April 07, 2008 - Msg 61685:
Ok, I meant to say Brian not Brain and confession not confessing.

auh2o
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61686: You went country in the 80's Spot? You picked a weird time to switch, IMO. There was a lot of good music in the 80's(yes, that's my opinion, too).
Not that there wasn't any good country music in the 80's, but I'm just saying....;)

Wow, yesterday we had 65 degrees and no need for a jacket; and I am just looking out the window now, and I am seeing snow coming down.

Oh, nice sweep, btw, auh2o! Nice and clean!

-Sterling Holobyte
Or I guess I might be, Sterling Holobot. ;)
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61687: Good morning everyone. It’s (still) raining here. I may be starting to mildew. Hope you all had a good weekend.

NEW NEIGHBOR: Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.

SPOT: I, too, wish someone from MILLIE’s family would check in. They are in my prayers.

BOO: Do I smell gun powder and Jack Daniels? Just in case, I’m keeping my head low…

BRIAN: Welcome! Pull my finger…

MDC: I remember Boz Skaggs! “Silk Degrees” is in the CD case in my truck. It’s one of my favorites. I guess I’ve always enjoyed most every kinds of music, but Boz, JT, Eagles, Earth Wind & Fire, and Fleetwood Mac are some of my favorites 70s stuff. Like, SPOT, I had an appreciation for Disco (hey, I was 14 in 1980!) but lost interest in high school. In recent years, though, I have come to appreciate some of it again. About a year ago the Mrs. bought a two-disc Bee Gees greatest hits and I enjoy it quite a bit now and again. (Of course, it has, like, 35 songs on it, many from before and after their disco days.) I also like some country (mostly 1960s and 70s stuff), smooth jazz, and swing (Glenn Miller, etc.) quite a bit. I mostly listen to contemporary Christian though because the Mrs. and kids like it. Hey, I"m just happy I don't have to listen to the Wiggles anymore!

STERLING: I was in high school from 1980 to 1984, which was an okay time for tunes. However, I remember my college years (late 80s) being like a music wasteland. Big hair rock and techno pop—yuck!

AUH2O: I had a t-shirt from Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” tour for a number of years. I used to like his earlier stuff, but it doesn’t twang my buds anymore. Feels kinda dated to me.

Our local PBS station played the movie "One, Two, Three" with James Cagney this weeklend. It's a cold war comedy. Has anyone else ever seen it?

ROMEENA: Are you trying to gross me out?

Back to work…be back later…

Me-They
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61688: Oh my gosh, I nearly inhaled a sunflower seed reading your post, Me-They. You are so funny. I graduated from high school in 80 and stopped listening to pop music at that time...I hated the 80's music. By the way, I could sense that your gonads were shrinking as you made some of those music confessions....might wanna check...(Could be wrong, I'm just sayin'..).

Boo
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61689: Well, Me-They, you must admit that's pretty easy to do. Doesn't take much to get your gag reflex going. Actually, I'm always barefoot at home. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and have "yard shoes" at both entrances, because I don't want to track anything in. My carpet is a very pale cream color, almost white, and after nearly five years, it's still not discolored. I don't use chemicals in my yard, it's all organic, but still I'd prefer not to track in the organic fertilizers and such, with little Starr playing on the floor. So, when I enter the house, off come my shoes!

I had a Christmas party here a couple of years ago, for my Sunday School class. It was rainy and nasty that evening, and I knew my carpet would suffer. I had a big bag of "sleep socks" in all colors that I had bought on sale, tags still on. I put them on the hall table, with a pair of scissors for removing the tags, and a little wire rack on the floor to hold everyone's shoes. As everyone came into the entry, I told them I had a pair of socks as a gift for each person - choose your socks, put your shoes in the rack and put on your nice soft socks, and be comfortable! They loved it, and my carpet remained pristine. You should have seen the mud and water on the entry tile, though, and that would have been on the carpet. For about $20 worth of socks, I avoided spending $100 or more to have the carpet cleaned.

Well, the pond fountain is down to a trickle, guess I'd better go clean the filter. Also need to check out a huge white iris that's blooming out there, and I don't remember planting a white one! Hmmmm. Very strange.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61690: Good Monday porch, hope all is well today. it is a beautiful day on my end of the porch. mid to upper 60's a very light breeze. supposed to warm up to low 70's later today.

Been busy the past week so not much time to check in. looks like you all have been busy as well.

prayers please for my son. He is 17 and learning how hard relationships with teen age girls can be. He is such a kind young man (even if he is mine), makes honor roll grades and is a Christian. He treats girls really well but they seem to go after the boys who treat them badly and are more of a challenge, I guess. I know this is something he has to learn on his own but as his Mom is is sure a hard thing to watch.

Thanks for breakfast SPOT!

hopefully, I can start planting some flowers in the next few weeks, we still have cool nights and always have a chance of frost in April so I am reluctant to put some things in the ground until near the end of the month.

I realized that I have been posting on the porch for about 2 years now. WOW time flies. Lets celebrate with lunch at Olive Garden today. My treat.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61691: MAUDE: I have a $50 Olive Garden gift card, so it's my treat! Prayers for your son. It all will work out. But you can let him know that as far as teenage girls go, you know what you get? HEARTACHE!

ROMEENA: You people are a podiatrists dream, I tell ya!

BOO: Just like jumping in a cold swimming pool...

