The Breda Fallacy

my work here is done

2011-11-22T11:01:00.001-05:00

Every woman in my life now either has or is considering a gun for self-defense. Many of them have gone on to get their CCW, including my mom.

I'm satisfied.

I'm immune

2011-11-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

Thank you

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

...to all who have served. May we strive to be worthy of your sacrifice.

photo courtesy of William the Coroner, who seems to have blogged today, a ghost in my machine.

cast ballots

2011-11-08T07:50:00.005-05:00

Today Ohio will vote itself a gloriously tragic, shortsighted and yet stupidly inevitable economic seppuku.

Elsewhere is looking better and better every day.

I know!

2011-11-06T08:56:00.001-05:00

Maybe the girls of OWS should have a slut walk! Or walk in groups, rape whistles in hand. Or, hey, maybe they could all wear burqas!

Free, but not easy.

Or, perhaps, just perhaps...they could aspire to the same liberty of the Tea Party protester shown above.

(h/t Snarkybytes)

smile for today

2011-11-04T09:20:00.001-04:00

farewell, I never said goodbye.

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-04:00

I got an email late Monday and the unusual subject line - "My friend, Zeus" - was the only reason I didn't immediately hit delete. I read it.

And read it again.

And again.

I kept staring at the screen. There were names I recognized but somehow...well, the facts just didn't fit together. "William," the email said, "is no longer with us."

I wrote back one word, all in caps. "WHAT?"

A reply came from a stranger, a thousand miles away, offering details of what he knew - which really wasn't much more than any of us could have guessed.

William.

Gone.
Slipped away in the night.

That's all I know.

Not that any of it matters, the details of how and why he came to that final breath. He should more be remembered for how he lived.

I was welcomed into that life for a short time and didn't know William nearly as much as I would have liked, but I knew for certain I liked him, even from the moment we met.

I try to console myself knowing that the last time I saw William, he was happy, had his rifle in hand and was shooting alongside those of us who had somehow, amidst all those bits and bytes, found each other and formed a jolly little tribe of gunny geeks. If you're reading this now, know that there's been a death in one of your families and we are all quite a bit poorer because of it.

It's odd how my brain works, how I'm left with these mental snapshots of those few and far between times I spent with William. How handsome I thought he looked in his sportcoat and tie the evening we spent on a restaurant patio, the first of a few local William the Coroner dinners we were lucky enough to attend. He had style, although quietly, and in small ways. A smart-looking watch, a nice pullover, those wonderful round glasses, a bit of flair on his walking stick. I found out recently that he owned a bowler hat and I honestly can't imagine anything that might suit him better.

The times he'd meet us at the brewery, we'd laugh and laugh. I always made sure to sit next to William because I loved his wit and his stories (& oh, he was so brilliant I kind of sort of hoped that I could soak up at least a little of it by osmosis). I never wanted to miss anything in the din of a crowded pub. There were times, after a pint or two and plenty of puns, that he'd be sly, let slip a naughty comment and then give me that grin. He had a way about him, an old-fashioned gentleman scholar navigating the modern world and quite enjoying it, besides.

He invited us over to his home for a small cookout this past summer. He was learning how to smoke meat, he said, and could we bring a side dish? So we sat together on a bench in his backyard, soaking in the warmth of the late summer sunset and shared smoked shrimp with one of his cats. Conversation as usual, about everything and everything else in between, and there were lovely boozy grilled plums with whipped cream for dessert. I'll never forget William's big hands, covered in dough, as he made bread on the grill. He never did send me the recipe, but now perhaps I think it's best left as part of the memory of that golden evening.

After one of our outings, William gave me a toy turtle which has ever since sat in the windowsill above the kitchen sink next to a dish of droopy succulents, a curious brass chime and a special rock I collected from the banks of the Chagrin River. He presented it to me along with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. I never knew why, if there ever was a reason beyond "just because" but it was wonderful and unexpected, like William's thoughtfulness. I'm sure someday I'll see it and be able to smile, thinking of the friend I wish I'd known better. But not today.

huh.

2011-10-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

Seems I missed my 4th blogiversary. Whoopdeedoo.

les misérables

2011-10-21T15:56:00.000-04:00

“This is its own city. Within every city there are people who freeload, who make people’s lives miserable. We just deal with it. We can’t kick them out.”

- Michael Glaser, a 26-year-old Occupier of Wall Street

I feel ya, buddy. I really, really do.

remember all those rapes at Tea Parties?

2011-10-21T11:04:00.000-04:00

Yeah, me neither.

But a bunch of self-proclaimed feminist pacifists all working for social justice and fighting for human rights and equality are reportedly, at least in some small way, condoning rape?* What? How? This cannot possibly be true!

