http://xkcd.com/
Friday, February 29, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Word of the Month
What do you think sesquipedalianism means? I'll give you a hint. It either means:
a. sesquipedalianism (n). - given to taking too many steps to reach a conclusion
OR
b. sesquipedalianism (n). - the habit of using long and overly fancy words
OR
c. sesquipedalianism (n). - a malady common to shoeless horses.
a. sesquipedalianism (n). - given to taking too many steps to reach a conclusion
OR
b. sesquipedalianism (n). - the habit of using long and overly fancy words
OR
c. sesquipedalianism (n). - a malady common to shoeless horses.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Books I Fear I'll Never Finish
1. The Castle in the Forest by Norman Mailer
2. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
4. Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee
5. Loukom by Calixthe Beyala
6. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
7. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Am I missing out?
2. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
4. Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee
5. Loukom by Calixthe Beyala
6. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
7. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Am I missing out?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Sure plays a mean pinball
Things that were good about today:
1. My students at the Suzuki-Orff school gave their first piano performance today and they did a beautiful job!
2. I enjoyed Oscar Levant playing Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance and a scene in which Fred Astaire did a fabulous dance making it look as if his tap shoes were controlling his legs in the movie The Barclays of Broadway.
3. I learned how to build a fire.
In other news: The official groundhog proclaimed that we will have six more weeks of winter; the movie Tommy is so weird (I think I might have nightmares); China is having the worst snow storms they have experienced in over 50 years; and tomorrow is apparently the Superbowl.
1. My students at the Suzuki-Orff school gave their first piano performance today and they did a beautiful job!
2. I enjoyed Oscar Levant playing Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance and a scene in which Fred Astaire did a fabulous dance making it look as if his tap shoes were controlling his legs in the movie The Barclays of Broadway.
3. I learned how to build a fire.
In other news: The official groundhog proclaimed that we will have six more weeks of winter; the movie Tommy is so weird (I think I might have nightmares); China is having the worst snow storms they have experienced in over 50 years; and tomorrow is apparently the Superbowl.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Maps
A few weeks ago I went to a much anticipated exhibit at the Field Museum on Maps. It was one of the most fascinating exhibits I have seen in a long time!
Some of the most interesting maps were the ancient maps showing shorelines for merchant ships; A New York to Paris flight plan from 1927; A few Medieval and Renaissance Christian World Maps (so many maps depicted unusual world centers); The sketchbook from a Confederate topographer; Maps done by Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln. (Jefferson's map proposed the boundaries for 14 new states); A map of Cholera deaths in London as people tried to figure out the source; The Land of Oz; The Hundred Acre Wood; and a pictoral travel guide from Chicago to Lake Geneva from 1905.
For those of you who aren't in the Chicago area, you can see some of the exhibit here.
In other news: violence reportedly stopped in the Baghdad area due to surprising snowfall that many hadn't seen their entire lives; A pair of twins, separated at birth, met later in life and got married; and the FBI has had several wire taps disconnected for failure to pay the bills.
Some of the most interesting maps were the ancient maps showing shorelines for merchant ships; A New York to Paris flight plan from 1927; A few Medieval and Renaissance Christian World Maps (so many maps depicted unusual world centers); The sketchbook from a Confederate topographer; Maps done by Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln. (Jefferson's map proposed the boundaries for 14 new states); A map of Cholera deaths in London as people tried to figure out the source; The Land of Oz; The Hundred Acre Wood; and a pictoral travel guide from Chicago to Lake Geneva from 1905.
For those of you who aren't in the Chicago area, you can see some of the exhibit here.In other news: violence reportedly stopped in the Baghdad area due to surprising snowfall that many hadn't seen their entire lives; A pair of twins, separated at birth, met later in life and got married; and the FBI has had several wire taps disconnected for failure to pay the bills.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The People of Sparks
For Christmas, I was given several books. I have just finished the first of them. Before you become impressed, know that it was a children's book. The People of Sparks is an adorable book about a community of people that has been living underground for generations restarting on a vast and empty earth after some mysterious great disaster that almost wiped out humankind. This is the sequel to The City of Ember, which I think I enjoyed even more.
