Quick final post for 2005.
There was some good, bad, and a whole lot of average. Thank you to all my friends (and wife) who made the good even better, the bad more bearable, and the average a pretty nice status quo.
All we can hope for when reflecting on the last year and looking towards the next....is improvement. We can always find find something about ourselves, job, family, or environment that we can work to better.
As for additional resolutions...we'll I'm still working on that but I find it's generally silly to make a resolution centered on this one date. They need to be ongoing initiatives, tied to achievable goals. Let's face it we all are who we are (brilliant, huh). Leopards can't change their spots. So make resolutions that fit who you are. I'm not going to resoluve to cure cancer or climb a mountain. Not going to happen. I can resolve to eat fewer fried foods. Might happen. Certainly more realistic.
Also...my past resolutions tend to have a delayed impact. Resolution 2000...shave head. Didn't do it till 2003. Resolution 2002...run marathon. Still waiting on that...I had been training but was derailed by the move (ah, but which move). Now, I'm focusing on maybe a half-marathon first.
Baby steps people.
And improvement. My final words to you this 2005.
Shalom
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
The Day After
Well...made it through the holiday without anything terribly crazy or negative happening. Jess and I spent the day with her Dad's side of the family and went to a horrible Rockin Jesus Hour type church service. I can't believe it's actially a Methodist church. The service was replete with multi-media, light electronica, and fake rock religious anthems. Not exactly my cup of tea. If I go to church, and it's really not that often, I prefer what some call High Church. I like a more traditional service with the pomp and circumstance of an official ceremony. I'm sure this has more to do with the way I was raised and it's familiarity than a judegment over which is better. That said...I think the more traditional type of service puts one in a more reverential mode and in a better place to contemplate the mysteries of eternity.
After the service...there was a whole lot of nothing...just socializing and eating. Very crowded...but it wasn't too bad.
My wonderful wife remembered something from 15-months ago and got me (us) a great present. She had some cedar Adirondack chairs and foot stools made. We initially found these chairs in Sept. 2004. Now have them. We just need a house and a porch on which to use them.
Finally watched Serenity last night. I still think it's a good movie. Better than Star Wars Episode III. But let's be honest...it's not too hard to be better than that movie.
After the service...there was a whole lot of nothing...just socializing and eating. Very crowded...but it wasn't too bad.
My wonderful wife remembered something from 15-months ago and got me (us) a great present. She had some cedar Adirondack chairs and foot stools made. We initially found these chairs in Sept. 2004. Now have them. We just need a house and a porch on which to use them.
Finally watched Serenity last night. I still think it's a good movie. Better than Star Wars Episode III. But let's be honest...it's not too hard to be better than that movie.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Christmas
Merry Christmas and good wishes to everyone. It's started off rather nice for me and Jess. Spent Christmas Eve with Doug, Alese, and Doug's family. Watched some football (KC won!). Dinner at Kobe, a Japanese steakhouse. Then gifts...lots of nice stuff. Cool new dishes, lots of board games, some books and the DVD set of the New Yorker...every one (4000+ issues) from 1925 to 2005. Very nice. I'm certain we weren't that good.
So...now we're off to Perry and Kathy's house. Should be interesting. There will be close to 30 people...that's a lot for Christmas morning. Especially for someone who grew up in a very nuclear family and often doesn't do well in extended family situations. Also...where are we all going to sit?
Hopefully Jess approves and enjoys her gifts...that would make the day a winner.
Again....Merry Christmas.
So...now we're off to Perry and Kathy's house. Should be interesting. There will be close to 30 people...that's a lot for Christmas morning. Especially for someone who grew up in a very nuclear family and often doesn't do well in extended family situations. Also...where are we all going to sit?
Hopefully Jess approves and enjoys her gifts...that would make the day a winner.
Again....Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Today's Word: Contrition
Contrition: Sincere remorse for wrongdoing; repentance.
Now this isn't directed at me...rather to someone else. Someone who has shown (near as I can tell) very little in the way of apologizing or owning-up to their actions (i.e. contrition). Work on it. Look in the mirror and own up to the hard truths.
On to something else...
Mike...there was a great Ken Nordine piece on All Things Considered last night. Thought of you. Here's a link to the piece.
And for Katand the language lovers out there...you know who you are...this fun link (NPR again).
Now this isn't directed at me...rather to someone else. Someone who has shown (near as I can tell) very little in the way of apologizing or owning-up to their actions (i.e. contrition). Work on it. Look in the mirror and own up to the hard truths.
On to something else...
Mike...there was a great Ken Nordine piece on All Things Considered last night. Thought of you. Here's a link to the piece.
And for Katand the language lovers out there...you know who you are...this fun link (NPR again).
Monday, December 19, 2005
Favorite Christmas Music...
I was thinking of my favorite holiday music. There's a lot of good stuff and there is a lot of crap. It seems anyone with (or without) a voice has to put out a holiday record. My tastes tend towards the traditional. My parents loved Christmas music but favoried crooners...so I associate the holidays with that type of music and delivery. I'm thinking of Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis, Englebert Humperdinck, Dean Martin, etc.
However...I've got two big exceptions to that style. The item in the first photo is a record from my mother's childhood. It's from the 1950's. It's excellent and very out of print and hard to find. There's a mixture of traditional and new (at that time). The new songs are my favorites...Mixie Pixie (about some type of holiday fairy), I've got Eighteen Cents (the amount the singer has to spend for the holidays), and the Little Christmas Stocking with a Hole (a fine parable about giving). I have a copy but it's packed right now and I've not listened to the record in years. Once we're moved into a new house I plan to get these into digital format. The record isn't in the best of shape.
My other favorite record is Merry Snoopy's Christmas. Most of you have heard the song about Snoopy and the Red Baron. This is an extention of that including a whole WWI storyline. It's a lot of fun. Side 2 has some non-Christmas tracks from the Royal Guardsmen, including the excellent, It's Sopwith Camel Time. This is another one that is out of print and needs to be ripped.
So...What is the preferred music of your holiday?
However...I've got two big exceptions to that style. The item in the first photo is a record from my mother's childhood. It's from the 1950's. It's excellent and very out of print and hard to find. There's a mixture of traditional and new (at that time). The new songs are my favorites...Mixie Pixie (about some type of holiday fairy), I've got Eighteen Cents (the amount the singer has to spend for the holidays), and the Little Christmas Stocking with a Hole (a fine parable about giving). I have a copy but it's packed right now and I've not listened to the record in years. Once we're moved into a new house I plan to get these into digital format. The record isn't in the best of shape.
My other favorite record is Merry Snoopy's Christmas. Most of you have heard the song about Snoopy and the Red Baron. This is an extention of that including a whole WWI storyline. It's a lot of fun. Side 2 has some non-Christmas tracks from the Royal Guardsmen, including the excellent, It's Sopwith Camel Time. This is another one that is out of print and needs to be ripped.
So...What is the preferred music of your holiday?
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Here's something leftover from my days at my old job...http://muglets.com/BCTE
My buddy Garret did this. He's a lot of fun...going to miss sharing an office with him. There are controls along the side that allow you to control music and movements.
I thought everyone could use a smile.
My buddy Garret did this. He's a lot of fun...going to miss sharing an office with him. There are controls along the side that allow you to control music and movements.
I thought everyone could use a smile.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Totally grifted...but I liked it...
Do you ever hit the fun little link in the corner....called Next Blog? I do on occasion..and come across some fun stuff.
Found this on a blog called In Training...(so...it's grifted...but I am giving credit to my source):
Found this on a blog called In Training...(so...it's grifted...but I am giving credit to my source):
The 23rd Qualm
Bush is my shepherd; I dwell in want.
He maketh logs to be cut down in national forests.
He leadeth trucks into the still wilderness. He restoreth my fears.
He leadeth me in the paths of international disgrace for his ego's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of pollution and war, I will find no exit, for thou art in office.
Thy tax cuts for the rich and thy media control, they discomfort me. Thou preparest an agenda of deception in the pretence of thy religion. Thou annointest my head with foreign oil. My health insurance runneth out.
Surely megalomania and false patriotism shall follow me all the days of thy term, And my jobless child shall dwell in my basement forever.
So it was an interesting weekend. Friday night I went to a department Christmas party held by my new employer. Jessica and I really didn't know anyone. Slightly awkward....but not so bad. I won a nutcracker as a door prize. We stayed long enough to be seen and chat a bit though.
Saturday was the big Stroud Christmas party. Finally got some of the F'ville crew to attend. I know that I had fun (and lots of alcohol). It was great to see everyone from F'ville. I know it's only been a week but people seem so far away. It helps to think in terms of when I'll see them again (which for most of them will be in less than a month) and look forward to that rather than dwell on the distance. Additional weekend bonus...Nick and Sarah stayed with us and we visited the Clinton Museum. I still recommend it to everyone. Thank you for the ticket Nick.
