I was able to take advantage of my day off today and finish the Christmas shopping and get everything shipped off. Two packages went out via UPS, one to Virginia and one to Florida. What a relief!
I also got the oil changed in the truck today, as well as spent some time outside shoveling snow. Today's high, hovering near 32°, felt balmy compared to our recent frigid weather. However, it made shoveling the snow a much more taxing task.
Mood: Relieved
Music: Bruce Springsteen: "Glory Days"
2005-12-15
2005-12-14
Incredibly Generous
If this doesn't make you a little misty, then... well, I don't know.
Mood: Misty
Music: The Moody Blues: "Nights in White Satin"
Mood: Misty
Music: The Moody Blues: "Nights in White Satin"
2005-12-13
2005-12-12
O.T.
The Packers actually won last night, in overtime in a closely contested game against the Detroit Lions. The Packers showed a lot of the same things they have shown the rest of the season: decent defense, inconsistent special teams, and too many mistakes on offense. However, against the Lions they were able to get a running game going, and I think that made the difference.
Mood: Pleased
Music: Queen: "Dead on Time"
Mood: Pleased
Music: Queen: "Dead on Time"
2005-12-11
Yesterday
Yesterday Maryanne and I were at Narf and Pauline's for a while; Pauline wanted to throw a baby shower for Maryanne, to include the Carroll people. It turned out to be a rather small affair, as not many people were able to make it. Indeed, not many people RSVP'd for that matter. It was a nice little affair, though, that didn't seem to have much of the feel of a baby shower.
John and Anne were previously expected to make it, but that was revised to just Anne, and then it turned out Anne didn't make it, either; it could have been the weather. However, Tina was able to make it, as was Scott and his wife Joni, whom we had not met before. Angela was able to make it as well, and brought Ashley with her. I hadn't seen Scott or Angela since Maryanne and I got married, which was over three years ago now. It was very nice to see them again, and to see how much Ashley had grown. She's a pretty mature seven year-old.
The most interesting piece of news that we learned is that Ashley's going to be a big sister; Angela's pregnant. We were all very happy for her, knowing how much she wanted to have another child. As Maryanne and I drove home, though, we both remarked how we were a little surprised by it.
The afternoon made me think back to my Carroll days, though. It's hard to believe sometimes that six years have gone by since I graduated.
Mood: Reflective
Music: Ray Charles: "It Should've Been Me"
John and Anne were previously expected to make it, but that was revised to just Anne, and then it turned out Anne didn't make it, either; it could have been the weather. However, Tina was able to make it, as was Scott and his wife Joni, whom we had not met before. Angela was able to make it as well, and brought Ashley with her. I hadn't seen Scott or Angela since Maryanne and I got married, which was over three years ago now. It was very nice to see them again, and to see how much Ashley had grown. She's a pretty mature seven year-old.
The most interesting piece of news that we learned is that Ashley's going to be a big sister; Angela's pregnant. We were all very happy for her, knowing how much she wanted to have another child. As Maryanne and I drove home, though, we both remarked how we were a little surprised by it.
The afternoon made me think back to my Carroll days, though. It's hard to believe sometimes that six years have gone by since I graduated.
Mood: Reflective
Music: Ray Charles: "It Should've Been Me"
2005-12-10
Pest Control
If it wasn't for the fact we've got a child on the way, one of these might be useful for the house.
Of course, it would probably bother the cat, too.
Mood: Intrigued
Music: Golden Earring: "She Flies on Strange Wings"
Of course, it would probably bother the cat, too.
Mood: Intrigued
Music: Golden Earring: "She Flies on Strange Wings"
2005-12-09
Driving Conditions
Last night's commute was a little hairy... or perhaps I should say snowy, as we got a couple inches of snow yesterday which made driving conditions less than ideal. Under the best of conditions my commute takes from twenty to twenty-five minutes, but last night it took about forty-five. I passed a few cars, including one driving very slowly with its hazard lights on. However, I myself was passed far more often. I guess I prefer to not be the one who ends up in the ditch.
This morning's commute took longer than normal, as well, but not due to weather nor to road conditions. In fact, the Interstate was in pretty good winter driving condition. However, a number of drivers felt it necessary to drive about forty-five miles per hour, when I felt conditions were good enough for at least fifty-five. Thanks to these dipshits, I was a few minutes late to work.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: Del McCoury: "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms"
This morning's commute took longer than normal, as well, but not due to weather nor to road conditions. In fact, the Interstate was in pretty good winter driving condition. However, a number of drivers felt it necessary to drive about forty-five miles per hour, when I felt conditions were good enough for at least fifty-five. Thanks to these dipshits, I was a few minutes late to work.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: Del McCoury: "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms"
2005-12-08
2005-12-07
Axed
I spent much of the evening trying to remove some spyware from the computer. Somehow some crap called SpyAxe had gotten installed on the system, and I had a devil of a time getting it removed. After Ad-Aware, Spybot, and Microsoft AntiSpyware all failed to remove it, I searched Google and found some additional instructions. These included such fun things as installing HijackThis and ewido, then booting in to safe mode to run all the tools. It took several hours to complete the process, but the system is finally clean again.
Mood: Satisfied
Music: Van Halen: "Fire in the Hole"
Mood: Satisfied
Music: Van Halen: "Fire in the Hole"
2005-12-06
Blue Balls
Here's an excellent example of what happens when someone has access to a GIF animator and too much time on their hands.
Mood: Amused
Music: Led Zeppelin: "Night Flight"
Mood: Amused
Music: Led Zeppelin: "Night Flight"
2005-12-05
The Other Side
2005-12-04
For Narnia
There seems to be some hoopla over the upcoming film release of Disney's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Christians, of course, claim it as their own, citing its Christian message. A more secular demographic, including non-Christians, want to downplay that, and view it as a fantasy adventure story.
The Chronicles of Narnia as a whole are indeed a wonderful fantasy adventure. C.S. Lewis was, after all, a friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, and both were professors at Oxford. Favorite topics included fantasy, metaphysics, and (gasp!) theology.
As the article explains, Lewis was an atheist for much of his life, before converting to Christianity at age 32.
Anyone reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will see within it a message of sin, redemption, and forgiveness. Anyone with any familiarity with Christianity will see so much Christian symbolism it will make their head spin. Indeed, the climax of the story is a Passion play.
In the end, it doesn't really matter how an individual reads the book or views the movie. Some will see the Christian message, others will see only the fairy tale. However, to completely deny the spiritual significance of the story is not only ignorant, but stupid.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: The Monkees: "Valleri"
Christians, of course, claim it as their own, citing its Christian message. A more secular demographic, including non-Christians, want to downplay that, and view it as a fantasy adventure story.
The Chronicles of Narnia as a whole are indeed a wonderful fantasy adventure. C.S. Lewis was, after all, a friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, and both were professors at Oxford. Favorite topics included fantasy, metaphysics, and (gasp!) theology.
As the article explains, Lewis was an atheist for much of his life, before converting to Christianity at age 32.
Anyone reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will see within it a message of sin, redemption, and forgiveness. Anyone with any familiarity with Christianity will see so much Christian symbolism it will make their head spin. Indeed, the climax of the story is a Passion play.
In the end, it doesn't really matter how an individual reads the book or views the movie. Some will see the Christian message, others will see only the fairy tale. However, to completely deny the spiritual significance of the story is not only ignorant, but stupid.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: The Monkees: "Valleri"
2005-12-01
A Mummy Playing Tennis
This is why I want to buy the Yamara book.
Mood: Amused
Music: Willie Nelson: "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time"
Mood: Amused
Music: Willie Nelson: "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time"
2005-11-30
2005-11-29
2005-11-28
Lost Opportunities
The Packers found another way to lose yesterday, turning the ball over five times. You can't win a football game that way.
The defense continues to play at an acceptable level. There aren't any real stars on it, at least not yet, but Coach Bates seems to be getting the job done.
The culprit continues to be the offense. While they were able to get a bit of a running game going, fumbles and interceptions caused a number of good drives to come to a halt.
I'll continue to watch them, to see what they accomplish the rest of the season. But at 2-9, there's no chance of even a .500 season.
In somewhat better news, Maryanne and I went up north to have Thanksgiving with Mom. There were six of us in all, a little shy of the days when we had at least eight. We stayed with Adam and Sammie, though, and got a chance to see Jesse and Barret and Jenny. We had to cut the weekend short, though, and return on Friday in time for Maryanne's doctor appointment.
We left Door County around eleven, and thought we'd have plenty of time to get to Madison. Around Beaver Dam it began snowing in earnest, but once we reached Sun Prairie we thought we'd still have plenty of time to get to St. Mary's hospital not only in time for the appointment, but to get a quick snack as well. Once we reached I-90 our plans changed though. Between the Interstate and the Park Street exit off the beltline we saw at least eight accidents. It should have taken us at most 30 minutes to cover this distance. However, it took us over forty-five, and Maryanne was actually late for her appointment.
I've always thought that Madison drivers were idiots. Apparently it doesn't take much snow to turn them into even bigger idiots.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Electric Light Orchestra: "Jungle"
The defense continues to play at an acceptable level. There aren't any real stars on it, at least not yet, but Coach Bates seems to be getting the job done.
The culprit continues to be the offense. While they were able to get a bit of a running game going, fumbles and interceptions caused a number of good drives to come to a halt.
I'll continue to watch them, to see what they accomplish the rest of the season. But at 2-9, there's no chance of even a .500 season.
In somewhat better news, Maryanne and I went up north to have Thanksgiving with Mom. There were six of us in all, a little shy of the days when we had at least eight. We stayed with Adam and Sammie, though, and got a chance to see Jesse and Barret and Jenny. We had to cut the weekend short, though, and return on Friday in time for Maryanne's doctor appointment.
