If the only trick you have up your sleeve, to change things up, is the "Telephone/AM Radio" sound, then you should be flipping burgers. (This means you Bravo TV)
December 2009 Archives
I just saw an ad on TV for one of those dieting programs that you pay to send you food. They claim to send you fresh, frozen food.
Isn't that an oxymoron?
Isn't that an oxymoron?
Newsflash!!
Stardate 3045.6
Captain Kirk killed in home-made cannon explosion, on alien planet. Gorn captain laughs. Film at 11.
Stardate 3045.6
Captain Kirk killed in home-made cannon explosion, on alien planet. Gorn captain laughs. Film at 11.
First, let me begin with a little of the back story. Almost one year ago, on New Year's Day, 2009, I was about to go to a Brunch at a friend's house. This is a traditional party that he throws every year, and I was very excited. It was a very cold morning, that day, somewhere in the vicinity of zero degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine my surprise when my car would not start! I thought in this modern age of fuel-injection and other examples of automotive technology, that the days of not starting in cold weather, were behind us. The good news that day was that after some time, the car eventually did start, and I was able to attend the Brunch.
I called my Saturn dealer the next day, and explained the problem to the Service Manager, and he was familiar with the symptoms in that particular model (2006 Saturn Ion). It required changing out the ignition switch, because that particular switch gets dirty, or something, prematurely, causing the car not to start. He said it would cost in the vicinity $150 to replace.
A dirty switch I thought? As an electronics tinkerer, I always have a can of contact cleaner around, so I sprayed the heck out of the switch, and figured that I had beaten the system, because the problem never appeared again.
Never appeared again until about ten days ago, that is.
Since Saturn is essentially gone as an automotive brand, I decided to Google around for a bit. It didn't take long to find hundreds of other examples on the web of other people experiencing the same problem, in far less severe weather. It seems as though GM simply designed a defective ignition switch, and was unwilling to do a recall, to replace all of them. Ion owners are forced to have to pay for replacing the switch, with another potentially defective switch, or perform a kludgy fix that involves cutting a wire inside the steering column.
What I learned about the problem, is pretty interesting, actually. It's not your typical cold-weather starting problem, that happens because the engine is cold, and ignition simply doesn't occur. No. This is much more complex.
It seems that the defective switch in question also has some sort of sensor in it, that sends information to the car's security system. Cold weather confuses this sensor into thinking something is wrong, and doesn't give the car's security system the OK to start the car. You see, apparently my car's security system has a few different components. The first is the alarm. If someone tries to steal the car, it sounds an alarm just like every other car, in every mall parking lot in which we've ever been. Then there is the other component, called the Passlock System, which kills the power to the starter motor, and to the fuel pump, rendering the car completely un-drivable to a would-be car thief.
Great idea, right??!
Yes. Great idea, unless you designed a defective sensor into a defective switch, which in cold weather makes the Passlock System think that something is wrong, when it is not. Thankfully this glitch only affects the Passlock System and does not cause the alarm to sound!
One workaround to the problem, is a way in which you can reset the Passlock System, that takes about a half an hour, each time you wake up to find that your car isn't starting. You have to attempt to start the car, and leave the key in the run position, and wait ten minutes for the Passlock indicator light to stop blinking. You then put the key into the ACC position (where the engine would be off, but the car stereo and dash electronics stay on), wait for ten seconds, and try to start the car, again.
Once you have performed this cycle three times, and have turned the ignition switch all of the way off, and waited thirty seconds, the car then should start.
As you can see, none of the fixes, or workarounds are particularly appealing, so it is terrible that GM never re-engineered the ignition switch, and replaced them all, at their cost.
Why am I writing about this you ask? Because as I sit here, hammering away on my Netbook's keyboard, I am in the middle of cycle number three, of the time-consuming workaround that I described above. This is the third time this winter that my car did not start in the morning. The good news is that two of the times, I didn't actually have to be anywhere, but one of the times, I did. Thankfully I have a friend who lives nearby, and I was able to beg a ride, until I could get my car started, later that day.
I have a new, potentially defective, ignition switch on order, that my father and I will install, when it arrives. After doing my research, apparently using any of these switches in cold weather, is like playing the lottery. Despite the fact that I just paid forty dollars for a new switch, this problem could occur at any time.
Shame on you General Motors, and thank you for making such a quality ignition switch.
I called my Saturn dealer the next day, and explained the problem to the Service Manager, and he was familiar with the symptoms in that particular model (2006 Saturn Ion). It required changing out the ignition switch, because that particular switch gets dirty, or something, prematurely, causing the car not to start. He said it would cost in the vicinity $150 to replace.
A dirty switch I thought? As an electronics tinkerer, I always have a can of contact cleaner around, so I sprayed the heck out of the switch, and figured that I had beaten the system, because the problem never appeared again.
Never appeared again until about ten days ago, that is.
Since Saturn is essentially gone as an automotive brand, I decided to Google around for a bit. It didn't take long to find hundreds of other examples on the web of other people experiencing the same problem, in far less severe weather. It seems as though GM simply designed a defective ignition switch, and was unwilling to do a recall, to replace all of them. Ion owners are forced to have to pay for replacing the switch, with another potentially defective switch, or perform a kludgy fix that involves cutting a wire inside the steering column.
What I learned about the problem, is pretty interesting, actually. It's not your typical cold-weather starting problem, that happens because the engine is cold, and ignition simply doesn't occur. No. This is much more complex.
It seems that the defective switch in question also has some sort of sensor in it, that sends information to the car's security system. Cold weather confuses this sensor into thinking something is wrong, and doesn't give the car's security system the OK to start the car. You see, apparently my car's security system has a few different components. The first is the alarm. If someone tries to steal the car, it sounds an alarm just like every other car, in every mall parking lot in which we've ever been. Then there is the other component, called the Passlock System, which kills the power to the starter motor, and to the fuel pump, rendering the car completely un-drivable to a would-be car thief.
Great idea, right??!
Yes. Great idea, unless you designed a defective sensor into a defective switch, which in cold weather makes the Passlock System think that something is wrong, when it is not. Thankfully this glitch only affects the Passlock System and does not cause the alarm to sound!
One workaround to the problem, is a way in which you can reset the Passlock System, that takes about a half an hour, each time you wake up to find that your car isn't starting. You have to attempt to start the car, and leave the key in the run position, and wait ten minutes for the Passlock indicator light to stop blinking. You then put the key into the ACC position (where the engine would be off, but the car stereo and dash electronics stay on), wait for ten seconds, and try to start the car, again.
Once you have performed this cycle three times, and have turned the ignition switch all of the way off, and waited thirty seconds, the car then should start.
