An Anniversary R.a.n.t. Special

R.a.n.t. of week 07/28/13
One year ago, I started ranting about ants invading my house. It's something I've done before, r.a.n.t.ing I mean. Back in 2004 I had a personal website I maintained which came with a discussion group. On a weekly basis, I would find something to complain about, to inspire people talking. It lasted for about four months till I started running out of time and forgetting about it. In 2008 I started my blog and continued with my r.a.n.t.'s where I left off, but this time it only lasted five weeks. Finally, in 2012, I began to r.a.n.t. once more. Here it is a year later and I'm still ranting. A week ago, I asked several people if they'd be interested in helping me do an anniversary r.a.n.t and a few agreed. I asked them to be short, light and as humorous as they could possibly be. I would have done all these topics myself, but sometimes it's nice to get a fresh perspective from someone else. Plus, with such a variety of topics, I'm afraid I'd get writers block before to long.


Business

Thanks for the opportunity to write something. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, but it hit me this morning what I can write about. Just heard the local coffee house Alterra is changing it's name. It's now going to be called Colectivo Coffee. What? So ridiculous. What was wrong with the Alterra name? And they sold the name to another company. Now I'll be confused when I see the Alterra name. Is it the coffee, or the coffee cafe? What's in a name? Such upsetting news, and before I've even had my morning coffee.
By, Erick / Visit my blog at erickthered.blogspot.com
- I couldn't agree more. (Jeffrey Scott)


Food

They are back! Yes, Twinkies are back. I love these golden baked goods. So tasty and fun. What were they thinking not selling them anymore. Everyone loves the Twinkies and thats why they ahd to bring them back. So in a way, us the buyers win. They thought they could deprive us. #Fail. One of the biggest times I ever got in trouble was when my mother came back from the store and I found the box of Twinkies. I remember taking them into the basement and eating them all. I was maybe five. When my mom looked for them I said I didn't no where they were so she thoguht the store forgot to put them in the bags. I was dumb though, and crusehd the box up and stuffed it under the dryer. About two years later we got a new drier and my dad found the empty box. By that time I forgot I put them they're.

- I appreciate the humorous story Katy.


Sports

Dude, check it. The Milwaukee Brewers are lame, and everyone knows it. But not as lame as Ryan Braun having to forfeit the rest of the season. The rest of the season? And just because he wanted to help out his team and his career? "But his performance was enhanced" (I hear you whine). Suck it up, buttercup! That's such a bad thing? I can certainly see the tragedy in that.... NOT! Complaining that PED's are a disadvantage to other players is like complaining my wife's coupons are a disadvantage to other shoppers. She uses what resources are available to her advantage, so did Braun. I'm no Braun fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I'll call a duck a duck. I could go on, but I won't. I've got tickets to see the Detroit Tiger's tonight. Now that's a ball team!


- Your fascination with the Tigers baffles me Kenny. But I'm not really in a good position to dispute that at this time. LOL Go Brewers!


World News

Kate Middleton,
Most people are so upset with all the press Kate Middleton is getting lately regarding the birth of her baby. My complaint is about all THOSE people. If you don't like the news, shut it off. Having a baby is a wonderful blessing, and Kate is such a beautiful mother. It's not beneath me to say I'm a little jealous. And how adorable is George Alexander Louis. How could you not fall in love with that precious bundle of joy. Kate, you really have it all; you are gorgeous, have a great fashion sense, a wonderful husband and the cutest baby ever. What more could a girl ask for?
With love,
Vicki

- You know what they say, haters are gonna hate. Nice job Vicki.


Rebuttal
My rant is a rebuttal to something you wrote last year - describing feelings of "being invisible". I wonder if it's ever dawned on you, you are likely the biggest part of the problem. Being quiet and shy isn't an excuse. Get over it and approach people. How can you complain about others doing this to you, if you do this to them? And explaining your problems using Doctor Who? Yawn, give it a rest. Maybe the next time you do this, you can give ME the 'business' section. I'd cover something more informative than a simple name change.
Jenni Long.
- Thanks for the kind thoughts Jen. I can always rely on you to call me out. You certainly like to complain more than I do. I don't know why you don't have your own r.a.n.t. blog.


This anniversary r.a.n.t has come to it's conclusion. Lately, it's been hard when trying to help others celebrate their own anniversaries, when I don't currently have anything to celebrate myself..So now, in a way, I have. Maybe it won't be so bad for me any more.

Once again, thanks to everyone who contributed something! It means a lot. Even if I don't 100% agree with all of your views. I'm looking at you Jen!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jenni Long is a writer and editor
of the Canadian children's magazine
'Fille Forte'. That being said, her
thoughts do not necessarily reflect
those of myself.

Calluna Vulgaris

I'd love to see a Scottish Moor,
to gaze in awe at the fields décor.

I've been to Paris in the heart of France,
the city of art, love and romance.
Atop the Eiffel I stood for awhile,
and enjoyed the subtle Lisa smile.

So I need to visit that Scottish Moor,
to see the perennial that I adore.

London of course is the place to be,
for the Olympic Torch or the Jubilee.
I've strolled the top of Tower Bridge,
and shopped Canary Wharf a smidge.

But I've never been to the tranquil Moor,
so I vow no longer will I ignore.

'Cause the Irish folk I do admire.
The culture rich; it does inspire.
I've seen luscious plains on display.
Still, another place I'd rather stay.

I long to be in that gorgeous Moor,
the Calluna Vulgaris to explore.