We left Door County around eleven, and thought we'd have plenty of time to get to Madison. Around Beaver Dam it began snowing in earnest, but once we reached Sun Prairie we thought we'd still have plenty of time to get to St. Mary's hospital not only in time for the appointment, but to get a quick snack as well. Once we reached I-90 our plans changed though. Between the Interstate and the Park Street exit off the beltline we saw at least eight accidents. It should have taken us at most 30 minutes to cover this distance. However, it took us over forty-five, and Maryanne was actually late for her appointment.
I've always thought that Madison drivers were idiots. Apparently it doesn't take much snow to turn them into even bigger idiots.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Electric Light Orchestra: "Jungle"
2005-11-27
No Surprise
Is it sad that I wish my score was higher?
Mood: Wondering
Music: Procol Harum: "Whisky Train"
2005-11-22
Down
This article about sums up last night's debacle at Lambeau.
Last night's game was pretty indicative of the season. The defense continues to play fairly well as a unit. They don't generate many turnovers, unfortunately, and a couple of big penalties were very costly. Still, they can't be faulted for the loss, as they were on the field so long during the second half, and were obviously tired.
The offense continues to be anemic without some big play makers at some of the skilled positions. The lack of an effective running game is putting too much pressure on Favre, and he's been trying to do too much, resulting in a lot of interceptions. With Green and Davenport out, their best backs are Fisher and Gado, who haven't been producing big numbers. I think this goes back to the loss of Rivera and Wahle to free agency. I think they should have at least tried to hold on the Wahle. He only has one bad knee opposed to Rivera's two, and is several years younger.
At this point, the Packers are 2-8; they'll have to win out the rest of the season just to break even, and with Chicago playing fairly well, I don't see that happening. The team continues to be optimistic despite the obvious. I think Mike Sherman deserves some credit for keeping the locker room together in spite of disappointed players, disgruntled fans, and scathing media.
I think we're watching Favre's first losing season in Green Bay, and the only light at the end may be the draft picks come spring.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Led Zeppelin: "I Can't Quit You Baby"
Last night's game was pretty indicative of the season. The defense continues to play fairly well as a unit. They don't generate many turnovers, unfortunately, and a couple of big penalties were very costly. Still, they can't be faulted for the loss, as they were on the field so long during the second half, and were obviously tired.
The offense continues to be anemic without some big play makers at some of the skilled positions. The lack of an effective running game is putting too much pressure on Favre, and he's been trying to do too much, resulting in a lot of interceptions. With Green and Davenport out, their best backs are Fisher and Gado, who haven't been producing big numbers. I think this goes back to the loss of Rivera and Wahle to free agency. I think they should have at least tried to hold on the Wahle. He only has one bad knee opposed to Rivera's two, and is several years younger.
At this point, the Packers are 2-8; they'll have to win out the rest of the season just to break even, and with Chicago playing fairly well, I don't see that happening. The team continues to be optimistic despite the obvious. I think Mike Sherman deserves some credit for keeping the locker room together in spite of disappointed players, disgruntled fans, and scathing media.
I think we're watching Favre's first losing season in Green Bay, and the only light at the end may be the draft picks come spring.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Led Zeppelin: "I Can't Quit You Baby"
2005-11-21
War on Brats
This interesting article is very thought-provoking. Right now I'm inclined to side with the business owner. I'm not sure if that opinion would change once I become a parent myself, though. I understand parents who want to have a nice family outing. I have no sympathy, though, for elitist power couples who think they are superior or entitled, and let their children run rampant with no attempt at discipline.
I've seen these kind of people. A couple years ago, Maryanne and I went to brunch at Cherry Hills in Door County. At a nearby table was an older mother with some young children, the youngest of which looked to be four or five. He was running around the dining room, crawling under the tables (including ours), and otherwise being annoying. Part of the problem was that he was being treated like a two-year-old: his mother offered him a bite of her omelette, asking if he wanted a "bit of eggie."
Growing up, there was never a place that my parents needed to be so badly that they wouldn't leave if my sister or I acted like this.
In a situation like this, as a person currently without children, I try to look at the age of the child before passing judgment. Infants and very young children can't be expected to be absolutely quiet. However, there reaches an age where children can be held to a certain standard of behavior. When their parents fail to discipline them and hold them to this behavior, it seriously affects my ability to enjoy myself.
One of the mothers in the article stated, "You go to a coffee shop or a bakery for a rest, to relax, and that you would have to worry the whole time about your child doing something that children do -- really what they're saying is they don't welcome children, they want the child to behave like an adult.' "
It would appear that she fails to understand that the undisciplined child is preventing the other customers from resting and relaxing. Any adult with common sense will know that kids are kids, and can't be expected to behave like an adult. However, children should be expected to act their age, and act appropriately in a public place.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: Badfinger: "No Matter What"
I've seen these kind of people. A couple years ago, Maryanne and I went to brunch at Cherry Hills in Door County. At a nearby table was an older mother with some young children, the youngest of which looked to be four or five. He was running around the dining room, crawling under the tables (including ours), and otherwise being annoying. Part of the problem was that he was being treated like a two-year-old: his mother offered him a bite of her omelette, asking if he wanted a "bit of eggie."
Growing up, there was never a place that my parents needed to be so badly that they wouldn't leave if my sister or I acted like this.
In a situation like this, as a person currently without children, I try to look at the age of the child before passing judgment. Infants and very young children can't be expected to be absolutely quiet. However, there reaches an age where children can be held to a certain standard of behavior. When their parents fail to discipline them and hold them to this behavior, it seriously affects my ability to enjoy myself.
One of the mothers in the article stated, "You go to a coffee shop or a bakery for a rest, to relax, and that you would have to worry the whole time about your child doing something that children do -- really what they're saying is they don't welcome children, they want the child to behave like an adult.' "
It would appear that she fails to understand that the undisciplined child is preventing the other customers from resting and relaxing. Any adult with common sense will know that kids are kids, and can't be expected to behave like an adult. However, children should be expected to act their age, and act appropriately in a public place.
Mood: Annoyed
Music: Badfinger: "No Matter What"
2005-11-20
Signs
Yesterday Maryanne and I tried to get some Christmas shopping done, but the day started out with a trip to Sam's Club. Now, I don't mean to stereotype the people who shop at Sam's Club. I'm sure there's all kinds of people who go there, and for some it's a good place to shop. However, comparing some of the prices there, many of their items are not really that much of a bargain. I can get the same prices, if not better, at the local Pick 'n Save. We picked up a few things, but only things that were actually cheaper than at the grocery store.
Of all the observations I made there, I think one sums up the experience the best. We were heading to the checkout aisles, where some of the aisles are marked for flatbed carts only. A guy, who as it turns out is involved with a catering company, pulls into one of these aisles with his flatbed cart. Ahead of him are two other customers, each with their own cart-- regular carts.
I don't know if this is a greater commentary on the customers who shop at Sam's Club, or the people that work there.
Mood: Snippy
Music: Alice in Chains: "Sea of Sorrow"
Of all the observations I made there, I think one sums up the experience the best. We were heading to the checkout aisles, where some of the aisles are marked for flatbed carts only. A guy, who as it turns out is involved with a catering company, pulls into one of these aisles with his flatbed cart. Ahead of him are two other customers, each with their own cart-- regular carts.
I don't know if this is a greater commentary on the customers who shop at Sam's Club, or the people that work there.
Mood: Snippy
Music: Alice in Chains: "Sea of Sorrow"
2005-11-18
Get Your Own!
The governors of the Great Lakes states want to form a compact regarding who can use water from the Great Lakes and who can't. Check out this article for more on this story.
Mood: Intrigued
Music: Heart: "Crazy on You"
Mood: Intrigued
Music: Heart: "Crazy on You"
2005-11-17
2005-11-16
White
Today we got the first snow of the season. Nothing significant, at least around this area, but it's still snow. I feel it's a little early for it, but things could be far worse. I've seen snow as early as October and as late as May.
I'm not particularly fond of the snow and cold, but I do enjoy a white Christmas, and am fairly used to the prospect of a white Thanksgiving, as well.
What we've gotten today won't last, though. In a couple of days it will warm up enough that any accumulation will melt.
Mood: Ambivalent
Music: Van Halen: "Runaround"
I'm not particularly fond of the snow and cold, but I do enjoy a white Christmas, and am fairly used to the prospect of a white Thanksgiving, as well.
What we've gotten today won't last, though. In a couple of days it will warm up enough that any accumulation will melt.
Mood: Ambivalent
Music: Van Halen: "Runaround"
2005-11-15
From Art to Propaganda
I found this interesting poster collection courtesy of James Lileks. There are some truly artistic examples, such as this one and this one. There are also some apropos eco-political statements such as this psychedelic-inspired one, and this ironic one.
Unfortunately, though, it didn't take long for the finger pointing to begin, producing such purely political diatribes such as this one and this one.
Mood: Critical
Music: none
Unfortunately, though, it didn't take long for the finger pointing to begin, producing such purely political diatribes such as this one and this one.
Mood: Critical
Music: none
2005-11-14
Onward
Autumn continues to wend its way onward. This morning was brisk, and there was a fairly heavy frost on the windshields this morning. I decided it was time to put the liner in my jacket.
I'm well over 11,000 hits on the site now. I continue to average about a thousand hits to the site per year. I'm glad to see that I'm getting some traffic, though more wold be nice.
Maryanne's due date is only about two months away now. I don't think it's time to panic. Hopefully there won't come a time to panic. I'm no longer feeling apprehensive about it. At times I'm excited, and at other times I'm nervous. While I'm sure it's all perfectly normal, that doesn't make me feel much better.
Mood: Reflective
Music: April Wine: "Roller"
I'm well over 11,000 hits on the site now. I continue to average about a thousand hits to the site per year. I'm glad to see that I'm getting some traffic, though more wold be nice.
Maryanne's due date is only about two months away now. I don't think it's time to panic. Hopefully there won't come a time to panic. I'm no longer feeling apprehensive about it. At times I'm excited, and at other times I'm nervous. While I'm sure it's all perfectly normal, that doesn't make me feel much better.