As you can see, none of the fixes, or workarounds are particularly appealing, so it is terrible that GM never re-engineered the ignition switch, and replaced them all, at their cost.
Why am I writing about this you ask? Because as I sit here, hammering away on my Netbook's keyboard, I am in the middle of cycle number three, of the time-consuming workaround that I described above. This is the third time this winter that my car did not start in the morning. The good news is that two of the times, I didn't actually have to be anywhere, but one of the times, I did. Thankfully I have a friend who lives nearby, and I was able to beg a ride, until I could get my car started, later that day.
I have a new, potentially defective, ignition switch on order, that my father and I will install, when it arrives. After doing my research, apparently using any of these switches in cold weather, is like playing the lottery. Despite the fact that I just paid forty dollars for a new switch, this problem could occur at any time.
Shame on you General Motors, and thank you for making such a quality ignition switch.
A few years ago, I talked about a film called Joyeux Noël, on Bloodthirsty Vegetarians Podcast #0047. It was about a bunch of soldiers in WWI who called a truce on Xmas day, and met in the no-mans-land between the trenches, and celebrated Xmas together. It was based on a real story, and two years ago, on the History Channel, I saw a show about that very subject. Joyeux Noël is simply one of the best Christmas films ever, and I encourage you all to see it.
Perhaps one day I will do a proper review.
Wassail!
Hi folks.
A few years back I went to a holiday party, where in order to go, you had to give in some way. Write something, read something, sing, dance, whatever. But you had to perform, in some way.
I wrote a Haiku. I love Haiku. It's the ultimate form of expression, or poetry, for Geeks, because it has specifications!
Here it is:
A few years back I went to a holiday party, where in order to go, you had to give in some way. Write something, read something, sing, dance, whatever. But you had to perform, in some way.
I wrote a Haiku. I love Haiku. It's the ultimate form of expression, or poetry, for Geeks, because it has specifications!
Here it is:
The day is shortest.
As seasons are recycled,
sun begins to rise.
As seasons are recycled,
sun begins to rise.
They tell me that this day means something. I guess so.
I have very little to say, so instead I will let the inimitable Chris Stevens, DJ from the KBHR radio station in Cicely Alaska, do all of the talking:
I have very little to say, so instead I will let the inimitable Chris Stevens, DJ from the KBHR radio station in Cicely Alaska, do all of the talking:
"I," said the cow, all white and red,
"I gave Him my manger for His bed;
"I gave Him my hay to pillow His head.
"I," said the cow, all white and red.So every beast, by some good spell,
In the stable dark was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Immanuel,
The gift he gave Immanuel.
It's an old legend that on Christmas Eve at midnight, all the animals fall to their knees and speak, praising the newborn Jesus.
Back in the winter of sixty-nine, my Dad was serving a short time for a DUI and I don't know where my mom was. Anyway, I was home alone Christmas Eve and I stayed up extra kinda late to see if my dog, Buddy, would talk. And he did. I don't remember his exact words, but that's not important. What matters is that a seven-year-old boy experienced his own personal epiphany.
What's my point? Well, it's that Christmas reveals itself to us each in a personal way, be it secular or sacred. Whatever Christmas is--and it's many things to many people--we all own a piece of it. It's like, well, it's kinda like Santa's Bag: inside, there's a gift for everyone. My Christmas wish for you tonight? May your dog talk.
Good night, Cicely. Merry Christmas.
To the person who left me what sounded like a drunk voicemail, at 1:25 AM, this morning, please identify yourself. I was not able to place your voice, yet your message hinted at familiarity, and the need for a return call. It read as follows:
"Hi, Lance Armstrong is my hero... call me back man... OK? Bye!"
Weird.
"Hi, Lance Armstrong is my hero... call me back man... OK? Bye!"
Weird.
I am not so much into the Airing of Grievances, or the Feats of Strength, but the idea of a non-religious holiday that we can all celebrate, appeals to me.
Why???!
Perhaps in a minuscule town like Mayberry, the four-way stop would work, but in a town with any significant traffic, it simply does not. Just put in a proper traffic light, so there is less confusion, and be done with it.
Perhaps in a minuscule town like Mayberry, the four-way stop would work, but in a town with any significant traffic, it simply does not. Just put in a proper traffic light, so there is less confusion, and be done with it.
A few months ago I saw it mentioned somewhere that Drew Carey, the famous guy from TV, was going to give the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation, one million dollars, if he could get one million Twitter followers by the end of the year. If he didn't achieve the one million follower mark, he would donate one dollar for every follower that he did have.
As of this writing he is tickling the 301,000 number, which surprises the heck out of me. It surprises me that someone as famous as Drew couldn't get one million followers in a few months, when Larry King was able to do it in about a week, and there wasn't even a worthy charity involved.
So if you're reading this, and you use Twitter, please log in and follow @DrewFromTV. It doesn't cost you anything, it will add another dollar to the amount being donated, and you can always un-follow him on January 2nd, if you like.
We've got a little over a week. Let's get on this!
As of this writing he is tickling the 301,000 number, which surprises the heck out of me. It surprises me that someone as famous as Drew couldn't get one million followers in a few months, when Larry King was able to do it in about a week, and there wasn't even a worthy charity involved.
So if you're reading this, and you use Twitter, please log in and follow @DrewFromTV. It doesn't cost you anything, it will add another dollar to the amount being donated, and you can always un-follow him on January 2nd, if you like.
We've got a little over a week. Let's get on this!
Today was our last pottery class for this semester. The last class usually consists of a pot luck party, with a demonstration by the head of the program. Bryan, the current head of the program was not able to do the demonstration for us today, so a few weeks ago it was suggested that local master-potter, Vincent Clemente might do it. I got very excited when I heard that because Victor has been making pottery for about sixty years, and he founded the Ceramics program at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, where I take my classes, in 1954.Last week I found out that Vincent would not be doing our demo, because a relative of his was receiving a significant military promotion, and that he would be attending the ceremony in our nation's capital. Mother Nature, however, did not want Vincent at the promotion ceremony and dropped about thirty six inches of snow on Washington DC, closing airports for days. So, as I said in the title, Washington DC's loss was our gain, and he was able to do his demonstration for us, after all.
This guy's got chops. What takes me ten minutes to do, takes him about ten seconds, and that is no exaggeration. Over the course of about an hour and a half, he made about six bowls, and a plate, and took the time to slow everything down, and repeat it if necessary, so that we could actually learn. He also gave us a basic decorating and glazing demonstration, and also managed to find an unsigned leather-hard bowl in the back, on a shelf, to do a trimming demonstration, as well.
