How to choose a favorite hockey team

Well, perhaps it's not the best way, especially when it comes to fantasy play (trust me!), but it is an option for you serious boozers out there. :)

Puck Daddy's (sometimes amusing) blog reported today on the average cost of an evening of hockey fun. As P.D. states, most of us don't fit under that "typical family night" umbrella of four hot dogs, two ball caps, two small beers and so on for $288.23.

Most folks just want the beer, and lots of it. And if they can't afford what's sold at the arena, they'll pre-drink in the parking lot - or avoid the crowd entirely, enjoying the game at home with a remote in one hand and a 12-pack in the other. (This makes me wonder if the arena owners wouldn't make more cash by making beer affordable for the heavy-drinking masses, rather than only to a small few. But, anyway...)

So, what's the going rate for Panthers fans? It seems those money-hungry bastards at the BankAtlantic Center charge $7 for a 20-ounce beer - that's 35 cents an ounce. No wonder I don't booze it up when I'm at the games! (The 40-minute drive home has something to do with that, too.)

Based on this list, I'm thinking I oughtta start traveling to games in Pittsburgh ($0.25/ounce) or Washington ($0.28/ounce).

Can you afford to take a date to your next home game?

She kicked my butt tonight!

This was much too advanced for me, as evidenced by the ruby red color of my face and the heels of my palms, not to mention the nausea caused by my quivering abdominals. But I was able to tailor it by modifying the asanas, the amount of time I held them, or both.

For instance, I just can't hold the plank for more than a few seconds, especially after I've attempted it a few times, so I replaced it with downward dog once in a while as a "break". I'm not yet able to even get into the tree pose let alone hold it, so I twisted from plank and from warrior. And don't even get me started on jumping through!

The 15- to 50-minute window was the toughest, and I absolutely had to take a 3-minute water-and-breath break around the 25-minute mark. But please don't misunderstand. This post isn't meant as a complaint; on the contrary, I was thrilled with this session, and it was far from a complete failure.



I can't remember all the asanas, but I felt a happy mix of challenge and accomplishment with the warrior (1 and 2, I think), chair and triangle. I have trouble getting into navasana (the boat pose) because it hurts when I press my lower back into the ground; but I really like how I immediately feel my core muscles. And I certainly perfected the savasana (corpse pose) at the end! :)

I'm just happy to have found a great core-strengthening, heart-rate-hiking yoga workout - just what I need. She kicked my butt, and I loved it!

Check out YogaToday.com, where you'll find a new, hour-long (or so) yoga workout each day. Not only are they shot outside in soul-stirringly (so what if it's not a word) gorgeous Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but it's free! Try it; you'll really like it.

Question of the Day: Characteristics (a work in progress)

This post will be a work in progress for a day or two, as today's a fairly thought-provoking question born of a "What IS it you like about him?" conversation.

What uncommon characteristic or often-unnoticed habit would pique your interest in a stranger, romantic or otherwise?

My answer:
I noticed that I liked that a certain guy said "Right on" all the time; don't know why, since that repetition would otherwise be annoying to me. I'll update as I think of other (hopefully less ridiculous) instances...

(C'mon, you aren't intimidated by a somewhat uncomfortable question, are ya? Post your answer as a comment...)

Recent findings: moose, blues and silent films

I'm about to share with you some sweet, funny, amazing things that some fine folks recently shared with me. Enjoy.

Mama moose and her twin babies
Anchorage, Alaska
June 2008



Matt Anderson
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
September 2008



"Bangville Police"
Keystone Cops silent film series
Keystone Film Company
1912 through 1917

Question of the Day: Backstage

If you could go backstage to any concert, which would it be? Why? (You can be specific about venue, opening act, etc., if you like.)

My answer:
Big Head Todd & the Monsters, featuring Hazel Miller. Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Maybe David Gray or Iron & Wine as the opener. They'd do a pretty good job of easing ya into a night of Todd's beautiful chaos. (Anyone surprised by my answer? I'm nothing if not predictable.)

(Come on, now. Post your answer as a comment!)

Big Head's captured on video again

Here are few videos of Big Head Todd and the Monsters in action. They never cease to amaze me. Just genius.

This year's Red Rocks show, which I sadly missed:





Minnesota State Fair:

(I love me some Cash, especially when Todd's chaneling him.)


And finally, a back-stage look at the band prepping for a gig in their home town of Boulder this spring:

Question of the day: Drinking

After a not-necessarily-necessary hiatus, Question of the Day is back and (probably not) better than ever! Ya hoo!

Here goes: They're thinking (don't ask who "they" are, just go with it) of lowering the legal drinking age to 18. Some argue that if someone is mature enough to vote for our leaders and fight in our wars, he's surely mature enough to do all other "adult" things, like drink alcohol. What do you think?

Answers so far:
~ I think that they should make the age 18, because I believe that when you are an adult you can make your own decisions.
~ Allow 18-year-olds, but only if they're enlisted in the service.
~ I think it should be 45, but look who's talking, right?!

My answer:
I'm not convinced that the majority of 18-year-olds are mature enough to drink, but then, I'd say the same for most 21-year-olds. Truth is, it does seem only fair and logical to declare a certain age that is "THE passage into adulthood." If it's 18, then it's 18 - or 21, or 35, or whatever. But military artillery, ballots and 40s of cheap beer should become accessible at the same time - whatever time that may be.

(Wanna answer? Create a comment!)

The perfect man?

While walking along the boardwalk at the beach the other night, as I usually do in the evenings, I made my way through the sometimes-heavy maze of families with strollers and skipping toddlers, saw couples canoodling on park benches, and heard bicyclists whizzing by.

Eventually I made my way to the southern tip of the mile-long stretch, a lovely place to walk out to the point and watch the last of the day's orange light illuminate the white edges of the sea's chop.

The sound and smell are meditative and good for all that ails me, an unlikely panacea. I digress...

My point is that, while looking out over the ocean's frothy edge, I noticed a young man sitting on a picnic table (actually on the table itself, with feet resting on the seat, the way young men often do). He was reading a small book that almost disappeared behind his large palms. He was the guy I'd seen skateboarding up the coast a few moments ago, something that almost always catches my attention.

So, that evening, as I walked away from the boy reader I wished I was brave enough to interrupt, I wondered if perhaps he wasn't the perfect boy reader for me? A man (not a boy at all, really) of about my age who still skateboards (but clearly these days for his peaceful enjoyment rather than to showboat for girls) and spends the beginnings of his evenings in the shadow of a few tall palms at the end of the coastline reading a tiny jewel of a book no doubt full of lovely phrases. I wanted so much to read over his shoulder for a bit, to know those phrases.

For a moment, I felt as though I was in one of those movies in which two people, fated to fall in love, first encounter one another in an odd way at a strange place for only a second. And so, because they didn't really meet at all, they're forced to find one another again via the "Missed Opportunities" section in the newspaper's classified ads.

Life should only be so romantic. In the end, I'm pleased simply to know such people exist. It was a lovely night.

What's coming up?

