It's always too early to quit - Norman Vincent Peale
Published writer, compulsive reader, Old School Whovian, Match Game enthusiast, NKOTB fan, data hoarder, and - surprisingly, given that list - married with four kids. Welcome to my take on life, fatherhood, entertainment, and whatever strikes my fancy. Enjoy!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Life
Zikes. Even the most sedate, productive, happy days can descend into chaos and drama before changing back just as quickly. Life is just a big helping of messy, unpredictable disorder I guess.
Baby Songs
I found our old Baby Songs DVD and to my suprise Smiley was ecstatic. He and LuLu are watching it now, singing and laughing along. Good times
Friday, January 28, 2011
25 Years Ago Today
25 yrs since the Challenger exploded. I didn't see it happen live on TV, but they rolled a TV into our 6th grade classroom and the rest of that day was spent watching the news.
You'd think the anniversary would get more ink, but the nat'l tragedies of the last quarter century - waco, OK city, columbine, 9/11 - seem to make it less impactful on our collective memory.
Not My Best Work
I made tandoori chicken and rice pilaf for dinner last night, and it was a disaster. Awful. Sitcom awful. Smiley and I were the only ones who swallowed more than the mandatory one bite - Lisa included: (
Not Pleased
It's petty, but I am sore with a) the headline JS gave my piece B) a glaring typo they introduced into it (it is not in my submission) and c) an edit that took out a line that had a lot of humor and heart. But they paid me, so it's all sour grapes. so OFW.
Thank You!
Thank you to the folks who bought GS cookies from my girls, esp those who went out of their way w/ their generosity
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
FYI
According to an email I just received, a Packers column I wrote should be in Thursday's Journal-Sentinel. I'll let you know if it pans out.
The Amazing Race
We just finished watching the first season of The Amazing Race. Minor discord there at the end, with me rooting on the eventual winners while Lisa, a fan of the runner ups, accused me of betraying my economic and social class with my decision. Either way, no losers on that show. Even if you're eliminated in week 1, you see more of the world than most people do in a lifetime.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Sentry by Robert Crais
I finished Robert Crais' "The Sentry", a Joe Pike/Elvis Cole novel centered around the suspected kidnapping of Pike's love interest. It's on par with Crais' other books, which is to say it's a strong story populated by great characters. I do wish, however, that he'd bring back some of the humor that was present in his early work.
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A Lesson in Customer Service
Before I forget it entirely, I'd like to relay a story about exceptional customer service that I provided to a customer. Am I a braggart? A narcissist? Duh. I thought we established that already. But that doesn't change the value of the anecdote.
A few months before Christmas a woman came into the store and said say she was "in love with a song", and wanted to buy the album that featured it. The problem? She didn't know the name of the song, the CD, or even the artist. She hummed a few bars but it was barely recognizable as music, much less a specific tune. After I asked a few questions, she conceded it was hopeless. She couldn't provide any additional information.
Then, just as she prepared to walk out, I heard her say that she'd just have to wait until it was 'on TV again'.
"You heard it on TV? Was it a commerical, or a show . . .?"
"A show. The one with the lady from The Apprentice."
Ah. Betheny Frankel. That narrowed it down to either Real Housewives or Betheny Getting Married?"
It was the latter. Another problem tho' - she couldn't remember the episode. So I hit the web, found the site for the show, and determined it was the very episode where she got married. This sparked the customer to mention that it was the song Betheny used for her wedding dance.
How the heck could you not remember that tidbit? C'mon!
Anyhow, I couldn't find the name of the song on the web at the time, and the computer was blocked from playing any video or audio file that might have provided the answer. But a Bing search did provide an article about the wedding planner that pulled off the event.
So I did what seemed logical. I called the Manhatten office of the planner and explained the situation to an assistant. She passed the call up the chain, and someone finally coughed up the answer: "No One" by Alicia Keyes.
The song, of course, is instantly recognizable, and had the humming gone better I'd have ID'd it on the spot. But the point is, I found the song, located the CD, and made the company a few bucks.
More importantly, I impressed the customer. She'll return in the future, and I'll bet she's retold the story a few times herself. One act of solid customer service may very well net a dozen sales in the future.
Here endeth the lesson :)
A few months before Christmas a woman came into the store and said say she was "in love with a song", and wanted to buy the album that featured it. The problem? She didn't know the name of the song, the CD, or even the artist. She hummed a few bars but it was barely recognizable as music, much less a specific tune. After I asked a few questions, she conceded it was hopeless. She couldn't provide any additional information.
Then, just as she prepared to walk out, I heard her say that she'd just have to wait until it was 'on TV again'.
"You heard it on TV? Was it a commerical, or a show . . .?"
"A show. The one with the lady from The Apprentice."
Ah. Betheny Frankel. That narrowed it down to either Real Housewives or Betheny Getting Married?"