As always, children's books are full lessons that ought to shape our malleable personalities and from this book I learned that it is best to give people the benefit of the doubt AND one shouldn't be led by other people's moral compasses AND that friendship is precious.
In other news: The US AirForce has made itself useful by dropping a much needed engine part down to a British stuck-frozen fishing ship in the Antarctic; low-energy lightbulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which could be dangerous; Britney Spears is back all over the news putting Lindsay Lohan at number two for ridiculous attention getting activities; and the Chicago Tribune published an excellent article on Sarkozy that really gives you a feel for the lives of the upper echelons of society.
As always, children's books are full lessons that ought to shape our malleable personalities and from this book I learned that it is best to give people the benefit of the doubt AND one shouldn't be led by other people's moral compasses AND that friendship is precious.
In other news: The US AirForce has made itself useful by dropping a much needed engine part down to a British stuck-frozen fishing ship in the Antarctic; low-energy lightbulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which could be dangerous; Britney Spears is back all over the news putting Lindsay Lohan at number two for ridiculous attention getting activities; and the Chicago Tribune published an excellent article on Sarkozy that really gives you a feel for the lives of the upper echelons of society.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Of All The Years That Have Been, This Was One Of Them
Happy New Year Everybody!
I'd like to pause from my quiet and comfort on this cozy winter day off of work to reflect on the year just past and give thanks that it is over. 2007 was a tumultuous year. I think it was a year of disaster and scandal and inane distraction. It was also the year that aired the last new episode of The Gilmore Girls.
With the democrats in control of congress, Lindsay Lohan was finally sent to rehab, a troop surge stabilized certain areas of Iraq, and nobody, not even General Petraeus knows definitively how to proceed. OJ Simpson resurfaced in another embarrassing, illegal and immoral incident and astronaut Lisa Nowak gave the space program something to be proud of while giving young girls everywhere something to aspire toward in a strange soap-opera story that rivals any fiction out there.
The label, "made in China," no longer consoles us with visions of dollars well spent and a booming third world economy dancing in our heads and dog food is now unsafe for even dogs to consume. Utah had a mining tragedy and Minnesota had a bridge collapse; February was cold and August was hot.
There was some sort of dispute over an American Idol contestant named Sanjaya that I didn't follow, but the noise about it was so strong I thought it needed to be mentioned here. Jim and Pam finally hooked up and somehow The Office is still funny. This summer's blockbuster hits were all riding on the successes of years past as Pirates of the Caribbean, Bourne, Shrek and Spiderman gave us their threequels.
Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize, Tony Blair stepped down as England's Prime Minister after a decade of service, and Alberto Gonzales trumped all by hanging onto his job for longer than the story was entertaining. There is babel about possible steroid use in baseball, lewd behavior in men's restrooms has finally reached the highest echelons of society, and Harry Potter survived all seven of his creator's books.
Osama bin Laden is still apparently alive and well, the Iran nuclear issue is "now closed," it is predicted that as many as 2 million home owners may lose their homes in the next few years, and leggings are back "in." Britney Spears attempted a comeback performance but we were all too consumed this year by Anna Nicole Smith's untimely death to make proper fun of the pop star.
Author Kurt Vonnegut died, as did Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Russian political leader Boris Yeltsin. Virginia Tech was victim to the worst shooting rampage in U.S. history, Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run, and adventurer Steven Fossett went missing in September. I didn't even know the world still had honest-to-goodness adventurers anymore. I thought they were all playing video games or engaging in adventure-like lifestyles on Second Life.
The dollar lost value in 2007, campaigning for the 2008 presidential election has long since been underway, Gardisil now protects against HPV, and the iphone and white sunglasses are in style. Last year I gave thanks to the notice that Americans were finally paying to their own responsibility in the world and this year, as Americans have taken more of that responsibility on themselves as individuals, LED lights have become more popular.
