Smiley Anders for July 11, 2012
You folks have spent a lot of time talking about overused words and phrases that grate on you.
But there are also some welcome ones that are sure to bring a smile.
For instance, Margaret Bacon Miller says, “My father, the late Frank Bacon from Crowley, used to say that he would like to ‘lie down by the side of work.’
“Of course, it never happened. He rarely missed a day of work in his life.”
“Anonymous” says, “The list of overused phrases is long. One phrase that should be used more frequently is ‘THANK YOU!’ ”
And Mary Lynn Womack says, “Everyone has been writing in about overused phrases that are aggravating.
“I would like to say there is a phrase that brings a smile on my face.
“The phrase is, ‘Girl, you ain’t gonna believe this (stuff)!’ — as opposed to ‘Guess what happened yesterday?’ ”
Inquiring Minds Dept.
The above-mentioned Margaret Bacon Miller asks, “Why is it that no matter how you put the coffee cup in the microwave, the handle will always face away from you when the time is up?”
Lend them your ears
It’s well known that some things Scottish are acquired tastes — golf, Scotch whisky, haggis and bagpipes, for instance.
But if you love the sound of bagpipes, Christopher Albright has good news for you.
The “Red Stick Regional Sanctioned Solo Bagpipe Competition” takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 28 at First Presbyterian Church.
This event will be followed by the Caledonian Society’s ice cream social at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m.
Christopher says about the latter event:
“Admission is a portion of ice cream or dessert for all to enjoy. Kilts are encouraged. Demonstrations of Celtic music, dance and swordplay will be presented.”
Highway heroes
The lady told me her car expired on her at the worst possible time (5 p.m. on a steaming Friday in July) at the worst possible place (Sherwood Forest Boulevard).
She thanks Stan, Larry and the other people who were so kind and helpful to her in her hour of need.
Coming up roses
Terri Singleton tells the cyclist who misses smelling the roses at the busy intersection of South Foster and Claycut not to despair:
“Never fear, the roses will return.
“If ‘Pedaler’ looks closely, he will see that the rose bushes were only pruned back, not removed.
“And the black cloth (to keep the weeds off the bushes in the future) will soon be covered in mulch.
“Because it is a dangerous intersection, the bushes must be kept trimmed so as to not block the view.
“So in the meantime, while waiting for the next bloom of roses, stop and appreciate the increased visibility.
“Kudos to the neighborhood volunteers who donate their time, energy and funds to trim, weed and maintain that little bit of paradise in our part of the city.”
Messy Texan
“Lady Di,” of New Roads, says, “I realize that your column isn’t a community bulletin board, but I really need to get a message to somebody and don’t know how else to do it.
“I just hope the creep it is intended for, (along with his/her mom, dad, children, priest, preacher, boss, or whomever has some authority over him) sees it and recognizes him:
“‘Dear driver of the Ford Escape with the Texas license plate: I was behind you Sunday afternoon at the traffic light at the intersection of Bluebonnet and I-10. I saw you nonchalantly lower your driver’s side window and throw out that trash. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF.’”
Worthy causes
Metro Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will hold a “Back to School Give-A-Way” Aug. 4 at the center at 10 a.m.
To participate or donate items, contact Brittni at (225) 389-3182 or cdmarcelle@brgov.com.
Second opinion
Algie Petrere, our health consultant, tells this story:
A middle-aged man wasn’t feeling well, so he went to the doctor for a check-up.
After a thorough examination, the doctor said, “Well, based on my examination, the best thing for you is to cut out all sweets and fatty foods, give up alcohol and stop smoking.”
The man said, “Well, to be honest with you, Doc, I don’t deserve the best. What’s the second best?”
Flying high
Carrol Jordan addresses the “Ask the Advocate” feature in the Monday paper, explaining what causes those contrails we see high in the sky when jet planes fly over:
“I have it on the good authority of Nunu Boudreaux of Detour, La., that some of that is Texas A&M crop dusters.”
Write Smiley at Smiley@theadvocate.com. He can also be reached by fax at (225) 388-0351 or mail at P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.