Tom after a rough play. Soccer shots by Bryan Jones.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
To answers a comment question about scary amusement, death trap parks in New York.
Yep. They're there too. Only arguably more dangerous since the rides sit through a cold, icy, snowy, and salty winter.
Here are links to a few so you can see as well...
Sylvan Beach - the worst/best of the lot. Be aware the website is really annoying. But you need to see the rides so click on the Games & Rides option.
Fort Rickey - a fun animal park.
Seabreeze - no, not an astringent...but an amusement park in Rochester. Similar in size to Magic Springs.
Enchanted Forest / Water Safari - That's right...a big water park in the Adirondack Mountains. A place where summer doesn't really even begin till July. Guess that's why they're quick to point out that the water is heated. I always wanted to go but never did.
Yep. They're there too. Only arguably more dangerous since the rides sit through a cold, icy, snowy, and salty winter.
Here are links to a few so you can see as well...
Sylvan Beach - the worst/best of the lot. Be aware the website is really annoying. But you need to see the rides so click on the Games & Rides option.
Fort Rickey - a fun animal park.
Seabreeze - no, not an astringent...but an amusement park in Rochester. Similar in size to Magic Springs.
Enchanted Forest / Water Safari - That's right...a big water park in the Adirondack Mountains. A place where summer doesn't really even begin till July. Guess that's why they're quick to point out that the water is heated. I always wanted to go but never did.
Friday, May 19, 2006
SYR meet NYT
My old home got the 36-hour treatment in the New York Times.
Enjoy.
Best part: At "Weggy's" you can snag a five-pound bag of Hinerwadel's Salt Potatoes ($2.99), the blue-collar delicacy that is to Syracuse what chicken wings are to Buffalo. They look like doughnut holes, but don't be deceived: humanity has never devised a finer delivery system for butter and salt.
Not sure if truer words were ever written. Also...I don't know anyone who refer's to the grocery store Wegman's as Weggy's. Crazy talk.
Enjoy.
Best part: At "Weggy's" you can snag a five-pound bag of Hinerwadel's Salt Potatoes ($2.99), the blue-collar delicacy that is to Syracuse what chicken wings are to Buffalo. They look like doughnut holes, but don't be deceived: humanity has never devised a finer delivery system for butter and salt.
Not sure if truer words were ever written. Also...I don't know anyone who refer's to the grocery store Wegman's as Weggy's. Crazy talk.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Laugh your sittin place off...
Take a look and listen at Ax a Pirate. It's in response to Ask a Ninja; but more funny.
To follow up on the previous thread...LibertyLand is no longer around. Their site indicates it closed for good after 30 years last October. Let's observe a moment of silence for Munkee Girl's loss. I think we should temper that loss by pitching in and getting her something at the LibertyLand auction. Photos here. Brochure here.
Take a look at the photos. Kinda sad. But it also makes me wish I was rich and eccentric so I could buy the place and live out my Scooby-Doo fantasies (no not those fantasies). Doesn't it look like the standard, Scooby-Doo, rundown amusement park. Zoiks!
So I broke down and read The Da Vinci Code. Fun but ephemeral. Very shallow mystery with a greater focus on the mystery than the characters. Still..it's been enjoyable as a page-turner. I prefer something with a bit more meat like Eco's Foucault's Pendulum. I do want to see the movie, which is why I read the book. As for the plot...it's a work of fiction...no need for the Church to get all up in arms about it or for shallow readers to take it as a challenge to their Faith. If something like this book causes a wavering of Faith then clearly they're not too strong in their beliefs after all.
Reading anything interesting? Post it to the Comments. I'll share some more titles later.
To follow up on the previous thread...LibertyLand is no longer around. Their site indicates it closed for good after 30 years last October. Let's observe a moment of silence for Munkee Girl's loss. I think we should temper that loss by pitching in and getting her something at the LibertyLand auction. Photos here. Brochure here.
Take a look at the photos. Kinda sad. But it also makes me wish I was rich and eccentric so I could buy the place and live out my Scooby-Doo fantasies (no not those fantasies). Doesn't it look like the standard, Scooby-Doo, rundown amusement park. Zoiks!
So I broke down and read The Da Vinci Code. Fun but ephemeral. Very shallow mystery with a greater focus on the mystery than the characters. Still..it's been enjoyable as a page-turner. I prefer something with a bit more meat like Eco's Foucault's Pendulum. I do want to see the movie, which is why I read the book. As for the plot...it's a work of fiction...no need for the Church to get all up in arms about it or for shallow readers to take it as a challenge to their Faith. If something like this book causes a wavering of Faith then clearly they're not too strong in their beliefs after all.
Reading anything interesting? Post it to the Comments. I'll share some more titles later.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Very busy weekend.
Magic Springs on Saturday. I tend to call it Tragic Springs based on its former reputation as an unsafe and poorly maintained park. In all honesty I had a good time. It's no Disney, Universal, Silver Dollar City, or even Worlds of Fun but it was much better than I expected. There is a decent steel coaster with 5 inversions, number of above average carnival-style rides, a small water park, and a out-and-back wooden coaster - the Arkansas Twister. Odd name since there is no twisting involved. I liked the Twister and something called Wild Thang the best. Since we purchased season passes I'll certainly go back a few times throughout the summer. If you're in Central Arkansas be sure to consider this park if you're needing a coaster fix and can't get to one of the major parks.
We took advantage of our proximity to Hot Springs to eat at McClard's, an excellent barbecue restaurant. Stop in if you ever go to Hot Springs. Very tasty, especially if you like a strong vinegar-based sauce. Oh...no credit cards. Thankfully Bryan had cash to cover the meal.
