Sigh Heaved
Tired today. Luckily, nothing is pressing me today. I was going to have my dear, dear friends Teh Wilmington Boyz in for a visit but there is health trouble and that visit will have to wait. Say a prayer for Ed, if you will. Our time here is brief, no need to speed the plow.
Yesterday was a bit of running around in the rain, a visit to Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center (if you're ever in the market for a guitar, see Bill Brooks at Chuck's, he's done right by me but then I go with a guy who's probably bought a nice car's worth of axes). Lunch at my local Don Pablo's (Messican type food that can be best described as "acceptable"). An at-home wherein the new guitars were restrung and set up with sweet, slinky low actions by the Guitar Nazi and his best bud who's visiting from Colorado. Then a bite of dinner at a hole-in-the-wall Thai place and finally home where I tried to do some work on the computer and was practically cross-eyed with that kind of tiredness that leaves you bouncing between sleep and wakefulness.
I think today calls for a nap. And coffee. I'll probably use my last package of mix to make jalapeno cornbread muffins and, if I gin up the gumption, some grocery shopping. I need a good supply of Cherry Coke Zero.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
BlogDog's Quick And Dirty Movie Reviews
First, the Robert Downey Sherlock Holmes movie:
A really, really good action adventure flick. A Sherlock Homes movie? No. No, it's not. Not even close. Holmes was a club fixture, not a club fighter. And Rachael McAdams is an actress who just sets my teeth on edge. I don't "get it" about her. She's about 70% standard Hollywood actress looks and 30% "what the hell is she doing in a movie?" She does not have the heft to play Irene Adler who was the only woman to best Sherlock Homes and because of that, as close as any woman came to being a love interest in the Holmes stories. Ignore the very idea that it's Sherlock Holmes and you'll have a very entertaining slam-bang action movie. The Victorian era Bourne movie, if you will.
Next, "The Hangover" (on HBO this weekend):
Surprisingly good. Reasonably intricately plotted with only a couple of glaringly obvious flaws (that the Zack Galifianakis is a card counting savant strains credulity to the breaking point) and one other major plot point fails miserably but since it's a huge spoiler I won't say what. And it may as lie like a sleeping dog because there's no movie otherwise. Not a heck of a lot to like in the characters though it's nice to see Ed Helms get a major comedy role. And he gets to suck face with Heather Graham which is reason enough to become an actor. Not an all time classic but very, very funny.
Finally, the second Transformers movie:
Oh good Lord. What a massive crapfest. Meghan Fox has eyes that rival Milla Jovovich for witchy hotness but she's a weak actress and all that was good about the first Transformers movie is lost in a bunch of crashing bullflap in this one. The only thing I really liked was the transformation of the SR-71 Blackbird in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum into a Decepticon-turned-good guy robot. And it's possible that if Michael Bay gets to make a couple more movies, there won't be enough explosives in the world to wage any wars. If there is any justice in the world, the franchise dies with this one.
First, the Robert Downey Sherlock Holmes movie:
A really, really good action adventure flick. A Sherlock Homes movie? No. No, it's not. Not even close. Holmes was a club fixture, not a club fighter. And Rachael McAdams is an actress who just sets my teeth on edge. I don't "get it" about her. She's about 70% standard Hollywood actress looks and 30% "what the hell is she doing in a movie?" She does not have the heft to play Irene Adler who was the only woman to best Sherlock Homes and because of that, as close as any woman came to being a love interest in the Holmes stories. Ignore the very idea that it's Sherlock Holmes and you'll have a very entertaining slam-bang action movie. The Victorian era Bourne movie, if you will.
Next, "The Hangover" (on HBO this weekend):
Surprisingly good. Reasonably intricately plotted with only a couple of glaringly obvious flaws (that the Zack Galifianakis is a card counting savant strains credulity to the breaking point) and one other major plot point fails miserably but since it's a huge spoiler I won't say what. And it may as lie like a sleeping dog because there's no movie otherwise. Not a heck of a lot to like in the characters though it's nice to see Ed Helms get a major comedy role. And he gets to suck face with Heather Graham which is reason enough to become an actor. Not an all time classic but very, very funny.
