January 2016

Throwback Thursday: Lou Diamond Almonds

Lou Diamond Phillips had a few years in the glaring spotlight of fame before settling back into being a respected, working actor. He was propelled into our consciousness after he played Richie Valens in the movie La Bamba. His name rhymed with Blue Diamond Almonds, the brand of roasted nuts sold in impossibly tiny bags back then, so this is how we referred to him.  …

Boot Corral

My online store, Lisa’s Pieces. is live and slowly building a following. I’m sharing items on Facebook and Twitter and not getting too serious about marketing – yet. For one thing, it’s been too cold to get into the workshop and build up inventory of a couple of things I’m holding back, for now.  …

Indefensible Acts in Africa

Last week media reported on a trophy-hunting tourism group that was holding what was expected to be a huge trade show north of Toronto. African Events Canada claims its hunting tours are beneficial to everyone involved. It even says the animals benefit because they’re not poached, they’re hunted and used up. So, you know, it’s good for them, except for the whole being killed part. …

Help Me Ronda

Until she suffered her first career loss in mid-November, Rowdy Ronda Rousey was considered invincible, at least to herself. The female side of pro UFC fighting was built on Rousey, an Olympic medallist in judo, and fighting machine. I can’t relate to her mindset or her ambitions but her autobiography, Rousey, is as compelling as any I’ve ever read.  …