Wed 26 Oct 2005

The Touch of a Button

Posted in This, that and the other at 23:32

A comment on the Tim Allen post below reminded me of push-button auto transmissions, one of which can be seen on the clip of color videotape from a 1958 Fred Astaire special. Another part of the site, devoted to classic cars and classic TV, has a black-and-white clip from the videotape of 1957’s “The Edsel Show” with stars Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. I’m happy just watching kinescopes from that era, seeing the stars of that era when they were at their best. Watching those videotape clips makes me wish the entire shows were available on DVD, like the Ed Sullivan Shows with the Beatles.

Small Talk

Posted in This, that and the other at 23:12

There’s a guy downstairs cleaning our carpet, and he and Pat are currently talking about the suggested changes to Wal-Mart’s hiring policy. She’s good at making small talk with strangers, and I could learn from her.

The cats are all in hiding, because as much as they hate the vacuum monster, the steam-cleaner beast is even louder.

Knot a Chance

Posted in This, that and the other at 3:00

Ten years ago, Tim Allen was about as hot as a comedian can get. He had the #1 book in the US (Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man), the #1 film (The Santa Clause) and the #1 TV show (Home Improvement). Maybe I’m not paying enough attention, but whatever happened to Tim Allen? I think there was an inevitable The Santa Clause 2 in there awhile back.

Speaking of men who like to use tools and machines, there’s a page at the website for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers that describes and shows a video of an elaborate machine whose sole function appears to be the ability to tie and untie a necktie.

Its subtitle is “A little fun with mechanical engineering.” Its punning title is can also be interpreted as an engineer’s rationale for the whole thing: Why Knot?

Diva Kitty and the Fluffies

Posted in Cats at 1:22

Diva Kitty and the Fluffies (the latter consisting of rabbits Orlando Bun and Fiona Bun) appear to enjoy taking turns keeping their human, um, hopping. Don’t be surprised if you finish reading this page with a big smile on your face.

Safe and Happy

Posted in Cats at 1:11

Always happy to pass along some happy news, such as this story about cats displaced by Katrina who have been rescued and are in the care of inmates at Pocahontas Correctional Unit in Virginia.

Mon 24 Oct 2005

Mad Moses Kitty

Posted in Cats at 0:12

The blog owned and operated by Mad Moses Kitty claims that the title holder is “an anti-social kitty with plans for world domination.” But deep down, I’m sure s/he’s just (a-hem!) a pussycat.

Sun 23 Oct 2005

Sorry, Wrong Number

Posted in This, that and the other at 23:56

Pat picked up the phone upstairs when it rang this afternoon, and a minute later she came downstairs to describe the meat (if you will) of the conversation.

CALLER: Come on over for some spare ribs!
PAT: What number were you trying to call?
CALLER: Oh, I thought this was the number for my daughter. I’m sorry!
PAT: I’m sorry too. I love spare ribs!