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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

What is CCS?

Found this kicking around on a disc - I think I saved it for the Official Soul Patrol Scrapbook that Connie & I (thought of first) helped put together. :D Good for a memory, a smile, a laugh...

Recently, bloggers on the internet have revealed that Taylor Hicks does indeed have a serious medical condition. For many years, he has been suffering with a disease known as conjunctive cardiac soulitis - a sometimes fatal proximity of heart and soul.

More common in the south, this disease is very serious and may result in muscle twitching as your body is overcome with the urge to dance. Verbal patterns are interspersed with sudden outbursts of "woo" and "hey," especially while singing or excited. These outbursts are sometimes misdiagnosed as Tourette's, but are, in fact, evidence of a "level 3" conjunctive cardiac soulitis infection.

WARNING: conjunctive cardiac soulitis is EXTREMELY CONTAGIOUS. The disease has been known to be transmitted simply by being in the same room as someone already afflicted, or - more amazingly - through sound waves. In fact, conjunctive cardiac soulitis is the only disease on record capable of being transmitted through auditory stimuli. The World Health Organization urges extreme caution in dealing with this disease, calling it a "bigger threat than bird flu."
Now you know.


As many of you know by now, Taylor has accute CCS. Since this disease is rapidly spreading, and many Americans are at risk, I thought I'd post some updated information on it.

What is CCS?

Conjunctive cardiac soulitis - or CCS - is a severe inflammation of heart and soul. It is usually caused by an unexpected proximity of heart and soul or - in extreme cases - when heart and soul actually come into direct contact.

What are the symptoms of CCS?

Level one symptoms are mild and are most often characterized by a generally euphoric feeling that spreads rapidly throughout the body.

Level two symptoms are highlighted by a sudden loss of muscle control that begins as twitching and can progress to the point of motions that resemble involuntary dance.

Level three infections - the most serious cases - include sudden vocal outbursts such as "woo" and "hey", usually when singing or excited. Occassionally, level three CCS is confused with Tourette's Syndrome. Although this misdiagnosis is common, CCS is, in fact, quite different and much more benign than Tourette's.

How do you become infected with CCS?

The primary path of infection is through the ears. From there, CCS spreads rapidly throughout the body. Individuals with keen ears for good music, an open heart, and gentle soul are more than five times more likely to become infected than those without.

Clinical studies have shown that individuals from the South are particularly vulnerable to CCS, while some individuals from the North actually carry an antibody against the disease. Doctors urge caution, though, since CCS is extremely contagious and spreading rapidly throughout the entire American population and no one is truly safe. The World Health Organization and the Surgeon General issued a joint statement calling CCS a "potential pandemic that makes the spread of SARS and bird flu look like molasses. Mmmmm. Molasses."

Is their a cure for CCS?

Treatment is available for CCS, but not advised. 9 out of 10 doctors recommend no treatment for CCS. The 10th doctor is a quack, so you probably shouldn't listen to him. For those afflicted with CCS, the best "treatment" is education and awareness. By fully understanding how CCS affects the body, you have a better chance of regulating your day-to-day outbursts.

For those deranged individuals who insist on a "cure", treatment is available in the form of several large - and painful - shots of hiphopoxia administered directly to the ears. This type of treatment is not always guaranteed to work and can have serious side effects. In extreme cases, patients may develop a bad case of "the rap" (also known as Tupacitis and Foshizzlaxis). The rap can cause the body to develop shiny oversized growths (known as "blings"), cause the gradual supplantation of teeth with precious metals, and force a sudden weight-loss in the hips and waist that cause the pants to fall down constantly. As any foo' can plainly see, the cure for CCS is worse than the disease.

I have CCS. What should I do now?

First of all, don't worry. Many famous people have lived their entire lives with CCS. Performers such as Ray Charles and Joe Cocker have had successful and fulfilling careers despite (or perhaps because of) their affliction.

CCS is not a debilitating disease. In fact, once you overcome the initial confusion about "what's happening to me?", you will likely find your CCS bouts an enjoyable experience.

The best way to deal with your CCS is to let it out. Trying to hold it back only makes it worse. Smile, dance, whoop and holler. Voting for Taylor Hicks on American Idol also helps.


Now - stick out your tongue and say "woooooo!"


Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Lost...

Today isn't any better. How do you accept the fact that someone you knew willingly took his life - willingly caused those who loved him pain and heartache? Especially when you know so many who have died that didn't have a choice?

I'm so mad at him - FRANK I'M MAD AT YOU, YOU ASSHOLE!

It doesn't matter that I haven't seen you in a year - it doesn't matter that we lost touch. YOU WENT AND LEFT US. Why?????

I wanna know why someone so young, dynamic, good looking, smart and talented was too stoopid to figure out how to call a shrink?????

But mostly I want to know why he thought this was the only way out. No note was found - it even took a few days for them to find the body. (Edited to add: A note was found, but hadn't been read as of last night - and it wasn't a few days - he had been dead a month before he was found).

