Posts
MOVING DAY
-
Well, after dealing with Blogger's (extremely frustrating) shortcomings, as
well as the problematic and unavoidable reality that my main website was
built ...
10 years ago
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Blagojevich: Wow, he's really a dick.
No, seriously:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/30/illinois.senate/index.html
He picked a senator to replace Obama. What's worse? The guy appears to have *accepted*. Stinky.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/30/illinois.senate/index.html
He picked a senator to replace Obama. What's worse? The guy appears to have *accepted*. Stinky.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Short Attention Span Review: "Frost/Nixon"
I wouldn't say Frank Langella is spot-on as a body double for Richard Nixon, but he definitely pulls off the disgraced president's sullen pugnaciousness. Michael Sheen does a great job as David Frost, but I can't think of him as anyone other than Tony Blair because he has played the former British PM so many times.
Anyway, excellent movie. Now I want to see the play.
Anyway, excellent movie. Now I want to see the play.
The Weight Thing: Day 71
We had breakfast on Monday. A soft-boiled egg, soy sausage, cinnamon roll, orange juice, and some tea sweetened with sugar.
I had a large glass of Cheerwine (sugar/caffeine) while working on web stuff later.
For lunch, we cobbled together a meal out of leftovers - small burritos, pineapple au gratin, and rice. I drank root beer (sugar/caffeine) with lunch.
For dinner, Karen made ham sandwiches and tomato soup. I drank ginger ale with dinner. Homemade dessert: Apple and cheddar tarts. Yum!
I had a large glass of Cheerwine (sugar/caffeine) while working on web stuff later.
For lunch, we cobbled together a meal out of leftovers - small burritos, pineapple au gratin, and rice. I drank root beer (sugar/caffeine) with lunch.
For dinner, Karen made ham sandwiches and tomato soup. I drank ginger ale with dinner. Homemade dessert: Apple and cheddar tarts. Yum!
The Weight Thing: Day 70
We went to the crepes place for brunch on Sunday. I had an eggs benedict crepe and a Coke (sugar/caffeine). Not my favorite crepe ever. I'll stick with the chicken cordon bleu next time.
During the day, while I worked on web stuff and ran the Thul seminar, I had a couple of glasses of Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Los Tres Magueyes. I had about half of the burrito I ordered, plus a couple of bites of a tamal (it wasn't very good). I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) and ice water.
Later, I had key lime pie for dessert at home.
During the day, while I worked on web stuff and ran the Thul seminar, I had a couple of glasses of Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Los Tres Magueyes. I had about half of the burrito I ordered, plus a couple of bites of a tamal (it wasn't very good). I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) and ice water.
Later, I had key lime pie for dessert at home.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 69
No breakfast on Saturday.
For lunch, well, I had a Wendy's burger that I shared with Huck and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). Later, I had a fried egg sandwich and sweet potato soup, with water to drink.
For dinner, we went to Mimi's Cafe. We had some buffalo shrimp. For my entree, I had chicken cordon bleu with mashed potatoes and vegetables. No dessert.
For lunch, well, I had a Wendy's burger that I shared with Huck and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). Later, I had a fried egg sandwich and sweet potato soup, with water to drink.
For dinner, we went to Mimi's Cafe. We had some buffalo shrimp. For my entree, I had chicken cordon bleu with mashed potatoes and vegetables. No dessert.
The Weight Thing: Day 68
Let's see - no breakfast on Friday.
For lunch, we had ham and cheese sandwiches.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Carmen's. I had ropa vieja, red beans, yellow rice, plantains, and Jupina (sugar) to drink. We shared a piece of tres leche cake for dessert.
For lunch, we had ham and cheese sandwiches.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Carmen's. I had ropa vieja, red beans, yellow rice, plantains, and Jupina (sugar) to drink. We shared a piece of tres leche cake for dessert.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Isn't this nice to see?
In my household, polling is closer to 100 percent:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/26/bush.poll/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/26/bush.poll/index.html
The Weight Thing: Day 67
On Christmas Day, we had cinnamon rolls and bacon for breakfast.
We didn't have lunch. We picked up Karen's mom around 2 p.m. An hour later, we had Christmas dinner, which included: Honey-Baked ham, pineapple casserole, cheese asparagus, sweet potato puree, and sweet potato tart. I drank water with the meal.
I had a few chocolates for dessert.
Passed out earlier than usual.
We didn't have lunch. We picked up Karen's mom around 2 p.m. An hour later, we had Christmas dinner, which included: Honey-Baked ham, pineapple casserole, cheese asparagus, sweet potato puree, and sweet potato tart. I drank water with the meal.
I had a few chocolates for dessert.
Passed out earlier than usual.
The Weight Thing: Day 66
Stress continued ramping up toward Christmas Day.
For breakfast on Wednesday, we had cranberry scones and bacon with orange juice and water.
We got so busy with Christmas preparations that we pretty much forgot about lunch.
For dinner, we had homemade enchiladas, refried beans, and rice. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) with the meal.
For dessert, homemade key lime pie.