Early warning to those who can get to Little Rock this weekend...it's Greek Food Fest next weekend. Don't miss it.
Magic Springs on Saturday. I tend to call it Tragic Springs based on its former reputation as an unsafe and poorly maintained park. In all honesty I had a good time. It's no Disney, Universal, Silver Dollar City, or even Worlds of Fun but it was much better than I expected. There is a decent steel coaster with 5 inversions, number of above average carnival-style rides, a small water park, and a out-and-back wooden coaster - the Arkansas Twister. Odd name since there is no twisting involved. I liked the Twister and something called Wild Thang the best. Since we purchased season passes I'll certainly go back a few times throughout the summer. If you're in Central Arkansas be sure to consider this park if you're needing a coaster fix and can't get to one of the major parks.
We took advantage of our proximity to Hot Springs to eat at McClard's, an excellent barbecue restaurant. Stop in if you ever go to Hot Springs. Very tasty, especially if you like a strong vinegar-based sauce. Oh...no credit cards. Thankfully Bryan had cash to cover the meal.
Early warning to those who can get to Little Rock this weekend...it's Greek Food Fest next weekend. Don't miss it.
Monday, May 08, 2006
What a great weekend back in F'ville. Time well spent with friends. However...we did go to perhaps the saddest SpringFest I ever attended. Rainy and cold kept people away. Still, it's a great tradition to head out to SpringFest and watch Desert Fire dance at the Walton Arts Center.
Special thanks to Kathleen and Collin for providing a roof and bed during our stay. Peter and Beth hosted a very tasty Cinco de Mayo event. I must have those tamales again. So very good.
The conversation on Friday turned towards words...here are some great word podcasts. They are short, fun and informative.
Podictionary / On Words with John Ciardi / The Word Nerds
Enjoy.
Special thanks to Kathleen and Collin for providing a roof and bed during our stay. Peter and Beth hosted a very tasty Cinco de Mayo event. I must have those tamales again. So very good.
The conversation on Friday turned towards words...here are some great word podcasts. They are short, fun and informative.
Podictionary / On Words with John Ciardi / The Word Nerds
Enjoy.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Air America Radio: Little Rock
It only took a few years after its founding, but AR is finally getting an Air America Radio affiliate. Glad it's going to be in LR. The big problem is that it's on a weaker AM station - 1380. Still better than nothing. Read about it at the Arkansas Times Blog.
Of course you can stream the Air America Radio feed from their website but some companies (like mine) aren't happy when bandwidth is sucked up by streaming media.
I just acquired a scanner and got it working (thanks Bryan). This means I can finally bore you all with old photos from my youth, high school days, and college. You be best served by running away now...
Of course you can stream the Air America Radio feed from their website but some companies (like mine) aren't happy when bandwidth is sucked up by streaming media.
I just acquired a scanner and got it working (thanks Bryan). This means I can finally bore you all with old photos from my youth, high school days, and college. You be best served by running away now...
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Good Times
Went to a Hendrix reunion at the Flying Saucer last night. Much more enjoyable than expected. A pretty good crowd showed up and there were people I knew and who knew me. Most impressive was the number of people who actually came in from out of state. Everyone was at once very much the same and very different.
I'm heading out to breakfast right now (unexpectedly) so I'll return later and dive a little deeper into the events last night. I don't think Jess and I will be on campus for today's reunion activities. However, we will go to the church service on Sunday and I'm trying to talk her into going to the cafeteria for lunch: shrimp, baked potato, rainbow roast beef, and disco trays.
I'm heading out to breakfast right now (unexpectedly) so I'll return later and dive a little deeper into the events last night. I don't think Jess and I will be on campus for today's reunion activities. However, we will go to the church service on Sunday and I'm trying to talk her into going to the cafeteria for lunch: shrimp, baked potato, rainbow roast beef, and disco trays.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
Do you like speed?
Lest we forget...we are still at war. I've not ever been a supporter of this conflict and I buy into the assertion by the Left that we were misled into this war. However getting into that conversation is not the purpose of this post. I just wanted to share a Flash site I've had bookmarked for some time.
Iraq War Fatalities (safe for work - there is nothing offensive here)
Iraq War Fatalities (safe for work - there is nothing offensive here)
If you're ever looking for something to do on the web, have some time to kill, and like science fiction...visit the Science Fiction Cover Explorer.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
More Podcasts
Time for two more of my favorite podcasts - all available via iTunes.
Vintage ToonCast
This is a periodic video cast of animation from the 30s, 40s, and 50s that are no longer protected by copyright. This means they can be freely distributed. Generally, two videos are released per week. The quality is a bit off at times but if you like animation, this is definitely for you. Please note that these toons come from an era before political correctness. There are things that might be offensive...but they're products of their time...and in that sense a great historical resource. So be careful if you watch with a child.
The President's Weekly Radio Address
This is a weekly parody of the president's radio address. It's very short, never more than a few minutes. Always funny, regardless of your party affiliation. They actually have a website...WeeklyRadioAddress.com. Check it out.
More favorites later in the week.
Vintage ToonCast
This is a periodic video cast of animation from the 30s, 40s, and 50s that are no longer protected by copyright. This means they can be freely distributed. Generally, two videos are released per week. The quality is a bit off at times but if you like animation, this is definitely for you. Please note that these toons come from an era before political correctness. There are things that might be offensive...but they're products of their time...and in that sense a great historical resource. So be careful if you watch with a child.
The President's Weekly Radio Address
This is a weekly parody of the president's radio address. It's very short, never more than a few minutes. Always funny, regardless of your party affiliation. They actually have a website...WeeklyRadioAddress.com. Check it out.
