Sunday, December 31, 2006

Beauty is in the eye......

Here is an excellent resource that Kevin alerted me to yesterday.

http://www.museumofbadart.org/

Friday, December 29, 2006

New Yorker Part 2

When I get an offer to subscribe to the New Yorker Magazine, does it make me a New Yorker?

Who's the Geek?

I saw an ad last night for Beauty and the Geek, and I told Mike that was just like us. This invariably led Mike the the question "Who is the beauty and who is the geek?" I assert that I am the beauty since he has a greater geek pedigree (I do not question his beauty). I do not deny that I have geeky qualities. I fully admit I like to follow my jokes with a hearty "wha wha whaaaaaaa" in the old timey style. I like science articles and watching surgery on TV. I guess I like the bioscience area of Geekdom. I am not into the following Geeky pastimes: Scifi, fantasy, Star Trek, computers, and the Renaissance Faire. I am not good at math either, so how could I be the Geek?

Food Fashion

I have been looking for a headband, and I had an idea in mind. I could not find what I had pictured in my mind anywhere--until last night. Of all places to find what I have been seeking? The grocery store!! Thanks Whole Foods! The other suprise was that it was not overpriced! Does that confirm that I am fashion challenged or what?

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Thank God it's not Asparagus

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_sc/cinnamon_sound

Freaks and Geeks clip

This one is for DV! Nick Andopolis Rocks!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

NY kinda night


Mike came home early, so we decided to walk around Playland before we went to the gym. Playland is an old amusement park nearby, and it is cool since it is old school. The park is right on the Long Island Sound. It has been in some movies, etc. It is pleasant to stroll around, especially on summer nights when the lights are on, the rides going, people milling, and nocturnal aquatic birds hanging around in the shadows. There is a bird sanctuary adjacent, so if you walk near the water you can see some funky sea birds.
After we walked around Playland, we saw Night at the Museum which is a very NY film.

http://www.ryeplayland.org/History/default.htm

On an unrelated note, I have not been able to get blogger to publish my links correctly, so sorry about have to copy and paste!

Wet Christmas

I spent Christmas with Mike's family in NJ. We stayed overnight which was good since they were all up until 3:30 playing cards (I bowed out at 1 AM, still getting over my cold). Christmas eve was crisp and sunny, but Christmas here was gloomy and wet. On Saturday, it was 60 here. We went to Arthur Ave in the Bronx (the real little Italy) and picked up some pasta for fun. There was Christmas music blasting over loudspeakers, and many stores had lines going down the street (people buying their Christmas treats). We stood and ate a slice of pizza on a street corner next to some NYC firemen. So, now we are back home and Mike is working a few symbolic days until his job is over.

Slobs R Us

It was ironic as I was mentally preparing to attack our apartment, I came across this article in the Times. It does not mean that I will abandon my cleaning plans since we are hosting visitors starting this weekend.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/garden/21mess.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=74358105859316a4&ex=1167282000

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Charlie Brown Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

amy sedaris on colbert

this is pretty funny

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Courtesy of Pat

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Wild West


I was going through some old pictures, and I found a ton of discs that I had not loaded into the computer. I really like this one. This is Glacier Nat'l Park in Montana, it looks like what you dream of when you talk about going out west.

sick of bein' sick

I have a cold, and I almost wretch when I see the gross Mucinex ads with the animated boogers who leave a green trail. Anyone with me on that?

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Best of '06




Here are my highlights of '06, I hope I can remember them all, no particular order:
1. Seeing my nephews jumping off the bluffs of Christmas cove and skipping Petosky stones into the lake (like we used to as kids).
2. Seeing my whole family together (except for the missing Jon Pastoria) on the same trip. It is rare that we are all together.
3. Gliding into Redcliff, CO after our long hut loop. The sky was impossibly blue, the winter sun warm (finally after enduring record cold), and the people friendly (construction worker gave us a ride back to our car after we discovered there was no cafe in town anymore).
4. Watching whales in the distance off of Race Point and Herring Cove beaches in Cape Cod. One of the best whale watches (and seals) I have had.
5. Camp (always an good annual memory).
6. Brian's visit to NY, especially when he told me that he thought the building was on the corner of 6th and 35th. I was marvelling at his knowledge of the streets of NY, until I saw that this intersection was painted on the roof of the building below.
7. Seeing dolphins in CA with Sue and the boys, spotting the fox on our early AM walk that was followed by the world's best breakfast, and Griffin Park.
8. Gliding through NYC on bikes and seeing literally the people of the world. Every few blocks opened up neighborhoods with a different ethnic makeup.
9. The coyote in Rockefeller who stood still for one minute, the numerous sightings of fox on our street.
10. Skiing Vail with Mike, Brian, and Tracey (the trooper with a broken foot!)

