Mar 062011
 
Buttercream cupcakes made in Cheshire by Katja...

Image via Wikipedia

The Oscars are over.

Well we all survived the oscar show last week. Thankfully, we were spared the bad words. To bad we couldn’t use the same techniques to shut up the effusive thank yous. Now we can forget all the forgettable movies and move on with our lives. Still, there is a lot of bad news this week. The world is full of strife and conflict. It is all this Coot can do to find good news.

Starting right here at home, in the nation’s capitol, there is a war breaking out as invaders from the West Coast set up an outpost in Georgetown,

The new cupcake in town

It’s no wonder our hardworking lawmakers have such difficulty leading our country with this kind of conflict going on under their very noses

Then there is the revolt against the new airport security searches starting up in Texas.

Simpson files anti-body-scanner bill

It is so hard to move forward with s much distraction and dispute.

But the US isn’t the only country facing conflict. Even Italy, a country well known for its ability to make the trains run on time is finding that those well managed trains are damaging it’s national heritage. Who knew that David had weak ankles?

Michelangelo’s David could collapse due to high speed train building

When you have a problem, it is hard to know just where to start but give Italy credit for trying. They think that there are too many people in Italy that don’t speak Italian. I know it is a strange idea but this is Italy.  So now if you want to immigrate to Italy, Italy wants to know that you speak acceptbale Italian first. This may not fix David’s ankles but as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Italy makes immigrants speak Italian for work visa

There is more disaster news this week, however. Scientists tell us that we have started a mass extinction that may be greater than any of the five that happened earlier. You remember the earlier extinctions, don’t you? One of them was the dinosaurs but the others must have happened while I was napping. I just don’t remember them. Anyway, this one is all man’s fault. Just like global warming. And it’s going to be a doozy.

World’s sixth mass extinction may be underway: study says

Not to worry, however, other sicentists have some good news for us. It seems they have found evidence that life existst elsewhere in the universe. Since there is a backup plan, no need to get your panties in a bunch about a few extinctions. Anyway, there are plenty of creatures I can do without. A little culling now and then is good for everybody.

Exclusive: NASA Scientist Claims Evidence of Alien Life on Meteorite

And finally to find some good news, we have to go to sports this week. You will all be happy to learn that at long last they are going to stop those Polo Matches in the Hamptons.  Mercedes Benz has decided that it will stop sponsoring this sport of effete snobs in its new effort to court the common man who buys more cars.

Hamptons polo faces end

And finally love and Nascar to put you in an upbeat mood for the coming week. A Utah couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at the Las Vegas track. That’s love for you.

THEY ♥ NASCAR

That’s all until next week.

 

 

Ralph

Ralph is the inspiration for Cantankerous Old Coots and is our Grand Duke of Cantankerousness

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Feb 272011
 
Oscars-Kodak-Theater-2010-2

Image by Shavar Ross via Flickr

Don’t trip on the Red Carpet

Do you believei it? There is so much going on this week  that this Coot almost forgot about the Oscars. If you want to view all the contenders before the secrets are revealed, you had better get busy because you only have a few hours to do it.   Otherwise just get ready for the excitement. I get shivers when I think about that red carpet and those movie stars competing to see who can wear the most ridiculous outfits. From what I can tell, they will be shivering too unless the weather changes because it is cold in LA today. If you are excited then light a fire and pull up a chair in front of your TV for the big show.

You weren’t planning to watch?

What’s that you say? You already made plans that will keep you from watching? No problem. The Coots have you covered. Our Hollywood insiders tell us that you won’t be missing anything. This years program is a colossal bore but if you still want to know you can see the leaked program right here.

Billy Crystal Is Making Oscars Appearance: Exclusive Spoilers From Detailed Schedule

After the show, if you are not already snoring, you can snuggle in bed with your sweetie but In case you were wondering what the stars do after the show, they party. Madonna and James Franco are competing for the top party spot this year. Did you get your invitation?.

