Oct 16, 2023·edited Oct 16, 2023Liked by ziggywiggy
This is one of the finest book adaptations of one of literature’s best books, never mind that it’s one of the best ghost stories ever told. And probably among my top ten favorite films. I’ve been on the road (still am) and missed it, but I hope it throughly spooked those who dove into it.
“Theo! You’re crushing my hand!”
And remember this: no one will come help you. In the dark. In the night.
Serendipity has been waking up now and then in the night this year. She cries out like she’s lost and alone. And the other cats and I come to her and she’s so happy. And even though she’s often cranky and matriarchal with the younger ones, when she cries they hurry to her and give her little kitty kisses, and she snouts them back.
Damn. Two of my favorite movies of all time: "Enchanted April" and "Being There." And I will be out of the country for them both. The novels for each are quite good also, and IIRC the films hew closely to them.
I wanted to make another comment about "The Haunting" from last night. I enjoyed the film, and then went back and re-watched the 1999 remake. I didn't much care for it; it seems to suffer from the same issue as the remake of "House on Haunted Hill." They replaced the psychological tension from the original films with over-the-top special effects which are not entirely convincing. I prefer the originals of both films.
I am thinking that perhaps the original films had to be creative since they didn't have the budgets or the capability for realistic ghosts/monsters.
I am feeling very very sad today due to being neglected by a friend.
There is a gigantic power differential in our friendship. I am far more interested in the relationship than he is. He has a full life and barely has time for me. I am disabled and really enjoy the limited time I have with him. He is a great conversationalist and lots of fun. However, he doesn't have much time for me. I can accept this, but he doesn't even respond to text messages sometimes.
It's easy to say I should just drop this friendship, but I don't feel able to.
Given your description here, I would say do NOT slam the door.
This sounds like a person who you really care about, and while he might not be making as much time for you as you'd ideally like, it doesn't sound like he's being deliberately unkind, either.
Is it the kind of friendship/relationship where you could mention something offhandedly like, "I really enjoy spending time with you. I'd like it if we could get together more often"?
I've lived in four different states, in four different parts of the country, so I have friends, family, and acquaintances in at LEAST half a dozen states.
Some I see or talk to a few times a week.
Some I see or talk to a few times a year.
Some I have contact with limited to social media and Christmas cards.
None of it is good or bad; it just is.
If your friend is carving out at least some time for you in a busy life, he may be doing the best he can.
Could you schedule something small, like a talk and teatime, once every so often? Maybe like once a month, based off of his availability? Perhaps if it's in his schedule as part of a routine it might be easier for him to keep track of and manage?
I'm always better with sort of an official notice for a standing (even if flexible) meeting than with doing things more on the fly.
I finally decided to get myself a small smoothie maker. It should be here today and I already have the ingredients, it will be a good way for me to eat more fruit.
Thank you so much Mecca! I am putting extra work into it now, trying to be creative and make it stand on it's own. Happy to know people are reading it.
We aren't just reading it. We enjoy it. I'm almost always doing something else (radio show) on Movie Night, but I've found suggestions for things I want to watch or re-watch, and your insight is impeccable.
My kids are smoothie addicts at this point, and we are okay with it because frozen fruit doesn't go bad and fresh fruit that is getting softer can either be quickly used or frozen for future use. Wins all the way around!
About six hours ago here on Yr Wonkette, someone mentioned hash browns and I thought, "Mm, hashbrowns. Let's go out for breakfast."
The Executive Committee hastily convened and the motion passed unanimously, but debate was held on where to go. One member, on a point of order, reminded the Committee that I had never eaten at Waffle House, ever.
So off I went to Waffle House, which required driving twenty minutes to the next town (amazingly, according to Google my town doesn't have one). The place was clean, well-lit, rat free, crowded, and the hashbrowns and the rest of my breakfast was delicious.
Out of curiosity I looked for where they might be near me. About 5.5 or so miles away are TWO, and about 4.5 miles away is another. That near one is tucked around the corner behind everything, I would never have known it was there.
I've only been to a few Waffles House, and they were fine.
