A working dinosaur. Traditional reporter journalist as seen by a tech savvy modern newsroom staffer. (USPD/Commoins.wikimedia.org)
Suffering from delirium, nostalgia, or sheer boredom, I turned it on.
You can guess how that went. (I know. Bad judgement.)
Dug out the TV remote, changed the dead batteries, and ventured back into TV’s network and local news offerings.
No startling revelation, but noted the formulas for news show programing have morphed.
The traditional local news formula was clear and predictable:
- 5-10 minutes of national news
- 10 minutes of local news
- 5-10 minutes of weather
- 10 minutes of sports
- Ending with a pleasant ‘goodbye" from a professionally dressed seated anchor.
Clean, neat, neutrally informative.
Some of big name news anchors seem to think They are the news not just one who reads the news. (“Weekend Update” with Chevy Chase SNL screenshot. SNL Season 2, 1976/YouTube)
Many of the updates are cosmetic: flashy and flashing backdrops, anchors’ set positions now mobile, and lots of “chatting” (“…forming personal relationships with viewers”, Marketing says. “And brand loyalty!”)
Stories that are gossipy, emotionally-charged, or stoking fear – even the weather – are doled out piecemeal and scattered across the whole time period.
Marketing: “Keep those viewers’ glued to your screen! Sigh, viewers, trained by computers, have such short attention spans now.”
(Couldn’t be what is offered simply isn’t very good or well done? if I really want to know anything in a timely fashion, better to go online.)
On a side note, during travels I have noted in the high plains/Amarillo/ agricultural areas there are interesting variations to their forecasts (besides the critical tornado potential analysis).
In winter, the stations always mention the temperature of the soil at 1 inch level, 3, inch level and 6 inch level. Relevant to seed distribution, germination, and crop management, right?
During Spring to Fall, growing season, the soil moisture level (at 1, 3, and 6 inch depths) is also mentioned. Water management information (for those big irrigation systems and the farms’ water allowance/budget.)
News you can use.
Something I find annoying about the current local "news" formulas is they spend so much time talking/promoting their network’s new/upcoming TV series. Or energetically giggling in excitement over their parent company’s new films and film stars.
(YAWN, click – that used to be in the realm of shallow "entertainment" shows after the serious news shows.)
Is there a writer’s strike going on? Is AI, tasked with searching the web for stories, too quickly becoming human-like slackers?
What’s with getting stuck on one story and repeating it over and over for days with little variation?
Same story breathlessly read at 4 p.m. (local), 5:30 (national), and at 6 (local) Read with great enthusiasm/concern as if it was actually “new” news…for 3 days in a row. (I’m beginning to commiserate with the movie “Groundhog Day”)
Of course, there’s the real "Breaking News" raw footage reel quickly inserted with "Something happened here. You can see the wreck/flames/police action – but we don’t know what is going on. We’ll tell you once we know something." (Yeah, gotta be the first on your block.....)
On top of that, at least one network has decided to channel “The Shopping Network” and hawking “Special Deals” items to buy.
I had to keep looking to see if the remote had slyly changed channels on me, but no. Talk about feeling like captive audience trapped by a bait and switch situation.
Networks have discovered controversal opinion pieces are cheap programing as well as getting viewers fired up and staying tuned.(Screenshot of SNL “Weekend Update” with Jane Curtin and Dan Aykroyd. Season 4, 1979. YouTube)
Oh, wait.
I think I know where I needed some batteries like these in the remote the other day for another device.
Bingo! We have a winner.
And quiet – and mental calm- reigns once again.
Well, except for the lingering cough of The Cold From Hell.
Don’t worry – device screens, unlike masks, actually do stop the spread of human germs...but germination of ideas? Now that’s another thing altogether.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
And people wonder why people are watching so many dog and cat videos?(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Production Note:
It’s been 14 years of blogging fun.
Thanks to all who smiled along.
Oh, yeah. This is definitely what he has next in mind. (Image: Victor Diaz Lamich /Commons,wikimedia.org)
Obvious why kids are a wreck. Daily life is quicksand for them.
Potential of misunderstanding wraps like a dropped plate of spaghetti around their ankles.
Meaning: Always tricky.
Small kid in backseat reveling in his day’s success on the ski slope: moguls, in and out of side lines of trees (without permission), and going faster than a speeding bullet downhill. (Watch out, X Games!)
Smug, he was.
One proud parent seeking to praise remarks, "You’re the G.O.A.T. of the Slopes!"
Which immediately drew a scowl and angry retort
"Don’t call me that! I am not a goat! That’s mean."
Adult, rocked back on mental heels, realizes the mistake – rushes to explain.
“No, no. It’s Greatest of All Times. The greatest! Listen a minute.”
Which goes unheard amid the increasing fury.
There are no capital letters or period punctuation marks in oral conversations. In the car, there’s no white board to clearly show the intent.
Explanations, meaningless.
"I’m not a goat!" Red-faced and close to tears from the perceived insult (and exhaustion).