I feel so lucky to have been at the demo. I was so disappointed when I learned that Vincent would not going to be able to do the demo, and was very surprised to see Vincent in the studio when I got there, today. It is a shame that Vincent was not able to attend his relative's promotion, but hopefully that went well in his absence.
One of the guys in my class is a Director of Photography, and video-taped Vincent's demo, and last semester's demo, which was done by Bryan. Hopefully he will make that footage available to us, because I think being able to view it again and again would be very beneficial.
Ya know, life is funny. I went to see Steve Morse, my favorite musician in the world, a few months ago in Buffalo, and the guy I went with told Steve how much of an inspiration he was when my friend was learning to play. I didn't have the heart to tell Steve this, but he is one of the reasons why I don't play guitar as much as I once did. He's just too good. Yet when I see world-class potters like Vincent and Bryan work, it totally inspires me and makes me want to practice and learn more.
I don't know what it all means, but what I do know is that I should not ignore it.
Hello everyone. Today is the Winter Solstice, which occurred at precisely the time this message was published.
This is a significant celestial event because it is the shortest day of the year, and all days between today, and June, 21st, 2010, will get longer. Today also marks the official beginning of Winter in the northern hemisphere.
I look forward to the Solstices because as primitive as early mankind was, they had an amazing knowledge of astronomy, recognized the significance of both Solstices, and celebrated them. It is no coincidence that so many of the winter Holidays that we celebrate today, happen to fall near the Solstice.
Live Long And Prosper.
Peace.
This is a significant celestial event because it is the shortest day of the year, and all days between today, and June, 21st, 2010, will get longer. Today also marks the official beginning of Winter in the northern hemisphere.
I look forward to the Solstices because as primitive as early mankind was, they had an amazing knowledge of astronomy, recognized the significance of both Solstices, and celebrated them. It is no coincidence that so many of the winter Holidays that we celebrate today, happen to fall near the Solstice.
Live Long And Prosper.
Peace.
All of the people in Munchkinville seemed to be very talented.
I actually meant to mention this connection in my last post about this, but somehow, forgot.
As some of you know, I have been writing a lot about FatCyclist, Elden Nelson, and how all sorts of amazing things are happening to him, just because he is a generous, selfless fellow.
If any of you have read his story, it involves putting up a blog called fatcyclist.com, to be used as a motivating force, to help him lose weight through cycling. On the blog he intended to tell his story through stories and photos. Then one day, his wife was diagnosed with cancer, and they both decided that he would use his blog to tell that story, also, no matter how trying.
Well, that story did have a tragic ending. On August 5th, 2009, Elden's wife Susan, lost her battle with cancer.
From the moment Susan was diagnosed with cancer, Elden made it his mission to help raise funds to kick cancer's ass. In the process, his fund-raising team, Team Fatty, has raised more money for Livestrong, than any other team on the planet. Bravo.
This recent fund-raising effort between Elden, Johan Bruyneel, Livestrong, World Bicycle Relief, Trek Travel, and Gary Fisher Bikes is just another example of how being selfless seems to be rewarded in droves. Elden has never sought fame, fortune, or material gain through his efforts to fight cancer, yet because of his selflessness, so many cool and amazing things have happened to him.
Call it what you will: positive mental attitude, good Karma, the Law Of Attraction, whatever... it seems to work, and it should not be underestimated.
As some of you know, I have been writing a lot about FatCyclist, Elden Nelson, and how all sorts of amazing things are happening to him, just because he is a generous, selfless fellow.
If any of you have read his story, it involves putting up a blog called fatcyclist.com, to be used as a motivating force, to help him lose weight through cycling. On the blog he intended to tell his story through stories and photos. Then one day, his wife was diagnosed with cancer, and they both decided that he would use his blog to tell that story, also, no matter how trying.
Well, that story did have a tragic ending. On August 5th, 2009, Elden's wife Susan, lost her battle with cancer.
From the moment Susan was diagnosed with cancer, Elden made it his mission to help raise funds to kick cancer's ass. In the process, his fund-raising team, Team Fatty, has raised more money for Livestrong, than any other team on the planet. Bravo.
This recent fund-raising effort between Elden, Johan Bruyneel, Livestrong, World Bicycle Relief, Trek Travel, and Gary Fisher Bikes is just another example of how being selfless seems to be rewarded in droves. Elden has never sought fame, fortune, or material gain through his efforts to fight cancer, yet because of his selflessness, so many cool and amazing things have happened to him.
Call it what you will: positive mental attitude, good Karma, the Law Of Attraction, whatever... it seems to work, and it should not be underestimated.
Another installment of the Elden Nelson Goes To Team Radio Shack's Winter Training Camp, reality show, is out now.
In this video installment, Johan explains to the team how Fatty came to be there, and two very large checks are presented to the two charities.
On his blog, Fatty tells a bit more about the actual ride with the team.
--
12/18/2009
Johan's video of Elden actually riding with the team has finally been posted.
12/21/2009
The final segment of Johan's video footage has been posted. We look forward to the footage that Elden shot with his helmet cam!
In this video installment, Johan explains to the team how Fatty came to be there, and two very large checks are presented to the two charities.
On his blog, Fatty tells a bit more about the actual ride with the team.
--
12/18/2009
Johan's video of Elden actually riding with the team has finally been posted.
12/21/2009
The final segment of Johan's video footage has been posted. We look forward to the footage that Elden shot with his helmet cam!
I am always amazed at how some people are tied to a political party, or candidate, instead of a belief system. This tends to show up when political candidates show their hypocrisy, and the people who voted for them are either forced to see the truth, or live in denial.
Many times, I will be surfing Facebook, and someone will say something that gets me thinking, and gives me fodder for a new blog post. Today that happened, which is a good thing, because I have been in a funk for about six weeks, and I haven't been able to come up with much, except for some lighter posts, like my new Double Feature category.
Today, someone happened to mention a Zig Ziglar quote. I like Zig. Every once in a while at my last job, my former boss would play some of Zig's motivational CD's at our weekly meetings. I have to say, I felt like kicking ass and taking names after hearing Zig. He's an amazing public speaker, with loads of life experience, and he knows how to spin a yarn.
After a time, my boss stopped playing Zig. I was very disappointed because I found them to be very motivating, and entertaining. The motivational effects may have been temporary, but while I was in the zone, I was particularly productive and positive. One day, I asked why we were no longer listening to Zig, and my boss said it was because he would rather play straight-up sales training tapes, for the sales people.
OK, fine, that makes some sense, but if the salespeople found Zig's CD's as motivating as I did, and they did, because I asked, why wouldn't you play them? What's the difference if the sales people were getting fired up by Speaker-X, Speaker-Y, or Speaker-Z?
