I couldn't resist this. Enjoy!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Walk Down Horror-Filled Memory Lane
Back in 2002, I co-hosted a few episodes of "Horror, Inc." on KSTC Channel 45 with Jake Esau. When Jake went off the air as TV's Count Dracula and the show was reincarnated with Uncle Ghoulie (Thom Lange) and Carbuncle (Tim McCall), the fans asked that I make a come-back. That led to our independent film group, Stone Soup Films, working as the crew and sometimes cast of "Horror, Inc." in 2003 and 2004.
Recently, Tim McCall has begun posting the bits that we filmed on YouTube. I thought I'd offer up the ones that featured me or Avindair.
DISCLAIMER:
1. The budget per episode wouldn't pay for a family of five to have a reasonable dinner out.
2. Our schedule consisted of filming FOUR episodes in ONE two-day weekend.
3. We often didn't get to memorize the script until the day that we filmed.
So, no... it's not my best acting! These are just a smattering of what we did.
The Mesa of Lost Women - Part 3 (Lawyer)
Creature from the Haunted Sea - Part 2 (Lawyer and Swimsuit Babe)
The Crawling Hand - Part 2 (Geek Goddes as Lawyer and Avindair with his awesome homemade steady cam work)
The Brain that Wouldn't Die - Part 2 (Swimsuit Babe)
The Bat - Part 2 (Avindair as Weird Hick Guy, Avindair and Geek Goddess as NRA Representatives)
Lady Frankenstein - Part 2 (Lawyer)
Nosferatu - Part 3 (Caterer)
Recently, Tim McCall has begun posting the bits that we filmed on YouTube. I thought I'd offer up the ones that featured me or Avindair.
DISCLAIMER:
1. The budget per episode wouldn't pay for a family of five to have a reasonable dinner out.
2. Our schedule consisted of filming FOUR episodes in ONE two-day weekend.
3. We often didn't get to memorize the script until the day that we filmed.
So, no... it's not my best acting! These are just a smattering of what we did.
The Mesa of Lost Women - Part 3 (Lawyer)
Creature from the Haunted Sea - Part 2 (Lawyer and Swimsuit Babe)
The Crawling Hand - Part 2 (Geek Goddes as Lawyer and Avindair with his awesome homemade steady cam work)
The Brain that Wouldn't Die - Part 2 (Swimsuit Babe)
The Bat - Part 2 (Avindair as Weird Hick Guy, Avindair and Geek Goddess as NRA Representatives)
Lady Frankenstein - Part 2 (Lawyer)
Nosferatu - Part 3 (Caterer)
Friday, March 21, 2008
"I Wanna Be Your Tribal Dancer!"
Friday mornings aren't a good time for puns. Comparing this woman's art to Tina Turner's "Private Dancer"... less than stellar, GeekGoddess.
I found this amazing woman on Bohemian Rhapsody's blog. Rachel Brice is a tribal dancer extraordinaire. Check out these videos! I guarantee it will kick-start your weekend.
Wait till you see her drop to the floor in this one. Amazing!
I found this amazing woman on Bohemian Rhapsody's blog. Rachel Brice is a tribal dancer extraordinaire. Check out these videos! I guarantee it will kick-start your weekend.
Wait till you see her drop to the floor in this one. Amazing!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Positive Post #9 - Good Dog
Another home-grown Positive Post today.
This morning at around 230am, we woke to the sound of dogs barking and our dog, the ever-viglant NerdHound, growling at the window.
A few months back, one of our cars was broken into and our GPS stolen. Although we've since installed motion detection lighting and an intrustion alarm system, we're still wary.
Tony poked his head out the bedroom window. "The motion light's been triggered. Did you park your car in the garage last night?"
"No," I said. "I would have had to move your car over more and forgot about it. Crap."
We rushed out of the bedroom and down the front stairs. I threw open the front door and walked out. If there was someone lurking about, I wanted to scare the crap out of them.
Instead, I saw a very large dog standing at the end of our driveway in the darkness. Staring intently at me.
Uh, oh. My first thought was, "Get back in the house. NOW." You never know what the behavior of big, lone, wandering dogs will be. The last thing *I* wanted to be was another dog attack victim.
By the time I closed the screen door behind me, HE was on the other side.
HE was a very large golden lab. He looked sweet, cold, and seemed to be begging for human attention... and he had a collar labeled "Scruffy" with two phone numbers. Now we had a name for him.
I carefully opened the door a couple of inches and firmly grabbed his collar, trying to keep NerdHound from coming through the door at the same time. NerdHound was aggressively curious, as poodles can be. Scruffy was quiet and friendly. "How you doing, Scruffy?" He looked up at me with happy chocolate eyes. Sweet pooch.
I read off the local phone number to Avindair. I heard him speak into the phone. "I'm sorry to get you out of bed, but we found your dog wandering in our street." He gave detailed directions to the house and promised we'd be waiting at the door.
Avindair picked up NerdHound and kept him at a distance, while I brought Scruffy into our entryway. He was cold and muddy, but gentle and quiet. Never made a sound the entire time. I scratched his ears, said his name a lot, and told him he was a good dog.
A few minutes later, a car pulled up at the end of our driveway. A slim, middle-aged woman, who had the distinct appearance of someone woken up in the middle of the night, got out and cautiously came up the walk. I'd be cautious, too, if I was walking up to a stranger's house at almost 3 in the morning.
Scruffy, we learned, had been gone for some time. They'd almost given up hope of finding him. I immediately thought of all the hungry and cold days and nights he'd probably had to endure. As the woman leaned in to take hold of his collar, she pressed a $10 bill into my hand.
"Thank you for finding him. Please take it for your trouble," she said.
I handed it back to her. "Oh, no! He was a good pooch. No trouble at all. It's just good to know that he's going home!"