Look. It’s not complicated. Those letters spell this: “goat”. Everyone knows this. You were taught it. You believed it. THIS is “goat.” Not complicated…until it is. Quicksand, I tell you.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Might as well throw in the towel…Distract! Distract! Redirect! Retreat!
"Hey, how about a chocolate bar?"
(I know. It has caffeine, too much sugar, and probably red dye 3, but can it get any worse? Make it stop. Please, make it stop!)
Critical thinking necessary when speaking.
"Out of the mouth of babes", as they say.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge (who is trying to recover from The Cold From Hell…It’s been over 2 weeks now and I’m getting pretty darn cranky about it….)
Curious, though. (And down another side rabbit hole…)
With the constant pounding overload of dark news these days along with how stressed and anxiety ridden children seem to be, is it worth rediscovering an old 1546, medieval English phrase?
"Auoyd your children, smal pitchers haue wide eares."
Translation and muse more with a very short article: "The Intricate World of Children and Proverbs"
This probably makes more sense to a child than much of the adult world. We sometimes don’t make it easy on them. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.com)
Simple navigation is sometimes difficult. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Never expected that. Ever.
Completely stopped in my tracks.
How to respond?
With enough information to satisfy the inquiring mind, but not ramble on with blah-blah-blah unnecessary excess.
AND DO IT QUICKLY!
Before the moment was lost.
The 5 year old was happily sitting with an easy reader.
You know, little print on page with lot of visual clues and pictures. Rhyming. Simple words.
"Fat cat sat" stuff.
He looked up and asked, "What’ a ‘the’?”
“I know this says ‘cat’ and I know what that is.
And this says "sat’ and I know what that is.
And this says ‘fat’ and I know what that is.
But what’s a ‘the’?"
Stumbling around, I desperately searched for a satisfying answer.
An "article" – like he’d understand that. In his world, "article" is a group of words in print about something.
Seeing my struggle, he tried to help, "If I bought a ‘the’ what would it look like? Can you pick it up on a shelf? Or watch it do something like ‘sat’?”
Attention requested. (Amazon.com/Klein company)
Finally I said it was a signal word like the flashing red lights and striped arm coming down by a railroad track.
Telling you to watch out for something important that is coming.
"The" signals that a word of some thing is coming up in the sentence soon.
It’s one of the most common words used even if you can’t hold it in your hand or watch it do some action.
(Welcome, kid, to a glimpse of the adult world where the simple is most complex and usually illogical.)
“Oh, surely you can come up with something better than that.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
"Oh," he said then went on to more important (and more interesting) things like the "The cat ran at the rat" (and he giggled and said we should draw dripping blood everywhere. It’s a boy thing.)
What’s a ‘the’?
Never had anyone ask that before.
What would you say?
There’s joy in beginnings.
(Please take me along.)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Funny how little kids can make you feel like an inept clown. It’s their job – to keep you humble. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org.
Flight of fancy. Fancy flight. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Who’duh thunk?
A peek at some recent peak weirdness
C/2024 G3 (Comet Atlas) showed up dressed to impress on January 13, 2025. Not its’ first ta-da by Earth:"The icy emissary passed this way some 160,000 years ago"...(Source)
Who knew?
I mean, really. Who saw it then?
The article said that’s about when humans started wearing clothes….(like, how does the writer know that?)
Do you ever wonder if in 160,000 years from now C/2024 G3 will be spotted and "discovered" again – and who will be the one to do so? (And what will they be wearing…Will they wonder what we were wearing?)
Comet Atlas from Space Station. No, I didn’t get to see it: too cloudy, too many lights, and no wide view of horizon Someday, (going all Miz Scarlet and Tara) “They’re not going to lick me. I’m going to live through this and when it’s all over I shall never be without Dark Sky again!” (NASA/Astronaut Don Pettit)
The National Parks Service actually credits the re-introduction of the wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park for the saving and recovery of the Aspen tree forest there and in the Rocky Mountain areas.
Wolves as predators thin the large hoofed animal herds enough to prevent over-grazing land. The Elk, deer and such are not having to strip the bark and leaves off the Aspen trees as a last resort to keep from starving to death.
Go wolves! Plants are depending on you! (Nice to be wanted.)
There is no truth to the rumor that wolves in their effort to become more accepted are going to leap into the transportation network – maybe fur UBER. (USPD/Commons..wikimedia.org)
It’s winter. Cold weather has arrived. Oh, the shock of it. It’s not P.V.’s fault!
Just as a review: The Polar Vortex is not new or seasonal. It always exists around the poles.