For breakfast on Wednesday, we had cranberry scones and bacon with orange juice and water.
We got so busy with Christmas preparations that we pretty much forgot about lunch.
For dinner, we had homemade enchiladas, refried beans, and rice. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) with the meal.
For dessert, homemade key lime pie.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 65
No breakfast on Tuesday. Tuesday, due to stress, was totally off-the-diet.
I had peanut M&Ms (sugar) and Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) at the IMAX movie.
For lunch after the movie, I had fried shrimp with french fries and a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at Red Robin.
For dinner, I had pizza, chicken wings, and Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dessert, I had a slice of key lime pie.
I had peanut M&Ms (sugar) and Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) at the IMAX movie.
For lunch after the movie, I had fried shrimp with french fries and a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at Red Robin.
For dinner, I had pizza, chicken wings, and Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dessert, I had a slice of key lime pie.
An Irritating Day
So, Tuesday really pissed me off.
There's a line from Clerks: "I hate people but I love crowds. Isn't that ironic?"
I'm the opposite. I get along fine with people for the most part. However, when I'm thrown into crowds, I become surly.
On Tuesday, I got my fill of crowds after vowing that I wouldn't get into crowds much at all during this vacation.
First, we were late leaving for the IMAX theater to see The Polar Express. I'm particularly anal about getting to movie theaters early so I can make sure to get a decent seat.
The theater was in downtown Raleigh. So, of course, all the street parking was taken. We had to go to a parking garage about a block from the IMAX. The garage was pretty full. We ended up parked on Level 5.
We picked up our tickets with about 15 minutes to spare. Inside, I saw the line was already queued five rows deep. I needed a snack and some caffeine, decided that we weren't going to get a decent seat no matter what, so I got into line at the snack bar.
Unfortunately, I was in line behind three women ordering snacks for about six kids each. When I finally got to order, one of the women heard me getting Sour Patch Kids for Stefan and immediately slid back next to me to tell the clerk she needed one of those too or she'd "be in trouble." He handled her additional order while my credit card receipt sat in the printer waiting to get signed.
We were the next to last group in line to see this showing of The Polar Express. But as we came to the usher and prepared to give him our tickets, this couple with their elderly mom slid in front of us and handed THEIR tickets to the usher. The usher then had to spend a couple of minutes explaining that their tickets were dated for Tuesday, Dec. 30 and that, no, he couldn't honor them early because this show was sold out.
Finally, we get into the theater and, yes, the seats sucked. We were stuck in the neck-craning front row. Another couple wanted to move past us to get further down the row - one of them knocked over Karen's Diet Coke, which I bent over to rescue before it could go rolling off the edge and into fizzy oblivion. I got it, but managed to get a knee in the head by the passing man. "Goddammit," I muttered, settling back into my seat.
The movie was all right. Eventually, I convinced myself the seats weren't so bad. I forgot about the crowd and how much I hated being in it.
And then the movie ended.
We walked back to the parking garage. We rode the elevator up to Level 5. I took out my debit card so I would have it ready to give the attendant as we paid for parking. I drove down to street level. I was the first of the IMAX audience to get to the parking kiosk area. It was a three-lane affair. One lane came in. Two lanes went out. The middle lane appeared to be for cardholders only. The right lane, however, was currently blocked by an orange cone. There were two people inside the kiosk. Neither was telling us what the hell was going on. Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd from the IMAX movie was building up behind us in their cars. Karen suggested that maybe we should take the middle lane and she could pay through the passenger window. I hated doing it that way, but I also wanted to get out of there sometime the same day. So, I did it. I took initiative and moved into the middle lane, abandoning my spot at the head of the right lane. And THAT is when one of the clerks came out of the kiosk and said: "You have to pay in the right lane." They wouldn't take my money and clear us out. We had to go back to the end of the line.
When we finally made it back to the kiosk, I said to the guy: "Maybe you could work on a better way of communicating what's going on around here. Something better than an orange cone. Something like a sign that says 'Stay in this lane, we'll be with you as soon as possible.'"
His response: "Do you want a receipt?"
So, maybe now I'm starting to hate crowds AND people.
We followed this up with a trip to the Crossroads shopping center to pick up a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas. Naturally, the place was packed. We nearly got hit at least twice by SUVs zooming through the lot. Then we had to go through the line for about 20 minutes. And then traffic leaving the shopping center blocked me from going the way I wanted to go, forcing me to get on the frustrating loop that leads to I-40.
I wasn't fit for company by the time I dropped off Karen and Stefan at home, but I assured her none of my frustration was her fault. I still needed to go make my evening visit to the Jolley household to feed their cats. This put me back out in rush hour traffic on Chapel Hill Road and Maynard, but I felt myself decompressing a little once I got the feeding taken care of. I hung out with the cats for a bit.
When I got home, I still had an hour before the online seminar I'd planned for developing theme behind one of the races that players will have to choose from on the new OtherSpace game. I sent out emails to remind people about the seminar. And then I lost Internet. It came back about 30 minutes before the seminar. I logged on and told people we'd have the seminar in 30 minutes. And then I lost Internet again.
