Helmut Hath Arrived!

We'd like to congratulate the Newdorks, Wendell and Kirk, on the arrival of their new baby GIRL! She has yet to be named so stay tuned! She came into the world at 9:30 am this morning weighing in at 6 pounds something. We're told she has long (unwebbed) toes and fingers. Mom and baby are doing fine and should be home in a day or so.

Great job Wendell, way to go! Love you both and can't wait to meet the little one.

I'm "In Like" with Jayson Werth

I'm not a big Phillies Phan. Beeps is. He hearts them big time. Every once in a while I'll humor Beeps and sit through a game on TV. But I prefer seeing the games in person. There's something about being at the stadium that I like. And I'm pretty sure it's the ice cold beer, dollar hot dogs, and pretty colors. Oh yeah, and the game is fun too.

But baseball is a slow game. When nothing happens for innings on end, I get really, really bored. But when something DOES happen, it can be very fun to watch. Anyway, last night was one of those times. Marc and Krista stopped over to watch the game. An important one for the Phillies. They're battling the Mets for a wild card spot in the playoffs. The Phillies were consistent in their hitting and beat the Mets 9 to 2. Even Chase Utley, who just returned from having a broken hand, smashed a home run in the fifth inning to cheers of "M-V-P" from the crowd.

But the star last night, in my opinion, was Jayson Werth. He was on the disabled list all of last year and hasn't been doing that great this year either. But as of today, he has 9 consecutive hits in a row, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances last night. With hits in nine straight at-bats, Werth is one away from tying the NL mark -- held by 10 players -- and three away from tying the Major League mark of 12, held by Detroit's Walt Dropo and Boston's Pinky Higgins.

Apparently this hasn't been done in the Phillies organization since like 1954 or something. Pretty impressive. I was on the edge of my seat at his every at bat, hoping he could keep the streak going. And he did. Good for him. I expect to see good things from him for the remainder of the season and in 2008. Plus he is H-O-T hot! This picture doesn't do him justice. You'll have to tune in to see what I mean. Move over Pent House Pat, there's a new hottie in town.

LEARNING! ZZzzZZZzZZZ

SIC Drive-by

Ugg, back to work everyone. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Beeps and I were quite active. Friday we got to see our good friends the Newdorks. Little Helmut has not yet arrived but should be joining us soon. The dynamic due came to our place Friday night and we had delicious food and conversation. Helmut showed no signs of making an appearance and neither Wendell nor Kirk seemed concerned.

The next day, Beeps, me, Joey and Leia Darth Maul packed up the car and did a drive-by of Sea Isle City to see Beeps' parents and also see our good friends Jeffe of Pop-o-Matic fame and Seth of Seth in Brooklyn fame. We had a fab time hanging at Jeffs' Aunt's place with George, Peanut, Pam and many, many others who all generously entertained us. Later that night it was back to our place down the road for ping-pong and beers.

Yesterday we headed home and recovered on the couch with a delicious Jersey tomato stew and Big Brother 8. (Boy that show is getting great. Tune in before it's over!)

Anyway, glad to be back. Be sure to check out Pop-o-Matic for "Mean Spirited Mondays" and also Seth in Brooklyn to download his latest Madonna mash-up remix. Had fun with you guys! Can't wait till next time!

Fug Hunt Update

GW has again been successfully exchanged. Read this to know what I'm talking about. On our recent trip to the cabin which I wrote about here, GW was hidden the day Beeps and I left. A very successful hide as you can see by this post from my Mom:

Maidennuts said...

"Glad everyone had a great time! But you missed all the action! We had a celebrity over for a BarBQ! Of all people to just drop in! We were so excited. We thought he was coming but couldn't find him anywhere, and we looked ALL OVER! And where'd he so up? On the grill! The one place we didn't look! Good job! Who knows where he'll show up again!"

Ahhh, feels so good. Wonder where he'll turn up next?

Today's The Day!

Well good friends, today is the day that Doctors predicted the birth of Helmut** Newdeck. Baby-to-be of our good friends Kook and Wendell. Well, so far no word on whether any water has broken or if Prissy has rushed off to get Dr. Meade in the car port.

"I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies, Momma never let me around when folks was havin' em."

SLAP!

Anyway, we hope to hear good news in the next few days about the arrival of a little boy or girl Helmut**. Good luck Kook and Wendy! You can do it! We heart you both!

**Because they have yet to choose a name, we, their friends, have chosen one for them.

Free Bill Murray!