"The term "polar vortex" has only recently been popularized, bringing attention to a weather feature that has always been present." (Source NOAA/National Weather Service) Realistically data shows when extremely cold Arctic air arrives, sometimes it is because of the polar vortex but not always
But the polar vortex has an alibi this time. It’s here: NOAA/Climate.gov)
Of course the Polar Vortex is real as seen here…So, therefore, Santa Claus and the Snow Queen….?(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Wandering through the universe and universal thoughts
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Legends and myths are delightfully being crated as we watch. (Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster with Spaceman in driver’s seat. Falcon Heavy Mission. USPD released by SpaceX/Musk)
A dark sky with a mystery: is it a hole that can suck anything that gets close to it into it like a vacuum, a leak like a car’s fluid system hose, or a “keeping an eye on you” spy hole…you don’t think we’re just a bigger ant farm being watched by someone even bigger, do you? Knowing which could turn out to be pretty important. (© image)
There’s a logical explanation for everything. (How dull that would be.)
Humans, as a species, aren’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.
Monarch butterflies travel miles each year seemingly without any prior knowledge or experience. Ducks automatically know when to fly south for the winter.
Humans can’t seem to figure out how to get anywhere without a vehicle computer navigation system.
Bears know when you might as well stay in out of the weather and sleep it off until times are better.
Many humans can’t figure out the weather unless they crowd around a digital screen and intently – loyally – gaze at some badly dressed, chatty, barely-out-of-school, very new to the area individual blah-blah-blahing about a map full of arrows, colored sections and computer animations.
Sometimes it’s better to check with a primary source – as in look out the window or actually go outside.
Might take time to notice what the dog, birds, squirrels, or ants are doing.
Of course some will smugly say, “That didn’t help Galveston before the 1900 storm. Or what about those trapped by sudden unexpected flash floods?”
Takes time to hone skills. Been proven, too, if skills and knowledge aren’t frequently used, those diminish.
That would be one logical explanation.
(Did y0ur mom ever irritate the heck out of you with “That’s an explanation, but it’s not an excuse”?)
Odd vertical rainbow in sky early one day where there was no fog, no chill in the air, and not a hint of rain. Thinking it might be only one leg of a rainbow, I search for the rest of it for some time in several locations, but never saw more than this one vertical ribbon. Maybe it’s a ladder rather than an arching bridge. (© image)
You would think people would have learned from Yellowstone’s devastating fires there in the early ’80’s: don’t mess with the intricate interrelationships between animal species (with the elimination of wolf packs) and the way forests manage themselves without human interference
Oh, yes, plants and trees die and brush falls to the ground to rot and replenish the soil, but the “natural” way also includes lightning strikes and spontaneous small fires to rid the piled up hazardous excess (and provide nutrients that come from fire as well as to signal some trees and plants to pop open their heat sensitive seed pods after the fire for new growth). Small, controllable fires periodically are much better than massive wildfires recent “experts'” ideas have caused.)
In any case, “natural” disasters going on are the consequence – of something.
Not going to get into the political or religious views of it.
(No way the events, which are really out of human control, are a leveling situation to get humans back to thinking about how it got this way, or encouraging a return to helping your neighbors, and to stop hoarding/buying so much stuff…particularly the abundance of artificial stuff that burns and creates toxic smoke. The other species would really appreciate the latter, I’m sure.)
It’s a mess and going to take a great deal of rethinking and repositioning of thought and behavior now.
So maybe back to the land…or to proven ground?
While sea water is bad for land plants and animals ( Ask Galveston about trying to keep the iconic massive palm trees alive that lined the streets before Hurricane Ike flooded parts of the island), desalinization plants have been used in the Virgin Islands and other places since production became practical/reliable/more economical in the ’70’s.
(Yes, the plants do work. Maybe more expensive, but if you don’t have drinking water naturally….My genius older brother was majorly involved in the research and development of modernized desalinization plants – his name on company’s plant patents. He used to fly around the world, play golf with officials, and talk about water. Who wouldn’t want to talk to the tall guy in cowboy boots from Texas?….Not California. July, 2022 article “A Solution for SoCal’s Drought?”)
Oh, if that’s not swimming enough for you, what about adapting agricultural robots or big drones to assist in fighting fires?
Could be deployed in hard to reach areas or to patrol burned areas with active hot spots.
While still in development, can you see an army of firefighting robot dogs or drones?
Have to work on being waterproof, tripping over vegetation, carrying enough of a payload (but if drones aer becoming air taxis, there is potential capacity) and having actual meltdowns, but necessity is the mother of invention…
“Adaptive Swarm Robotics Could Revolutionize Smart Agriculture”
“Weed-killing Robot Dog Could Become a Farmer’s Best Friend”
(A Dog. Appropriate for fire fighting efforts. You know how male dogs are. Seriously. Funny.
Serious article above)
A whole lot of watering down of thoughts
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Standing
The precipice or
Nothing out of the ordinary
Which is “in” and which is “out”, ambiguous threshold.
Doorway to snow and who knows. (© image)
“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.”
(Helen Keller, author, activist. Thank goodness her mother read Dickens.)
“Every doorway, every intersection has a story.”
(Katherine Dunn, novelist)
“The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with an open mind.”
(E.B. White, humorist, essayist, author)
“Now, what is it which makes a scene interesting? If you see a man coming through a doorway, it means nothing. If you see him coming through a window – that is at once interesting.”