I just checked, and I'm 9 hour drive from the closest Waffle House. That really surprises me. You'd think they could survive in New England but apparently the closest ones are in Pennsylvania.
On the way to a conference in Florida I saw a Waffle House and made my carmates stop there so I could try it. It was... decent enough, the place looked clean but I was the only one who ate. About a day later I had Norovirus for a couple days, very exciting but I did miss out on a lot of talks due to the constant and violent relocation of internal matter to external receptacles
Did y'all Movie goers get all scared and not sleep well after watching The Haunting last night? I came home and did the line up of middle-school age witch movies we talked about yesterday morning. It was great, especially since I watched them with wine, something I wasn't allowed to do the last time I watched these in school!! Slept like a rock.
I may have told you this before, but my sister had 2 tuxedos back in the 70s and 80s. Noah was a magnificently fluffy cat with impressive whiskers, while Chumley was impossible small and skinny. I swear you have the same 2.
Oh hey, there are 2 types of people in the world! What a great framing device, tell us more, oh great mediocrity. 2 types of people indeed-those who find Bobo tedious, and those who have never heard of him.
Late Mom and I determined, back in the ‘80s (her late 40s & my early 30s) that there were only two types of people on earth - those who get it, and those who never will.
Brooks qualifies as the latter. The former gather around here. Thanks, ‘trix!
If Americans spent more time coping with this world's pressing realities and got their empty heads out of the damned clouds and ceased seeking intangible "spiritual" comfort and solutions for grim, brutally detailed realities it would be a step in the right direction.
You can't make much forward progress on your damned knees.
Dude writes a book, in order to make money for himself, ands it's about himself, but it's to help the nation? This is peak self absorbed mediocre white guy.
Why doesn't Poor Donnie pony up some dough for a guy who put it all on the line for him? WAIT! The answer's in the question. Plus Widdle Babby Donnie is an asshole.
I really don't understand Trump here. I KNOW he doesn't pay his bills. However, if he doesn't support the people who support HIM, he runs the risk that they'll turn on him.
Not sure if Mike Lindell has any incriminating material, but it would behoove Trump to throw a little cash his way. Trump raised over $250 million to fight the "stollen" election.
I attempted to talk to my Trumpy Neighbor about Jim Jordan yesterday. She worships him more than she worships Trump, if that's even possible. She gets a look on her face when she says "I like him!" which reminds me that she is indeed in a cult, whether she knows it or not.
I told her that Jordan was referred to in some circles as "Old Yeller" and she defended him, saying, he has to do that to get heard. Really? Tell that to some of the really effective legislators.
I also said he has no chance to become House Speaker. She countered by saying, "Lots of people like him." I said, "The moderates will never vote for him." She doesn't understand why.
My neighbor's husband is the worst and we just bond over their cute dog. My superpower is being able to connect with and empathize with anyone. I'll never change this guy and he never goes out so isn't actively doing harm. I have to pick my battles.
Oh, I have to pick my battles, too. I periodically interject a bit of commentary, but I keep most of what I am thinking to myself. Mostly we talked about an issue she is having with her windshield wipers. I do like her and don't want to ruin the friendship.
This lady is friendly, and she has done me many small kindnesses. That's why I keep the politics to a minimum. I just keep hoping that something I say will spark her curiosity so she goes and looks it up.
Oh, you've got that right. When I mentioned Mark Meadows being indicted, she didn't know who he was. How is that possible? Then she asked me if he was a Republican.
I had to explain that ALL of the indicted people are Republicans. Plus, ALL of the witnesses are Republicans. The Republicans are the ones who tried to overthrow the government, and the Republicans are the ones who are witnesses to same.
Oh, we exchange little gifts from time to time. Most of our conversations are about other things. I do see the futility in spending any time talking about this. I just try to inject the occasional note of sanity/reality, in case there is any possibility of it sinking in.
Dammit. We have an adorable half-grown tabby hanging around outside. Fingers crossed she's just wandered away from home. We are pretty isolated out here, but last Xmas we had a stray whose family saw Mr VW's Facebook post.
I had a stray dog jump into my car and insist I take her to her new home, to meet her new subjects, our two very good boys who welcomed their new princess home.
