I'm no Luddite, but I'm not exactly an early adapter of most technology either. I didn't get a digital camera or cell phone until a year ago, and I still sometimes forget to take the cell phone with me when I leave the apartment. I also firmly believe that just because I usually have it with me doesn't mean I always have to answer it, so clearly I don't really understand the whole concept of a cell phone. But now I'm making further technological process: I've now joined the ranks of iPod owners and iTunes downloaders. I just got a regular, old iPod, no video iPod or Nano. (The people at Best Buy even gave me a discount because it was their last one and they wanted to get rid of it.) I really just want it for long car trips (my car has just a tape deck, not a CD player) and this is just easier than the Discman I usually take with me. I'll probably also use it when I work out. I've been downloading some stuff, but mostly I'm in the midst of the tedious task of downloading all my CDs to my computer so I can transfer the files. Then there's creating playlists and all that. But I'm sure it'll be worth all the work and be a lot more convenient.
So since I'll be using the iPod when I work out, I'm taking suggestions on good workout songs. What gets you moving?
Speaking of which, let's see what's rocking our world lately, shall we?
Hamas appears to have won a majority of seats in the Palestinian parliament. This poses a bit of a problem for the U.S., which has labeled Hamas a terrorist organization. Thank goodness no one in that region holds grudges...
Pope Benedict XVI released his first encyclical and used it to discuss the importance of love. He even talked about sex and the need to enhance physical love with a love of God and one's neighbor. But before you go getting all excited about the neighbor lovin', just remember there's that commandment about not coveting your neighbor's ass. Sorry.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Spring cooking
I sort of went through the equivalent of spring cleaning in my kitchen tonight, taking random leftover ingredients I had and seeing what I could make of them. I had some hamburger buns left over from last week, so I looked up a recipe and decided to make scallop burgers. Seemed like a good idea at the time -- you grind up the scallops and add seasonings, chives, a shallot, parsley, orange zest and extra-virgin olive oil. Turn the mixture into patties and cook them up. The process of making the food went pretty smoothly, and I even barely remembered to take the blade out of the food chopper before sticking my hand in there to scoop out the ground scallops.
But upon taking my first bite of this masterpiece, I realized that what I had feared in the back of my mind was true -- by adding all these things that I'm not all that fond of, such as shallots and chives, I had screwed up the tastiness of the scallops. It was crunchy, which I'm not a big fan of, and it just didn't taste right. I also couldn't shake the worry over whether I had cooked the scallop burgers well enough. They looked like I had, but it was hard to tell. And while I think it would be sort of funny if my own cooking killed me one day, I didn't really want that day to be today.
It was about that time that I noticed a spot of mold on the bottom of the bun. (Hello! Only a week old!) And that pretty much cinched it -- the meal was a lost cause. I was going to fix something else, but got so wrapped up in the cleanup and making of the corn muffins, that it now occurs to me that my dinner was three corn muffins and an orange.
I also had some left over marshmallows and chocolate chips, so I decided to try to melt the chocolate chips into a sort of chocolate dipping sauce and make chocolate covered marshmallows. But it ended up being more of a not-tasty clump of chocolate-marshmallow goo.
But hey, at least it's a few less random items around the kitchen.
And with that, let's see what's cooking in the wider world, shall we?
A European investigator says the U.S. outsourced torture to Europe with the governments likely knowing what was going on. You know, the economy would be a lot better if we'd stop outsourcing jobs like that. Sure, people might torture for less money in other parts of the world, but it's a matter of principle. Remember, if you're going to have someone tortured -- make sure you look for the label: "Maimed in the USA."
Sammy "The Gavel" Alito was approved by a Senate committee after offering the legislators an offer they couldn't refuse.
Google has agreed to censor its search results in China for purely business reasons. You can find more by doing a Google search for "sellout."
Monkey update: Someone in South Korea has taught a monkey how to ice skate. Which is totally ridiculous, but totally awesome. (There are pictures with the link, so you can see the awesomeness for yourself.)
But upon taking my first bite of this masterpiece, I realized that what I had feared in the back of my mind was true -- by adding all these things that I'm not all that fond of, such as shallots and chives, I had screwed up the tastiness of the scallops. It was crunchy, which I'm not a big fan of, and it just didn't taste right. I also couldn't shake the worry over whether I had cooked the scallop burgers well enough. They looked like I had, but it was hard to tell. And while I think it would be sort of funny if my own cooking killed me one day, I didn't really want that day to be today.
