(OT) Flight of the Bumblebee

by bow4meow on May 7, 2008 8:15 PM PDT

Something peculiarly normal happened to me today such as to want me to post off topic during what we all know is going to be a long summer. Im not sure why this had such an impact on me but it did, and I felt like sharing it.

So.. a friend of mine currently vacationing asked me to mow his lawn, in doing so I blew up his mower then damaged mine, before repairing mine with extreme frustration and then finishing somehow. Needless to say Ive been happier and less vernacularly innapropriate without respect to any neighbors. .

I was about to close the tailgate when I heard a buzz from the mower and wondered what that could be. In searching for the sound I discovered a plump bumblebee wedged inside a crevace around the mower carriage.

I hate to admit this but for a nano-second, I didnt care. I reached to close the tailgate but stopped and wondered what I was doing. It stunned me to think I was not going to do the right thing. I got a tiny twig and extricated the poor critter into my palm (knowing bumblebees dont sting) then carried him, still buzzing- trying to fly but unable, to the biggest Rhody bloom I could find. He took his sweet time doing circles in my hand before I nudged him into the bloom. I saw him begin to round the perimeter of the flower figuring what else can I do, so I turned to walk away, but in doing so was able to catch the bumblebee take flight into the wind, and drift away in an slow wavy motion. I'll miss him for sure.

So, it made me feel pretty good and want to ask each of you what you have done today or tomorrow that makes you truly feel good inside. We are all fortunate to be Portland Trail Blazer fans, and I love the Bedge, but it would be interesting to know how other fans find contentment in selflessness.

Poll

Did Bow4Meow do the right thing in saving the bumblee?

3 recs | Comment 70 comments

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Comments

Don't judge a book by its cover.

And don’t judge a ~~diary~~ fanpost by its title. I thought you were talking about Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera, The Tale of Tsar Saltan. But alas, no.

Despite the glaring lack of good turn-of-the-twentieth-century music, it certainly wasn’t a bad thing to save the poor creature. But there are people close to us who need that kind of help all the time. Buy lunch for the homeless guy asking you for change, even if he does smell bad. Visit the elderly in nursing homes and in hospitals, they need someone to talk to badly. Be a human being to other human beings, the ones right in front of you. Make this act, Bow4meow, the first of many for those in need – not for you, but for them.

That’s about all the seriousness I can muster. Now back to our opera. I want to see if Gvidon gets his bride or not.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 7, 2008 8:48 PM PDT 0 recs

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House...

on 12th in SE.

That place is cool. Great place to take your significant other for dessert and coffee.

Book it.

Blake brings it up on the right, swings it to Webster on the elbow, he moves around the key and passes to the low left block for Aldridge, Aldridge jukes baseline, turns back in and finds Roy cutting down the seam, ROY THROWS IT UP AT THE RIM FOR ODEN WHO THROWS IT DOWN FOR THE TWO HANDED MONSTER JAM!!! BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!!! -Wheeler '08-'09

i can't wait

by you'vegottomakeyourfreethrows on May 8, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up 0 recs

Can't count the number of times

I’ve taken one significant other or another there for dessert and coffee. Dude, the fisherman sitting up in the boat in the bathroom upstairs (don’t know if you or anybody else knows what I’m talking about, but screw it, it’s never stopped me before!) scared the living bejeezies out of me when I turned around from peeing. I didn’t notice it in my haste to get in and tinkle. I think my heart almost exploded.

Really good ice cream there though.

by BlazersOrBust on May 8, 2008 3:42 PM PDT up 0 recs

Bee-geezes?

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 8, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up 0 recs

Ouch

Punnery like that might get you stripped of your title, sir. And Section 323 is right, but it’s never really bugged me cuz I like the ambiance of the place and I’ve been there with people I’ve liked. Just don’t bring a dud date there and the slow service is a boon and not a burden. :)

by BlazersOrBust on May 9, 2008 3:03 AM PDT up 0 recs

good point

I was on a bad one.

by Section323 on May 9, 2008 3:07 PM PDT up 0 recs

Without punnery, I am nothing.

