Best lines: No Narration!
and
"I didn't even want to be in this stupid movie"
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Friday Fun
This clip cracks me up. It's especially apropos since today is the 20th annivrsary of Star Trek: TNG.
I had a clip of the Picard song, but can't seem to find it. In fact I was going to write a whole post about Star Trek, but my left hand got kicked in my self defense class last night, and even though I was wearing gloves, my whole hand is numb.
Which makes it really difficult to type.
I had a clip of the Picard song, but can't seem to find it. In fact I was going to write a whole post about Star Trek, but my left hand got kicked in my self defense class last night, and even though I was wearing gloves, my whole hand is numb.
Which makes it really difficult to type.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
I stayed up late last night finishing Ptolemy's Gate, the final book in the Bartimeus trilogy. 
And then once I did finish it, I ended up watching Top Chef. (This is one of the perils of reading in the living room.)
So I didn't get to bed until after midnight. Makes for a long, slow, sleepy day.
This book was different from the other two, primarily because our favorite wise-cracking djinni spends the book in a seriously weakened state. At one point, Bartimeus can only hold the shape of a "pyramid of slime." He still does his best to brag and boast, but it's tempered with more serious, reflective, and even humble moments.
I thought the book did a great job of tying everything up (except the fate of the evil Ms. Farrars. What is this "presumed dead" nonsense. We all know that means she's alive and well, and probably relaxing on a tropical beach while she plots her evil return. Presumed dead. Feh) Although the ending was much different than I thought it would be. Hence why I had to finish it.
It was very good. I love Bartimeus, and I enjoyed learning more about him, his past, and djinnis in general. Although I missed the fun of his exploits and battles, not to mention the constant observational sarcasm (the footnotes are my favorite) I think it was great book, and an excellent conclusion to the series.
And as for Top Chef: Casey didn't get eliminated! Yeah!
And then once I did finish it, I ended up watching Top Chef. (This is one of the perils of reading in the living room.)
So I didn't get to bed until after midnight. Makes for a long, slow, sleepy day.
This book was different from the other two, primarily because our favorite wise-cracking djinni spends the book in a seriously weakened state. At one point, Bartimeus can only hold the shape of a "pyramid of slime." He still does his best to brag and boast, but it's tempered with more serious, reflective, and even humble moments.
I thought the book did a great job of tying everything up (except the fate of the evil Ms. Farrars. What is this "presumed dead" nonsense. We all know that means she's alive and well, and probably relaxing on a tropical beach while she plots her evil return. Presumed dead. Feh) Although the ending was much different than I thought it would be. Hence why I had to finish it.
It was very good. I love Bartimeus, and I enjoyed learning more about him, his past, and djinnis in general. Although I missed the fun of his exploits and battles, not to mention the constant observational sarcasm (the footnotes are my favorite) I think it was great book, and an excellent conclusion to the series.
And as for Top Chef: Casey didn't get eliminated! Yeah!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Heroes! Recap and Spoilers
Yesterday, we learned that Claire cannot make it through a single school day without critically injuring herself.
Also, nobody in SoCal knows who Darwin is.
When MEG (Noah) beat up his Dwight Shrute-esque manager using only his finger, how awesome was that?!!
Answer: It was totally awesome.
Mohinder remained refreshingly cool in his white linen suit with a soft lilac shirt. He also answered the age-old philosophy question, "What if you were to give a lecture in Cairo, and no one showed up?"
The new company man is That Guy. You know, the one that's doomed to play nerds for his entire acting career. In Sneakers, he was a toy nerd. In RadioLand Murders, he was a sound nerd. Anytime he shows up you say, "Hey! It's That Guy! He's always the nerd!"
Now he's the nerd with the golden touch.
Boring cop guy lives and is taking care of precocious little precog/visionary/creepy little mental girl Molly. All I have to say is, the creepy little mental girl in 4400 is so much better at this role.
Hiro is still in Japan, where he learns that his hero is actually a drunk Englishman. I'm guessing that this will lead to Hiro being the Hero that he always hero-worshipped, in order to fix history and restore the timeline.
Starfleet Captains can only dream of causing such temporal shenanigans.
They mysterious symbol of strange mystery was everywhere this episode, acting as sort of a black spot for Sulu and Ma Petrelli. It's also the symbol of the new big bad. Which shows up as a pair of evil glowey eyes and "I SEE YOU" growly lines right out of LOTR.
Whatever Sulu's powers were, they did not include flying or invulnerability.
Nate Petrelli is alive and looks horrible with his mountain man beard.
Peter Petrelli is alive and has been taken by Company, or the Irish mob, or someone, and is locked up in a cargo container on the "turd row." This bit of accented dialogue provided loads of entertainment at our house.
What did you guys think?
Also, nobody in SoCal knows who Darwin is.
When MEG (Noah) beat up his Dwight Shrute-esque manager using only his finger, how awesome was that?!!
Answer: It was totally awesome.
Mohinder remained refreshingly cool in his white linen suit with a soft lilac shirt. He also answered the age-old philosophy question, "What if you were to give a lecture in Cairo, and no one showed up?"
The new company man is That Guy. You know, the one that's doomed to play nerds for his entire acting career. In Sneakers, he was a toy nerd. In RadioLand Murders, he was a sound nerd. Anytime he shows up you say, "Hey! It's That Guy! He's always the nerd!"
Now he's the nerd with the golden touch.
Boring cop guy lives and is taking care of precocious little precog/visionary/creepy little mental girl Molly. All I have to say is, the creepy little mental girl in 4400 is so much better at this role.
Hiro is still in Japan, where he learns that his hero is actually a drunk Englishman. I'm guessing that this will lead to Hiro being the Hero that he always hero-worshipped, in order to fix history and restore the timeline.
Starfleet Captains can only dream of causing such temporal shenanigans.
They mysterious symbol of strange mystery was everywhere this episode, acting as sort of a black spot for Sulu and Ma Petrelli. It's also the symbol of the new big bad. Which shows up as a pair of evil glowey eyes and "I SEE YOU" growly lines right out of LOTR.
Whatever Sulu's powers were, they did not include flying or invulnerability.
Nate Petrelli is alive and looks horrible with his mountain man beard.
Peter Petrelli is alive and has been taken by Company, or the Irish mob, or someone, and is locked up in a cargo container on the "turd row." This bit of accented dialogue provided loads of entertainment at our house.
What did you guys think?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Heroes! Heroes! Heroes!
Since we're on the subject of tv:
The second season of Heroes starts tonight! Let's do a quick recap of where we left off, as I remember it.
Jessicki's okay, but Mr. Kitty Pryde was shot. I'm going to guess he's not dead though.
Sylar, who SHOULD be dead, isn't because every goofball in the plaza thought a sword in the chest was sufficient to kill him. Idiots.
Hiro has squinted himself to feudal Japan.
Boring Psychic Cop guy is still boring, and psychic, but also full of bullets. Alas, I'm going to hypothesize that he's not dead either. Mainly because I think I saw him in a preview.