M-T
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61692: Big Maude, I hate to hear that your son is having to learn how heartless teenage girls can be. Just keep reminding him that somewhere, God has just the right girl all picked out for him. Tell him that while they may be snotty and cruel today, maturity will bring changes. Encourage him to pray for her, whoever and wherever she may be, that she will remain strong and be safe. His day will come.

Our skies are overcast, but I doubt it will rain. Temp is approaching 70, and it's very pleasant outside. I may go over to the garden center in a while. Be blessed! --Romeena


April 07, 2008 - Msg 61693: Thanks Romeena and SPOT. You both made me smile today, I needed that! Big Maude
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61694:
I was watching an infomercial for "70s Soft Rock"
narrated by the 2 guys of Air Supply. It looked like a pretty good collection.
"Rock me gently, rock me slowly...", plus some Rod Stewart, BeeGees etc.
Hope you all had a good weekend.
Jesus is Alive!
MDC

April 07, 2008 - Msg 61695: I must confess that I've seen that informercial...and almost ordered it (head hung in shame).

Me-They
"Who you callin' cree-ture?"
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61696: Right Me-They. As George Costanza would say, "Shrinkage!". Maybe you should go listen to some Johnny Cash or something....(just not "A Boy Named Sue").

Maude, that must be tough. Seeing our kids try to deal with rejection and seeing their self-esteem suffer is painful. I am praying that the Lord will use this to teach and to grow his character even more and that when it's God's time, the right girl will come around for him. Frankly, I think it is good for our kids to wait until out of high school to date. Those high school girls can be real heartbreakers!! (yea, what Romeena said) Hang in there Mom, you are doing a great job with those great kids of yours.

Hey there MDC, that 70's collection sounds fun, as long as there is no Barry Manilow (he's a real gonad shinker, IMO).

Better go get something done.

Boo


April 07, 2008 - Msg 61697: Oh hey, what about Queen? I was recently looking something up on you tube and came across a video of Freddy Mercury prancing around in these white tights...what was he thinking?! He looked terrible and was the skinniest man ever. To think, when I was in high school we thought he was so cool. When I look at that band now, I see a bunch of nerdy kids in costumes and long hair trying to be cool...sorry to you Queen fans. To there defense, though, they did have some good things going on musically and that was due to Mercury. He was talented.

Boo
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61698: LOL@ gonad shrinkage!! Boo,you are a kook! Love ya!
Freddy Mercury died of AIDS,didn't he? Probably why he looked so wasted.Talented,yes,he was. Now I've got "Bohemian Rhapsody" playing in my head! Thanks a lot!

Maude,nephew is going down the same road with those teenage girls.There was one he really liked,but she became too "aggressive" if you know what I mean,so he quit seeing her.Believe it or not,all boys aren't after just one thing.I felt badly for him and I also am sorry for your boy.Prayers for them both.

I think of Millie often and wonder about Miller.Another sweet dear boy.

Like Boo,I'd better go do something around here.See y'all later!
*****CAN YOU DO THE FANDANGO?*****
possum under a rock
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61699: Good afternoon all, Bright and sunny here, but there is a brisk wind and the temp is about 47.
Possum,auh2o,Sterling and Me-They'Thanks for the trip down 70s music lane,Big country rock fan,Seager ,Doobie Brothers,Eagles and do any of you remember Elvin Bishop? " Fooled around and fell in love"
Ro, wish I Could go to the garden center I think we'd have a good time.
I spent the weekend cleaning flower beds ,just Like Big Maude have to wait till the end of the month to plant.
MDC,you were busy this weekend.
I cleaned my bedroom closet this morning,took out 2 large boxes for the GoodWill and a large trash bag full of grubbies for grease rags in the shop,funny thing is, the closet is still
full. Oh well it's a start.
NN, sorry about your FIL.
Boo,sounds like you had a great trip,good for you!
Spot enjoy you time off,hope the weather is good for you.
Tom,wish you were close by I would share some plant cuttings with you,I need to transplant some Bleeding Hearts.
Hello to Brian. Take Care all PEACE Dr P
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61700: Big Maude, I know of what you speak,I raised 2 boys and teenage girls can be heartless. Some of their girlfriends would make my toes curl.My oldest,Colter well be 29 tomorrow and thank goodness he finally found a Keeper. Dr P
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61701: That's will be 29. Dr P
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61702: Nice Freddy Mercury impersonation, Possum. Yes, he died from AIDS. It's too bad.

Today, the kids and I stopped by the local cemetary on the way home from school (weird, I know). I felt the urge to stop for a "teachable moment" with them. I was so shocked by how many young people were buried there, and how many were just about my age. We talked about what the kids thought the dead would say to us if they could speak to us now; what their regrets would be and what advice they would give us? I am thinking a monthly trip to the cemetary might just be a good idea...

Hi Dr P, good to see you again.

Gotta go help with some homework..

Boo
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61703: Hey, Boo. I don't think that's so weird. Dale loved to take long drives in the country, and he usually insisted that the kids go along. They would moan and roll their eyes heavenward, but they'd go. Now they talk about those trips very fondly, and often remark how close they felt as a family at those times.

Anyway, as we would travel little country roads, we'd come upon small country cemeteries, and he would always stop. We'd get out and wander among the gravestones, reading dates and speculating about what had happened, why this one died so young, how that one managed to reach 103, and once we found an entire family - parents and six or seven stair-step children. That sparked a long speculative conversation. The graves were old enough that it could even have been Indian raids, though I suspect it was probably disease, because the dates of death were spread over about two weeks. Maybe measles, diphtheria, some sort of flu, who knows? Anyway, though some may think it strange, we enjoyed those days.

