Stephen Burckhardt's Blog: My Blog Ramblings, page 53

Monday Movie Madness: Albuquerque

Hello Posse!

This will be short and sweet today. This movie, Albuquerque, was released in 1948 by Paramount Pictures. This western was directed by Ray Enright and stared the incredible talents of Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton, George "Gabby" Hayes, and Lon Chaney, Jr.

The movie was based on the Luke Short novel Dead Freight for Piute . The story is about a man who is dealing with corruption. His uncle talks him into coming on board in his freight-hauling business only to find out his uncle is ruthless and dishonest.

On his way to Albuquerque, Cole Armin (Scott) saves a child, Myrtle Walton (played by Karolyn Grimes know for her work as Zuzu in It's a Wonderful Life), from run away horses as Celia Wallace (Catherine Craig) is robbed of $10,000. Celia is thankful for his help until she finds out Armin is coming town to work for his uncle who is her rival and who is actively trying to put her and her brother, Ted (Russell Hayden), out of business by any means necessary.

When Armin realizes the kind of man his uncle really is and the things he's willing to do for money, Armin goes to work for the Wallaces instead. Armin's uncle, John Armin (George Cleveland), gets Letty Tyler (Britton), to keep tabs on his nephew and the Wallaces.

Tyler becomes angry when a mine is blown up and Ted is wounded. Armin is framed for the attack and arrested for the crime. Even though Celia has fallen in love with Armin, she turns against him until Tyler explains it was really his uncle, John Armin, who is responsible for the crime. It takes some skill with a gun and the calvary riding in just in the nick of time to save the day and bring the guilty to justice.

Now, it's time to get your snacks and settle in for another great movie. Today's snack comes from NDTV Food, Albuquerque Atomic Mushrooms. (

Enjoy!

Stephen

Full Movie on YouTube

https://youtu.be/a6P74NcShzs

#movie #movies #MondayMood #blog #blogger #food #recipes #westerns #indieauthor

Friday Funnies: Stressed Out Edition!

Hello Posse!

I've always been one to laugh at inappropriate times. I have always used humor to cope when faced with stress. Turns out, I was on to something all along.

According to an article published on the site for the American Institute of Stress (AIS), laughing for stress relief can have many benefits. In the short term, laughter can relieve the stress response, ease tension, and stimulate organs. In the long term, it can improve your mood and your immune system, as well as relieve pain and boost personal satisfaction. For more in depth information on the benefits of laughing for stress, check out Stress Relief from Laughter, It's no Joke by AIS (

In the mean time, let's just do our part to relive stress and share some humorous quotes and jokes!

Enjoy,

Stephen

“Some days, the best thing about the job is that the chair spins.”

— Unknown 

“I stress about stress before there’s even stress to stress about.” 

— Unknown

"Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work."

— Robert Orben

"I always try to go the extra mile at work, but my boss always finds me and brings me back."

— Unknown

"The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one."

— Oscar Wilde

"If you had to identify in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve its full potential, that word would be meetings." 

— Dave Barry

“By working faithfully 8 hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work 12 hours a day.” 

— Robert Frost

“If each day is a gift, I’d like to know where I can return Mondays.” 

— John Wagner

“The best part about going to work is coming back home at the end of the day.” 

— Unknown

"Hard work never killed anybody, but why take the chance?"

— Edgar Bergen

“There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” ­

— Henry Kissinger

“If stress burned calories, I’d be a supermodel.” 

— Unknown

Q: Why are math books always stressed?

They are full of problems that need to be solved.

Q: Does the school have a program to help relieve student stress that causes acting up in class?

A: Yes, it’s called a de-tension.

Q: Why are the T-Rex waiters and waitresses at the restaurant constantly stressed out?

A: Because they are always short-handed.

Q: What stresses out fish?

A: Current Events

A man walks into a bar and asks for whisky straight up.

Bartender asks, "Having a bad day?"

Man answers, "The worst! I just got fired for getting a little stressed and kicking the project I was working on."