More favorites later in the week.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Had a good week in Chicago last week. Work was slow and I only had one free night to get out an about....but it was a worth it. I managed to get to the Art Institute of Chicago (as indicated by the photos posted earlier this week) on its extended hours evening. Wish I had more time. I recommend it to everyone. Reminded me of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Similar breadth and scope. Definitely world class.
In other news...my old friend Sarah gave birth to a baby girl on Sunday April 2 (hey...Jess' birthday as well...I didn't process that till just now). Congratulations to her and Ghani. I'll post a photo as soon as they send me one.
This past weekend used Jessica's new fondu pot for the first time. She made a tasty cheese foudu courtesy of Alton Brown and the show "Good Eats." Games were played and 4(!) bottles of wine were drained. Good times.
Last night, thanks to Bryan, we went to a lecture at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. The speaker was an Egyptologist (Bob Brier) who posits that Tutankhamen was murdered. He gave a vibrant and informative lecture. He clearly has a love of the subject. Again - thanks Bryan. One interesting thing occurred during the Q&A. Someone (clearly with an agenda of some sort) tried to get this historian to commit to nailing down something about Moses and the Exodus. Dr. Brier didn't take the bait (if for no other reason than the speaker didn't actually ask a question)...and even implied the Exodus may not have occurred.
The thing is (and I know I'll be corrected)...the Bible (and other religious texts) cannot be relied upon for dates or historical accounts. Makes me wonder if there is a record (aside from the Bible) on the details of the Exodus - something contemporary to the event found in Egypt? Now would be a good time to research this...as it's Passover.
In other news...my old friend Sarah gave birth to a baby girl on Sunday April 2 (hey...Jess' birthday as well...I didn't process that till just now). Congratulations to her and Ghani. I'll post a photo as soon as they send me one.
This past weekend used Jessica's new fondu pot for the first time. She made a tasty cheese foudu courtesy of Alton Brown and the show "Good Eats." Games were played and 4(!) bottles of wine were drained. Good times.
Last night, thanks to Bryan, we went to a lecture at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. The speaker was an Egyptologist (Bob Brier) who posits that Tutankhamen was murdered. He gave a vibrant and informative lecture. He clearly has a love of the subject. Again - thanks Bryan. One interesting thing occurred during the Q&A. Someone (clearly with an agenda of some sort) tried to get this historian to commit to nailing down something about Moses and the Exodus. Dr. Brier didn't take the bait (if for no other reason than the speaker didn't actually ask a question)...and even implied the Exodus may not have occurred.
The thing is (and I know I'll be corrected)...the Bible (and other religious texts) cannot be relied upon for dates or historical accounts. Makes me wonder if there is a record (aside from the Bible) on the details of the Exodus - something contemporary to the event found in Egypt? Now would be a good time to research this...as it's Passover.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Sunday, April 02, 2006
As promised to Bryan...a photo remembrance of his 30th birthday gathering (click on it for better resolution)...a few years back. (Now we'll see whether the people in the photos kill me.) It was an 80's themed party. Photo commentary numbered from left to right starting at the top...
1. Surprise: Bryan arrives.
2. Does the cake meet approval...hard to tell.
3. It's the return of the Eighties Ladies.
4. Jess...looking lovely as always.
5. Radiant JJ.
6. Party hosts...Rich and Jen (don't forget to check out her new blog!)
7. Tom doing his best Dobbs-head impression.
8. Me...Miami Vice style...though I think the earrings are a bit much.
9. Close-up on the colorful decorations.
This was fun and seems so long ago...babies, divorces, moves, and mortgages...still...here in Little Rock and in Fayetteville as well...I've been so lucky to have such good friends. Absolutely no doubt that these are great people.
Haddock Happenings
Hey all...
New blog alert...the Haddocks are now posting family updates on what we hope becomes a regular basis. There are some new links on the right column.
You'd be smart to keep an eye on Haddock Happenings. Jen is very witty and creative (Rich ain't to shabby either, but I bet the blog is all hers). Also, she's an excellent photographer so you'll probably begin to see some of her old photos as well as constant Lukas updates. Her first posted photo is an excellent shot of a super-cute Lukas.
Also...dinner tonight for Bryan's birthday. Went to Sonny Williams. No need to return. They're very full of themselves...and they shouldn't be. The steak was tasty enough (I've had better - you know it Mr. Morton and Ruth's Chris) but it was overpriced and the service was severely lacking. That said, the au gratin potatoes and green beans were among the best I've tasted. I paired my steak with some St. Francis "Old Vines" Zinfandel. It too was very good, though to be fair I knew that before I ordered.
Despite the fullness...some of us managed to get to Community Bakery for some dessert and coffee. Good Times.
New blog alert...the Haddocks are now posting family updates on what we hope becomes a regular basis. There are some new links on the right column.
You'd be smart to keep an eye on Haddock Happenings. Jen is very witty and creative (Rich ain't to shabby either, but I bet the blog is all hers). Also, she's an excellent photographer so you'll probably begin to see some of her old photos as well as constant Lukas updates. Her first posted photo is an excellent shot of a super-cute Lukas.
Also...dinner tonight for Bryan's birthday. Went to Sonny Williams. No need to return. They're very full of themselves...and they shouldn't be. The steak was tasty enough (I've had better - you know it Mr. Morton and Ruth's Chris) but it was overpriced and the service was severely lacking. That said, the au gratin potatoes and green beans were among the best I've tasted. I paired my steak with some St. Francis "Old Vines" Zinfandel. It too was very good, though to be fair I knew that before I ordered.