Yeah, we've had one of those. I really don't want 2 cats, but this little girl is adorable. She does seem to be in good shape, so hopefully she has a home.
I do, however, already have a name for her. My tabby-in-residence is Pippin...
Last night was interesting. Reebo, who found a hidey hole in the back of the apartment, decided that he'd jump on the bed with me in it. Hilarity ensued as he ran all over the place looking for rubs and to rub. Then the occasional nap! He's so smol and fast that it was difficult to hit the right spots, but he didn't care, he's covered in the right spots, it seems. Also, he devoured all the kibble left out for him. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship, to quote Rick Blaine.
Yesterday I made a killer variation on my beloved sticky buns. Instead of using a butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture for the filling, I used my home-canned apple pie filling. Oh. My. God.
That’s good on waffles, latkes, oatmeal, pancakes, toast, ice cream, too. I’m making a batch this week! Sugar free fat free, thickened with corn starch
I have discovered the wonder known as clear jel. Apparently cornstarch is no bueno for hot water canning, but of course I ordered instant clear jel instead of regular, and it's no good for canning either. So I canned mine with very little sugar, and then yesterday drained it, tossed it in sugar blended with the clear jel, and it immediately thickens without heat. And clear? Wow! I've always been a cornstarch fan, but this is next-level.
Mine is not really for pies, just all purpose eating..I freeze aliquots and whale on most of it fresh. Last time there was enough pectin in the apples that I didn’t need to add cornstarch. I never need to add more than tsp or two
Message on land line: “Hi! We have Caller ID & are on the do-not-call list. If we recognize your number, we’ll return your call. If we don’t, we’ll report your number to the state Atty. Genl. of Maryland. The spam stops now. Thanks, and have a nice day!”
Generally accumulate about a dozen hang up beeps daily.
This is one of the finest book adaptations of one of literature’s best books, never mind that it’s one of the best ghost stories ever told. And probably among my top ten favorite films. I’ve been on the road (still am) and missed it, but I hope it throughly spooked those who dove into it.
“Theo! You’re crushing my hand!”
And remember this: no one will come help you. In the dark. In the night.
Serendipity has been waking up now and then in the night this year. She cries out like she’s lost and alone. And the other cats and I come to her and she’s so happy. And even though she’s often cranky and matriarchal with the younger ones, when she cries they hurry to her and give her little kitty kisses, and she snouts them back.
A Tiny Perfect Thing.
Damn. Two of my favorite movies of all time: "Enchanted April" and "Being There." And I will be out of the country for them both. The novels for each are quite good also, and IIRC the films hew closely to them.
Well, we might just have to watch them for you. I haven’t seen either one of these.
I wanted to make another comment about "The Haunting" from last night. I enjoyed the film, and then went back and re-watched the 1999 remake. I didn't much care for it; it seems to suffer from the same issue as the remake of "House on Haunted Hill." They replaced the psychological tension from the original films with over-the-top special effects which are not entirely convincing. I prefer the originals of both films.
I am thinking that perhaps the original films had to be creative since they didn't have the budgets or the capability for realistic ghosts/monsters.
If you really want to be scared (sort of) I suggest "Drag Me to Hell." Just a suggestion, you know.
I am feeling very very sad today due to being neglected by a friend.
There is a gigantic power differential in our friendship. I am far more interested in the relationship than he is. He has a full life and barely has time for me. I am disabled and really enjoy the limited time I have with him. He is a great conversationalist and lots of fun. However, he doesn't have much time for me. I can accept this, but he doesn't even respond to text messages sometimes.
It's easy to say I should just drop this friendship, but I don't feel able to.
Given your description here, I would say do NOT slam the door.
This sounds like a person who you really care about, and while he might not be making as much time for you as you'd ideally like, it doesn't sound like he's being deliberately unkind, either.
Is it the kind of friendship/relationship where you could mention something offhandedly like, "I really enjoy spending time with you. I'd like it if we could get together more often"?
I think he already knows that. Although you are so right, I should NOT end the relationship.
He is definitely not deliberately unkind. He is over-stimulated by his job and other commitments.