The bartender is surprised, "That seems a bit extreme. What did you do for a living?"

The man downs his drink and answers, "I was on the Bomb Squad."

A man goes to a psychiatrist, "Doctor you have to help me I think I am going crazy. Some days I think I am a Wigwam and other days I think I am a Tipi."

The doctor tries to cals the man, "Do not worry. Your problem is not that serious, you are just too tents (tense)."

And last but not least . . .

When I'm stressed I like to sit in a quiet place and draw a line of trees, getting smaller and smaller as they stretch out to the horizon.

It really puts things in perspective for me.

Now, for a true comedic talent, Robin Williams. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/AoOWEV6uzbc

#comedy #LOL #jokes #stress #writer #writingcommunity #blog #blogger #RobinWilliams

Whatever Wednesday: V-J Day

Crowds celebrate in New York's Times Square 1945

Hello Posse!

Today's blog will be short. I am busy with family and actually wrote this several days ahead because I knew I would be busy. My computer just told me it is one o'clock in the morning so I should make this quick.

Today is an important day in history. Know as Victory over Japan Day or V-J Day for short, today is the day on which the papers were signed by Imperial Japan to formally surrender during World War II, effectively bringing an end to the war.

This day is actually recognized on different days in different countries. n the U.K it is celebrated August 15th, when Japan declared surrender, and in the U.S. it is celebrated on September 2nd, the day they signed the papers officially surrendering.

To all the men and women who served in that war, with sincerest gratitude, thank you for your service!

If you like history, why not pick up a good historical fiction book today. There are many great books set in this time period including The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Novel by Heather Morris, An Orphan’s War by Molly Green, The Huntress by Kate Quinn, and The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel.

If you like something in the pre-Civil War era, you are always welcome to check out The Into the West Saga Serial. Whatever era you are interested in, I hope you have something good to read this week.

Have a great day!

Dianne

P.S. Part five cover and title will be finalized soon. Keep watching our social media for more information.

#VJDAY #HistoricalFiction #HistFic #writer #writers #writingcommunity #books

Monday Movie Madness: The Cheyenne Social Club

Hello Posse!

Today's movie is an old favorite of mine, The Cheyenne Social Club. I probably should put this off until I have more time to really do it justice, but I do not want to make you wait for this one. There is no way you can not love a movie with a star studded cast that includes James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Shirley Jones. When you add that, it was directed and produced by Gene Kelly, you know it will be a sure fire winner!

This movie is funny, dramatic, heartwarming and just down right entertaining. The Cheyenne Social Club was released in 1970. It was produced by Cinema Center Films and distributed by National General Pictures.

The story is set in 1867. Two aging Texas cowboys, John O'Hanlan (Stewart) and Harley Sullivan (Ford), are working cattle ranges when John gets a letter from a lawyer in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The letter informs him that his brother is dead and has left him The Cheyenne Social Club. John and Harley set out to Cheyenne to check out his inheritance. Upon arriving in Cheyenne John learns to his dismay that The Cheyenne Social Club is in fact a high-class brothel.

John has no desire to own a brothel and decides to turn the club into a boarding house. This decisions causes problems with the women working in the club and the men in town as well. As John tries to put his plan into action, he learns there is a provision in the will that the property would revert to the railroad if the women should ever move out.

John tries to keep his distance from the working ladies until Jenny (Jones), the Club's madam, is beaten by a man named Bannister. John confronts Bannister and the two have a showdown. John kills the man and regains the favor of the townspeople. Unfortunately, Bannister had family who now seek revenge and sides end up facing off at The Cheyenne Social Club.

The ending wraps up the story very nicely and all parties find their happy endings, of sorts. But do not take my word for it, check out this movie for yourself while you munch on a snack that is thought to date back to Native beginnings, Fried Green Tomatoes. I would suggest getting these good and crispy and try them with different dips: Ranch, salsa, Tzatziki sauce, or even a nice spice Sriracha cream cheese dip. Let your imagination run wild.

Now, it's time to get your snacks and settle in for another great movie!