(Billy Wilder, Director. Ah, Gloria, no sunset for you.)
“Wandering around the web is like living in a world in which every doorway is actually one of those science fiction devices which deposit you in a completely different part of the world when you walk through them. In fact, it isn’t like it, it is it.”
(Douglas Adams, the original. )
“Irish people give big hellos and very little goodbyes. Unless they’re female, and then they spend five hours talking in the doorway to the person that’s leaving their house.”
(Dylan Moran, comedian)
To avoid being accused of cultural appropriation of the Irish, I’ll close with “Onward through the fog!”
Whether weather fog, brain fog, exhaustion fog, or celebration recovery fog…
Oh. Sorry for the lapse.
2025. Make it your own.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Oh, seriously? I am well aware this is a tediously long post full of sound and flurries signifying nothing, but really? Oh, OK. Everyone gets a pass after New Year’s Eve and the endless – endless – mind dulling “news reporting” and (削除) gladiator (削除ここまで) sporting events on TV. The work week may actually be welcomed. (1870’2 trade card.Boston Public Lib./USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It’s show time.
The more things change….
“Oh, Fitzzz. After all time and effort I spent setting up for my New Year’s Eve TikTok video! Darn that little rug rat and his piggy partner in grime.” Reality check. More posts about pigs’ roles during holidays here and here. (1905./USPD/Common.wikimedia.org)
Started celebrating a little early?
Cherub looks a bit woozy.
(Reminds me of Gene Kelly singing in the rain and dancing around a light pole.)
Is there an Uber-style return ride home offered for cherubs?
1900’s card with both champagne and magic mushrooms?
(No wonder this reveler is rather glassy-eyed and disheveled.)
Cheers and a little fear as the long flowing garment seems to be at risk for slipping.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Wishing you a Happy New Year full of delight and insight.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Snow joke.
Duck if you really have to, but laugh when you do so. (Boy throwing snowballs in 1914 by Jenny Nystrom. Nat. Lib. of Norway. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
1889 apparently was really horrible (while not as bad as Year Without a Summer…..)
Macabre holiday greetings seemed to be the rage. (Due to rage? Sort of sinister.)
Kicking it. Not just to the curb, but to oblivion? Such hard feelings over what?
Was it something I said? No truth to the rumors I took the last chance for hope. (Postcard by Kinney Bros.Tobacco Co. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Things about 1889
Had to see what the animosity was all about.
A small sample: (You can read a longer list here.)
- Archduke Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian crown, is found dead with his mistress Baroness Mary Vetsera in Mayerling in an apparent suicide pact.
- Flood ravages Dutch coast
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) established as a Cabinet-level agency.
- US & German warships sunk by a typhoon in Apia harbour, Samoa, 200 die
- Paris World’s Fair opens. The recently completed Eiffel Tower featured as the entrance arch, but the tower’s lifts aren’t functional, so visitors had to climb 1,710 stairs see the view from the top
- Johnstown Flood; 2,209 die in Johnston, Pennsylvania when the South Fork Dam, located on the Little Conemaugh River fails
- 88 people are killed in the Armagh rail disaster, Ireland
- Dan Rylands patents screw cap.
- William Gray patents the coin-operated telephone
- German Christine Hardt patents the first modern brassiere
- Nintendo Koppai (later Nintendo Company, Limited) is founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi
- Famed cabaret Moulin Rouge opens (as the Jardin de Paris)
- Barnard College founded in New York City after Columbia University refused to accept women
- Debut of 1st jukebox (Palais Royale Saloon, San Francisco)
- 1st permit issued to drive a car through Central Park
- Patent issued for a bicycle with a back-pedal brake.(So everyone learned to back-pedal.)
Obviously there’s some good stuff along with the bad
It all depends on perspective and agenda
Anyway, does that help explain attitudes towards 1889’s end?
Did 1889 get too bold and fly too close to the sun? Did it know its’ fate and try to lure 1890 into harm’s way – as tribute perhaps – in hopes of buying another calendar year of grace? (USPD/Common.wikimedia.org)
And look at this next card. No joking matter. Celebratory or evidence of intent?
The woman doesn’t look like she is struggling with conscience at all.
Would this be considered child abuse or Year Hate speech now? (No room for hate! Get in hot water for that.)
Talk about leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Double dose even. (USPD artist life/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Of course, adults and those in charge frequently point at media for glorifying chaos and saying social media is to blame for children’s disturbing behavior: “Anti-social behavior should be condemned, not publicized for profit.”
Get the point? Blues is old news. Not recognizing the fashionable changes will not be tolerated. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Not able to shoot their eyes out with a Red Ryder rifle, they had to make do with sharp Christmas swords.
Somethings never change. Dancing on thin ice is perpetually popular. (Met.Museum of Art/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Is it just me or does it look like that 1890 kid pushed the other one into that hole in the ice?