I am sure that I am missing a few, but 10 seemed like a reasonable number to stop.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Friday, December 15, 2006

Dream Car

Mike and I like to joke that we would like to get a Mustang, but there is no station wagon. Our dream may come true!

href="http://www.muscularmustangs.com/2006/news01052009fordmustang.php">

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Global Warming

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Whatever happened to winter? Blustery December days? I had to keep the windows open in my car today to keep it from getting stuffy in there. I jogged outside in shorts and a long sleeved shirt (and I got hot). No wonder I can not get in a holiday mood easily--it feels like I am in a time warp. I am getting worried that we will not get any snow this year. I really have grown to love the Noreaster! It is awesome that the storms every few years can dump 1-5 feet of snow. I really love that. I think snow is a great excuse to sit home, wrap a blanket around you, make some soup or hot chocolate, and dive into a book. The world just needs to stop for a little while.


Meanwhile, Mike is driving home from a job interview in Richmond. The airports here got fogged in, so Mike and his friend from work are driving tonight. He has another interview tommorrow, and the weather channel predicted AM fog. I was preparing to listen to him explain how to get into his work email and get the number of his interview tommorrow, but I may not need to do it afterall.

Freaks and Geeks - Bill talks about French Kissing

The immortal wisdom of the Haverchuck!!

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Surf Cleveland!

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/us/10surf.html?hp&ex=1165726800&en=5213d0534769d6f0&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Here is an article about the surf scene in Cleveland. Enjoy!

Warren Miller

Too much testosterone+seretonin deficiency=this movie!!

Friday, December 08, 2006

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Revelation

I just found out this AM when I am snoring, Mike says loudly, "No snoring", and I stop. He does not say "Stop snoring" or "You are snoring", just "no snoring". I wonder what other suggestions he plants in my head overnight.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Snow Miser Year without a Santa Claus

It is strange to think that this is part of my holiday nostalgia. I think the cold miser is in danger due to global warming. He also bears some resemblance to my high school boss at the swim club that has been busted for hooking up with a 16 year old girl on the team he was coaching.

Heroes

Mike just convinced me to start watching Heroes this week. He caught a couple of episodes late last week. I was worried that it was too scifi for me, but it is really fun. It keeps you guessing, and we are going to watch them online to catch up.

The job search has begun. I will let you know if there is any breaking news. Of course any leads on finance positions would be helpful, unless they are in lame places!! We both may be off the end of the month, so there may be a Northeast extravaganza (skiing if there is snow, swinging by Boston and the Colemans if we are welcome). More to come on this later.

Guitar class is ending next week. We had a really fun session. Our teacher picked out some really fun music to play that sounds really good (even when I butcher it).

Here is another quote:

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."----Jack Handey

Sunday, December 03, 2006

It's beginning to look a lot like......


I bought another potted Christmas tree this year. Usually they have them at the supermarket, and they are about a foot tall. This year I found the 3 footer (estimated), and I could not resist. We repotted it today and decorated. Our tree from last year is doing well, so hopefully this tree will survive the season too. I also got Dr. Seuss in the mood (our funny palmlike tree Mike got from work a few years ago). Dr. Seuss has had a hard year, but he is still hanging in there somehow. Our tree is the right size for our tight little apartment.
It finally got cold today. It is starting to feel seasonal, and I was able to wear my toque and winter coat. I always like to change into new clothes for the season. Now if I could only figure out what gifts to buy I would be all set!!
Here is an inspirational quote to leave you tonight.
The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw.----Jack Handey

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Stop making sense

Last night at the Grocery store, I bought some shopping bags to reuse. This particular store always gives you about 100 bags upon leaving, and it is wasteful and annoying. I do have a big canvas bag I use at the farmers market, but I always forget it in the house for other shopping trips. Anyways, I wanted to get more to keep with me. Of course when I was buying the bags and some other things, the bagger started to bag them!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Holy Grail

A few years ago, maybe longer than I thought, my mom asked for a particular Christmas gift. It did not seem complicated at the time. I combed malls as did my other family members (I guess this preceded internet shopping). She wanted a white cotton cable-knit sweater (cardigan). It was an impossible item! I am happy to say I found it!!

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1930_66620_149539_127286_5:view=59,00.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_66620&sid=4650134624869113010

I went to nearly every sweater shop in Ireland with Mom, and I am sure that this one will not be right due to the dark buttons!! Here you go Mom, I tried. Let me know if you want me to pick one up for you!

PS This relates to my laundry related rant. I went out tonight and bought more underwear (even though I have about 40 pairs). I bought this whimsical pair due to phrases on it that I read. I saw "ski bunny" "snow angel" Aspen, etc and bought them. When I was looking at them when I got home, I saw more holiday related phrases which was OK until I read "Stuff my stocking" That unfortunately was the first phrase Mike saw on them. So I picked myself a classy pair of undies allright!