It was the latter. Another problem tho' - she couldn't remember the episode. So I hit the web, found the site for the show, and determined it was the very episode where she got married. This sparked the customer to mention that it was the song Betheny used for her wedding dance.
How the heck could you not remember that tidbit? C'mon!
Anyhow, I couldn't find the name of the song on the web at the time, and the computer was blocked from playing any video or audio file that might have provided the answer. But a Bing search did provide an article about the wedding planner that pulled off the event.
So I did what seemed logical. I called the Manhatten office of the planner and explained the situation to an assistant. She passed the call up the chain, and someone finally coughed up the answer: "No One" by Alicia Keyes.
The song, of course, is instantly recognizable, and had the humming gone better I'd have ID'd it on the spot. But the point is, I found the song, located the CD, and made the company a few bucks.
More importantly, I impressed the customer. She'll return in the future, and I'll bet she's retold the story a few times herself. One act of solid customer service may very well net a dozen sales in the future.
Here endeth the lesson :)
Girl Scout Cookie Time!
It's ok - u don't need to resort to generic Thin Mints there's still time to get the real deal!! "Thanks Alot" r in "green" packaging this yr but r still the lg chocolate covered bottom cookies u love. Light & crisp belgian style caramelised cookies ( "shout Outs") r new this yr. Lemonades, shortbread, Thin mints, peanut butter patties, p.b. sandwiches, caramel delights all made the cut. No more daisy go rounds tho' - Lisa
Cookies?
It's ok - u don't need to resort to generic Thin Mints there's still time to get the real deal!! "Thanks Alot" r in "green" packaging this yr but r still the lg chocolate covered bottom cookies u love. Light & crisp belgian style caramelised cookies ( "shout Outs") r new this yr. Lemonades, shortbread, Thin mints, peanut butter patties, p.b. sandwiches, caramel delights all made the cut. No more daisy go rounds tho' - Lisa
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Whoooooo-Hoooooo!!!!!
Raji!!!!
Amen! Amen!
i am so happy, so happy I requested off months ago for the Super Bowl!
Hey Brett - F*** U again. Sincerely, Ted Thompson
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
The 2nd wk of December 2010
Dec 11th
No one has the right *not* to be offended - Ricky Gervais on why people should lighten up
A new species of metal-eating bacteria has been discovered on the wreck of the Titanic.
Dec 12th
Got home from work around 10:30 and put in 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World'. I didn't know anyting about it going in, so when it started all the zaniness my only thought was, WTF?? It was certainly different, but in an entertaining way. I enjoyed it, and for once Michael Cera played a character other than a wimpy, passive kid.
Heavy snow has collapsed the Metrodome roof in Minnesota.
Dec 13th
Lisa was fencing w/ the kids tonight, using gift wrap tubes as swords. At one pt Ginger was 'stabbed' by Lu. She jerked suddenly. Her eyes went wide, her mouth fell open, & she spread her arms out and fell straight backwards, her posture rigid. BAM! She hit the floor. It suprised the heck out of us, and we stood their like fools. Then she got up & did it again. And again. And again. The kid's a heck of an actress.
Lisa just finished 'Leaving The World' by Douglas Kennedy, and she gave it rave reviews. It's not my cuppa tea, as to my knowledge it has neither gunfire nor wanton sex, so if you normally find yourself despising the books I review, check this one out.
Quoting a CNN.com article: "While Obama ran as the candidate who would fight to overturn Bush's record, a huge number of his policies remain in place.This says a lot about President Bush. One of the key measures that we have to evaluate the success of a president is not simply how many of his proposals pass through Congress but also how many of his policies outlast his time in office."
NFL.com is reporting that Brett Farve is officially inactive tonight, ending his consecutive game streak.
I thought "The Posession of David O'Reilly" was truly frightening, even tho' I would have driven the guy to County Psych long before the 3rd act. It's a low budget Brit film, 4 actors, 1 location, miniscule FX, & an intentionally ambiguous dilmema - is their houseguest completely insane, or is he being terrorized by demons he's now brought to their door? Well done.
Dec 14th
I finally finished 'The Fort' by Bernard Cornwell, a novel about the failed Penobscot Expedition of 1779, aka the worst naval disaster in American history prior to Pearl Harbor. Incompetence, cowardice, & plain stupidity cost the U.S. not only the battle, but a fleet of warships (and to a much smaller force). Hard to read, 'cuz the American characters were so less than admirable. BTW, Paul Revere was an ass.
Ok, this will take a few paragraphs: According to the book, during the siege of the fort he was in charge of the artillery (a post he almost didn't get, as he was under suspicion of embezzlement from his prior commision). He forgot to bring ammunition for the larger cannon, refused to move them where they were needed, and he would journey to a nearby ship for his meals several times a day and spend the night, leaving his men to fend for themselves. (this practice was ordered to stop by the General in charge of the expedition).
When the British started their terrific whupping of the fleet he disobeyed orders to set up cannon at a bend in the river, which might have allowed the U.S. fleet to escape by bottling up the Brits. Instead they came through unscathed and the fleet burned.