Enjoy,

Stephen https://youtu.be/FgFXD0MPzDU

Today's movie snack comes from a Cheyenne recipe. While this food is known as a staple across the U.S. south, it is believed to have started with Native Americans. Of course, I'm talking about Fried Green Tomatoes. To save me some work this week, I am just going to post the recipe here for you.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients:
5 large green tomatoes
2 1/2 cups coarse ground yellow cornmeal
Oil or lard for frying

salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:
Slice the tomatoes in half inch slices.

Sprinkle with salt.

Let them rest for 10-15 minutes.

Blot dry, then sprinkle with pepper.

Coat the slices in cornmeal.

Heat your oil in a large skillet.

Fry slices until both sides are brown.

#movies #MondayMotivation #books #booklovers #writing #writers

Friday Funnies: Marriage Edition!

Photo of Steve and Sharon at my wedding

Hello Posse!

Today, I am taking over Friday Funnies to wish my parents a very happy 55th wedding anniversary. In honor of their anniversary (Aug. 30th), I am sharing jokes about husbands and wives and marriage. I have personally only been married 7 years (this December) and have loved being married. I can't wait to have more milestones with my husband.

Just a note, depending on events on Monday, my social media may be delayed or just stop for a few days next week. It will start up again so be patient and stick with me if things fall apart for a few days. The good news is I started formatting the new book and will finish the cover design this weekend. As soon as I make a final decision on the title and the cover photo. I think I have it all figured out but I just have to decided I'm done messing with things. that is always the hard part.

Now, on to the jokes . . .

Enjoy,

Dianne

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier in they day they had an argument and they had not spoken since.

As they passed a field with a herd of mules, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"

Without missing a beat the wife answered, "Yep, in-laws."

A couple had been married for many years. One day, the wife turns to her husband and asks, "Sweetie, will you still love me when my hair turns grey?"

Her husband replies, "Why wouldn't I? I stuck with you through all the other shades."

Q: Dad, I’ve heard that in some parts of the world they have arranged marriages and sometimes the couple doesn't even know each other until they get married."

A: Son, that is true for everyone.

A man in calls his son the day before Christmas Eve and says,“I hate to ruin your day but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.”

The son is shocked and asks, "Dad, what are you talking about?"

“We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,” says his dad. “We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about this, call your sister and tell her for me.”

In a panic, the son calls his sister.

“They are not getting divorced if I have anything to say about this!” she yells, “I'll take care of it!”

She hangs up and immediately calls her parents, and speaks to her father.

“You are NOT getting divorced! Do not do a anything until we get there. My brother and I will both be there tomorrow. Don't do a thing until we get there!” she yells and hangs up. and The man puts his phone down and turns to his wife.

"All done! The kids are coming for Christmas and they're paying their own way."

Make love, not war. Or get married and do both!

A man approached the gorgeous woman in a large supermarket.

"I’ve lost my wife in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes to help me find her?”

The woman looked confused and asked, “How does us talking find your wife?”

“I'm not really sure how it works, but every time I talk to a gorgeous woman my wife appears out of nowhere.”

A man went to the Police Station and asked to speak with the burglar who had broken into his house.

“You’ll get to have your say when this goest to court,” says the Sergeant.

“No, you misunderstand!” said the man. “I don't want to confront him, I want him to tell me how he got in my house without waking my wife. I’ve never been able to do that!”

And last but not least . . .

I know of no one who is happily married, except my husband.

Now, enjoy the first episode of The Honeymooners! Check out more full episodes on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/JkcpHcOaCZY

#lol #jokes #FridayFeeling #FridayVibes #books #booklovers #writing #writers

Whatever Wednesday/Monday Movie Madness: Mash-up 2.0

Hello Posse,

If you follow me on Facebook, or any of my other social media pages, you might have seen a poll I am taking to help me find a name for my next book. I'm having a hard time picking the final version. In case you didn't already know, all my books start out with Into the West, but the second half is always different.