Sunday was Lukas Haddock's Baptism...which I missed. Jess was able to attend...and I joined the family for socializing after the service. Lukas is still very cute. Baby Derden was there...along with my first sighting of the nearly one-year old Hester Franks. Let me just say that my friends seem to be blessed with great children...and I hope the trend continues.
It's that time of the year to post the link Beth Horton sent around last year...make your own snowflakes. If you talk to her...thank her for this bit of cheer.
Saturday was the big Stroud Christmas party. Finally got some of the F'ville crew to attend. I know that I had fun (and lots of alcohol). It was great to see everyone from F'ville. I know it's only been a week but people seem so far away. It helps to think in terms of when I'll see them again (which for most of them will be in less than a month) and look forward to that rather than dwell on the distance. Additional weekend bonus...Nick and Sarah stayed with us and we visited the Clinton Museum. I still recommend it to everyone. Thank you for the ticket Nick.
Sunday was Lukas Haddock's Baptism...which I missed. Jess was able to attend...and I joined the family for socializing after the service. Lukas is still very cute. Baby Derden was there...along with my first sighting of the nearly one-year old Hester Franks. Let me just say that my friends seem to be blessed with great children...and I hope the trend continues.
It's that time of the year to post the link Beth Horton sent around last year...make your own snowflakes. If you talk to her...thank her for this bit of cheer.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Back Finally
Well...this past week ahs been rather busy. Finished out one job, moved, then started a new job on Monday. I am tired.
Also...I now have email and internet again. So I can continue posting.
The last day at the old job was, as expected, bittersweet. The team was very nice an appreciative. We went out to lunch and had cake. I did receive some nice parting gifts at a party the other night. One of my co-workers gave me a cool stack of books....geared towards my tastes. Another, who organized the event, gave me a nice grab-bag of humorous gifts and photos (thanks Cynthia).
The books:
The Greatest Stories Never Told : 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy
Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx
The Closing of the Western Mind : The Rise of Faith and the Fall of Reason
How Soccer Explains the World : An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
Corpse: Nature, Forensics, and the Struggle to Pinpoint Time of Death
I've started on the soccer and the 100 tales. Very good thus far. Thank you Kelly. I'll pass on my reviews when I finish reading.
The temporary house is working fine...but Jessica and I are very motivated to get a permanent home. It's clear that Basil and Vagabond are not pleased with the arrangement.
Anyway...It's good to be back online (not ready to say that it's good to be back in LR).
I'll get some new photos up soon....including the much promised Jones soda tasting.
Also...I now have email and internet again. So I can continue posting.
The last day at the old job was, as expected, bittersweet. The team was very nice an appreciative. We went out to lunch and had cake. I did receive some nice parting gifts at a party the other night. One of my co-workers gave me a cool stack of books....geared towards my tastes. Another, who organized the event, gave me a nice grab-bag of humorous gifts and photos (thanks Cynthia).
The books:
The Greatest Stories Never Told : 100 Tales from History to Astonish, Bewilder, and Stupefy
Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx
The Closing of the Western Mind : The Rise of Faith and the Fall of Reason
How Soccer Explains the World : An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
Corpse: Nature, Forensics, and the Struggle to Pinpoint Time of Death
I've started on the soccer and the 100 tales. Very good thus far. Thank you Kelly. I'll pass on my reviews when I finish reading.
The temporary house is working fine...but Jessica and I are very motivated to get a permanent home. It's clear that Basil and Vagabond are not pleased with the arrangement.
Anyway...It's good to be back online (not ready to say that it's good to be back in LR).
I'll get some new photos up soon....including the much promised Jones soda tasting.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Uber-Thanks
Thank you to everyone who came over on Sunday afternoon and helped move all the big stuff into our storage boxes. Jess and I could not have done it without you.
You're all such good friends.
You're all such good friends.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Big Announcement
Okay...not so big...most of you know it. I've managed to tell everyone but two key friends who have been out of town the past two weeks.
Jessica and I are moving back to Little Rock. My last day with my current employer is Dec. 2. I report to my now job on Dec. 5.
This is a big decision, but one derived at soberly and in full consultation with Jessica. It's the right thing to do if we want to try and start a family that consists of more than four-legged, non-human members. It's not the best decision when you consider the close friends we have here in F'ville.
You all are very special (and I mean short bus) people and I'll miss you every day. We'll have plenty of incentive to return for weekend trips will be able to entertain guests in LR. Unfortunately I don't think this will be like our relocation to Tulsa, wherein we returned in 8-months. This means my Thursday gaming is indefinitely on hold (the LR guys aren't into RPG). I'm going to miss that a lot. Even while I was in Tulsa I returned most Thursdays evenings for gaming. Have fun and set a place for me in absentia.
Don't get me wrong LR peeps!! I'm looking forward to seeing you as well...it's just rough all this moving that Jessica and I keep doing. I think the plan is to stick around in one place for a while this time.
We do have some other good news....the house is under contract and Jessica is perhaps the greatest realtor ever. That said...Jess and I might need some assistance over the next ten days loading our home into the storage containers we're using. We've already got most of the house packed (say 70%). We just need to transfer the boxes and furniture into the containers. My biggest concern is the piano. It obviously made it into the house...we'll find a way to get it out.
More later...
Jessica and I are moving back to Little Rock. My last day with my current employer is Dec. 2. I report to my now job on Dec. 5.
This is a big decision, but one derived at soberly and in full consultation with Jessica. It's the right thing to do if we want to try and start a family that consists of more than four-legged, non-human members. It's not the best decision when you consider the close friends we have here in F'ville.
You all are very special (and I mean short bus) people and I'll miss you every day. We'll have plenty of incentive to return for weekend trips will be able to entertain guests in LR. Unfortunately I don't think this will be like our relocation to Tulsa, wherein we returned in 8-months. This means my Thursday gaming is indefinitely on hold (the LR guys aren't into RPG). I'm going to miss that a lot. Even while I was in Tulsa I returned most Thursdays evenings for gaming. Have fun and set a place for me in absentia.
Don't get me wrong LR peeps!! I'm looking forward to seeing you as well...it's just rough all this moving that Jessica and I keep doing. I think the plan is to stick around in one place for a while this time.
We do have some other good news....the house is under contract and Jessica is perhaps the greatest realtor ever. That said...Jess and I might need some assistance over the next ten days loading our home into the storage containers we're using. We've already got most of the house packed (say 70%). We just need to transfer the boxes and furniture into the containers. My biggest concern is the piano. It obviously made it into the house...we'll find a way to get it out.
More later...
Monday, November 07, 2005
Back from a weekend in Little Rock. Jess and I decided to take the Pig Trail on the way home in order to enjoy the weather and catch some Fall color and scenery before everything is dead and brown. Sometimes regret the completion of I-540. Sure, it makes the travel quicker and it's a rather scenic drive as well; but I used to only travel the Pig Trail. Now I take it maybe once a year at most. I recommend that everyone take a drive that way and remember the beauty we overlook in favor of the convenience of I-540.
Jessica's little sister Sara, and the Bryant Dance team, came in first at the State 5A Dance Championship (or something like that). They competed in 4 events, placing first in three and second in the remaining. That translated to first overall and a return trip to the National competition. Very hearty congratulations her and the team. I wish I had photos but I didn't bring the camera.
We also saw two-week old Lukas Haddock. Very cute. I held him. If I can get a copy of the photo, I'll post it.
Jessica's little sister Sara, and the Bryant Dance team, came in first at the State 5A Dance Championship (or something like that). They competed in 4 events, placing first in three and second in the remaining. That translated to first overall and a return trip to the National competition. Very hearty congratulations her and the team. I wish I had photos but I didn't bring the camera.
We also saw two-week old Lukas Haddock. Very cute. I held him. If I can get a copy of the photo, I'll post it.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Sorry
The spam comments are becoming annoying...so I have activated the "word verification" security feature to inhibit the spam comments. Sorry for any inconvenience. I do enjoy your comments, so keep them coming.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
So I downloaded the new version of Picasa, the software that lets me post photos to this blog. Well...the new version crashed repeatedly after install. After som searching I found the odld version and re-installed. Works fine now. Guess I'll skip a revision on Picasa and see if they fix some things. Not sure why it's crashing...and with free software I don't expect customer support of bug-fixes. Anyway...that's the big reason for not posting any photos over the past couple of days.
I've decided to raid the photo vaults and post some old Halloween photos over the next week or so...
I've decided to raid the photo vaults and post some old Halloween photos over the next week or so...
Monday, October 17, 2005
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Serenity Now
Title of this post says it all. Skip it if you have not seen the movie Serenity. However...MunkeeGirl requested my thoughts...
I liked it. I hope you do as well. Please go see it. Fun, fresh, witty, action-packed, thoughtful...I plan to see it again. Did it re-invent sci-fi? No. Was it fun? Yes. Did it have a larger message? Yes, several actually.
I'd like to say it's accessible for the masses but I just don't see it crossing over (this comment is buttressed by the poor box office take this past weekend) unless some massive word of mouth takes place. And I sense most of that bit of marketing is tapped out.
