Down The Rabbit's hole

….”It’s all part of my rock and roll fantasy.” - Bad Company (1979)

As you surely know by this time, my encyclopedic knowledge of pop music is the stuff of legend – befitting my unofficial title of “most phoned friend”, as it relates to that genre.

As I ponder the above lyric, it occurs to me that since I spend so much time in my fantasy world, the Speed Demons who hang on my every utterance (Greenspanning, I call it) would love to learn more about that magical place. Here’s a glimpse:

Another Saturday (every day is Saturday) dawned brightly; I was awakened gently by the singing of birds and the warm aroma of a full breakfast – prepared just to my liking – wafting upwards to my sleep chamber. As I untangled myself from the gentle embrace of my goose-down comforter and slipped into my soft, plush slippers, the pleasant memories of the previous evening’s revelry brought a slight smile to my lips. Gentlemanly discretion prevents me from revealing the details; let’s just say there were no unsatisfied customers.

Soon after wiping the vestiges of perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict off my face, I set to work on the NY Times crossword and Sudoku Gold puzzles. Dispatching these with my customary aplomb (in ink, no mistakes), I took a beachside stroll. It was then I spotted a small, golden lamp, barely revealed by the moon’s irresistible effect on the receding tide. Naturally, I picked it up, cleaned it off and, as you might expect, rubbed the artifact - producing an ephemeral, shimmering visage of a killer goddess (doesn’t it always?).  

After introducing herself and announcing her intention to grant my wishes, she carefully explained that I might wish for the strength of Hercules, the body of Adonis, matinee-idol good looks, the intellect of Einstein, the wealth of Gates and the athletic ability of Thorpe.

Time passed, and I waited patiently as this genie recited the remaining 38 options at my disposal, although the more she explained, the more frustrated she seemed to grow. It seems the futility of that exercise became increasingly apparent. She hung her head and sobbed, “Sorry Speed, I forgot who I was dealing with.” I lightly kissed her brow and returned her to her gilded home; I placed the lamp back into the sand from whence it came – to await discovery by a needier recipient.

By now, the sun’s edges were melting into the azure blue horizon, signaling the afternoon’s end and the start of happy hour. Soon enough, I was ensconced at my favorite table, in my favorite haunt, surrounded by my favorite companions. We made short work of the repast that followed, lubricated by only the finest of libations, and the balance of the night was spent in gloriously clever, high-browed discourse.

Naturally, throughout the evening the assemblage of well-wishers and Demon wanna-bes constituted a parade to my table, each seeking a word, a glance, a touch that might make both their evening, and a fond memory with which to regale their family and friends – for generations to come.

Later, I became aware of, and ultimately succumbed to the impish suggestions made by my winsome companion. Again, delicacy precludes the recitation of what next occurred; suffice it to say that we sped to a discreet location, our emotions fueled by the combination of danger and excitement that only my 500 horsepower Ferrari can engender. Soon, exhausted, I slept the peaceful slumber of the innocents. A day well spent…………

Editor’s note: In the interest of full disclosure, the following is the TRUE first person account of what happened that same day:

I got up from a night on the uncomfortable sofa; as usual, I was incredibly stiff and sore. I had tea & toast while I watched the rain pour down. I read the soggy comics in the paper and then watched seven hours of infomercials on TV. 

I got what was left in the change bottle and went to buy a lottery ticket. After the drawing, I gave myself a nasty paper cut tearing up my loser. I made myself a Spam sandwich and fell asleep in the recliner, watching SportsCenter. Yet another day in paradise …..

Yes, it's been a while; I miss you too

Demons:
     When last you heard from me, I was preparing for 2 seperate things - one an adventure, the other an event. The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) trip was awesome. I was one of 28 (29 returning) wide-eyed volunteers that ventured some 500 miles to the southwest, to Virginia's appendix. While there, we split into 5 teams, each one assigned a sturdy leader - all tasked with reclamation/renovation projects of one sort or another. Naturally, the team I was a part of had 2 sites to cover; the other, lesser-skilled teams had one.