But no, it's not fake - and it seems to be a trend. The organizers of Occupy Cleveland (where there has been a documented rape) are planning to "reach out" and offer counseling so that another such incident will not occur.

So, yeah - the Occupiers' answer to rapists in their midst seems to be holding hands around the drum circle chanting, "Rape is bad, mkay?" while passing a bong, crapping on police cars and begging for someone else to pay off all those student loans (that they voluntarily took on, mind you) for their womyn's studies/interpretive dance degree. Oh, and they also insist that rapists will not be "welcome" at Occupy events. Shunned by hippies, that'll teach 'em.

The 99% does not speak for me.

* Rape-rape, you know.

well, darn

2011-10-20T15:08:00.000-04:00

I was going to try to learn how to sew (again...for like the 5th time and after almost failing Home Ec) but it seems I'm not allowed to shop for fabrics and notions at Jo-Ann's.

2011-10-20T09:50:00.001-04:00

Some gunbloggers seem to think the "Ohio safari" is funny. Or darkly funny.

Oh, okay...let's see...a lot of beautiful endangered animals lived miserable lives and died miserable deaths all because of one crazy, selfish, miserable fuck's vanity.

Hilarious.

What a knee slapper.

Messaging mom

2011-10-17T18:34:00.001-04:00

My mom has an iPad, which means we can now iMessage (it's a verb because I say so) each other for free.

This evening I was telling her about a book I just checked out (I'm in blue):

See, I had quite a few "odd bits" experiences growing up. I learned very early on that if Mom said, "It's roast beef, just eat it." she was being honest. Kind of.

Anyway:

Damn you, autocorrect.

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iUpdated

2011-10-17T12:46:00.003-04:00

I had a nerve-wracking 3+ hours yesterday updating my iPhone. I cooked supper and folded laundry while I waited, occasionally checking on its progress and having momentary fits when it became apparent that it was Doing Mysterious Apple Things. On its own. Which is freaky.

Eventually I had to just walk away, accepting that the phone was smart enough to know exactly how to go about its own business of downloading and backing up and whatever else it needed to do to continue being awesome.

I'm still pretty much stuck in the "Holy moly, this is the most amazing, magical gadget ever invented! Music, internet, camera...WOW! I can do all this stuff! And it fits in my pocket! I live in the future!" mindset when it comes to smartphones. I hope I never stop being amazed.

But you know, there's always someone who rains on my iParade. SayUncle, who keeps trying to invent a 1911 vs. Glock-esque rivalry between iPhones and Droids, had better go out and get himself a pair of skinny jeans and a bad haircut because he's becoming a smartphone "I had that app before it was cool" hipster.

hometown heroes

2011-10-15T13:12:00.001-04:00

Famous for having a river that caught on fire, topping the 2010 Forbes list of most miserable cities, and being the home of sports teams that can never quite win, even our disgruntled hippie protests kind of suck...

Occupy Cleveland looks pretty...unoccupied.

(via Sacbee)

it's the muffin, man.

2011-10-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

Just look at that pumpkin muffin. Look.
Now imagine it warm out of the oven, accompanied by a cold glass of apple cider.

You want it, I know you do. But, alas, you'd have to bake to get it. What a chore.

But here I am anyway, showing off my gorgeous, moist, crumbly, spicy homemade baked goods. Taunting you.

Aw, now, don't make that sad face. Don't pout. I'm really not that mean.

So, here. I want you to have muffins. Honest...I'll even make it easy for you.

1 box of super moist spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin puree
Mix
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes

And if you feel like being fancy, add a struesel topping (like I did) or some cream cheese frosting.

not a new thing

2011-10-12T12:10:00.003-04:00

I know that the whole "chicks with guns" thing might seem like a recent American phenomenon (to some) but it appears that tool-using has always been a fairly international and non-gender specific pursuit.

you go, girl.

2011-10-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure I know who Ann Barnhardt is, but I think I love her.

Also? this is her rifle:

Yes, really.

a day late, but

2011-10-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

before you Italians (and for that matter, Norse-types) continue to congratulate yourselves, I just wanted to point out that the New World was most likely discovered by an Irishman.

welcome to the party

2011-10-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

righteous indignation and requisite glasses

Oh, honey, I know! Isn't it just awful?

That's why I started marching all the way back in 2009.

Totally Stupid, Actually

2011-10-09T14:12:00.001-04:00

The TSA let this woman get on an airplane with a ~~tiny~~ gun ~~shaped object~~!

Barely.

And just imagine, the government allows these people to feel up your grandma.

