Gasbags, Tagged and Campaign 2008

I know its Monday but I'm blowing the Sunday Trumpet and hope to steer you clear of reading 'The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets' by Eva Rice. That's right, St Jude tells us that the book wasn't a real page turner and despite the title the plot was pretty transparent..read the rest of her review HERE

Click on the Gasbag Logo above and join the Gasbags, sound the Trumpet and help others to avoid really Bad Books and movies by writing your own scathingly funny reviews

Dannete, tagged me with the burden of revealing 6 weird things about myself, now I sure everyone who knows me probably thinks that its going to be easy, but your wrong...This 6 weird tag thing started at Tish's blog so I really blame her for starting the chain....so here goes:

I like to have sauerkraut with turkey gravy on it for Thanksgiving dinner

I like genuine dill pickles in my potato salad

I cut my own hair

I have no natural rhythm so when I dance it's WEIRD

I love the movie Buckaroo Bonzai

I 'm going to run for President of The United States 2008

Now I am supposed to tag 6 other defenseless bloggers..........

Have You ever eaten...

Scrapple...a 200 Year old Tradition ?

Benjamin Franklin refers affectionately to Philadelphia's scrapple in his first writings.

George Washington's cook was Pennsylvania Dutch, and the first President's fondness for scrapple lasted his life-time.

It's not available in Massachusetts, well not the good stuff. You can find Jimmy Dean Scrapple in some stores but Habbersatt Scrapple from Philidelphia, PA is my favorite... I love it crispy with little Ketchup on the side... Like Will Ferrell and Syrup ,


From The Elf Movie

W.F. :Mmm. [Gasps] I love syrup.

W.F :Ohh, I love it.

W.F :Mmm...

A New Way to Search The Net

I've added a ChaCha Search Engine to my blog. If you have always used Google or Yahoo to search you may find ChaCha a little different. With ChaCha you can search alone or with a Guide. Interactive searching with the Guide or maybe you are busy and while you are working on something you can have your guide searching for something else you need to finish whatever you may be working on.

If you've used it before or you try it now, let me know what you think?

A New Look - A New Test

I AM The Green Lantern

Hot-headed. You have strong
will power and a good imagination.

Green Lantern 85%
Iron Man 85%
Catwoman 75%
The Flash 65%
Spiderman 50%
Hulk 50%
Superman 50%
Robin 45%
Supergirl 45%
Wonder Woman 35%
Batman 30%



Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

I'm a 75% match to Cat Woman and if I remember correctly Halle Berry played Cat Woman in the Batman movie....She's my Celebrity Match and now we match up pretty well as Super Heroes too....I wonder why she hasn't called me back?

A Test For Thursday

You are The Sun

Happiness, Content, Joy.

The meanings for the Sun are fairly simple and consistent.

Young, healthy, new, fresh. The brain is working, things that were muddled come clear, everything falls into place, and everything seems to go your way.

The Sun is ruled by the Sun, of course. This is the light that comes after the long dark night, Apollo to the Moon's Diana. A positive card, it promises you your day in the sun. Glory, gain, triumph, pleasure, truth, success. As the moon symbolized inspiration from the unconscious, from dreams, this card symbolizes discoveries made fully consciousness and wide awake. You have an understanding and enjoyment of science and math, beautifully constructed music, carefully reasoned philosophy. It is a card of intellect, clarity of mind, and feelings of youthful energy.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

DVR is better than Live

I watched Heroes last night but next week I'll watch it on tuesday so I can fast-forward through all the damn commercials. The DVR really makes it much easier to watch a show when you have the time to. While the commercials sucked, I love the show. The newest member of the cast Christopher Eccleston - formerly played Dr,. Who in the British Sci Fi series - is the newest Hero, an invisible man no less. He should add some spice to the show, also there is George Takei - played Sulu on the original Star Trek show - cast as Hiro's father.

Tomorrow I'll watch 24, it's already recorded !!

My 1st Gasbag Review

When I start reading a book I like to stick to it, finish no matter how bad....sometimes I'm surprised and the story comes together and sometimes the book just stinks!

Nemesis :A book by Bill Napier

In Greek mythology, Nemesis is the goddess of divine justice and vengeance. This makes me wonder "What did I do so wrong that the Gods led me to this Horrible book?"

