silly

There's a lot of serious stuff going on lately. I'm a big believer in balance. Here's a small attempt to inject a bit of silliness into the world.

Our adult daughter who enjoys her Christmas elf shared this silly picture recently.

an elf attacked from behind

Her daughter shares her mom's silliness. Kids are great at showing adults how to be silly.

my nose is warm but I can't see

Perhaps the colonial three corner hat was designed as a serious hat. I think they are silly. I do like their look though.

mind if I borrow your hat?

Lastly, during my recent visit to a Waffle House I heard the following song (oh the song came out years ago but it only goes to show I don't get my Waffle House fix often enough)

Oh if anyone from Waffle House is reading this, I would gladly accept any free food offers from your great restaurants.

Contagious smiles

Breathe, breathe in the air
Don't be afraid to care
Leave, but don't leave me
Look around
Choose your own ground
Long you live and high you fly
And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be
(from Breathe by Pink Floyd)

The best of lives have a surplus of smiles. The tears you’ll cry are an essential part of the big picture but sharing smiles will wipe them away at least for awhile.

Do these lyrics provide some guidance? I think so, but you need to ponder over the ideas behind the words. Life is not so simple especially as we become adults and struggle to make our way through many obstacles and sad times. Life is simpler when we are very young and naive about problems.

Getting a child to laugh is so rewarding. Often the younger ones’ laughing spreads and those around them laugh or at least break a big smile. The simple fun of knocking over a stack of empty boxes at the library provided our granddaughter laughs. Her picture gives me a smile.

simple laughs and smiles

Two song clips for your enjoyment. First is the Pink Floyd song from their The Dark Side of the Moon album. The song starts quietly and slowly so I started it after the one minute mark (I tried but it doesn't seem to work so slide the control over past the 1 minute mark). The album's songs really should be played sequentially.

The second song is a cover of "Smile" which I learned goes back to Charlie Chaplin. I discovered this cover by Trinidad "Trini" López III on Ms. Scarlet's blog, Wonky Words.

Bits of memory

For over more than a decade of blogging I’ve discovered:

• New words - I suspect I would be finding new words/terms even if I didn’t have a blog. I think the blog writing helps because while checking my spelling I’ll stumble on to new words. A recent one was “tittle”.
• I’m able to confuse myself - I’ll start out with one idea for the post and finish with unplanned thoughts only to notice the original idea is lost in the shuffle.
• Blogging is useful for memories - backing through your old postings helps recall events and there position on your life’s timeline.
• Youtube video clips are constantly busted - This is annoying. Often a post less than a year old might fail to show a youtube video that was part of the post. Who you gonna call? Tubebusters?

Grandkid pictures always lighten up the blog

I saw only the first movie in the series - didn't need more it was great

Recent headline in Chicago Tribune:

Willis Tower getting new elevators: Here are the ups and downs

Appears that a pun can still get through the editor.

Have you heard of this social site called Nextdoor? Surprisingly, I found out about the site from a postcard in my physical mailbox. It reminded me of when you joined AOL via a floppy disk that was mailed to you.

A post found on the Nextdoor social site:

Has anyone had mice exclusion done? If so, how expensive is as it? Exclusion involves sealing all entry points and fixing the gap between the garage door and the garage floor

I'm glad the Nextdoor poster explained mice exclusion. I had never heard that term before. But if the mice are excluded where to they go? to the neighbors?

Well hopefully this post vs. the original idea of getting philosophical ended up better.

 

experiemental stream of

You know that Newton guy did a lot of thinking about the movement of things. Why he discovered a whole new branch of mathematics while pondering falling apples. After hearing this latest idea about teaching physics I wonder if Newton had more that falling apples to watch.

public physics lesson

It was in my high school physics class that the power of mathematics became apparent. Our teacher helped us formulate the equation of the path of projectile. Newton's Principia (greatest science book ever written?), explains the workings of the solar system with "simple" equations. His underlying math of moving objects was eventually applied to rockets traveling to outer space.

There are many examples of projectiles that don't require a canon or rocket. Golfing, football, watering your lawn and one that boys often find entertaining - urinating. Yes the path of the stream follows the path of a projectile. It's also a simple way to demonstrate vectors.