The origin of the Reavers actually made some sense (though where they got the cool tech is left to your imagination). It played into this rather nice sci-fi concept; something that you don't actually see in supposed sci-fi movies. Sure Star Wars is fun...but there's actually very little sci-fi to it. In my mind sci-fi is about ideas and metaphors...things that get you thinking. Rockets and space don't equal sci-fi. So the movie's depictions of genetics tampering, purity, conspiracy, and governmental control (influence) over the media all resonate with today's world.
The ending worked itself out a little too convienently with a lot of little pieces falling right into place (thank goodness for old war wounds Kill Bill-like heroines). Still, the Operative was an interesting character. Seems to have been influenced in development by the precursor in the form of Jubal Early. I'm also happy that the character is written (and played) seriously...never falling into a caricature of evil like so many Bond villans.
All the cast did well. Of course I would have lobbied for more Kaylee...but she had a few shining moments. I think Zoe was the character (aside from Book) that was slighted the most. Jane was clearly written to overshadow Zoe. It's a shame really...Jane is fun...but I'd take Zoe over him if I were picking teams.
Would it have been too difficult to bring Badger or Niska into the mix? Or would that have been too confusing? And I do realize that Badger is based on a different planet. Nice to see that the Alliance also has a healthy fear of the Reavers...but where were the cool (and rather huge) command carriers?
Slashdot posted a link to a review of Serenity by Orson Scott Card of Ender's Game fame. He rated it very high for what it's worth. Now...full disclosure...I have not read any OSC...but I trust my friends that like him...though after reading this review (and he has some very good points) I think he's something of a nut. Am I wrong and making a snap judgement?
Anyway...
I liked it. I hope you do as well. Please go see it. Fun, fresh, witty, action-packed, thoughtful...I plan to see it again. Did it re-invent sci-fi? No. Was it fun? Yes. Did it have a larger message? Yes, several actually.
I'd like to say it's accessible for the masses but I just don't see it crossing over (this comment is buttressed by the poor box office take this past weekend) unless some massive word of mouth takes place. And I sense most of that bit of marketing is tapped out.
The origin of the Reavers actually made some sense (though where they got the cool tech is left to your imagination). It played into this rather nice sci-fi concept; something that you don't actually see in supposed sci-fi movies. Sure Star Wars is fun...but there's actually very little sci-fi to it. In my mind sci-fi is about ideas and metaphors...things that get you thinking. Rockets and space don't equal sci-fi. So the movie's depictions of genetics tampering, purity, conspiracy, and governmental control (influence) over the media all resonate with today's world.
The ending worked itself out a little too convienently with a lot of little pieces falling right into place (thank goodness for old war wounds Kill Bill-like heroines). Still, the Operative was an interesting character. Seems to have been influenced in development by the precursor in the form of Jubal Early. I'm also happy that the character is written (and played) seriously...never falling into a caricature of evil like so many Bond villans.
All the cast did well. Of course I would have lobbied for more Kaylee...but she had a few shining moments. I think Zoe was the character (aside from Book) that was slighted the most. Jane was clearly written to overshadow Zoe. It's a shame really...Jane is fun...but I'd take Zoe over him if I were picking teams.
Would it have been too difficult to bring Badger or Niska into the mix? Or would that have been too confusing? And I do realize that Badger is based on a different planet. Nice to see that the Alliance also has a healthy fear of the Reavers...but where were the cool (and rather huge) command carriers?
Slashdot posted a link to a review of Serenity by Orson Scott Card of Ender's Game fame. He rated it very high for what it's worth. Now...full disclosure...I have not read any OSC...but I trust my friends that like him...though after reading this review (and he has some very good points) I think he's something of a nut. Am I wrong and making a snap judgement?
Anyway...
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Wow...the folks at National Geographic have posted the first photos ever of a live giant squid.
So cool.
So cool.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
It's been a busy week...sorry for not posting sooner.
The rest of the Little Rock weekend went well. Spent most of Saturday morning with some old friends talking, drinking, and watching football (both International and American). We made it back to F'ville in time for the second half of my soccer on Sunday. A game we managed to win 8-1. Winning is a great feeling after a summer of losing (aside from the one tie).
As stated...it was a busy week. Work lived up to its namesake and the evenings were dominated by social activities.
This weekend a bunch of us helped our buddy Wes re-locate from his apartment to his new home. Great little place. He's already planning to have a dedicated "geek room." It's already the most fully realized room in the house.
Soccer today...not so good. Lost 0-4. Two of those were on me as goalkeeper. But it was fun...and the team we played is probably the best in the league. We lost to them by the closest margin yet.
One more thing. Jessica and I saw The Aristocrats a couple weeks back and I meant to provide some comentary on it. I think everyone that values free speech should see this movie, as well as anyone remotely interested in the nature of comedy and why we find things funny. Despite being centered on only one joke, it was very entertaining. I found myslef lauging...and then feeling very guilty about it. See the movie and you'll understand. Now...if you are easily offended don't bother with this. It's got something to offend everyone. One lady walked out of the theater....we think she was under the impression she was seeing The Aristocats.
The rest of the Little Rock weekend went well. Spent most of Saturday morning with some old friends talking, drinking, and watching football (both International and American). We made it back to F'ville in time for the second half of my soccer on Sunday. A game we managed to win 8-1. Winning is a great feeling after a summer of losing (aside from the one tie).
As stated...it was a busy week. Work lived up to its namesake and the evenings were dominated by social activities.
This weekend a bunch of us helped our buddy Wes re-locate from his apartment to his new home. Great little place. He's already planning to have a dedicated "geek room." It's already the most fully realized room in the house.
Soccer today...not so good. Lost 0-4. Two of those were on me as goalkeeper. But it was fun...and the team we played is probably the best in the league. We lost to them by the closest margin yet.
One more thing. Jessica and I saw The Aristocrats a couple weeks back and I meant to provide some comentary on it. I think everyone that values free speech should see this movie, as well as anyone remotely interested in the nature of comedy and why we find things funny. Despite being centered on only one joke, it was very entertaining. I found myslef lauging...and then feeling very guilty about it. See the movie and you'll understand. Now...if you are easily offended don't bother with this. It's got something to offend everyone. One lady walked out of the theater....we think she was under the impression she was seeing The Aristocats.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
So I went to a high school football game last night. Jessica's little sister is a Senior and a cheerleader. I haven't been to a H.S. game since 1991...and it hasn't changed a bit. It's probably convenient that the school is similar in size to mine so that it felt familiar. I didn't care about the game but the observation was fun...
More later...we're off-site in Little Rock this weekend.
More later...we're off-site in Little Rock this weekend.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
For Peter...via Metafilter...The Pete Collective...
After a brief search...found nothing on a Ken Collective. Maybe I should start one. I just checked and kencollective.com is available. How can I make money on that? I'll think about it...
Google has started a blog search (blogsearch.google.com). I tested this morning and came up first under the search criteria "nothing unreal." However...what are the odds someone will search for that....
I know I don't talk about work on this site (and there are good reasons for that) but I want to say that it's been very stressful lately and will only get worse over the next few months. I apologize for any lingering stress that invades my personal life and interactions with friends and other people.
After a brief search...found nothing on a Ken Collective. Maybe I should start one. I just checked and kencollective.com is available. How can I make money on that? I'll think about it...
Google has started a blog search (blogsearch.google.com). I tested this morning and came up first under the search criteria "nothing unreal." However...what are the odds someone will search for that....
I know I don't talk about work on this site (and there are good reasons for that) but I want to say that it's been very stressful lately and will only get worse over the next few months. I apologize for any lingering stress that invades my personal life and interactions with friends and other people.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
I try to make sure I remember previous posts...to that end here is another simi-intereting link about shopping malls. This is a brief outline on their rise and seeming fall in American culture.
Evolution of the Shopping Center
Also of note...Indoor soccer season began today. We lost 6-4. That's okay (well sort of)...I was not playing goalkeeper today so none of the goals against are directly attributable to me. I did however, manage to score one of our goals. My wonderful wife was there to cheer me on. Lots of fun. Next game is 9/18 at 3:00 pm. We play at the All-Star Sports Arena. Come watch a game on root for the Boys in Blue (yeah...the name sucks...but I didn't choose it).
One other cool thing...I was watching my normal Sunday news shows...when one was pre-empted to show some church thing. I then decided to search for something else to watch....and I found The Tick. The old animated version. It's on tv again....Saturdays and Sundays on ABC Family Channel. So if you liked the show (and really, who didn't) set your DVRs to record it. I already have. It's also on Toon Disney..but we don't have that channel.
Evolution of the Shopping Center
Also of note...Indoor soccer season began today. We lost 6-4. That's okay (well sort of)...I was not playing goalkeeper today so none of the goals against are directly attributable to me. I did however, manage to score one of our goals. My wonderful wife was there to cheer me on. Lots of fun. Next game is 9/18 at 3:00 pm. We play at the All-Star Sports Arena. Come watch a game on root for the Boys in Blue (yeah...the name sucks...but I didn't choose it).