I know what it was, I've read Dan Browns novels ,The Davinci Code , Angels and Demons and Deception Point and when I read the back cover of Napier's Nemesis it appealed to me in a Dan Brownesque sort of way. Wrong!!

The book suggests radical Russians have somehow diverted a yet to be identified asteroid on to a collision course with North America. The US Government puts an international team of scientists together to identify the Asteroid and a plan to stop it. If we can't stop it then when do we launch our missles on Russia?

The worst part of reading this book was that I felt I was trapped back in my Trigonometry Class.: If D=R then S means I'm falling asleep.

The only part of the book that was of any interest was the historical perspective. One of the Phd's becomes convinced there is a 400 year old manuscript that was written by a monk but it was siezed by the church and hidden away because it called into question the christian doctrines of the day. Back then the church maintained that the earth was the center of the universe and if you didn't believe that you were gonna spend time on the torture table.

Whenever the book went back in time and Napier wrote about the monk's trials and tribulations...the story was very good. But too often he return to...."M to the Power of 3 multiplied by 6 and divided by L(2.5N)"blah blah blah...

The end was predictable.

If you have trouble sleeping, put Nemesis on your night table.

P.S. Go New England Patriots

Beat the Colts in today's AFC Championship Match

Use the New Word and get LINKED

Contest Post - Newer Posts Below
Most people have seen the 2006 Word of the Year, PLUTOED, but have you used it in a sentence
yet??

To "pluto" is "to demote or devalue someone or something," much like what happened to the former planet last year when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided Pluto didn't meet its definition of a planet.

This posting will stay at the top for 3 days 1/20/07 the best use of "Plutoed" in a sentence and I'll give you a link here for the rest of the year at least....unless I run out of space and your blog gets "plutoed" to one of my other pages..

Another example: The New England Patriots "plutoed" the top seeded San Diego Chargers last Sunday and are headed for a match-up this weekend with the Colts.

Why ME ??!!

I'm tired. For a couple years I've been blaming it on lack of sleep,not enough sunshine, too much pressure from my job, earwax buildup, poor blood or anything else I could think of. But now I found out the real reason:

I'm tired because I'm overworked.

Here's why:. . .

The population of this country is 273 million.

140 million are retired.

That leaves 133 million to do the work.

There are 85 million in school.

Which leaves 48 million to do the work.

Of this there are 29 million employed by the federal government.

Leaving 19 million to do the work.

2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin-Laden.

Which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

Take from that total the 14.8 million people who work for state and city governments.

And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals.
Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

That leaves just two people to do the work.

You and me.

And there you are sitting on your chair, at your computer,reading jokes.

Nice. Real nice.

The Sunday Trumpet---Gods and Generals

The review from Basement Epiphanies of the Movie "Gods and Generals" begins...

"I’ve experienced something close to what hell would be like. It didn’t include any fire, nor brimstone. Nobody poked me with a pitchfork or forced me into hard labor. I didn’t see Rosie O’Donnell, and nobody had horns. Still, there was teeth-gnashing aplenty."

"I watched the movie God’s and Generals." Read the rest....

If you liked this review and have a bad movie you can warn us about click on the Gasbag Banner to sign up for your review...

Patriots Win Again

Laidanian Tomlinson, Marty and all the Chargers were invited to the AFC matchup with the New England Patriots, but the only ones dancing at the end of the game were the Patriots, sorry if we hurt your feelings L.T..........Yeah the Chargers have 9 Pro Bowlers and the league MVP, but it wasn't enough. Their organization restricted the sale of tickets to the game to Southern Californians, but it didn't help.

After it was over L.T. reported in his press conference that he "Is a classy guy," oh really.... Tomlinson yelled and pointed at the Patriots players, upset that some them were dancing on the Chargers logo at midfield after they had silenced the record crowd of 68,810 at Qualcomm Stadium.

"I would never react in that way. I was very upset," Tomlinson said. "When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance..." that fellow Charger teamate and Steroid User , Shawne Merriman does.

Merriman, nicknamed "Lights Out," did a spasmodic dance to celebrate each of his NFL-high 17 sacks

Tomlinson continues..."that is disrespectful. They showed no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."

Yeah, L.T., I'm sure Merriman never did that dance when playing on someone elses home field....Oh, and Merriman is so much classier then Bill Bellichek

The Chargers beat themselves by getting untimely and "UN-Sportsmanlike" penalties that really hurt them.... Laidanian, you played a great game, if you want to be mad...be mad at your Coach....Marty should have given you the ball a lot more often. But for now, sit down and relax, your going to the Pro Bowl.