Mood: Reflective
Music: April Wine: "Roller"
2005-11-13
W
So the Green and Gold got a much-needed win today against a statistically better team. But today's game shows that there's more to football than just the statistics, and throughout the season it's been apparent to me that the Packers were a much better team than their record suggested.
Mood: Pleased
Music: Iron Butterfly: "Stone Believer"
Mood: Pleased
Music: Iron Butterfly: "Stone Believer"
2005-11-12
Disappointing Ends
Today wasn't nearly as productive as Maryanne and I would have liked. We had a lot of things we wanted to do today, but I think we only got a small number of them completed. We got a late start, and then rain set in, putting a damper on the rest of the plans for the late afternoon.
It allowed me to watch three quarters of the Badger game, though. They started out well enough, but couldn't keep things moving. I was hoping they'd get a win in Barry Alvarez's last home game as head coach. Sadly, they didn't, but Alvarez still deserves a lot of credit for his coaching success at the University of Wisconsin.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Tonic: "You Wanted More"
It allowed me to watch three quarters of the Badger game, though. They started out well enough, but couldn't keep things moving. I was hoping they'd get a win in Barry Alvarez's last home game as head coach. Sadly, they didn't, but Alvarez still deserves a lot of credit for his coaching success at the University of Wisconsin.
Mood: Disappointed
Music: Tonic: "You Wanted More"
2005-11-11
Indisputable Evidence
A long while back I had posted about a guy by the name of Steven Avery who had been freed from prison in 2003 when DNA evidence cleared him of a conviction for an assault. He had been in prison for 18 years, which brought about a fairly high-profile case when he sought compensation over that provided by the state for his imprisonment.
Now, he's back in jail on charges, but may also be implicated in a recent homicide case. For the second time in his life, his freedom depends on the results of a DNA test.
Mood: Contemplative
Music: ZZ Top: "Just Got Paid"
Now, he's back in jail on charges, but may also be implicated in a recent homicide case. For the second time in his life, his freedom depends on the results of a DNA test.
Mood: Contemplative
Music: ZZ Top: "Just Got Paid"
2005-11-10
Obligatory
Maryanne was pestering me, wondering why I never post about the baby. I replied that if she was so concerned about it, then she could post about the baby in her blog. She didn't like that so much.
Anyhow, I believe I've mentioned something here in the past about our impending parenthood, if not exactly explicitly. So now, lest Maryanne start haranguing me again, I'm here to produce an official baby post. Yes, Maryanne is pregnant with our first child, due in the middle of January. It's a girl, and our top choices for names are Adelia Mae and Sarah Elizabeth. I'm more fond of the former, while Maryanne's first choice is the latter. Her reason is that while she likes the nickname Addie, she doesn't so much like the sound of Addie Anschutz. I think that's a pretty silly reason.
Preparations are thus underway for the new addition to our family. So far we have acquired a stroller, car seat, crib, and a few other sundries, but we are far from having everything we need. We've registered at Target and at Burlington Coat Factory. I think Maryanne's going to end up with at least two showers, which is fine by me.
Mood: Snarky
Music: Uriah Heep: "Gypsy"
Anyhow, I believe I've mentioned something here in the past about our impending parenthood, if not exactly explicitly. So now, lest Maryanne start haranguing me again, I'm here to produce an official baby post. Yes, Maryanne is pregnant with our first child, due in the middle of January. It's a girl, and our top choices for names are Adelia Mae and Sarah Elizabeth. I'm more fond of the former, while Maryanne's first choice is the latter. Her reason is that while she likes the nickname Addie, she doesn't so much like the sound of Addie Anschutz. I think that's a pretty silly reason.
Preparations are thus underway for the new addition to our family. So far we have acquired a stroller, car seat, crib, and a few other sundries, but we are far from having everything we need. We've registered at Target and at Burlington Coat Factory. I think Maryanne's going to end up with at least two showers, which is fine by me.
Mood: Snarky
Music: Uriah Heep: "Gypsy"
2005-11-09
Honest
So the next book I've chosen for my reading pleasure is Roughing It by Mark Twain. I've already started it, and it promises to be very interesting. While it's not a work of fiction, Twain's writing ability has already shone through, at times humorous, at times biting, at times serious, but always entertaining.
This particular edition was published by Reader's Digest. While the cover looks like leather, I suspect it is not, though it is quite nice, being quarter bound in two different colors: tan, with a deep red-brown along the spine. It's also illustrated with drawings and woodcuts by "eminent artists." We'll see if I can tell who they turn out to be.
Having now read a number of Twain's works, I can see why he is considered by many to be one of the great American writers. Indeed, I think it can be said that Twain's works are a commendable contribution to Western literature in general. He was a brilliant writer, being observant, thoughtful, and (sometimes brutally) honest.
Mood: Reverent
Music: The Jimi Hendrix Experience: "Killing Floor"
This particular edition was published by Reader's Digest. While the cover looks like leather, I suspect it is not, though it is quite nice, being quarter bound in two different colors: tan, with a deep red-brown along the spine. It's also illustrated with drawings and woodcuts by "eminent artists." We'll see if I can tell who they turn out to be.
Having now read a number of Twain's works, I can see why he is considered by many to be one of the great American writers. Indeed, I think it can be said that Twain's works are a commendable contribution to Western literature in general. He was a brilliant writer, being observant, thoughtful, and (sometimes brutally) honest.
Mood: Reverent
Music: The Jimi Hendrix Experience: "Killing Floor"
2005-11-08
Unresolved
Today I finished Knife of Dreams. It was good, with enough excitement to draw you in. It wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked, though. While it didn't introduce many more plot lines, and indeed advanced quite a few, it didn't really resolve a whole lot. It was easy to see, though, that many of the plot lines are heading in the right direction, leading some portions to seem almost --almost-- predictable. Still, it will be interesting to see how Jordan manages to wrap everything up in the twelfth and final book of the series.
I don't know what will be next. I didn't bring anything else with me today, unfortunately, forgetting that I was nearly done as of last Friday. Tomorrow we'll find out what will be next.
Mood: Undecided
Music: none
I don't know what will be next. I didn't bring anything else with me today, unfortunately, forgetting that I was nearly done as of last Friday. Tomorrow we'll find out what will be next.
Mood: Undecided
Music: none
2005-11-07
Frustrating
I've been putting a modicum of thought into getting a small carrying case for my MP3 player, something to keep it and its accessories together in case I want to use it any place other than the gym. I looked at what's available at Target, but nothing really struck me as being a must-have. I searched the web today, checking a few sites, and was disgusted by the fact that almost all MP3 player accessories are for the iPod.
I don't have an iPod. I'll never have an iPod. The iPod has an aura about it that rubs me the wrong way, and I'd much prefer to continue using some MP3 player designed more for Windows users, something that supports the WMV format. What's not to like about a format that provides all the quality in half the file size?
Mood: Frustrated
Music: Collective Soul: "Where the River Flows"
I don't have an iPod. I'll never have an iPod. The iPod has an aura about it that rubs me the wrong way, and I'd much prefer to continue using some MP3 player designed more for Windows users, something that supports the WMV format. What's not to like about a format that provides all the quality in half the file size?
Mood: Frustrated
Music: Collective Soul: "Where the River Flows"
2005-11-06
Cheese Turnover
The Packers lost again today, dropping to a dismal 1-and-7 record. The story of the game was turnovers. They had many of them, and each of them were costly, as Pittsburgh was able to capitalize on everyone and score 17 points as a direct result.
There were some bright spots, but all too few. The defense is starting to gel, thought the offense is unfortunately prone to unraveling due to the absence of many starts. Their new running back, Samkon Gado, was quite impressive. If he can continue to perform as he has, especially if he helps contribute to a win, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ahman Green cut.
Mood: Irritated
Music: The Eagles: "Heartache Tonight"
There were some bright spots, but all too few. The defense is starting to gel, thought the offense is unfortunately prone to unraveling due to the absence of many starts. Their new running back, Samkon Gado, was quite impressive. If he can continue to perform as he has, especially if he helps contribute to a win, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ahman Green cut.
Mood: Irritated
Music: The Eagles: "Heartache Tonight"
2005-11-04
Name that Tune
I've been taking my MP3 player to work with me, so I have some tunes to listen to during my lunch, especially if the weather is pleasant enough to go outside for a walk. It's done the job, making the time a little more enjoyable. Some of the songs, though, remind me of my college days, and indeed have made me think about my relationship with music in general. There are a lot of songs, sometimes entire albums, that I associate with certain events or times in my life. They make me think about things that maybe I shouldn't, wondering how my life would be if some things had happened differently.
It's said that smell is the sense most strongly tied to memory. There are times when I agree with that. But I also wonder where music fits into the picture. Certainly my love of music has an influence on my life, and therefore on my memory, and the two are closely tied together. One will trigger the other.
Ever since high school, if not earlier, there would be time when certain things would jog my memory and put a song in my head. I don't mean just hearing a snippet of a song, or thinking you hear the song, or hearing or reading the lyrics. Sometimes things that are seemingly unrelated will do the same thing.
An excellent and current example is the book I'm currently reading, Knife of Dreams. For some reason it makes me think of Street of Dreams by Rainbow.
Likewise, As I Lay Dying by Faulkner would frequently make me think of In My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin. And I've never even read the book.
Stuff like this happens to me all the time. It confuses Maryanne to no end. She's pretty much given up on asking me how I get from Point A to Point B.
Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Joe Cocker: "Cry Me a River"
It's said that smell is the sense most strongly tied to memory. There are times when I agree with that. But I also wonder where music fits into the picture. Certainly my love of music has an influence on my life, and therefore on my memory, and the two are closely tied together. One will trigger the other.
Ever since high school, if not earlier, there would be time when certain things would jog my memory and put a song in my head. I don't mean just hearing a snippet of a song, or thinking you hear the song, or hearing or reading the lyrics. Sometimes things that are seemingly unrelated will do the same thing.