     Under the watchful tutelage of Lt. Dan, we executed our mission with alacrity; suffice it to say, the A Team was in town.
     Later that week - Good Friday, to be exact - Super Dave R. and I reprised a well-written, insightful drama, pitting Peter against Judas, in a revealing blame game that followed Jesus' sentencing 2,000 years ago. Great stuff - here's a link to the video of that star turn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rO6ATrNKnk&feature=share
It's a little long (19 minutes) but I'm so worth it it's an excellent production. I know you're asking, is there anything at which Speed cannot excel? Probably not.....
     Although I'm itching to write about, and then finally embark on the 2nd annual Killa Flotilla, and my long awaited reunion with my gorgeous mermaid, I'll restrain myself for a month or so. <Check this out for more details>  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/379973902042159/   
     In the interim, I'll demonstrate prescience beyond all reason, by offering my predictions for this, the silliest of seasons, the 2012 election cycle.
First however, a word of disclosure - Speed's political bent does not shape the following clairvoyance. Any attempt to divine my leanings is useless. Your best efforts will be confounded; but, if you wish to try - bon chance.

     * Winner Of The PA Republican Primary = Mitt Romney ... I'll bet he's just overjoyed at the thought of wasting the $3 million in ad money he spent to bury Santorum, only to have Rick bow out 2 weeks before election day. There's money well spent!
     * Winner Of The PA Democratic Primary = Barak Obama ... no sh## Sherlock! <Don't fret, I'm just getting warmed up>
     * Winner Of The GOP Nomination = Mitt Romney ... I know, you're thinking the previous thought, but here comes the reach.
     * GOP Vice Presidential Nominee = Bobby Jindal ... The republican governor of Louisiana, and the current GOP poster boy for everything Mitt's not. Remember, you heard it here first.
     * Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee = Joe Biden ... See previous no sh## comment. Dems terrified of any change at this point <see tired old saw about changing horses in mid-stream>.
     * Winner Of The General Election = Barak Obama ... Listen, his base is more excited about his candidacy that Mitt's base is; sadly, it's that simple.

     So there you have it PoliSci students; feel free to commence your hibernation. Thanks to Speed's alarmingly unerring discernment, you needn't trouble yourselves about this any longer.
     Before I close however, here's a Speed Nugget, free of charge - the fundamental problem with a democracy is this: the least-informed vote cast, counts just as much as the most-informed vote cast. Think about that as you engage in political discourse over the next 7 months. Adieu.......

Busy Couple Of Weeks

Subscribers:

     I know it's been a bit of a wait, but this'll be worth it. First however, I must apologize. Apparently, my latest challenge to the dreary masses you was more difficult than I had imagined.

     As an ascriber to the "Bread & Circuses" (look it up yourself - I can't do everything for you) theory of sociology, I felt certain that a bit of light entertainment, in the form of a musical-themed quiz, would brighten the spirits of dullards the world over. As no responses/entries were received, I can only conclude that the bar was set too high. This was clearly an error in judgement, for which I <fake sincerity alert> sincerely apologize.

     So, with that out of the way, permit me to describe for you my schedule for the near future. Shortly, I shall return to Appalachia to assist our Appalachia Service Project (ASP) team; this year, we venture into the darkest recesses of Southwestern Virginia.   

     Obviously, my superior skill set coctail made a favorable impression on team leadership last year. I'll provide you all a full accounting upon my return.  

     Soon thereafter, on Good Friday, Super-Dave Romberger and I will reprise our roles as Peter & Judas (guess which one I play) during that evening's 7:00 PM service at CrossPoint. The drama is one authored by our pastor's daughter Audrey, and it's a good one - a look deep into what really motivated Judas. I'm generally loathe to assign praise to anyone but myself really impressed with her take on this. I encourage you to attend - it really is that good!

     Finally, a word about my heritage, as many of you have written, asking me about my "roots". I'm a mixed breed - primarily German, with a touch of Welsh, Scotch (I love a Bonnie lassie) and who knows what else.