In any case, this post isn't intended to be a Zig Ziglar advertisement, and in fact, I'm not even sure if he's responsible for the quote that is really the main inspiration for this post, but it was either him, or someone like him.
In one of these meetings, my former boss played a CD by one of these motivational/sales type of speakers, and the guy said something like (paraphrasing), "You get what you want, by helping others get what they want."
I think that there is a lot of wisdom in that statement. There is the obvious truth in it, like even if you wait tables for a living, you're getting a paycheck by helping people get what they want, like their order. But when the motivational types use it in their presentations, I think they're going for the deeper meaning. The follow your bliss, type of meaning.
The reason I am thinking about this right now, is precisely because I am in a bit of a grand funk right now. I need to figure out how that quote fits into my life, and make it happen. It should be a perfect fit, because I don't require much, and I enjoy helping people. But like most things in life, they are easier said, than done.
Today, someone happened to mention a Zig Ziglar quote. I like Zig. Every once in a while at my last job, my former boss would play some of Zig's motivational CD's at our weekly meetings. I have to say, I felt like kicking ass and taking names after hearing Zig. He's an amazing public speaker, with loads of life experience, and he knows how to spin a yarn.
After a time, my boss stopped playing Zig. I was very disappointed because I found them to be very motivating, and entertaining. The motivational effects may have been temporary, but while I was in the zone, I was particularly productive and positive. One day, I asked why we were no longer listening to Zig, and my boss said it was because he would rather play straight-up sales training tapes, for the sales people.
OK, fine, that makes some sense, but if the salespeople found Zig's CD's as motivating as I did, and they did, because I asked, why wouldn't you play them? What's the difference if the sales people were getting fired up by Speaker-X, Speaker-Y, or Speaker-Z?
In any case, this post isn't intended to be a Zig Ziglar advertisement, and in fact, I'm not even sure if he's responsible for the quote that is really the main inspiration for this post, but it was either him, or someone like him.
In one of these meetings, my former boss played a CD by one of these motivational/sales type of speakers, and the guy said something like (paraphrasing), "You get what you want, by helping others get what they want."
I think that there is a lot of wisdom in that statement. There is the obvious truth in it, like even if you wait tables for a living, you're getting a paycheck by helping people get what they want, like their order. But when the motivational types use it in their presentations, I think they're going for the deeper meaning. The follow your bliss, type of meaning.
The reason I am thinking about this right now, is precisely because I am in a bit of a grand funk right now. I need to figure out how that quote fits into my life, and make it happen. It should be a perfect fit, because I don't require much, and I enjoy helping people. But like most things in life, they are easier said, than done.
If you followed any of the Fat Cyclist saga that I posted about last week, then you already probably know that he met all of the goals that Johan Bruyneel put before him, and had the opportunity to go ride with the pros at Team Radio Shack's winter training camp,in Arizona.
If you don't follow Fatty's blog regularly, here is his first installment after returning from camp, and here is his second installment (even though the video says part 1),
I look forward to seeing more cool photos, and every bit of video that that was shot!
If you don't follow Fatty's blog regularly, here is his first installment after returning from camp, and here is his second installment (even though the video says part 1),
I look forward to seeing more cool photos, and every bit of video that that was shot!
Feature 1: King Corn
Feature 2: Food, Inc.
And if you wanted to be crazy and make it a Triple Feature, this film is an amazing runner-up:
Feature 3: Our Daily Bread (Unser Täglich Brot)
Feature 2: Food, Inc.
And if you wanted to be crazy and make it a Triple Feature, this film is an amazing runner-up:
Feature 3: Our Daily Bread (Unser Täglich Brot)
As of today, Facebook will be entering your homes when you are not there, and eating all of your cookies and pies. To change this, go to Privacy Settings --> Baked Goods/Confections --> Theft, and check the DISALLOW box, and your cookies and pies will be safe. Copy and paste this into your Facebook status for all your cookie and pie loving friends ASAP!
Why do companies publish a toll-free phone number, if no one there can actually help you?
I began this idea on Facebook, and thought that I should move it to my blog. Every once in a while I think of two films that I think would make a cool double feature in your home theatre, or in any cinema for that matter. Why they would make a good Double Feature is something I probably won't go into in the post, but if you choose to watch them, hopefully you will realize why. Sometimes it will be obvious, sometimes, less so.
First, I think I need to come clean. Full disclosure and all of that stuff. When I was in high school, I was a total Metal Head. The first two Ozzy albums with Randy Rhoads, The Scorpions, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden... they all did it for me. In addition to being a Metal Head, I did lighting for, and toured with, a popular, local Metal band.
Second, I am writing this entry with a total buzz on, after finishing a six pack of gluten free Bard's Beer, while watching the film.
Third, I am going to write this with no editing. Straight from the heart. Stream of consciousness, and all that, which is a first for me. To hell with grammatically and syntactically correct English!
OK. This film has been called a Spinal Tap about a real band. After watching it, I agree on many levels. In Spinal Tap we had the core of the band which was essentially Nigel and David, who refer to themselves and brothers, and in Anvil, we have Lips and Robb, who do the same. Another bizarre and yet very cool coincidence is that the drummer in Anvil is Robb Reiner, and the director of Spinal Tap was Rob Reiner.
Both bands have struggled for decades trying to make it in the topsy turvy world of rock and roll, except the one difference is that Anvil is real.
These are guys who work thankless, boring day-jobs, in order to be able to afford to be able to try and make it in the Metal scene.
In the beginning of the film, we see some pretty famous guys like Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Lars Ulrich (Metallica) talking about the great promise that the band had in their early days, and yet how they never seemed to be able to live up to the hype, due to poor management, or any other number of things.
They struggled for decades, in relative obscurity, releasing twelve records, and then out of the blue, someone decided to make a film about them. Pretty random, and pretty cool.
While making the film they get an email from a European fan, who has booked a European tour for them, which includes some festivals, and some smaller club shows. Unfortunately, as is often the case in the real world, these bands who put their hearts and souls into their careers often get screwed by promoters and club owners, and get little financial reward for their efforts. As a guy who did lighting int he '80s for a fairly popular regional Metal act, I can totally relate. I can't tell you how many gigs we played, where the club owner would come up to us after the show, to tell us that he couldn't pay us the previously agreed upon price, or at all, because they didn't have a good night at the bar.
At the end of the day, we are all just people struggling to make it in a cruel world. The difference between the guys in Anvil, and many of the other people on the planet, is perseverance. Yes, things didn't necessarily work out for them the way they had intended, and had hoped, but they're not letting that stop them. They may not be the biggest Heavy Metal act in the world, but their perseverance has paid off in the form of a critically acclaimed film, which has led to some some pretty high profile gigs. I would venture to guess that in the last year, they have sold more records, and played to more people, then they have in the previous twenty nine years, combined.