See you all later - I'm looking for some supper right now. --Romeena
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61704:
Hello porch family.....Just got in from the hospital. A lady that's been friends with the family is getting ready to go be with the Lord. She is so ready. She always traveled to my concerts if they were any where near. When her husband died last year, I was home so they asked if I would sing. So tonight she asked me to sing that same song to her before I left. Believe me that's hard to do. So we had a mini concert right there in the hospital room with all the nurses and doctors.

Spot....you mentioned that the Marshall Tucker Band was one of your favorite bands.....well if you look on the inside cover of some of my cds, you will see the name Ronald Radford for the guitar credits.....he played with the Marshall Tucker Band for a number of years. Ronald then went on the road playing for Randy Travis for a few years. Very good studio musician.

Well folks I've got to hit the bed. Gotta be in the studio all day tomorrow. It will be a long day.
Prayers for all the porch family!
-REV.
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61705: Oh REV, I wish I could have been there. What a blessing you gave to her! I know I would be happy to have you around and singing to me when my time comes. I pray that those in attendance heard God speaking to their hearts and will give their lives to Him.

You know, Ro, I am thinking about taking a little field trip to the cemetery with the church youth group. It might be a good opportunity to talk to them about eternity.

Well, got to go put the clothes in the dryer...

Boo
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61706: I emailed Millie's restaurant to see if her family would respoind to the front porch. I know we all miss her loving presence here and we all know how proud she was of her children. I pray they are all doing well.

homemaker
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61707: www.bogartsincorporated.com
for anyone wanting to email them - they have a contact form on their website.

hm
April 07, 2008 - Msg 61708: Howdy, all. REV, what a wonderful gift you gave to that dear lady. Such a kind and loving thing to do. You take care of your voice now, you hear? Get plenty of rest.

Boo, I think that's a good idea, but don't be surprised if you meet some opposition from families. Some people get weird when it comes to cemeteries. It just makes them uncomfortable. I know it's foolish, but truthfully, I'd rather not walk through one at night. Too many silly, scary movies as a child, I guess. However, during the day I find them to be peaceful, restful places. There is a serenity there.

I bought two pints of ladybugs today. Can you imagine buying bugs? Well, I do it, every spring. They do a wonderful job of eliminating the aphids that would absolutely ruin my roses, otherwise. The little critters are in their container, in the fridge in the garage right now. Tomorrow evening, I'll run all the sprinkler zones for a couple of minutes each to dampen everything, then I'll go around the yard about dusk, shaking ladybugs out everywhere! Believe me, it workx. My next weird purchase will be beneficial nematodes, to be applied in all the flowerbeds, and some in the grass as well. They help control other insects, including fleas. I really enjoy organic gardening - it's different, and it's fun!

Well, I'm off to bed. Starr says howdy! --Romeena
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61709: Well Romeena I'l just be sure to be careful raiding your ice box if I'm ever over to your house. A feller might think they was little candies or something. I've heard of butterflies in your stomach but never lady bugs. :)

Rev, what a great story. How wonderful a feller you are to do that. Prayers for your big day today that all goes well and you don't have to use any of that bug spray to keep your larnyx lubricated.

Homemaker, how's yer arm doing? Any better? I just new them meatballs was gonna cause you an injury someday.

Now I kinda liked music from the 80's my own self. Much more than most of the stuff from the 70's. But I have decided that a large factor in that is more as to what your life was like at a particular time than the music itself. Much of the 70's was not fun for me. But as the decade came to a close and the 80's began things changed. I married in 78 and began a family in 79. Wonderful years so much of the mucic of the 80's brings back good and wonderful memories for me. Anyway, that's my take on it.

Hazel and Ro, is yer backs doing better? Mine is still being whiney so I have to be careful with it. Stupid back! Oh well, thats life, through and through.

Asa
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61710: Good morning everyone.

You better what out for those butterflies; you'll go crazy if they lay eggs in your hair, too.

ASA: You're probably right about the music. I was a kid in the 70s and in high school in the 80s. Being a kid was much more fun than being a teenager (MAUDE: I know how your son feels!).

BOO: The cemetery walk sounds fine, as long as you don't play "Thriller."

See y'all later. Busy, busy, busy!

Me-They
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61711: The Mrs. e-mailed me this. Thought y'all might find it amusing, if not disgusting. It is the Top 20 Worst Foods, according to Mens Health magazine (I just am listing my favorites):