It was about that time that I noticed a spot of mold on the bottom of the bun. (Hello! Only a week old!) And that pretty much cinched it -- the meal was a lost cause. I was going to fix something else, but got so wrapped up in the cleanup and making of the corn muffins, that it now occurs to me that my dinner was three corn muffins and an orange.
I also had some left over marshmallows and chocolate chips, so I decided to try to melt the chocolate chips into a sort of chocolate dipping sauce and make chocolate covered marshmallows. But it ended up being more of a not-tasty clump of chocolate-marshmallow goo.
But hey, at least it's a few less random items around the kitchen.
And with that, let's see what's cooking in the wider world, shall we?
A European investigator says the U.S. outsourced torture to Europe with the governments likely knowing what was going on. You know, the economy would be a lot better if we'd stop outsourcing jobs like that. Sure, people might torture for less money in other parts of the world, but it's a matter of principle. Remember, if you're going to have someone tortured -- make sure you look for the label: "Maimed in the USA."
Sammy "The Gavel" Alito was approved by a Senate committee after offering the legislators an offer they couldn't refuse.
Google has agreed to censor its search results in China for purely business reasons. You can find more by doing a Google search for "sellout."
Monkey update: Someone in South Korea has taught a monkey how to ice skate. Which is totally ridiculous, but totally awesome. (There are pictures with the link, so you can see the awesomeness for yourself.)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Awwww....
I don't know if anyone else out there watches "How I Met Your Mother" (if not, you should be), but I really liked tonight's episode. I also think I'm in love with the cake girl now...
Ahem. Anyhow...
What have you missed while I wasn't doing news updates like I said I would? Well, I'm not recapping all of that. But I'll tell you what happened Monday.
Ford announced plans to close 14 plants in North America and cut 30,000 jobs, which is obviously really crappy news for a lot of people and a lot of towns. Sorry to start on a downer. But all you people not buying big, honkin' SUVs anymore -- you know who you are -- why do you hate the auto workers? Did they ever do anything to you? I didn't think so.
The Russians have accused the British of spying on them and using fake rocks to do so, using the hollowed-out objects as high-tech dead drops. You know what? If a country's espionage agencies are fooled by the same thing that half of us hide our keys in, I really don't think you need to worry about spying on them.
A new judge has taken over the trial of Saddam Hussein. The last judge resigned amid concerns that he couldn't control the hearings or Saddam's outbursts. Which explains why they replaced him with Simon Cowell. You know he ain't gonna take any crap.
An advisory panel recommended that the FDA approve a weight-loss drug for over-the-counter sales. Now you can lose 5-6 pounds over six months and the only side effects you'll have to put up with are diarrhea and oily stools. Or you can just read about the side effects and that'll pretty well curb your appetite.
Amy Fisher and Joey and Mary Jo Buttafuoco are going to have a reunion that will be televised, though oddly enough, not on "Jerry Springer." Fisher, you may recall, was the "Long Island Lolita" with whom Joey Buttafuoco had sex when she was 16. Then she went and shot Joey's wife in the head. And now they're all going to sit down for a chat on national TV. What could go wrong?
Ahem. Anyhow...
What have you missed while I wasn't doing news updates like I said I would? Well, I'm not recapping all of that. But I'll tell you what happened Monday.
Ford announced plans to close 14 plants in North America and cut 30,000 jobs, which is obviously really crappy news for a lot of people and a lot of towns. Sorry to start on a downer. But all you people not buying big, honkin' SUVs anymore -- you know who you are -- why do you hate the auto workers? Did they ever do anything to you? I didn't think so.
The Russians have accused the British of spying on them and using fake rocks to do so, using the hollowed-out objects as high-tech dead drops. You know what? If a country's espionage agencies are fooled by the same thing that half of us hide our keys in, I really don't think you need to worry about spying on them.
A new judge has taken over the trial of Saddam Hussein. The last judge resigned amid concerns that he couldn't control the hearings or Saddam's outbursts. Which explains why they replaced him with Simon Cowell. You know he ain't gonna take any crap.
An advisory panel recommended that the FDA approve a weight-loss drug for over-the-counter sales. Now you can lose 5-6 pounds over six months and the only side effects you'll have to put up with are diarrhea and oily stools. Or you can just read about the side effects and that'll pretty well curb your appetite.