We always see and hear uplifting stories about different people who overcome all sorts of obstacles on their way to success. While we don't know what the eventual outcome for Anvil will be, what the guys in Anvil do know, is that the struggle is often the best part, and that the journey is worth it, regardless. No regrets.
Because I have spent many years working in and around the music business, and because I was, and still am a bit of a Metal Head (it never truly leaves us), I wish nothing but success for Anvil. I look forward to the next film, where we see them headlining as the Metal gods that they are.
Run, don't walk to the video store, to rent this film.
Anvil! The Story Of Anvil at the Internet Movie Database
The official Anvil! movie web site
Anvil's official web site
Second, I am writing this entry with a total buzz on, after finishing a six pack of gluten free Bard's Beer, while watching the film.
Third, I am going to write this with no editing. Straight from the heart. Stream of consciousness, and all that, which is a first for me. To hell with grammatically and syntactically correct English!
OK. This film has been called a Spinal Tap about a real band. After watching it, I agree on many levels. In Spinal Tap we had the core of the band which was essentially Nigel and David, who refer to themselves and brothers, and in Anvil, we have Lips and Robb, who do the same. Another bizarre and yet very cool coincidence is that the drummer in Anvil is Robb Reiner, and the director of Spinal Tap was Rob Reiner.
Both bands have struggled for decades trying to make it in the topsy turvy world of rock and roll, except the one difference is that Anvil is real.
These are guys who work thankless, boring day-jobs, in order to be able to afford to be able to try and make it in the Metal scene.
In the beginning of the film, we see some pretty famous guys like Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Lars Ulrich (Metallica) talking about the great promise that the band had in their early days, and yet how they never seemed to be able to live up to the hype, due to poor management, or any other number of things.
They struggled for decades, in relative obscurity, releasing twelve records, and then out of the blue, someone decided to make a film about them. Pretty random, and pretty cool.
While making the film they get an email from a European fan, who has booked a European tour for them, which includes some festivals, and some smaller club shows. Unfortunately, as is often the case in the real world, these bands who put their hearts and souls into their careers often get screwed by promoters and club owners, and get little financial reward for their efforts. As a guy who did lighting int he '80s for a fairly popular regional Metal act, I can totally relate. I can't tell you how many gigs we played, where the club owner would come up to us after the show, to tell us that he couldn't pay us the previously agreed upon price, or at all, because they didn't have a good night at the bar.
At the end of the day, we are all just people struggling to make it in a cruel world. The difference between the guys in Anvil, and many of the other people on the planet, is perseverance. Yes, things didn't necessarily work out for them the way they had intended, and had hoped, but they're not letting that stop them. They may not be the biggest Heavy Metal act in the world, but their perseverance has paid off in the form of a critically acclaimed film, which has led to some some pretty high profile gigs. I would venture to guess that in the last year, they have sold more records, and played to more people, then they have in the previous twenty nine years, combined.
We always see and hear uplifting stories about different people who overcome all sorts of obstacles on their way to success. While we don't know what the eventual outcome for Anvil will be, what the guys in Anvil do know, is that the struggle is often the best part, and that the journey is worth it, regardless. No regrets.
Because I have spent many years working in and around the music business, and because I was, and still am a bit of a Metal Head (it never truly leaves us), I wish nothing but success for Anvil. I look forward to the next film, where we see them headlining as the Metal gods that they are.
Run, don't walk to the video store, to rent this film.
Anvil! The Story Of Anvil at the Internet Movie Database
The official Anvil! movie web site
Anvil's official web site
Using lip balm before you shower is a great way to keep your lips from chapping, in winter. I find that my lips get dried out more from showering, than exposure to the cold, dry air.
I don't think bombastic electric guitar playing belongs anywhere near a Christmas song. It's just dumb. Are you listening T.S.O.?
Do Hypochondriacs get the Flu vaccine??
If you hope to have any success at all against modern spam filters, you might want to reconsider putting the word Viagra in bold faced type, in the subject header. Now, go take a long walk on a short pier.
Four years ago, when my friend John and I started our Podcast, Bloodthirsty Vegetarians, our blog ended up going live a little before we were able to actually start producing Podcasts. In that time I ended up writing some little comedy vignettes. Because I have no way of knowing when the Bloodyveg blog will be taken down, I thought that I would preserve them here, since they are mine, and because some of my new readers might enjoy them. I will also include the date the piece was originally written.
May 15, 2005
Ann Coulter Says Nice Thing
Fascists and conservatives were stunned recently when on the FOX News show, THE GOEBBELS & MUSSOLINI HOUR, Ann Coulter said a nice thing. When asked about her appearance on the show, Coulter was reported to have said, "I did not say that, and you can't prove it... nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah."
May 16, 2005
Supreme Court Rules, "Beatles Were Wrong"
In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Beatles were wrong. Writing the majority opinion, Justice Oliver Wendell Jones ruled, "Yes, the Beatles were wrong. Everything they wrote, did or said was simply wrong... and it's unlawful to yell 'HELP!' in a crowded theater."
May 19, 2005
M*A*S*H Discovered To Be Fiction
In a recent bit of brilliant investigative journalism, Carl Woodward of the Washington Chronicles recently found evidence demonstrating that all of the characters and events on the TV show M*A*S*H, never happened. Coming as a shock to all 20th century historians, this development will undoubtedly change the course recorded history for the next 30 years. Historian William Wendell was quoted as saying, "I can't believe Hawkeye wasn't real, he looked real and liked Groucho, how could he lie to me like that?"
May 21, 2005
Mars Found To Be Flat
In a recent announcement that shocked the scientific community, Mikhail Mallin, of Mallin Space Science Systems revealed that the latest data from satellites in space near Mars, shows it to be flat. Earth, which was discovered not to be flat centuries ago, harbors many people who now feel somewhat vindicated by this recent discovery. Mikhail Mallin, chief scientist at MSSS was quoted as saying, "Who knew???"
May 22, 2005
Dinosaur Extinction Not Caused By Meteorite Impact
Paleontologists have recently been favoring the theory that it was not a meteorite impact with the earth that caused extinction of the Dinosaurs, but lack of refrigeration. Recent evidence shows that over the course of about one million years, carnivores were slowly consuming herbivores at a rate in which nature could not replace them, and were themselves slowly dying a septic death from bacterial infection brought on by ingesting rotting meat. Paleontologist Wilfred Kazanjian was quoted as saying, "Humans have known about this bacterial thing for quite some time now, but apparently the dinosaurs didn't. If they'd only discovered Freon..."
