Get Off My Damn Lawn

and don’t you know that God is Pooh Bear?

2011-02-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

So in America when the sun goes down and I sit on the old broken-down river pier watching the long, long skies over New Jersey and sense all that raw land that rolls in one unbelievable huge bulge over to the West Coast, and all that road going, all the people dreaming in the immensity of it, and in Iowa I know by now the children must be crying in the land where they let the children cry, and tonight the stars’ll be out, and don’t you know that God is Pooh Bear? the evening star must be drooping and shedding her sparkler dims on the prairie, which is just before the coming of complete night that blesses the earth, darkens all rivers, cups the peaks and folds the final shore in, and nobody, nobody knows what’s going to happen to anybody besides the forlorn rags of growing old, I think of Dean Moriarty, I even think of Old Dean Moriarty the father we never found, I think of Dean Moriarty.
Last paragraph of On the Road by Jack Kerouac

2011-02-14T07:40:00.002-05:00

All my friends are married
every Tom and Dick and Harry
you must be strong
to go it alone
here's to the bachelors
and the bowery bums
and those who feel that they're the ones
who are better off without a wife

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

never been no Valentino
had a girl who lived in Reno
left me for a trumpet player
didn't get me down
he was wanted for assault
though he said it weren't his fault
well the coppers rode him right
out of town

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

selfish about my privacy
as long as I can be with me
we get along so well I can't believe
I love to chew the fat with folks
and listen to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends
I do receive

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

Sunset

2010-05-16T11:34:00.002-04:00

Update? not really

2010-04-25T15:57:00.001-04:00

I do not update this much anymore.

2010-02-14T10:10:00.001-05:00

all my friends are married
every Tom and Dick and Harry
you must be strong
to go it alone
here's to the bachelors
and the bowery bums
and those who feel that they're the ones
who are better off without a wife

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

never been no Valentino
had a girl who lived in Reno
left me for a trumpet player
didn't get me down
he was wanted for assault
though he said it weren't his fault
well the coppers rode him right
out of town

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

selfish about my privacy
as long as I can be with me
we get along so well I can't believe
I love to chew the fat with folks
and listen to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends
I do receive

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

2009-02-13T08:38:00.004-05:00

It Must Have Been the Roses
Cold Roses->NY, NY
Fool's Gold
Jesus and Tequila
Say Goodbye
Sixteen Blue
Quality of Armor
The Trapeze Swinger
Cactus
Country Feedback
Wild Flower Soul
Modern World
Suitcase Calling
I Threw It All Away

41 Things

2009-02-08T12:07:00.000-05:00

1. Do you like blue cheese?
yes. it is very good on steak

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes?
yes. Quit 10 years ago and I still dream of them

3. Do you own a gun?
No

4. What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite?
Grape or Purplesaurus Rex

5. Do you get nervous before Dr. appointments?
yes

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
yummo

7. Favorite Christmas movie:
A Christmas Story, Its a Wonderful Life

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
water

9. Can you do push-ups?
not anymore

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
do not wear jewelry

11. Your favorite hobby?
roleplaying games like D&D

12. Do you have A.D.D.?
do not think so

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself?
I have many

14. Middle name?
Charles

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
Beatles
beer
scotch

16. Current hate right now?
what you got

17. Favorite place to be?
in a pub

18. How did you bring in the new year?
alone

19. Where would you like to go?
Scotland

20. Name three people who will complete this?
who knows

21. Do you own slippers?
no

22. What shirt are you wearing?
slashdot.com

24.. Can you whistle?
yes

25. Would you be a pirate?
I am a ninja-pirate

26. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Beatles

27. Favorite girl's name?

28. Favorite boy's name?

29. What's in your pocket right now?
the Precious

30. Last person that made you laugh?
Meghan

32. Worst injury you've ever had?
bruised kidney/broken fingers

33. Do you love where you live?
yeah

34. How many TVs do you have in your house?
4 but only use 1

35. Who is your loudest friend?

36. How many dogs do you have?
none

37. Does someone have a crush on you?
I doubt it

38. What is your favorite book?
Lord of the Rings/American Gods

39. What is your favorite candy?
Snickers

40. Favorite Sports Team?
Carolina Panthers

41. What song do you want played at your funeral?
Beatles Abby Road Medley - You Never Give Me Your Money, Sun King, Mean Mr. Mustard, Polythene Pam, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End

2009-01-29T18:28:00.000-05:00

all my friends are married
every Tom and Dick and Harry
you must be strong
to go it alone
here's to the bachelors
and the bowery bums
and those who feel that they're the ones
who are better off without a wife

never been no Valentino
had a girl who lived in Reno
left me for a trumpet player
didn't get me down
he was wanted for assault
though he said it weren't his fault
well the coppers rode him right
out of town

selfish about my privacy
as long as I can be with me
we get along so well I can't believe
I love to chew the fat with folks
and listen to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends
I do receive

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
midnight howlin' at the moon
goin' out when I wanto, comin' home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
if I want to go out fishing
and I never have to ask for the keys

2009-01-09T14:10:00.001-05:00

The Second Coming
William Butler Yeats

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

Happy 400th Birthday John Milton

2008-12-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater man
Restore us, and regain the blissful seat,
Sing Heav'nly Muse, that on the secret top
Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire
That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed,
In the beginning how the heavens and earth
Rose out of Chaos: or if Sion hill
Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flowed
Fast by the oracle of God, I thence
Invoke thy aid to my advent'rous song,
That with no middle flight intends to soar
Above th' Aonian mount, while it pursues
Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
And chiefly thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer
Before all temples th' upright heart and pure,
Instruct me, for thou know'st; thou from the first
Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread
Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast abyss
And mad'st it pregnant: what in me is dark
Illumine, what is low raise and support,
That to the highth of this great argument
I may assert Eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to men.

John Milton
From Book I of Paradise Lost: Milton invokes his poetic muse, and states his purpose for the epic

2008-12-08T10:01:00.006-05:00

9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980

God is a concept,
By which we can measure,
Our pain,
I don't believe in magic,
I don't believe in I-ching,
I don't believe in bible,
I don't believe in tarot,
I don't believe in Hitler,
I don't believe in Jesus,
I don't believe in Kennedy,
I don't believe in Buddha,
I don't believe in mantra,
I don't believe in Gita,
I don't believe in yoga,
I don't believe in kings,
I don't believe in Elvis,
I don't believe in Zimmerman,
I don't believe in Beatles,
I just believe in me,
Yoko and me,
And that's reality.
The dream is over,
What can I say?
The dream is over,
Yesterday,
I was dreamweaver,
But now I'm reborn,
I was the walrus,
But now I'm John,
And so dear friends,
You just have to carry on,
The dream is over.

2008-11-12T10:24:00.005-05:00

something I saw at The Real Kidd's

Four places that I go to over and over:
Food Lion
Work
Gold Hill Market
Bojangles

Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
Sally
PSP
Chad
Parents

Four of my favorite places to eat:
Outback
red Robin
Lone Star
Q-Shack

Four places I would rather be right now:
Home on the couch
Any pub in England
a porch on a beach cabin
the mountains

Four TV shows I watch over and over:
Judge Joe
Heroes
Seinfeld
MASH

Four unusual things in the room I’m in:
70 years of yearbooks
altoids minis
me
sootherbs

Four concerts I’ve been to:
Ben Folds
Mercury Rev
Yo La Tengo
Radiohead

Four things on my calendar:
nothing

Four fears:
fear itself

Four unusual things in my purse or wallet:
money

Four chores I hate doing:
I hate doing all of them, come see my house

Four favorite animals:
cats
dogs
*update - miniature goats

Four speed dials on my cell phone:
do not use speed dials

Four places I have called home:
Creedmoor
Benson
Greensboro
Durham

Four websites (not blogs) I visit:
USA Today
cnn.com
fark.com

Four people who have been in my car:
sally
psp
gene
Dad

Four things I am wearing:
khakis
socks
black shirt
hiking shoes

Four things I am looking forward to:
rest
sleep
the end of the week
yesterday

Four favorite types of candy:
Snickers
Zero bar
Milkyway
butterfinger

Four sports teams you like:
Carolina Panthers
Duke
Indy Colts
NY Giants

Four things found in your fridge:
cheeseburger
grape jelly
baking soda
vitamin water

Four rituals (not just a task) you do every day:
check email
check phone messages
play World of Warcraft
read newspaper

Four things currently within reach:
water bottle
cell phone
sootherbs
coffee cup

Four things you know how to cook (not bake or grill):
bacon
burgers
old fashioned mac and cheese
chicken and dumplings

2008-11-11T11:54:00.002-05:00

Tuesday November 4th

2008-11-04T09:07:00.003-05:00

I voted.
I really miss George Carlin and Tim Russert

friday flowers

2008-10-03T11:39:00.009-04:00

They still will not get off my damn lawn

2008-09-15T09:36:00.006-04:00

Bullets

Spring and Summer went too fast.
I adopted two kitties, Martha and Lola. Martha is Lola's mama.
Sally and I went to see Ben Folds in concert. Excellent as always. Now, for one night only, Ben Folds Five will be putting on a show in Chapel Hill and we cannot go. Me, cause I work that night..Sally, well she shattered her right knee-cap a few weeks ago and really cannot get around that well. She fell at work almost 3 weeks ago. Had surgery to repair the knee-cap and tendon(s) which were cut by bone pieces from the break. Spent Saturday night and most of yesterday with her as a just in case but she can get along rather well, better than I think she gives herself credit for. She wears out easily so just getting ready to go somewhere really takes it out of her. She will not be able to drive for 2-3 months.
Went to the wedding of two friends in Indiana in middle July. Drove out there, 9 hour trip or so. Got to see parts of the US I had never seen before. New iPod provided excellent soundtrack. I got lost immediately entering Bloomington but after an hour or so I knew my way around. Got to see Bloomington, IA and Indiana University campus. The campus is scattered with gardens, paths, and a creek right through the middle of campus. I think I may have seen 1/4 of the campus. Would like to go back to see it again someday. The wedding was very nice. A handbell choir performed which I really liked. The reception was cool with excellent food, excellent whisky, good music. I also got to geek out with fellow librarians about all things comic books, sci-fi, Buffy-verse and music. Pictures of my trip are on my flickr site. There is a link to it on the sidebar.
New iPod was put through laundry this weekend at Sally's house. That is the second one I have washed at her house.
Thinking about going to Ireland next Spring with group from where I work. Need to figure out if I can afford it. Hopefully Sally can go as well. If I do not go with the group, will still plan a trip to UK. Really want to see Scotland so planning more time in northern parts of UK.
Am I back? I am not sure. I was looking for a picture of me from the beards post and read a bunch of my old posts and it got me nostalgic. We shall see.

suchnone #377 Farewell to England

2008-03-11T14:56:00.002-04:00

I called PSP before leaving Haslingden to find out he was sick. He had some kind of cold, was worn out and miserable. We had planned to go to a New Year's Eve Party but it looked like it would be put on hold. In fact it was. I started to feel bad myself or it could have been from being worn out from almost 3 weeks of traveling. Also. I was getting nervous about my flight back and more at hand was how long it would take for me to get to the airport during the construction on the railways. Anyway...We spent New Year's at the apartment. I had a few beers and we watched the end of the year quiz and a few movies. Very relaxed. I did some grocery shopping one of the days I was there while PSP slept. On New Year's Day we walked around the area they live, went to a few pubs that he wanted to show me before I left. I have a few pints and a nice pubmeal. We called it an early evening as the next day would be my travel day back to London.

I had even planned ahead. I bought a reserved seat ticket, it was less than an open time one and I would have a seat. But thanks to the construction my seat was next to the bathrooms at the front of the railcar I was riding and it was not even the railcar I was assigned to. After 1 hour and a half of this, finally was able to sit for the last hour or so of the trip to near Gatwick. I had reservations at a nice inn/pub near the airport than provided free transport back and forth from the airport. It was maybe 10 min from the airport. I arrived at the house, checked in and proceeded to lay on the bed and watch BBC until evening meal. I had another fish and chips with guinness and went to bed and sort of slept.

The next morning I awoke, had breakfast, checked my email and got my ride to the airport. It took about 30 min to check in and then 3 hours waiting. I looked for some of the whiskey Eoh's fiance(now husband as of March 8th) had recommended but I got confused and did not buy anything.

As we were boarding the snow began. It was very fine but you could see the flakes as the plane began to take off. Flight was a little better than the one over. I watched Transformers and then some History Channel's history of Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and Christmas ornaments.

We landed at the same time as 2 other international flights. It only took me 15 min to get into England but an hour and a half to get back into the US. I knew things were bad when I heard one of the flightcrew say " I have never seen it like this before." Finally got through the line and met Sally's Mother who took me home. I checked to make sure things were ok at the house and went to Sally's for the weekend.

Here are some pictures from those last days.

It was a great trip and one day I will get back over there. I know that have at least one place I can stay and maybe two depending on how long PSP and his wife stay there. I really want to see Scotland and Ireland and to a lesser extent Wales and so many other place in England itself: Nottingham, Stonehenge, Bath, Liverpool etc. i am sort of planning the trip in my head. Hey, you have to start somewhere. Also, I have told next time I go, she goes. Her college roommate lives on Kent.

On another note, I think this blog is coming to an end. I find myself with less and less to say. A lot of people say it, but really my life is boring. And to be honest, I am just repeating things that I really would rather not repeat. So, thank you everyone for coming by and making my life so much more richer. Thanks to my old friends Chad and Julie who got me blogging in the first place. And thank to Wil Wheaton and Magazine Man for inspiration and some damn fine writing.
And to Anne, Joie, Vi, CSG and all the others that have come over the past years, it is not a goodbye but a see you soon.

serene

suchnone #376 What do I have on my TV?

2008-03-06T13:46:00.003-05:00

Here is a little meme that Vi came up with. It is called what is on my TV. Here is the picture:

As you can see, I have another TV on my TV. It is a long story but here goes. A few years back I was watching Napoleon Dynamite and my DVD player started "acting up" well it was my Playstation2 but it works as a DVD player as well. The movies would static out but the sound was perfect. So, I go buy a DVD player and the same thing happens. I had no clue what was wrong. Finally, I found in tiny print in the DVD manual, that if the cables connect the DVD player to the TV go through a VCR, the DVD is scramble making copying impossible. I use my VCR as a antenna so I could not stop using the VCR. So, I got one of my older TVs and hooked the DVD player up to it. So in all, I have a VCR, another TV, 4 videos and a container of breath mints on my TV.