     I provide this as a service to those unfortunate souls seeking a role model, but limit themselves to certain nationality strains.

     So, to those desperately seeking one to pattern your life after, I'm here for you. As Tommy says, see me, feel me, touch me, heal me.

     Incipias adorare me.........

Diamond Jubilee

Studio Audience;

     I know it's been a while; I understand how difficult it is for you to patiently await Speed's next missive. You must, however, understand the seismic pressure that I find myself under each and every day. The expectations under which I operate would crush a lesser man.

     To cope, I've taken inspiration from the unyielding weight of other's wants, yearns, yens & desires. So, rather than regale you yet again with another droll yammer wisdom beyond my years, today we'll play a game. The pressure I experience is not unlike that which transforms mere carbon into diamond; thus, my decision to once again test your musical knowledge.

      Here's the challenge - name as many songs or artists with a gemstone in the name as you can. I'll start with the aforementioned diamonds:

     Songs -

     1. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds

     2. I Dug Up A Diamond 

     3. Diamond Dogs

     Artists -

     1. Neil Diamond - duh

     2. Diamond Rio

     Now, I certainly don't expect responses akin to my encyclopedic knowledge of musical archives, but I do hope to learn just who is out there reading this tripe.

     So let's hear from those with suggestions that include pearls, rubies, opals, jades, or other gemstones. Don't let Speed down................

Fit As a Fiddle

     Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I've returned; my recovery is complete. Much of the credit goes to the crack medical staff at the asylum care center - especially doctor Ya, MD - who was so generous with an especially addictive brand of island therapy.

     So, feel free to take a moment and breathe that long awaited collective sigh of relief; in fact, it's ok to cry those pent-up tears of joy.

     While confined, my spirit was salved by the outpouring of grief/concern regarding my condition, and subsequent convalescence. Cards, letters and well-wishes from around the globe carried me through the darkness, and accelerated my return to you, my loyal followers.

     As such, I shall reward your devotion by answering some of the questions you penned in my absence - yet, another dip into the mailbag.

Question: Some people consider their mortality when they've had a brush with doom; are you a religious man, and if so, what tempts you? ... B. Graham

Answer: Dude - Exodus 20:2-3 (duh). Without sounding too self righteous, I'd say - save the 7 deadlies - I'm virtually temptation free.

Question: Inasmuch as your recent illness was caused by ego and an inflated sense of self-importance, what changes are you going to make, and how will you curtail this in the future? ... M. Oz
Answer: Physician, heal thyself.

Question: Are you better looking and more athletic than I am? ... T. Brady
Answer: Yes I am. You're welcome! 

Question: Speed, can you score me some blow? ... W. Houston
Answer: Should have probably gotten to this one sooner...

Question: My NetGear range extender is having difficulty communicating with the other computers on my LAN. Can you help me? ... B. Gates
Answer: Childs play; please follow these steps carefully:

     1. First, place your Extender equal distance between your router and the farthest wireless computer located outside the range of your existing router.

     2. Plug in the power adapter and turn on the Extender. Wait for one minute. The Extender statue LED will turn green.
     3. From the farthest computer, connect to "NETGEAR_EXT" or "EXTENDER" wireless network.
    4. Open a browser from the same farthest computer and go to www.mywifiext.net and it will automatically take you to the Smart Wizard to connect the Extender to the existing network.

     Ok; that's enough for now folks. Suffice it to say, the world is once again a better place. Special thanks to Tommy G. for guesting in my absence. If he loses the attitude, the kid's got some promise.

     Watch for next month's posting; it'll lay out my late winter - early spring agenda. It's so cool to be me.....

TommyRot

     Greetings all; I'm guest-authoring Speed's blog as he continues to mend (see final paragraph - last post). Though temporarily out of commission, he continues to bombard me with ideas/suggestions/directives for delivery to his loyal followers, the Speed Demons. I wish he'd die miss him so. I'll get to that, but first permit me to right a grevious wrong. Having never been properly introduced, I think it best to provide you an inside glimpse of Tommy Geronimo.

