Jeffrey Scott's - Best of his Blogs - 2012

One of the things I love most about December 31st is the end of year countdowns and reviews. It's fun to read or watch the top 10 moments in sports, films of the year, songs of the year and celebrity news stories that people compile. So it's not surprising I like to do the same. If you are reading this, then you likely follow at least one of my blogs. Now you have the opportunity to see what else I typically write about. As you read and review the past year entries, take notice of the other articles. Maybe you'll find something else that interests you.

After reviewing this compiled list, I have to say I'm impressed. So much so, I wish I could time travel back one year and show myself what neat things I'll be writing about. Of course how awesome would it be to do that next year. But unless I see my future self in the next few minutes, I'll assume it's not going to happen...... Nope, I guess I'll have to wait for next year to see what cool things I write about in 2013.

Thanks once again to all my readers, subscribers, and supporters. I love writing, but you make it so much more enjoyable and what keeps me motivated.

 
January
Carrot Sticks - BL S13E01 - No Excuse Zone
Season 13 recap of Biggest Loser begins.
I'm excited for the new season!!!!
Tegan - This is the Game of Rassilon
Created a mini dice related game.
J.A.Scott (Music) - "Fools Fantasy"
Martha Berner CD Review

February
Carrot Sticks - Tweets of the Week
I was invited to guest blog TWOW
Carrot Sticks - The Ice Cream Parlor
Season 13 article of the Biggest Loser, describes how upset I am with the season!!!
Tegan - Fifth Doctor in Review
A brief review of the Peter Davison era.
J.A.Scott (Music) - "Hot Sauce"
Jessy J CD Review

March
Carrot Sticks - BL - Coming Home
Jillian has Bob on her blogcast - I speculate her possible return to Biggest Loser
Tegan - The Two Doctors
A review of the episode featuring Patrick Troughton & Colin Baker
J.A.Scott (Music) - "Sophistication"
Thisbe Vos CD Review
J.A.Scott (Photography) - "Streets & Stores"
A trip to Chicago
J.A.Scott (Poetry) -"The Smile"
What I love about the girl who doesn't love me.

April
Carrot Sticks - No new Biggest Loser recaps
Stopped having fun blogging this season.
Tegan - Blog Hiatus
Took a break from this blog to work on J.A.Scott
J.A.Scott (Poetry) - "Moonlit Walk"
Poetry month! One poem a day.

May
J.A.Scott (Photography) - "Fire House"
Visited Helenville Fire Station for a photo shoot.

June
J.A.Scott (Photography) - Dublin Day One
A trip to Europe with my friend Dan.
J.A.Scott (Poetry) - "Goodbye My Friend"
When a friend died, I wrote a poem for her.

July
Tegan - Who is Tardis Mechanic?
Wrote a spoof article involving my Rock Band group.
J.A.Scott (Music/Photography) - Diana Krall Concert
I was able to bring my camera in and take photos.
J.A.Scott (Poetry) - "Social Butterfly"
It can be hard to catch the eye of the one you adore.
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t.) - "Ant: Us vs Them"
I relaunched my r.a.n.t. topics.

August
Carrot Sticks - What Are Your Fitness Inspirations?
Tried writing a new inspiration series for weight loss.
Tegan - Sixth Doctor in Review
A brief review of the Colin Baker era.
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t.) - "♫Whistle While You Work♪"
Rage against whistle blowers
J.A.Scott (Music / Photography) - CD Case Restoration
How I acquire second hand CD's and spiff them up.
J.A.Scott (Poetry) -  Schrödinger's Cat
A whimsical look at Schrödinger's Theory

September
Tegan - Time and the Rani
First episode featuring Sylvester McCoy
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t.) - "It's Nothing Personal, It's Just Business"
What I hate about big business reasoning.
J.A.Scott (Photography) - "Picture Rock Cave Trail"
One set of photos from my Wyalusing Trip

October
Tegan - Survival
Final episode of the old Dr.Who serie
J.A.Scott (Photography) - "Muskego Park"
Enjoying an Autumn day.
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t.) - "The Newest Odd Couple"
In an update of the Odd Couple, I could play both parts.