An excellent and current example is the book I'm currently reading, Knife of Dreams. For some reason it makes me think of Street of Dreams by Rainbow.
Likewise, As I Lay Dying by Faulkner would frequently make me think of In My Time of Dying by Led Zeppelin. And I've never even read the book.
Stuff like this happens to me all the time. It confuses Maryanne to no end. She's pretty much given up on asking me how I get from Point A to Point B.
Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Joe Cocker: "Cry Me a River"
2005-11-03
Unusual
We've had some unseasonably warm weather for a couple days now. Yesterday we broke into the low 60s, while today it's predicted we'll hit the high 60s. The sunshine and warm weather are certainly nice, but it's a bit unusual for this time of year, to say the least.
Mood: Ambivalent
Music: none
Mood: Ambivalent
Music: none
2005-11-02
Schneider
I spent a four-day weekend out of town, driving to Mom's on Saturday and returning yesterday. Maryanne was unable to get any time off, and thus stayed home. The purpose of the trip was to assist in moving my paternal grandmother from an assisted living facility to a nursing home. We were able to get most of the tasks for that accomplished while I was there, and the remaining tasks could be done without me.
Halloween night there was a card game. I didn't do well, losing $9.75, but it was a lot of fun, since it had been so long since we'd had a card game like that.
Halloween night there was a card game. I didn't do well, losing $9.75, but it was a lot of fun, since it had been so long since we'd had a card game like that.
2005-10-28
Nicknames
Despite the fact that Narf already blogged it, I thought it might be important to link this article as well. No matter what your opinion on the war in Iraq, I think it's not only important to put some names and faces with the fighting men and women serving over there, but to learn their opinions about what's going on there, as well.
2005-10-27
Tempestuous
Last night Maryanne and I finished watching Frida. It was an interesting film, probably what you'd call a "biopic," though probably not what you'd call entertaining in the sense of a more fictional work.
The cast was fantastic, with Salma Hayek in the title role of Frida Kahlo and Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera. Their performances alone were fantastic, but add to the cast such names as Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Antonio Banderas, and Edward Norton, and you're well on your way to a first-rate production. The script was decent, easily demonstrating the tempestuous relationship between Kahlo and Rivera. The visual effects were stunning, giving life to Kahlo's surrealistic --and sometimes nightmarish-- paintings.
It also doesn't hurt that you get to see Salma Hayek in the nude, even if she is sporting a unibrow.
The cast was fantastic, with Salma Hayek in the title role of Frida Kahlo and Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera. Their performances alone were fantastic, but add to the cast such names as Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Antonio Banderas, and Edward Norton, and you're well on your way to a first-rate production. The script was decent, easily demonstrating the tempestuous relationship between Kahlo and Rivera. The visual effects were stunning, giving life to Kahlo's surrealistic --and sometimes nightmarish-- paintings.
It also doesn't hurt that you get to see Salma Hayek in the nude, even if she is sporting a unibrow.
2005-10-26
Catch Up
The issue with Microsoft Money has been rectified, after spending over ninety minutes on the phone with Microsoft themselves. Part of it was to fix the billing issue, and the rest was to make sure that the correct version of the software installed correctly. Everything's taken care of now. The only thing left is to get our data caught up.
2005-10-25
Projects
Sunday afternoon Maryanne and I took a drive in to Madison to shop for a few things. We stopped at Barnes & Noble, and I picked up book eleven of the Wheel of Time series, Knife of Dreams. I'm hoping to get a chance to start it today.
You may be wondering why I didn't start it yesterday. Well, I had the day off, so I thought I'd take some time to work on some projects around the house. Well, it turned into mostly only one project, because our data file for Microsoft Money became corrupted, and I didn't determine that this was the problem until after I had downloaded and installed Money 2006. I thought I had downloaded Money 2006 Standard, but when it runs it keeps stating it's in Trial mode. I'll be watching my next couple of credit card statements to see if they charged me for the download or not before jumping to conclusions.
Last night Maryanne and I drove to Sun Prairie because Al Harris and Mark Roman of the Green Bay Packers were at a sports memorabilia shop signing autographs as a fundraiser. We had to wait in line for about an hour, but it wasn't a terrible experience. It provided us with a couple of Christmas presents, as well.
You may be wondering why I didn't start it yesterday. Well, I had the day off, so I thought I'd take some time to work on some projects around the house. Well, it turned into mostly only one project, because our data file for Microsoft Money became corrupted, and I didn't determine that this was the problem until after I had downloaded and installed Money 2006. I thought I had downloaded Money 2006 Standard, but when it runs it keeps stating it's in Trial mode. I'll be watching my next couple of credit card statements to see if they charged me for the download or not before jumping to conclusions.
Last night Maryanne and I drove to Sun Prairie because Al Harris and Mark Roman of the Green Bay Packers were at a sports memorabilia shop signing autographs as a fundraiser. We had to wait in line for about an hour, but it wasn't a terrible experience. It provided us with a couple of Christmas presents, as well.
2005-10-24
Unreasonable
Sunday afternoon Maryanne and I tuned in to watch the Packers play the Vikings at Minnesota. Things started off well; they looked like they were picking up from where they left off before the bye week, and went in to the locker room at half time with a 17-0 lead. While the running game wasn't spectacular, it was at least present, and they completely dominated the game up to that point.
After half time, it was a different story. The injuries piled up to the point where there was no running game to speak of, and the offense wasn't effective, frequently sputtering to a stop in a failed field goal attempt. The defense was suddenly ineffective, allowing the Vikings to rack up 20 unanswered points. A final field goal attemp was successful, tying the game with hopes of over time. The hopes were shattered though, on the unlikely 56-yard field goal by the Vikings as time expired.
The Packers fall to 1-5 for the season, with a goal of just having a .500 season being more reasonable than a winning season and a shot at the playoffs.
After half time, it was a different story. The injuries piled up to the point where there was no running game to speak of, and the offense wasn't effective, frequently sputtering to a stop in a failed field goal attempt. The defense was suddenly ineffective, allowing the Vikings to rack up 20 unanswered points. A final field goal attemp was successful, tying the game with hopes of over time. The hopes were shattered though, on the unlikely 56-yard field goal by the Vikings as time expired.
The Packers fall to 1-5 for the season, with a goal of just having a .500 season being more reasonable than a winning season and a shot at the playoffs.
2005-10-21
Done
Today I was able to finish Treasure Island. It was good to be able to return to it.
I don't know what's next on the list. We'll find that out on Tuesday, for I've a day off on Monday.
I don't know what's next on the list. We'll find that out on Tuesday, for I've a day off on Monday.
Dreck
So I've come to the conclusion that LiveJournal sucks.
Blogger may have its shortcomings, but it's at least navigable and user friendly.
LiveJournal, on the other hand, is a confusing tangle of links, some of which will prompt you to login even when you're already logged in, and some features are only available if you've paid for your account. Even their little Mood and Music features aren't enough to make up for what's a travesty of web design.
I could set up a Blogger posting template and do the same thing that LiveJournal does.
I wonder how well Brad Fitzpatrick sleeps at night.
Blogger may have its shortcomings, but it's at least navigable and user friendly.
LiveJournal, on the other hand, is a confusing tangle of links, some of which will prompt you to login even when you're already logged in, and some features are only available if you've paid for your account. Even their little Mood and Music features aren't enough to make up for what's a travesty of web design.
I could set up a Blogger posting template and do the same thing that LiveJournal does.
I wonder how well Brad Fitzpatrick sleeps at night.
2005-10-20
Reproductions
Today I finished The Martian Tales Trilogy. It was an omnibus containing the first three books of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars series. While they lack the character development of something from Dickens or Dumas, they were fantastic adventure stories. I'm kind of surprised that no one has tried to translate them to the big screen.
Unfortunately though, this edition was very poorly edited. I'm thinking it was somehow produced through OCR, spellchecked, but never proofread. All the words appear to be spelled correctly, or most of them, but there are many places were the wrong word is in a sentence, despite being spelled correctly. For the most part I've been able to figure out what the word should be, but I wonder how many readers would be able to do that.
This has caused me to put some serious thought into whether I want to keep this book, or replace it with another book, or multiple books. Indeed, the Easton Press recently published a beautiful set that contains the first five books of the series, but Maryanne would probably kill me for spending that much money on books.
Next on the list is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. This particular edition is from Atheneum, and reproduces the classic 1911 Scribner's edition which featured illustrations from the great N. C. Wyeth.
I've read the book before, in junior high, wherein I got my first taste of adaptations. I was lucky enough to have a paperback copy at home at the time, for the copies that were handed out in class, and which I declined, were adaptations. Being able to compare the two when the text was read aloud in class, I was frustrated by the fact that the original text had been "dumbed down." Indeed, it could have been this experience that has led me to seek original texts and faithful translations whenever possible. And it was this experience that probably so stifled my future enjoyment of English class for a long, long time.
Unfortunately though, this edition was very poorly edited. I'm thinking it was somehow produced through OCR, spellchecked, but never proofread. All the words appear to be spelled correctly, or most of them, but there are many places were the wrong word is in a sentence, despite being spelled correctly. For the most part I've been able to figure out what the word should be, but I wonder how many readers would be able to do that.
This has caused me to put some serious thought into whether I want to keep this book, or replace it with another book, or multiple books. Indeed, the Easton Press recently published a beautiful set that contains the first five books of the series, but Maryanne would probably kill me for spending that much money on books.
Next on the list is Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. This particular edition is from Atheneum, and reproduces the classic 1911 Scribner's edition which featured illustrations from the great N. C. Wyeth.
I've read the book before, in junior high, wherein I got my first taste of adaptations. I was lucky enough to have a paperback copy at home at the time, for the copies that were handed out in class, and which I declined, were adaptations. Being able to compare the two when the text was read aloud in class, I was frustrated by the fact that the original text had been "dumbed down." Indeed, it could have been this experience that has led me to seek original texts and faithful translations whenever possible. And it was this experience that probably so stifled my future enjoyment of English class for a long, long time.
