tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282329962012-01-03T20:04:25.323-08:00<b>Making the World Safe for Topiary!</b>The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.comBlogger4201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-19875280180364286162010-02-09T20:43:00.001-08:002010-02-09T20:47:07.200-08:00

Topiary leafily apologizes for her absence...you see, the sacred cause of Topiary World Domination has needed extensive attention, what with all the Direct Action Plans, Rehearsals for the Real Thing, plotting, sub-plotting, devious intra-plotting, and deciding costuming for all.Added to that the engrossing new pastime of learning to skateboard, and the blog has been neglected...and may be...

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-74461239795991256222010-01-29T19:29:00.001-08:002010-01-29T22:15:16.421-08:00

Cow will set her post-graduate education and professional credentials up against anyone. Not so her salary, which has been a sad casualty of Cow's lack of specialization.Venturing across the interstate freeway to the land where every parking lot has a fountain, landscaping and winding pathways, Topiary starts feeling shorter, less well-dressed, and definitely worse-groomed. Her car all of a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-49112805264609881112010-01-28T10:09:00.001-08:002010-01-28T10:18:43.636-08:00

Beautifully evocative of the 1920's, a gorgeous film replete with tailored clothes, period cars, and location shooting. A talented cast and poetic script make this a sensuous journey to another age and culture.Although the film focuses more on the poet Lorca than Dali, it perfectly captures the free-wheeling artistic milieu and the fervor of young artists finding themselves, creating

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-3586051140499566382010-01-26T17:20:00.001-08:002010-01-26T17:38:38.683-08:00

Still unanswered is one of those Christmas card letters from a dear friend.Which details, her former job as Consultant to important government thingies, her new job as Deputy Executive Director with an important place on Capitol Hill, mention of previous years of experience, and speaking out and writing about important causes.The words "leverage", "experience" "implications" and "fiscal policies"

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-34617757963848875242010-01-24T19:32:00.001-08:002010-01-24T19:42:13.041-08:00

Idly, Cow wonders what it would be like to--not-- be obsessive. To read a book and not go on to read everything else by that author. To like a movie and not watch everything the director did before that. To like an actor and not watch all his interviews, and other movies, and then read the blogs about him.The lack of in-depth digging of most people is seems so limiting. But they sure have a lot

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-63819262180844214742010-01-21T19:18:00.001-08:002010-01-21T19:23:22.975-08:00

There were so many storms, and so much red stuff heading her way, Topiary gave up and just sat inside the storm shelter for most of the evening.Along with a kerosene lantern, a good book, and the noise of the storm, Topiary pondered this intense question:If the house were to blow away, what would she be most thankful to have packed in the storm shelter?Answer: A bra.Yes, the photos, books,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-68016281322833589962010-01-20T18:55:00.000-08:002010-01-20T18:58:08.916-08:00

Rumble rumble rumble.Is it the neighbor's truck? Or an approaching thunderstorm, tornado, or what have you?What the heck is it with people making their vehicles so loud? And you'd think it was a race car when you start hearing it, and when it arrives, it's just a piece of crap standard Explorer or some other crap SUV.Wish they would go away and be replaced by quiet, inoffensive vehicles.Ooops, it

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-1072463281875220042010-01-19T17:58:00.001-08:002010-01-19T18:19:56.880-08:00

Cow's been through some disasters. First the Los Angeles riots after Rodney King. Amazing how quickly an entire metro area can become a ghost town, everyone holed up watching the looters on tv. All businesses closed, no one outside at all. Fear was the operative word, with disbelief at the LAPD second.Next was Hurricane Katrina. When the National Guard rolled into town after about 5 days, lines

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-52232227274545080252010-01-19T08:37:00.000-08:002010-01-19T08:44:44.423-08:00

Cow just passing this along...these folks came here after Katrina and she can vouch for them..."The devastation in Haiti is unlike anything we have seen in recent years. People all around the world have bonded together to raise millions of dollars in relief aid for the traumatized people of the island. But among the rubble, there are likely thousands of frightened, wounded, hungry, and

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-75210931532619724052010-01-15T05:59:00.001-08:002010-01-15T06:05:55.742-08:00

Very glad to see all these relief workers arriving in Haiti. The Chinese especially sent a large delegation, and you know they are experienced dealing with earthquakes in densely-populated areas.Can't help wondering, as a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, how much different the suffering and outcome of that disaster could have been had we been afforded some of the same kind of help that is hastening

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-21477716173693609972010-01-14T17:39:00.001-08:002010-01-14T17:43:23.004-08:00

Cow has been able to spend most of this glorious week at home. YES!Because of extreme cold (which the South is unprepared for) most of the water mains in the city broke, leaving the area without potable water, and without the means to flush toilets, shower, or, of course, water any needy Topiary.While Topiary feels sad for these unprepared folks waiting in lines for giveaways of water, she is

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-3093505826063200272010-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:002010-01-13T16:45:51.463-08:00

Enchanting postcards from England are arriving, the latest a decorative one from the National Railway Museum in York...why, it appears some young man may have an interest in trains!Yes, there is MUCH to be said for enjoying someone else's holiday...no packing...no airport queuing...much cheaper...no map-reading...no taxi-cabs...no lost Topiary.Topiary is very much enjoying Linda's travels, and