November
Tegan - Doctor Who the movie
Review of the film featuring Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann
J.A.Scott - Chocolate Fest
I hosted a chocolate taste test with my sisters.
J.A.Scott (Poetry) - "You Will Never Read This"
Likely the one intended will never read this.
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t.) - "Too Shy, Shy"
Problems I have with trying to associate with others.

December
Tegan - Legacy of the Daleks
A book review which features Susan, the Master and Paul McGann
J.A.Scott (Poetry) - "Broken"
Pick me up and throw me away.
J.A.Scott (R.a.n.t. / Poetry) - "A Poets Football Game"
My imagination of what a football team comprised of poets would be like.

Top 10 Blog Articles of 2012 - (According to Web Hits)
1149 - J.A.Scott - Social Butterfly
545 - Carrot Sticks - Biggest Loser - Coming Home
516 - Carrot Sticks - Biggest Loser S13E05 - Listen & Keep Your Mouth Closed
462 - Tegan -Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 69 "The Sixth Doctor In Review"
398 - Tegan -Dr. Who (The Early Years) - Part 58 "The Five Doctors"
317 - Carrot Sticks - Biggest Loser S13E10 - I Could Lose One Pound Taking A Poop
298- J.A.Scott -Diana Krall - Milwaukee: 16, July 2012
294 - Carrot Sticks - Biggest Loser S13E09 - Going Home
131 - J.A.Scott -Vacation Day 10 - The Isle of Man TT Races
104 - Tegan -Doctor Who (TV Movie) - Part 76 "Doctor Who"

Top 10 Blog Searches
1078 - Carrot Sticks - creepy man
637 - Tegan - Carly Foulkes
405 - J.A.Scott - Butterfly
382 - Carrot Sticks - Kim Lyons
380 - J.A.Scott - Bond Band
316 - Carrot Sticks - Why did Rulon leave biggest loser
267 - Carrot Sticks - Anna Kournikova biggest loser
210 - J.A.Scott - Diana Krall
75 - Tegan - Simpsons tapped out
62 - Tegan - the war machines computer

Dave & Busted

R.a.n.t. of week 12/30/12

This past weekend, I was invited by a friend to an eatery I've heard others describe as an "Adult Chuck E. Cheese". I had never been to this place so figured I'd give it a whirl, mostly because my children were with me and they would likely enjoy the games the establishment provided. As we arrived, I saw another friend who had arrived about thirty minutes before us. As luck would have it, the booth next to him was open so the waitress gave us that one. So how did the encounter go? Well, it's the topic of this weeks r.a.n.t., so probably not as well as I would have liked it to. Later on at home, I took the opportunity to fill out a survey to express what I thought of the place. One of the questions asked about the attentiveness of our server. Following are the actual comments I left.
"I had to ask for straws for our drinks. Then I had to ask for cutlery for our food. Is there a charge for drink refills? I have no idea because we were never asked if we needed another drink."

I'm a master of passive aggressive behaviour so my first attempt at trying to gain forks and knives was when the waitress walked past and I grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes and began eating them from my fingers. That didn't seem to catch her notice so I ended up flagging her down and asking for the utensils. Connie told me she thought it was odd I was doing that and I replied, "I just thought that was the 'thing' here." She laughed but finally gave the utensils for the six of us. "I won't make you eat with your fingers any more." she replied.

Additionally, the food was not something I'd write home about. But it was perfect to write a blog about. I ordered a chicken plate which came with mashed potatoes. I did like the coating on the chicken, but it was served lukewarm. Also the mashed potatoes were prepared gazpacho style. I also stole a French-fry from my friends plate when he made the mistake of stepping away for a bit while the food was just about to be served (so his food was really cold by the time he received it). Needless to say, the fry was likely sitting under a heat lamp in the back for a while.

Continuing with the survey I filled out later, it asked for additional comments on how happy I was with my visit. Once again, my actual response is included.
"Had 6 people in my 'party' but had to pay an 18% gratuity. This was gratuity even AFTER simple game cards were purchased, not just food items. Then found out another table complained about the gratuity and had it waived. How unfair!!!"