Despite the fullness...some of us managed to get to Community Bakery for some dessert and coffee. Good Times.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
I'm back. Thought I'd let you all know. Jess and I are slowly getting unpacked here at the new house. I don't need surgery. Seems I fractured the greater tuberosity of my humerus (upper arm). Trust me...this is so much better than tearing a rotator cuff. No surgery and recovery is much easier. No soccer for at least six weeks. I also learned that MRIs aren't a bother to me. I'm told people can panic while up in the tube...didn't bother me a bit. All told, aside from not getting injured...this is an excellent outcome.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Still Around
All -
I am still around and haven't forgotten this site. It's been a busy two weeks.
Bought a home. In the process of moving into said home. Possibly tore my rotator cuff (shoulder)...will know tomorrow whether surgery is required.
Anyway...I'll get a legitimate post out here soon...
I am still around and haven't forgotten this site. It's been a busy two weeks.
Bought a home. In the process of moving into said home. Possibly tore my rotator cuff (shoulder)...will know tomorrow whether surgery is required.
Anyway...I'll get a legitimate post out here soon...
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Oscar Predictions
Time to get these in print before the actual event. Not really fair of me to predict. I haven't seen most of the movies and will base these selections on other sources, gut, and my opinions of the actor/film (limited though they may be).
Actor: Phillip Seymore Hoffman. I pretty much like him in anything he is in. He's the big villian in the next Mission Impossible. That will be odd. I thought he was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Actress: Felicity Huffman. Mainly because I like her the most of all the nominated actresses.
Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti
Supporting Actress: Rachael Weisz. I have no clue in theis category.
Animated Feature: Wallace and Gromit. History has shown that the Academy loves W&G.
Directing: Brokeback Mountain
Music (Score): Munich
Visual Effects: King Kong
Writing (Adapted): Capote (though probably Brokeback)
Writing (Original): Good Night, Good Luck
Best Picture: Crash
Actor: Phillip Seymore Hoffman. I pretty much like him in anything he is in. He's the big villian in the next Mission Impossible. That will be odd. I thought he was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Actress: Felicity Huffman. Mainly because I like her the most of all the nominated actresses.
Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti
Supporting Actress: Rachael Weisz. I have no clue in theis category.
Animated Feature: Wallace and Gromit. History has shown that the Academy loves W&G.
Directing: Brokeback Mountain
Music (Score): Munich
Visual Effects: King Kong
Writing (Adapted): Capote (though probably Brokeback)
Writing (Original): Good Night, Good Luck
Best Picture: Crash
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Don Knotts died this weekend. Very sad. Pretty funny guy. Take a moment to watch a rerun of The Andy Griffith Show and remember how talented he was. Sure, he overacted but I think he hit all the right notes in that show. I'd also recommend The Incredible Mr. Limpet. I saw it as a child and loved it. Avoid his turn on Three's Company at all costs. He had a great bit in the movie Pleasantville a few years back. Go watch that as well. Oh...and the bad, but fun...Apple Dumpling Gang, The Private Eyes (both with Tim Conway), and Hot Lead and Cold Feet.
I wonder if there will be a tribute at the Oscars or if he'll just be a part of the requisite photo montage?
I wonder if there will be a tribute at the Oscars or if he'll just be a part of the requisite photo montage?
A little culture
Jess and I went to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra on Saturday. Great fun.
First piece was Symphony No. 5, Op. 50 by Carl Nielsen. I liked it. I was reminded of Stravinsky. The first movement was much better than the the second and the ending was abrupt, seeming to come from nowhere. But what an ending...
Second piece was Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor by Serge Rachmaninoff (bonus: sample the music via wikipedia). The centerpiece of this concerto was pianist Andre Watts. He's certainly a fine pianist, and the music was good; I just don't really like piano concertos. The piano isn't my favorite instrument and I'm not keen on symphonic works that center on it.
That said, it was nice going to the symphony. I think Jess and I will look into going again and perhaps getting season tickets next year. It was fun being out all dresse up and seeing everyone else dressed all nice. We ran into the Caruthers. We unknowningly parked right next to them and walked in with them. Brief conversation, but nice nonetheless.
Also, soccer update....we're now 2-0. We won our game 4-2. I could have played better but our offense is very talented so I don't think we were ever in any danger of losing. I like these guys. Lots of fun. And it's nice to be winning.
First piece was Symphony No. 5, Op. 50 by Carl Nielsen. I liked it. I was reminded of Stravinsky. The first movement was much better than the the second and the ending was abrupt, seeming to come from nowhere. But what an ending...
Second piece was Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor by Serge Rachmaninoff (bonus: sample the music via wikipedia). The centerpiece of this concerto was pianist Andre Watts. He's certainly a fine pianist, and the music was good; I just don't really like piano concertos. The piano isn't my favorite instrument and I'm not keen on symphonic works that center on it.
That said, it was nice going to the symphony. I think Jess and I will look into going again and perhaps getting season tickets next year. It was fun being out all dresse up and seeing everyone else dressed all nice. We ran into the Caruthers. We unknowningly parked right next to them and walked in with them. Brief conversation, but nice nonetheless.
Also, soccer update....we're now 2-0. We won our game 4-2. I could have played better but our offense is very talented so I don't think we were ever in any danger of losing. I like these guys. Lots of fun. And it's nice to be winning.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Also today....Malcom X was assassinated on this day in 1965.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X
I wonder how he would have regarded the past 41 years had he lived...?
No...I'm not turning this place into random trivia site...I just felt it should be put out there to think about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_X
I wonder how he would have regarded the past 41 years had he lived...?