Spring is the time for fairs and festivals in South Florida - we only hang outside during the winter here, hibernating in the 95-degree summer like northerners do in the dead of winter. But summer is time for air-conditioned entertainment. I just started running that beloved a/c in the car this weekend, so I'm already looking forward to some indoor fun (no, not that kind, piggy):
~ Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull comes out this Thursday. 'Nuf said.
~ Florida SuperCon runs this Friday through Sunday. It's for people who dig comics, manga, anime, cosplay, and actors from "Harry Potter," "Clerks," Cartoon Network, etc.
~ A craft fair will run at the Coral Ridge Mall in Fort Lauderdale Saturday through Memorial Day. I haven't been able to find any details about this fair, so I'm not sure if it's a Granny's-crocheted-tissue-box-cover-type event or something younger, funkier and punkier, a la Craft Mafia. (Don't get excited by that last statement; it's definitely NOT a snazzy mafia get-together.)
~ The Strangers and Sex and the City opens next Friday, May 30. Acquaintances who saw an early release of "Sex" say it's everything it ought to be. I just fear the variety of trailers that've aired on TV have given away entirely too much of the movie. "Strangers" looks like it might be a satisfying thriller, for a change.
~ Kung Fu Panda opens June 6. Kick ass! Animated critters AND Jack Black... I'm hopeful, but a little voice in the back of my head warns me to not get my hopes up. Whattaya think?
~ The Fort Lauderdale Home Design & Remodeling Show should be really cool - not nearly as cool as a car show, but perhaps on par with a boat or RV show. Yes, I'm a geek. What of it? I'm also hoping to buy a home in the near future, so I'm hoping to stumble across a useful tip or two while drooling over remodeling marvels that are out of my financial reach: marble countertops and showers-made-for-five, for instance.
~ The Incredible Hulk AND The Happening open on the same day, June 13. OMG OMG OMG. No one will see me outside of a theater that weekend. (Yes, I realize this has devolved into a list of upcoming flicks, but trust me, there are plenty I'm planning to see that you didn't have to suffer through here. Bear with me and read on...)
~ We're celebrating one of my bestest girls' 24th birthday at Off the Hookah, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Yes, you'll find belly dancers and hookahs, plus hummus and alcohol and US! Oh yeah.
~ Here comes more ass kicking... The Broward County Derby Grrls is having two bouts on their home turf (that is, at the Gold Coast Roller Rink in Fort Lauderdale) on June 15 and July 13 before several months of "away" carnage. A friend and I watched these girls in action this weekend, and they definitely deserve their own post - hang tight; it's coming.

Question of the Day: Services

What single service is most worth paying for?

Answers so far:
~ Driver
~ Somebody to drive me around and then do my laundry, so I guess a maid/driver.
~ Car wash

My answer:
My initial thought was to choose something extravagant, but of course it would be something I don't actually currently pay anyone to do for me. So, I started thinking of the services that I either now pay, or have in the past paid, someone to do for me. Having the house cleaned gives me more free time and thus sanity. Having my car detailed does the same, as well as spares me from that hard work in the hot sun, but I invariably regret "my laziness" when I see spots I'm sure I wouldn't have missed if I'd just done it myself. So, I'll go with a haircut; it's the single thing I really, truly know I wouldn't have - couldn't have - done better myself, and not walking around with a butchered mullet (self-inflicted, no less) is worth every penny.

Question of the Day: Books

What's the last book you read?

Answers so far:
~ "Kitchen Confidential" by Anthony Bourdain (Me, too! Loved it!)

My answer:
I'm in the middle of "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey. It's atmospheric, ponderous, funny, sensual without being sexy, quite beautiful. It's a classic nonfiction, part of the birth of the environmental movement. You should read it. I have to finish it before my book club meets next week, but I've not been in a rush; I'm relishing each page, carrying the mental images with me for a few days before I lap up the next chapter.

Here's how Amazon describes it...

With language as colorful as a Canyonlands sunset and a perspective as pointed as a prickly pear, Cactus Ed captures the heat, mystery, and surprising bounty of desert life. Desert Solitaire is a meditation on the stark landscapes of the red-rock West, a passionate vote for wilderness, and a howling lament for the commercialization of the American outback.

And from The New York Times Book Review...

Like a ride on a bucking bronco...rough, tough, combative. The author is a rebel and an eloquent loner. His is a passionately felt, deeply poetic book...set down in a lean, racing prose, in a close-knit style of power and beauty.

Question of the Day: Gas

How much does it cost to fill your car's gas tank?

Answers so far:
~ $50
~ I'm not sure, 'cuz I don't remember the last time I filled it all the way. But almost $40?

My answer:
$30. Just five years ago, when I bought the car, it cost $15 to fill it. Then, I thought that was great; now, not so much.

(What about yours? Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Clothes

What are you wearing?

Answers so far:
~ Boxers and work pants and shirt
~ Orange tank, grey lil' sweat shorts, HOT babe
~ My uniform, and my Batman Underoos

My answer:
Jeans with the cuffs turned up, brown Reef flip flops, a pink Life Is Good tee with a lady bug on it.

She'll kick your ass

People Clutter

[Warning: Today's QOD post very quickly led to a rant about People Clutter. Consider yourself warned.]

Actually, now that I think about it, what's been most genuinely disturbing of late is what I'll call People Clutter - the unending disruption to my concentration, and thus productivity, caused by people:
~ streaming in and out of my office and sitting down without asking, often just to BS or to eat from my candy dish
~ calling multiple times without waiting for a return call, sometimes without even leaving a voice mail, or worst, alternating between my desk and cell phones until I'm concerned or annoyed enough to pick up
~ hitting "Reply All" on every group e-mail so that a small afternoon project creates 50 messages, only one of which pertains to my department (if I'm lucky)

This noise, this People Clutter, is ridiculously disruptive. E-mail and text messaging is wonderful. Send me a message saying you need 10 minutes, or 2 minutes, or 2 weeks from me; suggest a time to chat about it; I'll get back to you as soon as I'm finished what I'm doing. See, some of us are able to prioritize our daily duties, and it isn't usually in anyone's best interest for us to break our focus to discuss your issue, let alone work on it, right this very second.

Think of it this way, if you needed to borrow sugar, you wouldn't just walk through your neighbor's front door, open the cupboard and take the sugar without asking. Well, maybe you would, but the rest of us wouldn't. Maybe she was planning on making a pie for the fam tonight and doesn't have any sugar to spare today; but she'll have more tomorrow if you can wait 'til then. Or maybe she can lend you some, but not all that you need. Or maybe she can lend you brown sugar; would that work for your recipe? You have to ASK her, compare what you need with what she can give. It's not all about you and your sweet tooth, buddy!

Time and focus are precious resources, just like anything else.

This is particularly important for someone with a sizeable team working on a variety of projects, and that's me. Heck, aren't most of our plates piled high? This is not to say that "I vant to be aloooone" all the time. I just don't want to hear you grouse about your shitty Saturday night date through a mouthful of my M&Ms, while I'm scrambling to put out the mini fire to which I've been assigned by the company president. Instead, regale me with the gritty details of your love life while we wait for fresh decaf to brew in the break room. (In the same vein, do NOT come looking for me in that break room to talk about work. Do NOT.)

Comprende? And, si, I promise to try and do the same, as I readily admit I'm not always innocent of these egregious offenses.

Author Tim Ferriss is a great resource for tips on streamlining your workload and schedule, and much more. A funny, insightful, useful read.]

Question of the Day: Disorganization

What one thing/place do you hate to be disorganized?

Answers I've received so far:
~ The food bins at work. [Restaurant worker]
~ My life!

My answer:
I despise clutter. It's disquieting and distracting, and drives me utterly insane. If I had to choose one place where it bothers me the most, I'd say my desk. Work is the place I absolutely have to be in control and productive, and I certainly can't be when I'm engulfed by crap.

(Second would be my bedroom - clothes on the hook over the closet door and over the back of the chair, shoes kicked in the corner, stack of reading material by the bed. That keeps me up at night. But, I'm not pretending to be Ms. M. Stewart, 'cuz I wouldn't have to straighten up if it didn't get rowdy in the first place.)

Leaving my mark: Reality TV

My comment in response to Newscoma's post about our fascination with reality TV and how it benefits the GLBT community:

Ahh, Pedro Zamora. How I remember him.

I was a young’un when he took MTV by storm. I was enthralled by “The Real World,” and all that it was then, not what it is today.

Of course, I loathe today’s most popular reality shows, those prime time hits discussed over the water cooler the next morning. I much prefer such gems as “The Girls Next Door,” “Dress My Nest,” “House Hunters” and “Ace of Cakes.”

This most assuredly reveals too many of my secrets. But guilty pleasures, when outed, tend to do that.

(Ohhh, and P.S. Does anyone remember Eric Nies in the first season of “The Real World” in NYC? I was about 13. *swoon*)

Check out Newscoma's post and leave your mark.

Leaving my mark: Litter and reusable bags

My comment in response to Sarcatic Mom's post about how we can all make a difference in our communities by simply picking up some litter while out for a walk or carrying reusable bags when shopping for produce.

Thanks for posting the link to the OneStringBags. I love love love my reusable shopping bags and am always looking for more for myself and loved ones. Plus, I happen to adore sewing and making bags, so this is right up my alley! Can’t wait to try making some.

