Out in Left Field

• I Get the Best Emails - Ongoing

  
  To: Kate
  From: Doc
  Subject: A Christmas Prayer
  
  Dear Lord,
  
  Thank you for another year... I know I probably didn't do as much as you wanted me to, but thanks for forgiving me for that, too.
  
  Thank you for looking out for [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 31, 2008, 9:30am EST
  

• Family Quotes I'm Allowed to Share

  
  Some people complain about family. They write somber novels, produce trite movies, and drink themselves silly in some vain attempt to forget their roots and erase from memory about a trillion bad experiences.
  
  Poor bastards.
  
  Clearly they’ve never partied with the Durkin clan [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 30, 2008, 7:08am EST
  

• 2008 – The Year in Pee Yoo

  
  

  Is anyone really sorry to see 2008 bite the dust? Filled with great joys and sorrows, this year blasted our conscience and bowels. What’s up with ABC canceling Boston Legal? Let’s review the last twelve months that took us from Colorado to Florida, and how [...]

  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 28, 2008, 5:38pm EST
  

• A Facebook Conversation - Ongoing

  
  The family and I took a little road trip. To Scranton. Pennsylvania. In the wintertime.
  
  My cousin got married a few months back and so we're going to celebrate his nuptials with big to-do tonight at the Parish Center. In Scranton. Pennsylvania.
  
  On [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 27, 2008, 7:03am EST
  

• Happy Christmas

  
  From me to you...circa 1970. [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 25, 2008, 7:14am EST
  

• Holiday Wishes from My Ass to Yours - Ongoing

  
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 24, 2008, 3:10pm EST
  

• Holiday Wishes from My Ass to Yours

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 24, 2008, 7:08am EST
  

• Best Songs of the Season

  These are my favorite Holiday songs. In no particular order...
  
  
  
  
  
  Two of the most beautiful faces and voices in music...
  
  
  
  Sing along with me...
  
  
  
  And my kids' favorite...
  
  
  
  Hands down, no one sings this better...
  
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 23, 2008, 7:38am EST
  

• Happy Happy Happy Chanukah

  
  It bears repeating...
  
  Chanukah. Eight crazy nights.
  
  In our house, we break it down with a different theme each evening. Try these ideas and add them to your own celebration:
  
  1st Night - Fun: Has to be something enjoyable. No other redeeming [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 22, 2008, 7:25am EST
  

• Who Wears Old Spice Anyway?

  
  The cologne that smells like alcoholic traveling salesmen smells even worse now.
  
  Old Spice sponsored a contest recently through an all-things-penis-y blog called 'The Art of Manliness.' This site focuses on "uncovering the lost art of being a man."
  
  I sh*t you not.
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 21, 2008, 7:48am EST
  

• Here's Why Rick Warren Wasn't a Bad Choice

  
  Yes, he's a fairy-tale believing bigot. He says unbelievably stupid things on national television.
  
  
  
  But we are never going to win the fight for gay marriage and transform the United States into an inclusive country where gays and lesbians have equal rights [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 20, 2008, 4:13pm EST
  

• A Moment of Gratitude - Just a Moment

  
  Not a whole lot to gripe about during this holiday season.
  
  Well. That's not entirely true. I got a lot going on, but that's another post for another time. Right now, I'd like to say that I'm digging family and friends.
  
  I've seen [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 19, 2008, 6:47am EST
  

• Sites I'm Enjoying

  The boys at work like to hit Outback when vendors arrive to take us to lunch. No worries. Outback whips up a yummy salad for me upon request - greens, mushrooms, tomatoes, cukes, candied pecans. I top if off with some honey mustard salad dressing and nothing tastes better.
  
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 18, 2008, 8:15pm EST
  

• How the Mitch Stole Christmas

  
  Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was all about the Wall Street Bailout. His buddies deserved only the best in taxpayers' money.
  
  But when it comes to auto workers and middle class families who are struggling to survive - he demands they accept huge cuts [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 17, 2008, 9:42am EST
  

• Back to the Lab Again, Yo

  
  Not bad. As far as rejections go.
  
  Dear Catherine,
  
  Thanks so much for sending this my way – it’s certainly a compelling story, but I’m afraid that I didn’t fall in love with the writing as much as I hoped I would. I [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 16, 2008, 8:46am EST
  

• Most Ridiculous Headline Ever

  
  "Bush's Iraq-Afghan Trip Marred By Dissent."
  
  Oh yeah? Well thousands of men and women had their own tours of Iraq and Afghanistan marred by death. So take the dissent.
  
  Poor baby. [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 15, 2008, 5:14pm EST
  

• Driving Miss Darby

  
  For those who missed it, my family dedicates one night of Chanukah to charity. We light the menorah and instead of receiving gifts, we give them. My children, husband and I talk about the charity, its work and importance. My kids bust open their [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 15, 2008, 9:49am EST
  

• Gay is the New Black

  
  It's no secret that I have a certain amount of contempt for religion. I don't even know if I believe in God, really. It depends on the day.
  
