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A Couple of Things…

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1. As the seasons change from summer to fall, I continue to kayak until conditions change to when it’s so windy when one paddles, you barely move. But for now, the perfect conditions prevail.

photo of Channel Islands Harbor kayaking

2. I saw a great t-shirt that read: “I’m not completely useless. I can be used as a bad example.” #TrueDat

Steinholding competition
Man on left won the competition

3. It’s that time again when beer-filled steins are aplenty, bratwurst and sauerkraut sandwiches are all the rage and people arrive wearing goofy German clothing, of course I’m speaking of Oktoberfest. I attended the 2nd annual Oktoberfest at the Ventura Fairgrounds this week and I was a little annoyed that you have to pay to get in, you stand in line for an “over 21” wristband, you stand in line for a beer ($15-$30 each), you stand in line to order food and then wait in line to pick it up and while all the time you’re being overwhelmed by German polka bands.
I did indeed enjoy the sandwich along with a warm soft pretzel straight out of the oven along with my beer (sorry…did not opt for German). I also enjoyed the Steinholding competition. I had never witnessed (nor heard of) one before. People lined up with a beer stein in front of them filled with water (no need to waste good beer), and then they pick it up and the last one to hold it with out spilling a drop wins. Turns out, there’s a US Steinholding Association which delineates rules for the competition. I won’t list all (you can read them here), but these are my favorites.

  • The arm holding the stein must remain parallel with the ground and, from a side view, should remain close to perpendicular with the line of the torso from the neck to the bottom of the rib cage.
  • If any amount of the liquid filling the stein spills or drips off of the stein, the competitor is immediately disqualified, regardless of the number of strikes otherwise assigned.
Photo of friends David and Marnie with me

I did mention people dressed up in their best “traditional” German garb, well I came across two of my father’s friends (and mine), David and Marni who were all about the festivities. It was good to catch up with them!

Late for the Sky advertisement
Aaron Orbit and Travis Greer

4. Congratulations to local filmmaker, Travis Greer, on his short film, “Late for the Sky.” I caught a screening of it last weekend here in town at the Cinefest held during ArtWalk Ventura. Both Greer, and local musician/artist, Aaron Orbit starred in it and it was really well done. I was enthralled by the cinematography. The close ups were amazing and truly mesmerizing. A job well done and the film was the winner for Best Comedy.

5. Checked out an early morning screening of “Digger” this past weekend. We’re talking 10:10 am which one would think is too early for popcorn, but not this popcorn lover! “Popcorn for breakfast, it’s your choice!” should be the campaign of the next Orville Reddenbaker ad run.

As for the movie, if you see it, I hope it sticks with you and makes you think. You need to pay attention and follow the plotline. #Deep

Digger movie poster

6. Things that live in my head rent free:

  • Tom Cruise’s latest movie, Digger
  • (To be continued…)

7. Why is prostitution illegal and not porn? Of course prostitution is legal in areas of the state of Nevada; and as I delved into the subject, I found that porn is argued that it’s a first amendment issue with actors regarding “artistic expression.”
But if a woman is 100% willing and not under duress, why is it illegal? It’s her body.
I thought of this workaround: Start a FansOnly page, and prostitute one’s self, but position it as being hired for an art project so she would film it in order to post it so it would pass the First Amendment rights provision. The “John” would either give consent to be filmed or be blindfolded, which could be fun.

While researching this, Wikipedia provided this tidbit: “Prostitution is illegal in every US state except Nevada, where licensed brothels are permitted in some counties, and Maine, where selling sex is decriminalized but buying sex is illegal.”

artwork of Famous last Words episode

8. If you get a chance, watch the episode of Famous Last Words on Netflix featuring Gloria Steinem. There are now three episodes, I’ve seen Steinem’s and Jane Goodall’s, and will get around to watching the one with Eric Dane who passed away from ALS. At the time of the recordings, the person being interviewed is promised that no one will see it until they have passed away. But you can’t help but think what other episodes are in the can just waiting for that someone to die. #KindaGrim

9. From my favorite quotes file: “Why is it immoral to be paid for an act that is perfectly legal if done for free?” – Gloria Allred

A Couple of Things…

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1. There’s nothing quite like catching up with a dear friend from high school. I love rehashing memories yet again and being reminded friendships that last decades are the best! It’s always so lovely to see Joyce and to know she’s doing well…in freakin’ hot Arizona.