Despite the blatant idiocy displayed by the Miss Teen USA contestant from South Carolina, more Americans seem to be paying attention to the rest of the world. After a long stint of isolationism by the general public, the faraway countries that used to effect us so little have now at least taken solid form in our periphery. I think we will be forced this year to revamp our ideas about the rest of the world and hope that they start to do the same about us because it doesn't seem like we can afford for them (the rest of the world) to continue harboring this unfortunate and not inaccurate idea of us (Americans). Here. I'll start the revamping with this tidbit. Both Paris and Berlin ended 2007 by banning all smoking in city cafes. I'm not sure it isn't a joke though.
In more personal news, I am now living in and around Chicago, have taken up jogging, drink no more or less than I did last year, and am devoting this next year to learning as much as I can. My husband is moving to Greenland where he can witness global warming first hand while continuing to help the military machine function as we need it to. My puppy is now two years old, I am reading and practicing the piano, and am completely disengaged from pop culture - I still have not seen a single episode of Lost. I have learned how much can change in a mere year and have high hopes for 2008.
I'd like to pause from my quiet and comfort on this cozy winter day off of work to reflect on the year just past and give thanks that it is over. 2007 was a tumultuous year. I think it was a year of disaster and scandal and inane distraction. It was also the year that aired the last new episode of The Gilmore Girls.
With the democrats in control of congress, Lindsay Lohan was finally sent to rehab, a troop surge stabilized certain areas of Iraq, and nobody, not even General Petraeus knows definitively how to proceed. OJ Simpson resurfaced in another embarrassing, illegal and immoral incident and astronaut Lisa Nowak gave the space program something to be proud of while giving young girls everywhere something to aspire toward in a strange soap-opera story that rivals any fiction out there.
The label, "made in China," no longer consoles us with visions of dollars well spent and a booming third world economy dancing in our heads and dog food is now unsafe for even dogs to consume. Utah had a mining tragedy and Minnesota had a bridge collapse; February was cold and August was hot.
There was some sort of dispute over an American Idol contestant named Sanjaya that I didn't follow, but the noise about it was so strong I thought it needed to be mentioned here. Jim and Pam finally hooked up and somehow The Office is still funny. This summer's blockbuster hits were all riding on the successes of years past as Pirates of the Caribbean, Bourne, Shrek and Spiderman gave us their threequels.
Al Gore won the Nobel Peace Prize, Tony Blair stepped down as England's Prime Minister after a decade of service, and Alberto Gonzales trumped all by hanging onto his job for longer than the story was entertaining. There is babel about possible steroid use in baseball, lewd behavior in men's restrooms has finally reached the highest echelons of society, and Harry Potter survived all seven of his creator's books.
Osama bin Laden is still apparently alive and well, the Iran nuclear issue is "now closed," it is predicted that as many as 2 million home owners may lose their homes in the next few years, and leggings are back "in." Britney Spears attempted a comeback performance but we were all too consumed this year by Anna Nicole Smith's untimely death to make proper fun of the pop star.
Author Kurt Vonnegut died, as did Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Russian political leader Boris Yeltsin. Virginia Tech was victim to the worst shooting rampage in U.S. history, Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run, and adventurer Steven Fossett went missing in September. I didn't even know the world still had honest-to-goodness adventurers anymore. I thought they were all playing video games or engaging in adventure-like lifestyles on Second Life.
The dollar lost value in 2007, campaigning for the 2008 presidential election has long since been underway, Gardisil now protects against HPV, and the iphone and white sunglasses are in style. Last year I gave thanks to the notice that Americans were finally paying to their own responsibility in the world and this year, as Americans have taken more of that responsibility on themselves as individuals, LED lights have become more popular.
Despite the blatant idiocy displayed by the Miss Teen USA contestant from South Carolina, more Americans seem to be paying attention to the rest of the world. After a long stint of isolationism by the general public, the faraway countries that used to effect us so little have now at least taken solid form in our periphery. I think we will be forced this year to revamp our ideas about the rest of the world and hope that they start to do the same about us because it doesn't seem like we can afford for them (the rest of the world) to continue harboring this unfortunate and not inaccurate idea of us (Americans). Here. I'll start the revamping with this tidbit. Both Paris and Berlin ended 2007 by banning all smoking in city cafes. I'm not sure it isn't a joke though.
