Feel Good Friday

Sunday Photo: Signs of Fall

Weekend Cat Blogging #329

Vincent and his reflection, just before sneaking out of the camera's reach

Vincent makes a rare appearance for this week's Weekend Cat Blogging, hosted by Kashim, Othello and Salome at Paulchens FoodBlog?!.

Feel Good Friday

This one goes out to the one I love - REM

First, there was the Beatles. Their musical influences were all around us, but it was rare that this sheltered Mississippi girl heard them very often. The Beatles' music was the excited discussion in the cafeteria when I was in the second grade. Their music defined and changed a generation of young people, how we listened to music, how we talked about music, how we felt about music. We still list them as one of our favorite bands today. I could not fathom their break-up, the death of John, the death of George. The death of Paul may just kill me.

Nirvana was of a different generation. Yet, I responded to the music and I remember hearing Smells Like Teen Spirit the first time. I mean, really, who wouldn't stop to listen to a song with such an amazing beginning riff? It seems that when the music industry has reached death by pop, true musicians rise up and save us. SLTS may not have even been Nirvana's best song, but it was certainly the rock song that captured and defined a generation. That was 20 years ago, now.

Yesterday, REM announced the band's break-up after 30 years. As did many people, I had begun to listen to college radio because it was the only station where I could hear something new as many of the radio stations had taken the classic rock road most traveled. It was here I first heard REM. Scrappy, unpolished, difficult to understand but captivating. Rolling Stone magazine named their first album, Murmur, as the #1 album of the year above Michael Jackson's Thriller, The Police's Synchronicity, and U2's War, all tremendous albums (source) I had a shoddily-made mix tape with Radio Free Europe, Driver 8, Can't Get There From Here, and (Don't Go Back To) Rockville that I played for my then-group of friends. They were tolerate but concluded, "you can't dance to it" and a solid "you're weird".

I was at a concert (who?) and overheard two younger boys discussing REM's signing with Warner Brothers. One of the boys said, "I know it's selling out, but I just love this band".  Oh, the teenage purist angst. As reported by the BBC:

But (Michael) Stipe, too, had qualms about the band's new audience.

"I had to grapple with a lot of contradictions back in the 80s," he told the Guardian.

"I would look out from the stage at the Reagan youth. That was when REM went beyond the freaks, the fags, the fat girls, the art students and the indie music fanatics.

"Suddenly we had an audience that included people who would have sooner kicked me on the street than let me walk by unperturbed."

"I'm exaggerating to make a point but it was certainly an audience that, in the main, did not share my political leanings or affiliations, and did not like how flamboyant I was as a performer or indeed a sexual creature. And I had to look out on that and think, well, what do I do with this?"

I will admit here and now that while I love the early music I will forever love the song Losing My Religion. There are just some songs that resonant. The music video is a visual feast of images. Some religious zealots tried to make an issue of the phrase. Southerners knew the reference immediately.  That's me in the corner..... 


Everybody Hurts is musically incredible and socially relevant. For the amount of airplay it received, it became Zepplin's Stairway to Heaven. Hearing it so often led to a mental backlash, at least for me.

Endings are hard and they're personal. We feel a little more of our youth chiseled away. But, the music will be with us forever. And, for that, we thank all the bands we carry in our hearts and our heads.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Visit, Part Two

Entrance to Aldridge (no relation) Botanical Gardens

When there are 30 acres of luscious beauty, it is hard to see everything nature and its helpers have to offer in a short visit. These photos were taken within a few yards of the gallery.

I know the feeling!

Shark?! Catfish?

These were only two of six I saw teasing those who love to fish.

Wildflowers garden. Does anyone know what this beauty is called?

Kermit the Frog and stunt double make an appearance.

The sound of tranquility, under a bridge

Frank Fleming Bronze Sculptures Exhibit

I met Frank Fleming many years ago through mutual friends. He is the least pretentious, most down to earth, Alabama football fan you will ever meet.

The story goes that Fleming did not realize he had the skill to create until he began college at The University of Alabama. With a debilitating stutter as a child in Bear Creek, Alabama, Fleming spent a lot of time with animals, and his work is a reflection of those early experiences. His work is purchased around the world, and his work remains a popular favorite around the city.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Hoover will now own the largest collection of Fleming's bronze sculptures thanks to the donation of art collector/auctioneer, Ken Jackson. All but one of the sixteen pieces will be housed in the Aldridge Gardens gallery. Three of Fleming's sculptures already grace the grounds.

