YSaC, Vol. 1004: … And You’re the Farmer’s Daughter.

2011 June 2

I AM THE BABYSITTER…


HELLO MY NAME IS #### ####…. I HAVE THREE YEARS EXPENCENTS IN THE PASS WITH NEW BORN BABY AND PERSCHOOL KIDS…. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL ME AT (###)###-####…. I BABYSIT THEM AT MY HOME…. THE PRICE IS $5.00 OR $10.00 PER HOUR…. I WILL READ THE A BOOK, SING TO THEM…. MY OTHER NUMBER IS (###)###-####….

THANK YOU
#### #####….

Boy, things sure have changed since I was a kid. I distinctly remember there being more than one babysitter. Sure, they were fairly interchangeable, but they did have some differences.

Well, not any more. She is THE babysitter. She has experience with new born baby. (Apparently there’s only one of those too.) Fortunately, in the face of all this certainty, it’s nice that we have some ambiguity when it comes to her rate. How much you want to bet that although she claims to charge $7.50 +/- $2.50, if YOU ask for a quote, it will always be +?

And then there’s the final conundrum – she will read THE a book. If you combine a definite article with an indefinite article, is that like combining pasta and anti-pasta (delicious) or matter and anti-matter? (All life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.) Or somewhere in between?

Incidentally, although this person doesn’t include a picture, I sort of imagine her looking like this:

There was only ever one babysitter in that household, after all.

Thanks for the link, Mackenzie!

191 Responses leave one →
  1. 2011 June 2
    Camille permalink

    Hello, the babysitter. I am the walrus.

    Adores: 20
    • 2011 June 2

      Pleased to meet you, the walrus. I am the Donald.

      Adores: 13
      • 2011 June 2

        Koo Koo Ka-chew.

        Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2

          Goo Goo Ga-joob.

          Adores: 6
        • 2011 June 2

          Foo-Foo Ga-poo

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          Lola permalink

          Moo goo gai pan. I am the waitress.

          Adores: 24
        • 2011 June 2

          But I ordered the lobster…

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2
          Lola permalink

          Rock Lobstah, aaaah ooooh!

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2

          I am sum yung gai.

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2

          That’s where the cream came from…

          I know, I know… corner… going.

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          Goo Goo Ga-joob

          Giggity…

          Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2
        CapnMac permalink

        Well, that worked out, I was afraid this would all de-evolve into naught more than disjointed babay-talk.

        Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2
          Dan permalink

          We don’t normally go out of our way to explain the titles, but in this case I will, because it’s an awesome song, and you should listen to it:

          Bell X1 – The Great Defector

          Adores: 1
  2. 2011 June 2

    I WILL READ THE A BOOK

    I somehow rather doubt that.

    Adores: 16
    • 2011 June 2
      funky monkey permalink

      Maybe it was supposed to read “I will read the ‘A Book'”. Maybe she’s working her way thru the encyclopedas. Would be a good way to put them to sleep.

      Adores: 12
    • 2011 June 2

      I will set us up the bomb.

      Additional: Apparently, I’m posting my comments too quickly for wordpress… it just effectively waggled its finger at me and refused to post my comment. First the randomly inserted replies the other day, now this. WordPress is having a power-trip.

      Adores: 8
      • 2011 June 2
        Bianchi Sound permalink

        Or, in honor of today’s post, WordPress is having THE power-trip.

        Adores: 8
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Wonder if it’s going to go all HAL on us?

          Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2
          Bianchi Sound permalink

          I’m sorry, Dave jr. I afraid I can’t change you…

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          I have you by the short hairs, Dave.

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2

          Dave’s not here, man.

          Adores: 8
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Ghostie? Are you there? I can’t see you for the smoke!

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2

          That’s … incense. For my glaucoma.

          Adores: 9
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Does your “incense” give you the munchies? I got biscuits….

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2

          With gravy?

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          Ziaheart permalink

          The WordPress is having the a power-trip.

          Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        Er, yeah, that’s what that is. Gravy. Yup.

        Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2
        CapnMac permalink

        WP clearly follows the wuch’u of the B book, the bitter, and eternal enemies of the A book.

        Adores: 0
      • 2012 June 2
        Digitalaxis permalink

        The A Book? It’s a good book, if you can afford it. And if you know where to find it.

        It pities fools, though.

        Adores: 2
    • 2011 June 2

      I think that’s a primer book focusing on the letter A.