He was in the service at one point. It was his service revolver that did the deed.

I'll never have the answers. None of us will.

I wish I could find the audio code for this song, but I can't. One of my favourites, I dedicate it not just to Frank, but to all those we've ever lost.



Just Once More

(Matthew & Gunnar Nelson)



I've got a million pictures in my heart and here at home
But I'm afraid that they'll just fade with time
And photographs are cold
And a memory's hard to hold
And I never got the chance to say goodbye


One more day-one more night
One more chance to get it right
A few more words-a few more laughs
Doesn't seem too much to ask
And I know it's just a dream
But I'd give everything
If you'd walk through that door just once more


Sometimes I catch myself asking you out loud
What you'd do if you were in my place
'Cause every day in every way
I've tried to make you proud
I wish that I could tell you face to face

One more day-one more night
One more chance to get it right
A few more words-a few more laughs
Doesn't seem too much to ask
And I know it's just a dream
But I'd give everything
If you'd walk through that door just once more

Seasons come and seasons go
But love lives on-you taught me so
Oh-I've been blessed, I don't think twice
But wouldn't it be nice

One more day-one more night
One more chance to get it right
A few more words-a few more laughs
Doesn't seem too much to ask
And I know it's just a dream
But I'd give everything
If you'd walk through that door just once more



I love you Frank - I'll miss you soldier boy.



Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.



Just Once More Matthew Nelsongs/Gunnar Nelsongs; BMI/Minka Music/Maverick Music/WB Music Corp./ASCAP/McJames Music;BMI © 1997 All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Silly meme - tagged by Bond

Well Vinny haphazardly tagged EVERYONE so here it is....:D

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
Key West

2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
My grey track suit

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Smile

4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Taylor Hicks

5. Where's your favorite place to be?
Somewhere over the rainbow

6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
Work

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged?
Neck

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
Mind

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
depends on if I'm driving myself in to work - 7:20, or getting a lift - 6:20

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
my Magic Bullet (and before anyone laughs, it was a gift)

11. What makes you really angry?
People in their 30's holding on to grudges and acting like they're five

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
used to play piano, but now have a guitar and a how to DVD

13. Favorite colour?
tie between purple and black

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV?
sports car

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Completely yes

16. Favorite children's book?
definately a toss up - I loved Nancy Drew, but I have a series of Sesame Street books that are near and dear to me

17. What is your favorite season?
fall

18. Your least favorite household chore?
washing the floors

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
teleportation

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it?
Will have one soon hopefully

21. Can you juggle?
sort of

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
My great grandmother

23.What's your favorite day?
Friday


24. What's in the trunk of your car?
a box of something or another - I'd have to ask ol' whatzhisface


25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Sushimi maybe, but burger usually

Now, I'm going to pull a Bond - if you haven't done this already TAG. :D You're it.

Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Everything I needed to know, I learned from Satan

Paul sent me this, and I just HAD to post it. Click on it to increase the size. And no comments on how you just KNEW Satan was a woman boys.....




© Andy Weir (www.galactanet.com)




Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Be honest guys - tell me what y'all think....

Well, since all my favourite bloggers are posting creative writing pieces, and heck, I've ALWAYS been one to follow the herd - so to speak (no Dana, that was not a cow joke, and Paul SHUSH!), I figured I'd post a few myself. This one doesn't really have a purpose - it's not from a novel, just an idea I had one day. Hope you like it....


Katie walked through the Korman Street alley on her way home from work, just as she did every night. She was careful to side step the puddles and slush so that her worn tennis shoes wouldn't get wet. They were the only shoes she owned and she had to make them last through the winter. She shuddered in her threadbare coat as a rat scampered across her path and into the torn and crumpled boxes that littered the alley. As she spotted someone to her left, Katie reached into her purse and pulled out a roast beef sandwich. She stopped in front of the grey bundle of clothing, and tapped it with her foot.

"Hey Danny. Wake up." The bundle stirred, as a face poked out from inside the rags.

"Well, good evening Katie." A shaky voice, with a thick Scottish brogue, emitted from the weather-lined face, as shivering fingers brushed greying hair from in front of pale blue eyes.

"Here you go old friend." She offered the sandwich to him. He accepted it willingly, and looked at her with gratitude. As the wind whipped her curly hair around her frost bitten face, Danny grabbed her hand.

"Honestly Katie, if you didn't bring me sandwiches from that diner you work at, I'd starve to death. God bless you child." Katie blushed, the heat warming her cheeks, making her look younger than her thirty-four years.

"And you're gonna catch your death if you don't come in out of the cold. For the fiftieth time, come upstairs to my apartment. It's not much warmer, but at least the walls keep out the wind and snow. For God's sake Danny, it's thirty below out here!"

The old man shook his head. "No. Katie, you go on. Don't worry about these old bones. I'll be fine." Katie sighed in resignation, and gave her friend a hug.