You may have heard this story.

Three Australian researchers have proposed an explanation why the largest gaps in performance between girls and boys arise in questions that involve projectile motion. In this report they state:

Playful urination practices – from seeing how high you can pee to games such as Peeball (where men compete using their urine to destroy a ball placed in a urinal) – may give boys an advantage over girls when it comes to physics.

Now until now I never thought my attempt to write my name in the snow had anything to do with my love of physics. Oh the many times I could have just used studying physics as an excuse.

The researchers are serious. They suggest not using projectile motion for the introduction to physics. Another quote from the report:

But despite the surface layer of toilet humour, and the implication that physics may be little more than a pissing contest, we’re making a serious point. As the proportion of jobs in the science and technology sector rises, and many of the complex problems the world faces require high levels of scientific and technological literacy to be understood and resolved, lower achievement and participation rates for young women in physics are set to become even more significant problems.

This outside-the-toilet-bowl idea might be as wrong as leaving the seat wet (I was studying evaporation Mom!) but if anything it will bring more attention to this gender gap.

Here's an example of a woman who had no problem grasping the math of projectiles, Katherine G. Johnson.

I made something this summer

Inspired by an instruction video and watching our grandkids enjoy the water tables at a children's museum (don't you think "museum" is the wrong word for these places?) I decided to build our own portable water table.

The main parts:

• plastic storage bin
• fountain water pump
• PVC pipe and elbows

The most expensive item is the submersible water pump. I bought one from Home Depot for $29. The pump sits on the bottom of the bin and just needs to be covered by water. I did notice that typically after 30 minutes of play more water needs to be added. I found the 1/2 inch size pipe was the easiest to use. Leaving the pipe connections not glued allows the "water system" to be configured a variety of ways. Small plastic cups and stoppers add to the fun.


Two of my water table testers:

Both water table testers gave it their sign of approval.

It’s just a box

I wonder how many of you are old enough to have had experiences using a jukebox will also relate to my ongoing battle about boxes. Not jukeboxes, but I do wish I owned one since they were mechanical wonders and could store great music. No just plain cardboard boxes of varying size.

“It’s just a box” I replied to the directive coming from she-who-rates-boxes.

I learned very young that a box can be a toy

That exchange about boxes often takes place around holidays involving gift giving. There’s satisfaction in contributing to recycling for the betterment of our planet right? Now I will admit to occasional long term use of an old shoe box or two. Maybe I just draw the line at a different point in the complex box saving decision process.

Today box ranking was challenged but I quickly backed down since in the end does it matter to take a stand on boxes? (oh I'm sure you know, but standing on cardboard boxes can be hazardous to your health)

Imaginative use of cardboard

I believe boxes are great for:

• Play
• Moving
• Limited storage for holding beer supply (when does storage become hoarding clutter?)
• Protective mats on damp grass or dirty garage floors

I guess what is not on my list but I have repeated found out is on others’ lists is - potential gift box for a yet unknown gift in the distant future.

a bit of show and tell

I’m no song and dance man but I can handle a show and tell occasionally. This month a few classes of fourth and fifth graders experienced my show and tell.

fourth graders that enjoyed my show and tell

One of our teaching daughters asked me to talk to fourth graders doing a science unit on electricity. (oh if you are new to the blog or forgot, my career was electrical engineering)

My presentation theme was common things that utilize Faraday’s electromagnetic induction discovery. His discovery demonstrates the strong connection between electricity and magnetism. Years later, a Scottish scientist, James Maxwell, formulated Faraday’s discovery into the electromagnetic theory.

First I showed them a steel ball accelerator made from strong magnets. I built it from watching youtube videos. Then I showed how a wire coil can trap a small magnet (or piece of metal).

