Y'all Come Visit Me, Y'hear?
I mentioned my acquisition of the beefy KitchenAid stand mixer. But did I mention that it came with a coupon for a free attachment? I've ordered the meat grinding one. You come for a visit. I'll go to Costco, buy us some steaks and make you a top loin cheeseburger. Damn skippy that's some good eating!
And I'm jealous of the image my co-blogger scored (below). I want a character who looks like that at xtranormal.com!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
A New Tag: TTPMO
That would be "Things That Piss Me Off." Today's excursion into pique comes courtesy of my local noisepaper The Washington Times. Specifically, the book reviews in the Sunday paper. Even more specifically, the editing of that section. Let me winkle out a few examples of editorial malpractice for you.
First, in a review of a book called "The Art of The Heist," the find this paragraph:
Yes: "quite desperation." Good grief.
Then one review with two, count 'em two glaring errors. First in a very positive review of a Peter Leonard (son of Elmore apparently) work called "Trust Me" is this sentence:
I'll ignore the comma after "sharp" because the great thunder of calling "Lamaze" "Lamars" renders me incapable of increased dudgeon. Are there no editors of this page at TW Times? I'm left wondering that again after the final example of crime against language. Another sentence extracted:
We have now descended into full-on WTF territory. "Brushed back strokes?" Can anyone explain that phrase to me? And have it make a lick of sense? Comments are welcomed, hell, encouraged. Then we have "dialog unspoken." Not a great crime against language but clichéd to beat the band (yes, I use a cliché to illustrate my opposition, it's very po-mo and ironic). Then a gross error in spelling only serves to draw our attention the phrase (and let's use the right word, eh?) "crystalline sepia tones." Does ... not ... follow. Sepia tones and crystalline are so fundamentally at odds that it renders the sentence meaningless.
Perhaps the reviewer (identified as "Lelei LeLaulu" which reads like an invented name - or, if real, should be) knew what he or she (?) had in mind but it most definitely wasn't communicated in that sentence. Isn't that what editors are in place to prevent?
That would be "Things That Piss Me Off." Today's excursion into pique comes courtesy of my local noisepaper The Washington Times. Specifically, the book reviews in the Sunday paper. Even more specifically, the editing of that section. Let me winkle out a few examples of editorial malpractice for you.
First, in a review of a book called "The Art of The Heist," the find this paragraph:
Recounting his life of violence, theft and depravity, Mr. Connor (per Ms. Siler) speaks as if his criminal modus vivendi is perfectly natural, his God-given right. Quoting Thoreau (without attribution) that "men live lives of quite desperation" he says his "has been anything but."
Yes: "quite desperation." Good grief.
Then one review with two, count 'em two glaring errors. First in a very positive review of a Peter Leonard (son of Elmore apparently) work called "Trust Me" is this sentence:
Remember Chili Palmer, the movie-mad debt collector in Leonard the elder's "Get Shorty," who like a Lamars trainer, gently coaches a recipient of his massive blow to the solar plexus how to take short, sharp, breaths...."
I'll ignore the comma after "sharp" because the great thunder of calling "Lamaze" "Lamars" renders me incapable of increased dudgeon. Are there no editors of this page at TW Times? I'm left wondering that again after the final example of crime against language. Another sentence extracted:
Mr. Leonard packs a lot of detail and color into his book and may yet develop his father's mastery of the brushed back strokes, the dialog unspoken and the chrystalline sepia tones they evoke.
We have now descended into full-on WTF territory. "Brushed back strokes?" Can anyone explain that phrase to me? And have it make a lick of sense? Comments are welcomed, hell, encouraged. Then we have "dialog unspoken." Not a great crime against language but clichéd to beat the band (yes, I use a cliché to illustrate my opposition, it's very po-mo and ironic). Then a gross error in spelling only serves to draw our attention the phrase (and let's use the right word, eh?) "crystalline sepia tones." Does ... not ... follow. Sepia tones and crystalline are so fundamentally at odds that it renders the sentence meaningless.
Perhaps the reviewer (identified as "Lelei LeLaulu" which reads like an invented name - or, if real, should be) knew what he or she (?) had in mind but it most definitely wasn't communicated in that sentence. Isn't that what editors are in place to prevent?
Grace Notes
I suppose it's not fair to go into a situation about which I can't talk as it involves other people who are not party to this webby conversation but I am compelled to say that I got a revelatory e-mail from a very dear friend today. When we care about others, take them into our hearts unbidden as it were, we still don't necessarily understand much of those lives if we en-heart them later in life. Now I've been given much information about people I know and love and I find that it buoys me up. I had always seen the successes and the good life of these friends and now I learn of the other side of their life. It is encouraging to see what can be overcome and how much of life is still possible after deep troubles have laid their salt on the fertile land.
So why do I post this? Because I want to say that everyday allows us to do something better than the day before. As bad as things can be, better is still there. It may take a hell of a lot of work but it can happen. This month contains my natal anniversary. I'm getting old now. Past the point of being a child prodigy. But through all that I suffered (which I admitted here on the blog last year), I can make next May a brilliant diamond out of the lumps of coal that I'm sitting on now.
All from a long e-mail about others, a note of grace for which I'm thankful.
I suppose it's not fair to go into a situation about which I can't talk as it involves other people who are not party to this webby conversation but I am compelled to say that I got a revelatory e-mail from a very dear friend today. When we care about others, take them into our hearts unbidden as it were, we still don't necessarily understand much of those lives if we en-heart them later in life. Now I've been given much information about people I know and love and I find that it buoys me up. I had always seen the successes and the good life of these friends and now I learn of the other side of their life. It is encouraging to see what can be overcome and how much of life is still possible after deep troubles have laid their salt on the fertile land.
So why do I post this? Because I want to say that everyday allows us to do something better than the day before. As bad as things can be, better is still there. It may take a hell of a lot of work but it can happen. This month contains my natal anniversary. I'm getting old now. Past the point of being a child prodigy. But through all that I suffered (which I admitted here on the blog last year), I can make next May a brilliant diamond out of the lumps of coal that I'm sitting on now.
All from a long e-mail about others, a note of grace for which I'm thankful.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
What? No Posting?
Yeah, yeah. My picture is in the dictionary(.com) under "slack." But I've been Mr. Homebody lately. My deskal area is in the process of a massive re-build (which, by the way, will leave an LCD monitor/flat screen desk-mounted "arm" available if anyone is interested) which will result in increased usable space and less reason to mess about stacking up piles and piles of paper.
I'm going to take some pictures of my Aero-Garden herbs this after noon and post them. I've got to say, those things work rather startlingly well. I've got the "herb" collection (no, not "herb," - herbs) with parsley, dill, basil, purple basil thyme and mint. The basil and dill are really going to town. But, as I said, I'll post pics.
Otherwise, perhaps it's a weather thing for me but Saturday was just hell on my joints. Every single one of them ached. Not just the usual suspects, all the residents of Osteotown. At least today is not so bad. It's wet here but much cooler. So today I should be able to, oh, say, complete the desk rebuild. Have a nice brunchish sit down with the newspaper and a good pot of coffee. Shop Costco for the necessaries. (Oh, speaking of shopping - Today's Woot is a kitchen scale for $25 including shipping. It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon with 14 customer reviews at a cost of $45. Yes, I ordered one.)
Also, the blogroll update continues. I've moved two from the "Links" level to the "In Memoriam" level. Keep in mind that "In Memoriam" can refer to a blogger whose joined the Choir Eternal or one who's just stopped posting. By the way something, if you live in Maryland and have a pug named "Petey," you need to e-mail me. My last message to you bounced back.
I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. I will do my best to get pictures posted this after noon.
Yeah, yeah. My picture is in the dictionary(.com) under "slack." But I've been Mr. Homebody lately. My deskal area is in the process of a massive re-build (which, by the way, will leave an LCD monitor/flat screen desk-mounted "arm" available if anyone is interested) which will result in increased usable space and less reason to mess about stacking up piles and piles of paper.
I'm going to take some pictures of my Aero-Garden herbs this after noon and post them. I've got to say, those things work rather startlingly well. I've got the "herb" collection (no, not "herb," - herbs) with parsley, dill, basil, purple basil thyme and mint. The basil and dill are really going to town. But, as I said, I'll post pics.
Otherwise, perhaps it's a weather thing for me but Saturday was just hell on my joints. Every single one of them ached. Not just the usual suspects, all the residents of Osteotown. At least today is not so bad. It's wet here but much cooler. So today I should be able to, oh, say, complete the desk rebuild. Have a nice brunchish sit down with the newspaper and a good pot of coffee. Shop Costco for the necessaries. (Oh, speaking of shopping - Today's Woot is a kitchen scale for $25 including shipping. It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon with 14 customer reviews at a cost of $45. Yes, I ordered one.)
Also, the blogroll update continues. I've moved two from the "Links" level to the "In Memoriam" level. Keep in mind that "In Memoriam" can refer to a blogger whose joined the Choir Eternal or one who's just stopped posting. By the way something, if you live in Maryland and have a pug named "Petey," you need to e-mail me. My last message to you bounced back.
I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. I will do my best to get pictures posted this after noon.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Dr. Frankenstein's Monster
That would be the big green guy with neck bolts and flat head and the GLAVIN (sorry - just had a Prof. Frink moment there). Often mistakenly called just "Frankenstein" but then, being all fraught with perspicacity as you are, you already knew that. But such technicalities are not the point of the post. What called this little disquisition on the nature of fictional monsters was a captured random thought as I was exiting the shower this day.
To wit: What if Mary Shelley had pulled a different name out of the aether? What if the great, clomping monster of celluloid fame had been made by Dr. Finkelstein? Would children run in fright from "Finkelstein!"? It is possible. Yet with the freight of horror that time has accustomed us to on the name Frankenstein, the idea that we would run screaming from "Dr. Finkelstein's monster" is risible, not horrible. Indeed, the comic possibilities are nearly without limit: Monster rises from its slab, Dr. Finkelstein screams to the storming cosmos, "It's ALIVE!" and the monster says in a nice Yiddish accent, "Oy. Would it kill you to have a little brisket on hand?" (Of course I also picture Igor then using one of my favorite lines: "I could eat.")
In any event, after running those ideas around the cranial blender a few times, I was struck by another thought. What if Dr. Frankenstein were a Jew? Not a great leap from the Finkelstein name change, really. I don't imagine that Mary Shelley particularly intended a Jewish connection but what if? Could we not then say that the monster is a modern golem? I see from the Wikipedia page that I'm not the first to draw this connection but I don't recall anyone ever having made that connection explicit to me before. I rather like this line in the Wiki: "The golem became a creation of overambitious and overreaching mystics, who would inevitably be punished for their blasphemy, as in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the alchemical homunculus."
So I am left with questions. Monsters, by definition, must be evil. Are our most feared monsters out of our traditions? Is there a necessarily religious aspect to them? Are the monsters defined by their Godlessness (in too many ways to conjure in a blog post)? Is the very definition of evil spun into the thread that is life force without the tempering of the divine spark within?
Too many questions actually. I may have to spend some time pondering on the nature of man and monster and God. It's difficult enough to figure out what I want for lunch much less think so hard on such philosophical questions. Perhaps I will be granted some measure of deeper understanding of my own human condition. And there is much to be gained in that.
That would be the big green guy with neck bolts and flat head and the GLAVIN (sorry - just had a Prof. Frink moment there). Often mistakenly called just "Frankenstein" but then, being all fraught with perspicacity as you are, you already knew that. But such technicalities are not the point of the post. What called this little disquisition on the nature of fictional monsters was a captured random thought as I was exiting the shower this day.
To wit: What if Mary Shelley had pulled a different name out of the aether? What if the great, clomping monster of celluloid fame had been made by Dr. Finkelstein? Would children run in fright from "Finkelstein!"? It is possible. Yet with the freight of horror that time has accustomed us to on the name Frankenstein, the idea that we would run screaming from "Dr. Finkelstein's monster" is risible, not horrible. Indeed, the comic possibilities are nearly without limit: Monster rises from its slab, Dr. Finkelstein screams to the storming cosmos, "It's ALIVE!" and the monster says in a nice Yiddish accent, "Oy. Would it kill you to have a little brisket on hand?" (Of course I also picture Igor then using one of my favorite lines: "I could eat.")
In any event, after running those ideas around the cranial blender a few times, I was struck by another thought. What if Dr. Frankenstein were a Jew? Not a great leap from the Finkelstein name change, really. I don't imagine that Mary Shelley particularly intended a Jewish connection but what if? Could we not then say that the monster is a modern golem? I see from the Wikipedia page that I'm not the first to draw this connection but I don't recall anyone ever having made that connection explicit to me before. I rather like this line in the Wiki: "The golem became a creation of overambitious and overreaching mystics, who would inevitably be punished for their blasphemy, as in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the alchemical homunculus."