In more personal news, I am now living in and around Chicago, have taken up jogging, drink no more or less than I did last year, and am devoting this next year to learning as much as I can. My husband is moving to Greenland where he can witness global warming first hand while continuing to help the military machine function as we need it to. My puppy is now two years old, I am reading and practicing the piano, and am completely disengaged from pop culture - I still have not seen a single episode of Lost. I have learned how much can change in a mere year and have high hopes for 2008.
The Thirteenth Tale
I recently read the book The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. This book is a gothic-style story for the
book lover. On the one hand it feels a bit cliche because of the nature of the story, and on the other hand, it is charming for its allusions to classic gothic novels.
The heroine of this book, Margaret Lea is a biographer who has been chosen to write the biography of one of the most enjoyed authors of the time - Vida Winter. Everyone has a story - yet nobody knows Ms. Winter's. In a ridiculously large mansion on the outskirts of civilization with only the mysterious novelist, a butler, a housekeeper, a hidden inhabitant and the ghosts of Ms. Winter's tales to keep her company, Margaret sets out to hear and discover Ms. Winter's tragic story.
It was a quick and fun read, which I found to be perfect for this time of year.
In other news: The Stained Glass, in Evanston, right by the el, is a great place to get a delicious meal and a fabulous glass of wine (I recommend the escargot); Oscar Peterson, the famous jazz pianist has died at the age of 82; A man sends Christmas cards to his friends months after his death; and Lindsay Lohan's father is offering spiritual advice to the Spears family in their time of embarrassment. Heh.
book lover. On the one hand it feels a bit cliche because of the nature of the story, and on the other hand, it is charming for its allusions to classic gothic novels.The heroine of this book, Margaret Lea is a biographer who has been chosen to write the biography of one of the most enjoyed authors of the time - Vida Winter. Everyone has a story - yet nobody knows Ms. Winter's. In a ridiculously large mansion on the outskirts of civilization with only the mysterious novelist, a butler, a housekeeper, a hidden inhabitant and the ghosts of Ms. Winter's tales to keep her company, Margaret sets out to hear and discover Ms. Winter's tragic story.
It was a quick and fun read, which I found to be perfect for this time of year.
In other news: The Stained Glass, in Evanston, right by the el, is a great place to get a delicious meal and a fabulous glass of wine (I recommend the escargot); Oscar Peterson, the famous jazz pianist has died at the age of 82; A man sends Christmas cards to his friends months after his death; and Lindsay Lohan's father is offering spiritual advice to the Spears family in their time of embarrassment. Heh.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
A Bowl of Hot Chili
Apparently we might not have to worry so much about polar bears with our current global warming situation. I feel that by saying this, I might be grossly simplifying the article I just read, but I was having trouble concentrating because Bill O'Reilly is currently calling Helen Thomas a pinhead on TV.
North Korea sent an invitation in August to the New York Philharmonic and the orchestra has accepted. They are to play a concert there in February. Who could imagine a cultural exchange of this sort between our country and theirs?!
There are five hundred billion billion ways to arrange the pieces on a board in a game of checkers according to Popular Science Magazine.
And according to Harry Porterfield of ABC News, a certain someone in my family is someone you should know!
North Korea sent an invitation in August to the New York Philharmonic and the orchestra has accepted. They are to play a concert there in February. Who could imagine a cultural exchange of this sort between our country and theirs?!
There are five hundred billion billion ways to arrange the pieces on a board in a game of checkers according to Popular Science Magazine.
And according to Harry Porterfield of ABC News, a certain someone in my family is someone you should know!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Globe Trotting
Are you tired of the same old? Are you in your twenties or thirties and feel as if you have only done what is expected of you? Have you ever dreamed of getting away to live a different life just for a while?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you might want to keep the following in mind:
In sunny, picturesque Colorado Springs lies a house - a home, in fact. One with three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a two car garage, a fenced in back yard, and new floors. It also comes with adorable neighbors, a charming pink door, and a spot of sunshine that falls across the livingroom and kitchen just so. This house is available for rent (furnished or unfurnished) this January for a little over a year.
