In Today's Sports News

The good news for (Mr. Pouty-face Mc-Cry Baby) Cam Newton?  He was paid a bonus of $51,000 for losing the Super Bowl!

The bad news?  Since The Big Game was played there, and based on its convoluted, confiscatory tax system, Newton will owe the state of Kalifornia $137, 900 in taxes on that little bonus. That's an effective tax rate of freaking 172.2%!!! Plus 40.5% to the IRS!!

Hardly seems worth the effort, does it?  Think again. If he had led his team to victory, he would have owed only 86.3% of the winners' bonus. Kinda makes you want to re-think that decision not to go after the fumble, doesn't it, Cam?

One must live with the consequences of his choices, young man. Take a lesson.

Also:

The oddly-named new Governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, who apparently lied his way into office, addressed the State last night on this year's proposed budget. Louisiana's fiscal condition is kinda in quicksand right about now, and the Gov came up with an interesting idea for getting the citizenry on board with his plans for new taxes (after he had done a "Read my lips -- no new taxes" number on the voters before his election).

He let it slip that, theoretically, without an infusion of new funding, LSU would have to shut down before this spring semester is over, and, ultimately, that could result in no LSU Tigers football in the fall!!

I think that, rather than getting taxpayers on board, his suggestion is more likely to lead to what ultimately took out another populist governor, Huey P. Long. It is the SEC, after all.

And, unbelievably, Grandson #1 turns 16 today!  How can he be 16? He was just crawling yesterday! His father wished him a happy birthday on Facebook thusly: "Lookout, everyone! This young man is about to head out into the world in a 3,000 4x4. If you were scared before.....be very afraid now.

Proud of you, buddy. I love you. Happy 16th!"

But, The Son sent this text to our family: "No big party or anything, but if you guys want to drop by tonight to see Will, he will be home around 7. I'll be here drinking whiskey and trying not to think about what I just turned loose in the world." Ah, parenthood.

Happy birthday, Will!!!

It's Tuesday

This is more pleasant to contemplate than Muslims, radical or otherwise, or the White House, or GEN Patraeus, or Attorney General Holder. Especially Holder.

Or Ohio State. Shoot -- I just detest Ohio State. Anyway -- stay warm!

The Drought is Coming to an End!

It's pre-season, but it's FOOTBALL!!!

We watched the second half of the Hall of Fame game on Sunday, just because we could. I'll probably skip the Dallas game tonight since they're kicking off so late, but tomorrow we're doing a 3/4 family get-together at Elder Daughter's house to watch the SAINTS roll over the hapless Rams. I'm stretching out my Who Dat!

(It's 3/4 of the family because, for some reason unbeknownst to me, The Son is a 49ers fan and has managed to raise his children in those wicked ways.)

Geaux Saints!!!!

Sage Advice

Dog Days heat has snuck up on us. Mid-90s with heat indices in the 105 range. That makes my brain go into sleep mode.

I can't think about the wave of  "migrants" poised at the border. I can't think about Lois Lerner skulking around DC, dodging a Contempt of Congress arrest warrant. I can't think about that guy who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I can't think about the impending robo-call onslaught that's getting ready to crank up for the mid-term elections. I can't think about the colossal number of days we have left before football season. I'm glad I don't have to think about World Cup soccer anymore for four years (seriously, have you ever seen a wienier trophy?). I can't think about Mysti maybe being expecting. I can't think about having to squeeze into a swimsuit next week.

So, I guess I'll just post something amusing that I stole from Facebook:

Heh.

Perching Upon the Throne is Fleeting

You may recall that Moogie reigned during 2013 as the Queen of the Krewe of CAMAN.  It was a glorious season as I was able to "crown up" several times.  I even "tiara-ed up" once or twice.

Alas, the reign has come to an end.

I made my farewell promenade around the CAMAN Ballroom floor in New Orleans two weeks ago amid thunderous applause.  I even high-fived a few folks.  These are the farewell roses bestowed upon me before they put me to work helping my successor get mantled- and crowned-up.