He glances over then continues dancing a jig as he skates away without saying anything to anyone. Certainly no expression of surprise, concern, or remorse.
Must have missed that lesson about “brotherly love” or “love thy neighboring year”.
Did not consider patience a virtue.
Or a more simple explanation. This could be a security cam shot of sibling rivalry in action or of reprisal against a visiting cousin who has been messing with all the other kid’s stuff during the entire holiday visit. You know how family gatherings can be stressful and stir up competitive feelings.
“Oh, dear. What to do. Better go down and tell somebody to do something. Besides, my mittens are not waterproof. He’ll be fine. He’s making noise and moving. Keep kicking those feet. Or try to dig yourself out of your own mess. Serve you right for trying to go so fast.” (USPD/commons.wikimedia.org)
Forget that “See something, say something.”
Yet, this could be the reaction of a cautious observer who witnessed a dangerous encounter on a basic mode of travel and remembers how “no good deed goes unpunished.” People warned the trial of an individual trying to help others would send a chilling message.
Coldly cautious. It’s snowy anyway. Probably going to get ski patrol.
What do they say?
The good die young?
Could that be true with greeting card and holiday postcards, too?
Why are there more mean, ugly, weird cards surviving than beautiful ones?
Now you can’t say beauty doesn’t survive the years. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Seems like the opposite should be true.
The cherished ones could have gotten tucked away in diaries, attics, or trunks of souvenirs – all of which might have been tossed by relatives that inherited those many years later.
Love, friendships, and joy lost in the clutter.
Yet what if it’s the reality that the odd cards didn’t sell? Maybe the company, as it closed up, donated their unsold items to museums, libraries, or to those who collect such things, so the leftovers survived? (削除) Tax write off. (削除ここまで) Thoughtful attempt to contribute to historical records.
Small ordinary things reflect the attitudes and society norms of the times.
Interesting theory.
Surely some were happily in tune over the year. (USPD/Commons.Wikimedia.org
1889, like many years, offered the best of times and the mirth of times.
“New Year, please. Be gracious.”
Outgoing Year: “Take the good with the bad, but go. Please, just go!”
In any case, a decade appropriate greeting during this half-asleep week.
Let the next count down commence.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Some say “Julereia” is the only explanation for what is happening these days…
And you thought the traffic and crowds at the mall were terrible.! Mobs like this are legendary. (1922 Bergslien holiday painting. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Norwegian legends say those who are not happily celebrating the holidays and not prepared for Christmas are at risk of being swept up in an Oskoreia or Julereia.- which could be naughty, enjoyable, or both.
The Oskoreia (or the Åsgårdsreie) is a wild crowd made up of "ghosts, brawlers, murderers, drunkards, traitors, loose women and trolls” according to experts. Their existence traces back to very old Germanic myth known as “The Wild Hunt”
Easy to spot them (if you somehow miss the horrible racket). Their leader is Rumpe-Guro who gallops across the sky on her fiery black horse Skokse/Skerting, accompanied by her husband, Sigurd, on his horse Grane.
Still, even if horse lover, best to avoid them.
These wildly carousing creatures only live to cause dreadful nuisances and have been known to storm through houses, making a total mess, then, devouring Christmas dinner. Sometimes they “steal the souls of anyone unfortunate enough to be in their path eternity of extremely loud debauchery.”
Don’t worry! There’s hope!
Instructions for how to escape if swept up in such mayhem here (The section close to bottom of “10 Must Know from Norwegian Folktales”.)
Maybe Homeland Security should issue public warnings?
There are so many hazards this time of year.
“What do you mean, the Naughty List? Seriously, you know there’s no way my name can be on it that many times. Paws crossed, Santa!” (1870’s Boston Pub.Lib/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Looks like “Fight Club” to me. Is the kid on the lower right from the previous round? Before there were video games and tablets, boys found other ways to entertain themselves during family get togethers. 1870’s Christmas postcard. (Boston Pub.Lib/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Of course, people always say there’s consequences for actions.
especially this time of year….
All the holiday frenzy really drives that home for kids:
Did people use Christmas cards as instructional material for children in the 1900’s ? The phrase at the bottom is a bit incongruent with the picture. Fright night if you don’t act right? Oh, it’s just a joke. No way it’s a Christmas wish that many parents think but dare not utter…(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The entire Christmas season can be really terrifying.
Never liked that Elf on a Shelf. Seemed creepy and stalker-like.
Along with all the constant playing of guilt tripping Santa songs and shows about “checking his list”.
Adults oddly stop talking when you come in the room. Whispering and secrets?
Any wonder why children are so anxious?
