Sarcasmo's Corner

Ingenue

2009-07-05T20:40:00.019-04:00

Friend of the Corner Meera sent us the following email:

"I just was watching an old movie last night, �The Lady Eve�. The entire time I
kept thinking, who does Barbara Stanwyck look like� I just can�t place it� and
then I realized. Star looked exactly like her."

My initial reation was. "Really? Barbara Stanwyck?" Understand that my relevant Barbara Stanwyck period of reference was her days as the matriarchal mother on "Big Valley". So I couldn't imagine it.

But Meera cited this photo. And right here, in this picture, with her head tilted just that way, I can sort of see the resemblance. Not so much a look-a-like . More a similar appearance, or spirit. So far it is only Meera and myself on the same page. Sarcas-dad and Sarcas-sis say they just don't see it. And. Sarcasmo Jr. has not offered an opinion.

What would Sarcasmo say ? (WWSS?) About the photo, I don't know. We rarely see ourselves as others do anyway. I do think she would be delighted by the association. She was a film aficionado and had a special appreciation of the black and white genre. The film employs both slapstick and satire *, Definitely right up Sarcasmo's alley. #

I have not seen the movie, "The Lady Eve", have you.? I looked it up online and it is on many must see lists. Like this one. And this one.

Do you see what Meera sees? Have you seen the movie?

Does anyone ever tell you that you resemble someone famous?

And the most important query, WWSS ?

*so says Wikipedia. as I said, I have not yet seen the movie.

# did you notice? I snuck in an original Sarcasmo. Enjoy!

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Sparkle Plenty

2009-06-16T22:05:00.006-04:00

I have been waiting to post the news. Thor is going to be a big brother. Technically, he already is a big brother in the sense that the baby exists. It just hasn't been born yet. I waited to tell you because I wanted to know if it was a boy or a girl, so we could give the little tyke a blog appropriate name. You do know that Thor's actual name is not Thor, right? Anyway, first tme out there was absolutely no cooperation on the part of the child in-utero. That led to rampant speculation that it was indeed female. Today we found out the answer.

I bet you would like to know, wouldn't you? Not yet.

First I wanted to tell you, that Thor has names picked out. Lance if it's a boy or a girl. Or Pinocchio.

And I was worried about a good blog name.

Now that we know the sex, I spent some time online ( 5 minutes) searching for a Thor related gender specific, sibling suggestive pseudonym for the one who has not yet been named. No luck. Norse mythology seems to favor one sex over the other. All the good ones are given to the guys.

Yep. It's a girl. A little sister for Thor. We shall call her Sparkles, as she was christened by the "ladies who weekend". I briefly considered Sparky, but that only seems appropriate if she ends up being a ham radio operator. Which, if she wants to be, is okay by us.
>
Sarcasmo would be in her glory with a nephew and a niece to ~~corrupt~~ cuddle . I can only imagine the wisdoms she would impart to a little girl. Since I can only imagine, I need you guys to step up. All you honorary aunts and uncles. What Would Sacrcasmo Say.( Sorry, I just couldn't resist the urge to write that. ) What influence would she exert over the next generation?

As always. Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will contribute. This time, with whatever wisdoms you think Sarcasmo would have passed along. And anytime with Sarcasmo related stories or links, favorite Original Sarcamo's or news about yourselves, Friends of the Corner. Post it here or email to slf1954@verizon.net

All Hail Sarcasmo

2009-06-09T19:54:00.007-04:00

Today is her birthday. She would have been 36. What do you think would have her attention these days? Having already portrayed the victim of a zombie attack in an independent film, and a pirate on haunted ship, done voice over work for video game, co-authored ,with Peccable, an award winning IF game, road tripped around Europe with her sisters, did karaoke in Tokyo with Sarcas-sis and her BIL, visited London solo, wrote for Phillyist & Shiny Shiny, not to mention building a global following with this very blog, well, what would be next ? I don't pretend to know, but without a doubt it would be interesting, and she would be giving it her all.
Today we will stop at her plaque in Rittenhouse Square. And we are finally going to look for the brick with her name on the walkway of the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, across from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. It was donated by her co-workers.
If you read a good book today, give her a thought. She loved books. Or, if you grab coffee at Starbucks, or dance in public to the music on your iPod even if no one else can hear it.
And if you make it to Rittenhouse Square, be sure to kiss the frog.