Karen called Time Warner Cable and learned that an outage in our area would be fixed within 90 minutes. So, after yelling from the rooftops that the seminar would happen on time at 7, I'd be a no-show.
She ordered pizza and wings, making the best of a bad situation. And she assured me that we'd still get the seminar done that night. She was right. The Internet was back up before 8 and I managed to run the seminar.
I was fairly frazzled, though. Sadly, I don't think I'm done with crowds at all, though.
There's a line from Clerks: "I hate people but I love crowds. Isn't that ironic?"
I'm the opposite. I get along fine with people for the most part. However, when I'm thrown into crowds, I become surly.
On Tuesday, I got my fill of crowds after vowing that I wouldn't get into crowds much at all during this vacation.
First, we were late leaving for the IMAX theater to see The Polar Express. I'm particularly anal about getting to movie theaters early so I can make sure to get a decent seat.
The theater was in downtown Raleigh. So, of course, all the street parking was taken. We had to go to a parking garage about a block from the IMAX. The garage was pretty full. We ended up parked on Level 5.
We picked up our tickets with about 15 minutes to spare. Inside, I saw the line was already queued five rows deep. I needed a snack and some caffeine, decided that we weren't going to get a decent seat no matter what, so I got into line at the snack bar.
Unfortunately, I was in line behind three women ordering snacks for about six kids each. When I finally got to order, one of the women heard me getting Sour Patch Kids for Stefan and immediately slid back next to me to tell the clerk she needed one of those too or she'd "be in trouble." He handled her additional order while my credit card receipt sat in the printer waiting to get signed.
We were the next to last group in line to see this showing of The Polar Express. But as we came to the usher and prepared to give him our tickets, this couple with their elderly mom slid in front of us and handed THEIR tickets to the usher. The usher then had to spend a couple of minutes explaining that their tickets were dated for Tuesday, Dec. 30 and that, no, he couldn't honor them early because this show was sold out.
Finally, we get into the theater and, yes, the seats sucked. We were stuck in the neck-craning front row. Another couple wanted to move past us to get further down the row - one of them knocked over Karen's Diet Coke, which I bent over to rescue before it could go rolling off the edge and into fizzy oblivion. I got it, but managed to get a knee in the head by the passing man. "Goddammit," I muttered, settling back into my seat.
The movie was all right. Eventually, I convinced myself the seats weren't so bad. I forgot about the crowd and how much I hated being in it.
And then the movie ended.
We walked back to the parking garage. We rode the elevator up to Level 5. I took out my debit card so I would have it ready to give the attendant as we paid for parking. I drove down to street level. I was the first of the IMAX audience to get to the parking kiosk area. It was a three-lane affair. One lane came in. Two lanes went out. The middle lane appeared to be for cardholders only. The right lane, however, was currently blocked by an orange cone. There were two people inside the kiosk. Neither was telling us what the hell was going on. Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd from the IMAX movie was building up behind us in their cars. Karen suggested that maybe we should take the middle lane and she could pay through the passenger window. I hated doing it that way, but I also wanted to get out of there sometime the same day. So, I did it. I took initiative and moved into the middle lane, abandoning my spot at the head of the right lane. And THAT is when one of the clerks came out of the kiosk and said: "You have to pay in the right lane." They wouldn't take my money and clear us out. We had to go back to the end of the line.
When we finally made it back to the kiosk, I said to the guy: "Maybe you could work on a better way of communicating what's going on around here. Something better than an orange cone. Something like a sign that says 'Stay in this lane, we'll be with you as soon as possible.'"
His response: "Do you want a receipt?"
So, maybe now I'm starting to hate crowds AND people.
We followed this up with a trip to the Crossroads shopping center to pick up a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas. Naturally, the place was packed. We nearly got hit at least twice by SUVs zooming through the lot. Then we had to go through the line for about 20 minutes. And then traffic leaving the shopping center blocked me from going the way I wanted to go, forcing me to get on the frustrating loop that leads to I-40.
I wasn't fit for company by the time I dropped off Karen and Stefan at home, but I assured her none of my frustration was her fault. I still needed to go make my evening visit to the Jolley household to feed their cats. This put me back out in rush hour traffic on Chapel Hill Road and Maynard, but I felt myself decompressing a little once I got the feeding taken care of. I hung out with the cats for a bit.
When I got home, I still had an hour before the online seminar I'd planned for developing theme behind one of the races that players will have to choose from on the new OtherSpace game. I sent out emails to remind people about the seminar. And then I lost Internet. It came back about 30 minutes before the seminar. I logged on and told people we'd have the seminar in 30 minutes. And then I lost Internet again.
Karen called Time Warner Cable and learned that an outage in our area would be fixed within 90 minutes. So, after yelling from the rooftops that the seminar would happen on time at 7, I'd be a no-show.
She ordered pizza and wings, making the best of a bad situation. And she assured me that we'd still get the seminar done that night. She was right. The Internet was back up before 8 and I managed to run the seminar.
I was fairly frazzled, though. Sadly, I don't think I'm done with crowds at all, though.
Leech & Order!