When I received my bill, I was shocked to find I had to pay an 18% gratuity fee for a party of 8 or more. I can only assume this was because I stopped to say hi to my friend on the way in. Suddenly he was a part of 'my' party, despite us not even talking during the entire course of our meal. I had my own table of company to keep. After I paid the bill I was informed he had his bill taken care of because he was outraged by the added gratuity and the fact it was for game cards which could have easily been purchased at a kiosk. Some dinner deal I received.

One of the last questions the survey asked was, what could have made my visit more pleasurable.
"Not be charged an 18% gratuity for an inattentive waitress.
Not be charged an 18% gratuity for cold food.
Not be charged an 18% gratuity for a party of only 6."

On top of everything else, the price of the games confused me. The game cards are full of 'credits' which do not equal the amount of monies put on the card. Each game has a cost averaging between 5.2 and 9.9 credits. Yes, those are decimal points. This confounded me and made it difficult to figure out exactly how much I was really spending on each game.

Okay, I realize you are probably saying, 'Jeffrey you complain to much. If you dislike the place so much, don't visit it again.' Point taken, I think I can manage that.

Xiquez

I'd always felt so all alone
trapped inside a little cube.
Miserable I sat in angst
'til experienced a sudden xube.

So gorgeous, she, like nothing else
since beauty first began.
how I long for her embrace
yet know I'll soon be xan.

How could she ever love me,
her faith in me confide?
It's just my silly secret,
and never to be xelotide.

So quietly I sit alone and
whisper her name into the breeze.
Thinking of the one I love
my sweet and cherished xiquez.

J.A.Scott

________________________________________
* Fictitious words I invented

1. Xube - Experiencing something beautiful you have never experienced before.
2. Xan - To be driven crazy.
3. Xelotide - Being in a state of public awareness.
4. Xiquez - Some hidden knowledge from the general public.

Spam & Scam - Click HERE For Viagra

R.a.n.t. of week 12/23/12

One of the things I hate more than not receiving any feedback is getting spam feedback. It's kind of sad when most of the comments I receive have to be deleted. What's worse is most of those spam message are also scam messages, i.e empty promises or ineffective products. Following are the last five comments I received on various blog posts:

1. Unbelievable, I just found this software that can promote your website. Click here for....
-- And this relates to the Isle of Man TT how?

2.Crucial Factors Of Philadelphia car accident lawyers - What You Need To Know Also see my page...
-- Yea, that really relates to my article on supermarket checkouts. Or is the point that in Philadelphia only accident lawyers use the speedy checkouts?

3. Hey there jeffreyascott.blogspot.com admin found your website via search engine but it was hard to find and I see you could have more traffic because there are not so many comments yet. To dramatically increase traffic to your site visit....
-- This was left on the Isle of Man Glen photos. I think I liked the Glen just fine without traffic.

4. Торговля двигатель рекламы !!!
-- To be honest, I'm not sure what to make of this. Google translate translates this to "Trade Engine Advertising!!!" This was left on one of my 'Auto Show' posts. Well, maybe this wasn't spam??? If I'm wrong, sorry about that comrade.

5. We procession inasmuch as all kinds of crazy qualitys that separate mistaken in a inconsistency of styles, colors and sizes at wholesale price....
-- This was left on my 'Cinema Talkers' rant. And isn't the irony of the broken English above criticising "crazy qualitys & inconsistancy" just as annoying as a movie talker? And then there is the unrelated topic of this spam directing me to a website where I can buy cheap wedding and prom dresses. I'm like ???

To be honest though, the last response reminds me of the email scams from Nigeria. Years ago I used to respond to them, just to mess with them and waste their time. I don't think they usually had any idea what I was talking about. Included below are a few key moments of one such correspondence. I, of course, used a fake name.

The Setup: In these emails, the scammer tries to obtain the bank information of unaware people. Usually they pose as Nigerian barristers, lawyers or businessmen, trying to move money to a "safe" place in America. They claim to need bank information to move the money into your account. When they acquire the needed information, they drain the account of money and disappear. My goal was to waste their time so they were not doing this to other, more gullible, people. I won't bore you with his first email as it's usually 5 pages long. Suffice it to say I responded favourably and willing to help, though I didn't send him any bank details.