Then, he disobeyed orders again and fled down the river with his personal baggage. A U.S. ship nearby was going down and its men were screaming for rescue. He not only ordered his men to sail past the wreck, he again disobeyed a General's direct order to come to the aid of the sailors. (they were rescued by another crew) His reasoning? He stated he could not risk damaging his baggage by attempting the rescue.
He was arrested for cowardice and never saw action again. After the war, largely because they were sick of discussing a five year old case, a court martial dismissed charges with a few curt words for him.
BTW - he was also suspected of stealing the locker housing all the pay for the soldiers/sailors of the expedition. Hence, his reluctance to risk losing his 'baggage'.
PS - the General he ignored re: the rescue, and who later arrested and testified against Revere? He was the grandfather of Henry Longfellow, who in 1861 composed the largely fictional poem that rescued Revere's reputation and made him a national hero.
It was written in 1861, when the US was entering the Civil War. It was important to create a unifying, patriotic myth. I think it vould have been John Doe for all Longfellow cared, as it was 3 generations removed.
Dec 16th
Aw, dangit. A great ballplayer, a great American. He spent 49 of his 92 years as a HOF'er. RIP Bob Feller.
I'm not sure I agree w/ choosing Nona as the winner of Hells Kitchen, but I sure as hell recognize Russell as a i prison term waiting to happen. Blaming his brigade for his loss, being pissy at the celebration, getting physical on the line - c'mon dude, grow up.
RIP director Blake Edwards
An ancient Roman statue has washed up on an Israeli beach.
Dec 17th
Yeah, I'm about done w/ this whole Tooth Fairy business. YaYa is whining, again, that we're ignoring her recent 'loss'. Whoopdeedoo. I'm lost teeth in the last five years, and what did *I* get? A bunch of dentist bills and a hillbily smile, thank you very much.
Dec 18th
QB Aaron Rodgers has been declared out for week's game. Matt Flynn will start in his place.
Quoting the BBC: Scientists say they have identified an embalmed head as belonging to King Henri IV of France, who was assassinated in 1610 at the age of 57.
Dec 19th
What a great 4th quarter rally in the [Philly] Vick-tory against the Giants. Wow. One to remember.
Fist off, congrats to Fabio for winning Survivor Honduras. Second, kudos to Matt Flynn for running a helluva game (until the last 30 seconds). I'm not usually a glass half-full guy, but if the Packers could battle the Pats on the road right down to the wire, then we're a better team than I thought.
Dec 20th
Here's an odd place for an otherwise sweet note: "Have a good night Mom & Dad. I love you! YaYa". The place she wrote it? On the first sheet of the toilet paper roll in the bathroom. I saw it and left it for Lisa, thinking she'd see it and we'd share a chuckle. Alas, I believe it went unseen and was put to a. . .more traditional use.
Recent viewing: 'Cirque de Freak: The Vampires Assistant' turned out to be a fun little movie, and well worth the spot on my Netflix queue. 'The Other Guys' was much funnier than advertised and I stand by my ever-present adoration of Will Ferrell. "Gator's bi**hes better be wearin jimmies!". Classic!
No one has the right *not* to be offended - Ricky Gervais on why people should lighten up
A new species of metal-eating bacteria has been discovered on the wreck of the Titanic.
Dec 12th
Got home from work around 10:30 and put in 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World'. I didn't know anyting about it going in, so when it started all the zaniness my only thought was, WTF?? It was certainly different, but in an entertaining way. I enjoyed it, and for once Michael Cera played a character other than a wimpy, passive kid.
Heavy snow has collapsed the Metrodome roof in Minnesota.
Dec 13th
Lisa was fencing w/ the kids tonight, using gift wrap tubes as swords. At one pt Ginger was 'stabbed' by Lu. She jerked suddenly. Her eyes went wide, her mouth fell open, & she spread her arms out and fell straight backwards, her posture rigid. BAM! She hit the floor. It suprised the heck out of us, and we stood their like fools. Then she got up & did it again. And again. And again. The kid's a heck of an actress.
Lisa just finished 'Leaving The World' by Douglas Kennedy, and she gave it rave reviews. It's not my cuppa tea, as to my knowledge it has neither gunfire nor wanton sex, so if you normally find yourself despising the books I review, check this one out.
Quoting a CNN.com article: "While Obama ran as the candidate who would fight to overturn Bush's record, a huge number of his policies remain in place.This says a lot about President Bush. One of the key measures that we have to evaluate the success of a president is not simply how many of his proposals pass through Congress but also how many of his policies outlast his time in office."
NFL.com is reporting that Brett Farve is officially inactive tonight, ending his consecutive game streak.
I thought "The Posession of David O'Reilly" was truly frightening, even tho' I would have driven the guy to County Psych long before the 3rd act. It's a low budget Brit film, 4 actors, 1 location, miniscule FX, & an intentionally ambiguous dilmema - is their houseguest completely insane, or is he being terrorized by demons he's now brought to their door? Well done.