So, I woke up this morning from a rather odd dream.
I was one of the cops on the original Law & Order TV show. We were investigating a woman's death. She had died from an overdose of South American amphetamine beans. Our investigation took us to a Studio 54-like night club run by an actor who looked a lot like Jimmy Fallon. The floor was littered with bright green bean husks and small black leeches (some of them quite plump). It turns out, people would come to the night club to get high on the beans and then used the leeches to bleed out impurities from their system. Jimmy Fallon manager was dealing the beans and leeches.
As we were leaving the club, I discovered a leech latched onto my stomach. I tugged at it, but without much grace. The body popped off, but the head was still hooked in. Blurgh. But I got clever! I picked up another leech, attached it to the head of the other one, and it started sucking enthusiastically. This caused the head of the first leech to release and both fell off.
Then I woke up.
I was one of the cops on the original Law & Order TV show. We were investigating a woman's death. She had died from an overdose of South American amphetamine beans. Our investigation took us to a Studio 54-like night club run by an actor who looked a lot like Jimmy Fallon. The floor was littered with bright green bean husks and small black leeches (some of them quite plump). It turns out, people would come to the night club to get high on the beans and then used the leeches to bleed out impurities from their system. Jimmy Fallon manager was dealing the beans and leeches.
As we were leaving the club, I discovered a leech latched onto my stomach. I tugged at it, but without much grace. The body popped off, but the head was still hooked in. Blurgh. But I got clever! I picked up another leech, attached it to the head of the other one, and it started sucking enthusiastically. This caused the head of the first leech to release and both fell off.
Then I woke up.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Short Attention Span Review: "The Polar Express" IMAX
The story's good, the visuals are pretty amazing - especially in IMAX - but it's still a little creepy that the characters look SO realistic. And did Tom Hanks REALLY need to play all the adult male characters? And why did there seem to be such a dearth of female elves in the North Pole? And, really, Aerosmith in elf form? DOES THE WORLD REALLY NEED THAT?!
The Weight Thing: Day 64
No breakfast on Monday. Slept in a little, then went to take care of the cats at Dan's and Marie's house.
For lunch, we had leftover ham and cheese sandwiches with French onion soup. I had Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) to drink.
For dinner, we had black bean soup. Another Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dessert, I had a slice of homemade key lime pie. Yum!
For lunch, we had leftover ham and cheese sandwiches with French onion soup. I had Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) to drink.
For dinner, we had black bean soup. Another Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dessert, I had a slice of homemade key lime pie. Yum!
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 63
No breakfast on Sunday. Late lunch! We gave Wild Wings another chance. It disappointed again. I had some buffalo chicken nuggets (because I hate using the same blue rag over and over again for wiping my fingers with normal wings) and a couple of loaded potato skins with a root beer (sugar).
For dinner, Karen made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with French onion soup. I had an apple and some delicious goat cheese for dessert. Drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) with the meal.
For dinner, Karen made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with French onion soup. I had an apple and some delicious goat cheese for dessert. Drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) with the meal.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 62
No breakfast on Saturday. Slept in a bit. Then it was off to get the Christmas tree over at Southpoint in Durham.
On the way home, we stopped at Smokey's BBQ for lunch. I had the pulled pork with baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies, with a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). Mostly, I ate the pork.
For dinner, Karen made a mix of chili and macaroni. I drank Diet Dr Pepper (caffeine).
For dessert, I had an apple and some yogurt.
On the way home, we stopped at Smokey's BBQ for lunch. I had the pulled pork with baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies, with a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). Mostly, I ate the pork.
For dinner, Karen made a mix of chili and macaroni. I drank Diet Dr Pepper (caffeine).
For dessert, I had an apple and some yogurt.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 61
Friday was a better-than-usual diet day for me, actually.
Karen started me off with a homemade muffin with ham, egg, and cheese, and a thermos full of hot tea.
For lunch, I joined Dan and Marie at the Tangerine Cafe. I had a mildly spicy Thai seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and calamari. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). For dessert, I had a tortilla-bound cheesecake slice. YUM!
After Stefan's Raleigh Boychoir concert downtown, we had dinner at Bonefish Grill. I had grouper with goat cheese, potatoes au gratin, mixed vegetables, and a side of asparagus. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). No dessert.
Of note: I dressed a little fancier than usual for the concert. The brown button-up shirt I wore used to be suitable only as a "wear this open over a T-shirt" sort of thing. It's still somewhat tight, but wearable now. The pants, which wouldn't snap closed because of my belly, snapped shut just fine. Progress!
Karen started me off with a homemade muffin with ham, egg, and cheese, and a thermos full of hot tea.
For lunch, I joined Dan and Marie at the Tangerine Cafe. I had a mildly spicy Thai seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and calamari. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). For dessert, I had a tortilla-bound cheesecake slice. YUM!
After Stefan's Raleigh Boychoir concert downtown, we had dinner at Bonefish Grill. I had grouper with goat cheese, potatoes au gratin, mixed vegetables, and a side of asparagus. I drank Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). No dessert.