The Gardens hosted an exhibit to celebrate the latest acquisition on Sunday afternoon. Here are photos of the sixteen sculptures, as posted by Larry O. Gay on the Aldridge Botanical Gardens Facebook page.The video below is of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Fleming, as posted in the article written by Michael Huebner, The Birmingham News



This was my first visit to Aldridge Gardens since their move to Hoover about 10 years ago. The gallery was lovely and the wine was flowing, but after a quick appearance I spent most of my time walking around the grounds. The outside was as quiet and peaceful as the inside was loud and chaotic.

 

The entry to the gallery

Installed in front of gallery and specifically requested for this event

Young Nike

4 1/2 feet, stainless

Brad Morton, artist

A stainless sculpture similar in design but taller, Winged Victory, may be seen in front of the 

Compass Financial Center, downtown Birmingham

Frank Fleming, artist

Frank Fleming, artist

Frank Fleming, artist

 The Gallery

Exhibit and Reception

The Gallery

Exibit and Reception

Outside the Gallery

Wildflowers and Butterflies

Bill, Keith and their typical GOP voter

"Today's taxes are actually at their lowest level in 50 years, under Obama lower. I say lower."

"It is a fact that most of the current deficit is due to Bush policies and spending, not Obama's.... Bush started wars and cut taxes at the same time, something no one has ever tried." 

"Reagan raised taxes....eleven times.... and tripled the debt." 

"Obamacare is in no way government take-over of health care. In fact, it forces people to become customers of private insurance companies." 

"The debit ceiling is about money we have already spent." 

"Wrestling is fake."


Another good line from Friday night's Real Time with Bill Mahrer: "Rick Perry is not a centrist Republican, this guy is (photo of Obama). I have to tell them every week 'he's not your boyfriend'."

UA Game Day: Week 3

University of Alabama Crimson Tide v North Texas Mean Green

The photo is from Alabama's website, www.rolltide.com. The website design company does an outstanding job with this site, and the videos really set the mood for the day. I want their blog design!!

 

This is (almost) the perfect SEC football Saturday. LSU prevailed in a defensive battle over Mississippi State last Thursday night. Today, we have Auburn at 11:00, Tennessee v Florida at 2:30, and Alabama's game tonight at 6:30. I will be checking in on Ole Miss v Vanderbilt, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Arkansas during the day, as well. What would make this the perfect football Saturday would be if Alabama and Auburn were playing SEC opponents.

Defensive games can sometimes make boring television but I have to hand it to Mississippi State for hanging in there with LSU after such a devastating ending to the Auburn game the preceding Saturday. It must have been difficult for the offense to focus on LSU five days later. I used to tease that Auburn would freeze and blow games in the last few minutes. Apparently, they have overcome this flaw as they are continuing their streak of winning in the last few minutes. This is why, I think, rookie NFL and former Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton, looked so surprised and disappointed last Sunday when Carolina lost in the last few minutes. His QB coach, Mike Shula, has experience to help him through losses. Ouch! I love Shula. Really.

I'm off subject. Have a great football Saturday, and Roll Tide!

Weekend Cat Blogging #328

Jules is watching the leaves change color and fall to the ground while enjoying a few minutes on Vincent's favorite pillow.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Billy SweetFeets Gingersnap.

Jules and Vincent have a new puppy cousin, Sir Braxton (he's the little one).

My Favorites: Emmy Awards 2011

The 2011 Emmy Awards will be televised on Sunday, September 18th. I've admitted here that I enjoy award shows, if for no reason other than the clothes. I have highlighted my favorites in red. It is of note that I rarely, if ever, watch network so my selections are based only on what I have seen.  Where are Breaking Bad and Damages?  Who are your favorites? Those in italics are choices by The New York Times.