Bill Murray is the best. He's the type of guy that I would gravitate to. Kinda like Beeps: dry and indifferent on the outside, yet sweet and caring on the inside. I also picture Bill Murray like his "Lost in Translation" or "Steve Zissou" characters: A bit of a prick with an "I'm gonna live life the way I want" attitude.

That's why I found this story so hilarious. I can just picture Bill cruising around, foot hanging out the door, cigar dangling out of his mouth, scotch clinking around in a rocks glass in his left hand.

Don't the Swedish authorities have anything better to do? Like break up fights at hockey games, inspect modular furniture, or monitor glacier melting?

FREE BILL MURRAY!

Marlon Marathon - On The Waterfront

Last night Beeps and I sat down to watch "On the Waterfront", the next movie in our Marlon Marathon. I know I was supposed to post "Streetcar" but we own that one and we really wanted to get "Waterfront" back to NetFlix so we could get "300". Anyway, "Streetcar" will be next I promise.

"On The Waterfront" was directed in 1954 by Elia Kazan and won 8 Academy Awards including Best Actor for Marlon, Best Actress for Eva Marie Saint, Best Director, and Best Picture.
It stars Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy, Karl Malden as Father Barry and Lee Cobb as Johnny Friendly. It's the story of a group of New York longshoremen who are under the power of a corrupt union boss/ mobster (Friendly).

Marlon plays a retired boxer who now works at the docks. His brother Charlie is Johnny Friendly's right-hand man. It starts with Terry arranging a meeting between the mobsters and Joey Doyle. Joey Doyle is accused of singing to the police and is promptly launched from a rooftop to his death. Terry feels bad because he thought they'd just "rough him up a bit".

Joey's sister Edie (Eva Marie Saint) and her priest friend Father Barry, get mad and decide to find out who killed Joey and expose the corruption on the waterfront. They decide to hold a meeting in the basement of the church. A few of the workers show up including Terry who is asked to spy on the meeting for Johnny.

Johnny Friendly gets mad and another dock worker is killed for speaking out.

Terry and Edie fall in love. Terry then receives a subpoena to appear at Johnny Friendly's corruption trial. He now has a decision to make: stay loyal to his brother or sing like a canary and avenge the deaths of his coworkers. Edie is very persuasive and Terry decides to sing. Charlie, his brother, makes one last effort to convince Terry to change his mind and keep quiet. After that doesn't work Charlie turns up dead. Terry is now more enraged than ever and gives very damming testimony against Johnny Friendly at his trial.

Shortly after, while waiting for his sentence, Johnny Friendly and Terry have a big fight on the docks. Terry gets the crap beat out of him by Johnny's gang and is left for dead. This is witnessed by the entire longshoreman union and they rally behind Terry essentially destroying Johnny's power over them. Terry makes a triumphant walk from the dock to the ship, bloodied and beaten, and unaided. The end.

This was a great film. Brandon was perfect. He had many lines and he delivered each of them with sadness and sincerity. The writing was great too. Lots of fun slang and surprise punchlines:

Edie: Shouldn't everybody care about everybody else?
Terry: Boy, what a fruitcake you are!

or

Edie: Which side are you with?
Terry: Me? I'm with me, Terry.

The setting was also beautiful with dingy city rooftops, rain soaked street scenes, dilapidated docks, and hazy New York skylines. Plus there was a great avian metaphor throughout the film: pigeons, hawks, and canaries.

I loved it. My favorite so far. Oh yeah, and Marlon was H-O-T! Even with swollen fighter eyes.

We give it 5 marbles out of 5.

Next up: Streetcar, I promise.

I Got Pooped On

Hi all, hope you are doing just fine and dandy. After my Friday photo op with Mark Wahlberg, I wasn't sure if the rest of my weekend would hold up. And it didn't. But it did come close. Friday night Beeps and I went to see Rufus Wainwright at the Mann. It was great! I've seen Rufus a bunch of times, but this was the best we had heard him sing. He played for over 2 1/2 hours, did 3 Judy Garland songs and a great rendition of "Put on a Happy Face" in full-on Judy drag complete with tuxedoed band/back-up dancers! It was great. The only thing that went wrong is that at one point during the show, when Rufus was playing an intimate solo, a bird pooped on me. I lost it! I just started laughing and I grabbed Beeps, pointed at my boob and said "I just got pooped on". The people in front of us whipped their heads around with that "be quiet" face. It was great. I mean, as great as it can be when you get pooped on.