     Some time ago, I was literally created out of thin air; specifically, as my embodiment careened at terminal velocity toward earth - from about 12,000 feet. It was somewwhere near the 9,000 foot mark that the adrenaline charged sperm of an idea, met with the thrill-seeking egg of its host, and voila', Tommy was conceived and, flashing his trademark "V", became fully formed before he hit the ground.

     After that, every trip down the river, every highly-charged competition, every controlled explosion (in other words, every dance on the knife's edge of fear) that Speed has reported on, has been my handiwork.

     As you might imagine, my uber-agressive ready/fire/aim approach to life has won me, in equal numbers, admirers and detractors. As you also might imagine, I care not a whit. Speed sets the course and I pilot the ship, while the third member of this unholy trinity, Jesse Wrinkles (you'll meet him soon enough) provides little more than ballast. Indeed, there are other iterations rattling around in here: Spike, Pinto, et al; from time to time, each will assert himself, but rarely have a positive influence on any outcome.

     My plans for this year are still in the formulative stages; assuredly, they'll include the usual river trip and camping detonations - maybe a quick trip back to the dark continent. Who knows?

     This may be my first and last post, as Speed's recovery is proceeding faster than many would prefer expected. As such, I'm mixin' me a batch of Bloody Marys, grabbin' a flaxen-haired beauty and headin' on down to Texas. I love road trips. Adios, amigos..............

i Carrumba

Philistines:

     Happy New Year! Yes it is, boys and girls - because I have seen the light. I've come out of the darkness, in from the cold and entered the throne room of happiness; I am the proud owner of an iphone 4S.

     I know what you're thinking, "OMG Speed, are you really that unaware of what a jerk you are how could you get any cooler?" Well kids, I did. In just the few days since I purchased my little pleasure machine, I've increased my IQ nearly 10 points - to an astonishing level; in fact, Siri now asks me questions. But, the fun doesn't end there; something else happens to you when you indulge in this particular guilty pleasure. Carrying this Betty also affects your metabolism and reverses the aging process! I'm now 7 lbs. lighter and appear a bit younger than when I first acquired Mr. Jobs' <moment of silence observed> handiwork.

     Frankly, I'm not certain how I, or anyone else for that matter, ever functioned without this marvel. Carrying this dynamo, packed into a sublime 4.8 oz. package, just seems such a perfect match. We are a fantastic team; we complete each other - finally, a Bonnie to my Clyde! If loving her is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

     Before I forget, I must thank those responsible for making this not-insignificant investment possible. It is for you, dear readers, that I've taken this plunge. Now even more of you have 24/7 access to me. Avail yourselves of the e-mail, text messaging, Skyping, Facebooking, etc. opportunities that exist - before it's too late. Don't let another day go by without enriching yourselves, by resting 'neath the tree of all knowledge that I'm destined to become.....

Editor's note: Shortly after completing this post, Speed's head, swelled by a combination of knowledge and hubris, became unstable on his neck. His frame, no longer able to support it's massive, medicine ball-like cranium, was air-lifted to an undisclosed medical facility in the Carribbean. Thankfully, the drainage procedure being employed will more than likely return him to normal <snicker>. Until then, Tommy G. will guest-host this blog. Nos petos preces of fidelis.

I See All

Shiny Lights:

     Having finally opened the last of the mountainous pile (48,763 to be exact) of Christmas presents, I find myself in need of a respite and accompanying sober reflection. The tidal wave of holiday well-wishes has prompted me to acknowledge just how important my ramble has become to so many of you.

     Of course, genius commands that I share as much of my impressive wit & wisdom as possible - my way of sating my relentless ego giving back to the community - thus, my compulsion to provide all you need for a better life. Having said that, what better way to kick off 2012 than to release my NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? Strap in kittens, here they come:

1. I will try to be more giving of myself this year: It's hard to imagine that I could give even more than I already do. The incessant push & pull on my time and talents is quite draining; but again, to whom much is given, much is expected.
2. I will not be so judgemental this year: Yeah, right; like the knuckle-dragging Neanderthals that surround me would even notice.
3. I will be more environmentally conscious this year: Look, I love Mother Nature, but come on - it's not like the polar ice cap has completely melted.
4. I will be a better overall person this year: Like that's even possible...

