For You, Dear Readers

According to my stat counter, a lot of people doing searches on the internet enter a question or topic and make their way to my blog, due to the bizarre combination of topics I address on a regular basis. Many, bless them, stay to read my ramblings. I feel that it's only fair to answer their questions here. Should they still choose to read my blog, great--but let's face it, we're all strapped for time.

Topic #1--by far the most popular: Who sings "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To?" (Most find themselves reading my blog entry that is a play on the words in that title--I substitute "birthday" for "party" and share my tale of woe about being stuck in Midway Airport on my birthday in February '07; they make the substitution by accident and get to my blog, not the song.) The singer of the song is, in fact, Lesley Gore.

Topic #2--What to do when your cat throws up. This one's easy: Grab a bunch of paper towels and clean up thoroughly. Spray some disinfectant and use more paper towels to wipe that up. Move on. Steam-cleaning works wonders on carpets and upholstery; I recommend Ernie's Carpet Cleaning to those in the SF Bay Area.

Topic #3--How I Spent My Summer Vacation. This topic is usually entered by users with IP addresses based in India, and is always phrased or spelled incorrectly. I have to assume the searchers are English language learners searching for a sample essay on the topic. My piece of the same title would NOT be the one to read. Let's just hope nobody tries to plagiarize it, because not only will I give them twenty lashes with a wet noodle; I seriously doubt anyone in India has done all the things I described in that blog!

Topic #4--What are the ingredients in Duke's Canoe Club's Hula Pie, Mai Tais, and crab wontons? Sorry folks, can't help you with exact recipes, but can tell you what I think is in each:
Hula Pie is Oreo crust, macadamia nut ice cream, and chocolate fudge topping; the Mai Tais have a nice dark rum plus Mai Tai mix; and the crab wontons are a delicious blend of crab, spices, and probably mayonnaise, in fried wonton skin. Mmmm!

Happy Fourth of July, all! Let's hear it for independence and the world wide web!