Gary Gygax 1938-2008

2008-03-04T15:55:00.006-05:00

Full story

More info

Wizards of the Coast release

Co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons, I cannot describe what he has contributed to my life. Basically years and years of good times, great friends and many many dice rolls. Hope there is plenty of Mt Dew and Doritos waiting for you.

suchnone #375 Days 11-14 Manchester and Haslingden

2008-02-18T09:29:00.006-05:00

The train to Manchester did not leave till 1pm but I had some shopping to do so left PSP's around 10:30 to get to downtown Birmingham. My friend Eoh who is getting married in just under 3 weeks was in need of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Selfridges has an America food market including a place to get these deep-fried confections that I could live. I grew up with Krispy Kreme and as much as the variety of Dunkin Donuts is incredible and Tim Horton's does rock, Krispy Kreme will always be my favorite. So, I make it to Selfridges in plenty of time and get in line for the doughnuts. I waited maybe 10 minutes until I was there to order. They gave everyone who stood in line a free hot doughnut and as he was handing me the doughnut he asked if this was my first time eating one.

I said: "No not by a long shot. In fact I grew up a few hours from the original store in Winston Salem, NC."

His eyes grew big and he said "Let me get my manager."

So I explained to her where I grew up and that I was 37 years old and that I had been eating these doughnuts all of my life and she says:

"Hold on." and goes and gets her cellphone and takes a picture of me. I do not know why she did that but oh well. So I got my dozen doughnuts and headed to the train station. December 27th was the first day back to work for many folks after holidays and the day they had decided to do track work all over England. The rest of my time in England would see longer waits and more people on the trains than I saw before. But in this case, I was able to catch an earlier train to Manchester but with the delays it ended up that I was only 30 minutes earlier than was planned. I waited around the station waiting for Eoh and her fiance who I have not named but I guess I should, lets call him Aci for no other reason that is sounds cool. Anyway, we finally met up and started making our way to the carpark.

Ends up the 27th is the busy shopping day in Manchester so traffic and people were everywhere plus it was almost rush hour by the time we left the carpark so it took us about an hour to get to Haslingden which is only 30 min or so from Manchester. All I know it was a much shorter trip on the way back to the train station for my trip back to Birmingham.

We made a stop for some groceries and headed to Aci's house. We also stopped by his parent's house for a cup of tea and to talk about the wedding.

It was cold and rainy and would stay that way for my stay there but we had a great time. I had bought some whiskey for him but could not remember if it was whiskey he collected. Ended up it was and he was very excited to introduce me to the world of whiskey. I had a whiskey phase back in college but until now had not had any whiskey that was incredible. After dinner of mac and cheese, we broke out the whiskey. First the Kentucky bourbon whiskey I got for them. Then a Scotch and finally an Irish whiskey that I can still taste the smoky overtones to this day. Found out later it is imported to NC and I can pick up bottle at my local ABC store. On a side note, I will be having a few glasses of if to celebrate their wedding since I cannot go to it in March.

Well, what was planned to be a relaxing few days of hanging out ended up being fast paced. What I mean, is that all of his Aci's friends were supposed to be out of town for the holiday. In the middle of out 48hr Trivial Pursuit Game, the first of many phone calls and visits started. In the end I met all of their friends except 2. On Friday we went into downtown Haslingden for some food for the meals for that day. We also stopped by the Library where Eoh volunteers. It is in a nice old building built from the same stone as Nelson's Column is made of in Trafalgar Square. Stopped by the butcher for meat pies for lunch and roast for the evening meal. The rest of the day was spent playing Trivial Pursuit and drinking pints. After roast for dinner we went to Aci's favorite local pub where we drink local real ales and played crazy eights or was it go fish, anyway...We had a table by the fireplace so after a rainy cold walk it was nice to be in front of the fire. A few of their friends showed up so we did not have to walk back to the house in the cold and I swear I saw a few snow flakes that evening.

Saturday we spent the day in Manchester. It was cold and sort of rainy and we saw a few more flakes that day but all in all a nice day.

Below are a few pictures of the places we went.

Manchester Christmas Decoration

John Ryland Library

Manchester Municipal Library

Manchester Museum

Thirsty Scholar Pub

Manchester Christmas Lights

We had shepherd's pie for dinner that night and a few more of their friends came over and we listed to music, drank a few pints, some more whiskey but the highlight of the evening was one of Aci's friends teaching him to play a few Britney Spears' songs and Wonderwall by Oasis. Just great stuff.

I had a great time in Haslingden/Manchester and I want to go back sometime soon.

Next: Day 15-16 Last Days in Birmingham

suchnone #374

2008-02-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

And now for these important messages

2008-02-10T13:56:00.000-05:00

Vi and a few others are putting together a "blog book" with proceeds going to WarChild

Anyone is encouraged to submit.

For information follow the link above to Vi's blog or follow the link I will be putting on the right hand side of my blog.

suchnone #373 Day 8 Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day

2008-02-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

I want to apologize for not updating more often the past week or so. Work and real life have been getting in the way.

Christmas was very relaxed. Christmas Eve we had chili or was it lasagna, it was one or the other as tradition for PSP and his wife on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We opened presents after breakfast I think and then watched Christmas movies (Elf, Polar Express and one other) and TV the rest of the day. To mix things up I had one beer and then drank Green Goblin ciders the rest of the day. By the way, every drink I have had from Wychwood Brewery is fantastic but I have yet to find any in the States.

Boxing Day was ridiculous. Why I agreed to go out first thing in the shopping I am not sure but we did get to see parts of Birmingham I really wanted to see. After shopping for a new coat for PSP we boarded the bus to go to the side of town where he works. It is there where the two towers that inspired Tolkien's Two Towers are located. They are on the same road, not too far from each other and just down the road from the church he attended as a young boy. One tower is Perrot's Folly and the second is part of the Birmingham Waterworks.

Perrot's Folly

Birmingham Waterworks Tower

On the way back to the apartment we stopped in at the local pub the Patrick Cavanaugh for a few pints before heading back to the flat for dinner, a few more pints and to watch the End of the Year News Quiz.

Birmingham and Moseley pictures

Next: Day 9 Travels to Manchester and Haslingden

suchnone #372 Day 7 Shopping in Birmingham

2008-01-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

I just realized that the summary of my trip is taking as long or longer than my actual trip. Another case of real life getting in the way.

I had some last minute Christmas shopping to do so PSP and I headed to the Bullring in Birmingham to check out the stores and see what we could find. Needles to say two days before Christmas the area was packed and within 10 minutes I was ready to go. But, we had things to shop for so we pressed on. We decided to hit Selfridges since he had to pick up some cherry flavored vodka for his wife for Christmas. You can sample any of the liquors they have there so after 8 or so shots we were feeling mighty good. I also looked at the whiskeys for a present for my friends near Manchester. I would come back later to get it. We wandered around the mall, stopping at a few bookstores and a tea shop so I could pick up tea for several of my friends back home. Then we made our way to the German Christmas Street fair. Booths lined the street all the way to the city hall. There was food, beer, crafts, music, a merry go round and tons and tons of people. I found a nice nativity scene for my parents but could not find a christmas ornament of any kind.

After shopping was done we made our way to the first of 3 pubs to spend the rest of the afternoon. The first one was getting ready to close so there was only 7 or so folks in there and I think they were regulars. They were singing 70s and 80s pop songs mixed in with irish folks songs( I think) and pretty much whatever came to their minds to sing. As they were leaving they all wished PSP and I a happy christmas and new year and shook our hands. I really liked the Turf in Oxford but there was something about this pub that really connected with me. So, catching the bus we headed back closer to Moseley for the second pub. A few pints later it was time to move on to the the pub near PSP's apartment. My memory is hazy, we may not have actually had a pint there that day but I am pretty sure we stopped in. We also stopped by the Drinksville to pick up more beer and some candy for after dinner. For dinner we went to a Nepali resturant just around the corner. I had tandori chicken which is similar to barbequed chicken in the states but with different spices as well as being soaked in yogurt. It was very tasty.

Birmingham pictures

Next Day 8 Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day

suchnone #371 Day 6 Stratford

2008-01-23T10:05:00.001-05:00

Stratford was very cool and thank goodness it was not as cold as Oxford. But it did rain most of the day. Just that misty rain that can be annoying. It really is a tourist town dedicated to everything Shakespeare. All the shops are named for him or for a character in one of his plays or a line in one of his sonnets. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has done a great job in telling his story with a great museum and several houses in the area that he lived in or his children and grandchildren lived in. We took in 3 of the houses: his birthplace, which really is not where he was born but it is the house he grew up in, Nash's House and New Hall, - New Hall is his last house and where he died but while it was later destroyed, the original wall is still there. Nash's House was next door and was the house of Shakespeare's granddaughter first husband. The upstairs of Nash's House now holds a retrospective of the published works of Shakespeare from the First Folio up to those published in 2007. And finally we went to Hall's Croft, the house of Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna and her husband Dr John Hall. The house also contains interesting medical artifacts and a first edition of his medical notes published in 1657. One room still contains original glass in its windows.

Now the stupidest thing we did on this trip was missing Shakespeare's burial site which was just two blocks from Hall's Croft.

We also made a stop by the Harvard House which was the house of the John Harvard's mother. Harvard University is named for him.

There was a nice garden behind Nash's House that had statues representing many of Shakespeare's plays. Below is a statue of Falstaff.

After walking around in the rain and sort of cool weather we decided we would have tea in a little place called Benson's. There were many places we could have had tea in Stratford but you see, PSP and myself grew up in a little town called Benson so it seemed appropriate. The tea and scones hit the spot.

To be honest I am not sure what we did after we got back to Birmingham. I am sure we had dinner which I think was leftover fish and chips for myself and soup for them. We may have watched a movie afterward but I am not sure. I know we watched A Christmas Story but just not sure what night we did.

Next - Day 7 Shopping in Birmingham

suchnone #370 Day 5 Oxford

2008-01-22T11:47:00.000-05:00

I was more excited about going to Oxford than when I first landed in London. May have been since I was jet- laggless or maybe it was because I was in where Tolkien and Lewis lived, taught and wrote for most of their lives. On the downside it was the coldest day I was in England. Think it is right at or below freezing with a constant wind. We arrived midmorning and made our way to one of the bookstores to find a map of the town and other literature on the area. After two stops I found a nice pamphlet that gave a walking tour of the Tolkien and Lewis sites around Oxford. We could not do all of them due to the cold and some where in outlying areas of Oxford and the buses were not on a regular schedule, but we did see a good deal of Oxford. We went into three of the pubs that the Inklings frequented including the Eagle and Child and the Turf. The Inklings met once a week at the Eagle and Child and that was where Narnia and Middle Earth were first talked about and read. The Turf was where Tolkien and Lewis met on Mondays for mead since it was halfway from both of their respective colleges. The Turf was my second or first favorite pub, very homey, very warm and the food and pints were very good. The Turf is also the place where Bill Clinton did not inhale.
Some of the other highlights were: The Radcliffe Camera, a circular library in the middle of Oxford University, The Bridge of Sighs(replica of the one in Venice), Christ Church where the dining hall scenes of the Harry Potter movies are filmed.

That evening I had fish and chips from a local chip shop in Moseley called Atlantis. It was the best, it fed me for two meals. Two big meals. I did not get a chance to go back there. They had reduced hours due to the holidays. We capped the night off with a few more pints.

Oxford Pictures
Next - Day 6 Stratford

suchnone #369 Day 4 Tower of London and off to Birmingham

2008-01-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

I expected a hangover after all the pints of Guinness and London Pride from the night before but I did not have one. We were on a short schedule but knew we wanted to see the Tower of London before heading up to Birmingham. The Tower is just incredible and we had great weather, though it was cold, to see the Tower. Our Yeomen Warder guide was a lot of fun and told many stories about the Tower, its construction and the many lives that were lost over the years within its walls. It was not built as a prison, it was built to be the castle of William the Conqueror as a show of his power and might after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Originally built in 1078, many additions were added to secure the palace, with two sets of walls, many turrets and other Towers including:
The Bloody Tower
Beauchamp Tower
Bell Tower

and others.

Traitor's Gate is where the prisoners were brought for imprisonment, execution, torture or worse. Among those who climbed the stairs at Traitor's Gate are:

Anne Boleyn
Sir Thomas Moore
Elizabeth I
Sir Walter Raleigh

The main Tower itself contains a collection of arms and armor and a remnant of Roman Walls stands nearby. Also, the British Crown Jewels are located the Tower. Our Yeoman Warder assured us that they were the real thing and not to pay attention to the rumors that they were stored somewhere else. He said, If they are fake, why are we here?(we meaning the Yeoman Warders).

We left around 1pm after spending about 3 hours at the Tower of London. There was train and rail maintenance and we had been in the crowds the evening before so we decided to leave earlier than we originally planned so we did not go by the Tower Bridge or The Globe Theatre.

We had no problems on the train ride to Birmingham. The train was not even full and it was nice to relax for a little over an hour after walking the ground of the Tower. We got into Birmingham going towards 3:30 and we made our way through the Bullring(the main shopping area) to catch the bus to Moseley where PSP and his wife live. It is only a 30-45 bus ride depending on traffic and time of day. We arrived in Moseley, dropped our bags off at the apartment, went down to the local grocery for a few items, stopped by Drinksville, a nice beer and drink store in their neighborhood and then headed back to relax in their apartment.

Next: Oxford

nonesuch #368 Day 3 British Museum, British Library and Wesley House

2008-01-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have a cold so that is why I have not updated since last week. I wanted to do an update a day about my trip but that just did not happen. Anyway, I am picking up on day three.
We did not need to wake up as early on the 3rd day. By then I had adjusted to the time change and the early sunsets and later sunrises. We ate breakfast and made our way to the train station to buy my ticket to Birmingham. The station was near the British Museum so it was not out of the way. I could have stayed in the Museum all day, well no, but for many days. We just did not have the time. Each room had something else I wanted to see. The highlights were, the Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone. Again, will not go into details but here are a few pictures that stood out for me.

British Museum Set

When I do go back to England, the British Museum will be one the first places I revisit and I will give myself an entire day or more to see as much as I can.

After 4 or so hours at the Museum we set out for the British Library. We were not allowed in the main part of the Library but they have a rare books room containing copies of Shakespeare's Folio, William Blake's diaries, the Beatles original lyric sheets(napkins, letter, poetry, diaries), and the Magna Carta. Pictures were not allowed in the room and I do not know why I only took one picture of the outside of the building but I did take a picture of the statue that is near the entrance.

