One Thing After Another
Categories: careers, Science, Images, Cartoon characters, Humor, Thoughts
Left follows right…right follows left…night follows day…animals follow their instincts…and younger siblings often follow their older siblings down the same career path; sometimes with remarkable results.
Look at Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë; or, Orville and Wilbur Wright; John, Robert and Teddy Kennedy; Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears; Ulysses and Cary Grant.
My older brother is a Population Geneticist.
Despite the fact that my formal education ended abruptly after a brief stint at a small college in the Midwest, where I was pursuing a double major in Coors and 8-Ball, I think I can do this.
I already know that DNA stands for Douglas Noël Adams. Even though he is no longer, technically, part of the population, I feel some sort of obscure reference credit should be allowed.
A large part of my brother’s research is devoted to human migration, dealing, mainly, with mummified remains. Until I acquainted myself with his work I wasn’t aware that there was that much movement among the deceased. Apparently, even preserved corpses enjoy an occasional change in scenery.
While still concentrating on populations and random relocation, my inquiries are more incorporeal and involve “Transient Thoughts”. Hobos of the astral plane, riding the cerebral rails, literally living off of promises. Specifically, I’ve been attempting to determine, “When your mind wanders…where does it go?”
A couple of weeks ago, I was trying to think of the name of an obscure actress from the 1920’s and 30’s with absolutely no luck. Three days later I’m standing in the Express checkout at the supermarket, suddenly mutter, “ZaSu Pitts”, and the lady behind me whispered “Gesundheit”.
Where was that name when I needed it? Why, in the name of heaven, did I think of it at that moment? More importantly, why did I say it out loud?
I suspect that, due to her nominal fame, Ms. Pitt's name is awarded a limited recall allowance, and on the occasion that her image first flashed through my head her quota was in use. Subsequently, I was placed in a celebrity name retrieval queue. When her name became available for recognition I happened to be waiting to purchase a loaf of bread and a bag of Ruffles®.
But, my research continues, as this theory doesn't fully explain why I shouted,
"Rosebud is the sled!"
behind a nine-year old in the pet store, yesterday.
I’ll bet they make me pay for that kid’s bag of goldfish.
If you follow in your brother's footsteps, perhaps you can research whether common sense was more common in ancient times, hence the name. And I'm sorry about the goldfish.
Very nice to see you back!
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Common sense doesn't exist. It's just the title of a John Prine album from around 30 years ago.
Thanks, nice to be back. I'll be over to visit, shortly.
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As one thing follows another, I hope there are more of your entertaining posts to follow this one. I have missed trying to follow you meanderings. Fun!
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Meanderings?! You call pure scientific research, meanderings?!
Even if it's true...it still kind of hurts.
Thanks, FF&F, I'll be by soon.
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The migration of the deceased certainly explains to me one phenomenon I've never quite understood before — zombie movies. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
Add me to the list of eager fans who are very happy to welcome you back!
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Thanks, Shelly.
I'm sure Undead Survival Guide could provide more details for you, if anyone could find him.
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Sure is good to see you back in service again... and answering my questions waaay before I even think to ask them!
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Answering the unasked; it's a little backwards, but then so's this new haircut.
Thanks, Montucky.
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You forgot Joe and Brian Hackett. Good to have you back.
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I can't believe I left them out! Because...you know...they're the Hackett brothers!
Thanks.
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It took me two days to remember the band Larkin Brigade- and I too automatically say names aloud when I remember them (usually at inopportune moments).
Pin! I'm so glad to see you back! Hopefully you'll be around for a while?
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I still don't remember them, but if I do I'll say it out loud. Just on general principle.
Thanks WV. I hope so, too.
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FINALLY!!! I have wondered where you have been. Thank goodness you did not become fodder for your brother's research.
Funny, you should mention Zasu Pitts. I haven't heard that name since my father spotted her in the Julia Roberts movie, Pretty Woman. She was a childhood friend of his as was Fran and Van Heflin.
I am glad you are back to your old form. I have missed you.
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I've been right here, just a little quieter than usual.
Your dad was fortunate to have childhood friends...(sigh)
Thanks, and I've missed everyone, too.
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Ah, so here is where the trail begins, anew.
It is a comfort to see so many familiar names sprinkled through out the blog.
{waves at Al and Sundry}
I stumbled upon a website that had the temerity to suggest a word to describe that "tip-of-the-tongue" syndrome: Lethologica. Upon looking up this word, I was aghast to learn that it is a psychological disorder.
It's hardly appropriate for someone to bandy it about off-handedly.
That would be like using "Aphasia" to describe a shy person.
duh.
I think you've come up with a good description: "limited recall allowance", LRA for short.
Due to my LRA, I can't think of who won the Oscar for Musical Score, dang it!
Cheers,
Mitch
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Yep, you've picked up the scent, again. Sorry about that.
Nice to know I have another disorder to add to the list. I wish you'd quit looking that stuff up; I get more disturbed every time you find a new informative website.
Feel free to use LRA as a definitive term. I, of course, will want royalties.
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