20: Worst Fast-Food Chicken Meal - Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips from McDonald's (5 pieces) with cream ranch sauce. 830 Calories, 55 grams fat (4.5 trans fat), 48 carbs. Add a large fries and regular soda and this seemingly innocuous chicken meal tops out at 1,710 calories.
19: Worst drink - Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie (30 fl oz). 900 calories, 10 g fat, 183 carbs, 166 g sugar. Jamba Juice calls it a smoothie, MSNBC calls it a milk shake. The beverage contains as much sugar as 8 pints of Ben & Jerry's butter pecan ice cream.
17: Worst 'healthy' burger - Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger. 1,145 calories, 71 g fat, 56 g carbs.
15: Worst kids' meal - Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese. 1,210 calories, 62 g fat, 3,450 mg sodium. It's like feeding your kid 1 1/2 boxes of Kraft mac 'n' cheese.
13: Worst salad - On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef. 1,450 calories, 102 g fat, 78 g carbs, 2,410 mg sodium. This isn't an anomaly:
Five different On the Border salads on the menu contain more than 1, 100 calories each.
12: Worst burger - Carl's Jr. (Hardee's on East Coast) Double Six Dollar Burger. 1,520 calories! 111g fat. Carl's Jr. brags it's home to this enormous sandwich, but the restaurant chain also provides convenient nutrition info on its Web site -- so ignorance is no excuse for eating it.
11: Worst steak - Lonestar 20 oz T-bone. 1,540 calories, 124g fat. Add a baked potato and Lonestar's Signature Lettuce Wedge, and this is a 2,700 calorie blowout.
10: Worst breakfast - Bob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed hotcakes. 1,540 calories, 77 g fat (9 g trans fat), 198 g carbs, 109 g sugar. Five Egg McMuffins yield the same caloric cost as this stack of sugar-stuffed flapjacks, which is truly a heavy breakfast, weighing in at a hefty pound and a half.
9: Worst dessert - Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream. 1,600 calories, 78 g fat, 215 g carbs. Would you eat a Big Mac for dessert? How about three? That's the calorie equivalent of this decadent dish. Clearly, Chili's customers get their money's worth.
5: Worst pizza - Uno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza. 2,310 calories, 162 g fat, 123 g carbs, 4,470 mg sodium. Downing this "personal" pizza is equivalent to eating 18 slices of Domino's Crunchy Thin Crust cheese pizza.
2: Worst starter - Chili's Awesome Blossom. 2,710 calories, 203 g fat, 194 g carbs, 6,360 mg sodium.
1: The worst food in America - Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing. 2,900 calories, 182 g fat, 240 g carbs. Even if you split these "starters" with three friends, you'll have downed a dinner's worth of calories before you entree arrives!

M-T

April 08, 2008 - Msg 61712: M-T: One of the first songs my son wanted downloaded to his MP3 player was "Thriller" - he also has AC/DC and some Johnny Cash.

Asa- Thanks for asking about the arm. It is no better and I had a bad reaction to the muscle relaxer so I ended up in the ER. My blood pressure is playing wacky - at the ER is was 211/1??. So now I am on some high blood pressure pills too - they are little and blue. When it rains - it pours!

Rev- that story is precious. Just imagine - you are singing her home to Jesus.

Well - the arm is aching - so I am off of here for now.

Who is doing M-T's shorts? And M-T, it is almost sandle weather here in Indy. Naked feet !!

hm
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61713: Oh man, M-T, it's a good thing I don't eat out much or I would be the size of one of those people who have to have a wall cut out of their house to get them outside! That is horrible! No wonder Americans are overweight when most moms work and families eat out alot. By the way, thanks for sharing, it took alot to type all of that out but it sure makes you want to think about what you are eating when you go out. The thing about the chicken selects surprised me. I know that breaded chicken is supposed to contain more fat than a beef patty but, wow, that it really awful.

Toss your shorts, Me-They, I'm doing laudry today.

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61714: ...uh, I mean LAUNDRY...
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61715:
Hey Folks

Rev-Thank you for sharing that moment, that is something special. Amen!

homemaker-Your son has Johnny Cash on his MP3 player? Now that's a good boy!

Johnny Cash is it for me. I did like Bowie and The Talking Heads as far as rock music goes, but the Man in Black, I still listen to, often. His last five albums were just incredible, and the stuff he did with the Highwaymen was great! If ya'll haven't heard Johnny sing Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" check it out sometime.

Asa-I think you are right. That's what music does.

"Sunday Morning Coming Down"
Then I walked across the street
and caught the Sunday smell of someone frying chicken.
And Lord, it took me back to something that I'd lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way.

auh2o
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61716: I like Johnny Cash, too.

BOO: It's the magic of cut-and-paste, but thanks. INCOMING!

HM: Who stole your golden arm?

REV: I missed your story! Thanks AUH20 for referring back to it.

Me-They
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61717: AUH20: Stop making sense (ha).

M-T
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61718: Good swish auh20..Ronald Radford huh Rev...cool..hey M-t,boo,hm,asa,maudey,ro,possum,CHUCK,Tom and all...gona read and fix us all a ham sandwich and kool-aid and chips...taking a break from setting the poles for the barn...God gave us a very nice day here in Ga...thanks..prayers and I will check back in just a bit ok....SPOT
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61719: Good morning, all. I like Johnny Cash, too, and that "Sunday Morning Coming Down" is a real keeper. Since I grew up in the 40s and 50s - graduated high school in '56 - my music memories are coniderably different from most of yours. I grew up in a family that liked c/w, and above all, gospel music. My dad sang tenor in quartets at church, and most of the women sang well too. One aunt carried a thrilling alto, and didn't read a note of music. With that background I guess it's no surprise that my favorites of all time would be the Statler Brothers, who offered a great combination of both genres. Well, maybe not c/w so much, but sorta. I also like - are you ready - the Sons of the Pioneers, and have a CD of their music on order right now. Then there was the Stamps Quartet, with J.D. Sumner singing bass. Oh, how he sang bass! That man could go so low it would make my throat ache just listening to him. Those were the days, when music was beautiful, singable, memorable. The noise that clogs the radio these days is none of those, and in ten years will be forgotten, I hope.