Finally, the second Transformers movie:
Oh good Lord. What a massive crapfest. Meghan Fox has eyes that rival Milla Jovovich for witchy hotness but she's a weak actress and all that was good about the first Transformers movie is lost in a bunch of crashing bullflap in this one. The only thing I really liked was the transformation of the SR-71 Blackbird in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum into a Decepticon-turned-good guy robot. And it's possible that if Michael Bay gets to make a couple more movies, there won't be enough explosives in the world to wage any wars. If there is any justice in the world, the franchise dies with this one.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wherein I Buy Myself a Birthday Present
OK, honesty compels me to admit that I've already bought myself one thing (because it was on sale at The 'Zon), a cordless Dremel tool. I did not pay that much. But I was casting about for something else as a pure indulgence and what should appear in my in box but another communique from the Wall Street Journal Wine folks. To wit: the "Summer Rosé and Bubbly Case." With shipping and tax it works out to a shade under $14 per bottle and the wines I've gotten so far have been really good so far (and superb in one [half]case). These look really good for a hot summer evening on the deck:
OK, honesty compels me to admit that I've already bought myself one thing (because it was on sale at The 'Zon), a cordless Dremel tool. I did not pay that much. But I was casting about for something else as a pure indulgence and what should appear in my in box but another communique from the Wall Street Journal Wine folks. To wit: the "Summer Rosé and Bubbly Case." With shipping and tax it works out to a shade under $14 per bottle and the wines I've gotten so far have been really good so far (and superb in one [half]case). These look really good for a hot summer evening on the deck:
French Fizz: Roche Lacour is a Champagne-quality favorite from the historic sparkling wine town of Limoux. Joyful PS is a gently sparkling Syrah rosé from Provence.Looks like it could be a pleasant summer. Come on over. We'll drink a bottle of rosé and talk of the world.
Italian Pink: High in the mountains of northern Italy, a gentle pressing of Pinot Grigio (a light red grape) gives a raspberry-scented rosé. You’ll enjoy two top finds.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Happy Birthday!
It's the sixth birthday of The View Through the Windshield, Joe Sherlock's most excellent and perspicacious blog. TVTW is a PoW all-star favorite and has vbeen on th blogroll for ... hmmm, a long time. Joe knows business, he knows cars and he's a dab hand as an artist as well, demonstrated by occasional black and white art work of cars. Wish I could produce art like that!
If you're not a regular visitor, you should be. There is always something interesting and sometimes there is an abundance of linkage and acute thinking. Finding someone like Joe is one of those things that the internet allows that never would have happened before. It's a clear demonstration of how technology adds to one's life. Happy blogiversay Joe!
It's the sixth birthday of The View Through the Windshield, Joe Sherlock's most excellent and perspicacious blog. TVTW is a PoW all-star favorite and has vbeen on th blogroll for ... hmmm, a long time. Joe knows business, he knows cars and he's a dab hand as an artist as well, demonstrated by occasional black and white art work of cars. Wish I could produce art like that!
If you're not a regular visitor, you should be. There is always something interesting and sometimes there is an abundance of linkage and acute thinking. Finding someone like Joe is one of those things that the internet allows that never would have happened before. It's a clear demonstration of how technology adds to one's life. Happy blogiversay Joe!
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Damn It
I awoke this morning pressed under the weight of unremembered dreams. It feels like the medieval torture where increasing numbers of stones are piled on until the breath is crushed out then the muscles and bones can not open the lungs to take more air in. But since it's a pressure of mind, an insubstantial thing, all the crushing weight only forces out tears. So I wake up, as Kang or Kodos once put it, leaking ocular fluid yet there's no reason why. Though, of course, there always is.
I suppose if I remember the dreams, it was a night as full of dreams as it was of lack of sun, it may become clear. I've had dreams like that. I even remember some of them. I'm not going to write them here. I'm just going to mention them.
UPDATE: On top of that, today's "Live from the Met" is seriously not to my taste: Berg's "Lulu." Too non-melodically modern for my taste. The story's engagingly perverse though (link will take you to Wikipedia where it's all laid out - and I do mean "laid"). Oh well. After a string of several wonderful broadcasts, the last of the season hits a clinker for me. There are those who like this sort of thing and more power to them. No! Less power to them. Just a little bit of power to them. Not enough to power to screw up the opera broadcasts for me. Tomorrow, the glorious Renée Fleming in my on-going opera babe series.
I awoke this morning pressed under the weight of unremembered dreams. It feels like the medieval torture where increasing numbers of stones are piled on until the breath is crushed out then the muscles and bones can not open the lungs to take more air in. But since it's a pressure of mind, an insubstantial thing, all the crushing weight only forces out tears. So I wake up, as Kang or Kodos once put it, leaking ocular fluid yet there's no reason why. Though, of course, there always is.
I suppose if I remember the dreams, it was a night as full of dreams as it was of lack of sun, it may become clear. I've had dreams like that. I even remember some of them. I'm not going to write them here. I'm just going to mention them.