It's a good thing I like my successor.  Treachery has been known to occur among Royals.

But, fear not for the fate of The Crown.  It has been put to good use as the feature of the first Mardi Gras decor scheme at Moogie's Manor in Little Rock!

And from another angle.

The sideboard is dolled up, too, with treasures old and new.  I did the fleur de lis painting on the right.  (Don't look, Lou.)

The kitchen table is home to a treasure I "won" in a silent auction several years ago -- much to Pepper's delight.  Heh.  It is a favor from the Rex Ball held in 1917.  I caught the beads at some point during the past 14 years.

There are wreaths and trinkets all over the house, as usual.  Makes me not miss Carnival quite so much -- not a lot of folks decorate for Mardi Gras up here.  I hear they even deliver the mail here on Fat Tuesday!   We will go down in late February for the second week of parades, but I don't know how many more times I can talk Pepper into doing that.  But The Queen needs to have her spirit fed!  And to acquire more worthless trinkets tossed from a piece of moving art.  Ah, the trials of royalty!

You'll have to excuse the Queen now.  She needs to go vacuum and dust for the upcoming Super Bowl Gala she is hosting along with her Consort on Sunday, featuring a -- you guessed it -- Mardi Gras theme! Speaking of thrones, I probably need to scrub the toilets, too.

*sigh*

Happy Rodent Day, Plus This and That

Fast times in southeast Louisiana!

It looks like we're in for a nice, long spring, with not as much heat and humidity in southeast Louisiana -- Pierre C. Shadeaux didn't see his shadow this morning!



The absence of a rodent shadow is much better than in 2011 when Punxatawney Phil and Pierre had differing experiences and we had a miserable summer.

In the next few hours, we have to decide if we want to hop the streetcar and descend into the madness that has become downtown New Orleans on the Saturday before Super Bowl; driving the car and finding a parking place are out of the question.  I think I vote "no."

Our puppy, Roux's Mystic Muse ("Mysti"), is up to 29 pounds. She's long, lean, and fearless. Bouie had some follow-up blood work done this week and he got a clean bill of health!  The infection has even cleared up!  It's so good to see our boy feeling good and back to his old precious self. 

Since we're having this Super Bowl thing here (without the Saints, so who cares?), Carnival parades in Orleans Parish were divided this year -- we started last weekend, a week early, and the second week of parades rolls starting this coming Wednesday.  Think happy thoughts for good weather! 

Speaking of the Super Bowl, NFL Commissioner Roger Gooddell (aka, Satan) is actually planning to set foot in New Orleans!  If I were him, I'd wear a flak jacket and bring a food taster.  Of course, there might not even be a need for a food taster -- there are signs like this posted in food establishments all over town:


Perhaps he should pack a supply of MREs.  Or just starve to death in a city known for its cuisine.

The President now claims to be a skeet shooter, and to verify said claim, the spin factory in the White House released this photo today:



My first reaction -- he even shoots like a girl.  Second thought?  Photo shop.  Next?  He needs to do a little work on those arms with Michelle's personal trainer.  And what's up with that plume heading off to the right?  But after seeing with my own eyes evidence of what a gun-toting sportsman the Young President is, I feel certain, and secure in the knowledge, that he would do nothing to jeopardize the Second Amendment.

When hell freezes over.

They must really think we're that naive.  Egad. 

Bad Defense! Bad Bounty Scheme!

Yeah.  I'm just a big ol' sucker, too.

And, if the management doesn't want to see a total fan rebellion on their hands, they had better get off the pot and sign Drew Brees because even an adorable, hang-dog expression won't be able to save them if they let him go.

Got that, Saints management?!?!

Random, Unconnected Sunday Thoughts

The second of three Mardi Gras balls is in the rear view. Of course, I actually had to work during this last one instead of simply revelling, so I'm pretty worthless today. I don't remember the last time I spent all day Sunday on the couch without hopping up from time to time to attend to one chore or another. My most noteworthy accomplishment today has probably been to change out rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. I have yet to warm the leftovers for dinner, however, so there may be more strenuous activity in the next few hours. Even though there was no hangover to contend with, I guess I just can't party like it's 1999 anymore.