I wish I could take everyone on a tour of my back yard this morning. We had a big thunderstorm just after daybreak, and now it's clear and sunny. The grass is still wet, and in the sun it looks like someone scattered diamonds everywhere. There are more than ten varieties of iris in bloom at this moment, with more about to open. The colors are just amazing, and with the moisture still sparkling on them, they look as though they were made of colored sugar. The beauty of those flowers just astonishes me. Some are smooth and serene, some are rich and glowing, and some are just outrageous in their color combinations and depth. Supreme Sultan just opened. The falls (the lower petals) are a deep mahogany-red, with striking burnt-orange beards and the standards (the upright center petals) are a rich gold. The color combination is so striking. What a pretty thing!

I photograph each iris as it blooms, and have them archived on the computer - who bloomed when, etc. Maybe I'll put some of them in the album - would anyone be interested?

Well, gotta run. A friend is coming by and we're going to go to East Buffet and eat boiled shrimp and whatever else they have on their Chinese buffet today. It's always good. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61720: Wow, wish I could take a walk through the yard with ya, Ro, and sit on the swing and hold little Starr for awhile. Wish we were closer. Poor little Erin would just love to play with Starr. I feel bad because the child is lonely. There is nobody in our neighborhood for her to play with and we have no pets now that we are in this duplex. It will be so nice when I can go get her some goats, a donkey and a puppy. She will be in 7th heaven. She doesn't even like to play with dolls, she has a ton of stuffed animals that she lines up in her room and on the bed and plays school with. She has these two stugged monkeys (Bingo and Tito) that she has been dragging around for years. She is a real animal lover and I long for the day that I can let her try her hand at the real thing. Please pray for us. We are still getting bids from builders and trying to make a decision. The last builder quoted us a very high price and Bruce is meeting with another one tonight. We want the Lord's will. Thanks!

Prayers for REV as he starts his work in the studio.

Auh2o, I just love Johnny Cash and the song you mentioned, but my favorite is always Ring Of Fire.

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61721: oops, what on earth is a stugged monkey?...you guys know what I mean.

B
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61722: Alright, I am pulling out my soapbox (scrape!)...I have decided to get rid of the cable TV (If Bruce will do it). I am sick and tired of being assaulted by the kind of sick entertainment that is being shown. I decided to take a break and do a little channel sufing to see what was on...I came across a gay china man who wanted to give "The Mighty Fist Of Fury" to Bruce Lee, a ex-marine yelling at a pedophile, and other things that are too graphic to recount, and I only have basic cable. That's it, I quit! TVLAnd is not even worth watching anymore. I can't even change the channel with the kids in the room. I'm doing what MDC does and buying some DVDs and cutting the cable! THERE, I said it and I'm not taking it back. I challenge you moms and dads to do the same, if you feel led. I now have a 13 yr old son with a TV in his room and I need to do something now. If we only have network TV, nobody will watch it much.

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61723: Boo, you are certainly right in your assessment of today's TV environment, and you're definitely right in your last sentence. If you only have network TV, nobody will watch it much. If at all. I too have considered trashing the dish, but before I made the call, I did a little deep consideration, and here's what I came up with:

Network is a wasteland, no question. Aside from the PBS channel, there's not much there.

TV Land is bad and getting worse every day.

I don't have the premium movie channels, so can't comment on them. Don't need 'em, don't want 'em.

Surfing through most of the rest of the channels produces exactly what you mentioned, and worse.

OK, that's the downside. Now here's the upside:

Animal Planet runs some very interesting and educational shows.

Cartoon Network and Boomerang offer great old cartoons at times, along with not-so-great new cartoons at other times.

Hallmark presents some quality shows and movies, and TCM runs great old movies.

Net Geo provides very educational stuff at times, as does the Science channel.

The History channel presents some fascinating things, the Travel channel opens up the world.

Now none of these are great all the time, I'll admit, but all of them present quality programming now and then. It's a matter of planning, and picking and choosing what you watch. As for the kids, instruct them on what they may or may not watch, and use the parental lock feature your cable provides (I'm sure it does) if you need to.

It's just been my experience that I almost never find anything worth watching on the networks, but can almost always find something good on the dish or cable channels. It just takes a little walk through the channel guide and some planning. Personally, I'm keeping that dratted dish. I wish the networks would wake up, but they won't, so who needs 'em? I have other choices.

Be blessed! --Romeena
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61724: Hey all. Rainy on this end of the porch.
Boo,funny about cable, Fritz and I were talking about getting rid of it on this past weekend,we only have basic,too.It seems to me to be nothing but reruns of stupid reality shows and don't even get me started on the news.
auh2o,love that song and really like The Highwaymen,with Willie,Waylon and Kris. Always been a big Kristofferson fan. Me and Bobby Magee.
Love Loreeta Lynn and Patsy Cline,too.
Asa,we must be getting old,after cleanning the yard I'm alittle stoved up in my neck and shoulders.Pass the linament.
Me-They,thats a scarey list,glad we don't eat out much.I heard a report this morning that said if you take you lunch to work and use reusable containers, you can save 2250 dollars a year and keep a lot of trash out of landfills.Sounds good to me.
hm take care of that arm ,let those boys take care of you.
Well, going to go do some research PEACE DR P
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61725: Hi All
Romeena I have te dish and just watchhgtv tvland,curt tv and me stepdad like the TCM ,SCL FI AND THE SPOT pbs. besid Im outsid half the time in the summrs.

