Yikes, the winds are crazy here right now. One of my gutters is already loose from the snow and I expect it will fly off and land in the backyard within the next few hours. Also, I'm hearing bumping on the roof. I hope I'm not losing any shingles.
On the bright side, I'm safe at home. And I had Kraft Dinner for lunch. It is the height of normalcy.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
What Do You Do, Vargas?
and not: What does Vargas do?
Sunday night I was not in t.v. watching form, but I happened to flip around a bit and came across, you know it, you love it, Thunderball.
In a moment of impeccable timing, it was the scene where Bond shows up at some rich guy's swanky estate, and meets a lady in a pool. Then the rich guy comes out and, yes, his two henchmen: Vargas and the other one.
What timing! I said.
He does not drink
He does not smoke
He does not make love.
I didn't have the concentration to keep watching, so I only stuck with it for a few minutes. That junkadoo goes on forever. And then some woman denigrated Bond's love-making skills. I know, I know, it was only for King and Country. I did not see the rest of the movie but only hope that in the end she was served her just desserts.
Sunday night I was not in t.v. watching form, but I happened to flip around a bit and came across, you know it, you love it, Thunderball.
In a moment of impeccable timing, it was the scene where Bond shows up at some rich guy's swanky estate, and meets a lady in a pool. Then the rich guy comes out and, yes, his two henchmen: Vargas and the other one.
What timing! I said.
He does not drink
He does not smoke
He does not make love.
I didn't have the concentration to keep watching, so I only stuck with it for a few minutes. That junkadoo goes on forever. And then some woman denigrated Bond's love-making skills. I know, I know, it was only for King and Country. I did not see the rest of the movie but only hope that in the end she was served her just desserts.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Embarrassed Much?
Hey you Blade Runner fans. Celebrity drunk news for you:
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Sean Young has entered rehabilitation for alcohol abuse following a weekend outburst in which she was heckling from the audience at the Directors Guild of America awards.
I know this woman has had problems for years, but heckling someone at the Directors Guild of America awards? I guess it's a step up from the People's Choice Awards.
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Sean Young has entered rehabilitation for alcohol abuse following a weekend outburst in which she was heckling from the audience at the Directors Guild of America awards.
I know this woman has had problems for years, but heckling someone at the Directors Guild of America awards? I guess it's a step up from the People's Choice Awards.
Harold Macmillan, Deflator
I read On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan yesterday. Yes, I read a book in a day. I feel like the Post Pessimist. I confess it’s a very short novel, but still.
Great book. Sad and funny, frustrating and ultimately heart-breaking. I kept saying to the two main characters "oh come on, you two, Communicate! You aren’t communicating and you’re ruining a great thing."
The book is about two virginal 22-year-olds on their wedding night in 1962. It's about Britain just entering the 1960s, with the post-war hardships and the hope of the younger generation. And rock and roll. Here’s a great bit. It involves the young man’s efforts to stop thinking about sex in order not too "arrive too soon".
"Just in time, he thought of the news, of the face of the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, tall, stooping, walrus-like, a war hero, an old buffer - he was everything that was not sex and ideal for the purpose."
Great book. Sad and funny, frustrating and ultimately heart-breaking. I kept saying to the two main characters "oh come on, you two, Communicate! You aren’t communicating and you’re ruining a great thing."
The book is about two virginal 22-year-olds on their wedding night in 1962. It's about Britain just entering the 1960s, with the post-war hardships and the hope of the younger generation. And rock and roll. Here’s a great bit. It involves the young man’s efforts to stop thinking about sex in order not too "arrive too soon".
"Just in time, he thought of the news, of the face of the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, tall, stooping, walrus-like, a war hero, an old buffer - he was everything that was not sex and ideal for the purpose."
So Frustrated
How am I supposed to get well if my body is expending all its energy fighting a head cold? This is nuts. I've been sick for 3 days now. And I know if I wasn't fighting off this cough, I would be prancing about like a merry sprite* by now. Crap.
*What a visual.
*What a visual.
Monday, January 28, 2008
And Now Presenting....A Visual
Here's a pic of someone getting the same surgery as me. Yikes. Look at all them tubes!
In Crazy Neighbour News
Everyone knows about my crazy Polish neighbour (CPN) whom I loathe to the depths of my soul. Well on Friday night, it was my sister’s turn to flip out over his stupidity.
The city had only removed the snow from one side of our street, so she had to park across from my house. CPN too had to park his car across the way. There were NO OTHER CARS within 5 or 6 house lengths from ours. So what did he do? He backed up and parked in front of my sis’s car to within a few centimetres. Why? Who knows? Because he is a nut.
She spent the whole evening looking out the window at the two sole vehicles on the street squeezed up against each other. CPN could not have opened his trunk if he’d wanted to. That’s how close he was to her front bumper.
She was livid and puzzled. "What kind of person does this?" she asked over and over, stewing.
She plotted revenge. She was ready to find a pay phone and send unwanted pizzas to his house. Then she thought she could call CAA and have them tow the car away for a laugh. She schemed and plotted for an hour. It was really driving her crazy.
She thought about going out and moving her car directly in front of his, but I cautioned that he is nutty enough to ram her just to show his superiority, so she didn’t do anything.
I suggested she light a bag of cat poo on his front porch. She’d never heard of the flaming bag of poo prank.
As for me, it was fun to watch someone else go through this for a change. She now better understands my ranting about his ludicrous behavior.
The city had only removed the snow from one side of our street, so she had to park across from my house. CPN too had to park his car across the way. There were NO OTHER CARS within 5 or 6 house lengths from ours. So what did he do? He backed up and parked in front of my sis’s car to within a few centimetres. Why? Who knows? Because he is a nut.
She spent the whole evening looking out the window at the two sole vehicles on the street squeezed up against each other. CPN could not have opened his trunk if he’d wanted to. That’s how close he was to her front bumper.
She was livid and puzzled. "What kind of person does this?" she asked over and over, stewing.
She plotted revenge. She was ready to find a pay phone and send unwanted pizzas to his house. Then she thought she could call CAA and have them tow the car away for a laugh. She schemed and plotted for an hour. It was really driving her crazy.
She thought about going out and moving her car directly in front of his, but I cautioned that he is nutty enough to ram her just to show his superiority, so she didn’t do anything.
I suggested she light a bag of cat poo on his front porch. She’d never heard of the flaming bag of poo prank.
As for me, it was fun to watch someone else go through this for a change. She now better understands my ranting about his ludicrous behavior.
Monday a.m. update
My nurse has just hit the highway back to Toronto, so I am on my own for recovery now. I'd be feeling fantastic if not for this stupid head cold. Still pretty congested.
I'm eating like a baby or like Abe Simpson, depending on your point of view. Everything is mashed or cut into tiny tiny pieces. But I have managed to eat sweet potatoes, mashed up carrots and peas, scrambled eggs, canned spaghetti, and, believe it or not, pork roast! I'm timing my eating. It takes me 20 minutes to eat a small plate of supper. I chew every bite at least 30 times. What the heck, I've got nowhere to go. I'm very pleased with my progress, and everything is sliding down the gullet no problem. yay.
I'm examining my incisions. I have no stitches, just surgical tape which will fall off over the next few days. Looking good and clean so far.
On the agenda for today: read a book, nap, watch a few episodes of Arrested Development on DVD, nap, putter. busy, busy, busy.
I'm eating like a baby or like Abe Simpson, depending on your point of view. Everything is mashed or cut into tiny tiny pieces. But I have managed to eat sweet potatoes, mashed up carrots and peas, scrambled eggs, canned spaghetti, and, believe it or not, pork roast! I'm timing my eating. It takes me 20 minutes to eat a small plate of supper. I chew every bite at least 30 times. What the heck, I've got nowhere to go. I'm very pleased with my progress, and everything is sliding down the gullet no problem. yay.
I'm examining my incisions. I have no stitches, just surgical tape which will fall off over the next few days. Looking good and clean so far.
On the agenda for today: read a book, nap, watch a few episodes of Arrested Development on DVD, nap, putter. busy, busy, busy.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Endless Fun
I developed a head cold overnight. What an unpleasant surprise. Runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, the whole shooting match. I really hadn't planned on this. grrrrr.
Recovery seems to comprise good day/bad day/good day/bad day.
Yesterday I went out twice: to the drug store and to the bank machine. I was so proud of myself and energetic. Now today I feel like crap.
What I have learned about myself: I'm an inpatient patient. I'm usually so devil-may-care (heh). How come I've turned into a Type A in the past 4 days? growl.
Recovery seems to comprise good day/bad day/good day/bad day.
Yesterday I went out twice: to the drug store and to the bank machine. I was so proud of myself and energetic. Now today I feel like crap.
What I have learned about myself: I'm an inpatient patient. I'm usually so devil-may-care (heh). How come I've turned into a Type A in the past 4 days? growl.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Useless Pills
I took one of the blue pain pills last night and it did nothing. How disappointing. I get more relief from Tylenol and Gravol.
Maybe I should take the blue pill with a shot of vodka for greater effect.
Maybe I should take the blue pill with a shot of vodka for greater effect.
Friday, January 25, 2008
My Busy Morning
I managed to have a shower and wash my hair. Keeping my arms up over my head for long enough to rinse was a bit challenging, but I made it. And then I had a bowl of oatmeal. I'm SuperWoman! heh heh.
I'm progressing by leaps and bounds.
I've been prescribed a fairly strong painkiller, but so far, I've only needed to take Tylenol. How disappointing to have good drugs in the house and no urge to try them out.
I'm progressing by leaps and bounds.
I've been prescribed a fairly strong painkiller, but so far, I've only needed to take Tylenol. How disappointing to have good drugs in the house and no urge to try them out.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
I'm Freaking Out!
Surgery is back on for Tuesday. I found out late this afternoon. I have to be at the hospital in 12 hours! GULP!
