friday fragments and freebird

As you fly into Friday, don’t flap your yap.

Wishin or bitchin, 

it don’t matter  

post it as Friday Fragments, 

you'll have comment flatter. 

Now after this post get over to Mrs. 4444’s place to check out the fragment chatter. Do you get extra points for rhyming in your FF post?

Now this is unusual for me. In addition to using the word dystopia, I saw a blockbuster movie on its opening weekend. I avoid crowds so I don’t mind waiting a week or two. I was the only one in our group seeing this dystopian thriller, “The Hunger Games” who had not read the book (they couldn’t wait). I enjoyed the movie but consider its level of violence too much for very young viewers. The violence is a main element of the plot so you should expect it.

Having seen the movie and knowing the Katniss character, today’s Chicago Tribune article about the “Katniss factor” made even more sense to me. Introductory archery classes have been packed recently and mostly by young women. I had not thought of the archery connection. Anyone know a good bow company? 

Movies and merchandising of course go together like Katniss’s arrow and squirrel. No surprise then that Mattel is releasing a new Barbie doll based on Katniss. I bet it could kick Ken’s ass.

Wondering about the freebird in the title? Ok, go back take a quick look. Now are you wondering about the “freebird” in the title? 

While down in the basement man cave, I hear my wife calling (note work on soundproofing) to alert me about something the neighbor had discovered in our downspout. What? I step out into the back yard to hear the bird-stuck-in-your-drain tale. As I’m being told the story, I restrain myself from asking why the neighbor is listening to our downspout. “What are you a weirdo downspout listener?” I want to ask but don’t. 

At first I figured it must be a chipmunk but in fact it was a bird. I tried a few different ideas to evacuate him but my bird negotiation knowledge is severely lacking. The sun would set in 30 minutes and the area was very muddy so after those failed attempts I did what I do best - procrastinate and think about it. 

Our daughter had an outside-of-the-box-thinking idea. Her suggestion which I tried was to place a light in the downspout to scare the bird to go out the other end. Sure it was an outside-of-the-box idea but it wasn’t an out of the drain one. I think the bird enjoyed a night light. 

The next morning I disconnected the downspout and drain pipe. I even stepped back and waited. Nothing but a little scratching around. I got a long stick and thought maybe I could push him out. No, but I was able to clean some debris from the pipe. I could see him and he was larger than I expected. I held the pipe down level and just waited. About a minute or so he jumped out. One jump and he was in the air. I don't think he even touched the ground first. Flew to a nearby tree and was gone. Freebird!

thanks Mrs. 4444's mom -  tossing money is fun

My last post offered a puzzle to solve. Here’s the explanation for those of you wanting to know: 

It's not a solution to an algebra type problem. Really it's just accounting confusion. Think politicians running a budget. The 3 guys did pay $9 each for a total of $27 but the store didn't get the whole $27. If you divide the people into two groups - 3 customers make one group (#1) and let the store and waiter make the other group (#2) you'll be able to account for all the money. Just locate the $30 after the money has been distributed - group #1 has $3 and group #2 has $27 - this totals $30. No missing money. 

(proofreading provided by C. F. Eyecare)