Lola's Place

Doggies

2012-01-16T09:46:00.001-06:00

Since I was a small child, I've had pets. Cats, dogs, a parakeet, a hamster, and some ducklings who adopted my Mom.

As an adult, I've stuck with cats because it was easier for me. Though many would argue the point as the numbers grew and I became the quintessential cat lady.

My boyfriend brought home a doggie the other day! A beautiful female Terrier pup! I don't have any experience with terriers and uber-high energy dogs, but how hard could it be?

Oh. My. Word!!! JUMPING and CHEWING and CHASING (my cats), OH MY! Those little fingernails that scratch my legs. Those little teeth that chew my shoes, tissue, paper towels, furniture! And this little doggie likes snacks straight from the litter box!

I'm a logical intelligent person. I've bought chew toys and better treats. I even taught Lady to fetch. Of course, fetching comes natural, so I can't claim any expertise.

I've watched training videos on the internet, and I've read articles written by experts and common sense folks alike. Finding the time and energy and patience is the difficult part.

I know. I know. I shouldn't have a dog or cat if I don't have the time for them. So, I DO make the time. Playing is easy! Training is hard.

Lady is calling me now, so I don't have time to continue writing this post...

Email / Internet MYSTERY

2011-06-18T14:12:00.001-05:00

Something strange just happened! (I've changed the names to protect the innocent... LOL!)

I got an email from my best friend Trixie. She sent it to me using YAHOO mail. My email address is less than a week old, because I just switched providers.

Yahoo Mail placed an ad for themselves at the bottom of Trixie's email to me. It was very faint and small, with a couple of Yahoo links. I liked the font Trixie used, so I clicked on the link for "My Cool Fonts" at Yahoo Mail.

Now it starts getting weird. When I clicked on the link, a web page opened with the Yahoo Mail information, including a SIGN IN window. The information was already filled in (both username and password.) I thought that it was a nonexistent person so Yahoo could show their features to me. WRONG!

Next thing I know, I'm logged in to a real yahoo account!
(Lets call it unknownman@yahoo.com)
Not only that, but I see my father's name on one of the mail folders! I recognize the names of other people near my dad. Naturally, I signed out.

Please note that my computer was built from the ground up with all new components, including a new hard drive. Nobody other than myself uses my computer. I have never received an email from the above man. My friend Trixie is in another state and hasn't a clue who the man is.

Yahoo put the link on her email to me. Automatically.
This is very bizarre! Sounds like Yahoo has a security problem!

The Real Housewives of... OMG!

2011-04-12T23:30:00.001-05:00

In the last couple of weeks, quite by accident, I caught two or threee episodes of different "housewives" reality television shows. This is where I say (pretend I'm being nasal), "OMG!"

Do these women not know how superficial and greedy they appear to be. I don't know where their abodes are located, but they are not in the real world.

Amazingly, they must have an audience, because new housewives shows keep coming. Could it be that some Americans believe this stuff? Or is America laughing and pointing fingers?

Give me five minutes alone with some of these women, and I'll be happy to tell them what I think of their little worlds. They are bitchy, and they whine. They actually believe in their own false sincerity. I probably still have some cousins in the hills of Tennessee (think Deliverance), and I'm sure they'd welcome these so-called ladies as summer guests.

If my Grandma was alive, it would be perfect. Though she descended from French aristocracy, she embraced being a southen woman with all her heart. She wouldn't even have to be in the hills to teach them about being a real person. She'd keep them in line, too. My grandmother carried a gun in her bra. As a girl, she split her foot with an axe while chopping wood. She tied it up with a rag, and kept on chopping. She also was an amazing horsewoman, and did her share of sharp-shooting. Yet, should she choose, she could out-snob these so-called reality celebrities any day.

I actually lived in Manhattan for four years in my youth. I socialized with the movers and shakers, the rich and famous, and the regular folk as well. How is it that I don't remember living in the New York of Sex In The City, or The Real Housewives of New York?

*Ladies, if you're listening... Nobody with true style, sophistication, and panache would be caught dead watching your shows. I'm pretty sure they'd ostricize you guys, too!

