The Ann Arbor News closes it's doors today, to be succeeded by AnnArbor.com. I'm keeping an open mind, but I remember how hard it was for any sportscaster to step into the Tiger's broadcast booth after our legendary Ernie Harwell. I'm thinking it might be a bit like that. It's hard to follow an institution.

Here are some of the things I'll miss:

1. "Browsing", "scanning", and "dipping my toes in" will be replaced with "searching". If I don't know it's there, I'll never see it. If I search for it, I'll get a lot of junk with it and have to take time figuring out what I'm really looking for.
   
   
2. I won't ever be able to say, "I got my picture in the paper" to my Dad.
   
   
3. I won't be able to wrap soon-to-be-historic news sections in plastic hoping that they'll be valuable some day.
   
   
4. I'll get nervous at noon Saturday because I won't have heard that the tornado siren was going to be tested.
   
   
5. I won't be sure that my friends will have read my relative's obituary and know when the services are.
   
   
6. My finely honed skills of folding the newspaper backward on itself so I can read it one-handed will have to wait for my infrequent visits with the Wall Street Journal.
   
   
7. I'll have nothing to start a fire with on a wintry morning.
   
   
8. I won't be able to scan the sports pages to see if I recognize the last names of highschoolers who are children of my friends.
   
   
9. I won't be able to circle garage sale ads to take with me.
   
   
10. I won't be able to pack a box with the Michigan-Ohio State section to add extra delight to my out-of-state son's Christmas present.
    
    
11. I won't see pictures of freshmen moving in around Labor Day and be able to think "They get younger looking every year."
    
    
12. I'll have nothing to chuckle over, hoping my husband will say "What?" so I can read it to him.
    
    
13. I won't be able to keep track of how Geoff Larcom's picture ages over the years. And I'll miss Jo Mathis. Dreadfully.
    
    
14. AnnArbor.com will never be "mine".

Credit: icanhascheezburger.com

Courtesy of AutoMotivator.

I've just discovered Fr. Deacon Daniel's Catholic Church Geek blog, an interesting look at many things Catholic from the point of view of a lively Byzantine-rite deacon. I got there via his Cafepress store where he has a herd of items -- some reverent, some funny, some both. I was amused, so I bring you an assortment of the lighter vein of what you will find there. I encourage you to browse.

[Tchotchke (def.) - trinkets, gewgaws]

If you can't read it, the fine print says "The strange sinking feeling you've never done this before."

I don't know where Fr. Deacon Daniel is from, but I'm thinking Minnesota.

A bumper sticker, perhaps, for those of you looking for a more powerful tow truck.

I didn't know St. Anthony had a call center. I prefer just having him on my mental speed-dial, myself.

"They followed him to school one day . . ." Wait, that's not it.

Product: Human Beings
Year of manufacture: All

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the Heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality" (SIN).

Some of the symptoms include:

• Loss of direction
• Foul vocal emissions
• Amnesia of origin
• Lack of peace and joy
• Selfish or violent behavior
• Depression or confusion in the mental component
• Fearfulness
• Idolatry
• Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: 1-800-P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. Further information available in the Owner's Manual available online.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus -- again, that number is 1-800-P-R-A-Y-E-R. No refunds will be given; the safe operation of these units is solely the responsibility of the owner.

DANGER: This recall does not expire and the manufactured units may be repaired at any time. However, unit failure cannot be predicted with accuracy and human being units not responding to this recall action by that time will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

- GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'.

HT: All About Whatever

A little fun for ya. And, if you're not Canadian, it's a quick education



N.B. I would add one things to their list of "what you need to do to be Canadian." You need to figure out what, exactly, are the key elements of uniquely Canadian culture that are so important to preserve. I've been "familied" in Canada for over 30 years and have never quite figured that out.