Regarding trask pick up:
Every time I sit at the red light at my community’s entrance/exit, I glare at the trash people’ve dumped in the landscaping. It’s always irritated the poop out of me, but this last month or so it’s really gotten my blood pumping. You see, our neighorhood association applied for and received a beautification grant from the county to help pay for pretty, drought-resistance shrubs, trees, etc. And some folks took the time to dig out the old stuff and plant the new. And what do these ungrateful idiots do? Within two days, there were cigarette butts, soda cans, beer bottles, etc., scattered throughout the new plants.

Anyway, the solution? I’ve gone, and will again go, up the street (just a little farther than I normally go with the dogs anyway), place these “trashables” in a garbage bag, and take them home. Neighbors look at me like I’m That Crazy Plastic Bag Lady, but I don’t care. Maybe I’ll guilt them into helping, or at least littering less.

Check out Sarcastic Mom's post and leave your mark.

Become a Millionaire in Five Easy Steps

I was originally drawn to this article because its headline caught my eye; I wondered what silly (or ridiculously impossible) things it might list. But upon reading through it, I found the steps to be reasonable - things we likely should be doing regardless of our financial goals - and so a nice reminder, and the information about who's happiest really pleased me (see the italicized bit at the end of the article). Can I get some applause for all the bright women who bust their butts for their families and careers!? I've pasted the entire piece here for your quick perusal.

Five Habits of Millionaires
by Barbara Reinhold
Monster Contributing Writer

According to a study of college students at the Ernst & Young International Intern Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, 59 percent of these young leaders expect to be millionaires within their lifetime. What's more, 5 percent of them expect to hit the million-dollar mark while in their 20s.

And the super-rich are a growing group. The top 0.1 percent of the population's average income was $3 million in 2002, up two and a half times the $1.2 million, adjusted for inflation, that group reported in 1980.

Earned Money vs. Easy Money

Easy money usually comes from inheritance or luck, such as winning the lottery. The track record of people who get their money through the lottery or other windfalls is usually very different from those who created their wealth themselves or who planned for an expected inheritance. Lottery winners are often a sorry lot; more than 90 percent use up their winnings within 10 years -- some go through their money in weeks or months.

But there are some consistent patterns among those people who earn or plan to inherit their money, and these five strategies may be worth emulating.

1. Avoid the Earn-to-Spend Mentality

Michael LeBoeuf, author of The Millionaire in You, points out that to increase wealth, it's essential to emulate millionaires who view money as something to save and invest, rather than income to spend. Many wealthy people live quite simply, he points out, choosing less pretentious homes than they could theoretically afford and opting for financial independence over material showmanship.

2. Focus

LeBoeuf also counsels resisting the impulse to be scattered in your efforts and interests: "Winners focus; losers spray." And goals that are clearly written down are easier to keep in focus.

3. Do Whatever Is Necessary to Meet Your Goal

People who earn their millions are able not only to focus but persevere in the pursuit of their goals. One single mom entrepreneur, Melissa Clark-Reynolds, started her first business, a health and safety consultancy, when she had a young son. En route to her goal of being a millionaire by age 35, Clarke-Reynolds and her son ate lots of pizza, did homework late at night and often slept at the office. She is now a chief executive mentor for Empower New Zealand, a global business consulting firm headquartered in London.

4. Take Calculated Risks

You have to take strategic risks to earn and grow money. And a little rebelliousness seems to help too. One interesting study found a majority of male millionaire entrepreneurs had been in trouble with school authorities or the police during their adolescence.

5. Be Generous

And why doesn't it surprise us that millionaires are often very generous? Sometimes it's for the tax breaks, obviously, but often it's not. One Jewish Swiss millionaire, for instance, flew to Israel to give $5,000 in cash to a waiter at a Jerusalem café who foiled a Palestinian suicide bombing. Among the most generous of millionaires are those from North America, who are, according to a Merrill Lynch Cap-Gemini report, two to five times more likely to give to causes they value than their European counterparts.

These five habits are a pretty good prescription for living happily even if you're not a millionaire.

But LeBoeuf insists it's not so unusual to be a millionaire. As of 2004, there were 8.2 million households with a net worth of more than $1 million. And are the folks in those households happy? Yes, says professor Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick in the UK. After studying more than 9,000 people over eight years, Oswald concluded that people who come into money are happier. The happiest among them, he says, seem to be "highly educated, well-paid women who have jobs."

And how much money does the professor say it takes to be happy? "About $1 million, give or take a little."

Contract HIV via kissing?

Reuters reported today that HIV can be passed to babies through pre-chewed food. I know it sounds gross, but hang in there with me for a minute more.

...In developing countries, some mothers pre-chew food for babies. These women may lack access to packaged baby food or may not have a way to blend baby food...

The researchers said HIV transmission appears to have occurred when the children ingested pre-chewed food that contained blood from the bleeding gums of HIV-infected women, and this entered the children's bloodstreams through a cut, sore or inflammation of the mouth or digestive tract...

This is RIDICULOUSLY SCARY because it begs the question: What if a guy with gingivitis makes out with a girl prone to canker sores?

Does this mean what many of us have feared all along -- that you can, in fact, contract HIV by French kissing?

Have any of you read more about this? Can you chime in here -- freak me out further or assuage my fears? What do you think about all this?

The things left behind

We all find other folk's belongings, whether it be litter, a rumpled newspaper on the train or a sweater forgotten in the lunchroom.

While walking along the sidewalk at the beach tonight, I came across several things that'd been left behind by their owners. There seemed to be more abandoned goods than usual, but you can be damn skippy sure I wouldn't have found an orphaned twenty if I'd been out scouting around for one.

Anyway, were they simply forgotten? Or did their owners decide they were no longer needed and that those particular places were ideal for their disposal? How do these things happen?

~ A white bath towel over the fence surrounding a very expensive condo building on the ocean. It appeared stiff and a bit sandy, leading me to think it'd been used at the beach today, draped over the fence while its owner was readjusting her sarong, and was sadly forgotten. [Expect the towel's former owner to miss her, as she served the family well, but not enough to return to the beach to look for her. So sad. Can we have a moment of silence for hardworking, underappreciated towels everywhere?]

~ A single brown thong. No, not the underwear kinda thong; that woulda been even less hygienic but even more humorous. It was the flip flop kinda thong. And it was large with a thick lug sole, so I'm sure it was a man's shoe. It was sitting nicely, in a well-behaved sorta way, upright and clean-looking, at the edge of the grass surrounding a parking area. I envision some fella sitting down in the passenger seat, his legs out of the car, trying to get the last of the sand off his feet to avoid the wife's wrath (the Audi is new, after all). But the ungrateful witch just keeps rushing and nagging him, rushing and nagging, and tells him to get the damn door closed 'cuz she's a-peeling out! "Um, honey. My shoe. I've only got one..." [Don't think this dude's coming back for his lost item, either, only because I don't think she lets him out without a leash.]

~ A pair of filthy dirty white socks underneath a bench that faces the ocean from the sidewalk. These weren't just sorta dirty. Not even hella dirty. These were the kinda dirty that can only be accomplished by that 10-year-old boy who deliberately ran around outside in the rain after his mother told him not to in his brand new socks. Surely, he stashed them under the bench while she was loading up the SUV, in a clever attempt to hide the evidence. "I just don't understand why you never have any socks, Jimmy! I buy them almost every time I'm at Wal-Mart. What are you doing with them?" In a few years, Mom won't wanna know what he's doing with his socks or how they're getting so dirty, but anyway... [Little Jimmy's pretty swift; he has no plans to return for those socks. They'll get picked up by a city employee - the kind who wears a green polyester uniform and weilds one of those long-armed litter grabber thingies - and quickly dumped into his black bag-o-nastiness, alongside the cigarette butts, smashed soda cans and used rubbers.]