2005-10-19
2005-10-18
Productivity
I somehow managed to get a four day weekend this last weekend. I got Friday for my flex day last week, and Monday for my flex day this week. It worked out well, as I was able to get some things done on Friday in preparation for Mom's visit. The weather was cooperative, and I was able to plant some flowers and mow the lawn in addition to other indoor chores.
That's right: Mom actually came for a visit. She came down with Ed, a long-time family friend, early on Saturday, and they departed Sunday afternoon. We watched the Badger game, complete with its exciting and improbable ending, before Ed departed for Whitewater to visit a cousin. Mom enjoyed her visit. We were able to show her some of the sights of the area in her short visit, and she was able to take in some shopping, which she clearly enjoyed as well.
Yesterday was fairly productive as well. Not only was I able to find some repellent to keep the squirrels out of my bulbs, but Daisy's checkup with the vet showed that she's coming along quite nicely.
That's right: Mom actually came for a visit. She came down with Ed, a long-time family friend, early on Saturday, and they departed Sunday afternoon. We watched the Badger game, complete with its exciting and improbable ending, before Ed departed for Whitewater to visit a cousin. Mom enjoyed her visit. We were able to show her some of the sights of the area in her short visit, and she was able to take in some shopping, which she clearly enjoyed as well.
Yesterday was fairly productive as well. Not only was I able to find some repellent to keep the squirrels out of my bulbs, but Daisy's checkup with the vet showed that she's coming along quite nicely.
2005-10-13
Welsh
So I spent the last two work days at the Monona Terrace for the American Family Insurance Field Management Conference. It was an interesting experience. We had a booth set up in a high-traffic area, near the event's registration desk, in case any of the participants had any questions for us.
Due to our location, though, we were also in the path of the tours that are offered at the Terrace. See, the Terrace was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and bears striking similarities to the Guggenheim in New York, which was actually designed later. Part of the tour included some photos in the hall near our booth of Wright's work, including his home in Spring Green, WI, Taliesin, and his home in Arizona, Taliesin West.
Unfortunately, though, all the guides were saying "Tally Essen" which is incorrect. Since Taliesin is a Welsh name, it should be "Tal Yessen."
Due to our location, though, we were also in the path of the tours that are offered at the Terrace. See, the Terrace was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and bears striking similarities to the Guggenheim in New York, which was actually designed later. Part of the tour included some photos in the hall near our booth of Wright's work, including his home in Spring Green, WI, Taliesin, and his home in Arizona, Taliesin West.
Unfortunately, though, all the guides were saying "Tally Essen" which is incorrect. Since Taliesin is a Welsh name, it should be "Tal Yessen."
2005-10-10
2005-10-09
Inverse relation
There may be something to those who say there is a correlation between the Badgers' performance on Saturday and the Packers' performance on Sunday. The Badgers defense broke down on Saturday, resulting in a loss to Northwestern in Evanston. Strangely enough, the game wasn't even televised in their local market.
Today, the Packers demolished the Saints in a game that became so lopsided that it became boring. I'm surprised they didn't put Aaron Rodgers in sooner along with some of the other backups. But today's game could be the boost the team needs to regain their confidence and get back on track.
Today, the Packers demolished the Saints in a game that became so lopsided that it became boring. I'm surprised they didn't put Aaron Rodgers in sooner along with some of the other backups. But today's game could be the boost the team needs to regain their confidence and get back on track.
2005-10-07
Home
I was able to pick up Daisy from the vet's office yesterday. She was a little skittish when I first got her home. She started exploring the house before kind of settling down. I decided to watch some T.V., and a little after four o'click she decided to join me, and more or less sat in my lap for the next two hours.
She's slowly returning to her normal self. She's yet to become as active and playful as she normally is, but it's obvious that she's got some soreness. If Maryanne or I try to pick her up, she cries a little bit. She's been eating though, and it wasn't too difficult to get her to swallow her medication this morning. She's clearly on the road to recovery.
She's slowly returning to her normal self. She's yet to become as active and playful as she normally is, but it's obvious that she's got some soreness. If Maryanne or I try to pick her up, she cries a little bit. She's been eating though, and it wasn't too difficult to get her to swallow her medication this morning. She's clearly on the road to recovery.
2005-10-06
Misery
We found out late yesterday afternoon that Daisy has to stay at the vet's a little longer because she was running a fever. Of course, the voicemail message that informed Maryanne of this wasn't received until after she had left work to go pick up Daisy, about five minutes before she arrived at the vet's office. Maryanne was very upset. She wasted two hours of vacation time for almost nothing. After chewing out the staff for not calling her work number, she demanded to see Daisy, and they wisely showed her the way.
Daisy has apparently been eating and drinking, but Maryanne was quite concerned because "she looked miserable." I told Maryanne that she'd probably look miserable too if she had just had surgery for a blockage in her intestines and was running a fever. This didn't help much.
Maryanne has been very pessimistic about the situation. We're both hoping that today's diagnosis is much better, and that Daisy will be allowed to go home and recuperate.
Daisy has apparently been eating and drinking, but Maryanne was quite concerned because "she looked miserable." I told Maryanne that she'd probably look miserable too if she had just had surgery for a blockage in her intestines and was running a fever. This didn't help much.
Maryanne has been very pessimistic about the situation. We're both hoping that today's diagnosis is much better, and that Daisy will be allowed to go home and recuperate.
2005-10-05
Question of Faith
Last night Maryanne and I met with Pastor Lehman from First Lutheran Church in Stoughton. I for one need to find a new church in Stoughton, because Bay View in Sturgeon Bay is just too far away. Maryanne is at a bit of a crossroads with her faith right now, and she needs to find a place where she feels comfortable, as well.
The meeting went well. Pastor Lehman was able to answer a lot of our questions, and even some we hadn't thought to ask. It'll be a nice fit for me, and I hope a nice fit for Maryanne, as well.
The meeting went well. Pastor Lehman was able to answer a lot of our questions, and even some we hadn't thought to ask. It'll be a nice fit for me, and I hope a nice fit for Maryanne, as well.
2005-10-04
Backed up
The Packers dropped to a bleak 0-4 last night. As Maryanne noted, we didn't know which was worse: another loss putting them at 0-4, or the fact they came so close to mounting a winning drive.
I was looking forward to using today as a day to get some things done; unfortunately, Daisy had some different plans.
She had been lethargic and subdued most of the day yesterday, and there was evidence that she had done some vomiting sometime between Sunday night and yesterday morning. I didn't think too much of it, but she hadn't changed by yesterday evening. Maryanne called the vet, and if things hadn't improved by this morning, we'd take her in.
Well, she was still subdued today, so we took her to the vet right away at seven o'clock when they opened; we then learned an actual vet wouldn't be there until nine o'clock, and the first appointment they had open was for 9:45. I knew Daisy would be more comfortable at home, so we took her home and would return later. Maryanne went to her doctor's appointment alone in case she wouldn't be back in time, and I took Daisy back to the vet for 9:45.
The office was very busy, and it was almost ten o'clock before they weighed Daisy and got us in an exam room, giving Maryanne enough time to meet me. After half joking with Maryanne that Daisy may simply be constipated, an x-ray showed that Daisy is indeed constipated, because she swallowed a paper clip.
So our kitty underwent surgery yesterday, and the last we heard was that she was recovering. No news is good news, and barring any complications, Maryanne will pick her up tonight.
I was looking forward to using today as a day to get some things done; unfortunately, Daisy had some different plans.
She had been lethargic and subdued most of the day yesterday, and there was evidence that she had done some vomiting sometime between Sunday night and yesterday morning. I didn't think too much of it, but she hadn't changed by yesterday evening. Maryanne called the vet, and if things hadn't improved by this morning, we'd take her in.
Well, she was still subdued today, so we took her to the vet right away at seven o'clock when they opened; we then learned an actual vet wouldn't be there until nine o'clock, and the first appointment they had open was for 9:45. I knew Daisy would be more comfortable at home, so we took her home and would return later. Maryanne went to her doctor's appointment alone in case she wouldn't be back in time, and I took Daisy back to the vet for 9:45.
The office was very busy, and it was almost ten o'clock before they weighed Daisy and got us in an exam room, giving Maryanne enough time to meet me. After half joking with Maryanne that Daisy may simply be constipated, an x-ray showed that Daisy is indeed constipated, because she swallowed a paper clip.
So our kitty underwent surgery yesterday, and the last we heard was that she was recovering. No news is good news, and barring any complications, Maryanne will pick her up tonight.
2005-10-03
Reflection
Maryanne and I went to Door County for the weekend, and stayed with my mom. There was nothing particularly spectacular about the weekend, per se. The weather was good, and we got a few things accomplished, and were able to take things easy the rest of the time. I'll probably be returning at the end of the month if everything goes as planned, but the next time Maryanne and I both go won't be until Thanksgiving.
Friday night was apparently a momentous occasion: Sevastopol won their homecoming game! I was flabbergasted. It wasn't a fluke, either. They beat Oconto with a score of 23-8. It marks the first time since 1983 that Sevastopol has won a game with an independent football team. More here.
Today marks the third anniversary of Dad's passing. It's not a celebratory anniversary by any means. It's just another time to pause and remember him, and wonder if things could have been different.
Friday night was apparently a momentous occasion: Sevastopol won their homecoming game! I was flabbergasted. It wasn't a fluke, either. They beat Oconto with a score of 23-8. It marks the first time since 1983 that Sevastopol has won a game with an independent football team. More here.
Today marks the third anniversary of Dad's passing. It's not a celebratory anniversary by any means. It's just another time to pause and remember him, and wonder if things could have been different.
2005-09-30
Get it done
Today I had a day off, so I was able to get a few things done, though not as much as I would have liked.