Of note: I dressed a little fancier than usual for the concert. The brown button-up shirt I wore used to be suitable only as a "wear this open over a T-shirt" sort of thing. It's still somewhat tight, but wearable now. The pants, which wouldn't snap closed because of my belly, snapped shut just fine. Progress!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Go, Al, go!
Al Franken appears to be closer to winning the Minnesota Senate seat.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/19/minnesota.senate.race/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/19/minnesota.senate.race/index.html
The Weight Thing: Day 60
Thursday wasn't a good day.
No breakfast. I skipped lunch, although I had a couple of Reese's Cups. No caffeine at work, though. Just water.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Abbey Road. I had the George burger, which has bacon and cheese, and a side salad, with a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar).
Later, I had a banana.
No breakfast. I skipped lunch, although I had a couple of Reese's Cups. No caffeine at work, though. Just water.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Abbey Road. I had the George burger, which has bacon and cheese, and a side salad, with a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar).
Later, I had a banana.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 59
No breakfast on Wednesday.
For lunch, I had a Wendy's single hamburger and a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar).
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) while working on bugs.
For dinner, Karen and I took Stefan to Carmen's. I had the ropa vieja with yellow rice, red beans, fried plantains, and an Ironbeer. I gave in and had half a piece of tres leche cake. DAMN...good stuff. Had an apple later too.
For lunch, I had a Wendy's single hamburger and a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar).
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) while working on bugs.
For dinner, Karen and I took Stefan to Carmen's. I had the ropa vieja with yellow rice, red beans, fried plantains, and an Ironbeer. I gave in and had half a piece of tres leche cake. DAMN...good stuff. Had an apple later too.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hitler wants cake!
Everyone knows pie is better.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6559357
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6559357
The Weight Thing: Day 58
No breakfast on Tuesday.
For lunch, I sat at my desk and ate a chicken sandwich with a bowl of chili and some sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar).
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) and a Diet Mountain Dew (caffeine) while I worked.
After Stefan's concert, we went to dinner at the Shiny Diner. I had a Texas Tumbleweed Cheesesteak sandwich with home fries and a Dr Pepper. For dessert: Cherry pie a la mode.
For lunch, I sat at my desk and ate a chicken sandwich with a bowl of chili and some sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar).
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) and a Diet Mountain Dew (caffeine) while I worked.
After Stefan's concert, we went to dinner at the Shiny Diner. I had a Texas Tumbleweed Cheesesteak sandwich with home fries and a Dr Pepper. For dessert: Cherry pie a la mode.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Short Attention Span Reviews: "Heroes" 12/16
Soooo...
Yeah. This episode had a lot of potential, but then it just turned stupid - sort of like Peter Petrelli.
The effects of adrenalin should DIMINISH over time, not get worse.
What happened to all the not-Puppeteer guys who were running around Primatech? Loose ends much?
Tracy managed to use her Ice Queen trick on Fear Guy, but totally forgets about it when faced with the awesome might of powerless Hiro?
The only saving grace: President Worf and the promise of a new storyline that might actually be decent come February.
Yeah. This episode had a lot of potential, but then it just turned stupid - sort of like Peter Petrelli.
The effects of adrenalin should DIMINISH over time, not get worse.
What happened to all the not-Puppeteer guys who were running around Primatech? Loose ends much?
Tracy managed to use her Ice Queen trick on Fear Guy, but totally forgets about it when faced with the awesome might of powerless Hiro?
The only saving grace: President Worf and the promise of a new storyline that might actually be decent come February.
The Weight Thing: Day 57
I didn't have breakfast on Monday.
For lunch, I went to Carmen's with Dan and Marie and had a Cuban sandwich with fried plantains and a glass of Jupina. I stoically resisted the tres leche.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, Karen made chili and cheese biscuits. I had Diet Dr Pepper to drink (caffeine).
An apple for dessert.
For lunch, I went to Carmen's with Dan and Marie and had a Cuban sandwich with fried plantains and a glass of Jupina. I stoically resisted the tres leche.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, Karen made chili and cheese biscuits. I had Diet Dr Pepper to drink (caffeine).
An apple for dessert.
Monday, December 15, 2008
They'll take a bullet, but will they take a shoe?
President George W. Bush had to duck a ballistic shoe attack on Monday:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/15/bush.afghanistan/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/15/bush.afghanistan/index.html
The Weight Thing: Day 56
Got up late, but had a dim sum brunch with Dan, Marie, Mike, and Annie at Neo-China. I had a pork bun, one chicken foot, a butter bun, a couple of dumplings, and some cold spicy chicken. Drank a couple of Cokes (caffeine/sugar).
For dinner, Karen made French onion soup with toasted bread and cheese and a side salad. I drank water with the meal. For dessert, I had apple pie a la mode. Yum!
For dinner, Karen made French onion soup with toasted bread and cheese and a side salad. I drank water with the meal. For dessert, I had apple pie a la mode. Yum!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 55
Slept in and got to working on chores around the house after waking up.