      A is for Auntie, your dear relative.
      A is for alcohol, which is what they put in…
      A is for Appletini, which your auntie loves to drink. A lot.
      A is for ambulance, which is where they took the person your auntie hit with her car after she drank a lot of appletinis.
      AA is for Alcoholics Anonymous, a group where your auntie was court-ordered to go.

      Adores: 13
      • 2011 June 2
        Lola permalink

        This sounds like a book my godchildren (who call me Auntie) might read. (Up until the fourth line. I don’t have a car (and don’t ever drive if I have had a drink).)

        Adores: 2
    • 2011 June 2

      You don’t know The A-Book?
      It’s like The A-Team… in book form. It ain’t gettin’ on no plane.

      Adores: 2
    • 2012 June 6
      Aaron permalink

      Seems more like Sparky is reading the D- Book, or the F(ail) Book.

      Adores: 0
  3. 2011 June 2
    Lola permalink

    I HAVE THREE YEARS EXPENCENTS

    And about one year of elementary schooling, apparently.

    Adores: 12
    • 2011 June 2
      Grampdaddy permalink

      Unfair, Lola! – After one year of elementary school virtually all the kiddos can compose a coherent sentence. However, by the last week of school very few elementary school TEACHERS are able to do so.

      Adores: 16
    • 2011 June 2

      Storytime!!!

      Bet y’all are wondering if I make this shit up, dontcha? I swear, life is so outrageous…I couldn’t make this shit up if I wanted to.

      Grampdaddy, watch where you point that cane, will ya?

      Okay, yesterday my “green” company sends out a mass e-mail.

      It’s yet another one of those feel-good measures that somehow, I don’t know, make people think that they matter.

      This time, it was “Don’t Throw Those Crayons Away”.

      Yes, crayons.

      *Apparently there are some foot-long isopods at 16k below the surface of the oceans that are eating crayons, and I guess that’s a bad thing.

      I say if it was good enough for my kids, it’s good enough for the isopods!

      But, I digress…as usual.

      After reading the e-mail, and before my boss (he is awesome, btw) read it, I made a huge (fake) fuss about “..not gonna be able to do my job, properly, anymore…”

      He wanted to know what had me so riled up.

      “They’re taking away my crayons, for cryin’ out loud! How am I supposed to do my work without my crayons!?”

      He had just taken a sip from his tea, and promptly learned what a ‘sinus enema’ is.

      Good times.

      *utterly manufactured marine biology “fact”

      Adores: 11
      • 2011 June 2

        I wonder if giving your boss a sinus enema is good for your job security or bad…I know giving them any other kind is bad. Very bad.

        Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          And you know this… *HOW?*

          Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        My mother-in-law is setting up a playhouse type thing on her property for the grandkids when they all come to visit her. Since we were moving 600 miles away and trying to cut down on stuff, I donated a lot of my old childhood craft stuff to her that I still had… including 3 huge tins of crayons. No undersea creature is gettin’ MY crayons!

        Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          mudslicker permalink

          But I just love the rainbow-skittle colored poop laying at the bottom of the sea.

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2

          Taste the rainbow … trout.

          Adores: 8
      • 2011 June 2
        Grampdaddy permalink

        Sorry, CJ – that *may not* have been my cane. Was it long and hard and curved on one end?

        Oh, yeah, you were right – that was my cane….

        You know where to find me. Send the little Monkey over when she gets here, I think we may be spending a great deal of time together.

        Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Hey, hey, HEY! Just because I was all belligerant yesterday doesn’t mean that I will be today. Any-who, looks like SisterLyle is already in the corner.

          :mumbling: I got your “little monkey”, old geezer.

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          Grampdaddy permalink

          But you’re such a cute little monkey – and I mean that in the best possible way.

          MONKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          Watch out FM, I hear Grampdaddy’s not too old to spank a monkey…

          heads for the corner

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Yes, that got brought up yesterday. I also heard he can wax the walrus, if you know what I mean.

          Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          ahhh crap…

          Note to self, catch up on missed days prior to attempting to snark…

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          No worries. I get behind on weekends, no time to sit at ‘puter then. Laundry, housework, hanging with Mini Monkey, drinking lots of beer. Just the important things.

          Speaking of, I’m 30 minutes late for a cold one.

          Adores: 0
        • 2011 June 2
          Grampdaddy permalink

          I may be capable of all those things, but prefer to buff the beaver. Few things bring me more pleasure than seeing that shiny, polished, flat tail.

          FM and BD, I think you are being naughty – and I like that in a person.

          Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      CapnMac permalink

      Well, the war with eurasia not going so well, perhaps “expenscents” is a doublegood newthought accounting term.