PPS To my family, I get dibs on this present if Mom actually likes the sweater.

Laundry List

I have to go to the Laundromat, and it really drives me crazy. I have bought socks and underwear in the middle of the Christmas rush around here to avoid going. I go about once a month, and we do a ton of laundry to reduce the frequency of our visits. Of course I was excited on vacation in Cape Cod when we had a washer and dryer!
I am always agitated in there. They blare this lite rock station (and the TV is always blaring as well), and it is always the John Tesh show when we get in there. His theme is "Intelligence for you life", and he reads advice out of Women's magazines. This adds to my bad mood. I swear I hear "Don't go breakin' my heart" by Elton John every time I do wash. The kicker is when John Tesh told us how to flush a toilet! I keep it in check, but listening to that and waiting for a dryer may kick in some laundry rage in me. I keep it sealed up and raise my blood pressure instead. I also can not understand people in there who seem happy. I guess I need to work on it!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Got your goat

I can not believe that it is almost December. I am really not even close to ready for Christmas lights. It may be since it has been so mild for the last month. It does not feel right yet. Of course I am getting a ton of catalogues. I received a really cool one this year from a charity where you can purchase animals (or a share of an animal) for a family in need (generally 3rd world). The animals are used for milk, eggs, or even wool to help support a family. I could give a goat or even a water buffalo for Christmas! Anyways, I am sharing the link 'cause it looks like a great charity (and I would love to say I gave a goat or a pig for Christmas!).

http://www.heifer.org

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Back to the Grind




I had a nice Thanksgiving visit to Detroit. It was suprisingly warm and sunny. Of course I came down with a cold when I arrived (it never fails despite my obsessive hand washing!), but it was not very severe. Here are some pics. The Colemans getting their tree and some family fun.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Ed in Canis Lupis

Here is our friend, Ed Rychlick showing off on Canis Lupis!! Another preview for Park City.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Family Guy

This one's for Horney. She was a big Aha fan.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Mike shredding at Park City

Now that it has cooled down, it is time to think about snow! This is a taste of what is to come in Park City!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

New Yorkers

Mike and I were out to eat the other night, and the table next to us was filled with loud New Yorkers. Mike keeps telling me that I am a New Yorker now too, but I am not sure if I agree.
1. I do not feel like a New Yorker.
2. I still feel like a Michigander.
3. The vast majority of my life was spent in Michigan.
I feel like I am a person from Michigan who lives in NY (if that makes sense). I do suppose after 20 years here I may feel otherwise, but it has only been 5. How long do you have to live somewhere to identify yourself in that region??

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Political Preschoolers

Another fascinating article, but I can not help feeling it is biased.

http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/04/predicting_politics.php

The apple does not fall far from the tree

Here is an article about autism research and the focus on genetics.

http://www.seedmagazine.com/news/2006/11/when_two_minds_think_alike.php?page=1

Baker J


I had this half-assed idea today that I would bake bread to accompany the soup I was making. I have never tried to bake bread, so I bought a loaf in case I failed (which was in the realm of possibility). I followed directions and tried to assess if the dough had risen enough, etc. This is the result. Needless to say, I am excited. As a bonus, the bread also tastes good!!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Hey Turkeys!

I was wondering who is in town during the thanksgiving holiday (MI that is!). I am staying until Mon night, and would love to see everyone if they around following various family obligations (and haircut). Let me know when we can grace you with our presence.

Friday night


Tonight is a quite a rockin' friday night. I have to get up early for a course in the city tommorrow, so I am going to bed early so I do not waste my money and sleep!! We hit a Mexican place that we have not tried before, and it was really good. There are not a lot of local places that we get excited about. Anyways, it was a suprise that the joint served Paulaner Octoberfest beer. It went well with Mexican food!
Since the Spartans are in the toilet, I am going to watch Michigan-Ohio State LIVE! This way, nobody can unintentially give the score away. For how much nobody cares around here, we have had scores spilled to us left and right. I was planning on rooting for Michigan. I figured it was better to have Big Ten and State pride. It is too bad about Bo. It is almost fitting that he passed on the eve of the annual grudge match.
Here is a random picture. It is in Telegraph Cove, Vancouver Island. Really cool place! Enjoy and good night!

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Storms and Sanders

I do not know what the weather is everywhere else, but it was almost 70 here today. I just went for a walk at 11 PM in my shorts and sweatshirt, and I was overdressed! It even smelled like spring, and I expect to see some crocus tommorrow.

On a unrelated note:
Sanders is opening a shop in Birmingham. This is for you nostalgic Detroiters who can not get enough of Bumpy Cake!

http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS02/611160314/1019

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Where is the arrogant academic?