I already miss football.

For some unbeknownst reason, when I awoke this morning (to let a pushy dog out to attend to his bladder) my voice had dropped at least two octaves. I guess the crud might be returning, just in time for company. So, for the immediate future, just call me Lauren "Moogie" Bacall.

Yeah. We need a few more months of football.

Having two "Mother of the Bride" dresses in the closet from out-of-state weddings does wonders for the Ball wardrobe budget.

Have I mentioned that I miss football?

Our Young President, in my worthy and accurate opinion, is little more than a petulant, arrogant, petty tyrant intent on expanding the reach of a centralized federal government to the point where a representative Republic and separation of powers, as contemplated by the Founders, will fall by the wayside. I just hope it's not too late because we can't wait!

Football. *sigh*

Good Medicine

Pepper and I are in the midst of our annual Christmas Cold and Sinus Infection Extravaganza.  I thought we might escape it this year because it didn't strike until New Year's Eve, but, noooo.  It was just teasing us and landed on us with all four feet as we headed back home.

I was afraid I'd bleed out through the nose and someone would have to change the icky sheets (I know -- TMI.  Sorry, but this is really how I think sometimes), so I broke down and went to the doc yesterday.  She armed me with Amoxicillin and nasal spray to supplement the Coricidin HBP.

I always hate the second day of antibiotics.  The biotics rise up in self-defense and fight back hard, turning one's body into a sore and battered battlefield for a day or two.  Then the meds usually take the high ground, and one begins to feel better on day 4 or 5.  So, listen up, microbes -- you stand no chance, so why don't you just give up and surrender peaceably now?  You know you can't win -- so, why engage in shock and awe just for effect's sake?

Toward the end of his military career, Pepper traveled quite a bit and came to refer to commercial airplanes as "silver flying pathogen tubes."  I think he might have been onto something there, and the same general idea (although an earthbound version) might apply to the homes of friends and family during the holidays.

Oh, well.  At least my misery is not compounded by the agony of a Razorback defeat in the Cotton Bowl!  Despite what the FOX sportscasters might have preferred, the Hogs whomped up big time on the Kansas State Undomesticated Pussycats! 

Now, I think that a Saints victory tonight over the Lion Cubs, followed by an LSU drubbing of St. Nick on Monday might be just the little bit of extra tonic I need to make a full recovery before donning my nurse's cap to take care of Pepper next week after his rather extensive oral surgery. 

Perhaps we should start referring to Moogie's Mansion as Mayo South.

Who Dat!!!

Wake Up! It's 2012!!!

To one and all (except maybe for a few folks in DC), HAPPY 2012!!

May this new year provide you and yours with twelve flavors of awesome, health, happiness, and prosperity.

And, maybe a Razorback victory in the Cotton Bowl. And another Saints Super Bowl ring.

Maybe a Powerball win or two.

And the safe return of all our military members to the loving arms of their families and loved ones.

Now, go eat that pork roast and those black eyed peas and cabbage! (Moogie is preparing cabbage and Brussels sprouts because we can use every single dollar the Fates can spare!). The Lord helps those who help themselves!

It's Gameday!!! WPS!!!

We're coming for you.  Here kitty, kitty, kitty!

Woooooo Pig Soooiiieeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hogs are on fire!!

SEC, 1-2-3, and More Conflicting Emotions

Pretty amazing.  And all in the SEC West!  Countdown has begun to the Decline and Fall of Mike the Tiger -- my Razorbacks will reverse those rankings come Friday.  And make a total mess out of the BCS.

On a sad note, I'd like to offer my sincere condolences to the Razorback family at large, and especially to the family of 19 year-old tight end, Garrett Uekman, who passed away yesterday in Fayetteville.  There will be a candlelight memorial service this evening at Walton Arena in his honor.  And, as a friend noted on Facebook this morning, the Hogs now not only have something to win for, they have someone.