Friday Follies

2009-06-02T21:46:00.006-04:00

So Pinky, are you pondering what I'm pondering? Well, if it's what in the blazes happened to May, you are. What was it, like two and a half weeks long? It was here and gone before I even got tired of the picture on the calendar. Good news though. When I turned it over I liked June's picture even better.

June is a nice month. We get to celebrate lots of things. Flag day, Fathers Day, the summer solstice, and, Sarcasmo's birthday.

Here are a couple of links to hold you over until your Flag Day Gala.

Licensed to Chill - Is it me, or does this frozen berry likeness of Daniel Craig remind any one else of Hans Solo after he was dipped in carbonite? I'd like to try a pomegranate one.

Zombie Haiku - One of the runners up is our own victriviaqueen. Her entry could be titled "Love Hurts"

Zombies & Torsos - seems to be a theme doesn't it ? This ties it together nicely.

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Friday Follies

2009-05-07T07:55:00.009-04:00

The weather person on the morning news said this was the ninth straight day of rain in our area. NINE DAYS. And for much of the time it was pouring buckets. So I can blame the last nine days of blogging malaise on the weather. I am still looking for excuses for the rest of the time.
Thankfully, you guys have not dropped the ball. I still get linkage from you to share.

Save the Words- Thanks to Friend of the Corner Jess, you too can nurture a word by giving it a loving place in your vocabulary. The adoption agreement states �I hereby promise to use this word in conversation and correspondence, as frequently as possible to the very best of my ability.� Words like pamphagous and ictuate are waiting. How can you ignore their pleas ? Seriously, they are crying for help Turn the sound up!

Bonus- found this site while trying to find the meaning of pamphagous. Sarcasmo would so have been a member.

Dark Tower- Friend of the corner Feanor sent this to my inbox. It is possible this was posted before, but even if, it's worth another mention. Sarcasmo so loved this game. Unfortunately the joy was not shared by the rest of the family. Eventually the actual game went missing. ( I am innocent, I swear). She eventually found it on EBay, and eventually found friends to play it with her.

King's Quest- Sarcasmo had great fun doing voices on this project. Something I think she might have pursued. Friend of the Corner Peccable sent us this news:

"Apparently, the game's due to come out this summer. He and the team would like to have a portion of the credits dedicated to Star's memory and they'd like to display an image of her along with that of her character. He's asked if we can send one along."

Pretty cool, huh? We'll keep you posted.

These Just Got Funnier- as I went down the list. Not necessarily limited to spouses.

Halloween in May- Sarcasmo nirvana I'm thinking.

Next They'll Unionize- Trotwood is a member of the family. Apparently all robots are not so lucky.

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net. And I promise to try and post it more promptly.

That Was the FCBD That Was.

2009-05-02T18:38:00.004-04:00

Once again , dear friends, I find myself telling you that today WAS Free Comic Book Day. Mea Culpa. Luckily, a few Friends of the Corner did remember. In my defense I can yell you that it even snuck up on Sarcasmo now and then. If you participated, tell us all about it. Maybe next year I'll remember to post about it before the actual day of. I think I need a volunteer to give me a tweet. Anyone? Anyone?

Earth Day

2009-04-22T07:51:00.005-04:00

In honor of Earth Day, I give you this Original Sarcasmo. It is the same Original Sarcasmo that I pointed you to last Earth Day. So I guess this is sort of a tradition. Even though Sarcas-dad and I equate Earth Day with Sarcasmo she never specifically posted about it. While you may have read the "Squirrel Post" before, it is one of my favorites and I believe, worth reading over again. If you haven't read it before, well then it's new to you.
Enjoy.

Look-ee Here

2009-04-17T20:12:00.005-04:00

The Friday Follies are brought to you by a Friend of the Corner.

And the letters

Zombie Letters from e-zombie.com
and

Zombie Letters from e-zombie.com

A Good Day for Mud Pies

2009-04-15T13:40:00.003-04:00

Here is something I haven't done enough of lately. Pointed you all in the direction of an Original Sarcasmo. Does anyone else hear heralding trumpets when you read that? Original Sarcasmo. Yes? No? Just me? Okay then.
I chose this one at random. It made me chuckle out loud, as many of her posts do. If you have a favorite you would like us to revisit, let me know.
Enjoy .