I would like to request that the arrogant academic get back online and put up some well written posts (to make up for this drivel!).

I am nothing to you


HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are:
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Monday, November 13, 2006

Jinx!

Remember my fond post about our remaining Escort Wagon going strong at 121,000. Well, I am sad to say its days are numbered due to a heater core situation. I hope I did not jinx the car.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

a bad dream keane

Here is a band I want to see live. This is my current obsession, but the album is the best I have heard in a long time. The lead singer needs to hurry out of rehab!

Friday, November 10, 2006

beavis and butthead

A classic

Random Pic of the Day




This is a rainbow we spotted in the Little Yoho Valley in Banff. We experienced a wide variety of weather that day which was typical of the area.

They began to speak in Tongues

This happens to me a lot when I am leaving messages for people on their answering machines!! Check it out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/07/health/07brain.html?em&ex=1163307600&en=d5ef9ac8275473a1&ei=5087%0A

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Small Miracles

I was not feeling hopeful for the election the other day. I was really upset after 2004, so I had to rely on my experience as a Spartan fan to cope. At any rate, here is a related item from a reputable source.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Tarzan Broadway TV Commercial

This is why we do not frequent Broadway shows. This ad has been running, and I thought it was a joke initially.


Read this one if you need a good laugh. I almost wet my pants.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Barney's movie

From the Springfield Film Festival. It makes me a little sad.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Octoberfest

Here are the Octoberfest beers that have been sampled in this house in the last 3 years (to the best of my memory).

Sam Adams
Saranac
Hacker Pschorr
Hofbrau Munchen
Spaten
Paulaner
Becks

I still have to award the best to the Germans. I have yet to have a bad Octoberfest beer from there.

style, superhero edition

Friday, November 03, 2006

Safe from Terrah?

I try not to be too political here, but I was disturbed to hear about this in the Times. Apparently, some senators thought they knew better than the intelligence community, and they released a website that explicitly instructed how to build nuclear arms. Nice one! I guess trying to prove Saddam had WMDs is more important to releasing sensitive information to anyone.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/03/world/middleeast/03cnd-documents.html?ref=washington

Fresh air

A couple of months ago, some bonehead scraped the side of my car pulling out of a parking space. Of course, I noticed the car in the space next to me was askew, but I parked anyways (mistake). The idiot did not even write me a note, so now I am stuck with it (unless they were so clueless that they did not realize they scraped it up!). It is not a huge scratch, but it is down to the metal. I did have touch up paint that Ford sent me at home. When I read the bottle, I did not want to use it due to the following warning: "This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm." Mike and I figured that saving a few bucks was not worth exposure to whatever is in the bottle.
I stopped by a body shop today, and the guy suggested to use the touch up paint. I told him about the warning on the bottle, and his response was that the warnings were similar to warnings on McDonald's coffee. I do not consider myself an alarmist, but I think people are too casual about their exposure to chemicals around the house. I recently heard that even your plug in air fresheners can cause lung damage. You forget that fresh smell is a chemical released in small droplets. The same person using that would not tolerate a plant in their area discharging droplets of chlorine in the air! I could not imagine spraying Raid at a roach, even though I think they are really gross. I guess I should stop my hippie rant now, but maybe I will go check out what type of masks may help from the hardware store.

Exercise science

I studied physiology for my undergrad degree, and even took exercise physiology before graduate school for fun. There are so many misconceptions out there about exercise(check out all of the late night abdominal machines). You hear the same things over and over, and soon they are the truth without any science behind it. Here is a link to a Times article about marathons, cramping, hydration, and race conditions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/03/sports/othersports/03marathon.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Family Guy - bill on capital hill

School house rocks!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Birthday Girl


Happy birthday. This proves that age is just a number!

Monday, October 30, 2006

Message to Ann

My dearest Ann,
I did not order the filet as you instructed. I ended up getting the sesame encrusted tuna. It was delightful, and I did have some of W's porterhouse. I also did consume some steak as an appetizer. So you can have time to think up a punishment, I just had to come clean. I sat next to a vegetarian the whole dinner, and he really enjoyed looking at the cuts of meat to choose! :)

Attention Caraher funkadelic family

Hey,
I have had the same conversation with almost everyone. Does anyone have a clue who is to buy for whom (Ms Breen, is my grammar correct?). I know Pat and Lhes had us last year (singing snowman made it easy to remember). I have no clue who we had last year. I guess we need to figure it out soon or just decide.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Word Power

Here is a link to an article in the Times by a linguistic professor and the use of a particular phrase that is deeply ingrained in the Bush administration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/27/opinion/27lakoff.html?bl&ex=1162270800&en=ce373aa6462524ce&ei=5087%0A