May 24, 2005
CosaNostradamus Accurately Predicted Death Of Sonny Corleone
In an amazing bit of prophecy, early Roman philosopher and Seer, CosaNostradamus, accurately predicted the killing of Santino Corleone. The translation found on a pair of recently unearthed stone tablets near the Italian city of Ponte Milvio, reads, "Angry progeny's chariot showered with arrows near roadway taxation station." Archaeologists are currently looking for more tablets believed to be part of a 13 tablet set in the hopes of finding more words of wisdom.
May 27, 2005
Peoria Illinois Secedes From Union
In a shocking recent move, the Peoria City Council voted 11-0 to secede from the Union. When asked why they chose to do this, Mayor Edward Smith said they were very conflicted about the choice they made, but with respect to the US, offered, "I don't know you people anymore, I can't go on living like this." In an effort to keep outside immigration down, the world's newest country installed a three foot electric garden fence around their border. To allow access to the country, four gates were installed, each guarded by two very large Chihuahuas, a speed bump, and several "Keep Off The Grass" signs.
May 28, 2005
Norm Abraham Measures Once, Cuts Twice
Norm Abraham, TV's co-host of the long running PBN series This Olde Home, and host of The New Yankee Woodshop was shown on tape in a recent episode, making an error. At a critical moment in the build of a large Armoir, Norm failed to double check a dimension, and cut a board to the wrong length. When asked what happened, Norm said, "I don't know what came over me... maybe it's a biorhythm thing. Plus the prank phone calls from Bob Vila have been pissing me off lately. I mean, that 1/128th of an inch was everything, and I knew it. I've deeply disappointed my fans and won't let it happen again."
June 1, 2005
Bob Dylan and James Brown To Co-Host New Talk Show
UTN TV recently announced the signing of an agreement with Bob Dylan And James Brown to co-host a new late night talk show. Both performers have been growing progressively more unhappy touring, and thought more consistency in their working schedule would be a benefit. Show format will be a standard late night style talk show with many details to be determined. Henry Rollins has been selected to be musical director. When reached for comment Dylan and Brown could not be understood.
June 8, 2005
Spinal Tap's Amps Actually Go Only To 10
In a recent shocking revelation from British Investigative Journalist Clive Smithson, it was found that Spinal Tap's amplifiers do not really go to eleven. Smithson, while on tour with the super-band doing a story, smuggled one of their amplifiers out to a local electronics shop and had it tested. The amplifier tested actually only went to ten, but had the faceplate altered and renumbered 1-11, instead of the standard 1-10. Smithson was quoted as saying, "I just can't believe this. I feel so violated. Next I'll find out that the band never really existed or something unbelievable like that."
June 23, 2005
Sam The Butcher Admits Two-Timing Alice
Sam Franklin, neighborhood butcher to the Brady Bunch recently admitted to having cheated on Alice, numerous times. In his new no-holds-barred, tell-all autobiography entitled, "The Man With The Meat," Franklin admits to some 117,000 affairs in his life. Included on his long life-list are Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Garrett, Edith Bunker, and while in his experimental period, Maynard G. Krebs, and a strapping young Mr. French.
May 15, 2005
Ann Coulter Says Nice Thing
Fascists and conservatives were stunned recently when on the FOX News show, THE GOEBBELS & MUSSOLINI HOUR, Ann Coulter said a nice thing. When asked about her appearance on the show, Coulter was reported to have said, "I did not say that, and you can't prove it... nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah."
May 16, 2005
Supreme Court Rules, "Beatles Were Wrong"
In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Beatles were wrong. Writing the majority opinion, Justice Oliver Wendell Jones ruled, "Yes, the Beatles were wrong. Everything they wrote, did or said was simply wrong... and it's unlawful to yell 'HELP!' in a crowded theater."
May 19, 2005
M*A*S*H Discovered To Be Fiction
In a recent bit of brilliant investigative journalism, Carl Woodward of the Washington Chronicles recently found evidence demonstrating that all of the characters and events on the TV show M*A*S*H, never happened. Coming as a shock to all 20th century historians, this development will undoubtedly change the course recorded history for the next 30 years. Historian William Wendell was quoted as saying, "I can't believe Hawkeye wasn't real, he looked real and liked Groucho, how could he lie to me like that?"
May 21, 2005
Mars Found To Be Flat
In a recent announcement that shocked the scientific community, Mikhail Mallin, of Mallin Space Science Systems revealed that the latest data from satellites in space near Mars, shows it to be flat. Earth, which was discovered not to be flat centuries ago, harbors many people who now feel somewhat vindicated by this recent discovery. Mikhail Mallin, chief scientist at MSSS was quoted as saying, "Who knew???"
May 22, 2005
Dinosaur Extinction Not Caused By Meteorite Impact
Paleontologists have recently been favoring the theory that it was not a meteorite impact with the earth that caused extinction of the Dinosaurs, but lack of refrigeration. Recent evidence shows that over the course of about one million years, carnivores were slowly consuming herbivores at a rate in which nature could not replace them, and were themselves slowly dying a septic death from bacterial infection brought on by ingesting rotting meat. Paleontologist Wilfred Kazanjian was quoted as saying, "Humans have known about this bacterial thing for quite some time now, but apparently the dinosaurs didn't. If they'd only discovered Freon..."
May 24, 2005
CosaNostradamus Accurately Predicted Death Of Sonny Corleone
In an amazing bit of prophecy, early Roman philosopher and Seer, CosaNostradamus, accurately predicted the killing of Santino Corleone. The translation found on a pair of recently unearthed stone tablets near the Italian city of Ponte Milvio, reads, "Angry progeny's chariot showered with arrows near roadway taxation station." Archaeologists are currently looking for more tablets believed to be part of a 13 tablet set in the hopes of finding more words of wisdom.
May 27, 2005
Peoria Illinois Secedes From Union
In a shocking recent move, the Peoria City Council voted 11-0 to secede from the Union. When asked why they chose to do this, Mayor Edward Smith said they were very conflicted about the choice they made, but with respect to the US, offered, "I don't know you people anymore, I can't go on living like this." In an effort to keep outside immigration down, the world's newest country installed a three foot electric garden fence around their border. To allow access to the country, four gates were installed, each guarded by two very large Chihuahuas, a speed bump, and several "Keep Off The Grass" signs.
May 28, 2005
Norm Abraham Measures Once, Cuts Twice
Norm Abraham, TV's co-host of the long running PBN series This Olde Home, and host of The New Yankee Woodshop was shown on tape in a recent episode, making an error. At a critical moment in the build of a large Armoir, Norm failed to double check a dimension, and cut a board to the wrong length. When asked what happened, Norm said, "I don't know what came over me... maybe it's a biorhythm thing. Plus the prank phone calls from Bob Vila have been pissing me off lately. I mean, that 1/128th of an inch was everything, and I knew it. I've deeply disappointed my fans and won't let it happen again."
