From a Whisper to a Scream

A Few Moments from Karaoke Night

2012-02-14T23:01:00.001-05:00

Here's a few minutes from the Karaoke Fundraiser I emceed on 2/11:

Japanese Baseball Geniuses

2012-02-13T20:31:00.000-05:00

Over the last number of years, there have been a number of Japanese ball players who've managed to command millions of dollars just for the privilege of having a conversation with them about possibly signing a contract to play for an American ball club.

Once they receive this bounty, they often negotiate a contract guaranteed them many, many more millions of dollars. Then, for the most part, they end up being sub par players not worth any of the money they've been paid.

So, what's the deal? there are probably several factors that apply in some combination but in a nutshell, the game in Japan is different, it look the same for the most part, but it's different enough (structure of ball parks, pace, etc.) that stats alone are misleading.

So I find this interesting in that I am constantly complaining about how I hate that professional sports has become more of a business than a sport then here I allude to the less than business savvy of the same folks.

Stuff

2012-02-12T22:16:00.001-05:00

Grammys-still on, some good moments so far. LL is a class act, Bruce rocked it, Bruno kicked it, Foo Fighters killed, I won't even talk of the crap.

Karaoke-Last night's fundraiser was awesome; I'll post some video and/or audio soon.

Volbeat-Tori turned me on to them earlier this year and I loved the one album I heard; I have three more en-route via Secondspin.com; I can't wait.

Pot Luck- I made a large Chicken and Orzo Fritatta for tomorrow's pot luck at work. If that sounds delicious to you, I'm fairly certain I've posted the recipe on this blog, just use the search feature.

RIP Whitney

2012-02-11T23:31:00.001-05:00

I'm just back from a spectacular karaoke night fundraiser and ready to talk about how great it was and how tired I am right now after teaching for 5 hours this morning then working on this fundraiser - I turn on the computer and the first headline I see is Whitney Houston is dead...I thought if I was going to be speechless it would be because I have nothing of a voice left but this too is pretty nuts. I know some may say it's not surprising, perhaps that's true, but when someone just about your age only a billion times richer and more famous dies, it stops you in your tracks. RIP.

(another) Untitled Post

2012-02-10T21:43:00.001-05:00

I feel the winds of change as they blow through my life
Bitter moments, sure
Sweet moments - all that matter

Everywhere I've been thus far
and Everyone I've met
All that makes me who I am
No point in regret

The breeze right now has calmed itself to a subtle whisper
There's a longing, a desire, a hope
There are still distances and challenges to conquer

I've begun to find some balance
But there's still a significant void
I know you're out there somewhere
I think I might even know where

Can you hear me?

How to Fix Professional Sports

2012-02-09T23:10:00.002-05:00

I may have ranted on this at one time or another, but the most frustrating thing for me about professional sports is the idea that the number one priority isn't sportsmanship, it's business and the almighty dollar. I know it will never change - but it's changed the game in so many ways and 100% for the worse.

If it were up to me, there would be no long term contracts allowed and especially no guaranteed giant salaries. There would be a base salary structure, that all players are guaranteed. This base would be multi-tiered and only increase based on years of service. And, it wouldn't be in the millions either, I am thinking somewhere in the 100k for rookies to perhaps top off at 250k for the eldest of veterans.

All other earnings would be performance based and level across all teams and markets in the league. A rate for batting average, hits, RBI's, HR's, etc. A similar performance based structure for pitchers and fielding bonuses based on lowest number of errors across the league.

Using such a system puts all teams on the same playing field economically and the talent pool can be spread more equitably across the league instead of the current system which favors the teams with the largest bankroll. The incentive based pay would be motivation for the players to actually play the game instead of sit on the bench for a fake injury and still get paid bazillions for zero contribution.

I can dream if I want to.

The End of House

2012-02-08T22:11:00.002-05:00

It was announced today that the current season, its eighth, will be the last. I've watched this show since the start and still love it. I find the writing and in particular, the characterizations to be stellar. If you think about it, the storyline in its skeletal form is identical in every episode - however, the characters are written so well along with the occasional twists that every moment is as compelling as the last.

While his series introduced me to the genius of Hugh Laurie, I've since seen some of his prior work. Of particular note is the series "Jeeves & Wooster" in which Laurie co-stars with Stephen Fry - a treasure for sure.

I'm curious to see whether Laurie might return to TV or focus on the big screen. Sad to see such a great show end but at least it never sold out (in my opinion).

Beignet Magic (Pictures Not Included)

2012-02-07T18:38:00.002-05:00

Sunday afternoon, Vickie and I were hanging around killing time before the super bowl and because I occasionally like to come up with cool dad ideas, I said to her, "how about I make some beignets?" "Dad, you always come up with good ideas!" So off I went to get the deep fryer heating up some oil while I carefully mixed the beignet dough, then even more carefully rolled out and cut the dough.

First batch of four come out, quite excellently, I pull one out without sugar for me then liberally shake the powdered sugar on the other three for Victoria which she enjoys while I get the next batch in the fryer.

Next batch comes out and I pull out the powdered dark cocoa (unsweetened) and sprinkle a dash on a naked beignet fresh out of the oil while I add it to the powdered sugar for Vickie's batch and we enjoy while I get the last batch in the fryer.

This is where I go all genius on this dessert; magic if you will. By this time, Vickie wanted a breather and went into the living room to sit down. I pull the last batch from the fryer and get this idea to cut one of the beignets in half, lengthwise, then place a scoop if ice cream in the middle, serving it as an ice cream sandwich. Of course, I put powdered sugar on it then placed a dollop of whipped cream on the plate for dipping and presented it to my child for which she referred to me as a dessert genius insisting I open some sort of cafe.

Fun quality father daughter time before the super bowl.

Mixed Bag

2012-02-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld is a jerk.
I am not going to watch the Academy Awards this year.
I wasn't planning to watch the Grammy's until I heard that Adele will be singing.
I'll be making a giant Fritatta for next Monday's pot luck at work.

Regarding the not surprising horror show that was Madonna's super bowl half-time performance, it was one of the worst ever. I've been a fan of Madonna's recorded music but have always resented her for not singing live. I think it's wrong when any artist lip syncs and at the very least feel taht it should be mandated by law that if the artist plans to lip sync, there should be a prominent warning before tickets are sold.

Ohh...brain i giving out...sory for the pathetic-ih posts of late.

Disappointed, but Moving Past It

2012-02-05T22:55:00.003-05:00

I felt immense disappointment at the Patriots loss in the Super Bowl but as my daughter reminded me, "it's just a game". Eli Manning cemented his legend while I must say, as much as I hate too, Tom Brady distanced himself from his.

I'm going to remain brief here - there's not much more that can be said. I offer heartfelt congratulations to the New York Giants, especially the great Eli Manning. Good night.

The Big Game

2012-02-04T22:17:00.001-05:00

There so much anticipation and press surrounding the super bowl tomorrow and I too am filled with anticipation. This is one of those games where I can't wait - everything indicates that it should be a terrific game and that is what I am hoping for. I want the Pats to win but I also want a great game, something that the sport can be proud of, something that can serve as a great example of sportsmanship.

I have a great deal of respect for this NY Giants team, especially Eli Manning but there is so much riding on a Pats win and being a fan, I just want my team to edge out the competition.

Be happy and healthy, be safe, have a great time and may it be a great game.

Annie's Post

2012-02-03T22:27:00.002-05:00

I have a friend from high school, Annmarie. Just under a year and a half ago, her husband died after a painful battle with cancer. Today, she wrote a post on Facebook that I found very moving and I thought I would share it with you here:

* * * * * * * * * *

My Wedding Band
by Annmarie Clyne-Fowler

Its been 17 months since my soul mate was called Home by God. Johnny and I had an amazing life together! We laughed, we cried, we loved, we fought, we cuddled, we were a family, we loved our family, we made a family out of our closest friends, we raised children and puppies together, we shared our faith, our love, our lives with each other for most of my life.

Been dealing with being alone. I am not alone, I am surrounded by love, my family, my friends, my kids, my puppies but still feel alone sometimes. Just a season I must walk alone but still surrounded by the love of those still here and of all my angels in heaven. Tis a strange season.

I moved my wedding band to my right hand, still wearing Johnny's around my neck. I am a widow now Wedding band, on right hand, left hand, in a drawer, on a chain - it doesn't matter - I may be a widow but in my heart I am still married. Where my wedding band is doesn't matter, where my heart is does.
It really is strange, I am not legally married anymore, I have a new title being bantered around town of the "young widow", I am not yet single, just separated from my soul mate by death. A strange, weird, lonely, sad season of my life but tis a season. A journey I must walk alone for God has a reason I am going thru this season.

My wedding band is glistening on my right hand, reminding me of all the love and awe that I had from Johnny and still have. It is a reminder to me that God is wonderful and good. God lent Johnny to me and for that I am eternally grateful.

My wedding band is my strength, a symbol that love is true and that love is eternal. My wedding band gives me hope that one day I may be able to love again....not ever like my love with Johnny.that was a once in a lifetime love....but love is a gift from God and I know Johnny wants me to love again....
Tis a season of my wedding band.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rough day at the Office

2012-02-02T22:18:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those days where the coworker that always does annoying things that you just let slide or blow off ticks you the wrong way and aggravates you to the point where the blood starts boiling and you just need to let off the steam before it negatively affects your health (I recognize this is not perfectly written but I just need to get this crap out of me).

This coworker has over 20 years at the college and is 60 something, has two masters degrees and has eh same job title and job description as I however, is clearly not capable of doing the job any longer. I suffer because on top of my own work load, I need to clean up his mistakes and often take on projects he's clearly incapable of.

BREATHE....

On a positive note, it wasn't all that bad a day otherwise and I must say that simply having full-time employment and a job that for the most part I love is something I am grateful for.

R.I.P. Don Cornelius

2012-02-01T21:50:00.001-05:00

Soul Train was how I learned about "urban" music, it was the perfect complement to American Bandstand and for a kid that was totally obsessed with music, it's one of the things looking back that made growing up when I did special.

I know that Don Cornelius has been in poor health in recent years but to hear that he took his own life made me very sad.

I don't know much about the person Cornelius was but I know that he entertained me and helped build the foundation for the music that I have always loved and is such an essential part of my life.

Expectations

2012-01-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

A student came into the computer lab today, she was a mature adult, not a kid, and very hyper and far more computer illiterate than I feel should be acceptable. I could understand needing a bit of help navigating specific technologies such as Blackboard (the learning management system) and PeopleSoft (the student information system software) but when I suggested she email her teacher about a question specific to her class, she actually responded, "how do I do that?"

Is is wrong for me to think that is is not acceptable for someone whose registered into an allied health program at an accredited college should know how to do something as basic as send an email? And, if not, that this person should not yet qualify to take college level courses until this basic skill (and all basic skills) are up to par?

I really did try to be as helpful as I could but the other real road block that I found frustrating here is that the students was so hyper and put off by her inabilities instead of being honest about them and expressing a desire to learn. It was as if it was my fault that she was unable to accomplish these basic tasks and even while I was trying to be helpful, she seemed, well, upset with me for some reason.

This was a very troubling transaction and I am not quite sure how to process it.