     As an added bonus, I'll also throw in my much-anticipated PREDICTIONS FOR 2012; try to keep up.

1. Season 14 of Dancing With The Stars culminates with the finals dance-off between the pros and their celebrity partners Tanya Harding, Charlie Sheen and Ernest Borgnine. In a stunning upset, the (write-in) winner is Kim Kardashian, fresh off her monumental victory in the South Carolina primary.

2. Gridlock reigns in Washington DC, as efforts to impeach Nancy Pelosi fizzle on news that she's really not alive after all.

3. The entire '12 NFL season is wiped out when enforcement of league rules regarding civil behavior begins; USPFL (United States Penal Football League) forms - Pacman Jones named Commissioner.

4. In a move that goes largely unnoticed, soccer is banned in the United States.

     Naturally, I'll develop more resolutions and predictions as the year unfolds; revealing these, along with spellbinding tales of future exploits will entertain even the most jaded skeptic.

     Yes, I know that there are those few crybaby critics out there in bloggyville that - for reasons known only to themselves and their therapists - have yet to catch the wave, and become Speed Demons. To that small number of whining dullards, I forgive you (see resolution #4, above); enter the fold - Speed's arms are wide open........

BBJ

One In A Row

Subscribers;

     Welcome to the 1st anniversary edition of Cheap Talk! Who'd have thought, those 12 long months ago, that Speed's blog would have rocketed to the top of so many reader's favorites listing? The mailbag is bursting with congratulatory messages from well wishers - many of whom now display a sycophant-like devotion to yours truly, hanging on my every word. To all of you - you're welcome!

     So in this, the 35th posting of Super Thoughts, I've decided that you all deserve a glimpse of what Tommy, Speed, Spike and the rest of my Sybil-esc iterations have been up to in the past sugar-sweet year, since we all came out of the literary closet.

DECEMBER '10:

* Inaugural edition of Super Thoughts; general indifference ensues global media outlets react with wild enthusiasm - syndication offers roll in.

JANUARY - MARCH:

* Travelled to the West African Country of Sierra Leone; reconnected with great friends / dug another latrine pit / carried blocks - part of me is still in Maboleh.

* Travelled to West Virginia (sensing a pattern developing? <West>) / learned to use a circular saw on a tin roof - awesome sparks!

APRIL - JUNE:

* A bit o' acting - Judas - obviously, an Oscar-worthy portrayal; hard for me to convey evil.

* Welcomed another grandchild into the family; not surprised that all 4 are stunningly handsome/beautiful, and well above average.

* 1st edition of theme listings: rain songs.

* Travelled to 2 weddings: Western PA (Altoona) & Western US (Cali). Fell in love with a cowgirl.

JULY - SEPTEMBER:

* Killa Flotilla - braved the mighty Susquehanna. Lead 13 trembling sailors on a perilous voyage; fell in love with a mermaid (sensing another pattern?).

* 2nd edition of theme listings: working on that wall.

* Pattipalooza X - still smarting from foul play/skullduggery; still nursing a broken heart.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER:

* Speed Demon memberships become the new "Pet Rock"; still awaiting first application struggled to respond to the overwhelming demand.

*Camping weekend; destroyed Frosty in yet another breath taking display of just how much progress remains to be made in my correspondence course on aggression control (currently sporting a 1.38 GPA thank you very much).

* 3rd edition of theme listing: songs from the crypt.

     And so, as we near the end of 2011, awash in the glow of the Christmas season, I'll offer what's sure to become an event as anticipated as the appearance of old St. Nick himself. Gather closer children, for:

SPEED'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY MESSAGE

     At this busy time, our thoughts turn inward; feelings of longing for family, friends and home dominate our ruminations. As these converge into a single, dominant stream of consciousness, it becomes ever clearer what's driving us into this frenzy - the sweet, kind, warm feelings we get when we receive Christmas gifts! Family and friends are who give us these presents; home is where we generally receive them. The toxic combination of work and responsibility corrodes those feelings throughout the year, but in December, all becomes well.