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Friday Follies

2009-03-18T13:46:00.011-04:00

Wow, it's been a while since we've gathered, hasn't it? Life has been a bit hectic of late. I took a road trip to visit Sarcasmo Jr. And by visit I mean moving and unpacking. I kid, it was fun. If ,however, by chance, anyone took video of us maneuvering the box with the new dining table and chairs in it, from the car to the door of the complex, we think you have a shot at the $10,000 prize on AFHV. We want our cut.

There was also a sleepover with Thor , culminating in a fun trip to The Franklin. Even if it is all new and hip, it is still The Franklin Institute to me, thank you very much. I think Sarcasmo would agree with me on that. I thought of her as we toured the Narnia exhibit at The Franklin (Institute). She was the fan of the books. I can picture them, as they were shelved, on the bottom row of her bookcase. I never read them, but think I will now.

Oh, and I found Twitter. Enough said.

The last time I posted I was itching to tell you about Friend of the Corner Cheryl. She was on the Short List to be a finalist on Canada Writes. Unfortunately, the list of finalists was not up on their site until after I posted. Cheryl did not make the finals, but she was a semi finalist selected from among hundreds. Way to go Cheryl. I hope you plan to try again. The Corner was very excited that we may have a reality radio star in our midst. Read her butt-kicking entry here.

Friend of the Corner Chris will have two articles published in the May/June issue of Dirty Linen Magazine. He describes it as "The Rolling Stone of the folk music world". Very impressive. I shall be looking for a copy. Chris also interviewed the lovely and talented Deni Bonet, which was one of those "boy it's a small blog world" moments for me, as I have been following Deni's blog for years.

Friend of the Corner TrackkerNeil has made the papers. And , bonus, they spelled him name correctly. He will be making several appearances in the Philadelphia area. If you can make any of them I know he would love to see you, Me too, as I plan to be at one or two of them.

Here are some links I found in between tweets.

Found in in my Inbox- from Vis Major. (thanks Vis) She said " This Lady Cthulu purse/bag might not have been something Sarcasmo used, but I betcha at least some of her readers would want it. You know, for storing tortured souls. Or your keys. To each her own"

Surprised This Wasn't in my Inbox- from Sarcas-sis. The Sarcas-girls knew this movie word for word. It was their own sort of Rocky Horror Picture Show, only with cheerleaders.

1001 Uses For Duct Tape- could be the working title for this. although, most likely it isn't.

Speaking of Movies-Sarcasmo would have been first in line to see this one . I think she would have liked this poster too. (via)

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Monday Morning Madness

2009-02-21T21:08:00.012-05:00

Thanks to young Thor, I have been introduced to Word Girl. A cartoon about a 10 year old girl who has a Super Hero secret identity. Word Girl catches the bad guys and simultaneously corrects their improper word usage. Who ( or is it whom) does that make you think of ? (I know it's who). And her sidekick, Captain Huggy Face, is a monkey ! Huh? Huh? Are you seeing it? The episode I saw opened with Word Girl, in her real life persona as Becky Botsford, waiting in line outside of a bookstore for the midnight release of a novel with along with other devotees, many of whom (!) are in costume. Is it working for you yet? I don't want to give away too much but the villain steals a copy of the book and threatens to read it before the official release. There is a robot involved but he is in the control of the bad guy. A little creative license we can overlook. You can check out Word Girl on tv, or on Youtube. If you do, let me know if you see a resemblance. For a more in depth look, here is her interview with Jim Lehrer.

In honor of Word Girl, here are some wordy links !

No Less than Three People- No more either. But exactly three people sent me a link to this.. It's a Corner record. And a pretty solid indicator that Sarcasmo would have linked to it. Thanks to Nodeva, Vis Major & Ptbvisiongrrl.

OOOO-OAK-Lahoma-If you need a reason to visit, here it is. Wonder if there is a Word Girl exhibit?

Steampunkeriffic- a clock that plays with you ! Thanks again to Vis Major.