How to Get Concert Tickets (The Hard Way)

2012-01-30T22:25:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday morning was the first of an 8 week class I am teaching from 8:30 am until 1:30 pm. I took on this class, as well as another similar Saturday class in the 8 week that follow this one after my colleague had to drop out of teaching them due to illness and I mostly said yes, because I really need the extra money.

What I was unaware of at the time I said yes to teaching this schedule is that tickets for the new Bruce Springsteen tour would be on sale at 10:00 am the first Saturday of class; a dilemma for sure. I did what had to be done, the right thing, and I told my students at the start of class that we would have to break just before 10 am so that I could get Bruce Springsteen tickets and that would make me happy and benefit everyone :)

Now, the day before, my friend Linda's son Joe had emailed her saying that he had a connection, the something something of a friend or someone who worked at the venue and would get tickets in a good spot for the same face value. Linda asked if I wanted in and for me, it just felt that there would be too many channels and hoops to jump through making getting these "sure thing" tickets less of a sure thing than they appeared. I thanked her (and him, through her) but insisted I needed to hit the Ticketmaster site on my own to do my best to ensure I get tickets.

So just before 10:00 am, the class breaks and I get Ticketmaster up on three separate devices, sure enough, at the strike of 10, I put in my request for tickets on all three computers and then waited as Ticketmaster simmered. Before 10:05, all three devices came back apologizing to me for no tickets that met my request were available...a sell out in under five minutes. Now, I won't use this post to complain about how unfair Ticketmaster is or how even more unfair and what should be illegal companies like Ace Tickets, legal storefront scalpers, piss me off but needless to say, I turned down "sure thing" tickets and failed to get my own.

Immediately, while it was still break time, I messaged Joe, Linda's son, pleading to him that if there was still time to include me and get a ticket for me, to do so and then I messaged my friend Mike, a fell Springsteen fanatic who I knew was attempting to get tickets, asking if he may have an extra. In the meantime, I needed to get past this and get back to teaching.

Later on, during the lunch break, I went back online and to see if there was an answer from either Joe or Mike, none. I went back to Ticketmaster to try again, sometimes that happens, not this time, still no tickets. However, I noticed there was a show scheduled in Albany, NY and tix were going on sale at noon (minutes away). Knowing were were on lunch break, without guilt, I prepared the computers for an attempt and sure enough, I secured tickets to see "The Boss" in Albany, an approximate three hour drive from home; but at least, I had tickets and I would be seeing my favorite for a twelfth time. Also good, the concert is on a day I already have off from work so I'll take the road trip in the early afternoon and perhaps check a little out the capital city of the state I was born in.

With the comfort of having tickets, I will continue to troll Craigslist where I have had success as a concert date nears, and people with ticket who had actually hope to go, can no longer attend for some reason and are willing to part with their tickets either at face value or below. If indeed I do get local tickets less expensively, I will try to sell the Albany tickets and if I can't, worse case I go see him again. Either way, I can't wait to see Bruce Springsteen...again!

What the....?

2012-01-29T21:47:00.004-05:00

UPDATE: Before I hit "PUBLISH" to make this post go live, I had this notion that I must've already posted this crazy photo because I took it some time ago. I did look around for a bit and couldn't find the post so I just went with it. This morning, I had a closer idea around the time frame of the original post and sure enough, I posted it on November 25th. So, call it a senior moment, call it raising awareness, call it whatever - either way - here it is again.

I know, it's unsettling for some reason. Think about how unsettling just the photograph is and then think about how odd it was to get to work one morning around 7:15 am and see this pair of stockings just laying there on the stairs near the entrance.

I have no idea how it got there but sadly, I see something like this and the first thought is always a bad one followed by a hope that the thought is wrong and nobody was hurt or was forced to do anything against their will.

Very odd!

One Minute in the Classroom

2012-01-28T21:55:00.002-05:00

Today was the first meeting of my accelerated class. There were 9 student on the roster but I am pretty sure that only seven will return (1 was out sick, I had to drop her from the course).

I decided to use a story that Tori told on FB yeaterday as an icebreaker - it was funny but at 8:35am, it was met much more with confusion than laughter.

Here's a link to a brief audio clip (approx. 1 min.): Audio Cip

2012-01-27T22:48:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow morning I return to the traditional classroom setting for the first time since last spring as I am teaching an 8-week accelerated course both in the first and second half of the semester (in addition to my two online sections).

I am not thrilled about getting up "early" on Saturday as it is typically the only day of the week I didn't have an alarm clock wake me, that won't be true for most of the next few months. The good thing is that most students who sign up for the Saturday morning class are pretty motivated and, the money is already spent on dental work to come.

Bruce Springsteen tix go on sale at 10am tomorrow; this makes me nervous because I have to strategically plan my class break to attempt to get tix for what will be the 12th time I see the boss - wish me luck on getting tix!

Bungee Jumping

2012-01-26T23:09:00.000-05:00

I wrote this poem back in 1992. I had never actually bungee jumped but not for lack of having gone to bungee jump; once that is. It was me and a few neighborhood folks we drove down to Coney Island where we heard there was going to be bungee jumping. We get there only to discover the jump closed because at another jump site n the Midwest, operated by the same company, was closed earlier in the day due to a bungee cord accident that killed a jumper.

While never jumping myself, I wanted to capture the emotions I felt and had imagined after seeing a friends videotape of his recent jump and encapsulating the expressions and sounds of his and other jumps I had seen on video. I also wanted to try to express the bungee jump as a metaphor for moving on. This is what I came up with:

Looking down at forever
From a mile up in the sky
A leap into the future
In the blink of an eye
Not a single thought of tomorrow
Just a hard look at where you’ve been
Only your soul can describe
The frame of mind you’re in
Then like a flash of lightning
Your whole life passes by
The pieces of the past
Have fallen from the sky
And now the thrill is over
And your spirit has run free
So dream into forever
And live your fantasy

©1992 Christopher Daniele

Stuff to Shoot the Breeze About

2012-01-25T22:22:00.003-05:00

An astonishing 6 months in advance, my travel plans are all set for my return to the city of New Orleans in July for the Blackboard World 2012 conference.
First leg of the North American tour for Bruce Springsteen announced and he'll be in my neck of the woods on March 26th. Tix on sale this Saturday at 10am - which makes things a bit tricky for me since I am teaching a class Saturday morning from 8:30am-12:30 (or is it 1:30?) - I guess I know when I'll be calling a break :)
I planned on going to bed at 9pm tonight, here I am at 10:15 not doing anything meaningful and clearly, not asleep.
I received a check in the mail for $18.04 as part of a "Foreign Currency Fee Litigation Settlement Fund".
After years of desiring one, I finally ordered a Vitamix! Can't wait for it to arrive.
I've got this crazy desire to try out Zumba.
Closing in on 500 consecutive days of exercise (I'll brag about it when I am there).

I Don't Care About This

2012-01-24T22:58:00.001-05:00

I don't really care much about the Oscar's. In particular, I find Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorcese overrated and they both irk me. George Lucas is another loser and Star Wars is the most overrated, over hyped thing in history. The original films were impressive in their time but none of them hold up anymore and the the more recent ones were amongst the worst displays of film making and writing in motion picture history.

I don't particularly care about the "Occupy" movement; it's a failure and every day out there in the tents in another day those people use as an excuse not to look for a job or work on their job skills.

I don't care about the republican candidates, they are all evil asshats and not a single word out of any of their mouths had made a single drop of sense.

I don't much care about continuing this post because I don't want to take any more time away from that which I do care about.

Spring (Semester) Has Arrived

2012-01-23T22:16:00.004-05:00

Expecting the big crowds that usually go with "opening day" of the semester, I was a but surprised that the head count appeared slimmer than usual. However, my day was not short of frantic phone calls, help desk tickets, students who can't log in, and a host of other common issues in need of resolution. The good news, I didn't at all feel stressed, that makes me happy.

Something that I find a bit unsettling is that the minute someone has a problem, they have no desire to use the tools available to them to solve it on their own. There is some great documentation, FAQ's and other resources that would solve, I would say (at the very least) 60% of the reported issues in the first week of classes without having to wait. Why is it that people won't use these tools? Crazy!

In completely unrelated news, I wanted to offer best wishes and good luck to April and her husband as they venture into creating and operating their own brewery....even more of a reason for me to get back to Arizona some time!

Football Coma

2012-01-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

I'm typing this on my iPad as I sit watching the NFC game, still exhausted from the AFC game where my Pats managed to walk away with a victory; though not a very pretty one.

I'm almost glad the super bowl is two weeks away, I think I'll need that much time to recover from watching these two very draining games.

As I type this, the NFC game is tied at 17 with 4:22 to go.

UPDATE AT 11:12PM

It's official, New England Patriots vs. New York Giants in a rematch from Super Bowl XLII; I only hope the final result is different!

Snow Thrower Season 10

2012-01-21T22:52:00.001-05:00

Today was the first good amount of snow of the season and it was time to break out the snow thrower for it's tenth season of action. As each new season comes, I get a little more frightful at the start hoping the snow thrower will start and work properly to get me through the season.

I'm happy to report that the snow thrower started without a problem and while there were some early kinks (getting it into the right gear in particular), once it warned up and got some use, it did the job quite well.

There was an incident as I was near the street level, which is always more challenging because of the hard, packed down snow piled up from the stupid plows. I was so close to the mailbox, I decided to take a few seconds to get the mail and place it in my coat's inner pocket when a stupid plow driver drove by and nailed me with a giant scoop of disgusting street snow completely drenching the back of my pants and with enough force to almost knock me over.

The darn plows are supposed to be working to make our lives easier and safer but in my opinion, accomplish neither. While they plow the street clear, to do so, they inevitably end up blocking our driveways in such a way that our cars cant get over to go out into the clear street; it's stupid and aggravating.

I hope all of you with snow on the ground stay warm and safe.

And Here We Go Again...Almost

2012-01-20T22:22:00.002-05:00

At our college, there's something awrty with the timing and as such, our spring semester beings on Monday the 23rd. So, today was the last quiet-ish day before the first week (or two) insanity ensues (yet again).

My teaching schedule is amped up a bit this semester with two additional courses. While the workload will be greater, it'll help pay for the dental work I need to get this year. Also, they are half semster courses on Saturday mornings so while I'll have four total sections, I'll never be teaching more than three at the same time (though one is accelerated so twice as many assignments to grade in the same time).

I am planning on visitng hte Boston Wine Expo tomorrow. I've been itching for a Vitamix for a million years and the Northeast sales rep is demo-ing the product there and has a good value available, plus he's paying for my admission to the wine expo.

Looks like the college is going to book my July conference travel early, which is cool, pretty much an assurance that I get approved to go. New Orleans, get out the welcome (back) mat! Anyone that reads this planning to be in or near NOLA July 9-13?

New Boss

2012-01-19T22:50:00.001-05:00

"We Take Care of Our Own" is the first single off the forthcoming album by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The album, "Wrecking Ball' is slated for a March 6th release - can't wait to see him live for the 12th time!

"Thank You"

2012-01-18T19:23:00.000-05:00

I went to the market after work to pick up a few items and at the checkout, as ususal in this store, there was a person bagging. After I had paid up and and began to wheel the cart of bags away, I did what I usually do and said "thank you for bagging" to the bagger. What happened next was unusual, and disturbing.

