Once again, the passageways in the ship are quiet, there are no more food fights in the galley -- this can only mean one thing: Kahless be praised -- the cadets have gone back to the Academy!
Before we get started, a disclaimer: I’ve had the Taco Bell Volcano Nachos recently, and while they are rather spicier then normal, they didn’t leave my face bright red and heavily sweating, nor did my voice change like the Terran’s on that commercial. . .and I’ve got to tell you, I’m sorely disappointed!
And with that, on to business.
To begin with, a minor change to the meeting plans for this month: the “Movie and Potluck Dinner Night” has been postponed till next month. Instead, the General Meeting will take place at the Bread Head Bakery in downtown Dover (right next door to the Main Moon restaurant)at 2 pm. Also, at this meeting, I will allow one head slap per person (and only one!) in regards to my recent hospital stay last month.
On the subject of my recent hospitalization, I’d like to thank everyone for their phone calls; trust me when I say that it helps break up the day to get a phone call, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
I’ve recently sent off a reply to the International Hotels Group’s (the new bosses of the Holiday Inn chain) 1st letter, and when I receive their reply, I’ll let you all know. Trust me, friends, this little fandango is far from over -- I think John Belushi said it best in the classic Animal House, “Over? Did you say over? Nothing is over until WE say it is!”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sept.7th: Labor Day
Sept.10th: National Swap Ideas Day
Sept.11th: National Patriots’ Day (Take a moment to remember the ones who went on ahead of us, and the brave warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice)
Sept. 12th: Doomslayer General Meeting at Bread Head Bakery - 2 pm.
Sept.16th: National Play-Doh Day (let your inner child out!)
Sept.19th: National Talk Like A Pirate Day (Arrr, matey! ‘Tis the day for getting’ yer Pirate on and letting’ yer Jolly Roger fly!)
Sept.28th: National Ask a Stupid Question Day
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 2009
This month’s issue of CHUY DAH is brought to you by Consciousness -- Consciousness…that annoying time between naps!
This month’s issue is proudly dedicated to my father, who finally retired on July 24 after 48 years. Here’s to ya, Dad!
To begin with, I’d like to offer condolences to Lt. jg. Kammie, who lost one of her aunts yesterday in an automobile accident. We raise the death howl in her honor this day, and our thoughts go out to her family.
Okay, for another month, this newsletter is late once again, and here’s why: a week ago today, my Aunt was taken to the ER and summarily hospitalized for a possible “coronary incident” she had at her drug store. After testing, there were no actual coronary problems, but the doctors noticed that she was exhibiting some other problems, which had them questioning her ability to live by herself.
So right now, as I'm writing this newsletter, we’re awaiting the results of an MRI and EEG that were performed on her while she was hospitalized. She’s also starting speech therapy (she’d developed a stammer after knee replacement surgery), and just went on Mobile Meals, so we’re helping her get used to these new things. We’re also trying to figure out what all would need to be done if we have to place her in an assisted living facility. And let me tell you, folks, none of this is easy.
Along with this, I’ve been aiding in planning my father’s retirement party, and I’m helping my mother plan her 50th High School Class reunion. So, if I look a little frazzled around the edges, or I’m a little late with things, at least you know why; my plate’s a wee bit full.
I’m telling you all this because I’ve always believed in being straight with you. That said, on to business. . .
THIS MONTH’S MEETING: There’s a change to this month’s meeting date -- we will be meeting on the 15th, not the 8th; my father’s retirement party is this Saturday, and like I said earlier, I’m needed to help set up and run the party. Hence the date change.
I’m also mandating a change in location for this month -- instead of using the meeting room at Buehler’s (which, for some reason, isn’t really working for me; I thought we’d have a room, not an auditorium), for something different, we’ll meet at the Bread Head Bakery in downtown Dover at 2 pm. If you haven’t been here, it’s a great place. Not only is the coffee good, but they have plenty of baked goods, along with sandwiches and soups. Besides, it’s Dover’s 1st hippie joint! (What’s not to love?)
I should add that if you don’t know where the BHB is, it’s right next to the Main Moon restaurant (where we usually end up following a meeting). If you need better directions, email me or call me.
