App Of The Week

As long as people have been listening to music on the radio, one question continually pops up: Who sings that?  Back in the day when the DJs announced the song and artist, all you had to do was wait till the song was over to find out.  Well, today, the DJs hardly ever do that, and we're still left wondering "Who sings that?".  Thanks to an app called Shazam, you don't have to worry.  When you hear a song and want to know the artist, just put your phone/device close to the radio, press the app to activate and then let it do its thing.  In a few seconds you'll have the artist, album, and a link to where you can purchase the song/album.  It's as easy as that.  And for the record, this is one of my favorite apps.

Saturday Reflections

I am in a very reflective mood today, as I have been all week.  With the Supreme Court drama over same-sex marriage and the situation with North Korea, it's been a big week for me personally praying and thinking about all of it.  And it's interesting that it's occurring during Holy Week. 

I attended the Good Friday service at my church last night, and I can say it was without a doubt the most moving, personal church service that I have ever attended in my life.  It moved me to tears almost the entire service.

I'm not really sure what I want to say today, other than I urge my faithful readers to pray for our country and our leaders.  And I am so thankful that tomorrow we will celebrate an empty grave.

Flashback Friday

Newspaper Wars, Continued

Here we go again.  We had one week of on-time, uninterrupted newspaper delivery and then that was blown to hell yesterday morning.  Yesterday's paper was delivered at about 9:00, AS WAS TODAY'S newspaper.  I don't need to tell you that I've called the Courier Journal the past two mornings to report our late paper delivery.  And we all know what this will cause; the next rainy morning that we have, our paper will be at the end of the driveway in a puddle again.

Quote Of The Week

I'm sure others have said this before, but I heard my beloved Wynonna say it in an interview last week, and it was worth repeating.  And I quote:

"Normal is just a setting on a dryer."

A Thorn In My Side, uh, Hand

I don't plan on getting into the details, but last night I ended up with 5 thorns in my left hand.  As I opened with, I'm not going into details on how I ended up with 5 thorns in my left hand.  But as soon as I got to work this morning, I gathered some alcohol swabs, bandaids, and other medical instruments, re: a sterilized needle, and went to the QC manager's office to use his giant lighted magnifying glass to dig the thorns out of my hand.  It only took about 5 minutes then I was good to go.  I didn't even need a bandaid; I used the awesome Liquid Bandage to cover a few of the spots.  Thank goodness for a successful thorn removal.

File Under: WTF?

Woman attacks woman with bat, runs over another


Louisville Police say a violent rampage in the 1700 block of Cypress Street led to a woman’s arrest and her facing multiple charges.

According to the police report, 32-year-old Pangie Booker drove to the location with her 8-year-old daughter in tow and struck Rhonda Sullivan in the head with a metal bat causing minor injury.

Police say Sullivan’s relative Laketa tried to hold Booker until police arrived but Booker managed to get into the driver’s seat, backing up at a high rate of speed running over a stop sign and Laketa.

When Booker was apprehended by police, they say she attempted to kick out the windows of the cruiser and threatened an officer saying “she was going to get him.”

Booker is facing numerous charges including assault, wanton endangerment, endangering the welfare of a minor and criminal mischief.

LaKeta Sullivan was transported University Hospital with numerous injuries.

I'm not really sure what I can say about this except WTF?

Link Of The Week

As you know, TWIT tries very hard to keep its faithful readers informed of days that they need to celebrate.  For instance, a couple of weeks ago I informed you all that March was National Peanut Month.   And in case you didn't know, today is Chocolate Covered Raisin Day. How do I know this, you might ask?  I know this because I visited http://www.daysoftheyear.com/.  Visit each day and you will be able to find out what you are supposed to celebrate that day.  In honor of today's grand occasion, I'm going to the store right now and get some Raisinets.