Mr. Evil Glasses has a name, but I don't remember what it is.
The Petrelli brothers exploded beautifully in the night sky. I say Peter survives it, because in all the other alternate universes he survived it, but Nate is toast.
And in preview news:
Veronica Mars is joining the cast. Whether or not she will be playing a mutant teenage detective remains to be seen.
The second season of Heroes starts tonight! Let's do a quick recap of where we left off, as I remember it.
Jessicki's okay, but Mr. Kitty Pryde was shot. I'm going to guess he's not dead though.
Sylar, who SHOULD be dead, isn't because every goofball in the plaza thought a sword in the chest was sufficient to kill him. Idiots.
Hiro has squinted himself to feudal Japan.
Boring Psychic Cop guy is still boring, and psychic, but also full of bullets. Alas, I'm going to hypothesize that he's not dead either. Mainly because I think I saw him in a preview.
Mr. Evil Glasses has a name, but I don't remember what it is.
The Petrelli brothers exploded beautifully in the night sky. I say Peter survives it, because in all the other alternate universes he survived it, but Nate is toast.
And in preview news:
Veronica Mars is joining the cast. Whether or not she will be playing a mutant teenage detective remains to be seen.
Avatar Summation
I dislike summing up entire tv episodes, so I'll just hit the highlights of Friday's all new Avatar.
Zuko and Mai totally hooked up. Was anyone else expecting kissing in the first five minutes? I wasn't.
Aang has hair. And it looks...wierd... I realize the arrow is supposed to come down his forehead to his face, but the way it's drawn makes him look like he has a receding hairline. Which is just bizarre on a kid.
Kataara faced her abandoment issues.
Azula remains fiendishly evil. And clever. Watching her play Zuko while manipulating fire kingdom politics to her advantage is a delight.
Sokka had the best lines. "Aang! Everyone thinks your dead. Isn't that great?!" I love Sokka. I also enjoyed his shouting at The Universe. "Thank you, The Universe."
Kataara had some great water bending moments, seperating ships with a whirlpool and creating an enormous fog bank for evasion purposes. I'm so glad that days of "Kataara hits people with her water whip" are done.
Toph can bend steel. This is awesome.
Zuko and Mai totally hooked up. Was anyone else expecting kissing in the first five minutes? I wasn't.
Aang has hair. And it looks...wierd... I realize the arrow is supposed to come down his forehead to his face, but the way it's drawn makes him look like he has a receding hairline. Which is just bizarre on a kid.
Kataara faced her abandoment issues.
Azula remains fiendishly evil. And clever. Watching her play Zuko while manipulating fire kingdom politics to her advantage is a delight.
Sokka had the best lines. "Aang! Everyone thinks your dead. Isn't that great?!" I love Sokka. I also enjoyed his shouting at The Universe. "Thank you, The Universe."
Kataara had some great water bending moments, seperating ships with a whirlpool and creating an enormous fog bank for evasion purposes. I'm so glad that days of "Kataara hits people with her water whip" are done.
Toph can bend steel. This is awesome.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Susan Cooper Goodness
I just got Susan Cooper's entire Dark is Rising series (5 books) for under 20 bucks.
Have I mentioned that this is the best random Friday ever?
Also, there was a guy dressed all in white, pacing back and forth in front of the White House. Every so often, he would blow on this enormous animal horn.
I don't know why he was doing this, but based on the sound of the horn, I think he's attempting to call the Rohirrim to battle.
Have I mentioned that this is the best random Friday ever?
Also, there was a guy dressed all in white, pacing back and forth in front of the White House. Every so often, he would blow on this enormous animal horn.
I don't know why he was doing this, but based on the sound of the horn, I think he's attempting to call the Rohirrim to battle.
Hmmm
It's payday and our kitchen is loaded with tasty junk food.
Taquitos, chili nachoes, banana nut bread, spinach cheese quesadillas, and homemade chips and salsa.
Man did I pick a good day to skip breakfast.
Best random Friday EVER.
Taquitos, chili nachoes, banana nut bread, spinach cheese quesadillas, and homemade chips and salsa.
Man did I pick a good day to skip breakfast.
Best random Friday EVER.
A little late..
But the Hamlet question alone makes this worth doing.
My pirate name is:
Iron Ethel Kidd
Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
My pirate name is:
Iron Ethel Kidd
Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network
Friday Fun!!
And it is an especially awesome Friday, because tonight, at 8:30pm(ET), the new season of Avatar: The Last Airbender starts.
Sweet!!
If I'd been thinking straight, I would've found an Avatar clip for our Friday Fun Video, but instead, I have some classic Monty Python.
Just pretend the vikings are all water benders.
Sweet!!
If I'd been thinking straight, I would've found an Avatar clip for our Friday Fun Video, but instead, I have some classic Monty Python.
Just pretend the vikings are all water benders.
More on Nebraska lawsuit
To recap: A Nebraska state senator is fighting frivilous lawsuits by filing a frivilous lawsuit that sues God.
And today, God responded.
I would love to know who filed the response, and I love how it argues that the court lacks jurisdiction.
St. Micheal the Archangel is listed as witness.
And today, God responded.
I would love to know who filed the response, and I love how it argues that the court lacks jurisdiction.
St. Micheal the Archangel is listed as witness.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Civics Quiz
I got this from a friend at work. We're constantly arguing over politics, so he challenged me to take it.
It's a beast of a civics quiz. I scored 46 out of 60, which is 76%.
This is actually better than Harvard seniors, who averaged 69%, so I've got that going for me. Yeah UTAH STATE!!
So, how well do you know our political system?
Here's the quiz.
I have major issues with a couple of the questions though, and if I had this in a college course I'd be outside the prof's door to complain.
My rant would probably start with "We're a Constitutional Republic DANG IT!!"
It's a beast of a civics quiz. I scored 46 out of 60, which is 76%.
This is actually better than Harvard seniors, who averaged 69%, so I've got that going for me. Yeah UTAH STATE!!
So, how well do you know our political system?
Here's the quiz.
I have major issues with a couple of the questions though, and if I had this in a college course I'd be outside the prof's door to complain.
My rant would probably start with "We're a Constitutional Republic DANG IT!!"
Thursday Horoscopes!
Once again it's time for:
The Dr. Eldritch HOROSCOPE OF MYSTERY!
This week features unfortunate roaming charges for me, and pirates for the Geminis.
Yesterday, on ITLAPD, I was on the metro reading Piratica by Tanith Lee (a fun YA book) and the guy who sat next to me was wearing an honest-to-goodness black eye patch.
I really wanted to say something along the lines of "Ahoy there Matey, argh!" but I didn't, because he seemed really nice.