Can I sue the surgeon for mental cruelty? This is insane. I'm trying to pack my bag now, but I'm really just sitting around panicking.
Can I sue the surgeon for mental cruelty? This is insane. I'm trying to pack my bag now, but I'm really just sitting around panicking.
Weekend Round-Up
I spent the weekend at home fuming over my non-surgical woes. I feel like somebody waiting to deliver a baby and the darn kid just won't show. So I did a ton of cleaning and decluttering. My recycling green box was overflowing this morning. At least some good has come of this stupid situation.
So what did I learn from the teevee this weekend?
1) John McCain's mother is still alive. And she seems fit and healthy. Holy mackerel. He's already the Republicans Methuselah, so what does that make her? Ancient Immortal Mother of Methuselah?
2) I watched too much South Carolina primary on Saturday. Saturday night I dreamt there was a caucus being held on my front lawn. A bunch of old people I'd never seen before were milling around. Then Ron Paul came up and insisted on shaking my hand. I was so excited, I went around telling everybody that Ron Paul shook my hand! But nobody cared.
3) Are we ready for a recession? The markets are tanking everywhere, while the USA has a day off. I guess they'll catch up (or catch down) tomorrow. When everyone sells, sells, sells, aren't "wily investors" supposed to step in and start buying up the bargains? Where have those darn "wily investors" got to? Don't people want bargains anymore? This ain't K-Mart, I guess.
4) John McLaughlin said it's time to move close to the ledge. That's not comforting.
5) I saw a bit of Goldfinger but I missed too much to catch up. It looked silly, though, and Sean Connery was still very handsome. I saw a bit where he drove some woman (i.e some woman) off the road using the Ben-Hur-chariot spikes on his tyres. That wily Bond.
So what did I learn from the teevee this weekend?
1) John McCain's mother is still alive. And she seems fit and healthy. Holy mackerel. He's already the Republicans Methuselah, so what does that make her? Ancient Immortal Mother of Methuselah?
2) I watched too much South Carolina primary on Saturday. Saturday night I dreamt there was a caucus being held on my front lawn. A bunch of old people I'd never seen before were milling around. Then Ron Paul came up and insisted on shaking my hand. I was so excited, I went around telling everybody that Ron Paul shook my hand! But nobody cared.
3) Are we ready for a recession? The markets are tanking everywhere, while the USA has a day off. I guess they'll catch up (or catch down) tomorrow. When everyone sells, sells, sells, aren't "wily investors" supposed to step in and start buying up the bargains? Where have those darn "wily investors" got to? Don't people want bargains anymore? This ain't K-Mart, I guess.
4) John McLaughlin said it's time to move close to the ledge. That's not comforting.
5) I saw a bit of Goldfinger but I missed too much to catch up. It looked silly, though, and Sean Connery was still very handsome. I saw a bit where he drove some woman (i.e some woman) off the road using the Ben-Hur-chariot spikes on his tyres. That wily Bond.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Quotation of the Day
From William Carlos Williams:
It is difficult
to get the news from poems
yet men die miserably every day
for lack of what is found there.
It is difficult
to get the news from poems
yet men die miserably every day
for lack of what is found there.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I Hates Clogs
I'm stuck at home this morning with the plumber because my kitchen sink has a major clog. Turns out the clog is in the pipe that runs under the house. Yikes.
The plumber is currently gone, back at the "shop" to get some big machine he needs to clear out the pipe.
I wonder how much $$$$ this is going to set me back. Argh.
The plumber is currently gone, back at the "shop" to get some big machine he needs to clear out the pipe.
I wonder how much $$$$ this is going to set me back. Argh.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Yuck
Sometimes it's dangerous to flip from one station to another. Last night, I flipped past Newsworld while they were showing a documentary on gastric by-pass surgery done using laparoscopy.
Really, the tubes they stick in the patient are much larger than I'd imagined. And they jammed them into people's abdomens like plugging a hole in a tire. I can't really picture myself lying there like a beached whale with all that equipment driven into my gut. It made me feel light-headed. I'm not feelin' so brave today.
On the plus side, since this laparoscopic surgery is performed routinely now, maybe while the Doc's in there decluttering various organs, I can ask that he suck out some flab at the same time. Since he's in the neighbourhood and all.
Really, the tubes they stick in the patient are much larger than I'd imagined. And they jammed them into people's abdomens like plugging a hole in a tire. I can't really picture myself lying there like a beached whale with all that equipment driven into my gut. It made me feel light-headed. I'm not feelin' so brave today.
On the plus side, since this laparoscopic surgery is performed routinely now, maybe while the Doc's in there decluttering various organs, I can ask that he suck out some flab at the same time. Since he's in the neighbourhood and all.
Wish Me Luck
This morning I submitted an application for a job in London (not Ontario!). It's similar work to what I do here (no snide comments, please) in a similar organization. I don't expect anything to come of it, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Of course, you can all come visit me when I'm a swinging Londoner. heh.
Frankly I expect my only response will be from the Head of Human Resources, Nelson Muntz, who will say: You didn't get the job HA HA.
Of course, you can all come visit me when I'm a swinging Londoner. heh.
Frankly I expect my only response will be from the Head of Human Resources, Nelson Muntz, who will say: You didn't get the job HA HA.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Another weird dream
Last night I dreamt that I was trapped in a department store's elevator shaft with three McGill students. ?????
The only thing that makes sense is the McGill thing. I received an alumni magazine the other day and thumbed through it last evening. So that's where that comes from. But why the elevator shaft? I love the subconscious!
The only thing that makes sense is the McGill thing. I received an alumni magazine the other day and thumbed through it last evening. So that's where that comes from. But why the elevator shaft? I love the subconscious!
Today in Luis Guzman News
Some of you may know that I am big fan of Luis Guzman. Well, who isn't, right? And anyone who isn't should reform their ways and become a fan, sez I.
I found this funny story on slate.com today about how our Luis is starring in a series of commercials for cheese.
Now if you were to think of the 50 States of the USA and try to pick which is the unlikeliest state for Luis to live in, where would that be? Of course! Vermont! But it turns out Luis is a "gentleman farmer" living in Vermont and was more than happy to appear in commercials for a local cheese producer.
Now could anything be cooler than being, say, in Burlington at PizzaUno and seeing Luis Guzman at the next table. I ask you. That would be bliss.
I found this funny story on slate.com today about how our Luis is starring in a series of commercials for cheese.
Now if you were to think of the 50 States of the USA and try to pick which is the unlikeliest state for Luis to live in, where would that be? Of course! Vermont! But it turns out Luis is a "gentleman farmer" living in Vermont and was more than happy to appear in commercials for a local cheese producer.
Now could anything be cooler than being, say, in Burlington at PizzaUno and seeing Luis Guzman at the next table. I ask you. That would be bliss.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Speaking of nostalgia
A question for susieq.
JAW Fan wants to know if you are familiar with this series. He has fond memories of seeing it late at night here. Screaming women and alligators. These are the elements of a great t.v. series, in his opinion. I'm reserving judgement.
JAW Fan wants to know if you are familiar with this series. He has fond memories of seeing it late at night here. Screaming women and alligators. These are the elements of a great t.v. series, in his opinion. I'm reserving judgement.
TV fun
The one good thing to come out of the writers’ strike is having the Golden Globes announced and wrapped up in a few short minutes.
I missed half the announcements because I was flipping back and forth between the GGs and Dr. Strangelove.
After seeing From Russia with Love a bit earlier and then Dr. Strangelove, I am really feeling nostalgic for the Cold War. I always do, but now more than ever. Those were the good old days. When I saw the story this morning about the British Ambassador being hauled in before the Russian Foreign Minister over some spat, I sighed wistfully.
But back to the GGs, I kept checking in with Larry King but his comments were so inane (even by his standards) that I had to give up. When Larry grumbled that he didn’t understand why “Daniel Day” did not win Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, I just wanted to strangle him. Has he actually seen any of the movies he raves about? I know I’m stating the obvious, but I am continually amazed at what a clueless fool Larry is.
I missed half the announcements because I was flipping back and forth between the GGs and Dr. Strangelove.
After seeing From Russia with Love a bit earlier and then Dr. Strangelove, I am really feeling nostalgic for the Cold War. I always do, but now more than ever. Those were the good old days. When I saw the story this morning about the British Ambassador being hauled in before the Russian Foreign Minister over some spat, I sighed wistfully.
But back to the GGs, I kept checking in with Larry King but his comments were so inane (even by his standards) that I had to give up. When Larry grumbled that he didn’t understand why “Daniel Day” did not win Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, I just wanted to strangle him. Has he actually seen any of the movies he raves about? I know I’m stating the obvious, but I am continually amazed at what a clueless fool Larry is.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Great Movie Moment
I’m watching From Russia With Love right now. This is the second time it’s been on in the past month, and I find it really amusing.
A scene I love: Lotte Lenya wants to meet the new killer operative. They bring Robert Shaw (looking verrrry fit) to her. She circles him and then punches him hard in the stomach. He doesn’t flinch. She declares him satisfactory and leaves.
This is the test?
What kind of half-assed operation is SPECTRE anyway?
A scene I love: Lotte Lenya wants to meet the new killer operative. They bring Robert Shaw (looking verrrry fit) to her. She circles him and then punches him hard in the stomach. He doesn’t flinch. She declares him satisfactory and leaves.
This is the test?
What kind of half-assed operation is SPECTRE anyway?
Friday, January 11, 2008
People are sick
I know this story has probably been around the world by now, but I can't get over how stupid people are.
Two men were arrested on Tuesday after pushing a corpse, seated in an office chair, along the sidewalk to a check-cashing store to cash the dead man’s Social Security check, the police said.
The men parked the chair with the corpse in front of Pay-O-Matic at 763 Ninth Avenue. They went inside to present the check, but a clerk said Mr. Cintron would have to cash it himself, and asked where he was, the police said. “He is outside,” the man said, indicating the body in the chair. (New York Times)
Pay-O-Matic is not Aut-O-Matic.