So I am left with questions. Monsters, by definition, must be evil. Are our most feared monsters out of our traditions? Is there a necessarily religious aspect to them? Are the monsters defined by their Godlessness (in too many ways to conjure in a blog post)? Is the very definition of evil spun into the thread that is life force without the tempering of the divine spark within?
Too many questions actually. I may have to spend some time pondering on the nature of man and monster and God. It's difficult enough to figure out what I want for lunch much less think so hard on such philosophical questions. Perhaps I will be granted some measure of deeper understanding of my own human condition. And there is much to be gained in that.
Petite And Furious
Sometimes an addition to the blogroll is long overdue. In this case, I'm adding Kathy Shaidle's Five Feet of Fury because she's tough, smart, uncompromising and ("guy" alert! "guy" alert!) damnably cute. But it's her conservative smarts that make the addition necessary. If you aren't a regular reader of FFoF, you should be. Kathy (may I call you Kathy?) writes in the tradition of the great Canadian right (and her book on the Canadian "human rights" commission "The Tyranny of Nice" has an introduction from the great and hilarious Mark Steyn - there can be no greater endorsement, eh?). It's got to be tough for conservative Canadians to be surrounded by the apparatus of a massive entreched statist system so Canadian conservatives have got to be tough. And furious. God bless 'em.
The blog writing is spare and direct. Not overdone and pumped with verbiage like some outposts on the b'sphere(*cough*pugsofwar*cough*). I hope you'll make her as regular a read as I have.
Sometimes an addition to the blogroll is long overdue. In this case, I'm adding Kathy Shaidle's Five Feet of Fury because she's tough, smart, uncompromising and ("guy" alert! "guy" alert!) damnably cute. But it's her conservative smarts that make the addition necessary. If you aren't a regular reader of FFoF, you should be. Kathy (may I call you Kathy?) writes in the tradition of the great Canadian right (and her book on the Canadian "human rights" commission "The Tyranny of Nice" has an introduction from the great and hilarious Mark Steyn - there can be no greater endorsement, eh?). It's got to be tough for conservative Canadians to be surrounded by the apparatus of a massive entreched statist system so Canadian conservatives have got to be tough. And furious. God bless 'em.
The blog writing is spare and direct. Not overdone and pumped with verbiage like some outposts on the b'sphere(*cough*pugsofwar*cough*). I hope you'll make her as regular a read as I have.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hiatus Interruptus
A week away from the keyboard has left me with some perspective and the desire to do some longer form blogging. But don't worry. It's not going to be this post. I'm doing the toe-back-in-the-water thing this morning.
One side effect of the hiatus was that I spent a little TV time and come away from that experience with increased disdain. Maybe it's the season but there's so little that's worth watching. Got some reading done. Need to update the books on the sidebar. Ray Bradbury's new book of Stories, We'll Always Have Paris, is wonderful. A fairly quick read but full of stories imbued with his unique understanding of youth and age, of people whose lives take turns and then turn back. He is indeed a modern master.
So, OK. All for now. More blogging will happen later after I do such exciting things as cut the grass and plant some hosta. And I'll post pictures of the Aero-Garden that's growing on my kitchen half-wall.
A week away from the keyboard has left me with some perspective and the desire to do some longer form blogging. But don't worry. It's not going to be this post. I'm doing the toe-back-in-the-water thing this morning.
One side effect of the hiatus was that I spent a little TV time and come away from that experience with increased disdain. Maybe it's the season but there's so little that's worth watching. Got some reading done. Need to update the books on the sidebar. Ray Bradbury's new book of Stories, We'll Always Have Paris, is wonderful. A fairly quick read but full of stories imbued with his unique understanding of youth and age, of people whose lives take turns and then turn back. He is indeed a modern master.
So, OK. All for now. More blogging will happen later after I do such exciting things as cut the grass and plant some hosta. And I'll post pictures of the Aero-Garden that's growing on my kitchen half-wall.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hiatus
Starting after this post I turn the blog over to the Enigmatic Misanthrope and Paul for the next week. I am tired and achy. I'm going to try to start exercising again and something tells me that any mental energy I have will be drained down to the bottom of the gumption sump.
I hope to be back with lots of new stuff but I'll settle for a clean desk and no lower back pain. Oh, for you junk food junkies out there, Popeyes is having a special one-day sale on its chicken tomorrow. Something like 8 pieces for 5 bucks. Go - git yoOWNse'f some o' dat Cajyon yardbird.
Starting after this post I turn the blog over to the Enigmatic Misanthrope and Paul for the next week. I am tired and achy. I'm going to try to start exercising again and something tells me that any mental energy I have will be drained down to the bottom of the gumption sump.
I hope to be back with lots of new stuff but I'll settle for a clean desk and no lower back pain. Oh, for you junk food junkies out there, Popeyes is having a special one-day sale on its chicken tomorrow. Something like 8 pieces for 5 bucks. Go - git yoOWNse'f some o' dat Cajyon yardbird.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Good Customer Service
Part of my mission to be grateful in life as well as in belief is to recognize when a company or a person does the right thing. Today's winner in the appreciation sweepstakes is Amazon.com. I bought some digital downloads the other day (songs I did not have from a "best of" disc of an artist [Basia] whose work I have pretty comprehensively collected). Yet one of the songs gave me a "you've already downloaded this" message. I then set about to search all the digital nooks and crannies to see if the song went astray.
Nope. Nowhere to be found on the iMac (Source Of iTunes Central). So I e-mailed Amazon's customer service saying that I didn't get the download for which they'd charged me. That was yesterday. This morning's mail had a very nice note from an un-named customer service person (I almost said "drone" but then realized how unkind that would have been) who re-authorized the download for me.
Clickety clickety and I'm enjoying the song and thanking Amazon for good customer service. And telling you because gratitude demands acknowledgment.
I'd also, almost parenthetically here, call your attention to a product line at Bath & Body Works: Rainkissed Leaves. The name is a bit fruity but the scent is just amazing. Think of all the good things in freshly cut grass and the sweet edge of a cool morning where the dew chills the air as the sun rises. A friend of mine used the moisturizer in my car recently and I had to ask her what it was because I loved it. I've ordered some for my guest bathroom and powder room. So if you come for a visit, you'll be able to wash your hands and then moisturize them with a most remarkable fragrance. So, when are you going to be here?
Part of my mission to be grateful in life as well as in belief is to recognize when a company or a person does the right thing. Today's winner in the appreciation sweepstakes is Amazon.com. I bought some digital downloads the other day (songs I did not have from a "best of" disc of an artist [Basia] whose work I have pretty comprehensively collected). Yet one of the songs gave me a "you've already downloaded this" message. I then set about to search all the digital nooks and crannies to see if the song went astray.
Nope. Nowhere to be found on the iMac (Source Of iTunes Central). So I e-mailed Amazon's customer service saying that I didn't get the download for which they'd charged me. That was yesterday. This morning's mail had a very nice note from an un-named customer service person (I almost said "drone" but then realized how unkind that would have been) who re-authorized the download for me.
Clickety clickety and I'm enjoying the song and thanking Amazon for good customer service. And telling you because gratitude demands acknowledgment.
I'd also, almost parenthetically here, call your attention to a product line at Bath & Body Works: Rainkissed Leaves. The name is a bit fruity but the scent is just amazing. Think of all the good things in freshly cut grass and the sweet edge of a cool morning where the dew chills the air as the sun rises. A friend of mine used the moisturizer in my car recently and I had to ask her what it was because I loved it. I've ordered some for my guest bathroom and powder room. So if you come for a visit, you'll be able to wash your hands and then moisturize them with a most remarkable fragrance. So, when are you going to be here?
Friday, April 17, 2009
BlogDog & The Enigmatic Misanthrope Discuss
The dialog is almost verbatim from an e-mail exchange between the two of us. I think I may be making our conversations public this way a lot more in the future. Be warned.
One should not laugh at one's own jokes yet I am still laughing after making this myself.
UPDATE: Commenter Meatros has availed himself of the services of xtranormal.com after finding it here. His creation, which has had significantly more work put into it than my hastily cobbled together effort, is here. Next time - the colorized version, eh?
I hope others might want to have some fun making some cartoons there.
The dialog is almost verbatim from an e-mail exchange between the two of us. I think I may be making our conversations public this way a lot more in the future. Be warned.
One should not laugh at one's own jokes yet I am still laughing after making this myself.
UPDATE: Commenter Meatros has availed himself of the services of xtranormal.com after finding it here. His creation, which has had significantly more work put into it than my hastily cobbled together effort, is here. Next time - the colorized version, eh?
I hope others might want to have some fun making some cartoons there.
Milestone
My iTunes music library has now reached an even 4000 "items" with a playtime of 11.2 days which takes just a shade over 24 GB. When the new iMac goes online, there will be a vast increase as I add classical music and opera. Digital music just so rocks. And with an iPod rolls too.
And In Other News...
A trip to Trader Joe's Emporium of the Weird and Delightful yesterday resulted in a new find: Wasabi Tempura Seaweed Snacks." I'll scan the bag and post the pic (done - see below) which will give you a better idea of what the snacks look like but consider a rectangle of nori with a striated layer of wasabi-heated tempura on top. Crisp, spicy and delicious. Of course I grew up eating dried squid as a snack so YMMV and all that.
My iTunes music library has now reached an even 4000 "items" with a playtime of 11.2 days which takes just a shade over 24 GB. When the new iMac goes online, there will be a vast increase as I add classical music and opera. Digital music just so rocks. And with an iPod rolls too.
And In Other News...
A trip to Trader Joe's Emporium of the Weird and Delightful yesterday resulted in a new find: Wasabi Tempura Seaweed Snacks." I'll scan the bag and post the pic (done - see below) which will give you a better idea of what the snacks look like but consider a rectangle of nori with a striated layer of wasabi-heated tempura on top. Crisp, spicy and delicious. Of course I grew up eating dried squid as a snack so YMMV and all that.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Fun With The iPhone
I managed to do something today that I've been wanting to do for a while. The ringtone I've always wanted for my phone is the "red phone" from James Coburn's Derek Flint movies. Now that I have an iPhone, and since I grabbed an mp3 of the sound a while back, I've made that a ringtone for myself.
It means probably nothing to anyone else but it amuses me to no end. And it was dead easy. One can take any clip from a song and with a little futzing, make a ringtone out of it without having to cough up a greenback or two to the good folks (peace be unto them!) at Apple.
I may use the opening bass line to Queen's "Under Pressure" for my next ringtone.
I managed to do something today that I've been wanting to do for a while. The ringtone I've always wanted for my phone is the "red phone" from James Coburn's Derek Flint movies. Now that I have an iPhone, and since I grabbed an mp3 of the sound a while back, I've made that a ringtone for myself.
It means probably nothing to anyone else but it amuses me to no end. And it was dead easy. One can take any clip from a song and with a little futzing, make a ringtone out of it without having to cough up a greenback or two to the good folks (peace be unto them!) at Apple.
I may use the opening bass line to Queen's "Under Pressure" for my next ringtone.
OK, OK, No More Foot
Apart from the big larf I got on my co-blogger's post below, my foot is inching back to normal so I'll kvit kvetching about it and instead post a pic of my new guitar. It's a PRS SE ("Student Edition") Custom Semi-Hollow. It doesn't have the tonal variation of my others (notably the 513 and the Swamp Ash Special) but a guitar doesn't need to have a huge tonal range when it sounds as good as a PRS. Even a Korean-made PRS.
Apart from the big larf I got on my co-blogger's post below, my foot is inching back to normal so I'll kvit kvetching about it and instead post a pic of my new guitar. It's a PRS SE ("Student Edition") Custom Semi-Hollow. It doesn't have the tonal variation of my others (notably the 513 and the Swamp Ash Special) but a guitar doesn't need to have a huge tonal range when it sounds as good as a PRS. Even a Korean-made PRS.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
OK, This Has Gone On Long Enough
My toe is still in the enemy camp - red, puffy and painful. I am thankful though that it's not as touch sensitive as yesterday so perhaps it's "on the back nine" albeit with several holes left to play. But I'm so tired of the foot hurt. I can't get around as I need to. I ended up going out to Trader Joe's last night (dolmas for dinner - mmm!) and in getting out of the car my right shoe touched the top of my left at just the wrong point. Oh my. The pain was intense. I'm talking wince your eyes shut, eek out a squeek of pain and hope that there's no leaking of ocular fluid painful.
Not that bad today but damn. I guess I'm going to have to give up bacon at breakfast. And that really hurts!