Friday, October 27, 2006

Still Rollin'


Would you believe the '94 Escort wagon of Mike's is still going? 120,000 miles strong. It is loud with the piecemeal exhaust repairs, but we like to think that it is fast and furious. I can hear Mike roaring in the driveway when he gets home from work. It is nice and dirty, so it is no problem to eat in there. The escort wagon even got tapped by some spastic commuter on I95, and is no worse for the wear. About a month ago, a little girl in Manhattan told Mike that she liked his car. It may be since the paint job now looks like matte (versus shiny) and we have no hubcaps. I can be aggressive with cabs, etc and squeeze into parallel spaces without any worry. We used to leave his Escort in the parking deck at Mike's work while we drove my Escort into the ground. His old boss told Mike's friend that "they should check on that car, it looks suspicious", not knowing it was Mike's. Yeah, that car is a badass. Mike once took it to a fancy restaurant in Greenwich, and they valet parked it! Long live the Escort!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Chapelle Show - Prince

This is one of my favorite Chapelle show skits. I was really into Prince in high school. I got quite an energy lift out of watching this, so this may help your afternoon slump.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Fiona Appple

This is why we saw her twice last year. I just love my crazy Fiona.

Man versus Beast

Cute little story on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6344645"

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Tigers win


I guess I can do a Tigers Win warmup. Here is a fan in NY.

Fall Classic





Here are some pics from Rockefeller Preserve. We walked to Stone Barns and had lunch and walked back. We like the look of Stone Barns. If only we could find one of our own in a decent price range! It is also interesting that the pigs have their pens on a hillside in the woods. Maybe they are considered free range.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Tiger Win Warmup

When I was in town recently, my friend uncovered a buried memory of mine. When we were swimming in high school, one of our coaches would have us start with a "Tiger Win Warmup". This was back in the 80s when the Tigers were good. So perhaps when I get into the pool in the next few days, I will do the warm up and hope it rubs off on the Tigers. Alissa even remembered that the warmup was 50'S on the 50 (although I forgot how many even though she just told me--either 12 or 20).

We had a nature moment today. We saw 18 hawks circling overhead today. They must be migrating somewhere. I also found a grasshopper in my bedroom. I thought it was a spider at first, but when my shoe was poised overhead, it jumped away! Mike caught it later and brought him outside. No bugs were harmed in the telling of this story.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Bugs Bunny: Monsters Lead Interesting Lives

Yes, we do lead such interesting lives!!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Rock N Roll McDonalds

RIP Wesley Willis. Rock over London, Rock on Chicago, Taco Bell, Run to the Border

Nothin's up

Sorry I have been so lame about posting lately. I feel like I do not have much to say. I guess work is catching up to me recently. At any rate, I started guitar class with Mike this week. As we were driving, Mike suggested a frightening scenario. "Do you think she will ask us all to play something in front of everyone?" was proposed. Since I have not been practicing, and do not consider myself an intermediate, I was a tad nervous. Thankfully the teacher's expectations were low and we had a fun class. She had us try out some flamenco strumming, and I plan on playing Radiohead or Better Than Ezra in that style.

Nothing is new on our life direction. When the job hunt is revved up, I will let you know. We were not excited to hear there was an opening at Dow Chemical in Midland!!!! His dream job in Seattle/Denver/Vancouver/Nelson or Canmore BC that is exciting and well paying have not come up yet!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Innovative Medicine (circa 1950)

I heard this a while back on NPR and found the perseverance of this doctor amazing. I hope you enjoy it. It is about Dr. George Moore who was one of the first western doctors in Nepal in the 50's.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6087761

Saturday, October 14, 2006

From the Onion News desk

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

A reason to go to Banff

Here is a clip from when we were in Banff last year. We stayed in a hut that was on the base of a big glacier that people traverse and link huts.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Fowler Hilliard Hut

OK, I tried again. The link should work now. Any takers?

Good Times

I am back to work today after a long weekend in Detroit. Everything worked out very well, except for the play of my Spartans :( We got in the game before kickoff for face value, we met up with a bunch of people I have not been able to see for a while, and we went to Bangkok 96. Perfect fall weekend!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Cheap Bastard

Is is me, or is it just crazy that so many people are willing to pay $100 dollars or more to sit all crammed in the "Big House." I guess I am a cheap bastard, but it is really out of control. I swear it will cost almost as much as our flights were to get in the game. I am going to try the people out scalping after their greediness does not pay off, or will be in some Ann Arbor watering hole catching the game.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

The Daily Show:

Excellent
Cat Head Theatre

Dedicated to the creators of the Mewling Bible.