UPDATE: On top of that, today's "Live from the Met" is seriously not to my taste: Berg's "Lulu." Too non-melodically modern for my taste. The story's engagingly perverse though (link will take you to Wikipedia where it's all laid out - and I do mean "laid"). Oh well. After a string of several wonderful broadcasts, the last of the season hits a clinker for me. There are those who like this sort of thing and more power to them. No! Less power to them. Just a little bit of power to them. Not enough to power to screw up the opera broadcasts for me. Tomorrow, the glorious Renée Fleming in my on-going opera babe series.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Guitarfleisch
Just a quick link to one of the most gorgeous colors Paul Reed Smith ever stained into tone wood: Bonni Pink. The model is a Custom 24 in a quilt maple with "old bird" inlays, a terrific guitar in any incarnation but drool-worthy in BP. It would run you about four grand if you wanted it. I'd love it but I don't feel like dropping four large in this economy.
Just a quick link to one of the most gorgeous colors Paul Reed Smith ever stained into tone wood: Bonni Pink. The model is a Custom 24 in a quilt maple with "old bird" inlays, a terrific guitar in any incarnation but drool-worthy in BP. It would run you about four grand if you wanted it. I'd love it but I don't feel like dropping four large in this economy.
Anzen Chitai - Deai
A very beautiful song by the Japanese group "Safety Zone."
One of my favorite songs. I meant to post this some time ago but it wasn't posted until late last year. This version is shorter than the one I have on CD but the CD has the "arubamu baashiyon" (album version). In any event, even half a minute shorter, it's a lovely song.
A very beautiful song by the Japanese group "Safety Zone."
One of my favorite songs. I meant to post this some time ago but it wasn't posted until late last year. This version is shorter than the one I have on CD but the CD has the "arubamu baashiyon" (album version). In any event, even half a minute shorter, it's a lovely song.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
May The Fifth
Screw your "sinko de myoh" pal. This is Boy's Day! Though called "Children's Day" now (pfaw! ptui!), the day is in celebration of the male offspring who will carry the family name and bring glory to the clan. You will fly your koinobori (carp pennant), one each for the parents (honor the parents) and one for each son and sized according to the age of the boys. Carp because the carp is a fish that swims upstream and grows large and strong. A model for young men.
You will display your kabuto (model samurai helmet) and Kintarō doll. All right, action figure. Traditional Japanese action figure. If that makes you feel better.
Somewhere I have a koinobori that dates back at least several decades and I have a kabuto packed away in my closet. I didn't plan for this day but I think next year I will have both out for the day. I'll post pics.
Go thou and swim upstream!
Screw your "sinko de myoh" pal. This is Boy's Day! Though called "Children's Day" now (pfaw! ptui!), the day is in celebration of the male offspring who will carry the family name and bring glory to the clan. You will fly your koinobori (carp pennant), one each for the parents (honor the parents) and one for each son and sized according to the age of the boys. Carp because the carp is a fish that swims upstream and grows large and strong. A model for young men.
You will display your kabuto (model samurai helmet) and Kintarō doll. All right, action figure. Traditional Japanese action figure. If that makes you feel better.
Somewhere I have a koinobori that dates back at least several decades and I have a kabuto packed away in my closet. I didn't plan for this day but I think next year I will have both out for the day. I'll post pics.
Go thou and swim upstream!
Sunday, May 02, 2010
L'amour Est Enfant De Bohème
(editorial comment deleted as no longer relevant)
This will be featuring the stunningly beautiful Romanian diva Angela Gheorghiu. A treat worth the wait, I assure you.
More comment on the morrow, but for now, you know the music but the face and voice may be new to you. It' a little unusual for an aria to be put together as a music video per se but here it is. Yes, she is that gorgeous.
(editorial comment deleted as no longer relevant)
This will be featuring the stunningly beautiful Romanian diva Angela Gheorghiu. A treat worth the wait, I assure you.
More comment on the morrow, but for now, you know the music but the face and voice may be new to you. It' a little unusual for an aria to be put together as a music video per se but here it is. Yes, she is that gorgeous.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Ugh
Lack of posting is due to my feeling like warmed over poo. Not warmed over death, just warmed over poo. Whatever I'm going through isn't killing me but it is lingering. It pains me to post this inconsequential info but I haven't been able to come up with any biting and trenchant observations or even pop some corn for humor.
I'll be back to the keyboard in a more interesting way shortly. I appreciate your attention while I muddle through.
One thing I can suggest though - If you haven't watched the latest episode of "Glee," called "Home," hie thee to Hulu to do so. Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison have a duet of "One Less Bell to Answer" that is absolutely amazing. Then again, that a voice like that can come out of a tiny little sprite like Kristin, not much more in music is more amazing. That little babe can belt it out. Yeah, "babe." I said it.