In part five, we have the lawmen, marshal Blackjack James and sheriff Ike "Shorty" Rowlett, hunting down the bandits robbing taxmen in the area. However, a sheriff from Missouri decides to try his hand at capturing the bandits as well and things come to a head. We might even see a surprise visit from an actual famous lawman from the Wild West era before he became a lawman. The action finally comes to a head with a massive shootout. The confrontation ends with an understanding between all parties, at least those who live through the experience. They reach an agreement on territory lines. If anyone violates them there will be hell to pay and it is a price no one wants to forfeit.

So given this information, what do you think I should name my next book?

Part Five of the First Book in the Territories Saga Serials

Into the West: . . .

A. Last Showdown E. Justice at Last

B. Final Revenge F. Final Judgement

C. Last Shootout G. Nowhere to Run

D. Justice Served H. Final Justice (

I added option H here because I missed it on the original poll. So head on over to my Facebook page (

But now on to the Monday Movie Madness portion of todays blog with The Quick and the Dead!

Being an Evil Dead fan, I am always up for any movie directed by Sam Raimi. Add to that a script written by Simon Moore with help from Joss Whedon and that is something I want to see! Just when you think it can't get any better, they add a cast like this one including Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Russell Crowe. Also among the cast is Woody Strode.

Strode served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was also an athlete. He completed in the decathlon and was one of the first black players in the NFL. After leaving football, Strode turned to acting where he earned a nomination for a Golden Globe for his supporting role in the 1960 Spartacus. Just as Crowe was beginning a career in action films (this was his first American film), Strode was ending his. The Quick and the Dead was Strode's final performance. In recognition, the movie was dedicated to him.

The Quick and the Dead was released in 1995 and follows a woman known as The Lady (Stone). She is a gunfighter seeking revenge for the death of her father. She rides to the town of Redemption which is under strict control by a man named John Herod (Hackman).

The town is holding a deadly competition. Any gunslinger in the contest can challenge any other gunslinger to a duel. Winners walk away to challenge again, losers . . . do not.

Surprisingly, this film did not do well at the box office even given the stellar cast, director, and writers. It even received rather mixed reviews from film critics at the time. However, since the release, the film has received praised for several aspects including the performances, direction, and more. In my opinion, it is well worth watching again and again.

But don't take my word for it, grab your snacks and settle in, it's time for another great movie!!

While you are checking out my Facebook page (

Enjoy!

Stephenhttps://youtu.be/NfRrEUz62Lw

#blog #WednesdayMotivation #WednesdayWisdom #WednesdayThoughts #Food #Foodie #pizza #writers #books #Reading

Monday Movie Madness: The Lost Episode!

Hello Posse!

Well, i did it again. I totally lost track to days. I forgot today is Monday and I had a blog to write. The good news is; I spent the day working on part five of the Into the West Saga Serial. I finally bought the photo I will be using for the cover and am ready to finalize the cover this week, if I can decide on the rest of the name for this book, that is. I might have you all help me with that this Wednesday.

I should warn you, there are some big things going on with my family at the moment and I will most likely be pretty scatterbrained until at least next week sometime, if we are lucky. If we aren't lucky, it could last longer. I will let you all know more later when I know more. Suffice it to say, it is hard to deal with big family issues when you and your family are on opposite sides of the world, especially during a pandemic when travel is banned between the two countries. All you can do is sit on your side of the world and pray for good news. So please, bear with me.

This Wednesday will be another twofer with the Monday Movie Madness and Whatever Wednesday mashed up again. I promise It will get done. In the mean time, today is National Waffle Day! so why not check out the video below from the Stay At Home Chef and learn how to make perfect homemade waffles! Try topping them with bourbon vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, and a little whipped cream for a perfectly decadent treat!

Enjoy,

Stephenhttps://youtu.be/lypGLHSpWa0

#blog #recipes #cooking #movies #monday #mondaymood #family #IntoTheWestSagaSerial

Friday Funnies: Senior Citizens Day!

Hello Posse!