My toe is still in the enemy camp - red, puffy and painful. I am thankful though that it's not as touch sensitive as yesterday so perhaps it's "on the back nine" albeit with several holes left to play. But I'm so tired of the foot hurt. I can't get around as I need to. I ended up going out to Trader Joe's last night (dolmas for dinner - mmm!) and in getting out of the car my right shoe touched the top of my left at just the wrong point. Oh my. The pain was intense. I'm talking wince your eyes shut, eek out a squeek of pain and hope that there's no leaking of ocular fluid painful.
Not that bad today but damn. I guess I'm going to have to give up bacon at breakfast. And that really hurts!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Monday Miscellany
First up: Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow. I have a gouty left big toe "knuckle." Walking, not my strong suit lately, is even more painful today. If I mash the hell out of my foot by pulling the shoelaces as tight as possible, it actually seems to help. Probably squeezes out some fluid. But Advil has helped and I'm going no further than the house today so I'll get through this 'un.
Maybe I'm channeling Kim du Toit as a Gout Blogger.
Then: Oh my. This is not going to help with the gout. My new wonderful, wonderful friend sent my a box of Stam chocolates. Oh bless you beautiful one! I opened the box and held myself to a mere 2 pieces (hazelnut & maple cream filled). I promise I'm going to make this one last. The cream-filled mouse shaped pieces are MINE! All mine!
Seriously folks, these are world class chockies.
One other thing in the food realm: I tried the new Taco Bell "Chipotle steak" taco salad. Not bad. The steak bits are very good but the rice at the heart of the tostada is disconcerting to say the least. And for all the taco salads I've had at Taco Bell, they don't seem to be able to deliver a fresh-tasting tostada. Maybe it's the oil they fry them in. I've come to the point of just eating the gooped-up bottom and leaving the sides for the trash. Bottom line: not bad. Entirely reasonable for a fast food place. Not as good as a nice, fresh one from a dedicated sit-down restaurant though.
And finally, since I'm talking food: I made a batch of ginger syrup yesterday and I thought I might give the quick and dirty on it. It's just a simple syrup flavored with fresh ginger. I like it a bit thicker than The Ginger People's version. So I use 2:1 sugar to water (3 cups of sugar to one and a half of water), take a fresh ginger root about the size of my palm all told and slice into thin discs. Ginger goes into the sugar water and bring it to a boil. Then kill the heat nd let it sit on the stove overnight. Then strain it into a ginger syrup bottle (repurposed from maple syrup in my case). And I pour tea over the strained out ginger to collect all the sweet out of it and ginger-flavor the tea. Tasty? You bet.
First up: Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow. I have a gouty left big toe "knuckle." Walking, not my strong suit lately, is even more painful today. If I mash the hell out of my foot by pulling the shoelaces as tight as possible, it actually seems to help. Probably squeezes out some fluid. But Advil has helped and I'm going no further than the house today so I'll get through this 'un.
Maybe I'm channeling Kim du Toit as a Gout Blogger.
Then: Oh my. This is not going to help with the gout. My new wonderful, wonderful friend sent my a box of Stam chocolates. Oh bless you beautiful one! I opened the box and held myself to a mere 2 pieces (hazelnut & maple cream filled). I promise I'm going to make this one last. The cream-filled mouse shaped pieces are MINE! All mine!
Seriously folks, these are world class chockies.
One other thing in the food realm: I tried the new Taco Bell "Chipotle steak" taco salad. Not bad. The steak bits are very good but the rice at the heart of the tostada is disconcerting to say the least. And for all the taco salads I've had at Taco Bell, they don't seem to be able to deliver a fresh-tasting tostada. Maybe it's the oil they fry them in. I've come to the point of just eating the gooped-up bottom and leaving the sides for the trash. Bottom line: not bad. Entirely reasonable for a fast food place. Not as good as a nice, fresh one from a dedicated sit-down restaurant though.
And finally, since I'm talking food: I made a batch of ginger syrup yesterday and I thought I might give the quick and dirty on it. It's just a simple syrup flavored with fresh ginger. I like it a bit thicker than The Ginger People's version. So I use 2:1 sugar to water (3 cups of sugar to one and a half of water), take a fresh ginger root about the size of my palm all told and slice into thin discs. Ginger goes into the sugar water and bring it to a boil. Then kill the heat nd let it sit on the stove overnight. Then strain it into a ginger syrup bottle (repurposed from maple syrup in my case). And I pour tea over the strained out ginger to collect all the sweet out of it and ginger-flavor the tea. Tasty? You bet.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He Is Risen!
Happy Easter to those who stop here on my electronic veranda. I want to converse with you but lately I've been talking to myself. Senility is not yet galloping but it seems to have reached an easy canter at this point.
Actually, I want everyone, from those I love the deepest to those I never wish to see again a joyous Easter in the glory of the gift that was given to us those centuries ago. Only Christianity celebrates the victory of life over death and, though there are other reasons, that alone is sufficient for me to accept the faith unto the passing of this flesh.
When He Rose, we rose with Him. When He was made made flesh, our flesh was sanctified. Rejoice in the sunshine, feel the glory of the spring flowers. Sing a song of wonder today. I'm not saying it has to be a hymn, just a glorious noise in celebration of your own life. And may God fill that life with blessings this day and all the days hereafter.
Happy Easter to those who stop here on my electronic veranda. I want to converse with you but lately I've been talking to myself. Senility is not yet galloping but it seems to have reached an easy canter at this point.
Actually, I want everyone, from those I love the deepest to those I never wish to see again a joyous Easter in the glory of the gift that was given to us those centuries ago. Only Christianity celebrates the victory of life over death and, though there are other reasons, that alone is sufficient for me to accept the faith unto the passing of this flesh.
When He Rose, we rose with Him. When He was made made flesh, our flesh was sanctified. Rejoice in the sunshine, feel the glory of the spring flowers. Sing a song of wonder today. I'm not saying it has to be a hymn, just a glorious noise in celebration of your own life. And may God fill that life with blessings this day and all the days hereafter.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
An Idea For You To Weigh In On
I'm considering making a salmon dumpling. I'm thinking that it would be like a little croquette in a wrapper: flaked salmon, a hank of chopped dill, maybe a dab of brown sugar and even a touch of butter to bind it. Probably some breadcrumbs even if it is in a wrapper.
Is this too weird? Or is the BlogDog version of the tasty fish taco?
Fish taco - me likee. Better even than the hard shelled devices that Taco Bell purveys.
I'm considering making a salmon dumpling. I'm thinking that it would be like a little croquette in a wrapper: flaked salmon, a hank of chopped dill, maybe a dab of brown sugar and even a touch of butter to bind it. Probably some breadcrumbs even if it is in a wrapper.
Is this too weird? Or is the BlogDog version of the tasty fish taco?
Fish taco - me likee. Better even than the hard shelled devices that Taco Bell purveys.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bug In Your Ear
If you don't back up your hard drive, what's wrong with you? That is a prime qualification for dumbassery. But my intention is not to insult. It is to inform. To wit: if you are a Costco member, a $30 coupon discount (for which a coupon is not needed in an online purchase) is about to go into effect on a Seagate "Free Agent" 1.5 terabyte external drive. That would give you a lifetime's storage space for just about $115. That's just a sick amount of drive for not much money. I think I might get one.
And Talk Me Out of This
I've been keeping a weather eye on good quality stand mixers. With said eye peeled most for KitchenAid (I may be a little easy for a Brand Name - I said "a little," not "an appliance slut"). I'd been deeply considering this 250 watt model at Amazon but Costco is dropping one of their coupons ($40 this time) on this 475 watt model with a built-in timer. The coupon would bring the price differential to $60 which now makes me hesitate. 475 watts is a commercial grade, beefy device. I doubt a lifetime of everyday baking at home would cause it to hiccup. And I digs me a built-in timer.
So I ask you, dear reader, what you think of the comparison of the two. Does one really need more than 250 watts of spinning, whapping power at home? Is the timer like the short skirt on an otherwise average-looking streetwalker? As the Bloodhound Gang said, "I appreciate your input."
If you don't back up your hard drive, what's wrong with you? That is a prime qualification for dumbassery. But my intention is not to insult. It is to inform. To wit: if you are a Costco member, a $30 coupon discount (for which a coupon is not needed in an online purchase) is about to go into effect on a Seagate "Free Agent" 1.5 terabyte external drive. That would give you a lifetime's storage space for just about $115. That's just a sick amount of drive for not much money. I think I might get one.
And Talk Me Out of This
I've been keeping a weather eye on good quality stand mixers. With said eye peeled most for KitchenAid (I may be a little easy for a Brand Name - I said "a little," not "an appliance slut"). I'd been deeply considering this 250 watt model at Amazon but Costco is dropping one of their coupons ($40 this time) on this 475 watt model with a built-in timer. The coupon would bring the price differential to $60 which now makes me hesitate. 475 watts is a commercial grade, beefy device. I doubt a lifetime of everyday baking at home would cause it to hiccup. And I digs me a built-in timer.
So I ask you, dear reader, what you think of the comparison of the two. Does one really need more than 250 watts of spinning, whapping power at home? Is the timer like the short skirt on an otherwise average-looking streetwalker? As the Bloodhound Gang said, "I appreciate your input."
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Friends
I don't think there's any secret to friendship. Sometimes you share an interest in something with someone and you spend enough time together that rough edges are ignored and friendship grows. Then there are time you just fall into it. One of my very good friends is the relative of the wife of a couple whom I know quite well and from the moment I met said relative, I knew we would be great, great friends.
Then there times you have yourself a friend and he or she says, "You have to meet my very best/very good/long time friend!" Of course you agree because, well, it's your friend that's saying it. But you worry about it. What if I don't particularly care for this new variable in the friend equation? But, face it, you have to meet the person.
This past weekend one of my dearest friends introduced me to her best friend. I was somewhat worried as we'd each heard a lot about the other and one can't always live up to a mental image formed by one's very own PR person (the mutual friend). After saying all that, I have to say that I had one of those superior experiences where everything my friend said about her friend was borne out in spades. In clubs, diamonds and hearts for that matter. I hope the same can be said of me but let me tell you, there is a word for people like my new (ha!) friend: delightful. We live in different time zones so it's not like I'm going to be hanging out with them but I'm willing to bet that they'd be OK with me doing so. Not all the time of course. But a lot of the time, yeah.
It's a mitzvah. And I made it a point to be grateful in church on Sunday.
I don't think there's any secret to friendship. Sometimes you share an interest in something with someone and you spend enough time together that rough edges are ignored and friendship grows. Then there are time you just fall into it. One of my very good friends is the relative of the wife of a couple whom I know quite well and from the moment I met said relative, I knew we would be great, great friends.
Then there times you have yourself a friend and he or she says, "You have to meet my very best/very good/long time friend!" Of course you agree because, well, it's your friend that's saying it. But you worry about it. What if I don't particularly care for this new variable in the friend equation? But, face it, you have to meet the person.
This past weekend one of my dearest friends introduced me to her best friend. I was somewhat worried as we'd each heard a lot about the other and one can't always live up to a mental image formed by one's very own PR person (the mutual friend). After saying all that, I have to say that I had one of those superior experiences where everything my friend said about her friend was borne out in spades. In clubs, diamonds and hearts for that matter. I hope the same can be said of me but let me tell you, there is a word for people like my new (ha!) friend: delightful. We live in different time zones so it's not like I'm going to be hanging out with them but I'm willing to bet that they'd be OK with me doing so. Not all the time of course. But a lot of the time, yeah.
It's a mitzvah. And I made it a point to be grateful in church on Sunday.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Computer Violence And Nursery Rhymes
I am about to assay the task of reformatting a hard drive and installing XP Home on a Dell computer. Such aggressive action as I have never undertaken on a friend's PC. So, as I jump blind and heedless into the task, I start sotto voce to myself: "The firmware in the Dell/ The firmware in the Dell/ Hi ho the derry oh/ The firmware in the Dell."
When I then realize what I'm softly singing, my gorge rises at it.
I am about to assay the task of reformatting a hard drive and installing XP Home on a Dell computer. Such aggressive action as I have never undertaken on a friend's PC. So, as I jump blind and heedless into the task, I start sotto voce to myself: "The firmware in the Dell/ The firmware in the Dell/ Hi ho the derry oh/ The firmware in the Dell."
When I then realize what I'm softly singing, my gorge rises at it.
Monday, April 06, 2009
A Most Delicious Hiatus
There was, for those keeping track, a decided lack of posting for the last few days as I had houseguests at Chez BlogDog over the weekend and we were doing fun stuff. I got to introduce my new friends to the Peking Gourmet Inn and the local Burmese restaurant and I passed along the Tao of the Bao to another couple. Soon, the Gospel of the Dumpling will be a worldwide phenomenon and I will have played my small part in it.
There was much eating and every single slurp was delicious.