She thanked me again and herded Scruffy into her car.
Getting up at 230am is no fun. Doing a good deed at 230am is.
And, since we never would have discovered Scruffy without NerdHound's alert, he got a biscuit before he went back to bed. Good dog.
This morning at around 230am, we woke to the sound of dogs barking and our dog, the ever-viglant NerdHound, growling at the window.
A few months back, one of our cars was broken into and our GPS stolen. Although we've since installed motion detection lighting and an intrustion alarm system, we're still wary.
Tony poked his head out the bedroom window. "The motion light's been triggered. Did you park your car in the garage last night?"
"No," I said. "I would have had to move your car over more and forgot about it. Crap."
We rushed out of the bedroom and down the front stairs. I threw open the front door and walked out. If there was someone lurking about, I wanted to scare the crap out of them.
Instead, I saw a very large dog standing at the end of our driveway in the darkness. Staring intently at me.
Uh, oh. My first thought was, "Get back in the house. NOW." You never know what the behavior of big, lone, wandering dogs will be. The last thing *I* wanted to be was another dog attack victim.
By the time I closed the screen door behind me, HE was on the other side.
HE was a very large golden lab. He looked sweet, cold, and seemed to be begging for human attention... and he had a collar labeled "Scruffy" with two phone numbers. Now we had a name for him.
I carefully opened the door a couple of inches and firmly grabbed his collar, trying to keep NerdHound from coming through the door at the same time. NerdHound was aggressively curious, as poodles can be. Scruffy was quiet and friendly. "How you doing, Scruffy?" He looked up at me with happy chocolate eyes. Sweet pooch.
I read off the local phone number to Avindair. I heard him speak into the phone. "I'm sorry to get you out of bed, but we found your dog wandering in our street." He gave detailed directions to the house and promised we'd be waiting at the door.
Avindair picked up NerdHound and kept him at a distance, while I brought Scruffy into our entryway. He was cold and muddy, but gentle and quiet. Never made a sound the entire time. I scratched his ears, said his name a lot, and told him he was a good dog.
A few minutes later, a car pulled up at the end of our driveway. A slim, middle-aged woman, who had the distinct appearance of someone woken up in the middle of the night, got out and cautiously came up the walk. I'd be cautious, too, if I was walking up to a stranger's house at almost 3 in the morning.
Scruffy, we learned, had been gone for some time. They'd almost given up hope of finding him. I immediately thought of all the hungry and cold days and nights he'd probably had to endure. As the woman leaned in to take hold of his collar, she pressed a $10 bill into my hand.
"Thank you for finding him. Please take it for your trouble," she said.
I handed it back to her. "Oh, no! He was a good pooch. No trouble at all. It's just good to know that he's going home!"
She thanked me again and herded Scruffy into her car.
Getting up at 230am is no fun. Doing a good deed at 230am is.
And, since we never would have discovered Scruffy without NerdHound's alert, he got a biscuit before he went back to bed. Good dog.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Woe is Me
Stuffy nose. A vague fuzzy, humming in my ears. Sinuses that feel like they're packed with wet cement. A painfully red nose. Headache. Muscle ache. Sore throat. Chills.
The cold and flu season is my bane this year.
I wash my hands. I had my flu shot. I take my vitamins. I even regularly disinfected my desk and keyboard at work.
I've had the flu -- twice. It made at least a couple of laps at our house. Now Monkey Dude and I both have killer colds.
Misery, thy name is GeekGoddess.
As much as I'd like to, I can't call in sick this week. I'm taking next week off, and I hope and pray that I'm well by then. I have a document due tomorrow that MUST get done before I leave.
It feels all the worse to me because before I came back to a regular 9-5 gig, I was healthy. When I was freelancing, I went years without severe colds or flu. One year back in an office and I've been sick more than I can count.
An excellent argument for more telecommuting.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Positive Post #8
I admit it. I'm a little behind on my Positive Posts. The final week of "Sound of Music" performances really took it out of me. Here's my positive post for the day:
"Sound of Music" is done!
Even though I'm relieved that it's done and I can get back to my regularly scheduled life programming, I have many positive things to say about it:
1. It was great to be back on stage again.
2. It was great to have the challenge of live theater again.
3. It was great to be in a show with Avindair again.
4. It was my first show that A) had a run that long and B) was over 98% sold out. Only 11 unsold seats - over 5,100 tickets sold.
5. We met a lot of great people.
6. We worked with a fantastic cast and crew.
7. We got a foot in the door at an active and successful community theater.
8. It helped us get through the worst part of the winter.
9. We got the kids involved in ushering. Monkey Dude worked the last show, even though he was exhausted from closing "The Laramie Project" the night before. Adventure Girl worked at all of the last six shows, impressing the volunteer coordinator so much that she emailed us and told us so.
10. It completely pushed my endurance limits for a show and proved to me that I can do more than I thought I could.
"Sound of Music" is done!
Even though I'm relieved that it's done and I can get back to my regularly scheduled life programming, I have many positive things to say about it:
1. It was great to be back on stage again.
2. It was great to have the challenge of live theater again.
3. It was great to be in a show with Avindair again.
4. It was my first show that A) had a run that long and B) was over 98% sold out. Only 11 unsold seats - over 5,100 tickets sold.
5. We met a lot of great people.
6. We worked with a fantastic cast and crew.
7. We got a foot in the door at an active and successful community theater.
8. It helped us get through the worst part of the winter.
9. We got the kids involved in ushering. Monkey Dude worked the last show, even though he was exhausted from closing "The Laramie Project" the night before. Adventure Girl worked at all of the last six shows, impressing the volunteer coordinator so much that she emailed us and told us so.
10. It completely pushed my endurance limits for a show and proved to me that I can do more than I thought I could.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I have to share this little St. Patty's Day goodie with everyone. One of our fellow cast members from "Sound of Music" sent this my way today. THANK YOU, Sharon!