Dec 14th
I finally finished 'The Fort' by Bernard Cornwell, a novel about the failed Penobscot Expedition of 1779, aka the worst naval disaster in American history prior to Pearl Harbor. Incompetence, cowardice, & plain stupidity cost the U.S. not only the battle, but a fleet of warships (and to a much smaller force). Hard to read, 'cuz the American characters were so less than admirable. BTW, Paul Revere was an ass.
Ok, this will take a few paragraphs: According to the book, during the siege of the fort he was in charge of the artillery (a post he almost didn't get, as he was under suspicion of embezzlement from his prior commision). He forgot to bring ammunition for the larger cannon, refused to move them where they were needed, and he would journey to a nearby ship for his meals several times a day and spend the night, leaving his men to fend for themselves. (this practice was ordered to stop by the General in charge of the expedition).
When the British started their terrific whupping of the fleet he disobeyed orders to set up cannon at a bend in the river, which might have allowed the U.S. fleet to escape by bottling up the Brits. Instead they came through unscathed and the fleet burned.
Then, he disobeyed orders again and fled down the river with his personal baggage. A U.S. ship nearby was going down and its men were screaming for rescue. He not only ordered his men to sail past the wreck, he again disobeyed a General's direct order to come to the aid of the sailors. (they were rescued by another crew) His reasoning? He stated he could not risk damaging his baggage by attempting the rescue.
He was arrested for cowardice and never saw action again. After the war, largely because they were sick of discussing a five year old case, a court martial dismissed charges with a few curt words for him.
BTW - he was also suspected of stealing the locker housing all the pay for the soldiers/sailors of the expedition. Hence, his reluctance to risk losing his 'baggage'.
PS - the General he ignored re: the rescue, and who later arrested and testified against Revere? He was the grandfather of Henry Longfellow, who in 1861 composed the largely fictional poem that rescued Revere's reputation and made him a national hero.
It was written in 1861, when the US was entering the Civil War. It was important to create a unifying, patriotic myth. I think it vould have been John Doe for all Longfellow cared, as it was 3 generations removed.
Dec 16th
Aw, dangit. A great ballplayer, a great American. He spent 49 of his 92 years as a HOF'er. RIP Bob Feller.
I'm not sure I agree w/ choosing Nona as the winner of Hells Kitchen, but I sure as hell recognize Russell as a i prison term waiting to happen. Blaming his brigade for his loss, being pissy at the celebration, getting physical on the line - c'mon dude, grow up.
RIP director Blake Edwards
An ancient Roman statue has washed up on an Israeli beach.
Dec 17th
Yeah, I'm about done w/ this whole Tooth Fairy business. YaYa is whining, again, that we're ignoring her recent 'loss'. Whoopdeedoo. I'm lost teeth in the last five years, and what did *I* get? A bunch of dentist bills and a hillbily smile, thank you very much.
Dec 18th
QB Aaron Rodgers has been declared out for week's game. Matt Flynn will start in his place.
Quoting the BBC: Scientists say they have identified an embalmed head as belonging to King Henri IV of France, who was assassinated in 1610 at the age of 57.
Dec 19th
What a great 4th quarter rally in the [Philly] Vick-tory against the Giants. Wow. One to remember.
Fist off, congrats to Fabio for winning Survivor Honduras. Second, kudos to Matt Flynn for running a helluva game (until the last 30 seconds). I'm not usually a glass half-full guy, but if the Packers could battle the Pats on the road right down to the wire, then we're a better team than I thought.
Dec 20th
Here's an odd place for an otherwise sweet note: "Have a good night Mom & Dad. I love you! YaYa". The place she wrote it? On the first sheet of the toilet paper roll in the bathroom. I saw it and left it for Lisa, thinking she'd see it and we'd share a chuckle. Alas, I believe it went unseen and was put to a. . .more traditional use.
Recent viewing: 'Cirque de Freak: The Vampires Assistant' turned out to be a fun little movie, and well worth the spot on my Netflix queue. 'The Other Guys' was much funnier than advertised and I stand by my ever-present adoration of Will Ferrell. "Gator's bi**hes better be wearin jimmies!". Classic!
Quote
"Nothing shows more thoughtlessness than the idiocy that it makes no difference what you believe; it all depends on the way you live. On the contrary, we act on our beliefs; our ideas are motorsprings in action; if our thinking is bad our actions will be bad." Archbishop Fulton Sheen
Not a Smart Move Dan
Bundled Junie up to brave the negative wind chill today and took her to school - only to realize MPS has a scheduled day off today. D'oh!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
30 Years Ago
30 years ago today Sr Pat, my kindergarten teacher, took our class to the music room across the hall to watch Reagan's inauguration. At some point during the broadcast it was announced that the Iran hostages were free, and I've never forgotten the look of relief on her face. "Thank God!" she said. I think she spoke for a lot of Americans that day.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Zuppa Toscana - Danny's version
If you've been following me on Facebook (or reading my regurgitated FB updates here) than you know I've recently taken an interest in cooking. Right now I prepare dinner six nights out of seven. That's not as impressive as it might sound. After all, Lisa made dinner 365 days a year for much of our marriage.