One other cool thing...I was watching my normal Sunday news shows...when one was pre-empted to show some church thing. I then decided to search for something else to watch....and I found The Tick. The old animated version. It's on tv again....Saturdays and Sundays on ABC Family Channel. So if you liked the show (and really, who didn't) set your DVRs to record it. I already have. It's also on Toon Disney..but we don't have that channel.
Friday, September 09, 2005
More Wordsworth...from Lyrical Ballads
WE ARE SEVEN
A simple Child, dear brother Jim,
That lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?
I met a little cottage Girl:
She was eight years old, she said;
Her hair was thick with many a curl
That clustered round her head.
She had a rustic, woodland air,
And she was wildly clad:
Her eyes were fair, and very fair;
--Her beauty made me glad.
"Sisters and brothers, little Maid,
How many may you be?"
"How many? Seven in all," she said
And wondering looked at me.
"And where are they? I pray you tell."
She answered, "Seven are we;
And two of us at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea.
"Two of us in the church-yard lie,
My sister and my brother;
And, in the church-yard cottage, I
Dwell near them with my mother."
"You say that two at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea,
Yet ye are seven!--I pray you tell,
Sweet Maid, how this may be."
Then did the little Maid reply,
"Seven boys and girls are we;
Two of us in the church-yard lie,
Beneath the church-yard tree."
"You run about, my little Maid,
Your limbs they are alive;
If two are in the church-yard laid,
Then ye are only five."
"Their graves are green, they may be seen,"
The little Maid replied,
"Twelve steps or more from my mother's door,
And they are side by side.
"My stockings there I often knit,
My kerchief there I hem;
And there upon the ground I sit,
And sing a song to them.
"And often after sunset, Sir,
When it is light and fair,
I take my little porringer,
And eat my supper there.
"The first that died was sister Jane;
In bed she moaning lay,
Till God released her of her pain;
And then she went away.
"So in the church-yard she was laid;
And, when the grass was dry,
Together round her grave we played,
My brother John and I.
"And when the ground was white with snow,
And I could run and slide,
My brother John was forced to go,
And he lies by her side."
"How many are you, then," said I,
"If they two are in heaven?"
Quick was the little Maid's reply,
"O Master! we are seven."
"But they are dead; those two are dead!
Their spirits are in heaven!"
'Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will,
And said, "Nay, we are seven!"
WE ARE SEVEN
A simple Child, dear brother Jim,
That lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?
I met a little cottage Girl:
She was eight years old, she said;
Her hair was thick with many a curl
That clustered round her head.
She had a rustic, woodland air,
And she was wildly clad:
Her eyes were fair, and very fair;
--Her beauty made me glad.
"Sisters and brothers, little Maid,
How many may you be?"
"How many? Seven in all," she said
And wondering looked at me.
"And where are they? I pray you tell."
She answered, "Seven are we;
And two of us at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea.
"Two of us in the church-yard lie,
My sister and my brother;
And, in the church-yard cottage, I
Dwell near them with my mother."
"You say that two at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea,
Yet ye are seven!--I pray you tell,
Sweet Maid, how this may be."
Then did the little Maid reply,
"Seven boys and girls are we;
Two of us in the church-yard lie,
Beneath the church-yard tree."
"You run about, my little Maid,
Your limbs they are alive;
If two are in the church-yard laid,
Then ye are only five."
"Their graves are green, they may be seen,"
The little Maid replied,
"Twelve steps or more from my mother's door,
And they are side by side.
"My stockings there I often knit,
My kerchief there I hem;
And there upon the ground I sit,
And sing a song to them.
"And often after sunset, Sir,
When it is light and fair,
I take my little porringer,
And eat my supper there.
"The first that died was sister Jane;
In bed she moaning lay,
Till God released her of her pain;
And then she went away.
"So in the church-yard she was laid;
And, when the grass was dry,
Together round her grave we played,
My brother John and I.
"And when the ground was white with snow,
And I could run and slide,
My brother John was forced to go,
And he lies by her side."
"How many are you, then," said I,
"If they two are in heaven?"
Quick was the little Maid's reply,
"O Master! we are seven."
"But they are dead; those two are dead!
Their spirits are in heaven!"
'Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will,
And said, "Nay, we are seven!"
Kat - Some photos just for you...Germany in 1929
. Nice stuff...very much what you think about when you think of Germany (and not thinking of the negatives).
I love old photos. The snapshots in time that they represent. I've gost some other links to old photos that I'll post at a later date.
In reference to a conversation the other night....I correctly remembered the publication date of Lyrical Ballads as 1798. This is seen as the start of the Romantic Period in English Literature. The Romantic Period in America didn't kick off till the 1820's.
That talk the other night re-ignited an interest in poetry. And you can all thank Peter for the, soon to be frequent, postings of poems. You're all lucky though...I won't be posting any of the drivel I have written.
. Nice stuff...very much what you think about when you think of Germany (and not thinking of the negatives).I love old photos. The snapshots in time that they represent. I've gost some other links to old photos that I'll post at a later date.
In reference to a conversation the other night....I correctly remembered the publication date of Lyrical Ballads as 1798. This is seen as the start of the Romantic Period in English Literature. The Romantic Period in America didn't kick off till the 1820's.
That talk the other night re-ignited an interest in poetry. And you can all thank Peter for the, soon to be frequent, postings of poems. You're all lucky though...I won't be posting any of the drivel I have written.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
I do take requests...
Peter (aka. geek horde) wanted to see a sonnet or two on occasion. I cannot promise sonnets all the ...but I will post some poems for all you illiterate pagans out there.
Here is the first...
"THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH US; LATE AND SOON"
THE world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers:
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
The Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;
The winds that will be howling at all hours,
And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;
For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be
A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;
So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,
Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;
Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;
Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.
This from our old friend William Wordsworth. I've always thought that his was an appropriate name for a writer...well, for a good writer.
Also...new blog out there...White Noise (check the link on the side). Give Nick a few minutes of your precious time. Also...here is another one I like a lot...I used to be a waiter (a long time ago) so I find Waiter Rant to be enjoyable. The guy is also very good at telling a story.
More photos tomorrow.
Peter (aka. geek horde) wanted to see a sonnet or two on occasion. I cannot promise sonnets all the ...but I will post some poems for all you illiterate pagans out there.
Here is the first...
"THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH US; LATE AND SOON"
THE world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers:
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
The Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;
The winds that will be howling at all hours,
And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;
For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be
A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;
So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,
Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;
Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;
Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.
This from our old friend William Wordsworth. I've always thought that his was an appropriate name for a writer...well, for a good writer.
Also...new blog out there...White Noise (check the link on the side). Give Nick a few minutes of your precious time. Also...here is another one I like a lot...I used to be a waiter (a long time ago) so I find Waiter Rant to be enjoyable. The guy is also very good at telling a story.
More photos tomorrow.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
So Mike wants to know what True Dungeon is.
It's the closest I've ever come to LARPing (live action role playing), though it might qualify.
True Dungeon is a walk-through dungeon created for GenCon. Players pay $19.50 for the right journey through up to 8 rooms...solving puzzles and killing monsters in a "real" dungeon type atmosphere. Players are themselves but they select a character class to provide a balance to the party and ensure all the adventuring skill-sets are covered. Parties consist of a Paladin, mage, thief, cleric, fighter, bard, ranger (in optional Hardcore adventures a barbarian is added).
You're outfitted with stats and some basic features like one weapon, one set of armor (both random), and class specific abilities. Players have the option of purchasing bags of tokens that (also random) represent different equipment you can use in the dungeon. Things like scrolls, magic, potions, armor, weapons. This gives you the ability to survive the challenges of the dungeon and the near inevitable failure of your party (at one or all of the challenges).
Here is a link to their site where you can learn more. I see no need to re-type what someone else has already done.
It was a lot of fun. Though the price speculation and the rarity of the tokens was a bit tedious. Nerds gone wild. They're only little pieces of wood....and truth be told they didn't actually play a large part of the game (aside from the healing scrolls and potions...they're the only ones to stock up on).
I'll gladly do it again next year. The puzzles are actually pretty simple but I think most groups over analyze them and get it wrong. Simple common sense prevails. I need to remember this next year.
Mike, you would love it. There's going to be a Gencon in SoCal in Nov. along with another True Dungeon. I imagine it's fully booked...but you might look into it. And...you can always plan on going with us next year....
It's the closest I've ever come to LARPing (live action role playing), though it might qualify.
True Dungeon is a walk-through dungeon created for GenCon. Players pay $19.50 for the right journey through up to 8 rooms...solving puzzles and killing monsters in a "real" dungeon type atmosphere. Players are themselves but they select a character class to provide a balance to the party and ensure all the adventuring skill-sets are covered. Parties consist of a Paladin, mage, thief, cleric, fighter, bard, ranger (in optional Hardcore adventures a barbarian is added).