For a metro pirate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your astrological forecast for September 18 – 24th, 2007 is as follows:
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): You know how the "Second Sight" allows one to see a glow around those who will soon meet Death? Pluto's track will briefly give you the "Other Second Sight," letting you see who has overdue library books. Use your power wisely! A Pisces sees something more clearly.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Have you been carefully searching through newspapers and magazines looking for hidden messages specifically for you? Stars indicate this is a good week to do so! Prime numbers may be a key. Your forecasts for a Capricorn are dead-on.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Waiting for your ship to come in? Fame? Fortune? Screaming fans, fabulous success and awards from your peers? Well, not this week. You might get some free shampoo samples in the mail, though. Trust a Leo's memory.
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Need a break? A cross-dimensional portal will allow you to frolic in a pleasant fantasy dimension. If you're too "experienced" to ride a unicorn, you can still entice them with cookies. They like minty chocolate ones. A Sagittarius shows up late.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Sunspots! High levels of activity may twist the fabric of time so you get a phone call from the early 1900's. Chance of fascinating historic insight, but your caller will probably just be cranky that you're not Erma the Operator. Roaming charges may apply. Consult a Gemini for prophesies.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Careful with the costumes this week; putting on an outfit may enchant you to take on the character for real! Sure, it's fun to be a pirate, but the authorities take a dim view of plundering, and pillaging is right out. Verify news from a Capricorn.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Family and friends behaving secretively? Do conversations stop when you enter the room? They're either planning a surprise party, an intervention, or perhaps conspiring against you. Your mortal enemy may be in play… A Pisces predicts your future.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): A heavily-tattooed woman reveals the whereabouts of the missing idol, but a professor of advanced mathematics is working with the bagpipers to thwart your plans. (That's what the stars say, anyway. Does this make any sense to you?) A Taurus waxes poetic.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): Clever thinking pays off! If you're ever going to have access to Time Travel in the future, you'll send a message back to yourself, and it will arrive this week. Check your mailbox! Listen carefully to an Aquarius.
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): Tired of your routine? Tempted to leave civilization and live with a tribe of indigenous people in a distant land? Try camping for a month in your backyard first, and see how much you miss TV and refrigeration. Share luck with an Aries!
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): We're sorry, the Stars are too busy to give a detailed forecast right now, but they did leave these suggestions: Check your math! Wear a hat! No biting! Up to you to figure out when these apply… Forgive a Leo for gloating.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Avoid any strange glowing objects on the ground this week. Touching one may cause you to grow to about 37' tall. That may sound great, but it's actually quite inconvenient. Got any pants with a 18' inseam? A Gemini is in your dreams.
The Dr. Eldritch HOROSCOPE OF MYSTERY!
This week features unfortunate roaming charges for me, and pirates for the Geminis.
Yesterday, on ITLAPD, I was on the metro reading Piratica by Tanith Lee (a fun YA book) and the guy who sat next to me was wearing an honest-to-goodness black eye patch.
I really wanted to say something along the lines of "Ahoy there Matey, argh!" but I didn't, because he seemed really nice.
For a metro pirate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your astrological forecast for September 18 – 24th, 2007 is as follows:
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): You know how the "Second Sight" allows one to see a glow around those who will soon meet Death? Pluto's track will briefly give you the "Other Second Sight," letting you see who has overdue library books. Use your power wisely! A Pisces sees something more clearly.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Have you been carefully searching through newspapers and magazines looking for hidden messages specifically for you? Stars indicate this is a good week to do so! Prime numbers may be a key. Your forecasts for a Capricorn are dead-on.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Waiting for your ship to come in? Fame? Fortune? Screaming fans, fabulous success and awards from your peers? Well, not this week. You might get some free shampoo samples in the mail, though. Trust a Leo's memory.
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Need a break? A cross-dimensional portal will allow you to frolic in a pleasant fantasy dimension. If you're too "experienced" to ride a unicorn, you can still entice them with cookies. They like minty chocolate ones. A Sagittarius shows up late.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Sunspots! High levels of activity may twist the fabric of time so you get a phone call from the early 1900's. Chance of fascinating historic insight, but your caller will probably just be cranky that you're not Erma the Operator. Roaming charges may apply. Consult a Gemini for prophesies.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Careful with the costumes this week; putting on an outfit may enchant you to take on the character for real! Sure, it's fun to be a pirate, but the authorities take a dim view of plundering, and pillaging is right out. Verify news from a Capricorn.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Family and friends behaving secretively? Do conversations stop when you enter the room? They're either planning a surprise party, an intervention, or perhaps conspiring against you. Your mortal enemy may be in play… A Pisces predicts your future.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): A heavily-tattooed woman reveals the whereabouts of the missing idol, but a professor of advanced mathematics is working with the bagpipers to thwart your plans. (That's what the stars say, anyway. Does this make any sense to you?) A Taurus waxes poetic.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): Clever thinking pays off! If you're ever going to have access to Time Travel in the future, you'll send a message back to yourself, and it will arrive this week. Check your mailbox! Listen carefully to an Aquarius.
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): Tired of your routine? Tempted to leave civilization and live with a tribe of indigenous people in a distant land? Try camping for a month in your backyard first, and see how much you miss TV and refrigeration. Share luck with an Aries!
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): We're sorry, the Stars are too busy to give a detailed forecast right now, but they did leave these suggestions: Check your math! Wear a hat! No biting! Up to you to figure out when these apply… Forgive a Leo for gloating.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Avoid any strange glowing objects on the ground this week. Touching one may cause you to grow to about 37' tall. That may sound great, but it's actually quite inconvenient. Got any pants with a 18' inseam? A Gemini is in your dreams.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Do ye know what day it be Missy?
It be International Talk Like A Pirate day.
Here be the the official website, with many a helpful phrase for the ignorant lubber.
I'll be composing a sea-yarn for ye, if'n I can fight me way through this great, horrible stack of paper me Captain, the cruel woman, has saw fit to dump upon me.
"File!" says she,
"Bah!" I wants to say, but she's terrible quick with a pistol, so "aye aye" says I.
Argh.
NE State Senator Sues God
You know, I leave the state and they all go flipping insane.
This guy looks crazy.
Maybe it's just the weird generated halo thingy he's got going in the background.
This guy looks crazy.
Maybe it's just the weird generated halo thingy he's got going in the background.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
This is Awesome
Someone built a Barbie electric chair for their middle school science fair project.
When I was in college I made a Borg Barbie with Spanish Dan. Although we never did hook up any of her little lights or anything.
Found via Metafilter
When I was in college I made a Borg Barbie with Spanish Dan. Although we never did hook up any of her little lights or anything.
Found via Metafilter
Monday, September 17, 2007
High Heels
I was going to post a picture of the dress I bought, but the sad truth is that I just don't take good pictures.
Here's a pic of my cute shoes.
Here's a pic of my cute shoes.
R.I.P Robert Jordan
It looks like he had just started on the 12th book in the Wheel of Time series when he succombed to a rare blood disease.
I've read books 1-6, but then I gave up after the only character I was really interested in died. I know people who are huge fans of his work, though, and they're going to be so upset.