Recently I made a big pot of Zuppa Toscana, a potato soup that's part of Olive Garden's menu. I found and followed a copycat recipe available here, but I did make some changes.
Here's the original ingredient list:
1 lb. Italian Sausage
2 large Russet potatoes, sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large Onion, chopped
1/2 can Bacon Bits
2 cloves garlic minced
2 C. Kale or Swiss chard chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Chicken Broth
1 qt. Water
1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream
The recipe called for the potatoes, broth, water and garlic to be placed on medium heat until the potatoes were cooked. At that point the meat would be added and the soup left to simmer ten minutes. Then the kale and whipping cream is added, and the soup is heated and served.
Ok. First off I cooked a batch big enough for my family, which meant doubling up the ingredients. I personalized it by using ground Italian sausage, 1/2# of which was a spicer variety. I substituted half and half for 2/3rds of the whipping cream, used low sodium broth for 1/3 the total, added fresh diced fennel, and added a bit more garlic than called for in the original recipe.
It was marvelous, but all hands agreed the soup was short on potato. Despite a broth friendly crowd, I had to boil additional potatoes and add them to the mix the next day.
Like I said, it was marvelous. It's definitely added to our family repertoire. Try it yourself.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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Devil & Buried
We just finished 'Devil', a movie created (but not directed) by M. Night Shyamalan. It's about 5 strangers stuck in an elevator. Sadly for 4 of the passengers, the 5th is the Devil. I expected cheese and instead found a suspenseful, entertaining horror film that was a teensy-bit short on the actual horror. {applause}
We also watched "Buried" w/ Ryan Reynolds, a film about a civilian contractor kidnapped & buried alive in Iraq. I think it would have made a suspenseful novel, but as a movie . . . well, to quote Lisa "it's about a guy in a box talking on the phone for two hours".
Some reviews - and written just for Slapinions!
When we started the DVD of The Killer Inside Me, Lisa asked what I considered the definition of film noir. "It's a crime movie," I said, "But dark and tragic. There's no real good guys, and it usually ends pretty bad for all the characters."
After the movie (which she loved) Lisa turned to me and said "Yup, that's noir all right."
I already mentioned Lisa loved the film, which stars Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Warren Beatty and Jessica Alba. As for me, I very much enjoyed the first and last third of the film but felt the middle sagged and lost my attention. Still, a very good flick.
Oh, and phoeey to actors who say their jobs aren't cushy. The guy got to roll around naked with Hudson and Alba and was paid for the privilege. I should be so lucky.
Speaking of noir, The Social Network fits the bill, even if it didn't involve a crime (or, if you side with some folks, merely a white-collar crime). It was dark - in tone, in setting, in the filmwork and soundtrack - and there were precious few good guys in sight. I don't know how much of it is true, and I don't care; it was a great, great film. I hope it wins the Oscar.
The film did inspire me to read the book on which it was based, The Accidental Billionares - The Founding of Facebook A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich.
As a read it's quick, juicy, and entertaining. As journalism . . . blech. It's no suprise the people who agreed to an interview are treated kindly, while those who refused are crucified. I don't pretend to know where the unadulterated truth lies, but I'm reasonably certain this opinionated work is nowhere close to the mark.
* * *
The Town is a tale of robbery and violence in Boston's Charlestown. Ben Affleck, who both starred in and directed the film, did a fine job. Some of the action sequences were the best I've seen in years, and Lisa and I both give the movie a big thumbs up.
The same night we watched The Town and The Social Network, we also rented Renee Zellweger's Case 39, a horror film of the Demon Seed variety. To our surprise, the film was pretty damn good. Not a mad night for movies, eh?
Alas, Mr. Woodcock did not win our favor. It's a fun concept that was executed very poorly. Characters acted at odds with themsleves and with reality. Apologize? APOLOGOIZE??? To a sadistic, child abusing madman? Yeah, uh, NO. A waste of time. Crap.
Continuing our string of TV via Netflix, we've finished Season Five of Top Chef (NY). I disagree with giving Hosea the crown. Sure, he was my favorite and he aced the final, but overall Steffan was the better chef. Oh, well.
A few weeks ago our friend Chris bought Michael Jackson's Michael. It's not a bad album, but to my ears it's too retro. Would MJ have put out an album with the same sound that he used twenty years ago? I don't think so. Then again, what the heck do I know? I will say, the first track 'Hold My Hand' is quite good.
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Entrance Band
I stumbled across The Entrance Band on local station 4.3, which played the video of "Lookout" one fine evening. I was impressed by their hypnotic psychedelic/garage band sound. 18 years I'd have snatched up their albums with joy.