*I use the term ladies very loosely.

My Wishes

2011-04-08T20:38:00.002-05:00

I wish Congress couldn't get a pay raise as long as Social Security recipients couldn't get a cost of living increase (COLA).

I wish Congress couldn't get a pay raise until the deficit was zero dollars.

I wish Congress couldn't get a pay raise until our economy was completely perfect.

Today, when the government might shutdown, I wish instead that the rank and file government jobs would not be shut down. And that Congress would work without pay until the budget was properly balanced. This would also help in other ways. Congressional pay could help the government put back some of the money they've stolen from Social Security over the years. The Congress would have incentive to balance the budget. I'm seeing loads of possibilites here!

I wish that Congress did not receive their salaries for life. They need incentive to keep "we the people" happy and healthy.

I wish "Obamacare" was swiftly repealed. It just isn't right to try to fix healthcare by taking money from one group (medicare seniors and medicare disabled) to make it "better" for another group. That's why the healthcare problem hasn't been "fixed" before! Once again... Taking money from Congress would be okay with me!

I wish the media wasn't biased. If only there were a way to FORCE them to be truthful, honest, and UN-biased. I'll have to give this some thought!

I wish I could slap Nancy Pelosi without getting in trouble. (Pipe dream)

I wished all politicians told the truth 100% of the time. Note: I'm not talking about disclosing things we don't need to know. People who think we need to be informed of every litte thing need to grow a brain. If our government "kept us informed", they would also be informing our enemies! We live in the digital age, people!

That's enough of my venting... for now. Stay tuned.

ARMAGEDDON: Is the movie close to reality?

2011-03-27T16:50:00.004-05:00

Did I get your attention with that title?

Heads up, everyone! There is an asteroid named APOPHIS (how apropos) that will pass near the earth in 2029 and in 2036. If you think this is more internet crap, just trot on over to the NASA web site and draw your own conclusion.

Here is the problem: IF it passes close enough in 2029, it COULD hit the earth in 2036. The size is estimated to be about 12 miles (diameter?) Big enough to kill the planet. Needless to say, NASA is following the progress of APOPHIS very closely.

It is too soon to draw any definite conclusions, because the asteroid is still far away. There are many possibilities, but few definites.

Definite: Apophis asteroid exists.
Definite: NASA considers it a NEO (near earth object)
Definite: There is a LOT of speculation going on.
Definite: The "powers that be" around the world are following the asteroid's progress and making plans.

Apophis (circled) in a composite of five exposures taken on January 31 with the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope on Mauna Kea. Image by D. Tholen, M. Micheli, G. Elliott, UH Institute for Astronomy.

Check me on this one: It is possible that Apophis would pass between earth and anything in geosynchronous orbit.

I looked up the altitude of geosynchronous orbit, and discovered it to be 22,238 miles above sea level. (The moon is approximately 250,000 miles from earth).

It is too early for doom and gloom, and too early for saying "it can be fixed." The entire point of this post is to inform you of the existence of Apophis, and to suggest you learn more.

Television: Hoarding

2011-03-10T15:10:00.002-06:00

There is a type of reality TV that fixes on the hardships and problems of others. I hate it. In particular, I hate all the shows about hoarding.

I feel so sorry for the people profiled in these shows that are supposed to help people. Yes. They have a problem. But, I have yet to see where the prying eyes of television viewers has anything to do with help.

Usually the show has a "professional" therapist onboard, as well as a host who will force them (thru embarassment) to throw away what they hold dear. As I said, I agree these people need help. Lets face it, though. The best help would not involve television and force. And don't pretend they aren't forced. I predict that something awful will eventually happen that will "force" these shows off the air.

Since when does is take only one weekend (or a few days) to make the decision to change. They're not changing! They end up with a clean house, maybe. But their habits are not permanently changed. Only with REAL theraputic help, over time, can they finally live happily with less items crowding their lives.