Oh, and as a host gift I was given chocolates from Stam Choclaterie. Oh ... My ... Oh ... My. I'm not a chocoholic but let me tell you these little gems are what Godiva hopes to be and the little man in the Whitman's Sampler can't even dream of being. I'm not going to eat any peeps this year as they might drive some lingering molecule of candy goodness off some hidden surface of mouth where said molecule avoids the toothbrush. Oh yeah: yummy.
Luckily my dumplings passed muster as well. But now it's back to real life. Oh well.
There was, for those keeping track, a decided lack of posting for the last few days as I had houseguests at Chez BlogDog over the weekend and we were doing fun stuff. I got to introduce my new friends to the Peking Gourmet Inn and the local Burmese restaurant and I passed along the Tao of the Bao to another couple. Soon, the Gospel of the Dumpling will be a worldwide phenomenon and I will have played my small part in it.
There was much eating and every single slurp was delicious.
Oh, and as a host gift I was given chocolates from Stam Choclaterie. Oh ... My ... Oh ... My. I'm not a chocoholic but let me tell you these little gems are what Godiva hopes to be and the little man in the Whitman's Sampler can't even dream of being. I'm not going to eat any peeps this year as they might drive some lingering molecule of candy goodness off some hidden surface of mouth where said molecule avoids the toothbrush. Oh yeah: yummy.
Luckily my dumplings passed muster as well. But now it's back to real life. Oh well.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
NGD
What they call over on the Birds and Moons Forum "new guitar day." PRS (of course! except for the Telecaster) SE Custom Semi-Hollow. The one you see is exactly the one I got: Natural color, tortoiseshell pickguard, "moons" inlays and the humbucking pickups.
I still suck at the playing thereof but the guitar sounds great. Actually amazing for an inexpensive (PRS inexpensive that is) guitar. There's a viddy at the link that does a short demo of the tonal range - not extensive but wonderful for what it puts out.
The Guitar Nazi, on the other hand, got a seriously sweet new axe. I'll post a couple of pics when I sync up the iPhone next. His has alll sorts of special built into it. Mine is just one of those exceptional guitars that PRS makes as a matter of course. OK, the SE range is manufactured overseas but not a one is sold unless it passes muster at the 'home office.'
What they call over on the Birds and Moons Forum "new guitar day." PRS (of course! except for the Telecaster) SE Custom Semi-Hollow. The one you see is exactly the one I got: Natural color, tortoiseshell pickguard, "moons" inlays and the humbucking pickups.
I still suck at the playing thereof but the guitar sounds great. Actually amazing for an inexpensive (PRS inexpensive that is) guitar. There's a viddy at the link that does a short demo of the tonal range - not extensive but wonderful for what it puts out.
The Guitar Nazi, on the other hand, got a seriously sweet new axe. I'll post a couple of pics when I sync up the iPhone next. His has alll sorts of special built into it. Mine is just one of those exceptional guitars that PRS makes as a matter of course. OK, the SE range is manufactured overseas but not a one is sold unless it passes muster at the 'home office.'
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
What Do You Think?
I just ordered one of these toaster ovens from the nice people at Amazon. My old, and by old I mean I really don't remember when I bought it, toaster oven still works but it's no longer what I want in a countertop appliance. It came with an aluminum tray which I hate, hate, hate. I could get a stainless steel tray really, truly, honest-to-goodness clean. I could use oven cleaner on it. Not so with aluminum.
So I bought some after-market toaster oven accessories, non-stick even. And they were superior but the muffin pan did not fit! It was too wide. I even considered hacking the "ears" off the pan. But rather than cookware surgery, I realized that I really wanted a bigger, more functional toaster oven than the one I'd been using lo! these several years. Now, I'm expecting the new one on Wednesday which means I'll have to care fully clean the old one (I've done that before!) and then donate it to some deserving outfit.
I'd be interested to know what you, dear reader, think about my new toaster oven. It's something I've been turning over in my mind for probably the last four months and I'm hoping that I made the right choice.
Also, I should be getting the new Basia disc, another home appliance from Amazon and part of an order from Costco today. My UPS guy brings me the coolest stuff! Then some other SOB makes me pay for it. Dagnabbit!
I just ordered one of these toaster ovens from the nice people at Amazon. My old, and by old I mean I really don't remember when I bought it, toaster oven still works but it's no longer what I want in a countertop appliance. It came with an aluminum tray which I hate, hate, hate. I could get a stainless steel tray really, truly, honest-to-goodness clean. I could use oven cleaner on it. Not so with aluminum.
So I bought some after-market toaster oven accessories, non-stick even. And they were superior but the muffin pan did not fit! It was too wide. I even considered hacking the "ears" off the pan. But rather than cookware surgery, I realized that I really wanted a bigger, more functional toaster oven than the one I'd been using lo! these several years. Now, I'm expecting the new one on Wednesday which means I'll have to care fully clean the old one (I've done that before!) and then donate it to some deserving outfit.
I'd be interested to know what you, dear reader, think about my new toaster oven. It's something I've been turning over in my mind for probably the last four months and I'm hoping that I made the right choice.
Also, I should be getting the new Basia disc, another home appliance from Amazon and part of an order from Costco today. My UPS guy brings me the coolest stuff! Then some other SOB makes me pay for it. Dagnabbit!
Friday, March 27, 2009
The News Senor, She Is Mixed
I said I wasn't going to be upset if Duke lost. And I'm not.... But, a 23 point loss? That's just sad. Villanova's not that good and Duke's not that bad.
Otherwise, Jake has a disc's worth of sacred music available for free download as well as his new CD coming out in the not-too-distant future. Always a good thing. And Basia has just released her new CD, "It's That Girl Again." Another good thing. I shall have to have them!
On the other hand, I have "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as an earworm today. Dammit!
I said I wasn't going to be upset if Duke lost. And I'm not.... But, a 23 point loss? That's just sad. Villanova's not that good and Duke's not that bad.
Otherwise, Jake has a disc's worth of sacred music available for free download as well as his new CD coming out in the not-too-distant future. Always a good thing. And Basia has just released her new CD, "It's That Girl Again." Another good thing. I shall have to have them!
On the other hand, I have "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" as an earworm today. Dammit!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Apologies
Sorry for the lack of posting. Much of muchness proceeds apace at Chez BlogDog. Out one evening with the Enigmatic Misanthrope. Always a fascinating way to learn a little more about humanity, revealed for me by the EM who is adept at stripping away the painted facade. But then bar life ain't exactly real life.
There are stories but perhaps left untold.
House cleaning proceeds as well. Taking the shower apart to clean places that haven't seen cleanser since I moved in certainly. Good lord somethings are made bloody difficult to clean. I may have to get a quote for a frameless shower stall.
Tonight the NC-2-Ays return. Go Duke. Or not. Ahhh, I'd prefer they win but if they lose, it won't kill me.
What else, what else .... iPhone is one bitchin device. Checking e-mail in the car, looking at Instapundit while grabbing a taco salad. iPod Shuffle is stunning. So much music, so little space!
Watched Eddie Izzard's "Glorious" from Netflix. Damnably funny. And if I looked that good in makeup, I'd wear it too. But not the fingernail polish. and the shiny red suit. Yeah, I'd wear that. Lots of Izzard all over uToob. Go, search, watch, laugh. Just like life itself: go, search, watch, laugh.
Sorry for the lack of posting. Much of muchness proceeds apace at Chez BlogDog. Out one evening with the Enigmatic Misanthrope. Always a fascinating way to learn a little more about humanity, revealed for me by the EM who is adept at stripping away the painted facade. But then bar life ain't exactly real life.
There are stories but perhaps left untold.
House cleaning proceeds as well. Taking the shower apart to clean places that haven't seen cleanser since I moved in certainly. Good lord somethings are made bloody difficult to clean. I may have to get a quote for a frameless shower stall.
Tonight the NC-2-Ays return. Go Duke. Or not. Ahhh, I'd prefer they win but if they lose, it won't kill me.
What else, what else .... iPhone is one bitchin device. Checking e-mail in the car, looking at Instapundit while grabbing a taco salad. iPod Shuffle is stunning. So much music, so little space!
Watched Eddie Izzard's "Glorious" from Netflix. Damnably funny. And if I looked that good in makeup, I'd wear it too. But not the fingernail polish. and the shiny red suit. Yeah, I'd wear that. Lots of Izzard all over uToob. Go, search, watch, laugh. Just like life itself: go, search, watch, laugh.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Home Repairs
Ah, the joys of home ownership (hmm, that sounds a little too much like "homo-nership" for my taste)! I had a workin' man in the house today (and there I go again! dang.)
Regrouting my shower! Regrouting my shower! Now the "mahstah bath" smells of curing grout and caulk, and i can't use it until Friday (luckily the guest bath is available) but it's worth it. The shower is clean and white. The HIDeous scrunge (i.e. mildew) is gone, gone, gone. And I learned something.
I've been using cleaners with bleach (if not bleach its own self) to clean the shower. The grout man tells me that's the worst thing one can do. Every grout and caulk made in the past 20 years or so is made with mildewcides built in. But using bleach on them actually destroys the ability of those to function. Thus the mildew can come back, not to mention that bleach destroys the grout in situ.
What to use to clean. Well, I think the Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" type of melamine sponge is a good bet - I think it acts more in a physical action than a chemical action. And "green" bathroom cleaners were also recommended. Bah! "Green" irks me.
Ah, the joys of home ownership (hmm, that sounds a little too much like "homo-nership" for my taste)! I had a workin' man in the house today (and there I go again! dang.)
Regrouting my shower! Regrouting my shower! Now the "mahstah bath" smells of curing grout and caulk, and i can't use it until Friday (luckily the guest bath is available) but it's worth it. The shower is clean and white. The HIDeous scrunge (i.e. mildew) is gone, gone, gone. And I learned something.
I've been using cleaners with bleach (if not bleach its own self) to clean the shower. The grout man tells me that's the worst thing one can do. Every grout and caulk made in the past 20 years or so is made with mildewcides built in. But using bleach on them actually destroys the ability of those to function. Thus the mildew can come back, not to mention that bleach destroys the grout in situ.
What to use to clean. Well, I think the Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" type of melamine sponge is a good bet - I think it acts more in a physical action than a chemical action. And "green" bathroom cleaners were also recommended. Bah! "Green" irks me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Deck Farm™ 2009
Burpee has acknowledged my order for the upcoming year of Deck Farm™. I'll do a little cut-n-paste (soon to be on an iPhone near you!) to lay out the plants. That's three each of the tomatoes, the bell peppers, hot lemon peppers, zavory peppers and six of the Biker Billy jalopy peppers. The Hosta collection is going into the front yard to mitigate the pain of mowing around the roots of the cherry tree.
And Since I ordered enough, I get a little spiff in there at the end. How nice.
Does anyone want the items below set as links to the item page at Burpee.com?
Burpee has acknowledged my order for the upcoming year of Deck Farm™. I'll do a little cut-n-paste (soon to be on an iPhone near you!) to lay out the plants. That's three each of the tomatoes, the bell peppers, hot lemon peppers, zavory peppers and six of the Biker Billy jalopy peppers. The Hosta collection is going into the front yard to mitigate the pain of mowing around the roots of the cherry tree.
And Since I ordered enough, I get a little spiff in there at the end. How nice.
Does anyone want the items below set as links to the item page at Burpee.com?
TOMATO SWEET SEEDLESS HYBRID
TOMATO STEAK SANDWICH HYBRID
PEPPER ORANGE BELLE II HYBRID
PEPPER RED DELICIOUS HYBRID
PEPPER BIKER BILLY JALAPENO
PEPPER HOT LEMON
PEPPER HOT ZAVORY
HOSTA COLLECTION
FREE 2009 ESPOMA PLANT-TONE 1 OZ PKT
Sunday, March 22, 2009
NCAA Round Of 16
After watching much basketball this weekend, it struck me that the brackets were falling very true to seeding this year. The East region features the 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. The South region features the 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. The West region features the 1, 2, 3 and 5 seeds (that would be the #4 seed losing to the #5 seed - not that big an upset). And the Midwest region being the least true to prediction with the 1, 2, 3 and 12 seeds still standing. Wake Forest is the #4 seed that really screwed the pooch this time around. A #1 ranked team at one point, a team that beat UNC (a darn good bet for the crown now that Ty Lawson's back), beat Duke (so pppbbblllttt! on your pooch screwing) and went deep into the season undefeated. Only to bow out in the first round. I'll reduce it to letters: FU WFU. You embarrassed the ACC yet again. You lost badly to a 13 seed which then lost badly to a 12 seed.
Ah heck - much more excitement next weekend. I hope Duke can show up all the haters and beat Villanova. I'd love to see them make the Final Four, which then can do if they have a good game. But Duke is not the best team this year. Certainly a top 8, a top 4 if they play their game, but not a national champion.