Enjoy.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Four Stages of Cruelty by Keith Hollihan
I finished Keith Hollihan's 'The Four Stages of Cruelty', a novel about the CO's & inmates of a max security prison. It's a good story, & Hollihan is a talented stylist. IMO the bks biggest handicap is its cover, styled to look like the panels of a comic bk. It gives a completely wrong impression of the contents & I'm sure many people have walked on by it w/out a second thought.
Bam!
Tramon Williams' is gonna have to change his name to Gen. Sherman, 'cuz he done burned Atlanta!
My Day
For dinner I made a huge pot of Zuppa Toscana from a Olive Garden knock-off recipie I found online. I tweaked it by adding chopped fennel and using half and half in place of 2/3rds of the required heavy cream. Quite deeelish. Now Lis and the newly tattooed Chris are out celebrating the latter's bday w/ a mutual friend, & I'm sitting down for the Packers game.
Quote
"Bad temper is an indication of a man's character; every man can be judged by the things which make him mad." Archbishop Fulton Sheen
Entourage's Tattoo
A friend just asked to borrow $ from me to get a tatoo on her foot. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we *have* met before right? Asking Dan Slapczynski to pay for a woman's foot to be marred is like asking the Pope to wizz on the Bible.
The tat in it's final location. Work by Zoe's Vicious Circle on Howard. 414 727-6366
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Change in . . .Astrological Signs?
Ok, so I'm a Virgo now instead of a Libra, anyone know the differences? - Lisa
From what I hear, everyone in the Western hemisphere (USA) stays the same, its because of a change in seasons over hundreds and hundreds of years so now there are 13 signs instead of 12... - Grandma Jeanne
Lisa on Gun Laws
To everyone who is calling for stricter gun laws in light of the tragedy in Tucson, may I offer this little tidbit: If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words, cars drive drunk, and spoons make people fat. Remember: Hold the person accountable for their actions, not the means they chose to utilize!!! - Lisa
The 1st third of December, 2010
Dec 2nd
I love my Foreman grill.
Ginger came home from school bragging that she'd gotten mad & thrown a pencil, earning her a punishment from her teacher. Bragged I say - shit grin and all. I don't mind a little sass & a few bouts with the academic law; after all, I ain't aiming to raise Sandy Duncan, Jr. But lately Ginger's just plain THUG. I'll count my blessings if she doesn't have neck tats by seventh grade.
We just finished watching season 4 of Hell's Kitchen, and for the first time I think Ramsay picked the wrong winner. Christina was very impressive in guiding her brigade during the final service, but the kid couldn't run a station right up until the end. IMO, Petrozza got screwed.
Dec 3rd
Lebron [James] notched 38 pts against Clev yest. Did I mention he only played *3* quarters?? Good for him. Screw Cavs fans and their p**sy whining about his departure. The 'loyalty' in sports doesn't exist in reverse (they'd have traded/dumped him if need be), so why should he be held to a diff. standard? You are a professional, & a competitor. You follow the money, or you follow the ring, and you never apologize for either.
Ron Santo was the worst, most benignly incompetent broadcaster I can remember hearing (plus he was a Cub) but he seemed like a nice guy. RIP.
I've dealt w/ nightmares most of the year, including some doozies I recorded on my blog. Last night's takes the cake: a sex dream involving the residents of a nursing home, one of whom was my boss. Shudder.
Dec 5th
Finished Gordon Ramsay's autobio "Roasting in Hells Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection". Stylistically it's a bore, & you'll need Bing handy to look up all names he tosses at you w/out providing context. By the end he comes off as human and real - but since he isn't shy about airing other folks dirty laundry and naming names while doing it, still a bit of a douche.
St Adalbert's Alumni - I ran into Ms. Hutchinson yesterday at work, and she inquired about my classmates from '88. "Hello" to you all from her.
Dec 6th
I heard an actor say that in Season 5 of 'Big Love' Bill would get his 'comeuppance'. Aside from their archaic language choice, 'comeuppance' for what? For loving more than one person? *That's* his big evildoing? So, gay/straight/young/old/black/white marriage = A-OK, but oh Lawd, heaven above, don't you dare love more than your fair share or you're right up there with pedophiles and slavers. Once again, society is just anohter word for hypocrite.
'Karate Kid' is the rare remake that improves upon a classic. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan were wonderful (esp Chan - it's hard to top Miyagi. Kudos) and both the story and the visuals benefited from the shifting the setting to China. I was *very* impressed, so much so that Mr. Cheap here actually allowed the rental to stay out another night. Gasp - I know! It was that good!
Great Onion headline: "Universe Admits to Wronging Area Man His Entire Life: 'Dave's Got a Right to Be Angry', says Cosmos"
RIP NFL legend Don Meredith
Dec 7th
In lieu of another season of HK on DVD, we started Season 5 of Top Chef. It's not as fun as HK & the endless product placement is repulsive, but it'll do. Now starting Survivor Vanatu.