2. I saw a cute meme listing several signs you’ve gotten very used to living without a man. This one rings so true for when you think you hear something late at night. This is my personal checklist:

1. Freeze
2. Listen
3. Check camera
4. Turn on the lights
5. Consider calling somebody
Absolutely do not investigate like the woman in a horror movie.

Photo of new species of cat

3a. There were a couple of “Firsts” when it comes to animals this past week. For starters, a new wild cat species was discovered for the first time in over 100 years. It was spotted in Boliva and the powers that be named it “Tigrino.” I’m not saying I would say no to this one as a pet, as they are super cute and I would name mine, Suzie Q.

photo of sea turtle eggs
Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries

3b. The second first was more close to home. For the first time in recorded history, sea turtle(s) laid eggs in North America, specially at Seal Beach and then at Huntington Beach, California (it could have been the same turtle). The species of turtles is called ridley turtles and they’re the smallest of sea turtles weighing up to 100 pounds. Though I would never think of having a turtle as a pet, I think it would be cool as shit to have them up at my beach here in Ventura! [due to potential residual effects of hurricane Polo and resulting high tides, the Museum of the Pacific relocated the eggs to its facility]
#WarmerWaters #ClimateChange

meme

4. My friend Mary Kay posted this on social media this past week and I couldn’t agree more. Her husband Steve’s response? “I see nothing weird about any of that.” To which she said, “I dig your weird man.” Me too. Love both Mary Kay and Dive Bar Steve Kramer. Miss you guys like the dickens and hope to visit you again up in Oregon soon. Need to see the new place…and get some couch time with the pups!

Steve, Brian and Mick were the Dive Bar Messiahs and they would play classic rock at Amigos, or the Watermark, or Grapes and Hops. You knew I’d be on the dance floor whenever they played “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Stones, which I always felt was just for me. They took a bit of the soul of our music scene when they disbanded, and then when Steve and Mary Kay left the area for the great Northwest.

Photo of Syd Rose, Me, Mary Kay and Steve and all the pets

5. My friend Linda is now a proud grandma! She got the word her daughter-in-law was in labor shortly after the photo taken in #1 above. Congratulations to Nicolas and Isabela, and a big welcome to Esther Rose! Some complications, but all is well in the universe again.

Wishing the family continued growth and happiness!!!

photo of Esther Rose heading home
photo of Nicolas holding daughter Esther Rose

6. Brad Pitt’s latest film is called Heart of the Beast and it’s a story about him and a dog lost in the wilderness. I find it extremely entertaining that all reviews I’ve read to date provide the information that the dog does not die. Ever since Marley and Me I will not go see a film based on a relationship with a dog unless I have a guarantee that the dog does not die. Pitt can die, but not the dog.
This is now on my list of movies to see.

movie poster for Heart of the beast

7. I was surprised and slightly disappointed to find when I searched for a new Stud Finder, I did indeed get photos of stud finders…though there were a couple of studs in a few of the advertisements. I renamed the photo from Stud Finder to Stud Found. #ArtworkNeedsToBeHung

photo of man using stud finder

8. Don’t you hate it when customer service prefaces everything with, “Thanks for your patience”? #NotFeelingPatient

Also, when taking a survey after receiving customer service online and then the final question is “What could we do to better our service?” I like to answer with “less surveys.”

Artwork for Hands Across America

9. If you’re of a certain age, do you remember Hands Across America in the 80s? I participated and held hands with five million other people across the nation On May 25, 1986, to raise awareness and funds to combat poverty and hunger. So when I saw our local chapter of Surfrider Foundation promoting Hands Across the Sand, I was intrigued. A rally was held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 on the sand just north of the Ventura Pier. The rally was to generate attention and let the powers that be that we say “NO to offshore drilling and YES to clean energy.” I attended and heard stories about previous oil spills. From Surfrider website:

Oil spills have been tied to the Central Coast’s history for decades. In early 1969, a blowout on an oil rig offshore from Santa Barbara made national headlines. For a period of ten days, an estimated 3.4 to 4.2 million gallons of crude oil flowed into the Channel, closing nearby beaches and critically threatening flora and fauna. The largest spill recorded at the time, the event created the groundswell for the first-ever Earth Day, on April 22 of the following year. 

Bill Hickman – Surfrider Central CA regional manager
Done photo of Hands Across the Sand
Drone shot of us north of the Ventura Pier

I’ve seen more than my share of black tar ball substances on our local beach here in Ventura over the years. I knew I needed to stand with Surfrider, the Sierra Club, cfrog (Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas), Patagonia, IndivisibleVentura.org, Chumash People, Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez and all the people who came out to support this effort.