Amy Fisher and Joey and Mary Jo Buttafuoco are going to have a reunion that will be televised, though oddly enough, not on "Jerry Springer." Fisher, you may recall, was the "Long Island Lolita" with whom Joey Buttafuoco had sex when she was 16. Then she went and shot Joey's wife in the head. And now they're all going to sit down for a chat on national TV. What could go wrong?
Monday, January 23, 2006
Looks like everyone's got a case of the Mondays
I feel bad mentioning this because I have two good friends with birthdays today (happy birthday, J and J!), but according to science, today is the gloomiest day of 2006. This is according to a scientist who came up with an equation that measures the year's emotional low point.
But cheer up: Hanging out with other people can boost your spirits, as can getting out and doing something active.
And if nothing else, just remember: Tomorrow will be a better day. After all, science says it can't be any worse.
But cheer up: Hanging out with other people can boost your spirits, as can getting out and doing something active.
And if nothing else, just remember: Tomorrow will be a better day. After all, science says it can't be any worse.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Glorious road
I saw "Glory Road" last week, but am just now getting around to writing about it. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's a guy thing, but I think it's hard to go wrong with a sports movie -- especially one based on an actual underdog story. "Glory Road" doesn't do anything particularly great or novel -- it's your standard sports story where team/person doesn't have a shot at winning but through perseverance and hard work overcomes a number of obstacles to win the big game/championship and everyone learns a little something and becomes a better person in the process.
But you know what? When Texas Western won the big game at the end, it still totally rocked. (Sorry to ruin the end if you're not familiar with how sports movies work and with the actual story of one of the most important basketball games in NCAA history.)
I'm just saying ... sports movies are a good time.
And in case you were interested, the main meal this week at Chez Briguy: pulled pork with root beer sauce. A little odd? Perhaps. Tasty? Most definitely.
But you know what? When Texas Western won the big game at the end, it still totally rocked. (Sorry to ruin the end if you're not familiar with how sports movies work and with the actual story of one of the most important basketball games in NCAA history.)
I'm just saying ... sports movies are a good time.
And in case you were interested, the main meal this week at Chez Briguy: pulled pork with root beer sauce. A little odd? Perhaps. Tasty? Most definitely.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Attn: Rachel McAdams
Dear Ms. McAdams,
Congratulations! This letter is to notify you that you are now my No. 1 celebrity crush. Much consideration went into this choice, and you should be very proud.
As you may know, the two top spots of this list were held for many years by Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner. But no more. You have topped them both. The past year's movies have shown your range as an actress (not to mention that you are much more attractive as a brunette than a blond) -- you were charming in "Wedding Crashers," compelling in "Red Eye," and funny and moving in "The Family Stone." My friend Dave says you play Ultimate. I don't know how he knows that (sorry if he's stalking you), but if it's true, I think that's really cool. I've played some Ultimate in my time and I like doing active things, too. You also seem really nice and down to Earth, and I'm a big proponent of that.
I'd tell you about my better qualities in order to impress you, but we both know that you can't really trust the Internet, so there'd be no reason to believe me anyhow. But I'd like to think that if ever our paths would cross, we'd get along really well. (Although you should know that profile picture isn't what I normally look like. Unless you're into that sort of thing.)
I'll also tell you that my friend Southern Belle wants us to hook up so then the two of you can be best friends. She's really nice, although I apologize if she, too, has been stalking you in any way.
Anyhow, I don't follow celebrity gossip too closely, but I hear that you're dating Ryan Gosling. I'm assuming he's a good guy or else you wouldn't be dating him. So just pass along this message from me to him:
Ryan, you better be good to her. Because if you screw up (or screw around), I'll be waiting to step in. Oh yes, I'll be waiting...
Anyhow, congratulations once again, Ms. McAdams. May you continue to star in movies I enjoy and have much success in your professional life and much joy in your personal life. Enjoy this honor; you deserve it.
Sincerely,
Briguy
Congratulations! This letter is to notify you that you are now my No. 1 celebrity crush. Much consideration went into this choice, and you should be very proud.
