brilliant – ACROSS THE BORED

because the telephone was and always will be brilliant

Times used to be that one could find a reasonably priced public telephone on street corners every so many blocks, in the entrance of our favourite greasy spoons or the danker parts of the local drinking establishment. It was a given that in most situations one could scrounge up a quarter and call home for a lift, make an excuse about being late or dodge an awkward appointment without being tracked, traced or found. The tel-com companies thought that it was a wise idea to provide a dependable service that was available to everyone – not so much today. What is not brilliant is that payphones are getting increasingly harder to find and asking to use a telephone in a public establishment gets one looks once reserved for lepers. Those without mobile phones are considered pariahs, luddites, not cool or even worse, old-fashioned….

Not being one to jump on the technology bandwagon as quickly and vehemently as other members in our household, the whole cell phone kafuffle always seemed a bit of an over-rated non-issue and not very high on our list of priorities. The old one always worked well after repeated dropping, appropriation by the dog or frigid overnights in the cupholder of the car and when we were finally upgraded we somewhat unwillingly bequeathed it to the Ghost and gave in. We now understand why some think these new fantabulous “phones” are as integral to their existence as underwear (or shoes) and the greatest thing since sliced bread. Our favourite toy and a funky tool, although admittedly we use it the least to actually talk to people, it exemplifies this fortnight’s Two Cents Tuesday Challenge theme – Brilliant. Last week, Across the Bored asked “What is brilliant to you?” – The gloss on a Cadillac or chrome of a luggage rack, Benny Hill on a roll or a crystal bowl, an amazing shade of blue, slick patent-leather shoe, Mozart or Beaux Art … We would love to see your vision.

For all those who are new readers to Across the Bored, some great entries and the guidelines for this fortnight’s challenge can be found here. Need more info or want to browse past themes? Have a look at HOW DOES THIS WORK.

diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Everyone from Craig Russell to Miss Piggy has taken a shot at this classic but long before Marilyn Monroe sashayed around in slippery hot-pink satin for her breathy version in Gentlemen prefer Blondes, Carol Channing was putting her particular stamp on this song. The two blonde songstresses are memorable for completely different reasons – Marilyn was gloss, the epitome of desire whereas Carol was a no-messing-around, comfortable in her skin comedienne with chops that could rival any of her male counterparts. As entertainers, they were both accomplished, quick-witted and dazzling.

Wonderful performances such as these, classic movies, stunning sculpture and even a great meal often receive praise in the most direct of terms. There’s a simple phrase often used that falls into this category but which is two very loaded, distinct and completely opposite pronouncements: the first awestruck declaration is one of incredulity that such a thing could exist – a talent, picture or sound so marvellous that we feel the need to let everyone know of its wondrousness. The second, depending on how incredibly stupid the action or comment, is blurted out usually accompanied by an expletive. This too will make the rounds of friendly get-togethers and family holiday dinners, becoming the stuff that legends are made of and the source for endless embellishment as a “remember when” anecdote. The Two Cents Tuesday Challenge states emphatically that it is – Brilliant.

“What is brilliant to you?” – The gloss on a Cadillac or chrome of a luggage rack, Benny Hill on a roll or a crystal bowl, an amazing shade of blue, slick patent-leather shoe, Mozart or Beaux Art …

We would love to see your vision.

For all those who are new readers to Across the Bored, here are some guidelines for the challenge: HOW DOES THIS WORK?

I will post some commentary on a random topic that pops into my head (such as the above) and then ask you to respond on the same.
Your point of view on the current week’s challenge can take any form: a quote, a motto or saying, an essay, poem or opinion of yours or attributed to someone else, a piece of music, a song, a video, a work of art, photograph, graffiti, drawing or scribble – but it has to be about the topic!
Please, don’t just link to an old post… challenge yourself.
The Challenge will be open for 14 days (there will be a reminder post at the 7 day mark) after which I will post another.
ENJOY, have FUN and TELL your friends and fellow bloggers.

SO – Create your Two Cents Tuesday Challenge post

Then add a link to your blog in my comment box.
To make it easy for others to check out your post, title your blog post “Two Cents Tuesday Challenge” and add the same as a tag.
If you would like your reader to see what others are presenting for the same challenge, add a link to the “Two Cents Tuesday” challenge on your own blog.
Feel free to pick up your badge on the Two Cents Tuesday Challenge page
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