Lastly, I turned on a few of the simple small motorized gadgets/toys I’ve made and let them dance around. Motors and generators are all based on electromagnetic theory. (see my youtube channel for examples of my gadgets)

When I first read the schedule (4 different 4th grade classes) I noticed some down time between two of my demos. I asked my daughter where I should hang out. It wasn’t long before she asked me if I would spend that time with a fifth grade math class and play “Beat the Engineer”. Those kids are quick with their math skills. I’m sure they enjoyed beating me at the math games.

hoping the wires don't break

Experimenting with various electrical/electronic components has been even more fun as a hobby than it was as a student or employee. No pressure of deadlines. Watching something I built or even partially built work is always a thrilling joy. My show and tell reminded of the good feeling that comes from sharing knowledge.

Thinking of dancing, we enjoy watching our little granddaughter swinging to the beat. (note there is no sound)

 

the bonnie I never knew

Sad title? Trust me it's not a sad post.

walking to see the sea

Kids and grandkids often trigger memories of our own youth. Today I overheard our daughter singing to our baby granddaughter. She was singing “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”. Instantly I remembered singing it as a child with the wrong words (sometimes I can't carry a tune or the words). I didn’t know a Bonnie so I thought the lyrics used “my body”.

Using the magic google window into the internet, I found this:

“When I was little I thought it was "my body lies over the ocean" I was a Dark child”

That was a comment left on a youtube clip of this Scottish folk song. Very reassuring that I was not the only one to hear “my body”. I never could figure out why someone’s body would lie over an ocean. It would be an amazing stretch.

I also learned that Bonnie probably refers to Bonnie Prince Charlie who was defeated in a battle and exiled.

Back when I first learned it was Bonnie, I thought like many do, that is was a love song. Now knowing of this exiled prince, I suspect it probably was a political song. Politics have been creeping into all aspects of life for a long long time.

I might just need to start working on an updated version:

My Obama lies over the ocean
My Obama lies over the sea
My Obama lies over the ocean
Oh, bring back my Obama to me.

my body lies over the hammock

preschool cook

I gather from FB postings that this idea of asking preschoolers questions and writing down their thoughtful naive answers is becoming popular.

This idea is not that new. The radio and TV personality, Art Linkletter had a popular segment in his show called, "Kids Say the Darndest Things". I remember watching a few episodes as a kid myself.

Our 4year old preschool granddaughter gave this answer to the question, "How to cook a turkey". Fun assignments in preschool.

she drew a better table setting than I set

This idea had me off watching a few old Art Linkletter clips on youtube. Most of them were the same one copied over and over. Many had terrible sound issues. I finally found this interview of Art by Larry King that includes many kid interviews. Also, you learn a bit about Art Linkletter.  Enjoy

best post ever

Not really but then can we really judge our own posts?

Besides I don’t want you judging me.

Lighten up - enjoy my fragmented post. There’s a few more fragmented posts linked over at the blog A Star In My Own Universe, check it out.

She gave us great laughs

My last post included some dismal words about the stock market. Wow the crazy days offered up by that wild circus.

As I often do when I find myself in times of trouble, mother ---   
No I play some music and changed the lyrics in head. The following verse didn’t even need much changing as I watched the market plunge:

And so it was that later
As the market turned a big sale
That my face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale

Sometimes you just need to skip the market fandango.

don't cry

Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune listed the following in his tweets of the week.

"Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me, they long to eat your sandwiches,"

Last weekend I took four of the grandkids for a walk over to a recently rebuilt park in the neighborhood. (I really can not remember any new playground equipment showing up in my youth - how ‘bout you?) It was a nice day.

While pushing one of our granddaughters on the swing, she threw her head back and yelled, “best day ever.”

I remarked, “Really? It is a great day but your best day ever?”

She told me Rapunzel shouted this in a movie. After looking up a clip of the movie (something no one could do back during my youth) I realized why she made the connection with the movie.

photobombing

Don't you agree photobombing the best type of bombing?

big eyes but I'm not little red riding hood

While I make no claims on anything other than maybe those extra fries you have on your plate, I do hope some of my humor lightens your day.   The news can sure bring us down too often.

Here's a funny take on the dangers of selfie sticks.  Oh, I heard of a great idea for selfie sticks and now I want one.  Use a selfie stick to stop people from taking selfies (just don't hit hard).