As you may know, the two top spots of this list were held for many years by Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner. But no more. You have topped them both. The past year's movies have shown your range as an actress (not to mention that you are much more attractive as a brunette than a blond) -- you were charming in "Wedding Crashers," compelling in "Red Eye," and funny and moving in "The Family Stone." My friend Dave says you play Ultimate. I don't know how he knows that (sorry if he's stalking you), but if it's true, I think that's really cool. I've played some Ultimate in my time and I like doing active things, too. You also seem really nice and down to Earth, and I'm a big proponent of that.
I'd tell you about my better qualities in order to impress you, but we both know that you can't really trust the Internet, so there'd be no reason to believe me anyhow. But I'd like to think that if ever our paths would cross, we'd get along really well. (Although you should know that profile picture isn't what I normally look like. Unless you're into that sort of thing.)
I'll also tell you that my friend Southern Belle wants us to hook up so then the two of you can be best friends. She's really nice, although I apologize if she, too, has been stalking you in any way.
Anyhow, I don't follow celebrity gossip too closely, but I hear that you're dating Ryan Gosling. I'm assuming he's a good guy or else you wouldn't be dating him. So just pass along this message from me to him:
Ryan, you better be good to her. Because if you screw up (or screw around), I'll be waiting to step in. Oh yes, I'll be waiting...
Anyhow, congratulations once again, Ms. McAdams. May you continue to star in movies I enjoy and have much success in your professional life and much joy in your personal life. Enjoy this honor; you deserve it.
Sincerely,
Briguy
Monday, January 16, 2006
Maybe I lied...
OK, so I don't really have the time to do nightly news updates. After all, there's a lot of taped TV to catch up on when I get home from work after midnight...
Anyhow, this is what you've been missing the past several days:
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos (woohoo!) beat the New England Patriots on Saturday, while the Pittsburgh Steelers upset the Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Next week's conference championships will determine who goes to Super Bowl Extra Large (XL). My prediction: Broncos vs. Seahawks, with the Broncos winning, of course.
The U.S. bombed a dinner party in Pakistan, thinking that top al-Qaida official Ayman al-Zawahari would be in attendance. He wasn't, but it's reported that the bombing did kill a number of innocent people, which has sparked numerous protests in Pakistan. And that's why you always check the RSVP list first.
NASA's Stardust probe returned to Earth on Sunday carrying cosmic dust and, if science-fiction books are to be believed, probably a deadly pathogen that will kill us all. So thanks for that, science.
Researchers have found a gene that leads to a significantly higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. So try to not be born with that.
Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has called for a conference to examine evidence for the Holocaust, which he has called a "myth".
We are sooo invading them next.
If you're going to rob a restaurant, here's a tip: Don't pick a restaurant right next to a biker bar.
Anyhow, this is what you've been missing the past several days:
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos (woohoo!) beat the New England Patriots on Saturday, while the Pittsburgh Steelers upset the Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Next week's conference championships will determine who goes to Super Bowl Extra Large (XL). My prediction: Broncos vs. Seahawks, with the Broncos winning, of course.
The U.S. bombed a dinner party in Pakistan, thinking that top al-Qaida official Ayman al-Zawahari would be in attendance. He wasn't, but it's reported that the bombing did kill a number of innocent people, which has sparked numerous protests in Pakistan. And that's why you always check the RSVP list first.
NASA's Stardust probe returned to Earth on Sunday carrying cosmic dust and, if science-fiction books are to be believed, probably a deadly pathogen that will kill us all. So thanks for that, science.
Researchers have found a gene that leads to a significantly higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. So try to not be born with that.
Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has called for a conference to examine evidence for the Holocaust, which he has called a "myth".
We are sooo invading them next.
If you're going to rob a restaurant, here's a tip: Don't pick a restaurant right next to a biker bar.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Christmas came late for everyone on Brian's card list
Well, I've finally mailed all my Christmas cards. And while I took heart in that it was not mid-February like last year when I sent most of them and that Meckhead said I had until Jan. 8 to wish people a Merry Christmas, no one would have actually gotten their cards by Jan. 8 -- I just mailed (most of) them by then. But maybe that counts, right?
Anyhow, on to the news (which, umm, may not be quite daily)...
Pat Robertson has apologized in a letter to Ariel Sharon's family after implying last week that Sharon's stroke was punishment from God for transferring land to the Palestinians. This followed Israel kicking him off the group of people putting together a Christian park in Galilee (the Noah's Ark flume ride will blow your mind!). No word on if God made him apologize or if Robertson just actually had a lucid moment.