It would be hard to follow a story for so long, and never be able to find out how it ends.
I've read books 1-6, but then I gave up after the only character I was really interested in died. I know people who are huge fans of his work, though, and they're going to be so upset.
It would be hard to follow a story for so long, and never be able to find out how it ends.
Monday AMV
I'm running a little late today. Where on earth did the weekend go?
Let's watch some Tenchi.
Let's watch some Tenchi.
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Ballgame
We had great seats. Section 214, Row 9, right behind home plate. It was a gorgeous 76 degrees, and it would have been perfect except for the steady, hard rain that poured down the entire night.
We moved back to the row just under the awning. We met a very nice couple that let us use their extra seats, so we didn't have to move and stayed dry right up until the very end, when the rain got hard enough to start hitting us.
In the President's Race, Teddy entered the stadium in the lead, but was overtaken by Abe Lincoln. Then they showed Abe's win in slow motion to the tune from Chariot's of Fire, which was funny.
The lady next to us said that on Teddy's birthday he was carried in on a chair, while his bodyguards kept the other presidents behind him. They managed to get around however, and Teddy is still at 0.
The Nats have a pitcher who is 6'11. Dude is freaking ginormous.
It was the second half of the 9th, we're tied with the Braves 5-5. Bases are loaded, 1 out, and we blew it. Oh that hurt. All we needed was a single to win and we blew it. It hurts my heart.
BSA and I managed to stay until the 10th, but by then we were feeling cold and soggy (temps had dipped into the 60s) We had made it through 4 1/2 hours, so we decided to head home. We listened to the 11th in the car, and they've since entered their 12th inning.
I lied, it's 12:08 and they just started their thirteenth inning.
Does anyone know when they call a game?
12:20 Update: Braves have bases load. Dang it.
12:21: Braves score 7-5. Dang it dang it!! Oh well, at least I can finally go to bed.
12:25: Braves score again, 8-5 two out. Francouer steals second. I think it may finally be over. Whoops..flyout. Nats will be up to bat.
12:28: Belliard is up. So far, he's been the only strong, consistent hitter for the Nats tonight. He hit their first home run tonight.
12:31 HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!! There is an enormous spider lurking under the freaking footstool!!
Seriously, we dropped the SceneIt game on him and he was Just freaking FINE! Made a mad run for it before I nailed him with a shoe.
Stomp and Drag Baby! Stomp and Drag!! Then scoop up in tp, and flush it down the toilet. Just in case it was faking.
Oops, check the game. Oh dear. Two out. I think we're toast. The guys have been playing for 5 hours now in non-stop rain. Mad props to them.
12:35: Third out. Finally, the game ends. 8-5 Atlanta Braves.
I have to say, I'm soooo glad we finished it up in pjs, on the couch sipping hot chocolate and watching Last Comedian Standing.
We moved back to the row just under the awning. We met a very nice couple that let us use their extra seats, so we didn't have to move and stayed dry right up until the very end, when the rain got hard enough to start hitting us.
In the President's Race, Teddy entered the stadium in the lead, but was overtaken by Abe Lincoln. Then they showed Abe's win in slow motion to the tune from Chariot's of Fire, which was funny.
The lady next to us said that on Teddy's birthday he was carried in on a chair, while his bodyguards kept the other presidents behind him. They managed to get around however, and Teddy is still at 0.
The Nats have a pitcher who is 6'11. Dude is freaking ginormous.
It was the second half of the 9th, we're tied with the Braves 5-5. Bases are loaded, 1 out, and we blew it. Oh that hurt. All we needed was a single to win and we blew it. It hurts my heart.
BSA and I managed to stay until the 10th, but by then we were feeling cold and soggy (temps had dipped into the 60s) We had made it through 4 1/2 hours, so we decided to head home. We listened to the 11th in the car, and they've since entered their 12th inning.
I lied, it's 12:08 and they just started their thirteenth inning.
Does anyone know when they call a game?
12:20 Update: Braves have bases load. Dang it.
12:21: Braves score 7-5. Dang it dang it!! Oh well, at least I can finally go to bed.
12:25: Braves score again, 8-5 two out. Francouer steals second. I think it may finally be over. Whoops..flyout. Nats will be up to bat.
12:28: Belliard is up. So far, he's been the only strong, consistent hitter for the Nats tonight. He hit their first home run tonight.
12:31 HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!! There is an enormous spider lurking under the freaking footstool!!
Seriously, we dropped the SceneIt game on him and he was Just freaking FINE! Made a mad run for it before I nailed him with a shoe.
Stomp and Drag Baby! Stomp and Drag!! Then scoop up in tp, and flush it down the toilet. Just in case it was faking.
Oops, check the game. Oh dear. Two out. I think we're toast. The guys have been playing for 5 hours now in non-stop rain. Mad props to them.
12:35: Third out. Finally, the game ends. 8-5 Atlanta Braves.
I have to say, I'm soooo glad we finished it up in pjs, on the couch sipping hot chocolate and watching Last Comedian Standing.
Operation: Little Black Dress is a go
Highlights from the Mission:
1. The thermostat in Macy's Women's Wear Deptarment has been set to "Penguin."
2. Successfully resisted tempation to chuck it all and just go to Borders.
3. Found LBDs at Filene's Basement. Unfortunately, I need a dress that features sleeves, a back, and a slightly less plunging neckline.
I'm doomed.
1. The thermostat in Macy's Women's Wear Deptarment has been set to "Penguin."
2. Successfully resisted tempation to chuck it all and just go to Borders.
3. Found LBDs at Filene's Basement. Unfortunately, I need a dress that features sleeves, a back, and a slightly less plunging neckline.
I'm doomed.
Weekend Plans
I actually have some!
I got free tickets to the Nationals-Braves game tonight from one of the samurai at work. It'll be the first game I've been to this season, and they'll be nice samurai seats, so that'll be fun.
My favorite part of the baseball games out here is the Presidential Race. They have guys dressed up like Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt, with those enormous mascot foam heads, and every game they have a foot race.
It's hilarious. It usually comes down to Washington and Jefferson, as Lincoln's top hat makes him top heavy (imagine trying to watch a guy run as his head slowly leans backward, acting as a huge wind drag.) Roosevelt has the same problem, but on a horizontal plane.
Roosevelt has never won. His poor watermelon shaped head always throws him off balance, so when he runs he tends to zig zag, as his enormous melon drags him from side to side. Meanwhile that dandy Jefferson with his aerodynamic wig tends to shoot ahead, winning the majority of the races. I heard that on opening day Roosevelt actually rappelled down a zip line from the roof of the stadium to come in first.
Saturday I got tickets to the National Opera's opening night gala of Puccini's La Boheme.
They're prime orchestra seats (down by the stage) and the invite said "dress to impress"
Since all my dresses are "church casual" (ie, they're nice because they're not pants!) I'll have to go dress shopping.
I don't mind though, I think the gala will be a blast.