Today is National Senior Citizens Day. I happen to have officially become a member of that group, at least according to the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas. Once I hit 50, I was able to get the senior discount at their Young at Heart Buffett they had on Wednesday's, it is closed at the moment however. The day I turned 50, I went in and got my discount! Getting old needs to have a few perks besides just still waking up.

As we get older we all start to feel that slow down happening, things ache that didn't when we were younger and things begin to change. Hair get greyer, eyes get weaker, and I that I have found myself doing the thing where you look in the mirror and put a few fingers on your hairline and push back a little and realise just how much for face is actually changing even if it isn't always really noticeable. I know many of you have done it too!

But there are many great things about getting older too! The first is, we are still here. We often have hit an age where we really stopped caring about how the world sees us and we just become at peace with who we are. Though I am sure my mom would tell you, I have always been at peace with who I am but it feels like it is even more so now, if that is even possible. Most of all, I hope everyone have learned to laugh at themselves a bit more and not take life so seriously. None of us are getting out of it alive so let's enjoy the ride!

Just keep in mind that, if you are lucky, you have to grow older, but growing up is always optional! I am convinced that is why people always think I am so much younger than I actually am, I refuse to be mature! I revel in my immaturity. Now, do not confuse that with being irresponsible. You can be very responsible and quite immature at the same time. I prove this daily.

The best thing you can do for yourselves is to find a reason to laugh everyday. P.R. always says that is job number one, to make me laugh. I have to admit, P.R. does a bang up job of that! Now, hopefully I can return the favor and give you all a good laugh or two today.

Here are the jokes!

Enjoy,

Stephen

Sadly, my mother passed away recently and it fell to me to take care of her estate.

I called to have her phone service cancelled but was told that since the phone was actually in my father's name, he would have to be the one to cancel it.

I informed the customer service person that my father had actually been dead for 12 years and would not be able to do so.

The customer service person regretfully told me there was nothing she could do to help me.

Then I had an idea.

I asked, "If I stop paying her phone bill you will just automatically disconnect the service, right?"

There was a long pause before she replied, "Yes sir, that is one option, but you should understand that doing so will damage your father's credit score."

I told my husband that menopause was hitting me hard, my hair was thinning fast.

Me: Pretty soon you won't have to pay for my trips to the salon anymore. Whenever I vacuum, all I seem to pick up is my own hair."

Husband: "On the bright side, if that's true, pretty soon you won't have to vacuum anymore either."

A few great quotes . . .

I don’t plan to grow old gracefully. I plan to have face-lifts until my ears meet.

Rita Rudner

We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. Will Rogers

The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

Erma Bombeck

Regular naps prevent old age, especially if you take them while driving.

Author Unknown

An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.

Agatha Christie

Old age is when you resent the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated because there are fewer articles to read.

George Burns

I’ve learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

Andy Rooney

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of algebra.

Will Rogers

I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.

Phyllis Diller

I'm at the age that the only pole dancing I can to is grabbing the safety bar in the tub when I slip.

An 85 year old woman got stopped for speeding. When the young officer asked why she was driving so fast she replied, "I need to get there before I forget where was going!"

You know you are getting older when you get up feeling hung over and you didn't do anything the night before.

You know you are getting older when you bend over to pick up something and look around to see if you need to do anything else before you try to stand back up.

You know you are getting older when you are happy to pay for valet parking just so you don't have to find your car later.

And last but not least . . .

You know you are getting older when you have to get up from taking a nap so you can get ready to go to bed.

Stay young, even if it is just at heart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIMd5KFG1vQ

#FridayFeeling #FridayVibes #fun #bloggers #writers #smile #lol #flashmob #SeniorCitizensDay #Humor

Monday Movie Madness/Wednesday Whatever: Mashup!

Hello Posse!

Sorry I missed the Monday Movie Madness this week. Migraines can be a real killer for me. It is odd that when I get one now, it almost always lasts three days. I have no idea why it works out that way. Just a quirk of being me, I guess.

Any way, on with the blogs!