 Please remember this family, and remember to cherish every moment with loved ones this holiday season. 

Woo Pig Soooieee.

A Heads Up

Fair Warning -- Andy threw down the gauntlet and Moogie scooped it up. 

There is a wager on the table between Andy and Moogie concerning the impending Razorbacks v. Tiggers football game that will rivet every good soul to his or her television on Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving.  Who wants to get out amidst the great unwashed at an hour that the good Lord never intended people to be up and about in pursuit of gift-giving treasure anyway?  That's waaaaay too rough on the blood pressure.  A nice, calm Razorback victory will be ever so much more relaxing.

I plan to have extra blood pressure meds on hand.

My Hogs must first dispense with the Mississippi State Puppies this Saturday before they can concentrate on the Tiggers, but I wanted to give you Fair Warning that the terms of said wager will be forthcoming, so be expecting them.  It'll be interesting.

College GAMEDAY, A Follow-up

By now, you are probably aware that the Clash of the Titans weekend in college football is in the books, with a nice win by the Razorbacks.  Some other SEC teams played, too, and one game was pretty important, I suppose.  It was important enough for Pepper to fire up his laptop so we didn't have to toggle back and forth between SEC games on the tv.  Of course, the more important game played on the bigger screen, but the Tiggers from up I-10 did all right on the laptop, even if the final score in that game more closely resembled a baseball score. (Man, that was some pretty awe-inspiring defense!  I think the Hogs had better put in some extra practice time during Thanksgiving week.)

Now, this is the way to watch football!

College GAMEDAY!!!

Lots of action going on today! I barely found a parking spot at the grocery store. With that many people stocking up on party food and beverages, there must be an awful lot of folks around here who are as excited about the Razorbacks/GamePullets matchup this evening as we are!

Saving a little here and there by enrolling in one of the top colleges online is all right, but there is one thing that makes traditional education worth the money: GAMEDAY.  The excitement, camaraderie, and revelry will stick with you even as you work a couple extra hours here an there to pay back the loans you may have incurred.

There's another SEC game on at about the same time, but I'm sure everyone's just ready to call the Hogs with their friends and family!

Whoo Pig Sooie!!!

Thanksgiving Still Comes First! And, There's Football Tomorrow!

That having been stolen from Facebook and posted here, I think I'll re-run last year's rant in favor of letting Thanksgiving have its time in the spotlight for a solo act.

"It's Still November -- Give Thanks!

Witness the proof of Moogie's contribution to the "Thanksgiving Comes First" campaign worming its way through cyberspace.

It always irritated my children to no end that we were not among those whose Christmas tree went up the day after Thanksgiving. I was not a particularly hard-ass mom overall, but I did adhere to one hard and fast rule: no Christmas anything until after December 1. No tree. No music. No decorations. No Christmas movies. Not until at least December 1, because Thanksgiving and Christmas both deserve their own month's celebration.

I still abide by that rule.

Some years my kids abide by the rule; others, they get too excited about having their own places to adorn and get ahead of the game.

But never does Christmas appear before Thanksgiving, even at The Son's house where there are 3 young 'uns. Never before Thanksgiving. So, I guess I didn't go totally wrong.

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday because it's about family and friends and being together, even if only in thought or memory (JB gave me that crafty turkey when our girls were still in pre-school, and it brings her to mind every time I lay eyes on it). So, I'm totally aboard the "Thanksgiving Comes First" train with a one-way ticket! Come on board!

Thanks to Buck and Suldog, in Autumn colors, for establishing and promoting a burgeoning movement. "

 

Now, I think I'll go bake some pumpkin  oatmeal cookies so we'll have something fall-ish to gnosh onm tomorrow evening whilst the Razorbacks trounce the Old Ball Coach, and some other SEC teams play on another network.

Perhaps They Should Bring Back the Colonel . . .