THE HOTEL WAR CONTINUES: I received a response from the Intercontinental Hotel Group, the corporation that now oversees the operations of the Holiday Inn hotel chain, in regards to the letter I sent in regards to the screw- job we received from their New Philadelphia hotel this year. I’m not going to go into detail regarding the body of the letter, but the jist of it said “So sorry, but we really can’t help you, thanks for writing; we’ll keep your letter on file.” Okay, that’s how they want to play this. . .
I’m not letting this daunt me in any way (I think you‘d lose respect for me if I did); I’ve been sanctioned by the Chancellor Himself to take the battle to the corporation so as to get our point across. What’s the goal, you ask? Simple -- I’m gunning for an actual apology. Sounds impossible, but isn’t that what we do best?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 8th: Sneak a Zucchini On Your Neighbor’s Porch Night
August 15th: Doomslayer Meeting at Bread Head Bakery (in Dover) - 2 pm.
August 10th: National Lazy Day
August 11th: Cadet T’Lisen’s birthday
August 13th: Left-Hander’s Day
This month’s issue is proudly dedicated to my father, who finally retired on July 24 after 48 years. Here’s to ya, Dad!
To begin with, I’d like to offer condolences to Lt. jg. Kammie, who lost one of her aunts yesterday in an automobile accident. We raise the death howl in her honor this day, and our thoughts go out to her family.
Okay, for another month, this newsletter is late once again, and here’s why: a week ago today, my Aunt was taken to the ER and summarily hospitalized for a possible “coronary incident” she had at her drug store. After testing, there were no actual coronary problems, but the doctors noticed that she was exhibiting some other problems, which had them questioning her ability to live by herself.
So right now, as I'm writing this newsletter, we’re awaiting the results of an MRI and EEG that were performed on her while she was hospitalized. She’s also starting speech therapy (she’d developed a stammer after knee replacement surgery), and just went on Mobile Meals, so we’re helping her get used to these new things. We’re also trying to figure out what all would need to be done if we have to place her in an assisted living facility. And let me tell you, folks, none of this is easy.
Along with this, I’ve been aiding in planning my father’s retirement party, and I’m helping my mother plan her 50th High School Class reunion. So, if I look a little frazzled around the edges, or I’m a little late with things, at least you know why; my plate’s a wee bit full.
I’m telling you all this because I’ve always believed in being straight with you. That said, on to business. . .
THIS MONTH’S MEETING: There’s a change to this month’s meeting date -- we will be meeting on the 15th, not the 8th; my father’s retirement party is this Saturday, and like I said earlier, I’m needed to help set up and run the party. Hence the date change.
I’m also mandating a change in location for this month -- instead of using the meeting room at Buehler’s (which, for some reason, isn’t really working for me; I thought we’d have a room, not an auditorium), for something different, we’ll meet at the Bread Head Bakery in downtown Dover at 2 pm. If you haven’t been here, it’s a great place. Not only is the coffee good, but they have plenty of baked goods, along with sandwiches and soups. Besides, it’s Dover’s 1st hippie joint! (What’s not to love?)
I should add that if you don’t know where the BHB is, it’s right next to the Main Moon restaurant (where we usually end up following a meeting). If you need better directions, email me or call me.
THE HOTEL WAR CONTINUES: I received a response from the Intercontinental Hotel Group, the corporation that now oversees the operations of the Holiday Inn hotel chain, in regards to the letter I sent in regards to the screw- job we received from their New Philadelphia hotel this year. I’m not going to go into detail regarding the body of the letter, but the jist of it said “So sorry, but we really can’t help you, thanks for writing; we’ll keep your letter on file.” Okay, that’s how they want to play this. . .
I’m not letting this daunt me in any way (I think you‘d lose respect for me if I did); I’ve been sanctioned by the Chancellor Himself to take the battle to the corporation so as to get our point across. What’s the goal, you ask? Simple -- I’m gunning for an actual apology. Sounds impossible, but isn’t that what we do best?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
August 8th: Sneak a Zucchini On Your Neighbor’s Porch Night
August 15th: Doomslayer Meeting at Bread Head Bakery (in Dover) - 2 pm.