Another shopper who had been passing by and heard me, very loudly asked me, "What are you thanking him for, he was just doing his job?" At first I was a bit stunned and didn't say anything but then I saw the person who said it shaking his head and I couldn't hold back. "Why should that make any difference? What's wrong with expressing gratitude to someone?" Then, the jerk loudly whispered, "What an ass."

It took everything I could muster up to not express my anger at that idiot and say something back out lound. I am thankful that I chose to let it go, turn again to the bagger and said, "never mind that guy, thanks again and have a good night", then I left.

Saying thank you to people is something I try to always remember. I think it can have a great positive impact on someone to know that what they've done was genuinely appreciated.

Waiting

2012-01-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

"The secret of your beauty
And the mystery of your soul
I've been searching for in everyone I meet
And the times I've been mistaken
It's impossible to say
And the grass is growing
Underneath our feet"
So many interpretations. So many thoughts. So many hopes for what could be. There may be distance and challenges that stand between, but none insurmountable.The infinite loneliness one must be burdened with in the interim is a small price to pay - or ist it?

Eyes are closed thoughts on overdrive, dreams begin. Will I wake?

Braised Hoisin Beer Short Ribs

2012-01-16T16:36:00.000-05:00

Back in 2006, I posted a recipe for Beef Short Ribs that's quite delicious. Since that time, I came across another delicious recipe for beef short ribs that I've made a few times, most recently this past Saturday night and I thought I would share this recipe with you; I am certain you will love it.

Braised Hoisin Beer Short Ribs

Recipe courtesy Dave Lieberman

Ingredients

For the ribs:

3 pounds beef short ribs, about 10 ribs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 to 12 garlic cloves smashed
1-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
12 ounces good ale (recommended: Bass)
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 cup hoisin sauce
Creamy Mashed Yukons, recipe follows
Sesame Snow Peas, recipe follows

Directions

Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot with a lid (Dutch oven) over high heat. Brown the ribs on all sides, in batches if necessary. Remove the ribs and pour off all but a couple tablespoons of the rendered fat.

Return the pot to the stove, lower the heat to medium and saute the garlic and ginger for about 3 minutes. Add the ribs back to the pot. Add the beer and the vinegar. Stir and then cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Pour the hoisin sauce over the ribs, move the pot to the oven, and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Remove ribs and ginger from sauce. Strain fat from the top of the pot so that you're left with just the good stuff.

12 Minutes

2012-01-15T20:43:00.002-05:00

Saturday, I did something I had never done before and while I am proud of it, it is something that most folks wouldn't even consider an accomplishment. During my treadmill workout this Saturday, I did a 12 minute mile - previously, my fastest mile was 13 minutes and again, while this is no rocket speed, it's a major accomplishment for me.

Now, I'm not in training for a marathon thing, nor am I attempting to hit some kind of running goal, I am just trying to stay fit, learn about my body and occasionally test my abilities. I've worked really hard these last 15 months and when I hit that 5 MPH button on the treadmill, it wasn't my first thought to bang out at least a mile at that speed. However, after the first quarter mile at that speed, I set a goal to go for the mile and actually did abbot a mile and a quarter; by that time I had been near 30 minutes on the treadmill and finished the workout with 2.25 miles in around 30 minutes, which includes my warm up and cool down.

Oh well, here's to exercise :)

Yay Pats!

2012-01-14T23:50:00.001-05:00

I was looking forward to watching the Pats game and had planned a nice dinner with a few friends in preparation. MY friend Linda and her husband Bill came over for dinner and to watch the game. It was a long time coming, having them over. Linda has had me at the house many times over the years on holidays when I would otherwise have spent those days alone and its always a good time there.

I had planned to do Braised Hoisin Short Ribs, a dish I've made a few times and is delicious. I did an interesting starch though, it was a twice baked potato with crab meat; a recipe I got from Emeril via the Food Network website, it was super delicious and quite beautiful. the meal started with a simple, yet elegant and delightful salad of Arugula and Baby Spinach with cherry tomatoes that were seasoned with salt, pepper and oregano and some orange supremes- all topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For dessert, I made home made mocha chip ice cream and served it with apple pie and some whipped cream. The entire meal was killer and all was topped off with a fabulous victory by the New England Patriots.

Great job by everyone!

Earn Big Money!!!

2012-01-13T21:01:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how to respond to this article I read entitled "TSA Makes $400,000 Annually in Loose Change." I can tell you now that the most irritating part is what the TSA does with the money - here's the article, read, enjoy, comment, what have you:

"NBC reports that airport travelers left behind $409,085.56 in loose change at security checkpoints in 2010, providing an additional source of funding for the Transportation Security Administration. 'TSA puts (the leftover money) in a jar at the security checkpoint, at the end of each shift they take it, count it, put it in an envelope and send it to the finance office,' says TSA spokesperson Nico Melendez. 'It is amazing. All that change, it all adds up.' Melendez adds that the money goes into the general operating budget for TSA that is typically used for technology, light bulbs or just overall general expenses. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) has introduced legislation that would direct the TSA to transfer unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to the United Service Organizations (USO), a private nonprofit that operates centers for the military at 41 U.S. airports. The recovered change is not to be confused with the theft that occurs when TSA agents augment their salary by helping themselves to the contents of passengers' luggage as it passes through security checkpoints. For example in 2009, a half dozen TSA agents at Miami International Airport were charged with grand theft after boosting an iPod, bottles of perfume, cameras, a GPS system, a Coach purse, and a Hewlett Packard Mini Notebook from passengers' luggage as travelers at just this one airport reported as many as 1,500 items stolen, the majority of which were never recovered."

Condolences

2012-01-12T22:12:00.000-05:00

I must first offer condolences to Sprizee and her husband and their family and the sudden passing of her brother-in-law at the very young age of 40. Please keep their family in your thoughts.

This is one of those times where I can't help but take a step back and try to express how grateful I am to have the people in my life who I care about and can't help but want to hug every one and let everyone know how important they are to me.

My heart is heavy for the family who must grieve this loss.

Mom and Dad

2012-01-11T22:18:00.001-05:00

I came across these two photos which made me smile and think of my folks. I've been parentless for more than 15 years and I still miss them very much.

This first one was obviously their wedding day, December 10th, 1955.

This picture was taken during Christmas season of 1958, the Jan 1959 imprint up top indicates when the photo was developed. My mom was pregnant with my brother who was born in March of 1959.

Looking at the Year Ahead

2012-01-10T22:28:00.001-05:00

In 2012:

I will have been at my current job for 14 years.
I will spend more money than I want to on dental work (pretty necessary stuff, not vanity stuff).
My daughter will begin high school (in September).
There's going to be a presidential election.
One more day than usual to make something happen (2/29/2012).
Facebook will likely make changes that will piss off most of its user base on at least two occasions.
I will probably need to replace my current cell phone.
I'll hopefully have some opportunities to meet a few folks and reconnect with some folks and maybe, just maybe find a little bit more of what I'm looking for - whatever that may be.

Vestry Goodbye

2012-01-09T22:59:00.003-05:00

My term on the vestry at my church ends as of our parish annual meeting on February 5th, which made tonight my last vestry meeting. As March will be my ten year anniversary as a parishioner, I've spent pretty much all ten years in service to the church in some capacity or another, the last four years as a vestry member.

With the exception of a commitment I've made to complete the technology upgrade and serve in a consulting capacity for technology, I plan to spend at least one full year being "just" a parishioner. I think this will give me time to recharge and put the work I've done, some of the very difficult decisions I had to be involved in, the successes and the failures all into context and also to see the church from the perspective of the parishioner and just the parishioner.

I've learned a lot serving on the vestry and have worked with some great people, sat in on some great think tank sessions and been a part of some great experiences. I'm so grateful for all of it but I am very much looking forward to spending more time getting my personal house in order.

Abrupt ending.

Brand New Opinion

2012-01-08T20:34:00.003-05:00

I've put out my share of negative vibes about Russell Brand. While I still think he's kind of greasy looking, I recently took the time to listen to a long form interview he did with the great Marc Maron.

I have to say I found Brand a rather interesting story teller and his life rather interesting. Also, he openly admits to his past addictions and his work in recovery and has also done a commendable job using his celebrity to help others.

I don't know that I am a fan, I've not much enjoyed any of his stand-up comedy nor have I found him compelling in his film work but that just means he's not my cup of tea...it seems to me he's making a concerted effort to be a decent human being and I can't find any fault in that.

Christmas Ends

2012-01-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

The official end of Christmas, The Epiphany, was yesterday which made it okay for me to take down the tree today. Not that I was itching to take down the tree, I had grown quite fond of it, but the last pickup for trees in this Monday and I had some time this morning - so I went for it.

I was at the "Christmas Tree Shoppe" earlier and bought a bottle of sugar-free vanilla syrup. A couple of teaspoons of this in my caffeine-free diet coke and it's a kick back to the days of old - yummy Vanilla Coke (only now, sugar and caffeine free).

I also took a stroll through Bed Bath and Beyond looking for bargains and found a cute little alarm clock for my daughter to take to her mom's house, where she's been using the alarm on her cell phone.

I'm not going to spend too much time talking about how great the weather has been because I don't want to jinx it but I do want to thank whom or what ever is responsible, even if it is global warming.

Travel Plans? Have any of you made any travel plans for 2012? How about travel wish list? For me, I'm scheduled to go to a conference in New Orleans in July - hopefully the funding will be there. I'd like to visit the Chicago area, perhaps grab a few days in Vegas, and since this is a wish list, L.A. and or Napa out in Cali.

Time to go watch the second half of the Saints/Lions wild card game.

The Limerick Off

2012-01-06T23:18:00.001-05:00

The challege is to write a limerick from the provided first line. I received 5 first lines and wrote 5 limericks - here they are:

As the New Yearapproaches, men swear

Drink as if their liver doesn’t care

Watch football all day

Eat meals from a tray

And fart into the easy chair

A fellow who justlet it slip

Realized his pants were unzipped
Commando he went
Sadly, pitched a tent
Then screamed when his thing had been ripped

A woman wasplaying with fire

Satisfying a burning desire
She met him for drinks
Then came the hijinks
He found out that she is a crier

A man who wasproud of his clout

So rich there could be no doubt
He ate like a pig
Got bigger than big
He came down with a bad case of gout

A jittery fellownamed Fred

Wanted to take her to bed
But he was old and frail
And his heart soon would fail
And just like that he was dead

Movies I Watched in 2011

2012-01-05T22:18:00.001-05:00

Ratings are based on a 5 star system.

Despicable Me (4.0)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2.5)
Letters to Juliet (4.5)
No Country for Old Men (3.5)
Cold Souls (4.0)
Saw VI (2.5)
Burlesque (5.0)
All About Steve (3.5)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (3.0)
When Stand Up Stood Out (2.5)
A Dog Year (4.0)
127 Hours (2.0)
Due Date (3.5)
Unknown (3.0)
I Love You, Man (3.0)
The Social Network (2.5)
My Sister's Keeper (3.5)
Jack & Jill (3.0)
The Fighter (4.5)
Little Fockers (3.0)
The Invention of Lying (3.0)
Pretty Bird (2.0)
Footloose - Original (3.0)

I also watched the first 7 season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - one of the funniest sitcoms ever.