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as if voting for Obama wasn't enough...

2011-10-07T20:38:00.002-04:00

Ann Althouse loves gun control.

crusty conservative coating + creamy hippie love chick center* (= shit sandwich. There, FIFY.)

*slogans from Ann's line of tshirts. I'm sure she thinks they're cute.

Pinned

2011-10-06T15:54:00.001-04:00

I think I'll put these on my range hat.

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tiny library is tiny

2011-10-06T12:12:00.001-04:00

Little Free Libraries operate on a give-a-book, get-a-book honors system. Such a nice idea...for nice people.

Rick Brooks, one of the founders of LFLs, has said that, "Everybody asks, 'Aren't they going to steal the books?' But you can't steal a free book."

But considering that just yesterday, in a not-so-little but just-as-free library, someone threw a lit cigarette in the book drop and someone else wreaked havoc in the restroom by shoving an entire roll of tissue down the toilet, taking a giant dump on top of it, and then flushing, well...trust me, free book or not - they'll find a way.

a ding in the universe

2011-10-05T20:36:00.003-04:00

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

—Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Speech, 2005

tiny gun is tiny

2011-10-05T14:46:00.000-04:00

I went to the range recently and saw a little Ruger LCP, looking sad and lonely in the glass case after its original owner had resold it not two weeks after acquiring it. I was told he was a burly ham-fisted fellow (actually, the direct quote was " he had these giant sausage fingers") who, after shooting it twice, decided the LCP was a bad fit.

But for someone, say a petite, slightly curvy, librarian type person, who has trouble concealing even a Bersa Thunder .380?
It's just right.


daily arsenal

I made sure to shoot it after purchase, just to get acquainted..

first two mags - 12 rds., @25 ft.

The recoil is a bit sharp and I admit it caused my groups to spread out after about 35 rounds. I kept all 50 rounds (mostly) in the red circle which is not great, but good enough to get the job done. I'm sure I can get better with practice.

And as a carry experiment yesterday, I put on my tightest jeans, a tank top, a long sleeved tshirt, a gunbelt, my new IWB holster (which is so small I admit I laughed out loud when it arrived via UPS), and the LCP. I had a spare magazine in my front pocket. When Mike came home from work, we chatted while I puttered around in the kitchen. He kept not mentioning the gun. Finally I stood directly in front of him and asked, "Well? Notice anything?"

He looked. Looked again. Nope.

Perfect.

instagram2

2011-10-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Oona, gorgeous and fierce, feral huntress and blanket-stealing freeze baby.

Still waiting

2011-10-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

I spent a bit of time this morning checking the news and, nope...still no blood in the streets.

(and yes, I chose that news story for a reason. Check out the gunny's last name!)

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doesn't go both ways.

2011-09-30T12:41:00.003-04:00

The sexy librarian fetish, that is.

Oh, honey. Honey, no. (And here's the gallery so you can ogle along with the month-by-month.)

yardstick

2011-09-29T10:42:00.000-04:00

This image has been making the rounds on facebook:

And it is annoying me.

Being able to recognize Carl Sagan is now the way we measure for intelligence? Really? Both of those people were made famous by television, correct? Being able to name some old turtlenecked astronomer you saw once in college on PBS while stuffing Cheetos in your face and stoned out of your gourd means you're smart now. Well, okay.

But I guess I must have different standards than some sci-fi hipster geek making LOL Sagans in his mother's basement. Allow me to demonstrate:

If you don't know who painted this (AND, for bonus points, the subject of the painting!)

But you do know who painted this:

Congratulations! You're what's wrong with the world!

(See how this works, internerds?)

man up, lady

2011-09-26T12:18:00.001-04:00

"....photos of a very young girl toting a Ruger 10/22 carbine, for example, or the young woman in her wedding gown holding an antique pistol are unsettling."

Seriously?

h/t Unc

Shot placement

2011-09-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

Range day with Mike and THOTpd!

Practiced mostly with my carry gun, the Bersa Thunder .380. This was 3 mags at about 25 ft:

I like to keep my hand in.

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instagram1

2011-09-25T16:53:00.003-04:00

Since not all of my readers are friends with me on Facebook and even less follow me on the iPhone app* (& because no one has come out with a compatible Blogger sidebar widget yet) I figured I'd share my Instagram photos on my blog.

A ~~preying~~ praying mantis, found in an alleyway in downtown Willoughby. Such an aggressive predator, it would wave its arms menacingly at me when I got too close, ready to fight. I'd never seen one in real life before so I had to risk it. And I've got to say that it's a little unnerving when an insect is large enough that you can make eye contact with it.