      Sparki merely wishes us to be reassured shiny coinage is handy for doublegood rightthink child entertainment.

      Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2
        Dan permalink

        What do you mean, the war with Eurasia? We’ve always been at war with Eastasia.

        Adores: 0
        • 2011 June 2

          Why is it people are always trying to foist Asia off on me!? It’s your Asia this and your Asia that. Well, you know what, buddy, it’s your Asia today!

          Adores: 7
        • 2011 June 2
          Dan permalink

          Awesome! I’m going to make Steve Howe mow my lawn.

          Adores: 3
  4. 2011 June 2

    Sometiiiiiiimes, ya swear you were born to loooooose!

    And you wish yo feet were walkin’ in someone else’s shoes.

    And it’s so hard…

    And it’s sooo hard…

    Babysittin’ these guys.

    She’s got the……

    I’ve got the….Babyyyy sitting blues.

    Baby, baby.

    Babyyyy sitting blues.

    Baby, baby.

    Babyyyy sitting bluuues.

    “Don’t nobody leave here without singin’ the blues.” Bo Diddly

    Adores: 11
  5. 2011 June 2
    tigprincess permalink

    is is possible to have a reference please? or is it compulsory to use you since you are THE BABYSITTER? …and, how can you deal with all the world’s babysitting?

    *gets out Zen book. Hums into safe space. gets out large gin and tonic. Ahh!*

    Adores: 4
  6. 2011 June 2

    There can only be one babysitter. Which sets up a winner-take-all swordfight and some really crappy special effects.

    I would actually pay to see this, come to think of it.

    Adores: 13
    • 2011 June 2
      Lola permalink

      I could have used some swordfighting skills while babysitting. All I had were my wits and, depending on the parenting style, a wooden spoon.

      Adores: 4
    • 2011 June 2
      Irregular Fractal permalink

      Wasn’t Christina Applegate in that flick?

      Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        Either her or Elisabeth Shue.

        Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          Lola permalink

          It was a mash-up with both: “Adventures in Dead Babysitting” (zomb genre, of course).

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Kind of like a book I bought a few years back: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Looked like an awesome idea, but it was just the Jane Austen book with an occasional random zombie attack and killing thrown in. Yawn. I left it on the table and Mini Monkey turned a glass of milk over on it and I took that as a sign to not finish it. But I did dry it out and put it on the bookshelves, makes visitors ask questions.

          Adores: 3
      • 2011 June 2

        Yes, IF… I believe it was called “Don’t Tell Mom About the Adventures in Dead Babysitting”…or something like that.

        See, in the 80’s they were doing the zomb

        Adores: 2
  7. 2011 June 2

    “sing to them”…
    Songs like “Mary had a little Land”
    “Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Star”
    And my personal favorite, “Bot, Bot, Black Sheet”

    Adores: 14
    • 2011 June 2

      Tinkle, tinkle, little star;
      You can go here in this jar.
      Ten times stronger than moonshine,
      But it tastes like turpentine.

      Adores: 25
    • 2011 June 2
      funky monkey permalink

      Bot-bot*, black sheet,
      Old Crisco and a stool!
      Rocket shoes, velvet paintings
      A ripped up swimming pool.

      Parrot feathers, haunted paintings,
      Bulletin quark boards,
      Car by Satan, bathroom Things
      And a Ninja soard

      Pot pot, black sheet
      A 5-lb bag of stool!
      Quagmire, porker tables,
      Dang, CraigsList is cool!

      *What’s a bot-bot? Maybe R2D2’s robot.

      Adores: 14
      • 2011 June 2

        I heard this to the tune of “We didn’t start the fire” because of the list of snarked-at themes.

        Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Bwahahahaha! Cool!

          Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2

        Bot-bot, bo bot
        Banana-fanna fo fot.
        Me, My, Mo Mot.
        Bot-Bot

        Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2

      Mary had a little land, little land, little land
      Mary had a little land and a great big mortgage

      Adores: 14
  8. 2011 June 2
    Innana permalink

    /Matt
    You elitist snobs need to climb down from your socioeconomically high horses and be ashamed. Here where I live in LOCATION, we only have one babysitter. We elect her by a ritual called Expencent where the townspeople throw books at candidates — the first one to get hit by a title starting with “A” is the Sacred Babysitter of the Pass. Also, “perschool” is the name used here for “playful”, “hungry”, or “young third child born on a Thursday of a second wife.” You all should be a little more culturally aware.
    /Matt

    Adores: 20
    • 2011 June 2
      Lola permalink

      Shirley Jackson, is that you?

