Persistent earworm alert CDXXX

As I searched for a cat photo to post on my other blog, generallyrandommusings.blogspot.com, today, the lyric, "I seem to lean on old familiar ways," from Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" ran through my mind.  It applies, at least subconsciously sometimes, when I'm choosing photos I've taken for my Watchcat protocol posts.  During a pleasant season, such as Fall or Spring, I'm often inclined to seek out photos from previous Autumns or Springs.  Similarly, during the Christmas season, I often search for cat photos that tie in with the holiday.

Consequently, I sometimes return to the same photo files for inspiration more than I realize.  I'll think, "Ah ha!  This photo would make a good post, so I'll use it today.  Wait...No, I won't.  I've used it already."  Other times, I'll think, "This is a good photo of (this particular cat or these particular cats), but surely, I must have posted it already.  Wait...I haven't?   There's today's post, then."

That second reaction led to today's posted photo of Sammy the cat from May 2010, striking a dignified pose in front of a bookcase.  Sometimes, "old familiar ways" yield a result you didn't anticipate.

A murky verdict X

How did Lily feel about one member of a choir leading the singing during the replay of an Easter Mass on April 5, 2026?  I'm still not sure:

Actually, I'm still not sure how I feel about it, either.  I'll just say diplomatically that the lead vocalist's singing was...adequate and leave it at that.  I understand why Lily maintained an ambivalent poker face during the hymns.

Context? CDXXXIV

Taking a cue from the unusual Carpenters cover tune I've written about, my cat, Collette, has instructed me to tell visitors, "Collette, she no home."

I don't feel right phrasing it that way.  Besides, who's in charge of this residence anyway?

I'm not going to answer that.

Context? CDXXXIII

A radio talk show host chided himself for drawing a blank this morning.  After mentioning that listeners could call in, he asked, "What's the phone number here?  I've only worked here for 30 years."

Although my memory of phone numbers is generally strong, I understand why the host was flummoxed temporarily.  When part of your work routine becomes so rote that you don't have to think about it, it's easy for it to slip your mind occasionally.

At work, I frequently have to refer callers to certain phone numbers that I've read off hundreds of times.  Despite committing them to memory, I always read the phone numbers off of a form.  While it's unlikely that I'll forget them, it's wise to always have that reference sheet handy--just in case.

Feeling down? II

Today, I'm remembering a post I wrote in 2014.  After Peter Magyar's defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungay's parliamentary election Sunday, I'm thinking once again of Pete Seeger's reminders to those who think there's no hope for the human race.  In Larry Long's rendition of Seeger's "Well May The World Go," Seeger asks pessimists if they would have predicted the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, the way in which President Richard Nixon had to resign, or South African President Nelson Mandela's release from prison.  Seeger then reminds them that if they couldn't predict those things not to be confident they can predict there's no hope.

Congratulations to all Hungarian residents yearning for a true democracy.  Here's hoping the anti-authoritarian ripples spread sufficiently to America.

Context? CDXXXII

I've written previously about how "B'wana She No Home" doesn't sound like the type of song listeners would expect The Carpenters to cover.  A WSIE DJ reinforced yesterday how atypical it is of their sound when he back announced, "The Carpenters.  Yes, those Carpenters."

It's an infectious version of the Michael Franks tune, to be clear.  It isn't, however, for those who expect to hear something similar to "Top Of The World," "Yesterday Once More," or "Close To You."

FM dial scan highlights CCCII

Friday and Saturday highlights:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Crisis-Freddie Hubbard (An immediately ear-catching, expansive melody that swings with soaring trumpet.) 

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Train In Vain-The Clash (One of the best melodies to result from a betrayal.  I never tire of this track, regardless of how often I hear it.)

KWUR 90.3 FM 

• Window-Free The Birds (Rhythmically catchy indie rock with lyrics acknowledging that much of life is beyond our control.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• One Note Samba-Janet Evra (Evra conquers the lyrics of this much-covered Antonio Carlos Jobim tune with graceful aplomb.)
• Lady Day And John Coltrane-Gil Scott-Heron (I was pleasantly surprised to hear this tune on any radio station.  I've listened to it off and on since the early '90s and have always liked its tribute to the healing power of jazz greats.)