* also Mike, Mr. Anti-Social Media, has asked me to post them for exactly the same reasons

bloglife crisis

2011-09-23T11:14:00.001-04:00

Just as I'm thrashing around in the midst of a full blown "OMG, I hate the internet and blogs and writing and who cares anyway, screw you free ice cream" snit, Blogger goes and changes their interface, making it very minimalistic and...oh-so very blank. It's like the canvases that have been propped up on my easel for, like, ages and ages now, just taunting me.

But I picked up a paint brush yesterday for the first time since forever ago and, then suddenly...it's a landscape.

this year's hot new accessory

2011-09-22T12:42:00.000-04:00

I do not know what the heck goes on at New York's fashion week...

But at least they've got Rule 3 figured out.

(if you've got time and/or a serious case of boredom, hit that link. Much WTFLOLery.)

Precious metals

2011-09-20T11:13:00.001-04:00

My blogshoot hostess gift of "ammo" from Newbius:

Chanel Peridot (aka My Precioussssss)

Just look at the duochromey goodness, look!!

How I wore it:

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tannerite + rifle = happy me

2011-09-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

And, really? Do I want to go to Boomershoot? You need to ask?
(And yes - I made 3 shots & 3 booms, though this only shows one.)

My knife...

2011-09-19T19:10:00.001-04:00

let me show you it.

My daily pocket protector- a Benchmade, given to me by one of my beloved, yet anonymous, readers. I really like that attractive little bevel on the top edge and the satisfying "snick" sound it makes when I open it.

I also just realized I probably shouldn't have put it on my desk at the library, right out in the open, to take the photo. Back in the pocket!

More meme: Weer'd World. And JayG. And Og. And North. And, uh...everyone else.

in their honor

2011-09-19T18:30:00.001-04:00

CarteachO is hosting an amazing fundraiser for one of my favorite causes, the Wounded Warrior Project.

There are lots of great prizes and almost $2000 has been raised already. The drawing will take place in a few weeks, so be sure to donate soon for a chance to win (and to support some very deserving American heroes!)

Thanks.

bias

2011-09-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

The Cleveland Plain Dealer should be ashamed of themselves.

Can't wait to see what they come up with when restaurant carry becomes legal in a few weeks. Gonna need some new underoos.

(By the way, congratulations to OFCC for making the City of Cleveland Heights abide by state law and standing up for our civil rights.)

watch for signs

2011-09-14T15:16:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken behind the library by MikeW when I was giving him and Alan a little "Life of Breda" tour around Willoughby and its environs.

As you can see, two of our local youths are taking a break from their myriad skateboarding adventures. Exhausting work being that cool, you know. Also, I suspect the tight pants restrict circulation and therefore blood oxygenation. (To the brain, mostly.) This popular daily hangout area is actually the library's back parking lot, reserved for library employees. The window on the left is where our intrepid library director is able to survey her domain, the door on the right is where employees enter and exit the building and on the wall between them is a sign that reads:

"NO Skateboarding or Rollerblading Permitted"

I'm sure you can imagine why I don't put much faith in the sign that is on the front of the building.
It looks a lot like this:

tiny menace

2011-09-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

When I saw this question over at Tam's (who saw it on RNS) I immediately knew my answer. For a very long time this song has featured prominently on my life's internal soundtrack, alongside other classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's Moon River, a Tori Amos medley, a few Irish ~~drinking~~ ~~fighting~~ songs and The Ladybugs' Picnic from Sesame Street.

Quirky fierceness for some zombie slaying? Yep, that'll do.

And in case you need a visual of the last thing ol' Zed might see when the undead SHTF?
My Buddy the Gun Enthusiast is happy to help.

You don't say!

2011-09-12T12:09:00.001-04:00

A liberal journalist/reporter/columnist/whatever, who just happens to be married to one of the most liberal Senators, gets caught acting unethically?

I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell ya.

9/11...

2011-09-11T15:08:00.000-04:00

...a day to bow your head in remembrance.

never forget

2011-09-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

‘One of the lessons of 9-11 is that evil is real, and so is courage’
- George W. Bush

(to see the entire interview, begin here)

a disturbance in the Force

2011-09-09T10:38:00.000-04:00

Can you feel it?

If you read anything today, let it be this.

I have goosebumps all over. Seriously, it's that momentous. (NYT, people, NYT!!)

Why you should worship your librarian.

2011-09-08T22:50:00.001-04:00

This. A million times this.

(plus, you know... all that hobo slaying is kind of awesome, too.)