Me watching KC Rodriguez
Me on left listening to KC Rodriquez

From my favorite quotes file: “We’re a part of nature. As we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves. It’s a selfish thing to want to protect nature.” Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia.

Thanks for listening.

A Couple of Things…

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1. If I could, I would…

  • Run a senior dog sanctuary for all dogs who had to be surrendered by their owners at no fault of their own…and perhaps even those at fault.
  • Run a singer/songwriter listening room.
  • Learn to surf.
  • Have a second home in Tuscany, Italy.

    Best case scenario: home in Tuscany where I can house surrendered senior dogs, being able to ride my bicycle into town where I host singer/songwriter evening weekly…and travel back to Ventura to surf occasionally.
image of clean pot with noodles being cooked

2. I’m a big fan of watching cooking shows, and/or short cooking videos on YouTube or Instagram. What I don’t understand is how they keep their pans so they look like they’ve NEVER been used before. #HowsThatPossible

Though I do admit, I have seen a few with grungy looking cookware and those recipes are not as appetizing.

3. Who the hell coined the expression, “Make good choices!”?

4. I came across this incredible story on social media from the Santa Barbara Independent (click for full story). It’s been years since I’ve visited the Santa Barbara zoo, probably not since Sydney Rose was a little girl (she’s 32 now). But I remember the habitat for these incredible apes (not monkeys because they have no tails). One recently gave birth in front of visitors. The fact it happened for the few who were there to witness it is amazing. But it’s the face of the mom that cracks me up! Nature is truly wonderful. Any thoughts on a caption?

Gibbon walking with new born

5. So proud of Linda! One of her projects is to collect children’s books (English & Spanish) and then stock a local outdoor neighborhood library book stand. This weekend she took it one step further. With the permission of a popular breakfast place, she set up a table and handed out books to anyone who wanted them! Inspiration comes from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. To date, the non-profit has gifted 332,411,218. From the website, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five, through funding shared by Dolly Parton and local community partners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.”

Well Linda is doing her part in Fillmore, CA. Way to go Linda! Let me know if you’d like to donate $10 or so bucks so she can buy more books to give away.

Photo of Linda with books

6. My friend Carol adopted a senior pup from the San Bernardino animal shelter.
I’ve been saying for months that I’m going to wait until the end of the summer then I’ll start looking into adopting again. I guess I’m on the hunt now.

She’s thinking of naming this scrappy girl Rosey.

#ILoveHer

photo of dog


7. Warning: this entry is basically for women, but highly educational for men:

I was reflecting the other day about menstruation. And yeah, I guess I’m speaking to women because we can empathize. I remember when I was a little girl learning about the facts of life and how I couldn’t wait to get my first period so I could join the ranks of womanhood. It was thrilling when it it happened, but literally took less than two minutes to realize, this sucks!

Then it slowly dawns on you that you will be dealing with this the rest of your life…whether you choose to procreate or not.

And of course it’s not only the cramps, but the bright red blood that “discharges” from your uterine lining. The past seventy or so years have seen all kinds products to help with this messy and quite colorful problem. From sanitary pads that you attach to a belt around your waist (my mother’s time), to pads that have a peel-off sticky strip that sticks to your underwear. I saw a comedian doing a bit where he thought the sticky side attached to the women’s skin. Funny, but ew. Then came along tampons that you insert and then pull out once they’ve absorbed the flow, but you never know and you can under/over estimate this. And now, there are menstrual cups and something called a menstrual disc, both of which came out after I hit menopause. You insert reusable device so the flow is kept from escaping, and you wear up to 12 hours. I can only imagine what that would look like though. But, it seems better than the tampons.

While doing this research I found one more option called Period Underwear. They’re designed with built-in layers to absorb menstrual blood, which is supposed to keep you comfortable and dry all day long. In appearance and texture, they are identical to regular undies, but it is suggested one wear a couple of pairs on the “high flow” days.

Young women today have more options both economically and environmentally, which is great, but menstruation is still a big inconvenience. For me, menopause was awesome. No more periods!!! The hot flashes (for me, warm flushes) were worth it.

And, I have to admit, I smile every time I get to stroll past the feminine hygiene aisle at the grocery store.