No...I'm not turning this place into random trivia site...I just felt it should be put out there to think about.
Globe
407 years ago today, Feb. 21, 1599, the contract to build the Globe Theater was signed and we're all better for it.
Thought you should know.
Thought you should know.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Podcasts...
From time to time I plan to share my ever-changing podcast selections from iTunes. All the podcasts I will mention over then next few weeks are free; I believe, requiring only an iTunes account and the software loaded on your pc.
These are presented in no specific order or hierachy of favoritism.
Knowledge@Wharton
This is podcast from the Wharton School of Business @ the University of Pennsylvania offering the latest business insights, information and research from a variety of sources.
Why do I listen? I enjoy the variety of article that cover diverse business topics from the biddin behaviour of buyers in internet auctions, to the recent trends in pension downsizing, to the economics of renting vs. byuing in the home video market. As I didn't attend business school, I find that I can learn just enough to be dangerous in a conversation. The audio is generally 5x5 and the narrator is fairly engaging with material that, in the wrong voice, could be snooze inducing.
The Onion Radio News
Get your RDA of artifical news in this quick, 1-minute, daily fake news report topic taken from The Onion. It's presented very seriously, with no indication that a joke is being played out. Very good and often laugh-out-loud funny. Also well produced - 5x5.
From time to time I plan to share my ever-changing podcast selections from iTunes. All the podcasts I will mention over then next few weeks are free; I believe, requiring only an iTunes account and the software loaded on your pc.
These are presented in no specific order or hierachy of favoritism.
Knowledge@Wharton
This is podcast from the Wharton School of Business @ the University of Pennsylvania offering the latest business insights, information and research from a variety of sources.
Why do I listen? I enjoy the variety of article that cover diverse business topics from the biddin behaviour of buyers in internet auctions, to the recent trends in pension downsizing, to the economics of renting vs. byuing in the home video market. As I didn't attend business school, I find that I can learn just enough to be dangerous in a conversation. The audio is generally 5x5 and the narrator is fairly engaging with material that, in the wrong voice, could be snooze inducing.
The Onion Radio News
Get your RDA of artifical news in this quick, 1-minute, daily fake news report topic taken from The Onion. It's presented very seriously, with no indication that a joke is being played out. Very good and often laugh-out-loud funny. Also well produced - 5x5.
Let's all laugh at the funny shooting...
It seems to me that shootings and getting shot are not humorous when they occur in the real world. Sure...in fiction...you can might be able to laugh at someone getting shot...I'm thinking of Marvin from Pulp Fiction.
However...when playing with reality I don't think shootings are a laughing matter, not even for Darwin Award candidates who shoot themselves while cleaning their guns or other such matter.
However, it appears that Compassionate Conservatism means making jokes partly at the expense of someone who was shot by the second most powerful man in the country.
I just love this administration.
However...when playing with reality I don't think shootings are a laughing matter, not even for Darwin Award candidates who shoot themselves while cleaning their guns or other such matter.
However, it appears that Compassionate Conservatism means making jokes partly at the expense of someone who was shot by the second most powerful man in the country.
I just love this administration.
It's been a while since I mentioned something political.
Dick Cheney certainly knows good gun safety. I wonder if alcohol was involved? Aren't you supposed to look before you shoot, especially if you're turning around and following your prey? If this guy was approaching Cheney from behind it seems reasonable to assume he was making every effort to avoid the field of fire. What I seem to have missed in the reporting is the distance between Cheney and the victim. If anyone saw a report on that let me know as I'm a bit curious. The other thing that stinks is the question as to why it took hours to inform the White House and even longer to announce it to the media.
I don't really think there's a cover-up of anything nefarious...just a delay based on embarrassment and to ensure all stories were aligned properly.
Dick Cheney certainly knows good gun safety. I wonder if alcohol was involved? Aren't you supposed to look before you shoot, especially if you're turning around and following your prey? If this guy was approaching Cheney from behind it seems reasonable to assume he was making every effort to avoid the field of fire. What I seem to have missed in the reporting is the distance between Cheney and the victim. If anyone saw a report on that let me know as I'm a bit curious. The other thing that stinks is the question as to why it took hours to inform the White House and even longer to announce it to the media.
I don't really think there's a cover-up of anything nefarious...just a delay based on embarrassment and to ensure all stories were aligned properly.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Soccer season started today. New team, new city, new outcome. We won 5-1. Game was cold. Like playing in high school in New York, in October. Lots of fun.
I was in goal and the only goal for the other team came off a penalty kick. Though to be fair the goal total was more due to the very efficient and skilled play of the defense. It's clear this team is in another league, no pun intended, when compared to my teams last year. Those teams were good and fun, but this team actually plays like a team. Players passing the ball, playing uselfishly, and generally having a better undertanding of the game.
The team name is Hangover Blues (also would be a great band name). We play Sunday afternoons at 4:45 at Burns Park in North Little Rock - Fields 13 or 14.
Please come and watch (though it's okay to wait for a little more warm air). Jess was out there this evening and her dad, Perry, came to watch us in the cold. Very nice.
Also, a quick thanks to Tom (aka Tweedler) for inviting me to play.
I was in goal and the only goal for the other team came off a penalty kick. Though to be fair the goal total was more due to the very efficient and skilled play of the defense. It's clear this team is in another league, no pun intended, when compared to my teams last year. Those teams were good and fun, but this team actually plays like a team. Players passing the ball, playing uselfishly, and generally having a better undertanding of the game.
The team name is Hangover Blues (also would be a great band name). We play Sunday afternoons at 4:45 at Burns Park in North Little Rock - Fields 13 or 14.