Reading in 2011

2012-01-04T21:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of the books I read in 2011:

They Call Me baba Booey - Gary Dell'Abate
7th Heaven - James Patterson
In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks - Adam Carolla
The George Carlin Letters: The Permanent Courtship of Sally Wade - Sally Wade
I Was Told There'd be Cake - Sloane Crosley
How Did You Get This Number - Sloane Crosley
Stories I Only Tell My Friends - Rob Lowe
Bossypants - Tina Fey
The Quickie - James Patterson
Life - Keith Richards
Notes From an Accidental Band Geek - Erin Dionne
Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons: Tales of Redemption from an Irish Mailbox - Greg Fitzsimmons
Twelve Sharp - Janet Evanovich
Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life - Steve Almond
Maximum Ride: Schools Out Forever - James Patterson

Back to Work (for a little while)

2012-01-03T22:27:00.001-05:00

Like many folks, I was back to work today after having only worked one of the previous ten days. So, because I didn't want to over-do it, I left early (LOL)...actually, I had a dentist appointment.

Work was not overly eventful, had some things to do that kept me busy until I left but unfortunately, the dentist visit left me with a treatment plan that's $1,000 more than the original one. I was originally planning to get two implants with crowns but in one of the spaces, which exist due to a freaking birth defect, an individual crown can't be made because of shifting - so instead, I need to have a bridge made...Oh, yay. So, I am in for $5,000 over the course of the treatment which is a lot of cash, that I need to bust my ass to come up with over the next year-ish, but the good news - if I weren't having this all done at a dental school, the fee in a private practice would be over $8,000.

Football and Post Season Equality

2012-01-02T10:09:00.000-05:00

First, the teams I want to congratulate and thank for bringing me joy in their victories and post season berths:

The PATS have been my team for the last 13 years and over the last few years, I've grown fonder of the Saints. My big dilemma is if they are forced to face each other in the big dance, but oh, what a game that would be.

Before I go on with this, I did air this out in brief last night and I realize that there really isn't a way to fix this to my liking at least because the real fact I must accept is that first and foremost, the NFL (along with all pro sports) is a for profit business and the fact that it is a "sport" is a very, very distant second. I must accept this fact but I will forever be saddened by it.

Now, for a look at the playoffs

The Wild Card round looks like this:
Bengals vs. Texans: I have no problem with this match up; it's a 9-7 team versus a 10-6 team, pretty fair.
Steelers vs. Broncos: Now I have a problem. The Steelers, as much as they are not on my teams I will ever like list, had a 12-4 record and are somehow being forced to face the Broncos who went 8-8, a .500 team that lost 5 of the first 7 games and the last 3 games of the season.

The fact is, in any professional sports competition, any team can defeat any other team on any given day, there are so many variables that go beyond the odds and anyone who has watched professional sports for a long enough time has seen it happen over and over again. My philosophy is that a team that only won 8 of 16 games should not be given that opportunity against a team that won 12 of 16 games. Back to the games...

Lions vs. Saints: Lions were 10-6, Saints 13-3. I think the Lions this year were better than their record implies but not nearly as good as the Saints, who I think are better than their record implies. While I think it's a fair match up in terms of teams and ability, the saints have a better record than one of the teams and the same record as two of the teams in the following round.
Falcons vs. Giants: Falcons were 10-6 while the Giants were 9-7. Again, pretty comparable records and while I've only seen each team play twice this year, I think they are pretty evenly matched.

Lots of variables for the divisional round but in the AFC, you have games that will feature the PATS vs someone and the Ravens vs. someone and in the NFC, it's the Packers and the 49ers. In a side note, I seem to "hate" the Packers way less now that Brett Favre is long gone. Looking forward to seeing where it all ends up.

And So We Begin Again

2012-01-01T08:41:00.001-05:00

The slate is clean, time for a do-over. Last year, you may have had well intentioned resolutions; you may even have kept up with them for a time. However, as it will, life got in the way and before you knew it, you blew it off and that was that. Of course, you know deep down that you could have just picked up at that point and started over, but you rationed otherwise because let's face it, though well intentioned, you made a choice to not go through with it - whether or not it was a conscious choice.

I know, you're right, life does have a way of interfering with itself and things change. For some of you, maybe circumstances did indeed make your initial resolutions impossible to see through, but it didn't change or affect your ability to make a new resolution. You see, just because we make our initial resolutions with 1/1 in mind, that doesn't mean we can't change them to reflect the moment we are in as the year progresses.

For me, I am proud to say that I continued my exercise through 2011 having exercised every single day of the year regardless of where I was or how I felt. I've managed to maintain my weight through the year and continue to be the lightest I've been as an adult. I'm proud of these accomplishments but as long as I've been keeping it up, I also know that every day is a different challenge and I have to sometimes force myself through - but I take the time to make that conscious effort when I know it is necessary because it is very important to me.

I look forward to this new year and whatever might be in store. Thanks to all of you who read my blog and all the best to you in this new year - may you all prosper in all the ways it's important to you.

News Notes

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

These are all very current news stories:

Verizon - Those asshats wanted to impose a $2 fee for paying your bill online. How f#@&%ng dumb is that! Thankfully, the people spoke and Verizon listened and one day later, has decied to retract the fee which was scheduled to go into effect on January 15th.

Russell Brand/Katy Perry end their marriage - I don't know Russell Brand (much less Katy Perry) but the guy does not present well, as far as I can see - He's quite, greasy! Look, they're both young and I suspect have a few more marriages in them before they settle down.

Samoa - Here's the first paragraph of a current news article: "Today is the day that Samoans will never see.
The tiny South Pacific island is moving west over the international dateline, and its citizens will lose a day of their lives as they jump 24 hours ahead." Intriguing!

Sears to close stores in 2012! Perhaps the first sign the world is ending if I think about what just the name "Sear's" meant when I was a kid. The company is 125 years old and in danger of extinction; ouch!

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis photographed together at Kansas basketball game - That dude Sudeikis is living the life, January Jones, now Olivia Wilde! WOW!

Van Halen announces 2012 tour with David Lee Roth - I say, big freaking deal. I don't bellieve they still ahve enough in them to sustain an entertaining concert event and I know they are far too pretentious to make the tickets be affordable - so, I think I might pass on this one. I've seen them three times, all with Sammy Hagar, who I like much better than Dave.

Finally, a sentence from a story that I'll leave you with to draw your own thoughts, feelings and conclusions: "A 99-year-old Italian man filed for divorce from his 96-year-old wife of 77 years after he found letters from an affair she had 60 years ago."

Two for 2011

2011-12-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

On this penultimate day of the year 2011, I'd like to pay tribute to the two people who in 2011 I consider to be the most inspiring and amazing people of the year.

Number One, is the one and only Radioactive Girl, Tori. If ever there was someone the complete opposite of selfish, Tori is the one. Constantly putting others before herself and proving that there are good people in this world, certainly at least one, Tori is one of a very few people I know that constantly inspires everyone around her to be a better person. Despite adversity, Tori forges on, shoots for the stars and finds a way to reach them - plus, she's just about the best parent I've ever known.

Number two, Matthew Bolduc. At the age of four and a half, Mattie was diagnosed this year with Leukemia. In the seven weeks or so from the time he was diagnosed, Matthew showed everyone what bravery and courage meant and fought with all that he had - and won! Matty won his battle with Leukemia, going into remission in a very short time after treatment; he also won our hearts (not that he hadn't done that already) and taught us all a lesson about overcoming odds, fighting - even when it seems there is so much against your control, and about the power of prayer and love.

Torrie and Matty - you've both made me a better person and the world I walk in a better place; much love to both of you and here's to a great 2012!

"Stupid" Christians

2011-12-28T22:26:00.000-05:00

Because there are "stupid" people, I will clarify this right up front. The title of this post is not meant to imply that all Christians are stupid or that those who choose to be Christians are stupid for that reason. In fact, I myself am a Christian.

Comedian Bill Maher issued a tweet the other day that read, "Wow, Jesus just fucked #TimTebow bad! And on Xmas Eve! Somewhere in hell Satan is tebowing, saying to Hitler "Hey, Buffalo's killing them""
Here's the deal, if you took that as anything other than a joke (note, the job of a comedian is to tell jokes), and, if you mae a big deal out the statement, then I must put you in the category of being a "stupid" Christian.

Lighten up! If you really have any clue about God, you would realize that he has to have a sense of humor so maybe, you should think about getting one also. Now, if you don't think the tweet was funny, that's perfectly fine, comedy is subective but if you think anything else of it, you need to get yourself checked out or get a life - if the most important think you can do with oyur life is to make a big stink over that tweet, you have less than nothing going on in your life.

For the record, I thought that tweet was freaking hilarious!

Waiting for Cars and Watching Saints

2011-12-27T23:04:00.001-05:00

For the second time in less than a month, I killed off hours of my day sitting around waiting for my car to be serviced. The first time involved a tire mishap, Which I posted about here. This time, it was a combination of a general maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) and a recall - which was a somewhat major one. As a result of these maintenance needs, I spent three hours of my morning at Herb Chambers Honda in Westborough, MA. I tried to use my time as wisely as possible - I finished off the book I was reading, futzed around with my iPad and drank coffee.

I DVR'd the Saints/Falcons game from last night and was glad that I did. The Saints have become my second favorite team, right behind the Pats. I especially love to watch the Saints at home, the crowd is freaking electric! Congratulations to Drew Brees on breaking the single season passing yardage record!

Podcast:Adventures in Dessert-Christmas 2011 Edition

2011-12-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

Herein lies a tale of a seemingly ordinary man wishing to bring a home made dessert to a friend's for Christmas and ending up embarking on an expensive adventure that can only be mocked in disbelief. In addition, there's a bit of small talk and soome great music beds.

You can listen right here:

Podcast Powered By Podbean
or go to the Podcast site to download or subscribe via iTunes.

Bad Idea #43971

2011-12-25T01:17:00.002-05:00

Being alone on Christmas Eve. I had the opportunity to make plans, I don't know where I went wrong or why. With the exception of the few hours that my attention was focused on the Patriots game, regardless of how much I worked to keep myself busy, I felt really lonely today (technically, yesterday since I type this after midnight).

I did get some house cleaning done and I baked a cake for Christmas day and finally wrapped my daughter's presents.

Christmas day will be different.

Now Featuring Facial Hair (For a little while, unitl I decide to shave it off again)

2011-12-22T18:56:00.001-05:00

Taken in my office, by my webcam, while I was listening intently to a boring selection of voicemails.

The X Failure

2011-12-22T18:21:00.004-05:00

A few hours ahead of the winner being announce on The X-Factor, I want to officially declare the show a failure. I hope Josh wins, I think he's the best of the three finalists but regardless of who wins, where the ratings for the season ended up, the fact is, the show is a failure.

The show is about finding talent, mentoring that talent, then seeing them through the competition. The focus of the show, for the most part, should be on the contestants but clearly, the egos of the mentors/judges was far too big and dominated the shows to the detriment of the viewers and especially, to the contestants trying to realize their dreams.