You're outfitted with stats and some basic features like one weapon, one set of armor (both random), and class specific abilities. Players have the option of purchasing bags of tokens that (also random) represent different equipment you can use in the dungeon. Things like scrolls, magic, potions, armor, weapons. This gives you the ability to survive the challenges of the dungeon and the near inevitable failure of your party (at one or all of the challenges).
Here is a link to their site where you can learn more. I see no need to re-type what someone else has already done.
It was a lot of fun. Though the price speculation and the rarity of the tokens was a bit tedious. Nerds gone wild. They're only little pieces of wood....and truth be told they didn't actually play a large part of the game (aside from the healing scrolls and potions...they're the only ones to stock up on).
I'll gladly do it again next year. The puzzles are actually pretty simple but I think most groups over analyze them and get it wrong. Simple common sense prevails. I need to remember this next year.
Mike, you would love it. There's going to be a Gencon in SoCal in Nov. along with another True Dungeon. I imagine it's fully booked...but you might look into it. And...you can always plan on going with us next year....
As requested by Kat...Life-sized Devil Bunny Needs a Ham. This is looking "up" the building. The row of white at the top is the safety area you're trying to reach. This wasn't as fun as Life-sized Kill Dr. Lucky. Similar setup. The house was drawn on the floor and people were their own avatars trying to kill Dr. L. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo of that game.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
I went to my first Gencon. Will it be my last? Uncertain. Did I have fun? Sure.
What is Gencon? Only one of the largest gaming conventions in the country, if not the world. All kinds of gaming. Miniatures (though no Games Workshop), card games, board games, role playing games, LARPS, even computer games. I went with my good friends Wes and Frank after hearing them rave about how much fun they had last year.
I played hard and thankfully had some canceled events so I had time to visit the vendors. My biggest find of the week was a reletively new miniatures company, Magnificent Egos. Good looking figures and they had an archer with a longbow that's similiar to a character I'm playing in Pete's world (Ereth). One of the cool things about this company...they gave away free mini's based on purchase amount. I found some that I liked and planned to purchase...when they were bagging my merchandise they added three extra figures. I spent something like $49.50 and they game me the figures for the $10, $25, and $50 level. Very cool. The folks were friendly and not pushy.
The other find was the card game Fluxx. I had fun playing it with some strangers and had to buy it. I hope it can be integrated into regular weekend gaming rotation. It was won some Mensa award for good games.
Let's see, what else....there were a lot of obese people, black t-shirts, greasy hair, and gamer funk. But people were friendly and relaxed. There were people in costumes that would gladly let you snap pictures of them.
I learned that, while I like to hack/slash with friends...it's not the same with strangers and limited to four hours. I actually think I enjoy the role playing better than the roll playing. If I go next year I will sign up for more board games.
I played giant Settlers of Catan, Robo Rally, fun life-sized versions of Kill Dr. Lucky and Devil Bunny Needs a Ham.
True Dungeon was a lot of fun. I take a great deal of pleasure in knowing I made it farther than anyone else in our party. We all died in the last room. Then we had a chance to defeat Death in order to return to the land of the living. I was the only one to score the critical head-shot. Of course I then forgot to grab a light source from one of my slain companions...but it was still very fun.
And a word about Indy (the very small part I saw). I didn't like their water. But they do have White Castle and there was one near the convention center so I had some sliders. The convention center was great...though Gencon is so large that they're actually running out of space. Or so it seemed to me.
Oh...and the vendors were giving away very little in swag. I was hoping for some free stuff and it didn't really happen.
What is Gencon? Only one of the largest gaming conventions in the country, if not the world. All kinds of gaming. Miniatures (though no Games Workshop), card games, board games, role playing games, LARPS, even computer games. I went with my good friends Wes and Frank after hearing them rave about how much fun they had last year.
I played hard and thankfully had some canceled events so I had time to visit the vendors. My biggest find of the week was a reletively new miniatures company, Magnificent Egos
. Good looking figures and they had an archer with a longbow that's similiar to a character I'm playing in Pete's world (Ereth). One of the cool things about this company...they gave away free mini's based on purchase amount. I found some that I liked and planned to purchase...when they were bagging my merchandise they added three extra figures. I spent something like $49.50 and they game me the figures for the $10, $25, and $50 level. Very cool. The folks were friendly and not pushy.The other find was the card game Fluxx
. I had fun playing it with some strangers and had to buy it. I hope it can be integrated into regular weekend gaming rotation. It was won some Mensa award for good games.Let's see, what else....there were a lot of obese people, black t-shirts, greasy hair, and gamer funk. But people were friendly and relaxed. There were people in costumes that would gladly let you snap pictures of them.
I learned that, while I like to hack/slash with friends...it's not the same with strangers and limited to four hours. I actually think I enjoy the role playing better than the roll playing. If I go next year I will sign up for more board games.
I played giant Settlers of Catan, Robo Rally, fun life-sized versions of Kill Dr. Lucky and Devil Bunny Needs a Ham.
True Dungeon was a lot of fun. I take a great deal of pleasure in knowing I made it farther than anyone else in our party. We all died in the last room. Then we had a chance to defeat Death in order to return to the land of the living. I was the only one to score the critical head-shot. Of course I then forgot to grab a light source from one of my slain companions...but it was still very fun.
And a word about Indy (the very small part I saw). I didn't like their water. But they do have White Castle and there was one near the convention center so I had some sliders. The convention center was great...though Gencon is so large that they're actually running out of space. Or so it seemed to me.
Oh...and the vendors were giving away very little in swag. I was hoping for some free stuff and it didn't really happen.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Off to Gencon for the next four days. Hope to return with lots of stories and photos. I've never been to a convention like this before so I have no idea what to expect.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Started a new book this evening and I am racing to finish it. I should be done by tomorrow or Wed. So...what is this juggernaut of literature that I cannot put down? It's a book with a series of critical and comical essays surrounding everyone's favorite canceled sci-fi series: Firefly.
The book is Finding Serenity : Anti-Heroes, Lost Shepherds and Space Hookers in Joss Whedon's Firefly. I am liking it a lot. For the most part the book consists of fan essays gathered in a volume, but the authors are (up to the point I've read) all actual writers and some were even attached to the show. Jewel Staite (Kaylee) even wrote a piece detailing her thoughts and favorite moments. It's one of the last esays so I haven't read it yet. Also included is the English translation for all the Chinese used in the series (on a per episode basis). Next time I watch an episode I'll have that section handy.
When I'm done I'll gladly pass it around the the friends here in F'ville. Peter has already requested first crack at the book. I figure the Collin, Kat, or Wes will want to get a shot at it as well.
More on my other new book once I get started on it...which should happen on the flight to Indy on Wed.
The book is Finding Serenity : Anti-Heroes, Lost Shepherds and Space Hookers in Joss Whedon's Firefly. I am liking it a lot. For the most part the book consists of fan essays gathered in a volume, but the authors are (up to the point I've read) all actual writers and some were even attached to the show. Jewel Staite (Kaylee) even wrote a piece detailing her thoughts and favorite moments. It's one of the last esays so I haven't read it yet. Also included is the English translation for all the Chinese used in the series (on a per episode basis). Next time I watch an episode I'll have that section handy.
When I'm done I'll gladly pass it around the the friends here in F'ville. Peter has already requested first crack at the book. I figure the Collin, Kat, or Wes will want to get a shot at it as well.
More on my other new book once I get started on it...which should happen on the flight to Indy on Wed.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
So, I was watching Attack of the Show on Monday. They occasionally have crappy LA bands play live on the show. I usually give them about 30 seconds before I fast forward. This band, Hot Waffles, played and despite the fact they truly are not a good band they're kinda quirky like Tenacious D.
I mention this because the song they played was titles "George Lucas Raped Our Childhood." What a great title. And the song expresses some of the frustration that a lot of us have felt these past few years with the new Star Wars movies and the various special editions (Mike...talking about you). Check the link and click on the Music tab. Then give the song a listen. You'll be happy you did. I can tell you that the song on their site titled "Bert and Ernie are Gay?" isn't that good and doesn't live up to (what I hoped was) it's humorous potential.
I mention this because the song they played was titles "George Lucas Raped Our Childhood." What a great title. And the song expresses some of the frustration that a lot of us have felt these past few years with the new Star Wars movies and the various special editions (Mike...talking about you). Check the link and click on the Music tab. Then give the song a listen. You'll be happy you did. I can tell you that the song on their site titled "Bert and Ernie are Gay?" isn't that good and doesn't live up to (what I hoped was) it's humorous potential.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Wikipedia is a dangerous place. So much information. So many links. I find it hard to get out of there once I visit. I keep finding new subjects to explore.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Big News
The Carvel/Cinnabon is finally opening. Saturday Aug. 6. I'll be there. Who wants to come with me? I hope they actually serve the ice-cream that I like. If not life will go on and the trips to Dallas and Syracuse will continue to hold a little bit more meaning.
In other news...and to enhance a post from a while back...here is a link to a blog of photos of old malls and shopping centers during their heyday: Malls of America. Kinda retro-cool.