I got free tickets to the Nationals-Braves game tonight from one of the samurai at work. It'll be the first game I've been to this season, and they'll be nice samurai seats, so that'll be fun.
My favorite part of the baseball games out here is the Presidential Race. They have guys dressed up like Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt, with those enormous mascot foam heads, and every game they have a foot race.
It's hilarious. It usually comes down to Washington and Jefferson, as Lincoln's top hat makes him top heavy (imagine trying to watch a guy run as his head slowly leans backward, acting as a huge wind drag.) Roosevelt has the same problem, but on a horizontal plane.
Roosevelt has never won. His poor watermelon shaped head always throws him off balance, so when he runs he tends to zig zag, as his enormous melon drags him from side to side. Meanwhile that dandy Jefferson with his aerodynamic wig tends to shoot ahead, winning the majority of the races. I heard that on opening day Roosevelt actually rappelled down a zip line from the roof of the stadium to come in first.
Saturday I got tickets to the National Opera's opening night gala of Puccini's La Boheme.
They're prime orchestra seats (down by the stage) and the invite said "dress to impress"
Since all my dresses are "church casual" (ie, they're nice because they're not pants!) I'll have to go dress shopping.
I don't mind though, I think the gala will be a blast.
Friday Fun
I found a couple of fun things to play with this week. First, be awed and amazed at this guy's mad tetris skills.
And then be even further awed and amazed at this guy's mad guitar skills.
And if that's STILL not enough here's a great Dwight Schrute music video to tide us over until the new season starts in two weeks.
Warning, I think there may be a naughty word involved in this one. Just FYI.
And then be even further awed and amazed at this guy's mad guitar skills.
And if that's STILL not enough here's a great Dwight Schrute music video to tide us over until the new season starts in two weeks.
Warning, I think there may be a naughty word involved in this one. Just FYI.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Horoscopes
Long ago, when this blog was young and dinosaurs roamed the earth, I used to post horoscopes from the Onion once a week.
Unfortunately, they got a new horoscope writer and I just didn't care for them as much anymore. They just weren't funny.
Fortunately, I've signed up for the Ask Dr. Eldritch newsletter, and now we have horoscopes again!!
Cancer and Leo are my favorites.
******
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): How's your knowledge of prehistoric beasts? You could meet a living, breathing one this week, so be prepared! The stars aren't clear whether it will be a new pet or a brief scuffle with a higher rung on the Food Chain, if you know what I mean. Be careful! A Pisces sees something more clearly.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Warning! Avoid old mines, tunnels and caverns! The coalition of Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter may draw subterranean humanoids from the deep this week, and they won't be neighborly. Amaze them with a cigarette lighter, though, and they might worship you! Your forecasts for a Capricorn are dead-on.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Are you of dual minds? Picking up a cursed knickknack in an antique shop might split you in two! Well, not literally, but makes two versions of you, your Good Side and your Shadow Side. It will only last until midnight, but Good Side will be busy keeping Shadow Side in check! Trust a Leo's memory.
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Where's a superhero when you need one? Astral retrograde motion reveals an Evil Villain's plan, and you may be the only one who can stop it! Gather your clever and resourceful friends in advance; you won't regret it. A Sagittarius shows up late.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Making a road trip? That diner in the middle of nowhere may turn out to be a central hub for inter-dimensional travel. Act casual, and you may meet some fascinating travelers. Remember; it's not polite to stare, no matter how many arms they have. Consult a Gemini for prophesies.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): How are your table manners? A Power Vortex of the Inner Planets may lead to a visit with Royalty! Who cares if they’re from a country you've never heard of, you'll be able to boast that you've had tea with a King and Queen! Verify news from a Capricorn.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Have you ever just packed a bag, gone to the airport and taken the next plane out, regardless of where it's going? No, of course you haven't. Still, the stars indicate that this may lead to an adventure involving an albino ferret and an attractive heir to a fortune. Pack extra socks. A Pisces predicts your future.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): Flighty Mercury may give you a déjà vu experience! (Read that again!) You'll realize you saw the exact same situation in your sleep! Unfortunately, you won't be able to predict what's going to happen next, and you won't see the talking monkey in a hat from the dream. A Taurus waxes poetic.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): The triangle of Pluto, Mercury and Earth indicates that your chances of popping into an alternate reality are at an all-time high. With any luck, it will only be a little different from this one, and not the reality where Disco became the dominant musical form. Listen carefully to an Aquarius.
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): An ancestor from Beyond may tell you he needs to possess your body to right an Ancient Wrong, but is actually scamming for a long weekend in Las Vegas. Be polite, but just say NO! And the stars say to wear purple, for some reason. Share luck with an Aries!
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): Say what? A mysterious stranger from the Future could explain an elegant Unified Field Theory to you, unfortunately not in a language you speak. You won't understand his stock tips, either, so the whole encounter will be a bust, really. Pity. Forgive a Leo for gloating.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Your passion for video games is about to be sated! You may be literally sucked into the dark world of an experimental game, filled with ravenous monsters, tricky puzzles and lethal traps. You'll have to be smart and fast to survive to the end and escape. Good Luck, as there's no Replay option! A Gemini is in your dreams.
Unfortunately, they got a new horoscope writer and I just didn't care for them as much anymore. They just weren't funny.
Fortunately, I've signed up for the Ask Dr. Eldritch newsletter, and now we have horoscopes again!!
Cancer and Leo are my favorites.
******
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): How's your knowledge of prehistoric beasts? You could meet a living, breathing one this week, so be prepared! The stars aren't clear whether it will be a new pet or a brief scuffle with a higher rung on the Food Chain, if you know what I mean. Be careful! A Pisces sees something more clearly.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Warning! Avoid old mines, tunnels and caverns! The coalition of Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter may draw subterranean humanoids from the deep this week, and they won't be neighborly. Amaze them with a cigarette lighter, though, and they might worship you! Your forecasts for a Capricorn are dead-on.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Are you of dual minds? Picking up a cursed knickknack in an antique shop might split you in two! Well, not literally, but makes two versions of you, your Good Side and your Shadow Side. It will only last until midnight, but Good Side will be busy keeping Shadow Side in check! Trust a Leo's memory.
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Where's a superhero when you need one? Astral retrograde motion reveals an Evil Villain's plan, and you may be the only one who can stop it! Gather your clever and resourceful friends in advance; you won't regret it. A Sagittarius shows up late.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Making a road trip? That diner in the middle of nowhere may turn out to be a central hub for inter-dimensional travel. Act casual, and you may meet some fascinating travelers. Remember; it's not polite to stare, no matter how many arms they have. Consult a Gemini for prophesies.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): How are your table manners? A Power Vortex of the Inner Planets may lead to a visit with Royalty! Who cares if they’re from a country you've never heard of, you'll be able to boast that you've had tea with a King and Queen! Verify news from a Capricorn.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Have you ever just packed a bag, gone to the airport and taken the next plane out, regardless of where it's going? No, of course you haven't. Still, the stars indicate that this may lead to an adventure involving an albino ferret and an attractive heir to a fortune. Pack extra socks. A Pisces predicts your future.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): Flighty Mercury may give you a déjà vu experience! (Read that again!) You'll realize you saw the exact same situation in your sleep! Unfortunately, you won't be able to predict what's going to happen next, and you won't see the talking monkey in a hat from the dream. A Taurus waxes poetic.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): The triangle of Pluto, Mercury and Earth indicates that your chances of popping into an alternate reality are at an all-time high. With any luck, it will only be a little different from this one, and not the reality where Disco became the dominant musical form. Listen carefully to an Aquarius.