TOM

April 08, 2008 - Msg 61726: Hi Ro,the channels you listed are pretty good and it seems that if you miss a show you don't have to worry it will be shown again and again.
do Love TCM . Dr P
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61727: Hi Tom,How you going? Dr P
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61728:
WooHoo, I am winning people over one at a time!!
BOO, it will take guts to cut the cable, but like i also said, you can get great deals on DVDs here at Weavers or Walmart or whereever that will equal your cable bill. I am watching less and less anyway. I watched the Bball game last night. Great ending with OT, and racing , all on Network and hit the mute during commercials!
I have dvds of brady bunch, gilligan, Dick VD, Popeye, Luney tunes etc, and of course TAGS!
REV, You are Maa-a-valous!!
Have a good day!
MDC
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61729: I completely understand how awful TV has become. I get disgusted from time to time but I've learned that I keep my certain channels and the rest I don't even flip past. I love the History Channel, Discovery & Discovery Health, Sci Fi, Animal Planet, Biography, TLC and the BBC. My oldest gherkin has a tv in her room but here's what we do: we put a digital parental lock on it that will not allow her to turn on any channel rated above a "G." We also keep her remote and she has to ask us for permission to use it. Her tv doesn't get used much but it is nice when we want to watch a movie or program on the weekend and the girls want to watch a kid or educational show or dvd.

MDC, I love all the shows and cartoons you listed. What a great collection. My oldest recently discovered "I Love Lucy" and she gets the biggest kick out of it. She also enjoys the Munsters and the Adams Family. I'm so glad we have access to those shows.

Well, I think we're going to plan a day trip down the highway within the next couple weeks to Laura Ingalls Wilder's home. It's about an hour away and has a great museum and tour through her home. We love the books and what little girl doesn't like the prairie and all it represents? I was a huge fan of "Holly Hobbie" when I was little--it's so sweet that this stuff has carried over to my girls.

Oh! I bought the first season of the Smurfs for ahem, the kids...wink, wink...we've had a great time watching the episodes!

HEY to DR. P and everyone. Have a great afternoon. Blessings---MW
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61730: MW: where is Laura Ingalls Wilder's home? We love watching the old shows..I need to get my daughter reading the books..i know my nephew doesn't enjoy them.
Alyce
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61731: I would love to go with you to Laura Ingall's home! Wish I lived closer.

I was not aware that you could block channels like that and only allow the G rated ones in. That's something to consider but I think I am going to go the radical route and do away with it. I get upset even watching the "good" programs because of all the commercials anyway. Seems like most programs have commercials every 5-7 minutes, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Thanks for the comments, you are all the best.

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61732: Hey gang. The Wilder home is in Mansfield, Missouri. Beautiful country. It's the homestead the Laura and Almonzo built and retired in. I believe she actually wrote the entire book series in that home. If any of you are interested, here's the site: double u (x3) dot laura ingalls wilder home dot com (no spaces) Wow, that was like writing a algebra equation! Ugh, I detest algebra. BOO, if I were a rich woman, I'd fly you up here and we'd take a road trip! ALYCE, that goes for you, too and anyone else who took a fancy to Laura and her books. I'm guessing that maybe you gentlemen might not be quite so interested. I think my DH will be fishing that day.

BOO, you're right about commercials. It's gotten out of hand. And some of them are entirely inappropriate for kids. I probably don't have to remind anyone about the ED or "male enhancement commercials" they play ad nauseum. And when hubby watches sports, the stupid beer commercials with the bimbos and their big buzzungas are just enough to make me gag. It's just so demeaning. This is where I am appreciative of technology. The vast majority of tv I watch, I use my DVR and record shows and watch them later. That way I can fast forward through the commercials. But BOO, no one could fault you for just get ridding of it all. It's a gutsy move and most likely, you and your family will find better things to do with your time.

It's dance class time, so I'm off like a tutu...wait, that didn't sound quite right. Anyway, talk to you all later. MW
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61733:
I have to agree, there is a lot of junk on TV these days. But, I think with a little bit of diligence it is still manageable, just like this porn laden Internet is. Just think, in the middle of all the trash that is the Internet, Floyd has put together this wonderful Porch. Just think of the smut and nonsense that is just a mouse click away. I'm much more nervous having this portal into God knows what than I am with the television. We have blocks and checks on both.

Dr P-That is some good music, you're right. Ya know Doc, every time deer wonder into the back yard I think of you and all of your deer.

Merri-My oldest has also discovered "I Love Lucy." My youngest as a hard time dealing with black & white TV. She used to say she was born in color that's why she doesn't care for the B/W shows. Both of my girls would love that trip you're planning.

auh2o
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61734: "...get ridding?" Good grief.
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61735: Hey AUH20, that's funny about your little one saying she was born in color! How cute is that? I wish we all didn't live so far apart, we could rent a bus or something and head down to Mansfield. MW
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61736: Boy, isn't that the truth, Auh2o?! The internet is a scary place. We have one computer in the living room and you are facing it anywhere you sit. It has blocks on it, too. Of course, some things can still sneak in on you. One time my sister sent me this ecard with a really large woman with her backside painted like a pumpkin and when I clicked on it, a porn site for hefty women popped up. I got an eyeful, to say the least. Yikes! Too bad a person can't delete there memory banks. No offense to the larger porch members (of which I am one who will never paint her bottom like a pumpkin). Seriously though, it is a huge threat. When I think of the dangers of pedophiles cruising the chat rooms and the availability of porn to our kids, it really scares me.

MW, if you were a rich woman, I would let you fly me out for a road trip. It would be a blast, I'm sure. Wouldn't it be great to hit Laura Ingall's and then drive to North Carolina to Mt. Airy?

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61737: ...or just get on Route 66 and go! Eat at the old diners, maybe catch a movie at a drive-in, listen to oldies like Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline....