After watching much basketball this weekend, it struck me that the brackets were falling very true to seeding this year. The East region features the 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. The South region features the 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. The West region features the 1, 2, 3 and 5 seeds (that would be the #4 seed losing to the #5 seed - not that big an upset). And the Midwest region being the least true to prediction with the 1, 2, 3 and 12 seeds still standing. Wake Forest is the #4 seed that really screwed the pooch this time around. A #1 ranked team at one point, a team that beat UNC (a darn good bet for the crown now that Ty Lawson's back), beat Duke (so pppbbblllttt! on your pooch screwing) and went deep into the season undefeated. Only to bow out in the first round. I'll reduce it to letters: FU WFU. You embarrassed the ACC yet again. You lost badly to a 13 seed which then lost badly to a 12 seed.
Ah heck - much more excitement next weekend. I hope Duke can show up all the haters and beat Villanova. I'd love to see them make the Final Four, which then can do if they have a good game. But Duke is not the best team this year. Certainly a top 8, a top 4 if they play their game, but not a national champion.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday Morning
I watched the sun rise on this first day of spring, a harsh angular light on a delicate rime of frost. The world was sugar frosted as the light dawned and the shadows of buildings and trees stretched out like El Greco figures in monochrome against a landscape played out in aquatint.
As the colors filled out with the rising of the sun, I looked at the rimed grass and thought of such sweetened things as frosted flakes. But is the world a sweet thing to tempt the young with the roars of cartoon tigers? I can say neither no nor yes. Because there are other things that get their coat of sugar yet play against the sweet, the sour patch candies for example. Is the world in a sweet nanometric crust that surrenders to teeth revealing the grain formed into something entirely man-made? Or is it the sweet layer that flows out on the tongue before the acidic bite changes everything?
Both are delicious in their place. Both are insufficient metaphors for existence. Instead the world will offer some moment of zen calm - the translucent shroud of fine hoar on the grass and sidewalks, sunlight sliding across the ground with a magician's trick of misdirection. It is the first day of spring and the world says: "Look here. Here is the breath of winter still laid ever so lightly on this ground. Trust and believe what you will but I am knowable only in the largest ways. I will never surrender myself to you in any one moment. If you live in the knowing of that, you may see wisdom as obliquely as I lay the light on you. I will be that thing moving just at the very ragged edge of your eyes, that thing you can only believe you saw a moment before. But always there."
My gratefulness rises along with the warming of the sun. I will make myself a measure of coffee, fill my cup therewith, milk, artificial sweetener as fine and white as if I'd scraped the frost from the blades of grass. I dress warmly, step outside. Feel the cool water of the fresh spring air flow into me. Take a sip from my cup which releases steam in the most wonderful ghostly curls of vapor. I inhale the fragrance of the bean and feel its tiny acid bite on my tongue, an echo of the world entire. I thank God again for all of this. For cool spring air, the friends whom I love, the taste of coffee on a cool morning, the pinkish haze that fills the empty branches of trees preparing to bud out, even the cliche of daffodils clustered near the neighborhood doors. I think of the day, not long in the offing now, when the world warms and the scent of the earth itself finally rises from its hibernation. Then spring truly begins as all the poseur flowers, the daffs, the crocuses give way to the trees and plants that give us food, not just frosted candy for the eyes.
The Deck Farm will rise again this year. Possibility remains an almost endless giving box for the delighted.
I watched the sun rise on this first day of spring, a harsh angular light on a delicate rime of frost. The world was sugar frosted as the light dawned and the shadows of buildings and trees stretched out like El Greco figures in monochrome against a landscape played out in aquatint.
As the colors filled out with the rising of the sun, I looked at the rimed grass and thought of such sweetened things as frosted flakes. But is the world a sweet thing to tempt the young with the roars of cartoon tigers? I can say neither no nor yes. Because there are other things that get their coat of sugar yet play against the sweet, the sour patch candies for example. Is the world in a sweet nanometric crust that surrenders to teeth revealing the grain formed into something entirely man-made? Or is it the sweet layer that flows out on the tongue before the acidic bite changes everything?
Both are delicious in their place. Both are insufficient metaphors for existence. Instead the world will offer some moment of zen calm - the translucent shroud of fine hoar on the grass and sidewalks, sunlight sliding across the ground with a magician's trick of misdirection. It is the first day of spring and the world says: "Look here. Here is the breath of winter still laid ever so lightly on this ground. Trust and believe what you will but I am knowable only in the largest ways. I will never surrender myself to you in any one moment. If you live in the knowing of that, you may see wisdom as obliquely as I lay the light on you. I will be that thing moving just at the very ragged edge of your eyes, that thing you can only believe you saw a moment before. But always there."
My gratefulness rises along with the warming of the sun. I will make myself a measure of coffee, fill my cup therewith, milk, artificial sweetener as fine and white as if I'd scraped the frost from the blades of grass. I dress warmly, step outside. Feel the cool water of the fresh spring air flow into me. Take a sip from my cup which releases steam in the most wonderful ghostly curls of vapor. I inhale the fragrance of the bean and feel its tiny acid bite on my tongue, an echo of the world entire. I thank God again for all of this. For cool spring air, the friends whom I love, the taste of coffee on a cool morning, the pinkish haze that fills the empty branches of trees preparing to bud out, even the cliche of daffodils clustered near the neighborhood doors. I think of the day, not long in the offing now, when the world warms and the scent of the earth itself finally rises from its hibernation. Then spring truly begins as all the poseur flowers, the daffs, the crocuses give way to the trees and plants that give us food, not just frosted candy for the eyes.
The Deck Farm will rise again this year. Possibility remains an almost endless giving box for the delighted.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tea Blogging
Earlier I posted about PG Tips tea. This stuff is amazing. I've been making "sun" tea via the method I learned from NPR's weekend food show (which will not be linked or named due to my pique at the liberal buttheads on NPR). Rather than put a vegetal product in water in the sun at a temperature roughly ideal for the growth of nasty things, I put the tea in water in the fridge overnight.
Well, PG Tips short circuits that process. In a half gallon of water, two tablespoons of tea makes a wonderful brew in about two or three hours. Well, maybe four if you get it in the fridge immediately and don't agitate the container. I'm a container agitator.
Since I have friends coming over for dinner tomorrow night I've got about a gallon of it in the fridge even as I type. I'll drag out the camera and snap some pics of the brew. It could be a little stronger (especially if it's to be poured over ice) but the liquid is beautifully translucent and the taste is second to none. And, yes, when it's used to make hot tea this is the closest thing to instant imaginable.
Earlier I posted about PG Tips tea. This stuff is amazing. I've been making "sun" tea via the method I learned from NPR's weekend food show (which will not be linked or named due to my pique at the liberal buttheads on NPR). Rather than put a vegetal product in water in the sun at a temperature roughly ideal for the growth of nasty things, I put the tea in water in the fridge overnight.
Well, PG Tips short circuits that process. In a half gallon of water, two tablespoons of tea makes a wonderful brew in about two or three hours. Well, maybe four if you get it in the fridge immediately and don't agitate the container. I'm a container agitator.
Since I have friends coming over for dinner tomorrow night I've got about a gallon of it in the fridge even as I type. I'll drag out the camera and snap some pics of the brew. It could be a little stronger (especially if it's to be poured over ice) but the liquid is beautifully translucent and the taste is second to none. And, yes, when it's used to make hot tea this is the closest thing to instant imaginable.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Doing The Bullet Points Thing
A full slate for today - even unto having a professional in to estimate regrouting the shower stall - but I thought I might throw up some eructations of what's fermenting in my internal organs.
• iPhone rocks like the Technolithic Age. I've gotten my e-mail, read blogs, txt'ed, listened to iTunes samples, played iTunes songs. I need to set up my contacts list but that'll involve some data entry so it may take me a few days to get that input in.
• The new iPod Shuffle is every bit as amazing as I'd imagined. A couple of pics and little more depth of review will be along shortly.
• Watched Simon Pegg's "Run, Fat Boy, Run" in recent Netflixery. Not exactly a home run. Pegg is a very funny guy ("Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz") but in this one it's paint by numbers all the way through. The Indian landlord and his stunning daughter (played by India de Beaufort) are nice surprises. Though how Thandie Newton who pegs my "meh" meter was chosen for the love interest is beyond me. Bottom line: good for a few laughs, don't go out of your way.
• I'm still connected to gratitude. I get up with thanks in my heart and the words in my first waking breath. I even thanked a stoplight yesterday that I was sure was going to catch me but didn't. That's just silly. But it made feel right to have done so.
• I've been listening to Emm's latest disc, "Goddess," a lot lately. She's a fantastic talent. The music is wonderfully melodious, she has a voice to which I love to listen and the lyrics, while typically elliptical, are wonderful as well. ("Leftover love / I've got more than enough / Take it from me it was meant to be all for you anyway/ All for you anyway") Can't recommend the new any more strongly even if I don't think it's her best CD.
• I'm considering a few questions as they might inform fiction: What do you believe? What can you not return to? What can you not live with?
• Guitar madness - I bought an ice tray from Amazon which makes ice in the shape of a guitar body into which a plastic neck is laid. I can see stirring my iced tea with one of these bad boys this summer. I may have to practice making clear ice, save for the fact that it's much more effort than it's worth.
• And I have to add a brilliant observation from the Grouchy Old Cripple in a comment on his own site: "I sometimes miss my work, but I never miss my job." Well said, sir. Well said.
A full slate for today - even unto having a professional in to estimate regrouting the shower stall - but I thought I might throw up some eructations of what's fermenting in my internal organs.
• iPhone rocks like the Technolithic Age. I've gotten my e-mail, read blogs, txt'ed, listened to iTunes samples, played iTunes songs. I need to set up my contacts list but that'll involve some data entry so it may take me a few days to get that input in.
• The new iPod Shuffle is every bit as amazing as I'd imagined. A couple of pics and little more depth of review will be along shortly.
• Watched Simon Pegg's "Run, Fat Boy, Run" in recent Netflixery. Not exactly a home run. Pegg is a very funny guy ("Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz") but in this one it's paint by numbers all the way through. The Indian landlord and his stunning daughter (played by India de Beaufort) are nice surprises. Though how Thandie Newton who pegs my "meh" meter was chosen for the love interest is beyond me. Bottom line: good for a few laughs, don't go out of your way.
• I'm still connected to gratitude. I get up with thanks in my heart and the words in my first waking breath. I even thanked a stoplight yesterday that I was sure was going to catch me but didn't. That's just silly. But it made feel right to have done so.
• I've been listening to Emm's latest disc, "Goddess," a lot lately. She's a fantastic talent. The music is wonderfully melodious, she has a voice to which I love to listen and the lyrics, while typically elliptical, are wonderful as well. ("Leftover love / I've got more than enough / Take it from me it was meant to be all for you anyway/ All for you anyway") Can't recommend the new any more strongly even if I don't think it's her best CD.
• I'm considering a few questions as they might inform fiction: What do you believe? What can you not return to? What can you not live with?
• Guitar madness - I bought an ice tray from Amazon which makes ice in the shape of a guitar body into which a plastic neck is laid. I can see stirring my iced tea with one of these bad boys this summer. I may have to practice making clear ice, save for the fact that it's much more effort than it's worth.
• And I have to add a brilliant observation from the Grouchy Old Cripple in a comment on his own site: "I sometimes miss my work, but I never miss my job." Well said, sir. Well said.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Finally, truth in advertising...The Real Deal....
"ShitBegone toilet paper is a quality product that exemplifies your attitude and approach to life.Part journey of discovery, part assertion of responsibility, part embrace of life, ShitBegone expresses hope and belief that a better world is possible."
"ShitBegone toilet paper is a quality product that exemplifies your attitude and approach to life.Part journey of discovery, part assertion of responsibility, part embrace of life, ShitBegone expresses hope and belief that a better world is possible."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A Quick Foodie Link
If you like teh exotic, possibly new and interesting foodstuffs, take a look at Sadaf.com. I have friends who get their tea here as a matter of course. And there all sorts of things I've never seen before. Prices don't look too bad either. Bell pepper dolmas? Yes, please. Sounds delicious.
If you like teh exotic, possibly new and interesting foodstuffs, take a look at Sadaf.com. I have friends who get their tea here as a matter of course. And there all sorts of things I've never seen before. Prices don't look too bad either. Bell pepper dolmas? Yes, please. Sounds delicious.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A Blog Free Weekend
Apart from this post, of course.
There is much to occupy my time: My car will be coming home from a major servicing this afternoon (I was lucky enough to get the loaner car from the dealership). I will be working on my friend's PC so she can take it home next weekend. There is much of tournament basketball to be enjoyed (and sometimes cursed). I am working on cleaning up paper that thinks it's ocean water & I am Indonesia (that would be the oblique tsunami reference). And I am determined to pick up the guitar and practice for the first time in over a month.