Fame Only Lasts A Minute

I know you've heard people talk about having their "fifteen minutes of fame".  Yesterday, I was famous for less than fifteen minutes.  For a ten minute window yesterday afternoon, I was in #1 place in the ESPN NCAA Tournament Challenge, thanks largely to me using the bracket picks from my California Cousin.  She'd been watching it close and called me to tell me I was in first place.  Well, that didn't last long because a few minutes later I was back down to second place, and this morning, I'm down to third.  But for a few minutes I was number one. And it felt good.

Flashback Friday

Friend and faithful reader TM and I were talking earlier this week about some old school things, and she sent me this picture of something she remembered as a little girl.  We're about the same age, and honestly, I do not remember these.  She said that when she was little and would visit her grandmother (who also lived in Louisville) they would go to the neighborhood store where they had ice cream sandwiches that they would put in these little wax paper bags.  That's a new one on me, TM.  I'm anxious to see if any of you, faithful readers, remember these from when you were kids.  Please post your comments.

I Forgot

I was in a foul mood yesterday, and wasn't really thinking clearly last night.  But that is really no excuse for me to forget to put my Blazer in the garage last night.  Especially when it got down to 19 last night and I had to scrape the frost off the windows this morning before I could go to work.  Lesson learned.

I Forget

This was not a good day, faithful readers.  Drama that started last night carried over into today, and along with it brought new drama to deal with.   I spent half of the day coughing my head off, and I know the guys next door to my office were tired of hearing me hacking.  And on top of that, I was very preoccupied this morning as I was leaving for work and forgot my cell phone.  I didn't quite have an anxiety attack like I did a few months ago when I left my phone at home, and to be honest it was very peaceful not getting texts or calls.  I didn't really worry because it's not like I had lost my phone, and plus, if anyone needed me they could have called me at work.  Wait, the story gets better.  I was in a hurry to leave work (aren't we all?) and forgot the trusty tablet on my desk.  Now, forgetting that at work almost did make me have an anxiety attack, as I've grown used to using it more and more.  But I've made it so far, and in the past three and a half hours, I don't think I've forgotten anything.

Cheaper Is Definitely Not Better

A few years ago, I bought an awesome set of earbuds from Yugster.com.  They were one of the best brands of earbuds - Visual Land.  The sound was so clear and the price was hard to beat.  I kept this set of earbuds at work and used them when I wanted to listen to music on my iPod or iPhone.  I would always put in only one earbud, so I could have the other ear free for phones or people. 

As I said, the Visual Land brand earbuds rocked.  They were dozens times better than the Apple earbuds they provide with their iPods, iPhones, and iPads.  A few months ago, the earbuds fell on the floor and I stepped on one of them, crushing it.  Not to worry - the remaining earbud worked just as good.  Until yesterday, when it fell on the floor and I stepped on it. 

I went to the dollar store during lunch yesterday and bought a $3 set of earbuds to use at work.  Well, I might as well have bought a metal funnel and some string to rig up.  Everything sounded like I was in a tunnel.  About 2 minutes after using the $3 earbuds, I got online and bought another set of the Visual Land earbuds.  I almost paid for second day shipping, but declined.

Let this be a lesson. Cheaper is not always better.

Winter Weather Update

Spring is just a few days away, so this might be the last Winter Weather Update I give you. 

Saturday -- the high was 72.  It was a bit windy, but it was sunny. 

Sunday -- the bottom dropped out.  We had snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain.  LOTS of rain all day long, and all night long. 

Monday -- we had rain. LOTS of rain.  The high was 52, and it was cloudy when it wasn't raining.

The weatherazzi said that today would be the warmest day we would have for the next two to three weeks.  Note I did not say days; I said weeks.

Stay tuned, because as you already know, you can't predict the weather in the Ohio Valley.

App Of The Week

Spring is almost here, and unfortunately so is the severe weather season.  We had tornado warnings about a month ago here in the 'Ville, and thanks to Dopplar radar and smart phones, we are able to get advance warnings. 