August 10th: National Lazy Day
August 11th: Cadet T’Lisen’s birthday
August 13th: Left-Hander’s Day
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
RIP The Taco Bell Chihuahua
When I saw this news item, I had to post it:
Taco Bell dog Gidget dies at 15
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
Although she was hard of hearing, Gidget was otherwise in good health up to the day of her death, eating well and playing with her favorite squeaky toys at the home of trainer Sue Chipperton, McElhatton said.
"She was retired. She lived like a queen, very pampered," McElhatton said.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
But Gidget knew she was a star, McElhatton said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
So, let us all raise not a flagon of bloodwine, but instead, a taco, a burrito, or whatever Taco Bell delicacy you prefer in her honor.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
CHUY DAH July 2009
First of all, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy (if somewhat belated) 4th of July! Hope your holiday was a good one!
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
Saturday, June 20, 2009
An associate of ours passes away
If you have a CDPC t-shirt in your collection, be it in your drawer or in your closet, chances are it was made by a gentleman named Paul Barbarcik. Paul was an associate of both the Doomslayer and the Camp Dover Peace Conference, and he saw that we had a supply of t-shirts for a number of years, always in various colors.
I learned this morning that Paul had passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at the age of 56, following a brief illness.
Many of you may not have known Paul like the Chancellor or I did, but I usually ran into him when I was out and about, be it at New Towne Mall or Wal-Mart, and 9 times out of 10 the first thing he'd ask me was "When's the next convention?" We'd chat about Trek memorabilia in one form or another or maybe the newest movie for a few minutes, and then we'd go our separate ways.
I learned this morning that Paul had passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at the age of 56, following a brief illness.
Many of you may not have known Paul like the Chancellor or I did, but I usually ran into him when I was out and about, be it at New Towne Mall or Wal-Mart, and 9 times out of 10 the first thing he'd ask me was "When's the next convention?" We'd chat about Trek memorabilia in one form or another or maybe the newest movie for a few minutes, and then we'd go our separate ways.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
CHUY DAH June 2009
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Once again, yes, I’m late with this month's edition.
All I can give for a reason is that I’ve been extraordinarily occupied, especially with 3 birthdays hitting my house within a 14-day period, one dentist appointment to repair a broken tooth, and numerous meetings concerning other projects I’m working on. Some things, they can't be helped.
SHIP NEWS: First of all, a belated Happy Anniversary to the other 2/3rds of our Command Staff - and of course I speak of Capt. K’Dot Kali and her husband, Commander Bastian K’Hyde.
On the subject of our Chief Engineer and Resident Mad Scientist/Evil Genius ©, it seems I left out portions of his report from last month (doom on me) -- Bastian will be undergoing some changes in the near future: not only will his legal name be changing to Sebastian Andrew (that’s going to take some getting used to), but he will be manifesting his horns soon -- so keep an eye on his skull for future developments. He will also be starting supplemental training to become a holistic health practitioner (Chief, my apologies if I erred in any of this; I’m going from memory).
BRAGGING MOMENT: If you’ll indulge me for a “Proud Uncle”moment -- I’m honored to report that my niece, Cadet Specialist 2nd Class Q’Elle Makhleod, was selected to be part of the 5th-grade Math Team representing Strasburg Elementary School in a recent county-wide Math Tournament, which was held at the TuscCampus of Kent State University. She didn’t place in the tournament, but it’s an honor just to be selected. Also, effective as of tomorrow (which is her birthday), Q’Elle will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Specialist 3rd Class.
IT’S SUMMERTIME, WHICH MEANS IT’S PICNIC TIME: It’s June, and this month’s event will be our yearly Ship’s Picnic, which will be at its usual location, Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia on June 13th (next Saturday). I’ll need someone to take the role of Advance Party and find a table or two for us; contact me if you can take this assignment).
As usual, it’s Bring Your Own Picnic -- and this year, I’m lifting the moritorium on fried chicken and watermelon; let’s just be aware of who’s around us, all right? Arrival time is slated for 1 pm. If the weather’s with us, I say this would be the perfect time for the 2009 Doomslayer Invitational as well. Keep in mind that if the weather turns bad, the alternate location will be the New Towne Mall.
AFTER ACTION REPORT - “STAR TREK”: I don’t know about anyone else, but I was literally blown away by how good this movie was. I thought this was going to be an actual prequel, but no, they’re jumpstarting the Trek franchise and starting things off at Square One, just as they’ve done with the Batman and Iron Man franchises.