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-6033583321973902072010-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:002010-01-10T17:31:35.675-08:00

"The frequency of downpours and heat waves, as well as the power of hurricanes, has increased so dramatically that "100-year storms" are striking some areas once every 15 years, and other once rare events keep returning...Rising temperatures boost the probability of extreme weather."Just one of many articles explaining how global warming increases extreme weather: cold areas become colder, hot

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-74849944063531234562010-01-09T18:16:00.001-08:002010-01-09T18:27:25.177-08:00

For certain non-Topiary readers who may be huddled next to space heaters, Topiary is providing this photo to warm them up.What? It's not working?Okay, this quick research may help.The biggest-grossing movies of all time: Titanic, with a palty 953 parodies posted on YouTube; Dark Knight, 3600 parodies; Transformers, 3,180 parodies.And then there's Twilight with an amazing 11,200 parodies. What

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-51808958089628233682010-01-07T09:38:00.000-08:002010-01-08T14:44:43.129-08:00

Gotta say, a lot of people have FAR too much time on their hands...Bella: "You're impossibly fast; your skin is ice cold; you don't go out in sunlight--I KNOW what you are!"Edward: "Say it. Out loud. Say it!"Bella: "Vampire!"or add cheesy accordian music, amateur actors, and redo:"Mermaid!""Crackhead!""Gay!""Santa Claus!""Spider Man!""Topiary!"Gotta admit the parody where Bella is played by a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-33556793444327345802010-01-05T18:38:00.000-08:002010-01-05T18:41:44.002-08:00

Just guessing Nike didn't luuuuve this picture of the would-be Christmas Day bomber...And then of course there's golden boy turned joke TigerNot of course that either will probably derail their presumably obscene profits....If only they had posted their symbol on Topiary they would not now be disappointed, as ALL Topiary are straight-forward, upstanding members of whatever hedge or yard they

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-90680323842562116532009-12-31T16:56:00.001-08:002009-12-31T17:10:04.260-08:00

Found the "extended Director's cut" of The Lords of Dogtown in the $4.00 bin at a large retailers, and it is fantastic.Movie is about street skateboarding, but actually, almost better than the movie, are all the extras: interviews with all the original 1970's skateboarders who were generously given parts in the film by director Catherine Hardwicke, the deleted scenes, behind the scenes-scenes,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-10144215880703273272009-12-30T11:11:00.000-08:002009-12-30T11:22:48.171-08:00

As everyone knows, you can find everything on the Internet. With that in mind, Cow did some research on this knotty problem of Singlehood at Christmas.There's the Men's point of view: be careful who you bed, you might regret it. This is refreshingly straight-forward; especially the part about being attracted to "unstable lunatics" because they are the life of the party.We could just Get Away

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-61314735899423997062009-12-30T06:38:00.001-08:002009-12-30T06:54:15.435-08:00

Sad to say the King Kong Topiary wasn't enough to save The Tavern on the Green Restaurant in New York's Central Park, closing due to bankruptcy.Haven't ever visited but it looks nice, with lots of green accents.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-43386554251627504642009-12-29T14:39:00.000-08:002009-12-29T14:43:19.525-08:00

The first half of "Up in the Air" was screamingly funny, original, witty, all the good things you would like while suffering being packed like a sardine into the holiday theatre crowd.What the heck happened after hour one? Instead of a funny and witty comedy the director, or somebody, decided it had to be a "relationship" movie with "deep meaning" for the main character, showing his flaws,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-48280437857397541342009-12-28T10:57:00.001-08:002009-12-28T11:15:22.308-08:00

Some Dear Readers, at times, express their loneliness. Has Cow got the book for them!"Why Men Fear Marriage" by RM Johnson, (so afraid of commitment he won't put his name or photo on the book) will have you happily resolving never to date again.By the time he's done explaining that it's all about how much money you make, how slender you are, how he might stay with you a few years but not really

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-68502578688488258022009-12-23T18:13:00.001-08:002009-12-23T18:27:50.042-08:00

Topiary, toddling down to the Topiary Mailbox, found a lovely surprise!Yes, by Air Mail, all the way from Australia, with an intriguing foreign stamp, a lovely, big, gold envelope!What is this surprise? Why, the most cool Christmas card ever! With wonderful little stand-out cut-outs! Illustrating the song! Just the absolutely best, prettiest Christmas card ever!Why, who could have been thinking

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-67583380083261566752009-12-22T06:49:00.000-08:002009-12-22T07:02:26.899-08:00

Just finished Captain Sullenberger's book, "Highest Duty". Readers may remember the Captain from his Hudson River Landing after his plane was hit by geese.This was a very interesting book, filled with facts such as: US Airways doesn't give crew meals (Captain mentions his peanut butter and jelly sandwich packed for long flights), and that the emergency handbooks no longer have tabs, as a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-85203418709230825822009-12-19T20:05:00.001-08:002009-12-19T20:10:27.641-08:00

Topiary has finally figured out how music groups come up with one great track, when all the rest of their music is crap.For example, the Black Ghosts have a fantastic song, Full Moon, which was on the Twilight movie soundtrack, and among a lot of great songs is easily one of the best, with great vocals, really wonderful acoustic sound, good tempo, stunning.So, you listen to the rest of the album

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-62113352628105956342009-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:002009-12-17T12:53:14.326-08:00