Here's a good app to download before the storm season hits.  It's from the awesome Red Cross and it's appropriately called the Tornado App.  You can find a link to it here at http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/tornado-app or you can call "**REDCROSS" (**73327677) from your cell phone and they will send you a link to download the app to your phone or you can download them directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

Something You Don't See Every Day

I was sitting here at the computer in the back bedroom, prepared to write a post for Security Tip Saturday, when all of a sudden I looked out the window facing me and saw a squirrel fall straight down.  That is definitely something you do not see every day.  I got up and put on some shoes and walked outside to see if it was on the ground dead and it was nowhere to be found.  I can only assume it fell off of the roof of the house. 

Flashback Friday

Happy birthday on Sunday, Nancy Wilson

Weather Oddity

Tonight on the way back to The Compound after an awesome dinner out, we experienced something very odd; but I guess it's not all that odd because I experienced the same thing one day last week.  It was snowing and raining at the same time.  It was odd because you could see the snowflakes falling and hear the rain hitting the windows on the car.  The roads weren't slick or anything - it was just odd to experience it raining and snowing at the same time. 

Newspaper Wars Continues

Everything went smooth last week with my newspaper delivery until this morning.  I bundled up and trudged out to the paperbox at 7:00 this morning only to find the box empty.  I'm sure my blood pressure raised considerably on the walk back into the house. When I got to work, I made my customary phone call to complain and to make sure they would credit us.

Only time will tell.  The only reason I still get the print copy of the newspaper is so the 'Rents can read the news and obits and can get the printed crossword puzzle, and so we can get the Sunday coupons.  If they didn't like the hard copy of those so much, I'd cancel the subscription in a heartbeat.  And I can't help but wonder if Gannet isn't driving us to that. Only time will tell.

Happy National Peanut Month

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy National Peanut Month.  And in doing so, let me give one pearl of wisdom:

When you are eating peanuts at your office desk, please do not, I repeat DO NOT, turn on the fan that blows directly on you, because you will have peanut residue everywhere in your office.  Yes, that is the voice of experience talking.

Rainy Days and Mondays . . . Are Pretty Awesome

The old song says "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down" but that's not the case today.  Even though it was dark when I drove to work, and even though it poured down rain most of the day, it was a pretty awesome day to me.  I was in a very happy mood all day, and in fact I still am.  The good mood continued tonight through supper, when the 'Rents and I were all three laughing so hard over something that we were all three crying. 

That's not to say that we're problem-free right now.  We all three have dear friends who are in the hospital and are facing life-threatening illnesses, but right now, my little family and I are very happy.  We're all three fairly healthy and don't have any big problems facing us right now, so that makes us very lucky and blessed.

So all in all, even through it was a rainy day and a Monday, it was an awesome day.

Link Of The Week

The Link Of The Week is very time sensitive, so please visit http://www.krispykreme.com/daylight-savings-time-offer right now and then go to a Krispy Kreme shop (note: I'm never sure what to call the Krispy Kreme places - do I call them a bakery, store, shop, cafe or something else?) and get your free donut today. The free donut offer is only available at the actualy Krispy Kreme shops.  Hopefully there's one close to you.

Something You Don't See Everyday

Our neighbor across the street, CL, is a member of Kosair Shriners.  In case you didn't know, to become a Shriner you have to go through the Masons.  It's a very big deal to be a Shriner.  Anyhoo, CL is in charge of the Giant Fez for the Kosair Shriners here in Louisville, and he pulls it in parades.  And a few times a year we'll see the fez across the street in their driveway.

The giant fez has been in our 'hood for a few days now, in preparation of the annual St. Patrick's Day parade here in the 'Ville.  Yes, I know it's not quite St. Patrick's Day, but the parade is always the 2nd Saturday in March. 

I walked over this morning to get some pics of the fez, and while taking them, I was tempted to ask CL if I could go with him to the parade and ride in the truck.  Maybe next year.

Public Service Announcement

To the new Mercedes Benz SUV that was in front of me in the drive-thru line at Captain D's this evening:

I hope you realize what a cheapass you made yourself out to be by going off on the clerk to make sure she took the 89 cents off of your bill because (and I quote) "Don't want no drink".  You're driving an SUV that cost more than the original price of the house I live in, and you're bitching out the clerk at Captain D's to make sure she doesn't charge you 89 cents more????  I sure hope you know that makes you look like the king and queen of the tightasses. 