After he calmed down a bit Tomlinson said, "We lost to a better team today," hopefully the next opportunity we have we'll learn something from this."



Meanwhile the Patriots are headed for Indy and Peyton Mannings crew and guess what?

THE PATRIOTS ARE UNDERDOGS!!

Just the way they like it..

There was a sign outside a local Sports Bar here that made the news, It read: Californians WILL NOT be served during the game!

HA HA HA

Go Patriots!!!

The BEST Quarterback in the NFL , Tom Brady, and the rest of the N.E. Patriot team face their biggest game of the year so far against the #1 team in the NFL...and the Charger organization won't sell tickets directly to anyone NOT from Southern California......Sounds to me like they are scared!! Go Pats bring a win home!!!

Photos, courtesy of Paul Kelleher and ChickpeaGirl

10 Minute Email

Ever want to sign up for something and you really don't want to use your EMAIL Address, use the 10 Minute Email : It's good for 10 minutes, then it's gone. Kinda like a man, eh girls !!

IRS E-FILE FOR FREE

We all know the IRS sucks, but that's one of the things we here in the USA have to deal with every new year. I was browsing the IRS Site and found this info:

A program for eligible taxpayers developed through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, more than 15.4 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program. Free File allows taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $52,000 or less in 2006 to e-file their federal tax returns for free. That means 70 percent of all taxpayers – 95 million taxpayers – can take advantage of the Free File program.


The Program begins January 12th, 2007 and here are some of the changes from last year:

• Free File is a free service offered by companies for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $52,000 or less.

• Before selecting a company link, review the tax software company’s criteria to confirm that you meet their eligibility for preparing and e-filing your federal return for free.

• Fees for state tax returns may apply. Some companies offer free state tax return preparation and e-filing. Check company websites for more details.

• Some companies offer extensions for free.

• Some companies offer free e-filing of the Form 1040EZ-T, Telephone Excise Tax Refund, for those who want to claim the refund credit and are not required to file a federal income tax return.

• You are under no obligation to buy any of the company’s other products or services.

What is The Tommy Fund ?

The Tommy Fund is my personal advertising program. I've read about the Million Dollar Homepage which was an awesome idea but it's been done and frankly, I don't think your ads stand out as well. If you are trying to increase readership of your blog or web site you could spend hours flipping through pages at any number of Blog exchanges or you can visit the Tommy Fund, a dollar donation (US ) and I will visit your web site/blog, write a posting about it and put your link on the Donor Roll on my sidebar for a month!!

For example: A very special blogger Marina, was the first person to ever comment on my blog. I visited her site MARINAMARBURG shortly after she commented. You'll find her site has some truly funny pictures and you will discover her great sense of humor. Currently she has been posting some great videos of Hugh Laurie and Steven Fry....We have commented and visited each others blogs ever since I started blogging and recently she contributed to The Tommy Fund before I ever conceived the Advertising idea and for that she will always be listed on my Honor Roll.

1/6/07

It's been one of those days where I just feel like blaaahhh. I cannot think of a posting so being the 6th day of the year I'll just list 6 things I've done today or have thought about.

1. The doorknob on my bedroom has been falling off repeatedly so I put it back on real tight today

2. I wrote in my journal today regarding my social life, it was a short entry

3. I had a bowl of cheerios, a bowl of raisin bran, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and a greek salad

4. I'm thinking about ice cream

5, I'm gonna watch the Dallas/ Seattle Football game tonight, Indy's beating KC,,DAMN!

6. checked email, sent some emails and surfed some blogs and left some comments.

What a crazzy idea...comments?

Dinner was great, Picasa and whatever

My Picture for the Day

She Insisted I Take Her Picture While Making A Goofy Face

DINNER
First, I must say, the meal I prepared and spoke of yesterday was a resounding success !! The Brisket was tender and all of the sides were perfect...7 of us enjoyed the meal and everyone was complimentary.....

BAD REVIEW
I bought a software program called PHOTO EXPLOSION to help me edit and organize my photos...I got what I paid for, the program sucks....please don't waste any money on it..

PICASA GOOD SO FAR
I downloaded Picasa Later and have found it easy to use and a big help in getting my photos off the hard drive and storing them online, and it's free! I have a link to it at the top of the page if you are interested.