Thank you for your nice comments.
Here's the deal with that:
I've lived in four different states, in four different parts of the country, so I have friends, family, and acquaintances in at LEAST half a dozen states.
Some I see or talk to a few times a week.
Some I see or talk to a few times a year.
Some I have contact with limited to social media and Christmas cards.
None of it is good or bad; it just is.
If your friend is carving out at least some time for you in a busy life, he may be doing the best he can.
Thank you so much for saying that.
Could you schedule something small, like a talk and teatime, once every so often? Maybe like once a month, based off of his availability? Perhaps if it's in his schedule as part of a routine it might be easier for him to keep track of and manage?
I'm always better with sort of an official notice for a standing (even if flexible) meeting than with doing things more on the fly.
Thank you for making this suggestion. I am going to think about it and see if I can find a way to make that work.
It sounds like you know what he can give and it's not enough. It's a tough place to be. ❤
Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for your comments. I am going to think about what you said. I was on the verge of dropping the friendship because it's just too painful.
I finally decided to get myself a small smoothie maker. It should be here today and I already have the ingredients, it will be a good way for me to eat more fruit.
By the by, I've really come to look forward to your movie night synopses.
Thank you so much Mecca! I am putting extra work into it now, trying to be creative and make it stand on it's own. Happy to know people are reading it.
We aren't just reading it. We enjoy it. I'm almost always doing something else (radio show) on Movie Night, but I've found suggestions for things I want to watch or re-watch, and your insight is impeccable.
Thank you Zyx!!
My kids are smoothie addicts at this point, and we are okay with it because frozen fruit doesn't go bad and fresh fruit that is getting softer can either be quickly used or frozen for future use. Wins all the way around!
About six hours ago here on Yr Wonkette, someone mentioned hash browns and I thought, "Mm, hashbrowns. Let's go out for breakfast."
The Executive Committee hastily convened and the motion passed unanimously, but debate was held on where to go. One member, on a point of order, reminded the Committee that I had never eaten at Waffle House, ever.
So off I went to Waffle House, which required driving twenty minutes to the next town (amazingly, according to Google my town doesn't have one). The place was clean, well-lit, rat free, crowded, and the hashbrowns and the rest of my breakfast was delicious.
"Have you been to the Waffle House in Shelbyville?"
"Why, yes; yes, I have."
"How was it?"
"Clean, and rat-free."
"A class act all the way!"
People rag on waffle house but I actually like their hash browns.
They were excellent.
Out of curiosity I looked for where they might be near me. About 5.5 or so miles away are TWO, and about 4.5 miles away is another. That near one is tucked around the corner behind everything, I would never have known it was there.
I've only been to a few Waffles House, and they were fine.
I just checked, and I'm 9 hour drive from the closest Waffle House. That really surprises me. You'd think they could survive in New England but apparently the closest ones are in Pennsylvania.
Google might be wrong, and there truly might be one in my town. Never bothered to look.
These are all right near I95 exits, and the two that are near each other are in an area of rapid commercial development. Near I95.
On the way to a conference in Florida I saw a Waffle House and made my carmates stop there so I could try it. It was... decent enough, the place looked clean but I was the only one who ate. About a day later I had Norovirus for a couple days, very exciting but I did miss out on a lot of talks due to the constant and violent relocation of internal matter to external receptacles
Norovirus is Nature's way of shouting "Okay! Everybody out!" to your insides.
I lived in Atlanta for twenty years and still have never been to Waffle House.
I was very agreeably surprised, and tipped well as usual.
Did y'all Movie goers get all scared and not sleep well after watching The Haunting last night? I came home and did the line up of middle-school age witch movies we talked about yesterday morning. It was great, especially since I watched them with wine, something I wasn't allowed to do the last time I watched these in school!! Slept like a rock.
Sunday Bear is sleepy Bear.
https://substack.com/@ziggywiggy/note/c-41897494?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2knfuc
Bear!
I may have told you this before, but my sister had 2 tuxedos back in the 70s and 80s. Noah was a magnificently fluffy cat with impressive whiskers, while Chumley was impossible small and skinny. I swear you have the same 2.