8. I’m fairly certain about this, when you call an older person young lady or young man, it sounds condescending.

9. This photo was taken today at lunch. What you don’t see are dozens of more pigeons outside the frame. It was crazy! Though I don’t yet have a caption for #4 above, I do for this one. “Some people will do anything for attention.” #Birdman #PromenadeVentura

Man feeding birds on promenade in Ventura

10. From my favorite quotes file: “Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?” – David Attenborough.

Thanks for listening!

A Couple of Things…

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Photo of Linda Perry and Don Hardy J.

1. The nearby Ojai Playhouse offers free movie tickets (trusting people will spend money at the concession stand) and I saw there was going to be a screening of Linda Perry’s documentary, “Let it Die Here.” I couldn’t pass this up especially since Perry and the director, Don Hardy Jr. would be conducting a Q&A afterwards. The film originally came out in 2024. If you’re not familiar with Perry, then hopefully you are with 4 Non Blondes and their iconic song, “What’s Up.” The song still gives me chills to this day. I was moved by her story and cried several times by her profound vulnerability shared in the film. I highly recommend it. #TissuesRequired
Also…I was the first to ask questions.

artwork for Let it Die Here

By the way, Linda Perry is a prolific songwriter and producer having worked with Dolly Parton, Christina Aguilera, Brandi Carlile, Kate Hudson, all shown in the film. Dolly said something along the line that that working with Perry felt like a momentous occasion, akin to collaborating with Elvis. And it is noteworthy that the song made popular by Christina Aguilera, “Beautiful,” was written by Linda Perry.

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can’t bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can’t bring me down, oh no
So don’t you bring me down today

2. Everyone’s a comedian. #SillyVandalism

3. Speaking of a sense of humor, my Alexa (with a male British accent) has taken to responding with an, “Aye Aye Captain” when I ask for a lamp to be turned off. #SillyAlexa

4. Living at the beach is a charmed life…that is until the neighbor behind you has a short-term rental and the visitors are laughing it up having a great old time at 2:00 am Monday morning!! #NotCool

However, during this latest heatwave, there’s nothing like dropping everything, and dashing down the lane to the beach to jump in the ocean to cool down! #LoveItSoMuch #WorthIt

5. Not gonna lie, I’m feeling pretty good about myself! #ExceptionalCredit

6. We lost Dolly, then Tim. I know celebrities have agreed to die in threes, so I’m holding my breath for the next one…though one could argue Hayden Panettiere was the first in a run of 10 days.
There has been a ton of coverage on the incredible life of Dolly Parton, she was one of those people who deserve all the accolades sent her way. A true treasure. I was going to say National treasure, but did you see England’s changing of the guard tribute? OMG!!! Check it out:

I do have to say I have a little bit more connection with Tim Curry as I saw him in concert in the 70s in support of his album, Fearless. I’m sure I still have it in my album rack. He was such a charismatic performer. Of course my first introduction to him was his role as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show. We use to go to Hollywood to see midnight showings of it where the audience sang along and some dressed up and acted out different parts.
But then I had the opportunity in college to take a school trip to New York City to see several plays. Well that was the year Tim Curry played Mozart along with Ian McKellen as Salieri in the Broadway play, Amadeus. I believe the year was 1981. It was such an amazing play. Quick set up: You enter the theater where the curtain is up, but the stage isn’t lit, but you can see a chair with a rumpled blanket on it, center stage. Everyone comes in and takes their seat, and while the lights in the audience go down, the lights on the stage go up, and the spotlight hits the chair where Ian McKellen had been sitting the entire time!!! He starts his dialogue with his disdain for Mozart while trying to hide his jealously for his clearly more talented rival. The movie was good, but I’ll never forget that play!
Curry had a paralyzing stroke in 2012 and never fully recovered and had to use a wheelchair ever since. In recent years he continued to do voice over work and did interviews and his mood appeared uplifting.

“I’ve had the time of my life revisiting my favorite memories over the past couple of years,” Curry told PEOPLE in April prior to publication. Referencing one of Frank-N-Furter’s most famous lines, he added, “I’m shivering with anticipation to share them with you.” (see full article)

artwork of Tim Curry's album Fearless
photo of construction crew kitten wearing hard hat

7. Could this be any cuter?!!! A construction crew found the lost kitten caught in heavy equipment and recused it. See full story from KTLA below:

8. I was a little worried that I might doze off while catching a tribute band for all things Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young called Deja Vu. So I had no alcohol prior, and instead had an Arnold Palmer (ice tea and lemonade). Boy was I wrong. The fully plugged-in band was on fire rockin’ the venue, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. I had never been to this venue before, but the staff was super nice and helpful and the room only has 78 seats which includes a balcony, so no seat has a bad view. I didn’t need to worry about that as I had a single seat in the third row.