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): An ancestor from Beyond may tell you he needs to possess your body to right an Ancient Wrong, but is actually scamming for a long weekend in Las Vegas. Be polite, but just say NO! And the stars say to wear purple, for some reason. Share luck with an Aries!
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): Say what? A mysterious stranger from the Future could explain an elegant Unified Field Theory to you, unfortunately not in a language you speak. You won't understand his stock tips, either, so the whole encounter will be a bust, really. Pity. Forgive a Leo for gloating.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Your passion for video games is about to be sated! You may be literally sucked into the dark world of an experimental game, filled with ravenous monsters, tricky puzzles and lethal traps. You'll have to be smart and fast to survive to the end and escape. Good Luck, as there's no Replay option! A Gemini is in your dreams.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Catch the Baseball!
From the awesome tvinjapan.com, comes this great game that puts people on a 45 degree incline, trying to catch baseballs of differing sizes and then throw them into point bins.
Of course, there's the requisite safety pool.
I can't decide if laughing at this makes me a bad person, but it's hilarious.
Make sure you watch to the very end. The last guy is a classic lesson on celebrating too early.
Of course, there's the requisite safety pool.
I can't decide if laughing at this makes me a bad person, but it's hilarious.
Make sure you watch to the very end. The last guy is a classic lesson on celebrating too early.
CURSE YOU WORD!!!
CURSE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May Clippy be forever trapped in the paper jams of hell for what you've done to me!
Death to Clippy!! Death to Clippy for this never-ending torturous maze of auto-formatting that he's trapped me in.
CURSE YOU!! WORD!!
Update: Did you know that if your Times New Roman font is set small enough, the number 7 looks italicized even though it's not?
It's all part of Clippy's plan to destroy my sanity.
Update Update: I need to think of something else. Let's see...
I've been watching Naruto episodes online at naruto magic and last night I watched episode 137. In this episode, Sakura, the ingenue of our ninja story, finally achieves self-actualization and realizes just how pathetic she actually is.
I kind of want to throw a Sakura Self-Awareness party, sort of like the "Tasha Yarr is Dead" party my family threw when our favorite Star Fleet Security Officer bit the dust, but frankly, nobody else around here is into Naruto.
I could move to Seattle, just to access the amazing geek population they have over there.
What do I get? Aging Hipsters. Heaven help me.
May Clippy be forever trapped in the paper jams of hell for what you've done to me!
Death to Clippy!! Death to Clippy for this never-ending torturous maze of auto-formatting that he's trapped me in.
CURSE YOU!! WORD!!
Update: Did you know that if your Times New Roman font is set small enough, the number 7 looks italicized even though it's not?
It's all part of Clippy's plan to destroy my sanity.
Update Update: I need to think of something else. Let's see...
I've been watching Naruto episodes online at naruto magic and last night I watched episode 137. In this episode, Sakura, the ingenue of our ninja story, finally achieves self-actualization and realizes just how pathetic she actually is.
I kind of want to throw a Sakura Self-Awareness party, sort of like the "Tasha Yarr is Dead" party my family threw when our favorite Star Fleet Security Officer bit the dust, but frankly, nobody else around here is into Naruto.
I could move to Seattle, just to access the amazing geek population they have over there.
What do I get? Aging Hipsters. Heaven help me.
Navy Question
My sister asked me if there were any Navy slang-words for puke on my ship. I wrote her an answer, and thought it was fun enough to post here.
**
No, they'd just pass out little garbage bags to tie to your belt, and chant "You spew it you clean it" as they handed them out.
So if you felt sick, you'd grab your bag, puke, and then wobble your way to the weather decks so you could throw it over the side. (The smell of puke in small, enclosed metal rooms was not encouraged)
I never got sick, but I imagine that being sick, then carrying your bag and trying to move through the ship during rough seas wasn't fun.
Of course, trying to mop up sloshing puke while the ship pitches and rolls would be even less fun.
Sometimes it would get so bad, and people would get so sick that they had to be confined to their racks. (This happened on the way to Puerto Rico, when we hit 15 foot swells)
I never got sick (who knew my failure as a gymnast would translate to success as a sailor?) and I always thought the rocking feeling was really nice when I was trying to fall asleep.
We did have a fun nickname for shipwide drug testing. It was called Operation: Golden Flow. You would see long lines of people waiting for their turn to pee in front of the MAA (Master at arms) chugging cola and waiting to the last possible minute before raising their hand and saying "Me!! Take me now!!" While doing a version of the "I gotta pee" pose.
It's really hard to go when someone's staring at you. The only way to do it is to get your bladder so full that you no longer care.
**
No, they'd just pass out little garbage bags to tie to your belt, and chant "You spew it you clean it" as they handed them out.
So if you felt sick, you'd grab your bag, puke, and then wobble your way to the weather decks so you could throw it over the side. (The smell of puke in small, enclosed metal rooms was not encouraged)
I never got sick, but I imagine that being sick, then carrying your bag and trying to move through the ship during rough seas wasn't fun.
Of course, trying to mop up sloshing puke while the ship pitches and rolls would be even less fun.
Sometimes it would get so bad, and people would get so sick that they had to be confined to their racks. (This happened on the way to Puerto Rico, when we hit 15 foot swells)
I never got sick (who knew my failure as a gymnast would translate to success as a sailor?) and I always thought the rocking feeling was really nice when I was trying to fall asleep.
We did have a fun nickname for shipwide drug testing. It was called Operation: Golden Flow. You would see long lines of people waiting for their turn to pee in front of the MAA (Master at arms) chugging cola and waiting to the last possible minute before raising their hand and saying "Me!! Take me now!!" While doing a version of the "I gotta pee" pose.
It's really hard to go when someone's staring at you. The only way to do it is to get your bladder so full that you no longer care.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Iron Man Teaser
I was never a big Iron Man fan, especially after his turn as the uber-jerk during Civil War, but I love super hero movies. So I'll be excited for this anyway.
Actually, I loved the Iron Man in the early Twisted Toyfare Theaters. The drunk Iron Man who had his power armor stolen by a cat. Who lost Stark Industries in a bet to Boss Hogg. Who had designed a special beer fridge in the chest plate of his armor.
Good times.
Updated: This one is better.