I’m not that much with it, either. But it’s better than dignity.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 9, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up 0 recs

slowest service ever

by Section323 on May 8, 2008 8:11 PM PDT up 0 recs

AGreed

I think i waited 20 minutes for the check, another 30 for the order, and the people would just vanish in the back.

Maybe they were on a date too?

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 9, 2008 9:20 AM PDT up 0 recs

I hate all types of bees

A wasp flew up my shorts when I was a kid while jumping on my trampoline. It stung me 6 times on my butt. The first time I was ever stung was when I stepped on a dead bee getting out of my friends pool. During elementary school we went to the wetlands every friday. One memorable trip was when my best friend at the time kicked a rotten log for fun. It had a bee hive in it and I got stung 7 times before being picked up and carried away by my friends grandfather who was chaperoning. Needless to say, Go Spurs.

by Sabonis4Ever on May 7, 2008 9:01 PM PDT 0 recs

exactly

you see if it was a yellow jacket or wasp- no hesitation- no concern. But a bumblebee is a harmless creature, and Im sad to hear that bumbleebess are off youre list… I only ask you give them a chance

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 7, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up 0 recs

"The only good bug, is a dead bug"

Starship Troopers

by Sabonis4Ever on May 7, 2008 9:30 PM PDT up 0 recs

I have the same feeling about mollusks.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 7, 2008 9:31 PM PDT up 0 recs

OK movie.

One of the best books ever written.

Seriously – it should be required reading in high school.

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 7:32 AM PDT up 0 recs

I've read a lot of Heinlein

I love his short stories/children stories, but I’ve actually never read that one.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 9, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up 0 recs

Im not going to lie

I consider myself a above average reader, and I could not finish that book. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was 15 and thought it was about huge bugs. I still have it, might give it another shot.

by Sabonis4Ever on May 9, 2008 10:45 AM PDT up 0 recs

You just made my day.

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 7:31 AM PDT up 0 recs

this was different

I only post online like a jackanapes. Plus I figured a diversion from all the whose going to be our starting five/small forward/trade jarrett/ point guard indefinite possibility was becoming languorous.

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 7, 2008 9:05 PM PDT 0 recs

I read the subject of the diary and thought it was about a camaro with wings.

If it fills a need, if it fills a rebuilding situation. And my goal is to fill and rebuild and I am not going to be shortsighted.
- Isiah Thomas

by JTDuck22 on May 7, 2008 9:37 PM PDT 0 recs

I like honeybees too

I always thought it would be fun to have my own beehive. I could be like Bender, drifting in outer space.

"Show some respect to this living legend, this hall of famer...Arvydas Sabonis." - Bill Walton

by tominhawaii on May 7, 2008 9:43 PM PDT 1 recs

My father in law

is an apiarist. Good honey.

by fatwansaboni on May 8, 2008 6:51 AM PDT up 0 recs

How are chimpanzies related to bees?

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 7:33 AM PDT up 0 recs

Oh

It’s by marriage.

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 9, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up 0 recs

I bet somebody gets the short end in that deal.

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up 0 recs

Bees are dying all over the country

The one you saved might become the progenitor of a new race of honeybees free of disease, cured by the love of one caring human… it’s going to be a lo-o-o-n-n-g summer.

by MiledAnimal on May 8, 2008 8:54 AM PDT 0 recs

there had to be a reason for it

reminds me of that Simpsons Halloween episode when Homer traveled back in time and squashed a bug that caused all kinds of havoc…. I appreciate the re-assurance

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up 0 recs

There's a terrific

Ray Bradbury story called “A sound of thunder” that has this premise. My 7th/8th grade science teacher read it to our class and it stuck with me for years, though I never remembered the author. I was an adult when I rediscovered the story as I was devouring everything Bradbury had written. Because of this story I was cognizent of the butterfly effect before it became part of popular science.

Purring is smiling out loud.

by jorga on May 9, 2008 7:11 AM PDT up 0 recs

Such a cute little story

But think of all the bugs you destroyed with the lawn mower.