If you happened to see The Voice, which premiered last year, this show is similar conceptually only it ended up working because the celebrity mentors put the contestants first, and checked their egos outside the building demonstrating mutual respect for each other and setting a good example to the contestants.

Wah, Wah, Wah

2011-12-20T21:26:00.000-05:00

Email from a student after seeing the grade they earned in my class:

Hi Prof,

l am really surprise about my grade , i am just going crazy right now. lneed to get at list C to move on to next level. Please can you help me bygiving me some assignment to do to get a better grade , even if you want me tocome take final i am ready for it. Please help me, ls really hard for me , ican't even get money to take this class again. l am single mom, struggle to getbetter life and beside i paying for my own tuition. Please help me out and iknow is hard. Thanks

I made it clear after posting the grades that if you wanted todispute or question your grade, that they had to refer to the gradingmethodology on the syllabus and show me their computation before we can moveforeward. So I told the student to re-read the requirement on Blackbaord (theonline classroom) and get back to me. Here't the student's reply:

Hi Prof,

l read what you had on black board , but all i am pleading with you is togive me some assignment to do to boost my grade to C. l even thought i wasgoing to get B in this class. l knew i did good in my Quizzes and the officeassignment and you were even give me 83% . So i don't see why you going to failme at the end of this course. Please help me , am not feeling good right now. lam ready to rewrite the assignment on discussion or take some quizzes again.Thank You!

The student is clearly in a fog - so I replied as follows:

The problem is why did you think you deserved a B? Look at your grades foreach component of the course and do the math - the formula is on the syllabus.There are no surprises here at all - if you are paying any attention at all toyour grades, you would not be surprised in any way, that's why I want you to dothe math and present it with a rationale for why you think the grade is wrong(or realize it is right).

As far as giving you another assignment or additional work, I can't do thatfor you - if I do, I would have to do that for the entire class and everystudent in all of my classes or it would be unethical. The semester is over,the grade reflects the work and effort put in throughout the semester - you hadplenty of opportunities to improve your grades throughout the semester - Iprovided comments throughout on the Discussion boards each time so you canimprove but you didn't seem to follow any of my advice or notes.

There's nothing at this point you can do to improve your grade and I feelunreasonable to ask. If you knew at the start of the semester you had to get atleast a C, then you should have done everything in your power to do work thatreflected the grade you wanted to achieve and monitored your work throughout sothat you could stay on track.

I wish you the best of luck.

Some of these people need a real kick in the arse!!!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

I remember when I was a kid and my dad would prepare his Christmas cards. He at first had a paper list, with all the names and addresses written down and he would work his way down the list, checking off each name, sometimes over the course of a few days, and get the job done.

I remember one day asking him if he would like me to type the list out for him so it would be neater and after getting the go ahead, grabbed the old Royal manual typewriter out and typed away. I remember having to correct typos using this little card you would but between the paper and where the letter struck the page and it wold cover the error with a white dust that you could type the correct character over. Later, "Wite-Out" came along - it was pretty cheesy!

Years later, when I left the flock and lived on my own, I took on the tradition of writing out Christmas cards of my own and followed in my Father's methods of making a neat list, though in the mid 1980's, I had the sophistication of using a computer to maintain the list.

I kept up the tradition of sending Christmas cards until the year I separated from my ex-wife, where things were just awkward and tense. The following year, once the divorce had been final I decided I couldn't afford to send cards out any longer, which kind of still bums me out but money's much tighter with just my income and spending over a hundred bucks to send out cards just has to get dropped from the budget.

There was also a long period of time where Christmas, and holiday's in general were very difficult for me. Not having my parents around has made them so much darker than they ever were, that is, until my daughter came into my life. I've always tried to work hard to make the holiday special for my kid - it's a bit more of a challenge with two households to bounce between but she's a teenager now and is much more aware and flexible.

I just read this back and it seems to have transformed from a neat memory to a therapy session. Regardless, it's in print now. I hope all of you enjoy your Christmas :)

My Cat Likes The Christmas Tree

2011-12-20T19:56:00.002-05:00

Every time I plug in the Christmas tree, my cat stops and stares at it for a while, seemingly mesmerized by the lights and decor; it's super cute to watch his expressions. Plus, he likes to drink from the water well at the base of the tree...LOL!

I don't like the fact that I've got the I want a new cell phone itch and at the same time, my cell phone has been acting a bit flaky. I need to let a little time pass before I get a new cell phone.

I had the chance to watch Tim Tebow play a game this past weekend as the Broncos hosted "my team", the New England Patriots. The kid has some good raw talent that could develop into something fierce. However, when it comes to being on the football field on game day, a little less praying, a little more praying. I'm a Christian, I don't shove my religion down anyone's throat and I don't want anyone to shove theirs down mine. He doesn't come off as religious to me as much as he comes off as insecure and annoying. Play the game on the field, thank God for your talents when you get home.

I'm trying to learn more about the new timeline feature in Facebook before I eventually get switched over automatically, which is what I presume will happen. It scares me because just about every Facebook "upgrade" has sucked.

Enough for now.

The Lucky 33 Meme

2011-12-18T19:44:00.001-05:00

I stole this from a blog whos specializes in steling memes; prefereable stolen ones.

1. Can you cook? Yes, Ihad to learn because I was pretty poor and needed to eat food that didn’trequire a hazmat suit to prepare or dispose of.

2. What was your dreamgrowing up? That a monster would crawl out from under the bed, grab a limbthat may have been unprotected by the blanket, and drag me into the world ofmonsters and evil.

3. What talent do you wishyou had? I wish I could play piano, or any musical instrument.

4. Favorite place? Ofthe places I’ve been, Northern California is pretty hard to beat, though PrinceEdward Island was quite special as well. That Hawaii has its special spots aswell.

5. Favorite vegetable?I haven’t met too many veggies I don’t like though I’m not sure I’d beheartbroken if Okra suddenly disappeared.

6. What was the last bookyou read? Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life, by Steve Almond.

7. What zodiac sign areyou? Sagittarius, not that it matters.

8. Any Tattoos and/orPiercings? No. I did once have an earring in my right ear and there aretraces of a piercing hole still there but otherwise, no.

9. Worst Habit? Attemptingintrospection in search of my worst habit.

10. Do you personally knowanybody on Blog? Who wrote this question? I know many bloggers – does thatcount?

11. What is your favoritesport? Baseball and Football

12. Negative or Optimisticattitude? Somewhere in between?

13. What would you do ifyou were stuck in a lift (elevator) with someone of the opposite sex? Askher which of us should use our cell phone to initiate a rescue then make smalltalk. After about an hour, I may try to convince her that this might be the endand perhaps some elevator sex might make it less horrific.

14. Worst thing to everhappen to you? Being mugged at gunpoint or knife point were pretty horriblebut I gotta say, not listening to the doctor who insisted I take the prescribednarcotics at a specific time post-surgery and ended up in so much pain that I consciouslyconsidered hacking off my own leg to stop the pain.

15. Tell me one weird factabout you: I can write on a chalk board with both hands simultaneously –forward with my right hand and in revers with my left.

16. Do you have any pets?Yes, my cat Oliver.

17. Do you know how to dothe Macarena? Maybe, I’m sure it isn’t pretty and I may screw it up if youpressured me to do it alone.

18. Is the sun shiningwhere you are now? Not particularly.

19. Do you think clowns arecute or scary? Yes, I do.

20. If you could change onething about how you look, what would it be? Nicer teeth.

21. Would you be my goodangel or bad angel? Depends on the moment and the mood.

22. What color eyes do youhave? Brown

23. Ever been married?Yes, I was a one time.

24. Bottle or Draft? Draft

25. If you won £10,000today, what would you do with it? After getting over the shock of winning abounty in England, where I’ve never been, I’d probably convert the pounds toAmerican dollars and put half aside for my kid’s education, donate apercentage, then, of the remainder, save half and have fun with half.

26. What kind of bubble gumdo you prefer to chew? Orbit, Sugar-Free

27. What's your favoritebar to hang at? Not much of a barfly at this point in my life.

28. Do you believe inghosts? Yes, though it might be more accurate to say I don’t disbelieve inthem.

29. Favorite thing to do inyour spare time? I love spending time with friends and hanging out with mydaughter (while she still lets me hang out with her).

30. Do you swear a lot?Not as much as I once did but probably more than I should.

31. Biggest pet peeve? Theonly time I have a hard time rattling off pet peeves is when I am asked what mypet peeve’s are. That being said, it really drives me bananas when people don’tuse their turn signal while driving.

32. In one word, how wouldyou describe yourself? Affable.

33. In two words, how wouldyou describe yourself? Caring friend.

COOCNCFUUPSYED

2011-12-18T14:55:00.001-05:00

The Occupy Movement - Confusion at best.
I consider myself on the liberal side of the fence and am supportive of the right of tax paying American citizen to protest in this country. However, I think if a group of people is going to protest, they must have a unified and clear message, they must be truly organized, and they must have a clear focus. After months of observing the occupy movement , and having spoken to a number of folks who've wither participated at some level or been amongst the protesters in some capacity - I am more convinced than ever that I can't suppor tthis particular protest; I don't believe there is a clear focus or message being delivered and I believe that the protesters are doing more damage to public property that all citizens, protesters and otherwise, should have equal access to.

10 things later on a Friday night…

2011-12-16T22:41:00.002-05:00

I snatched this from Brookem over at Skrinkering Hearts:

1. How do you eatyour eggs? Most of the time I use egg beaters or some equivalent, so as tohelp keep my cholesterol in control. I’ll typically either just scramble themwith some simple spices or do some sort of an omelet. On a rare occasion, I doenjoy the delight of a deviled egg.

2. Do you volunteer? I do spend quite a bit of time volunteeringfor various ministries at church.

3. What’s your favorite brand of jeans? Most of the time I just grab a pair of $20 orless Wrangler’s. I can’t bring myself to spend big bucks on a pair of pants.

4. What was yourchild’s first word? Or what was your first word? I first met my child when she was 4 and atthat time, she spoke only Portuguese-which even now I only have a command ofabout 11 words. In short, I must confess that I don’t know the actual answer tothis question.

5. Can you french braid? Perhaps the best response to this question isto not respond but keep in mind, I was a boy scout, so I know my knots.

6. Do you prefer wide rule, college rule, orblank paper? For ruled applications,I like the college ruled variety.

7. Is there a specific treat that you alwaysmake during the holidays? Surprisingly,no.

8. Do you have a KitchenAid mixer? Do you want one? I do, a 6 qt. professional model.

9. What kind of computer do you use? I have an HP desktop and an HP laptop, whichdoesn’t necessarily mean I have any particular affection for HP – it justworked out that way.

10. Favorite Christmas movie? From the classics, Frosty the Snowman; thereis nothing more satisfying to me than hearing Frosty say “Happy Birthday”. Fromthe modern day collection, Elf.

Yawning With the Stars

2011-12-15T22:11:00.001-05:00

I definitely need to get on a program to get more sleep.
I've got the holiday blues.
TPMS sensor lit up the day after I had a new sensor put in. I had to bring the car back in...seems they figured it out but I had to waste another hour or so and waste a friend's time as well.
Done for now.

