Carol Rutz’s Annexe

Until now, I did not have the title or the name of the group who did that chill-out piece. It was simply a sensual soundscape that evoked images of romance, lust, and the mystery that only lovers are permitted to experience.

I’ve first heard that on a Mexican telenovela (soap opera), as part of the commercial break bumper. Later, I’ve heard it in a safe sex commercial, and at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Whirlpool ride. The last time I’ve heard it was New Year’s Day 2005. The Prediger and I were on an airport shuttle from Orange County to LAX. The radio in the van was tuned in to 94.7 FM The WAVE…and that song appeared whilst riding into LA at 4am. I looked outside at the lights of the city, and the quietness of the ride to the airport. It capped off our trip together.

And now, I have found out its identity and I was surprised that it was from the guys who brought us Peter Gunn and Close (To The Edit). Here is its live version, for your listening pleasure.

Regarding this story on the resignation of the president of Oral Roberts University:

It might be the first time a Voice other than Roberts’ ego or his itching-ear mind spoke to him.

I get wary whenever someone say that God is talking to him…mainly because it is outside of Scripture and the revelation of Christ is the most sure message. I understand that the Apostles had visible confirmation, not this flip-flopping of “new light”.

In the Old Testament, to say that one received a special message of the Lord would risk charges of blasphemy and stoning. One dare not say something of that gravitas unless it is true and it is accompanied with visible signs. Those who were false prophets were punished.

If you want to read up on Richard Roberts, this might be a good start.

Now…here are some Christmas music that I do enjoy and does not make me stabby.

Both versions of Oi to the World by The Vandals and No Doubt

David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Little Drummer Boy

Cheech & Chong’s Santa Claus and His Old Lady

Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses

I was looking for some new outdoor lights for the house at Big Lots when I stumbled upon a blue box of Barbara Dee Winter Holiday Mints. It looked like the Thin Mints, and it cost me only a dollar. And then, I ate one and realized it tasted like a Thin Mint, but the cookie part is vanilla-colored not imbued with cocoa powder. So…I went home and gave the Prediger a Barbara Dee mint. He said: “Man, the Girl Scouts won’t be pleased with that! It’s just like the Thin Mint!”

And I say to myself…I’m going to Google up some info on Barbara Dee and its mints…and I’ve found the following information from the Ardmoreite Online:

The Keebler Company owns President Enterprises Corp, which is based in Georgia. President is responsible for 60 percent of the production of Girl Scout Cookies. And what’s more, they also produced under different brands– including Barbara Dee.

From the article:

Other registered trademark brands of President include Marietta’s, Greg’s, Barbara Dee, Chadwick Farms, Jack’s, Jackson’s, Mother’s, Bishop’s and Olde New England. President officers are Eric Wen, vice chairman and CEO, and Jerry Cavitt and Bill Bayers, biscuit and specialty division presidents, respectively.

And if this is not the smoking gun…look at Plunkett’s Food Industry Almanac 2007, in which the Girl Scout-Barbara Dee connection is confirmed. That’s right! With a few cosmetic differences, Holiday Mints are the Thin Mints’ fraternal twin.

Next time you are at Big Lots, ask for Barbara Dee Winter Holiday Mints. That will tide you cookie freaks over until the next cookie drive!

FARK.com has a thread going on which songs that are simply annoying and makes anyone stabby.

Here is my list with music I find annoying (in no particular order):

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney

Any flippin’ rendition of Santa Baby

Let It Snow? Let that song go!

John Lennon’s Happy Christmas

Last Christmas by Wham!

Pissed Pluto Chases Brat - Watch more free videos

This is simply 10 sorts of WTF. Almost reminded me of the time when one of the Dwarves did a bump and grind dance years ago.

I was looking for video of the Romney meet at the Allen County HQ when Fort Wayne Observed has noticed the sign we’ve put up! Great work Melissa and the Meet-Up crew!

We all heard that the old school episodes of Sesame Street is deemed unsuitable for today’s preschoolers. This is why I have utter contempt of what passes for education.

It was not the gentrified suburban life that SS glorified with Elmo at the center. It was the gritty, flashy city with clips of rural agriculture and children of all colors and shapes and sizes. It was funny and folksy and silly and it faces issues as we kids must face. Mr Hooper’s legacy was that we can talk about death without couching in terms like “gone to sleep” or “gone forever”. Miles’ adoption is a wonderful way to say that families happen in many ways. Disabled people found a spot in the Street along with the Twitterbugs, the Groucheteers, and talking animals. We all know that normal people do not live in garbage cans like Oscar. I always wonder what his can looked like inside. Oscar’s home has an elephant, and vast space like Dr Who’s TARDIS. In real life, it’s just 35 gallons of trash and maggots. Chaotic imagination reigned plenty in the old school episodes. Yet, we knew that when the day is over, we can go back to our families with directives to clean up our room and to play nice.

My sibs would complain that I was too old for Sesame Street. I would watch the episodes right up to the time I left to Concordia-Irvine. By that time, Elmo took away the last 15 minutes of air time and it was no longer the Sesame Street I remembered. I want my nieces and nephews to enjoy the old school episodes. They are not fragile snowflakes and they will realize that not everything will be sanitized and dumbed down for their protection.

The guys at our local Ron Paul Meet-Up have heard that one of Mitt’s sons was speaking at the Allen County GOP headquarters, so we headed down there and heard him speak. Quite a nice fellow; alas, looks like his dad did not school him on encountering “what if” hot button topics.

We were civil by coming in without a hullabaloo and we were there to listen to Mr Romney, not to start a challenge. I’ve learned that his dad is gung ho on raising his kids. He mentioned the time when one of Mitt’s sons and his expectant wife have to go to the hospital, and Mitt have to take care of their little kid whilst the mom went to labor. This was when he had to iron out the budget for his state (busy busy busy). His wife was with the couple, so it was Mitt who did all the grandfatherly things like feeding her and tucking her to sleep and packing a lunch the next day.

But aside from this story that displayed Mitt’s dedication to his family, two things came to mind: Mitt wants to increase spending on the military and shrinking down on other matters (privatization?)…and when one guy asked his son whether he and his brothers are joining the military to support the cause, he told us that they have not served nor have any future plans to join the military. Hmmm.

After it’s over, the meet-up asked if we can post a Ron Paul sign on the front window like the ones for Rudy and My Man Mitch and Romney. They were happy to allow that and we procured a huge sign. And I’m planning to be a delegate for the GOP convention. Ron Paul is the candidate who will focus on the infrastructure right here. Like Romney taking care of his family during the state budgeting, we should focus on our nation economically and get our business settled here.

The burly guy has a “My Man Mitch” sticker…and he folded it so he can hold it up to say “My Man Ron Paul.” LOL

The thing about grassroots campaigning is that it is supposed to be fun, and it is, so far. We do not say: “We need to do this and that.” It’s more like: “I’m planning to write letters to Iowa voters. Wanna help us?” Or “I’m planning to order RP stickers at bulk cost. If you want, we can order together at a lower cost.” To use “We must do —-” would create drama.