After driving Maryanne to work, I dropped off the cell phone bill before heading to East Town Mall. I had about 45 minutes to kill before anything really opened. The only places open were McDonald's and Starbucks; I went to the latter and got some hot cocoa and a scone. The scone wasn't really that good.
Once everything opened up around nine I went to Gordman's. The only worthwhile thing I found was a shirt. I killed some time at Barnes & Noble before the Dakota Watch kiosk finally opened. I decided I needed another new watch. I've decided that from here on out, all my new watches will need all steel cases. My body chemistry slowly erodes the plating on base metal cases.
I returned home for a bit to get some laundry done and do a few other things. Once the laundry was in the dryer I ventured out again. I stopped first to pick up my new glasses; glass lenses are 100% better. I then got a haircut at Cost Cutters before stopping at Stoughton Garden Center for a few things, including a bunch of bulbs.
While at Cost Cutters I came to a conclusion: Men's Journal must be in love with Brett Favre. Quite some time ago they did an article on the toughest men in America, and Favre topped the list. Now, in a more recent issue, they had a story about Favre and a 10-point plan for getting and keeping your dream job.
After returning home I rushed to finish the laundry and run the dishwasher so I'll have time to clean up before going to pick up Maryanne and drive north. Time might be tight.
After driving Maryanne to work, I dropped off the cell phone bill before heading to East Town Mall. I had about 45 minutes to kill before anything really opened. The only places open were McDonald's and Starbucks; I went to the latter and got some hot cocoa and a scone. The scone wasn't really that good.
Once everything opened up around nine I went to Gordman's. The only worthwhile thing I found was a shirt. I killed some time at Barnes & Noble before the Dakota Watch kiosk finally opened. I decided I needed another new watch. I've decided that from here on out, all my new watches will need all steel cases. My body chemistry slowly erodes the plating on base metal cases.
I returned home for a bit to get some laundry done and do a few other things. Once the laundry was in the dryer I ventured out again. I stopped first to pick up my new glasses; glass lenses are 100% better. I then got a haircut at Cost Cutters before stopping at Stoughton Garden Center for a few things, including a bunch of bulbs.
While at Cost Cutters I came to a conclusion: Men's Journal must be in love with Brett Favre. Quite some time ago they did an article on the toughest men in America, and Favre topped the list. Now, in a more recent issue, they had a story about Favre and a 10-point plan for getting and keeping your dream job.
After returning home I rushed to finish the laundry and run the dishwasher so I'll have time to clean up before going to pick up Maryanne and drive north. Time might be tight.
2005-09-29
Yossarian Lives
Well, I finished Catch-22 today. I was glad I reread it. There were parts I remembered, and other parts I did not. I'm not exactly sure how satisfied I was with the ending, despite it being a very entertaining yet thought-provoking book. I'll have to read the sequel sometime.
I was pleased to see that the author, Joseph Heller, had served as a bombardier in World War II; I hope his own experiences influenced his writing, inasmuch as the details and other factual elements are accurrate.
Unfortunately I didn't bring another book with me, and probably should have. It's been a rather slow afternoon and I could really use another book. I'm not entirely certain what will be next, but I suspect it will be the recently-acquired Mars omnibus I purchased, containing the first three books of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars series.
Yesterday and today have been flirts with autumn. Yesterday was dull and drab, with overcast skies and the occasional sprinkle of rain, and a chill wind swirling brown leaves around. Today is cool but more pleasant, with bright clear skies before heading into a weekend that will be unseasonably warm. I've come to enjoy autumn more than summer, and part of me looks forward to the first few frosty nights that will add the fiery fall colors to the trees. Some mums seem in order, but I've yet been able to make it to the garden center for any of them or for any spring bulbs. Perhaps I'll do that tomorrow.
I was pleased to see that the author, Joseph Heller, had served as a bombardier in World War II; I hope his own experiences influenced his writing, inasmuch as the details and other factual elements are accurrate.
Unfortunately I didn't bring another book with me, and probably should have. It's been a rather slow afternoon and I could really use another book. I'm not entirely certain what will be next, but I suspect it will be the recently-acquired Mars omnibus I purchased, containing the first three books of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars series.
Yesterday and today have been flirts with autumn. Yesterday was dull and drab, with overcast skies and the occasional sprinkle of rain, and a chill wind swirling brown leaves around. Today is cool but more pleasant, with bright clear skies before heading into a weekend that will be unseasonably warm. I've come to enjoy autumn more than summer, and part of me looks forward to the first few frosty nights that will add the fiery fall colors to the trees. Some mums seem in order, but I've yet been able to make it to the garden center for any of them or for any spring bulbs. Perhaps I'll do that tomorrow.
2005-09-27
Hrm...
| You are a Social Liberal (68% permissive) and an... Economic Moderate (43% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid Free Online Dating |
2005-09-25
Weekend
Maryanne and I went out of town to celebrate our wedding anniversary, thinking it would probably be the last chance for a while that we'd be able to do so, what with a child on the way and all. We went up to Kewaunee and stayed at the Karsten Inn. We left Friday, since I had the day off and Maryanne only had a half day. We ran a few errands in Madison before making our way northward. It was a pleasant enough drive, and after checking in and getting settled, we decided to have dinner. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant at the hotel had closed in December. We decided to go up to Algoma and get some pizza at Penguin City. It was interesting to see some changes in Algoma: places that moved, or closed, or opened, or other improvements around town.
Saturday we breakfasted at the hotel before departing for Green Bay. We made stops at Best Buy and the Packers Pro Shop before going to Heritage Hill. When we arrived there we learned that they were only running guided tours, and the next open one wasn't for another two hours. We decided to drive back to Lambeau Field and have lunch at the atrium. This turned out to be rather fortuitous, as we were able to see some of the Packers players leave the stadium.
After lunch we drove back to Heritage Hill and took the tour. It was very interesting, and even Maryanne enjoyed it, admitting to liking it more than she thought she would. Afterwards we drove back to Kewaunee so Maryanne could rest a bit before dinner. I was hoping to catch the Badger game, but the channel wasn't available at the hotel. After watching parts of a couple of movies, we went to dinner at restaurant called Port O' Call. It had been recommended by the front desk clerk at the hotel. We were quite pleased with it: the food was good, the service was good, the atmosphere was good, and they had the Badger game on.
This morning we breakfasted at Dairy Dean's in Algoma before departing for home. We wanted to get an early start to avoid traffic from the Packers game. This turned out to be a good decision, as well, as we had to slow down several times due to heavy rain.
Sadly, once we did get home the football game wasn't much better. There were some improvements on both sides of the ball, but not enough to get a win. I sense some impatience on the part of Brett Favre, and I think it's starting to affect his game adversely. They badly need a win to get back on track.
Saturday we breakfasted at the hotel before departing for Green Bay. We made stops at Best Buy and the Packers Pro Shop before going to Heritage Hill. When we arrived there we learned that they were only running guided tours, and the next open one wasn't for another two hours. We decided to drive back to Lambeau Field and have lunch at the atrium. This turned out to be rather fortuitous, as we were able to see some of the Packers players leave the stadium.
After lunch we drove back to Heritage Hill and took the tour. It was very interesting, and even Maryanne enjoyed it, admitting to liking it more than she thought she would. Afterwards we drove back to Kewaunee so Maryanne could rest a bit before dinner. I was hoping to catch the Badger game, but the channel wasn't available at the hotel. After watching parts of a couple of movies, we went to dinner at restaurant called Port O' Call. It had been recommended by the front desk clerk at the hotel. We were quite pleased with it: the food was good, the service was good, the atmosphere was good, and they had the Badger game on.
This morning we breakfasted at Dairy Dean's in Algoma before departing for home. We wanted to get an early start to avoid traffic from the Packers game. This turned out to be a good decision, as well, as we had to slow down several times due to heavy rain.
Sadly, once we did get home the football game wasn't much better. There were some improvements on both sides of the ball, but not enough to get a win. I sense some impatience on the part of Brett Favre, and I think it's starting to affect his game adversely. They badly need a win to get back on track.
2005-09-22
Seasons
Maryanne and I went out to dinner last night, because yesterday marked our third wedding anniversary. It was an enjoyable evening. We checked out a fairly new restaurant, Laz Bistro, in Stoughton. I was fairly impressed. We ordered an appetizer, which consisted of home-made kettle chips covered with Monterey jack and bleu cheeses and a red pepper sauce; it was delicious. For my entree I ordered their barbecued ribs, and was quite satisfied with them. They were accompanied by curly fries, which were fair, and baked beans with apples and pecans, which was quite interesting.
Today marks the transition into autumn. I'm kind of looking forward to it; I'll be glad to see the hot, oppressive weather of late summer go. Even the weather has sensed the change; yesterday was sunny, clear, and hot, while today has been gray and cool. I'm enjoying it.
Today marks the transition into autumn. I'm kind of looking forward to it; I'll be glad to see the hot, oppressive weather of late summer go. Even the weather has sensed the change; yesterday was sunny, clear, and hot, while today has been gray and cool. I'm enjoying it.
2005-09-20
Wasted opportunity
Maryanne and I watched The Wedding Date last night. I had actually wanted to see it, since the previews made it appear intriguing. I was expecting a romantic comedy in the traditional sense, and while it had its lighter moments, it wasn't really what you'd call a romantic comedy.
That being said, Debra Messing was pretty hot and delivers a good performance, but Dermot Mulroney's character was way too stoic, for lack of a better term. Holland Taylor was under utilized, as was Peter Egan.
It was an interesting story, but somehow lacked some punch. I think the blame can be placed on the writer and the director, because the cast really looked capable of doing more given the opportunity.
That being said, Debra Messing was pretty hot and delivers a good performance, but Dermot Mulroney's character was way too stoic, for lack of a better term. Holland Taylor was under utilized, as was Peter Egan.
It was an interesting story, but somehow lacked some punch. I think the blame can be placed on the writer and the director, because the cast really looked capable of doing more given the opportunity.
