I grew up in Arcata. Several small, dark bars surrounded the town plaza. They were usually populated with lumber workers, mill owners, college students trying very hard to look “old” and the occasional professor counseling a pretty graduate student. I ran into my philosophy professor and his term project one Saturday night. It was miraculous how much smarter I was the rest of the semester. I guess we can all benefit from a little counseling.
Recently I sat in one of the same bars listening to the crowd. I recognized the words but not the context… Heavy metal, Progressive Black metal, Forest metal. Southern Sludge, Harvey Meltdown, Rooster Dude, Electric Wizard, Generator Party and the seemingly forever popular “totally” and “right on.” I had fallen back into the 70’s. The guy sitting next to me had full arm and face tats, a Mohawk “do” and metal attached to nose, lips and ears. He was eloquent, popular and certainly entertaining. I couldn’t help but wonder how he could ever apply for a job. But of course he was wondering the same about me.
More conversation starters that stop conversations:
This is for your own good…
I know this is just a rumor but…
Trust me…
You need to know this…
I would never say anything to hurt you…
I saw a deer successfully swim across the Sacramento River. … strong current, big body, skinny legs, hooves, no rudder. How?
A reader said she had heard the “bug screaming” question before. At this point I need to issue a Blanket Joe Biden to anyone I might borrow a thought from. I don’t mean to plagiarize thoughts, but sometimes I get confused who thought what first.
A $75 billion-dollar bailout of Wall Street is going to help my 401K? As Captain Picard on “Star Trek” would say…”Make it so.”
I found a new place to nick myself this morning.
At times it’s tempting to ask, “What are you thinking?” I don’t ask because I’m afraid of getting the same answer I might give. When I’m asked, my mind does an involuntary lock-down, so I usually mumble something about world peace.
This three-chin thing has me stumped. I only remember two. Geez. I would consider having one removed but that seems like carrying water in a sieve.
I really, really hate it when my doctor begins with “for a man your age.”
As near as I can figure, I had a glorious three-day period sometime around18 when I was at my physical peak.
I like the word “swirling” because it makes my ears smile.
What is it about Saturday mornings? I don’t shave. Sometimes don’t shower. Dig a pair of gross Levi’s out of the hamper. Put on a T-shirt I hate. Pull a cap over my eyes then head to the grocery, hardware and home repair stores and run into everyone I’ve ever met in my life… only a small exaggeration for effect. Men and women all look the same. We try to ignore one another but, if trapped, talk about how we NEVER go out like this. Right.
Attended my class reunion. Enough said.