H/t Cowboy Blob

Drilling (& why to try)

2011-09-08T12:49:00.002-04:00

Newbius had brought a beautiful old long gun to Northcoast II and everyone who shot it was ooh'ing over the recoil. I hung back, watching.

Mike said, "You want to try it?" He was grinning.

I demurred. No, no. Too much for little ol' me. Alan nodded. "Do it." Everyone was looking at me expectantly.

Fine. I'll shoot anything once, or at least try - I had promised myself that long ago.

*language warning*

Uh..okay. I guess I'll try again.

And yes, I liked it so much, I DID shoot it again.
(3rd video and excellent NCII AAR at New Jovian Thunderbolt's blog. Go see!)

Happy switch

2011-09-08T10:54:00.001-04:00

Hey, Unc? This is how you model a fabulous t-shirt. Just sayin'.

Get yours here.

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hat tip

2011-09-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

At the very end of NCII, while we were cleaning up the destruction, THOTpd found a perfect (and hilarious) photo op.

A blogshoot referencing another blogshoot. I love the internet.

say hello to my little friend

2011-09-06T15:44:00.001-04:00

Open carry in DTW.

No mistake on the lake

2011-09-06T10:25:00.001-04:00

First, let me say one thing - the Northcoast II blogshoot was a success only because of Heath & Amanda's hard work and hospitality. I cannot thank them enough.

Second, thanks to everyone who came to the event and helped out. You are an amazing group of people and I'm honored to know each one of you.

Third, I am sore, exhausted (and at work) so blogging will have to wait.

A fraction of aftermath, day 1.

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House 101

2011-08-29T11:38:00.002-04:00

...or how to decorate your home without the future owners* cursing the day you were born. (part of a new ongoing series?)

1. If you ever say the words, "Pure white is just too white." go ahead and slap yourself for me. (Or pinch yourself, because in truth I'm a pincher. Pinch hard.) White is always going to be white. It will always exist, unlike the un-fucking-matchable eggshell ecru that you chose because you're too much of a wimp to go all the way white.

2. Wallpaper. Use sparingly, if at all, and for gods' sake do not wallpaper things like those big baseboards that some older homes are lucky enough to have. I know there's a big flat oh-so-tempting spot between the pretty router-y bits and it seems to be the perfect place to a glue a coordinating stripes & flowers border to go with your flowers & stripes wallpaper, but just don't. Seriously. Go into another room and sit on your hands until the urge passes.

3. Do not add insult to injury. Say, for instance, you have a lovely dining room with a charming little chandelier, lovely hardwood floors, and a bay window overlooking the garden. This perfect room has the singular misfortune of having wallpaper covering the original lath and plaster walls. At the time, it may seem a good idea to cover the wallpaper with something else, like cheap wood-esque paneling. You will go to hell for this, guaranteed.

4. When installing locks, repeat the mantra, "Lefty loosey, righty tighty." Similarly, up is typically the on position for light switches. Sigh.

5. Adding color to your garden can be as easy as sowing a packet of wildflower seeds in a small patch of soil or planting annuals in a nice container. Do not dig up and transplant weeds from the side of the road because you think they are "pretty."

__________________________

*and there will be future owners (unless you have a gigantic, domicile-sized sati ritual upon your death)

BTDT

2011-08-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

A rehash from SayUncle. (The comments are the best part)

never where

2011-08-25T11:51:00.000-04:00

Alternatehistories on etsy

Got your pocket Constitution?

2011-08-24T22:10:00.001-04:00

If this Ohio policeman is so blasé about confiscating mere video cameras and violating 1st Amendment rights, just imagine how eager he'd be to take away your oh-so-dangerous firearms. For the public good. And, you know, to protect his pension.

Just following orders, ma'am.

art of the gun

2011-08-24T14:51:00.004-04:00

SayUncle posted about pistol-themed makeup kit s, which are not makeup kits at all but one of the many gun related pieces in the body of work by Dutch artist/designer Ted Noten.

They are meant to be an ironic statement about women, on the warpath. Or whatever.

NC II

2011-08-22T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well, Northcoast II is fast approaching and unfortunately (for you), I've got to stop taking RSVPs. Space is very limited and my mom can only make so much potato salad.

But stay tuned for the after action reports - food, friends, and some really big guns.

we got robbed

2011-08-18T09:55:00.001-04:00

The gun shop where I kinda-sorta-maybe help out (long story) was burglarized recently. 28 firearms were stolen. The ATF is offering a reward for information.

"Through experience, we know that stolen firearms are often used by violent criminals, such as gang members and drug dealers, to perpetrate additional crimes,” said Ed Dabkowksi, ATF Supervisory Special Agent in Cleveland.

I guess they don't like the competition.