      Adores: 7
      • 2011 June 2

        Get outta my head Lola!

        Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2

          OT

          How’s the blog coming, Lara? Your url still redirects to the wordpress homepage.

          /OT

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          Lara permalink

          I got distracted or maybe I mean discouraged by my inability to start myself up. I deleted it a week ago which is why it is directing there. I need to erase the link. I will get back to it (I know I have to rename it) and hopefully refrain from deleting it again in a late night fit of crappiness.

          Thanks for caring and asking Sister. <3 and derp.

          Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      Grampdaddy permalink

      Innana, for the sake of the impressionable children, could you please cover 10 or 12 of your shoulder-knees up? After all, we don’t want to give anyone immodest thoughts while discussing baby-sitting.

      Ever wonder why they call it baby-sitting when they notify the police if you sit on the baby?

      Adores: 5
      • 2011 June 2
        Innana permalink

        Children LOVE my shoulder-knees. It’s like a wearable whack-a-mole game.

        Adores: 8
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          I just got a visual of that, makes me giggle.

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2
          Innana permalink

          It makes ME jiggle.

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2

          *glances at Innana’s comment, double-takes, spit-takes, runs in terror for fear the mention of ‘jiggle’ will bring out The-Clothing-Article-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named.*

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2

          :stares at Inanna:

          It’s like watching a Lava Lamp…

          Adores: 6
        • 2011 June 2
          Grampdaddy permalink

          I love your shoulder knees, too. 🙂

          Adores: 1
  9. 2011 June 2

    Can I combine pasta and anti-matter?

    Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2

      So long as you don’t cross the streams, Silva.

      Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2

      A tasty meal that could potentially tear open the fabric of space and time?

      Can I have extra parmesan on mine?

      Adores: 9
    • 2011 June 2

      Mmm. Antipasta. Delicious, but no matter how much you eat you still feel hungry.

      Adores: 3
    • 2011 June 2

      Yes, but I’ll have to charge you full price for both.

      You could try the 2 entree platter and go with anti-matter and stir fry, it’s a similar experience so I’m told.

      Adores: 4
    • 2011 June 2
      CapnMac permalink

      [obligatory itallian-food corey]

      Ahem.

      The correct term is “ante pasto.” It is the service course which is ante, before, the main course. The “pasta” in this sense does not refer to semolina noodles as a collective, but to the meaning of pasta (pasto) as “body” or “bulk” or “meal.”

      Now, there is a tradition in fine Italian cooking, that the course before the main one, the pasto, ought be a bit “anti” in terms of being light, or with finer flavors or texture or the like. As a result, the use of the term “antipasta” has had some use, if poorly.

      Were an antipasta offered, it would be a soup or a salad rather than the main course, and would probably cause a great deal of italianate eyebrow arching, what with the turistico pazzo turning down the scapalla or scampi fresca . . .

      Tho- if forced, I can identify the meson-level antipasta–ramen instant lunch.
      And, el dopo pasto is often Tums.

      Ora, pronto, di nuovo al vostro pasto, buon divertimento! buon divertimento! mangiare! mangiare! porzioni extra per tutti!!
      [/corey]

      Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2
        ToBScholarly permalink

        So if I am against betting on appetizers, would that mean I am anti ante ante pasto?

        Adores: 7
  10. 2011 June 2
    Adranth permalink

    You know, I think The Babysitter meant to say “I will read thee a book.” So the reading will be done to the one hiring The Babysitter, while the singing is done to the ones being babysat (I hope The Babysitter understands that one is supposed to sit on the baby).

    Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2
      Lola permalink

      Oh! So the babysitter is Quaker. Now it makes sense.

      Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2
        Irregular Fractal permalink

        Or Zombie Shakespeare.

        Adores: 6
        • 2011 June 3
          tigprincess permalink

          IF having just sat in on a rehearsal of Alice in Wonderland where zombies turned up I’m all for Zombie Shakespeare. He’s got enough ghosts and witches and faeires to be going on with – now we need zombies and werewolves.

          Adores: 0
  11. 2011 June 2

    SIT ON ALL THE BABIES!

    :squish:

    Oops.

    Perhaps I should re-think this business strategy.

    Adores: 7
    • 2011 June 2

      No, no, you’re doing fine. That one was just a little overripe.

      Adores: 12
    • 2011 June 2
      funky monkey permalink

      BABBIES NO EN EL FUEGO!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Adores: 5
      • 2011 June 2
        Innana permalink

        The babby is PINK!

        Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2

          And comes with a free OBO.

          Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2
        CapnMac permalink

        Cuiado! pudin de babay fuego en todos!

        Adores: 0
  12. 2011 June 2

    EXPENCENTS IN THE PASS

    Donner pass…?

    Adores: 4
    • 2011 June 2

      Remember: Eat the parents first, then the baby.

      Adores: 2
    • 2011 June 2
      Lola permalink

      Khyber.

      Adores: 6
      • 2011 June 2
        Innana permalink

        Rhyming slang, eh?

        Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          Lola permalink

          8)

          Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      CapnMac permalink

      Expensive+cents = expensecents;
      “pass” term in prestidigitation for a limb movement leading to a reveal.

      Ergo, Sparki does magic acts with once-passed coins?

      Adores: 0
  13. 2011 June 2

    I’m the pablum feeder, the Craigslist business leader
    I am caps-addicted, never been convicted

    I’m the babysitter, trust your babysitter
    You’re the baby’s mother, wicked baby’s mother
    I’m the babysitter, the only babysitter

    Bring your child to my place, I’ll keep it in the crawlspace
    I’ll read it V.C. Andrews, I’ll feed it gruel and cheap booze

    I’m the babysitter, trust your babysitter
    You’re the baby’s mother, wicked baby’s mother

    That bruise was self-inflicted, he fell off the table
    My rule is unrestricted, I am a bit unstable

    I’m the babysitter, twisted babysitter
    You’re the baby’s mother, unfit baby’s mother
    I’m the babysitter, the only babysitter

    (From here, for those that don’t get the reference, and just in case this wasn’t creepy enough.)

    Adores: 15
    • 2011 June 2

      Oh like we need a twisted poem and link – which I’m not clicking on, nuh-uh no way, no how – to convince us of your capacity for creeperificness.

      Adores: 2
    • 2011 June 2

      That video from the link would probably make a LOT more sense if I had sound on this computer…

      Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2

        If you imagine Keith Flint (the singer) as the babysitter, you don’t need sound to catch the creeperifficness.

        Adores: 2
    • 2011 June 2
      Bombdude permalink

      He was my babysitter, only in female form….

      Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      ToBScholarly permalink

      Many adores for The Prodigy link. I think if more kids had Keith Flint as their babysitter, discipline problems would be a thing of the past.

      Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        I have this, “Breathe” and “Smack My Bitch Up” on my phone.

        I heartily recommend “Breathe” if you are feeling a bit down in the dumps.

        Adores: 1
  14. 2011 June 2
    Windrose permalink

    PASS WITH NEW BORN BABY

    Apparently she is going to teach the young ones how to play American football. Sibling rivalry will get an early start in the family that hires this one.

    Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2

      Babby Sitter passes to CandyVan, CandyVan to Sitter, Sitter on the back side!

      Passes to UncleCreepy, shoots GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!

      Adores: 8
      • 2011 June 2

        We learned all about that in school, but they used animals as examples.

        Deer passes to buck, buck runs with it, he runs left, he runs right, he makes it to the end zone — FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLL!

        Adores: 10
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        That makes me hear vuvuzelas.

        Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          ToBScholarly permalink

          Random thought: Every time I see the word “vuvuzelas”, my mind immediately translates that to “vulvas”.

          But I have no idea what sound vulvas make.

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          Grampdaddy permalink

          But I have no idea what sound vulvas make.

          Wow, there are so many ways this could go, but I’m just going to quietly go away with a silly smirk on my face.

          And giggle.

          Lots.

          Adores: 6
    • 2011 June 2
      Lola permalink

      It just seems like a logical extension for some families – Dad is the sort who likes to toss babies in the air, and likes sports – next thing you know, he’s passing the baby to mom and she spikes Junior in the end zone and does a celebratory stupid dance after a TD.

      Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        she spikes Junior in the end zone

        They have better ways to take temperature, now.

        Adores: 11
        • 2011 June 2

          0_0 …ouch

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 2

          I commend you, Mindfield, on not taking that where I was about to take it.

          Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      Innana permalink

      How is babby passed?

      Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        Lots of breathing, swearing, sweating and pushing …

        Adores: 9
        • 2011 June 2

          Oh, like you would know.

          I’m mommy to four, and I can tell you they pass from stork to crib..effortlessly.

          *takes another sip from Lola’s flask*

          Adores: 8
        • 2011 June 2

          In Australia, it’s dingos, and they’re not passed how you might think.

          Adores: 7
        • 2011 June 2
          Artsy Computer Geek permalink

          CJ — that’s how I remember it too …. please pass the flask (it helps control the memories and maybe my cough).

          Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          In Australia, it’s dingos, and they’re not passed how you might think.

          They pass *boots* in Australia??? Owwww

          Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        There are videos about that but I wouldn’t eat lunch at the same time.

        Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        From right to left, in well-mannered households.

        Damn Yankees and their table manners. Jeesh.

        Adores: 11
        • 2011 June 2

          So does the food get passed in the other direction south of the equator?

          Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          funky monkey permalink

          Only after Labor Day, and if you are orthodox.

          Come on people! These are basic rules!!!

          To quote Will.i.am: People act like they ain’t got no mamas.

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          CapnMac permalink

          See, and this is how laziness causes doublebad wrongthink.

          Food is passed from left to right.

          The service is taken in both hands (most secure) and handed to the person to the right, who is then able to take the service with their stronger right (82%) hand. That person then takes a serving, if they wish, and then repeats the process.

          This is also why a servitor should always present food to a seated diner from the left (unless that party is known to be sinister). Also, why servitors should withdraw from the right.

          *goes back to supervising starching the linens*

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2

          From what I understand, like a kidney stone.

          Adores: 1
  15. 2011 June 2
    Lola permalink

    Granddaddy’s in the box! Enjoy your time there. I think it has rather more corners than your last visit.

    Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2
      Grampdaddy permalink

      Ooh, however did that happen? I’ll start on my acceptance speech soon.

      The box may have more corners, but I see that they still have the “Reserved for Old Man” sign posted prominently above many of them. I do like what the Llamanun and Dan (BBUT) have done with the space – six sides, six corners – I really like the octagon shape.

      Adores: 5
      • 2011 June 2
        Lola permalink

        And more magically appear if you need them, just as the magical flask has whatever you need in it and is always full. So, if you need extra corners for your cane and that tired ass you peddled around town all night (poor donkey! I’m sure the SPCA would have something to say about it), you’re all set.

        Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 2
          Grampdaddy permalink

          Well, it rained all night and the donkey got soaked, so now my ass is all wrinkly.

          Adores: 7
        • 2011 June 3
          tigprincess permalink

          Lola I need the flask. My car in for repairs was nearly ready until they dropped the engine onto the radiator and that broke. Now I’m waiting for a new radiator and will have to miss an afternoon with my friend watching tennis (on the TV). Damned mechanics!

          Adores: 0
        • 2011 June 3
          Lola permalink

          *passes tig flask, cuppa, tin of assorted bickies (the best, for company), and large bar of Green & Blacks chocolate*
          Hope that helps your Friday be a little better.

          Adores: 0
  16. 2011 June 2
    #### #### permalink

    HELLO, I AM THE BABYSITTER. I AM EXPENCENTING VERRY BAD HURT. I WILL CRY FIVE OR TIN MENNITS BECAUS OF THIS. I NO SIT ON TINY BABBIES OR KIDS. YOU ARE VERY BADMAN.

    Adores: 8
    • 2011 June 2

      Tilt your head forward a little dearie, and the pain will go away.

      Adores: 4
      • 2011 June 2

        Just lie back and think of England.

        Adores: 4
        • 2011 June 2
          #### #### permalink

          Robert Englund?

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2

          If that’s what scuttles your dinghy, sure. Why not?

          Adores: 8
        • 2011 June 2

          If that’s what scuttles your dinghy, sure. Why not?

          See, that just sounds painful.

          Adores: 5
        • 2011 June 2

          You just have to be careful and stretch first.

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          Innana permalink

          I had read it as “scuttles your DIGNITY”

          Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2
          CapnMac permalink

          Will suppose that “poling the punt” would be no better, even if the subject of English watercolours beyond enumeration . . .

          Adores: 0
    • 2011 June 2
      Bombdude permalink

      Mmmmmm…. Liz Shue….

      Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 2

        Gesundheit!

        Adores: 6
        • 2011 June 2
          Bombdude permalink

          *sniffle*

          Thanks CJ!

          Adores: 3
  17. 2011 June 2
    CoffDrop permalink

    There is The Babysitter and then there is The Babysitter……..

    Adores: 5
    • 2011 June 2
      Bombdude permalink

      Bwahahahaha!!!

      I heard the redneck mating call!!!

      “I’m so drunk…”

      Adores: 4
  18. 2011 June 2
    Chilly permalink

    “I WILL READ THE A BOOK”

    Here’s what I assumed:

    http://www.amazon.com/Berenstains-Bright-Early-Beginning-Beginners/dp/B000Z3LA3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307033050&sr=8-1

    Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2

      It was good, but I prefer the sequel, “The B Book.”