If you can see yourself taking that time to see another part of the country, to explore the pleasures of hiking, skiing and climbing and to invigorate yourself with fresh air and over three hundred days of sunshine, let me know! I'd love to give you the opportunity!
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you might want to keep the following in mind:
In sunny, picturesque Colorado Springs lies a house - a home, in fact. One with three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a two car garage, a fenced in back yard, and new floors. It also comes with adorable neighbors, a charming pink door, and a spot of sunshine that falls across the livingroom and kitchen just so. This house is available for rent (furnished or unfurnished) this January for a little over a year.
If you can see yourself taking that time to see another part of the country, to explore the pleasures of hiking, skiing and climbing and to invigorate yourself with fresh air and over three hundred days of sunshine, let me know! I'd love to give you the opportunity!
The Holidays
No people, no food; just a pretty table.
In other news: A satirical musical based on Jerry Springer's talk show exists and has since January of 2005, though I'm only learning about it today; Condoleeza Rice is in Ethiopia to discuss some of the largest conflicts in Africa right now and none of the region's leaders are going to be there; and teaching four year olds to play Christmas music on the piano takes away from the joy of the season just a little bit!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Good Stuff
Yesterday, I drank way above my means. Thanksgiving Day errands took me both to Sam's Wine and to Binny's looking for various items to add that little bit of kick to today's meal. I thought these errands would be quick, but upon entering the first store, I was waylaid by a representative of Macallan's. Polite and informative, and generous with his pouring, we ended up talking for quite a bit. (Talking = drinking.)
I got to try the Macallan 17, 18, and 21 years. Mmmmmmmmm. The 18 year was probably the most interesting, though not my favorite. It was a lot sweeter because it is kept in both sherry and bourbon barrels. Though I'm not usually a fan of the bourbon taste, I've never found anything wrong with a Macallan scotch! The 18 was smoky, with a strong nose, a very sweet finish. I thought it was strong and steady in its development.
The 21 year had a very strong opening to it, and aside from its sweetness, had a crisp, fresh taste to it and a very long finish. Similar to the 21, the 17 had a sweet nose that was candy and floral, a smooth palate, and a quick finish (I tend to like the ones that linger). So, THAT was a successful trip!
Next we went to Binny's looking for the perfect scotch tasting glass and hoping to pick up some beer (New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado is now shipping more of their beers across the Mississippi so Chicagoans can now enjoy more than just Fat Tire). But waylaid again we were! This time by a representative of the Speyside Distillery. And boy, did he have some treats for us! The first that I tried was the Speyside Single. Better than I thought it would be, it was sweet, opened up quite a bit with a few drops of water, and this one is kosher too! The Speyside rep also had several bottles from the Scott's Selection, which I must say - were fabulous.
The Scott's Ardmore 1977 at first was very Laphroagy (medicinal and peaty), but with a drop or two of water, it turned out to have a much more interesting taste and finish than the nastiness I expected. And though I cannot find links or pictures, I swear the following two exist and are well worth the money spent on them (unless of course, you're diligently saving up for gas and food and other things like that). Scott's Longmorn Glenlivet 1968 is hereby the best scotch I have ever tasted. It was smooth, yet sharp, had a long strong, citrusy finish - almond, nutmeg and sherry. A close second was the Scott's Longmorn Glenlivet 1971, though very different, tasting of marzipan and grass, it too was complex and wonderful.
Now however, it is Thanksgiving, and I must be off to shower, help with potatoes and put my pies back in the oven. This year it is apple spelt and cranberry apple with a whole wheat crust. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday with family!
I got to try the Macallan 17, 18, and 21 years. Mmmmmmmmm. The 18 year was probably the most interesting, though not my favorite. It was a lot sweeter because it is kept in both sherry and bourbon barrels. Though I'm not usually a fan of the bourbon taste, I've never found anything wrong with a Macallan scotch! The 18 was smoky, with a strong nose, a very sweet finish. I thought it was strong and steady in its development.
The 21 year had a very strong opening to it, and aside from its sweetness, had a crisp, fresh taste to it and a very long finish. Similar to the 21, the 17 had a sweet nose that was candy and floral, a smooth palate, and a quick finish (I tend to like the ones that linger). So, THAT was a successful trip!