We'll start out with the Wednesday Whatever portion. I have started work on the next book in the serial, Part Five, Into the West: ??? I still have not settled on a title for it. In this instalment, things are going to come to a head with the bandits and local lawmen but others are going to come into the picture to complicate things.

Since the lawmen tracking down the bandits is a main portion of the story, I have been playing with ideas for the title: ITW: The Last Stand, ITW: Final Shootout, ITW: Justice Served, ITW: Final Revenge, or ITW: Final Justice. You can see a theme there.

Now, I just have to make up my mind. I have also been trying to pick the cover art for this but I am not sure if I want to go with people or just something like the photo you see here.

Hopefully, I will get a few things figured out here quickly so I can get started on the actual writing. I would love to have this and the final book in this serial finished by Christmas but we will see what I can do. My best laid plans always have a way of changing no matter my intensions. Cross your fingers for me.

Now, as for Monday Movie Madness. This movie is near and dear to me for few reasons, 1. I love Jimmy Stewart, 2. It's just a great movie, 3. I was in a stage production of this in high school and it is one of my favorite high school memories. I played a saloon girl and had a feather shot off of my head in one scene.

Funny thing, the first day we rehearsed with the prop guns, it took several pulls for the prop gun to hit the blank load. Each time it clicked, I jumped. When the load finally went off it was very loud in the empty auditorium and I was so nervous by that point that my legs gave out and I dropped to the floor. A few people thought I had actually been shot for just a moment. Ah, memories.

The movie, Destry Rides Again, was released in 1939 by Universal Pictures. It was directed by George Marshall and stared two of the great screen legends of the era, Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart. The supporting cast may not be names you are familiar with but if you are a fan of westerns of this time period, you will recognize their faces. The supporting cast includes, Brian Donlevy, Allen Jenkins, Mischa Auer, Bill Cody Jr., Charles Winninger, Irene Hervey, Billy Gilbert, Lillian Yarbo, and Una Merkel.

The name, Destry Rides Again, comes from a Max Brand novel. The book had inspired an earlier script with a different actor, but this incarnation with Stewart and Dietrich is almost completely different from the previous script. This classic western was selected by the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for preservation in 1996 for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

The story takes place in the lawless town of Bottleneck. The local Saloon owner, Kent (Donlevy), and his saloon girl girlfriend, Frenchy (Dietrich), have the local sheriff killed when he starts asking too many questions. The town's major, Hiram Slade (Hinds) is corrupt as well, and to help keep Kent in power, he names the town drunk, Washington Dimsdale (Winninger), as the new sheriff.

Kent and Slade think Dimsdale will be easy to control. However, Dimsdale had once been a deputy to great lawman, Tom Destry. Dimsdale is determined to take his job seriously, he stops drinking and sends word to Tom Destry Jr. (Stewart), who is also known to be a formidable lawman, to help him clean up the town.

When Destry first arrives in town he is not what anyone, especially Dimsdale, expected in a respected lawman. The townspeople are shocked to learn he does not carry a gun. He quickly becomes a laughingstock when he is handed a mop and bucket to help him clean up the town. Later, a band of cowboys ride into town and raise a ruckus. Destry is forced to demonstrate just how skilled a marksman he really is; earning the respect of the townspeople in the process.

Destry sets to work on solving the murder of the former sheriff and finds himself the target of the Kent and his gang. With the help of some good people, Destry will try to save the day and maybe even find love in the process.

For a great movie snack, what could go better with a movie about a cattle town than Steak Nachos by Eat This, Not That! Check out ,,my Facebook page (

Enjoy,

Dianne

Check out the full movie online at DailyMotion.com

https://youtu.be/0pI-iBxGqTo

Monday Movie Madness: Postponed

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Hello Posse,

Due to a horrendous migraine, I am postponing this blog until tomorrow or Wednesday depending on how long this lasts. Normally these migraines tend to last three days and this is day two so we will see. It will come out, however, because this is a movie to which I have a very personal attachment. I'll tell you about ti very soon. Now it is back to bed.

Have a great day,

Stephen