Tire(d) or Car Ownership Has It's Drawbacks

2011-12-13T23:11:00.001-05:00

It started on Monday night. I was at church for a vestry meeting and as I pulled out of the parking lot, I hit a pothole and immediately my Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light went on. I shouted an expletive then pulled over to assess the damage and couldn't see well but didn't think it looked as if there were a flat but I drove home slowly just in case. When I got the car in the garage, I put the lights on and again, no sign of a flat and I thought perhaps the TPMS light came on coincidentally at that time and it was just my air pressure was lower than it should be and a warning to that effect.

This morning, again, I inspected the tires and no apparent problem but I decided to go to a gas station for air and check the pressure all around and top off where necessary and monitor for a leak. I get to the station, add a bit of air to one tire, then go to the next to add air and the valve gets pushed all the way in rendering the tire flat and useless without repair.

Oh, I forgot to mention that half the way to the gas station, I remembered that I have my own air compressor just for this purpose in my garage and could have added air right there at home. Anyway, in my dressy work clothes, I had to change a tire (I could have called AAA and usually do but I had getting to work on my mind and that would have taken an additional hour).

So I get to the Firestone shop, where I have a road hazard warranty and hope for the best. Turns out that while the tire valve repair was free, thanks to the road hazard warranty, my TPMS sensor was broken and need replacing - this wasn't under warranty. The guy said her can get one sent over from the dealer relatively quickly so I decided to wait.

Long story (literally) short, around three hours all together and approximately $81 later, I drove off to work.

Customer Loyalty Means What?

2011-12-11T23:45:00.001-05:00

It pisses me off that every time I see a Verizon add trying to attract new customers, the deals they offer are better than what I get as a loyal customer for many years. I'm picking on Verizon in this particular example but they are not alone in this practice.

Through my last billing period, I had been receiving a $20 per month "loyalty" credit that expired. I called to ask if I can continue to receive this to which they outright said, "NO, I am sorry but we can't offer you that promotion any longer. You can downgrade your package though to save money." WHAT? Downgrading my package wouldn't "SAVE" me anything - sure I would pay less, but I'd be getting less and just as now, would be getting what I pay for and paying for what I receive - no more "loyalty credit" though I am remaining "loyal".

I told the woman I spoke with that I understand that she is doing her job and that it may simply not be in her authority to offer me more. I told her to leave a note for a supervisor to return a call to me though because I am considering cancelling all services and switching to the competitor after teh new year unless I can get a rational and/or honest response.

You Deserve It

2011-12-10T20:10:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this game show yet? I haven't yet gotten through an episode without tears. The premise is that everything the contestant wins, is for someone else; someone they think "deserves" it. There is something very feel-good about this show and in fact, I am so moved by it, I just now completed an application to be a contestant. I can't say more, or I may render myself ineligible but I can without a doubt, recommend watching this show.

The Groomsmen

2011-12-09T21:44:00.001-05:00

How about another home video? This is my cat Oliver - he's darn cute!

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-12-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

Incognative

2011-12-07T20:35:00.001-05:00

Today, a short simple post that may or may not make you laugh. A new sniglet I created:

Incognative: the intentional masking of one's feature's/attributes that identify their heritage.

Thank you for your time, I hope I made you laugh.

Facebook Makes Birthday's Tolerable

2011-12-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

I love birthday's on Facebook! from the minute you first log in until deep in the day, it's a constant flow of birthday love, like, affection, acquaintance, sentiment, what have you. The thing is, you don't feel alone, whether you are or not and that, is wonderful.

Here are some whimisical brithday interactions:

Text from friend Barbara:
"Good morning and happy, happy, birthday to u!!!!! Yay!!!
My response:
Thx...I really do look fantastic for this many years old.
Her response:
U r hot stuff! :D

* * * * * * * * * *

FB Friend:
Happy 1 year closer to retirement day!
My reply:
When you get this old, that's the prevalent thought...lol

* * * * * * * * * *

Here's phot of a card I got that made me chuckle:

The inside reads: Happy Birthday, You wear it well.

Love my my Gaga!

USPS Woes, It's Their Own Damn Fault

2011-12-05T21:15:00.001-05:00

There's a lot of talk about the USPS and the trouble they've been in and today, they announced they are now likely to close many of the processing facilities that are "crucial to next day delivery". So it looks like "snail mail" will evolve truly into "Snail mail" and in fact, there is talk that ultimately, mail delivery will go down to one day a week.

It's kind if sad but no surprise. The post office is such an unappealing place and so poorly run, it surprises me that they were able to survive as long as they have. Most postal workers have horrible personalities and are mean and angry - amongst the worst customer service workers I've ever seen.

Then, anytime I have packages, there seems to be zero consistency about how to mail it and how much it will cost. Every different counter jerk has a different story about why I can't send it this way unless I send it that way so so forth. Then, the amount of paperwork is insane and there's zero logic to any of it. It shouldn't be so fucking complicated to send a simple package and you shouldn't be so fucking mean to me when I am trying to do it. So, in a few months when you are out of work, I am not really going to feel so freaking bad for you because you've treated me like shit for ever.

The "W"

2011-12-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

Since October of 2010, I've made a very concerted effort to take good care of myself. For example, since October 9, 2010, I've never missed a day of exercise, despite say the past week where I've been as sick as I've ever been, I still find a way to exercise. On that day as well, I basically gave up eating processed sugar, I am very on top of that since I was diagnosed at that time as a "pre-diabetic" and am working diligently to not develop type 2 diabetes, a disease that I spent a lifetime watching dismantle before taking my mother's life.

I've lost around 40 pounds since that October 2010 day, have maintained this new weight and lived a much healthier lifestyle having avoided many bad foods other than processed sugar, such as fast food and the sort. This past week, I've been sick, real sick, needing medicine and a doctor sick. I haven't been able to even put food into me sick because I have no appetite sick. Today though, I woke up hungry, for the first time in a week and I had the urge for a freaking burger so darn bad. Having recently seen a barrage of commercials for "The W", from Wendy's, my favorite burger maker of the major chains, and being the closest to my house, for lunch today, I treated myself to "The W" after a medicine run.

I've gotta say, I can only rate it in the spectrum of a "fast food burger" and given that, I can easily call it awesome and delicious.

Now, I must go back to my meds and my bed because clearly, I am ill.

Sleeping it Off?

2011-12-03T23:53:00.001-05:00

Around 6ish, I was tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, I had started hallunicating instead, I am guessing as a side effect of the narcotics - which I had then stopped immediately!

Anyway, I was hoping to get a couple hours in and found myself getting more - I woke up at 10:30 this evening, and having sweated out what must've been a fever, through two shirts.

This freaking respiratory infection has kicked my ass a few times over! Very humbling. I have listened to a lot of podcasts....

December Birthday's (Some of them)

2011-12-02T22:43:00.001-05:00

1st
Jennifer Oberle - Happy to have gotten to see ya twice this year - your gig in Stamford with Five for Fighting and just last month at Michelle's wedding in NOLA. Keep on rockin' dear friend! One day, I'm gonna make it out to LA to hang with you and Stevie.

2nd
Jill O'Connor - Enjoyed hanging on Thanksgiving - still love the Dictionary game a bunch!
Allie G - so super glad we've reconnected via FB. I hate that you've had to go through some crappy stuff recently - get your but up to MA and teach me some of that Zumba.

6th
Carol - yours is the one birthday easiest to remember cause of course, it's the same as mine! Happy B'day cuzz!

15th
Rob Marinoff - BUBBA!!!! the official necrologist of FB!

17th
Kathleen (White) Lennon - We've known each other over 40 years! I'm fairly certain you were my very first crush - LOL! Miss you old friend.

29th
Steven - My nephew - your a fine young man....hope to see you soon!

Hurtin'

2011-12-01T19:16:00.001-05:00

After getting increasingly sicker since Saturday, what started as an allergic cough has knocked me out. I haven't slept more than 2-3 consecutive hours since it started and the last few days have seen periods of high fever.

This morning I sought medical attention and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and left with a script for antibiotics and narcotic based cough medicine.

I can only hope that the infection is bacterial, so that there is hope that the antibiotics will cure the infection and I can get some relief.

Having had a similar thing in the past, deep in my brain, I know it will go away but geez, when cough to the point where your breathing is impaired, feel like your lungs are bleeding through your nostrils - it's hard to think about anything but wanting relief.

However, in the moments, though very brief and rare, where I find a position where I can breath and not cough for more than a few minutes in a row, I stop and realize that this is really nothing compared to what others with more serious illnesses endure. It's not to minimize the severity of what I have or the pain I feel, it's to appreciate that my body is well enough to heal from this and in a few weeks, it will be a thing of the past while there are so many people of so may different ages and walks of life who battle far more serious illnesses.

Sickly

2011-11-30T22:36:00.001-05:00

I've been very sickly thus week, a cough that's ttotally kicked my ass.

Quick Points

2011-11-28T21:49:00.001-05:00

I'm still memserized by Lady Gaga
There's no one left on The Amazing Race that I care about
There's an iPhone 4S waiting for me at work
Fiber One and/or Fiber Plus bars can be "dangerous"
The CMA (Country Music Association) Awards this year may have been the most entertaining awards show I've ever seen
I'm always torn whether or not to use periods at then end of bulleted text items.
Please use my Amazon link to do any of your Amazon shopping; its the big box at the right side of this blog, usually near the top
I tend to use the semicolon more than I once did and am not always 100% certain it's warranted (though I convince myself that I am right to use it)

Tights Situation

2011-11-25T23:34:00.001-05:00

Go ahead, look at it for a while. Click on the picture to see it larger if you must.This picture was taken outside of the community college where I work and it puzzles me. How does a pair of tights end up on the steps like that? I hate even thinking about it but can't help it. YIKES!

Stomach Full

2011-11-24T23:17:00.001-05:00

I don't eat lots of food anymore, especially in any one sitting. Turns out, when you do something like that, the old belly lets you know you did something you shouldn't have done and you begin to think that the only shot of anything you desire is a viscous pink wintergreen flavored liquid.

Great fun, despite the belly issues, over at Linda's and glad that Bill was able to be there along with Jill and Bryan, Little Joss and Littler Calvin, Joe and Erin, and Vanessa and Victoria. The food, the games, the fun - great night!

I'm thinking tomorrow is a good day for laundry. Oh, and I taped Lady Gaga's Thanksgiving TV special, I did - can't wait to see it. I love me some Gaga!

Ten for Turkey Day!

2011-11-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

I’m jumping in on the bandwagon with the Ten on Tuesday game, as stolen from Brookem who stole it from someone else!

1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?
Going to my friend Linda's. I've spent Thanksgiving with her family many times now over the last decade, it's always a fun time.

2. What are you most thankful for this year?
Wonderful friends, my health, and a new president at the college where I work who has restored hope and a positive attitude.

3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?
Nothing specific. In the 1970's and 1980's, I was a Dallas Cowboys fan so the football game was a must and there was always a large family celebration; no specific traditions though.

4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?
Stuffing! Growing up, my mom always stuffed the bird and that's how it always was. As an adult whose studied cooking, I recognized that it's better not to stuff the bird and if I were cooking, I'd cook it in a separate dish and "stuff" the bird with aromatics.