That does sound like my boys!
Here's Noah.
https://substack.com/profile/1529833-vienna-woods/note/c-41897984?r=wsfd
I don't have a picture of Chumley
Those whiskers!
David Brooks talking about moral decay and $78 airport whisky. https://news.google.com/articles/CBMiQmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNic25ld3MuY29tL25ld3MvZGF2aWQtYnJvb2tzLW9uLWhvdy10by1rbm93LWEtcGVyc29uL9IBRmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNic25ld3MuY29tL2FtcC9uZXdzL2RhdmlkLWJyb29rcy1vbi1ob3ctdG8ta25vdy1hLXBlcnNvbi8?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen
Oh hey, there are 2 types of people in the world! What a great framing device, tell us more, oh great mediocrity. 2 types of people indeed-those who find Bobo tedious, and those who have never heard of him.
There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who believe that there are two kinds of people, and those who don't.
Late Mom and I determined, back in the ‘80s (her late 40s & my early 30s) that there were only two types of people on earth - those who get it, and those who never will.
Brooks qualifies as the latter. The former gather around here. Thanks, ‘trix!
If Americans spent more time coping with this world's pressing realities and got their empty heads out of the damned clouds and ceased seeking intangible "spiritual" comfort and solutions for grim, brutally detailed realities it would be a step in the right direction.
You can't make much forward progress on your damned knees.
I think the Colbert Questionnaire, with its 13 questions to truly know a person will help more that this guy's book.
Dude writes a book, in order to make money for himself, ands it's about himself, but it's to help the nation? This is peak self absorbed mediocre white guy.
Ahh yes. The moral quest for leaving your wife for your much younger research assistant.
Just was gonna point that out about Mr. Ethics here.
Did Brooks do that?
He did.
Well, it doesn't surprise me at all. Just like Newt Gingrich and others.
Le Sigh.
He did it for America!!
Newsweek: Mike Lindell Holding Telethon to Raise Money for New Lawyer [https://www.newsweek.com/mike-lindell-holding-telethon-raise-money-new-lawyer-1834730]
For a "new lawyer", right?
Why doesn't Poor Donnie pony up some dough for a guy who put it all on the line for him? WAIT! The answer's in the question. Plus Widdle Babby Donnie is an asshole.
Here's a question. How much money can Mike Lindell raise? Is he popular with Trump's base?
Why doesn't Poor Donnie (a self described very stable genius multi-billionaire) pony up some dough . . .
I really don't understand Trump here. I KNOW he doesn't pay his bills. However, if he doesn't support the people who support HIM, he runs the risk that they'll turn on him.
Not sure if Mike Lindell has any incriminating material, but it would behoove Trump to throw a little cash his way. Trump raised over $250 million to fight the "stollen" election.
Mike Lindell is of exactly zero value to Trump, is why. He's a performing scrotum.
Trump give money to someone else?????
Shirley you jest.
I know you're dying for me to say, "I'm NOT jesting, and don't call me Shirley!!"
His ads have begun showing up in the rotation on the furry website I'm on. It's disgusting.
Pillow ads? They were laughable before but they're meta-laughable.
I attempted to talk to my Trumpy Neighbor about Jim Jordan yesterday. She worships him more than she worships Trump, if that's even possible. She gets a look on her face when she says "I like him!" which reminds me that she is indeed in a cult, whether she knows it or not.
I told her that Jordan was referred to in some circles as "Old Yeller" and she defended him, saying, he has to do that to get heard. Really? Tell that to some of the really effective legislators.
I also said he has no chance to become House Speaker. She countered by saying, "Lots of people like him." I said, "The moderates will never vote for him." She doesn't understand why.
My neighbor's husband is the worst and we just bond over their cute dog. My superpower is being able to connect with and empathize with anyone. I'll never change this guy and he never goes out so isn't actively doing harm. I have to pick my battles.
Oh, I have to pick my battles, too. I periodically interject a bit of commentary, but I keep most of what I am thinking to myself. Mostly we talked about an issue she is having with her windshield wipers. I do like her and don't want to ruin the friendship.