So thanks for stopping by but you'll not hear from me until Monday. But I welcome any contribution from my fellow bloggers. Always.
Apart from this post, of course.
There is much to occupy my time: My car will be coming home from a major servicing this afternoon (I was lucky enough to get the loaner car from the dealership). I will be working on my friend's PC so she can take it home next weekend. There is much of tournament basketball to be enjoyed (and sometimes cursed). I am working on cleaning up paper that thinks it's ocean water & I am Indonesia (that would be the oblique tsunami reference). And I am determined to pick up the guitar and practice for the first time in over a month.
So thanks for stopping by but you'll not hear from me until Monday. But I welcome any contribution from my fellow bloggers. Always.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Apple Does It Again
The new iPod Shuffle. Just go watch the video. Jaw-droppingly astounding tech.
The new iPod Shuffle. Just go watch the video. Jaw-droppingly astounding tech.
Gratitude
Many will recall my confessional postings in last year when I revealed the extent to which I had either been laid low or laid myself low. I find, now, that honesty compels posting of more of the interior life albeit a sunnier climate in this dwindling winter.
I am a hypnopompic pray-er. I awake to the consciousness of what I am asking in prayer without having consciously formed the prayer. (I do not "pray" in my waking state. I will talk to God - my conception of Him - but it is not "praying" as such is usually conceived.) In the last several days, I have sought that a process ongoing in my life conclude positively as it faced several snags, hold-ups and speed bumps. I believe I can honestly say that my prayers have been answered. Every time it looked as though the edifice being constructed was about to come crashing down, it didn't. And now we seem to be entering the end game wherein I have some desk work to do but otherwise, done deal.
So as I came to consciousness this morning (after a night wherein I could not find slumber for reasons physical and psychological), I found myself again seeking from God in my way. But I was not asking for the world to treat me well as I seem to have been doing lately. I was asking that my heart be changed.
I asked for humility. I am not a prideful man but I lack the quietude of soul that humility, a truly humble spirit, gives. I asked that I be given, undeserving, the gift of humility in a world to which I am too much attached. I don't expect any Damascus Road experience to sweep over me and calm my restlessness. I ask that I be able to live within myself, without anger at slights and provocations. That I can be, without conscious effort, an oasis for my fellow travelers in this desert world. I won't know if I have been vouchsafed this because it should be transparent to me. So I will continue to talk with God in my daily life to keep humility in my own mind.
Even more than a spirit humble in daily life, however, is the title of this post. I woke this morning seeking gratitude. Not from others but for myself. I am deeply grateful for what I have in this desert world yet I do not carry that gratitude in my spirit. I acknowledge it in a conscious fashion if I called to do so but it does not flow from me like the wellspring I wish it to be. And what I most want is that I can live in the awareness of my gratitude to God for those answered prayers, for that spark that is my life struck off the flint of the eternal.
I say, "Lord, I would be humble, I would be grateful. I will try to quiet myself to allow the blessings I have undeservedly received to fill my life." For all that I do myself, I then ask that these blessings of spirit inform my every day.
I am not hugely inclined to such self revelation here on PoW, but part of what I am coming to feel about what I have asked for, requires that I be open about it. I appreciate you, reader, coming here. I wish no less blessing on you than I wish on myself. I'd like to be a part of the good of your life even if just a small smile on some snarky blog post. There is but one thing left to say in this post though: God bless you.
Many will recall my confessional postings in last year when I revealed the extent to which I had either been laid low or laid myself low. I find, now, that honesty compels posting of more of the interior life albeit a sunnier climate in this dwindling winter.
I am a hypnopompic pray-er. I awake to the consciousness of what I am asking in prayer without having consciously formed the prayer. (I do not "pray" in my waking state. I will talk to God - my conception of Him - but it is not "praying" as such is usually conceived.) In the last several days, I have sought that a process ongoing in my life conclude positively as it faced several snags, hold-ups and speed bumps. I believe I can honestly say that my prayers have been answered. Every time it looked as though the edifice being constructed was about to come crashing down, it didn't. And now we seem to be entering the end game wherein I have some desk work to do but otherwise, done deal.
So as I came to consciousness this morning (after a night wherein I could not find slumber for reasons physical and psychological), I found myself again seeking from God in my way. But I was not asking for the world to treat me well as I seem to have been doing lately. I was asking that my heart be changed.
I asked for humility. I am not a prideful man but I lack the quietude of soul that humility, a truly humble spirit, gives. I asked that I be given, undeserving, the gift of humility in a world to which I am too much attached. I don't expect any Damascus Road experience to sweep over me and calm my restlessness. I ask that I be able to live within myself, without anger at slights and provocations. That I can be, without conscious effort, an oasis for my fellow travelers in this desert world. I won't know if I have been vouchsafed this because it should be transparent to me. So I will continue to talk with God in my daily life to keep humility in my own mind.
Even more than a spirit humble in daily life, however, is the title of this post. I woke this morning seeking gratitude. Not from others but for myself. I am deeply grateful for what I have in this desert world yet I do not carry that gratitude in my spirit. I acknowledge it in a conscious fashion if I called to do so but it does not flow from me like the wellspring I wish it to be. And what I most want is that I can live in the awareness of my gratitude to God for those answered prayers, for that spark that is my life struck off the flint of the eternal.
I say, "Lord, I would be humble, I would be grateful. I will try to quiet myself to allow the blessings I have undeservedly received to fill my life." For all that I do myself, I then ask that these blessings of spirit inform my every day.
I am not hugely inclined to such self revelation here on PoW, but part of what I am coming to feel about what I have asked for, requires that I be open about it. I appreciate you, reader, coming here. I wish no less blessing on you than I wish on myself. I'd like to be a part of the good of your life even if just a small smile on some snarky blog post. There is but one thing left to say in this post though: God bless you.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tea Drinkin'
Here's a picture of the basics of the current consumption of tea:
Everything comes from Amazon.com with the teapot being a gift. The electric tea kettle (cordless, the keen of eye may note) is a replacement of the one I had been using which went flaky in that it wouldn't reliably click on. And the tea is a brand I'd heard much about, called by many the best tea they'd ever had. I won't go that far but it is very good. Excellent in point of fact. What's unusual about it, from my limited perspective, is that the "tips" are the most finely granulated tea leaves I've ever seen. Lileks once referred to coffee as being ground so fine it was "weaponized." Well, this is that in tea.
The taste is a very clean black tea flavor. It brews in about as long as it takes to pour the hot water into the pot and it's a very clear brew - translucent, not even a hint of cloudiness.
I made a couple of mistakes in doing my buying this time though. I bought by clicking the "one click" button and then forgetting to switch the delivery to free super saver shipping. And I find a couple of days later that there's a page of Amazon coupon codes which included a coupon code for 20% off PG Tips. D'oh!
And I've ordered probably a lot more than I really need. If you come to visit me, I just may send you home with a package of loose PG Tips. But I'm not paying for shipping again!
Here's a picture of the basics of the current consumption of tea:
Everything comes from Amazon.com with the teapot being a gift. The electric tea kettle (cordless, the keen of eye may note) is a replacement of the one I had been using which went flaky in that it wouldn't reliably click on. And the tea is a brand I'd heard much about, called by many the best tea they'd ever had. I won't go that far but it is very good. Excellent in point of fact. What's unusual about it, from my limited perspective, is that the "tips" are the most finely granulated tea leaves I've ever seen. Lileks once referred to coffee as being ground so fine it was "weaponized." Well, this is that in tea.The taste is a very clean black tea flavor. It brews in about as long as it takes to pour the hot water into the pot and it's a very clear brew - translucent, not even a hint of cloudiness.
I made a couple of mistakes in doing my buying this time though. I bought by clicking the "one click" button and then forgetting to switch the delivery to free super saver shipping. And I find a couple of days later that there's a page of Amazon coupon codes which included a coupon code for 20% off PG Tips. D'oh!
And I've ordered probably a lot more than I really need. If you come to visit me, I just may send you home with a package of loose PG Tips. But I'm not paying for shipping again!
Wherein We Take The Mickey Out Of The Belgians
TOP 10 REASONS FOR BEING BELGIAN:
1. You get to speak three languages, but none of them intelligibly.
2. If other countries want to fight a war, they will do it in your country.
3. You can brew drinks out of fruit and still call it beer.
4. You are either a) like the Dutch, just less efficient, b) like the French, just less romantic, c) like the Germans.
5. Decent fries. Real mayonnaise. Great chocolate. The best beer.
6. No one knows anything about you, except for the Dutch and French and they make fun of you.
7. More scandals in a week than any other country in a decade.
8. You can drive like a maniac on the road and nobody cares.
9. All your famous countrymen are either imaginary, or sex-offenders.
10. Face it. It's not really a country, is it?
TOP 10 REASONS FOR BEING BELGIAN:
1. You get to speak three languages, but none of them intelligibly.
2. If other countries want to fight a war, they will do it in your country.
3. You can brew drinks out of fruit and still call it beer.
4. You are either a) like the Dutch, just less efficient, b) like the French, just less romantic, c) like the Germans.
5. Decent fries. Real mayonnaise. Great chocolate. The best beer.
6. No one knows anything about you, except for the Dutch and French and they make fun of you.
7. More scandals in a week than any other country in a decade.
8. You can drive like a maniac on the road and nobody cares.
9. All your famous countrymen are either imaginary, or sex-offenders.
10. Face it. It's not really a country, is it?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Kinda Cheeses Me Off
I learned a word today in the crossword puzzle. That ticks me off because I figure I should already know any word (apart from foreign words and proper names and some specific cultural references, like anything pop music-y in about the last ten years) appearing in a crossword puzzle.
What was the word? Estival. Go look it up.
UPDATE: OK then. I'll use it in a sentence. "The weather here is ridiculously estival."
UPDATE UPDATE: This is to note my screwup and acknowledge that I've edited this post. I originally wrote down the word as "estivial" but the X-word actually had it as "estival." So I changed the word in the body of my post (as the point was not that I learned a wrong word but learned a word, period.) I stand, sit and lie down (both prone and supine) corrected.
And in other business, further adventures in XP land. Well, not really. I'm waiting on the delivery of memory modules which are slated to arrive on Tuesday. I will give Dell credit on making a minitower that opens easily but such a design feature is about as easy as designing a knob on a car radio. But I will say that ease of access is a good thing.
So. Memory comes. Install it. Boot up to see if i can get the system to run better than it did before. See if I can get a service pack installed. If not, I do another back up, reinstall XP and restore files. It'll be interesting to see how it works as I've never done that on the Windows side.
On the other hand (I will run out of hands pretty soon), the USB drive to which I backed up the XP system runs cleanly off the Dell. My iMac does not deliver sufficient power through a single USB port to run the 320 GB drive (it runs the 80 GB drive I've been backing up to though). So to back up my system in the future, I'm going to have to get a "Y" cable that'll pull power from two USB slots. (sigh) Not a huge problem but ... (sigh).
I'm thinking that a new iMac would let me run a Windows OS in Boot Camp. Not that I really want to run Windows but I'd like to be conversant on both (major) sides of the OSes. It might be fun to try a beta version of Windows 7 on my Mac.
Tomorrow there will be tea blogging.
I learned a word today in the crossword puzzle. That ticks me off because I figure I should already know any word (apart from foreign words and proper names and some specific cultural references, like anything pop music-y in about the last ten years) appearing in a crossword puzzle.
What was the word? Estival. Go look it up.
UPDATE: OK then. I'll use it in a sentence. "The weather here is ridiculously estival."
UPDATE UPDATE: This is to note my screwup and acknowledge that I've edited this post. I originally wrote down the word as "estivial" but the X-word actually had it as "estival." So I changed the word in the body of my post (as the point was not that I learned a wrong word but learned a word, period.) I stand, sit and lie down (both prone and supine) corrected.
And in other business, further adventures in XP land. Well, not really. I'm waiting on the delivery of memory modules which are slated to arrive on Tuesday. I will give Dell credit on making a minitower that opens easily but such a design feature is about as easy as designing a knob on a car radio. But I will say that ease of access is a good thing.
So. Memory comes. Install it. Boot up to see if i can get the system to run better than it did before. See if I can get a service pack installed. If not, I do another back up, reinstall XP and restore files. It'll be interesting to see how it works as I've never done that on the Windows side.
On the other hand (I will run out of hands pretty soon), the USB drive to which I backed up the XP system runs cleanly off the Dell. My iMac does not deliver sufficient power through a single USB port to run the 320 GB drive (it runs the 80 GB drive I've been backing up to though). So to back up my system in the future, I'm going to have to get a "Y" cable that'll pull power from two USB slots. (sigh) Not a huge problem but ... (sigh).