My Father is a retired Methodist minister so the visit to the Wesley House was special. My Dad went to England in the 70's but I am not sure if they got to the Wesley House or not but below are few of the pictures I took there. John Wesley was the founder of Methodism and with his brother Charles who wrote some 9,000 hymns spread their "method" of worship.

Across the street from the Wesley house is a graveyard where at first I thought the Wesleys were buried. Just their Mother, Susannah is buried there but we found there were others buried in this little graveyard in the middle of the city. William Blake, John Bunyan(Pilgrim's Progress), The Cornwalls, and Daniel Defoe are all buried there.

The sun was setting and the graveyard was closing so we left out the other end and went into a pub for a few pints and some rest. After an hour or so, we headed back to our room at the hotel and then went to a nearby pub for some food and more pints. I had fish and chips and many pints of Guinness and London Pride. PSP had a veggie burger I think. It was our last night in London so we wanted to make the most of it. We wanted to close the pub down but that didn't happen but we were close.

Day 4 - Tower of London and off to Birmingham

suchnone #367 Day 2 Walking Tour of The City of London

2008-01-10T08:17:00.001-05:00

We woke up early to make the 10am walking tour of the City of London. The tour started at Tower Hill just across from the Tower of London. As you can see from the pictures, it was a clear day. A clear day but chilly and a bit windy from being right on the Thames. PSP and myself were clearly the oldest members of the tour by at least 10 years. The tour guide was Australian and had lived in London 7 or more years. He was a good storyteller and kept the 3hr tour interesting with many stops along the way.

I will not go into minute details about the tour but will show pictures of the stops that stood out for me.

World War I Memorial at Tower Hill

Close up view of Sundial at Tower Hill.

Monument to the Great Fire of London

Part of the Roman London Bridge built in 75A.D.

Tower Bridge

St. Paul's Cathedral

Globe Theatre

Temple Church

This link takes you to the rest of the Walking Tour of London pictures I took.

After the tour we walked around Covent Garden looking at the street vendors. We then headed into the Theatre district to find the theatre the Lord of the Rings Musical was playing in and the restaurant we were to have dinner in that evening. After finding both, we headed back to the hotel and then to a local pub for a few pints. I had promised a friend I would have a London Pride first but I went for a Guinness and yes, it is true, the Guinness is so much better there than in the States. It is smoother, no bite, very tasty.

Dinner was in an upscale pizza place called Fire and Stone. With the ticket package we got, we had choice of pizzas and a free cocktail which we could only get a seabreeze which is ok but really wanted a beer with the meal but anyway. The pizza was very good. I got the Sydney - Which is crisp oven-roasted smoked bacon, free range egg, shaved smoked ham, mozzarella, Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, basil & chives. Will definitely go back there if and when I get back to London. The musical, not so good. I had read some not so pleasant reviews and I can see why. I do not want to go into detail, but it had problems. But, I am happy I did get to see it. The special effects were awesome, best part of the show. And the story is by Tolkien so that part was good. If anyone would like details of the show, let me know.

We headed back to the hotel. PSP went to the chip shop on the corner and got an order of chips and a few candy bars to eat before we went to sleep.

Up next: Day 3 British Museum, British Library and Wesley House

suchnone #366 Day 1 Arrival

2008-01-09T14:42:00.000-05:00

I left for the airport a good 4 hours before my plane was to take off. It only took an hour for me to get there and then a record 10 minutes to get through security and to be seated at the gate waiting for boarding to begin. So I wait for 3 and a half hours but I know if I would have been late, I would have been even more stressed and anxious. Thanks again to my co-worker and her fiance for giving me a ride to the airport.
I read about half of Blood Sucking Fiends, a book by Christopher Moore while waiting at the gate. Also talked to a few friends on the phone and my parents before takeoff. I noticed a young boy running around, playing with his trucks, being loud, being a typical boy and I hoped he would not be near me.
Boarding began about 45 minutes before takeoff. It went smoothly and I ended up having no one sitting next to me but the boy and his mother were in my row. Sort of diagonal from me were a group of very loud and probably drunk guys. I worried I would not get any sleep at all, I do not sleep well to begin with so I just knew I was going to be worn out when I arrived in London. I had nothing to fear. The boy soon fell asleep and the guys passed out shortly after dinner was served. The trip was most quiet from then on. But not before two things happened.

First, about 5-10 minutes into the flight and while we are still climbing to our cruising altitude and with the fasten seat-belts sign still on, a passenger gets up starts walking around, opening the overhead compartment and so forth. The captain has to tell him twice to sit down and the second time he did not sound very happy. I think we were close to turning the plane around. But, the man sat down. Then 5 minutes after that, the intercom comes on and says:

"Are there any doctors on board?"

I begin to look around and no one is moving and then we hear:

"Are there any nurses on board?"

About 6 people in my area stand and go to a woman about 9 rows in front of me. She had never flown, was going into a panic attack and started hyperventilating and having asthma attacks. She was able to be calmed down and there were no more problems of this nature the rest of the flight.

The in-flight meal was good, barbecued pork roast with mashed potatoes. I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix which I had wanted to see for some time. Very good.

Then I tried to read some more. Then I tried to sleep some. Watched Meerkat Manor, then tried to read and sleep some more. I am guessing I slept more than I realized because just after thinking we had so many more hours left to go, the captain said:

"We are just off the coast of Ireland and will be landing in London in about an hour and a half."

I watched the sunrise over the green coast of Ireland.

We landed and I prepared myself for the long process of getting into England. Fifteen minutes later, after going through security, having my passport checked and then through customs, I was in England, but in a line, I mean a que, to get a Gatwick Express train ticket to meet my friend PSP(I cannot remember what I have called him before) at Victoria Station.

Arrived at Victoria Station in about 30 minutes time from Gatwick. Walked around looking for the Krispy Kreme where I was to meet PSP. Krispy Kreme was a small coffee cart like structure and sure enough there was PSP waiting for me. We made our way to the Underground ticket office where I purchased a three day pass. We then set out for Paddington Station which our hotel was near to. Actually less then five minutes from the station. Our room was not ready so they let us leave our bags in a back room and we walked down to a little diner on the corner and had tea. It was so good. The day was somewhat overcast or maybe it was cause I was in a fog what with jet lag but the rest of that day is a blur. I know we finally got in our room. It was on the 3rd floor and the heat rose so we had to keep the window open or it would have been too hot, well at least for me. It was below freezing at night and in the 40s (Fahrenheit during the day. We walked around Paddington Station, near a big park which I cannot remember the name of right now, walked to the Jordanian part of London where PSP who has lived in Jordan told me what all the smells were, so many spices, fruits, tobaccos etc in the air. London does not smell like other big cities I have been to, maybe it was the closeness to the park or maybe it was cause I was in a fog but it was pleasant. We walked around some more, basically trying to keep me awake. I had said I would stay awake at least until the sun went down. What I did not realize was the sun went down at 4pm. We went back to the diner for a light dinner. I was not that hungry but knew I needed food to help me adjust. I had a bacon and egg on toast.

We went back to the room(will describe it later) watched some BBC, think it was the news and a quiz show called Mastermind Junior(I think). I have no idea when I finally went to sleep that night but I slept some of the time and woke up ready to go the next morning.

Up next: Day 2 Walking Tour of London

suchnone #365

2008-01-09T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here's a meme I got from Vi. I know I said I would post about my trip and it is coming. Just finished the pictures(see previous post) but I had told Vi I would do this one so here it goes.

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?

Traveled to England

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I do not make resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

One of my co-workers had(well her daughter did) her first grandchild.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Dr Russell, a retired professor where I work who I worked on a history of the university with. He also was one of my Father's professors when my Father was in school here in the 1950s.

5. What countries did you visit?

England

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?

More relaxing days, more time to see NC.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

December 17th - day I landed at Gatwick airport in London

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

going to England

9. What was your biggest failure?

never cleaning my house

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had a cold for almost 3 weeks last Fall. not fun

11. What was the best thing you bought?

an iPod shuffle

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

14. Where did most of your money go?

my trip to England

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
again, my trip to England

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

all the songs off Radiohead's In Rainbows, Ryan Adams' Cold Roses

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?
happier

b) thinner or fatter?
thinner, I think

c) richer or poorer?
richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
visited friends

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
not damn thing

20. How did you spend Christmas?
In England visiting friends

21. What was your favorite month of 2007?
Ok, getting old but December since I spent most of it in England

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
no

23. How many one-night stands?
none

24. What was your favourite TV programme?
Dr Who, Heroes, Jeopardy!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
no. its so easy to hate, so easy to hurt, it takes strength to be gentle and kind. hating is a waste of my time.

26. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter #7, Blood Sucking Fiends and Children of Hurin

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Radiohead's In Rainbows, my album of 2007.

28. What did you want and get?
Wanted to travel to England and I did

29. What did you want and not get?
Would have liked to have met a nice girl but did not happen and do not seeing it happening.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Transformers. Saw both of them on the flights to and from England

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Nothing, 37

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I did want to see the beach but I am not sure if that would have made my year "immeasurably more satisfying".

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
pretty much the same one I have had since 1989

34. What kept you sane?
beer, playing lord of the rings online, my blog friends, my friend Sally

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Scarlett Johannson and Nicole Kidman are both nice to look at

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
the selection of a new president.

37. Who did you miss?

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Gareth, my friend Heidi's fiance, very cool guy. They complement each other very well.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007
Not to put expectations on anything, they can lead to disappointment

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Just not sure on this one. Tried to look up songs that I listened to a lot this year but none of them really fit. Oh well

suchnone #364

2008-01-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

I have upload the first of quite a few pictures from my trip to England on to Flickr. It took longer to process the images yesterday that I thought it would. Plus, I have to deal with a flat tire so that took up some of my day as well. More on that later.
Here is a link to the pictures I have posted so far.
Link

suchnone #363 welcome back, welcome back

2008-01-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

I am back in the States after 17 days in England. Had an awesome time, saw and did a lot of things I had thought about doing for years. Took many pictures, keep an eye here, some will be posted here, all will be posted on my flickr page(see link on the right). Also will make link here when the pictures are posted. I will being more proper posts after I get some rest detailing what I did, where I went and all the different ales I drank. Bottom-line, I will be going back, maybe sometime in 2008. On the downside, did not get to see Vi. The last few days I was there I was a little under the weather and one of my friends I was staying with got a bad cold so did not do much those last few days where my days and Vi's days right after she got back from Australia overlapped.

Hope everyone had a great holiday and here is to a great 2008.

suchnone #362 t-minus 27 and a half hours

2007-12-15T16:22:00.000-05:00

Yep, will be on my way to the airport for my flight into London at this time tomorrow. I think I am done packing, maybe a few more little things but all the big stuff is all ready to go. Need to go up to work to print off my boarding pass and other info but for now, just resting. Didn't sleep well last night after a really long busy day at work. May have been the McDonalds I had for dinner, guess I cannot eat there anymore. I am not sure how much internet I will have access to so I am not sure how many updates I will make between now and when I get back but I will have plenty of pictures to post and stories to tell.
Hope everyone has a great holiday however and whatever you celebrate and a grand start to the new year.

Santa Woofus

suchnone # 361 Bah Humbug (not really)

2007-12-06T10:41:00.000-05:00

This is the Christmas meme.

Just copy this entire form and paste it on your blog and let me know or answer them in the comments section. Change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both

2. Real tree or artificial? artificial for now but like real ones. but have not set up either for a few years now.

3. When do you put up the tree? week before Christmas but as late as Christmas Adam(day before Christmas Eve, hehe. Its something my Dad came up with)

4. When do you take the tree down? January 6th or later, has been as late as Easter
5. Do you like eggnog? sometimes

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Millenium Falcon or Six MIllion Dollar Man or Johnny West or first bike

7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes

8 . Hardest person to buy for? everyone, I just have no clue what people like

9. Easiest person to buy for? no one, see above

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a stained glass themed dress shirt given by an old girlfriend

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? email

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story and for tv specials, I like Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? after Thanksgiving

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes a few times

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pancakes

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Blue Christmas by Porky Pig

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, well at least this year

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? neither, it's a bird

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning. when I was growing up I was allowed to open one on Christmas Eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? starts too early and ends too soon

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? no

suchnone #360 t-minus 16 days

2007-11-30T10:22:00.001-05:00

Almost 2 weeks till I leave for England. Almost done packing. I have bought, long underwear, a hat, gloves. Just need a few more long sleeve shirts and extra socks and that should do it. My dentist made me a travel kit with a see through bag to keep everything in so that is ready to go. It has extra room to hold my meds and other stuff if need be. Getting a list of books to bring as well. Probably 2-3 small books just so they will not weigh me down but I do not want to have to read the InFlight Magazine for 6+ hours. Hoping for good movies but you never know.
I washed my ipod and now it does not work. I am debating whether to buy one or not for the trip. I have heard it is ok to take them on planes again but I am not 100% sure and I cannot find any info on the flight info page. If anyone knows, let me know so I can know for sure.
Almost over my cold. Feeling better than I have for over a week. Still need rest. Going to see Sally this weekend since I will not see her again before I leave.

suchnone #359 sicky

2007-11-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

Still fighting this cold. Thought it was almost gone but came back in full force. Had to get more meds today. Hopefully be the last I will need to get. Got some of the nastiest cough drops I have ever had. Those are going in the trash, not even going to give them away they are so bad. Good they were only 99 cents.

Working this evening. Busier than I thought it would be after the holidays.

Will be off on my trip in 3 weeks. It looks like we will not be able to go to Stonehenge so you know what that means, time to start planning my next trip. Also, it gives us more time in London which is not a bad thing or we can move on to our next destination.

Visited my parents for Thanksgiving Day. Dad is doing very well. Therapist told him Friday to stop using the walker and to work on getting his natural walk/gait back. He was pretty much getting around the house without the walker, using it mostly for balance. He cannot walk up hills yet but I think he may start walking the track at the fitness center. He is talking about having the other one done at the end of January but it does depend on how strong the one he just had done is so it could be in February or March. Heard the you need to find a nice girl speech again over the holiday. I just blew it off but it bothers me somewhat.

Will miss a Christmas Party thrown by Eoh's old roommate(cannot remember what I called her) and HB her new roommate. HB also was the one who had the after dinner party for Eoh before she moved to England. Sad I will miss it, they know how to throw good parties, with excellent food, drinks and awesome conversation. Who said librarians were boring does not have a clue.

I have seen maybe 2 dozen houses with decorations already up. It is just too early for me. We used to decorate on December 22nd or so. Have not decorated in 3 or 4 years now. Just not into it.

Speaking of, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is coming on Tuesday night at 8pm(eastern) on ABC, I think that is the right channel. Check your local listings for the time and channel near you.

suchnone #358 How's the sick?