From the Herald de Paris Ancient City found on ocean floor....and from Donovan:The continent of Atlantis was an island, which lay before the great flood, in the area we now call the Atlantic OceanSo great an area of land that from her western shoresThose beautiful sailors journeyed to the SouthAnd the North Americas with easeIn their ships with painted sailsTo the East, Africa was a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-88205130231774916832009-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:002009-12-16T11:48:50.490-08:00

Topiary will sum this book up for you: Very smart foreign-born US math whizzes are analyzing all our output to figure out:-how to make us work harder,-social groupings and sidelining of workers,-how to substitute somebody in our job for less pay,-how to sell us more crap,-how to predict trends,-if we are terrorists,-how to tailor our health insurance costs to our behavior,-early Alzheimer's by

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-69375278826009786042009-12-14T10:49:00.001-08:002009-12-14T10:54:08.350-08:00

Looked at the Taylor Lautner interview, and was aghast at the rudeness of the interview questions. Are interviewers now allowed to be as rude and pushy as they want?At the first question, ("have you ever done a line...") Lautner's rep should have pulled the poor guy outta there. Instead he had to suffer through the rest of this prat's interview as the guy mercilessly grilled him on prying,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-40873124277083527352009-12-11T12:45:00.000-08:002009-12-11T12:58:27.447-08:00

Diane Francis of the Financial Post, writes The real inconvenient truth overhanging the UN's Copenhagen conference is not that the climate is warming or cooling, but that humans are overpopulating the world. The world's other species, vegetation, resources, oceans, arable land, water supplies and atmosphere are being pushed out of existence as a result of humanity's soaring reproduction rate."And

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-15272404950804126492009-12-10T06:53:00.001-08:002009-12-10T07:08:11.254-08:00

Cow was in the moo-d for a little Christmas music.In particular, she had heard a great live version of "Carol of the Bells" performed by the high-school band. How hard, she thought, would it be to find a good CD of that?Very hard, it turns out. After about two days of looking at CDs with the handy "listen" feature so you can hear bits of them, Cow found:--many, many albums of Christmas music

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-78740556227999509482009-12-09T08:52:00.001-08:002009-12-09T09:00:08.113-08:00

Regular readers will recall Topiary's neighbor, whose husband hit on her and whose wife, presuming Something Went On (which it didn't) seemed to drop the friendship.So imagine Topiary's surprise when a ringy-dingy from the wife was received yesterday, with an invite not only to stop by that day (which Topiary did) but also an invite for Christmas Dinner.Now, Topiary does not have any competing

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-14215127769094796822009-12-08T13:17:00.000-08:002009-12-08T13:24:23.136-08:00

Continuing my "Nike makes too much money" thread, the vampire's house from the movie Twilight is up for sale.Owned by a Nike executive, the house illustrates not only that people are paying way too much for shoes, but also that Nike executives seem to sadly lack any appreciation of the historical importance of Topiary in Landscape schemes.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-5013066031497736692009-12-08T08:22:00.000-08:002009-12-08T08:34:47.240-08:00

So, I'm an undead Billionaire, married, and I'm going to pick up waitresses who are lucky to clear a couple hundred a day, and think that the pleasure of my company will prevent them selling their stories.And, I'm a waitress, or hostess, or all-around pretty girl, and when the story of my affair (non-exclusive, it turns out) hits, I can drop a dime to Celebrity Lawyer Gloria Allred, and she will

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-30167162973723708092009-12-06T18:55:00.001-08:002009-12-06T19:08:02.555-08:00

The Land of Topiary has bought a super-cool dual-core gigabyte whatsis which came with Windows 7. Thank you to Craig's list for making the meetup with the guy in the parking lot possible, and a really cool machine affordable.What gripes Topiary is how, with any movement of the mouse, the stupid Microsoftie "Bing" search engine brings up an annoying little window filled with facts and links you

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-91945794274504205032009-12-03T06:22:00.001-08:002009-12-03T06:25:50.434-08:00

The Bargain Bin of Previously Viewed DVDs leapt out and grabbed Topiary and forced her to buy a few things, among them "Shine A Light" about the Rolling Stones.Not sure whether to admire these guys for still touring at their ages, or be disgusted that they still are despite not really being able to sing the songs too well anymore.One indisputable thing though: whatever exercise or Pilates routine

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-89360242788133911622009-12-01T21:14:00.000-08:002009-12-01T21:29:20.780-08:00

At the gym several weeks ago, and some idiot was banging on the window to get in (it's card-key entry) and Topiary knew not what to do and enlisted the aid of the guy on the next bike. So there was a little conversation:-Guy on bike: he left his keys inside-Cow: thanks for taking care of that.Now it bears mention that this was late at night on Tuesday. Place was pretty deserted except for Cow and

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-39571850564646936622009-11-29T18:32:00.001-08:002009-12-01T21:13:21.263-08:00

Have you ever seen a moovie that was so bad, you wished you could rinse out your brain to remove all traces of it? So bad, that you immediately attended and rented as many other things as you could, to supplant the memory of it?So bad, that you resolved NEVER to see a moovie again without at least checking a few reviews or Rotten Tomatoes?"Spread" with Ashton Kucher is that moovie. So bad,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-88247650468675331502009-11-25T12:10:00.001-08:002009-11-25T12:14:50.172-08:00