     These warm feelings are magnified with the knowledge that when we receive gifts, we're really performing a selfless act of love to those who give so generously. Scripture tells us in Acts 20:35 "....It is more blessed to give than to receive." (NIV). Clearly, receiving gifts blesses the givers far more than the recipients.

     This sacrificial act does more than just promote goodwill however; it's our civic duty to do our part to rescue our fragile economy. Remember, without gift recipients, there could be no gift givers (think about that). No gift givers means no purchases made; no purchases made means no manufacturing effort; no manufacturing effort means no businesses or factories needed; no businesses or factories means no jobs; no jobs means civil unrest; civil unrest means chaos! Is that what you really want this Christmas - a world without hope?

     I for one, reject this bleak notion and will continue my lonely crusade to accumulate as many gifts as possible. I understand that this is a thankless task, but my heart fills with pride every time I receive another Christmas present - just knowing that I'm helping someone else get by often moves me to tears.

     My voice is solitary, but my quest is honerable. Joining me in this act of sacrificial receiving will make your heart sing this holiday season as well.

     Bless you all; stay warm........

Speed

Pilgrims & Indians & Turkeys, Oh My

Gobblers:




     Nothing special to report; I'm desperately in need of attention way focused on gearing up for the inagural anniversary issue of Cheap Talk, due out next month. As an added bonus feature, watch for my Christmas list - because yes Rick W., it IS all about me!

     As such lads & lasses, I merely want to wish all the Speed Demons out there a happy, joyous, safe & sane Thanksgiving. I so love my little demons.....

     

I Hear Dead People

Groupies:

     As you know, Speed considers himself is considered by some to be the ultimate arbiter of all things pop culture; as such, my council is often sought in matters of popular music history. This being the case, I'm again offering a listing, and soliciting input, on a specific niche within the industry - Great Songs By Dead Folks. Here below, are a few that come to mind:

Rainy Night In Georgia  -  Brook Benton

Ring Of Fire  -  Johnny Cash

Rehab  -  Amy Winehouse

Jailhouse Rock  -  Elvis Presley

Me & Bobby McGee  -  Janis Joplin

Purple Haze  -  Jimi Hendrix

Peggy Sue  -  Buddy Holly

Billy Jean  -  Michael Jackson

Warewolves Of London  -  Warren Zevon

Pretty Woman  -  Roy Orbison

Dock Of The Bay  -  Otis Redding

No Woman No Cry  -  Bob Marley

Crossfire  -  Stevie Ray Vaughn

     At first blush, the foregoing baker's dozen great songs might seem a pitiful effort; I would expect those of limited capacity to think that. Dear followers, it is merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg in Speed's vast ocean of knowledge.

     So, rather than fish for you, I'm allowing you to fish for yourself, and in so doing, ascend inches higher in the never-ending quest to approximate my lofty perch in the tree-top of life. In short, I'm interested in your suggestions for this listing; there are however, caveats:
* The artist must be dead
* The artist must be more famous than their group (i.e.: Buddy Holly/Janis Joplin), or for their solo career - so, no John Lennon, no Freddie Mercury, no Kurt Cobain, no Wendy O. Williams, etc.
* The artist must be of the pop/rock/blues genre
* The artist must've made the bulk of his/her recordings post 1960

     Please add your suggestions as comments on this blog post; the reader with the most/best suggestions (my blog - my decision - no appeal) will receive one of the mostly unopened/unused inventory few remaining autographed action shots of Speed, left over from the recent membership drive.

     I can't have ALL the good ideas, can I .........?