2007-11-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

Got a cold.
I played D&D this weekend and two of the group have kids. One with 3 under the age of 10 so I am pretty sure I got it from there. I was feeling my throat getting sore Saturday evening right before I went to bed. Now I feel completely crappy, sore throat, stuffed nose, achy. Not sure if I will make it to my parent's house for Thanksgiving or not.
D&D was fun. Good to see the guys.
Making last preparations for my trip. Just under 4 weeks when I will be there. Its funny, the stuff I have picking up now sounds like what I would pack for a camping trip. I saw where it snowed over the weekend in some parts of England. I am looking at getting some gloves and a hat. I do not wear hats usually but probably should get one just in case.
When I walked out to get to the car this morning, I saw a ball of fur next to a tree. As chilly as it gets this time of year, I decided to make sure my neighbors little gray kitty was okay so I crept over to check her out. She popped her head up and gave me a look like you looking at me? you looking at me? and then ran away.

suchnone #357

2007-11-14T15:03:00.000-05:00

Not much going on. Really boring times I guess you could say. I have 4 and a half weeks till my trip to England. I guess you could say I am laying low on doing much of anything until that big trip. I have done some shopping for the trip. Bought a nice fleece jacket and some good hiking/walking shoes. I had planned to increase my walking to be ready for all the walking I will do on my trip but it never happened and I doubt I will start now.

Worked last weekend and am worn out. That on top of the time change has really changed my sleep patterns. I go to bed earlier but I still wake up at 3 or 4 am. I guess I am getting more sleep but not sure. I am tired today but I think it is working the weekend and this week not the amount of sleep I am not getting.

Ate at Outback on Friday. They have good food. Had a steak and baked potato and wild rice. And for dessert, chocolate thunder from down under cake. Very good

Of course, been playing lord of the rings online.

suchnone #356 steal your smile right off your face

2007-11-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Got this from Vi and Random

In bold is what I have done

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

02. Swam with wild dolphins

03. Climbed a mountain

04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid

06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

08. Said “I love you” and meant it

09. Hugged a tree

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars

20. Changed a baby’s diaper

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a roller coaster

35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment

39. Had two hard drives for your computer

40. Visited all 50 states

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk

42. Had/Have amazing friends

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44. Watched whales

45. Stolen a sign

46. Backpacked in Europe

47. Taken a road-trip

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CDs

57. Pretended to be a superhero

58. Sung karaoke

59. Lounged around in bed all day

60. Played touch football

61. Gone scuba diving

62. Kissed in the rain

63. Played in the mud

64. Played in the rain

65. Gone to a drive-in theater

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight

72. Gotten married

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo

81. Rafted the snake river

82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”

83. Gotten flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas

86. Recorded music

87. Eaten shark

88. Kissed on the first date

89. Gone to Thailand

90. Bought a house

91. Been in a combat zone

92. Buried one/both of your parents

93. Been on a cruise ship

94. Spoken more than one language fluently

95. Performed in a Rocky Horror Picture Show

96. Raised children

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour

98. Passed out cold

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking

103. Had plastic surgery

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived

105. Wrote articles for a large publication

106. Lost over 100 pounds

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

110. Broken someone’s heart

109. Touched a stingray

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a TV game show

113. Broken a bone

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ear

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse

119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept 30 hours in a 48 hour time frame

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi

128. Had your picture in the newspaper

129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed

132. Touched a cockroach

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read “The Iliad”

135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

137. Skipped all your school reunions

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head

149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone’s life

suchnone #355

2007-11-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

I want to make it clear I was not trying to break the rubik's cube on purpose.
It just happened that way.

Did nothing this weekend.

Well, I did watch a bunch of football, both college and professional. In professional football, best teams I see right now, in order:
Patriots
Colts
Packers
Giants
and then the rest just sort of fall below.

The time change really has messed me up. Happens every Spring and Fall. I feel like it should be later than it really is, really tired most of yesterday and today but wake up too early, even earlier than normal as my body thinks it is time to get up and I have many more hours before having to get ready for work. No fun at all. Hope I can adjust soon.

suchnone #354

2007-11-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

Not much going on with my boring life.

Dad still in rehab center but making progress each day.
I worked last night so did nothing but buy candy and eat it for Halloween. Not like I have done much for Halloween the past 5 years or so anyway.
In my downtime been playing lotro, as I have been most of this year. May post pictures sometime in the future.
Been listening almost exclusively to new Radiohead album, In Rainbows.
Am right now drinking a vitamin water
I broke a rubik's cube the other day trying to solve it. They just are not made like they were when I was growing up.
thought of some new phrases that sound dirty but are not but decided not to post them.

Phrases that sound dirty but are not

2007-10-22T08:44:00.001-04:00

tethering the blimp
cleaning the dipstick
seeding the watermelon
unwrapping the package
shaping the wig
tapping the keg
marking the spot
spotting the bird
crunch and munch
updating my Facebook profile
voting for Kucinich
fluffing the pillows
plucking the turkey
getting your liver
adding the extra point
setting fire to the wood
hanging out at the corner
parking on the curb
priming the udder
fastening the snap
barking at the moon
double dipping
lassoing the moon
icing the cupcake
mastication
stretching the balloon

suchnone #353

2007-10-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

Update on the update on my Dad: He will be going into a rehab center soon. He has been having semi-fainting spells when they get him up for rehab so he is not where he needed to be to be released from any type of care. The rehab center is just down the road so he will still be close by where he and my Mother live.

Just talked to him and told him he needs to eat his spinach.

nonesuch #352

2007-10-18T16:16:00.000-04:00

So, brief one today. I guess that is better than nothing at all which is par for the course these days.

My Father had hip replacement Tuesday morning of this week. He is still in the hospitl but is doing well. He started rehab on the leg yesterday morning and that seems to be going well. He is slowly gaining strength and may come home this weekend.

I have been working on a post entitled "Phrases that sound dirty but are not"(with apologies to David Letterman. In the '80s he had a Top Ten List of the same name but I plan to have more than 10 when I make the post.) It is coming along. If anyone has any to suggest for the list, post in the comments section and I will add it to the list and give you credit.

Planning is almost done for my England trip. Just the little things like what pub on what night and will we repeat any but I do not think we will know for sure until we actually visit one. My father went 30 years ago and was telling me about Parson's Beer which was for the children to drink but it was some kind of soft drink, not beer. For my friends in England, do they still have such a drink?

Sally and her boyfriend FF broke up over the weekend. Bottom line, he never was giving 100% so he made excuses about how they would be better off as friends which she could not go for. I do not blame her. She is confused and hurt but I think she can do better. He could not make up his mind on whether he wants to be with her and basically drags her along for half the year and then breaking it off in October which is not a good month for her. Good thing he didn't do it closer to when her sister died(end of month). She may have gone off on him in a major way.

Imagine

2007-10-09T13:45:00.000-04:00

http://www.imaginepeace.com

Happy birthday John Lennon, wherever you are.

nonesuch #351

2007-10-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

Thursday - Get up early to take car in for inspection sticker, oil change and to take a look at the fan blower. I am there about an hour and they come out and start going down a list of things that have to be done or serious trouble could happen in the next 25,000 miles or less. Words like timing chain, cooling system replacement, main cooling fan not working, kitchen sink not working(ok that one just through in cause well I wanted to) ends up just about everything was touched, replaced and updated except the engine, breaks and clutch. Car will not be ready so I can go to work that afternoon/evening. Have several meetings that day so cannot be late. Have to get rental car. I will say that Enterprise car rental is awesome, at least the one in Greensboro. Great folks, quick service, not a bad car and for $30, a 24 hour rental, unlimited mileage. Anyway, would have to come back Friday to pick up my car. Looking at around $1000 parts and labor.

Friday - Again leave early in the morning. Arrive at Enterprise, turn car in, they take me to the car dealership. When I arrive they tell me the other cooling fan needs replacing so I say, go ahead. It will take an hour to finish. I do get to watch Saved By The Bell, Zach and Kelly's Vegas Wedding while waiting.
About an hour later, the car is ready and I see the total cost, little under $1300, most of my savings. Savings that I had been setting aside for 18 months, spent in less than 24 hours, savings for my trip to England. Needless to say I am bummed in the most major degree. What was I going to do? I had maybe $300 for 3 weeks in England. It could be done but I would be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, curries and red beans and rice the entire time with maybe a pint a week as a treat. I do that at my house. Yes, it would be in another country but not really how I had imagined the trip. We had already talked of cutting things before this but now it would be threadbare indeed.

Friday afternoon - I get a call from my Dad. He and my Mom had said they would be giving funds to help on my trip for my birthday and Christmas. They had said this well before my huge car repair bill. On the phone he said how much was the total car bill. That he would pay for that so I would not need to use my savings for my trip. I am right back where I was before. It was a very long 24-26 hours. Up and down indeed and not in the good way.

Saturday - Woke early, played lord of the rings online all day. College football served as background noise. Games are pretty much on for 12 hours.

Sunday - again, woke early, played lord of the rings online all day. NFL football served as background noise. Another 12 hours of football. Fell asleep during the night game.

My exciting life...

nonesuch #350

2007-10-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

Got my reservations for the hotel/hostel I will be staying in London during my trip to England in December. I am excited about the place. It is in Hyde Park which I hear is nice and not far from Paddington Station so near the Tube so we can get around while in the city. Need to check into BritRail passes sometime soon. if anyone has any suggestions on what kind I should get, any information will be helpful. The BritRail website is a bit confusing and I want to get a pass or passes that will be the best for my trip and where I will be going and so on.

Not much going on these days.

My Dad will be having hip replacement surgery in 2 weeks. Think he is looking forward to it. He has been walking with much pain for years now. My Mom has mentioned she is ready for him to have it as well.

nonesuch #349

2007-10-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

No matter where you are
I can still hear you when you dream
You traveled very far
You traveled far, like a star
And you are
All of those yesterdays
Coming around - Smashing Pumpkins

It was homecoming where I work this past weekend. I do tours of the campus for returning alumni and set up displays with yearbooks, newspapers and other items at the various class reunions. Having a direct connection to the time they were here can really open up the memories. It was my Father's 50th reunion and I went to the dinner they held. At the dinner, the members of his class went around and updated their classmates with what they had done the past 50 years. When my Dad spoke he said that he had one son, who wears a beard and most of you all already know him from the tours. Then he said

"And my wife and I do not have grandkids, yet" and smiled at me.

I just raised my hands and didn't know what to say. I think my Mom put him up to it.

No pressure there, noooo, none at all.

My friend Sally is somewhat getting on my nerves. I know this is a rough month for her. I have mentioned it before I think, but her sister died 11 years ago this month. It just seems lately I never hear from her unless something is "wrong" with her "sort of boyfriend". I say that cause they have not really declared it such a relationship but all the signs are there and they have been dating for almost half the year. And when I had a problem she didn't even offer advice but started talking about her situation. It is annoying.

My friend Eoh is in England. Arrived there yesterday morning and has started unpacking. Her and her kitties had a good flight and she is beginning to unpack. She says she knows she made the right decision. I will see her and her fiance in December.

I had an old high school friend send a friend invite on myspace last night. At first I thought cool, but looking at his myspace page, I am not sure how much we will have in common now. Think I last talked to him in 1991 or 1992. Just not sure what to do. Is it even worth making the connection if you have a good feeling that you may have nothing to talk about at all? Any suggestions?

nonesuch # 348 its their birthday, precious

2007-09-22T14:52:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Bilbo and Frodo

(Its not my birthday, should have made that more clearer in the post. sorry about that.)

nonesuch #347 Peace One Day

2007-09-21T08:17:00.000-04:00

And read what Vi has to say.

2007-09-16T22:57:00.000-04:00

Follow your bliss.
- Joseph Campbell

Saturday night I went to my friend Eoh's going away party in Greensboro. We met at Lucky 32, this great restaurant that changes menu with the seasons. It is always good and Saturday it did not disappoint. I had the blue cheese and herb encrusted sirloin with mashed potatoes. I had two pints of Guinness which went so well with the meal. Lucky 32 has great desserts but we did not stay there for dessert. One of Eoh's friends, HB, had made 3 different kinds of dessert plus had beer and wine back at her apartment so we went there after the meal. She was the one who organized the party as well. There was 12 at the meal but not everybody came back to the apartment.

I was in a beer mood so I did not have any of the desserts but they looked and every body said they were just fantastic. HB made a chocolate gooey dessert, hummingbird cake and apple pie. I should have taken some with me but didn't and I regret it. Her apartment was awesome, it was the upstairs of an old house in one of the historic districts in town. It has 3 rooms plus a bathroom but it felt much roomier than I am describing it here. I would guess it was 1900s era, it had similar door moldings on the doors as my last apartment in Greensboro and it was built around that time.

It was decided that we all should say something about Eoh as we left the party. I knew I couldn't do it, not in front of everyone. So, I stayed and helped shut the party down. It was around 1:45 when Eoh said she needed to sleep so we got our stuff together and went out the door. She had her hands full of dessert and a picture I gave her and she set them down so we could hug and then it happened. We both erupted into tears and just stayed there in the middle of the road. I knew it would be hard to say goodbye and I will see her in December when I go on my trip to England but I have known her for almost 16, half our lives and even though we do not see each other as often as we used to since we do not live as close to one another as we used to(we used to live around the block from one another)just knowing that she will not be just down the road but across that damn pond really really makes me sad.

All I could get out from the sniffles etc was;

"You used to say this all the time, Follow your bliss. And we will see each other again, we always reconnect, pick up where we left off even years after, just as it was only a day."

And she is, all the way to the Greater Manchester area to be with a fantastic guy and I know they do and will continue to make each other very happy. And that is all I want for my friends. It doesn't happen everyday, so follow your bliss my friend, take it where it leads you and keep searching for the serene, it is there for you.

Don't cry now, don't you cry, don't you cry anymore.
Sleep in the stars, don't you cry, dry your eyes on the wind.
- Grateful Dead

nonesuch #345 Start not actin'right You're frozen in carbonite

2007-09-14T13:27:00.000-04:00

I keep feeling I have a post to create but nothing happens.

Finished On The Road last weekend and started American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Tried to read both at the same time but I felt like I was cheating on both books so stopped American God until I finished On the Road.

Going to a close friend's going away party tomorrow evening. I am not sure if she knows about it and she does read my blog from time to time so I will not say much. In fact, I may have said too much as it is but she may know about it so I will not worry too much about it.