And, now for the news.
Ptbvisiongrrl - has an official release date for her novella, the first in a series. July 16th. We'll keep you apprised of any updates, as long as the author apprises us.

Sarcasmo- or rather one of her photos appeared on a blog about BBC radio. Thanks to Andrew for letting us know. I thought twice about posting the link because of the photo. So I applied the Sarcasmo test. Would she have posted it ?Without a doubt. If you have a doubt please refer to the name of the blog.

TrackerNeil- has announced two shows for March. You can catch his stand-up comedy on Friday, March 20, 1100 Walnut Street, 7:00pm -8:30pm,$10 admission, and, Tuesday, March 24, 208 at Screwballs on W Biedler Road King of Prussia PA,8:30pm - ?, no admission but a drink . minimum. He's on Youtube too, just like Word Girl.

Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Saddest Birthday Party Ever

2009-02-11T09:58:00.010-05:00

As you well know, Sarcasmo was a student of the dance. A serious student in as much as she took ballroom dance lessons. In addition to the lessons her school offered a weekly dance party where students could go and put their best foot forward by dancing with other students and their invitied guests. She referred to it as the "saddest prom ever". I got to go with her once and I could see the basis of the analogy. It was also the Halloween celebration night so that added a bit of a surreal overtone. Where else would you see Zorro fox-trotting with a bumblebee?

This isn't about the dancing, but I wanted to give you a frame of reference so you will know why ,on Sunday, the phrase "saddest birthday party ever" came unbidden to my brain.

The web site said it was for "children of all ages". There would be readings and music and food, and the celebration would culminate in a walk to the park where part-goers would sing "Happy Birthday" to the statue of Charles Dickens in Clark Park. Sounds like fun, right?

We were a little late because of a previous engagement. We arrived at the appropriate building on the University of the Sciences campus where the festivities were to begin. Two young men opened the doors at the balloon festooned entry. We entered into a hallway where there were tables covered with party food, and, not another soul in sight. Sarcas-sis and I both thought we were the only ones who showed up. The young doormen directed us up a flight of stairs. They said the party had already begun.

We opened the door at the top of the stairs expecting to find gaiety and frivolity ensuing. Instead we found a lecture hall, painted the most hideous shade of green I may have ever encountered, and populated by what appeared at first glance to be , well shall we say, children of an advaned age, dressed in shades of grey and brown. Except for the creepy looking guy in the end seat with the big furry animal puppet on his hand. He was wearing a bright pink shirt.We were spotted immediately, me Sarcas-sis, Sarcas-dad and Thor, so ther was no graceful way out. As we looked for four seats together, near the door, and not near the guy with the hand puppet I realized that there were indeed younger people in the room. They all just looked old, and grey and brown.

There was a reading of Martin Chuzzlewit by a man in a well worn tux. He did it complete with voices. It was about a funeral. We heard from a man known as Philly Poe in an alternate universe, about the connection between Poe and Dickens. We apparently were spared his usual attire of a silk fighter's robe that says "Philly Poe " across the back. We thought we had missed the musical entertainment, but there was an encore. A duo who had lovely acappella voices sang some Victorian ditties. We were invited to sing along, and actually Sarcas-dad did. Sarcas-sis and Thor managed to sneak out somewhere between the song about someone dying because the ate something and one about leaves.

At the end a hat, a top hat, was passed for donations for the park. The man in the pink shirt let the puppet put his in. We snagged Thor a piece of birthday cake and made our way out the door and to the playground in the park. From our vantage point on the monkey bars we watched the 'children of all ages" march with laurel wreathes in hand to the statue of Dickens.

"I don't want to sing Happy Birthday" said Thor.

Sarcasmo and I would have had a great laugh over the saddest birthday party ever.