Newspaper Wars Update

Since I found the Tuesday morning paper sitting in a rain puddle on the driveway, newspaper delivery has been acceptable.  For the past two mornings, the newspaper has been in the paper box when I walked out to get them at 6:45.  Acceptable.  The next time I go out there and the paper isn't there or if the paper is on the driveway instead of being in the paper box that I pay for, I will surely let the Curious Journal know about it. 

This Day In History

One of the most awesome things in the history of the world happened on this day back in 1912:  the National Biscuit Company aka Nabisco introduced the Oreo.  Need I say more?

Newspaper Wars

It's game on, homes.  Puddin is waging a war against our local rag [newspaper], the Curious Journal aka the Courier Journal.

About a year ago, the Courier raised their rates and said they would charge 25 cents extra a week for the weekly TV section.  I personally know 20 people who immediately stopped the delivery of the newspaper.  We're old school, and the Old Man likes to have a paper copy of the TV section, in addition to a copy of the cartoon section so he can work the daily crossword puzzle.  And let's not even begin to discuss the importance of him being able to read the daily obits.  So I kept on paying for the monthly subscription. But for the last couple of months, we've been having issues.  At least once a week the paper doesn't come until almost lunchtime. Personally, it doesn't bother me because I'm at work and wouldn't be reading it until I get home at night. But for the 'Rents, it's a big deal.  And beacause I continue to pay for newspaper delivery, it becomes a big deal for me to have my paper delivered in a timely manner.

Yesterday, the paper didn't come until lunchtime.  I called and emailed the Courier and complained.  And this morning what do I find? The Tuesday morning newspaper was in a puddle of rain water on my driveway, instead of being in the newspaper box that I pay for. Retaliation?  Ya think?

I'll give it another week and see how my service is.  As always, I'll keep you posted.

Another First

While waiting in the insanely long line at my local post office Saturday afternoon to buy some stamps and mail a box, I experienced another first.  Let me preface by saying hand to heaven, this is true.  While in line, a twenty-something guy came in and was behind me.  I noticed he was wearing sleep pants, tennis shoes and a hoody.  A minute or two after he got in line, his significant other, also a twenty-something with peroxide hair with mega roots showing, got in line next to him.  She was also wearing sleep pants, house shoes, and a bath robe.  So help me, God, she was wearing a bath robe.  And she also had bed hair.  A dozen possible scenarios went through my mind, as it was about 15 minutes before the post office closed for the weekend, but I tried not to judge.  I was just blown away by someone going out in public wearing their pajamas and a bath robe.  There are no words.

App Of The Week

Today marks a new Sunday recurring post in TWIT - App Of The Week.  Just about everyone has a smart phone or a tablet, iPod, iPad, or iTouch these days, so I'm going to share some of my favorite and most used apps.  Never fear - I will still post Link Of The Week; I will most likely alternate between the two.

Here is the first app I will recommend - it's called YouVersion.  It is a Bible app, and you can read the Bible in just about every version and language available.  All versions and languages are available at all times you are connected to wifi, and for those times when you aren't connected, you can download your favorite versions and use them when you aren't connected. 

Security Tip Saturday

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU.


1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find itathttp://www.faketv/.com/ )


8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. Parents: caution your kids about this. You see this every day.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.


Protection for you and your home:
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you.

WASP SPRAY

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection... Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE:

On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life.

Flashback Friday

Who know I would have trouble finding an old school chalkboard eraser?  I wanted to get one to use on the cool chalkboard-painted-wall in the new coffee shop at church, and I never dreamed I would have this much trouble.  I finally found on at Staples.  But even then it's not a plain ole old school eraser - it's a fancy one, for chalkboards and for dry erase boards.  I bought it, reluctantly, just because it was the only one I could find.