Next we went to Binny's looking for the perfect scotch tasting glass and hoping to pick up some beer (New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado is now shipping more of their beers across the Mississippi so Chicagoans can now enjoy more than just Fat Tire). But waylaid again we were! This time by a representative of the Speyside Distillery. And boy, did he have some treats for us! The first that I tried was the Speyside Single. Better than I thought it would be, it was sweet, opened up quite a bit with a few drops of water, and this one is kosher too! The Speyside rep also had several bottles from the Scott's Selection, which I must say - were fabulous.
The Scott's Ardmore 1977 at first was very Laphroagy (medicinal and peaty), but with a drop or two of water, it turned out to have a much more interesting taste and finish than the nastiness I expected. And though I cannot find links or pictures, I swear the following two exist and are well worth the money spent on them (unless of course, you're diligently saving up for gas and food and other things like that). Scott's Longmorn Glenlivet 1968 is hereby the best scotch I have ever tasted. It was smooth, yet sharp, had a long strong, citrusy finish - almond, nutmeg and sherry. A close second was the Scott's Longmorn Glenlivet 1971, though very different, tasting of marzipan and grass, it too was complex and wonderful.
Now however, it is Thanksgiving, and I must be off to shower, help with potatoes and put my pies back in the oven. This year it is apple spelt and cranberry apple with a whole wheat crust. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday with family!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Los Pajaros
This evening I took my Dad to see The Birds - a play done by Hell in a Handbag Productions and loosely based on Alfred Hitchcock's movie by the same name. I hadn't been to a play in a long long time and this one was one of the most entertaining evenings I have had in ages.
The screenplay was clever - an incredibly original psychological drama which incorporates scenes from the movie as well as a "behind the scenes" story for a fast paced, hilarious and all around creepy play. Though the play was written so well, it is the actors and actresses that really made the evening spectacular. With musical numbers, high energy, and a perfect setting (the coach house of an old mansion on Sheridan Road) I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The other night I tried a new scotch. Dalmore 12 year. My Dad got it for his birthday and shared a bit with me. What really stood out to me about this particular scotch was its saltiness. It smelled like crackers, had a strong sweet and salty taste and a very long finish. I think it would go very well with Indian food, and I know it goes very well with Pinot Noir.
In other news: It is actually the law to put your right hand over your heart during the National Anthem - it isn't really news because it has been the case since 1942; Britney Spears runs over another foot; and I'm sick. How many of you get flu shots? And for how many of you does your place of work provide them for you? Just curious. I have over 60 students - what do you think my chances of getting the flu are this year?
The screenplay was clever - an incredibly original psychological drama which incorporates scenes from the movie as well as a "behind the scenes" story for a fast paced, hilarious and all around creepy play. Though the play was written so well, it is the actors and actresses that really made the evening spectacular. With musical numbers, high energy, and a perfect setting (the coach house of an old mansion on Sheridan Road) I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The other night I tried a new scotch. Dalmore 12 year. My Dad got it for his birthday and shared a bit with me. What really stood out to me about this particular scotch was its saltiness. It smelled like crackers, had a strong sweet and salty taste and a very long finish. I think it would go very well with Indian food, and I know it goes very well with Pinot Noir.
In other news: It is actually the law to put your right hand over your heart during the National Anthem - it isn't really news because it has been the case since 1942; Britney Spears runs over another foot; and I'm sick. How many of you get flu shots? And for how many of you does your place of work provide them for you? Just curious. I have over 60 students - what do you think my chances of getting the flu are this year?
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Scotch Review
It has been ages since I last blogged about the varieties of scotch I have tried. You are likely to think I had stopped drinking! Well, let me catch you up.
A luck
y bottle I bought and just recently finished (thanks Dad) was the Balvenie double wood 12 year. I enjoyed this scotch as a dessert often enough and found it to be very sweet, with a spicy and citrusy taste and a short, tingly, warming and nutty finish. For its price, it is a really great buy!