It’s the Oscar after-after party war: Madonna and James Franco vie for best bash

If you think that it will be a cold day in hell when you get invited to a post Oscar Bash at Madonna’s house, you may just be in luck because they are having record cold temperatures in Los Angeles. Check your mailbox again.

Chilly Temps, Snow Predicted For SoCal

And If you are in a betting mood you may want to bet on the British treble.

Oscars 2011 betting: 7/4 on ‘British treble’

It’s cold all over with Chicago setting a snowfall record for February.

Latest Round Of Snow May Set Record

Meanwhile In Libya, beleaguered strongman promises that he will crush any remaining opposition to continuing his leadership.

Gaddafi vows to crush protesters

Coots can’t call this one, but it is not looking good for strongmen these days. In Egypt one already bit the dust and in Los Angeles, the Mayor seems beleaguered.  They are a little cooler in LA but still the Los Angeles Mayor is demanding a six foot wall to protect him from neighbors in his tony Los Angeles enclave. He apparently feels that the best defense is a good offense.

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Wants a Six-Foot Security Wall Erected Around His Mansion

And finally some good news. This Coot was challenged with all the negative this week but I finally found a high point to wrap up this summary.  It is our old friend Charlie Sheen.  Charlie Sheen is the energizer bunny of entertainment. Despite having his show canceled, Charlie vows not to let this setback keep him down. Positive Charlie will return to work even if the show won’t. That is pluck and determination for you. Much as the Coots complain about todays youngsters being wimps, you can’t say that about Charlie. Nothing keeps that man down.

Charlie Sheen says he will still show up for work.

Well that’s the news for this week and this Coot has his work cut our for him today since I haven’t managed to see even one of the Oscar contending movies. This, of course leaves me without bias and I can cheer for whoever wins. Still, I don’t know if I am up to the ordeal. Have you got any favorites this year. Should I break down and go see a movie or even order one on Netflix? Let me know today and then I won’t even have to watch. It’s a win- win.

Ralph

Ralph is the inspiration for Cantankerous Old Coots and is our Grand Duke of Cantankerousness

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Feb 202011
 
Presidents

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Happy Three Day Weekend!

It’s a big three day weekend for some folks courtesy of two of our Presidents. Don’t ask me which ones because we lumped them all together in one day to save money and create a three day weekend so long ago that I can’t remember. Trust me it was two of the big names, not Harding or Hoover. I think maybe one of them was Reagan but the old mind doesn’t connect all the dots like it used to. It really doesn’t matter because all our Presidents are great so long as you exclude the incumbent.

Speaking about the incumbent. The man is tireless in his pursuit of jobs. It turns out , our Prez has been wining and dining with billionaires to boost the economy. It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it.

Obama Teams With Zuckerberg And Tech Folks To Create Millions Of Jobs!

Millions of Jobs! With lazerlike focus our current President sucks up to big money CEO’s in California last week. He says he want to invest in new technology but he never says whose money he plans to invest. His? The CEO’s? Mine? We got such a great return from Government Motors, didn’t we?

While we are on the subject of government, now the question seems to be will we have one of not. The Republicans are dead set on continuing the darn thing even if they want to cut its allowance and ground it for the weekend. Democrats say give it tough love. They say shut it down. Which one gets your vote?

House Republicans win spending cuts after marathon funding debate

Government shutdown is likely, Pelosi aide says

Coots aren’t sure what Adams and Coolidge would say about the budget tug of war in our nations capitol this week. Republicans voted to cut spending to honor their campaign pledges last fall while Democrats say that these cuts are draconian and they will shut down the government before going along. I’m with the Democrats this time. Shut the whole damn thing down. The Republicans are wimpos as usual.

All of this cost cutting is having impacts on local officials as well. Even school teachers are behaving irrationally by abandoning their posts and leaving their pupils unsupervised. It is enough to cause anguish for the Madison Wisconsin Schools because they don’t get paid unless the inmates are locked down daily.

UPDATE: Madison Schools Go To Court To Get Teachers Back

Those school teachers should take a lesson from Tom Kinton.  That man is a model to emulate and he gets no respect.