      Adores: 1
    • 2012 June 6
      Aaron permalink

      I have a feeling the F Book is more up Sparky’s alley.

      Adores: 0
  19. 2011 June 2
    Ziaheart permalink

    I dunno, man. Kids get tired of having the same book read to them over and over again. Unless it’s their favourite book. Then you can’t get them to read any other books. Until the next day.

    Adores: 3
  20. 2011 June 2

    Extremely OT

    I know we snark, and I know we kid, but sometimes…well…

    Sigh….

    This: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7vjig6UlFg&feature=player_embedded

    Just imagine if this was part of your child’s day, and for those of you who don’t know if what you are hearing is what you are hearing…yes, those are gunshots.

    /end Extremely OT

    Adores: 3
    • 2011 June 2

      Sadness. Where was this taken, do you know? I recognize a Hispanic language in the text but I don’t read or speak anything except English and a limited German.

      Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        A kindergarten in Estanzuela on the 27th of May? My Spanish is limited. Is the teacher singing to them? She made that one little girl smile.

        Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 2

        In Mexico, Nuevo Leon I think, Sister.

        Adores: 3
      • 2011 June 2
        funky monkey permalink

        The folks that scream and rant about immediately returning all illegals should be made to watch that video. At least 48 hrs straight. If leaving circumstances like that means you have to do so by illegal means, then come on over sisters and brothers.

        Adores: 3
        • 2011 June 2

          Jury is out right now. I see Monterrey on a couple of different by-lines.

          Adores: 1
        • 2011 June 3

          Well, I could go all political (and right-wing) on you, FM, but I won’t…it’s cuz yer so dang cute!

          Truth is Mexico’s problems are Mexico’s problems and we need to work with our neighbors to solve the internal issues that fuel these drug wars.

          The answer is not so simple as opening the gates. You do that, and as is already happening in south Texas, you will invite those scenarios into our schools.

          Sorry, sore spot with me. I’m a Texan. I’m up close and personal with this issue.

          Adores: 2
        • 2011 June 3

          Miss CJ, thanks for putting this sentiment into words. It is a dilemma that is difficult at best and can be all too horrific at worst. While I can understand completely the desire for a better and safer life, the strain it puts on social programs and public safety (to name just two) is enormous. There are states that are going broke because of it, both through budget expenditures/mismanagement, lack of federal recognition/support and productive people moving out of state. This issue hits home personally, too.

          Adores: 1
    • 2011 June 2

      Damn. Reminds me a little bit of the hurricane drills they used to have in school, but a million times worse. That is one great teacher, to be able to distract the kids like that with gunfire coming from outside.

      Adores: 0
    • 2011 June 3
      Ziaheart permalink

      Late, but…

      Holy shit. I thought I recognized that little girl for a second there. I used to teach English in a kindergarten in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The setup of the classroom is very familiar, too. Now I feel like crying.

      The teacher is very very brave and very resourceful, getting the children to sing in order to keep them from panicking.

      Adores: 0
  21. 2011 June 2
    funky monkey permalink

    The cartoon at the end of Dan’s post: That’s from Calvin and Hobbes, right? Oh how I wanted a transmogifier…sigh.

    Adores: 4
    • 2011 June 2

      Sure, that’s Rosalyn, the only babysitter willing to put up with Calvin. She’s notorious for demanding payment in advance, as well as payment after sitting with him, resulting in 2X her stated rate.

      Adores: 4
  22. 2011 June 2
    Bridgete permalink

    I am the lawyer. I have three years of experience with legal research and legal work. The price is $50 or $100 per hour. I work at my home. I will meet with you and write the a court document, argue the judge….my number is (555)123-4567.

    Adores: 6
  23. 2011 June 3
    Windrose permalink

    Wow, it’s been a long time, Grampdaddy! I know you don’t stay up this late, so you will hopefully collect it in the morning. Punchity Punch Punch!

    G’Night, Chicago!

    Adores: 0
    • 2011 June 3
      Grampdaddy permalink

      So nice to wake up to a freshly squeezed punch to start the day. I know you’re a night-owl and I’m sorry I missed you. Just one question Windy: How did you get into my bedroom?

      Adores: 1
      • 2011 June 3
        Windrose permalink

        Grampmommy let me in. 8) Nice lady.