This lady is friendly, and she has done me many small kindnesses. That's why I keep the politics to a minimum. I just keep hoping that something I say will spark her curiosity so she goes and looks it up.
She's really going to be confused when Old Jimbo is gets caught up in the OSU sex abuse court case that has been approved to move forward.
What exactly is going on with that? I also heard there was a documentary coming out about that, but I've heard nothing.
Finally! Glad to hear it.
Those moderates must hate America. Or love it.
I am inclined to believe that there exists a great deal your politically, historically, personality myopic neighbor does not "understand".
These people all manifest significant intellectual as well as moral myopia.
The deliberate dismantling of public education has worked out pretty well for those who desire a bunch of lunkheads for citizens.
All too entirely well, as was intended.
[seethes some more]
Oh, you've got that right. When I mentioned Mark Meadows being indicted, she didn't know who he was. How is that possible? Then she asked me if he was a Republican.
I had to explain that ALL of the indicted people are Republicans. Plus, ALL of the witnesses are Republicans. The Republicans are the ones who tried to overthrow the government, and the Republicans are the ones who are witnesses to same.
The conversations sound exhausting. Since you actually like her, why not leave some pastries from a local bakery at her door, ring the bell and run?
Oh, we exchange little gifts from time to time. Most of our conversations are about other things. I do see the futility in spending any time talking about this. I just try to inject the occasional note of sanity/reality, in case there is any possibility of it sinking in.
Dammit. We have an adorable half-grown tabby hanging around outside. Fingers crossed she's just wandered away from home. We are pretty isolated out here, but last Xmas we had a stray whose family saw Mr VW's Facebook post.
I got my cat because he walked off the mountainside and told me he lived here
“And when’s dinner?”
That, too, also and yup
I had a stray dog jump into my car and insist I take her to her new home, to meet her new subjects, our two very good boys who welcomed their new princess home.
I love a happy ending
Yeah, we've had one of those. I really don't want 2 cats, but this little girl is adorable. She does seem to be in good shape, so hopefully she has a home.
I do, however, already have a name for her. My tabby-in-residence is Pippin...
Sounds like she has already adopted you.....
Naming her isn't going to make you more attached because you're already fully attached. ; )
The best kitties are the ones you adopt you without your knowing it.
Last night was interesting. Reebo, who found a hidey hole in the back of the apartment, decided that he'd jump on the bed with me in it. Hilarity ensued as he ran all over the place looking for rubs and to rub. Then the occasional nap! He's so smol and fast that it was difficult to hit the right spots, but he didn't care, he's covered in the right spots, it seems. Also, he devoured all the kibble left out for him. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship, to quote Rick Blaine.
What a precious little soft, silky shadow!
Energetic Kitty is energetic.
Yesterday I made a killer variation on my beloved sticky buns. Instead of using a butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture for the filling, I used my home-canned apple pie filling. Oh. My. God.
That’s good on waffles, latkes, oatmeal, pancakes, toast, ice cream, too. I’m making a batch this week! Sugar free fat free, thickened with corn starch
I have discovered the wonder known as clear jel. Apparently cornstarch is no bueno for hot water canning, but of course I ordered instant clear jel instead of regular, and it's no good for canning either. So I canned mine with very little sugar, and then yesterday drained it, tossed it in sugar blended with the clear jel, and it immediately thickens without heat. And clear? Wow! I've always been a cornstarch fan, but this is next-level.
Mine is not really for pies, just all purpose eating..I freeze aliquots and whale on most of it fresh. Last time there was enough pectin in the apples that I didn’t need to add cornstarch. I never need to add more than tsp or two
Ooh.
Ok, this is getting dumb.
I'm getting about 4 scam texts a day.
Which my phone helpfully sticks in a spam folder.
Message on land line: “Hi! We have Caller ID & are on the do-not-call list. If we recognize your number, we’ll return your call. If we don’t, we’ll report your number to the state Atty. Genl. of Maryland. The spam stops now. Thanks, and have a nice day!”
Generally accumulate about a dozen hang up beeps daily.
Every time a new communications technology emerges, the grifters are right on top of it.