Thinking ill of Mr. Sick Bank

This Coot confesses to being a retired government employee but somehow I never managed to work this system like Tom Kinton who just sold his 35 years of sick time worth over $400,000. People may criticize him but instead they should be honoring him. People think working for the government is all peaches and cream. You should try walking a mile in those shoes.  It isn’t easy to face the insanity of a government job every day for 35 years but somebody has to do it. Tom Kinton is the man!

But what about celebrities?  Coots understand that everybody wants celebrity news and we won’t disappoint you today. How about some Bieber?  Justin Bieber seems to have survived his attack but now faces an even more perilous fate. It seems that putting Justin on the cover of your magazine can hurt sales.  Will this kill his career?

Justin Bieber Hurting Magazine Sales

Coots’s theory is that Justin’s fans can’t read and so see no need to buy magazines though as Bob suggests, the folks that don’t like Justin can’t read either. It’s an unknown, probably similar to the unkowns that face pop idol Vince Neil.

On the eve of his 15-day jail sentence, Motley Crue front man Vince Neil spent his last night of freedom on a Valentine’s Day date and admitting he’s worried about “the unknowns.”

‘UNKNOWNS’ WORRY VINCE NEIL AS HE HEADS FOR JAIL

Somehow this Coot missed Motley Crue when they were big and never heard of Vince Neil until today but my heart has to go out to him as he faces a stint in the Las Vegas Slammer for DUI. Vince likes to give back, he says and intends to keep on giving as long as they will let me. I’m inspired. How about you?

And speaking of inspiration, Coots had to go back to Pravda for today’s inspiring story. It seems that a tiger got the beat on a hapless hunter somewhere in Asia but happily the man had a loving spouse who came to his rescue.  It seems she beat off the tiger with a wooden ladle. Makes me wonder how far my wife would go.  Hope I never find out.

Woman chases tiger attacking her husband away with wooden ladle

Finally, this is news that you have always wondered but never knew who to ask. Should you get that face lift or just let everything sag?  Well today, Coots has the answer for you.

To Lift Or Not to Lift?

So much for the President’s Day edition of Coot’s News Service. Enjoy that three day holiday only if you are retired, take yours starting Tuesday after everybody gets back from the slopes. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you want to join Hansi in the COCU Hall of Fame.

Ralph

Ralph is the inspiration for Cantankerous Old Coots and is our Grand Duke of Cantankerousness

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Feb 132011
 
Pravda

Image via Wikipedia

The secret is out about Cantankerous Old Coots. We are really softies at heart, full of love for our fellow man and our sweeties. So naturally on the eve of Valentine’s Day, all good Coots are looking for the perfect gift. Just in time the Coot’s News Service has found the perfect gift for that hard to please sweetie for whom flowers are trite and and candy just reminds them that they are still trying to work off the extra pounds from Christmas. For you who are still looking for a last minute gift, there is time, if you hurry.

Name a cockroach for your Valentine

And while you are checking out the zoo, find out what to expect from the Oscars this year.  Heidi has the answers.

Heidi The Cross-Eyed Opossum To Predict Oscar Winners!

Heidi will be appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel show to predict the Oscar winners later this month. She hopes to have the same success that Paul the octopus had with the World Cup but without the consequences. Sadly Paul died from unkown causes.  Wish her luck.

Coots are very protective of our position in society. It is bad enough getting old but when you have to defend your reputation in society, life can be very hard. That is why the Coots have been following the story of the LA Geezer bank robber. There is certainly romance and a raffish charm to this guy but some people are suggesting that he way be only an opportunist- a young guy hiding behind a mask that only makes him look like a geezer.

Is he a geezer or just a thug in a mask?

And speaking about giving gifts, liberals, whose favorite activities involved giving gifts of your money while calling you stingy are up in arms at the idea that they would have to pay for their biased news service. The new conservative House of Representatives is looking to make major cuts in the Nation’s budget including National Public Radio and Sesame Street. Coots have always wondered why these estimable operations seem unable to support themselves. Apparently the only people that watch these shows are deadbeats.