Been under the weather all week, some sort of cold or sinus or allergy thing. Been taking vitamin c, airborne daytime and nighttime formula but finally broke down and got tylenol severe sinus. It helps me but also makes me loopy(don't say it) so even though I feel better I still do not think I am actually getting anything done.

Sally has been at the beach all week with her mother. Must be nice to be away. They left about the time the Hurricane was hitting our coast but it only brought some wind and rain and was gone in 24hrs heading toward the Ireland last I heard. One of the most famous storms in US history, Hurricane Hazel, actually after going up the entire East Coast, went out to sea, gathered strength and headed onto Europe to effect weather there as well. I think it was Hazel but it could have been another storm. Growing up, all storms were compared to Hazel, that is until Hugo hit in 1989, now they are all compared to Hazel and Hugo.

I'm getting my lonely blues early this year or it may just be the cold/sinus/allergy thing.

Just worn out all the time and do not feel up to much. Not that there is much going on with me.

Today is Bring Your Dog to Work Day. woof woof. and according to George Carlin; "Woof is meow in cat."

nonesuch #344

2007-09-05T14:17:00.000-04:00

I realized something last night about "On The Road". The first time I read it oh some 15 years ago, I remember thinking these guys seem so old, older than me at least and there was more of a pull to reach their ages and do the things they were doing. I think it was more of the trap I was feeling at the time, staying in a dead-end relationship that both of us knew was going to end. I don't think either one of us knew how but it was better than the mess we were in when we were together. And the feeling of being lost, getting ready to graduate college and having no idea what I wanted to do, knowing my ancient greek grades were not high enough for grad school in Classics or Religious Studies, know that in order to find a good job, career even, with either one of these areas, I would need that masters at some point. Knowing that in 6 months after I graduated, the student loan bills would start to come in and how was I going to pay that, I didn't know where I was going to find a job in the first place.
But now, they all seem so young, I am guessing they are mostly in their 20s with a few of the older ones perhaps in their early 30s. And I am well beyond my early 30s. Maybe it was the time, the things they were doing, traveling criss cross the country, drinking tons, hitching rides in cars, on backs of trucks, on trains, making or attempting to make girls in the little towns they would stop for gas and beer and apple pie and ice cream. The romantic side of the road and yet, yet the descriptions given of life on the road, panhandling, begging and stealing in some cases, just to get back home to his warm comfortable bed to continue to the manuscript, to finish the manuscript, I would not want for that for no reason. Aging or maturing? Not sure on my part. Even younger, I had no urgent burning desire to travel that much but I did and do want to see the States, more than I want to see other countries even though I head for England in almost 3 months. Of course, sign of a good book is that it can have meaning, hit home, on different levels, different stages of life. It is also a sadder book than I remember. I guess chasing dreams, chasing friends, chasing girls, trying to find where you fit is not always a happy journey.

nonesuch #343

2007-09-04T15:47:00.000-04:00

When was the last time you logged into myspace? yeah, me too. Facebook is getting that way also. I stay on facebook cause a good friend will be using it has her connection back here after she moves to England at the end of the month.
Have grown so tired of both of those and the so called online social networking scene really. Think it stems back to bad experiences with online dating or maybe I am really getting old and people in general have started to bother me more than they used to. Nothing in particular, but there are things that in the past I would let go but now I do not and most times do not go there anymore. Its getting more and more like that with some friends of mine and that is what bothers me. Either they are becoming the asshats we always said we would not become or it is me that is becoming the asshat I swore I would never be. Or it may be that I need to dewire, unplug for awhile, enjoy other things, go green, read a book, turn on, tune in and drop out, or dare I say, "find myself". How 90s of me and I apologize. How 70s of me.
Reading "On the Road" again. For some reason it hits on so many levels with me, the physical journey itself and Sal's personal more spiritual journey to find where he fits in the world and to prove himself to his friend who ultimately one by one let him down and all alone. And even he knows he is being used and he does not care but he must, or at least I think he must. It triggered Kerouac to write "On the Road" in the first place, and "Dharma Bums" and "The Subterraneans" and others. Something sparked for him somewhere along the line and he went with it.
And maybe that is my problem, no sparks are hitting or they are so weak, I am not getting a charge or it takes so much to get the brain going on things that I have conditioned myself to not even try anymore. Is that getting old? Perhaps. I have heard that you are only as old as you think you are and I always, even when I was much younger, I always felt older than I really am. And in those teen years and before, I wanted to be older. Nowadays, not so much. So maybe the older I get the younger I need to think but will that have me ending up in clothes that I am 20 years too old to be wearing in the first place, driving a red convertible, with a really bad hippie-esque to the shoulder hair in a Member's Only Jacket thinking I am hot shit? I still have a Member's Only jacket, it is only a matter of time before they are back in style. And hey, didn't that guy in the restaurant in the Soprano's, wasn't he wearing a Member's Only Jacket? You know, the one sitting at the bar across from Tony. It could happen.
So I am sure you are asking yourself where is he going with this. Nowhere, nowhere at all.

nonesuch #342

2007-09-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

And I forgot to tell folks to go wish Vi a Happy Birthday last Friday. But I guess it is never too late and from I can tell she is still celebrating hehe.

nonesuch #341

2007-08-31T14:42:00.000-04:00

I really miss Bug Juice and the Johnny Appleseed prayer.
I miss summer camp.
That one(or two) glorious weeks away from home, away from normal friends, sleeping in cabins, doing inside and outdoor activities, everything from canoing to hiking to tennis to judo to archery(my favorite), to arts and crafts(look, a ashtray. We are making birdhouses today)and ghost stories, raiding the girls cabins, sleeping on the pier out on the sound with water lapping all around you, falling off the top bunk in your cabin and getting up and getting in the lower bunk all without waking up, campfire time on the final night where you swore that you would never ever lose touch with these best friends you had ever known in your entire life(that was until next year) worrying about who would if anyone would dance(just one dance) at the camp dance, denying that you liked you but really she was the one you spotted when riding up in your parents car on that first day.
Basically, time away. I miss time away. A time to rejuvenate and come back refreshed. A time where all play and no work makes Jonny a happy boy.
Now, all I have for time away is lord of the rings online, a few cold guinness and bad tv. I would like more choices.
As my mom would say, "You may not want to dance, but it is always nice to be asked".
The more choices I have, the more chances I have to say no.
Maybe its that September is here, maybe its that school is back in session, maybe I am just getting old. I just do not feel the same as I did even say 5 years ago. And for some reason, that bothers me. But not enough to really do anything about it and really I do not know what if anything I can do about it.

nonesuch #340

2007-08-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

Midge
the 7-Pound Police Dog.

Saw this story about her on the morning news today. She has a little police vest she wears.

I tried to post the link in the comments section over at Anne's but it was too long so I posted it here so everyone could learn about Midge.

nonsuch #339

2007-08-23T15:16:00.000-04:00

I thought my air conditioner blew up my electrical system at my house this morning. Thought I was going to have to replace a window unit this morning but didn't. It was not my AC. My neighbor and I think it was from a brief storm that passed through and knocked the power out. It was not as hot as it has been. Cooler this morning but it has warmed up big time since then.

Something that just about made me cry when I read it,

Lost Boys2: The Tribe

Has no one in it from the original 80s original that for a time in college I watched everyday. Rumor has it that the Corey's were so upset that they were not invited for a cameo that the complained on their new show, The Corey's, and the director has now added them or at least one of them. Do we really need a sequel to one of the best vampire movies of my generation? James Carpernter's Vampires with James Woods may just edge it out as the best but it is close in my opinion. And as we said back in the day, "Keiffer Sutherland is the most fuckin awesomest vampire ever."

Lost Boys
Sam Emerson: Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a goddamn, shit-sucking vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!

Vampires
Jack Crow: Let me ask you a question. When you were stabbing that vampire in there?
Father Adam Guiteau: Yeah?
Jack Crow: Did you get a little wood?
Father Adam Guiteau: Mahogany.
Jack Crow: Excuse me?
Father Adam Guiteau: Ebony.
Jack Crow: What?
Father Adam Guiteau: Teak.
Jack Crow: Are you possessed by demons?
Father Adam Guiteau: Major Chubby.
Jack Crow: Language, Padre, language!

And do not get me started on Ferris Beuller's Next Day Off(yeah, you read that right)
http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/2007/08/ferris-bueller-.html

Cannot people come up with original stuff? At least I know I cannot do it, I have tried and I suck at writing fiction.

Have not wrote about the new Taco Bell/KFC that opened up near where I work. I have ate there lets say a dozen times, been open about a month and I am already tired of it. The teryaki chicken is very good though. And I think KFC mac and cheese is better than bojangles.

Been on a reading kick lately, since I finished Harry Potter 7. Read George Carlin's books, Seinfeld's book, some Lewis Grizzard and Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. The last one was an assignment to read before going to London. Great book. Up next, is his American Gods.

Do not surf the web as much as I used to. Not sure if I am growing bored with it or it is just a phase or what. Would rather read a book.

Still playing lotro. Made 36th and got my war pony last week.

Been thinking about CW my ex a lot lately. It was this time of year we were really hitting our stride in the beginning of our relationship. Them was mighty good times. It makes me sad mow to remember how happy I was at the time. Now I just see myself alone with animals I do not even have yet. And most of my close friends are getting married or have someone they consider longterm relationship material and I am happy for them, really I am. I get lonely, that's all.

NFL pre-season is in week 3. Regular season starts in 2 weeks I think. People are picking the Patriots to win it this year but I am not sold. They play the Panthers this week in pre-season but the game really means little but until I see them play all I will say is I am leary about Randy Moss. The last two teams he was on did nothing. Yes, the Patriots have other good players but will he drag them down?

if anyone has any suggestions for books for me to read leave me a comment.(shameless ploy to get folks to leave comments)

nonesuch #338

2007-08-23T14:22:00.000-04:00

CAMEAGE
The Descendents

I'm looking straight down
I'm sick and I need a friend
I didn't know they came like that
I'm thinking things now
I thought I'd never think
I didn't know they came like that
You came so quickly right in and out of my life
I didn't know they came like that
Did I ever tell you how much I love to hold you
I didn't know they came like that
It doesn't even matter if I live or die
The only thing that matters is you're by my side
There's no turning back from this one
I judged too quickly, I've never been good at trust
I didn't know they came like that
But did I ever tell you how much I love to love you
I didn't know they came like that
It doesn't even matter if I live or die
The only thing that matters is you're by my side
There's no turning back from this one
No turning back from this one
It's not that I don't want your love
But I don't deserve anyone
I didn't know they came like that
I will return to you
When I am 32
I didn't know they came like that

nonesuch #337 nada mucho

2007-08-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

I really have nothing to say at this time.

"Two"
Ryan Adams

If you take me back
Back to your place
I'll try not to bother you I promise
'Cause it's cold in here
And I wish it was hot
The sink's broke, it's leaking from the faucet
And i'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
But it takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take only one
Well, my money's no good when i'm up to no good
No good ever comes from it, honest
I got a really good heart
I just can't catch a break
If i could i'd treat you like you wanted me to i promise
But i'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
I'm fractured from the fall
And i wanna go home
But it takes two when it used to take one
It takes two when it used to take only one

nonesuch #336

2007-08-09T10:50:00.000-04:00

In honor of Anne's birthday I will pass along her new favorite phrase:

"Drunk as a dry hump" Click on the link. I know you want to know what that is all about, hehe.

Happy birthday, Anne!

nonesuch #335 day after

2007-08-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

The James Morrison/Ben Folds/John Mayer concert last night was very good. Here is a breakdown:

James Morrison - think he is English, need to check on that but, had a nice guitar based pop sound. He only played 30 min so by the time I was into what he was doing he was done. Will check out his myspace page. Links coming soon.

Ben Folds - long time fan of his stuff, was not disappointed. Well, wish he had had more than an hour to play but still he played a good number of my favorites including:
Army, Landed, Not the Same, Kate, Still Fighting it and closed with Bitches Ain't Shit which was awesome hearing a crowd of mostly teeny boppers singing early 90's Dr Dre gangsta rap in some cases the song being older than those singing. Tried to get a few pictures but they did not turn on the big screens so all of them he came out very small and not worth showing anyone.

John Mayer - not as familiar with his stuff as Ben Folds but I still enjoyed his show. Sally said he played all his hits and I could tell the audience was into it bu I just couldn't get into his pop radio friendly tunes BUT, the last two songs he did were amazing blues based rock songs invoking Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton. For me, if his entire show had consisted of songs like the final two I would have enjoyed more.

Overall a great concert experience. Would go see all three of them again.

nonesuch #334

2007-07-31T12:05:00.001-04:00

This is who I am hanging out with today. He is Sally's dog named K. We are buddies. Later this evening we (sally and myself) are going to see Ben Folds and John Mayer. I have today off as you can tell. I have spent this morning doing some laundry and working on my agenda for my trip to England. I think it is almost solid but of course with things like these, things need to stay flexible. I am going to spend a few days in London, then off to Coventry, Oxford, Nottingham, Birmingham, Stonehenge, hopefully will see Vi and Blah but since she more than likely will be going to OZ for the holidays I am not sure if I will see her or not. Also, Manchester and just added, Liverpool and maybe Blackpool. And then back to London before heading out. It is amazing how quick two weeks will go by. I want to soak up as much as I can with the time I have.

nonesuch #333

2007-07-31T08:39:00.000-04:00

Bill Walsh 1931-2007
Changed the way football(american) is played, is watched and is talked about. Credited with bringing intelligence to the game where in the past it was seen as nonthinking man's game. Coached the 49ers who I hated since they always beat the crap out of the Panthers(NFL teams) but now I so respect what he did for the sport. Above all, just a great person. He will be missed.

Ingmar Bergman 1918-2007
Perhaps the most influential director of modern movies of our time. "Fanny and Alexander", "Smiles of a Summer Night" and "The Seventh Seal"(which I am partial to) are all must sees.

Tom Snyder 1936-2007
Pioneer of late night talk show, "fire up a colortini, sit back, relax, and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air." Godspeed Mr Snyder.

And as I was typing these up I just saw, Michelangelo Antonioni,1912-2007, director of "Blowup" and "L'Avventura" (The Adventure)died in Italy just hours after Ingmar Bergman. Of all of his films, I recommend "Blowup", but really you cannot go wrong with anything done by him.

nonesuch #332

2007-07-28T23:40:00.000-04:00

Just got in from Sally's birthday dinner. There were 12 people there. The food was good. There was a couple there who had just got back from London so I picked their brains for travel tips etc. They told me of a great Italian place called Toto that I will try to go to when I am there. They did not do much outside of London but I think there is so much to do in London itself. But back to the meal, we got the family style which is all you can eat. You choose two items from appetizers, salads, pastas/main dishes and desserts. We had stuffed mushrooms, fried zucchini, two types of salad, lobster ravioli, chicken and spinach manicotti, chicken piccatta ziti and sausage, tiramasu, homemade Profiteroles, and birthday girl got her own Chocolate Zuccotto Cake with candles and a glass of dessert wine.