2005-09-19
Into the woods
Despite there being much shittiness at work last week, I was actually able to leave work early on Friday and participate in this year's guys' camping trip. It was at Castle Mounds Campground up in a state forest in the Black River Falls area. It was a relatively short drive for me, considering the other participants were coming from either the Twin Cities or from Chicago/Milwaukee. The whole experience was a lot of fun, and also allows me to make a list of useful camping equipment for next time.
I returned home Sunday, and Jesse and Barret stopped by on their way to Chicago. They watched the first half of the Packer game with Maryanne and me. The Packers didn't look so hot, and I place the full blame for the second interception on Brett. Let's hope they can get out of the woods next Sunday.
I returned home Sunday, and Jesse and Barret stopped by on their way to Chicago. They watched the first half of the Packer game with Maryanne and me. The Packers didn't look so hot, and I place the full blame for the second interception on Brett. Let's hope they can get out of the woods next Sunday.
2005-09-16
Trifecta
Three shitty days in a row. I mean shitty. Fucking shitty. That's what happens when you do tech support and get to clean up someone else's mess.
Apparently it all started Tuesday after a software release on Monday night. Things were broken, and we couldn't fix it. By Wednesday we were given the tools to fix it, and told another release sent that night would fix it.
Thursday morning we found out the new release didn't go out the night before. Why? It didn't get tested in time. So our customers have been using broken software for two days, and you're going to make them use it a third day because you decide to actually test it now?
I'm having a really hard time keeping from telling our customers what I really think of the whole situation.
Apparently it all started Tuesday after a software release on Monday night. Things were broken, and we couldn't fix it. By Wednesday we were given the tools to fix it, and told another release sent that night would fix it.
Thursday morning we found out the new release didn't go out the night before. Why? It didn't get tested in time. So our customers have been using broken software for two days, and you're going to make them use it a third day because you decide to actually test it now?
I'm having a really hard time keeping from telling our customers what I really think of the whole situation.
2005-09-15
Twee
James Lileks, on the legal system: "An adequate representation of the flaws and aspirations of its participants."
Funniest thing I've read all day, and that's considering the fact that I'm currently working on Catch-22.
Funniest thing I've read all day, and that's considering the fact that I'm currently working on Catch-22.
2005-09-14
Not that long
I started on Catch-22 today. The last time I read it was my sophomore year of highschool. It'll be nice to return to it, especially as I'm more mature than I was then and may pick up on some things in the book that I didn't before.
I remember an episode of Animaniacs in which Ben Stein voiced a character by the name of Francis Pumphandle, "...but my friends call me Pip." Now Pip was a caricature of Stein, and his almost monotone drone was exaggerated for the cartoon. During his long and boring monologue he spoke of Catch-22, and how it was a long novel, and he never finished novels. Now, this edition is in hardcover from Simon & Schuster, and weighs in around 400 pages, which compared to some other books I've read, isn't long at all. I think we all know I won't have any problems finishing it.
I remember an episode of Animaniacs in which Ben Stein voiced a character by the name of Francis Pumphandle, "...but my friends call me Pip." Now Pip was a caricature of Stein, and his almost monotone drone was exaggerated for the cartoon. During his long and boring monologue he spoke of Catch-22, and how it was a long novel, and he never finished novels. Now, this edition is in hardcover from Simon & Schuster, and weighs in around 400 pages, which compared to some other books I've read, isn't long at all. I think we all know I won't have any problems finishing it.
Nominated
There has been much to-do in the news regarding the confirmation hearing for John Roberts. Before even seeing any news on it, I thought to myself that he's there to interpret the Constitution, not promote his personal opinions. As it turns out, that's pretty much what he's said: "my faith and my religious beliefs do not play a role in judging. When it comes to judging, I look to the law books and always have."
Why, then, are so many people having a hard time taking him at his word?
Why, then, are so many people having a hard time taking him at his word?
2005-09-13
Mmm... Good!
2005-09-12
A familiar story
I finished The Arabian Nights today. Technically it's The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, but we'll not quibble. I enjoyed rereading it, and this edition included a few more stories that I was not familiar with.
My only complaint is that the whole time I was reading the story of Alaeddin, I was picturing the princess's father as a doddering, portly old man like in the Disney movie. Damn you, Disney!
I didn't bring any other books with me today, so we won't know for sure until Wednesday what will be next. I have a feeling I'll be rereading Catch-22.
My only complaint is that the whole time I was reading the story of Alaeddin, I was picturing the princess's father as a doddering, portly old man like in the Disney movie. Damn you, Disney!
I didn't bring any other books with me today, so we won't know for sure until Wednesday what will be next. I have a feeling I'll be rereading Catch-22.
Unmotivated
Maryanne and I spent another low-key weekend mostly at home. We didn't really get much of anything accomplished. I did some painting on Saturday, but nothing significant, and besides watching the Packers lose, we didn't do much yesterday, either.
We both have the day off tomorrow, though, and I hope to get more done.
We both have the day off tomorrow, though, and I hope to get more done.
2005-09-09
Outlook not so good
So I picked up my new glasses yesterday. It took a few hours to adjust to them. I noticed right away that they were much, much lighter, being that they have plastic lenses that are much smaller than my old ones.
That being said, though, I'm not sure I can handle them. I noticed right away that I had to turn my head and look directly at something for it to be in proper focus. I couldn't just move my eyes. This has been even more noticeable today at work, where I would normally just move my eyes around my computer screen. This doesn't work so well. I don't know if it's the smaller size of the lenses, or the fact that they're plastic. If it keeps up throughout the morning, I'll be calling to the optical shop and discussing it with them.
Update: After talking with the optical shop, the most likely candidate is the plastic lenses. While the high-index plastic is optically superior to polycarbonate, it's not as good as glass. Sandy, the optician, will adjust my frames on Tuesday, and if I still don't like it, we'll switch to glass, no charge.
That being said, though, I'm not sure I can handle them. I noticed right away that I had to turn my head and look directly at something for it to be in proper focus. I couldn't just move my eyes. This has been even more noticeable today at work, where I would normally just move my eyes around my computer screen. This doesn't work so well. I don't know if it's the smaller size of the lenses, or the fact that they're plastic. If it keeps up throughout the morning, I'll be calling to the optical shop and discussing it with them.
Update: After talking with the optical shop, the most likely candidate is the plastic lenses. While the high-index plastic is optically superior to polycarbonate, it's not as good as glass. Sandy, the optician, will adjust my frames on Tuesday, and if I still don't like it, we'll switch to glass, no charge.
2005-09-07
Redecorating
I used to have a link to a website called ThemeXP, which was a place to get desktop wallpaper and themes, and the like. However, I checked them out again recently, then quickly removed my link. Why? They used to provide the files in a downloadable .zip file. Now the files are in a self-extracting archive, in a .exe format, which also installs some spyware on your system. No thanks.
2005-09-06
Mellow
Maryanne and I spent a rather slow-paced and relaxing weekend in Door County. I helped Mom with a project or two, but other than that, there weren't many tasks to complete. This means that the next time I'm up there will be more, including moving some trees. By that time, though, the weather should be cooler and more hospitable to physical labor.
We were able to do some shopping, and we found some nice tin signs for our kitchen at an antique shop. We were also able to spend some time with Adam and Sammie, and we rented Napoleon Dynamite, which turned out to be a bizarre but amusing movie.
Labor Day weekend also usually marks Sevastopol class tournaments, so I saw some old schoolmates. We ate out a lot, but Maryanne and I paid less than $20 ourselves the whole weekend.
Yesterday I tried helping Adam set up some new computers at Cherry Hills. The computers themselves weren't too much of an issue. However, we did meet a roadblock when trying to install a second receipt printer on one of the computers. I suspect it's a configuration issue with the printer itself. Adam planned on contacting Epson support himself to get it resolved.
We got on the road much later than we wanted to yesterday, but we were still home by seven. Daisy was very happy to see us, and we were glad to be home.
We were able to do some shopping, and we found some nice tin signs for our kitchen at an antique shop. We were also able to spend some time with Adam and Sammie, and we rented Napoleon Dynamite, which turned out to be a bizarre but amusing movie.
Labor Day weekend also usually marks Sevastopol class tournaments, so I saw some old schoolmates. We ate out a lot, but Maryanne and I paid less than $20 ourselves the whole weekend.
Yesterday I tried helping Adam set up some new computers at Cherry Hills. The computers themselves weren't too much of an issue. However, we did meet a roadblock when trying to install a second receipt printer on one of the computers. I suspect it's a configuration issue with the printer itself. Adam planned on contacting Epson support himself to get it resolved.
We got on the road much later than we wanted to yesterday, but we were still home by seven. Daisy was very happy to see us, and we were glad to be home.
2005-09-02
Nobody could forsee....
I thought this was an interesting piece from the blogosphere. Despite the commentary on it being biased, it is, if nothing else, thought-provoking.
2005-09-01
Chaos
It would be nice to think that disasters along the lines of Hurricane Katrina would bring out the best in everone, but clearly that's not always the case. It brings out the worst in some. After you read the article, check out the discussion thread from Fark.
See you....
August is gone, and September is here. Some would say that summer is gone as well, but we've been through that discussion. There is a noticeable change in the weather, though. The days are still warm, sometimes hot, but the nights are deliciously cool, and the air is less humid.
Labor Day weekend approaches, and with it the end of summer travel. Due not only to the high demand but by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, as well, gas prices have skyrocketed. But since Maryanne and I have not been up north since the end of July, we'll make the trip anyway.
For whatever reason, I've been having some weird dreams lately. I go days, weeks even, without remembering any of my dreams, when BANG! I'll remember one quite vividly. There have been three such of these lately, all very similar. I won't go into details, other than to say I have a suspicion as to what is causing them.
Labor Day weekend approaches, and with it the end of summer travel. Due not only to the high demand but by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, as well, gas prices have skyrocketed. But since Maryanne and I have not been up north since the end of July, we'll make the trip anyway.