Oh! And this whole train of thought, lost and found items, was sparked this weekend when I found an iPhone in the ladies room at the bookstore. Man, I sure would like me an iPhone. (And I've already got AT&T service!) But, of course, I took it straight to Customer Service [note the foreshadowing], and explained to the man/twit behind the counter where I'd found it and that I'd probably have no luck finding the owner because there was no number labeled "Home" in the Contacts list. As I was mid-sentence, he took it from my hands, walked away, handed it to a coworker, told her to lock it up by simply grumbling "Safe," and never returned or looked my way again.

Now, I didn't expect a cookie or anything for my good deed, as it's not really a good deed at all but simply something you just do. But, if for no other reason than good customer service, I would've liked a "Thank you" outta that schmuck. Even eye contact and a nod. Look me square in the eye and belch. Whatever. Something. Anything to let me know I was, in fact, dealing with a human being. I want my existence acknowledged, damnit! [Insert foot stomping here.] The poor "customer service" really has zilch to do with the business of me finding the phone. If I'd been up there to tell him anything at all - maybe I was pleased with the service I'd received from one of his cohorts, or maybe I just wanted to tell him I fancy purple teacups - he should've looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you, crazy lady." Where are the manners?

Question of the Day: Lost

What's the last thing that you lost?

Answers I've received so far:
~ My ID badge
~ My mind!
~ Reading glasses. And, of course, I found 'em right where they were supposed to be.


My answer:
I've been thinking and thinking, and am just stumped for an answer. (Perhaps more than anything, it's my memory that's lost.) Meanwhile, let's hope this doesn't mean I'll be losing something soon, just to provide blog fodder. Ahh!

Question of the Day: Super Bowl XLII

Roll call: New York Giants or New England Patriots?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Pats. Historic. They earned it.
~ Giants.
~ Patriots! Are you kidding?!

My answer:
I have no vested interest in either team. That said, I'm rooting for the Giants for two reasons: 1) I like to support the underdog, and 2) I'm from New Jersey and it's all about proximity.

(Which team jersey are you sporting today? Post a comment.)

Where my mouse has taken me

Here are a few places my mouse has taken me today:

I'm about to start reading The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars for my book club. Looks like a interesting inside look at the world of chocolate companies, much like Fast Food Nation was an inside look at the world of fast food companies. I really enjoyed that book, so I'm hopeful about this one.

Backpacker Concierge helps travelers looking for bang for their buck in Egypt. Nubian guesthouses, sailboat cruises on the Nile, desert safaris. Pretty cool.

A group of hackers and activists calling themselves Anonymous has shut down a Scientology website and is working to disseminate information that will, they say, show the religion for the dangerous joke it really is. Meanwhile, they accidentally shut down a Dutch school's server, too. This all began after the church tried to take down all online versions of the leaked, four-year-old video of Tom Cruise extolling the virtues of the religion.

The One City One Book idea -- that the local library can get the whole city reading and discussing a single book at once -- has expanded to a police force. Perhaps these books are worth checking out?

Got the movie times for Cloverfield, which was pretty good but I was pretty immobilized by the motion sickness caused by the HandyCam effect. Similar to watching Blair Witch Project all over again -- ugh.

Browsing

Here are a few interesting nuggets I stumbled across while browsing the Net tonight.

**********
I wonder what they would deem appropriate. What do you think's a fair punishment?

Food fight fallout lingers
Parents question 15-hour community service sentences
By Jolie Breeden (Contact)
Monday, January 21, 2008

BROOMFIELD -- Parents of students sentenced to 15 hours of community service for a food fight at Aspen Creek K-8 said the school disciplined their kids too severely -- even if the form of punishment is a well-meaning one.

About 20 eighth-graders took part in a 30-second food fight at the Broomfield school on Nov. 8, said Briggs Gamblin, spokesman for the Boulder Valley School District.

School officials would not comment on any punishment, citing student privacy laws. But several parents of the students involved said they were sentenced to community service on top of writing essays and cleaning the lunchroom...

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We all know I have a soft spot for community news in general. I particularly like to check out news or neighborhood sites from places that interest me. This photo is today's cover shot for the online Delta Discovery in remote Bethel, Alaska.

Nicholson Brink of Bethel thoughtfully contemplates the beauty of the spinning Star during Slaaviq last week during observance of Russian Orthodox Christmas at the home of Theresa Nick and family. photo by Greg Lincoln

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The Delta Discovery site also has a section called Elder of the Week. I think it's super cool how these Alaskans respect and honor their seniors, as we all should. Check out these cool dudes.

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And who doesn't find stories about the Yakuza sexy? :)

Side note: I didn't realize Japan's preferred method of execution is hanging. Seems a bit old-fashioned, which I suppose is aligned with that love affair the Japanese have with all things old and new.

Third mobster faces gallows over Gunma bar shooting
MAEBASHI, Gunma Pref. (Kyodo)
The Maebashi District Court sentenced a gangster to death Monday for killing a mobster and three bystanders in a shooting at a bar in 2003.

Relatives of people slain in a 2003 bar shooting in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, face reporters Monday after a yakuza was sentenced to hang for the crime...

According to the court, Yamada and another member of the gang, Masato Kohinata, 38, opened fire at the bar in Maebashi on Jan. 25, 2003, killing three bystanders and seriously wounding another as well as the 60-year-old former boss of a rival group. They then fatally shot the bodyguard of the mob boss outside the bar.

Yamada and Kohinata were involved in the shooting under orders from Osamu Yano, 59, head of the Yano Mutsumi-kai, the court said.

The shooting was part of a turf war between the rival Sumiyoshi-kai and Inagawa-kai syndicates. The Yano Mutsumi-kai was affiliated with the Sumiyoshi-kai, and the shooting in Maebashi was targeted against the rival group member as a reprisal against the murders in 2001 of two Sumiyoshi-kai members in a funeral house in Tokyo, according to police...

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This is my favorite song today.



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Thanks to Cute Overload for my daily dose. That's right! It's four kitties in a Kleenex box, people!
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
Here it comes...
Awww!

Question of the Day: Fame

If you could be famous for something, what would it be?

Answers I've received so far:
~ World peace and a cure for addiction.
~ Writing a really cool story which would then be turned into a movie starring Johnny Depp.

My answer:
I'd like to write something useful or of substantial interest; things like that are written so rarely nowadays. In my next life, I'd like to be musically inclined, maybe play an instrument or sing. That'd be fun!

(What're you going to be famous for? Post your plans as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Relocation

You're moving to a place you've never before visited. Where is it?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Tokyo, for two years. Makes you learn, and leaves a window to return.
~ Canada

My answer:
Domestically, I'd choose Colorado; even though I've never been there, I've always thought of it as a place that would really suit me, and I'd not be afraid to move there blindly. Internationally, I've been wanting to live in Japan for years and years, so that's my top choice. (Of course, my wanderlust makes this list quite long, so there aren't too many places I wouldn't visit or move to on a whim!)

(What about you? Post your answer.)

Question of the Day: Craving

What's the last food craving you had?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Chili dog
~ Pizza with everything on it

My answer:
Right now I could go for a popsicle. Remember the kind that came as an attached pair, and you'd break it in half and eat each stick sepatately -- or (horrors!) share the other half with someone? I know, it's not exciting, but it would feel good on my sore, raw throat right about now.

Question of the Day: 9:23 p.m.

What were you doing at 9:23 tonight?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Sitting at the bar!

My answer:
Driving south on the Sawgrass Expressway to pick up a friend, who then helped me purchase a memory card at Best Buy and showed me how to use the new digital camera he gave me. Yay! I'm all set now, armed with two digital cameras (one in each hand) for this weekend at Disney World (with my best friend who's visiting from Indianapolis) and my Groupie Road Trip Around the South (to see several Big Head Todd and the Monsters shows with that Camera Gifting Guy). *excited*

(Y tu? Post it.)

Question of the Day: Cold

It's unusually cool in South Florida, and likely wherever you are, tonight. Will you warm yourself by turning up the heat, piling on extra covers, or dragging a friend into your bed?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Covers. Boring, yes.

My answer:
Blankets, book, bed. Tonight is not my night for excitement. Sweet dreams, all.

(What's happening in your bed tonight? Tantalize us via comment.)

Question of the Day: Resolve

What resolutions did you keep (or changes did you make) in 2007?