All You Zombies Show Your Faces*

2009-01-25T11:06:00.007-05:00

Last Sunday I accompanied Thor to a performance of the Lewis Carroll classic, Alice and Wonderland. We enjoyed the play at Plays & Players on Delancy Street in Center City Philadelphia. Before the show began, we were subjected to what was essentially a commercial for the theater, and the theater company. Not that I minded. I had paid half of the already conservative ticket prices by going through the Philly Fun Guide, making it a less expensive outing than a movie. And we all know how many commercials you sit through there.
Anyway, coming soon to the theater is "William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead". It is billed as a "true and accurate account" of a fictional zombie plague in London circa 1599. Shakespeare meets zombies in the Globe Theater.
That has Sarcasmo written all over it. I know she would have been there. Most definitely on zombie costume night. Possibly at every performance. In the play if she could have been.
A visit to the Plays & Players website held even more zombie related fun. Declaring it Zombiedelphia month , they have planned pub crawl, parties and zombie make-up classes.
Anyone else looking to free their inner zombie?

* from "All You Zombies", by the Hooters.

Friday Follies

2009-01-13T20:15:00.010-05:00

Even though we are 16 days into it, I wish you all a Happy New Year. The word "hope'' is getting a lot of play lately, so let me say that ;

I hope:

President -elect Obama is up to the task.

In 2009 peace replaces war in the news.

Those arrows next to the stock market numbers start pointing up instead of down.

That you enjoy these links.

Really Beautiful Wallpaper - for your iPhone, not your wall. Friend of the Corner Vis Major sent this link to us. I would have a tough time choosing just one, but Vis is pretty sure Sarcasmo would have gone with this one.

More Art- this time for your wall, not your iPhone. This link was sent to us by Friend of the Corner Cheryl. She says they are awesome, and Sarcasmo would have said the same.

So Sayeth I- that Sarcasmo would have been gleeful about these minigames. If for no other reason than she could virtually suit up as a knight.

Down the Rabbit Hole- has it's own day. Will you participate ? If you do let the corner know and we will lnk to it. Most likely I will run around saying "I'm late, I'm late"(via)

She Could Pick 'Em- I don't know if he was a secret rock star boyfriend, but he was definitely one of Sarcasmo's crushes.

Mahvellous dahling- and I quote the lovely Vis Major (aka Princess Pink)"I am confident that Star would've wasted...er, spent... a LOT of time building her own superheroes at http://marvelkids.marvel.com/create_your_own_superhero" . She isn't the only one.

The Corner thanks one and all for sticking with us for another year. And, as always,
Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

There is No Such Thing as Too Much Caffeine

2008-12-28T08:05:00.003-05:00

Here is a place Sarcasmo would most certainly have visited.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=6574536

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T07:39:00.002-05:00

We wish a happy holiday season to all of you. Here is a little Christmas joy sent to us by ptvisiongrrl. Enjoy.

http://flickr.com/photos/28192677@N06/3092830742/

The Flag on the Mailbox is Up

2008-12-17T14:03:00.006-05:00

Happy just one week til Christmas Eve. Here at the Corner, our holiday spirits have been lifted by the emails from all of you. We have much to share. So in no particular order, here is what you guys have sent our way.

Sarcas-sis got a mention in Wikipedia. Of course, they used her real name. Go here. You can read the article if you want to, but it's really not necessary. Look at the picture of the dice. Click on it. You will be here. Scroll down to where it says "Author". See. There it is.

If you like haiku, then check out this site launched by Tom. You can enjoy and vote on the ones already written, or submit you own. Feanor, or, Feanor1138 as he is known on the 5seven5 site has written a haiku about Sarcasmo. See if you can pick it out.

Speaking of Feanor, he sent us this message . Makes you wonder what the Christmas Eve Service will be like.

Ptvsiongrrl had some good news recently. Here is what she had to say in her own words:
"I just signed a contract with Red Rose Publishing (an e-publisher that does some paper publishing as well) for my first romance novella. They are also interested (and the rights of "first dibs" are written into the contract) in the four other novellas I've proposed for my universe. It's erotica and vampires and vampire slayers."
Hopefully she will let us know when she is published. On her own blog. Ptvsiongrrl gave Sarcasmo credit for motivating her. Kind of makes our Sarcasmo a muse

When she wasn't up to her neck in vampires ( I hear you groaning) Ptvsiongrrl found time to send us this link all about Sarcasmo's personal friend , Bruce Campell. Okay, they weren't actually friends, but she did meet him once.

And because there always have to be zombies, Vis Major sent us this link. This T-shirt would have most definitely been on Sarcasmo's wish list.