In other news...and to enhance a post from a while back...here is a link to a blog of photos of old malls and shopping centers during their heyday: Malls of America. Kinda retro-cool.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Metroplex 2005
The, now annual, trip to the Dallas Metroplex is finished. I am tired. (warning now...long post)
We headed out Wednesday evening...getting on the road at 5pm sharp. Arrived Colleyville, TX around 10:30. We feel that was pretty good time. The folks from Little Rock didn't arrive until 11:30ish. It's a slightly longer drive and traveling with a baby can hamper progress. Jess and I got all excited when we passed a HUGE Ikea store...but its grand opening isn't scheduled until Aug. 3. But...we know where we're going to visit next year.
Slept late on Thurs. Then we headed out for some shopping. Rich and Eloise offered to watch the baby so we were free to wander and shop.
First stop...World Market. Basically, the women picked up some Ritter-Sport and I purchased two Abba-Zaba's. These are taffy, filled with peanut butter. I first saw them on a candy-themed Unwrapped. Once spied, I could not pass up the chance to try something new.
We then headed to the Grapevine Mills Mall. Which is essentially a giant outlet mall. The women were looking for clothes and baby gear. The guys had no real agenda. Then, as we walked in, I spotted a cart with the word Mikasa on it. I then realized we were at the mall where my Godmother works. The Mikasa store was near so Jessica and I popped in to see if she was available. Marilyn was working and I think we shocked her a bit as I don't believe she had any inkling we were in the area. Suffice to say she looks great, it was good to see her, and she offered up a bed for our last night in town (more on that later).
So the shopping continued and we ended the trip with some gelato. Our hosts were excellent and we had grilled chicken and some avocado-jello salad. Needs to be seen and tasted to be believed. As soon as I get copies of the photos I will post a shot of this dish.
Friday was the day of drinking. We went out for a late breakfast and then returned for some lounging, swimming and drinking; lots of sangria, margaritas and wine. I ventured out and found a Carvel so I could have some tasty ice-cream. Dinner was at a local Italian place...also very good.
The initial plan was for the Little Rock bunch to return on Saturday to ensure they could be home for Jack's Baptism on Sunday. Before we knew about the Baptism, Jess and I had solidified plans to see my father and stay through Sunday (his birthday). Then, after running into Marilyn (Godmother), we accepted her offer to say the night at her place as Jess and I decided against staying and my father's home (due to the smoking inside). Follow that? So...Wade and JJ ask us (and Rich and Jen) to be Godparents to Jack. With an offer like that, how could we refuse? Thus, we had to scrap some of our plans so that we could make it to the Baptism. Unfortunately, we had to tell Marilyn that we weren't staying, and opted to only spend the afternoon/evening with my Dad and his family before heading to Little Rock no later than 8pm.
Well...the visit with Dad was nice, if too short. We talked a lot about soccer and went out with him, Anna (my step-sister), and Jessica to get some new soccer gear. The selection in NWA is rather weak. Barb, Dad's wife, was doing well. I took Dad his birthday gift; some 10-year old Laphroaig as well as taking them all out to dinner. After shopping we, conveniently enough, ended up at a Carvel for more ice-cream. No complaints. We were on the road by our targeted 8pm time.
Of course it took close to 6 hours to get to Little Rock. Only to have to get up early in order to get to Conway for the Baptism. Didn't get much in the way of sleep last night. I've got to make sure I thank Jessica for staying awake the entire drive. She was instrumental in making sure I was able to make the drive from Dallas.
So...all this was to say that the weekend was good. I'm tired and I could use another day off. It will be a busy week. But...GenCon is in a few weeks. My tickets arrived and I'll probably come back from that trip even more tired than I am now. Having fun is a lot of work.
Oh....and Jack Derden...great kid. He's got great parents and was fairly even-tempered the entire weekend. Sure he cried a bit, but it wasn't oppressive or for long periods. I didn't hear him at night...but that also may have been influenced by the size of the house.
More later when I get those photos...glad to be back.
We headed out Wednesday evening...getting on the road at 5pm sharp. Arrived Colleyville, TX around 10:30. We feel that was pretty good time. The folks from Little Rock didn't arrive until 11:30ish. It's a slightly longer drive and traveling with a baby can hamper progress. Jess and I got all excited when we passed a HUGE Ikea store...but its grand opening isn't scheduled until Aug. 3. But...we know where we're going to visit next year.
Slept late on Thurs. Then we headed out for some shopping. Rich and Eloise offered to watch the baby so we were free to wander and shop.
First stop...World Market. Basically, the women picked up some Ritter-Sport and I purchased two Abba-Zaba's. These are taffy, filled with peanut butter. I first saw them on a candy-themed Unwrapped. Once spied, I could not pass up the chance to try something new.
We then headed to the Grapevine Mills Mall. Which is essentially a giant outlet mall. The women were looking for clothes and baby gear. The guys had no real agenda. Then, as we walked in, I spotted a cart with the word Mikasa on it. I then realized we were at the mall where my Godmother works. The Mikasa store was near so Jessica and I popped in to see if she was available. Marilyn was working and I think we shocked her a bit as I don't believe she had any inkling we were in the area. Suffice to say she looks great, it was good to see her, and she offered up a bed for our last night in town (more on that later).
So the shopping continued and we ended the trip with some gelato. Our hosts were excellent and we had grilled chicken and some avocado-jello salad. Needs to be seen and tasted to be believed. As soon as I get copies of the photos I will post a shot of this dish.
Friday was the day of drinking. We went out for a late breakfast and then returned for some lounging, swimming and drinking; lots of sangria, margaritas and wine. I ventured out and found a Carvel so I could have some tasty ice-cream. Dinner was at a local Italian place...also very good.
The initial plan was for the Little Rock bunch to return on Saturday to ensure they could be home for Jack's Baptism on Sunday. Before we knew about the Baptism, Jess and I had solidified plans to see my father and stay through Sunday (his birthday). Then, after running into Marilyn (Godmother), we accepted her offer to say the night at her place as Jess and I decided against staying and my father's home (due to the smoking inside). Follow that? So...Wade and JJ ask us (and Rich and Jen) to be Godparents to Jack. With an offer like that, how could we refuse? Thus, we had to scrap some of our plans so that we could make it to the Baptism. Unfortunately, we had to tell Marilyn that we weren't staying, and opted to only spend the afternoon/evening with my Dad and his family before heading to Little Rock no later than 8pm.
Well...the visit with Dad was nice, if too short. We talked a lot about soccer and went out with him, Anna (my step-sister), and Jessica to get some new soccer gear. The selection in NWA is rather weak. Barb, Dad's wife, was doing well. I took Dad his birthday gift; some 10-year old Laphroaig as well as taking them all out to dinner. After shopping we, conveniently enough, ended up at a Carvel for more ice-cream. No complaints. We were on the road by our targeted 8pm time.
Of course it took close to 6 hours to get to Little Rock. Only to have to get up early in order to get to Conway for the Baptism. Didn't get much in the way of sleep last night. I've got to make sure I thank Jessica for staying awake the entire drive. She was instrumental in making sure I was able to make the drive from Dallas.
So...all this was to say that the weekend was good. I'm tired and I could use another day off. It will be a busy week. But...GenCon is in a few weeks. My tickets arrived and I'll probably come back from that trip even more tired than I am now. Having fun is a lot of work.
Oh....and Jack Derden...great kid. He's got great parents and was fairly even-tempered the entire weekend. Sure he cried a bit, but it wasn't oppressive or for long periods. I didn't hear him at night...but that also may have been influenced by the size of the house.
More later when I get those photos...glad to be back.
Okay...no pictures from this year's trip to Dallas...so this holdover from last year will have to do. This is from the surprise party planned by my lovely wife Jessica. The folks in the photo are Rich, Eloise, Rich, Jen, Me (I Rule...so says the hat), Jessica, Wade, JJ, and of course, Chet. Unfortunately Chet could not make it this year. His role taken over by the new baby Derden (just kidding Chet). I'll get some photos up here when Wade, who was the only one taking pictures, sends them to me.
Monday, July 25, 2005
I just finished watching the PBS series, Guns Germs, and Steel. Surely not as good as the book but I haven't read it, nor did the series make me want to read it. That said, Jared Diamond has some interesting ideas. I'm not going to explore them here save to say that it seemed to discount the Asian and Indian sub-continent. If you get a chance to watch the three hour series it's not a bad way to spend your time (though actually reading the book would probably be better).
I did learn of an event in South African history that was amazing and sad...based on the numbers involved and how it was such a seminal event in the European expansion in that part of Africa. It was the Battle of Blood River (probably could find a better site if I searched a bit harder).
It seems that 470 Voortrekkers (pioneers) slaughtered (defended against?) 10,000 Zulus. Killing 3000 and only suffering three minor casualties. This was largely due to the guns the Voortrekkers had. Technology often trumps numbers.