Answers I've received so far:
~ It wasn't a resolution I made on New Year's Day, but mid-year I decided to get healthy and lose weight, and I've been doing it.
~ I know which I didn't keep: to stop talking to "him," but here we are, best buddies. I don't know how that happened.

My answer:
I'm not sure that I'd really defined any resolutions for myself last New Year's Day, perhaps for fear of not being able to answer this very question today. But I can say that I've tried putting into practice some lessons I learned about who I am and how I tick. I also made some significant changes in the ways that I take care of myself -- working out several times a week (and truly enjoying it), drinking tons more water, giving up caffeine almost entirely, and slowly convincing my taste buds that healthier food really is tastier food.

That said, self-improvement (physical and otherwise) is an ongoing effort, and I certainly aim to improve further in 2008 -- fitting in more physical activity with a focus on cardiovascular endurance, devoting more time to shopping for and cooking healthy and yummy food, getting a full night's sleep every day, giving myself permission to work on crafts and other projects that bring me joy, believing that it's really OK to stay home some nights and do absolutely nothing, etc.

I've a few other goals -- be more patient, make travel happen (some way, some how), read more, curse less, save money for a down payment on some real estate, spend more time with my family, take my pups to the dog park more often, etc. I believe these are all completely reasonable, feasible goals; and I especially like that there is no set quota (say, "dog park every Saturday morning," or "dinner with Mom two nights a week"), as quotas almost always forecast for me unmet goals. I'm learning that constant, incremental improvement is the best we can ask of ourselves. After all, didn't we learn as children that slow and steady wins the race?

I wish each of you all the self-love, motivation and support you could possibly need to keep the promises you make to yourself this year.

Viva la buffalo!

This video is absolutely unreal. You just have to watch it.



Here's how Time.com/CNN describes it:

Revenge, Buffalo-Style
Well, reality sure beats the crap out of The Lion King. In an astonishing video shot by a tourist in South Africa's Kruger National Park, a baby Cape buffalo is attacked by several lions and dragged into a watering hole, where a crocodile latches onto the still-struggling prey. The 8-minute video, referred to as "Battle at Kruger," shows the big cats winning this tug-of-war, only to be defeated by dozens of buffalo, one of which flings a lion into the air with its horns. And the kicker? The baby buffalo gets up and returns to the herd.

Free is good advertising

It's true. If you let them try it for free, there's a chance they'll love it and become repeat customers.

That's what Todd Park Mohr and his monsters are hoping to do by giving away half a million copies of their newest album, "All The Love You Need."

Of course, I'd pay for their albums many times over, play them 'til they couldn't play no more, and follow their tour around the country, seeing them play two, three, 10 nights in a row. (Oh wait, I will be doing that next month! So stoked!)

Yes, Radiohead did something similar a few months back, and it sparked a lot discussion among music fans, mainly online. But they only gave away a download of their new album (not a physical CD), and they asked for donations at the fans' discretion -- sounds a lot like busking to me. But, whatever it takes to build your fan base and make a living doing what you love, I guess.

Me, I'll keep giving BHTM free plugs. Visit www.bigheadtodd.com to listen to their music! Go! Do it now! Guaranteed you'll be glad you did, and you'll definitely wanna meet me at one of the nearby shows... or all of 'em. Whatever. :)

(And yes, I'll post pix from those shows in Atlanta, Birmingham, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, etc. Stay tuned.)

Here's what PollStar had to say about Big Head Todd and the Monsters giving away their new CD.

Love, Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Monday, Dec 10, 2007 4:16AM

Hard-touring blues-rockers Big Head Todd & The Monsters, who will hit the road again next month, are spreading the word about their latest release, All The Love You Need, by giving it away.

The band began the giveaway on its web site, where 25,000 fans signed up and were sent the CD, and has grown to include several major radio stations.

KBCO in Denver, the group's hometown, will mail 75,000 CDs to its subscriber list. Other stations like KGSR in Austin, KPRI in San Diego and KTBG in Kansas City, Mo., will do the same.

The album will also be available as a free download in early 2008 through the band's web site.

The band will play a two-night stand December 29-30 at John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel and Casino, before officially kicking off what is expected to be a 60-city U.S. trek January 10 at House of Blues in New Orleans.

Other stops on the schedule include the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre in Atlanta (January 12), Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 17), NorVa in Norfolk, Va. (January 24), the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. (February 15), Paradise Rock Club in Boston (February 21-22), Bowery Ballroom in New York City (February 27-28), and Mountain Stage in Athens, Ohio (March 3).

Tickets for many shows are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Frontman Todd Park Mohr, who started Big Head Todd & The Monsters in 1986 with high school friends Brian Nevin on drums and Rob Squires on bass, said giving the album away makes perfect sense to the band.

"We see the record as our main marketing tool," Mohr told the Denver Post. "It's no longer a source of income - not that it ever has been for me, given the way major labels work."

Hillary and Todd, sitting in a tree...

Denver's Westword recently posted this article about Hillary Clinton's camp choosing Big Head Todd and the Monsters' "Blue Sky" as its campaign song. This is like Oreos and milk for me -- what a sweet combination! I couldn't be happier to see a great candidate give my all-time favorite band some amazing (and well overdue) exposure.

Of course, there's icing on those Oreos, as this song has taken the place of the original campaign song: some airline jingle by Celine Dion, "You and I." CNN isn't sure if this was a smart move for the campaign -- check out the news clip. But I am. :)

Big Deal for Big Head Todd
The Hillary’s suddenly alive with the sound of good music.
Published: December 13, 2007



After Big Head Todd and the Monsters kicked off Senator Hillary Clinton's appearance at Auraria in October, she added "Blue Sky" — the song that Todd Park Mohr and company had written at the request of members of the Space Shuttle Discovery for their 2005 mission, the first since the Columbia disaster — to her campaign playlist.

And now the former University of Colorado at Boulder boys have really taken off, because "Blue Sky" has replaced "You and I" as the official sound of Hillary. In a much-publicized online vote in June, the people picked that saccharine Celine Dion tune (a former airline jingle) as the campaign's theme, and it was announced during the Clintons' famous Sopranos commercial. But that was then, and Big Head is so now, as an alert ABC reporter blogged in revealing the switch in tuneful allegiances.

Is the Big Head flip-flop a risky move with only a few weeks until the critical Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses? Probably not. Dion hails from Canada, while Mohr and his bandmates still live in Colorado (when they're not touring), and this state will be Democrat Central come August and the party's national convention. In fact, the selection could be a nod to the importance of the Rocky Mountain West in the Democratic game plan. Mining that same vein, Off Limits noticed that Hillary was sporting lovely turquoise earrings and a matching necklace at an appearance last week — a sly way, perhaps, to split some of that all-important New Mexico vote away from presidential rival and current New Mexico governor Bill Richardson.

From here on, it's nothing but "Blue Sky."

Question of the Day: Socks

Why, oh, why do people wear black socks with white sneakers? Especially when they're wearing shorts, so that their fashion faux pas is glaringly obvious?

Answers I've received so far:
~ They're Canadian or European usually.
~ They're Canadian!
~ No taste.

My answer:
I have no answer. It seems I'm stumped for words today, in general. (Note: I think some people are mistakenly visualizing the slouchy, wool knee socks worn under Teva velcro sandals, the Disney vacation garb found most often on German tourists. That's a topic for another QOD!)

AIDS vaccine backfires!

Why hasn't the media splashed this story all over the place?! Admittedly, I'm not always on top of the news, despite my profession, but I only happened to stumble upon this story near the bottom of a news site. People need to know this!

The Associated Press announced today that a trial AIDS vaccine not only doesn't work but actually INCREASED recipients' chances of contracting HIV.

I'm stunned. No words do this justice. It's frightening that such a huge study, conducted by a very well-financed company, failed so miserably. They've done permanent, serious damage to the lives of the trial participants, and it's a huge setback in the quest to find a vaccine.