Actually, I loved the Iron Man in the early Twisted Toyfare Theaters. The drunk Iron Man who had his power armor stolen by a cat. Who lost Stark Industries in a bet to Boss Hogg. Who had designed a special beer fridge in the chest plate of his armor.
Good times.
Updated: This one is better.
The Return to Madrid
The bus leaves Mazarron late, about 4:30 so it doesn't get into to Madrid until about 10:30. Our bus got in at 11, because our driver for the trip back was an easy, care-free fellow.
On the way down, our driver considered pressing the brake petal a personal affront to his sacred honor, and we made better time. It was also fun watching him yell, gesture and honk at other drivers, but I digress.
On the way back to Madrid, our driver popped in a couple of movies and if you're stuck on a bus for 6 hours, the only thing that could possibly be better than a Van Damme movie is a Van Damme movie that's dubbed entirely into Spanish.
About halfway through the trip, the bus pulls over at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, and the driver announces "triente minutos" which translates roughly into "from now until whenever I feel like going again."
So you race from the bus to the bathrooms, grab a ham and baguette sandwich, race outside and sit on the steps, munching your lunch and staring at your bus so it doesn't leave without you. Once the driver has finished his smoke, he pops on the bus, all the people lurking on the steps file on and he leaves. There's no checking to see if everyone made it or not. If there's no one else climbing aboard it's time to go!
Anyway, before we left Mazarron, my Aunt had fixed us an enormous farewell lunch, plus a hefty meal for the bus. We weren't hungry at the rest stop, so we just strolled around in front of the bus, enjoying the feeling of standing.
About an hour or so later though, we started getting munchies, but were unsure if eating was allowed on the bus. We hadn't seen anyone else eating, so we decided to just use our super sneaky secret-agent ninja skills while we ate so we wouldn't get in trouble.
Thus began the infamous "Banana Incident."
"Want a banana?" BSA whispered.
"Sure." I answered.
She handed me the fruit, I cracked the top and began eating, smirking as BSA struggled to open hers while keeping it out of eye view.
"Oh sure, I get the defective one!" she said.
I may have laughed. "Ha ha" may have been my exact words. I don't remember, because as I went to unpeel the last third of my banana, the slippery sucker popped right out of the peel, arching high into the air like a little yellow dolphin as it flew behind me.
Fortunately, it landed in the aisle about three rows behind us and not in somebody's lap. The banana flopped around a bit and then proceeded to bounce madly down the aisle towards the driver. I tried to hop out and grab it, but I couldn't get the arm rest down, so I lunged over the top of the rest, bending double to grab the banana as it passed my seat. I managed to get the banana, but when I lunged my foot had connected with the little garbage can attached to the bottom of the seat in front of me, kicking it off it's supports with a loud crack.
I dumped the banana in a bag and fixed the garbage can, studiously ignoring all the disgusted glares from my fellow passengers.
Except the old lady across from me. She was laughing her head off.
On the way down, our driver considered pressing the brake petal a personal affront to his sacred honor, and we made better time. It was also fun watching him yell, gesture and honk at other drivers, but I digress.
On the way back to Madrid, our driver popped in a couple of movies and if you're stuck on a bus for 6 hours, the only thing that could possibly be better than a Van Damme movie is a Van Damme movie that's dubbed entirely into Spanish.
About halfway through the trip, the bus pulls over at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, and the driver announces "triente minutos" which translates roughly into "from now until whenever I feel like going again."
So you race from the bus to the bathrooms, grab a ham and baguette sandwich, race outside and sit on the steps, munching your lunch and staring at your bus so it doesn't leave without you. Once the driver has finished his smoke, he pops on the bus, all the people lurking on the steps file on and he leaves. There's no checking to see if everyone made it or not. If there's no one else climbing aboard it's time to go!
Anyway, before we left Mazarron, my Aunt had fixed us an enormous farewell lunch, plus a hefty meal for the bus. We weren't hungry at the rest stop, so we just strolled around in front of the bus, enjoying the feeling of standing.
About an hour or so later though, we started getting munchies, but were unsure if eating was allowed on the bus. We hadn't seen anyone else eating, so we decided to just use our super sneaky secret-agent ninja skills while we ate so we wouldn't get in trouble.
Thus began the infamous "Banana Incident."
"Want a banana?" BSA whispered.
"Sure." I answered.
She handed me the fruit, I cracked the top and began eating, smirking as BSA struggled to open hers while keeping it out of eye view.
"Oh sure, I get the defective one!" she said.
I may have laughed. "Ha ha" may have been my exact words. I don't remember, because as I went to unpeel the last third of my banana, the slippery sucker popped right out of the peel, arching high into the air like a little yellow dolphin as it flew behind me.
Fortunately, it landed in the aisle about three rows behind us and not in somebody's lap. The banana flopped around a bit and then proceeded to bounce madly down the aisle towards the driver. I tried to hop out and grab it, but I couldn't get the arm rest down, so I lunged over the top of the rest, bending double to grab the banana as it passed my seat. I managed to get the banana, but when I lunged my foot had connected with the little garbage can attached to the bottom of the seat in front of me, kicking it off it's supports with a loud crack.
I dumped the banana in a bag and fixed the garbage can, studiously ignoring all the disgusted glares from my fellow passengers.
Except the old lady across from me. She was laughing her head off.
Random Report
With its keen Newly-Washed Car detecting senses, an albatross has flown 4 hours inland just for the pleasure of pooing all over the side of my car.
It's the only logical explanation.
It's the only logical explanation.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Mazarron Report
I thought this would be easier if I broke it into parts. Monday morning we hopped the metro to the bus station, then caught the 9:00 bus to Puerto de Mazarron. Its a 7 hour bus ride, but we had seats right up front, and it was nice to see the Spanish countryside.
Occasionally, they have these enormous cut outs of black bulls just posted at random throughout the country. My Aunt said they used to be part of a marketing campaign, and then Spain asked the company to leave them up as they adopted the bull for their symbol.
This is Mazarron:
And our beach house:
Once in Mazarron, we followed this grueling schedule:
11-Noon: Wake up, have breakfast
12-4:30ish: Hang out at the little beach
5: Lunch, following the Spanish tradition, lunch was big. My Aunt always made us traditional Spanish food, such as tortilla, pasta and chorizo, salad with oil and vinegar dressing, gazpacho, tomato and garlic sauce spread on toasted bread, flan for dessert. Hmmmmm.
6-8: Nap
8-10: Wander down to town, get ice cream, or waffles, nice thick Belgian waffles with chocolate sauce, whip cream, and then more chocolate sauce poured on top, or even just a drink of Horchata.
10: Light dinner
10-2: Read
2: Go to bed
Here's the little beach at sunset:
While at the beach we got to meet all of the neighbors, which of course led to kiss-kissing.
Interesting note: Kiss-kissing in ocean waves takes timing and coordination skills that I apparently, do not have.