BEST DRAMA

• Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
• Dexter (Showtime)
• Friday Night Lights (Direct TV)
• Game of Thrones (HBO)
• The Good Wife (CBS)
• Mad Men (AMC)

BEST COMEDY

• The Big Band Theory (CBS)
• Glee (Fox)
• Modern Family (ABC)
• The Office (NBC)
• Parks and Recreation (NBC)
• 30 Rock (NBC)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA

• Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire (HBO) **
• Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights (Direct TV)
• Michael C. Hall, Dexter (Showtime)
• Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
• Hugh Laurie, House (FOX)
• Timothy Olyphant, Justified (FX)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA

• Kathy Bates, Harry’s Law (NBC)
• Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights (Direct TV)
• Mireille Enos, The Killing (AMC)
• Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
• Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife (CBS)
• Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men (AMC)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

• Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
• Louis C.K., Louie (FX)
• Steve Carell, The Office (NBC)
• Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• Matt LeBlanc, Episodes (Showtime)
• Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

• Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
• Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
• Laura Linney, The Big C (Showtime)
• Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly (CBS)
• Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope (Fox)
• Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation (NBC)

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOVIE

• Cinema Verite (HBO)
• Downton Abbey (PBS)
• The Kennedys (Reelz)
• Mildred Pierce (HBO)
• The Pillars of the Earth (Starz)
• Too Big to Fail (HBO)

War Is Over, if you want it

POW/MIA Recognition Day 2011

On September 17, 2010, the stark black and white flag honoring America's prisoners of war and those missing in action will be flown over the White House; the United States Capitol; the Departments of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs; the Selective Service System Headquarters; the World War II Memorial; the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; United States post offices; national cemeteries; and other locations across our country.  It is a powerful reminder that our Nation will never cease in our task to recover, remember, and honor the courageous men and women who have served and sacrificed so much for each of us. (Read Presidential Proclamation here.)

Peace.

Feel Good Friday

When I Grow Up, I Want To Be....

Changing jobs has never been a problem for me. Unhappy? Look for a greener pasture. Thing is, pastures in my profession are pretty much the same color green. Currently, I am happy in my pasture.

What happens when you find a career you'd love to pursue at age 56? In this economy? On my budget? Nothing is accomplished by 'wishing' it had happened sooner. I was not ready for it to happen sooner, so I would not have recognized it even if it had presented itself.

At this point in my life, I'm just happy I have a passion. What about you? What's your passion? Is your passion your job or your hobby?

Weekend Cat Blogging #327 Round-up

We were unaware that there was a Mo Cats Celebration Day. But, let us not be the last to cheer: Mo Cats! Mo Cats! Mo Cats! Mo Cats! Meowmeowmans and WCB believe the Mo, the better! Having said that, thank you for providing temporary homes until permanent homes can be found for your posting beauties.

WCB welcomes Oui Oui (Lolly) at Twinkletoe Tails to their first WCB post. Mica, the kitty artiste, is having an art show titled, After Breakfast. Mica uses everyday objects to express our inner struggles with love, the fear of loss and super-sizing. We expect accolades from the feline community and critics. Bravo!

Samantha, Clementine and Maverick at Life From A Cat's Perspective are also celebrating Mo Cats Day 2011 this weekend. Here is more about the event:

It appears Rosie has used her undeniable charm to separate a neighbor from their chicken. Read more as Rosie, Arthur and Pookie 'weigh' the ins and outs of eating at My Cats and Funny Stories.

Benvenuto, nuovo amico! Fluffy is a celebrity, a globetrotting cartoon cat. Fluffy and Heather at My Friend Fluffy shared a delightful post with us, Caturday Visit with Giulietta. Giulietta is home alone while her humans are in Tuscany. She has many loving neighbors at her beck and call.

Father Tom joins the celebration of Mo Cats Day and gives a visual presentation of why we need Mo Cats at Whisker Messages from a Church Cat.

The fabulous felines, together with a canine friend or two, ponder the question of cats and the Internet. The consensus: Cats Rule! See what they have to say on the subject at Jan's Funny Farm.

We are happy to have Smudge visit this week at sidewalk shoes. Smudge is so well-rounded, both a deep thinker and a beauty contestant winner. The sign of a truly intelligent feline is when he can make everyone comfortable whether the topic is world peace or Little Friskies.

Fellow black cat, Luna, has been posing for photos using the iPhone Hipstamatic with great success at catsynth. Luna is lovely in the black and white photos. We hope she will be the subject of the next photography exhibit!

Meowza reached back in the archives for his post this week. Whether then or now, Meowza is without a doubt an outdoors man. He is so lucky to have the chance to roll and roll in the dirt. It feels so good, doesn't it, Meowza? Visit him at iMog.

Legend says it all without saying anything at all. We agree that there's no place like home! See what we mean at Create With Joy.