I'm thinking that a new iMac would let me run a Windows OS in Boot Camp. Not that I really want to run Windows but I'd like to be conversant on both (major) sides of the OSes. It might be fun to try a beta version of Windows 7 on my Mac.
Tomorrow there will be tea blogging.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Holy ... OK Then: Wow!
Apple has just released the new iMac line. Beautiful stuff. Single sheet aluminum body, speed, memory and drive size bumps all around. One can now get a 24 inch iMac with a 2.66 GHz processor and a 640 GB hard drive for $1500. That is one hell of a machine for a price unseen previously.
And that's even mentioning all the built-in doodads like the iSight camera and the way-cool application suite that comes with the latest iteration of OS X.
Sweet.
Apple has just released the new iMac line. Beautiful stuff. Single sheet aluminum body, speed, memory and drive size bumps all around. One can now get a 24 inch iMac with a 2.66 GHz processor and a 640 GB hard drive for $1500. That is one hell of a machine for a price unseen previously.
And that's even mentioning all the built-in doodads like the iSight camera and the way-cool application suite that comes with the latest iteration of OS X.
Sweet.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Snow Day!
Whee! The day dawned grey and snowy with actual snow whipping the neighborhood as the tip of the lash of big wind. By now, the streets are plowed and some very nice neighbors helped me out with the shoveling (thank you!). Luckily I have more to do even sitting at my desk than I'd ever want and, I'm rather happy to say, that I'm devoting my attention to a friend's PC that's been flakier than a good Southern biscuit.
What's that you say? A Mac guy going all MacGyver on a PC? Damn skippy. I want to be able to fix anything. Lycurgus is the engineering genius in the family but I can learn. And I'm making progress. The Dell's wireless connection is now up and stable. I'm running the disk defragmenter now (oooh! 22% done!) and once that's done, I'm going to try to get Service Pack 2 properly installed, a current version of Internet Explorer and then the free version of AVG anti-virus software in place. I did put Firefox on the machine but I learn that Microsoft is only willing to do updates through IE. Also, the version of XP running on the machine is aged enough that the AVG software ,which I've already installed, doesn't want to run on it. That'll change.
It does leave me wonder though - how do you people deal with what Windows puts you through? God bless ya.
UPDATE: I think I see a problem with this machine - 384 MB of RAM. Not even half a gig. Yikes. I've suggested to the owner she buy a couple of 512 MB memory modules.
Whee! The day dawned grey and snowy with actual snow whipping the neighborhood as the tip of the lash of big wind. By now, the streets are plowed and some very nice neighbors helped me out with the shoveling (thank you!). Luckily I have more to do even sitting at my desk than I'd ever want and, I'm rather happy to say, that I'm devoting my attention to a friend's PC that's been flakier than a good Southern biscuit.
What's that you say? A Mac guy going all MacGyver on a PC? Damn skippy. I want to be able to fix anything. Lycurgus is the engineering genius in the family but I can learn. And I'm making progress. The Dell's wireless connection is now up and stable. I'm running the disk defragmenter now (oooh! 22% done!) and once that's done, I'm going to try to get Service Pack 2 properly installed, a current version of Internet Explorer and then the free version of AVG anti-virus software in place. I did put Firefox on the machine but I learn that Microsoft is only willing to do updates through IE. Also, the version of XP running on the machine is aged enough that the AVG software ,which I've already installed, doesn't want to run on it. That'll change.
It does leave me wonder though - how do you people deal with what Windows puts you through? God bless ya.
UPDATE: I think I see a problem with this machine - 384 MB of RAM. Not even half a gig. Yikes. I've suggested to the owner she buy a couple of 512 MB memory modules.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Next Movie
JEDI REALTOR!
As a couple is walking through the house for sale:
"This is the house you're looking for.
"This the house we're looking for."
"You want to pay full asking price."
"We want to pay full asking price."
"There are many fine amenities and the smell of the paper mill is piquant and delightful."
"There are many fine amenities and the smell of the paper mill is piquant and delightful."
And in less than a month, the housing crisis is over and the economy is restored! Yay! Everyone dances around like Ewoks.
JEDI REALTOR!
As a couple is walking through the house for sale:
"This is the house you're looking for.
"This the house we're looking for."
"You want to pay full asking price."
"We want to pay full asking price."
"There are many fine amenities and the smell of the paper mill is piquant and delightful."
"There are many fine amenities and the smell of the paper mill is piquant and delightful."
And in less than a month, the housing crisis is over and the economy is restored! Yay! Everyone dances around like Ewoks.
Linkage
Billy Beck today is just laden with good stuff. Go thou and read, read, read. Guitars, police-state thuggery and rational personal freedom all wrapped in his uncompromising and mordant style.
On the lighter side, Joe Sherlock posts a picture of himself as the victim of a train wreck. A model train wreck but it managed to whack him pretty hard. Heal fast, heal well Joe!
Billy Beck today is just laden with good stuff. Go thou and read, read, read. Guitars, police-state thuggery and rational personal freedom all wrapped in his uncompromising and mordant style.
On the lighter side, Joe Sherlock posts a picture of himself as the victim of a train wreck. A model train wreck but it managed to whack him pretty hard. Heal fast, heal well Joe!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Little Mashup Fun
Jandrew Edits is a page of brief and very funny mashups of Star Trek: The Next Generation clips. I'll find one featuring the dashing and cue-ball'd Patrick Stewart for our blog friend Gradual Dazzle. It made me laugh. One minute and five seconds of Picardy goodness.
Jandrew Edits is a page of brief and very funny mashups of Star Trek: The Next Generation clips. I'll find one featuring the dashing and cue-ball'd Patrick Stewart for our blog friend Gradual Dazzle. It made me laugh. One minute and five seconds of Picardy goodness.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Horrifying Revelation
I looked in my closet a couple of days ago and realized that if I keep losing weight, I will never have to buy clothes again in my life. Apart from the hip-area underlayment garments of course. They do wear out. On the other hand, I may be wearing some clothes that are so far out of date that "retro" is a kind descriptor. Contrasting collar and cuffs anyone? I still like the Henley tees my ex bought for me.
Also, the Enigmatic Misanthrope was due for a bit of the old oral surgery recently. We hope he is doing well and the new gums (made out of Bubblicious as I understand it) are working well for him.
ALSO: Register. Get a free Quizno's sub.
I looked in my closet a couple of days ago and realized that if I keep losing weight, I will never have to buy clothes again in my life. Apart from the hip-area underlayment garments of course. They do wear out. On the other hand, I may be wearing some clothes that are so far out of date that "retro" is a kind descriptor. Contrasting collar and cuffs anyone? I still like the Henley tees my ex bought for me.
Also, the Enigmatic Misanthrope was due for a bit of the old oral surgery recently. We hope he is doing well and the new gums (made out of Bubblicious as I understand it) are working well for him.
ALSO: Register. Get a free Quizno's sub.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Medicine For Melancholy
I make it a point on Sunday evening to listen to one NPR radio show: "From the Top." It is a show that features the music of teenagers, maybe even into the early 20s who play classical music. And who play it very, very well.
When the gloomy doomy atmosphere hangs over the body politic like the Sword of Obamacles (OK, that was a stretch, I apologize), it is heartening to listen to the beautiful playing of youth who have chosen the discipline of effort to learn the enduring music of humanity. The teenaged oboist, the young cellist, the African-American who plays saxophone not for jazz or pop but for the classical repertoire that exists for Herr Sax's ophone. Well, jazz and pop are probably in there too but how nice to hear the more esoteric music as well.
And, just for your delectation is my friend the Guitar Nazi's newest axe:
That's PRS's Whale Blue on a gorgeous 10 top of flame maple. Really excellent flaming on this one - in person you can see the depth of the three dimensional effect great flaming has. Notice also the "soapbar" pickups. Some names are obvious. Click the pic to embiggen.
I make it a point on Sunday evening to listen to one NPR radio show: "From the Top." It is a show that features the music of teenagers, maybe even into the early 20s who play classical music. And who play it very, very well.
When the gloomy doomy atmosphere hangs over the body politic like the Sword of Obamacles (OK, that was a stretch, I apologize), it is heartening to listen to the beautiful playing of youth who have chosen the discipline of effort to learn the enduring music of humanity. The teenaged oboist, the young cellist, the African-American who plays saxophone not for jazz or pop but for the classical repertoire that exists for Herr Sax's ophone. Well, jazz and pop are probably in there too but how nice to hear the more esoteric music as well.
And, just for your delectation is my friend the Guitar Nazi's newest axe:
That's PRS's Whale Blue on a gorgeous 10 top of flame maple. Really excellent flaming on this one - in person you can see the depth of the three dimensional effect great flaming has. Notice also the "soapbar" pickups. Some names are obvious. Click the pic to embiggen.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Lye-ing Sunzabitches
My mail order lye arrived yesterday. Bottom line: it was 16 oz of "100% Lye Drain Cleaner." I don't mind the price (two bucks) but the "shipping weight" of 12 pounds was a flat out lie of grotesque proportions. It arrived wrapped in a hank of bubble wrap and accompanied by a plastic air pillow in a USPS "flat rate envelope."
I'm going to post an Amazon review saying that the shipping weight is beef by-product and the shipping cost is unconscionable. What do they think this is? eBay?
My mail order lye arrived yesterday. Bottom line: it was 16 oz of "100% Lye Drain Cleaner." I don't mind the price (two bucks) but the "shipping weight" of 12 pounds was a flat out lie of grotesque proportions. It arrived wrapped in a hank of bubble wrap and accompanied by a plastic air pillow in a USPS "flat rate envelope."
I'm going to post an Amazon review saying that the shipping weight is beef by-product and the shipping cost is unconscionable. What do they think this is? eBay?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Oh The S Word
Today is a day wasted in the throes of a case of food poisoning. I had a can of soup and I did not, apparently adequately heat it. If I'm among the living on Sunday, I'll have to do some cleaning up. And a really long hot shower would not be amiss. But I don't have the strength to stand in the streaming water today.
Bleagh.
UPDATE: Friends from Massachusetts were visiting locally this weekend so I went out to western Maryland on Saturday evening to conviviate. I ate dinner (roast chicken, potatoes, kale, salad, roasted red peppers) and I seemed to handle that all well. But Sunday morning I went back out to spend more time with the gaggle of folks and ate breakfast. That, did not sit well. So yesterday I felt like hell again but at least wasn't urping and rurping. Today, I think I'm amongst the living but I'm not planning on eating much of anything.
Today is a day wasted in the throes of a case of food poisoning. I had a can of soup and I did not, apparently adequately heat it. If I'm among the living on Sunday, I'll have to do some cleaning up. And a really long hot shower would not be amiss. But I don't have the strength to stand in the streaming water today.
Bleagh.
UPDATE: Friends from Massachusetts were visiting locally this weekend so I went out to western Maryland on Saturday evening to conviviate. I ate dinner (roast chicken, potatoes, kale, salad, roasted red peppers) and I seemed to handle that all well. But Sunday morning I went back out to spend more time with the gaggle of folks and ate breakfast. That, did not sit well. So yesterday I felt like hell again but at least wasn't urping and rurping. Today, I think I'm amongst the living but I'm not planning on eating much of anything.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Dammit!
Is anyone out there unfamiliar with Red Devil Lye? It's been sold at my local Safeway since the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. I frequently use it to clean such things as kitchen dishrags, clothing that has such cleaning problems as other products are unable to touch (have you ever discovered a pillow case that has a pronounced yellowing from a lifetime of facial oil? Boil that sucker in lye.) So I don't use much but I like to have it around for occasional needs.
It's not being made anymore. It's not that Safeway isn't carrying it - it's not being manufactured any longer. In my Googling after being denied at the store, I learned that lye is one of the chemicals that's used in the production of methamphetamine. Of course it's also used in the making of soap and even some cooking (hominy anyone?) so if you're a regular person who might have reason to use a chemical that can be made from wood ash, you now have to adjust your use to the prohibitionist tactics of the "war on drugs." Let's just declare we've won and move on, okay? Like the Democrats wanted do with Iraq.
As it turns out, the making of lye itself is not banned but instead of going to my local grocery and purchasing a little plastic bottle of the stuff, I find it on Amazon for $1.99 with a shipping cost of $10.49. Not that it's "lye" that I'm buying but "100% Lye Drain Opener." Yeah, okay, right. Whatever. Now I'm probably on the DEA's watchlist for being a potential meth chef. "No, officer! I wanted to clean some pillow cases! Honest!"
Stangely, the Amazon page doesn't explicitly state the amount the container holds. But since the shipping weight is 12 pounds, I'm going to assume that I've just bought myself a lifetime supply of lye. If you come for a visit, I'll share. Bring a jar.