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61738: Hey Boo and MW, can I go on that trip, sounds like fun.We've been to DeSmet SD Laura's childhood home 3 times,we took the boys one time the enjoyed it. We read the books together out loud. That year in their Xmas stockings they got tin cups and an old 1880s Indain head penny. I still read the books,love them.
auh2o Thanks for thinking of me,thats nice.
Well need to go make a batch of biscuits we're having Hoppin John,cottage cheese ,carrot stixs and sliced apples,too ,everyone is welcome.
Take care and love each other PEACE Dr P
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61739: Boo, I think I shall never again indulge on pumkin pie thank you very much! :)

MDC, I read your post to fast. I thought at first you said you hit your mate during the commercials. I thought maybe your team must be losing. How is she doing anyway? Did you get her MRI results back yet?

Good point auh2o. It's notthing but misuse of things where we get into trouble.
Well off to go watch Everyone Loves Raymond. I like that show.

Asa
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61740:
Oh yes, thanks for reminding me, the MRI didnt show anything unusual. She does HAVE a brain, so that is good to know! ha So the vision thing is still a mystery. But she is doing better, so thanks for the prayers.
My head hurst a bit, but that's due to the leg-o-lamb!
Prayers for Boo at rehab tonite.
Oh, I also have Bob Newhart on dvd and Lois and Clark, remember that series with Terry H.
God bless,
MDC

April 08, 2008 - Msg 61741: Haha! Sorry, ASA, maybe by Thanksgiving you will have forgotten about it...wish I still had the picture to email to you.

MDC, when I was an adolescent, I had some bouts of blurred vision along with headaches and it ended up being caused by allergies to certain foods.

Thanks for the prayers, MDC. We needed it!

Boo
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61742: Good evening, all. I had planned to release my ladybugs in the garden this evening, but we have a thunderstorm on the way, so guess I'll keep the little darlings safe in the garage fridge until tomorrow evening. Don't want them to wash away. Whoda thunk I'd ever pay $10 for a carton of bugs?

Boo, if you have cable, I'm about 99% certain you have a parental lock feature on your menu somewhere. Check it out, it's worth it. On the dish, I have the option of creating up to four channel lists, in addition to the one that's pre-set - that's the one that lists everything. I customized one that's listed under my name, and it only contains the channels I'd be interested in or would want anyone else to see in my home. By using that one, I can flip through the line-up at any given time without having to even consider channels that wouldn't be acceptable. They just don't even show up. It doesn't include the sports channels, but they're there in another list for when my son is here and wants to watch a game or some such. I really like that feature.

Another little trick of mine, since I have the DVR receiver, is to put it on a program I want to watch, mute the sound and come in here to the computer for a while, up to an hour. Then I return to the TV, "rewind" to the start of the show I want to watch, and I can then fast-forward through the commercials as they come up, and really enjoy my show. With an hour of time to play with, I can usually watch all evening, commercial free. Bet that would irritate the advertisers if they knew that!

Well, time to rustle up some grub, I guess. I'm not very hungry, having pigged out at the Chinese place earlier, but you know what they say about Chinese food.....

Hey, put me down for that road trip! That really sounds like fun.

Be blessed! --Romeena
April 08, 2008 - Msg 61743: Are you kidding, MW? I'm one "gentleman(ok, that might be pushing it)"... guy, who loves Laura Ingalls Wilder(well, not in THAT way ;)). Kai and I are still reading On The Banks Of Plum Creek at bedtime, and we love watching the show together.

She and I both want to take a drive sometime to visit the Ingall's Wisconsin home in Pepin(Little House In The Big Woods), and even drive next door to Minnesota to visit the real Walnut Grove(I've always wanted to go there). I love seeing the real places and getting a feel of the history.

You're making me hungry with all the talk about the Chinese buffet, Ro. We have a Chinese buffet here that is just tasty!

-Sterling Holobyte
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61744: Well, hop on in STERLING! We're getting a caravan going. Can you swing by and pick up RO? (Make sure she already sprinkled her bugs before she gets in the car--don't need any itchin on our road trip!) DR. P, come on over, from wherever you are. It's shaping up to be a grand time! STERLING, that is so wonderful that you and KAI read those books together. I'm planning on doing some homeschooling this summer and using Laura's books for a learning unit. I'm with you, I've always wanted to go to Walnut Grove.

BOO, Route 66 goes right through my area...we sure could find some fun stops along the way...

"Now you go through Saint Looey
Joplin, Missouri,
and Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
You see Amarillo,
Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona.
Don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernandino." Gotta love Nat King Cole!

Goodnight all...have sweet dreams. MW
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61745: good night john boy


April 09, 2008 - Msg 61746: Good night, Elizabeth.
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61747: Morning gang!...I got to catch up on my porch reading!...great day here in Ga...gona get busy outside..my work week starts tomorrow..breakfast at waffle house ok?..quick and easy!...SPOT
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61748: Wake up John Boy-y'all come on and git up now! How about some grits and bacon this morning? And Krispy Kremes,of course!

Ooh,ooh,can I go on the road trip too? Sounds like fun!

Ever been awakened in the night out of a deep sleep by a kid's toy? At 3AM,I heard " Hi! I'm Touch & Learn Teddy-let's play!" Somehow, Laci's toy teddy bear activated itself and was begging to play! Kinda weird! From now on,I'll make sure to switch her talking toys "OFF" when she leaves!