RIP Elizabeth Edwards. I was impressed by your courage.
I just finished watching 'Inception', a film we tried and failed to see in the theater and so eagerly awaited on DVD. My verdict: I liked it, but I don't think it lived up to the hype. The idea sounds imaginative, but in reality (no pun intended) it all came off a little literal and rigid on screen, no? I think the visuals mask a failure in imagination that could have made a very good film into a masterpiece.
Dec 8th
Dan Ackroyd is on Jimmy Kimmel in the other room. What a lousy guest. Listen to this guy for a minute and you understand why his career has been in the shitter since Reagan's 2nd term. He doesn't come across as a jerk. He's just over animated and very loud, in a way that's less "Jim Carrey" than "boorish Uncle Stan at Thanksgiving".
It doesn't help that his whole interview was devoted to a) his work with UFO researchers... b) his family history with seances and spirit mediums (now available as a book written by his Dad!) and c) pimping a vodka he has a hand in creating.
It was all kind of sad.
I don't understand why every cell phone user isn't w/ Cricket. . No signed contracts, unlimited txt/talk/web for a great rate, coverage that's expanding all the time, free 411(!), & great phones. (The Blackberrry-esque phones we use are 2 of the best purchases I've made in yrs). Is it the urban 'stigma' of the brand? If so, OFW. Why pay $30 more a month for crap service and dubious charges w/ someone like Sprint?
Talk about life imitating art. I dreamt I was called to a high rise office builiding, all sterile steel & glass. Try as I might, I couldn't reach the top floors - the stairs were Penrose stairs, ala 'Inception', & the whole builidng was nothing but a ruse to keep me busy. There was more (an intentional disqualification in a tournament/contest, ending w/ violence) but it's the staircase that stands out in my memory.
Dec 9th
I needed a jump start outside Ginger's school. B4 my Good Samaritan could pull in an Arab guy parked 5ft from my front bumper. There was 20 ft of clear space in front of him, so I asked him politely to scoot up. "In five minutes," he said. "U wait.". My response included "You're a f-ing a-hole". Give the [edited] some credit tho' - rare is the stranger who would ignore my wishes when I'm that pissed off.
Dec 10th
The Doors Jim Morrison will be pardoned in Flordia, some 40 years after his death.
Finished '1939: Countdown to War' by Richard Overy. It's a very small book (124 pgs of text; in height/width it's not much bigger than a CD case), yet it manages to convey a large amount of information re: the outbreak of WWII. I learned a lot, which I'll pompously call surprising. In fact I may pick up a copy to add to my personal library, to supplement the volumes I have on the war itself.
One, and only one good moment yest: When it came time for Ginger to get off the bus I told LuLthe driver would only release the kid if you did a dance first. "Here let me show you," I said, "A one and a two . . ." and started a disco move on the porch. "DAD!," Lu yelled, and started physically shoving me inside. "Go away! You are such an embarrasment! Go! DAAAAADDDD!"
St Adalbert's alum: I ran into Sr. Kathleen today. She told me Sr. Virginia has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure, and is in very bad shape.
Watched 'The Disappearance of Alice Creed', a harsh but tidy British crime thriller that stars only 3 actors and takes place largely in one room. Alice Cred is brutally kidnapped & kept chained to a bed while her ransom is negotiated. Soon she begins a battle of wits, attempting to divide her captors and gain the upper hand. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't - with unpleasant results. Very well made.
I love my Foreman grill.
Ginger came home from school bragging that she'd gotten mad & thrown a pencil, earning her a punishment from her teacher. Bragged I say - shit grin and all. I don't mind a little sass & a few bouts with the academic law; after all, I ain't aiming to raise Sandy Duncan, Jr. But lately Ginger's just plain THUG. I'll count my blessings if she doesn't have neck tats by seventh grade.
We just finished watching season 4 of Hell's Kitchen, and for the first time I think Ramsay picked the wrong winner. Christina was very impressive in guiding her brigade during the final service, but the kid couldn't run a station right up until the end. IMO, Petrozza got screwed.
Dec 3rd
Lebron [James] notched 38 pts against Clev yest. Did I mention he only played *3* quarters?? Good for him. Screw Cavs fans and their p**sy whining about his departure. The 'loyalty' in sports doesn't exist in reverse (they'd have traded/dumped him if need be), so why should he be held to a diff. standard? You are a professional, & a competitor. You follow the money, or you follow the ring, and you never apologize for either.
Ron Santo was the worst, most benignly incompetent broadcaster I can remember hearing (plus he was a Cub) but he seemed like a nice guy. RIP.
I've dealt w/ nightmares most of the year, including some doozies I recorded on my blog. Last night's takes the cake: a sex dream involving the residents of a nursing home, one of whom was my boss. Shudder.