As if having Jesse "The Mind" Ventura be governor of Minnesota wasn't surreal enough, residents now have the chance to vote into office a vampire. Yes, a vampire. Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey is a big supporter of education, helping farmers and -- this is true -- impaling criminals outside the State Capitol. Sharkey is also a worshipper of Lucifer. I'll let you make your own politician joke here.
A 7-year-old Tennessee boy who wanted to get his driver's license took his parents' pickup and ended up in a police chase, thus ensuring that he will never get his driver's license.
Scientists in Taiwan have made fluorescent green pigs. I have no idea why, and we've really got to stop letting scientists read Dr. Seuss before we end up with star-belly sneeches and swomee-swans.
DNA tests prove that a man who was executed in 1992 in Virginia did indeed kill his sister-in-law. Officials vowed that, in the future, they'll check out that sort of thing sooner.
You would think that after 1,426 people died in a stampede during the 1990 hajj in Mecca, they would have figured out a way to keep that from happening again. Or after people died in stampedes in 1994, 1998, 2001 and 2004. But apparently not, as at least 345 people died during this year's Muslim pilgrimage. Miraculously, though, Pat Robertson has so far managed to not blame the victims.
Researchers predict the U.S. population will hit 300 million in October, meaning if you get busy now, you could be the lucky parent of the 300 millionth baby! Which is totally gonna be my new pickup line...
Anyhow, on to the news (which, umm, may not be quite daily)...
Pat Robertson has apologized in a letter to Ariel Sharon's family after implying last week that Sharon's stroke was punishment from God for transferring land to the Palestinians. This followed Israel kicking him off the group of people putting together a Christian park in Galilee (the Noah's Ark flume ride will blow your mind!). No word on if God made him apologize or if Robertson just actually had a lucid moment.
As if having Jesse "The Mind" Ventura be governor of Minnesota wasn't surreal enough, residents now have the chance to vote into office a vampire. Yes, a vampire. Jonathon "The Impaler" Sharkey is a big supporter of education, helping farmers and -- this is true -- impaling criminals outside the State Capitol. Sharkey is also a worshipper of Lucifer. I'll let you make your own politician joke here.
A 7-year-old Tennessee boy who wanted to get his driver's license took his parents' pickup and ended up in a police chase, thus ensuring that he will never get his driver's license.
Scientists in Taiwan have made fluorescent green pigs. I have no idea why, and we've really got to stop letting scientists read Dr. Seuss before we end up with star-belly sneeches and swomee-swans.
DNA tests prove that a man who was executed in 1992 in Virginia did indeed kill his sister-in-law. Officials vowed that, in the future, they'll check out that sort of thing sooner.
You would think that after 1,426 people died in a stampede during the 1990 hajj in Mecca, they would have figured out a way to keep that from happening again. Or after people died in stampedes in 1994, 1998, 2001 and 2004. But apparently not, as at least 345 people died during this year's Muslim pilgrimage. Miraculously, though, Pat Robertson has so far managed to not blame the victims.
Researchers predict the U.S. population will hit 300 million in October, meaning if you get busy now, you could be the lucky parent of the 300 millionth baby! Which is totally gonna be my new pickup line...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
From the makers of Shards O'Glass freeze pops...
So speaking of strange weapons to keep around the house yesterday, I ran across this Web site today that, for real, sells something called The Cub Blowgun. It's a blowgun -- for CHILDREN! Now, the number of things that strike me as absolutely insane about this are so numerous as to make my head spin, but I'll mention a few:
A) IT'S DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN! We really want to give 4-year-olds the ability to take us out with stun darts shot from a blowgun?!?! Like brats with slingshots weren't enough? Why don't we just design child-sized bazookas while we're at it.
B) It's being sold on a Web site that sells self-defense products. Who on Earth thinks a blowgun is a good weapon for self-defense?!? Is your would-be mugger really like to flee when you whip out your blowgun?*
C) Why can't you ship this blowgun to California or Massachusetts? Are those bastions of liberalism against the right to bear blowguns? Those Commies -- no wonder crime is so high in those places. (I'm guessing.)
*not a euphemism
What's brewing around the world:
Iran cleared the way for its uranium enrichment program, drawing the ire of the U.S. and other countries. Now, I don't want to say that we're for sure going to be attacking them next, but let's face it, we're already in the neighborhood. And people want us to pull our troops out of Iraq. What better to way to do that than to pull them out of Iraq and into Iran?
