THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

At this time of year, the beginning, some people of more hope than experience will be setting down their resolve of how to improve their lives in the coming months.

Here at the international headquarters of Oddball Observations we call these people "delusional".

But be that as it may, go ahead and make your New Year's Resolutions but remember the reality expressed in the following pie chart.

Or here.

On that daring note, I shall bid you adieu, Gentle Readers.

Please have an exciting and fulfilling weekend and always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oh, no, bail money again)

TBT: THE SAGA OF AMBROSE BIERCE

When I lived in Mexico, back in the 80's, I used to mess around with doggerel.  Here's one I wrote in August of 1989.

Ode to Ambrose Bierce

When you go down to Mexico

     away down in the Tropics,

          you'll find no friendly Texaco

               and the folks aren't philanthropics.

In Ajijic or San Miguel

     there's music in the air.

          The beer is cheap, tequila's swell

                and gringos everywhere.

The sun is bright, the palms are green,

     the ladies are so Spanish.

          But the nights can turn a little mean

               and sometimes people vanish.

A lot of them just disappear

     without a lot of traces

          and no one sheds a single tear

               and no one knows their faces.

So when you cross the border

     to cantinas that are fierce,

          be careful what you order

               and remember Ambrose Bierce.

(Explanatory note: Bierce was a journalist and fiction writer who traveled to Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1913 to gain first-hand knowledge of the Mexican revolution.  The 71 year old Bierce disappeared and was never seen again.)

DAWN

As one lonely soul sets out to begin the day.  

And the year.

A NEW BEGINNING

So now the year of 2018 truly begins, Gentle Readers.

I wonder what it will bring.

2018 HATH ARRIVED

SWMBO and I marked the occasion last night with a meal of seared scallops and steamed asparagus, both topped with homemade Hollandaise sauce and a nice bottle of Prosecco.

Lovely.

Sandwiched around that was a movie about Emily Dickinson, A Quiet Passion, starring the daughter of an old friend, Cynthia Nixon.

While she delivered an exquisite performance, we found the movie somewhat dreary.

She's been getting rave mentions, though, that may lead to an Oscar nomination.

We saw a brief flurry of the early (8:30) fireworks from the city complex, then watched the "ball" drop in Times Square in New York City on television before calling it a night shortly after 10 p.m.

And so on to another new year.

2018 IS NEAR

To all the many friends, both old and new, who have found these scribblings pleasurable, let me wish the very best for the coming annum.

Or, in other words . . .

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Well, dear friends and Gentle Readers, it's nearly time once again to say goodbye to another year and make our plans for the next one.

I won't say New Year's Resolutions because I think we all know how those usually turn out.

But let's stop frowning and start smiling, o.k.?

I'm feeling driven.

If you're feeling like driving this weekend just remember all that good advice you've gotten (and ignored) over the years about the effects of alcohol on your judgement.

And the attitude of the officer who stops you!

I'll be staying in and safe for Amateur Night.

Whatever you decide, have a safe and exhilarating weekend and always remember to keep laughing.

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

(oh, yeah)