The cheque was for $355.
Two men were arrested on Tuesday after pushing a corpse, seated in an office chair, along the sidewalk to a check-cashing store to cash the dead man’s Social Security check, the police said.
The men parked the chair with the corpse in front of Pay-O-Matic at 763 Ninth Avenue. They went inside to present the check, but a clerk said Mr. Cintron would have to cash it himself, and asked where he was, the police said. “He is outside,” the man said, indicating the body in the chair. (New York Times)
Pay-O-Matic is not Aut-O-Matic.
The cheque was for $355.
Juno
I saw Juno last night. It wasn't as good as I was expecting. But it is pleasant enough, and the acting is good.
What bothered me was the lingo. I got tired of the way this kid talked like a too-clever hipster all the time. I just wanted her to speak English for a bit to give me a break. Maybe if I'd seen this at age 20 I would've found it supercool, but I'm not the right demographic now. It's trying too hard to be quirky.
What bothered me was the lingo. I got tired of the way this kid talked like a too-clever hipster all the time. I just wanted her to speak English for a bit to give me a break. Maybe if I'd seen this at age 20 I would've found it supercool, but I'm not the right demographic now. It's trying too hard to be quirky.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Money Woes?
An article in La Presse today says that gas at $1.50 a litre is just around the corner. Yikes.
Fortunately for me, because my car is slowly rusting away and on the verge of expiring, it has become unreliable, so I'm barely driving it this winter. Therefore I have no need to fill up very often.
On the negative side, heating oil is also going to be at a record high in the very near future, and that's gonna cost me a lot.
On the positive side, I do own a nice shiny cup that I can use whilst begging on the street corner. I need to find some gloves with no finger tips for the complete Dickensian effect.
Fortunately for me, because my car is slowly rusting away and on the verge of expiring, it has become unreliable, so I'm barely driving it this winter. Therefore I have no need to fill up very often.
On the negative side, heating oil is also going to be at a record high in the very near future, and that's gonna cost me a lot.
On the positive side, I do own a nice shiny cup that I can use whilst begging on the street corner. I need to find some gloves with no finger tips for the complete Dickensian effect.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Here I go again
Surgery is now scheduled for 22 January.
Will it take place, or will I be bumped again? Anyone taking bets on this?
Will it take place, or will I be bumped again? Anyone taking bets on this?
Rudy Can Fail
Yay. I get to say it again.
The only problem with some Republicans losing is that it means another Republican has to win. A McCain win means how many more years of war? A hundred? Gawd.
It's great to see Mittens going down the toilet too. My worry is that if Mitt drops out of the race, we will be denied some great columns by CK. Hang in there, Mitt. At least keep telling those easy-to-detect lies. For everyone's reading pleasure!
The only problem with some Republicans losing is that it means another Republican has to win. A McCain win means how many more years of war? A hundred? Gawd.
It's great to see Mittens going down the toilet too. My worry is that if Mitt drops out of the race, we will be denied some great columns by CK. Hang in there, Mitt. At least keep telling those easy-to-detect lies. For everyone's reading pleasure!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Old Dictator Death Watch 2008
Surprise! it's not Fidel but Suharto who's the subject of the first ODDW of 2008.
To be honest, when I saw the headlines about his deteriorating health, my first thought was "What? He's still alive?"
How come old dictators live so long? Must be a stress-free job.
To be honest, when I saw the headlines about his deteriorating health, my first thought was "What? He's still alive?"
How come old dictators live so long? Must be a stress-free job.
A very odd dream
Last night I dreamt that our friends in Ottawa, J&J, were having a baby. Everyone seemed to know this except me. I kept thinking, how long has everyone known this? how could I not know this? This is big and highly improbable news, but everybody was quite nonchalant about it.
In the dream, Mr. Anonymous said, “oh they saw how great our kids are and decided to have one”. Definitely the kind of statement that only gets said in dreams.
In the dream, Mr. Anonymous said, “oh they saw how great our kids are and decided to have one”. Definitely the kind of statement that only gets said in dreams.
So far, so good
The year is not yet lost. I did some decluttering over the weekend. (Bows, awaiting applause.)
It's true what they say: I did feel better afterwards, even though nobody but me would be able to see a difference.
Two rooms are done. Last night when I got home I vaguely considered doing a bit in the kitchen, but then thought bleh, forget it. Don't want to go overboard.
In not-so-good household news, my kitchen ceiling is peeling. I guess there is quite a lot of moisture that has gotten in between the second floor and the kitchen ceiling and it is causing the paint to crack and become unstuck. I haven't got an actual bubble of dripping water (yet) but I guess an early Spring paint job of the kitchen is inevitable.
It's true what they say: I did feel better afterwards, even though nobody but me would be able to see a difference.
Two rooms are done. Last night when I got home I vaguely considered doing a bit in the kitchen, but then thought bleh, forget it. Don't want to go overboard.
In not-so-good household news, my kitchen ceiling is peeling. I guess there is quite a lot of moisture that has gotten in between the second floor and the kitchen ceiling and it is causing the paint to crack and become unstuck. I haven't got an actual bubble of dripping water (yet) but I guess an early Spring paint job of the kitchen is inevitable.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Two more Canadian soldiers dead
Meet the New Year, same as the old year.
Is it too early to start counting down to February 2009, when we can get out of there for good?
Is it too early to start counting down to February 2009, when we can get out of there for good?
Sunday, January 06, 2008
What gives?
Before Sweeney Todd yesterday, I saw a trailer for a really, really awful looking comedy starring Matthew McConaughey. I don't like him.
So I watched 2 hours of Johnny Depp and 2 minutes of McConaughey, and what was the result? A dream about naked Matthew McConaughey. Is this right? Is this fair? I feel like I ripped myself off.
Have I ever dreamt about Johnny Depp? Not to my recollection. The brain is an unfair organ.
So I watched 2 hours of Johnny Depp and 2 minutes of McConaughey, and what was the result? A dream about naked Matthew McConaughey. Is this right? Is this fair? I feel like I ripped myself off.
Have I ever dreamt about Johnny Depp? Not to my recollection. The brain is an unfair organ.
There will be lotsa, lotsa blood
I saw Sweeney Todd, and MAN, is it bloody!
I wasn’t expecting that. I knew it had to be a bit a bloody, but the gushing geysers surprised me. I quickly lost track of how many throats were slashed. I kept thinking "but this is a musical!"
I liked the songs. I know nothing about Sondheim, but I enjoyed this introduction.
Johnny Depp is good, but Helena Bonham Carter is better. Neither sings particularly strongly, but that’s okay.
Alan Rickman plays the bad guy, if you can say there is a bad guy. Frankly everybody’s a bad guy or a crazy or both. When Rickman’s young ward refuses to marry him, I thought, how can she turn him down? He’s Alan Rickman! The young fool!
How come nobody has wards anymore?
I wasn’t expecting that. I knew it had to be a bit a bloody, but the gushing geysers surprised me. I quickly lost track of how many throats were slashed. I kept thinking "but this is a musical!"
I liked the songs. I know nothing about Sondheim, but I enjoyed this introduction.
Johnny Depp is good, but Helena Bonham Carter is better. Neither sings particularly strongly, but that’s okay.
Alan Rickman plays the bad guy, if you can say there is a bad guy. Frankly everybody’s a bad guy or a crazy or both. When Rickman’s young ward refuses to marry him, I thought, how can she turn him down? He’s Alan Rickman! The young fool!
How come nobody has wards anymore?
Friday, January 04, 2008
A Bit More about Iowa
Does this prove that Oprah is all-powerful? I think it does. Oprah cures the sick and secures a black politician’s victory in Iowa. Maybe she could do something about JAW Fan’s sore tooth.
I like Obama, but his wife is way more impressive than he is.
Chris Dodd is out of the race. Americans don’t appreciate a civilized wine drinker, and that is their loss. Sniff.
How is it possible that the bloated corpse of Fred Thompson finished third? I was frankly surprised to learn that the dead are allowed to run for office. Now I know better.
I like Obama, but his wife is way more impressive than he is.
Chris Dodd is out of the race. Americans don’t appreciate a civilized wine drinker, and that is their loss. Sniff.
How is it possible that the bloated corpse of Fred Thompson finished third? I was frankly surprised to learn that the dead are allowed to run for office. Now I know better.
I hate phoney baloney Mitt, but who doesn't?
Rudy Can Fail
Giulani finished 6th in Iowa. I'd been hoping for that so I could use this title. That was fun. Let's hope I can use this joke over and over and over.
Huckabee clearly rode the wave of Iowan evangelical Keith Richards fans.
Huckabee clearly rode the wave of Iowan evangelical Keith Richards fans.
Progress is made
I didn't do any decluttering last night but I did dismantle the Xmas tree, and vacuum the area. So this feels like progress. I call it "pre-decluttering" like the kids call drinking at home before heading to the bar "pre-drinking".
Also, it's snowing again. Yay! Hoo-ray! I'm sooo happy about that.
Also, it's snowing again. Yay! Hoo-ray! I'm sooo happy about that.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
2008: Not off to a great start
I didn't do any decluttering last night. And why not? Because I had to shovel all the effing snow that fell on New Year's Day.
Thus I am grumpy.
Oh, and the windchill this morning is around minus 1,000. blech.
Thus I am grumpy.
Oh, and the windchill this morning is around minus 1,000. blech.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
US Politics
I've finally found my candidate (not that I can vote, I know). Tonight on ABC News they asked the candidates for their "guilty pleasures". I didn't see everyone's answer, but Chris Dodd said his was a nice glass of wine and that sometimes he has too much. Bing! There's my man.
In this bizarro world of US politics where candidates aren't even embarrassed to admit they have never tasted beer (what the f***!) Dodd admits to enjoyng wine and having too much. What's not to like about this man? Go Dodd!