5. Do you cook?
I do cook, though I hate to cook Thanksgiving dinner. the last time I hosted a Thanksgiving meal, I bought a prepared dinner, all I had to do was heat it up - just as good and gave me much more time to spend with my family.

6. What is your favorite dish?
Assuming this is in reference to the Thanksgiving meal, then my favorite dish is usually the stuffing. However, I must have at least one slice of the jellied cranberry sauce from a can, the one with the lines from the can - need it (perhaps that can be considered a tradition).

7. What is your dessert preference?
I am a huge fan of dessert, no major preference though in the spirit of the day, a sliver of Pumpkin Pie is typically a requirement.

8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
Not sure. So many different memories of family gatherings but they all kind of blend in. There was a funny time recently where I was driving in my neighborhood and on Thanksgiving day, there were three wild turkeys just roaming the streets - it seems as if they were taunting the cars passing by daring them. Perhaps the turkeys were playing chicken!

9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?
No chance at all. I think "Black Friday" should be banned!

10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?I dread nothing about the day itself but I do dread every day after into the new year where once relatively simple commutes will become horrendous for a stupid reason.

Seasons Change(d)

2011-11-22T19:16:00.001-05:00

Here we are just a couple of days from Thanksgiving and I find myself in something of a mixed mood. This particular season of holidays has been quite tough for me to get through for quite a few years, since the passing of my parents.

I've always loved Thanksgiving. For most of the past number of years, I spend it at my friend Linda's house with her family. It's always a good time there - the food id good, the company is good and there's always plenty of wine and games and good fun with good people.

As Thanksgiving closes though, I get haunted by my old days in retail, of which that world has become even more demonic with the advent of "Black Friday" and the sort. The idea that now people will alter their plans for Thanksgiving so they can get up at the crack of dawn (or earlier), trample people to death if necessary (it's happened) to save $11 on some piece of shit that will likely not even be appreciated.

All that shopping mentality and running around frantically, creating unbearable traffic and making the everyday necessary commutes less bearable than they already are, it so not conducive to the spirit of the holiday season.

Here's to getting through it all.

Connecting Souls

2011-11-20T20:43:00.001-05:00

I wrote this poem in May of 1999:

Connecting Souls

From yesterday, a soul was lost
a spirit hidden deep
a mind so full of life and dreams
a heart laid down to sleep

For six long years, all words were lost
a life so numb and dark
till one day, I looked before me
and a light came from her spark

It started in her eyes
so blue, the ocean’s roar
my heart no longer dormant
my soul began to soar

In the mirror of her heart
I’ve found the me I know
the dreams I lost in yesterday
are free once more to grow

Connecting souls have found their wayand thus,
my heart once more can feel
inspired by the heavens
this gift of love, so strong, so real

With purpose in my life once more
and dreams of what’s to come
I’ll try to heed the prophet’s words
and nurture what’s begun

Come take my hand, oh precious love
let’s walk new roads together
as the moving sea between our souls
flows into forever

Saturdangling

2011-11-19T21:50:00.001-05:00

I don't recall if I ever posted the symbol above. A few years back at work, I was having one of those weeks (or two) and decided to emulate Prince by changing my name to a symbol; the graphic above was (unofficially) my name for a time (LOL).
I got a bunch of assignment marking done. Sometimes that can be painful!
How do I motivate my 13 year old daughter to do better in school? She's so intelligent and smart but she just won't do her work and I have no idea why! It makes me so sad because I know she has so much potential and I want her to have opportunities.
I was quite touched at the farewell of Regis from morning television. I went to college a few blocks away from the studio where Live is recorded and back at the very beginning of the show, before it went national and Cyndy Garvey was the co host, I was an audience member a few times.
Cheers to Sprizee for giving BOA the boot. I too have such aspirations but I haven't gotten around to it as of yet.

The Piano Has Been Drinking

2011-11-17T23:05:00.001-05:00

Throughout the day, I've had several blog post ideas that I was literally too busy to jot down. Of course by this time, I can barely stay awake, much less recall what I wanted to say. However, there's always a good time for this - super funny and a little awesome.

Here's Tom waits, from a 1977 performance on the show :Fernwood Tonight. Everything about this video is awesome.

Commentaries

2011-11-16T22:24:00.001-05:00

On Ricky Gervais returning to host the Golden Globes: Bravo to the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. for hiring back the best awards show host in a very long time.
On Billy Crystal hosting the Oscars - big fucking deal, he hasn't been funny or relevant in a long time.
On the idea of black Friday: everything, and I mean everything about it is stupid and meaningless and it only serves to diminish the spirit of Thanksgiving and he holiday season that follows.
On this headline, "Rihanna Named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive": No fucking way!
On the Nick and Artie show: "It's good to hear Artie again".
On Hope Solo being eliminated from DWTS: It was the right move if we're judging the dancing. I hate to see her go because there's something quite delicious about her.
On this statement in the news, "A report released today by the Republican leaders of a Congressional committee calls for the Transportation Security Administration to slash its work force, minimize its role in screening passengers and make public its performance results, among other recommendations.": First time I've agreed with a Republican in a long time. I hate the TSA!

Times Like These

2011-11-15T19:48:00.001-05:00

Right now it's hard for me to give a crap about:

What sports team won or lost what game buy how much.
What politician is saying what about what other politician.
What (or who) any of the Kardashian girls are doing at any given moment.
The top of the charts, the bottom of the barrel, or anything in between.

Right now, there's a 4 1/2 yr old boy, the son of a friend of mine, battling Leukemia and it's hard for me think about anything else these last few days. I can't help but want to hug my own child and hold her tight and just be thankful every second that she' healthy. I want to find some way that I can do something meaningful for young Matthew's parents, I've offered to prepare a meal or run errands - not that that will do anything that really matters - I now all they want is for their little boy to get better.

Please think good thoughts, prayers, whatever it is you do in situations such as this.

Walking the Walk

2011-11-13T19:43:00.001-05:00

My friend Ted is someone I've learned so much about so many things from. He's one person that doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk.

In January, he's leaving for Columbia to work as a missionary for at least 3 years. Ted has spent a lot of time traveling to areas of the world most people would never consider going to and with the intent of finding ways to make the lives of people in those areas better.

Ted is a true inspiration and I am wishing him well on his mission.

Vertigo, Please Vertigo Away

2011-11-12T08:42:00.001-05:00

It seems that I am battling another random bout of vertigo. I think the most difficult part of managing this is being certain that it is a by product of BPPV, or something more drastic.

This all started the evening of my 40th birthday, which is documented here. Eventually I was diagnosed with BPPV, which made me happy a little becuase my first thought was some kind of brain tumor.

I'll hang tight for a few days and if persists longer than a normal bout, I'll get it checked out. Not fun in the meantime though.

Leukemia

2011-11-11T20:33:00.001-05:00

This is not a happy post. My friend Christina's young son, around 5 years old, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. This is such crushing news and one of those things that kind of shakes you when you hear it.

For me, this is one of those weird times where I find myself challenging the very faith I need to call upon, and reply on to get through it all - how does a parent resolve this?

Christina and Mike - I am praying for Matty every day. I am so sorry that you are going through this.

Inspiring Minds

2011-11-09T23:28:00.002-05:00

One of the adjunct English professors is having her student do a pretty cutting edge assignment where they are creating a video essay. She did this once before and it was kind of thrown together and I was called in to support the project in its technical aspects and manage the flipcam loans and teach how to edit video. The end result was very interesting and I think some learning was dome by the students and those of us in the role of educators.

For this semester, I was again called in but dates changed and I had to present to two sections, one at 8 and the other at 9 this morning. I had no real time to prepare so I did my presentation off the cuff and tried to apeal to the createive aspect of the project and reach the students from a different perspective. Apparently, it worked. Here's a note I received a few moments ago from the teacher that assigned the project:

Dear Chris,

Your presentation today was terrific. It was spot on, inspiring and moving. You expressed the nature and heart of the project so beautifully. It really helped move the understanding of the project along. The students were spellbound. Can you please bottle it so we can use it again?

Thank you.

Pretty rewarding.

Scatting Through The Day

2011-11-08T21:17:00.001-05:00

After getting home after midnight from my travels, getting thrown by gaining my hour in a time zone one hour earlier then giving it back returning to eastern standard time then waking up in the darkness of the very early morning - it was not an easy day to get through.

I was rather productive however - aside from a handful of clever saves on the job, since getting home, I've completed three loads of laundry, prepared dinner for me and my daughter, made me a bitchin' vegetable juice, picked up some things waiting for me at the library, and prepped a few packages for the mail tomorrow.

I'm out for now.

Natchez and Coffee

2011-11-07T09:46:00.001-05:00

The bride and groom had a lovely breakfast gathering yesterday morning for all wedding guests, as there were a lot of out of towners, it was a nice way to gather once more to say goodbye in a less hectic atmosphere than the actual wedding day. It was a casual but wonderful gathering and really nice to socialize and just hang out for a couple of hours.

After saying all of my goodbyes to he people I've known for many years and the ones I just met, and of course to the bride and groom, I made my way through the streets of NOLA once more.

I knew I was planning to take a lunch cruise on the Mississippi river aboard the Steamboat Natchez but I also knew that after breakfast, the 11:30 cruise would be too early, so I bought passage on the 2:30 departure.

I then went for another attempt at Cafe du Monde and was defeated yet again by a monster line I was unwilling to wait on. So, I made my way along the French Market and I weaseled in and out of several spots along the French Quarter before coming back to Decatur street toward Canal and stopped into one of the Cafe du Monde factory stores to pick up a few boxes of their beignet mix for a few friends and a can of the chickory coffee blend for myself.

I walked back to my hotel and dropped of the stuff taking a scenic route down blocks I hadn't seen previously. After a brief rest, I walked again this time down into the Warehouse District; I wanted to see where Emeril's original restaurant was. I then proceeded down Julia street to and through the Riverwalk, then through Harrah's casino.

Next up, Peaces records where I admired an impressive vinyl collection then off to the dock behind Jackson Brewery (which is no longer a brewery, but a mall). While waiting to board, some last plays a steam calliope atop the steamboat. The calliope is interesting for the first song or two then begins to feel like someone drilling through your frontal lobe with boiling lava.

After boarding, I ate a massive lunch with delicious southern fried chicken, baked beans, corn bread, Mac and cheese, slaw and bread pudding; it was enough food to sustain me the rest of the day and pretty much through until breakfast today.

The cruise itself was okay but it was very relaxing, I love being on the water and the engine room was super cool. When the cruise returned two hours later, I made one more attempt at Cafe du Monde where while relatively full from the meal on the ship, since there was no line, I had to take advantage. I ordered a decaf Cafe au Lait with an order of beignets. I had to remove as much of the sugar as I could for health reasons (I should have ordered them naked but I didn't want to.. You know what I mean) but it was all great. The hot fried glob of dough and the coffee... I had just days before ranted about how pretentious coffee has become with these boutique cafes, but this was for certain the best cup of coffee I ever drank.

The rest of the day I basically relaxed; I had done lots of walking and so I made it back to the hotel and rested for a couple of hours then just hit a bar to hang for a beer and some hanging with whomever was there to hang with before one last stroll through the French quarter then back to get some sleep.