People watch these shows to feel superior, even if they don't know it. Shame on the producers for prying into the lives of these poor individuals. I say, "Bravo!" to those hoarders who stand strong and tell them to "get the hell out!"

Consistency

2011-02-28T20:31:00.001-06:00

Okay. So, I don't often add to my blog. The Lord knows this is NOT because I am speechless. Just ask my family. Ask my friends. You can even ask anyone who has EVER met me. My mouth runs and runs and runs. Maybe it's because of the solitary life I lead. Perhaps I'm starved for attention, but I don't think so. I'm actually quite content when I'm alone, though I talk to my cats (No, I'm NOT the crazy cat lady!).

I think I just forget the blog exists. And when I get passionate about an idea, my hands are undoubtedly full, and I plan to do it later. Then the passion is gone.

And, I certainly hate writing anything without a purpose. Take this post.... The ONLY purpose it serves is to let you know I'm alive. AND, to make sure that the server sees a little activity here. With that purpose accomplished... See ya later...

Super Kitties

2011-02-17T14:31:00.001-06:00

My cats can imitate real human beings! Most of the time, they imitate Laurel and Hardy or Jerry Lewis... They're talented!

KITTENS!!!

2010-08-01T17:12:00.001-05:00

Kittens have no impulse control. None whatsoever! You really have to watch what you give them access to! I know this, because I've had quite and few kittens. In fact, I have a new batch now.

I'm in heaven! I love cats! Big, little, fat, thin, cute, ugly, young, and old. I even love the ones with diarrhea! Right now, my hands are quite full... but I'm hoping to update you soon on the kittens antics. Keep you fingers crossed for me!

Brilliant Ideas

2010-06-01T11:37:00.001-05:00

I'm a genius! Each night, before I drift off to sleep, I think of the most amazing, brilliant ideas! Things that will revolutionize the world!

Or simply things I need to put in a blog. Interesting, revealing, amazing thoughts to blog about.

This isn't one of them.... sigh.

One With The Masses

2010-04-09T00:59:00.001-05:00

Darn it! I've gone and joined Facebook. What was I thinking? Well, to be honest... I've reconnected with lots and lots of friends I haven't seen in years. And I've made a few new ones. Friend of a friend, you know. Maybe it wasn't a mistake! Now if only I could control myself and quit playing the darned games that are so time consuming!

ONLINE FRIENDSHIPS: REAL OR VIRTUAL?

2009-03-21T17:31:00.001-05:00

Coming Soon....

World of Warcraft

2009-03-21T17:17:00.005-05:00

I've gone and gotten myself addicted to an MMORPG... an online multiplayer game. World of Warcraft had been a huge hit long before I discovered it. But, I'm picky. I've played Guild Wars, and really enjoyed it for a time. The difference with WOW is that it encourages relationships among players. Yep! Actual friendships within the game. You have to work with others to achieve many goals, and it is so easy to find help in the game. Of course, if you really, really are a loner, you can solo the group quests. But, I think you'll fail many times before success.

I even started my own Guild. I can't imagine where I got the idea that I could convince others to actually join MY guild. There are so many to choose from, after all. But they did, and I am so grateful! I was even at a low level when I created the guild. Yet some 30 people have joined and I am pleased to say we all get along wonderfully. I've got some awesome members way above the level I've achieved, and they are kind enough to help anyone who needs help. Even me!

That reminds me... I need to write a post about ONLINE FRIENDSHIPS: REAL OR VIRTUAL?

PS... The name of my guild is Galileo Copernicus, and my characters are named Lolacat / Lolacatt / Lizacat. If you play, look me up!

Battlestar Finale

2009-03-21T16:57:00.005-05:00

So... Last night I watched the finale of Battlestar Galactica. I enjoyed it. However, I think they took the easy way out, and still managed to leave questions unanswered. All the mysteries have been attributed to a "higher power". All I can say is Deus Ex Machina.

In addition, I have more questions. Starbuck told Lee Adama that his father wasn't coming back. What? Why not? Is he going to sit and mourn Laura until he dies? Is he going to live in a cabin on the same planet and not see his son? And Starbuck leaves. Even resurrected, she could of stayed to climb mountains with Lee. And Lee suddenly deciding he was no longer passionate about his leadership abilities?