And if you are still looking for gifts, don't forget to check out Feanor & Poppy's Cabinet of Wearable Curiosities, and, Tailspin Hoops, home of the SuperStar.

Just one more thing to mention. It's Thor's birthday ! He's four. Can you believe it?

Now the inbox is empty. So, as always:
Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net. Please send us links to things that might have appeared on her Christmas wish list or share a Sarcasmo holiday memoir

Wednesday as Oppossed to Monday or Friday

2008-12-09T20:37:00.005-05:00

Sarcasmo's Corner gives a heartfelt thank you to all the friends who have stuck with us . I know it has been nowhere near the same. But it has been a comfort to know that you care enough to stop by now and again, and keep her blog an active and inter-active site. If you have a moment to stop and think of her today, and maybe raise a Starbucks in her honor, that would be nice.

I started out to make these links a Monday Morning Madness post, but then Monday came and went. I don't want to wait til Friday so here is a Wednesday edition of either the Monday Morning Madness or the Friday Follies. You pick. In keeping with the season I have tried to find links to great gift ideas. Assuming of course you are gifting geeks.

Not Even a Mouse: Thanks to Feanor for this stocking stuffer. BTW. Did you know that the mouse is 40 years old? That's older than most of you ! (sigh)

The Mouse King: He figures prominently in THE Nutcracker, but not these nutcrackers.(via ShinyShiny)

SHHHHHHHHH: Don't tell Trotwood. This is for him.

On Dasher, On Dancer: I'm either one monkey short or one reindeer over to make the names match up. Oh well, I'm not that crazy about Donner anyway.

While I was looking up a link back to Trotwood, I came across this Original Sarcasmo. It has nothing at all to do with the holiday season, but I liked it , so I picked it. She refers to her friends (and you know who you are ) as "mad-genius reprobates ". Now you have to read it. don't you.

As always, Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net. Please send us links to things that might have appeared on her Christmas wish list or share a Sarcasmo holiday memory.

A Number of Things

2008-11-29T05:51:00.014-05:00

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is past, and the holiday of your choice season is upon us? Speaking of Thanksgiving, how was yours? Did you eat too much? Are you still contemplating the leftovers? Did you work off the meal at a Black Friday free for all at your local mall? Feanor noted on his blog that on a last minute run to Wegmans on Thanksgiving, he saw people already lined up at Best Buy. Then there was this example of humanity at a Wal-Mart in New York. Why do we as consumers, allow retailers to manipulate us this way every holiday shopping season? As the part in this partnership who gets to decide where the money is spent, you would think we had the power. Instead we line up like sheep to buy something we have been told we have to have, but may not be able to get. (When I say "we" I don't mean me, or, hopefully you either. It's that royal "we"). I think next year we should get everyone to agree not to go. Then I bet those retailers will change their tune! What do you think my chances of that are?

Much like Sacasmo, I like to do my shopping from the comfort of my corner of the sofa. There is never a line at my laptop, and I have never once trampled the UPS guy.

Speaking of Sarcasmo, as we should be, I have news to share. On Nov. 17th, Sarcasmo's employer opened a new facility in Center City. It is an Impatient Hospice Unit, which sounds rather cold and impersonal. The facility is anything but that. It provides those who need it with a place to be that is comfortable, and feels more like a home, than the state of the art care center that it is. Sarcasmo's co -workers made two dedications at the center in her memory. One is this painting of the Frog statue in Rittenhouse Square. The flower bed depicted in the painting is the one dedicated to Sarcasmo in the park. The painting sits over the mantel of a fireplace in a sitting area. There is a plaque on the frame dedicating the painting to her

In the same area there is a skylight with an inscription that reads: "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy". In memory of Star C. Foster, friend and colleague."

Sarcasdad, and I, the Sarcaskids and the Sarcasmonauts were invited to the grand opening festivities and were given a tour of the center. You, dear readers, know that we generally try not to name names here at the Corner. But we would like to publicly acknowledge and thank all of Sarcasmo's colleagues at UPENN Hospice and Home Care for all of their effort on this behalf. Especially Joan Doyle for the including us, Cindy Celi for staying in touch with us, and making us feel included in the process, and Russ Force for his kindness and attention on the day of the event.

