Things That Make You Go "Hmm"...
How many times have you went HMM?
Just today?
Bet it's a LOT..usually is.
This is one of those interesting aspects to the English language.
I mean, it's way better than ER, UM, or UHH, as it denotes a sense of THINKING on behalf of the person using it.
It can be used as a positive OR a negative. You can seemingly ask a question with it...OR make a statement. Try THAT with other words.
Yet, it's not a "word" in the traditional sense, but it IS something we tend to use offhand, without even thinking.
And, you have to admit that there are levels of "hmm".
Sometimes, we use "hmm" to signify something mysterious or curious.
Other times, we use "hmm" as a mild form of astonishment. It's more sedate than going WOW, but better than just going "oh...".
So, with that in mind, let's take a look around and see what makes US go "hmm", shall we?
** First off, the recently commissioned USS NEW YORK (LPD 21), a transport vessel is docked on the Hudson river TODAY.
She has incorporated into her hull steel that was forged from the remains of the WTC towers.
Here's the official website for her:
http://www.ussnewyork.com/
She is one of the San Antonio Class of Amphibious Transport Dock ships.
And she will be OPEN to the public (that's YOU guys) from today until 11 November (Veteran's Day).
So, if you're in the NYC vicinity between now and then, stop on over and take a look at her.
** If you're like most homeowners, you're probably used to "playing with drywall" (like running with scissors, but a lot less dangerous).
Unlike older homes with PLASTER walls, drywall has become the new symbol of status when it comes to home building.
It's easier to repair, and cheaper to work with. And somewhat LESS messy.
BUT...(uh, oh...he found something wrong)...did you know that drywall can ALSO be a cause for concern?
No, kids aren't EATING it...at least, not that I know of.
The problem is a bit worse than that.
Here's the link for the entire story:
http://www.scrippsnews.com/content/sulfur-generating-bacteria-may-be-affecting-chinese-drywall
So, if you have a drywalled house or apartment, and have been suffering headaches or general malaise, you "might" want to think about this. It might NOT be the carpeting, but the WALLS that are making you feel less "up-to-snuff".
High sulfur content from Chinese drywall promotes bacterial-fungal growth (who knew?), and this has been an ongoing study for over a year. Makes sense if "Fido" or "Muffy" have been chucking their din-din on the floor lately, too...doesn't it? (indeed)
Hmm, if it's not lead paint in out TOYS, it's sulfur in our DRYWALL.
Will say one thing...China's got some interesting "biological weaponry" at it's disposal.
** If you've been following ANY news, you had to have seen this serial rapist/killer in Cleveland.
Here are a few links to the story: (warning - graphic descriptions)
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/04/ohio.cleveland.bodies/index.html

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/crews_again_digging_at_anthony.html

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-sowell-arrest-women-strangled-txt,0,5533112.story

Now, THIS boy got a head FULL of f$cked up wiring!
And people say ONLY whites are SERIAL KILLERS....I think not, folks!
This kind of sickness inflicts people of ALL ethnicities. Whites don't have sole propriety to this. Virginia Sniper ring any bells?
Anthony Sowell JUST got out of jail for a rape charge, too.
Someone needs to get this guy's ass EXECUTED...a LOT...and SOON.
** This is a shame, but when you do stuff you're not supposed to...sh*t WILL happen.
Bernie Kerik, once NYC's top cop has fallen from grace...in a big way.
Here's the links to the story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091105/ap_on_re_us/us_kerik_investigation
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33628474/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
I mean, he is planning to PLEAD GUILTY, after all, so he's "manned up" to the situation.
This has been going on since 2007, when Kerik withdrew his name from the Homeland Security director job vacated by Tom Ridge, citing immigration and tax issues. Hmm...
Sad to see a good cop get caught up in this, I had a lot of respect for the guy, and I suppose I still do...when it comes to being a cop.
** Lastly, the Yankees have won their 27th WORLD SERIES with a 7-3 win over the Phillies in game 6. And it was the first time a JAPANESE player (Hideki Matsui) won the MVP award. That's pretty cool, even if my former home team lost out. Hell, the Phillies won last year anyway.
Guess that NEW stadium in New York might just pay off. Besides, they did need more room to hang ALL those banners from past championships, right?
So there you have it...from drywall to baseball...with a few other stops in between.
Never fear, the weekend IS coming (like a jail on wheels).
And our dollar is getting slightly stronger...as oil prices actually dropped this week.
Amazing stuff, hmm?
Curious times we find ourselves living in, aren't they?
Have yourselves a great day, play nice, do well to others, remember your manners, and...
Stay safe out there, America.