Pawprints From Space

So. Monday is Valentine's Day. For those of us who are single with not even a casual companion on the horizon... this pretty much sucks. For those who have loved and lost (especially through death) this is painful, depressing and/or one of the worst days of the year. I've gone beyond the fresh pain of the day, it is more of a dull ache now. Depression is a factor still and probably always will be. Self-pity plays its walk-on role with a certain malicious glee. I'll be working Valentine's night, eating fast food between one meeting and another. No sparkling wine and chocolates here, no great dinner out, flowers, jewelry or stuffed animals. Not even a sappy letter. If it weren't so damned cold and icy I'd go find myself a swing set and idle away some time under a starry sky. It is a contrived holiday really. Retailers enjoy it. Jewelers, florists, candy shops and Victoria's Secret no doubt make out like the bandits they are. Men feel all sorts of pressure t...

Is it just me or has there been over the last few years an increase in vomit? Yes you read that correctly. Vomit. Once again tonight, there was a scene on television where we viewers had to witness a character throwing up. This is not necessary. The character in question was upset certainly. Oh and I suppose tears wouldn't have been powerful enough or maybe too "girly" but really rushing into the bathroom and throwing up was not necessary to convey the stress and anxiety.  Then there are the cartoon shows on Sunday night where several characters vomit in copious amounts all over the "set"... a lot. This is supposed to be funny. And of course it is to an 8 year old boy. But the audience isn't only 8 year old boys. And I used to like the comedy on Sunday nights, have not been able to watch in years. Tried to a few months ago. Once again, too much vomit. In films too, vomit has become commonplace. And not just in the sophomoric comedy fare. It has gotten ri...