My fearless prediction: John McCain will be the Republican nominee for President. He will be defeated by the Democrat (no prediction here yet), though, because voters will realize he is a) batshit crazy and b) 150 years old.
In this bizarro world of US politics where candidates aren't even embarrassed to admit they have never tasted beer (what the f***!) Dodd admits to enjoyng wine and having too much. What's not to like about this man? Go Dodd!
My fearless prediction: John McCain will be the Republican nominee for President. He will be defeated by the Democrat (no prediction here yet), though, because voters will realize he is a) batshit crazy and b) 150 years old.
Bridget Jones
I'm watching this movie right now, and I don't get it. I've seen most of it before, and I know I'm supposed to find her awkwardness cute and endearing, but I just find her pathetic. Why do women find her hilarious?
Sigh, this is it
I’ve found my New Year’s resolution for 2008.
Declutter, declutter, declutter.
This will be next to impossible for a pack-rat to achieve, but I have to do something. On a positive note, the NY Times had a link to an organization that assists people with “Chronic Hoarding”. Did you know such a condition ever existed, and that there’s an organization to help people with it? I didn’t.
Anyway, I took their quiz and I’m not in need of professional help in this regard. Quel relief. I’m a Level 1 which translates as “Household is considered standard”. Well, that’s fine and good for them, but I’m still living under too much stuff. Actually, I think I’m closer to a Level 1.5 because I had to check off “Limited evidence of housekeeping, vacuuming, sweeping”. But that’s pretty subjective. What is “limited evidence”? I dunno.
But I do know the solution is not to buy more storage bins and shelving units. The solution is to get rid of stuff. BUT HOW? (Yes, I’m whining now.)
These people who have neat homes, with closets that are not packed to bursting, with empty shelves, with beds that don’t have flat storage boxes underneath them, how do they do it? How do they get rid of stuff? Or how do they manage to not accumulate stuff in the first place? I just don’t understand. I need to know the secret.
Declutter, declutter, declutter.
This will be next to impossible for a pack-rat to achieve, but I have to do something. On a positive note, the NY Times had a link to an organization that assists people with “Chronic Hoarding”. Did you know such a condition ever existed, and that there’s an organization to help people with it? I didn’t.
Anyway, I took their quiz and I’m not in need of professional help in this regard. Quel relief. I’m a Level 1 which translates as “Household is considered standard”. Well, that’s fine and good for them, but I’m still living under too much stuff. Actually, I think I’m closer to a Level 1.5 because I had to check off “Limited evidence of housekeeping, vacuuming, sweeping”. But that’s pretty subjective. What is “limited evidence”? I dunno.
But I do know the solution is not to buy more storage bins and shelving units. The solution is to get rid of stuff. BUT HOW? (Yes, I’m whining now.)
These people who have neat homes, with closets that are not packed to bursting, with empty shelves, with beds that don’t have flat storage boxes underneath them, how do they do it? How do they get rid of stuff? Or how do they manage to not accumulate stuff in the first place? I just don’t understand. I need to know the secret.
Canada: Land of the Plain
Another great poll courtesy of The Globe & Mail, Canada’s newspaper of record.
TORONTO — It seems most Canadians realize they do not have movie star looks, according to a new poll that asked people to rate how attractive they think they are. On average, those questioned considered themselves a 6.7 out of 10.
Eight per cent of the more than 1,000 people asked rated themselves a 10, and two-thirds of those were men.
Most people also do not think the years will take much of a toll on them. When asked how they thought they would look 10 years from now, most thought they would only be a little less better looking.
Apparently some people are not familiar with the “ravages of time” concept.
And if I understand this correctly, about 5% of men claim to rate themselves 10s. I find this hard to believe. I think a lot more men think of themselves as 10s than that. I’d put it at 15%.
TORONTO — It seems most Canadians realize they do not have movie star looks, according to a new poll that asked people to rate how attractive they think they are. On average, those questioned considered themselves a 6.7 out of 10.
Eight per cent of the more than 1,000 people asked rated themselves a 10, and two-thirds of those were men.
Most people also do not think the years will take much of a toll on them. When asked how they thought they would look 10 years from now, most thought they would only be a little less better looking.
Apparently some people are not familiar with the “ravages of time” concept.
And if I understand this correctly, about 5% of men claim to rate themselves 10s. I find this hard to believe. I think a lot more men think of themselves as 10s than that. I’d put it at 15%.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
2008...and we're off!
Happy New Year.
Another year of blogging is on the agenda. However, as being a blogger is a big social responsibility, I believe it is my duty to attempt to elevate the level of discourse in the blogosphere. So allow me to commence 2008 accordingly.
Our first topic of the year:
Tom Hanks’ nipples.
I saw Charlie Wilson’s War yesterday. Oh, that is so last year. (This is the only day of the year where I can make that lame joke. Apologies. Let me begin again.)
About Tom Hanks’ nipples.
There is a post-coital bath-tub scene where two distracting things occur. One is that Julia Roberts applies thick mascara and then proceeds to separate her clumped eyelashes using a safety pin. It’s scary. Meanwhile Tom Hanks is in the bath-tub where he is shot in close-up at such an angle that his right nipple is distractingly prominent. I didn’t hear a thing he said because I thought, at first, what IS that? And then, I realized, ah, that’s a nipple. It is oddly red and…plump. It took over the screen. I wondered if he had only one like this, but then the camera angle changed and we got a similar shot of Tom’s left nipple which was just as…plump… as the right one. I really felt like they were totally in my face.
Other than this, I really liked the movie because it is about Afghanistan, a topic near to my heart. And Philip Seymour Hoffman (Da Man!) is great fun. Fortunately, we don’t have to see him naked. I already went through that once when watching Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead and I really could not have handled it again. Tom’s over-exposure was more than enough male nudity for one movie for me.
Another year of blogging is on the agenda. However, as being a blogger is a big social responsibility, I believe it is my duty to attempt to elevate the level of discourse in the blogosphere. So allow me to commence 2008 accordingly.
Our first topic of the year:
Tom Hanks’ nipples.
I saw Charlie Wilson’s War yesterday. Oh, that is so last year. (This is the only day of the year where I can make that lame joke. Apologies. Let me begin again.)
About Tom Hanks’ nipples.
There is a post-coital bath-tub scene where two distracting things occur. One is that Julia Roberts applies thick mascara and then proceeds to separate her clumped eyelashes using a safety pin. It’s scary. Meanwhile Tom Hanks is in the bath-tub where he is shot in close-up at such an angle that his right nipple is distractingly prominent. I didn’t hear a thing he said because I thought, at first, what IS that? And then, I realized, ah, that’s a nipple. It is oddly red and…plump. It took over the screen. I wondered if he had only one like this, but then the camera angle changed and we got a similar shot of Tom’s left nipple which was just as…plump… as the right one. I really felt like they were totally in my face.
Other than this, I really liked the movie because it is about Afghanistan, a topic near to my heart. And Philip Seymour Hoffman (Da Man!) is great fun. Fortunately, we don’t have to see him naked. I already went through that once when watching Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead and I really could not have handled it again. Tom’s over-exposure was more than enough male nudity for one movie for me.
Monday, December 31, 2007
In Football News
(Enjoy that title, you probably won't see it again.)
Am I the only one who hates the Perfect Patriots and wants to see them lose in a totally humiliating fashion at some point in the play-offs? I can't be alone, can I?
Go Indy. Go Manning.
Am I the only one who hates the Perfect Patriots and wants to see them lose in a totally humiliating fashion at some point in the play-offs? I can't be alone, can I?
Go Indy. Go Manning.
Old Resolutions
I’ve been reviewing my Resolutions from last year, which were:
1. Gain 20 pounds.
2. Start smoking. Work my way up to a pack a day.
3. Stop walking; drive more.
4. Get off the treadmill and onto the couch more often.
5. Read fewer books; watch more reality t.v.
6. Watch porn.
7. Spend money frivolously
8. Spend more than I earn.
9. Embrace Cheney.
10. Kick the cat.
I’m afraid I’ve failed quite miserably in my attempt to reach these objectives, although I have made a few strides on No. 7. And anyone who knows me as Miss Frugal will appreciate that working on No. 7 is quite an intimidating task for me. For example, over Xmas, I took the train to Toronto and paid full fare for a First Class ticket. I’d never done that before, but I thought screw the proles, I’m not lining up, I’m going in a comfy seat, with a full hot meal, and free booze. It was worth it.
I’m nowhere near No. 8.
1. Gain 20 pounds.
2. Start smoking. Work my way up to a pack a day.
3. Stop walking; drive more.
4. Get off the treadmill and onto the couch more often.
5. Read fewer books; watch more reality t.v.
6. Watch porn.
7. Spend money frivolously
8. Spend more than I earn.
9. Embrace Cheney.
10. Kick the cat.
I’m afraid I’ve failed quite miserably in my attempt to reach these objectives, although I have made a few strides on No. 7. And anyone who knows me as Miss Frugal will appreciate that working on No. 7 is quite an intimidating task for me. For example, over Xmas, I took the train to Toronto and paid full fare for a First Class ticket. I’d never done that before, but I thought screw the proles, I’m not lining up, I’m going in a comfy seat, with a full hot meal, and free booze. It was worth it.
I’m nowhere near No. 8.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
I love Statistics!
And I especially love the statistics that the Globe & Mail reports on. Today's topic, most appropriate on nearly New Year's Eve, is k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
Reports the Globe: "A study determined that men like their kisses wetter and with more tongue: To be precise, 33 per cent wetter and with 11 per cent more tongue, on average, than women do."
11 per cent more tongue. Not 10, not 15. 11 per cent.
What does THAT mean? 11 per cent more movement? 11 per cent wider tongue? 11 per cent longer tongue? 11 per cent probing-er? What the heck is 11 per cent more tongue?
That's so weird, I can't stop laughing.
I'm ignoring the 33 per cent wetter stat. Cause that's a full third more slobbering. Ew. You guys!