This got me thinking about other battles where a smaller group survived against, or overwhelmed, a much larger force. To what degree did technology, faith, perserverance, strategy, incompetence, geography, or climate play a factor. And how did the victors interpret their victory?
Does anyone know of any books on the subject?
I did learn of an event in South African history that was amazing and sad...based on the numbers involved and how it was such a seminal event in the European expansion in that part of Africa. It was the Battle of Blood River (probably could find a better site if I searched a bit harder).
It seems that 470 Voortrekkers (pioneers) slaughtered (defended against?) 10,000 Zulus. Killing 3000 and only suffering three minor casualties. This was largely due to the guns the Voortrekkers had. Technology often trumps numbers.
This got me thinking about other battles where a smaller group survived against, or overwhelmed, a much larger force. To what degree did technology, faith, perserverance, strategy, incompetence, geography, or climate play a factor. And how did the victors interpret their victory?
Does anyone know of any books on the subject?
The Round
For the benefit of those that didn't understand Munkee Girl's comment on the previous post, here's some background...courtesy of Wikipedia.org:
And Peter is right about Bootsey Ackerman...but Bootsy Collins is a Funk Master.
The Algonquin Round Table was a group of some of the most brilliant writers of the 1920s and 1930s, though it endured long after that.
They met for lunch every day at a round table at New York City's Algonquin Hotel and traded quips, many of them still repeated today. The group was formed at the suggestion of Dorothy Parker, who was living in the Algonquin Hotel at the time.
There was no formal membership, so people came and went, but the primary early members included Parker, Alexander Woollcott, Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, Edna Ferber, Franklin Pierce Adams, Oscar Levant and Harpo Marx. Others, from movies, theatre and letters, visited. Since some of the members were popular columnists who repeated some of the conversations in their columns, the quips got wide circulation. Sometimes they were unkind.
One story is that when Dorothy Parker was informed about the death of President Calvin Coolidge, she replied, "How can they tell?"
The lobby of the Algonquin hotel leaves their table set with namecards of the famous people who sat there. There is also a mural depicting one of the famous lunches.
They met for lunch every day at a round table at New York City's Algonquin Hotel and traded quips, many of them still repeated today. The group was formed at the suggestion of Dorothy Parker, who was living in the Algonquin Hotel at the time.
There was no formal membership, so people came and went, but the primary early members included Parker, Alexander Woollcott, Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, Edna Ferber, Franklin Pierce Adams, Oscar Levant and Harpo Marx. Others, from movies, theatre and letters, visited. Since some of the members were popular columnists who repeated some of the conversations in their columns, the quips got wide circulation. Sometimes they were unkind.
One story is that when Dorothy Parker was informed about the death of President Calvin Coolidge, she replied, "How can they tell?"
The lobby of the Algonquin hotel leaves their table set with namecards of the famous people who sat there. There is also a mural depicting one of the famous lunches.
And Peter is right about Bootsey Ackerman...but Bootsy Collins is a Funk Master.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Ever wonder what happens to old malls...ones that sit for a while before they are razed?
As a teenager one of my favorite places to go was Penn Can Mall. It was one of the best malls in the Syracuse area until a super-regional mall opened in 1991. So, I went sent searching for info on the old Penn Can (short for Pennsylvania-Canada due to it's location along Interstate 81).
Found someone who built a tribute page (they even registered the domain)...with video stills from the late '80's when they took a camera to the mall. Also included are photos from their trip around the "dead" mall. It looks like a ghost town.
Also...I found a page call DeadMalls.com. I'm pretty certain you can look up your favorite malls from your youth; they might be listed. After some searching it seems that a lot of the malls in Syracuse are dead or dying. However, based on the area population, there always seemed to be too may malls.
I'm sort of interested in what happens to old malls. It's nice when they can be re-used for other purposes. Little Rock purchased one and turned it into a police station and jail. Often other Big Box retailers will move in. It seems that Penn Can Mall has transformed into some type of auto mall. Most of the mall was razed but the anchor stores were converted into indoor auto showrooms (not a bad idea considering the Syracuse winters).
As a teenager one of my favorite places to go was Penn Can Mall. It was one of the best malls in the Syracuse area until a super-regional mall opened in 1991. So, I went sent searching for info on the old Penn Can (short for Pennsylvania-Canada due to it's location along Interstate 81).
Found someone who built a tribute page (they even registered the domain)...with video stills from the late '80's when they took a camera to the mall. Also included are photos from their trip around the "dead" mall. It looks like a ghost town.
Also...I found a page call DeadMalls.com. I'm pretty certain you can look up your favorite malls from your youth; they might be listed. After some searching it seems that a lot of the malls in Syracuse are dead or dying. However, based on the area population, there always seemed to be too may malls.
I'm sort of interested in what happens to old malls. It's nice when they can be re-used for other purposes. Little Rock purchased one and turned it into a police station and jail. Often other Big Box retailers will move in. It seems that Penn Can Mall has transformed into some type of auto mall. Most of the mall was razed but the anchor stores were converted into indoor auto showrooms (not a bad idea considering the Syracuse winters).
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
I can't change the laws of physics!
The Engineer has passed on.
War hero.
Inspiration.
Gentleman.
I met James Doohan at my first Star Trek convention at the Hotel Syracuse. It was 1987. I was able to shake his hand. And listen to the stories he told to the assembled patrons. That's all. But it was worth it and a moment to remember and savor.
May he be remembered...
War hero.
Inspiration.
Gentleman.
I met James Doohan at my first Star Trek convention at the Hotel Syracuse. It was 1987. I was able to shake his hand. And listen to the stories he told to the assembled patrons. That's all. But it was worth it and a moment to remember and savor.
May he be remembered...
Monday, July 18, 2005
So the annual Central New York style cookout has come and gone.
Thanks to all that attended; both live and in thought.
We had ourselves some tasty Hofmann Snappy grillers and German franks (hot dogs), New England style buns, salt potatoes, chocolate cake, and three types of homemade ice-cream. Thanks to Jessica for putting it all together. And thanks to Jess' dad for ordering the meat and shipping it to us.
Also...the Carvel should be opening up in the mall real soon. We found out recently though that it won't carry the whole like of Carvel products...which means no Fudgie the Whale or Cookie Puss.
Thanks to all that attended; both live and in thought.
We had ourselves some tasty Hofmann Snappy grillers and German franks (hot dogs), New England style buns, salt potatoes, chocolate cake, and three types of homemade ice-cream. Thanks to Jessica for putting it all together. And thanks to Jess' dad for ordering the meat and shipping it to us.
Also...the Carvel should be opening up in the mall real soon. We found out recently though that it won't carry the whole like of Carvel products...which means no Fudgie the Whale or Cookie Puss.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Two very cool things...both via Metafilter but the first one I was aware of and had forgotten (because the site didn't work the last time I visited).
Word Count - tracks the top 86K English words based on usage (very cool...I spent 20 minutes thinking of words and looking them up to see their rank). FYI Love = 384 and Hate = 3107.
The site also has a Query Count that tracks the most common words that people search for (trust me NSFW).
Here is a silly Flash game Planarity.
Also added Kara to the Friendly Blogs : Family Gal Journal. Check it out sometime.
Word Count - tracks the top 86K English words based on usage (very cool...I spent 20 minutes thinking of words and looking them up to see their rank). FYI Love = 384 and Hate = 3107.
The site also has a Query Count that tracks the most common words that people search for (trust me NSFW).
Here is a silly Flash game Planarity.
Also added Kara to the Friendly Blogs : Family Gal Journal. Check it out sometime.
Monday, July 11, 2005
I am still here...just been bad about posting lately.
It's been an achy Monday...seems to be standard for me since I started playing soccer again. I did manage to get in 3+ miles and some weith lifting after work.
So it seems that the fingerI busted back in April will remain in pain until I die. There's not too much to do to it now. Surgery would just make more scar tissue. Time to pop some Aleve when it starts to hurt late in the day. I'm sure all this typing helps a lot.
Excited that my old friend Jen and her boyfriend Ben will be in F'ville this weekend. Will be good to see them.
Jess and I saw Batman Begins yesterday. I liked it a lot. I could have done without the romantic subplot. It's very serious at it takes itself very seriously. Christian Bale did a fine job. Not sure why Rutger Hauer (Wayne Industries CEO) was in the movie...his role seemed tacked on...unless there are plans for him in a sequel. The whole Wayne industries subplot also could have been left behind. I don't know much about the Scarecrow from the Batman comics...but I found the rendition in the movie to be terrifying. I was shocked that, in the row in front of me, someone had brought a pre-teen to the movie. Not to be prude-ish, but I think the violence and imagry may have been a bit much for younger kids.
That said...I recommend...but I think I still like the Tim Burton Batman films better....but that's probabl more an emotional reaction based on the nostalgia factor...
It's been an achy Monday...seems to be standard for me since I started playing soccer again. I did manage to get in 3+ miles and some weith lifting after work.
So it seems that the fingerI busted back in April will remain in pain until I die. There's not too much to do to it now. Surgery would just make more scar tissue. Time to pop some Aleve when it starts to hurt late in the day. I'm sure all this typing helps a lot.