Well, it wasn't exactly the prettiest victory I've ever seen, but it counts.  Razorbacks 29 - Ole Miss Something-or-others 24, in Oxford!

(As noted in the Comments on last year's post about this rivalry, Moogie determined that the Politically Correct version of the University of Mississippi's new mascot is Age-indeterminate Ms. Rebellious Metrosexual African-American Ursas.  Politically Correct is as Politically Correct does, after all.)

Speaking of last year's post, I think a liuttle re-run is warranted by virtue of today's Razorback victory, to-wit:

Farewell to Colonel Reb, Hello Sissy Bear

Poor Ole Miss. It looks as if they have taken leave of their collective senses. I knew it would happen as soon as I learned they were conducting a "study" and an "election" to replace the venerable "Colonel Reb" mascot -- the very embodiment of landed, Southern gentry who were capable both of great gentility and defending their own. Too many people apparently made a strained connection among the Colonel, Segregation, and Slavery.

So, PC finally won, but in the process, it has raised a couple of unintended consequences: Their new mascot, "The Rebel Black Bear," is overtly racist. I mean, really -- why does it have to be a black bear?!?! Why not a brown bear or a grizzly bear or a Polar Bear?!!? There are statues of snowball-throwing Polar Bears all over northern Mississippi! Remember?:

Even if the Rebel Bear isn't actually racist, it definitely has "issues." It's at best a Metrosexual bear -- I mean, how many college mascots do you know that have a Betsy McCall-ish Paper Doll poster with different outfits for different occasions? The ferocity factor of the Rebs just headed south in a steep dive, in my estimation.

What's next? Will the "Hotty Toddy!" cheer devolve into, "Grrr! Grrr! Hotty Tee-Hee?!?!"

They have a Rebel and now a Bear, two things which have no connectivity that I can discern. I've never read about a pack of rebellious black bears tearing around the countryside on motorcycles or protesting en masse at a government building, have you? Ole Miss is now challenging Auburn for the most confused mascot situation in the SEC.

Ferocious Fightin' Razorbacks v. Haute Couture Rebel Bears, October 23rd at 11:30. At least our girl mascot is supposed to look like a girl. Be there.

Tomorrow: Hogs take on the Auburn Indecisive-Mascots (what do Tigers, Plainsmen, and War Eagle have to do with one another anyway?!?) at 2:30 on CBS. Wooo Pig Soooiiieeee!!!!!!!!!! Hogs have no identity crisis -- a Hog is a Hawg!

 

I know!  The Rebellious Ursas must be in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street! 

 

That explains a lot of things.

It's Almost . . .

FOOTBALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WPS!

Super Bowl Eve

Super Bowl Eve.

Since we're kind of in mourning that the Saints Championship wreath must be taken down from the front door tomorrow, apparently a Foodie contest has arisen to fill the vacuum of Championship caliber fan-dom at Moogie's Mansion.

Pepper and Bouie bagged ducks; Moogie shopped for other ingredients, cleaned produce, found spices whose location escaped the chef, washed pots and pans and a whole bunch of other stuff, and provided moral support in general for the forthcoming of Duck Andouille Gumbo.

Tomorrow, I shall prepare the 4-hour-sauce Veggie Lasagna (since access to the kitchen has been preempted by gumbo tonight), and, it's on!!!

Regardless of the outcome of the Foodie Championship at Moogie's Mansion (which we intend to take on the road as a moveable feast to friends and neighbors), let it be proclaimed now and henceforth that while Moogie is a kick-ass Chef, she is even more kick-ass as a gumbo Sous Chef.

And let it be known that Moogie will insist on adequate kitchen ventilation in any future dwellings. Or easily disabled smoke alarms.

Good rouxs produce some serious smoke!

Like Cleaning Out the Fridge

I've had these for some time and figure it's about time to use them.

This one caught my eye when Younger Daughter worked at a place that very well could've been the portal to Hell and told me about it on the phone.  every.  day.  --

And then there's this -- a timeless, forever and ever truism:

Heh.