It Was A Blast

Anticipators:

     As promised, the following is offered to sate your collective curiosity regarding my latest foray into the verdant wild. My last post explained the event and logistical details, thus sparing you a monotonous rehash of that which you already know. <For those requiring a review, do so by reading the 10/26 post (2nd paragraph) - and be quick about it!>

     Addiction called me to my post early Friday morning; however, I managed to cram a full day's fix into about 90 short minutes. After that, I set off to accomplish my mission. With a huge assist from several of the Speed Demons, I was able to secure, load, transport and deliver a fine load of firewood to our home away from home. Shortly thereafter, K2 made what by now has become an annual pilgrimage to the ranger station at (unnamed, for reasons that become obvious later) State Park. We were greeted by squeals of delight from the office staff, having by now long fallen prey to our intoxicating man-spell.  

     Naturally, we were afforded special treatment by the doe-eyed princesses that man the outpost. The 2011 camping weekend was underway; the cabins were prepared, the fire was lit. All that remained was the arrival of the balance of the prairie settlers. Unbeknownst to us however, another arrival loomed - presaged by the increasingly pendulous clouds that overhung our fir-lined retreat.

     What greeted us on Saturday can only be described as other-worldly. From a perch far to the Southwest, swooped a colossal snow bird - laying in its path a fearsome amount of snowy bluster. Of course, the weak-willed men and tremulous women, fearing for their very lives, were loathe to venture out to face the beast. Unsurprisingly, I led a small party of brave souls into the very teeth of the gale; defying even Mother Nature herself, I took on the marauder and fought it to a standstill. Victorious, I returned to the cabin to quench my thirst receive the well deserved plaudits of my fellow sojourners. Then, in what can only be described as a stunningly surreal occurrence, I discovered that the monster had delivered a gift to our cabin - Frosty the Snowman was camped just outside our door! Sadly, it seems that distaff campers are simply not blessed with the innate intuitive skills that Tommy possesses.

     While I immediately recognized this Trojan Horse, some of the party not only welcomed this interloper, but appeared so taken with it, that they began worshipping it as well! I knew what had to be done. Allowing the intruder the secure feeling of acceptance, and by so doing, placing him off-guard, I planned my actions for the following day. Trusting only a few other seasoned, battle-hardened veterans of so many of Speed's campaigns, an effective counter-strategy was devised; using several well-placed explosive devices would ensure the grinning menace's demise. Remembering the time-honored dictum, "if you kill the head, the body dies", our success was assured. Here, linked, is what followed.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVpH5dDQ10w&feature=player_detailpage

    

     Let it be known throughout the realm, that whosoever threatens Speed's domain shall pay the ultimate price. Once again, peace returned to our campsite. The former idolaters returned to their senses, and abundant sunshine washed upon us all. The legend grows, one remarkable feat at a time.......

    

    

A Camping We Will Go

Tenderfeet:

     This will be a brief one. I just want to alert you to my next adventure - deep woods camping. Actually, it's not all that deep, and frankly, it's barely camping at all. Essentially, we'll be living in small houses near some trees and other woodsy stuff.

     This will be the 18th iteration of the "Grand Experiment"; one that allows men to be men and women to be women. At the crux of this, is the genius of having the living/sleeping arrangements segregated by gender. This allows the strong, protective males of our tribe to effectively sequester the less aggressive, weaker females, making it easier to defend the breeding stock makes perfect sense for many reasons.

     The three day extravaganza will include plenty of eating, drinking, tomfoolery, fire, knives, spears, and perhaps an explosion or two. My next update will reveal all......

IMPORTANT MESSAGE
FROM THE TEACHER!!
     In the interest of providing the best possible experience for you, dear followers, I'll share a tip that's necessary to enjoy a fuller, richer experience with Super Thoughts. BlogSpot has obvious limitations that my musings serve to exacerbate; rendering it nearly unsuitable to host future posts; they'll hear from me soon. It just makes me shake my head.....
     Regardless, I've learned that when first landing on my blog, the post that's displayed is the first one written - nearly 10 months ago!! To view the most recent post, you must scroll allll the waaay down, then highlight the 2011 link in the right hand margin. Doing so will recall the freshest post; from there, enjoyment abounds!
     Until next time, remain strong.....