From: Ali (Scammer)
To: Mark Krall (Me)
Dear Mark,
I have acknowledged the reciept of your mail.Please if you are not ready to send your banking information where the fund will be transafered, you should forget about helping me and I dont want any other person to be involve in this transaction.

From: Mark Krall (Me)
To: Ali (Scammer)
Oh my! You do not trust me? I just figured it would be easier to have my personal banker give you all the necessary information. I was trying to be efficient and fast and you are now saying I am not trustworthy?

From: Ali
To: Mark Krall
Please, if my last mail to you offended you, I appologies for that, you should forget and forgive, let us forge ahead, so that we can be able to achieve the gold ahead of us.

From: Mark Krall
To: Ali
I accept your apology. Account number will be sent to you this evening when I arrive home. All my bank information is at home. I was going to bring it in to work in case you wrote back but forgot to grab in my haste, I was running late earlier. I heard a loud crash outside my apartment building this morning and saw an overturned milk truck. There was milk everywhere and all the neighborhood cats were running over. I tell you, I never had such a hard time driving down my own city block. With luck, the milk and the cats will be gone when I get home.

From: Ali
To: Mark Krall
I HAVE RECEIVED YOUR MAIL, TAKE NOTE THAT I HAVE NOT RECEIVE YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER , PLRASE YOU SHOULD ENDEAVOUR TO SEND IT TO ENABLE ME FORGE AHEAD. I recieved your mail.Thanks for your urgent response. You have to send the inforamtion asfollows:
Name Of the Bank/Address:
Bank's Tel and Fax:
Acoount No/Routline No:

From: Mark Krall
To: Ali
My best friend, Ali
How are you doing? I hope all is okay with you. Please tell me things are okay. I must get right to the point. Please Ali, we are best friends; you have never told me a lie. Are you being serious or is this just a joke for you? We need to take this serious if it is serious. If it is just a joke to you, then why do you write me? You seem a very busy man and important to be making jokes and just fooling around. If you are truly serious then contact Jenny at my bank. Her number is 867-5309. Please! This is very important!!!

From: Ali
To: Mark Krall
I AM NOT JOKING,YOU HAVE TO BE SERIOUS WITH ME AND YOU SHOUL NOT ALLOW THE DELAY FORM YOU SIDE TO BE A HENDRANCE TO OUR PAYMENT.

From: Mark Krall
To: Ali
I did not want to delay in this. Here is the information you needed.
Bank: Maggody Tri-N-Save / 100 Main, Maggody - Stump Cty C
Phone: Jenny - 867-5309
Account: 25OR624
Now we should be able to get our deal concluded. I can't wait. Do you mind if I go shopping right away? I could buy both of us a brand new car and when we meet we can have drag races. Just like in the movies.
Dragster buddy,
Mark

From: Ali
To: Mark Krall
Coming to your request, I will not give any answer to any of the question until the fund is approved for payment on your behalf, you know what to invest with your own money and I know what to invest with my money. Be informed that I am investing a lot of money here to ensure that our dream become true. All you need to do now is to make a good arrangement on where I will stay.

From: Mark Krall
To: Ali
I still want to buy us a pair of matching cars. If you'd like I can take out the remaining money and put a down payment on them. They will look nice and we can cruise and pick up chicks. They will like our new cars. You never got back to me and specified which color you preferred, puke purple or outrageous orange? Please, this is VERY important you get back to me on this since I can go to bank today to take the money out to put the down payment on the cars. You will really like them!!!! Don't worry about a place to live, you can live with me.

To: Mark Krall
From: Ali
You refused to mention the Name of your Country as the desination where the Fund will be routed, I don't want you to hinder our Payment since I have not see any seriousness in you, even your last mail proved that you are joker, Look at the way you address me on your last mail, talking meaningless things that does not make sense.