The majority of the 3,000 participants were gay men and female sex workers (prostitutes and porn actresses). Why? In my irritation, I can think of only two possibilities:
1) Merck didn't notice that the majority of people contracting HIV these days are in their 30s, and that about half the people who get HIV/AIDS through sexual contact are straight? Shoot, a large number of them are seniors, especially here in Florida -- thanks, Viagra!
2) The study attracted that demographic simply because those folks are more frightened than the rest of us and thus eager to try just about anything to protect themselves. Are the rest of us blind to our risk?

This blog was posted in haste during my very unpleasant reaction to the news story. I don't know much about this trial or what went wrong, so I'm going to read up on it. Perhaps some of you know more and can educate me -- either assuage my fears or anger me further?

Start here: Merck and HIV Vaccine Trials Network.

Snowball's got rhythm

This is probably the cutest thing I've seen all day. (And bear in mind that I saw babies dressed as pumpkins and Tootsie Rolls while Halloween costume shopping today.)

Keep an eye out for his lil' green buddy busting a few moves in the cage behind him, and wait for the headbangers' ball at the end.



(Thanks to the cool cats over at the BHTM boards.)

A dog-gone sweet way to trick-or-treat

If you're still looking for something fun to do on Halloween, have I got an idea for you!

Many of you know I'm involved with the Humane Society of Broward County ~ adopting pets, buying treats and cute doggy duds in the shop, enrolling in obedience classes, and organizing my company's team for the annual Walk for the Animals.

PetSet, the society's fundraising group of young professionals, hosts a variety of fun benefits throughout the year: a Pajama Jam, a White Party and more.

The Halloween Masquerade Party is exactly how you'd like to spend your Halloween night. Sexy, compassionate and costumed 20- and 30-somethings converge on Las Olas Boulevard to drink, dance and mingle the night away. Isn't that more your speed than your back-up plan: watching scary movies at home, stuffing your face with candy, and answering the door every 3 minutes to *share* that candy with the neighborhood tikes?

Here's what the Humane Society of Broward County's web site has to say about the party:

Join PetSet at their annual Masquerade Party

Wednesday, October 31
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
River House Restaurant
301 SW 3 rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

$30 for PetSetters, Top Dogs & Pick of the Litter members
$35 for Guests
$45 to Join & Attend

Evening includes 2 complimentary spirits & delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres

Attire: Be Anything But Yourself

*Prizes Given to the BEST Costumes*

Save $5 by Pre-Paying (pre-paid tickets will be available until noon on Oct. 31)

For Pre-Paid Tickets contact 954-266-6827

(Limited valet available at The River House- parking will also be available at various public garages downtown)

Hope to see you there! And if you don't live in this area, find a Humane Society or other worthy nonprofit in your area. Guaranteed one of them is planning a spooky soiree that's perfect for you and your friends!

P.S. If you join PetSet at this event, you'll get a discount for every other event for an entire year!

Question of the Day: Halloween

What are you planning to do for Halloween?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Don't know yet.
~ Sitting at home with all the lights out so the kids think no one's home.

My answer:
I'm torn between a Humane Society costume fundraiser and a friend's costume party/scavenger hunt. (I need to come up with a costume! Ah!)

Question of the Day: Dance

You can have a single dance with anyone, to any song. Who is it, and what's the song? (And for those of you who are taken, relax. It's a fantasy.)

Answers I've received so far:
~ Probably my friend who died, and some love song like "Without You" by Motley Crue.
~ Sir Mix-A-Lot's "I Like Big Butts" with Steve Carell.
~ "Wonderful Tonight" with let-me-think-about-it.

My answer:
Today, it'd be "First Time" by Lifehouse with someone special. *sway sway sway*

Question of the Day: Affairs

Are online affairs really cheating?


My answer:
I prefer to answer on a case-by-case basis, but let me say this: Emotional affairs are more destructive than solely physical ones.

(Post your thoughts as a comment.)

Question of the Day: 6 p.m.

Where exactly were you at 6 p.m. today?

Answers up 'til now:
~ Sitting on Stan's sofa, talking to Phil about Nikki Sixx and his new book.
~ Garage. Putting laundry in dryer.

As for me:
I was just getting home from the post office, prepping for a shower.

(Y tu? Post it here.)

Question of the Day: Games

If you could get tickets to a game played by any two teams, what would it be?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Yanks vs. Red Sox in Boston
~ Senators vs. Cardinals

My answer:
In an ideal world, I'd get to see the Dolphins play the Eagles.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

An explosion of indie artisans

I am so, so looking forward to Stitch Rock 2007, an indie craft fair, and I'll tell you why.

(Wait. First, get those images of grandma and friends crocheting tissue box holders outta your head. This is different. Really.)

OK, this type of event has become an annual tradition in more counter-culture-friendly places like Austin and Vancouver, thanks to the Craft Mafia and other like-minded groups. It's about time it's come to South Florida!

A variety of young, funky, inspired artists and crafters (think tattooed cuties with brains and talent) will display their wares in the historic gymnasium in downtown Delray Beach this coming Saturday.

You'll find embroidered tees, silver and beaded jewelry, pin-up photography, knitted toys, hand-sewn purses and so on -- stuff you'll just love. I'm sure of it.

Click on the link above for the address, vendors and other details. Be there, or be square!

P.S. If this type of thing is right up your alley but you can't make the event, look to the right ---> for links to Etsy, Craft Mafia and so on.

Question of the Day: Ride

What was your first ride?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Firebird
~ a two-tone green 1952 Chevy convertible with a black top
~ Pontiac Tempest convertible, yellow
~ Ford Ranger

My answer:
I inherited my Grandpop's 1980 Chevy Caprice Classic. It was a boat that could hold up to 11 friends, who called it "the hooptie." Fond memories.

(What about you? Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Cash

What's the last thing you bought with cash?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Gas.
~ I can't remember. It's been that long.

My answer:
Two burritos for dinner. Mmm.

(Post your answer as a comment. Let's hear it!)

Some cool music

Here's some music I've enjoyed lately. Perhaps you will, too. Let me know what you think.

Over the Rhine ~ Trouble
(Stripped and sexy. "If you've come to make some trouble, better make it good. Your sexy cocktail hour stubble is doing what it should." Oh.)





Aesop Rock ~ None Shall Pass
(They call this hip hop and compare him -- Ian Bavitz -- to the Beasties. I don't know, but it's irrelevant 'cuz I LOVE this song. And Aesop Rock is just a cool name. Damn, I'm bouncing around in my chair as I type.)





Iron and Wine ~ Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car
(Soundtrack: driving, in the middle of the night and with the windows down, to absolutely nowhere along a lonely road lit only by the occasional street light -- so you can think, or, rather, not think at all.)





Flosstradamus
(Hot. Who says spinners aren't artists? I feel an impromptu party coming on. Who's with me? Turntables? Anyone?)





Ryan Adams ~ Everybody Knows
(Sit tight while the French TV host introduces Ryan, who's backed by The Cardinals. It's worth the wait/laugh. And you get a tiny bonus interview at the end!)





Jake Shimabukuro ~ Third Stream
(The uke. Wow. Who knew? Oh, and he's Japanese, lives in Hawaii, and loves George Harrison -- need I say more? And if you enjoy this, watch him play "Crazy G" on YouTube; your wrist will ache in sympathy.)





Medeski, Martin and Wood ~ Uninvisible
(Funk. Period.)

Today's tunes

It's been a while since I shared, so here are some tunes you might enjoy.

Daft Punk ~ Harder Better Faster Stronger
(Here's the song as it's supposed to sound, before Kanye blasphemed. Oh, and this dancing girl is quite entertaining, as well.)


Arcade Fire ~ Rebellion Lies


Coldplay ~ Fix You
...lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
and I will try to fix you...


Galactic featuring Lyrics Born ~ What You Need


Cary Brothers ~ Who You Are

Question of the Day: Breakfast

What do you most often eat for breakfast?

Answers I've received so far:
~ I almost never eat breakfast.
~ Rice Krispies.
~ Oatmeal, blueberries and skim milk.

My answer:
When I do, it's a Kashi bar or a bagel with an egg on it. But almost every morning I down a gigantic iced java with skim milk.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Earthquake

An earthquake strikes in the middle of the night. What one item do you grab as you run screaming from the house?