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Last chance

2011-08-18T06:57:00.001-04:00

Buy a shirt so Sean can make Sarah Brady cry!

David & Goliath

2011-08-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

(via The Daily Mail)

Like peanut butter jelly

2011-08-16T12:22:00.002-04:00

Librarians and hobos, it's a meme. Or something.

(&, no - we don't offer lotion. However, there is hand sanitizer available at the reference desk, though I've heard it stings like a bitch.)

Thanks to Jim Treacher, who is awesome and sent this to me on Facebook!

new favorite thing

2011-08-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

Instagram. Social media made visual. Snippets and glimpses of life. The mundane made beautiful.

Add me (bredamita) if you're a user!

You, too, can own this awesome shirt.

2011-08-13T11:26:00.001-04:00

Tactical black, emblazoned with an AK-47ish rifle, and asks the question that just may bring down the Obama administration (if the economy doesn't get them first). Besides, we all need another tshirt, so why not let it be one as cool as this?

Hurry over to Sean Sorrentino's NC Guns and order one today!

& Special thanks to my anonymous tshirt donor! The small really did fit perfectly!

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Bookcart

2011-08-11T11:39:00.001-04:00

Hiding out in the stacks. Naughty (gunnie) librarian!

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Showercam*

2011-08-10T16:42:00.006-04:00

Well, after a lot of sweat, hours of labor, many trips to the hardware store, and four different paint colors, the bathroom is finished. My bathroom, that should have been someplace special. After all, it is the room I stagger into all bleary-eyed each morning and perform all of the rituals required to pass as human - so why not make it as pretty as possible, right?

Instead all the walls were yellow. And all the wood was oak. And oh lord, the whole thing was just dreary as hell.

So, I paint. And paint. And paint. (For weeks now. Really.)

I refinished the cabinets and woodwork.

& painted the walls a robin's egg...

Now I'm happy with my blue loo!

*no, not THAT one.

Also, I'd like to mention that while I was sitting in the driveway, touching up the cabinets with a small paintbrush, Mike said, "You know...you'd make a great serial killer. So much attention to detail."

I made a face at him. Everyone knows that sort of thing is just exhausting.

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I wonder...

2011-08-10T12:19:00.000-04:00

where we could possibly find an amputee who'd like to go to a shooting camp. Hmmm.

( Man, that ankle is loud. I'd be shushing myself at the library.)

so, tell me...

2011-08-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

how do the participants of slutwalks ("rape is caused by evil misogynists and not my miniskirt") feel about women carrying firearms for self defense?

Oh.

Never mind.

pedal to the mettle

2011-08-04T08:02:00.001-04:00

W & the Wounded Warriors. Good men, good cause.

happy now, Allen Schulman?

2011-07-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

Good thing neither of these women in Canton, Ohio were carrying a gun - someone could have really gotten hurt.

welcome to Ohio!

2011-07-26T16:52:00.003-04:00

Where men like Canton City Council President Allen Schulman would rather see me dead than let me carry a gun.

(oh, and for the record, Mr. Schulman? The only person that seemed like any sort of threat in the original video was the policeman threatening to execute someone for being stupid. Not exactly the guy I'd trust to keep me "safe.")

what Breda's been doing*

2011-07-26T11:47:00.001-04:00

Painting practically every available, non-moving, non-living, surface in my home. The kitchen cabinets, the upstairs bathroom (robin's egg blue and white trim! Looks so cute, ohmigawd), the bathroom cabinets, the front hall (purple!), the other hall (not purple), maybe the kitchen floor (apple green!) because I seem to have completely lost my mind.
Container gardening (yes, cucumbers really will climb up a tomato cage)
Getting rid of the dishwasher, for reals. Seriously, does anyone want a perfectly good dishwasher? It's sitting on my porch annoying me.
Attempting to devise a way to nap with my eyes open and still retain the ability to answer reference questions.
Sweating. Drinking water. Sweating some more. (lather, rinse, repeat)
Organizing the Labor Day Northcoast II blogshoot. (anyone else planning on coming? PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR RSVP, I want to cook food for you.)
Actually reading books. (Fiction, even. Go figure.) This usually occurs while I'm sitting in the shade under my magnolia tree with something cool, and sometimes grown-up, to drink
Admiring the hard work of the sparrows who have taken up residence in our birdhouse. They are currently raising their 3rd (!) clutch of eggs.
Occasionally hanging out with William the Coroner
Rescuing the disabled guy who lives next door after he fell and busted his face on the concrete. First time I've ever worn another person's blood, so that was interesting.
Becoming friends with the pit bull who lives with the guy next door. He only looks scary. I give him sticks to play with, Mike made me buy Milkbones. Mike is a big softie.
Still going to the chiropractor.
Open carrying while openly wearing a prosthesis, short shorts, and a halter top. No one notices the gun.
Other things even less noteworthy than these.