Please come and watch (though it's okay to wait for a little more warm air). Jess was out there this evening and her dad, Perry, came to watch us in the cold. Very nice.
Also, a quick thanks to Tom (aka Tweedler) for inviting me to play.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Check it out...
Okay...I'm a few months off...but here's a new site that I recommend: Life in Books.
It's a blog run by my friend Sarah White. I'll add the link to the side. She now has the distinction of having two links to sites produced by her. Sarah is an excellent writer, vibrant and witty. Please take a visit to her page and return often, you'll be glad you did.
It's a blog run by my friend Sarah White. I'll add the link to the side. She now has the distinction of having two links to sites produced by her. Sarah is an excellent writer, vibrant and witty. Please take a visit to her page and return often, you'll be glad you did.
I'm pleased that Donne brought out such interesting responses. Let's see if we can keep it up.
Tom...didn't know you hated 16th Cent Brit Lit, and Donne in particular, so much. What's not to like. And sure, Shakespeare is excellent but there were other fine writers of the era. You've got Kyd, Marlowe, and Jonson to name but a few. And there's the unanswerable question as to whether Shakespeare the man was Shakespeare the writer.
Peter...embrace the alien...and you're right, not flowery at all. While I like some modern poetry, I really admire and respect using established form, rhyme, meter, etc. Something I believe is often lost to modern poets...or certainly the hacks who string a bunch of random words together and call it a poem. Or the folks who make a simple two line rhyme and call it a poem.
Kat...was your comment directed at me or one of the others? I can't tell. Perhaps, since I can't determine, I should take it as a sign it was actually directed at me. I sense you're harkening back to your overtly zealous attack on me a few months ago. :-)
Mike...not sure what the "Praise Bob" was for but keep it coming. You could always switch to "Praise Ken."
Tom...didn't know you hated 16th Cent Brit Lit, and Donne in particular, so much. What's not to like. And sure, Shakespeare is excellent but there were other fine writers of the era. You've got Kyd, Marlowe, and Jonson to name but a few. And there's the unanswerable question as to whether Shakespeare the man was Shakespeare the writer.
Peter...embrace the alien...and you're right, not flowery at all. While I like some modern poetry, I really admire and respect using established form, rhyme, meter, etc. Something I believe is often lost to modern poets...or certainly the hacks who string a bunch of random words together and call it a poem. Or the folks who make a simple two line rhyme and call it a poem.
Kat...was your comment directed at me or one of the others? I can't tell. Perhaps, since I can't determine, I should take it as a sign it was actually directed at me. I sense you're harkening back to your overtly zealous attack on me a few months ago. :-)
Mike...not sure what the "Praise Bob" was for but keep it coming. You could always switch to "Praise Ken."
Friday, January 27, 2006
John Donne
A Hymn To God The Father
Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.
A Hymn To God The Father
Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.
Hey all...I am still around. Thanks for the comments re. the house issue.
About Heart of Darkness...suffice to say it's one of the best written, well reasoned, and symbolic books ever writtern. All from a man for whom English was a second language. Pretty freakin amazing if you ask me.
Yes...it's one of my favorite books. I'm certain that's largely based on when I read it and who I was at the time. I took the whole archetype/symbolism thing hook, line, and sinker. Invisible Man (another of my favorites) is rife with multi-level symbolism and archetypes.
Later...when it's not so late, I'll talk more about my favorite books. And it's been a while since I posted some poetry (not mine...good stuff only).
About Heart of Darkness...suffice to say it's one of the best written, well reasoned, and symbolic books ever writtern. All from a man for whom English was a second language. Pretty freakin amazing if you ask me.
Yes...it's one of my favorite books. I'm certain that's largely based on when I read it and who I was at the time. I took the whole archetype/symbolism thing hook, line, and sinker. Invisible Man (another of my favorites) is rife with multi-level symbolism and archetypes.
Later...when it's not so late, I'll talk more about my favorite books. And it's been a while since I posted some poetry (not mine...good stuff only).
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Eggs, Chickens, and that Whole Counting Thing...
Right...
Time for some censorship...the posts about the house have been deleted. Spoke too soon. In short, we weren't happy with the inspection and are passing.
The search begins anew. And next time...I'll restrain my irrational exuberance and make an announcement once we're actually on track to get it.
Time for some censorship...the posts about the house have been deleted. Spoke too soon. In short, we weren't happy with the inspection and are passing.
The search begins anew. And next time...I'll restrain my irrational exuberance and make an announcement once we're actually on track to get it.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Okay...Tuesday at Islands of Adventure...
Incredible Hulk Coaster - 4pts. It's a fine coaster but it seems a bit slow. They use magnetic propulsion to get you to speed in seconds and you crest the opening hill full speed and doing an inversion. There are something like 7 inversions and a lot of spinning. However there's no real air time...those moments of zero gravity. One of my favorite things.
Doctor Doom's Fearfall - 1pt. Rather sucktastic. It shoots you straight up and slowly brings you down. No thrill here.
Amazing Spider-Man Ride - 5pts. One of my favorite rides of all time. Even better the second time. Great use of 3D, special effects, and flight simulation. Must be experienced to be believed.
Storm Force Accelatron - 2pts. Simple varient on the tilt-a-whirl or Disney's teacup ride. Nothing special. Too short.
Jurassic Park River Adventure - 3pts. Universal's answer to Splash Mountain. It has a bigger drop...the visuals..okay...I liked Splash Mountain better.
The Cat in the Hat - 3pts. Trip through the high point of the book. Great visuals and animatronics. Fun for the kids and adults. Part of a whole section of the park dedicated to Dr. Seuss. The whole section was well designed...but a little goes a long way.