Reports the Globe: "A study determined that men like their kisses wetter and with more tongue: To be precise, 33 per cent wetter and with 11 per cent more tongue, on average, than women do."
11 per cent more tongue. Not 10, not 15. 11 per cent.
What does THAT mean? 11 per cent more movement? 11 per cent wider tongue? 11 per cent longer tongue? 11 per cent probing-er? What the heck is 11 per cent more tongue?
That's so weird, I can't stop laughing.
I'm ignoring the 33 per cent wetter stat. Cause that's a full third more slobbering. Ew. You guys!
2008...on the horizon
Anybody got any ideas for New Year's Resolutions? I'm practically perfect, so I don't know what to improve. There must be something...
But, seriously, other than trying to be healthy, I need to make a list. Which I can completely forget about by around January 5.
But, seriously, other than trying to be healthy, I need to make a list. Which I can completely forget about by around January 5.
It's a Sunny Sunday
I mention this only because I cannot remember the last time we saw the sun for more than 10 minutes.
(I'm sure it's beautifully sunny and high 20s in Melbourne. Don't bother saying it.)
(And it's probably minus 20 and dark in Edmonton. Don't bother with that either.)
(I'm sure it's beautifully sunny and high 20s in Melbourne. Don't bother saying it.)
(And it's probably minus 20 and dark in Edmonton. Don't bother with that either.)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Bumpety, bumpety, bump
I done bin bumped. My surgery has been postponed. Some kind of emergency over the weekend is apparently going to be taking up the OR and this means no surgeries on Monday. I have no idea what this is all about.
All that build-up and pffft. Easy come, easy go.
Dr. McDreamy's secretary assured me my operation would take place in January, but now I have to wait until Thursday to find out when it will be scheduled. This sucks.
All that build-up and pffft. Easy come, easy go.
Dr. McDreamy's secretary assured me my operation would take place in January, but now I have to wait until Thursday to find out when it will be scheduled. This sucks.
Well, that's over....Next! Suivant!
My sister told me she went by the Dollar Store yesterday, and they had taken away all the Xmas merchandise and put up all the Valentine's Day merchandise.
Still waiting for There Will be Blood
I read this in the NY Times about Daniel Day-Lewis's performance. I cannot wait to see this. It appears he's playing it even bigger than in Gangs of New York, and he was huge in that one.
"Mr. Day-Lewis’s outsize performance, with its footnote references to John Huston and strange, contorted Kabuki-like grimaces, occasionally breaks the skin of the film’s surface like a dangerous undertow. The actor seems to have invaded Plainview’s every atom, filling an otherwise empty vessel with so much rage and purpose you wait for him to blow. It’s a thrilling performance, among the greatest I’ve seen, purposefully alienating and brilliantly located at the juncture between cinematic realism and theatrical spectacle. "
Yum.
"Mr. Day-Lewis’s outsize performance, with its footnote references to John Huston and strange, contorted Kabuki-like grimaces, occasionally breaks the skin of the film’s surface like a dangerous undertow. The actor seems to have invaded Plainview’s every atom, filling an otherwise empty vessel with so much rage and purpose you wait for him to blow. It’s a thrilling performance, among the greatest I’ve seen, purposefully alienating and brilliantly located at the juncture between cinematic realism and theatrical spectacle. "
Yum.
My last day
It's my last day at work for...I dunno... two weeks, six weeks? Feels a bit surreal.
It will be really weird if the surgery turns out to be a traditional incision job and I'm at home for six weeks. Let's hope that is not the case. Not that I wouldn't love to be off work for a good part of the winter, but I don't want the pain, immobility and incapacitation that would come with a long recovery. Just two weeks following a quickie laparoscopy will be A-okay with me. I'm looking forward to the pain killers. I wanna press the button on that morphine drip. heh heh.
It will be really weird if the surgery turns out to be a traditional incision job and I'm at home for six weeks. Let's hope that is not the case. Not that I wouldn't love to be off work for a good part of the winter, but I don't want the pain, immobility and incapacitation that would come with a long recovery. Just two weeks following a quickie laparoscopy will be A-okay with me. I'm looking forward to the pain killers. I wanna press the button on that morphine drip. heh heh.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Happy Birthday, JAW Fan
(I know he's not actually at the office or near a computer to get the message, but it would not be right to let the day go by without acknowledging this event. )
Today in assassination news
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Pakistan is the biggest, most dangerous hell-hole on earth.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Home again!
I hope everybody had a lovely Christmas.
I returned tonight to find there had been a truly spectacular thaw over the past 3 days. Snowbanks have shrunk considerably. This is grrrreat.
One day late: A belated Happy 50th Birthday to Mr. Shane MacGowan. I, for one, never thought he would live to see 50. What was it Orwell said, at 50 you have the face you deserve? Something like that. Well, I tried to find a decent pic of Shane to post for this big birthday, but frankly he has the face he deserves and it ain't pretty. So I passed on that photo idea.
I returned tonight to find there had been a truly spectacular thaw over the past 3 days. Snowbanks have shrunk considerably. This is grrrreat.
One day late: A belated Happy 50th Birthday to Mr. Shane MacGowan. I, for one, never thought he would live to see 50. What was it Orwell said, at 50 you have the face you deserve? Something like that. Well, I tried to find a decent pic of Shane to post for this big birthday, but frankly he has the face he deserves and it ain't pretty. So I passed on that photo idea.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Overheard on the bus
Woman #1: I'm just back from vacation.
Woman #2: Where did you go?
#1: Las Vegas!
#2: Did you like it?
#1: I had been 20 years ago, but it's changed.
#2: Oh yeah?
#1: It's so commercial now.
Alas, I too miss the days when Vega$ was a cultural mecca.
Where have you gone, Dan Tanna?
Woman #2: Where did you go?
#1: Las Vegas!
#2: Did you like it?
#1: I had been 20 years ago, but it's changed.
#2: Oh yeah?
#1: It's so commercial now.
Alas, I too miss the days when Vega$ was a cultural mecca.
Where have you gone, Dan Tanna?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Caption this Photo
Sarko: Did ya hear? I'm banging an Italian model!
Benny16: I still have a nattier wardrobe.
NDG = Little Italy
I'm trudging through the snow war zone that is my street this morning, and there's a woman who has backed out of her driveway but is now not moving at all, she's just madly spinning her wheels on the ice and not going anywhere. There's a man walking his dog who is trying to gesture to her that she should attempt to roll forward and then back again.
She rolls down her window and says literally:
"I'ma stucka. Please go arounda."
I had to smile.
She rolls down her window and says literally:
"I'ma stucka. Please go arounda."
I had to smile.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Pre-Op
I survived my morning of pre-op junk. The tests were nothing, but the waiting in between tests was endless. gawd.
The worst part of the day was the hour and a half on the bus to get to the hospital. Almost 90 minutes to go 8 or 9 km. Cra-zee.
I'm going to bed now. I'm wiped out.
The worst part of the day was the hour and a half on the bus to get to the hospital. Almost 90 minutes to go 8 or 9 km. Cra-zee.
I'm going to bed now. I'm wiped out.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Awful Story
I guess most people in Canada have heard about the murder of the old man who was delivering Xmas cards to his neighbours. It's the kind of crime that turns my stomach. It appears it was a random attack by some nut job. I think a suspect has already been arrested.
Anyway, I just saw on the local news a picture of the suspect and the title was "Christmas Card Killer".
Christmas Card Killer? That reeks of a bad Ben Affleck movie. Do they really have to give the crime a catchy name? This really bugs me.
Anyway, I just saw on the local news a picture of the suspect and the title was "Christmas Card Killer".
Christmas Card Killer? That reeks of a bad Ben Affleck movie. Do they really have to give the crime a catchy name? This really bugs me.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bringing in the sheaves
The government of Saskatchewan foolishly toyed with the idea of replacing the wheat sheaf as its provincial logo with….I dunno....something else.
People complained, and the govt backed down.
I realize Saskatchewan has oil and other such goodies, but really, abandoning the wheat sheaf? What foolishness!
Saskatchewan = wheat. Always has, always will. At least symbolically. Unless they were planning to replace it with a big logo of Brent Butt....
That settles it: Hands off the wheat sheaf!
People complained, and the govt backed down.
I realize Saskatchewan has oil and other such goodies, but really, abandoning the wheat sheaf? What foolishness!
Saskatchewan = wheat. Always has, always will. At least symbolically. Unless they were planning to replace it with a big logo of Brent Butt....
That settles it: Hands off the wheat sheaf!
New Year's Eve Fun
It appears that 31 December is when I shall be going under the knife. I'm just waiting for confirmation that my pre-op appointment can take place this week, and then we're off to the races.
Will I get bumped? Will the surgeon start his New Year's tippling early? Yikes.
I will get to start 2008 with all my innards tightened up. How delightful.
Will I get bumped? Will the surgeon start his New Year's tippling early? Yikes.
I will get to start 2008 with all my innards tightened up. How delightful.
The Day After
The morning commute turned out to be no problem today because all schools are closed which means tons fewer cars on the road. And a near-empty bus to get to the Metro.
I'm already worrying where we are going to put the snow if we get a couple more storms like this.
I'm already worrying where we are going to put the snow if we get a couple more storms like this.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
OK, so the sky IS falling
It's brutal out there!
It's not the accumulation of snow. It's the stupid drifting. For those unfamiliar with the in's and out's of snow, let me tell you that the weight of drifted snow is so much heavier than that of pretty little snowflakes that fell to Earth by themselves without being pushed by ridiculous wind. Drifted snow is compacted, and a shovelful weights a lot.
I'm grumpy. And still have lots more snow to deal with. wah!
It's not the accumulation of snow. It's the stupid drifting. For those unfamiliar with the in's and out's of snow, let me tell you that the weight of drifted snow is so much heavier than that of pretty little snowflakes that fell to Earth by themselves without being pushed by ridiculous wind. Drifted snow is compacted, and a shovelful weights a lot.