Instead of the selfie, focus on the odd and funny things you see around you (like old men trying to steal your fries).  I noticed this sign the other day.  Now don't you agree it's much better than a selfie of some old guy like me?

 

disneyfy my fragments

Close encounters of the fragment kind. Are you old enough to remember that sci-fy movie? Please enjoy your close encounter with my fragments of thought. More posts of the fragmented nature can be found at Mrs. 4444’s blog.

Do you go back and review your own old posts? I suspect most bloggers do at times. A blog does serve as a record. Today I was browsing through a few old posts and came across a post about this interesting blog I had found. Was it still there?, I wondered. Yes, it still offers up the same interesting pictures as it did before. The blog is called Awesome People Hanging Out Together (I included the link if you wish to click on the name).

Here’s a recent picture from the site. The blonde that Bill Hader appears to be dropping on her head is Amy Poehler. The pictures are posted with just the celebrities identified. No explanation. What do you think happen to create this scene? Did Amy just suddenly leap into the air?

The following celebrities are goofing off in this picture, Andy Samberg, Nick Offerman and wife Megan Mullally, Adam Scott, Bill Hader, Bill Murray, Paul Rudd, and Amy Poehler

It occurred to me the other day that much more of my life has been lived in the 20th century. I don’t realistically expect to be around in my upper nineties so I’ll always be a last century man. Some days I’m as mixed up as a vegetarian cattle rancher. Then there are days I’m off my mental reservation. Would those be the better days to blog?

Smartphone people - all swipe and no talk.



Disneyfy
I don’t know if it is an official word. Disney (that big media company) has disneyfied many stories and even animals. That’s not all bad depending on the age of the audience. I suppose cute dwarfs living together in the forest is fine for childhood fantasies. Hopefully as an adult, one would know not to address a real person with the dwarfism medical condition as Happy or Sleepy. Also, many of the old folk tales would not be politically correct today. I do remember getting a book of original folk tales and discovering that some of the stories were not so appropriate for our kids night time reading.

The reason I mention this is my recent discovery of foot mutilation in the Brother Grimm's tale of Cinderella. The wonderful internet will quickly produce many references to original versions of the Cinderella story that include the stepmother instructing her daughter to cut their foot (toe heel) so the slipper will fit. The stepmother tells them once they are queen they will not need to walk.

While I would not want to discuss this type of thinking with young children, I do think older teens might benefit from a discussion of extreme actions like this. Also, I find it very interesting and puzzling that the original tales would include it.


Oh maybe this will help you remember that movie:

flat Aubree

Flat Aubree freezing in Chicago.

Flat Aubree made it to downtown Chicago. We couldn’t stay outside too long because the weather was awful. A windchill below ZERO. The picture were taken near the Art Institute and Millennium Park.

Our granddaughter, Aubree, has introduced me to this flat Stanley project. According to wikipedia: In 2005, more than 6,500 classes from 48 countries took part in the Flat Stanley Project. Aubree’s class participated this year.

A fun project that email and digital photos has made easier.

you should see this

Of course, you should see all my blog posts right?

I don’t often include a picture of myself in my posts. In the beginning, before twerking was known, my blog rarely had a picture of the Lisleman. Once my pendulum swung the other way and I posted this picture. (TMI? Ok, it’s sorta a favorite of mine. Here’s the related post)

Lisleman’s recollected news - A few weeks ago I was allowed (invited actually) to attend pre-school. Now, back before cameras were in your phone, oh that's not right, it was even longer ago. Back when Sputnik circled the earth and we hated the Russians (wait are we still supposed to hate the Russians? Good thing I’m not a diplomat) I was sent to school. But it was kindergarten, not pre-school. I’ve been enjoying post-school for a long time now.

Oh one more observation - Mercy me, those chairs are little.

As you might be able to surmise, I really enjoyed the pre-school (think - I'm posting about it). Much better than what I remember of my kindergarten. I don’t remember much of anything about my kindergarten except the walls and the floor were all wood. Sorta old wood with a musty smell. Oh, and a creaky staircase. I don’t think they had invented the building sets offered today.  Much better creative activities today.