"Until tomorrow Danny, you stubborn old goat." He laughed, as he watched her plump figure walk down the alley to the building's back entrance.

`What a good girl.' Danny thought to himself as he finished his only meal for the day and settled in to brave the cold winter's night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next evening in the Korman Street alley, Katie reached into her purse and pulled out a large Hoagie and smiled to herself.

`Danny will like this.' As she thought it, she noticed the grey bundle. "Hey, Danny. Dinner time." The bundle didn't stir. She whistled. Still no movement. She bent down and pulled aside the blanket. Those familiar blue eyes which always looked at her with warmth and laughter, now stared, unseeing, at the sky.

Katie desperately searched for a pulse, only to find none. She shook her head, tears coming to her eyes as she pulled his lifeless body to her.

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes the pipes are calling....."


©Angell


Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

Monday, January 15, 2007

To Ann - with love and friendship


For My Angel Ann

Today's post is dedicated to two of the bravest women I know.

Yesterday, our friend Ann experienced one of the greatest losses anyone can face. Her beloved mother was called home to the Lord's side, ending a long battle with cancer. Ann was by her side almost every minute and showed great love and strength in the face of this devestation.

Ann, while I have yet to go through this with a parent, I have been there with several family members, and the pain is undefinable. My explaination is that at this time, with all the evil in this world, God decided he needed another angel by his side. Your mother represents all that is pure and wonderful in this world - and she is no longer in pain. At least that is something to be thankful for.

We all know that we must face this at some point, and yet we pray that the day will never come. But, when it does, we turn to those we love for comfort and support.
So, with open hearts, and open arms, we stand, hoping our dear friend will find the strength to turn to us in her hour of need.

I wish I had more words to express my sorrow at your loss. But they just won't come.
Ann - this is one of my favourite Elvis songs, and it gave me a lot of comfort when I lost my aunt. I hope you find some comfort in it as well.



If I Can Dream
By Elvis Presley
BestAudioCodes.com


All my love to you mon ami.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Tagged by Turn Tuesday

Ok, so, I was tagged by Turn, who was tagged by Dixie & Mary, who were tagged by Bond baby, who was tagged by Sanni for this meme - so I guess I blame Sanni then eh?

SILLY MEME

1.When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
"Well, it started out as a bad hair day and went downhill from there..."

2.How much cash do you have on you?
I never count it, but not enough to matter.

3.What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
Wh...no, not going down that alley - how about SORE as in what my tooth is right now?

4.Do you label yourself?
Yep - weird, strange, unusual, quirky, cute - see where I'm going with this? he he he .... But seriously, no, I hate to be labelled by anyone

5.Bright or Dark Room?
Dark

6.Why is there always a missing question?
To make us go hmmmm....

7.What does your watch look like?
Used to wear a Mickey mouse watch constantly - haven't worn a watch in years now.

8.What were you doing at midnight last night?
Drifting to sleep, but trying to finish the last chapter of a book I'm reading (didn't make it)

9.Where is your nearest 7-11?
20 minutes east

10.What’s a word that you say a lot?
Deal, whatever, cool, dude

11.Who told you he/she loved you last?
Ol' whats-his-face

12.Last furry thing you touched?
My kitty Goldberg

13.How many rolls of film do you need developed?
One - I found it last weekend when I was "decluttering"

14.Favorite age you have been so far?
Life was really good at 22

15.Your worst enemy?
My self esteem

16.What is your current desktop picture?
Advertisement for the last WWE PPV event

17.What was the last thing you said to someone?
Yes mom - I'm going to the dentist tomorrow

18.The last song you listened to?
Angel - Aerosmith

19.What time of day were you born?
Sometime between the first and second downs (I was born during an Argo's game - in the hospital people - relax)

20.What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
Say a very loud curse word--(even if people are around) and put more money in.

21.Do you consider yourself kind?
Yes

22.What’s your life motto?
Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

23.Name three things you have on you at all times.
Cell phone, wallet, notebook

24.Can you change the oil on a car?
Of course - by taking it to the garage. :D

25.When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
Well, it wasn't hand written, but it was mailed - does it count? If it does, about two weeks before Xmas.


Now, I'm not sure who to tag, so let's do it this way - if you're reading this and you HAVEN'T been tagged yet - YOU'RE IT.


Stay sane inside insanity - and never forget your towel.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

First poem of the year....



Have I

Have I needed too much?
Is that why you’re not there?

Have I said too much?
Too many words from my heart?

Have I cared too much?
Should I have distanced myself?

Have I been around too long?
Has someone (or someone’s) taken my place?

Have I stepped over the line?
So causing the line to recede?

Have I tried too hard?
Would aloof and non-commital have worked better?

Have I been too loyal?
Maybe had I fought with you like the rest….

Have I scared you away?



I think I have….

©Angell 2007

Photobucket



With love and pride