I'm grumpy. And still have lots more snow to deal with. wah!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Waiting, waiting
Once again the newscasts and weather forecasts are trying to scare us with a BIG snowstorm warning.
It's gonna be The Storm of the Century! Hey, that's the second one this month.
On the late news last night they said if you have anything to do this weekend, make sure you do it on Saturday because you won't want to go out on Sunday. Yeah, right. Let's see what happens. Of course, as I am not only Miss Frugal, but also Miss Cautious, I did all my errands today so I can indeed huddle down tomorrow if need be. But one part of my brain is very skeptical.
If we do get 30+ cm of snow tomorrow, one thing is for sure, two Mondays ago we all made it into the office only to be told we could go home. So how many people who work in my building are going to exert themselves to make it to the office bright and early this Monday? Not effing many. And cetainly not me.
It's gonna be The Storm of the Century! Hey, that's the second one this month.
On the late news last night they said if you have anything to do this weekend, make sure you do it on Saturday because you won't want to go out on Sunday. Yeah, right. Let's see what happens. Of course, as I am not only Miss Frugal, but also Miss Cautious, I did all my errands today so I can indeed huddle down tomorrow if need be. But one part of my brain is very skeptical.
If we do get 30+ cm of snow tomorrow, one thing is for sure, two Mondays ago we all made it into the office only to be told we could go home. So how many people who work in my building are going to exert themselves to make it to the office bright and early this Monday? Not effing many. And cetainly not me.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Richard III
Whilst flipping last night, I came across Richard III with Ian McKellen. This is the version set in a 1930s fascist state.
Any production of Richard III lives or dies based on the performance of the actor playing R3 since he carries the whole darn thing. McKellen is really a rotter in this, so the movie works. Man, is he nasty.
There’s a great scene where he has had one of his (many) alleged disloyal charges murdered, and a flunkie brings him 8 x 10 photos of the hanged victim. R3 throws a jazzy record on the phonograph and then stretches out on a couch and laughs as he looks at the photos. He is eeeev-illlllll.
I had planned to go to bed early, but I had to stay up to see how they managed to get in the “a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse” line into a 1930s setting. R3 is riding in a jeep. His driver gets shot, and then the soldier who is riding in the back, manning the machine gun, gets shot by R3!! He doesn’t trust anybody. Then the jeep’s wheels get jammed so R3 is just sitting there unable to move and he delivers the line. It worked pretty well because in an earlier scene showing the preparation for war, they showed some soldiers leading horses. Not bad.
One of the supporting lords was played by the actor who played Percy on Blackadder. I kept thinking "it's Percy!" and expecting him to do something goofy, but he didn't.
Any production of Richard III lives or dies based on the performance of the actor playing R3 since he carries the whole darn thing. McKellen is really a rotter in this, so the movie works. Man, is he nasty.
There’s a great scene where he has had one of his (many) alleged disloyal charges murdered, and a flunkie brings him 8 x 10 photos of the hanged victim. R3 throws a jazzy record on the phonograph and then stretches out on a couch and laughs as he looks at the photos. He is eeeev-illlllll.
I had planned to go to bed early, but I had to stay up to see how they managed to get in the “a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse” line into a 1930s setting. R3 is riding in a jeep. His driver gets shot, and then the soldier who is riding in the back, manning the machine gun, gets shot by R3!! He doesn’t trust anybody. Then the jeep’s wheels get jammed so R3 is just sitting there unable to move and he delivers the line. It worked pretty well because in an earlier scene showing the preparation for war, they showed some soldiers leading horses. Not bad.
One of the supporting lords was played by the actor who played Percy on Blackadder. I kept thinking "it's Percy!" and expecting him to do something goofy, but he didn't.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
In the news
I was just about to post about Canada's nuclear reactor crisis which the entire world is ignoring, but then I saw this headline:
Liza Minnelli Collapses on Stage in Sweden
Knowing my readership (all 8 of you) I think I better keep everyone up to date on the Liza collapse and forget about the Chalk River reactor's failing pumps which may lead to our very own Chernobyl.
Therefore without further ado: "Veteran entertainer Liza Minnelli collapsed on stage a few songs into a performance in Sweden's second city and was taken to hospital before being discharged on Thursday, " (Washington Post) So, she's okay.
I know certain people around here (well, one person) who in his final moments when the radiation is reducing us all to goo like that guy in Raiders of the Lost Ark, will be asking with his final breath: "But is Liza okay? Will she take the stage again? gassssppp." The answer will be yes. He can die happy. We can all die happy. Life is a cabaret.
Liza Minnelli Collapses on Stage in Sweden
Knowing my readership (all 8 of you) I think I better keep everyone up to date on the Liza collapse and forget about the Chalk River reactor's failing pumps which may lead to our very own Chernobyl.
Therefore without further ado: "Veteran entertainer Liza Minnelli collapsed on stage a few songs into a performance in Sweden's second city and was taken to hospital before being discharged on Thursday, " (Washington Post) So, she's okay.
I know certain people around here (well, one person) who in his final moments when the radiation is reducing us all to goo like that guy in Raiders of the Lost Ark, will be asking with his final breath: "But is Liza okay? Will she take the stage again? gassssppp." The answer will be yes. He can die happy. We can all die happy. Life is a cabaret.
Zzzzzz
Anyone ever have to deal with a snoring cat?
The Big Red One is driving me crazy. I'm suffering from lost sleep because he's taken to lying at the foot of the bed and sawing logs like there's no tomorrow. How can a 5 kg animal make that much noise?
He's become a miniature version of my father. (No, he didn't sleep at the foot of a bed.)
Last night, at 3:12 a.m. I finally had to nudge him awake because I was miserable, and then I had to endure 5 minutes of mewling and complaining because I'd disturbed his beauty rest.
Over the weekend I was quietly reading the paper on the couch and TBRO was across the room snoozing and suddenly I thought the sidewalk plow was coming down the street, but no, it was him, snoring in the depths of his feline dreams.
This is nuts.
The Big Red One is driving me crazy. I'm suffering from lost sleep because he's taken to lying at the foot of the bed and sawing logs like there's no tomorrow. How can a 5 kg animal make that much noise?
He's become a miniature version of my father. (No, he didn't sleep at the foot of a bed.)
Last night, at 3:12 a.m. I finally had to nudge him awake because I was miserable, and then I had to endure 5 minutes of mewling and complaining because I'd disturbed his beauty rest.
Over the weekend I was quietly reading the paper on the couch and TBRO was across the room snoozing and suddenly I thought the sidewalk plow was coming down the street, but no, it was him, snoring in the depths of his feline dreams.
This is nuts.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
We are Ogres!
Apparently just about everyone at the UN Climate Change conference in Bali hates Canada.
Since Steve came to power we’ve had to adjust to our new role as bad guys. It’s so unlike us. It feels weird. Is this what being an American feels like?
Environment Minister Baird is such a bull dog. I vote him “Cabinet member mostly likely to one day punch someone’s lights out”. Mark my words.
Since Steve came to power we’ve had to adjust to our new role as bad guys. It’s so unlike us. It feels weird. Is this what being an American feels like?
Environment Minister Baird is such a bull dog. I vote him “Cabinet member mostly likely to one day punch someone’s lights out”. Mark my words.
Funny typo of the day
There’s an Italian guy at work who thinks he is god’s gift to womankind. The way he struts around is both irritating and hilarious to me. This morning I had to get his confirmation on something, so I e-mailed to ask that he indicate his approval.
His response: I looks good to me.
Yeah, I know that, but what about my question?
His response: I looks good to me.
Yeah, I know that, but what about my question?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Lord Black Behind Bars
I've finally figured out who Conrad in jail is reminding me of: Sideshow Bob.
Mo
It's been a while since we've seen Mo Gaddafi on the world stage. Leave it to Sarko to invite Monsieur Mo and his bedouin tent to Paris.
Anyway, my point is: What's with the facial hair, Mo? I think he's going for a Pirates of the Caribbean look. Mo says, hey, it works for the young Johnny Depp, why not for me?
Meanwhile Sarko's thinkin' "Any babes in here? Ou sont les babes?"
Anyway, my point is: What's with the facial hair, Mo? I think he's going for a Pirates of the Caribbean look. Mo says, hey, it works for the young Johnny Depp, why not for me?
Meanwhile Sarko's thinkin' "Any babes in here? Ou sont les babes?"
My Stairway to Heaven Theory
My theory is that Stairway to Heaven has a ten-year shelf life. That is to say that from the first time one hears StH one has ten years of enjoyment before suddenly ODing on the song and not being able to listen to it anymore.
Most people in my age group would've heard StH for the first time as teenagers, let us say, at age 15 just to make it easy. I'll use myself as an example. I heard the song and I loved it. Thought it was great.
And then for years and years, I kept hearing it. Still liking it, but then suddenly at or around age 25 I got sick of it. I couldn't stand it anymore. And I have now spent 21 years being sick of the song but still being unable to escape it.
You can't escape it, you know. It's playing in every gas station, depanneur, drug store you go into. If there's a radio on, within a few minutes you'll be hearing Stairway to Heaven. And hating it.
Most people in my age group would've heard StH for the first time as teenagers, let us say, at age 15 just to make it easy. I'll use myself as an example. I heard the song and I loved it. Thought it was great.
And then for years and years, I kept hearing it. Still liking it, but then suddenly at or around age 25 I got sick of it. I couldn't stand it anymore. And I have now spent 21 years being sick of the song but still being unable to escape it.
You can't escape it, you know. It's playing in every gas station, depanneur, drug store you go into. If there's a radio on, within a few minutes you'll be hearing Stairway to Heaven. And hating it.
"And she's buy-uy-ing a stairway..."
Last night on The National, my girl Adrienne Arsenault was reporting from the Led Zeppelin concert. Considering how she is usually in a flak jacket somewhere in the Middle East, it was kinda fun to see her there. She looked oddly amused.