There have been those who have decried this movie, lamenting that Star trek is dead and gone, and we might as well throw all our books away. In my esteemed opinion, those people didn’t really watch the movie. This movie may be the shot in the arm that fandom’s been needing for a long time.
I, for one, left the theatre feeling the old familiar buzz that I felt when I first got into watching Trek in the beginning. And in my book, that’s not such a bad thing. (I’d go into more details, but there are some crew who haven’t seen the movie yet, so I’d rather not spoil it.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2nd: K’Dot Kali and Bastian’s Anniversary
June 7th: Cadet Q’Elle’s birthday
June 13th: Doomslayer Picnic at Tuscora Park - 1 pm; Bring your own picnic
June 14th: FLAG DAY
June 21st: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (Be sure to do something nice for your father; remember, without Dad, where would you be?)
June 29th: Autumn Daley’s birthday
Once again, yes, I’m late with this month's edition.
All I can give for a reason is that I’ve been extraordinarily occupied, especially with 3 birthdays hitting my house within a 14-day period, one dentist appointment to repair a broken tooth, and numerous meetings concerning other projects I’m working on. Some things, they can't be helped.
SHIP NEWS: First of all, a belated Happy Anniversary to the other 2/3rds of our Command Staff - and of course I speak of Capt. K’Dot Kali and her husband, Commander Bastian K’Hyde.
On the subject of our Chief Engineer and Resident Mad Scientist/Evil Genius ©, it seems I left out portions of his report from last month (doom on me) -- Bastian will be undergoing some changes in the near future: not only will his legal name be changing to Sebastian Andrew (that’s going to take some getting used to), but he will be manifesting his horns soon -- so keep an eye on his skull for future developments. He will also be starting supplemental training to become a holistic health practitioner (Chief, my apologies if I erred in any of this; I’m going from memory).
BRAGGING MOMENT: If you’ll indulge me for a “Proud Uncle”moment -- I’m honored to report that my niece, Cadet Specialist 2nd Class Q’Elle Makhleod, was selected to be part of the 5th-grade Math Team representing Strasburg Elementary School in a recent county-wide Math Tournament, which was held at the TuscCampus of Kent State University. She didn’t place in the tournament, but it’s an honor just to be selected. Also, effective as of tomorrow (which is her birthday), Q’Elle will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Specialist 3rd Class.
IT’S SUMMERTIME, WHICH MEANS IT’S PICNIC TIME: It’s June, and this month’s event will be our yearly Ship’s Picnic, which will be at its usual location, Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia on June 13th (next Saturday). I’ll need someone to take the role of Advance Party and find a table or two for us; contact me if you can take this assignment).
As usual, it’s Bring Your Own Picnic -- and this year, I’m lifting the moritorium on fried chicken and watermelon; let’s just be aware of who’s around us, all right? Arrival time is slated for 1 pm. If the weather’s with us, I say this would be the perfect time for the 2009 Doomslayer Invitational as well. Keep in mind that if the weather turns bad, the alternate location will be the New Towne Mall.
AFTER ACTION REPORT - “STAR TREK”: I don’t know about anyone else, but I was literally blown away by how good this movie was. I thought this was going to be an actual prequel, but no, they’re jumpstarting the Trek franchise and starting things off at Square One, just as they’ve done with the Batman and Iron Man franchises.
There have been those who have decried this movie, lamenting that Star trek is dead and gone, and we might as well throw all our books away. In my esteemed opinion, those people didn’t really watch the movie. This movie may be the shot in the arm that fandom’s been needing for a long time.
I, for one, left the theatre feeling the old familiar buzz that I felt when I first got into watching Trek in the beginning. And in my book, that’s not such a bad thing. (I’d go into more details, but there are some crew who haven’t seen the movie yet, so I’d rather not spoil it.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2nd: K’Dot Kali and Bastian’s Anniversary
June 7th: Cadet Q’Elle’s birthday
June 13th: Doomslayer Picnic at Tuscora Park - 1 pm; Bring your own picnic
June 14th: FLAG DAY
June 21st: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (Be sure to do something nice for your father; remember, without Dad, where would you be?)
June 29th: Autumn Daley’s birthday
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