Somehow that glazed odd expression looks to me like she ought to be in the movie “The Shining”. Possibly the result of too much sugar, up too early with too little sleep, the constant jingle, jingle change of routine, and elf fear. (1870’s Christmas card.Boston Pub.Lib/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Of course every family has “The Good Child”. I bet, hedging his bets despite what he tells his little sister about that Naughty List, he even cleans his room before being asked now and remembers to feed the dog. These days, he’s probably got a friend filming his cheerful helpfulness on a phone so he can upload it onto “X” to make sure Santa knows. (Boston Pub.Lib/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Over the years, some things remain the same. People travel to be with family during the holidays. Many kids still get to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. And as kids, you do have to be nice to visiting cousins even if they are totally annoying. Santa’s watching. They will not stop reminding you! (1903 Christmas postcard.USPD/Commons.wikiedia.org)
Christmas eventually arrives with all its’ mystery, wonder, and delight –
Even though kids say “It takes forever”
And adult say “Too soon!”
Merry on! (1907. Christmas postcard. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Hurry Christmas. Don’t be late”
These children just can’t wait. Don’t tell me you never peeked or looked for presents. It’s Christmas tradition. (1914.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
May your holidays be full of wonder and delights
Merry Christmas and jingle on
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Wishing peace, stillness, and comfort wrap warmly around you this season. (Christmas postcard of snowy Yosemite Valley. 1898.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
What’s it take
To get chosen
*Beauty
*Utility
*Friends in high places
“Useful? You’ve got to be kidding. Not in my vocabulary.” (USPD/Commons.Wikimedia.org)
Butterflies got it all:
- Delicate beauty. (Flightiness always excused in those)
- Career pollinators for plant production
- Plus bonus points for lifting the human spirit and suppling flights of fancy for the fine arts and writers
Who could not like/vote for Monarch butterflies? (You can hear the cry in Congress! “Those fragile beauties need a champion!”)
While they were found too lightweight for food deliveries, they seem to have found a niche as transport for the little ones. (Boston Pub.Lib./Commons.wikimedia.org)
Monarchs are closing in on one of the spots that ensure safety and security:
“When they said there were certain concerns that had to be addressed going forward, I’m not sure attire is what they were talking about.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Bats not so different. (46 bat species considered as endangered by IUCN. List here.)
- Sort of cute-ish in an Ugly Duckling sort of way
- Dedicated self-starters on the night shift of pollinators and insect control. (And supply batting practice for wind turbines, too.)
Even with a few faults ( You know the rabies and disease thing....But we all try to overlook one’s faults...You know, “Take the good with the bad” as you do with people, right?)
- Bats have many friends and supporters .( Okay, some of the roles bats have been given in literature appear a bit negative, but superstitions can be fought. Follow the science, right? )
- The “Good hearted”, environmentalists, and those who just like to follow the crowds, build bat houses to encourage stay and play in suburbia.
- Also bats got their own specialty angle: the eye-sighted handicapped underdogs of the night sky. “Soo misunderstood.” Gotta step up to help the handicap!
“Oh, yes. Acknowledged and ready to join the elites. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Smuggly bats grin at the applause, get humans to change behavior for them, and slip into the protected species consideration.
Yep, the protected Mexican free-tailed bat is the official flying mammal of Texas.
Celebrated and friends in high places, indeed.
“I know you said you’ve changed and are just like a German Shepherd, but still I don’t know. That bedtime story is so convincing.” (USPD/Common.wikimedia.org)
Wolves obviously need a better PR firm.
Maybe a bigger paw print on social media demonstrating their worthiness (削除) to exist (削除ここまで) share space on this planet.
Wolves, on their own, have accomplished two requirements:
- Absolute grace and beauty in motion as marathon runners. Winning smiles.
- They are finally, officially, acknowledged as pollinators – a very positive/necessary contribution
The Ethiopian wolves, (the rarest wild canid species in the world and protected since 1995) finally got a lick in and got people to notice something about all wolves: “However, it seems that therophily, that is, pollination thanks to non-flying mammals, is more widespread and frequent than scientists knew. “
True that wolves do eat avocados, but they can hardly be blamed for the current avocado shortages.
They said you are a fishwife . My Misses is expecting and she’s craving some salmon. Wait! Wait! I meant to purchase some fish, not invite you as dinner!” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It’s also true that wolves, like bats, have to fight stereotypes – appearing in literature and movies cast as the dangerous – the villains. Eventually humans will get pasts the "let’s kill something to stuff and hang on the wall to show how dominate we are", and recognized as others are for being a vital role in nature.
Oh, look. You know someone who always wanted a pony for Christmas? How timely is this?
The gift of a unique experience is all the rage now!
Here’s the interest form for the program from the CO department of Agriculture. Training sessions are planned for January and April of 202
Meanwhile, how about contacting friends in high places to help out the wolves?
Maybe suggest creating safe habitats: something like people did to accommodate and encourage bats and those glorified insect butterflies.
Maybe a PR firm could create some X tweets or commission a stage production like “CATS”. (Only cuter. Hey, wolves can have that “hug-me-stuffed-animal-look”. And talk about clowns. You just gotta (削除) howl (削除ここまで) smile at their antics.)
Or at least get some acknowledgement there’s a bit of overkill……
Montana’s general wolf hunting season is open (until March 15th or until quotas met) So far, 112 wolves, including 4 Yellowstone wolves, have been killed. Here’s a link showing the current number of Montana wolves killed.