Smoots

They have been announcing the Nobel Prize winners this week. Mike noticed yesterday that a winner had the last name of Smoot. He was wondering if it was the same Smoot of MIT fame. Alumni of MIT and Boston residents know about the guy named Smoot who attended MIT years ago. Apparantly Smoot was drunk, and his friends proceeded to measure a bridge across the Charles River using him as a unit of measurement. Over the years his fraternity would continue to paint the Smoot measurements on the bridge. I am sure that I have messed up the story, so I apologize for any gross inaccuracies. I visited the MIT website today, and this it what I found.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/smoot.html

A piece of Pi

Here is a quick news item.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061004/ap_on_fe_st/memorizing_pi

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Not that Desperate

I have been trying to get some tickets to UM-MSU on Sat. If you have any you want to unload for less than 200 dollars a pair, let me know. I may take you up on it. I would be willing to pay face value :)

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Nature, Part ?

We went running tonight at Rockefeller preserve, and we saw a flock of turkeys (wild) hanging out with some cows, and the best sighting of recent memory followed. I looked in a pasture, and in broad daylight about 20 yards away was a big, beautiful coyote. He stood there and looked at us for about a minute, then picked up a groundhog and trotted slowly away to eat his kill. It was the closest I have ever seen one without the coyote running away immediately. It pays to always pay attention around you, 'cause you can spot a lot of wildlife that way, even 35 miles north of NYC.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

MI bound

After much debate, we are heading out to Michigan for a quick weekend. I am currently bidding on some UM-MSU tix on Ebay (wish me luck, I did not want to go broke to see the game). The fare was really cheap last minute, so it was tough to pass up. I can not wait!!

Friday, September 29, 2006

Jams

I had mentioned before that I had somewhat of a Fred Flintstone birthday present for Mike. I have to say the CDs were excellent, and if you are seeking some new jams, here are a few suggestions.
Keane Under the Iron Sea
The Fray How to Save a Life
Morcheeba Big Calm
Snow Patrol Eyes Open
The Morcheba album is old, but it is quite addictive. The Keane album is by far the one that gets stuck in my mind. You should not put on an ipod or similar device and sing along to Keane in public. In the car or at home is just fine.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Intermediate

I am going to take another guitar class with Mike this fall. I was reluctant since it was coined intermediate, and I feel like more of a seasoned beginner. My last teacher was great, but she is only teaching beginner this year. It is hard to tell if I will be appropriate in the class or not. I like class 'cause it forces me to practice so I do not look like a fool. I hope I will not be in over my head. Now I have to get my nails ready to go. I know everyone gives me crap about not playing for them, but I am not confident in performing. I just wanted to learn how to play. We have been looking up easy tabs, and I can play stuff like "Please do not go" by the Violent Femmes and "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead. The bonus is that I can sing in the same whiny voice of either of those singers :) We have to keep up on one of our non-physical past times.

We also have been playing tennis in the last 2 months. Mike decided he wanted to play a social sport again. We played his parents, and they kicked our butts. His mom plays 3-4 days a week and is a barracuda on the court. Mike's parents left town on a trip for 3 weeks, and in that time we had our raquets restrung. We also had a lot more practice serving, playing net, and perfecting groundstrokes. We need a rematch before they get back into shape. I am getting back to the point I was at about 6 years ago when I took a beginner lesson in Ann Arbor. Anyone for tennis? I think doubles are better since it is less wear and tear on the shaky knees.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

The Simpsons - Dr Zaius

Jazz hands anyone?

pflaugghh!

Mike and I did a 10 Mile trail run (race) in the Mohonk Preserve this AM. I have not been running more than about 3-5 miles at a time, so it was going to be a challenge. It was called the Pfalz Point Trail Challenge. We go up to the Mohonk area a couple of times of year to mountain bike, and it is amazing. It is in the 'Gunks which is also a great area to rock climb. Anywhoooo, the trail racers were quite a hardcore bunch as runners can be. Mike was a good sport and ran slow with me. We were wondering if there would be a Clydesdale division, because we outweighed our fields by 30-40 pounds easily. There were some scary anorexic and manorexics there. I wonder what the course profile was, because I swear we climbed for 7 miles and ran downhill or flat for maybe 3. There was also some tricky single track, and I did not want to repeat my Bear Mountain spazz knee dislocation, so I took those really slow. I usually wipe out at some point on trail runs, but I stayed upright. There were also some really steep climbs. Anyways, I was happy I was not last and survived.

http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/index.php?pfalzpoint

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Deforestation

Yesterday I was stopped by construction on a highway nearby. I looked ahead and saw a big tree falling to the ground. It has become a familiar sight around here this year. We have had 4 major storms that brought a significant amount of trees down since January (including a tornado!). There is a trail we like to ride on, and they cut a whole section of trees down for road construction. In the other direction on the same trail is where the tornado blew through. The college where we like to run and bike nearby keeps cutting down more and more of the forested land on their campus. A big reason the county is so pretty is the trees! Our neighborhood is older with big trees and a ravine. The asthetic out here seems to be pave over your lawn and cut down at least 3-5 trees when you move in. The house next door cut down at least 8 trees. If you do not like trees, why move here? I guess I am a tree hugger.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Kool aid

Oh yeah!!