Y'all have a good day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61749: The heck with cookin' grits & bacon- I'm headed to the Waffle House with spot!

possum again
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61750: Sure Possum, you can come...I'll let you ride shotgun in my 1957, pink Chevy Bel Aire Convertible. I even have fuzzy dice...I hope we run into one of those motels shaped like teepees.

Sterling, I though of you and Kai when MW mentioned Laura Ingalls. How you doing these day, Pa?

Boo

"Get your KICKS on ==Route 66==="
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61751: I'm thinking of the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona....ever slept there, MDC? Is that anywhere near your area? We could swing by and get you.

Boo
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61752: Wow Possum. I bet that startled you. It would have me.
I dreamed I was looking at pumpkins all night. Big ones. Thanks a lot Boo. LOL

Getting a little more snow this morning, but they are calling for mid 70's by the weekend here finally. We ain't seen 70's for 4 or 5 months. I'm stoked.

Glad the Mrs. MRI came back clean MDC. Hope what ever is ailing her is not serious.

Well I think I'll join Spot and Possum over at the Wafflehouse. I'm famished.

Asa
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61753:
Asa-We have the opposite weather here, right now it's beautiful and this weekend we're supposed to get some snow.

possum-That has happened here also. One night I was wakened to the declaration "I'm a fashion puppy!" Our youngest put her Fashion Puppy stuffed animal in bed with me because it wasn't "feeling well." We always let our kids snuggle in with us when they weren't feeling good, when they were younger of course.

spot-I meet ya'll at the Waffle House.

auh2o
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61754: Is Asa buying? Then count me in!

hm
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61755: You're welcome, ASA! haha

That is funny, Auh2o. I can just picture it.

Boo
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61756: Boo, I am operating within established parameters, thank you for asking.
(Sorry, Star Trek again.);)

Yeah, that can wake you up with a start, can't it Possum?! :)
Kai got freaked out once when her Elmo phone started talking by itself before she went to bed. Those things do weird things when the batteries start to go down.
"Elmo's here!"
Yeah, well Elmo, I think I'd rather you be over there. ;)

Wait a minute, MW. Doesn't Ro live in Texas? I'd better stock up on the gas money if I am picking her up. ;)



-Sterling Holobyte
April 09, 2008 - Msg 61757: Good morning everyone. Not so fast! Don’t put that soapbox away just yet; I have to comment on BOO’s rant from yesterday. Either hunker down or get ready to scroll past this post…

First, in my opinion, kids get too much time in front of video screens. I’m not sure why a kid would need a television in their bedroom. And they should never have a computer in their room. Don’t even get me started about computers in school.

(Side mini rant: “A computer for every child in each classroom” is the biggest crock of—well, I can’t use language like that—ever. Why do kids need so many computers in school? Give me a 7-year-old sitting in front of a computer for one week and I guarantee he’ll know how to manipulate it as well as anybody. So why are we paying for new computers every three years—when they become obsolete—for kids to learn typing skills, how to play video games, and navigate the web? It can’t be to learn about software that will be gone and forgotten by the time they hit college, that’s for sure! No, it’s to satisfy the industry who is making a killing on selling equipment to schools and hooking our kids on technology. I could go on…)

Second, the internet is a cess pool. Sorry, but we’re all swimming in it. I can try to justify it by saying look how we have nice things like the Porch, and look how much great information we have access to, but the bad far outweighs the good. I do love the porch, but if I could guarantee that my kids would never see internet porn or some of the outrageous trash information that’s so readily available by leaving, I’d be outta here so quick it’d make your head spin. Unfortunately, the genie is out of the bottle and I can’t put it back in.

There are more kids being exposed to evil and becoming victims every day because of the internet. Now, sick people have infinitely more opportunities to meet others like them, creating a huge demand for those who would exploit children. And I’m not just talking the strictly illegal stuff, either. I’ve read that one of the biggest growth areas of the net is sites that market photos of kids in revealing clothes like tight-fitting bikinis and such and “candid photo” (like your kids or mine at the beach) sites. Call it “porn lite.” It’s not always illegal, but always repulsive. And it will affect the poor kids who are being exploited for perversion. These markets would not exist without the internet. One time a day, pedophiles had to remain in their creepy little closets. Now they have chat rooms to exchange tips and share pictures online worldwide. It’s sick.

That doesn’t even touch the “legal” porn that our kids have access to. I heard somewhere that like 80% of all 12 year-olds have seen porn on the web. No wonder. It is, by far, the biggest segment of traffic on the web. And thanks to the web the porn industry is more powerful, and much richer, than ever before in history.

I won’t even get into all the dangerous, stupid, or simply ignorant information that can be found on the web and purported as “fact.” I just got finished ready essays of fourth graders and I can tell you, kids are getting as much bad information from the web as good. They can search the web and find all kinds of dubious facts, but most of them would be dumbfounded to stand in a library and actually have to do real research. It’s sad.

Finally, I love our Constitution, and worry about the erosion of our rights, but if I were dictator (what a nightmare scenario, huh?), I’d ban all suggestive material on the web. The reality is that for every one great opportunity the web offers our kids, there’s a truckload of trash coming their way.

My wife works from home so we do have a computer there now. It has come in handy on occasion to look up store hours, directions, etc. For the most part, though, we don’t go on it when the kids are around. So far they haven’t really expressed much interest and I like that just fine.

I would comment of the state of television, but I’ve probably taken up too much net space as it is. Somewhere, someone’s porn is downloading slowly because I can’t shut up.

Me-They