To: Ali
From: Mark Krall
I am looking forward to the completion of this transaction as well. In regards to you calling me joker, I can truthfully tell you I am not him. Sure, I may live in Gotham but that does not mean I'm the Joker. Those canisters of Smilex they found in my apartment were not mine, but for a friend who accidentally left them over. You must believe and trust that I am not the joker. Perhaps when we meet for real when you come to visit I can prove it with a handshake. Still, I'm a little upset you called me the Joker. So I will call you penguin from now on.
Love that joker,
Mark

[I never heard from him again]

Checking Out the Fast Lane

R.a.n.t. of week 12/16/12

Let's suppose you went to a Nascar race, only to find out the cars in the race were a soap-box derby type, using pedal power. The roar of the cars zipping past replaced with a deafening sound of nothingness from the derby cars. Probably not an event you'd write home about, unless to r.a.n.t. and complain. Even if you were a soap-box derby fan, you'd have to admit compared to the Nascar you were hoping to see, the derby cars were not very speedy. Keep in mind, being speedy is relative to how fast you expect something to go. A snail racing along at 10MPH could hardly be called slow. Why then, do grocery stores put monikers on their 'self-serve checkout' lines such as "Speed Zone" or "Fast Lane", when they are anything but. Have you ever tried using these lanes and actually watched the people in front of you? This weekend I was entertained with a three act show. With four checkouts, only three ever work at any given time. The first customer is a lady who ignores the 12 item limit and proceeds to self-checkout her cartload. I've also noticed the more a person has at the checkout, the slower they move. The next checkout is a lady who has a stack of coupons. I won't bash coupons if they work for you, but most machines require the attention of a checkout clerk. So every coupon the lady scans, the clerk has to come over and approve it. If she's going to be seeing the clerk that much, why not just use a regular lane? The final customer is an older gentleman who has his grandson along. First of all, the gent has a 'not so bright' look on his face. Everything he scans puzzles him and he tries to scan other items before putting the previous into a bag. This sets off the alert and the clerk is called over to find out what the problem is. His grandson keeps telling him to put the item in a bag, but for reasons unknown the grandfather doesn't listen. After a few more items being processed this way, I literally hear him say, "Maybe I should have used the other lane". Sir, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Turn Left

R.a.n.t. of week 12/09/12

This is an indicator light. Please use it!

A few years ago I r.a.n.t.ed about 'Inconsiderate Drivers'. Back then I was mostly talking about rude drivers. This time it's slightly different. It's the drivers who are indifferent to signalling. I can't count the number of times I've pulled up behind someone at a traffic light, waiting for the light to change green. And once it does I expect them to get going, but they don't. They just sit there. Why? Because they are turning left and have failed to signal. What makes matters worse, there is now a steady stream of cars going around us to the right. So now I'm locked in, waiting for this yahoo to finish their turn. Had they had their directional on, I would have known to go in the right lane. A few of the times they have a hard time turning, but when they do the light is already changing so now I'm forced to speed through a yellow/red light or wait for the light to change again. To add insult to injury, I've also noticed a few of these people who suddenly turn their directional on as they are turning. My brain just wants to melt. You DON'T have to tell me you are turning when I can SEE you are turning. We don't need signals in the car to inform others what you are already doing. Maybe next season, cars should be equipped with an indicator light, informing people there has been an accident. No, that's probably a bad idea, because once I SEE the accident, I'll KNOW ABOUT IT!!!!

*Thank you Donna for using your indicators. Much appreciated.

Broken

Broken I am, as I lay on the floor.
Damaged to you,
busted and smashed.

Unneeded I am,
Redundant for you,
A pointless waste.

Unwanted I am,
Discarded by you,
Outcast of all.

Broken I am, as I lay on the floor.
Pick me up,
and throw me away.

J.A.Scott

A Poets Football Game

R.a.n.t. of week 12/02/12

This weekend I was invited to a "flag" football game. Now of all sports, American football happens to be my favourite (unless darts counts). Some might think I'd be more interested in European football, but I'm not very agile on my feet and can't really run up and down the field like I used to. A few months ago we played Football (Soccer), and I really tired myself out (though I probably wouldn't have played if I wasn't trying to impress a girl). Truly, I need to lose weight; okay, another r.a.n.t. for another time. One of the main reasons I came to this game was for my son. Though there were many younger players for which we were playing flag football, us older ones were not always so passive when we went up against each other. I somehow managed to injure a few of my ribs and my arms and legs are extremely sore today. But, I wouldn't take the pain away (as long as they heal), for anything. I wear these pains as trophies, in honour and glory, satisfied knowing I went out there and played despite my initial misgivings.