I was drinking heavily but no flirting. Sorry Joie. Hard to do when it was all couples or mother/daughter and those that would not look you in the eye when talking to you. So I sat back and listened to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in the background drinking my Guinness. I think they think I am an asshole but I really don't care. Sally had a good time. She was happy that a good number of folks came tonight. And that is what matters.

nonesuch #331

2007-07-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

Finished Harry Potter book 6 this morning, took a 30 minute break and started book 7 which I finished about 10 minutes ago. I could not put it down. Two amazing books, and that is all I will say for now.

nonesuch #330

2007-07-23T10:29:00.000-04:00

I spent my weekend playing lord of the rings online, planning my trip to England(I have a preliminary subject to change itinerary that I am working on that seems to be shaping up quite nicely) and avoiding any and all Harry Potter rumors on TV, online and from friends who have already finished the book, some in 24 hours give or take. I am still reading book six where things are getting really interesting to say the least. It has been so long since I read book 5 that I am having a hard time remembering what happened when and to whom, well except the big things. I have also heard what happens in book 6 to whom and by whom but I want to see for myself. I also ordered some things for my trip; convertible suitcase/backpack(carry on size), travel towel set, neck wallet and packing cubes. I did some banking on Saturday to make sure I have enough for the trip. I feel much better now on that front. Since I will be traveling near the holidays, I want to get the people I will see something. Does anyone have any suggestions that can be easy to take with me or would it be easier to wait till I got over there pick things up?

My friend Sally's birthday is next Sunday. She is having a get together at Maggiano's near Durham next Saturday. So far, she, I, KR(he was at last year's event at Cheesecake Factory) and the guy she has been seeing for a month or so now, I will call WW. I told her if it was just her, WW and myself she needed to find me a date but she only laughed. Its funny, she has asked my numerous times about my guy friends are they single and so on I let her know that I do not set up my friends anymore but when I bring the same up about her friends, nothing, she does not even offer to introduce me to anyone. I had another friend that would do that as well. We would be out, he would see some girls he knew, he would talk to them and never introduce me to them. I finally got to the point of introducing myself which at times came off rude. Anyway, Sally is worried not many people will show. Last year there were 5 of us, and probably will be the same this year. Next Tuesday we are going to see Ben Folds and John Mayer in concert. For those regular readers you all already know I am a long time fan of Ben Folds. This will 4th or 5th time I have seen him but first time as a solo act, all times before were with Ben Folds Five. I think John Mayer may have opened up for Neil Young one time when I went to see him. I think it will be a good show. We have pretty good seats, not too far back but where we will see them there is not a really bad seat in the place. So, good music and cold beer are in store.

nonesuch #329 took the tag

2007-07-21T19:59:00.000-04:00

Told Vi I would do this a few weeks back, forgot to do it then, so here it is now.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING TEN YEARS AGO?

Getting ready to start library school. Still in a dead end on again, off again relationship. Was looking for an apartment closer to school but didn't find one till the next spring. Was working my second year at TWSS-Primestar.

SONGS TO WHICH YOU KNOW ALL THE LYRICS:

Brian Wilson - Bare Naked Ladies
Superman - REM
The End of the World - U2
I'm Free Now - Morphine
Look Out For My Love - Neil Young

FIVE THINGS YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WERE A MILLIONAIRE:
Buy a nice house with lots of land for miniature goats, dogs and cats I would get plus forest area to camp in. Pay off my and my friend's debts. Donate books, computers and other items and equipment for area libraries.

FIVE BAD HABITS
prone to clutter
procrastinator on some things
*updated
forgetfullness
feeling bad for myself(is this a bad habit? it is now hehe)
staying online entirely too much

FIVE THINGS YOU LIKE DOING:
eating
beer
playing video games
playing D&D
communicating with friends

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL NEVER WEAR AGAIN:
spandex bike shorts
batman earring
bermuda jamz
sleeveless t-shirt
puffy shirt

FIVE FAVORITE TOYS:
lord of the rings computer game
iPod
D&D dice
cellphone camera
ps2

nonesuch #328 what an incredible smell you have discovered

2007-07-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

So much not going on, I am beginning to bore myself with being bored. It really is the same things everyday that if I shared them you may fall asleep. So, I had to go with a star wars quote in my title to get your attention before lulling everyone to sleep.

I went to see my D&D friends this past weekend. Ok, that is something different. It was good to see them as we had not got together for almost nine months. The game was good, I think I challenge them enough. They are getting high in level and it makes it harder to keep them on their toes. It just suddenly hit them that through their adventures they have angered at least 2 very old dragons and one of the dragons has already sent minions to take care of the group. But the group was able to survive. We watched some movies as well: Slither, a japanese kung fu movie, The Animal, School for Scoundrels and Starship Troopers.
Slither - Skip it. I wish I had. It had Nathan Fillion from Firefly and Buffy so I was like yes, anything with him. It was horror/disgusting. I could not finish my pizza and had to stop watching about halfway through. Will not go into details. The Animal starring Rob Schneider was ok, below stupid and only had a few laughs. School for Scoundrels starred Billy Bob Thornton and John Heder(Napoleon Dynamite) and was better than most movies but was only interesting enough to keep me from falling asleep. It had an Anger Management feel to it. Starship Troopers is just classic Sci-Fi.

They all went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before I got there. Most of them had seen Transformers as well.

Still have the summer allergies. On some strong meds but they make me sleepy so dragging through the day. And it being so hot, it does not help at all. Another hot one today and very humid with showers but it will get cooler after today.

My friend Sally is having to look for a new job. Where she works now did not work out, long story that I will not going into but the company wants to keep her so she has 4 interviews within the company over the next 2-3 days. She also has another interview with a different company this week as well.

A co-worker of mine just got back from England and showed us pictures yesterday. He had gone to a CS Lewis retreat held at Lewis' old house that has been renovated to the way it was in 1942. He spent time at Oxford and Camebridge and stayed about a week. Now I am even more excited for my trip on December, adding more places to go but they are all in the same area so will not add much out of the way to the itinerary.

Coolest thing I have seen today: Found by way of PopCandy, a clip on YouTube from the new Bob Dylan movie coming in September. In this clip, Bob Dylan is played by Cate Blanchett where he meets Alan Ginsburg played by David Cross.

I'm Not There clip

nonesuch #327 I think

2007-07-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

Lazy summer days....spent fighting off an allergy or cold that has left me mostly without a voice. These things in the summer are always worse than at any other time of the year.

Really not much else going on, well exciting that is. Going to play D&D this weekend. Have not done that in awhile. It will be good to see the guys.

Sort of planning my trip abroad. It is so far off that I feel I have time. I have shopped a little bit for things I will take but not that much really. I am excited but a bit more nervous since the stuff went down in London and Glasgow two weeks ago. I just have to go on about what I want to do and that is that.

Started on Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Yeah, I know, I am behind. I checked it out 2 years ago when it first came out but never read it. I had some things come up and never got around to it. So, I started last night and wow. More stuff happened in the first 3 chapters that happens in other books.

Wanted to keep on reading but felt like I needed to rest so took a tylenol pm(which has been working since I have been sick) and slept from oh 10:30 to 3:30 which is pretty good for me. Turned on COPS and both were episodes I had seen before. So dozed till I needed to get to get ready to go to work.

Cooler today than earlier this week, by about 5 or more degrees and low humidity. It feels nice compared to yesterday.

I have really be enjoying vitamin water Essential c+calcium. Tastes a bit like Tang but a more watered down version. Also got some Promised Land chocolate milk and let me tell you that is good stuff.

Wow, I have put myself to sleep with this post.

nonesuch #326 what I am listening to...

2007-07-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

Ray Davies - Over My Head, from his new and first solo album, "Other People's Lives". So unlike the classic genius music he made with the Kinks but damn this is so catchy. Check it out.

Voodoo Loons - Downhill from their "Self Proclaimed Prophets & Profiteers" coming out in August. Someone described them as Westerberg meets Barlow, two indie masters with different sounds but with Voodoo Loons the it comes out nicely. I hear tributes to the Psychedelic Furs and the Smiths in Downhill. Also check out their track on the new Amnesty International disc, Instant Karma. Not as strong a track as Downhill but it is growing on me.

Iron and Wine - "Boy With a Coin", from his anxiously awaited new album dropping this fall, 'The Shepherd's Dog'. For those worried things would not be the same, his voice is still there, the intricate guitar work is there, the landscapes he describes in his lyrics are still there. Boy With a Coin, the single, will be released in July.

The 5th

2007-07-05T13:29:00.001-04:00

Wasted away again in Margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame
But I know it's my own damn fault
Yes and some people claim that there's a woman to blame
And I know it's my own damn fault

more to come...

No, its not my fault I really couldn't change Jimmy's lyrics.
Today would have been 6 years together if CW hadn't fucked a sailor. I wasn't going to even bring it up this year but I just cannot get it out of my head. Nothing to burn this year but I still keep finding things of hers when I clean. Just little stuff now nothing that means much of anything well at least to me. More than likely the time away from her and from the breakup that has reduced the anger but I am one who is slow to forget.

I spent the weekend with my parents who celebrated their 40th anniversary on July 1st. I gave them a couple of framed photographs. One of them was of the church they were married in. The other was of a sky shot that I thought was cool. They liked both. But I started to get the when will you get married speeches and not just from them but from their friends as well.

"Was I going to be a bachelor for the rest of my life? When will I meet a nice girl? Why don't you go to church to meet a nice girl? Why wouldn't a nice girl like you, you are such a nice guy." My mother even mentioned that I wasn't even trying hard.

And I answered them all the same.

"After the way the last one ended I really didn't have a desire to put myself out there again, at least for now. If I did meet someone, that would be good but if not, I just did not worry about that much anymore."

I do not think my parents realize I am serious.

nonesuch #325 insert clever post title here

2007-06-28T11:01:00.000-04:00

There really isn't much going on with me other than work and coming home and trying to stay cool. Been in the 90s for about a week now and we have had storms almost every night this week. Some flooding down the road from me but not so much at my house. And not like out in Texas and Oklahoma. Hope my friends out there are safe.

Going to my parent's house this weekend for their 40th wedding anniversary. Not much is planned. I drove up to the church they were married in last weekend. Took some pictures and have a frame to put the best one and give them. And will take a bottle of champagne. They are not big on the parties but there will be some of their close friends there so that will be nice.

Semi-stressing about my trip later this year to England, mostly do/will I have enough for the trip. Food and lodging will be the big amounts with pints at the pub coming third. I do not want to get over there and run out of funds and not be able to go places and see things and souvenirs etc. I am sure there are many things I can do on low funds but do not want to end up in that situation. Of course, this is just my worrisomemness coming out based on things that I really have no control over right now. I mean, it is 6 months away. I haven't really begun to stress about the flying part but that will come. I do have plans to see the Lord of the Rings Musical in London. They have a special, for £21 you get a meal, entrance to the show and a cocktail. You cannot beat that. Here
is the link in case anyone is interested. The only problem I see happening is that the show may close. It has not been getting the best of reviews but I understand tickets are on sale until March 2008. If the show closes, thats just 5 more pints I can purchase.

I cannot remember if I mentioned that I cleaned my house. I think I did but anyway, it is not staying clean. I have started to let clutter build up once again around the area where I watch TV and eat. Just papers and such nothing too bad like old food. I meant to take pictures but never did. Oh well.

nonesuch # 324 contact answers

2007-06-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

Well, here are the answers to the contact post I did the other day.

Summarize me in three words:
I am not sure that I can summarize myself in 3 words but Julie, Vi, Anne and CSG did very well.

Where did we meet:
blogs and undergrad

Take a stab at my middle name:
It is Charles, but funny thing is Joesph, Andrew and William are all family names.

How long have you known me:
depends :) Still cannot believe it has been 16 years Julie. Well, I have known Chad over 20 years now that I think on it.

When is the last time that we saw each other:
another depends

Do I drink:
Yes I do. Beer, guinness is my one of choice but been really into Miller Lite lately

Am I happy:
Yeah, most of the time. Happy but lonely.

Am I a good person:
I try to be and sometimes that is all once can ask of another.

What was your first impression of upon meeting/seeing me:
I am a nerd/hippie/geek, yeah. that's the ticket

What’s one of my favorite things to do:
play D&D, computer gaming, reading, blogging

Am I funny:
When I was in grade school I wanted to be a comedian like Robin Williams or Jonathan Winters. I even did some stand-up between high school and college.

How do you make me smile:
I laugh at myself a lot.

What’s my favorite type of music:
rock, 80s, classical, jazz, bluegrass, classic country, alternative, even some rap thrown in

Have you ever seen me cry:
more than I can admit

Can I sing?:
Actually, I can. I did a lot of theater my first two years of college including at least two musicals a school year plus summerstock. I stopped for the wrong reasons. Another story for another time.

What is the best feature about me:
not sure myself.

Am I shy or outgoing:
shy but am more outgoing the older I get and it depends on the situation.

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:
When I was younger I broke a lot of rules, now not so much. I like more structure now than anarchy.

Do I have any special talents:
I guess I will go with the masses and say photography. I feel I am lucky with most of the shots that come out great. That and a very nice camera.
I also am a pretty good cook, peanut butter hot dogs aside.

Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy,snobby, or something else (what):
I still consider myself a loser but some of you all do not like that so I guess I will go with nerd. I have long considered myself one.

What is my favorite food:
I do not have one favorite but many:
peanut butter
chicken
mac and cheese
hot dogs
ice cream

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:
one nick name that has stuck with me for a long time is Hutch. 30+ years with that one. There are others that I will not list at this time.

What is my worst habit:
I am a bit on the messy side when it comes to my house.

Have you ever had a dream about me? If so, what?:
I dream about myself all the time. :)

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing I would bring?
yeah. computer and books, but I really like Anne's answer of long range radio and Vi, I laughed for 10 minutes with your answer of Lawn mower hehe.

Are we friends:
yes all of you are my friends

Do I believe in God?
I don't know if there is or not. There is so much in the world that leads me to believe that there is not but at the same time there is much that leads to believe there is.

Am I family oriented?
Being an only child I feel like I have to be. But I do not have much contact with my extended family, just my Mom and Dad.