June 1, 2005
Bob Dylan and James Brown To Co-Host New Talk Show
UTN TV recently announced the signing of an agreement with Bob Dylan And James Brown to co-host a new late night talk show. Both performers have been growing progressively more unhappy touring, and thought more consistency in their working schedule would be a benefit. Show format will be a standard late night style talk show with many details to be determined. Henry Rollins has been selected to be musical director. When reached for comment Dylan and Brown could not be understood.
June 8, 2005
Spinal Tap's Amps Actually Go Only To 10
In a recent shocking revelation from British Investigative Journalist Clive Smithson, it was found that Spinal Tap's amplifiers do not really go to eleven. Smithson, while on tour with the super-band doing a story, smuggled one of their amplifiers out to a local electronics shop and had it tested. The amplifier tested actually only went to ten, but had the faceplate altered and renumbered 1-11, instead of the standard 1-10. Smithson was quoted as saying, "I just can't believe this. I feel so violated. Next I'll find out that the band never really existed or something unbelievable like that."
June 23, 2005
Sam The Butcher Admits Two-Timing Alice
Sam Franklin, neighborhood butcher to the Brady Bunch recently admitted to having cheated on Alice, numerous times. In his new no-holds-barred, tell-all autobiography entitled, "The Man With The Meat," Franklin admits to some 117,000 affairs in his life. Included on his long life-list are Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Garrett, Edith Bunker, and while in his experimental period, Maynard G. Krebs, and a strapping young Mr. French.
Waddy Wachtel and Chuck Ainlay: Separated at birth???
Isn't the expression "software program" redundant?
Episode #28 of The Open Source Musician Podcast is now out. I was a last minute replacement for someone who could not be there. It's basically just a round-table discussion.
I awoke today to approximately four inches of snow. This was no surprise, because all of the forecasts called for this, and this time, they were right on the money. We did have an unseasonably warm fall, and there wasn't even a single flake on the ground less than a week ago, when I took my hammock down (those photos were from the summer, BTW), but it had to happen eventually. This was also the first time I've had to shovel, this winter. My back had better get used to it, because there is much more to come.For those of you who wondered what my house looked like, this is my house, amidst the snow. If I catch any of you peering into my windows late at night, I won't be responsible for my actions. :-)
Yesterday, I had a great idea for one of my more serious blog posts, but can not remember what the idea was.
Note to self: Actually write the ideas down when you have them, so this doesn't happen.
Note to self: Actually write the ideas down when you have them, so this doesn't happen.
If you read my previous post about this, and read the links, then you know what's going on. If you have not, then I am going to tell you.
Last Thursday, cyclist/blogger/cancer-fighting-fundraiser, Elden Nelson (Fatty from fatcyclist.com) wrote a tongue-in-cheek open cover-letter to Johan Bruyneel, stating his qualifications to be a member of the new Team Radio Shack cycling team. The post was typical Fatty, and very funny. Well, in no time at all, Johan heard about Fatty's letter, and replied (you might have to check the Archives). Johan's reply was very generous. If Fatty was able to raise $20K for two charities ($10K for World Bicycle Relief, and $10K for Livestrong) he would be able to attend Team Radio Shack's December training camp, and if he were able to raise $50K (25+25) he would be given a SRAM Red Equipped Trek Madone bike.
In his typically generous fashion, Fatty offered the Trek as a prize, to be randomly drawn from the people donating to these two fine causes. And, if that weren't enough, Fatty was able to get Gary Fisher bikes to donate one of their top-shelf, Superfly mountain bikes to be given away, also.
Once Johan saw how quickly Team Fatty had reached the $20K mark, and how quickly they were approaching the $50K mark, Johan contacted the fine people over at Trek Travel, and got them to donate a trip to the Tour de France, if Team Fatty is able to achieve the $100K mark (50+50). As of this writing, Team Fatty is well on their way to shattering that goal, as well. Poor Johan just had no idea with whom he was dealing. When it comes to raising money to stamp out cancer, Fatty and his dedicated team are not to be trifled with.
As I sit here, on my sofa, with my Dell Mini 9 on my lap, and my cat over my shoulder, I am amazed and inspired by this fun effort that is going on, from all of the parties involved. Not-for-profits usually do not attempt to raise funds in December, for obvious reasons, yet Team Fatty is kicking ass and taking names (literally, for the prize drawings), in a month when it is exceedingly difficult to raise funds, and when the economy is the worst that it's been in seventy years.
Bravo.
And just when you thought I couldn't possibly put any more links in a single blog post, I give you the links to donate to these two fine charities:
Donate to World Bicycle Relief on behalf of Team Fatty
Donate to Livestrong on behalf of Team Fatty
Heck, why not just give to both!
Last Thursday, cyclist/blogger/cancer-fighting-fundraiser, Elden Nelson (Fatty from fatcyclist.com) wrote a tongue-in-cheek open cover-letter to Johan Bruyneel, stating his qualifications to be a member of the new Team Radio Shack cycling team. The post was typical Fatty, and very funny. Well, in no time at all, Johan heard about Fatty's letter, and replied (you might have to check the Archives). Johan's reply was very generous. If Fatty was able to raise $20K for two charities ($10K for World Bicycle Relief, and $10K for Livestrong) he would be able to attend Team Radio Shack's December training camp, and if he were able to raise $50K (25+25) he would be given a SRAM Red Equipped Trek Madone bike.
In his typically generous fashion, Fatty offered the Trek as a prize, to be randomly drawn from the people donating to these two fine causes. And, if that weren't enough, Fatty was able to get Gary Fisher bikes to donate one of their top-shelf, Superfly mountain bikes to be given away, also.
Once Johan saw how quickly Team Fatty had reached the $20K mark, and how quickly they were approaching the $50K mark, Johan contacted the fine people over at Trek Travel, and got them to donate a trip to the Tour de France, if Team Fatty is able to achieve the $100K mark (50+50). As of this writing, Team Fatty is well on their way to shattering that goal, as well. Poor Johan just had no idea with whom he was dealing. When it comes to raising money to stamp out cancer, Fatty and his dedicated team are not to be trifled with.
As I sit here, on my sofa, with my Dell Mini 9 on my lap, and my cat over my shoulder, I am amazed and inspired by this fun effort that is going on, from all of the parties involved. Not-for-profits usually do not attempt to raise funds in December, for obvious reasons, yet Team Fatty is kicking ass and taking names (literally, for the prize drawings), in a month when it is exceedingly difficult to raise funds, and when the economy is the worst that it's been in seventy years.
