The humble cranberry gets dressed up for visitors and harvest time in the bogs - The Boston Globe

The humble cranberry gets dressed up for visitors and harvest time in the bogs - The Boston Globe

PARADISE ON EARTH - VENICE

In a world time forgot, the sinking city of Venice stirs the soul. Grand piazzas set with candelit tables with elegant lovers listening to the sound of magical music from polished grand pianos, or walking by an old church on the square with the strains of Vivaldi's Four Seasons being played.

A moonlit ride in a gondola, gazing up into the private spaces of the elite in their pallazzos.

Escape From The Tropics...To Italy?

Well, we're smack dab in the midst of Hurricane Season here in the tropics. The heat is a searing 95 degrees, with a "feels like" factor of 105 degrees.

What's a guy to do?

Well, retreat across the sea to breathtaking Italy!

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT IS NOW HOFF-LESS

In news that will hit you in the gut with a powerful fist of "we all saw this coming," The Hoff has been fired from America's Got Talent because the producers were sick of him stealing Purell from everyone's dressing room to use as a mixer. Wait. Did I say "fired"? Well, give me a Lohan kick to the pussy, because I really meant to say that The Hoff left on his own accord. Yes, we're going with that one. Let's hear it from The Hoff:

“I am proud that I was part of making America’s Got Talent the No. 1 rated show for the past four summers. It’s been a rewarding experience and now I’m thrilled to be able to follow my dream to do my own TV show, which will be announced very shortly. I want to thank my friend, (executive producer)Simon Cowell, and everyone at NBC and Fremantle for the opportunity for four great years.”

Since The Hoff still believes he's only hooked on a feeling, and not hooked on the bottle, I doubt his next TV project will involve Dr. Drew or Ken Seeley. Maybe he's going to host America's Next Top Cheeseburger for the Food Network?

In other news, Paula Abdul was spotted on her hands and knees in front ofSimon Cowell's front gates. I wonder what that's about. <---- Not a question.

So it's the New Year. Do I really have to get in shape?

Seriously.

You have received a YouTube video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw

Proposition 8 - "Return The Toaster"

So the Califonia Supreme Court has decided to outlaw gay marriage.  Or, "Gee-the 18,000 folks already married are okay".  But, Bob and Don, and Cathy and Marge-who wanted to get married, can't.

I don't really have a horse in the California ring, but doesn't this seem like a "new" type of discrimination?   

I'm just sayin'...

Was It The Jasmine Or The Fertilizer???

So, I'm out for a quick stroll.  The weather is gorgeous, the sun brilliant and the sky painted the most fantastic shade of blue.

Suddenly, the air is filled with the scent of jasmine.   Gorgeous, lush, heady and magical.  I'm trying to figure out exactly where it's coming from, taking periodic deep breaths when suddenly the engine of the landscapers blower hits high gear and I inhale a nose full of crap.  I immediately start sneezing.

What Good Is The Dog Park If You Don't Play With The Dogs?

Okay.  So we've got this new puppy and thought we'd gradually "socialize" him.  He seems to be great out and about on his walks when he meets other people and other dogs.

With people, he just wants to love them to death.  Or, perhaps a better description would be...lick them to death.  Dogs he finds fascinating, and is very well behaved with them.

So, the perfect day out for him would be a trip to the doggie park, no?.   No.  He walked into the park, looked around at the small group of dogs, whiffed, sniffed and decided:  I'll just hang out with the humans-they smell better.

Bongo the beagle seemed to be interested in him - but no.  Our dog just decided to sit under the picnic table.  The beagle decided to sit on TOP of the table.   Our dog just couldn't have cared less.

Does this make us failures as parents?