8th Voyage of Sinbad - 2.5pts. Not a ride. A mildly entertaining stunt show. Designed to appeal to all ages. Skip it or don't. It will provide shade but not heat relief in the summer since it's an outdoor production.
Poseidon's Fury - 2pts. More like the fury of suck. This wasn't a ride...rather another show/movie with special effects (both water and fire). Think bad Sci-fi channel movie of the week. The one cool piece was a tunnel of water you were forced to walk through. Not cool enough to save this "ride." The sad thing is that Universal clearly spent a lot of coin on the exterior to give a distressed temple look...but they needed to focus on the attraction itself.
Dueling Dragons: Fire and Ice - 5pts. I loved this ride. We all loved this ride. Two hanging coasters. Both very good, though Fire was my favorite. Due to the reletively low number of people at the park I think we rode this 7 times over two days. It was more fun on a coaster than I think I have had. I know the park wants to hype the Incredible Hulk coaster...but I think these are better by far.
Interesting thing happened on Tuesday. We were blocks away from a bank robbery and hostage situation. Were were very lucky. We were able to get to and from our condo. The police perimeter began at the street we needed to turn on. It would have genuinely sucked to be either blocked from our condo or stuck there. Thankfully we made it out to dinner once Peter and Beth arrived.
Ah...dinner...at my favorite Orlando restaurant (like I know that many) Cafe Tu-Tu Tango. Everyone should go. It's sad that Little Rock probably couldn't (wouldn't?) support a fun restaurant like Cafe Tu-Tu Tango.
More photos today...then a look into the Magic Kingdom tomorrow...
Stay tuned.
Incredible Hulk Coaster - 4pts. It's a fine coaster but it seems a bit slow. They use magnetic propulsion to get you to speed in seconds and you crest the opening hill full speed and doing an inversion. There are something like 7 inversions and a lot of spinning. However there's no real air time...those moments of zero gravity. One of my favorite things.
Doctor Doom's Fearfall - 1pt. Rather sucktastic. It shoots you straight up and slowly brings you down. No thrill here.
Amazing Spider-Man Ride - 5pts. One of my favorite rides of all time. Even better the second time. Great use of 3D, special effects, and flight simulation. Must be experienced to be believed.
Storm Force Accelatron - 2pts. Simple varient on the tilt-a-whirl or Disney's teacup ride. Nothing special. Too short.
Jurassic Park River Adventure - 3pts. Universal's answer to Splash Mountain. It has a bigger drop...the visuals..okay...I liked Splash Mountain better.
The Cat in the Hat - 3pts. Trip through the high point of the book. Great visuals and animatronics. Fun for the kids and adults. Part of a whole section of the park dedicated to Dr. Seuss. The whole section was well designed...but a little goes a long way.
8th Voyage of Sinbad - 2.5pts. Not a ride. A mildly entertaining stunt show. Designed to appeal to all ages. Skip it or don't. It will provide shade but not heat relief in the summer since it's an outdoor production.
Poseidon's Fury - 2pts. More like the fury of suck. This wasn't a ride...rather another show/movie with special effects (both water and fire). Think bad Sci-fi channel movie of the week. The one cool piece was a tunnel of water you were forced to walk through. Not cool enough to save this "ride." The sad thing is that Universal clearly spent a lot of coin on the exterior to give a distressed temple look...but they needed to focus on the attraction itself.
Dueling Dragons: Fire and Ice - 5pts. I loved this ride. We all loved this ride. Two hanging coasters. Both very good, though Fire was my favorite. Due to the reletively low number of people at the park I think we rode this 7 times over two days. It was more fun on a coaster than I think I have had. I know the park wants to hype the Incredible Hulk coaster...but I think these are better by far.
Interesting thing happened on Tuesday. We were blocks away from a bank robbery and hostage situation. Were were very lucky. We were able to get to and from our condo. The police perimeter began at the street we needed to turn on. It would have genuinely sucked to be either blocked from our condo or stuck there. Thankfully we made it out to dinner once Peter and Beth arrived.
Ah...dinner...at my favorite Orlando restaurant (like I know that many) Cafe Tu-Tu Tango. Everyone should go. It's sad that Little Rock probably couldn't (wouldn't?) support a fun restaurant like Cafe Tu-Tu Tango.
More photos today...then a look into the Magic Kingdom tomorrow...
Stay tuned.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
So...back from sunny Orlando, Florida.
It was a great week spent with Collin, Kathleen, Beth, Peter, and Jessica. The weather was perfect, and as luck would have it, the only rain occurred while we were on an indoor attraction at Epcot.
Sunday:
Arrive. Flight was smooth. Somewhat disappointed in the resort but the suite is adequate. Got turned around in Celebration, Florida. It's a completely manufactured community. Remember G.I. Joe...and their enemy Cobra? Well Celebration makes me think of the Cobra town Springfield. A bit too wholesome for it's own good (kinda like Disney).
Monday:
Universal Studios. Fun but rather boring looking park. Their claims about "riding the movies" is slightly exaggerated. It was amazingly empty. We had very little in the way of wait times. Most of the time we walked right up and got on the rides. As for the attractions I'll use a 5pt scale.
Shrek 4D - 4pts. Very good and very funny 3D animated presentation...thus not a ride. Set sometime between the two movies. Used the voice talent from the movie. Worth seeing again.
Revenge of the Mummy - 5pts. Two words...Brain Fire. Too short but worth every second. If only the coster were a bit more thrilling....but BRAIN FIRE!!! We rode this three times.