The best rendition of "Danny Boy"... EVER!
The best rendition of "Danny Boy"... EVER!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Creepy Argentinian Gnome Video
Weird news alert! Apparently a small gnome-like creature has been terrorizing a small town in Argentina. According to the Belfast Telegraph, it stalks the streets at night with a creepy sideways walk. Here's the video that was caught. The "gnome" only shows up on the last few seconds of the video.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Finally, an Explanation for Nigerian Spam
Who hasn't received one of those odd Nigerian spam emails asking for help in claiming a lost inheritance or other such crap? Ever wonder why the language in them was so... well... odd?
It seems that Nigerians have allowed English to go it's own way, with words that survived from early Victorian-era colonists mixed with the syntax and grammar of indigenous African languages.
It's either linguists nightmare or doctoral study dream!
It seems that Nigerians have allowed English to go it's own way, with words that survived from early Victorian-era colonists mixed with the syntax and grammar of indigenous African languages.
It's either linguists nightmare or doctoral study dream!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Now Playing - The Laramie Project
Our son, Monkey Dude, has taken a big step into the world of theater.
Last night, I went to the second dress rehearsal of "The Laramie Project" at Maple Grove Senior High School. This is a powerful and challenging story for a high school theater, and I applaud them having the guts to do it. Here's an excerpt from the school's web page dedicated to the show:
"In October 1998 a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. Moises Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. The conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town. Some people interviewed were directly connected to the case and others were citizens of Laramie. THE LARAMIE PROJECT chronicles the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder. Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the height of compassion of which we are capable."
Each actor in the show portrays several real-life characters. Monkey Dude himself, has five. Even at a dress rehearsal, these young actors brought the professionalism and gravity of the subject to light with surprising talent and thoughtfulness.
If you're in the area and you have the opportunity, see this show!
Location:
Maple Grove Senior High Auditorium
Performances:
March 13, 14 and 15
7:00pm
Tickets:
Call 763-391-8736 or email mgshdrama@gmail.com.
Adults - $8
Seniors - $5
Students - $5
Adult Advisory:
This show contains strong adult language and themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Discretion is advised.
For more information, visit the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Last night, I went to the second dress rehearsal of "The Laramie Project" at Maple Grove Senior High School. This is a powerful and challenging story for a high school theater, and I applaud them having the guts to do it. Here's an excerpt from the school's web page dedicated to the show:
"In October 1998 a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. Moises Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. The conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town. Some people interviewed were directly connected to the case and others were citizens of Laramie. THE LARAMIE PROJECT chronicles the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder. Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a breathtaking theatrical collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the height of compassion of which we are capable."
Each actor in the show portrays several real-life characters. Monkey Dude himself, has five. Even at a dress rehearsal, these young actors brought the professionalism and gravity of the subject to light with surprising talent and thoughtfulness.
If you're in the area and you have the opportunity, see this show!
Location:
Maple Grove Senior High Auditorium
Performances:
March 13, 14 and 15
7:00pm
Tickets:
Call 763-391-8736 or email mgshdrama@gmail.com.
Adults - $8
Seniors - $5
Students - $5
Adult Advisory:
This show contains strong adult language and themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Discretion is advised.
For more information, visit the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Always Look on the Bright Side of Death (Warmed Over)
WARNING: Long pissing, moaning, and whining post ahead... with a happy ending.
It's a phrase my family used to use if someone looked very tired or sick, "Oofta! You look like death warmed over!" Its usage was so common, that I never really considered how horribly dark that statement was until I was much older.
Today, along with the rest of the NerdPod, I feel like death warmed over.
Why?
1. Tomorrow begins our last run of Sound of Music. Six performances in a row. Last week it was five followed by two days off. Great people. Lots of fun. But after several months of rehearsals and almost 20 performances spanning five months, I'm running out of steam.
2. Big projects at work sucking up all available brain power. By the time I finish up an hour of commute and 8 hours of work each day, I'm absolutely mentally drained.
3. Monkey Dude's rehearsals for his play keep us hopping in the short period between leaving work and getting to the theater for our own show AND on the days we don't have a performance. Last night's dress rehearsal went past 1130pm.
4. Adventure Girl has a life, too. We've had to juggle her school commitments, as well as plan a social calendar for her when Monkey Dude isn't available. We owe Adventure Girl's friend's parents for all the sleepover invites that have accomodated our hectic schedule.
5. Round and round it goes sickness. We've hardly gone a week in the past two months without someone in the family having some version of flu, cold, or just plain exhaustion-induced ickiness.
6. Health issues of close and distant family has had me worried. It wears on the psyche.
7. Avindair's work has been a constant source of irritation, like a rabid weasel in one's underwear.
7. All work and no play has made Jill a grumpy bitch goddess. Each day, for months, has been jam-packed with have-to's from before sun up to after sun down. My juggling act is suffering as all but the most important red, bouncy balls get dropped.
There is some good, though. To drop a cliche, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A few of them, in fact.
1. By this time next week, there are no commitments on our calendar for the next few months.
2. A hectic day will mean going to work and running a few errands on the way home.
3. We're both taking some time off over Spring Break when the kids are out of school. We are not going away. We are not going on a vacation. We're staying home. Get up when we feel like it. Do some projects around the house that have been nagging at us. Getting things accomplished for US, not for someone else.
4. We'll have time to be social again. Invite friends over to watch a movie or play games.
5. We'll be able to eat dinner as a family and spend time together again.
6. It's Spring! The weather is warming up. Now we can take walks by the lake after work and maybe the trails at Elm Creek on weekends. I had my first walk-around-the-building at work today after months!