Saturday was also fun. Beeps, Leia Darth Maul and I took a drive out to some Animal Planet fair that was going on in Hybernia park. It was lame for adults, but there were tons of dogs and Leia got lots of attention. Later on we met up with Rose and Kook and a had a few drinks on our porch. Later that night Beeps and I went to see "Superbad" it was pretty funny. The best part was the "drawing obsession" scene that you can see by visiting Monkey Daemon. After watching this clip, you can understand why Beeps and I were appalled to find that a family, seated in front of us in the theater, had three young children with them! And by young I mean an 11 year old boy, a 9 year old boy and a girl who was MAYBE 6 years old. We were shocked to say the least. And they sat through the whole thing! I can safely tell you that this movie was chocked full of rotten language and imagery. Perfect for sick adults like us, but not good for the kids.

Sunday we did some food shopping, I did some cooking and then we headed over to our friend Diane's house for a yummy dinner. She made some delicious chicken and a peach pie. We sat an chatted and then Diane sent me her Simpson's avatar:


The evening ended with a viewing of that night's big brother, a snooze and was devoid of anymore pooping accidents.

The Happening

So today we took a little work field trip a few miles away to Cheyney where M. Night Shyamalan is filming his new movie "The Happening", "a paranoid thriller about a family on the run from a natural crisis that presents a large-scale threat to humanity." - imdb.com

Our coworker Eric's in-laws live right across the street from where they are filming. So we got a chance to stand around an gawk at M. Night and all the people working on the film.

At one point Mr. Mark Wahlberg himself walked past us and Heather and I made a beeline towards him. I of course, the calm, cool, collected one (me), managed to snap a first-rate, art-directed shot of Mr. Wahlberg and Heather. However, when Miss Blood took over she was in such a Wahlberg-induced epileptic fit that my picture was a total blur. Anyway, not bad for a Friday at work.

Vader Sessions

Our good friend Cash Master Flash turned us on to this bit of comic gold. Some smarty pants in interweb land took voice tracks from James Earl Jones movies and edited them into Star Wars. Beeps and I were crying rivers of tears last night watching it. I hope you do the same.

I Love Blow

I'm not sure if you guys have heard about this but it's a bit disturbing. It's an energy drink powder that you put in your drink that's called "I Love Blow." What's so crazy is the marketing packaging where the powder comes in a little glass vial with a fake credit card and mirror. Maybe I'm getting old or something but this seems like a bad idea.

Caveman Crib

Okay I might be behind the times a bit but this is fun. I'm sure you've heard, like everyone else, that the Geico cavemen are getting their own sitcom. I love those guys. I know, I'm sure you all hate them and I understand why, but come-on! They're cavemen! In present day! Trying to integrate into society and live normal lives only to be rejected. It brings me back to the Phil Hartman years when cavemen lawyers were funny, misunderstood, and under-appreciated in our judicial system.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the cavemen. You can go here to peek into their virtual lives, go through their personal things, read magazines, play songs on the iPod, flush the toilet on one in the shower, dress them in different clothes. Really clever marketing. Jeff, why didn't D&D Advertising think of this one? Enjoy. http://www.cavemanscrib.com

A Dog with 2 Noses

This seems believable to me until you get to the meteor part. But what do I know? I wonder how long until we see this breed at Westminster?

Cabin Fever

Hi everyone, sorry for the delay in posts but Beeps and I were on a mini vaca in Sullivan County, PA. My folks have a place up there and my Nana lives there. So we went for a visit. It was quite a mix of company. My sister and her boyfriend with their two dogs, my Mom and Dad with their two dogs, me and Beeps with our two dogs, Marc, and Turkey and T-Bone with their dog. So if you're keeping track that's 9 people and 7 dogs! It was such a blast. Beeps and I arrived Friday morning and my sis and parents were already there. We wasted no time cracking open the brews and getting the fire started. Later that evening Turkey, T-Bone and Gus arrived. I was already practically in the bag at this point but managed to hang in there for most of the evening before sneaking off to bed. Friday was great. We all caught up, laughed a lot, listened to Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety. I ate 16 hot dogs, Marc and Walter had a joke face off and the 3-day burger began it's slow cook.


On Saturday (which I insisted was Friday), we took all the pooches to the water hole up the creek. Gus was a huge hit with his giant turtle shell-like life jacket. After the dog swimming, we had a mini bocce tournament where we incorporated the dogs into the game: if a dog picked up a thrown ball it was in play until it was dropped. The challenging course also included the creek path, "Fern Gully", and the outhouse.