Topiary would like to wish everyone, whether they celebrate this American holiday or not, a Happy Thanksgiving.A day where it is traditional to gather and consume lots 'o food.Cow will be celebrating the Traditional Topiary Thanksgiving, which consists of:--shopping for quantities of food;--setting it out at the end of the driveway;--secretly watching the raccoons, possums and other critters eat

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-84312458260972841192009-11-19T06:38:00.001-08:002009-11-19T07:03:46.407-08:00

As astute reader RJ has noted, Cow is an avid reader.I was told there'd be cake is a collection of short stories by young city-dweller Sloane Crosley who refutes some city stereotypes by revealing in one essay that her wallet has been returned to her no fewer than 7 times after she lost it or left it behind. Other stories touch on locking herself out twice in one day and being a bridesmaid

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-57333063467708475472009-11-18T08:05:00.000-08:002009-11-18T08:14:24.903-08:00

The Natchez Trace has loads o' little stopping places where there is a sign that something historic happened there, or a trail, a river, whatnot.Usually one sees families with overloaded cars or RVs, kids running around. Cow pulled up at this one and amazingly enough, there was a single guy, sitting at a table with his lunch and a bunch of maps spread out before him.Gee, Cow thought to herself, a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-55693794431850042152009-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:07:56.579-08:00

Topiary got away for a few days visiting Natchez, Mississippi. Settled first by the French in 1716, later by the British in 1763, the Spanish in 1779, and finally by the Americans in 1798, the route into Natchez, called the Natchez Trace, originally a buffalo trail and later used by Native Americans and early settlers is now called the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Parkway runs 450 miles between

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-23151515318659927852009-11-10T07:16:00.001-08:002009-11-10T07:21:10.993-08:00

So the Wall Street firms tank, and the housing market crashes in response to all these foreclosures coming on the market. So lots'o'companies have difficulties, including those which do business overseas.So overseas companies start not wanting our dollars, and start buying gold, and surprise, the gold price goes sky-high. Meanwhile interest rates are at zero, so there's no point, really, in

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-34399975566170713182009-11-06T13:03:00.001-08:002009-11-06T13:52:48.925-08:00

So here's the unvarnished, untrimmed Topiary.A couple years ago neighbor and friend offered her husband's handy-man services. Which Topiary was very glad to have.Topiary ALWAYS paid this guy, paid of course for all parts, and always was courteous without ever flirting. Because, a) he is married, and b) he is a friend's husband.Of course no matter how businesslike one tries to be with these people

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-53493469775129224202009-11-05T13:32:00.001-08:002009-11-05T13:40:27.333-08:00

Why do the married seek out single people? It is so fundamentally dishonest and cowardly.If you're unhappy in your marriage or with your pick of partner, have the guts to end it and face the world on your ownsome rather than trying to knit up a security blanket of the opposite sex while keeping your safe, risk-free married environment.Basically, married men looking to play around make this Cow

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-7328719839237981642009-10-30T22:12:00.001-07:002009-10-30T22:21:59.077-07:00

Now, Cow was not a huge fan of Michael Jackson. But this film was fantastic!The show itself would have been spectacular to see live. Contrary to expectations, MJ as they call him, danced and sang like the amazing superstar he was--there was no sign of weakness, just amazing dancing and even better singing, and someone who was a thoughtful and considerate collaborator with his dancers, singers and

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-85588867380732974652009-10-28T15:01:00.001-07:002009-10-28T15:03:31.560-07:00

Linda posted a charming photo and history of her purchasing this cute desk, which led Cow to think:Wouldn't it be interesting to know the history of everything in one's house? And there should be a way to append the history of everything one bought so anybody who wanted, could know about it.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-73148395145420864642009-10-26T10:58:00.000-07:002009-10-26T11:05:57.149-07:00

"Couple's Retreat" was hilarious! Riffs on video gamers, couple's counselors, New Age philosophy and the whole island vacation cliche made some great laughs. Kristen Davis was amazingly funny.However just because Cow thought this moovie was funny doesn't mean everyone will. There were quite a few couples who made a point of walking out noisily, offended, apparently.Other moovie was Zombieland,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-39779417554046230732009-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-23T10:07:35.562-07:00

The New York Times Magazine has a great article about anxiety. Highly recommended reading.Some babies are "hyper-reactive" from birth, and these babies tend to have more anxiety, more hyper-sensitivity to their bodies, more fear at new elements in their environment.Cow hypothesizes that maybe most bloggers were hyper-reactive. If not much about the world bothers you, if you're essentially happy

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-40370769443161704822009-10-23T07:15:00.000-07:002009-10-23T07:18:57.194-07:00

Some areas of the country definitely do more on the recycling front. The streets of Maine showed the residents support these efforts. There were boxes of cardboard, bags of leaves, and everything neatly separated....Cow was impressed. But then it doesn't always take a lot to impress innocent Topiary!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-7708329095644480132009-10-21T13:35:00.001-07:002009-10-21T13:43:19.214-07:00

It was really fun traveling and staying with relatives. Given this cute decorated room (the occupant was in a Senior Year Abroad in Paris) instead of the bland and boring hotel rooms, the trip was off to a great start!Then, just outside is the Back Bay with miles and miles of walking paths! Nothing could have been nicer than enjoying a brisk breeze along a nature-preserve wetland, with others