WEIRD
Well again it must be over 60 degrees here in sunny Massachusetts, I like it but it is a bit disturbing. I am not gonna go off on a Climate Change rant or anything but....it's weird

What are you having for dinner?

Stock photo of Tom cooking something

Today I'm cooking and I'm sure everyone will be happy. I'm preparing a Texas Style Beef Brisket that should melt in your mouth...I've never cooked it before but I have high hopes.... along with the Brisket I've prepared a Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Salad with Fresh Basil and secret seasonings topped with Crisped Prosciutto bits. Also tender fresh Brussel Sprouts in a lemon butter sauce and finally, a Baked Potato.

Dinner will be at 6pm if anyone is interested.

Aside from dinner I put a storm window in at The Unit's house and have done a couple loads of laundry....

I know there's a good woman out there that would love to have me...anyone interested???

Some thoughts for the day

I was in Gloucester, Ma today where I .painted a basement floor and the steps. I drove down with Dad and returned via the train. I like riding trains and busses because it gives me time to read. I am reading the book "A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers" Whenever I read memoirs I start thinking why am I just sitting and watching things go by...if I don't start writing it down now, I'm gonna forget it. Hence the comitment to my daily journal/ New Year's Resolution.

With regard to Dave Eggers, not that he needs the plug or anything but he also founded a very cool website that I've been meaning to post a link to for some time, please visit if you have not already McSweeney's Internet Tendency

So now I getting ready for Ham and Cabbage dinner over at the Units house, that's Mom and Dad, the Parental Units. Getting ready consists of letting the clock tick and continue writing about the days events. I've been getting some interesting emails form my dear friend Gail who is in Tanzania working in the orphanages there for the next 6 months. Since I've known her she has always had a generous and caring spirit, but I have to say 6 months in Tanzania is over the top generous. She was headed to the Arusha Orphanage, and this hotel was off the side of the road, she also sent a pic of there newest orphan only 10 days old....see below:


Gail took many donations and gifts with her when she made her journey to Tanzania but the biggest gift she brought was herself. Her desire to help those who can be helped and are grateful of her help are very lucky to have her there. I will post some of her musings, her pictures and observations from time to time.

Year 2007 - Day 2

Today I have been sorting through a ton of digital pictures stored on the computer and began giving the filenames that make sense rather than looking at the generic DSCN0084.JPG. I began organizing them in folders and in some cases just deleted them. What's nice is that I found some I'd forgotten all about and will be posting them here or Hideaway Pictures very soon.
My Grandson Haven Alexander turns 1 this month!!

Now, regarding yesterdays post, where I mentioned who would most likely be playing my "paramour" in the future film based on the upcoming book about me and the " Brains " behind Toms' Hideaway. I thought it was a funny coincidence that when I was in the kitchen today roasting red and yellow peppers for my signature "Roasted Pepper Bake," a twist on the old standard " Stuffed Pepper." Anyway, I digress, I switched the TV on and low and behold a movie called " The Rich Man's Wife" imbd overview starring none other than "Halle Berry" was just coming on.

It's fate, I know it now! Halle will be perfect in her upcoming role as my yet to be named true love . I only hope she doesn't have to play a similar role as she did in this movie where she is not as sweet and innocent as she appears to be......Her husband, Lover and the resident psycho all end up dead....not an ending I'm looking for in the future , see it as it's written, my daily journal 2007.

Happy New Year

Well the first day of 2007 is here. My resolution for this year is to keep a journal and make an entry every day about my observations . I have tried this before and then find my journal later in the year missing huge gaps in time...I try to summarize and then just lose interest.. I went to see A Night At The Museum last night at the IMAX Theatre...I liked it and would say it is a go see movie. IMBD OVERVIEW

I went with my sister and her husband. We all liked it, I especially like the IMAX format and will definitely be putting one of those IMAX Theatres in my Family Compund...of course I'll have to get the journal done, publish it and hope that it is good enough for a movie....hhmmm I think I can be even more interesting than "Bridget Jones's Diary " I already know who will play me in the movie and of course if you have been reading this blog at all you know that Halle Berry will probably be my inamorata.

I guess I'll have to get my agent to call her agent and get that set up.....Well anyway, hope everyone will have as an exciting a New Year as I plan to...I have to go get an agent! LATER