*I'm writing this post under the pretense that more than three people actually care.

apparently it does

2011-07-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

Another mass shooting, more dead innocents, more shaken survivors saying, "Things like this just don't happen here (in Norway, in our little town, at this school, ...)"

Pretty thoughts, sure.

But no place is exempt.

Blinders

2011-07-22T07:41:00.001-04:00

The myth of safe places - one of the lies people* tell themselves so they can make it through the day.

*sheep

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Northcoast II

2011-07-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Bacon, bullets, and beer...bring it.

Seriously, people, Heath and I need definite RSVPs so we can start planning. Email me at bredafallacy AT gmail DOT com, subject line Northcoast, and let me know if you're planning on joining us. Space is limited.

an apple a day

2011-07-17T10:19:00.001-04:00

But TWO apples?? zOMG!!

You lost me

2011-07-16T22:39:00.001-04:00

While watching the film Law Abiding Citizen -

Good Guys #s 1 & 2 (the DA and a detective), breaking into a storage unit owned by Bad Guy.

Good Guy #1: "What about his civil rights?"

Good Guy #2: "Fuck his civil rights."

Breda: "..........I really hope that guy's dead by the end of the movie."

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when prevention isn't

2011-07-15T12:47:00.003-04:00

Hardly seemed possible, but they've finally found something more useless than a whistle.

Getting raped? Be sure to arm yourself with a smartphone - because the White House will soon have an app for that.

Kimber J. Nicoletti-Martinez, director of multicultural efforts to end sexual assault at Purdue University, has some design suggestions:

“Maybe people could add more components to it to ask people to confront their beliefs,” about what causes sexual assault, she said—like building an app that resembles Angry Birds. “Is there some kind of bird you can fling against misogynistic attitudes?”

Sigh.

Isn't there some sort of device that would fling heavy metal projectiles at high rates of speed directly at, and hopefully through the vital organs of, your attacker?

(Radical idea, I know, but I suspect it could be very effective.)

culture clash

2011-07-14T11:39:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the first night of the Oktoberfest in July festival! The Catholic church has games, rides, a little biergarten and plenty of German food - all in the hopes of raising money for the upcoming year. It's a popular event in Willoughby and since it's about a block from our house, we walk down in the evenings for supper. (which sometimes consists solely of the best onion rings in the known universe)

Anyway, I was describing this to a certain Texan recently and discovered that certain foods, well...they don't really translate.

Me: "Mike and I always go to the festival for the schnitzel, but we try to get there early because the line for it is usually so long."

Alan: "What's schnitzel?"

I describe schnitzel.

Alan: "So it's like chicken fried steak?"

Me: "Uhm. Not exactly, but sure...we'll go with that."

(Ask my mother about the time she got Alan to eat his first potato pancake. With applesauce. I have never seen a man look more skeptical in my life.)

ambassador

2011-07-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

NancyR demonstrates why more women need to be out and proud about gun ownership.

shooty blanks

2011-07-13T18:27:00.000-04:00

Designer keys.

You'd never forget which one unlocked the gun safe.

Angel* gets her wings

2011-07-13T13:07:00.000-04:00

Monday night I met up with a few friends from the library. I was the last to arrive and as I made my way to the table, I noticed that Holly (who I don't see nearly often enough now that she's moved on from the library) was rummaging around in her purse and pulled out a stack of what looked like business cards. She shuffled through them, found the one she was looking for, and put it down on the table in front of me.

I picked it up. It wasn't a business card.

"No!" I gasped. "No WAY!"

Holly nodded. "Yep. I did it about two weeks ago."

Holly had her CCW.

As I grinned and offered my congratulations, she said, "This is thanks to you."

(Well, shucks, ma'am.)

I think this calls for a little One Girl Revolution...

...and Buffy, because she totally kicks ass.
And, you know what? So do we.

______________________

*Angel N. Shadows is Holly's roller derby name.

Yes, she can.

2011-07-11T15:17:00.002-04:00

Jonathan Capehart of The WaPo says that when the above photo of Sarah Palin "is viewed through the prism of presidential politics, it’s a dud."

However, I'd like to remind Mr. Capehart that this guy, in the bike helmet?

Currently sitting in the Oval Office.

So, yeah. (At least Sarah doesn't wear mom jeans.)

rule 34

2011-07-11T14:53:00.002-04:00

Time and again I have to tell some of my more, how shall we say...degenerate friends that just because a woman is wearing glasses and might be somewhere in the same general vicinity as a book, it does not make her a librarian.