7. I'll have the energy to exercise in the morning, like I've been wanting to.
8. We've made some new friends with Sound of Music and hope to nurture some of those friendships past the final curtain.
9. We got our foot in the door at a remarkable community theater. It's great to be back on stage, and once we've rested up, we'll be auditioning again... later. *grin*
10. St Patrick's Day the whole family gets to see Gaelic Storm!
I know it's another cliche, but it fits. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. I'm weary beyond belief today and don't quite know how we're going to make it through the week. I had to scramble up a veritable old oak and get some perspective before I lost all hope.
It didn't give me the rest of a full night's sleep, but it did help quell some of the frustration. I'll just play the last scene of Monty Python's The Life of Brian in my head and remember these important words:
Some things in life are bad,
They can really make you mad,
Other things just make you swear and curse,
When you're chewing life's gristle,
Don't grumble,
Give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
[whistle]
Always look on the light side of life.
[whistle]
If life seems jolly rotten,
There's something you've forgotten,
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps,
Don't be silly chumps.
Just purse your lips and whistle.
That's the thing.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
[whistle]
Always look on the right side of life,
[whistle]
For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word.
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin.
Give the audience a grin.
Enjoy it. It's your last chance, anyhow.
So,...
Always look on the bright side of death,
[whistle]
Just before you draw your terminal breath.
[whistle]
Life's a piece of shit,
When you look at it.
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true.
You'll see it's all a show.
Keep 'em laughing as you go.
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
Always look on the right side of life.
[whistle]
[repeat and fade out]
It's a phrase my family used to use if someone looked very tired or sick, "Oofta! You look like death warmed over!" Its usage was so common, that I never really considered how horribly dark that statement was until I was much older.
Today, along with the rest of the NerdPod, I feel like death warmed over.
Why?
1. Tomorrow begins our last run of Sound of Music. Six performances in a row. Last week it was five followed by two days off. Great people. Lots of fun. But after several months of rehearsals and almost 20 performances spanning five months, I'm running out of steam.
2. Big projects at work sucking up all available brain power. By the time I finish up an hour of commute and 8 hours of work each day, I'm absolutely mentally drained.
3. Monkey Dude's rehearsals for his play keep us hopping in the short period between leaving work and getting to the theater for our own show AND on the days we don't have a performance. Last night's dress rehearsal went past 1130pm.
4. Adventure Girl has a life, too. We've had to juggle her school commitments, as well as plan a social calendar for her when Monkey Dude isn't available. We owe Adventure Girl's friend's parents for all the sleepover invites that have accomodated our hectic schedule.
5. Round and round it goes sickness. We've hardly gone a week in the past two months without someone in the family having some version of flu, cold, or just plain exhaustion-induced ickiness.
6. Health issues of close and distant family has had me worried. It wears on the psyche.
7. Avindair's work has been a constant source of irritation, like a rabid weasel in one's underwear.
7. All work and no play has made Jill a grumpy bitch goddess. Each day, for months, has been jam-packed with have-to's from before sun up to after sun down. My juggling act is suffering as all but the most important red, bouncy balls get dropped.
There is some good, though. To drop a cliche, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A few of them, in fact.
1. By this time next week, there are no commitments on our calendar for the next few months.
2. A hectic day will mean going to work and running a few errands on the way home.
3. We're both taking some time off over Spring Break when the kids are out of school. We are not going away. We are not going on a vacation. We're staying home. Get up when we feel like it. Do some projects around the house that have been nagging at us. Getting things accomplished for US, not for someone else.
4. We'll have time to be social again. Invite friends over to watch a movie or play games.
5. We'll be able to eat dinner as a family and spend time together again.
6. It's Spring! The weather is warming up. Now we can take walks by the lake after work and maybe the trails at Elm Creek on weekends. I had my first walk-around-the-building at work today after months!
7. I'll have the energy to exercise in the morning, like I've been wanting to.
8. We've made some new friends with Sound of Music and hope to nurture some of those friendships past the final curtain.
9. We got our foot in the door at a remarkable community theater. It's great to be back on stage, and once we've rested up, we'll be auditioning again... later. *grin*
10. St Patrick's Day the whole family gets to see Gaelic Storm!
I know it's another cliche, but it fits. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. I'm weary beyond belief today and don't quite know how we're going to make it through the week. I had to scramble up a veritable old oak and get some perspective before I lost all hope.
It didn't give me the rest of a full night's sleep, but it did help quell some of the frustration. I'll just play the last scene of Monty Python's The Life of Brian in my head and remember these important words:
Some things in life are bad,
They can really make you mad,
Other things just make you swear and curse,
When you're chewing life's gristle,
Don't grumble,
Give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
[whistle]
Always look on the light side of life.
[whistle]
If life seems jolly rotten,
There's something you've forgotten,
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps,
Don't be silly chumps.
Just purse your lips and whistle.
That's the thing.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
[whistle]
Always look on the right side of life,
[whistle]
For life is quite absurd
And death's the final word.
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin.
Give the audience a grin.
Enjoy it. It's your last chance, anyhow.
So,...
Always look on the bright side of death,
[whistle]
Just before you draw your terminal breath.
[whistle]
Life's a piece of shit,
When you look at it.
Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true.
You'll see it's all a show.
Keep 'em laughing as you go.
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.
And...
Always look on the bright side of life.
Always look on the right side of life.
[whistle]
[repeat and fade out]
Positive Post #6
My mom has a water cooler in her basement. The kind that you'd find in an office breakroom. At least once a month, a delivery guy comes by to haul those big heavy bottles of water down the stairs. Several times a month, my mother has to lift one of those suckers into place. All this just to have good drinking water in the house. It's expensive, it takes up storage space, and it's generally a nuisance.
What if you could create water... out of thin air?