As we were touring, Sarcas-sis suggested that Sarcasmo would be most amused by people seeing her name and wondering, aloud perhaps"who was this Star C. Foster, and why was she so important?" Yes she would.

The Sarcas-sisters also decided that the family area is just crying out for a WII to help keep visiting children (and adults) occupied. If the center agrees that this is an appropriate item to have there we will make sure they get one.

Just last night I got this email from someone who attended the opening with us. We call her Foster Daughter.

"I've been thinking how nice it was that the painting and skylight had been dedicated to Star. I had a nice time at dinner too. Yet, there was something missing.....books! There was no library or even a bookcase. Is there a way to donate those things to the hospice? Can we just rename it the Star C. Foster wing?
Just a thought."

Hmmmm. Books. What a thought. I think the renaming the wing thing might be a little much. Especially when you consider that some major funding was provided by some major corporations. But books, well, how did we all miss that opportunity? I'm thinking some classics. What do you think? Maybe we could get them to set up a little book nook and call it......Sarcasmo's Corner ! Or maybe not. I do like the book idea though.

Sarcasmo's coworkers have also placed a brick in her memory at the new Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine walkway across from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Due to time constraints we haven't been to see that, but we will soon.

Now, while I have your undivided attention ( I do, don't I?) I cannot let this pass without mention, because I know Sarcasmo not have let us ignore it. Guns N Roses released a new album. Sarcasmo was a fan. A big fan. Songs like "Sweet Child o Mine" and "Cold November Rain " always conjurs up a memory of her rocking out or debating the merits of Apptetite For Destruction vs. The Spaghetti Incident? . Anyone care to offer up a review of the album? And do you think Sarcasmo would go for the new Axl Rose look?

As always, Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Now, Where Have I Heard That Before ?

2008-11-07T20:46:00.010-05:00

I need to correct a statement made in the previous post. "Slouching Towards Bedlam" is being used in class at Seton HILL University, not Seton HALL. Or as Prof. Dennis Jerz explained it in his email;

"That's Seton Hill University........near Pittsburgh, not the New Jersey school with the similar name."

I am sure that a few of you are having a good chuckle over the irony of the situation. And to those same few, I must say, isn't it funny the way things go sometimes? For those of you who have no idea what I am referring to, you'll just have to trust me. There is irony.
Prof. Jerz explains that both Universities are named after Elizabeth Ann Seton ,the first American-born saint. And his school is on a big hill, hence the name.
I have had the pleasure of walking that " hill". It is lovely and tree lined and steep. I am not sure that the word "hill" does it justice. Really it is a hill on a hill, as all of Greensburgh Pa. seems to be on an incline. Actually, most of western Pa. is elevated.
Sarcasmo attended the University of Pittsburgh. Her second year she moved into dorms at the top of what was called "heart attack hill". After all this time I can't remember if we called it that after walking up it from the center of town, or if other people called it that as well. The "hill" was a long enough incline to include a hospital campus somewhere around the middle of it. I think a couple of parents stopped off for hits of oxygen on their way up.

Many thanks to Prof. Jerz for setting the record straight. Had I paid a little more attention to detail I would have noted that the link Peccable provided for us says Setonhill.edu, not Setonhall.

Sorry for the confusion. One small letter can really make a big difference.

There Was Dancin' in the Streets

2008-11-05T12:39:00.011-05:00

Wow , what a week ,huh ? Halloween, the Phils won the World Series, Halloween, and Americans go to the polls in record numbers to elect the country's first African-American President. And Halloween. Makes you wonder what will have us out dancing down Broad street next!

Speaking of Halloween, Friend of the Corner, Chris has something to share. Here he is in his very first ever pirate costume.( that's him on the right).

According to Chris, the costuming was touch and go for a while, but in the end he made a fine buccaneer. Arrrgh !

I do , as I mentioned in the previous post have some Sarcasmo related news. First there was an email from Peccable, letting us know that "Slouching Towards Bedlam" was being used as a teaching example, in a class called "Writing for the Internet", being taught at Seton Hall University! How cool is that? Peccable provided us with this link where you can read reviews and responses from the class. Sarcasmo would be most pleased to know that the IF game she and Peccable created was being used to inspire other writers.