Later it was back to the campfire and beers. However, this time we had the bright idea to play flip cup. Marc and I picked teams and it was on. Both my Mom and Dad (AKA the weak link) played and Uncle Walter counted down the rounds. It was a blast. We even made up our own rules which I highly recommend. For example, while trying to flip, each person had to sing a different Beatles song or kneel down on one knee. Or speak in an English accent until your team won. Needless to say we went through 2 cases of REG-ya-lar Lager and were left with the Tully. Good times again for all. The next day I was on "Sparkle Committee" making sure the camp site was returned to its former glory.

Sunday my sis and Brent, Turkey, T-Bone and Gus left for home. Leia and I waved goodbye.


Later that day, Me and Beeps, Marc, Mom & Dad went down to the Loyal Sock river for a snorkel and a dip. There's this great water hole that all the locals use. There are beautiful spotted trout and sucker fish in the river. Dad took a moment to write us a message on a rock.

Later that night Bernie and Walt came back over, more jokes were exchanged, we ate gobs of steak and corn, and hung out at the fire.

The next day we woke to another beautiful morning (as you can tell from these divine shots of Marc and Beeps.)


We couldn't have asked for better weather or more fabulous company. Although the outhouse was a stinky mess and I stubbed the crap out of my toe, it was practically perfect!

Plus I learned a little more about what T-Bone does for work. I can tell you that he does not validate parking, he does not use a billy club and he does not craw through heating ducts.

Thanks to everyone for coming! Can't wait until next time!

Can I Get A Witness?

Beeps and I live in Chester County, PA not far from the Amish communities in neighboring Lancaster county. You'd think I'd know a little bit about them but I don't. I know they grow beards and are very plain. I also know that they drive around in buggies, speak German and don't like their pictures taken. They farm, the raise barns, drink lemonade and don't wear deodorant (trust me on this one). Basically all I know is what I learned from watching Amish in The City (a GREAT short lived reality show on UPN) and Witness with Harrison Ford and Lucas Haas.


But It's not like I don't see Amish people on a regular basis. They are often doing construction on houses in town (not long ago the house next to my work was having its roof replaced and there was an Amish couple up there scraping off the old shingles. No lie, the lady was in full-on black dress!), they sell fresh veggies, fruits and baked goods at the farmers market here in town on Saturdays, plus when we drive to the Lancaster outlets, there's sure to be a slow buggie holding up traffic. Don't get me wrong. It's not like I try NOT to know anything about them. They're quite secretive. Kinda like the Free Masons or something. Plus, according to Witness they don't like "The English." So here's a bit of info I learned by doing a quick Google search.

What's the deal with the Amish people?
The Amish people trace their heritage back hundreds of years. They still live and work much as their forefathers did. Their families and their farms are their top priorities, second only to God.

Why do they hate on us city folk?
The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God. They take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.

What's the deal with electricity?
They do not permit electricity or telephones in their homes. By restricting access to television, radio, and telephones, the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life.

How many Amish peeps are out there?
Today there are over 25 different Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren church groups in Lancaster County, all holding to slightly different traditions and their own interpretations of the Bible. The more traditional groups are called 'old order'. Since 1960, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled.

Why don't they drive cars?
The old order groups do not own or operate automobiles, believing that cars would provide easier access to the ways of the world. You will often see their horses and buggies.

What's in it for them?
Their separation from the rest of society actually helps to strengthen their community. The Amish have a strong sense of community spirit, and often come to the aid of those in need. Their barn raisings are a good example. Neighbors freely give of their time and their skills to help one another.

Do they learn and stuff?
Amish children attend Amish one-room schoolhouses through the eighth grade. Amish worship services are held every other week in one of the member's homes. Socializing is an important part of Amish life.

Why don't they just smile when I try to take their picture? Geeze. So rude.
The Amish are generally private people and often find all the attention and curiosity about their lifestyle disturbing. They believe that the taking of photographs where someone is recognizable is forbidden by the Biblical prohibition against making any 'graven image'.

What's the deal with their clothes man?
Old Order Amish women and girls wear modest dresses made from solid-colored fabric with long sleeves and a full skirt (not shorter than half-way between knee and floor). These dresses are covered with a cape and apron and are fastened with straight pins or snaps. They never cut their hair, which they wear in a bun on the back of the head. On their heads they wear a white prayer covering if they are married and a black one if they are single. Amish women do not wear jewelry.

