten the balls with the back of a fork. Then bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Cool the treats on a wire rack.

For variation: Add 1 tbs pureed garlic to ward off fleas, or 2 tbs ground flax seed meal for a shiny coat.

Have you ever tried taking group photos with dogs?..I think it's impossible...especially when treats are involved. So Sampson got to be the lucky model in the photos...I'll have to make some more treats so y'all can meet the other dogs.

Visit our other doggie-friends:

Peter at Tippin' the Scales, David @ Alokoli,

Ray @ Ray’s Cowboys and Nick @ Homo Eroticus [both NSFW],
Buddy Bear @ One Step at a Time and Rick‘s @ Its a Ruff Ruff World,

and join in all the doggy fun.

CYNDI SAYS TO TRY THIS ON...

2011-12-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

You may have forgotten how good you look in red!

Thanks to BosGuy!

HOLLYWOOD TWO TONE CREAM CHEESE CAKE

2011-12-01T14:27:00.000-05:00

It took a lot of cajoling and years of friendship and then a blood oath not to share this recipe for my mom to get this recipe. Well, she gave it to me so I guess sons don't count in blood oaths.

The creator of this recipe was my sister's best friend's mother and their family owned and ran the Z Line Ferry to Fire Island in Bayshore, Long Island. We've enjoyed this cheese cake now for well over 30 years and it never disappoints. So here is a very easy, very delicious but ordinary looking cheese cake.

FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY!! It will not turnout correctly if you don't.

CRUST

Use a 9-10 inch spring form pan
1 and 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs or 16 crackers crumbled
1/4 stick of Flieshman's Margarin melted (Flieshman's is highly recommended)
1/4 cup of sugar

Mix directly in pan, pat down and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

FILLING

pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
1 lb cream cheese bar at room temp or softer
1/2 cup of sugar
3 medium eggs
1/3 teaspoon of good vanilla

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and beat at high speed with a hand mixer until smooth.
Put into oven for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes.
When the 15 minutes are up THEN begin the topping.

TOPPING (about half of you should be really good on this part)

pre-heat oven to 475 degrees
1 pint of sour cream
1/4 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of good vanilla

Mix well with a spoon and then carefully spoon onto the top of the cake.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Cool well and then refrigerate over night or for at least 4 hours.
ENJOY!!

REMEMBER WORLD AIDS DAY

2011-12-01T08:15:00.003-05:00

MUG SHOT WEDNESDAY

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

#4
One of the weirdest placed tattoos ever.

#10

#11

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Now that you're here please read this post and if you do,
there's a reward waiting for you.

Mom: First the good news: Mom's Pet scan showed that her cancer has gone cold. This means it is no longer growing and the radiation and chemo treatments are working. Mom resumed her chemo today after time off while hospitalized and rebuilding her strength. She has another 3 treatments to go and in all likelihood will then begin a chemo maintenance program. Surgery at her age is too risky.

Me:
As for me, my trip to Mt Sinai last week answered several questions about my liver. I don't have Hep C which I told them since I tested neg over 4 years ago so the only way I could have gotten it was by transfusion. Yes, it has been that long. I do however have Cirrhosis of the liver. They don't know why I have it yet (I don't really drink) but am having an endoscopy tomorrow (Tuesday) and need to schedule a biopsy. I do have an increased risk of liver cancer and will need regular scans every 6 months.

Thanksgiving in bullet points:

It was extremely important to me that this Thanksgiving be everything my Mom would have made it. A normal Thanksgiving at her home with her family and good food. I did it all for her. I think that's where I got all the extra energy I needed to succeed and succeed I did.
Monday I steam cleaned the stairs, living room, dining room, den and 3 bedrooms. I cleaned the kitchen and all the pots and dishes I'd be using. Mom and I went food shopping and got the turkey breasts and most everything else we needed.
Tuesday I went to Mt Sinai in NYC and pigged out on street cart hot dogs and pretzels and did some window shopping. I started reading 11/22/1963 by Stephen King. It's about a guy who goes back in time and stops the Kennedy assassination and how it changes the future. It is also likely the date of my conception since I was born 9 months later on 8/26/1964.
Wednesday I ran a few am errands and waited for the fire place repairman who was running very late and I started cooking for Thanksgiving at 2pm. I made the following:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip by Paula Dean - so easy and amazing!
Smashed Sweet Potatoes by The Barefoot Contessa for the 1st time and it was a huge hit!
Homemade Gravy by The Barefoot Contessa for the 1st time - quick and easy (like I used to be) and not a drop left. It did take more time then stated and make sure you use low sodium broth.
Cranberry Fruit Conserve by The Barefoot Contessa for the 1st time - what the hell is a conserve? It looked like a cranberry sauce (I made the canned kind too) but with apples, spices and orange and lemon juice and zest. It came out too tart but was still good and will be better next time.
Turnips by my Mom - also known as rutabagas and my favorite, hard to peel but so worth it.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup by The Barefoot Contessa for the 1st time. If you like butternut squash you'll enjoy this soup - lots of chopping.
Hollywood Two Tone Cheese Cake by me. It's a sorta stolen recipe that I've been making for over 30 years. Pics and recipe to be posted Thursday.

Thanks to two major delays - no sugar and Mom getting a severe chill, I didn't finish until 1am.
The big day started off with a clogged kitchen sink! I plunged and when that didn't work - it's a double sink with a disposal - I ran to the store for Draino. I know it never works but I had to try. It didn't work so a call was put into our hunky plumber, Jorge, and amazingly he was fixing the clog by 9:30 and finished by 10:30. He only charged $85 dollars!!! We gave him $100 and when he realized this he called saying we paid him too much. We were expecting $200 or more but you can't cook without a sink. We have him doing some more work soon and I'll try to sneak a pic.
I was now several hours behind and still had to:

Clean and dress the turkey breasts and get them in the oven by 12:30 - they were perfect.
Peel, cook and whip 10 lbs of yukon golds.
Make the stuffing by Mom.
Make two kinds of cauliflower - creamed and with sharp cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
Blanch and peel the pearl onions - I really hate doing these.
Make the cream sauce for the cauliflower and onions.
Start heating up the dishes I made on Wednesday.
Clean the bathrooms and take a shower
Take down the centerpiece (it was very complex and big this year), add 2 leafs to the table, bring the extra chairs up from the basement and then set the table. Mom likes it all done before guests arrive which went from 9 to 15 with no one telling me!
Carve the turkeys, set out the food and bake the crescent rolls.
RING THE DINNER BELL!

The meal turned out to be one of the best cooked Thanksgiving meals we've had in years. Over the years I have helped more and more but this year it was me 100%. Looking back, I don't know how my mom did it. I know my Grandpa (Mom's Dad) would cook the holiday meals but he had 11 ~~slaves~~...children to assist him in cooking for 25 or more!. He would then go to the Knights of Columbus and cook there.

We finished with desserts of apple and cherry pies and my cheese cake and some Bailey's. I got everyone to help clear and clean because I was spent.

ENOUGH GROWLED

2011-11-28T17:46:00.002-05:00