Speaking of which, why does everyone seem to be going off on their own? Galen is going to go live on an island and become a highlander?

And why send the fleet into the sun? Major stupidity. They start over on "Earth" with nothing but the clothes on their backs? I suppose they will build their new homes without tools. What about medical emergencies? There are hospital facilities on the ships. I could go on and on ...

Did you notice the money they saved on sets for the last episode?

Last thought: At least Baltar knows about farming...

Yes, I like romance novels.

2008-11-28T20:43:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time, I decided an easy way to make money was to write romance novels. Never mind that I had never written anything closely resembling a novel in my life. I figured, "How hard could it be?" However, I HAD heard that you needed to be familiar with the genre you chose.

So, off I go to the book store and find a rack of series romances (like Harlequin and Silhouette). I grabbed a couple at random and went home to read them.

Oh. My. Word. They were so dreadful (my opinion) that I couldn't get halfway through either. The whole idea of writing romance went out the window.

Fast forward a few years... My sister calls me to recommend a book (Did I mention that we are voracious readers?) She gave me a lengthy description of how wonderful the book was, before finally admitting it was a romance. But, I promised to read it since we usually had the same taste. After reading REMEMBRANCE by Jude Devereaux, I learned an important lesson: Even the romance genre has good authors -- you just have to know who you like!

2008-11-28T19:36:00.002-06:00

It's me again. FINALLY. I found a layout I like and updated my blog today. 'Bout time.

Well, today is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Otherwise known as "shop til you drop" day. As expected, people were waiting for stores to open before dawn this morning. Sadly, their fervor was terribly illustrated by the 5:03 am death of a worker at Walmart in New York somewhere. They believe he had a heart attack. They also believe he was trampled since he was at the front door when the store opened. The shoppers were NOT happy when the store had to shut down. I'm sure Walmart wasn't happy either.

This is a very sad story. But before we condemn all of humanity for "what we've become," we should remember: None of this tragedy was planned. There was no malicious intent. Only a very few people would have been involved if he was indeed trampled. Many people who made it into the store probably didn't even know what happened. I don't know about you, but I'm saying a prayer for the victim's family and for all present.

I agreez

2008-10-21T16:39:00.002-05:00

I got this hilarious photo from http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Birthin' Babies!

2008-09-24T19:53:00.001-05:00

OK, so I love cats. LOVE LOVE LOVE them! For the past two years, my cup runneth over with kitties. Big kitties, little kitties, skinny kitties, fat kitties, black kitties, gray kitties, tabby kitties. I've been blessed!

You see, there was a miscalculation about when a particular male kitten would reach maturity. I was out of town, so I plead innocence. We ended up with three pregnant females before Stinker (the male) was fixed. We've given some of the kittens away -- we had eleven left until Friday, September 12. At 5:00 o'clock p.m., Mama Kitty (her name, aka "itty mama" aka "Mama") gave birth to five gorgeous babies!

This wasn't the first time I've prepared for and watched kitten birth. This was Mama's seventh litter, after all. Don't worry... I'm having her fixed when she is finished nursing. None of the births were planned, but Mama does love her boyfriend. We have found good homes for all of her babies over the last five years.

Mama is an outdoor cat that was only a few months old when my roommate and I started feeding her. Even to this day, she prefers the outdoors. I'm hoping that will change after she is spayed. I would have done this before, but I've been travelling a lot the last year, and nothing seems to get done while I'm away. But, I'm home now.

So I Finally Made a Blog!

2008-09-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

This was an impulsive move. I have lots of opinions and lots of stories. My friends have often told me I should blog. Here I am... I'm blogging.

I'm sorry my first post isn't more informative. Problem is, my butt hurts from sitting in this darn chair in front of my computer for too long. I sat here for four hours before I decided to start this. I'm also hungry. It's decided then... I'm taking a break, and will return later to personalize my new blog. See you later...