Liberals Mobilize to Save PBS, NPR Funding

But now for the good news. CNS know that our readers are eager to find at least one story each week with good news and this week we have two. First, studies show that despite the media hype, this years weather is no weirder than last years – or any years.

The Weather Isn’t Getting Weirder

And this story from Pravda (it must be true if it is in Pravda, right?). Stop worrying about that omelet you ate for breakfast. Eggs are healthier than every.

Eggs have become 64 percent richer with vitamin D

Now, before you settle back for a nice Sunday of football, (Oh, darn, now what am I going to do?), Cantankerous Old Coots wants to remind you that this week marks the first week that our readers can qualify for credit from Cantankerous Old Coots University Extension. Readers who tell us in a comment which story each week is the one they least needed to hear for five weeks will be recognized. You can start today or if you are in a hurry you can go back to earlier weeks and do them all at once. Finally, go to the right top corner of this page and vote for your favorite topic for March.

Ralph

Ralph is the inspiration for Cantankerous Old Coots and is our Grand Duke of Cantankerousness

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Feb 062011
 
North Dallas

Feelings be damned this week here at CNS.  It’s Superbowl Sunday and what else can possibly matter than whether Green Bay or Pittsburgh triumph.  Sure there is a bit of conflict going on in Egypt but if anything important happens. Coots are confident that Anderson Cooper will have it all for us.

“What’s that you say?  Anderson is in the hospital after being caught crossing  the street in the middle of the block? Don’t those Egyptians know who he is? ”

The Real Reason Anderson Cooper Was Attacked In Egypt!

And if that weren’t enough there are plans to take out Justin Bieber.  I’d be happy to contribute but even a Coot trembles when faced by a pack of teenage girls.

JUSTIN BIEBER will be gunned down in a cold-blooded attack

But so much for world affairs, back to the Superbowl.

The weather in Dallas has been remarkable.  Global Warming has dumped ice and snow in Dallas and temperatures remain reminiscent of the Arctic.  Flights have been limited and the prospect for better weather are not good.

Dallas-Fort Worth faces another chilly day, with more snow possible Sunday

The new Cowboys Stadium is covered with dangerous ice packs which nearly killed  a photographer this week.

Photographer after ice from roof of Cowboys Stadium falls on him: ‘I’m going to die here’

And if that weren’t enough, the frosting on the cake comes from Home Land Security’s own nanny promising a friendly pat down for each and every Superbowl attendee.

Homeland Security Secretary Inspects Super Bowl Site, Says Fans Have ‘Shared Responsibility’ for Security at Game and Across the Country

We are all in this together. Have fun but watch your back. HSA can’t do everything.

Routine items not allowed at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday

Trying hard to make this Superbowl memorable beyond the commercials, officials are not allowing routine items to be carried in.  Attendees are urged to find non-routine  items.

And as if the calorie laden fare that hosts will be loading on their unsuspecting Superbowl party guests weren’t bad enough, we get the news that the US is the fattest of the rich nations of the world.  Who says we have lost our edge?  We can still hold our own at the buffet with any nation on earth even if Michelle Obama gets upset.  And with enablers like the Mayor, the sky is the limit.

Ever heard of too many cooks, Mayor? Bloomberg spends $245,000 of taxpayers’ dough employing THREE chefs at Gracie Mansion

Mayor Bloomberg doesn’t live at the Gracie Mansion but still needs three chefs where Mayor Giuliani only needed one.

That is about it for this week.  This Coot has still got to whip up a tub of dip and order the hot wings.  No more time for headlines except this.  Apparently Britain is full of farmers who can’t take vacations because they worry about their chickens.  Well here is the solution if you live in Cornwall.  You can count on those savvy Brits to discover a new business opportunity.

Hotel for Chicken Opens Up in Cornwall

May the best team win!  And don’t forget to get credit for the COCU extension course.  Just one more week until the first precipitant (if he can keep up with the pace).

Ralph

Ralph is the inspiration for Cantankerous Old Coots and is our Grand Duke of Cantankerousness

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