Had brunch in our own dining room, which included some bran cereal, toast, orange juice, and hot tea (caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Carmen's for Cuban food. I had ropa vieja with yellow rice and black beans and plantains. To drink, I had a couple of cans of Jupina, a pineapple creme soda (sugar). For dessert, I tried the chocolate layer cake.
No snacks later!
Had brunch in our own dining room, which included some bran cereal, toast, orange juice, and hot tea (caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Carmen's for Cuban food. I had ropa vieja with yellow rice and black beans and plantains. To drink, I had a couple of cans of Jupina, a pineapple creme soda (sugar). For dessert, I tried the chocolate layer cake.
No snacks later!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 54
No breakfast on Friday.
Skipped lunch to write a short story.
Attended the company Christmas party and had: Four mini egg rolls, tuna salad on a small pastry shell, and a brownie, with a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) to drink.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Nikos Taverna in Morrisville. We started with a flambeed cheese appetizer. Then I had a lamb shank with pasta and vegetables, with ginger ale and ice water. For dessert, I had a slice of red velvet cake and a cup of unsweetened hot tea (caffeine).
Skipped lunch to write a short story.
Attended the company Christmas party and had: Four mini egg rolls, tuna salad on a small pastry shell, and a brownie, with a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine) to drink.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Nikos Taverna in Morrisville. We started with a flambeed cheese appetizer. Then I had a lamb shank with pasta and vegetables, with ginger ale and ice water. For dessert, I had a slice of red velvet cake and a cup of unsweetened hot tea (caffeine).
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 53
No breakfast on Thursday.
For lunch, though, Karen and I joined Dan and Marie for lunch at Abbey Road. I had the Paul burger, which is a fist-sized patty covered with melted bleu cheese crumbles, and cheese fries, with a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar). This was apparently my day to be bad on the diet.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, Karen made baked eggs with bread on the side. I had a glass of water to drink.
For dessert, I had an apple.
I was tempted to have some leftover chicken wings around 11 p.m. but resisted successfully.
For lunch, though, Karen and I joined Dan and Marie for lunch at Abbey Road. I had the Paul burger, which is a fist-sized patty covered with melted bleu cheese crumbles, and cheese fries, with a Dr Pepper (caffeine/sugar). This was apparently my day to be bad on the diet.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, Karen made baked eggs with bread on the side. I had a glass of water to drink.
For dessert, I had an apple.
I was tempted to have some leftover chicken wings around 11 p.m. but resisted successfully.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 52
I didn't have breakfast on Wednesday. I was lucky to make it to work on time (for me - I was still earlier than many).
For lunch, I had a Wendy's hamburger and chili at my desk, with a sweet iced tea (sugar/caffeine).
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) while doing database work.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Outback. I had some kookaburra wings, a half rack of baby back ribs, a Caesar salad, and a sweet potato.
No dessert (unless we count the black cherry creme soda I had later at home).
For lunch, I had a Wendy's hamburger and chili at my desk, with a sweet iced tea (sugar/caffeine).
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) while doing database work.
For dinner, Karen and I went to Outback. I had some kookaburra wings, a half rack of baby back ribs, a Caesar salad, and a sweet potato.
No dessert (unless we count the black cherry creme soda I had later at home).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
It's over - officially!
Today in the mail I received a copy of the final order, issued on Dec. 4 in a Florida court, that dissolves my 16-year marriage to Joy. She gets her name back. I'm freed of any and all potential obligations - and a big weight is lifted off of me because there's no more uncertainty, no more ambiguity, no more wondering if it's really over or not.
Closure.
Glad to have it.
Closure.
Glad to have it.
The Weight Thing: Day 51
Skipped breakfast on Tuesday.
For lunch, joined Dan and Marie at Bosphorus. I had a gyro platter with Turkish hot tea.
For dinner, Karen made pork tenderloin with stuffing and Cajun-spiced sweet potatoes. I drank a black cherry creme soda with dinner. I had an apple for dessert.
For lunch, joined Dan and Marie at Bosphorus. I had a gyro platter with Turkish hot tea.
For dinner, Karen made pork tenderloin with stuffing and Cajun-spiced sweet potatoes. I drank a black cherry creme soda with dinner. I had an apple for dessert.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Google's been reading my mind again...
Seems like they're working on some interesting developments in the way of web-based application integration. What does this mean to me? Well, let's just say it could allow a MUSH to run in a browser. YAY!
http://google-code-updates.blogspot.com/2008/12/native-client-technology-for-running.html
http://google-code-updates.blogspot.com/2008/12/native-client-technology-for-running.html
Illinois governor busted on federal corruption charges
He tried to sell Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat AND attempted to strong-arm the Chicago Tribune into firing editors he didn't like. Apparently, he forgot it's the 21st Century and the era of the 24-hour news cycle.
So long, shark bait:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html
So long, shark bait:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html
Atari acquires Cryptic
I can't decide if this is good or bad yet - but my Spidey Sense suggests it might not be a great thing for Cryptic:
http://blog.newsarama.com/2008/12/09/atari-buys-cryptic-studios/
http://blog.newsarama.com/2008/12/09/atari-buys-cryptic-studios/
Short Attention Span Review: "Heroes" 12/8
Okay, I'm back on board with Heroes (for now) thanks to last night's episode.