Oh yeah, the pictures:

I'm surprised my knees held out

Remember kids - Blog browsing is much better than facehooking on Facebook.

new Beatles fan

As an American teen in the sixties I was practically assured exposure to Beatles music. I became a fan but also enjoyed many of the other bands at the time. I still consider them at the top of my list.  (Abbey Road is my favorite album if you are wondering)

It doesn’t surprise me that there are many tribute bands based on the Beatles today. What I like about tribute bands or bands that cover popular rock classics is being able to enjoy live performances of my old favorites. This past weekend our daughter and her husband were extra nice to invite me to watch American English with them at a nearby suburban festival. This was the third time I’ve seen American English. They sound great and play the Beatles role well with their costume changes. If interested check out their web site American English.

American English

Our daughter gave me a pleasant surprise (oh not all of her surprises were pleasant) during her teens when she became a fan of the Beatles. Now it appears that her daughter is becoming a Beatles fan. Our daughter likes this if only for the break from the non-stop Disney Frozen songs.

Of the many songs she heard the other evening, I think our new fan enjoyed “Get Back” the most. I was holding her during the song and singing along (benefit of her young age - she doesn’t ask me to stop singing but I’m sure she will before long) when I noticed a huge smile on her face when I sang “get back jo jo.” I asked her dad about the significance of “jo jo”. He laughed and said it is also the name of a cookie at Trader Joe’s. She also related to the word “Arizona” because she had gone on trip there not long ago.

new fan

Yesterday I found a clip of “Get Back” and sent her mom the link. Here’s the conversation they had:

Mom: Papa sent you something.
GrandDaughter: Where is he?
M: It's a music video
GD: Arizona!!! (very excited)
M: Get back Joe-Joe
GD: It's the Beatles (even more excited)

get back to a cookie

Well maybe I need a trip to Trader Joe’s to get back to Joe-Joe’s.

know it when you see it

For my first post of 2014, I'm digging back into my past for a story.  I am offering up a story that explains the gift of manners and respect I received from my Mom (I should give Dad some credit too but his lessons were often loud and so blunt so it wasn't always clear if there was some deeper message.)

Before I drop you into the story (actually being dropped isn't nice - hmm maybe I should ease you into the story) I must state that I've been told on occasion that I was being rude. So I have failed at manners. I'm no manners expert but I do respect people and try not to fail.

I also have failed many parents challenges over the years.  Our kids pushing me to the edge has reminded me of how difficult it is to maintain control in these situations.  Please understand I'm not judging the parents who I know nothing of their background in this story.

One thing I believe you'll agree about - bad parenting - you know it when you see it.

(one minor note - I wanted to use a picture of my own but how often do you take pictures of bad manners?  I found this attitude face on the internet somewhere. )

Summer 2005 - AA 2325 flight Chicago – Dallas Fort Worth – final destination Long Beach CA. As I work my way through another business trip which always has the potential of a small adventure, I decide to capture some thoughts of the trip. Since I was able to plan this trip, I selected a midday flight. I am not a morning person. I suspect many travelers like me judge a trip by the number of hassles encountered getting from A to B. So far it’s not been too bad. Plenty of backed-up traffic on I-294 and a filled up airport parking lot, but I anticipated that and allowed myself plenty of time.  (planning pays off the best when confronted by the unexpected) I got through security and even had time for a salad at Chili’s airport restaurant. Eating alone at an airport restaurant seems more accepted than eating alone most anywhere else.  

Row 25

My seat is in row 24, but in 25 is a young family. As I approach my seat I hear screaming and yelling. Two little girls with mom and dad are threatening my chance of a peaceful flight. The youngest and loudest one wants to play with her tray and doesn’t seem fazed by her mother’s threats. One interesting threat her mother shared with the passengers was “they have special seat in the back for children who misbehave.” She might as well told her they would strap her on the wing, she didn’t care.

Luckily I came prepared with a laptop filled with music. With all the electronic gadgets available hopefully other passengers were able to entertain themselves instead of listen to these unruly kids. The row 25 family had a DVD player for the kids. The three year-old I hear (all nearby passengers also discover this within seconds) does not want to share the view of the screen with her sister. 