J.A.Scott

Vacation Day 8 - Rainy Liverpool, England

While visiting Liverpool, like many of the other cities, we found the oldest pubs we possibly could to have a pint in. Love the antique Johnnie Walker pitcher.

Back in the heart of the city centre we ran into another street performer. At first glance, when he wasn't moving, he looked like a statue.

Found this sign in another pub we visited. I may have to print this out for my bar.

The rain made it difficult for me to take many photos, but I braved the rain when we ran into Liverpool's "China Town" area.

A landscape view of one Liverpool's streets.

Vacation Day 7 - Liverpool, England

So far during our trip, we travelled by car and airplane. As we set out for Liverpool, we took the National Rail. You could say our trip covered planes, trains and auto-mobiles.

I got a lousy seat on the train, but managed to get a few photos. Here is one of the passing English countryside.

We arrived in Liverpool fairly early. As we began to explore the city centre, we ran into this bird man. For a moment, I thought I had warped to Bristol.

Another impressive structure. I suppose I should try and learn what the names of these things are.

Looks like this building had been burnt at one time. Or is that just part of the design?

Yet again, another crazy sign. And really, is it needed? I think the bars are a deterrent enough.

A great building and an interesting court yard.

As we got closer to the bay, the building were more and more interesting.

During World War II, this church was bombed out. It still remains as a reminder.

Vacation Day 6 - Back To The Museum

While in London, I wanted to make sure I went to places I hadn't been before. Piccadilly Circus is one of those places.

Another view from Piccadilly Circus. Notice the Union Jack's flying in preparation for the Queen's Jubilee.

Considering our time to visit the British Museum was cut short, we opted to return. To me, nothing says museum like statues. Don't blink.

More museum features, ruins. Restructured of course.

After our trip to the museum was complete, we ventured back to the Museum Tavern, this time to get something to eat. Here I'm enjoying Chicken Tikka Masala. Mmmmm good.

Last stop for the day was the Ace Cafe; a motorcycle themed cafe, if you couldn't guess.

Vacation Day 5 - An Exhausting Day

One of the first stops while in London was the Who Shop. A store selling every sort of Doctor Who merchandise you can think of. Dan had never been there so I took him. Kind of neat to travel directly there and know exactly where it was.

Who wouldn't want to have their picture taken with a Dalek? A sign in the store warns 'Shoplifters Will Be Exterminated'.

Did you see that ludicrous display last night?

No trip to London is complete until you've taken a ride on the Underground. Mind the gap.

I visited the British Museum last time I was in London, but Dan had not. So I went back. Here is the main reception area. Still impressive as ever.

How many feet? That's so whether you view this station from the front or the side, it'll look like it has enough feet.

So much stone artwork like this. How can you not be impressed. I couldn't even draw this with a simple pen and paper.

The Rosetta Stone - Discovering this artifact was key to unlocking the secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphics.

This was our guide for the 'Jack the Ripper' walking tour. He does this by night. During the day, he's a beefeater in the Tower of London (which you can see behind him).

This is a portion of an original Roman wall, still standing in London.

One more look over the Thames. Tower Bridge can be seen in the distance as well as City Hall to the right.

I don't normally take random photos of strangers, but this day was so exhausting and when I saw this couple I sneakily took a photo because it was exactly how I was feeling at the time. (And I thought it made a cute photo). Yes, I was ready to collapse. Who'd have thought having fun would be so tiring.

London Calling

Oh London how I miss you much
The hustle and bustle
and the daily rush.

Whether travelling through the underground,
or visiting the parks
found all around.

From the wondrous sights of the West End
to the tolling of
the famed Big Ben.

Visiting the Queen at Buckingham Gate.
And having a pint
with my favourite mate.

One thing which can make me sigh,
visiting the Thames
and the London Eye.

The sound is not of the Bridge falling,
but what I hear
is London Calling.

J.A.Scott

London - Day 8

My last full day in London so I make the best of it by heading to the famous Abbey Road.


What else is there to see on Abbey Road other than Abbey Road studios?


Zebra crossing on Abbey Road.


After my time at Abbey Road was over I walked to Hyde Park, despite it starting to rain.


Speakers Corner in Hyde Park gives anyone who wants to, a chance to speak whatever is on their mind.


Hyde Park is lovely. Lots to see and do or just enjoy a leisurely walk. At the moment I'm enjoying a walk around the pond.


On the other side of the pond, I ran into the 'Princess Diana of Wales Memorial Fountain'.


A closer look at the fountain.


One last shot of the park before I head back to hotel and start packing for my trip home.


While leaving I saw the Isis statue and had to take one final, last picture.

London - Day 7

Back in London the following day, I decide to spend the day at the British Museum.


I haven't even entered the exhibits and I'm already impressed.


From a second level I take another picture of the atrium.


Nothing I love more than ancient weapons and armour.


Okay, I also have a soft spot for ancient Egypt.


Ancient stones with ancient writing. I want to start blogging on stones.


Spent more time here than the Louvre, but enjoyed it so much more. Had to take a break for lunch. Chicken curry and a piece of cheesecake.


One of the few busts without the nose broken off. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm thinking it's Augustus.


So much to see, really wish I had taken notes. Was impressed with these structures.


Ancient armour, ancient writing and now ancient coins. What else is there to see at the British Museum?


Oh that's right, the awesome sculptures.


The day was drawing to a close so I stopped at a local park to rest and reflect.