Blame me

Blame me, I voted.

Walter and I voted this morning. The line was a bit long; it was very short if your last name began with Gu - Z. This was for voter verification, once to the machine things went very quickly.

I joked with Walter that I still love him even though marrying him put me in the first part of the alphabet and into this long line.

I found the number of people having to think a while about where their last name fell in alphabetical order a bit disturbing. Maybe it was the early hour (7:30 am).

I would think Texas of all states would not have trouble with dual last names.

For some reason my maiden name ended up on the roll even though it was not like that for the primary. I just had to fill out a form and circle the error.

I was tempted to use my cell phone to take a picture of the screen before I cast my ballot but cell phones are not allowed. Both parties in Brazos County are pushing for machines with a paper trail.

A pundit on MSNBC actually said something interesting: Texas, because of its Hispanic population, has the potential to become a swing state in future national elections and that would be a nightmare for the Republican Party. 34 electoral votes in play. Take that Ohio and Pennsylvania! I'm not sure if I want this pundit's prediction to come to pass. Living in a solid color state has spared me most of the campaign ad ugliness.

She's back!

The meddler is back and we have background continuity between panels. Background continuity between panels may become the new thing to watch for in Mary Worth.

This looks like a brief appearance then we get to deal with weeks of Toby's angst and loss of confidence regarding her intelligence and resourcefulness.

Has Toby figured out how the identity thieves acquired her personal information? Probably not, instead we will get treated to weeks of Toby trying explain things to Ian and Ian's frustration with his attempts to get his wife's neurons to fire.

Mary celebrates Halloween early with her choice of clothes.


I'm keeping the poll up in case this appearance is just for the day.

40 effing days!

I like support under my chairs and tables but that's just me.

40 days without a Mary Worth appearance. Will Mary reappear before the end of Ramadan (September 30 - October 1 in North America)?* That's one pious biddy - Lent and Ramadan.

*Source: http://www.when-is.com/ramadan-2008.asp

Feel free to participate in the newest poll - Mary Worth will reappear for which holiday?

September 30: Eid ul-Fitr (last day of Ramadan) - Muslim holiday
October 9: Yom Kippur - Jewish holiday
October 28: Diwali - Hindu holiday
December 9: Bodhi Day - Buddhist holiday

Getting things done

I finally found a way to get up in the morning and make it to work on time. I use my cell phone's alarm clock feature and have the sound set to the chirps of Salvador. The sound wakes me gently rather than jarring me out of a dream and Walter does not hear it and get disturbed. I've tried it successfully for two days so far. I haven't experienced the 9:00 am - 11:00 am struggle to stay awake, either.

I've accomplished a few minor but overdue tasks.

Things have become a bit busy at work but I don't mind. Keeps me out of trouble and justifies my existence at work.

I feel good about how this week has unfolded so far. I'm a bit behind in scanning my cartoons but I still have four days worth on the hard drive. I have three cartoons in the box awaiting scan.

I still read the comics but nothing has been worth commenting on. At least the Charterstone Tales did not happen as I feared.

I finally saw the Chocolate Rain video on YouTube. Oddly enough, a reference to it appeared on both South Park and Lewis Black's Root of Evil tonight. I did not go looking for the video. I received a subscription update - looked at that video which lead to the Chad Vader parody of Chocolate Rain and finally to Chocolate Rain. I'm glad I caught that bit of pop culture when I did or else tonight's line up on Comedy Central would not have made as much sense, especially, South Park.

Massage therapy is winning the Mary Worth poll. Still time to cast your vote. If you want to know what being a super delegate feels like vote 1,000 times.

3 and a half weeks

The Steve, the Pitbull storyline lasted 3 and a half weeks? I hardly noticed the passage of time because the story was engaging, funny and helped raise awareness about the negative but false stereotypes about Pitbulls. Karen Moy might learn a few lessons here.

The young Mary flashback storyline has lasted 3 and a half weeks or at least it seems that way. The lamest religious experience ever. The experience fits the pattern that Mary set for the rest of her life.

It's my fault for expecting more. Comes from reading too many comic books and biographies.

Coming back from the flashback and finding Toby Cameron almost slashing her wrist would provide a satisfactory ending to this story.

Does Karen Moy get paid with money for writing this or does King Features just sends her a favorite item for each comic strip? I suspect Joe Giella finds a case of beer on his porch every week.

I would be willing to write Mary Worth in exchange for light housekeeping services. Think about it, King Features. I write trite dialogue and weave slow moving plots that go nowhere (but only slightly better - I will attribute Mary's quotes to actual people rather than generic wise men) and the syndicate sends someone to my house once a week to dust, sweep and vacuum.

Participate in the new poll: What would you want from King Features in exchange for writing Mary Worth?

Happiness through lower standards

The poll has closed. The poll should have closed a few days ago, since Mary Worth actually appeared in her comic strip. Began my 39th year and the sun has not gone supernova. One person called it correctly. Karen Moy, maybe? A second person voted after Mary's appearence.

I woke up this morning and did not find dead bodies in the street. A good day. I stay happy by keeping my standards for a good day low. I learned that technique from Walter.

Poor Bailey is 10 years old and already balding.

Alice the maid and Carol Brady says, "Get the hell out of our kitchen!"

Wow, I cannot think of Alice's last name. This makes me happy. I will not rush the demise of this moment by looking it up.

She's back!

Mary Worth finally appears in her own comic strip! She has returned with exclamation points!

A fun party game - read dialogue from Mary Worth as punctuated. Does anyone in Santa Royale use a period?

Drew would have more success with the ladies if he dumped the mom pants and moved into his own place.

I haven't celebrated my birthday and as far as I know the sun is still intact (cloudy here in College Station). One person called it correctly. Congratulations!

Day 26

Mary Worthless Mary Worth: Day 26.

In Santa Royale, battleship gray is the new black. After 26 days Drew and Vera could at least order some food.

Vera does have two hours to kill before Ryan comes back so she starts a new topic. This could go on another 26 days.

I've added a poll to the right side bar.

What will happen first?

• My 39th birthday (Feb. 21)
• Mary Worth reappearing in her comic
• The sun going nova
• A definite Democratic Party nominee

Vote often, early and do not worry about the super delegates.