Finally we landed and my hope of escape from row 25 is restored.  As we crowd the aisle waiting to deplane the kids were behind me. In this tight space bumping one another is common. So it didn’t surprise me that one of the girls bumped me a few times. It was not a big deal. What did surprise me was the mother’s response. She told her daughter that if she kept it up she would let the man (me) smack her. What a crazy thing to say. I later wondered if it was a ploy to sue me if I took her up on the offer.

My experience of traveling with a gaggle of kids has been both a joy and a terror.  Sleep schedules, skipped meals, delays, weather can overwhelm the best two year old and the rest of their family.

The one-who-knows (my wife) did a return international trip on her own with just the kids (I really had to stay - really for work). I don’t recall any crying or fussing from our kids on our long ride over to Ireland. Maybe I just don’t remember but I think the kids were excited enough about the trip that they just enjoyed the experience.  That's the key - enjoy the adventure.

Back in 1989, none of them even had CD players yet. The boom box was still popular (tape and radio) but those were not allowed in the aircraft cabin. The youngest was not 4 yet and the next oldest had just turned 9. They brought books and colored. Being an overseas flight we had music and some movies provided. But the movies shown on screens for the whole cabin don’t provide much to a little kid that could hardly see over the seatbacks.

Return trip different row
Long Beach airport – a new favorite for me. A fellow traveler pointed out as we walked across the tarmac, Long Beach airport is probably the only airport in the US with no Starbucks (anyone know if it does now?). The airport did have a coffee/snack stand.

For comparison to the early family there was family with two (maybe three – I don’t remember) young boys waiting to board the flight to Dallas. The youngest appeared to be about the same age as the young girl in row 25. They were probably closer in age than the row 25 set. The youngest boy came running through the gate area when his dad pointed out the plane. I think he was ready to run outside and jump on-board. Dad called to him to stop and he did. Unlike row 25 family, no yelling or threats were exchanged. Instead the dad seemed interested in answering his young son’s many questions. The difference in the parents’ attitudes of these families influenced the behavior of the kids. The Long Beach Dad appeared interested in making the most of what a trip can be for a young kid – a learning experience.

I'm no expert on teaching manners or discipline, but nonsensical threats only backfire. Kids learn quickly that threats are not backed by anything. You lose control at that point.

Change is constant with the technology in our daily lives. I wonder if the gadgets are used unsuccessfully to bribe kids. Disciplined kids however, I suspect come from techniques practiced since the beginning of families.

Share a comment - and thanks Mom, I think I get it now but it's still an effort to face down a tantrum.

(a few readers might remember this post - I revised it.)

lets have a fragment party

Nothing like a great party.  If it’s not at your own house there is no mess. A Friday Fragment party in blogland has no mess either. Mrs. 4444's blog is hosting a collection of FF postings - join the parties.

I still haven’t found what I’m blogging for - that was a post the other day. Many of you may recall my song parody proclivity (could be the first time I’ve written proclivity on my blog). The post was not a parody but the post started me thinking about doing one on that U2 song. I have the beginning of it -

(great intro music) I have climbed out of bed
I have run to the bathroom …

But I still haven’t found what I should write. Any suggestions?

“....according to people with knowledge of the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly.” - I hate it when that lame excuse for a source is given in a news report. If they are not authorized to speak publicly and the reporter is going to publish their words then what is going on? These reports should start using the word speculation more.

I don’t need to tell most of you how much children change during the first years of their lives. I have a granddaughter who just turned two. Such a difference from when she turned one. I caught a funny picture of her sitting with her cousin (less than a year apart). Don’t they look like a couple waiting for their dinner order? Actually they were waiting for the cake.

This FDA idea of banning transfat in foods might become a problem. Didn’t our founding fathers give us the right to eat transfats with our bare arms or something like that? I’m thinking the donut party will be forming any minute now. They can’t take our donuts/cookies/fries away from us. There’s going to be cream filling in the streets.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Will Mother Goose make it through the social media world of today?
Should those rhymes continue unchanged?

I'm surprised Mick can still jump at all.