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-73050773506240039062009-10-20T09:03:00.000-07:002009-10-20T09:08:00.560-07:00

Topiary just back from a trip and will be posting the pictures and blogging about it Tomorrow!Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-16898776779936402112009-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:002009-10-14T10:03:54.173-07:00

Whether it's finding a frog in your toilet or bugs in your tea, isn't the internet great for sharing, and making you feel so much less special? And less clever and humorous, since other people's comments are so much funnier and cleverer?As you may have guessed, Topiary opened a metal cannister of tea and found little creatures habitating apparently happily therein.(Hours later after throwing

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-2451959765369938112009-10-12T07:39:00.001-07:002009-10-12T08:32:23.787-07:00

Topiary has successfully avoided the mall since 2005, and thanks the internet daily for mail-order.The Mall has maximized their sales footage by adding cute carts o' stuff in the aisles, to avoid your having to even enter a store at all.That day, 2005, forever engraved on her memory: Cow in mall, rustling by a cute cart o' stuff--a Beautiful Man (BM) looks up and down Topiary, and asks with a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-14418363211520524442009-10-08T07:08:00.000-07:002009-10-08T07:19:57.996-07:00

Since it was two-for-one day at the local "video" store (which only carries DVDs) Cow rented a few discs of "True Blood.""True Blood" is a vampire series set in the South. Where everybody stands around outside, sweating. Where women stand outside FANNING THEMSELVES! Where homes have electric fans buzzing on tables! Where tank tops ringed with sweat are de rigeur. Where bad, bad accents

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-16437425171733726142009-10-05T08:13:00.000-07:002009-10-05T08:20:43.191-07:00

So an elderly lady attacked some raccoons and instead of just keeling over dead they counter-attacked.That's according to KSDK in St. Louis, who actually interviewed some people and got details, unlike other news outlets who repeated the minimalist Associated Press story verbatim.After years of humans killing every animal that got in their way, (and many who were just hiding) animals are finally

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-71389746964659384352009-10-02T08:19:00.000-07:002009-10-02T08:35:14.200-07:00

So Late Night host David Letterman discussed his blackmailer, and the charges, on his show last night.But the point that detractors seem to miss is that it's not that Letterman availed himself of freely-offered favors. Oh yes, these favors were certainly offered, if not thrust upon him, in his position as a wealthy, powerful and successful show runner.Monica Lewinsky's pursuit of Bill Clinton

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-31118814588823600672009-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:002009-10-01T12:20:31.842-07:00

The article about the lady who fed the bears came to mind, unbidden, while Cow out walking at night heard a crunching sound.Excerpt from an article comment:Pick one...On encountering Grizzlies one might...A, Feed grizzliesB, Run screaming from grizzliesC, Run screaming at grizzliesD, FaintE, Play DeadF, Start singing while backing slowly away and not looking the bear in the eye.G, Bring firearm

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-49090119543921930192009-09-30T14:22:00.001-07:002009-09-30T14:25:00.514-07:00

Topiary has been trying unsuccessfully to buy a pencil sharpener, off and on, for a few years.Went to a few stores when she remembered. Wal-Mart was out of them. Target didn't carry them. Office Depot wanted $34 for one.So Cow resolved to just check online and get one from Amazon.All she can say is pencil sharpeners have sure changed.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-36378602668297364092009-09-24T14:56:00.001-07:002009-09-24T14:58:42.969-07:00

Topiary now buying a metal detector and searching the backyard.Apparently saying the magic word "gold" makes it all happen. Unfortunately no Saxons lived in this neighborhood, so Topiary is relying on magic.Beep beep de beep beep boop! Detectors at ready!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-61708562368707063262009-09-23T07:56:00.001-07:002009-09-23T08:06:34.473-07:00

Sons of Anarchy ran a new episode last night, causing Cow to examine this concept of "Integrity" which is so integral to the characters.Adherence to moral and ethical principles; honesty, says the dictionary.Such as, not torturing prisoners. Such as, not using public office to steal. Such as, not being willing to do anything for money. Such as, respecting one's marriage vows.The funny thing is

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-50137133740357921032009-09-22T06:26:00.000-07:002009-09-22T06:31:15.502-07:00

Cow missed International Talk Like a Pirate Day, as apparently did Linda in Australia and RJ, who was on the golf course.So there's a website. And a book. And families who try to live like pirates, or maybe just talk like them, for a year.Cow would like the cruising the Carribbean part of being a pirate. Cow would like the don't mess with me or I will slit your throat part. As well as the fast

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-42766889648382485832009-09-21T13:47:00.000-07:002009-09-21T13:51:26.358-07:00

After ignoring the graphic on Google's search page most of the day, Cow finally gave in and clicked on it, learning that it is to commemorate H.G.Wells' birthday.Strangely enough, "The War of the Worlds" was just moved to the book recycle bin yesterday in Topiary's attempt to de-clutter the bookcase. Not that it isn't a good book. Just a trifle dated. And the forward by Isaac Asimov explaining

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-87427594919449905082009-09-20T18:27:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:40:03.411-07:00

So a good friend's 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. These folks are extremely devout. Attending church only two or three times a week would be an exception. Friend of course is devastated.And Cow is left wondering why religions have so much difficulty with the concept of birth control. While the earth staggers under billions of humans, and every other species struggles to survive, religious