Sylar wins the night with:
“Cake?” *DOOR SLAMS BEHIND THREE HAPLESS OFFICE WORKERS WHO WALKED INTO A CRIME SCENE*
Sylar wins the night with:
“Cake?” *DOOR SLAMS BEHIND THREE HAPLESS OFFICE WORKERS WHO WALKED INTO A CRIME SCENE*
The Weight Thing: Day 50
No breakfast on Monday.
For lunch, I had a chicken sandwich, chili, and sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar) from Wendy's.
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) while doing database work.
For dinner, Karen made chicken queso soup, pepperjack rolls, and salad. I drank water with dinner.
I wasn't done, though. I had wings from Woody's. I ate a few of those during the Bucs-Panthers football game and washed them down with a black cherry creme soda (sugar).
I had an apple for dessert.
For lunch, I had a chicken sandwich, chili, and sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar) from Wendy's.
I had a Coke (caffeine/sugar) while doing database work.
For dinner, Karen made chicken queso soup, pepperjack rolls, and salad. I drank water with dinner.
I wasn't done, though. I had wings from Woody's. I ate a few of those during the Bucs-Panthers football game and washed them down with a black cherry creme soda (sugar).
I had an apple for dessert.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 49
I wasn't as sick on Sunday, but I wasn't 100 percent yet. I slept in.
By the time I got up, it was time for brunch at Brig's. I had a French toast combo with scrambled eggs, bacon, a small amount of home fried potatoes, and unsweetened hot tea (caffeine).
For dinner, I had a tuna melt sandwich, tomato soup, hot cider, and water. For dessert, we had pineapple upside down cake. Yum!
By the time I got up, it was time for brunch at Brig's. I had a French toast combo with scrambled eggs, bacon, a small amount of home fried potatoes, and unsweetened hot tea (caffeine).
For dinner, I had a tuna melt sandwich, tomato soup, hot cider, and water. For dessert, we had pineapple upside down cake. Yum!
The Weight Thing: Day 48
I spent the day being sick. However, that doesn't mean I didn't eat.
For lunch, I had some egg drop soup and hot tea in bed.
For dinner, I had Brunswick stew and a brown bread muffin with hot tea (on the couch, while watching college football).
For lunch, I had some egg drop soup and hot tea in bed.
For dinner, I had Brunswick stew and a brown bread muffin with hot tea (on the couch, while watching college football).
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 47
I didn't have breakfast. Maybe that was part of the problem.
For lunch, I joined Dan and Marie for lunch at Cool Runnings, the Jamaican restaurant in Cary. The food, as usual, was fantastic. I had jerk pork, plantains, and a pineapple creme soda. Although their bread pudding is awesome, I passed because the servings are HUGE.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, I took Karen and Stefan to Pei-Wei. This isn't a great idea on a Friday night. Especially a COLD Friday night, when none of the outside seating is in use. People were packed in. We had to wait about 15 minutes to place our order. I had hot and sour soup, a couple of crab wontons, Thai dynamite shrimp with white rice, and sweet tea (caffeine/sugar).
For dessert, I had a hot chocolate from Starbuck's.
By the time I went to bed, though, I felt pretty sick - stuffy headed, sore throat, achy. Feels like a cold or flu. Whee.
For lunch, I joined Dan and Marie for lunch at Cool Runnings, the Jamaican restaurant in Cary. The food, as usual, was fantastic. I had jerk pork, plantains, and a pineapple creme soda. Although their bread pudding is awesome, I passed because the servings are HUGE.
I had a Coke (sugar/caffeine) at work.
For dinner, I took Karen and Stefan to Pei-Wei. This isn't a great idea on a Friday night. Especially a COLD Friday night, when none of the outside seating is in use. People were packed in. We had to wait about 15 minutes to place our order. I had hot and sour soup, a couple of crab wontons, Thai dynamite shrimp with white rice, and sweet tea (caffeine/sugar).
For dessert, I had a hot chocolate from Starbuck's.
By the time I went to bed, though, I felt pretty sick - stuffy headed, sore throat, achy. Feels like a cold or flu. Whee.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 46
For breakfast on Thursday, I had hot chocolate and banana bread.
I picked up Karen at the airport during lunch. This was problematic from a parking perspective, thanks to my lack of familiarity with the airport's garage. So, this blew my window of opportunity to have lunch with Karen, because I had to be back at work for a meeting at 1. I did have lunch, though, at the conference table at work: Chicken sandwich, chili, and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Carrabba's. I had Chicken Bryan, broccoli, salad, and some fried zucchini with unsweetened hot tea (caffeine), a Coke (caffeine/sugar), and some ice water. NOTE: I think Carrabba's must be in some kind of financial trouble. The menus are now just one sheet and the goat cheese on my chicken tasted cheap and bland. Not a good sign!
I had an apple at home for dessert.