Bravo.
And just when you thought I couldn't possibly put any more links in a single blog post, I give you the links to donate to these two fine charities:
Donate to World Bicycle Relief on behalf of Team Fatty
Donate to Livestrong on behalf of Team Fatty
Heck, why not just give to both!
I need to get into the Orange Safety Cone business. I always see tons of these things, everywhere. The people manufacturing them must be making a mint.
I sat in on the Open Source Musician Podcast, again, last night. I will let you know when the show is released. The show number will be twenty eight. I was a last-minute fill-in.
An ongoing feud between Lance Armstrong and Ben Stiller heated up today when Ben Stiller announced his STILLERSTRONG charity, which benefits schools in Haiti. The tensions began last July in France, when Ben Stiller abused the access that his celebrity status afforded him, by jumping on one of Lance's Trek Time Trial bikes before a critical stage in the 2009 Tour de France, ultimate damaging the bike, and nearly ending Lance Armstrong's race, prematurely. Things remained at an uneasy-peace until Mr. Stiller's recent galling announcement.
If the look and feel of the STILLERSTRONG web site look a bit familiar to you, it might be because he blatantly, and unabashedly ripped off the LIVESTRONG Foundation's vibe with both the look of the site, and the means by which they are raising funds. Most of you by now have seen the yellow LIVESTRONG Bracelets which so many people, including myself, are wearing. Mr. Stiller has chosen to make the 'STILLERSTRONG' yellow headband his signature item.
Lance Armstrong returned fire, today, after an emergency board meeting, with this video announcement. Apparently, litigation is inevitable.
I will keep you apprised of the situation, as things develop.
If the look and feel of the STILLERSTRONG web site look a bit familiar to you, it might be because he blatantly, and unabashedly ripped off the LIVESTRONG Foundation's vibe with both the look of the site, and the means by which they are raising funds. Most of you by now have seen the yellow LIVESTRONG Bracelets which so many people, including myself, are wearing. Mr. Stiller has chosen to make the 'STILLERSTRONG' yellow headband his signature item.
Lance Armstrong returned fire, today, after an emergency board meeting, with this video announcement. Apparently, litigation is inevitable.
I will keep you apprised of the situation, as things develop.
One of my favorite humorous cycling bloggers, Fatty, from fatcyclist.com, wrote a recent entry to Team Radio Shack's Sports Director, Johan Bruyneel. submitting his qualifications for a position on the squad. This was a classic blog entry from Fatty, and it was very funny. I wrote about Fatty a few months back when he tragically lost his wife to cancer. Over the last few years Fatty has been using his blog, and his writing to raise awareness about cancer, and to just get it all out. I know a little about what that's like. Because I no longer have my podcast, were I not able to express myself on my blog, I'd go crazy.
Fatty has become fairly famous in and out of cycling circles for his blog, and for his fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation. So famous, that people pretty high up in the cycling food chain read his blog, and tell their friends about it.
Today, Johan Bruyneel heard about Fatty's post, considered it, and threw down the gauntlet with a counter-offer.
I won't detail everything. Go to the above links on their respective blogs to see all of the specifics. I will keep you updated as this virtual conversation between Fatty, and Johan, evolves. I love this kinda stuff!
Let's help Fatty win a trip to Team Radio Shack's training camp by donating HERE, and HERE.
Fatty has become fairly famous in and out of cycling circles for his blog, and for his fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Livestrong Foundation. So famous, that people pretty high up in the cycling food chain read his blog, and tell their friends about it.
Today, Johan Bruyneel heard about Fatty's post, considered it, and threw down the gauntlet with a counter-offer.
I won't detail everything. Go to the above links on their respective blogs to see all of the specifics. I will keep you updated as this virtual conversation between Fatty, and Johan, evolves. I love this kinda stuff!
Let's help Fatty win a trip to Team Radio Shack's training camp by donating HERE, and HERE.
It seems to me that the name Marilyn is a combination of the names Mary, and Lynn, so why then isn't it spelled Marylyn, or Marylynn?
Today was a very sad day. A very sad say, indeed.Today, I took down my hammock.
I often jokingly refer to the end of the Cycling season, or the end of Baseball season, as the beginning of Winter, but I guess that other than the Winter Solstice (the official start of Winter), the taking down of the hammock probably qualifies as the beginning of Winter, for me.
We had a wet Summer, and I didn't get to use it as often as I would have liked, but I really did enjoy having in my backyard. I had it hung between two trees, right next to an area where we have a picnic table, and a park bench. It's quite a leisurely area, and as you can see from the photograph, so is my hammock. Both in look, and in name.
I can not complain about the Fall that we've had, however, because it's been a particularly warm Fall, and despite the snow on the ground two days ago, and one or two cold nights, we've had some very warm days of late, particularly considering the time of year. I am told it's going to be a mild Winter, but from what I've seen, particularly with climate change, accurate weather-prediction is becoming more and more difficult, so who knows.
At this point, I just want to dive head first into Winter. The sooner it's over, the sooner I can ride my bike again, and put up my hammock.
Wow. I sure do see a lot of people returning lots of bottles and cans these days. Shopping carts full. They must really enjoy being green.
Is it me, or does Paul Giamatti have a bit of a Richard Dreyfuss thing going on??
One of my favorite television shows, ever, is
(was?) Northern Exposure. It was customary in their little town of
Cicely Alaska to celebrate the first snow flakes of the season by
gathering in the street and sincerely wishing one another "Bon Hiver,"
which simply means "Good Winter," in French.
One of the more interesting characters on Northern Exposure was Chris Stevens, who was also known as Chris In The Morning on the local AM radio waves. He would wax poetically about the day-to-do goings-on in town, read poetry or prose, and play interesting music.
These are Chris' words as he signed off the radio on one particular day in Cicely, when the first snow of the season began to fall:
"Oh the snow the beautiful snow filling the sky and earth below. Over the house tops and over the streets, over the heads of people you meet. Dancing flirting skimming along. Oh the snow the beautiful snow how the flakes gather and laugh as they go. Whirling about in their maddening fun it plays in its glee with everyone. Chasing laughing hurrying by it lights on the face and sparkles the eye. And even the dogs with a bark and a bound snap at the crystals that eddy around. The town is alive and its heart in a glow to welcome the coming of beautiful snow. Bon Hiver Cicely."
Today I witnessed the first snow flakes of the season in my humble little town, so I say to you all, Bon Hiver!
How is it possible that Team Radio Shack is less than two weeks away from their first full-team workout in Arizona, and their web site still has no real content?