And good Lord, that's not even an entire pencil skirt. That's like a pencil stub skirt.

Oh, & this is only marginally SFW because of the use of a clinical, yet incorrect, term for the entirety of a lady's lady bits. Rhymes with angina. Consider yourself warned.

what gun for banana?

2011-07-06T22:06:00.001-04:00

Large tropical fruit at large after fight with embarrassed gorilla.

(No word on the whereabouts of a certain law enforcement officer.)

please...

2011-07-05T20:58:00.002-04:00

I need to live vicariously, ladies. (NancyR, Lissa, Phlegmmy?)

Glow. in. the. m-fin'. dark!

save the date

2011-07-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

Labor Day weekend.
Northcoast Blogshoot II.
You coming?

Slow curry

2011-06-30T07:45:00.001-04:00

Crockpots are so handy in the summer - especially when you don't have air conditioning and are craving something heartier than a salad.

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Handful or so of baby carrots
1.25 lbs. stew meat (I used beef, but lamb would be good too)
Half an onion, chopped
1 or 2 jalapeños, chopped (seeds and ribs removed)
1 can (14.something oz, I forget) plain diced tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk (light or regular, your choice)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons regular (not hot) curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Sear the meat in a hot pan and then layer the ingredients as listed, sweet potatoes first. Cook about 8 hours on low.

Not totally required but toss in a handful of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, whatever) about 6 hours into cooking for extra yumminess. The sweetness is a good balance to the heat and spices.

Serve with basmati rice.

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...and you without your shotgun.

2011-06-28T07:57:00.000-04:00

Knives to make Zed really dead.

(Death Dagger! Pestilence Chopper!)

same material,

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

different format

I'm not entirely sure much of the patronage would change.

2011-06-26T22:46:00.001-04:00

This won't end well.

Dragon Leatherworks

2011-06-24T11:09:00.006-04:00

Things that have been made skillfully and thoughtfully by hand have an incomparable beauty - and something that's been custom made especially for you by a talented craftsman is quite a treasure indeed. That's why I'm pleased to be able to endorse the Talon holster from Dragon Leatherworks.

(please enlarge photos for clearer detail)

The Talon, originally designed with the 1911 in mind, was a perfect choice for my Bersa Thunder .380. It wears comfortably (even with a skirt, ladies!) and the surprising amount of retention this holster offers, along with its amazing good looks, makes it a perfect option for open carry.

My Dragon Leatherworks Talon is one of a kind but because each is made by hand from gorgeous high quality leather, one at a time, with extraordinary attention to detail - yours will be too.

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2011-06-23T10:23:00.001-04:00

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Guess what!

2011-06-22T11:00:00.002-04:00

I just remembered that there is life happening outside my laptop!

Later.

How long idealism lasts:

2011-06-20T09:25:00.001-04:00

3 whole years. Wow.

(Actually...that sounds about right. I think I lasted about 3 years being the Young Adult librarian. Little ingrates.)

Link over to the whole article, too, and remember that librarians love chocolates and flowers. Just saying.

UPDATE: a patron just brought me coffee. Librarians also like coffee.

lucky girl

2011-06-19T21:57:00.003-04:00

Next year, when I turn 38, my father will have been gone for exactly half my life. I strain for memories now, wishing for nothing but the sound of his voice and getting a brief, odd glimpses instead - the scar under his thumbnail, his paint splattered boots, the way he'd pull his face when he shaved, the mysterious collection of coins in his pocket, the amount of sugar he'd take in his coffee, and oh, gosh, how he'd laugh. Sometimes he'll silently appear in a dream, smiling as if nothing is amiss and no time has passed at all. I'll carry him with me all through that next waking day, remembering that yes, once upon a time I had a dad who loved me.

chimichurri

2011-06-17T09:51:00.002-04:00

I was going to share my secret recipe, but...nah.
I'll just let you all wonder.

the new hotness

2011-06-16T10:34:00.001-04:00

...is the old hotness.

A young Teddy Roosevelt, swoon worthy well before he rode a moose.

(via My Daguerreotype Boyfriend. See also: Bangable Dudes in History)

let's be frank

2011-06-15T17:44:00.002-04:00

It's a full moon today and I know this without even looking at the calendar.

...because someone just walked into the library dressed like a hot dog.

(not a Weiner)

Soon, my gunnies. Soon.

2011-06-15T17:37:00.000-04:00

Any day now, the streets of Ohio will be awash with blood.
(Okay. Not really.)