Terminator 2 3D - 4.5pts. Another 3D show (again..not a ride). An early use of the technology...but they spent good money on it and it was well done. If only the third Terminator movie could have been this good.
E.T. Adventure - 3pts. At least it's a ride. Weak story about helping find some lost friends of E.T. is the reason for flying around and seeing scenes inspired by the movie. The ride is not exciting at all. Worth it for the way Speilberg hoored himself out for the video intro. The visuals and animatronics are also very good...surreal at the end when you reach E.T.'s home planet. Another odd thing...the staff asks your name before the ride, gives you this silly intergalactic passport...then takes it away with no explanation. Why was my name required? It's a mystery.
Men In Black: Alien Attack - 3pts. Simple indoor attraction. Cars are equipped with light guns and scoreboards. Think moving shooting gallery with aliens, fluorescent paint, and blacklights and that sums it up.
Back to the Future - 4pts. I liked this one more than the rest of the party. Sure it's old but I had fun. They could get Doc Brown and Biff...but it's clear that Michael J. Fox was too expensive to participate (or too big a star).
Twister: Ride it Out - .5pts. That's right. Half a point. This sucked hard. It wasn't a ride. Basically you watched a fake tornado tear up a set. Than goodness they had a flying cow on a wire. Waste of time. Not suspenseful or fun at all. Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton appear in intros. It's clear they have never been to the ride. If they had...they would give their money back and fire their agents. Oh..and despite the name...there is no ride.
Earthquake: The Big One - 2.5 pts. Simple backstage peek with a simulated 8.5 earthquake. The ride was predictable but mildly entertaining. It would be perfect on a summer afternoon if you need to get out of the heat. The very lame audience participation was made better by the on-screen appearance of Chuck Heston (star of the Earthquake movie) and out MC, Voltaire. Your eyes decieve not...Voltaire. He was a lot of fun and what a great name. We weren't sure if it was his real name or not. I think we decided that his parents must be professors.
Jaws - 0 pts. It was closed. I've always wanted to ride one of the Jaws rides.
We had enough time on Monday to visit the other Universal park: Islands of Adventure and the crowds were still low enough that we made it through roughly half the park before we quit for the day. I'll get to reviewing the rest of the week over the next couple of days....
It was a great week spent with Collin, Kathleen, Beth, Peter, and Jessica. The weather was perfect, and as luck would have it, the only rain occurred while we were on an indoor attraction at Epcot.
Sunday:
Arrive. Flight was smooth. Somewhat disappointed in the resort but the suite is adequate. Got turned around in Celebration, Florida. It's a completely manufactured community. Remember G.I. Joe...and their enemy Cobra? Well Celebration makes me think of the Cobra town Springfield. A bit too wholesome for it's own good (kinda like Disney).
Monday:
Universal Studios. Fun but rather boring looking park. Their claims about "riding the movies" is slightly exaggerated. It was amazingly empty. We had very little in the way of wait times. Most of the time we walked right up and got on the rides. As for the attractions I'll use a 5pt scale.
Shrek 4D - 4pts. Very good and very funny 3D animated presentation...thus not a ride. Set sometime between the two movies. Used the voice talent from the movie. Worth seeing again.
Revenge of the Mummy - 5pts. Two words...Brain Fire. Too short but worth every second. If only the coster were a bit more thrilling....but BRAIN FIRE!!! We rode this three times.
Terminator 2 3D - 4.5pts. Another 3D show (again..not a ride). An early use of the technology...but they spent good money on it and it was well done. If only the third Terminator movie could have been this good.
E.T. Adventure - 3pts. At least it's a ride. Weak story about helping find some lost friends of E.T. is the reason for flying around and seeing scenes inspired by the movie. The ride is not exciting at all. Worth it for the way Speilberg hoored himself out for the video intro. The visuals and animatronics are also very good...surreal at the end when you reach E.T.'s home planet. Another odd thing...the staff asks your name before the ride, gives you this silly intergalactic passport...then takes it away with no explanation. Why was my name required? It's a mystery.
Men In Black: Alien Attack - 3pts. Simple indoor attraction. Cars are equipped with light guns and scoreboards. Think moving shooting gallery with aliens, fluorescent paint, and blacklights and that sums it up.
Back to the Future - 4pts. I liked this one more than the rest of the party. Sure it's old but I had fun. They could get Doc Brown and Biff...but it's clear that Michael J. Fox was too expensive to participate (or too big a star).
Twister: Ride it Out - .5pts. That's right. Half a point. This sucked hard. It wasn't a ride. Basically you watched a fake tornado tear up a set. Than goodness they had a flying cow on a wire. Waste of time. Not suspenseful or fun at all. Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton appear in intros. It's clear they have never been to the ride. If they had...they would give their money back and fire their agents. Oh..and despite the name...there is no ride.
Earthquake: The Big One - 2.5 pts. Simple backstage peek with a simulated 8.5 earthquake. The ride was predictable but mildly entertaining. It would be perfect on a summer afternoon if you need to get out of the heat. The very lame audience participation was made better by the on-screen appearance of Chuck Heston (star of the Earthquake movie) and out MC, Voltaire. Your eyes decieve not...Voltaire. He was a lot of fun and what a great name. We weren't sure if it was his real name or not. I think we decided that his parents must be professors.
Jaws - 0 pts. It was closed. I've always wanted to ride one of the Jaws rides.
We had enough time on Monday to visit the other Universal park: Islands of Adventure and the crowds were still low enough that we made it through roughly half the park before we quit for the day. I'll get to reviewing the rest of the week over the next couple of days....
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Happy New Year
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
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
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...
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