A 10-hour standoff ended without any hostages being hurt when one of two bank robbery suspects was killed and the other was arrested. Officials say the key to taking down the hostage-takers was that one of the people in the bank had a blowgun.
After getting into a wreck this weekend in his motorcycle, it was discovered that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was riding illegally and had not bothered to get a motorcycle license. Schwarzenegger has promised that next time he travels back in time, besides saving John Connor, he will remedy the motorcycle license problem as well.
A 41-year-old British woman has married a dolphin. Yes, married a dolphin. She cites love as the reason for their nuptials, but everyone is pretty sure he's just in it for the fish.
A) IT'S DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN! We really want to give 4-year-olds the ability to take us out with stun darts shot from a blowgun?!?! Like brats with slingshots weren't enough? Why don't we just design child-sized bazookas while we're at it.
B) It's being sold on a Web site that sells self-defense products. Who on Earth thinks a blowgun is a good weapon for self-defense?!? Is your would-be mugger really like to flee when you whip out your blowgun?*
C) Why can't you ship this blowgun to California or Massachusetts? Are those bastions of liberalism against the right to bear blowguns? Those Commies -- no wonder crime is so high in those places. (I'm guessing.)
*not a euphemism
What's brewing around the world:
Iran cleared the way for its uranium enrichment program, drawing the ire of the U.S. and other countries. Now, I don't want to say that we're for sure going to be attacking them next, but let's face it, we're already in the neighborhood. And people want us to pull our troops out of Iraq. What better to way to do that than to pull them out of Iraq and into Iran?
A 10-hour standoff ended without any hostages being hurt when one of two bank robbery suspects was killed and the other was arrested. Officials say the key to taking down the hostage-takers was that one of the people in the bank had a blowgun.
After getting into a wreck this weekend in his motorcycle, it was discovered that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was riding illegally and had not bothered to get a motorcycle license. Schwarzenegger has promised that next time he travels back in time, besides saving John Connor, he will remedy the motorcycle license problem as well.
A 41-year-old British woman has married a dolphin. Yes, married a dolphin. She cites love as the reason for their nuptials, but everyone is pretty sure he's just in it for the fish.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Maybe they should have collected coins
This weekend saw a rash of deaths by weird objects. A Wisconsin woman was killed by a sword, and a Virginia woman was killed by a crossbow. Both were weapons that they kept around the house. Which seems like a good reason not to keep such things lying about the house.
What's brewing in the world:
Confirmation hearings began for Sammy "The Gavel" Alito, the nominee for the Supreme Court. Sit back, grab some peanuts and popcorn, and watch the grandstanding and fireworks begin!
The Dow hit above 11,000 today for the first time since before Sept. 11. Woohoo! I'm excited! I don't know why, but I am!
Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe separated, which seemed sad to several of my co-workers, although I spent most of my time trying to figure who Chad Lowe was.
Vice President Dick Cheney went to the hospital briefly, but he was back to work by the afternoon after they replaced the plutonium core that powers him.
What's brewing in the world:
Confirmation hearings began for Sammy "The Gavel" Alito, the nominee for the Supreme Court. Sit back, grab some peanuts and popcorn, and watch the grandstanding and fireworks begin!
The Dow hit above 11,000 today for the first time since before Sept. 11. Woohoo! I'm excited! I don't know why, but I am!
Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe separated, which seemed sad to several of my co-workers, although I spent most of my time trying to figure who Chad Lowe was.
Vice President Dick Cheney went to the hospital briefly, but he was back to work by the afternoon after they replaced the plutonium core that powers him.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
What's brewing in the world
I'm going to give this a try and we'll see how it goes: The weekly news in a nutshell will become a daily feature, usually written late at night so that you all can read them in the morning if you choose. Yes, that's right, DAILY updates. I can feel the excitement. They might be separate posts, they might be tacked on to the end of my other posts. Who knows? We're headed into a wacky, unknown world.
Anyhow, enough talk, let's get on with it...
It seems a group of chickens have invaded a Florida neighborhood. I think it's clear from the article that the mayor of the town has unleashed the fowl creatures on the neighborhood for voting against annexation. But what to do? Residents, unable to get help anywhere else, plan to call in a man they call simply "The Colonel."