And, lastly, Cats of Wildcat Woods remind us to remember those who lost their lives in the USA on September 11, 2001 and honor the first responders. They also remind us: There is no way to peace, peace is the way. Jules, Vincent and I agree.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Weekend Cat Blogging this weekend. Lots of love to our feline friends, and we hope to see you next week.

Purrs,

Jules and Vincent

Remembering 9/11/2001

National Day of Service and Remembrance

Good morning, Tomorrow, on the tenth anniversary of the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, we will mourn the innocent lives lost, honor the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene, and pay tribute to our troops and military families who have served over the past ten years to keep us safe and strong. But, I also hope you'll remember how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people. From giving blood, volunteering time, and donating clothing, food and money, in the weeks and months after the attacks, we were united as a nation, everyone doing their part to lend a hand and help the country move forward together. With just a small act of service, or a simple act of kindness towards others, you can both honor those we lost and those who serve us still, and help us recapture the spirit of generosity and compassion that followed 9/11.  Find A Service Opportunity Near You September 11th has been designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Americans across the country will come together to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity. In Minneapolis, volunteers will help restore a community center, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, members of the community are building new homes for deserving families, and once again, Michelle and I will be joining a local service project as well. There are so many ways to get involved, and every American can do something. You can join me in participating in the National Day of Service by finding a service opportunity in your area on Serve.gov. A decade ago, our fellow citizens and first responders rushed up stairwells, into flames, and into that cockpit and gave their lives to save others. In the decade since, a new generation -- our military personnel, intelligence officers, and law enforcement -- has stepped forward to serve our country and keep us safe. This weekend, I encourage all Americans to remember not only the innocent lives we lost on that day, but to remember the ordinary goodness and patriotism of the American people and the spirit of unity that brought us together during the days and weeks after the attacks of September 11th. Sincerely, President Barack Obama

UA Gameday Week Two: Tradition v Tradition

Today's college football game between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and Penn State Nittany Lions will be more than just a game between two schools steeped in college football history and tradition. The respect the two schools have for each other off the field is directly related to the respect of its coaches, Paul Bryant and Joe Paterno, i.e. the Bear and JoePa, and now Nick Saban and the respect they have/had for each other.

Today, the two teams, universities, and cities meet at a time of great distress. Tuscaloosa is rebuilding from a devastating tornado on April 27th while State College and surrounding areas are currently dealing with flooding from Tropical Storm Lee. People in need of relief physically, mentally and emotionally will come together for a much-needed respite.

Several of the Kent State players helped build houses in Tuscaloosa and the Alabama family displayed their gratitude and respect when hosting Coach Saban's alma mater, Kent State, by standing and applauding the football team when they took the field last Saturday. This is what Coach Bryant called "class". It prompted a letter from Kent State's Director of Athletics this week.

With that said, let's play ball. Roll Tide!

This week's sports columnists:
Iron Bowl could take a lesson in mutual respect from Alabama vs Penn State - Kevin Scarbinsky
Bama, Penn State two storied programs - Tommy Deas

Weekend Cat Blogging #327

Welcome! We are thrilled to be your hosts for Weekend Cat Blogging this week! 

Please join us by leaving a link in our comments section so we may
share your beauty and escapades with all our feline friends!

Jules will keep an eye on the party snacks!

"I think I smell a cheesy fish."

Next Week's Host: Billy Sweetfeets Gingersnap

Feel Good Friday

ls

Happy Labor Day 2011, USA!

I'm willing to go to a four-day work week. Who's with me?

Same pay, of course... or best offer.

Happy Labor Day to those of us still fortunate enough to labor.

Let's not rest until everyone has that opportunity, only not at the expense of others

(I'm speaking to you, Governor Bentley, and those you "party" with daily).

It is Game Day!

Turn it up!  Watch intro video at www.rolltide.com.

(2) The University of Alabama Crimson Tide v Kent State Golden Flashes

Weekend Cat Blogging #326

Vincent is such a guy! He thinks he can take up the entire sofa during today's football game.
Later, he plans to go stand in the kitchen and stare at his bowl.

It is GameDay in Alabama! 

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Pam at sidewalkshoes. It is with great sadness that Pam reports the loss of her doggie friend, Thor. Check out the post by Thor's family at Modern Day Ozzie and Harriet. 

Feel Good Friday