  Combine this contempt with my liberal sensibilities and a brain and, oh I don't know, concern [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 14, 2008, 10:54am EST
  

• I Get the Best Emails - Ongoing

  
  My full-time job has me swamped, part-time writing gigs pile up around me, and an agent wants to see a proposal for my memoir Learning Curves: Five Years in the Nation's Most Scandalous School District.
  
  Side Note: If you have any experience with book [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 13, 2008, 10:55am EST
  

• Let's Get Rid of Sansom

  
  With so many good people losing their jobs, why should this bozo hold on to his?
  
  Click here and participate in his sacking. As more details emerge, it seems quite clear. Homeboy belongs in Illinois, not in Florida. [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 12, 2008, 12:47pm EST
  

• Gotta Love Congress - Always Lookin' Out for Me and You

  
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 11, 2008, 10:12pm EST
  

• Adventures in Parenting

  
  My kids have been challenging lately. After two or three evenings of strong-willed and opinionated debates followed by consequences that feel like a punishment for me, too, I've daydreamed out loud about moving to Paris. Or the Middle East.
  
  Alone.
  
  I'm not a [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 10, 2008, 5:41pm EST
  

• Rally in Tally for Equality

  Equality Florida is hooking up with allies across Florida for a Rally in Tally on Monday, March 16.
  
  Pissed about Amendment 2? Hate violence? Wanna help introduce bills that will repeal Florida's shameful ban on gay adoptions?
  
  The rally will mark the start of the second annual Equality [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 09, 2008, 4:30pm EST
  

• I Get the Best Snail Mail - Ongoing

  
  To: Catherine
  From: Favorite Uncle
  Subject: A Politically Correct Holiday Greeting
  
  Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice , but with respect for [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 08, 2008, 8:43am EST
  

• Choice Move Gang

  
  Don't get me wrong - big fan of the pro-choice movement in general and Planned Parenthood in particular. They do a lot for women in need of a choice and inexpensive health care options.
  
  But who in their right mind stuffs a stocking with [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:32am EST
  

• What Do You Think?

  
  Every year at Chanukah, my family devotes a theme to each night. Sometimes we give gifts that follow that theme - like Book Night or Education Night. Other evenings are named Fun or Freebie where the focus is on good times and the only requirement [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 06, 2008, 3:38pm EST
  

• Where is Focus on the Family Now?

  
  An 8 year-old child is taken to a gun show and shoots himself in the face with an Uzi submachine gun. Dad is right behind him, but unfortunately isn't hit. Christopher Bizilj, the child, is killed instantly.
  
  Dad gets on the news shortly [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 06, 2008, 8:30am EST
  

• Where Everybody Knows My Name

  
  I'm looking for a place to become a regular.
  
  What are the requirements?
  
  I'd like a locally owned establishment in North Tampa with friendly faces where I can sip a glass of wine and relax with a good book. Maybe some enlightened conversation.
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 05, 2008, 7:22am EST
  

• Ray Sansom - Take Your Jobs and Shove It

  
  At a time when most Floridians are struggling to find or keep jobs and stay afloat, Representative Ray Sansom (R-Destin) is one lucky guy.
  
  He got two new jobs in one day.
  
  Sansom was named the new Speaker of the Florida House and [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 04, 2008, 1:09pm EST
  

• My Thoughts Exactly

  See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 04, 2008, 1:01pm EST
  

• "Shut up, Grandma, we're playing with an evil doll!"

  I have been downright crabby lately. I snap at my children, elderly drivers, and neighborhood kids going door-to-door for the American Heart Association.
  
  "Don't you think you ought to lose the Snickers bar and Big Gulp when you're canvassing for health-related donations?" I asked while sipping wine. "Christ on [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 04, 2008, 7:12am EST
  

• Fix Healthcare Now

  
  Do you believe that:
  
  -- Our health care system must be inclusive; no American can be left out?
  
  -- The government must be an advocate for its citizens by setting and enforcing the rules so insurance companies put our health care before their [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 03, 2008, 6:48am EST
  

• Who Here Needs a Well-Rounded History Course?

  A Colorado activist sent me this clip of Wafa Sultan. The title of the email? Terrorism 101: A Refresher Course.
  
  I wanted to write back: Are you high? How about World History 101: A Refresher Course? Because if you think Islam is the only batshit crazy religion with batshit [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 02, 2008, 6:13am EST
  

• Let's Say Thanks

  
  Just because Thanksgiving is over, doesn't mean the thanking needs to stop. No matter if you're for the war or against it (is anyone really for it?) - no doubt our soldiers could use a bit of love.
  
  Go to this web site [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 01, 2008, 4:44pm EST
  

• Chapter 13

  
  And the saga continues...
  