In other news:
A Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, killing all 12 on board.
Carolina played David to the Giants, beating them 23-0 in the NFL playoffs Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 31-17 as well.
(That's all I got. Gimme a break; it's Sunday.)
Anyhow, enough talk, let's get on with it...
It seems a group of chickens have invaded a Florida neighborhood. I think it's clear from the article that the mayor of the town has unleashed the fowl creatures on the neighborhood for voting against annexation. But what to do? Residents, unable to get help anywhere else, plan to call in a man they call simply "The Colonel."
In other news:
A Blackhawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, killing all 12 on board.
Carolina played David to the Giants, beating them 23-0 in the NFL playoffs Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 31-17 as well.
(That's all I got. Gimme a break; it's Sunday.)
That's what I like
For any of you comic book or superhero fans out there, I highly recommend checking out DC Comics' "Identity Crisis." (Not to be confused with "Infinite Crisis," which I have not read.) You may not be able to find all the separate issues out there, but they've got a book out that has all the issues in it -- there's even an intro by Joss Whedon and some commentary at the end by those involved in putting it together. It examines the Justice League and some pretty dark issues, but the story telling is absolutely masterful. I stayed up until 6 a.m. this morning reading it (in about 3 1/2 hours). It's a must-read if you're a fan of the genre.
I also have to admit that I was wrong about the American version of "The Office." I had written that I didn't think it had any staying power and couldn't compare to the BBC version. But having gone back to re-examine it and seeing last week's episode, I think it stands on its own pretty well. It's funny and absurd, but it can also be touching and a little sad. "The Office," you have won me over. I offer my humble apologies for doubting you for so long.
I still don't get why so many people like "My Name is Earl" though.
I also have to admit that I was wrong about the American version of "The Office." I had written that I didn't think it had any staying power and couldn't compare to the BBC version. But having gone back to re-examine it and seeing last week's episode, I think it stands on its own pretty well. It's funny and absurd, but it can also be touching and a little sad. "The Office," you have won me over. I offer my humble apologies for doubting you for so long.
I still don't get why so many people like "My Name is Earl" though.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Oh, wacky Internet
I was reading a Wikipedia article on how to catch a snake, just out of curiosity, and it became clear why it's not always a good idea to let everyone edit articles. The whole thing is very serious until you hit this graph (edited slightly for readability):
Some venomous snakes, like the deadly Coral Snake, have harmless look-alikes, like the King Snake. Luckily for all involved, Coral Snakes and King Snakes inhabit radically different environments so individuals of both species are rarely if ever found together in the same place. But if you should ever find yourself in a room filled with an admixture of both King and Coral snakes commanded to eliminate you at all costs, when trying to tell the two apart, remember this phrase: Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack. What this means is that the Coral Snake has red bands directly next to yellow bands. The King Snake has red bands directly next to black bands, and a tiny snake crown and snake scepter, which it continuously drops, lacking hands. This brings us to another method for distinguishing a Coral from a King Snake: King Snakes will often politely ask you to replace their tiny, snake crowns. Coral Snakes on the other hand abhor the trappings of the pomp ones. This goes a long way toward explaining the main reasons that Coral Snakes are found in mountainous areas: their hatred of rank and general misanthropy.
A couple graphs later it also goes into great detail about how to avoid getting bit in the crotch, which is certainly important, but probably not part of the original article.
I can't wait until some kid puts in his school report that one of the ways to distinguish king and coral snakes is to look for the snake crown and scepter, though.
Some venomous snakes, like the deadly Coral Snake, have harmless look-alikes, like the King Snake. Luckily for all involved, Coral Snakes and King Snakes inhabit radically different environments so individuals of both species are rarely if ever found together in the same place. But if you should ever find yourself in a room filled with an admixture of both King and Coral snakes commanded to eliminate you at all costs, when trying to tell the two apart, remember this phrase: Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack. What this means is that the Coral Snake has red bands directly next to yellow bands. The King Snake has red bands directly next to black bands, and a tiny snake crown and snake scepter, which it continuously drops, lacking hands. This brings us to another method for distinguishing a Coral from a King Snake: King Snakes will often politely ask you to replace their tiny, snake crowns. Coral Snakes on the other hand abhor the trappings of the pomp ones. This goes a long way toward explaining the main reasons that Coral Snakes are found in mountainous areas: their hatred of rank and general misanthropy.