I picked up Karen at the airport during lunch. This was problematic from a parking perspective, thanks to my lack of familiarity with the airport's garage. So, this blew my window of opportunity to have lunch with Karen, because I had to be back at work for a meeting at 1. I did have lunch, though, at the conference table at work: Chicken sandwich, chili, and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine).
For dinner, we went to Carrabba's. I had Chicken Bryan, broccoli, salad, and some fried zucchini with unsweetened hot tea (caffeine), a Coke (caffeine/sugar), and some ice water. NOTE: I think Carrabba's must be in some kind of financial trouble. The menus are now just one sheet and the goat cheese on my chicken tasted cheap and bland. Not a good sign!
I had an apple at home for dessert.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 45
I woke up later than I would have liked on Wednesday, so no breakfast.
For lunch, I went with Dan and Marie to Sushi Thai and had shrimp spicy basil with rice, miso soup, a tempura banana, and unsweetened iced tea (caffeine).
I had a couple of Cokes (sugar/caffeine) during my work meetings.
For dinner, I had a Wendy's burger with chili and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). For dessert, I had an apple.
For lunch, I went with Dan and Marie to Sushi Thai and had shrimp spicy basil with rice, miso soup, a tempura banana, and unsweetened iced tea (caffeine).
I had a couple of Cokes (sugar/caffeine) during my work meetings.
For dinner, I had a Wendy's burger with chili and a Dr Pepper (sugar/caffeine). For dessert, I had an apple.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Weight Thing: Day 44
I had a breakfast sandwich from Wendy's and a cup of sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar) in the morning. The combo came with a muffin. I didn't eat the muffin.
For lunch, I went to Panera with Dan and Marie for a turkey sandwich and an apple, with sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar).
For dinner, I had leftover pizza and root beer.
For lunch, I went to Panera with Dan and Marie for a turkey sandwich and an apple, with sweet iced tea (caffeine/sugar).
For dinner, I had leftover pizza and root beer.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Obama team member plays WoW
I don't know whether to be amused or terrified:
http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/50070
"We've got a crisis in Tehran! Get a statement ready!"
"Sure, just as soon as I finish this daily quest."
http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/50070
"We've got a crisis in Tehran! Get a statement ready!"
"Sure, just as soon as I finish this daily quest."
Short Attention Span Review: "Heroes" 12/1
I've about hit rock-bottom with this show, despite wanting to like it a lot.
I hated the pointless chase to the grocery store, the fact that none of the employees or customers seemed to notice (or, if they noticed, REACT to) the bleeding person in the middle of the aisle, and that the stockroom in back was conveniently unoccupied during business hours. That was just lazy storytelling.
I hated the Seth Green/Breckin Meyer choragos nonsense.
I couldn't care less about the South American Petrelli subplot.
I wish they had let Claire die.
I'm glad they killed off Elle.
I hated the pointless chase to the grocery store, the fact that none of the employees or customers seemed to notice (or, if they noticed, REACT to) the bleeding person in the middle of the aisle, and that the stockroom in back was conveniently unoccupied during business hours. That was just lazy storytelling.
I hated the Seth Green/Breckin Meyer choragos nonsense.
I couldn't care less about the South American Petrelli subplot.
I wish they had let Claire die.
I'm glad they killed off Elle.
The Weight Thing: Day 43
Breakfast was hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin on Monday.
I went to lunch at Sushi Thai with Dan and Marie. I had miso soup, spicy basil beef and white rice, and unsweetened iced tea (caffeine).
For dinner, I had a few slices of pizza, a couple of breadsticks, and an apple.
I went to lunch at Sushi Thai with Dan and Marie. I had miso soup, spicy basil beef and white rice, and unsweetened iced tea (caffeine).
For dinner, I had a few slices of pizza, a couple of breadsticks, and an apple.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Short Attention Span Review: "Atonement"
I watched the first ten minutes and decided I lacked the stamina for the full slog, even to get to the inspired "tracking shot" that got so much attention when the movie came out. It just didn't engage me at all.
Worst. Pirates. EVER!
Can't even catch a lumbering cruise liner:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/12/01/pirates.cruise.ship/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/12/01/pirates.cruise.ship/index.html
Thanks for the heads-up!
CNN reports today that we've been in a recession since December 2007.
Apparently, this is news to them.
The rising gas prices, collapsing housing market, jumping unemployment numbers, and shaky financial institutions clued me in much earlier.
Apparently, this is news to them.
The rising gas prices, collapsing housing market, jumping unemployment numbers, and shaky financial institutions clued me in much earlier.
The Weight Thing: Day 42
Karen has departed for an assignment in Tennessee. So, I'm on my own for food!
For lunch on Sunday I had leftover chicken wings and a Coke (sugar/caffeine). For dinner, I had a couple of turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise and mustard, and a black cherry creme soda to drink.
Had some apples, cheese, and yogurt for snacking.
For lunch on Sunday I had leftover chicken wings and a Coke (sugar/caffeine). For dinner, I had a couple of turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise and mustard, and a black cherry creme soda to drink.
Had some apples, cheese, and yogurt for snacking.
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