Wednesday we went to a neighborhood costume party. Unfortunately, neither BSA or I had thought to pack a costume. Everyone else was dressed up though. There was plenty of food and drink. We sat a table with a French couple, and then were joined by 5 party goers, only two of which could speak any English. It was still fun. There was an older lady, late 50s, who was dressed like a Roman Empress. She was a character. I wish I could speak Spanish, because whatever she talked about sounded hilarious.
She would start speaking, gesturing and going off, everyone would be cracking up, including us even though we didn't understand her, and then when the laughter died and there was a pause, she'd lift up her class and say "Ching Ching" which is the Spanish equivalent of "Cheers." So it went like this.
Lady: Ching Ching! Everyone clicks glasses and says ching ching
Lady: Starts talking with expansive gestures and everyone starts laughing.
Everyone stops laughing, sigh, quiet moment.
Lady: Ching Ching!!
Repeat...
After dinner our host brought out a guitar, and many of the partiers gathered and sang Spanish folk songs, including my Grandpa, who I didn't know could sing.
Then there was dancing, and an awards ceremony for best costume.
We left at 3(am) but the party went till 5. It was awesome.
While shopping in Mazarron I bought a red leather wallet with black tooled flowers. Less than a week later, a pickpocket stole it out of my backpack as I walked through Madrid. I call this, The Spanish Wallet Life Cycle.
Fortunately, I didn't keep my passport in it, otherwise I'd have a post titled "Corbeau's Adventure at the American Embassy."
Occasionally, they have these enormous cut outs of black bulls just posted at random throughout the country. My Aunt said they used to be part of a marketing campaign, and then Spain asked the company to leave them up as they adopted the bull for their symbol.
This is Mazarron:
And our beach house:
Once in Mazarron, we followed this grueling schedule:
11-Noon: Wake up, have breakfast
12-4:30ish: Hang out at the little beach
5: Lunch, following the Spanish tradition, lunch was big. My Aunt always made us traditional Spanish food, such as tortilla, pasta and chorizo, salad with oil and vinegar dressing, gazpacho, tomato and garlic sauce spread on toasted bread, flan for dessert. Hmmmmm.
6-8: Nap
8-10: Wander down to town, get ice cream, or waffles, nice thick Belgian waffles with chocolate sauce, whip cream, and then more chocolate sauce poured on top, or even just a drink of Horchata.
10: Light dinner
10-2: Read
2: Go to bed
Here's the little beach at sunset:
While at the beach we got to meet all of the neighbors, which of course led to kiss-kissing.
Interesting note: Kiss-kissing in ocean waves takes timing and coordination skills that I apparently, do not have.
Wednesday we went to a neighborhood costume party. Unfortunately, neither BSA or I had thought to pack a costume. Everyone else was dressed up though. There was plenty of food and drink. We sat a table with a French couple, and then were joined by 5 party goers, only two of which could speak any English. It was still fun. There was an older lady, late 50s, who was dressed like a Roman Empress. She was a character. I wish I could speak Spanish, because whatever she talked about sounded hilarious.
She would start speaking, gesturing and going off, everyone would be cracking up, including us even though we didn't understand her, and then when the laughter died and there was a pause, she'd lift up her class and say "Ching Ching" which is the Spanish equivalent of "Cheers." So it went like this.
Lady: Ching Ching! Everyone clicks glasses and says ching ching
Lady: Starts talking with expansive gestures and everyone starts laughing.
Everyone stops laughing, sigh, quiet moment.
Lady: Ching Ching!!
Repeat...
After dinner our host brought out a guitar, and many of the partiers gathered and sang Spanish folk songs, including my Grandpa, who I didn't know could sing.
Then there was dancing, and an awards ceremony for best costume.
We left at 3(am) but the party went till 5. It was awesome.
While shopping in Mazarron I bought a red leather wallet with black tooled flowers. Less than a week later, a pickpocket stole it out of my backpack as I walked through Madrid. I call this, The Spanish Wallet Life Cycle.
Fortunately, I didn't keep my passport in it, otherwise I'd have a post titled "Corbeau's Adventure at the American Embassy."
Brief Spain Report
1.There is a shocking lack of escalators in the Madrid metro. This may not seem like a big deal, but if you're hauling two weeks worth of luggage it's HUGE.
2. Spain is trying to bring back the mullet. They must be stopped.
3. Spanish food is still tasty. Some of it is still weird. I didn't have any purple noodles, but I did see melon (looking like a honeydew) with ham cold cuts draped over it.
4. If you're going to be traveling by train, buy your tickets in advance. Otherwise you get to experience the Spanish equivalent of the VA DMV.
2. Spain is trying to bring back the mullet. They must be stopped.
3. Spanish food is still tasty. Some of it is still weird. I didn't have any purple noodles, but I did see melon (looking like a honeydew) with ham cold cuts draped over it.
4. If you're going to be traveling by train, buy your tickets in advance. Otherwise you get to experience the Spanish equivalent of the VA DMV.
Friday, September 07, 2007
More on Bullfighting
After we saw our fight on Sunday, we went down to Mazarron to visit my family, and we learned more about bullfighting Spanish style.
When the bullfighter stands really close to the bull, and gets him to put his head down, and follow the cape, you yell "Ole!"
If the bullfighter throws his spears and misses, everyone booes, and people start yelling out things from the audience. This would be a good time to know Spanish.
When the bullfighter gets to the part where he has to stick a sword down into the bull's back, they have to get the bull to put his feet together and lower his head. This opens a space between the bull's shoulder blades on the matador can stab him.
If he messes up, he has to keep trying until he gets the sword to stick in. The more tries, the more rowdy the audience gets. During our fight, only one of the bullfighters was able to get the entire sword in.
One of Spain's hottest bullfighters is named Cayetano. He's my new boyfriend.
I have a plan based on the Underwear Gnomes from South Park, with the requisite Top Secret Step Two.
1. Learn Spanish
2. ????????????
3. Marriage!
Here's a video of my boyfriend at work.
And here's a video of bullfights in general. They're gory, so consider yourself warned.
When the bullfighter stands really close to the bull, and gets him to put his head down, and follow the cape, you yell "Ole!"
If the bullfighter throws his spears and misses, everyone booes, and people start yelling out things from the audience. This would be a good time to know Spanish.
When the bullfighter gets to the part where he has to stick a sword down into the bull's back, they have to get the bull to put his feet together and lower his head. This opens a space between the bull's shoulder blades on the matador can stab him.
If he messes up, he has to keep trying until he gets the sword to stick in. The more tries, the more rowdy the audience gets. During our fight, only one of the bullfighters was able to get the entire sword in.
One of Spain's hottest bullfighters is named Cayetano. He's my new boyfriend.
I have a plan based on the Underwear Gnomes from South Park, with the requisite Top Secret Step Two.
1. Learn Spanish
2. ????????????
3. Marriage!
Here's a video of my boyfriend at work.
And here's a video of bullfights in general. They're gory, so consider yourself warned.
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