Yes, the band was fabulous, and yes people did have minimal conversations during the performance, but my latest gripe is cologne. Ack!!! Stinky stuff. If you ever wonder if you have too much cologne (men) or perfume (women) on, the answer is going to be YES!!!

Photo of tribute band called Deja Vu

9. From my favorite quotes file: “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” – Oscar Wilde

Thanks for reading!

A Couple of Things…

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1. I took in a matinee to see Toy Story 5. As expected, it was delightful, and I had a chuckle or two hearing little kids talk back to the big screen. Sydney did that when she was a wee tot when I took her to see Barney’s Great Adventure in 1998. Barney is a purple dinosaur and about as geeky and sweet as you can get when it comes to children’s programming. On the big screen Barney is searching for an something (off to the side of the set) as he put his hand above his eyes and the kids in the audience (including Sydney) were screaming, “It’s over there, Barney!!!”
In any case, Toy Story 5 was sweet, but for adults without kids, you might want to wait for it to come out on a streaming platform.
I do admit how sweet it was that everyone stayed to listen to the Taylor Swift song at the end. I did not.
Next up, The Odyssey.

Fake sign at Taco Bell
Relax, I’m sure this is a joke 😉

2. After hearing for weeks about the Cyclospora outbreak causing explosive diarrhea, it was finally tracked back to lettuce which Taco Bell used from Taylor Farms. The outbreak to date was traced back to nine states: Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
Of course, the supplier could have shipped said contaminated lettuce to other restaurants. To be honest, I’ve always thought Taco Bell’s lettuce tasted odd.

I’m a fan of their Crunchwrap Supreme made with black beans. I will order without lettuce moving forward. I hear the enchirito is back. By the way, did you know you can ask for such add ons such as pico de gallo, purple cabbage, rice, onion and cilantro blend? Check out their on-line menu:
https://www.tacobell.com/food/specialties/enchirito

3. I was recently doing research for https://venturarocks.com/ calendar of events when I saw that Stanley Simmons is playing the Ventura Music Hall next month. The name sound familiar? Turns out it the sons of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. I figure I saw their pops play several times in the 70s, I might as check them out and see they’re chips off the old blocks. But alas…two days later, the show was cancelled/postponed. #Standby

4. Things took a horrible turn with the Big Bear Valley Eagles when one of the parents, Jackie, was seen on video being attacked by other eagles (out of towners). Shortly after, an eagle was filmed being scooped out of the lake, clearly in distress. Eventually taken to the Ojai Raptor Center (I love these guys, same organization where I was gifted an owl release), Jackie is good hands. The bad news, she is on the critical list as she is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys. The good news, she had the condition before the eagle attack which proved she was strong enough to fend off the attack. She is alert and eating, but only time will tell. #FingersCrossed #PrayForJackie #SendPositveVibes

5. Sending congratulations to Spain for winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup beating Argentina 1-0 after extra-time. The World Cup happens every four years. The Women’s will be next year and from what I understand in 2023, Spain beat England 1-0 in the final game.
https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/australia-new-zealand2023

6. Am I the only one who has trouble getting a doctor appointment, and then once I get it (typically weeks if not months out), I get a call to reschedule it? WTF????

Photo of a dog named Mouse on my lap

7. Okay, looks like I’ll be getting my hair done more often now! This is Mouse, and he enjoys sitting on your lap while you get your hair cut.

He and his sister had a run of the place which is to say they make their rounds apparently monitoring to make sure everyone behaves themselves.

Brilliant!

8. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the name of the show, and if you ask me, the title needs “Spoil Alert” ahead of it. It’s streaming on HBO Max, spinoff of The Big Bang Theory. I saw the first episode and I’m not quite sold on it, but will give it a few more episodes.

hammock at airport

9. KTLA Saturday morning news, reported that the TSA reminds us that to help the stress of layovers, hammocks are allowed in the terminals. The reporters quipped it sounded like an April Fool’s joke. I couldn’t agree more so I search online and it’s certainly a story circulating. I found this article, but just google TSA & Hammock and a whole bunch of stories can be found: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/tsa-reminds-travelers-that-this-item-used-for-naps-is-allowed/ar-AA28xN5Y

10. From my favorite quotes file: “Every man dies, not every man really lives.” – William Wallace

(William Wallace was a Scottish knight and national hero who led the resistance against English rule during the First War of Scottish Independence)

Thanks for listening!