A Houston company has done just that. Aquamaker converts the humidity in the air into water. It works virtually everywhere in the world, including the desert, filters out pollutants, refills itself, and (if you're not using a solar powered version) uses about 1/4 of the electricity of an eletric kettle. Plus, they're competitively priced.
This could especially be a boon to remote villages where clean water sources are scarce. They make a 5,000 litre capacity machine that runs on a solar-powered generator.
Wow!
Read more about the Aquamaker in The Jerusalem Post.
What if you could create water... out of thin air?
A Houston company has done just that. Aquamaker converts the humidity in the air into water. It works virtually everywhere in the world, including the desert, filters out pollutants, refills itself, and (if you're not using a solar powered version) uses about 1/4 of the electricity of an eletric kettle. Plus, they're competitively priced.
This could especially be a boon to remote villages where clean water sources are scarce. They make a 5,000 litre capacity machine that runs on a solar-powered generator.
Wow!
Read more about the Aquamaker in The Jerusalem Post.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Dinner and a Show? See a Loan Officer First.
It had been a long week: work, school, our son's rehearsals, our own performances, and battling seasonal health crud. We'd hardly seen the kids. They'd pretty much taken care of themselves for the past week. As a reward to them for being so helpful and responsible, and as a treat for ourselves, we decided to go to a silly movie and have dinner out.
First stop, the movie theater to buy our tickets in advance. For three adults and one child, $33.00! $33.00 for four people to gather with other people in a large darkened room and view celluloid being run past a lightbulb. Buy popcorn and four drinks, and the theater doubles their take.
If that weren't bad enough, we decided to have dinner out as a family. Something we hadn't done for weeks. Since California Pizza Kitchen was walking distance from the theater, we figured that was as good a place as any. Monkey Dude ordered the Thai Chicken Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese for Avindair, Fettucini Alfredo for Adventure Girl, and some veggie-filled pasta thing for me. Add in four soft drinks. Wanna guess the total? The bill came to over $60.00. With tip, what we would consider a not at all fancy dinner, totaled over $80.00. Tell me that isn't highway robbery.
Granted, the prices were on the menus... I guess none of us thought about it as we ordered. But we'd been there before and didn't have to choke on the bill. No doubt that the prices have gone up. Considerably.
So, dinner and movie out for a family of four was over $100.
It's no wonder that home theaters are booming. Families can't afford to go out any more. When I was a kid, a movie was inexpensive entertainment. (A generation before, for my parents, even more so. Or should I say "less"?) Mom would drop me off at the theater with a friend and about $5. We'd have enough for admission, a drink, and a treat - with change left over. Now, if the kids want to go to a show with a friend, I practically have to fork over a $20. Am I the only one who thinks that's nuts?
Every family has something that they love to do. We are a movie-loving family. It's our thing. But from now on, with very few exceptions, movies are going to be at home, matinee only (because that's expensive enough), or at the cheap $2.00 theater.
Dining out, which had become less frequent as it was, will also become a rare event. Groceries prices have gone up, too, but I can feed my entire family a meal for the cost of one plate at a restaurant. I'd rather sit around the house eating bologna sandwiches with Avindair and kids, playing a board game, than shell out the geld for something like that again.
In fact... that sounds pretty damn good!
First stop, the movie theater to buy our tickets in advance. For three adults and one child, $33.00! $33.00 for four people to gather with other people in a large darkened room and view celluloid being run past a lightbulb. Buy popcorn and four drinks, and the theater doubles their take.
If that weren't bad enough, we decided to have dinner out as a family. Something we hadn't done for weeks. Since California Pizza Kitchen was walking distance from the theater, we figured that was as good a place as any. Monkey Dude ordered the Thai Chicken Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese for Avindair, Fettucini Alfredo for Adventure Girl, and some veggie-filled pasta thing for me. Add in four soft drinks. Wanna guess the total? The bill came to over $60.00. With tip, what we would consider a not at all fancy dinner, totaled over $80.00. Tell me that isn't highway robbery.
Granted, the prices were on the menus... I guess none of us thought about it as we ordered. But we'd been there before and didn't have to choke on the bill. No doubt that the prices have gone up. Considerably.
So, dinner and movie out for a family of four was over $100.
It's no wonder that home theaters are booming. Families can't afford to go out any more. When I was a kid, a movie was inexpensive entertainment. (A generation before, for my parents, even more so. Or should I say "less"?) Mom would drop me off at the theater with a friend and about $5. We'd have enough for admission, a drink, and a treat - with change left over. Now, if the kids want to go to a show with a friend, I practically have to fork over a $20. Am I the only one who thinks that's nuts?
Every family has something that they love to do. We are a movie-loving family. It's our thing. But from now on, with very few exceptions, movies are going to be at home, matinee only (because that's expensive enough), or at the cheap $2.00 theater.
Dining out, which had become less frequent as it was, will also become a rare event. Groceries prices have gone up, too, but I can feed my entire family a meal for the cost of one plate at a restaurant. I'd rather sit around the house eating bologna sandwiches with Avindair and kids, playing a board game, than shell out the geld for something like that again.
In fact... that sounds pretty damn good!
Postive Post #5
Soon, telling someone that they're full of hot air may no longer be an insult. French engineer Guy Negre has developed a 5-passenger concept car that runs on compressed air!
For a no-frills, economical, get-around vehicle, he may just have something. Check out the article from BBC news for the details.
For a no-frills, economical, get-around vehicle, he may just have something. Check out the article from BBC news for the details.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Getting High... Legally!
Time for some silliness! It's going to be a long day at the theater, so I'm putting my brain on hold for a few hours. Behold! A meme ganked from Magic Marmot!
1. Did you date someone from your school?
Yes. I had a few dates.
2. Did you win anything in Senior's Who's Who?
Not that I remember.
3. What kind of car did you drive?
A dark blue, 1980 Dodge Omni. Loved that car!