As I write this at just before 9 am local time, I've already had my morning workout, breakfast and showered. Iay or may not return to Emeril's for lunch but I am going to take the longer, more "scenic" route to the airport using public transportation.

Catch you all from back home.

Insaner than Vegas?

2011-11-06T08:58:00.001-05:00

Las Vegas has been one of my favorite places to visit in short spurts because it's so eclectic and just wild enough that you can ease in and out of it rather swiftly. I've always love the insanity of it from the perspective of an avid people watcher but last night, I witnessed something way insane than anything I've seen in Vegas; it's name is Bourbon street.

If you ever had a question about the true definition of the word "uninhibited", or if you actually thought you knew the definition but have never been to Bourbon street, then I must challenge your knowledge.

I've seen a fair number of peculiar things: I watched as a homeless man pulled down his sweats and just dropped a deuce on the median strip onBroadway and sixty something street, I've seen the Red Hot Chili Peppers take the stage and play an entire song wearing but a sock on their something that rhymes with sock...but on Bourbon street, I think the souls of its inhabitants are being haunted and just a little bit of evil seeps in and sometimes, seemingly more often than not, people do things that perhaps they may or may not ordinarily do.

As an observer, I was partially scarred but not necessarily in a bad way. I'd be lying if I didn't say I had something of a fascination with trying to understand not only why people do things but the effects of what and where are equally intriguing.

If I've learned anything about at least two things I know for sure that New Orleans has it sinners and Saints (though apparently getting Saints tickets will cost you big-I tried, and failed).

(French) Quarter of Nine

2011-11-05T11:28:00.001-04:00

I started my day with a 7 am workout in the hotel fitness center; it was my first ever workout on an elliptical and I'm not yet sure how I feel about that.

I had a little breakfast, in the hotel lobby, then hit the showers while trying to figure out how to best kill a couple of hours before the wedding this afternoon.

I decided to takes stroll through the French Quarter so off I went first to Canal St. from here, then down Bourbon, then down St. Peter on to Decatur and then some equally random method back.

I'm certain the FrenchQuarter at night is very, very different at night but I am also guessing the morning view tells something of a story about what the night might be like.

I found it very interesting that everyone seemed to be scrubbing down the streets with soapy water and water hoses and there were these large trucks also spilling out soapy water at high pressure... made me very curious about what it is they might be scrubbing away.

Bourbon street is loaded with adult oriented establishments, Larry Flynnt's name seems to appear on every block. I made it down to the famous Cafe du Monde but was unwilling to endure a very long line to get in so I just continued to soak up the vibe of tourists, vagrants, artists, musicians and whatever else was available.

Looking forward to the view at night. Later for now.

Travel Anxiety

2011-11-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

I love going places but al most always hate getting there. Air travel is so over-stressful thanks to the stupid TSA (and of course the slighlty stupider terrorists that gave rise to the TSA). I am trying to make it so that my travel for this trip is all carry-on but I am now forced to pay very close attention to the vague details of TSA carry-on policies that seem to vary from agent to agent despite being written a particular way that would make them appear to be standardized to the average (and perhaps even below average) traveler.

The good thing is I am going to New Orleans for the first time! My friend Michelle, an old neighbor growing up, is tying the knot. Michelle's brother Dave and I were in the same Boy Scout troop - he'll be there, I haven't seen him in decades. My dear friend Jen is her Matron of Honor - so it'll be good to see her and I presumer Michelle's other brother Matt along with ehr parents will be along and who knows who or what else will happen but I am ready for some fun!

I will report to y'all from NOLA tomorrow-ish!

FROM LOGAN AIRPORT
TSA check was like nothing. All that anxiety and preparation and I barely got a feel on the calf.

Paying it Forward

2011-11-03T08:57:00.000-04:00

I'll start with my FB post from yesterday evening:
"Someone gave me a scratch ticket as a gift today because I helped them with their computer - apparently saved a bunch of work they were super worried about...well, the good news is, that scratch ticket was a 1 in 28,800 victory worth $200! I'm gonna pay it forward a bit and do something nice for a friend."

I'd have written about this in yesterday's post but yesterday's post was set on auto pilot so I let it be. It's very rare to have a windfall and while this isn't a huge amount of money, as was the case any other time cash fell into my lap, but I have tried to make a concerted effort to pay it forward.

A couple of years ago, it was super easy. I had a few tickets to a ball game and auctioned them off yielding $501 from a pair of tickets that I paid under $100 for. So, I donated the entire $501 to Katrina Relief in New Orleans and it felt great to do it.

Not to long after that, won a $200 gift card for Home Depot. I went to home depot and exchanged it for two $100 gift cards - I kept one for myself and gave the other to a friend who had just bought a house. The reaction was so great - I love just that type of happiness and appreciation that can only come from someone who genuinely appreciates nice gestures (though it always saddens me a little that such niceties are so rare).

There was a time when a friend of mine won a gift card and we were all excited and cheered her on. A few days later, I received a really sweet thank you card from her along with that gift card from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I was overwhelmed because I didn't think I did anything that I wouldn't do for any of my friends but the gift card was so perfectly timed as well as I was eyeing something I couldn't afford to buy until that card came along.

I believe in the whole paying it forward idea - not just with money but in general. My whole philosophy on teaching and education is based on the the idea of paying it forward and while it isn't always the easiest thing to do, it always feels good.

Schooling It

2011-11-02T21:45:00.000-04:00

I guess I have a thing going for schools. I work and teach in a school, I've been having some dental work done at a dental school and earlier this evening I had my hair cut at a beauty school.

While waiting for my haircut, I began laughing out loud playing out a silly scenario in my head. I pictured a teacher at the beauty school having to tell one of the students that they were being released from the program, fluning out and then running a highlights reel set to "Beauty School Dropout" from Grease. Does this make me insane? Does me telling this to the poor soul who cut my hair make me insane?

Next Up in Podcast Land and Other Things

2011-11-01T19:29:00.000-04:00

I came up with an idea for my next music podcast series: "Only God Knows Why: The Legend of Johnny Kool". This is the title of a CD I created as a gift to my brother John. There is an interesting mix of songs and liner notes that I wrote and I'll be sharing it all in a 3 part series. The thin is, my time is super limited in the very near future so I don't think it'll be ready to go for like two weeks or so.
Hopefully mentioning it here will serve as a reminder to me to get on it.Marc Maron is doing a live WTF podcast here in Boston at the end of January. I really, really wanna go - I just may!
I must get a haircut tomorrow!Travel anxiety is about to kick in.
It's good to hear Artie Lange again - here's to staying healthy Artie!
I'm still digging House - Hugh Laurie is so f-ing great.

Deviled Eggs II - The Sequel (oh, and Juice)

2011-10-31T19:29:00.000-04:00

Remember the deviled eggs post from a week or so ago? If not, here's the link to it (http://fromawhispertoascream.blogspot.com/2011/10/deviled-eggs-from-down-in-georgia-ish.html). My daughter asked me if I would make them again for her so of course, I obliged and took the chance to tweak the preparation a bit. Here a photo of how the turned out:

Pretty? Heh? I could be fancy and use a piping bag for the filling but I went rustic, especially since they were going to be devoured minutes after preparation. BTW, they were so yummy!

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After a couple of decades of faithful service, my old Juiceman Juicer finally passed away. I juice just about every day so I needed to replace it quick and while I long for a Vitamix, my wallet is not thick enough right now to spring $400 on a blender so I replaced the 20+ year old Juiceman with a 2011 model.

This is the Juiceman JM550S and now, three uses in, I'm impressed overall. Much more powerful than the old model and the food chute is 3" wide, I put and entire apple in (just like in the photo) with no problem. Oh, and $79.99 at WalMart, can't beat that!

A Couple Cents Worth

2011-10-30T15:27:00.002-04:00

ALERT: THIS POST IS NOT AT ALL WARM AND FUZZY, IT'S A BITCH FEST FROM START TO FINISH - IF THAT KIND OF THING ISN'T YOUR CUP OF TEA, YOU MIGHT WANT TO IGNORE IT AND WAIT FOR WARM AND FUZZY TO RETURN - LOVE ME.

You know what gets old fast? I know some of you might think I would say the snow, especially since we got hit crazy early this year. As much as I don't like it, I accept it because I am aware of the region I live and have come to accept weather anomalies as, well, normal. What gets real old, real fast, is the irrational behavior of all the nincompoops that forget they live in New England, where the most famous saying is, "if you don't like the weather, wait a minute." I was out in a few stores yesterday trying to do some routine shopping and it was insane how the crowds were out preparing for possible Armageddon. Look folks, it snows here in New England and sometimes at weird times - keep a freaking pound of bologna in your refrigerator and get over it or move to Florida or New Mexico so I don't have to deal with you anymore.

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Now onto the stupid power companies. The United States has successfully launched humans into outer space in a vessel the size and weight of a giant airplane so many times - they decided to stop doing it; I guess it's just not fun anymore. However, with all that money spent and technology developed, it seems near impossible to keep power flowing into people's homes after a little snow and wind. I don't accept any excuse - it makes no sense that this hasn't been dealt with. Think of the thousands, sometimes tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands and millions of homes lose power, destroy hundreds of dollars worth of food in each home and who pays? We, the consumer!!! Someone needs to stop bitching about stupid things and start talking about infrastructure - NOW!!!

What's Snew?

2011-10-28T21:10:00.001-04:00

The joys of New England living and unpredictability of the weather came into play last night as it snowed a bit. This morning, as I was driving my daughter to school, I noticed a fair amount of snow (considering time of year and lack of snow on the ground) and said to my daughter this exact statement, "check out that car, I didn't know it snew that much last night."

SNEW? What's snew (not much, what's snew with you? - sorry, I had to do it). Seriously though, I really said that and it was totally a brain fart, I am well aware that snew isn't an actual word but it just came out of me and almost instantly, my daughter and I busted into uncontrollable laughter the rest of the way to school.

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I still think the iPad is a piece of crap and even more so every day. Every time I come across a web site that doesn't work because crApple doesn't want to play nice with the industry standard plug-ins, I cringe at the audacity of them.

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I recently decided to shop around for new car insurance and homeowners and am glad I did, save about $400!

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I got nothing else - for now.

Should I Be Honored?

2011-10-27T19:57:00.002-04:00

This came to one of my email addresses:

So, should I be honored or offended?

Wasteful Student Gets Caught

2011-10-25T10:25:00.001-04:00

Student (holding a printout of a paper and using it as a prop): How do I get the printer to not print on both sides?

Me: We don't allow single-sided printing in the lab - all instructors here must accept double-sided printing.

Student: Oh (befuddled look on her face), it's for a class at another college.

Me: Then you'll have to print it elsewhere, perhaps at that other college.

Student: Why don't you allow it?

Me: It's wasteful and costly and instead of raising student lab fees, we were able to offset that increase by maximizing our paper usage.

Student: (expression on face that implied cluelessness or not giving a crap about anything but her needs) Whatever, it's so unfair?

Me: Just curious, are you not printing it at that other college because they charge for printing (we currently are one of the very few who do not charge a fee per page to print).

Student: (No verbal response, just an expression that indicated she'd been caught being an ass).