Men and boys wear dark-colored suits, straight-cut coats without lapels, broadfall trousers, suspenders, solid-colored shirts, black socks and shoes, and black or straw broad-brimmed hats. Their shirts fasten with conventional buttons, but their suit coats and vests fasten with hooks and eyes. They do not have mustaches, but they grow beards after they marry.

The Amish feel these distinctive clothes encourage humility and separation from the world. Their clothing is not a costume; it is an expression of their faith.

How can I become Amish?
Don't even try it. You couldn't handle it. Playa.

For more info. do your own Google search. Or go here, where I stole most of this info: www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml

Also, there's really too much to learn in one post, so if you have any Amish questions, post them here and I will do my best to research them and get you the answers.

Name Your Prince

We got lots of suggestions for frog names. Thanks all. Now it's time to vote. Choose wisely!

What should we name our frogs?
	Kermit
	Kablooey
	Toad Bridges
	Lando System
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Fat Girl Beach Wear

It's been a while since I was actually comfortable in a bathing suit in public. I've always been the curvy girl and I'm okay with that. But let me tell you, it's hard to keep your figure as you get older. It also doesn't help that I like to eat and drink lots of wine. I guess if I really wanted to lose weight I'd quit the booze and eat less. But isn't that what life's about? I just can't see myself being that waif that starves herself to fit into a size zero. If I really wanted to make money I'd come up with the magic product that lets you have your cake and eat it too.

Lots and lots of cake.

The problem is that I love the beach. It's so nice and relaxing and fun. But I always feel self conscious like most women. Right ladies? So I stumbled across this web site the other day that I believe solves my problem. I think it's actually geared toward Mennonite or Amish ladies, but I can't be 100% sure since those communities aren't permitted to surf the interweb. Right?

Behold Wholesome Wear:

I prefer the Culotte Swimmer but the Skirted Swimmer is nice too.

Happy Monday

Nothing crazy to report after this weekend. Beeps and I just tried to stay out of the 90+ degree heat. It was awful out. I think I stepped outside a few times to walk the dog and water my plants. We did some fun stuff though. We saw the Simpson's movie on Saturday. It was pretty okay. Nothing special. There were a few belly laughs but that's about it.

Sunday we got a call from our friend Scotty Goodtimes who suggested home made margaritas on the deck. And well of course we said yes. Nothing to them really as long as you don't mind squeezing an army of limes.

Here's the recipe (from what I remember):
1 cup white tequila
1/2 cup triple sec
3/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice
blend with ice
pour into salt-rimmed glass
garnish w/ lime

Some other folks joined us on the deck: Diane, Marc, Rose and Dave. As the evening approached, Diane suggested a trip to Teikoku, a sushi restaurant near by. So we all went out and gorged ourselves on raw fish, soup, tea, and more drinks. The best part is that Diane surprised us by picking up the check! How great is that? Thanks Diane. We owe ya one!

How Many's Too Many?

Beeps and I have a bunch of pets. Our oldest is Zima my 14 year old cat. I got her in college, hence the choice of name. We had another cat, Mojo, but she died suddenly of a heart condition. (I thought for months after her death that I actually poisoned her somehow. But the vet said I didn't so that's good. I'm not a pet murderer.) Then we got Joey six years ago and now we have Leia who you all know so well.

I also have a pond with many fish in it. I've had the pond for about 4 years now. It has to be one of my most favorite things about where we live. It's nice to have room for a garden and a yard. I have spent so much money over the years on that darn pond. Building it, cleaning it, buying bio filters and various pumps, deicers, power, fish, plants. I'm sure the bill tally is somewhere over $1000. The reward though comes around mid summer when the plants are overgrown and the fish are healthy. It's just great. I have two BIG koi and a bunch of goldfish who last year had a zillion babies. One year I even bought tadpoles to see if I could get them to turn into frogs, but no dice. I'm not exactly sure what happened to them. They either died or slithered off.


Anyway, the other day I go outside and I see a jump out of the corner of my eye. To my surprise I find I have a frog who has taken up residence in the pond! I was thrilled! But that wasn't all folks, come to find out he has at least one other friend. I've caught them both sitting on the rocks, in the pond, on the plants etc. I'm so excited to have two new pets, even if they are just here for the season. I mean it only took 4 years for crying out loud!

Anyway, I caught one on camera tonight. Name suggestions welcome!