A couple graphs later it also goes into great detail about how to avoid getting bit in the crotch, which is certainly important, but probably not part of the original article.
I can't wait until some kid puts in his school report that one of the ways to distinguish king and coral snakes is to look for the snake crown and scepter, though.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Meat and phish
On last night's Chez Briguy menu: bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin and super-stuffed potatoes with smoked Gouda and caramelized mushrooms and onions (courtesy of a Rachel Ray cookbook).
Now, before you get all impressed, you should know I don't like any of that stuff that's mentioned with the super-stuffed potato, so I made it bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin and baked potatoes (with a side of corn). And then I couldn't find beef tenderloin steaks at the grocery store, so I picked beef filet mignon. I have no idea if they're similar, but I figured it might be. (For someone who is such a fan of meat, my knowledge of it is surprisingly minimal.) So it ended up being bacon-wrapped filet mignon and baked potato and corn. A little simpler perhaps, but still tasty.
On an unrelated public service announcement, we're getting into tax season soon, so beware if you get an e-mail letting you know about a Web form that will let you track your IRS refund. It's a phishing scam designed to get your personal info from you so that you can join the ranks of identity theft victims. This newsletter has more information about it (it's the first item). There is a legitimate way to track your refund, and a legitimate site to do so, but the IRS doesn't send unsolicited e-mails, and the big tipoff to the scam is when it asks for your credit card number, which of course has nothing to do with the IRS or your refund. As with all things you get via e-mail, be aware and be wary. Now you know.
And knowing is half the battle.
Now, before you get all impressed, you should know I don't like any of that stuff that's mentioned with the super-stuffed potato, so I made it bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin and baked potatoes (with a side of corn). And then I couldn't find beef tenderloin steaks at the grocery store, so I picked beef filet mignon. I have no idea if they're similar, but I figured it might be. (For someone who is such a fan of meat, my knowledge of it is surprisingly minimal.) So it ended up being bacon-wrapped filet mignon and baked potato and corn. A little simpler perhaps, but still tasty.
On an unrelated public service announcement, we're getting into tax season soon, so beware if you get an e-mail letting you know about a Web form that will let you track your IRS refund. It's a phishing scam designed to get your personal info from you so that you can join the ranks of identity theft victims. This newsletter has more information about it (it's the first item). There is a legitimate way to track your refund, and a legitimate site to do so, but the IRS doesn't send unsolicited e-mails, and the big tipoff to the scam is when it asks for your credit card number, which of course has nothing to do with the IRS or your refund. As with all things you get via e-mail, be aware and be wary. Now you know.
And knowing is half the battle.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Bumper stickler
I saw this bumper sticker while driving around today:
"Elect Christ king of your life"
I thought this was odd, mostly because one does not elect kings. (They are, as I'm sure you know, determined by lineage and, sometimes, whoever last sacked the kingdom.) I thought "Crown Christ king of your life" would have been much more fitting. But it also got me thinking of some other possibilities:
Elect Christ president of your life
Appoint Christ councilman of your life
Support the Savior for Senator of your life
Or my favorite possibility:
Stage a coup, overthrow your personal government and make Jesus the benevolent dictator of your life
I think it has a nice ring to it.
"Elect Christ king of your life"
I thought this was odd, mostly because one does not elect kings. (They are, as I'm sure you know, determined by lineage and, sometimes, whoever last sacked the kingdom.) I thought "Crown Christ king of your life" would have been much more fitting. But it also got me thinking of some other possibilities:
Elect Christ president of your life
Appoint Christ councilman of your life
Support the Savior for Senator of your life
Or my favorite possibility:
Stage a coup, overthrow your personal government and make Jesus the benevolent dictator of your life
I think it has a nice ring to it.
Monday, January 02, 2006
All together now
Spanish phrase of the day:
Me he pasado con el champan!
(meh eh pah-sah-doh kohn ehl shahm-pahn!
(sorry, I don't know how to do accent marks or the upside down exclamation mark)
Translation: I drank too much champagne!
I can already tell this is going to be fun...
Me he pasado con el champan!
(meh eh pah-sah-doh kohn ehl shahm-pahn!
(sorry, I don't know how to do accent marks or the upside down exclamation mark)
Translation: I drank too much champagne!
I can already tell this is going to be fun...
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