That's not all. Sarcasmo's co-workers from PENN Home Care and Hospice Services, have remembered her with two dedications at the new Penn Hospice at Rittenhouse unit. They have commissioned a painting of the Giant Frog area in Rittenhouse Square , and have purchased a skylight in her memory. In addition they have placed a brick at the new Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine walkway across from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in her name. We greatly appreciate all the time and effort the staff of Penn Home Care and Hospice Services has put into this endeavor.

I know Sarcasmo would have had some keen insights about this last election. Here is an Original Sarcasmo she posted the day before the 2006 elections. Enjoy, but remember that all the links may not still be active.

One thought before I go. It is only 359 days til Halloween. Times a wastin' people. Lets get cracking on those cotumes!

As always, Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net.

Boo!

2008-10-31T07:01:00.002-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!!!!!!!

On such a day it is not surprising that I have some good Sarcasmo related news to share. But, as it is such a day, I don't have the time to do it justice. So you'll have to stop back to see what's up. In the meantime, enjoy your Halloween. Here is a post that reminds us how Sarcasmo celebrated her Halloween. For her it was a season, not a day. Enjoy.

Wear it Proudly

2008-10-22T14:31:00.004-04:00

I know that with only 9 days left until Halloween, there has to be at least one of you still trying to come up with the perfect costume. On the off chance that there are 5 of you in close proximity of each other, or if you can convince four of your friends to wear costumes that preclude sitting down, here you go. See, the Corner always has your back.
If you are looking to cover that back, as well as the attached front, let me direct you here: Feanor & Poppy's Cabinet of Wearable Curiosities. Sarcasmo would have loved that name. (She may have quibbled about the 's only being on Poppy and not on Feanor as well). And she would have loved the store. It was her belief that there was no such thing as too many T-shirts in one's closet.
I know you can't spill the beans about your costumes before Halloween. But if anyone wants to share photos after, send them along and I'll post them. Ditto if you buy a T-Shirt and want to model it for us.

Original Sarcasmo

2008-10-16T09:11:00.004-04:00

It's about time for one of these, don't you agree? I was searching back, through the genius that is Sarcasmo , for something Halloweeny, or at least fallish. There are not as many Halloween related posts as you might think. Most likely because Sarcasmo was too busy to post much this time of year.
But I happened upon this, and it made me smile. So I am sharing it with you. An Original Sarcasmo posted by her on October 3, 2005.
Enjoy!

Zombies, Comedy and Friends

2008-10-08T17:09:00.005-04:00

Consider the fact that Sarcasmo once told me and Sarcas-dad that one of the best moments in her life was when she got a phone call asking if she could be a last minute zombie extra in a movie but had to turn it down because she was already volunteering as a ghost pirate on a haunted ship. Knowing that, you will understand why Friend of the Corner Vis Major sent us this email.

" I have a feeling Star would've bought this plush zombie (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/ac4a/) & cheerfully dismembered it while singing along to Johnathan Coulton's zombie song, "RE: Your Brains." :D

Yeah she would have! Thanks Vis.

If you are in the Philly area, or for any reason find yourself so this Friday night, I know where you can get good coffee and good comedy for a good price. Friend of the Corner TrackerNeil , sent along the details

"At long last, I have rescheduled the long-in-the-planning 1-4-5 Show at Joe! On Friday, October 10 at 7pm, you can see local comediansCarolyn Busa, Mike Eiswerth, Katie Kohler and, of course, yours truly,for a fabulous hour of comedy at Joe Coffee Bar at 1100 Walnut Street.These are some very funny folks, some of whom I have previously performed with and all of whom I have seen, and I'm delighted to sharethe ticket with them. I know you'll be delighted as well.Doors will open around 6:30, admission is $5, and if you're in a mood to nibble Joe serves all sorts of tasty fare...check outhttp://www.joecoffeebar.com/ for details."

Come out and help us laugh at with TrackerNeil .

As always, Sarcasmo's Corner is hoping you will participate in this blog by sending links Sarcasmo would have posted, stories, commentary, or whatever you feel appropriate to slf1954@verizon.net. Especially those related to her favorite holiday, Halloween.