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-27785491735764439602009-09-18T08:49:00.001-07:002009-09-18T08:59:25.858-07:00

The appeal of "Sons of Anarchy" is probably greater the less power one has in real life.Wouldn't it be great to belong to a group that nobody messed with. That people respected and feared. That would kick butt should anybody disrespect them.There's this guy at work. Hateful man. Of course despite his sliminess and utter despicability, asked small Cow on a date the minute he started working here

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-54740054007281213372009-09-15T07:51:00.000-07:002009-09-15T07:57:51.854-07:00

"Order is economy of time and money; it allows us to give a better quality and greater quantity of results in both our material and intellectual labors because with it, we take full advantage of time, avoiding dawdling, delay, and doubt. Disorder is the dissipation of time and talent, the ruin of all the advantages of organization."Oh dear. Cow did not have the advantage of growing up reading The

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-64798996099864953612009-09-11T13:04:00.000-07:002009-09-11T13:10:43.634-07:00

Striking while the iron is hot. Seizing the moment. Not letting Topiary grow under one's feet.Cow found herself repeating these aphorisms as she....moved with alacrity and a plastic spoon to quickly scoop a new deposit from the...cat box into several layers of plastic bags.When one sees that one's pet has a problem, there must be action, no pausing for reflection, or the only thing left for the

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-13746746016325590792009-09-10T12:13:00.000-07:002009-09-10T12:26:57.618-07:00

Was watching "The Undeclared"which didn't star Charlie Hunnam but should have. When there is somebody really talented on a series and instead of giving him the lead instead they feature way too much of a charmless untalented guy with the belief that everyman will identify with him, they shouldn't wonder why they get cancelled.Cow thinks it's a shame that just cause a guy is good-looking his

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-66825395274294523682009-09-03T11:36:00.001-07:002009-09-03T12:00:25.130-07:00

Cow was at the gym yesterday on the elliptical, next to a guy in an orange t-shirt, which alone should have had him arrested.These ellipticals are very nice machines, equipped with individual tv screens with a choice of over 100 channels, and a book area, in which Orange Shirt had a book. Was he watching tv, or reading his book, you ask? But, no. He was Talking on His Cell Phone. Loudly.

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-72543099029113550252009-09-02T11:11:00.000-07:002009-09-02T11:30:22.062-07:00

After reading an article that finds the fatter you are the more your brain shrinks, or maybe the smaller your brain is the fatter you will become, but leaving cause and effect aside, Cow re-doubled her gym efforts.There IS something about lifting weights that makes you feel good. Last night Cow's eyes were drawn to a couple cute guys in the weight area. And noticed that guys seem to lift weights

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-56078771418334664912009-08-31T11:02:00.001-07:002009-08-31T11:07:28.029-07:00

Topiary bought a new vacuum. Those pesky hedge clipping were rather piling up and the Topiary Dwelling needed a good clean.Regular readers will know of Topiary's struggles with packaging (for instance, trying to free curtain rods from their enclosures).This vacuum slid right out and then the task of assembling it began. Seriously, Topiary must be retarded in fitting things together because it

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-10760490071358092172009-08-27T14:08:00.001-07:002009-08-27T14:19:05.782-07:00

When a show has a really, really hunky star, you can overlook a lot.Like waaaay too much Katey Sagal. And far too much smoking.Living vicariously as a Man of Mayhem, Cow could be solving her problems with her fists and an AK. Forget all this namby-pamby getting along, letting Topiary be Topiary-bye-gones. Using pruning shears for a different purpose altogether.Highly recommended for hunkiness of

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-38347954634628747052009-08-25T14:14:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:36:07.426-07:00

Big meeting with Ad Guys. Who had a spiffy presentation (using SlideRocket) about Targeting, Optimization and Accountability.Who rolled around terms such as keyword density models, backlink acquisition, and site re-targeting. Landing page re-direction was covered. The expense of good search engine optimization was discussed.All this meaning, they have more and better ways of finding you to sell

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-12123947972260922662009-08-24T06:32:00.001-07:002009-08-24T06:38:18.184-07:00

This scene is toooo long. And so is the next one. And Brad Pitt, strutting ego-maniacally with a really funky accent, can no longer act his way out of his international jet-set pot-smoker real-life persona.Tarantino is being called a genius for this overly long re-write of WW2, where, typically, Hitler is seen as an easily-fooled buffoon, and the Jews win. Where 1980's pop titles interfere with

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-88679423588357141822009-08-21T07:05:00.001-07:002009-08-21T07:08:49.183-07:00

This was a hilarious book. Well-written and funny.Unlike so many books, didn't bog down so much in the middle that you skip to the end to see what happened and just get it over with.In a world where magic is all around us, but we can't see it once become adults because that part of our brain dies off, "Monster" goes around saving cryptobiological monsters, because it's his job.And Judy, the

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-56163125695003572212009-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:002009-08-18T08:10:27.631-07:00

Ever have days where you just feel sorry for yourself? Where you've hurt your ankle so can't even go for a nice walk? Where you go ahead and buy a six-pack of beer even though it increases the risk of cancer and Alzheimers and is fattening and bad for you?Where you eat some pastry chocolate thingy and put cream and sugar in your coffee, even though you'd given up alcohol, and milk, and even