Lack of posting is due to my feeling like warmed over poo. Not warmed over death, just warmed over poo. Whatever I'm going through isn't killing me but it is lingering. It pains me to post this inconsequential info but I haven't been able to come up with any biting and trenchant observations or even pop some corn for humor.
I'll be back to the keyboard in a more interesting way shortly. I appreciate your attention while I muddle through.
One thing I can suggest though - If you haven't watched the latest episode of "Glee," called "Home," hie thee to Hulu to do so. Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison have a duet of "One Less Bell to Answer" that is absolutely amazing. Then again, that a voice like that can come out of a tiny little sprite like Kristin, not much more in music is more amazing. That little babe can belt it out. Yeah, "babe." I said it.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Continuing Women Of Opera Posting
Today, for your listening and viewing pleasure I present the lovely coloratura soprano Diana Damrau in the role of Queen of the Night in Mozart's glorious "Die Zauberflöte." The Metropolitan Opera recently broadcast "The Magic Flute" in its regular Saturday "Live from the Met" series and it was superb. I haven't listened to it for, well, I really can't recall when I last listened but it was so beautifully done that I bought the DVD whence Ms. Damrau's performance here was taken. I love the staging and her performance has all the beauty and simmering menace the Königin der Nacht is meant to have.
I know the opera is supposed to be laden with all sorts of intentional references to Freemasonry but that's one of those aspects about which I care not a whit. It's an opera (technically a "singspiel" since not all the dialog is sung) that's dramatic, funny (Papageno has to be one of the best comic characters in all opera) and the music ... Well, it's Mozart. Need one say more? So, without further delay, the lovely Ms. Damrau sings.
Today, for your listening and viewing pleasure I present the lovely coloratura soprano Diana Damrau in the role of Queen of the Night in Mozart's glorious "Die Zauberflöte." The Metropolitan Opera recently broadcast "The Magic Flute" in its regular Saturday "Live from the Met" series and it was superb. I haven't listened to it for, well, I really can't recall when I last listened but it was so beautifully done that I bought the DVD whence Ms. Damrau's performance here was taken. I love the staging and her performance has all the beauty and simmering menace the Königin der Nacht is meant to have.
I know the opera is supposed to be laden with all sorts of intentional references to Freemasonry but that's one of those aspects about which I care not a whit. It's an opera (technically a "singspiel" since not all the dialog is sung) that's dramatic, funny (Papageno has to be one of the best comic characters in all opera) and the music ... Well, it's Mozart. Need one say more? So, without further delay, the lovely Ms. Damrau sings.
Friday, April 23, 2010
In keeping with my legend of strange and inappropriate posts I bring you the.. "Tibetan Sky Burial". Warning! very graphic photos.. do not view if you are a sensitive type. You have been warned. All in all, a very environmentally friendly method of disposal. I see myself at the end of my days having this done in my backyard and inviting friends and relatives over... followed by an incredible BBQ.
http://mbvtravel.com/burials-in-tibet-not-for-sensitive-souls
http://mbvtravel.com/burials-in-tibet-not-for-sensitive-souls
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Who Has The Smallest Name On TV?
Mike Rowe. (say it aloud if you don't get where I'm going)
Mike Rowe. (say it aloud if you don't get where I'm going)
Monday, April 19, 2010
I Like The Looks Of This
"Discard the egg yolks?" Are you mad? Maybe they can't be used in this recipe but for the love of all that's protein, they can be used in other ways (added into a potato salad for example - but then I love an eggy potato salad).
And I love the instruction "whirl until the mixture is nubbly." Great image. I have a little shopping to do but I think I'll be assaying this one over the weekend.
SMOKED SALMON DEVILED EGGS
Makes 8 stuffed egg halves. Instead of yolks, these deviled eggs are stuffed with smoked salmon mousse that tastes as rich, although it contains significantly less fat and cholesterol.
1/4 pound smoked salmon, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons light cream cheese
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground white or black pepper
4 large hard-cooked eggs, peeled and halved lengthwise
1. Place the salmon, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor. Whirl until the mixture is nubbly. Add 3 or 4 grinds of pepper and whirl to combine.
2. Remove and discard the egg yolks. Place the whites cut side up on a plate. With a spoon, scoop up enough salmon filling to make balls the size of yolks. Roll the filling between your fingers to form round balls. Set the filling into the whites. Serve chilled.
"Discard the egg yolks?" Are you mad? Maybe they can't be used in this recipe but for the love of all that's protein, they can be used in other ways (added into a potato salad for example - but then I love an eggy potato salad).
And I love the instruction "whirl until the mixture is nubbly." Great image. I have a little shopping to do but I think I'll be assaying this one over the weekend.
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