Answers I've received so far:
~ My ass
~ (enter guy's name here)

My answer:
~ I'd say the box containing all my important photographs IF I were organized enough to have such a box.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Fighting poverty in very different ways

Thousands of pig tusks hung from the walls, tied up with string salvaged from the rocky coastline below the village of Lavatmagemu.

"The system works," he explained, "from the natural resources we have - the products of the land and the sea. All are valued and converted into our currency. Our aim is to make sure there is no poverty in our communities."

versus:

Finally we met little Nazar.

Her father said he had seven other children to feed and needed the money.

It was clear Harry had a number of children ready to be sold to the highest bidder.

Question of the Day: Jobs

What was your first legal, paid job? (That is, not babysitting or shoveling snow for neighbors.)

My answer:
I was a cashier at Kmart! I was incredibly eager to get my first job with a real paycheck, so I applied and interviewed for the job a couple weeks before my 16th birthday. The red smock I was made to wear nearly killed my enthusiasm, but only nearly -- I stayed there about three years. *dork*

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Cardboard journalism

Turns out the buns are cardboard free! (See my earlier post.) Seems some bloggers want to be reporters and some reporters don't know how to be -- What'll we do? I suppose I'll have to try one of those buns when I make it to China then, won't I?

China ethics plea after fake buns
By James Reynolds
BBC News, Beijing

Workers said they added cardboard to buns at the reporter's suggestion
China's propaganda department has called on journalists to strictly adhere to news ethics.

The instructions came in the wake of a case in which a reporter was caught faking a story about buns made from cardboard.

The Chinese Communist Party heavily controls its media, deciding what people can and cannot publish and broadcast.

But it seems that it cannot always stop reporters simply making up stories.

In recent weeks China has been following a series of reports about low food and drug safety standards.

The most captivating story of all came a few days ago.

Zi Beijia, a reporter for Beijing TV, ran a report about a food store that mixed cardboard into its pork buns as a cheap ingredient.

His report showed workers mushing the cardboard into a sludgy mix and then adding it to dough and pork.

Police then raided the store. Workers admitted that they had added the cardboard - but at the suggestion of the reporter, who had apparently grown frustrated that he had found nothing wrong with the store after spending 10 days spying on it.

The reporter is quoted as saying that his aim was to become famous. He succeeded - but he also got arrested.

Cuter sans mustache

Ahh, a freshly shaved Brandon Flowers...



...theatrical eyeliner doesn't hurt, either.

Read My Mind ~ The Killers

The Killers have become one of my all-time favorite bands. (That is, I love just about every single song they make, and we all know how rare it is to find a band like that anymore). "Read My Mind" is one of their newer songs, and the video just so happens to be set in Japan. Oh! Oh! Yeah.



Of course, it is made all the better by a cameo appearance by a capsule hotel (!!) and lyrics such as these: "The stars are shining like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun. Can you read my mind?"

Question of the Day: Procrastination

When it comes to huge, critical projects, or just small, inconsequential tasks, do you prepare in advance or procrastinate?

Answers I've received so far:
~ I get stuff done early so it doesn't hang over my head at the last minute.

My answer:
Both, sorta. I plan plan plan (hey, I'm damn good at it), but then procrastinate when it comes to the actual completion of the project. I've always told myself that the procrastination is OK because I produce better work when under a time crunch. Of course, this is likely a load of crap, but it helps me feel better about my bad habits, and the system's worked so far!

(Post your answer as a comment.)

What could be more perfect?

Yet another great Japanese game show. This time, the contestants watch a video of a man learning English. Anyone who laughs is whipped and then eliminated; the last man standing wins.



"Ten ten ten ten ten ten ten ten ten ten."

Cookie or bath?

Ya gotta love those Japanese game shows.

Question of the Day: Shoes

What pair of shoes did you wear most recently?

Answers I've received so far:
~ red stiletto fuck me pumps
~ black Airwalks

My answer:
My favorite pair of Reef flip flops. I bought them at the local surf shop back in, I think, 10th grade, which was a loooong time ago. They've held up, still look good, and are hands-down the most comfy pair of shoes I own.

Question of the Day: Appliances & Gadgets

If you had to give up a modern appliance or gadget that you really love and use, which would it be?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Television
~ TiVo

My answer:
I recently went without a microwave for a couple of weeks, learning the uncomfortable way that I'd relied on it wayyy too much for my meals. I had to actually reheat pasta and sauce in a pot, on the stove, and it took 20 minutes instead of two. That said, I don't think my choice would be microwave. How about the TV? 'Cuz if I were really desperate, I'd watch my Netflix on the computer!

Japan talks of regulating 'Net

This scary news is brought to you by Global Voices:

While nobody was watching, an interim report drafted by a study group under the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has set down guidelines for regulation of the Internet in Japan which, according to one blogger, would extend as far as personal blogs and homepages. In the report, this “Study group on the legal system for communications and broadcasting”, headed by Professor Emeritus at Hitotsubashi University Horibe Masao, discusses the possibility of applying the existing Broadcast Law [Ja] to the sphere of the Internet to regulate, under government enforcement, what gets on the web. The report also suggests that public comments be sought on the issue [Ja], in response to which the ministry has opened a space on their web page for the public to submit comments [Ja], available in the period between June 20th and July 20th.

Despite the obvious significance of the proposed regulation, neither media nor the majority of bloggers are aware of its existence.

It remains to be seen how stringent the regulations will be. Will this apply to solely news sites, or blogs as well? Either way, as a journalist and a blogger (heck, as a human being), the thought of this angers me. If I wanted to be silenced, I'd move to China or the Middle East.

Question of the Day: Street Food

The cardboard dumpling story (below) got me to thinking...
Do you enjoy any particular food sold by street vendors?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Sabrett hot dogs in NYC that I didn't get to eat while we were there (hint hint)
~ Not really

My answer:
I like the dosa guy at Washington Square Park in Manhattan, of course. He's a micro-celebrity these days; all the local magazines give him rave reviews, and people come from all over the borough for his amazing food. Also, I grew up loving the soft pretzels you buy from vendors while you're stopped at red lights in Philly. They're awesome, especially in the winter when they're steamy and sweating inside the bag. (Mmm, is it lunchtime?)


(Post your answer as a comment.)

A lil' cardboard with your dumpling, sir?

Despite our better judgement, many city dwellers patronize food carts on street corners. The hot dogs, falafels and pretzels somehow taste their best at these places, much like your favorite grilled sandwich does at the greasiest of greasy spoons.

The Associated Press reported today that street vendors in the Chaoyang province of China have lately been using cardboard to make their baozi, buns that are very similar to pot stickers here in the states. While it isn't harmful, it is certainly illegal and, well, kinda gross. Take a look at the recipe, which is 60% cardboard, by the way. Yum.

Question of the Day: Harry Potter

Will you go see the new Harry Potter film? If so, when? And have you seen the others?

My answer:
I have seen all the others several times, and will definitely go see the new one. But I can't go over the next few days as a few parties are taking up whatever time was leftover from school and work. Perhaps I'll go next week; the crowds will be smaller then, anyway!

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Creative sustainability

I found this at COLORS Magazine. How incredible that this community found a way to sustain itself, and likely do the Earth a favor at the same time.

Energy comes from pilgrims’ shit
By editor on Green Pages

Sai Baba was an Indian guru who died in 1918 and is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint. Today his hometown of Shirdi in Southern India, is one of the most popular religious sites in the world —about 40,000 pilgrims arrive every day to pay their respects to Sai Baba. Tourists are a good source of energy. Sulabh International Organization built a biogas generator for the town. It uses waste from the toilets in the pilgrim’s complex to produce enough energy to light the whole surrounding area. Find out more at www.shirdisaitemple.com and www.sulabhinternational.org.

This reminds me of the fellow who invented a merry-go-round that acts as a well pump, benefiting impoverished communities in Africa. Dontcha just love cool people?

It's 11:48 p.m. Do you know where your browser is?

Places my browser has been this evening:

Looking for a party dress for graduation night.

Checking out the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Reminds me why I love activists and wackos, and makes me miss New York.

Having trouble using the Word of the Day in a sentence.