Signing off, she mentioned that Zep songs would soon be available as ring tones. So, she said “you can hear Stairway to Heaven every time the phone rings.” I looked at the cats and said: “Why would I want that???” and then we cut back to Peter Mansbridge who said: “And why wouldn’t we?”
Thus I find myself at odds with Peter Mansbridge.
Signing off, she mentioned that Zep songs would soon be available as ring tones. So, she said “you can hear Stairway to Heaven every time the phone rings.” I looked at the cats and said: “Why would I want that???” and then we cut back to Peter Mansbridge who said: “And why wouldn’t we?”
Thus I find myself at odds with Peter Mansbridge.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Surgery Update
When I met the surgeons last month, I was hoping to have the older guy do my surgery because I thought the younger one was too young. And too good-looking. I had fears of having young McDreamy because I assume if he’s a young good-looking surgeon then he is a hotshot who is full of himself, and I don’t want him.
I called the hospital this morning trying to track down the date of my surgery, and, yep, I’m getting McDreamy. How annoying. He did ask a couple of good questions during the initial consult, so maybe I’m worried for nothing, but this still makes me nervous.
I don’t even watch Grey’s Anatomy but I can still picture this hotshot (he’s Italian for god’s sake) flirting with nurses and ignoring me, THE PATIENT.
I don’t know the date because apparently McDreamy schedules all his surgeries and never tells his secretary anything. She is totally exasperated with him, and said she would call me back. She hasn’t. This does not bode well.
I called the hospital this morning trying to track down the date of my surgery, and, yep, I’m getting McDreamy. How annoying. He did ask a couple of good questions during the initial consult, so maybe I’m worried for nothing, but this still makes me nervous.
I don’t even watch Grey’s Anatomy but I can still picture this hotshot (he’s Italian for god’s sake) flirting with nurses and ignoring me, THE PATIENT.
I don’t know the date because apparently McDreamy schedules all his surgeries and never tells his secretary anything. She is totally exasperated with him, and said she would call me back. She hasn’t. This does not bode well.
Another Republican Idiot
Last night I saw a commercial by Rudy Giuliani. I'd heard about it but it was the first time I'd seen it.
In it, Rudy talks about how the US hostages in Iran were released exactly at the moment that Ronald Reagan was being sworn in as Prez of the USA.
and....
well....
what does any of that have to do with Rudy? Nothing. Try to hang onto to the coattails of a dead President? Effing pathetic.
Remind everyone of dead Ronnie being sworn in 27 years ago = Vote for Rudy!
What? What an idiot. Is this guy for real?
In it, Rudy talks about how the US hostages in Iran were released exactly at the moment that Ronald Reagan was being sworn in as Prez of the USA.
and....
well....
what does any of that have to do with Rudy? Nothing. Try to hang onto to the coattails of a dead President? Effing pathetic.
Remind everyone of dead Ronnie being sworn in 27 years ago = Vote for Rudy!
What? What an idiot. Is this guy for real?
Heh heh
I see that The Globe & Mail refers to Conrad Black as a "fraudster" this morning.
That made me giggle.
Update: 6 to 8 years for old Conrad. wow. I didn't think such a high-falutin' bigwig would actually do time. True, he is a foreigner in the USA, so who cares about him down there, eh? And as a foreigner, he doesn't have the privilege of going to a cushy prison, he has to go to a real prison. What will Barbara do? How will she maintain her lifestyle?
That made me giggle.
Update: 6 to 8 years for old Conrad. wow. I didn't think such a high-falutin' bigwig would actually do time. True, he is a foreigner in the USA, so who cares about him down there, eh? And as a foreigner, he doesn't have the privilege of going to a cushy prison, he has to go to a real prison. What will Barbara do? How will she maintain her lifestyle?
Chip News
JAW Fan reporting:
Yesterday, I had the privilege of sampling two of the new President's Choice Asian-themed potato chips: General Tao flavour and Szechwan flavour. Were they Chinatown in a bag? No, they were not. But what a pretty bag they were...a nice rich silver colour with a dragon emblem. Probably the most beautiful chip bag I have yet to see. However, their spiel on the back (something along the lines of not needing chopsticks to enjoy Chinese food) was rather lame. But then, one does not purchase potato chips for literary reasons.
In any case, for anyone who might fear that these flavours would not translate well into a potato chip, fear not...as these chips are about as Asian as Don Rickles in silk pants*. Does this mean that they were an unpleasant chip experience? Of course, not. The General Tao ones should really have been called "Hint-o'-Barbecue" It was not an intrusive taste whatsoever. In fact, one could have been snacking on them all evening without ever realizing the supposed-Chinese inspiration behind them. And had someone informed unaware eaters that these were General Tao, spit takes might have ensued.
As for the Szechwan chips, they were tangier and far more pleasant to the ol' tastebud. They had a nice zip and zing to them. I could best descibe them as All Dressed Light. Personally, I find All Dressed chips can be a little overpowering, but these Szechwan ones brought the flavour down a notch, making it a truly enjoyable party snack.
Overall, they would both score well on the wang-o-meter, the Szechwan, however, would probably rate an inch bigger, making him this weekend's winner in the chip locker room.
*Editor's note: Wha?
Yesterday, I had the privilege of sampling two of the new President's Choice Asian-themed potato chips: General Tao flavour and Szechwan flavour. Were they Chinatown in a bag? No, they were not. But what a pretty bag they were...a nice rich silver colour with a dragon emblem. Probably the most beautiful chip bag I have yet to see. However, their spiel on the back (something along the lines of not needing chopsticks to enjoy Chinese food) was rather lame. But then, one does not purchase potato chips for literary reasons.
In any case, for anyone who might fear that these flavours would not translate well into a potato chip, fear not...as these chips are about as Asian as Don Rickles in silk pants*. Does this mean that they were an unpleasant chip experience? Of course, not. The General Tao ones should really have been called "Hint-o'-Barbecue" It was not an intrusive taste whatsoever. In fact, one could have been snacking on them all evening without ever realizing the supposed-Chinese inspiration behind them. And had someone informed unaware eaters that these were General Tao, spit takes might have ensued.
As for the Szechwan chips, they were tangier and far more pleasant to the ol' tastebud. They had a nice zip and zing to them. I could best descibe them as All Dressed Light. Personally, I find All Dressed chips can be a little overpowering, but these Szechwan ones brought the flavour down a notch, making it a truly enjoyable party snack.
Overall, they would both score well on the wang-o-meter, the Szechwan, however, would probably rate an inch bigger, making him this weekend's winner in the chip locker room.
*Editor's note: Wha?
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Romney
I just read Chris's latest column on Mitt Romney: "Mitt Romney made his religion speech during Hanukkah because he's the only candidate oily enough to burn for eight days."
I think that is one of the funniest things he's ever written.
Romney's such a creep.
I think that is one of the funniest things he's ever written.
Romney's such a creep.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Good Snow Removal News for a Change
When I got home tonight the city had cleared the other side of the street. They always do the east side first, and us on the west side a day or two later. I don't know what this injustice exists. It just does, and we must live with it.
I had not cleared my driveway all week because I didn't need the car. But when I got home tonight, for reasons unknown, the city guys had cleared my driveway! Really. It was so strange and unexpectedly delightful.
I was outside with my Pogues-lovin', whiskey-swillin' neighbour and I said I should've bought a lottery ticket for tonight because this is my lucky day. And he said, no, this was obviously the ONLY lucky thing that was going to happen today, so a lottery ticket would've been a waste of money. I love an optimist. Sometimes he makes me look sunny by comparison.
We suspected that the city workers might've mistakenly thought that they had blocked my entrance with their equipment and pushed the snow in front of my driveway, which is why they then pushed it out. They didn't but who cares? All's well that end's well, as the bard once said, but not about snow clearing.
I had not cleared my driveway all week because I didn't need the car. But when I got home tonight, for reasons unknown, the city guys had cleared my driveway! Really. It was so strange and unexpectedly delightful.
I was outside with my Pogues-lovin', whiskey-swillin' neighbour and I said I should've bought a lottery ticket for tonight because this is my lucky day. And he said, no, this was obviously the ONLY lucky thing that was going to happen today, so a lottery ticket would've been a waste of money. I love an optimist. Sometimes he makes me look sunny by comparison.
We suspected that the city workers might've mistakenly thought that they had blocked my entrance with their equipment and pushed the snow in front of my driveway, which is why they then pushed it out. They didn't but who cares? All's well that end's well, as the bard once said, but not about snow clearing.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
A Canadian Winter Scene
Many of you know that I have an ongoing hate-hate relationship with a particular next-door neighbour of mine based on the fact that a) he shovels his snow onto my property and b) he is the biggest asshole in the history of the universe.
It has often been suggested (particularly by JAW Fan, who would do it in a flash if he lived here) that I simply shovel all the snow back onto the property of Mr. Biggest Asshole. I have not done so, and the story below will explain why. This is exactly the kind of confrontation I wish to avoid, and I know perfectly well that if we started this battle, I would end up in handcuffs.
Premeditated murder by swinging a shovel. Murder One. No regrets, no remorse. Murder with a song in my heart.
In this story, replace the words “snowblower” with “shovel”, “43-year-old man” with “46-year-old woman” and “72-year-old woman” with “the biggest asshole in the history of the universe”.
LEVIS, Que. -- A snowblower duel between two neighbours was decided with the click of handcuffs after punches were thrown and one man tried to choke an elderly woman.
Levis police said it all started in a swirl of snow Monday night as the elderly woman cleared snow from her front walk but blew the snow onto a neighbour's entrance.
Her 43-year-old neighbour saw that and got out his snowblower to send the fluffy white flakes whirling right back.
"Then the 72-year-old woman grabbed her snowblower again and blew it onto her neighbour," said Alain Gelly, a Levis police spokesman. "The man again blew the snow back. Both of them were blowing snow on each other. It was a real battle of the blowers."