Dec 5th
Finished Gordon Ramsay's autobio "Roasting in Hells Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection". Stylistically it's a bore, & you'll need Bing handy to look up all names he tosses at you w/out providing context. By the end he comes off as human and real - but since he isn't shy about airing other folks dirty laundry and naming names while doing it, still a bit of a douche.
St Adalbert's Alumni - I ran into Ms. Hutchinson yesterday at work, and she inquired about my classmates from '88. "Hello" to you all from her.
Dec 6th
I heard an actor say that in Season 5 of 'Big Love' Bill would get his 'comeuppance'. Aside from their archaic language choice, 'comeuppance' for what? For loving more than one person? *That's* his big evildoing? So, gay/straight/young/old/black/white marriage = A-OK, but oh Lawd, heaven above, don't you dare love more than your fair share or you're right up there with pedophiles and slavers. Once again, society is just anohter word for hypocrite.
'Karate Kid' is the rare remake that improves upon a classic. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan were wonderful (esp Chan - it's hard to top Miyagi. Kudos) and both the story and the visuals benefited from the shifting the setting to China. I was *very* impressed, so much so that Mr. Cheap here actually allowed the rental to stay out another night. Gasp - I know! It was that good!
Great Onion headline: "Universe Admits to Wronging Area Man His Entire Life: 'Dave's Got a Right to Be Angry', says Cosmos"
RIP NFL legend Don Meredith
Dec 7th
In lieu of another season of HK on DVD, we started Season 5 of Top Chef. It's not as fun as HK & the endless product placement is repulsive, but it'll do. Now starting Survivor Vanatu.
RIP Elizabeth Edwards. I was impressed by your courage.
I just finished watching 'Inception', a film we tried and failed to see in the theater and so eagerly awaited on DVD. My verdict: I liked it, but I don't think it lived up to the hype. The idea sounds imaginative, but in reality (no pun intended) it all came off a little literal and rigid on screen, no? I think the visuals mask a failure in imagination that could have made a very good film into a masterpiece.
Dec 8th
Dan Ackroyd is on Jimmy Kimmel in the other room. What a lousy guest. Listen to this guy for a minute and you understand why his career has been in the shitter since Reagan's 2nd term. He doesn't come across as a jerk. He's just over animated and very loud, in a way that's less "Jim Carrey" than "boorish Uncle Stan at Thanksgiving".
It doesn't help that his whole interview was devoted to a) his work with UFO researchers... b) his family history with seances and spirit mediums (now available as a book written by his Dad!) and c) pimping a vodka he has a hand in creating.
It was all kind of sad.
I don't understand why every cell phone user isn't w/ Cricket. . No signed contracts, unlimited txt/talk/web for a great rate, coverage that's expanding all the time, free 411(!), & great phones. (The Blackberrry-esque phones we use are 2 of the best purchases I've made in yrs). Is it the urban 'stigma' of the brand? If so, OFW. Why pay $30 more a month for crap service and dubious charges w/ someone like Sprint?
Talk about life imitating art. I dreamt I was called to a high rise office builiding, all sterile steel & glass. Try as I might, I couldn't reach the top floors - the stairs were Penrose stairs, ala 'Inception', & the whole builidng was nothing but a ruse to keep me busy. There was more (an intentional disqualification in a tournament/contest, ending w/ violence) but it's the staircase that stands out in my memory.
Dec 9th
I needed a jump start outside Ginger's school. B4 my Good Samaritan could pull in an Arab guy parked 5ft from my front bumper. There was 20 ft of clear space in front of him, so I asked him politely to scoot up. "In five minutes," he said. "U wait.". My response included "You're a f-ing a-hole". Give the [edited] some credit tho' - rare is the stranger who would ignore my wishes when I'm that pissed off.
Dec 10th
The Doors Jim Morrison will be pardoned in Flordia, some 40 years after his death.
Finished '1939: Countdown to War' by Richard Overy. It's a very small book (124 pgs of text; in height/width it's not much bigger than a CD case), yet it manages to convey a large amount of information re: the outbreak of WWII. I learned a lot, which I'll pompously call surprising. In fact I may pick up a copy to add to my personal library, to supplement the volumes I have on the war itself.
One, and only one good moment yest: When it came time for Ginger to get off the bus I told LuLthe driver would only release the kid if you did a dance first. "Here let me show you," I said, "A one and a two . . ." and started a disco move on the porch. "DAD!," Lu yelled, and started physically shoving me inside. "Go away! You are such an embarrasment! Go! DAAAAADDDD!"
St Adalbert's alum: I ran into Sr. Kathleen today. She told me Sr. Virginia has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure, and is in very bad shape.
Watched 'The Disappearance of Alice Creed', a harsh but tidy British crime thriller that stars only 3 actors and takes place largely in one room. Alice Cred is brutally kidnapped & kept chained to a bed while her ransom is negotiated. Soon she begins a battle of wits, attempting to divide her captors and gain the upper hand. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't - with unpleasant results. Very well made.
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