Gasping at the cost of tickets to Tokyo in the dead of winter.

Finding that they're cheaper if purchased directly from the airline, and Continental's international flights are always great.

Reading BBC's report about Al-Qaeda's threat to the UK since Salman Rushdie's knighting by the Queen.

Wondering how long it will take to download this trial version of Macromedia's Creative Suite.

Love Song

I'm preparing for 311's live show next week by listening to one of my favorite tunes, "Love Song." Of course, the original was recorded by one of my other favorite bands, The Cure. Take a listen to the original and then the newer version, and see which you prefer. I think both are amazing.

Question of the Day: Red

Look around. What's the first red thing you see?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Dart board
~ My bra

My answer:
The Wendy's cup that my Diet Coke is diluting in.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Age

When it comes to dating, how much of an age difference is too much?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Um, maybe a chick over 40 would be too old. (Note: This guy is in his early 20s.)
~ 20 years
~ So long as he has a job, a home and his teeth, and he knows how to treat me, I don't much care if he's older or younger.
~ 25 years

My answer:
It all depends on the people involved. That said, I think one generation is a safe age gap, but not much more. Why I'm using generations instead of years: I think a relationship's dynamic depends upon things like (1) having similar upbringings (e.g., someone who graduated high school in 1960 might not have the same values as someone who did in 1969. Think Bandstand vs. Woodstock.), and (2) being able to "get" each other's pop culture references. If one of the two people is under the age of 25, the gap really shouldn't be more than, say, 5 years. The reason for this goes beyond the dynamic; it's about maturity and mindset. Of course, all of this is a generalization, as some of the most enviable couples I know have quite a big age gap. Perhaps their success is not in spite of the age difference, but because of it?

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Sleepwear

What do you sleep in?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Socks.
~ Boxers.
(Both people emphasized that they wear one but not the other: boxers but no socks, and socks but no undies. Funny people!)

My answer:
A tank top and skivvies. Sometimes with yoga pants if it's chilly.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Things that make you go, "Aww!"

She's right. Perhaps there is hope for the rest of us.

(Thanks, Melissa.)

Tonight's tune

Current conundrums

Things that are currently on my mind:

~ Trapezius muscle is all kinds of kinked up on the right side. The spasms come and go, but sitting at the computer, with my arms outstretched while plying the keyboard, seems to exacerbate it. Is it worth unplugging myself? Not yet.

~ Find a new dress (et al) for friend's wedding this Saturday OR find new shoes/bag/etc. to freshen the new-ish cocktail dress that I wore to our mutual friend's recent wedding. Time and money are factors, but more important is the desire to look snazzy, as almost everyone I know will be there. Hmm... Did someone say, "Entirely new ensemble"?!

~ Will I have time to clean the house in preparation for my best friend's visit from out of state for said wedding? Actually, since she's the best friend, perhaps just a quick tidy & spiff, nothing major. If there were no stacks of books and magazines alongside the bed and sofa, she'd think she was in the wrong house.

~ I must must must narrow the focus of my web project so that I can really dive into research and material gathering ASAP. (By chance, does anyone have video they shot while living in Japan?! *she asks hopefully*) Where will I find the time... Oh, I know, I just won't sleep!

~ I'm also concerned that my machine (which is pretty and smart and reliable, just like her momma!) won't approve of the new software I need to complete that project. Chanting: I wanna new MacBook, I wanna new MacBook, I wanna new MacBook. Santa, Mommy, secret admirer, anyone: I've been a good girl; really I have.

~ A variety of love woes. I'll leave it at that.

~ Planning to update my To Read list. I love when it grows, because it means someone out there is still churning out great writing. But I'm sad that it never seems to get any shorter these days, not even a little bit, because I have almost zero time for pleasure reading. August 10: graduation. August 11: tackle To Read list. :) (Check out the updated version to the right. --->)

~ Above conundrum reminded me that I've had the same three Netflix DVDs sitting on top of my TV for about a month or so, and I haven't turned that TV on in about two weeks. So, not only am I not reading my books or magazines, or watching my movies, or buying new music. It's also been months and months since I had everyone over for a movie night or game night. We could all use the relaxation (and drinks); perhaps at the end of this month... Stay tuned, folks!

You can relate, can't you?

Things That Are Difficult To Say When You're Drunk

Cinnamon
Indubitably
Innovative
Preliminary
Proliferation

Things That Are VERY Difficult To Say When You're Drunk

British Constitution
Loquacious Transubstantiate
Passive-aggressive disorder
Specificity

Things That Are Downright IMPOSSIBLE To Say When You're Drunk

Thanks, but I don't want to have sex.
Nope, no more alcohol for me.
Sorry, but you're not really my type.
Good evening officer, isn't it lovely out tonight?
Oh, I just couldn't. No one wants to hear me sing.
You're right, I can't jump over that table!

This came from Stargazer's Realm (really not worth visiting) via Clipmarks (worth a look).

Gas around the globe

Guess I ought to be thankful I only paid $3.05 for a gallon of regular yesterday.




(Courtesy of The West Virginia Surf Report, though I'm not exactly sure what that is.)

You have to see it to get it.

(Thanks, LauraK.)

Question of the Day: Overseas

If you were going to live overseas, which country would you choose?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Holland or Australia
~ Iraq!
~ I'd alternate between Ireland and Italy.

My answer:
Japan, of course! Though Ireland or the UK would be a close second.

(Post your answer as a comment.)

I have no words

Ridiculously sick.



Also ridiculously sick. (Funny how that description can mean so many things.)



And the sick hits just keep coming, though I would call this friggin' sick.



This, well, this is the pièce de résistance. They call it an effin short version of an effin great movie - so apropros. (What's with all the French?!)



This site has thoroughly entertained me while the weather was too lousy to play outside. A new fave.

Question of the Day: Fireworks

Would you rather watch a professional fireworks display or set them off yourself with family and friends? (And what are your plans for tonight?)

Answers I've received so far:
~ Watch them. I like having ten fingers! (I'll be with you tonight!)
~ Go see them, so I can spend my time drinking. (We're going to the beach for the fireworks. Or did you forget?!)
~ We spend like $1,000 on fireworks for our own show every year. Yeah! (Not sure yet._
~ Neither. I hate fireworks. (I'd rather stay home and read.)

My answer:
I like to do both. Often we spend the day at the beach or the park, then watch the fireworks at the beach. Afterwards, we come back to someone's house and set them off while the party continues. (Though this year, after we come back from the fireworks display at the beach, there will be nothing more than sparklers at our house. I so love sparklers, but will really miss my Roman candles. Tee hee!)

This photo was not taken in my town, but it gives you an idea of what our beach looks like every Fourth of July. The difference is that we have such an amazing display, we aren't allowed to sit that close to the pier anymore, and we have so many people you just can't see the sand. It's really a blast (pun intended).



(Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Rainy days

What do you like to do on a rainy day?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Have sex
~ Fuck!
~ Read.
~ Craft
~ Shop
(Note: Punctuation is that of the responder.)

My answer:
Curl up on the sofa and watch Netflix or really, really bad TV. Sometimes that leads to reading. Other times it leads to cuddling. ;)

(Post your answer as a comment.)

Question of the Day: Vacations

(Saturday's post about amusement parks got me to reminiscing about family vacations from my childhood. Hence today's question.)

Which childhood vacation do you best remember?

Answers I've received so far:
~ Disney when I was 8.
~ Disney. The only other option was the Keys, but I was 14 then and don't consider that childhood.
(Can you tell these people grew up in Florida?)

My answer:
This surely was not my best childhood vacation, nor is it probably the one I remember the best, but it is the one I thought of first while typing up today's question. I remember going to Maine to visit a friend of my mother when I was about 5 or so. A snowstorm stranded us in the airport there overnight. I clearly remember sitting on the floor of a long hallway with my mom and our luggage, among what seemed like hundreds of other stranded passengers. We ate junk food and stayed up all night, and hey, when you're 5, that makes anything fun. Unfortunately, other than lots and lots and lots of pine trees, I don't remember much more about Maine, and I wish I did. I'll just have to go back!

(Post your answer as a comment.)