Wyoming’s hunting season is also underway. Link to a tracker of wolf kills, not including the trophy/predator zone, which is already up to 34 wolf kills
Alaska, do you really need Proposal 75? If passed, the Department of Fish and Game would be authorized to use lethal methods like shooting wolves down from helicopters across the entire Unit 16 area, impacting ecosystems near Alaska’s treasured and iconic national parks – and killing on US taxpayers’ land wolves that belong to all US taxpayers. The objectives include reducing wolf populations by 73–80% . Shooting wolves from helicopters. Gee. That’s real sportsmanlike. (Public comments until Dec 27th here.)
“Hunting? What a coincidence. I like to hunt, too. How odd we are so different, yet have so much in common.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
How about suggesting a ceasefire at least? It’s the Season of Peace on Earth.
Peace. Not just for one, but for every one.
If ceasefire can be negotiated for Ukraine or Gaza between groups of the same species of different countries, why can’t one be done between two species?
A place for everything and everything in its place.
That would be a gift in uncharted territory.
Perception is everything.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
- “All our knowledge is the offspring of our perceptions.” (Leonardo da Vinci)
- “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is.” (William Blake)
- “The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” (Robertson Davies)
- “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” (Henry David Thoreau)
- “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” (C.S. Lewis)
Perception is everything. Piece on worth. (Boston Pub.Lib/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“As if provisioning for a winter feast at night wasn’t hard enough.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
What must they think
The resident hawks and raptors with their eagle eyes.
Suddenly having to dart and dodge during pursuit whereas previously the flyway was open and clear.
(“Darn it. More silly human blight!“)
Totally unnatural, unauthorized obstacles obstructing flight.
“Watch out! Feathers hardly recovered from last month’s entanglements.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
No apparent logical purpose.
Pointless structures. Unsuitable for perching.
Oddly, temporarily, placed.
Flimsy.
Requiring leashes
A hazard during rushes.
Just two Santas in the wind. (© image)
Do they muse over it? Air complaints?
Or is seasonal decor’s repeated rotation even noticed?
Rhyme or reason irrelevant.
What must they think?
“I say our only hope is unionized demands. It’s not a chicken or the egg kind of thing.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Must be baffling.
(“Offerings or tributes to avoid being prey?“)
(“Symbols of secret societies or flock identification?“)
Probably they just give a shoulder shrug and a feather ruff fluff.
Not worth pondering when it’s hawk dinner time.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
But, seriously, what do you suppose the hawks and birds actually think of holiday decorations?
I can see a fowl commenting "bad taste”. (That’s a joke. You get that, right? Jingle on!)
Musings upon pondering tumbleweeds and rafts of Husky hair on the floor.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
What if people shed ideas and opinions like a dog casts off no longer needed hair?
Ideas past their prime.
Opinions that are not really thine, but expected or passed down over time.
Going forward refreshed and healthier further down the road.
Unconcerned.
Never revisiting – much less gathering and hoarding – abandoned strands.
Those all blown away in a change of wind.
Or bagged and removed as the garbage they always become.
Dogs as a species have perfected the tossing of the unneeded.
(No longer their problem – so don’t let any of it become yours?)
It is Cyber Monday. Heard Chewy’s website crashed Black Friday. Well, thank goodness, there’s still the actual mall which welcomes emotional service dogs. Not sure who is the emotional one: the human escort or the dog…(USPD/Commons.wikimedia)
Dogs, they say, come to resemble their owners.
Maybe it should be the other way around?
Scratch that itch and move on.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Privileged or hindered? Hardly able to paw the surface of that. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Yes, Son. Your future is in this folder” (USPD/German Federal Archives/Commons.wikimedia.org)
And they said he’d never land successfully anywhere.
Scoffed at his Marketing Degree with emphasis towards" Merchandising focused on cultural / sociological themes"
Knowing they snickered behind his back that he’d probably fold up and end up spending his life in some attic or basement.
“X” marks the next spot of the next generation in the family business. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Well, he’s blown all that up.
Oh, OK so he did come back to joined his father in the family business.
Nothing wrong with that.
Like father, like son isn’t so bad.
“Yes, Son. All this will be yours. No need to go over them thar hills.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Although he worried at a tender age about getting tied down, he’s quite comfortable now staking his claim just down the block from his dad’s place of business.
Small, but huffing and puffing to make an memorable impression and keep the family reputation aloft. (© image)
His dad is so puffed up with pride that he’s about to pop.
Let the holiday season get baking.
And here’s big, proud Poppa! Look at that happy smile. His son has come home to roost and continue the family business of spreading holiday awareness. (© image)
As the large, white ghosts are replace by the large, white snowmen, Hank the Husky is closely watching the thematic yard changes.
Last week, we were amused by one block with"Holidays on Parade".
- House 1: still had some spider webs, and a couple of black cat cutouts by orange Jack-o’lanterns in the yard.