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-1792211212597674542009-08-14T11:45:00.000-07:002009-08-14T11:48:50.984-07:00

It was nice to get home and see the geese in the road as always.Cow's been considering this question of Facebook. To join or not?Advantages: a lot of people seem to be on it.Disadvantage: do you really want to put your real self out there to be found? If people had wanted to stay friends from high-school, for instance, wouldn't they have just stayed in touch?Not sure what to do.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-20957732666858503492009-08-12T15:03:00.000-07:002009-08-12T15:10:45.505-07:00

Seven days on the road and you would think Topiary would have some better quality photos to share.Alas, she was in such a rush that corners were cut and photos were snapped without even pulling over.These rocks in New Mexico are fantastic. Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-44401712848352465322009-08-11T11:37:00.000-07:002009-08-11T11:40:39.799-07:00

One kitty meowed the whole trip till she finally went to sleep.The second kitty was content to scritch up the cage padding and sleep.Anybody who doesn't think cats have personalities is crazy.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-35379685016829543722009-08-10T14:32:00.000-07:002009-08-10T14:49:45.962-07:00

Traveling cross-country with two cats (cages are visible at front) in the middle of summer meant supplies. And more supplies.Cow was carrying somewhere around 10 gallons of water, not to mention cat litter, paper towels, bags and bags of cat food and two different towing services cards, just in case.Snapshot out the window passing through Devore in California, a very scenic area.Signs advised to

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-88348860621585220732009-08-07T11:48:00.000-07:002009-08-07T12:02:12.518-07:00

Cow's handsome cousin with his oh-so-comfortable ride featured in the beginning of her trip cross-country.In addition to his not-so-shabby wheels, Cow's cousin also owns his own plane. Sigh. And he's smart, fun, self-effacing, and has a fantastic sense of humor.Back when Cow lived in his state (younger days) this cousin dated the most gorgeous women she'd ever seen. They would gravitate towards

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-52722254427372489622009-08-05T12:00:00.001-07:002009-08-05T12:07:53.073-07:00

Cow recently received a fascinating package from abroad, from charming blogger Lulu.Inside was a DVD of SmallTalk Diaries sent all the way from Great Britain.This fascinating, engrossing, hilarious and beautifully photographed series follows various buggy beings and explains what they're doing when they're doing it.Cow thrilled at the combat, laughed at the mistakes and was fascinated by the

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-21523023806996398672009-08-04T11:44:00.001-07:002009-08-04T11:48:43.462-07:00

Topiary still at sixes and sevens trying to get stuff done and back up to speed after being gone so long. In the meantime, here is a photo Topiary took all by herself.She took a two-hour side trip to the Grand Canyon on her loooong drive and saw it for the first time. It is truly better than could ever be imagined, something that not only lives up to expectations but exceeds every one.

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-68456241715218437982009-07-31T20:54:00.001-07:002009-07-31T21:02:04.702-07:00

Topiary apologizes for the unscheduled absence, she had leave hurriedly again for a sad errand...alas, a Topiary has ascended to the great Land Of Topiary in the Sky, and this small Cow has been handling the earthly details.This entailed an immediate flight to distant lands, and the return of Topiary by car. Which is why it took so loooooong.The good news is Topiary snapped many photos and will

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-37817815264081895292009-07-16T11:22:00.001-07:002009-07-16T11:36:48.239-07:00

To enlarge on Cow's previous post...Cow actually DOES have her own internet, that she pays a hefty sum every month for.BUT it's through a hard-wired router, and her laptop is wireless.So Cow could get a wireless router to accommodate her laptop, but then her hard-wired computers won't work until she gets new cards for those.Argh. And yes, Cow has attempted to remedy the situation by buying a

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-45211337066556535342009-07-15T19:25:00.001-07:002009-07-15T19:29:14.619-07:00

In honor of loyal blogger Letters (link at right) Cow sending this letter to the neighbors, who generously (if unknowingly) share their wireless internet with Topiary.Could you guys please stop going to bed at 9:30 and turning off your computer so early? How about sometimes partying down all night and forgetting to turn it off at all?Because it's really annoying to Topiary when she's written such

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-67631317836594974182009-07-15T06:56:00.001-07:002009-07-15T07:15:32.025-07:00

Cow is shaking out her tired and wrinkled Topiary after returning from a trip in which the only bright spot was the aerial view of Salt Lake City from the aeroplane window.An article (long time ago, sorry no link) stated the best way to move your mind from unpleasant occurrences is a surfeit of New Experiences, the more intense, the better.Apparently, time not being immutable but influenced by

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-82770549499635338372009-07-02T07:04:00.000-07:002009-07-02T07:06:43.818-07:00

Hi everyone, Topiary had to rustle up some trimming gear and leaf polish and leave town unexpectedly for far shores, will write again in around a week.Know that I am thinking of all of you and will catch up on your blogs and the doings in the Congo when I return!Cheers and Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-61261500521400262632009-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:002009-07-01T11:46:46.960-07:00

The story begins with the word "Mississippi" and rolls quickly into "ominous tide" and features the word "obesity" in generous, fat, padded sentences waddling slowly to the inevitable conclusion.Cow's office has commenced recording crunching chips, slurping drinks, rustly cello bags and microwave dings accompanied by giggling statements that "We're too busy right now with lunch to answer the