Excited that my old friend Jen and her boyfriend Ben will be in F'ville this weekend. Will be good to see them.
Jess and I saw Batman Begins yesterday. I liked it a lot. I could have done without the romantic subplot. It's very serious at it takes itself very seriously. Christian Bale did a fine job. Not sure why Rutger Hauer (Wayne Industries CEO) was in the movie...his role seemed tacked on...unless there are plans for him in a sequel. The whole Wayne industries subplot also could have been left behind. I don't know much about the Scarecrow from the Batman comics...but I found the rendition in the movie to be terrifying. I was shocked that, in the row in front of me, someone had brought a pre-teen to the movie. Not to be prude-ish, but I think the violence and imagry may have been a bit much for younger kids.
That said...I recommend...but I think I still like the Tim Burton Batman films better....but that's probabl more an emotional reaction based on the nostalgia factor...
Monday, July 04, 2005
These are for anyone but thought Kat, Leigh, Mike, and Sarah would like them the most. This will also give Kat something to do while she's away. Maybe she can find a German version.
Fowl Words and Fowl Words 2
Fowl Words and Fowl Words 2
Lost another soccer game today. 3-1. Not so bad in the grand scheme of things. We playes three men down first half and two men down second half. It seems most of our team was on holiday. I was back playing Keeper and let me tell you...it felt good. I think it was my best game yet (never mind the 3 goals). I was all over the box and had some rather impressive saves. During the post-game breakdown, Jess suggested that my level of play was higher since I was trying to prove something. I think she's correct on this. I essentially lost my job as Keeper (though the replacement has fared no better)...and playing today I had a chance to win it back. We'll see.
In other things...here's a silly Q&A list from another site....(with my answers)...I'm clearly bored and should be reading a good book...
3 names I go (or have gone) by: Ken, Kenny (I kill people for calling me this), Kenneth
3 physical things I like about myself: Exquisitely shaped head, Eye color, Hands
3 physical things I dislike about myself: Teeth, Gut, Feet
3 parts of my heritage: Scottish, German, don't know any more....
3 favorite musical artists: Radiohead, REM, Miles Davis
3 favorite songs: "In Your Eyes" Peter Gabriel; "Head Like a Hole" NIN; "One" U2
3 of my favorite hobbies: Game playing, comic books, soccer (not sure it qualifies as a hobby)
3 things I really want to do right now: sleep, finish Firefly before Kat leaves, catch up on my reading
3 things that scare me: Death, taxes, unemployment
3 of my everyday essentials: Jessica, Vagabond, Basil
3 places you want to go on vacation: Italy, Antarctica, Vancouver
3 kids' names you like: boys: Beckett, Pol Pot (with a nod to Wes), Dobbs (nod to Mike); girls: Kathryn, Elizabeth, Julia (please note that I think I'm past the whole Xanthippe affair)
3 things to do before death: hit those vacation spots, pay those taxes, live honorably
In other things...here's a silly Q&A list from another site....(with my answers)...I'm clearly bored and should be reading a good book...
3 names I go (or have gone) by: Ken, Kenny (I kill people for calling me this), Kenneth
3 physical things I like about myself: Exquisitely shaped head, Eye color, Hands
3 physical things I dislike about myself: Teeth, Gut, Feet
3 parts of my heritage: Scottish, German, don't know any more....
3 favorite musical artists: Radiohead, REM, Miles Davis
3 favorite songs: "In Your Eyes" Peter Gabriel; "Head Like a Hole" NIN; "One" U2
3 of my favorite hobbies: Game playing, comic books, soccer (not sure it qualifies as a hobby)
3 things I really want to do right now: sleep, finish Firefly before Kat leaves, catch up on my reading
3 things that scare me: Death, taxes, unemployment
3 of my everyday essentials: Jessica, Vagabond, Basil
3 places you want to go on vacation: Italy, Antarctica, Vancouver
3 kids' names you like: boys: Beckett, Pol Pot (with a nod to Wes), Dobbs (nod to Mike); girls: Kathryn, Elizabeth, Julia (please note that I think I'm past the whole Xanthippe affair)
3 things to do before death: hit those vacation spots, pay those taxes, live honorably
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Back after a brief break. Just had nothing to say.
It's been an excellent weekend. Saw the Prassels on Friday night as we tried a new Thai restaurant in Fayetteville. It's Thep Thai. Pretty good. Located on South School...where the Dairy Queen and the Fayetteville Silk Road used to live. I hope this place has better luck. They've cleaned the interior and, more importantly, the food was excellent. I'll be going there for lunch sometime since it's close to the office.
I want to give kudos to Sarah White. She had a review of the book Fat Girl in Sunday Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. That's great! I wish we had known. Saw her on Saturday night and she made not a peep about the review. She's so quiet about her writing and criticism. I'd be shouting out if I had only a letter to the editor that made it to print. So...Sarah....lets us in and share these things. We're your friends and we would like to share in these things and pepper you with compliments. I'm beginning to fear that when you finally publish an award-winning novel, we might just be the last to know.
Played golf this morning with a good friend that will be leaving town by the end of the week. He's a consultant and is rolling off this big project at work. His last day is on Thursday unless they extend his contract. Anyway...he's a really good guy and I'll miss having him around the office. I hope I'll get the opportunity to work with him again in the future.
Then...after early golf...time for lunch, nap, and re-hydration as I also had a soccer game at 4pm. It's been a rough day. I am tired. Oh...and we lost yet again. It's still somewhat of a relief to know that the losses occur whether I am there or not (missed last week - another loss). It would be even better though if the losses only occured when I was not there. That will never happen in this universe...but I can dream.
One last thing in this long post. Jessica and I took Vagabond to the Farmer's Market on Saturday...and, proud dog-parent that I am, he was so good. He still had the shakes a bit and is wary of trash cans but he negotiated the crowd without incident. We'll keep taking him back more frequently after this successful outing. He still needs to be socialized to groups of people...dogs are fine...he's just generally scared of humans (smart dog).
It's been an excellent weekend. Saw the Prassels on Friday night as we tried a new Thai restaurant in Fayetteville. It's Thep Thai. Pretty good. Located on South School...where the Dairy Queen and the Fayetteville Silk Road used to live. I hope this place has better luck. They've cleaned the interior and, more importantly, the food was excellent. I'll be going there for lunch sometime since it's close to the office.
I want to give kudos to Sarah White. She had a review of the book Fat Girl in Sunday Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. That's great! I wish we had known. Saw her on Saturday night and she made not a peep about the review. She's so quiet about her writing and criticism. I'd be shouting out if I had only a letter to the editor that made it to print. So...Sarah....lets us in and share these things. We're your friends and we would like to share in these things and pepper you with compliments. I'm beginning to fear that when you finally publish an award-winning novel, we might just be the last to know.
Played golf this morning with a good friend that will be leaving town by the end of the week. He's a consultant and is rolling off this big project at work. His last day is on Thursday unless they extend his contract. Anyway...he's a really good guy and I'll miss having him around the office. I hope I'll get the opportunity to work with him again in the future.
Then...after early golf...time for lunch, nap, and re-hydration as I also had a soccer game at 4pm. It's been a rough day. I am tired. Oh...and we lost yet again. It's still somewhat of a relief to know that the losses occur whether I am there or not (missed last week - another loss). It would be even better though if the losses only occured when I was not there. That will never happen in this universe...but I can dream.
One last thing in this long post. Jessica and I took Vagabond to the Farmer's Market on Saturday...and, proud dog-parent that I am, he was so good. He still had the shakes a bit and is wary of trash cans but he negotiated the crowd without incident. We'll keep taking him back more frequently after this successful outing. He still needs to be socialized to groups of people...dogs are fine...he's just generally scared of humans (smart dog).
Monday, June 20, 2005
Spent Saturday at the Condray homestead. Excellent time. Went hiking, ate too much, played games, enjoyed good conversation with friends now and old.
Not a negative to be found. Even the ticks weren't too bad.
The elder Condrays are some of the nicest people a person could ever hope to meet, and their hospitality is unsurpassed.
Jess and I had to leave early on Sunday morning so that we could shuffle off to Little Rock and spend Father's day with her father.
Then on Monday, we stopped in Conway to check in on Jack Derden. As far as babies go, excellent. I held him. He didn't cry. I left with a fine impression of the child. His parents are doing well. They seem a bit tired, but genuinely happy.
The photo is of a large tree near the Condray home. Notice the cows...they have a bunch...and we even participated in a micro cattle drive. Meaning a cattle drive of a short distance...not tiny cattle.
The famous Condray corn-dogs...from top left. Being prepped, cooking, then cooling. I opted to take no photos of people stuffing their faces with the tasty goodness.
If you've never had fresh corn-dogs...you don't know what you're missing. They're nothing like the versions you get at the Fair or in the refrigerated section of a grocery store. So light, so fluffy, so irresistable.
I had four(!) and feel not a twinge of guilt.
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