For whatever reason, I've been having some weird dreams lately. I go days, weeks even, without remembering any of my dreams, when BANG! I'll remember one quite vividly. There have been three such of these lately, all very similar. I won't go into details, other than to say I have a suspicion as to what is causing them.
2005-08-30
New Specs
I got my eyes checked yesterday. It had been at least four years since my last exam, and I figured I was about due. The whole process took over an hour, but that included my time with the optician picking out new frames and so forth.
The exam was even less pleasant than I anticipated. I could have told them I'm red-green color blind, but they made me look at the test cards anyway. They also did the always joyful glaucoma test. The worst was having my eyes dilated; I'd never had it done before. Not only did it blur my near vision, but it made my already sensitive eyes even more sensitive.
But I'll come out of it all with new frames and new lenses. The lenses will have an anti-glare coating, which I like the idea of. They will also be made of high-index plastic, instead of glass, which is supposed to make them lighter. Optically they'll perform better than regular plastic; I never did ask about price, and now I'm thinking I should have. We'll see how they go. Part of me is thinking I'll end up switching back to glass lenses.
The exam was even less pleasant than I anticipated. I could have told them I'm red-green color blind, but they made me look at the test cards anyway. They also did the always joyful glaucoma test. The worst was having my eyes dilated; I'd never had it done before. Not only did it blur my near vision, but it made my already sensitive eyes even more sensitive.
But I'll come out of it all with new frames and new lenses. The lenses will have an anti-glare coating, which I like the idea of. They will also be made of high-index plastic, instead of glass, which is supposed to make them lighter. Optically they'll perform better than regular plastic; I never did ask about price, and now I'm thinking I should have. We'll see how they go. Part of me is thinking I'll end up switching back to glass lenses.
Riddles
We had a gaming day on Saturday, starting later since Maryanne was attending a bridal shower and Tina was not able to join us, and running a couple of short, one-off adventures. In retrospect I should have run them in the other order.
The first was Dry Spell, a site-based adventure involving the PCs being hired to take care of a group of bandits. They worked through this adventure surprisingly quickly.
The second was The Ettin's Riddle, and was more of an event-based adventure wherein the PCs had to solve a riddle. The riddle proved more challenging than I anticipated, though I don't know how much of this was caused by the lateness of the time. Thus I ended up reworking the module quite a bit, leaving out the bit where the town constable shows up to kill said ettin regardless of whether the PCs have solved the riddle or not.
My experiment of putting basic PC information on index cards and then putting them in initiative order to help move combat more quickly seemed to work pretty well. I think instead of trying to hold them, though, I may clip them to my screen instead.
The first was Dry Spell, a site-based adventure involving the PCs being hired to take care of a group of bandits. They worked through this adventure surprisingly quickly.
The second was The Ettin's Riddle, and was more of an event-based adventure wherein the PCs had to solve a riddle. The riddle proved more challenging than I anticipated, though I don't know how much of this was caused by the lateness of the time. Thus I ended up reworking the module quite a bit, leaving out the bit where the town constable shows up to kill said ettin regardless of whether the PCs have solved the riddle or not.
My experiment of putting basic PC information on index cards and then putting them in initiative order to help move combat more quickly seemed to work pretty well. I think instead of trying to hold them, though, I may clip them to my screen instead.
2005-08-25
Disturbing....
This is pretty disturbing for a number of reasons, but somehow amusing at the same time.
Wet Paint
So our house started getting repainted yesterday. We're hoping that not only will its appearance be helped by a fresh coat of paint, but by the new color, as well.
The weather was pretty good yesterday, which meant I had the windows open most of the day. The house ended up smelling like primer. Daisy wasn't enthusiastic about the noise caused by scraping, but once that ended and the priming began, she was rather fascinated by all the commotion.
Maryanne's aunt Sarah is also visiting from Mexico. We had Maryanne's family over for dinner last night, and I once again tried some barbecue on the gas grill. The dry rub is pretty good, though maybe a tad spicy; I'd like something a bit more savory. Nonetheless, the results were must more satisfactory this time around, as the heat was low enough this time.
The experience made me wonder though: I used country-style ribs, boneless, which turned out delightful. Compared to a rack of ribs, it's a much better deal. No bones, more meat, and less than half as expensive. Why does anyone bother with spareribs?
The weather was pretty good yesterday, which meant I had the windows open most of the day. The house ended up smelling like primer. Daisy wasn't enthusiastic about the noise caused by scraping, but once that ended and the priming began, she was rather fascinated by all the commotion.
Maryanne's aunt Sarah is also visiting from Mexico. We had Maryanne's family over for dinner last night, and I once again tried some barbecue on the gas grill. The dry rub is pretty good, though maybe a tad spicy; I'd like something a bit more savory. Nonetheless, the results were must more satisfactory this time around, as the heat was low enough this time.
The experience made me wonder though: I used country-style ribs, boneless, which turned out delightful. Compared to a rack of ribs, it's a much better deal. No bones, more meat, and less than half as expensive. Why does anyone bother with spareribs?
2005-08-22
2005-08-20
Firefox
So I'm kind of diggin' Mozilla Firefox. Well, most of the time, anyway. It handled pop-up blocking a lot better than Internet Explorer, and tabbed browsing is sweet. However, it sucks at downloading plug-ins on the fly. The dialog box for downloading extension appears no problem, but even if it manages to figure out what plug-in it needs, it never downloads it.
2005-08-19
Severe weather
There was a bit of excitement in Stoughton last night.
The good news is that neither Maryanne nor I were hurt, and there was no damage to our property. We lost our cable services, and couldn't get any cell phone service, but everything else appeared to be fine.
I was bad, though, and didn't go in the basement. In fact, I was cooking my dinner.
This was probably much safer than the guy who did this.
The good news is that neither Maryanne nor I were hurt, and there was no damage to our property. We lost our cable services, and couldn't get any cell phone service, but everything else appeared to be fine.
I was bad, though, and didn't go in the basement. In fact, I was cooking my dinner.
This was probably much safer than the guy who did this.
2005-08-18
Lost in translation....
Chinese has always been a good source of things that translate poorly from English, but things are far worse when translated from English to Chinese then back to English, as evidenced by these shots from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
2005-08-11
A 1001 Nights
I finally finished The Last Battle today. I've enjoyed reading the Chronicles of Narnia, despite their being written for a younger audience. As an adult it's easier to see the obvious symbolism, that they are obviously allegories. I think younger readers would enjoy them for the adventure stories they are, but still might learn something useful from them.
I'm next starting on The Arabian Nights. I won't rehash everything I've mentioned before. This particular edition is from the Modern Library collection, and weighs in at 931 pages, shorter than the entire Burton translation, but much larger than a shorter edition I read many years ago. The stories for the Modern Library edition were selected by Bennett Cerf.
I'm next starting on The Arabian Nights. I won't rehash everything I've mentioned before. This particular edition is from the Modern Library collection, and weighs in at 931 pages, shorter than the entire Burton translation, but much larger than a shorter edition I read many years ago. The stories for the Modern Library edition were selected by Bennett Cerf.
2005-08-10
Trial run
I decided I'd give Firefox a try, at least at home, and see how it performs compared to Internet Explorer.
I used to like Netscape Navigator up to version 3 or so; once version 4.0 came out, I thought it was so hideous and terrible I switched to IE immediately. Now in addition to the features that Firefox has that IE does not, I also hear Firefox is faster. We'll see.
I used to like Netscape Navigator up to version 3 or so; once version 4.0 came out, I thought it was so hideous and terrible I switched to IE immediately. Now in addition to the features that Firefox has that IE does not, I also hear Firefox is faster. We'll see.
2005-08-09
Last....
So today I came prepared: not only have I started on The Last Battle, the seventh and final book in the Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis wastes no time in this one; the book clearly parallels the book of Revelation, and only two chapters into it we've already seen the Antichrist.
I also brought with me The Arabian Nights. It's an abridgement of the Richard Burton translation. I've read some of it before, but it was a long time ago, and was a much shorter abridgement.
Someday I'd like to have a complete edition, but they have a tendency to be very expensive.
I also brought with me The Arabian Nights. It's an abridgement of the Richard Burton translation. I've read some of it before, but it was a long time ago, and was a much shorter abridgement.
Someday I'd like to have a complete edition, but they have a tendency to be very expensive.
2005-08-08
Changes
Today I started my new work schedule, working 7:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. to get a full day off each week. It remains to be seen if it'll be worth it. It'll make for a long day. And if I go to the gym after work? Yikes....
Still, I'll try it for a month, and if I can't handle it, I'll go to a four and a half day week.
I also finished The Magician's Nephew today, but forgot to bring the next book of the series with me today. I suspect it's going to be a boring day.
Still, I'll try it for a month, and if I can't handle it, I'll go to a four and a half day week.
I also finished The Magician's Nephew today, but forgot to bring the next book of the series with me today. I suspect it's going to be a boring day.
2005-08-05
Adventure
Today I finished book 5 in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Horse and His Boy. It was a fine adventure story, with some Christian morality thrown in.
Next is The Magician's Nephew.
Next is The Magician's Nephew.
2005-08-03
Succession
So I've now finished The Silver Chair as well. It featured a bit of Christian symbolism, as well as a jab at British politics. I liked it on the whole.
Next shall be book five in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Horse and His Boy.
Next shall be book five in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Horse and His Boy.
2005-08-02
Next
Today I finished The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, book three in the Chronicles of Narnia. It was entertaining, with a bit of Christian symbolism thrown in, this time in the form of a lamb feeding people with fish.
Next will be book four, The Silver Chair.
Next will be book four, The Silver Chair.
2005-08-01
Beginning of the end
Today is the beginning of the end, the first of August, the last full month of summer. It sure feels like, it too. Opressive heat, sweltering humidity, and not nearly enough rain. The most prevalent sounds in the air have been cicadas and the occasional scream of a blue jay. None of these are very pleasant.
I'm actually looking forward to the fall.
I'm actually looking forward to the fall.
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