Here’s the story behind the “crazy ones” who’ve inspired the geniuses at Apple Computer.

While in town for my grandma’s funeral, my sister, Katie, courted Lady Luck with a few plays at a slot machine at Harrah’s Council Bluffs in Iowa. {I mean, what better way to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of a loved one than in a city known for its strip clubs and adult book stores?}

Katie never lived in Omaha after turning 21, so she didn’t experience the casinos across the river in Iowa. Friday night was a first for her.

My late grandma was a lover of all things casino and gambling. She was a Preferred Member to several — if not all — of the area casinos and loved having family and friends make the trip with her to win big; or lose big and have free drinks with a buffet meal.

After only a few plays on a slot machine Friday night, Katie hit the jackpot, winning $450.

We all know Maw made it happen. Maw was in the casino, cheering Katie on as she collected her winnings and knowing full well to quit while she was ahead.

From the Omaha On-Line Project Web site:

Omaha On-line is not a name for a community web site, but for clothing – theme fabric artworks hanging from a wire line, like the laundry put out to dry. Each hanging painted “Clothing” honors a Culture or Occupation in Omaha.

Like artworks by Christo, a world famous artist know for wrapping building or hanging hug fabric installations in major cities, Omaha On-line project, will be displayed for a short time.

The Story
The House and Senate are deciding if public broadcasting will survive, and they need to hear from viewers like you.

Last year, over 1 million of us signed the petition, and Congress listened. We can do it again.

This would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting. The Boston Globe reports the cuts “could force the elimination of some popular PBS and NPR programs.” NPR’s president expects rural public radio stations may be forced to shut down.

The lawmakers who proposed the cuts aren’t just trying to save money in the budget — they’re trying to decimate any news outlets willing to ask tough questions of those in power. Americans trust public broadcasting more than any corporate news media. This is an ideological attack on our free press.

President Bush’s budget proposed cuts to NPR and PBS, but Congress is going even further: slashing 23% of this year’s public broadcasting budget — $115 million — and denying NPR and PBS any funding in two years. The cuts immediately terminate support for commercial-free children’s shows like “Sesame Street,” “Clifford” and “Maya and Miguel.”

The House and Senate are deciding if public broadcasting will survive, and they need to hear from viewers like you.

Sign The Petition
http://civic.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting

I’m a sucker for witty folks, which is why I love Chris Machian’s “about me” phrase on his My Space page.

My name is Chris, I am photographer. I once shot a man in reno just to watch him die. It wasn’t in focus.

My Maw, Dorothy Townley.

TOWNLEY-Dorothy, age 82, of Omaha. Preceded in death by husband, William. Survived by daughter and son-in-law, Diann and Merv Vannier, of Omaha; son, Dave, of Omaha; daughters-in-law, Robin A. Townley, of Denver and Mary Townley, of Omaha; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; brother, Ronald Klusaw and wife Karen of Beaver Lake; sister-in-law, Cherry Kluza, Co. Bluffs, IA. WAKE SERVICE Wed 7pm, Vinton St/ Chapel. FUNERAL Thurs 9:30am at the mortuary to Our Lady of Lourdes at 10am. Interment St. John Cemetery. Memorials to Our Lady of Lourdes Church. VISITATION begins Wed 3pm. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK-CUTLER
VINTON ST. CHAPEL 2466 S. 16th St. 346-1144

I challenge you, loyal readers, to find a refrigerator more empty than mine at the moment.

Last night, Molly treated several of us to a free Omaha Royals baseball game at Rosenblatt Stadium. Molly scored free tickets at work, but we were most excited about eating baseball cuisine (hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and beer), enjoying a beautiful summer evening and discussing the latest celebrity gossip.

The view from our seats.

Molly and Holly.

Us three. {Thanks, Molly, for letting me lift this photo from your blog.}

From late 2002 to early 2005, I worked as a staff writer at the Bellevue Leader newspaper in Bellevue, Neb.

Slaving away for $19,000/year, I wrote my heart out, pouring every ounce of creativity and talent I had into anything published with my byline.

I found this photo recently, and it reminded me of how far I’ve come. You’ll note how the editorial staff had zero privacy when it came to our work environment. Our desks were arranged as if we all were seated around a kitchen table. And I was still dating my first boyfriend, Dan Castagnoli, at the time, as a photo of us is prominently displayed on my desk.

Since this photo was taken, I’ve changed jobs three times yet maintained my side gig as a freelance writer. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to not write. It’s in my blood.

I must send a personal Shout Out to KFAB‘s Tom Becka.

Since I asked him in late December, Tom has listed my Web site on the homepage of his Web site.

Here’s to driving traffic to my Web site, with the hopes of landing a book deal.