Did you even consider their feelings?

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on May 8, 2008 10:58 AM PDT 0 recs

Probably about as much

as I considered the cows feeling that I ate last night… DELICIOUS! Dang I love dead animal carcass!

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 8, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

I´m doing a favor allowing them to be part of me.

Since I know that you like the rice with milk, below the door I put a brick.

by amlmart1 on May 8, 2008 3:14 PM PDT up 0 recs

that is an excellent point

and one I shall now steal.

This is of course ironic considering that I only eat meat about once a week. It just works out that way.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 8, 2008 4:27 PM PDT up 0 recs

Pansy

Once a week? And you call yourself a man?

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on May 8, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

Actually...

I call myself Jason.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 9, 2008 9:23 AM PDT up 0 recs

You can mention my name

As the long time blood donor for mosquitos I am, I am also an authority in the wild world and my empathy with animals is well known worldwide too.

Since I know that you like the rice with milk, below the door I put a brick.

by amlmart1 on May 8, 2008 11:42 PM PDT up 0 recs

Now I feel bad

do you think grass has feelings? Mowing it now seems most innapropriate

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up 0 recs

It gets quite an attitude problem if you just let it grow.

It starts to think it owns the place. And after a while, it convinces you of that fact as well. That is what started the lawn wars of 1799. Killed many a good man, that one did.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 8, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

why dont grass and insects

just accept their place in life and take the mowing like over-grown fescue or fish food?

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up 0 recs

nervous system

no nervous system, no guilt needed

by Section323 on May 8, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up 0 recs

"no nervous system, no guilt needed"

[ insert totally offensive Schiavo reference here ]

Blazers have a five-on-three...and they pull it back and wait for help.

by QualityPie on May 8, 2008 8:35 PM PDT up 0 recs

'ats brutal

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 9:05 PM PDT up 0 recs

I always wonder about that

I mean, how long do you have to wait on something, before someone can joke about it? Will people joke about September 11th some day? I can remember all kinds of Space Shuttle Challenger jokes, I learned in middle school, in a sweet little hamlet called Oakridge.

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 9, 2008 2:14 AM PDT up 0 recs

Q: What's Al Qaida's favorite football team?

A: The New York Jets

I got that off the internet. Now I feel dirty.

by Sabonis4Ever on May 9, 2008 2:36 AM PDT up 0 recs

Humor is cathartic.

If humor about more serious things wouldn´t exist people would become existentialist and depresion, hate, revenge, etc. will reign in the World. Without humor humans wouldn´t be able to take distance with their individual or collective traumas. Our brains are very poor machines and after we do all serious things we must do in life , if there is not humor we will be finished and will be broken like old toys in the hands of kids.
Of course when I am living in the middle of my hot trauma I can´t find the humor and probably I´ll feel more pain, because pain is also separating me from you. Hope all is well for all you.

Since I know that you like the rice with milk, below the door I put a brick.

by amlmart1 on May 9, 2008 3:08 AM PDT up 0 recs

Holy crap dude!

How long have you been studying english? That was pretty well said.

by coolguyrob on May 9, 2008 3:22 AM PDT up 0 recs

Thanks. 4 months in BE learning from you.

Since I know that you like the rice with milk, below the door I put a brick.

by amlmart1 on May 9, 2008 8:26 AM PDT up 0 recs

The teacher's last words to her husbamd before departing for the shuttle launch.

“Honey, you feed the dog and I’ll feed the fishes.”

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 7:36 AM PDT up 0 recs

I remember that one

What about this on: What color were Christa McAuliffe’s eyes?

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 9, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up 0 recs

Sea blue?

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up 0 recs

Close

Blue. One “blew” this way, and one “blew” that way. If you were looking at me, I’d be pointing to the left and right.

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 9, 2008 12:50 PM PDT up 0 recs

SIGH

it honestly wasnt looking to evoke humor out of the worst of human calamities, but thanks for the rec anyways.