- House 2 right next door: the ghosts were replaced by fresh-faced, harvest-worthy scarecrows by the hay bales with an autumn leaf wreath on the front door
- House 3 adjacent: cleared the deck and lined the sidewalk with American flags for Veteran’s day
- The 4th, and last house participating in the holiday chorus line, features two life-sized Nutcrackers flanking the front door, a poinsettia Christmas wreath, accessorized by glowing Christmas lights along the roof already.
The parents are doing their best accommodating their preschoolers’ desires and the march of holidays in progress. They managed to deflate the giant, inflatable yellow spider a couple of days after Halloween while allowing the simple, orange pumpkins to remain as "harvest icons". Gradually, they are inching the Jack-o-lanterns with ghosts peeking over the tops backwards closer and closer to the garage towards the Halloween packing box before pulling out the reindeer, staking out the giant, inflatable snow globe, and planting the candy canes. (© image)
A calendar tableau which is probably totally confused any new arrivals here.
(Or maybe the welcoming block is creating an instructional introduction to the sequencing of local holidays?)
A very stiff Thanksgiving turkey. Somehow this reminds me of one of those hostage pictures – you know, the ones made under duress. Doesn’t take a genius to suspect this individual must have a bit of a conflict holding that sign... or maybe he’s in the witless protection program trying to reassure someone that he’s made the flight safely? (© image)
Once people held off Christmas holiday yard decorating until after Thanksgiving.
But either memories of COVID lockdowns, or the election hysteria season seems to have motivated everyone to run outside and try and put on a happy house face.
Joy to the World.
Any size, any shape, any mashup of festivities, works for me.
Gotta greet the season with a grin
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Talk about fathers and sons. You can’t tell me that these two weren’t traditionally oriented towards celebrating. They look totally festive. Perfect for multiple occasions. (King Edward VII of UK with Prince George. 1902. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Chicks love a well dressed man. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Obviously a traditional chap. He was all finely dressed and smooth in his elegant brown suit. Fine, subtle detailing – none of those common, ordinary patterns or flashy colors of the locals.
He was strutting it....Classically understated – with no need to loudly proclaim his background story or heritage.
Well fed.
With confidence.
He boldly goes where he wishes.
No matter how often he was warned with "Be careful of the dangers out there these days."
Seemingly well attended, though, by his people, who run daily in search of him as he is routinely slow to return at dusk.
Still he ignores all warnings.
He enjoys sitting around watching workmen – even wandering into the houses they are remodeling.
If he wished to stroll in that yard or sit on this porch, he did.
Repeatedly ignoring suggestions he take more care "...and for your own sake, GO HOME!"
“Why must you wander, darling. It makes you seem so flighty.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
That’s how he almost became duck dinner.
Opened the front door heading out for an afternoon stroll with Hank the Husky, not realizing The Duck was sitting on the porch.
Hank was turbo charged at the sight. Overly enthusiastic leaping and pouncing. Fortunately – with great effort – Staff managed to slow the wild Rumba line dance.
The Duck wobbled desperately towards the neighbor’s driveway – frantically flapping attempting to gain as much wind thrust forward as possible from his tip-clipped wings.
Then, on second though, The Duck turned and seemed to be expecting greetings and food tidbits.
Somehow Hank and Staff managed to get down the driveway to the sidewalk – leaving a very puzzled – and very miffed duck standing alone.
Obviously, The Duck felt insulted.
The Duck is a pet three houses down belonging to the family from Tibet who run a lovely restaurant not far from here.
Obviously, quite used to benign, affectionate humans who carry him around.
Sr. Staff while carefully shoo-ing The Duck homeward, encountered one of the young cousins of the household. Efforts to explain the dangers of cars, coyotes, racoons, hawks, cats, and dogs to the pleasant young man was for naught. He always smiles congenially, but we know speaks very little English.
Anyway, that afternoon The Duck was picked up and cradled so he managed another day.
We understand there are 3-4 sibling ducks who are smart enough to stay in their backyard.
Maybe their wings are clipped more effectively.
“Baffling. The realtor said this was such a friendly neighborhood.” (© image)
In any case, we now send out a scouting party looking for The Duck before Hank is allowed to go outside.
Hank seems to think he had acquired a playmate or aerobic instructor for him. Thrilled.
He hasn’t forgotten and searches the yards every time for any sign of his new "friend" who was so skilled at playing chase as well as hide and seek.
We hate to see Hank disappointed.
But we’d hate to see Duck for dinner
The neighborhood still is uneasy about what happened to the pretty, little chicken flock that belonged to the Turkish/German family across the street.
The beautiful little hens used to get out occasionally and we’d all help round them up.
They were happily there...Then, they weren’t.
We all hope the family took them to live on a farm before leaving for a month long vacation back home....
Like with the duck, we are all afraid to ask.....Some see pets; some, like Hank, see dinner.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
“Wait! Wait! Why do you shun me? Was it something I fowled up and said?” (© image)