What misgivings? Well, as indicated above, I'm not exactly the athletic type. And even if I were more fit, the drive to play somewhat alludes me. I was picked last in the 'school-yard pick-em' and the reason showed several times as I was playing, quite probably looking lost. At one point I remember thinking to myself, "I'm a poet, not a footballer". So that got me thinking. Can a poet be an athlete? I started to imagine a team playing football, comprised of poets. Here's how the game went in my mind:

* * * * *

"Hello, I'm Alex Flanagan. I'll be your sideline reporter for this first ever, poets football game. The players are on the field and the game is about to commence. Some might wonder why the game is so late at night. It seems most of the poets felt it was more 'poetic' this way. Number 12, Robert Browning, suggested this 'meeting at night'. Kick-off is about to begin and I'm joined by Pam Oliver who'll be interviewing a few of the players. Pam, I understand you are with Lewis Carroll, this teams quarterback."

"Yes Alex, Now Lewis, what do you feel are your teams chances of winning this game?"
"Twas brillig, and the slithy toves."
"I've forgotten, he doesn't usually make much sense. Back to you Alex."

"The game is now under-way and the poets have received the ball first. John Keats is returning the ball, wait, what's he doing? He's stopped and staring ahead, he seems to be paralysed in place, pointing down field and mumbling. Can we hear what he's saying?"
"Tiger, Tiger burning bright!"
"He's taken down at the 15! This is not good field position for the poets. It's first down and looks like they are going to try a run play. It's handed off to Robert Frost who, yes he's actually made a first down. The defence assumed he was running a different route, but he tricked them all and took the one less traveled by. They are now in better field position, but can they do anything again? Lewis Carroll is hiking the ball."
"One two! One Two! And Through and Through, hike!"
"It's going to be a pass play. Stephen Crane is running down field as though he's pursuing the horizon. William Wordsworth is running all about the field. I'm not sure he knows what he's doing. He seems to be fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Here's the throw, it's to W.H.Davies but he's just standing there. He could have caught the ball but he didn't even try. He's now being ejected from the game. Pam, can you get a comment from him?"

"Davies, what happened out there?"
"What is life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare."
"Thanks for that incite. Alex, back to you."

"Thanks Pam. The team is now sending in Emily Dickenson. Earlier, she felt the game was going to be a breeze and said, 'success is counted sweetest'. Seems she's very hopeful. It's second down and they are going for another run play. It's handed to Emily but she's turned from the defender and has started to run backwards. Oh no, she is taken down for a loss of ten yards. I think we can hear her on the field."
"How DREARY to be somebody!"
"She seems to be taking this very hard. It's third down now and they need to make a conversion here. But can they do it? Lewis Carroll hikes the ball again."
"Callooh! Callay! Hike!"
"The ball is passed to A.E.Houseman, he's running for the first down but.... oh no. He's taken down and it doesn't look like he's getting back up. He took a hard hit, I'm not sure he's going to be back in the game either. Pam, you are right there, how bad does it look."

"Alex, he seems to have taken quite a hit. He's slowly getting to his feet. The crowd is cheering, but he's hobbling to the sideline. Houseman, are you okay?"
"Miles around they'll say that I am quite myself again."
"There you have it, Houseman seems to think he'll be okay."

"It's now fourth down so the poets will have to kick the ball away. Edgar Allan Poe is kicking the ball and it's received by the other team. They are running down the field but no one is stopping them. Edgar Allan Poe is actually running off the field yelling 'Nevermore'. He's being followed by the rest of the poets. Why are they running off the field? Pam, Stephen ran past you. What was he shouting?"

"Incredibly Alex, he seems despondent. As do the rest of the poets. 'It is futile' he cried and ran on. It seems this poets football game has come to an early close. Back to you."

"I guess that just about does it for the first annual poets football game. It seems there will be no joy in Mudville tonight. On behalf of myself and Pam Oliver, have a good night."