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 9, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up 0 recs

Life is only livable if we can look on the bright side of the train wreck.
Life is only tolerable if we seek the dark side of rainbows.
Enjoy the clouds.
For grey is the color of our lives.

We are Portland.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 9, 2008 6:46 PM PDT up 0 recs

Fort Wayne is about the same, actually.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 9, 2008 6:47 PM PDT up 0 recs

They do sting

I know.

I was four years old and attempting to teach the bumble bee to drive. For some reason it didn’t want to fit into the toy car, so I pushed him harder. He then plunged his stinger into me and then I felt bad because I knew I’d killed him when he stung me.

I also felt bad because my finger HURT!!!

Good job on empathy for the bumble bee and…

It’s going to be a LONG summer.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 8, 2008 12:02 PM PDT 0 recs

Insecticide in the first degree

you are lucky you were only four years old, no jury woulda convicted you. Im sorry your finger hurt (deservedly so) but the key to dealing with that type of pain is to think about how good its gonna feel when it stops hurting.

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 8, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up 0 recs

As Blazer fans, like Atlanta Falcons fans....

We have a responsibility to make up for our team’s Karmic transgressions to animals.

In particular, canines. Greg is doing his part with McLovin… We should all go out and adopt dogs from the humane society.

But bees work just as well!

by BlazerD on May 8, 2008 12:31 PM PDT 0 recs

Greg Oden to Qyntel Woods:

“You did WHAT?!?”

Blazers have a five-on-three...and they pull it back and wait for help.

by QualityPie on May 8, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up 0 recs

In the imortal words of Homer Simpson when bees try to steal his sugar

“They’re defending themselves somehow!!!!”

"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss" Robert A. Heinlein

by 92wastheyear on May 8, 2008 7:53 PM PDT 0 recs

All this sensitivity towards God's creatures brings to mind a great idea.

Who wants to start up a cock fighting league?

by timg56 on May 9, 2008 7:39 AM PDT 0 recs

It was just banned here in New Mexico

or I’d be all over it. Chickens with spurs!

Classic song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXYeJtak-d4

by fatwansaboni on May 9, 2008 7:54 AM PDT up 0 recs

Ooops

This is better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMJkMA7EW9E&feature=related

by fatwansaboni on May 9, 2008 7:56 AM PDT up 0 recs

I thought the chicks were supposed to have the spurs

my bad.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 9, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up 0 recs

That sounds like humorous fun

but… I really prefer the women.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 9, 2008 9:28 AM PDT up 0 recs

Total # of selfless acts as requested so far

Im still not sure what to think about my post. Oh, zero is the number. I couldnt have imagined the humbleness of so many PTB fans. BTW, today I tipped my gas pumper a buck for washing my window without being asked.

If you dont talk to your cats about catnip, who will?

by bow4meow on May 9, 2008 6:02 PM PDT 0 recs

He probably thinks you are from out of state

btw… I just voted

by Sabonis4Ever on May 9, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up 0 recs

Thanks Man !!!!

I took that Dollar down and bought me a powerball ticket. I know they are not for investment purposes but what the heck!!

"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss" Robert A. Heinlein

by 92wastheyear on May 9, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up 1 recs

They're not?!

I’d better let Jscot know that I need to completely readjust the budgetary expenditures.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 9, 2008 6:49 PM PDT up 0 recs

if it weren't for the hand

I would have been at the shelter hanging out with the homeless cats yesterday.
Probably will go back tomorrow even so.

by Section323 on May 9, 2008 7:07 PM PDT 0 recs

Tell those bums to get a job.

I would adopt a cat, but my current cat is a incredibly spoiled. And my youngest dog does this weird thing when he sees a cat. He starts jumping up and down and licks them. He wouldn’t harm a fly, but he has been scratched by a couple of the neighbors cats. I might get a new cat when I move out though. Why am I telling you this? Because my car is at the Volvo shop and I am stuck at home. Need the damn Blazers to start playing.

by Sabonis4Ever on May 9, 2008 7:48 PM PDT up 0 recs