The tempest lasted about 10 minutes until both combatants faced each other in the street, their engines roaring.
"That's when the 43-year-old man got angry and started insulting the 72-year-old woman before grabbing her by the throat and pushing her to the ground," Gelly said.
The woman's 70-year-old husband saw what was happening from the window of his house and ran out to intervene. But he got punched several times before he could say much.
A neighbour saw the commotion and called police.
The 43-year-old man was arrested. He will likely be charged with assault. (Edmonton Sun)
P.S. I just noticed that the cop's name is Gelly. Cool name. I'll bet everyone on the force calls him GellyBaby.
It has often been suggested (particularly by JAW Fan, who would do it in a flash if he lived here) that I simply shovel all the snow back onto the property of Mr. Biggest Asshole. I have not done so, and the story below will explain why. This is exactly the kind of confrontation I wish to avoid, and I know perfectly well that if we started this battle, I would end up in handcuffs.
Premeditated murder by swinging a shovel. Murder One. No regrets, no remorse. Murder with a song in my heart.
In this story, replace the words “snowblower” with “shovel”, “43-year-old man” with “46-year-old woman” and “72-year-old woman” with “the biggest asshole in the history of the universe”.
LEVIS, Que. -- A snowblower duel between two neighbours was decided with the click of handcuffs after punches were thrown and one man tried to choke an elderly woman.
Levis police said it all started in a swirl of snow Monday night as the elderly woman cleared snow from her front walk but blew the snow onto a neighbour's entrance.
Her 43-year-old neighbour saw that and got out his snowblower to send the fluffy white flakes whirling right back.
"Then the 72-year-old woman grabbed her snowblower again and blew it onto her neighbour," said Alain Gelly, a Levis police spokesman. "The man again blew the snow back. Both of them were blowing snow on each other. It was a real battle of the blowers."
The tempest lasted about 10 minutes until both combatants faced each other in the street, their engines roaring.
"That's when the 43-year-old man got angry and started insulting the 72-year-old woman before grabbing her by the throat and pushing her to the ground," Gelly said.
The woman's 70-year-old husband saw what was happening from the window of his house and ran out to intervene. But he got punched several times before he could say much.
A neighbour saw the commotion and called police.
The 43-year-old man was arrested. He will likely be charged with assault. (Edmonton Sun)
P.S. I just noticed that the cop's name is Gelly. Cool name. I'll bet everyone on the force calls him GellyBaby.
Finally
I left the house 15 minutes earlier than usual this a.m., but I made it to work on time.
It's a miracle!
It's a miracle!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Again, I've been remiss
What with the snowstorm and the Scottish man and a bunch of other stuff, I've not being paying full attention to the news. Thus I am tardy in posting regarding the death last week of the lead singer of Quiet Riot.
Let us pause a moment now to remember Big 80's Hair.
Amen.
Let us pause a moment now to remember Big 80's Hair.
Amen.
Oprah continues her miracles
The Scottish man is home from the hospital and his Scottish mommy is taking care of him. He even e-mailed the office with a medical update, so apparently his brain is functioning normally.
Hail Oprah.
Hail Oprah.
That's it! I'm moving to some warm place
Florida? Venezuela? Hong Kong? I don't care.
For the second day, I had to abandon the bus and walk to the Metro because of effing gridlock. I was over an hour late for work again. This is insane. Why do all the surburbs get decent snow-clearing and the city of Montreal does not? I'm soooo angry.
Maybe I just need to move to Cote St. Luc. It's only two blocks away and the roads there are pristine.
For the second day, I had to abandon the bus and walk to the Metro because of effing gridlock. I was over an hour late for work again. This is insane. Why do all the surburbs get decent snow-clearing and the city of Montreal does not? I'm soooo angry.
Maybe I just need to move to Cote St. Luc. It's only two blocks away and the roads there are pristine.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Hell's Freezing Over
Never thought I’d say this but there’s a Republican candidate I actually like.
Yes, he doesn’t believe in evolution and therefore has to be a loon, but Mike Huckabee is really likeable. I can’t hate the guy. He seems smart and articulate. He’s the only fundamentalist Christian I’ve ever seen on t.v. who doesn’t appear to be totally hostile to the rest of the world. He’s not full of hate like the rest of them. Oh, and Huckabee's a cool name.
What really did it for me is last night on Anderson’s show, they talked about how much Huckabee idolizes Keith Richards. This from a man who doesn’t drink alcohol. Keith! Uniter of all! Let us all join together under the banner of Keith.
Of course, Huckabee is a Baptist minister from the South, so this inevitably means the creepy sex scandal is just around the corner. Too bad.
Yes, he doesn’t believe in evolution and therefore has to be a loon, but Mike Huckabee is really likeable. I can’t hate the guy. He seems smart and articulate. He’s the only fundamentalist Christian I’ve ever seen on t.v. who doesn’t appear to be totally hostile to the rest of the world. He’s not full of hate like the rest of them. Oh, and Huckabee's a cool name.
What really did it for me is last night on Anderson’s show, they talked about how much Huckabee idolizes Keith Richards. This from a man who doesn’t drink alcohol. Keith! Uniter of all! Let us all join together under the banner of Keith.
Of course, Huckabee is a Baptist minister from the South, so this inevitably means the creepy sex scandal is just around the corner. Too bad.
Post-Storm Day One
Apparently our offices are staying open today, although it's still snowing and I think they should send us home.
Took me an hour and 45 minutes to get to work this a.m.; double the usual time. NDG is the worst neighbourhood in town after a storm. Too many uncleared major arteries = headaches. I got off the bus and walked the last mile to the Metro, passing 4 other buses along the way....and I'm a slow walker!
Silliness.
Another thing I love about winter? Comments from susie about how hot it is in Australia. Oh yeah, I love being reminded of that. grrrr.
Took me an hour and 45 minutes to get to work this a.m.; double the usual time. NDG is the worst neighbourhood in town after a storm. Too many uncleared major arteries = headaches. I got off the bus and walked the last mile to the Metro, passing 4 other buses along the way....and I'm a slow walker!
Silliness.
Another thing I love about winter? Comments from susie about how hot it is in Australia. Oh yeah, I love being reminded of that. grrrr.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Shovelling, Part One of Infinite
I did a quick 10 minutes of snow shovelling before going to work.
I now just completed another 30 minutes. I'm only doing the path. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that my kindly handsome neighbour will come around with the snowblower later to do the drive. He better. Or no more Irish whiskey for him. (That's my standard bribe.)
Snow's accumulating and drifting pretty quickly out there. I'm going to have to do the roof next. This is really crappy.
I now just completed another 30 minutes. I'm only doing the path. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that my kindly handsome neighbour will come around with the snowblower later to do the drive. He better. Or no more Irish whiskey for him. (That's my standard bribe.)
Snow's accumulating and drifting pretty quickly out there. I'm going to have to do the roof next. This is really crappy.
My Stupid Employer
We're having a pretty big snowstorm at the moment. But not the worst in history by a long, long shot.
So I get to work at 8:50, that's about 20 minutes late. Not bad, considering road conditions. At 9:00 a.m. we receive an e-mail from the Big Boss announcing that our offices are closed, due to the weather conditions.
We're all fucking here already!!
The whole point of a snow day is that your turn on the radio, hear that your offices are closed and joyfully go back to bed. That's how it's supposed to work. Idiots.
So I've done a bit of on-line Xmas shopping, a couple of e-mails and a bit of blogging and now I'm heading back home to shovel.
So I get to work at 8:50, that's about 20 minutes late. Not bad, considering road conditions. At 9:00 a.m. we receive an e-mail from the Big Boss announcing that our offices are closed, due to the weather conditions.
We're all fucking here already!!
The whole point of a snow day is that your turn on the radio, hear that your offices are closed and joyfully go back to bed. That's how it's supposed to work. Idiots.
So I've done a bit of on-line Xmas shopping, a couple of e-mails and a bit of blogging and now I'm heading back home to shovel.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Line of the Day
Ian McEwan on Norman Mailer: Boxing and writing were wonderfully confused in his mind.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
A Movie Moment
I came across one of my favourite movie moments tonight. I was flipping past A&E and Goodfellas was on.
It was the scene where Deniro, Pesci and Liotta are visiting Pesci's mother, when they've got Frank Vincent's body in the trunk of the car. Mother Scorsese is showing her latest painting to the fellas. It's a painting of a guy in a canoe with two dogs. Joe Pesci describes it. He says: "I like dis one. One dog goes dis way. One dog goes dat way...and this guy he says 'hey whattdaya want from me.'"
Then they all start laughing about the guy they killed.
I had to watch the whole movie.
It was the scene where Deniro, Pesci and Liotta are visiting Pesci's mother, when they've got Frank Vincent's body in the trunk of the car. Mother Scorsese is showing her latest painting to the fellas. It's a painting of a guy in a canoe with two dogs. Joe Pesci describes it. He says: "I like dis one. One dog goes dis way. One dog goes dat way...and this guy he says 'hey whattdaya want from me.'"
Then they all start laughing about the guy they killed.
I had to watch the whole movie.
One Final Leap
I saw today on page A25 of The Gazette that Evel Knievel died. Wait a sec. When I was a teenager, he seemed to be ubiquitous. You couldn't go a week without hearing about another stunt, or planned stunt, by Evel Knievel.
And now his death is relegated to page 25?
It's not just me, right? Is it because I had male cousins who were obsessed with him? Is this why I think this should be much bigger news? I thought he was a much bigger star in American popular culture than it appears. He was Evel Knievel, dude!
Oh well.
And now his death is relegated to page 25?
It's not just me, right? Is it because I had male cousins who were obsessed with him? Is this why I think this should be much bigger news? I thought he was a much bigger star in American popular culture than it appears. He was Evel Knievel, dude!
Oh well.
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