  Not bad for an at-home mom trying to find something to do besides eat and watch Oprah. [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: December 01, 2008, 9:37am EST
  

• Fairy Tales and Super Sales

  
  'Tis the season for parents everywhere to demonstrate for their children the real meaning of the holidays.
  
  I'd like to take this minute to learn the Bill O'Reilly crowd a thing or two.
  
  You shouldn't worry about whether the local courthouse has a [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 29, 2008, 7:49am EST
  

• Hanging Out with Stuffed Turkeys

  
  This year, I am thankful for -
  
  The ability to breathe through my mouth while a dead turkey neck boils over on the stove.
  
  My family - who love me even though I won't eat their dairy desserts.
  
  Forgiveness.
  
  Best friends [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 27, 2008, 10:22am EST
  

• The World Only Moves Forward

  
  Many families in Florida have an extra reason to be thankful tomorrow. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Cindy Lederman said it all.
  
  "There is no rational basis to prohibit gay parents from adopting."
  
  The ban on gay adoptions was ruled unconstitutional. The ban on [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 26, 2008, 8:55am EST
  

• How 'Bout Them Apples?

  Nana made great decorations. She'd attend Lighthouse for the Blind workshops and come home with items that continue to make us smile, more than ten years after her death.
  
  These two pilgrims are two such creations.
  
  
  

  
  
  At first glance, they are [...]

  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 25, 2008, 5:52pm EST
  

• A Title for My Memoir

  
  I already asked this on Facebook, now everyone gets to play.
  
  Which title do you like best for my memoir about teaching in Tampa:
  
  Hot for Teacher
  
  or
  
  Learning Curves?
  
  Which subtitle do you like best:
  
  How I [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 24, 2008, 7:07pm EST
  

• I Get the Best Emails - Ongoing

  This one is partly true, check out Snopes.
  
  And then proceed with caution.
  
  To: Catherine
  From: Mom
  Subject: The Holidays
  
  Wanted to give everyone a heads up that if you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to make sure the cards will [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 23, 2008, 1:56pm EST
  

• Punk is Back

  Yesterday my children attended a special activity day at their school to raise money for a local patient who needs heart surgery.
  
  My own heart skipped a beat when Oldest donated $5 and got a special haircut from some "expert" who liked piercings and anarchist politics.
  
  Reminded me [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 22, 2008, 6:19am EST
  

• Kill Baby Kill

  Doesn't this make you want to have a slice?
  
  Governor Sarah Palin continues to entertain...watch her pardon one turkey while others are slaughtered right behind her.
  
  
  
  Yummy.
  
  "But at least this was fun..." [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 21, 2008, 1:00pm EST
  

• What the Hell is Wrong with St. Petersburg?

  
  
  According to Howard Troxler - unilateral power that's hurting the entire region.
  
  That's what's wrong with St. Petersburg.
  
  It looks as though the City Council continues to do the mayor's bidding, no matter who gets hurt or goes broke in the [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2008, 11:58am EST
  

• Still Crazy After All These Years

  Julie, Cathy, and I got together this past weekend for the first time in over thirteen years. The heavens opened, angels lit up some weed, and the Lord rejoiced every time we undressed.
  
  The Lord and Julie's neighbor. (One and the same. Right, Steve?)
  
  In other words, all [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2008, 2:28pm EST
  

• They Haven't Done Enough Damage, Right?

  
  Those pesky Bush administration officials are trying to kill as many as two-thirds of the wolf population in Yellowstone and the Rockies.
  
  I may not belong out west, but the wolves do.
  
  Protect them and urge the US Fish and Wildlife Service [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2008, 1:08pm EST
  

• Forgiveness and Facebook

  
  Lots of people cut ties with their past and end relationships in order to move on. I understand the need to renew yourself by forging ahead without looking back.
  
  But when I find someone special, I hold on for life.
  
  I found most [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2008, 6:05am EST
  

• It's Almost Turkey Time. You Know What That Means?

  
  
  It's time for my annual post entitled: "Oh no. Not in my mouth, you don't."
  
  Test yourself. Can you watch this all the way through?
  
  
  
  Are you still hungry for flesh and tumors and ulcers?
  
  Vegans are thinner, healthier, [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2008, 9:22am EST
  

• I'm Not Really Domestically Inclined

  
  However, I do like a green kitchen, which means more than just having the right appliances and avocado-colored counters. Being eco-friendly means serving food that's easy on your digestive system and the world around you.
  
  Answer this question: Your guests want their martinis shaken, [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2008, 11:25am EST
  

• Thank a Veteran Today

  
  Here are some ways to thank former soldiers for their service to our country.
  
  Call.
  
  Booty-Call.
  
  Write.
  
  Write on their wall.
  
  Write on their body with whipped cream.
  
  Send a thank you note.
  
  Deliver it in person.
  
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2008, 6:19am EST