Breakin' the Law

I attended my first traffic court today in WP. I have not had a traffic ticket in 10 years, and I got nabbed turning right by a camping cop. There was a sign that said no right turns before 8:30 AM, and I did not see it. I suspect they pull a ton of people over there to make money. That annoyed me since I was not doing anything unsafe, and why would I do an illegal turn knowingly in front of a cop! So I decided to take it to court. Dadada, dadadada da da, dadada "typewriter noises"

The people in line were sharing their sob stories. I found out the most tickets in the county are written in White Plains. I learned about the other areas to avoid and other reasons people are getting tickets (which could happen to all of us since they are so nit picky). That line was very educational for me, and will be for all of my local friends. At any rate, they reduced my fine and waived the points. I could have fought it further, but I needed to get back to work, so I am happy with the outcome.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Grownups

I think it may be about time that I will become a grownup. One the kiddos I see told me recently that he did not have to listen to me since I was not a grownup. At any rate, Mike and I have to make some life decisions in the next few months. I wish I had some really strong opinions about where we end up. We have our wish list of areas, including just staying right here. I can work anywhere as well. I guess we have to decide if we are going to be career driven or fulfill our souls. I am always in favor of slacking off as much as possible! There is always something that you give up and something gained no matter where you go. So we will let you know when we have some idea where we will end up!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Breakneck Ridge




We hiked Breakneck ridge today with Keren, her new husband Josh, and her sister Lonnie. We manage to do this hike every year, and it is always fun with great views. You have to scramble up rocks to make it to the top, so that is always fun. Here are some pics. The ridge rises steeply over the Hudson River, north of the Bear Mountain bridge. The big mountain across the river has some great hiking, but it has been closed down due to unexploded ordinances from West Point.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

The Original 1969 Sesame Street version of Mah-Nah-Mah-Nah

I am sure that nobody forgot the words to this one.

Getting the Fun over with

I think that Mike and I are getting bored of our usual sports. Whenever we go running, biking, or swimming, we have discussions about distance, time, place, and when. If we put something off until later, it is hard to maintain motivation. Then one of us usually says, "Let's get the fun over with". This may be why we have taken up tennis this summer.

Tonight, we went running at the Rockefeller Preserve which is my favorite place to run, walk, and nordic ski. It is a fantastic park with about 25 miles of preserved carriage roads that meander through farms and meadows, climbs up and down wooded hills, and circles lakes (filled with turtles, muskrats, and ducks). We once saw a coyote there! I do not like running, but I run much longer when I am there. We usually get a little lost since the official trails cross with farm trails, but then we get to see more. There are pigs who are penned on the side of a rocky hill there, and that was suprising to see. I have never seen pigs that were not next to a building before in the middle of a farm. We also run up this hill with rock lined walls, and it looked like Ireland. When we got to the top, we were treated to a view of the Hudson and the Palisades. What a treat. It is really beautiful here in the Hudson Valley.
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=60

Over-rated

I finally get to see my Spartan football games since we ordered the season pass. It is pretty cool. They do not usually show my games out here. I have the tendency to root for big 10 teams in heated national games. I really do not like Notre Dame. That is the time when you hear me enthusiastically cheering for Michigan. Anyways, congrats to the UM fans out there. Your team proved ND is truly over-rated as usual.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Ringer

Local Pool-Club Record-Holder Upset To Hear Michael Phelps Just Joined
September 14, 2006 | Onion Sports


ANN ARBOR, MI—Ann Arbor Pool Club member Edwin Peters, 32, a club record-holder in the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter individual medley, and the 200-meter butterfly, was disappointed to learn yesterday that Olympic champion Michael Phelps just joined the swimming club. "I understand records are made to be broken, but come on," said Peters, who is well aware that Phelps owns world records in the events previously mentioned. "I think this is going to make for a pretty lopsided club championship." Phelps was unavailable for comment, but many have said that his competitive nature will not allow him to take it easy on Peters or any other member of the Ann Arbor Pool Club.


More From the Sports Wire
ROCK LOBSTER

One of my favs from the 80s.
Colbert Analyzes Wikipedia

Here's the word.

Freakonomics

I finally got around to reading Freakonomics, and I am really enjoying it. Here is their current blog.
http://www.freakonomics.com/blog/

enjoy!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Family Guy FCC song

This is classic. I can not help it, I enjoy low brow humor.
Family Guy: Stewie and Rupert in Hawaii

On another note.....