4. It's Friday night...where r u at?
Usually hung out with my girlfriends. We were like the four musketeers.
5. Were you a party animal?
Ha! No. Not me. I played by the rules 90% of the time.
6. Were you considered a flirt?
No. I didn't know HOW to.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
Orchestra (viola) and choir.
8. Were you a nerd?
Of a kind. In the '80's, nerds were supposed to be socially awkward guys with tape on their glasses. I was a theater/music/speech nerd. Knew I was different, but later embraced my nerd-dom.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope. Never got in trouble in high school.
10. Can you sing the fight song?
I remember the whole damn thing!
11. Who were your favorite teachers?
My theater teacher, Cyndee Brown. She was a big influence. My French teacher, whose name shamefully escapes me at the moment.
12. Where did you sit during lunch?
As a sophomore, mostly at our theater/music/speech table. As a junior and senior I transitioned to mostly walking downtown and getting something really bad for me, like a Baby Ruth bar and a Coke!
13. What was your school's full name?
Grand Forks Central High School
14. School mascot?
An Indian... or should I say "Native American"? We were the politically incorrect "Redskins" back then.
15. Homecoming court?
Ha! Not a chance!
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
I'm sure there are some things I would have done differently, but even the mistakes molded me.
17. What do you remember most about graduation?
Eh. I remember it. Don't think much about it.
18. Where did you go senior skip day?
There was a Skip Day?
19. Have u gained some weight since then?
Oh, yeah.
20. Who was your Senior prom date?
I didn't get invited to Senior Prom. I threw a party for the girls I knew that didn't get invited.
21. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
I went to the 10-year and the 20-year. With the exception of a few people we spent time with, it was generally the same cliques and bullshit 20 years on.
22. Who was your home room teacher?
I don't even remember. I was never IN homeroom. That's when they fit in orchestra class.
23. Who will repost
Not a clue.
24. Did you play any sports?
No. But I did go to the occasional game. To quote the original "high school musical", Grease, "If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!"
25. Do you still talk to people from school?
A few. One I talk to every day, my husband!
26. What year did you graduate?
1985
1. Did you date someone from your school?
Yes. I had a few dates.
2. Did you win anything in Senior's Who's Who?
Not that I remember.
3. What kind of car did you drive?
A dark blue, 1980 Dodge Omni. Loved that car!
4. It's Friday night...where r u at?
Usually hung out with my girlfriends. We were like the four musketeers.
5. Were you a party animal?
Ha! No. Not me. I played by the rules 90% of the time.
6. Were you considered a flirt?
No. I didn't know HOW to.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
Orchestra (viola) and choir.
8. Were you a nerd?
Of a kind. In the '80's, nerds were supposed to be socially awkward guys with tape on their glasses. I was a theater/music/speech nerd. Knew I was different, but later embraced my nerd-dom.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope. Never got in trouble in high school.
10. Can you sing the fight song?
I remember the whole damn thing!
11. Who were your favorite teachers?
My theater teacher, Cyndee Brown. She was a big influence. My French teacher, whose name shamefully escapes me at the moment.
12. Where did you sit during lunch?
As a sophomore, mostly at our theater/music/speech table. As a junior and senior I transitioned to mostly walking downtown and getting something really bad for me, like a Baby Ruth bar and a Coke!
13. What was your school's full name?
Grand Forks Central High School
14. School mascot?
An Indian... or should I say "Native American"? We were the politically incorrect "Redskins" back then.
15. Homecoming court?
Ha! Not a chance!
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
I'm sure there are some things I would have done differently, but even the mistakes molded me.
17. What do you remember most about graduation?
Eh. I remember it. Don't think much about it.
18. Where did you go senior skip day?
There was a Skip Day?
19. Have u gained some weight since then?
Oh, yeah.
20. Who was your Senior prom date?
I didn't get invited to Senior Prom. I threw a party for the girls I knew that didn't get invited.
21. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
I went to the 10-year and the 20-year. With the exception of a few people we spent time with, it was generally the same cliques and bullshit 20 years on.
22. Who was your home room teacher?
I don't even remember. I was never IN homeroom. That's when they fit in orchestra class.
23. Who will repost
Not a clue.
24. Did you play any sports?
No. But I did go to the occasional game. To quote the original "high school musical", Grease, "If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!"
25. Do you still talk to people from school?
A few. One I talk to every day, my husband!
26. What year did you graduate?
1985
Friday, March 07, 2008
DST a Sham?
Wow, am I ever a bundle of rant today.
I just got an email from the very thoughtful production manager of the theater where we're doing Sound of Music. She was reminding us to set our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time, so that we weren't late for Sunday's performance.
It got me thinking. What is Daylight Savings Time anyway? What's it's purpose?
As a kid, I'd always heard that it had something to do with farmers having more sunlight to work. That explanation didn't set right with me though, since farmers are pretty much free to make their own hours from sun up to sun down, regardless of what the clock says.
Daylight Savings Time, ever a controversial concept intended to help reduce energy consumption, was adapted by the United States in 1918, but repealed in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson tried to repeal it... he liked to have that extra daylight time off the office clock to play golf. No joke. DST reared it's head temporarily over the next 50 years, but became standard in 1966.
Recently, a University of California study found that DST actually raises utility bills. According to sources listed in Wikipedia, it not only costs consumers more in utilities, but also creates increased revenue for many buisnesses. I guess that's why, over the years, big businesses, often backed by politicians have supported the continuance of DST, even though it's been proven to be unsuccessful in providing any kind of savings for Americans.
Yes, we'll all grudgingly "spring ahead" this Sunday while we lose an hour of sleep. But next time the question of continuing this practice comes up, let's not let the lobbyists prevail so they can sell more french fries and slurpies.