Who is my best friend?
I have not had a best friend since my best friend in high school got me and him and 2 others in a car accident and then he lied about why it happen and I didn't find out the truth for 6 months. I may have talked about that before on here. If not, let me know and I can tell the story. But I would say my closest friends now are Scott and Sally.

Thanks to everyone that replied to this. It is good to know that things I have worked on being:
a good person, sincere, a real friend, a nerd and so on can be seen by my friends no matter where they are.

nonesuch #323 little green

2007-06-19T10:59:00.001-04:00

nonesuch #322 you were acting like it was the end of the world

2007-06-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

I was going to wait a few more days to see if anyone else wanted to do the questionnaire about me from the previous post before I posted the answers. I will say so far the ones who have answered and you know who you are, have done very well. I think it has been up almost a week so maybe tomorrow or Thursday will post the answers.

Crazy thing happened Sunday night. I was watching Last Comic Standing and I am pretty sure I saw an ex-girlfriend of mine sitting in the audience. I wasn't sure at first but then they showed her again and I am 97% confident it was her. Just crazy. Cannot remember if I mentioned her before but we dated on and off for a few years back in the late 90s. We had good times but I realized I was being used and well I didn't really care at the time. The attention was nice of course but she would disappear for weeks at a time, wouldn't hear from her and then she would be around almost nonstop for a few weeks and then do it all over again. Things would be going great and then she would break up with me like on New Year's Eve wanting to continue the friendship. After awhile I just couldn't do it anymore. Went to a party with her and she spent the entire time trying to fix me up with girls there. It was not like I still wanted to be with her, but I found it odd that she was going through all this trouble. We went to a bar(college hill sundries) after the party that was near my house. She played "Allison" by Elvis Costello on the jukebox. (CHS had the best jukebox in town. Everything from Elvis Costello to Willie Nelson) She mentioned that she wanted a guy "whose aim was true". (if you know the song lyrics, it makes sense). I said well, there was me. And then she started on all the guys that she could have slept with, who she had and who she was still trying to and how the bartender, who was one of our friends, could take her home and how she had tried to "do" him and he wouldn't go for it. And then I stood up, gave her a pat on the cheek and said, "good bye and good luck" and walked out the door. I really didn't have much else to do with her after that. She was still, at the time, in my circle of friends so I couldn't not see her. It was soon after I asked this nice girl out that I was in library school with and we dated for a few months. But that is a whole different story for another time. Sometime later she moved in with a guy up near Boston and they have since married. Last I heard about her was two years ago when her mother died of a heart attack.

nonesuch #321 contact hehe

2007-06-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

You are supposed to answer the questions about me. Even if you don’t know the answers, have a guess… Go on, give it a go. Put the answers the comments section.

Summarize me in three words:

Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

How long have you known me:

When is the last time that we saw each other:

Do I drink:

Am I happy:

Am I a good person:

What was your first impression of upon meeting/seeing me:

What’s one of my favorite things to do:

Am I funny:

How do you make me smile:

What’s my favorite type of music:

Have you ever seen me cry:

Can I sing?:

What is the best feature about me:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

Do I have any special talents:

Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy,snobby, or something else (what):

What is my favorite food:

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

What is my worst habit:

Have you ever had a dream about me? If so, what?:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing Iwould bring?

Are we friends:

Do I believe in God?

Am I family oriented?

Who is my best friend?

Will you repost this so I can do it for you?

nonesuch #320 music from my 18th year

2007-06-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

Stole this from Vi and Eileen. I added the links to the songs. So if anyone wants to do this, here are the rules:

1. Go to the Billboard #1 Hits listings (scroll down and you’ll see them separated by decades on the left in the sidebar)

2. Pick the year you turned 18.

3. Get yourself nostalgic over the songs of the year.

4. Pick 5 songs and write something about how these songs affected you.

5. Pass it on to 5 more friends. But since I do not tag folks, if you want to do it, go ahead. If not, that's cool. I am not the boss of you.

Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses
In a sea pop/top 40 junk that I could no longer listen to came Guns N' Roses. Really liked Appetite for Destruction, was the soundtrack for most of '88 and '89. My friend Dwayne would put this on in his Jeep and a bunch of us would cruise around downtown of the town we lived in and around

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-AYAv0IoWI

Red Red Wine - UB40
Was going through what I thought at the time was girl problems. I really had no idea but it seemed big at the time. Shoot everything was a major problem at 18. Red wine became drink of choice until I found liquor later that year. Beer came much later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg1iEBWxVeQ

Need You Tonight - INXS
From the best album these guys put out. I am singing the song in my head now. The album has Mediate right after. Take that back, watching and listening to the video on youtube. Also whenever I hear INXS I think of Lost Boys, which I watched a lot during this time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7FY7rwVtQ

Faith/Father Figure/One More Try - George Michael
I had this whole album. In fact I have it still on tape somewhere but haven't listened to it in years. I can remember my band director playing "One More Try" over and over again. I heard he was having woman problems, well I was as well so it fit the times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XesXjkDLImg

Wild, Wild West - The Escape Club
The local huge top forty radio station would not play this line from this song:

give me give me wild west
give me give me safe sex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQt89ATKYC4

So it created a place in music history for me. They had the year before refused to play George Michael's "I Want Your Sex". That turned me to the classic rock station and then I found 120 minutes in Mtv and found alternative music before it was called alternative. The Smiths, The Cure, Love and Rockets, New Order. But of course, these guys never made it onto the Billboard Charts.

nonesuch #319

2007-06-13T10:47:00.000-04:00

And since nothing is forming in my head resembling any kind of post, here is another installment of how did they get here?

rocks to keep people off the lawn
"IAN ZIERING" HAIRPIECE
Inferno ends waco siege
suchnone blogger
WD-40 garden hose connection
mst3k "my puzzler hurts"
How to keep kids off lawn
get off my lawn tab
and your on a holiday, you cant find the words to say
egg drop galore
the cw with imogene heap
arizona grapeade is the best juice ever
sanders trippe
drove to chicago
Genesis-3 Sides Live
my damn neighbor sonic
you know you're from Coventry when. .
blogspot "new wave hot dogs"
Trevor Smith larp
its peanut butter jelly time sheet music
when you on a holiday and you can't find the words to say all the things they
get off my bag brian addams
cubs at fenway

nonesuch #318

2007-06-10T20:04:00.000-04:00

It is official. I will be visiting England in December of this year. I will be there for Christmas and New Year's and possibly another celebration that I cannot talk about right now. Right now my exact plans are not set in stone but at some time during my trip I will see London, Coventry, Manchester, Edinburgh(maybe) and Blah. Those are the set things but I hope to see Stonehenge, Liverpool, Nottingham and many sites in London. And oh yeah, pubs. I have been told that December is very wet and cold in England but I am excited about this trip and getting to spend time with my friends.

I am exhausted. I did spring cleaning this weekend. Did work in every room, cleaning and organizing. It really needed it but to be honest I am not sure how long it will last. It is just me and bottom line I really do not care. But I will say it is nice not to have to make a path through the living room to get to the bathroom. I also mowed my lawn and you all know what that means, I bought a new lawnmower. It is almost like the one I had stolen but with improvements and now it has a place to keep it locked up. It starts on the first pull and mows so even. I did some weed-eating to round the yard out but did not get to the ditches. That will be next weekend. I have two ditches that every time it rains, the leaves gather at the openings so if too many come down the drain, it gets clogged up and can flood my yard and the road in front of me.

During breaks I played LOTRO. I did mostly Traits which are special skills that you get for doing your basic skills over time. For instance, once I kill 120 spiders in the Shire, I gain Hobbit Strength which gives me +20 to my Strength ability. Hobbits started with 2 0r 3 Strength so this helps my Hobbit Hunter extremely. I also worked on my Craft skills so both my main character and my main alt gained their next Craft level and access to Superior worktables so I can make even better items.

Speaking of, yesterday I received the World of Warcraft expansion pack 10 day trial edition in the mail. I have no idea why I got it, I did not order it. I am guessing that Blizzard may be getting desperate and are sending these packs out to former players to try to get them back to play WoW. I will say it is tempting but do not see it happening. And when I was cleaning up, I found my WoW installation disks.

And lastly, you ever been wanting to rest so bad since you have been going nonstop all day but your body is so used to going going going you cannot settle down? And I have enough problems sleeping to begin with.

And go see Anne. She had surgery last week and is at her Father's house resting so will not be able to respond immediately but our friend Joie says she is doing good and will be back to the Land of Blogs soon.

nonesuch #317 yoohoo and a zero bar

2007-06-04T10:08:00.000-04:00

Zero bar
yoohoo

Almost as good as an RC and a moonpie.

A friend from high school used to have a cupboard full of both of these and we always had it as a snack when at his house. His mother never let us go hungry even when we were not hungry to begin with.

And if you do not already go to Virginia Belle's blog, she has been doing posts on all things Southern, from the food, to the dialects to football and religion and everything in between.

*updated to add links for yoohoo and zero bar

suchnone #317

2007-06-03T12:59:00.000-04:00

Joey Chestnut breaks Takeru Kobayashi's hot dog eating record, downs 59 and a half hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes flat.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Circuit

They come to Charlotte next week and I am going to try to go. Add going to the Fourth of July contest at Nathan's in Coney Island to my list of things I want to do.

nonesuch #316 I read the news today, oh boy

2007-06-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

40 years ago today, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released by the Beatles and the world has never been the same.

PopMatters does a Sgt Pepper A to Z

I guess i'm floating has a nice article on "A Day in The Life" including an mp3 of the song.

nonesuch # 315

2007-05-30T15:51:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of my new shed/storage unit. I made sure it could be locked. Do not want to have another lawnmower taken from me.

nonesuch #314

2007-05-30T11:10:00.001-04:00

In this era of the single and the demise of the album as we know it, here is a list of complete albums:

The Beatles - Abbey Road, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Led Zeppelin - 4
Pavement - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
Pixies - Come on Pilgram/Surfer Rosa
The Doors - The Doors
Genesis - 3 Sides Live
Mike Doughty - Skittish/Rockity Roll
R.E.M - Document, Life's Rich Pageant, Out of Time
Pink Floyd - Animals, The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon
Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
U2- Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby
Ben Folds Five - The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat
The Modern Lovers - The Modern Lovers
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity Sessions
The Cure - Disintegration
The Smiths - The Smiths, The Queen is Dead
Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes
Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks
Grateful Dead - Live Without a Net, American Beauty, Europe '72, Reckoning, Dozin' at the Knick
Old and in the Way - Old and in the Way
Garcia & Grisman - Grateful Dawg
Dave Matthews Band - Crash
Neil Young - Harvest, Harvest Moon, Rust Never Sleeps
Yo La Tengo - New Wave Hot Dogs/President Yo La Tengo, Electr-O-pura
Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking

nonesuch #313 report-o-rama

2007-05-30T08:25:00.000-04:00

And now for another exciting edition of How the Hell did they Get Here!

suchnone blogger
technorati virginia belle
get off my lawn and give me back my chicken
taco bell/KFC in Richfield
chuck folds five
deep fried goodness
when your on a holiday you can't think of words to say
recipe for peanut butter balls with jelly
get off my lawn old people jokes
305 Natural One Folk Implosion
personell talking OR heads "burning down the house"
bloglines.com
3style scotland

So this concludes another exciting episode of How the Hell Did They Get Here!

nonesuch #312a meme from random

2007-05-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

The Rules:
* Players start with 8 random facts about themselves.
* Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 8 random facts.
* Players should tag eight other people and notify them that they have been tagged.
* I do not tag people so the previous rule will not apply in my case. If you want to do this, go ahead. If not, that is cool. I am not the boss of you.

8 Random facts about me:

1)I was born on Friday the 13th during a full moon while it was storming. And for those who do not know, being born on Friday the 13th makes it a good luck day for me. But, on those years that my birthday fell on a Friday, I have not had the best birthdays.

2)In high school my favorite band as Genesis. I had their records on cd, LP and cassette. I quit collecting their albums when I was a senior in college.Now, it is a tie between the Beatles, Yo La Tengo and Ben Folds as my favorite. CAB, my roommate in college, opened my eyes and ears to so much good music that I had missed when I was younger.

3)I drive a black VW Jetta

4)I once had a make out session in a recliner watching the Wizard of Oz

5)I have a small flower garden containing, miniature roses, day-lilies and irises.

6)I drink almost as much water as Random does.(see her post) But I drink other beverages as well.

7)Some people call me a packrat but I prefer the term, archivist.

8)The older I get the more I am turning into the grumpy old man at the end of the road that just wants folks to stay off my damn lawn.

Get off my damn lawn.

nonesuch #312 meme from csg

2007-05-26T20:18:00.000-04:00

meme from csg

1) A thing that makes me happy
seeing my friends happy with their lives.

2) A funny thing that happened yesterday
cannot remember anything right offhand

3) A thing I like to eat
So many things do I like to eat, not sure I can pick just one. Since csg threw out the rules yesterday, I will make a list:

peanut butter
mac and cheese
fried chicken
hot dogs
ice cream
pound cake

4) A thing that bugs me a lot
lies and liars

5) A thing I have on right now
my "I hack my mac" t-shirt from ThinkGeek

6) A thing you once did that was technically dumb but actually fine
really not sure on this one. Usually the dumb things I do just stay dumb.

7) A thing you plan to do today
clean the hallway and the bathroom and I did.

nonesuch #311 A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...

2007-05-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

(cue intro music)

30 years ago today, Star Wars was released. At the time it first came out I did not see it in the theater. It would be 3 years later when Empire Strikes Back was released that I got to see both. But I already knew the Star Wars story. It was all my friends talked about, we all had the action figures and other toys, the star wars underoos, toothbrushes and so on. I look back now and Star Wars really change my life. I know that sounds cheesy and I am sure others have said the same thing. But for me, it went like this. Absorbing all things Star Wars led to me wanting to read The Chronicles of Narnia which I saw at a Scholastic Book Fair when I was in 3rd grade. When the animated The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe came on TV, I heard of another animated special, The Hobbit which after watching it, I read the book which led to The Lord of the Rings. So, here is this 9-10 year old trying to read this massive story which I did but it didnt mean so much to me as it would later. Lord of the Rings led me to D&D where I could play an elf or halfling and all types of things in between, just let me imagination go. I do not remember when I found out that Lucas was a fan of Tolkien and CS Lewis. It may have been when I was 9 or it could have been later in high school. Anyway, D&D and Star Wars took up pretty much my teen years. In fact we played a Star Wars roleplaying game about as much as we played D&D back in the day. We would talk about the movies, argue on when Leia fell in love with Han and vice versa, what exactly was Yoda, and when more movies would be made. In college, I pursued acting for a bit, sometimes thinking about being in Star Wars movies or Lord of the Rings movies. My love for myth and stories led to my eventual degrees in Classical Studies and Religious Studies. During my senior year, my advisor suggested I look at library school. I did not have the language skills needed for a Classical Studies master's. 4 years later, I went to library school with a focus on special libraries hoping to work in a Divinty School Library. It was in Library school I found Archival studies a perfect fit for my love of history and the skills I was gaining in Library School. So, here I am an archivist, really enjoying what I do and as silly as it seems, I do give credit to Star Wars and the way it open my eyes to so much in the world.