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-56827069236580986632009-06-29T20:34:00.001-07:002009-06-29T20:45:02.567-07:00

Topiary spent Saturday night in a Catholic church....naw, not praying for Mr. Jackson's soul. Not homeless huddling for sanctuary. Attending a wedding!While lulled to sleep by the interminable droning of the priest, Cow considered:-How she would NEVER be able to rustle up 500 Topiary acquaintances to fill a church...-How she'd like to belong to a church, if only they weren't so boring, and so

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-47504220856444838082009-06-26T12:53:00.000-07:002009-06-26T13:04:27.023-07:00

A very nice man from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office gave a media briefing today.Mr. Jackson will be treated the same as everyone, he assured the media.It's reassuring to know the Coroner, currently holding around 5,000 unclaimed bodies and thousands more unidentified ones, will continue it's unhurried work, unrushed by any considerations of stardom or wealth."Let's do these guys from

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-88093425999495610352009-06-25T11:08:00.000-07:002009-06-25T11:15:43.702-07:00

"No letter from my beloved for two days, no cool days, no cool nights, no drinks, no movies, no dances, no club, no pretty women, no shower bath, no poker, no people, no fun, no joy, no nothing save heat and blistering sun and scorching winds and sweat and dust and thirst and long and stifling nights and working all hours and lonesomeness and general h*ll--that's Fort Riley, Kansas."Letter from

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-1961542504159176232009-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:002009-06-24T11:13:32.805-07:00

Cow stumbled across the 13-page application to become a Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in her state.Pages requiring degrees, internships, passing scores on practical exams and supervised clinical experience. Fees required, transcripts required, testaments from other professionals required.Cow wonders at the potential harm a poorly trained speech therapist could do, compared to, for instance

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-68221374101848544222009-06-19T06:39:00.000-07:002009-06-19T06:50:04.467-07:00

"Never before in history has there been such a combination of so many people and animals. In 1968 China had 5 million pigs and 12 million poultry, now it has 500 million pigs and 13 BILLION poultry.Most pandemics began in Asia. The reason: larger numbers of people live in close contact with pigs and birds in Asia than elsewhere, so more opportunities exist for a virus to cross over from animals

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-83652861049658655342009-06-17T10:59:00.001-07:002009-06-17T11:09:10.792-07:00

Blogs are free-wheeling and entertaining, and a large part of this is their anonynimity, allowing people to say what they want without fear of social constraints or reprisals.Yes, at times, this is a bad thing.A recent court ruling that a blogger's identity can be revealed in the local newspaper will certainly give some pause. A separate case has requested a newspaper to turn over the names, ip

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-59409991523511573972009-06-16T19:46:00.001-07:002009-06-16T19:52:27.889-07:00

"The story started when I was standing in a customs line, waiting to board the plane to Germany for training with Medecins Sans Frontieres, when my friend Matt called and asked why I had decided to go. I told him I wanted to see who I was when everything was taken away, when all the insulation between the world and me was removed."Aside from his apparent death wish (he starts smoking while

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-48131378634908948792009-06-13T14:01:00.001-07:002009-06-13T14:03:56.758-07:00

Everybody in the world knows when you're doing something really, really dorky.Like working a second job that requires you to visit local cinemas and audit various things, like, for instance, snapping photos of patrons being handed an advertising blurb for a cell-phone upgrade when they buy their moovie tickets.Pretty sure that adolescent boys are the all-time champions of recognizing, saluting,

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-21017104092520140982009-06-12T10:25:00.000-07:002009-06-12T10:33:51.280-07:00

Cow understands that the word verification before you post a comment is there to impede mass postings.She admits though, not seeing why, if blog owners are in addition to requiring word verification moderating comments, and deleting any spam at that point before it is published, why also require posters type the word verification?It's just that you're typing, and scrolling down with the mouse to

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-27136533909127859612009-06-10T14:23:00.000-07:002009-06-10T14:27:10.363-07:00

Ms. California has lost her crown but more interesting is this quote from her erstwhile boss Donald Trump:Trump said: "To me she was the sweetest thing. Everyone else -- she treated like s**t."Cow kind of impressed with Trump, not only for noticing, but for saying it.Moo!

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-27585298320979378672009-06-10T08:47:00.001-07:002009-06-10T08:48:52.043-07:00

Just sayin'.

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-75450185931678078132009-06-09T08:20:00.000-07:002009-06-09T08:42:26.891-07:00

Oh my. Pause.... Oh my....Pause.... My oh my....Pause....Cow's Topiary twitching in delight watching Jason Statham fight, and walk around, and almost smile (once) in The Transporter moovies. Not to mention roll around shirtless in motor oil. Yup.Buff guys who do their own stunts are the reason the "pause" button was invented, Cow has decided.The Transporter: a professional driver, with rules and

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28232996.post-14556953447133781412009-06-08T06:05:00.000-07:002009-06-08T06:12:04.422-07:00

Cow freely admits she doesn't know how to 'snap' her bubble gum. She doesn't know how to blow bubbles, either (they would get caught in Topiary anyway).Does this mean she likes or admires those who chew, and snap, and blow, and then chew some more?Uh, no.In fact, Cow can't understand how somebody in an office cannot understand that randomly spaced, loud snaps are at the best, a distraction, at

The Topiary Cowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04649189953257408994noreply@blogger.com13