I just got an email from the very thoughtful production manager of the theater where we're doing Sound of Music. She was reminding us to set our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time, so that we weren't late for Sunday's performance.
It got me thinking. What is Daylight Savings Time anyway? What's it's purpose?
As a kid, I'd always heard that it had something to do with farmers having more sunlight to work. That explanation didn't set right with me though, since farmers are pretty much free to make their own hours from sun up to sun down, regardless of what the clock says.
Daylight Savings Time, ever a controversial concept intended to help reduce energy consumption, was adapted by the United States in 1918, but repealed in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson tried to repeal it... he liked to have that extra daylight time off the office clock to play golf. No joke. DST reared it's head temporarily over the next 50 years, but became standard in 1966.
Recently, a University of California study found that DST actually raises utility bills. According to sources listed in Wikipedia, it not only costs consumers more in utilities, but also creates increased revenue for many buisnesses. I guess that's why, over the years, big businesses, often backed by politicians have supported the continuance of DST, even though it's been proven to be unsuccessful in providing any kind of savings for Americans.
Yes, we'll all grudgingly "spring ahead" this Sunday while we lose an hour of sleep. But next time the question of continuing this practice comes up, let's not let the lobbyists prevail so they can sell more french fries and slurpies.
Who Just Up and Leaves the Work Force?
There are lies, there are damn lies, and there are statistics. It all depends on how you shift and spin the numbers.
In the Labor Department's report released today, the nation's unemployment rolls dropped by .1 percent to 4.8 percent this month, even though employers cut more than 63,000 jobs in February. The highest number of cuts in one month in the past 5 years.
So how did our unemployment rates end up looking better? According to the article in the Star Tribune from the Associated Press:
"The reason why the jobless rate went down, rather than up, is because so many people stopped looking for work and left the labor force."
WHO LEAVES THE LABOR FORCE? Four possible reaons, (1) you're retired (2) you're disabled and unable to work (3) you stay home to care for children, the elderly, or disabled (4) you're dead. A person who is unemployed still needs to pay for a roof over his head, clothes on his back and food in his belly. Those needs do not end with lack of job prospects. In other words, they've just STOPPED COUNTING a bunch of people. Of course, that's going to make the numbers look better.
This isn't unlike the spin doctoring of the Consumer Price Index and other indicators. Check out John Williams' Shadow Government Statistics site for more information. Makes you wonder how bad things really are.
I especially like this quote at the end of the article, "All the economy's troubles are putting people in a gloomy mood."
No shit, Sherlock.
In the Labor Department's report released today, the nation's unemployment rolls dropped by .1 percent to 4.8 percent this month, even though employers cut more than 63,000 jobs in February. The highest number of cuts in one month in the past 5 years.
So how did our unemployment rates end up looking better? According to the article in the Star Tribune from the Associated Press:
"The reason why the jobless rate went down, rather than up, is because so many people stopped looking for work and left the labor force."
WHO LEAVES THE LABOR FORCE? Four possible reaons, (1) you're retired (2) you're disabled and unable to work (3) you stay home to care for children, the elderly, or disabled (4) you're dead. A person who is unemployed still needs to pay for a roof over his head, clothes on his back and food in his belly. Those needs do not end with lack of job prospects. In other words, they've just STOPPED COUNTING a bunch of people. Of course, that's going to make the numbers look better.
This isn't unlike the spin doctoring of the Consumer Price Index and other indicators. Check out John Williams' Shadow Government Statistics site for more information. Makes you wonder how bad things really are.
I especially like this quote at the end of the article, "All the economy's troubles are putting people in a gloomy mood."
No shit, Sherlock.
Positive Post #4
Don't pass up this article from Yahoo! sports news. 101-year old Buster Martin, Britain's oldest employee, is training to compete in the London Marathon!
When he finishes the marathon, he plans to celebrate with "a pint and a fag" (that's beer and a cigarette). “People ask what is my secret but I haven’t got one. They say fags and booze are bad for you — but I’m still here, aren’t I?”
Awesome.
When he finishes the marathon, he plans to celebrate with "a pint and a fag" (that's beer and a cigarette). “People ask what is my secret but I haven’t got one. They say fags and booze are bad for you — but I’m still here, aren’t I?”
Awesome.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Positive Post #3
Did you know that there's an entire website devoted to reporting positive news? It's true! The Good News Network founder and editor began her career in television news and production. She started the site in 1997 to gather and disseminate positive news from around the world.
So when Star Tribune, CNN and other news sources are getting you down, hop over to the Good News Network and remember that there's more out there than just bad news.
So when Star Tribune, CNN and other news sources are getting you down, hop over to the Good News Network and remember that there's more out there than just bad news.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Postive Post #2
Good news in the world of AIDS research. Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a gene that blocks HIV. They've identified a gene called TRIM22 that can prevent the assembly of the virus.
From the article in the University of Alberta Express News:
"This means that TRIM22 is an essential part of our body's ability to fight off HIV. The results are very exciting because they show that our bodies have a gene that is capable of stopping the spread of HIV."
From the article in the University of Alberta Express News:
"This means that TRIM22 is an essential part of our body's ability to fight off HIV. The results are very exciting because they show that our bodies have a gene that is capable of stopping the spread of HIV."
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Hot, Spicy Little Ranger Number
Our friend, Pen Master, sent me this quiz to discover which Dungeons & Dragons character you would be. Thank you, Pen Master, you Lawful Good Human Paladin, you!
I Am A: Neutral Good Human Ranger/Sorcerer (3rd/3rd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-13
Dexterity-13
Constitution-14
Intelligence-16
Wisdom-14
Charisma-13
Alignment:
Neutral Good A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them. Neutral good is the best alignment you can be because it means doing what is good without bias for or against order. However, neutral good can be a dangerous alignment because because it advances mediocrity by limiting the actions of the truly capable.
Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.
Primary Class:
Rangers are skilled stalkers and hunters who make their home in the woods. Their martial skill is nearly the equal of the fighter, but they lack the latter's dedication to the craft of fighting. Instead, the ranger focuses his skills and training on a specific enemy a type of creature he bears a vengeful grudge against and hunts above all others. Rangers often accept the role of protector, aiding those who live in or travel through the woods. His skills allow him to move quietly and stick to the shadows, especially in natural settings, and he also has special knowledge of certain types of creatures. Finally, an experienced ranger has such a tie to nature that he can actually draw on natural power to cast divine spells, much as a druid does, and like a druid he is often accompanied by animal companions. A ranger's Wisdom score should be high, as this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
Secondary Class:
Sorcerers are arcane spellcasters who manipulate magic energy with imagination and talent rather than studious discipline. They have no books, no mentors, no theories just raw power that they direct at will. Sorcerers know fewer spells than wizards do and acquire them more slowly, but they can cast individual spells more often and have no need to prepare their incantations ahead of time. Also unlike wizards, sorcerers cannot specialize in a school of magic. Since sorcerers gain their powers without undergoing the years of rigorous study that wizards go through, they have more time to learn fighting skills and are proficient with simple weapons. Charisma is very important for sorcerers; the higher their value in this ability, the higher the spell level they can cast.
Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)
I Am A: Neutral Good Human Ranger/Sorcerer (3rd/3rd Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-13
Dexterity-13
Constitution-14
Intelligence-16
Wisdom-14
Charisma-13
Alignment:
Neutral Good A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them. Neutral good is the best alignment you can be because it means doing what is good without bias for or against order. However, neutral good can be a dangerous alignment because because it advances mediocrity by limiting the actions of the truly capable.
Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.
Primary Class:
Rangers are skilled stalkers and hunters who make their home in the woods. Their martial skill is nearly the equal of the fighter, but they lack the latter's dedication to the craft of fighting. Instead, the ranger focuses his skills and training on a specific enemy a type of creature he bears a vengeful grudge against and hunts above all others. Rangers often accept the role of protector, aiding those who live in or travel through the woods. His skills allow him to move quietly and stick to the shadows, especially in natural settings, and he also has special knowledge of certain types of creatures. Finally, an experienced ranger has such a tie to nature that he can actually draw on natural power to cast divine spells, much as a druid does, and like a druid he is often accompanied by animal companions. A ranger's Wisdom score should be high, as this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
Secondary Class:
Sorcerers are arcane spellcasters who manipulate magic energy with imagination and talent rather than studious discipline. They have no books, no mentors, no theories just raw power that they direct at will. Sorcerers know fewer spells than wizards do and acquire them more slowly, but they can cast individual spells more often and have no need to prepare their incantations ahead of time. Also unlike wizards, sorcerers cannot specialize in a school of magic. Since sorcerers gain their powers without undergoing the years of rigorous study that wizards go through, they have more time to learn fighting skills and are proficient with simple weapons. Charisma is very important for sorcerers; the higher their value in this ability, the higher the spell level they can cast.
Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)
Rest in Peace, Mr. Gygax
No sooner had I done the positive post below, then I saw this article in the Star Tribune.
I'm sorry to report that the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, Gary Gygax, died today. Many a gamer will be rolling the dice in his memory tonight.
Think Positive
"Life is what our thoughts make it." -- Marcus Aurelius
As I drifted off to sleep last night, negative thoughts kept rolling through my brain. It's easy to let that happen these days. Discussions with co-workers, friends and family turn into massive bitch sessions about the weather, politics, the state of our country, etc.
I found myself wondering, "Where's the good news?"
I've decided to try a little experiment. Every day, I'll try to post something positive. It could be from the news, my personal life, observations... anything. It just has to be positive.
Granted, this doesn't mean that I'll stop posting rants or general silliness. There will just be something positive in the mix.
Postive Post #1
Famed Tall Ships to Grace Duluth Harbor
Avindair will love this one! August 1-3 in Duluth, three tall ships will be in Duluth Harbor. The Pride of Baltimore II is a recontructed War of 1812-era ship with working cannons. The Niagra, also a recontruction from the same era, has propulsion engines and modern navigation equipment, but no modern amenities. The Madeline, is a reconstructed schooner that sailed the Great Lakes 150 years ago. According to the article, three days of music, entertainment and food with a maritime flavor will ensue. It's a weekend. Mark your calendars!
As I drifted off to sleep last night, negative thoughts kept rolling through my brain. It's easy to let that happen these days. Discussions with co-workers, friends and family turn into massive bitch sessions about the weather, politics, the state of our country, etc.
I found myself wondering, "Where's the good news?"
I've decided to try a little experiment. Every day, I'll try to post something positive. It could be from the news, my personal life, observations... anything. It just has to be positive.
Granted, this doesn't mean that I'll stop posting rants or general silliness. There will just be something positive in the mix.
Postive Post #1
Famed Tall Ships to Grace Duluth Harbor
Avindair will love this one! August 1-3 in Duluth, three tall ships will be in Duluth Harbor. The Pride of Baltimore II is a recontructed War of 1812-era ship with working cannons. The Niagra, also a recontruction from the same era, has propulsion engines and modern navigation equipment, but no modern amenities. The Madeline, is a reconstructed schooner that sailed the Great Lakes 150 years ago. According to the article, three days of music, entertainment and food with a maritime flavor will ensue. It's a weekend. Mark your calendars!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Public Service
I'm officially sick and tired of being sick and tired. To help myself and readers of this blog, I'm presenting this handy-dandy frustration relief kit. It's not illegal, won't rot your liver, and if you do it right, will result in a temporary, but blissful lack of consciousness.
Thanks to The Crazy Website.
Thanks to The Crazy Website.
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