On The Other Hand: Skittles flavored vodka. I may have to try that. Where do I get those cool bottles?
Is anyone out there unfamiliar with Red Devil Lye? It's been sold at my local Safeway since the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. I frequently use it to clean such things as kitchen dishrags, clothing that has such cleaning problems as other products are unable to touch (have you ever discovered a pillow case that has a pronounced yellowing from a lifetime of facial oil? Boil that sucker in lye.) So I don't use much but I like to have it around for occasional needs.
It's not being made anymore. It's not that Safeway isn't carrying it - it's not being manufactured any longer. In my Googling after being denied at the store, I learned that lye is one of the chemicals that's used in the production of methamphetamine. Of course it's also used in the making of soap and even some cooking (hominy anyone?) so if you're a regular person who might have reason to use a chemical that can be made from wood ash, you now have to adjust your use to the prohibitionist tactics of the "war on drugs." Let's just declare we've won and move on, okay? Like the Democrats wanted do with Iraq.
As it turns out, the making of lye itself is not banned but instead of going to my local grocery and purchasing a little plastic bottle of the stuff, I find it on Amazon for $1.99 with a shipping cost of $10.49. Not that it's "lye" that I'm buying but "100% Lye Drain Opener." Yeah, okay, right. Whatever. Now I'm probably on the DEA's watchlist for being a potential meth chef. "No, officer! I wanted to clean some pillow cases! Honest!"
Stangely, the Amazon page doesn't explicitly state the amount the container holds. But since the shipping weight is 12 pounds, I'm going to assume that I've just bought myself a lifetime supply of lye. If you come for a visit, I'll share. Bring a jar.
On The Other Hand: Skittles flavored vodka. I may have to try that. Where do I get those cool bottles?
A Rare Act
One on the blogroll was deleted today. A long-term blogroller she was but her vitriolic partisanship has become intolerable at last. Her blog lately is a cesspool of class envy, Republican bashing (Sabanes-Oxley, passed 99-0 by the Senate in the wake of business scandals blamed on Republicans by a partisan chattering class of media and politicans, is now an awful thing that the Republicans forced on the world), and utter lack of understanding of who Obama is ("at least he's doing something") and what the generational theft act of fake stimulus really is.
I thought she was smarter than that. I've been wrong before. And, no I'm not naming the blog as that usually leads to stupid, petty neener-neener-I'm-delisting-you foolishness. I just want to say why I did what I did.
One on the blogroll was deleted today. A long-term blogroller she was but her vitriolic partisanship has become intolerable at last. Her blog lately is a cesspool of class envy, Republican bashing (Sabanes-Oxley, passed 99-0 by the Senate in the wake of business scandals blamed on Republicans by a partisan chattering class of media and politicans, is now an awful thing that the Republicans forced on the world), and utter lack of understanding of who Obama is ("at least he's doing something") and what the generational theft act of fake stimulus really is.
I thought she was smarter than that. I've been wrong before. And, no I'm not naming the blog as that usually leads to stupid, petty neener-neener-I'm-delisting-you foolishness. I just want to say why I did what I did.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bad Language Alert
Skip this post if you'd prefer not to have read bad, bad, naughty words.
Earlier I referred to Massachusetts congressman by my preferred term of art: "mush-mouthed Sodomite Barney Frank." I've arrived, now, at the realization that he can be called, with a high degree of technical accuracy, "that cocksucker from Massachusetts" instead. A bit longer but with more pith. And I thay, pith on him. Though he may like that so, no.
It also struck me that "congressman" has some freight inasmuch as he prefers congress with men.
Skip this post if you'd prefer not to have read bad, bad, naughty words.
Earlier I referred to Massachusetts congressman by my preferred term of art: "mush-mouthed Sodomite Barney Frank." I've arrived, now, at the realization that he can be called, with a high degree of technical accuracy, "that cocksucker from Massachusetts" instead. A bit longer but with more pith. And I thay, pith on him. Though he may like that so, no.
It also struck me that "congressman" has some freight inasmuch as he prefers congress with men.
Monday, February 09, 2009
News From Pug Acres North
The XMBD NMSE just sent me a picture which is far too charming not to share.
In the middle is Weenie who is, and I quote, "a 10.5-yr-old Mini Dachshund weighing in at a whopping 9.5 pounds and making pugs look ginormous." The name came with the dog who was adopted just before Christmas.
I think this was effort by the ranch owners of Pug Acres North to cowboy up (i.e. "get a long, little doggie") and move toward a position where the average of dog snout length begins to approach the norm. Weenie is described as "a hoot." I believe it. Dash hounds are scrappy but sweet. May Weenie have a nice long run at his new home.
The XMBD NMSE just sent me a picture which is far too charming not to share.
In the middle is Weenie who is, and I quote, "a 10.5-yr-old Mini Dachshund weighing in at a whopping 9.5 pounds and making pugs look ginormous." The name came with the dog who was adopted just before Christmas.I think this was effort by the ranch owners of Pug Acres North to cowboy up (i.e. "get a long, little doggie") and move toward a position where the average of dog snout length begins to approach the norm. Weenie is described as "a hoot." I believe it. Dash hounds are scrappy but sweet. May Weenie have a nice long run at his new home.
Something Inside Me Is Starting To Break Loose
Last night I slept horribly. I fell asleep in the recliner with the television on and a light on as well. Not my usual thing at all. But in the few hours I was actually absent from the world, I dreamed. I dreamed that I did standup comedy. In front of an audience. My act was coherent, reactive with the crowd and lasted, in non-dream time, probably about ten minutes. Today I'm starting the process of gathering what I've been writing into a single source so that I can put it together and make funny with it. Fingers crossed.
The other randomly vicious thought that passed unbidden over the shell-cratered landscape of my brain was the call by our president for a limit to executive compensation on those businesses that take federal recovery funds. Actually, I don't have a problem with that. It, after all, would be basic contract law. You take funding from the taxpayer, you will be held to these conditions. If that's unacceptable, then you don't suck money from the federal teat. I won't even get into the fevered fantasies of mush-mouthed Sodomite Barney Frank to try to impose salary caps on all business. He seems to want to destroy the American economy like he destroyed the housing industry. All the better to make citizens into serfs of liege lord government.
But the errant thought was about an aspect of salary capping that, to my knowledge, has not even been considered. To wit: Much is made by the left of Rush Limbaugh "using" the airwaves that are 'owned by all Americans." Well, so do the broadcast television networks. Why, then should Katie Couric be paid (Googling...) $15 million when she is "getting" the public's airwaves?
I think, if the left is actually going to go after Rush, I may have to start the movement to go after network anchors who are paid CEO salaries to read the news. Hell, Barack is an expert Tele-Prompter reader. He can do the news.
Last night I slept horribly. I fell asleep in the recliner with the television on and a light on as well. Not my usual thing at all. But in the few hours I was actually absent from the world, I dreamed. I dreamed that I did standup comedy. In front of an audience. My act was coherent, reactive with the crowd and lasted, in non-dream time, probably about ten minutes. Today I'm starting the process of gathering what I've been writing into a single source so that I can put it together and make funny with it. Fingers crossed.
The other randomly vicious thought that passed unbidden over the shell-cratered landscape of my brain was the call by our president for a limit to executive compensation on those businesses that take federal recovery funds. Actually, I don't have a problem with that. It, after all, would be basic contract law. You take funding from the taxpayer, you will be held to these conditions. If that's unacceptable, then you don't suck money from the federal teat. I won't even get into the fevered fantasies of mush-mouthed Sodomite Barney Frank to try to impose salary caps on all business. He seems to want to destroy the American economy like he destroyed the housing industry. All the better to make citizens into serfs of liege lord government.
But the errant thought was about an aspect of salary capping that, to my knowledge, has not even been considered. To wit: Much is made by the left of Rush Limbaugh "using" the airwaves that are 'owned by all Americans." Well, so do the broadcast television networks. Why, then should Katie Couric be paid (Googling...) $15 million when she is "getting" the public's airwaves?
I think, if the left is actually going to go after Rush, I may have to start the movement to go after network anchors who are paid CEO salaries to read the news. Hell, Barack is an expert Tele-Prompter reader. He can do the news.
Friday, February 06, 2009
New Music
Emm Gryner's new disc "Goddess" arrived in the mail this week and I've been playing as obsessively as an slobbering fanboi would. I really want to say that "she goes from strength to strength" but her last CD "The Summer of High Hopes" was simply epically great, magnificent, a freaking marvel. This one is "only" damn good. How talented is this woman who has never put out a bad set of music and has three (out of ten) discs that are ... words fail me. I have to go back to epically great: "Public," "Asian Blue" and "Summer of High Hopes." Add in two discs of cover versions ("Girl Versions" of rock songs that have never been covered in such innovative ways and "Songs of Love and Death" of Irish music) which are superb and superbly interesting and half her entire body of work right there is ... amazing.
Aw hell, I could go on and on but I just wanted to get a quick post up on the fact that I have the new music and it's great. I'd put it on a par with her "The Great Lakes" and "Dead Relatives" which stand just behind the three epically great discs.
I strongly urge anyone who likes real music - melodic, well-played, well-sung to avail themselves of her work.
Emm Gryner's new disc "Goddess" arrived in the mail this week and I've been playing as obsessively as an slobbering fanboi would. I really want to say that "she goes from strength to strength" but her last CD "The Summer of High Hopes" was simply epically great, magnificent, a freaking marvel. This one is "only" damn good. How talented is this woman who has never put out a bad set of music and has three (out of ten) discs that are ... words fail me. I have to go back to epically great: "Public," "Asian Blue" and "Summer of High Hopes." Add in two discs of cover versions ("Girl Versions" of rock songs that have never been covered in such innovative ways and "Songs of Love and Death" of Irish music) which are superb and superbly interesting and half her entire body of work right there is ... amazing.
Aw hell, I could go on and on but I just wanted to get a quick post up on the fact that I have the new music and it's great. I'd put it on a par with her "The Great Lakes" and "Dead Relatives" which stand just behind the three epically great discs.
I strongly urge anyone who likes real music - melodic, well-played, well-sung to avail themselves of her work.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
To the woman who crapped in my car..
Date: 2009-01-25, 8:53PM EST
We met on Craigslist so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could quite possibly be the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am willing to look past that.
I thought we had chemistry sitting at McMenamins sharing that basket of Cajun Tots while drinking the Terminator Stout. I really felt like there was a connection there. I found you to be intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you.
I’m the last person to judge you for crapping your pants. In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand, could have been a tad bit better…like when you’re not sitting on a heated leather seat…
What I am trying to say is that if you want to go out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract.
I await your call,
EM
P.S. - If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early…Touché…
Date: 2009-01-25, 8:53PM EST
We met on Craigslist so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could quite possibly be the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am willing to look past that.
I thought we had chemistry sitting at McMenamins sharing that basket of Cajun Tots while drinking the Terminator Stout. I really felt like there was a connection there. I found you to be intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you.
I’m the last person to judge you for crapping your pants. In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand, could have been a tad bit better…like when you’re not sitting on a heated leather seat…
What I am trying to say is that if you want to go out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract.
I await your call,
EM
P.S. - If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early…Touché…
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Just twisted thoughts:
!!FIRE!!
!!FIRE!!
Because when you’re drunk enough, anything is awesome.
We're here for a good time, not a long time.
We're here for a good time, not a long time.
Live your life in such a way that
when your feet hit the floor in the morning,
The Devil shudders & says...'Oh shit..he's awake!!'
Free Tibet (Limit one per customer)
Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.
Free Tibet (Limit one per customer)
Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant, filled with odd waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
A Couple of Random Thoughts On A February Day
First, the whole Michael Phelps kerfuffle. The champion swimmer gets his pic snapped sucking on a bong. I'm not in favor of the ganja but I'm not opposed to it, particularly, either. But it does lead to this fantasy:
Swimmer Michael Phelps today expressed his support for the Mexican bid to host the Olympic Games. Said the multiple medal winner: "I'd really like to get my hands on some Acapulco gold."
And then in the mood of these parlous, Shakespearean times, one is tempted to rewrite The Bard, specifically, a famous phrase from "Richard III," to fit the mood of the electorate and this lie of a "stimulus" bill.
First, the whole Michael Phelps kerfuffle. The champion swimmer gets his pic snapped sucking on a bong. I'm not in favor of the ganja but I'm not opposed to it, particularly, either. But it does lead to this fantasy:
Swimmer Michael Phelps today expressed his support for the Mexican bid to host the Olympic Games. Said the multiple medal winner: "I'd really like to get my hands on some Acapulco gold."
And then in the mood of these parlous, Shakespearean times, one is tempted to rewrite The Bard, specifically, a famous phrase from "Richard III," to fit the mood of the electorate and this lie of a "stimulus" bill.
Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this ton of pork!
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