9/11/06

Here is a link to a podcast from the local NPR station I listen to when I am driving around all day. Rev. Forbes is a leader of the church we go to at Christmas and Easter in the city, and his insight is always impressive. The church he leads does a lot of service to the community surrounding it (Harlem), and he is very active in eliminating poverty. He speaks in the first segment.
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2006/09/11

Today was a beautiful and clear day, just like it was 5 years ago. We were able to see the twin towers of light tonight at our house, even though we live about 25 miles north.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

bikin' nyc babeeee

Mike and I survived the century ride today. That is a feat, because some of the roads can be dicey. We always do this ride on our mountain bikes due to poor road conditions and frequent stopping. In fact, my hands probably hurt the most from braking. The funny thing is that we keep up or pass road bikes on this tour, which is totally opposite of what should happen. Whenever we ride our mountain bikes after using our road bikes for awhile, I always think I have a flat at first. I then realize that the mountain bike is just pretty damn heavy!

Usually we get to ride right down 5th ave with no traffic, but they changed the route this year. The beginning sucked 'cause it was a mob scene in Mahattan with traffic and slooowww riders. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to do the first 15 miles!! We could not have safely been able to ride faster than that. Ouch. We did get to enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge since we were going so slow. The rest of the ride was a blast. We rode along NY harbor by the Verranzono bridge to Coney Island. We got a Nathan's hotdog (which made Mike very, very happy!) and I have to say it was the best hot dog I have ever had (this coming from a person who never eats them!!). Every neighborhood had different people. From Hasidic people to Carribean, everyone was represented. The ride takes you through areas you would never see otherwise, and they are little gems. It was more like mountain biking today. We carried our bikes to bridge tops all over, and enjoyed the city from nearly every angle.

Of course, the New Yorkers allow me to be very vocal out there, since none of them mince words. Here are the best quotes of the day.

"If you keep honkin and swearin', I'm gonna send even mowr bikes across"--ride volunteer to people sitting in traffic while the police allowed riders off the Brooklyn Bridge.

"I think dat's good for your health"-- woman crossing street with thick NY accent.

"Stop g#$%damnit"--Ride volunteer who was trying to stop traffic in a busy intersection and some guy ignored him.

Despite their harsh words in public, I still love New Yorkers and the city. The city is going strong!

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Bikin' NYC Style

I just finished my first week back to work. The biggest challenge this time of year is creating a schedule that I can live with for the entire school year (without going crazy or driving up and down Westchester county 5 times a day). I am often torn. I am a softie, and all these assertive NY mothers know it. I kept a bunch of kids last year that were out of the way 'cause I really liked the kids and families. I guess I will do extra driving to deal with nice people, and that makes your job more enjoyable. Oh well. I work in a few school districts, and often there are not many kids to see. I am lucky 'cause the teachers have been really cool about being flexible and realizing that I do not want to travel to their school 3x a day to see 3 kids! I have not always been so lucky with teachers. So far, it looks good. I am getting better at saying no to things, even though it still makes me feel guilty (no body even gives me a guilt trip!).

Mike and I are doing the NYC century tommorrow. It is a really great ride and a great way to see the city. There is a 5 borough ride in the spring, but it has 40,000 people. My friends that have done it said it is so crowded that there are accidents and you can barely ride. They do not close the roads for the NYC century, but you start early and there is no traffic. No body in NY area gets going before noon. I go to Whole foods at 8:30 or 9 on a Saturday, and I get the place to myself. Otherwise it becomes too much of a zoo. White plains is a madhouse after noon. Anyways (I am on a tangent.), you get to ride right down 5th Ave, over the Brooklyn Bridge, to Coney Island, through some rough neighborhoods in Queens and the Bronx, etc. I saw some areas I would not have seen otherwise. It will also be fun since we have not been riding much this season.

Friday, September 08, 2006

The New Dance Show

Here is some old school TV DEETROIT STYLE!! Enjoy Be sure to stick around for the advertisement from one of the show's fine sponsors.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Back to reality





We are back from the cape, and work is now looming ahead. The house we rented in Provincetown was really great. That was a bonus since the weather was iffy for a couple of days. Fortunately we did not have a washout any of the days, just grey days with evening or late PM rain. We just hung out on the beach, read books, ate and drank, and biked all over the place. Mike is flying a kite in the remnants of Ernesto. The grocery store kite and heavy winds lead to poor control! Next is the surf guard station at Race Point. The surf guards lead to the formation of the Coast guard. They used to launch open boats into heavy sea to rescue people from the frequent ship wrecks off the end of the cape. The last pics are the Nauset light and the house we rented. That's about it!