And I do not live in my parent's basement...

anymore.

Get off my damn lawn

nonesuch #310.5

2007-05-22T17:56:00.001-04:00

Just finished watching Heroes finale and it was so good. I just commented on my last post that it was a great ending to this first volume and it gave us more questions but left me satisfied at the end of a fantastic season. In my opinion, it is in the top 3 episodes with Company Man and Five Years Gone ahead of it and Episode 1: Genesis a very close 4th. My favorite characters are:

Hiro (and Ando)
HRG aka Mr Bennett
Peter Petrelli
Sylar (over the years, Darth Vader has became almost my favorite from SW right behind Yoda)
Claire
Micah

Will be getting the DVDs in August.

I am looking forward to Volume 2 coming this Fall.

nonesuch # 310

2007-05-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I visited my friend Eoh, the one who her and her roommate had the swap meet and greet in February. Her birthday is at the end of the month but she will be in England with her boyfriend at that time and I wanted to do something for her before she left. Back in our college days she gave me a copy of Illusions by Richard Bach, the author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Earlier this year, during our book-sale I found a hardback copy so I knew she would like it. We sat and talked, caught up. Its funny, some folks it does not matter how much time goes by. You can just pick up right where you left off 3 months ago or 3 years ago. She plans to move to England in the near future. I will miss her just knowing that she will not be just down the road. We do not see each other as often as we could. She is planning to come visit me in June and her and her roommate are having a cookout in July that I plan to go to.

As for my trip to England, it will be awhile before I am able to go. Some of the arrangements fell through but it only be a matter of time before I will know what my plans are for sure. If and when Eoh does move, I will have at least 2 places I may be able to stay in England and maybe more. Just not sure right now, will keep you all informed.

Need to go lawnmower shopping. Have one in mind but it does not look like the shed I want is available anymore. I may be able to make a special order. We shall see. I am going to try to go this afternoon and check things out. It depends on how I feel. I am sore all over and not sure why. I think it may be from sleeping on the couch and not in a bed. I really need a new bed.

I went to Jin Jin last night. (see previous post). I got Chicken Teryaki, chinese chicken wings and french fries. It was all good and I have plenty leftover for lunch today. And speaking of Taco Bell, they are close to putting on the roof at the new Taco Bell/KFC just done the road. They have started landscaping so pretty soon they will have the "for hire" signs up as well. Not the best food if on a diet but the variety is what I am looking forward to.

Heroes finale was last night but I fell asleep and missed it. But, they posted it online so I hope to watch it later today. I have heard rumors about happened but nothing solid. The 24 finale was last night as well. I didn't watch it but I saw a recap this morning. Somewhere along the way, I think the show lost its way this year. I am not even sure when it happened, I just began to care less and less. And what have they done to Chloe? I think that is what really pushed me away the most. She just was not Chloe this season and last night we found out why. No spoilers for those that did not watch or read a recap and want to know.

Get off my damn lawn

nonesuch #309 Tagged by Anne

2007-05-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

The rules:
1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the state and country you’re in.

Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
Velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, USA)
J (California, USA)
CuriosityKiller (Hong Kong, SAR)
Shelli (Minnesota, USA)
Lynda (Indiana, USA)
Jennifer (Texas, USA)
Carly (Vancouver, Canada)
Vegas Princess (Nevada, USA)
Anne (Texas, USA)
Jonathan Zero (North Carolina, USA)

2. List out your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location (locally).

I hope I can get 5 that are local to me without having to use fast food restaurants. I may have to go outside my local area to make 5 so if that is breaking the rules, so be it.

Miss Ruby's (Gold Hill)
Local restaurant, in fact it is almost in my backyard. Very good home made food but on the high class end if that makes sense. Different specials everyday with my favorite being their Fish and Chips on Fridays. All meals are served with homemade biscuits served with honey butter. I have not had a bad meal there. Oh, and how could I forget their Snicker's Pie: a cheesecake based pie with caramel, chocolate and peanuts.

Red Robin (Charlotte)
Close to the best burger I have ever had. I said Charlotte but I have only been to the one in Durham a couple hours away from me. I get the Red Robin Bacon Cheeseburger without lettuce and tomato with cheddar cheese and oh yeah, they have unlimited fries. They are the thick cut steak fries and they have their own seasoning you can add to the fries. And for desert, it is a tie between the hot fudge sundae and the Mountain High Mudd Pie both huge enough to serve two easily.

Ham's (Greensboro)
When I lived in Greensboro, I about lived at Ham's on Friendly Ave. There are other locations but that one holds the special place for me. Best Turkey Burger I have ever had. Great selection of drinks from many beers on tap to mixed drinks galore. They make their own homemade potato chips that they serve hot with Ranch Dressing. And on a side note, Ben Folds' brother Chuck(Bus Stop, Rubberband, Chuck Folds Five) was the bartender there when I was going often back in the day.

Jin Jin (Richfield)
The best Chinese in the area. Anne's mention of egg drop soup reminded me that theirs is top notch and has gotten me through many colds over the years. Their General Tso's chicken is spicy but not too spicy and their Chinese chicken wings rock hard.
(edited after learning that I had spelled General Tso's wrong.)

Gold Hill Market (Gold Hill)
Not a restaurant but the food is too good to not mention. It started when they started selling these breakfast burritos that got me hooked. Now they serve breakfast and lunch with everything from biscuits to burritos to hot dogs and hamburgers all made down home style and based on the owner's mother's recipes.

And in the 6th spot is Sonic cause well Sonic rocks.

And there you go. I made 6 but it took thought. A lot of the food here all tastes the same and all of us at work get bored with the selection available. In fact we are all so excited that a Taco Bell/KFC is opening later this year just down the road within throwing distance of the Bojangle's. Now that I am hungry, I am going to look for food. Oh, I am supposed to tag folks to do this but I don't do that. If you want to do it, go ahead. If not, that's cool as well. I am not the boss of you.

Get off my damn lawn

Nonesuch #308 Arrival

2007-05-17T20:54:00.000-04:00

It has arrived.

Today I received my passport 4 weeks to the day they told me it would arrive in 4-5 weeks. Now I can really begin to plan my trip to England. I am excited and nervous but in a good way. Well as excited as I get about things these days. Some people call it a phase, I call it how I live nowadays. Some call it laid back, I call it sleep deprivation. Still not sleeping too well, as I have called it before, I don't sleep, I nap. And now I am repeating myself, posting an almost the same post as I have in the past.

Now that is hot.

Heroes has replaced House and 24 as my favorite TV show.

Farewell Veronica Mars

This boring post has been brought to you by ginger ale and lime sherbet.

Get off my damn lawn.

Nonesuch #307

2007-05-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

Got this from Vi.

Four words to describe you?

intelligent, nerd, loyal, witty

Do you bottle it up or let it all hang out?

Both. Really depends on what it is. I do tend to let it hang out a bit too much. My friends still bug me about a night I wanted/needed to talk and kept them up after a long session of D&D with a constant "hey guys, what do you want to know about A?" So, I have to watch when and where what and how much I say and wear on my sleeve.

Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

I really don't know most days. It goes back and forth depending in the minute but overall I would say half full.

What music do you listen to when you're feeling down?

Neil Young, Yo La Tengo, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Morphine, Ben Folds depends on the song really. I listened to a lot of all of these artists when I broke it off with CW.

If you could nominate an eighth deadly sin, what would it be?

No clue.

Religious, spiritual, humanist or none of the above?

Once in college my friends were arguing over how old the earth is. Was it 10,000 years old or millions of millions of years old. They asked me and I said " The earth is 22 years old cause that is all I know of it." Not sure what that makes me. Been interested in Buddhism which I see as spiritual but at the same time I have doubts as to if there is some supreme being watching over everything.

Do you ever spend longer than strictly necessary in front of the mirror?

Mirrors suck. I have one in the bathroom to make sure my teeth are clean after I brush.

When did you last really get angry?

October 2005. When CW fucked a sailor while at the same time planning our wedding. Bitter? No, not at all, hehe.

What's your biggest regret?

Another I don't know. I really have let things happen as they happen knowing that whatever comes my way I will be ok eventually. I regret not ending relationships earlier and letting people run over me but at the same time I stayed for a reason. Even they made me who I am today even if they used me and left me out to dry.

What are you most proud of?

I found a career that I enjoy not just a job that pays the bills. I enjoy what I do and just happen to get paid for doing it.

What's the biggest difference between men and women?

Women are more social for the most part than men. Men are happy sitting in front of the tv scratching themselves while women like to talk about their day, who did what or said what. This is not universal. Sometimes, men talk batting averages or what level their D&D character is, depending, on well you know.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I was more organized. Folks that know me know exactly what I am talking about.

What makes you laugh?

Just about everything. "I'm the kind of guy that laughs at a funeral, don't understand well you soon will" Well, mostly myself. I come up with some nutty things in my head. Sometimes the only thing left to do is smile smile smile.

When was the last time you cried?

December 2005

How do you deal with rejection?

Rejection hurts me. Think it is an only child thing. I want people to like me and when someone does not or stops I feel like I am a failure/loser.

What is your ultimate ambition?

Don't think I have an ultimate ambition. I would like my own house and a few acres so I can have dogs and cats and raise miniature goats. Is that the ultimate? Just not sure. I don't want to be alone the rest of my life. The older I get the less likely I will find a nice girl to share our lives. It was hard enough for me when there was a pool to choose from but now where I live there just isn't many available date-able women. oh well. I was told recently to dream big, I'm tired of dreaming. I want to be doing, being.

Nonesuch #306 rock rock rock, the telephone rock

2007-05-12T16:02:00.000-04:00

Been on the phone since 1pm(it is just after 4pm here) trying to cancel my old cell phone service. I also called this morning before graduation, was on hold for an hour, never talked to anyone. After graduation I went to the Sprint store near me. They couldn't disconnect me but they let me use their phone. Was on hold for another hour on two lines trying to talk to someone. Finally just left. The store people were great. One even said we know our customer service center sucks. I said you guys are great. They didn't have to call from there for me.

In the past hour have talked to 4 different people, two of which I got disconnected from. Finally talked to someone who could disconnect me and they tried to talk me out of it.

I told them: "I have been on the phone 3 hours trying to cancel and you want to know why I am canceling?"

She tried to sell me another phone, lower my bill, etc etc.

and I said: "It was your company's spam calls trying to get me to add another line after telling you several times that I did not need another phone. I asked to have the calls stopped; your customer service said they had no control over those calls. That was when I decided to cancel."

She tried to interrupt but I continued.

"I was in a sprint store today when a customer came in complaining that a sells person had given them wrong information about a discount and mail-in rebate on a phone, then had mailed them a phone whose cell number was associated with a person in Alabama. They got charged for a 5th phone when all they wanted was 4 since the last one was to be an upgrade. It turned out that the rebate and discount this sells person made to them does not even exist. And you want to know why I do not want your service anymore?"

She disconnected me and will send my final bill. What should have took 5 minutes took going on 4 hours. And you know, they are #1? #1 in the worst customer service, period. Not just cell phone, but across the board.

(I decided not to say what company this is but if enough people ask, I will post it.)
It has come to my attention that I mention the company name several times in the post so you all know anyway.

Anyway, time for me to get something to eat.

Get off my damn lawn.

Nonesuch #305 The Apple Dumpling Gang

2007-05-11T11:33:00.000-04:00

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 (16 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough (I use Pillsbury® Grands! butter Tastin biscuits)

4 apples - peeled, cored and quartered

1 cup white sugar

1/4 cup water

3/4 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic kind)

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (You can add more for flavor)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F (175 C)

2. Butter a 7x11 inch baking pan (I used Butter Flavored Pam when I ran out of butter) Seperate biscuit dough in to 16 pieces by splitting the biscuit in half and then in half again. Flatten each piece of dough into a circle. Wrap each biscuit section around each apple quarter and place seam down in the pan.

3. In small bowl, combine sugar, apple cider, melted butter, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour mixture over dumplings in pan. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden. For more flavor, sprinkle cinnamon on top of the dumplings once you remove them from the oven.

Try with a side of vanilla ice cream.

nonesuch #304 but all i've ever learned from love was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you

2007-05-06T20:04:00.000-04:00

Weekends were made for Guinness

Long weekend for me, didnt do much but it feels like it has dragged on forever. Not that that is really bad but its not that good at least for me. I am working this evening, only 3 more hours to go. Longer hours due to exam time. Had one student ask if we could stay open all night, if so, he would be here studying.
Yesterday went to a surprise 25th anniversary party for my supervisor and his wife. It had been planned for over 3 months and they had no clue so the looks on their faces were priceless when they showed up at the place. I have a picture of the cake and I may post it later this evening of I have time. The food was good, it was a potluck. There was bojanlges and KFC(I did a taste test), mac and cheese, pigs in a blanket. I brought my apple dumplings which I know he really likes and it was gone in no time. Barely had to wash the pan out, it even looked like it had been licked clean. I had some cherry poundcake made with cherry wine, oh may it was so good.
His oldest daughter put together a video to celebrate her parents, with pictures going back to their college days, their wedding, and her brothers and sisters growing up. It was well done. My supervisor came close to breaking down at least 3 times during their speech. It was really nice.
Played some lotro. Made 20th, and made over 200 silver which is pretty good for a few hours running around. I was able to purchase the good 20th level skills and a most of the skills I had not been able to buy at the lower levels.
Went by Sonic before coming into work. Got the sonic cheeseburger without lettuce or tomatoes with fries and vanilla dr pepper.

**update** cake pictures posted

nonesuch #303 Friday Flower

2007-05-04T10:13:00.000-04:00

taken yesterday morning with my new cellphone camera
white iris

nonesuch #302 Chicago pics

2007-05-04T10:09:00.000-04:00

Schaumburg Sunrise

Chicago skyline(barely) from my hotel room

TV in the bathroom

32 inch HD LCD TV in the main room

candle and wineglasses

morning view out my window