        Adores: 0
  24. 2011 June 3
    Litarider permalink

    In a time of slashing education budgets and decreasing school quality for many decades, the A is for Apple Book has been edited. The other 25 letters were deemed unnecessary and with all the sugar in fruit, we don’t want to promote that any more either. Besides the exclusive contracts with Coke and McDonald’s forbids us from teaching children about foods that are not Coke or McDonald’s products. So what we all once knew as A is for Apple is now known as the a book. Capital letters cost more to print so we’re not capitalizing it either.

    I hope this clears up any confusion about the content of the room formerly known as the library.

    Adores: 9
    • 2011 June 3
      tigprincess permalink

      Litarider – here in the UK they are closing libraries to save money. One local area got everyone to join the library, take out the maximum books (25 each) then when it closes is going to start up its own borrow and lending books system – using the books that they now ‘own’. Its a strange world …

      Adores: 2
      • 2011 June 3
        Lola permalink

        tigprincess, I heard about that. As a librarian (albeit in the private/corporate sector) it makes me sad that it is getting to that point … but I also like the enterprising spirit of the informal collective library idea. The library may close, but not go away.

        Adores: 0
      • 2011 June 3

        Benjamin Franklin would be proud.

        Adores: 0
  25. 2012 June 2
    LimeLolly permalink

    *reads all 2011 snark – laughs self to incontinence*

    Nope, got nothing new.

    Happy 2nd of June, everyone!

    Adores: 2
    • 2012 June 2

      Happy anniversary of the second sacking of Rome to you, too.

      Adores: 1
      • 2012 June 2
        Brer Fox permalink

        We apologize, those responsible for the second sacking of Rome have been sacked.

        Adores: 4
      • 2012 June 2
        Demon Duck of Doom permalink

        Rome was double-bagged?

        Adores: 2
  26. 2012 June 2

    Damn it Taco, you broke the box! While you and ghostie are in there, will you look for CJ? She’s got to be around here somewhere.

    Adores: 1
    • 2012 June 2

      Oh, no – the clown got her!

      I’ll go hide under the bed alert the authorities!

      Adores: 1
  27. 2012 June 2
    Brer Fox permalink

    DOH: Welcome to the Dr. Odds show, I’m Dr. Odds Happening.(applause)
    Our first guest today may interest all of our parents in the audience. Please welcome THE BABYSITTER.(applause) Why don’t you introduce yourself.

    Babysitter: Hello, my name is #### ####.(applause)

    DOH:You recently placed an add on Craigslist stating, and I quote, “I HAVE THREE YEARS EXPENCENTS IN THE PASS WITH NEW BORN BABY AND PERSCHOOL KIDS”. Is expencents a typo?(slight laughter)

    BS: No, is very costly to take baby to pass. I take baby to White Pass, push baby down mountaian on snow, much fun.(gasps)

    DOH: And perschool kids? How many kids per school do you sit?

    BS: Nein.(gasps)

    DOH: Nine? Well how many schools are involved here?

    BS:No nein, nein, not nine, nein. Baby is $5, school kid $10. Is cost.(ahhhs)

    DOH: And do you only babysit in your own home?

    BS: Yes, that is where I keep the A book.

    DOH: The A book?

    BS: Yes, A is for Attention. If kid ignore what I say, use book to get attention.(gasps)

    DOH: You mean you read it to them?

    BS: Yes, I read cover, Listen To Me, then take aim.(double gasps)

    DOH: You also sing? What do you sing?

    BS: (clears throat) Home, home is derange, where peers and men can’t get laid.
    Where Sheldon is heard on a show about nerds.
    And Bazinga is word of the day.(laughter)

    DOH: I don’t think thats how the song goes.

    BS: I learn from kids.

    DOH: Well, talk about patients running the asylum. Umm, our next guest is a guy who had a hot butter fantasy, We’ll discover why after the break.(applause)

    Adores: 1
  28. 2012 June 2
    Brer Fox permalink

    Sing a song of expencents, the baby will not cry.
    Do not pass him to the kids, they’ll butt him by and by.
    Instead I read the A book, and also I will sing.
    Why does no one call me? the phone, it never rings.

    Adores: 1
  29. 2012 June 2
    Demon Duck of Doom permalink

    I am the babysitter,
    I sit the children,
    I am the one who make 5 bucks per hour
    or 10, depending.
    There’s a choice I’m making,
    I WILL read the A book.
    If you have got a better way,
    let’s see book B.

    Adores: 1
  30. 2012 June 3

    TacoMagic and ghostcat, you have served your masters well. You may go. Punchity Punch Punch!

    Good Morning, Rome!

    Adores: 0

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