Certainly not in a flash.

The world and culture has changed. Jack and Jill's story sounds like a report of child labor and workman’s comp. Besides most everyone has plumbing with running water. Children today could better relate to a Brita filter than fetching water with a bucket.

Peter, that pumpkin eater (have you ever called anyone a pumpkin eater? is that an insult?) would certainly be convicted of spousal abuse in today’s courts.

New parents, don’t be rocking your babies on treetops. The wind will blow and your lawsuit against the cradle maker will be thrown out of court since I’m sure their warning label warns you not to place unattended babies in treetops.

Oh and those dudes in the tub - the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker

• The butcher sold his business and became a vegan.
• The baker lost his apron trying to cash-in on the short lived muffin top craze.
• The candlestick maker was sued after Jack jumped over the candlestick and burned his ass. (see the candlestick inadequate warning label)

Don McLean told us in “American Pie” that:

Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the devil's only friend.

Thinking of updates, here’s an updated version of that “American Pie” song.


 

reflections can be tricky

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

I'm sure you have read that on your vehicle's side mirror.  (if you often cut off cars while changing lanes pay attention to this reflective trick)  A curved mirror bends the image in a way that tricks our minds.

I bring this up because this illusion might be the reason my granddaughter reacted strangely when I brought her close to the Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium park recently.  Most of Chicago calls it the bean.

Chicago looks different on the bean

You see she is much too young to read so she would not know about the ways mirrors can trick us.

I think her mind was telling her that I was trying to drop her down into a strange place.  At one point she kicked her legs straight out as if she was being dropped.  Even for adults the inside part of the bean is very strange experience.  A bit like a fun house at the fair.

Of course she is also very young and it could be that she was just hungry or in need of a nap.

I'm NOT Alice and I'm not going in there!

I linked this to Unknown Mami's SIMC meme which has photos linked from all over blogland.

friday fragments fail to be final

tweedle tweedle little tweet
how I wonder why it’s not sweet
up above social media so high
like a stick in my eye
tweedle tweedle little tweet
how I wonder what will compete

(how many know the original whole poem/song?)

I don’t think Friday Fragments will ever be final. How could fragments end? Would they just trail off to a sentence then a word and finally a letter?

Unknown Mami is still IT for the FF host. She is hiding out on the west coast waiting for links to wash up on her shore. (or is it waiting for someone to wash up the links?)

Oh I finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road. Instead I should just walk the beach. I’m going to repeat a picture of the beach and our granddaughter I used in a post earlier in the week. 

 

Is there a blog rhythm? Do you read blogs at a regular time during the week?  I admit I don’t visit all the blogs on my list everyday. Many events can and probably should interrupt blog browsing. This past week I happened to post twice in the same day. It appears the first post of that day didn’t get much attention. I wonder if delaying the second post with the schedule feature would have been better overall. 

 

Now I am thinking many of you smartphone packing Sallies and Sams don’t bother with the insides of a bank lobby but I'm here to tell you, they still exist. They even still have a teller or two working.

Recently I tried to get quick cash (many don’t bother to carry cash anymore too) from the drive-up ATM. Apparently, I flipped some digits on my pin so no cash for me. I tried a second time being careful to enter the correct sequence. Refused again, I parked the car and went into the lobby.

Three tellers working and all three occupied. (when did bank lobbies become a senior citizen hang-out?)  Two of the three positions were serving senior citizens one of which was telling a story and the other seem to keep changing the transaction details. Finally the third opened up and was able to withdraw some cash but not check the ATM card status (of course many would view me as a senior citizen too). Another trip outside and in again was needed before it was fixed.

Conveniences turn into nuisances when they fail.

 

A couple of summers ago my wife discovered a series of weekly outdoor concerts at the Morton Arboretum. We had gone to about 5 that summer.  Not so much this year.

The weather doesn’t always cooperate. Your ticket gets you a free wine taste and they have an abundance of cheese, crackers and veggies to munch on. She remembered it this week and the weather was perfect. A band of two, Frank and Dave, performed old and new songs. From the Eagles to Phillip Phillips.