To replace my newly polished off bottle of Balvenie, I purchased a bottle
of Cragganmore, 12 year. This also is a hit (thank goodness - since I bought the bottle!) though I think it is quite different. It is a speyside so it tends to have a taste of foliage that I find in most speysides. This time, it reminds me of palm trees. It isn't as warming as many of the scotches I like but the taste develops slowly in your mouth. I think it is also minty and has a very long finish.
I was lucky enough to get to also try a Macallan, Cask Strength. Now cask strength
means that the whiskey hasn't been diluted at all and is often times more potent than the regular stuff. You might choose to dilute it a bit yourself since some whiskeys open up in taste with a little water. I however, chose not to. It was the right decision because this Macallan was butterscotchy, snickerdoodley, syruppy and intense. Yum!
There have definitely been others that I have tried, but these are some of the highlights, and more unusual buys that I wanted to share. To all the scotch drinkers out there - Cheers! - and if anybody has a bottle of Rosebank, I'm dying to try it and they're very hard to find!
In other news: According to an English study, giving children drugs for ADHD works no better than doing nothing in the long-term; tons of fuel oil leak into the Black Sea as a Russian tanker is torn in half in a storm that sinks four other ships; Paris Hilton filed a lawsuit against Hallmark for using her likeness on a greeting card without her permission; and you can download free audiobooks to your computer, mp3 player or ipod from LibraVox!
A luck
y bottle I bought and just recently finished (thanks Dad) was the Balvenie double wood 12 year. I enjoyed this scotch as a dessert often enough and found it to be very sweet, with a spicy and citrusy taste and a short, tingly, warming and nutty finish. For its price, it is a really great buy!To replace my newly polished off bottle of Balvenie, I purchased a bottle
of Cragganmore, 12 year. This also is a hit (thank goodness - since I bought the bottle!) though I think it is quite different. It is a speyside so it tends to have a taste of foliage that I find in most speysides. This time, it reminds me of palm trees. It isn't as warming as many of the scotches I like but the taste develops slowly in your mouth. I think it is also minty and has a very long finish.I was lucky enough to get to also try a Macallan, Cask Strength. Now cask strength
means that the whiskey hasn't been diluted at all and is often times more potent than the regular stuff. You might choose to dilute it a bit yourself since some whiskeys open up in taste with a little water. I however, chose not to. It was the right decision because this Macallan was butterscotchy, snickerdoodley, syruppy and intense. Yum!There have definitely been others that I have tried, but these are some of the highlights, and more unusual buys that I wanted to share. To all the scotch drinkers out there - Cheers! - and if anybody has a bottle of Rosebank, I'm dying to try it and they're very hard to find!
In other news: According to an English study, giving children drugs for ADHD works no better than doing nothing in the long-term; tons of fuel oil leak into the Black Sea as a Russian tanker is torn in half in a storm that sinks four other ships; Paris Hilton filed a lawsuit against Hallmark for using her likeness on a greeting card without her permission; and you can download free audiobooks to your computer, mp3 player or ipod from LibraVox!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
For a Long Time, I Used to Go to Bed Early
Goodmorning. I know that isn't one word, but I can't seem to help it. I've been up for over an hour and haven't spoken to anyone. My bedroom door is still closed. Curry and I are having a quiet Sunday morning after a rather taxing day yesterday. I wonder how long I can keep up this muted rejuvenation? Probably only until I open my door.
Tilt your head to the left.
Above, is a picture I took at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass at Navy Pier.
Now you may straighten your head.
Above, is a feast I shared at the Ethiopian Diamond on Broadway in Chicago. I love this place. We had lamb, beef and chicken, spinach, collard greens, cabbage, carrots, salad, beef sambusas, and red lentils. Get the red lentils if you go. They're my favorite.
There is no other news today; I haven't left my room.
Tilt your head to the left.
Above, is a picture I took at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass at Navy Pier.
Now you may straighten your head.
Above, is a feast I shared at the Ethiopian Diamond on Broadway in Chicago. I love this place. We had lamb, beef and chicken, spinach, collard greens, cabbage, carrots, salad, beef sambusas, and red lentils. Get the red lentils if you go. They're my favorite.There is no other news today; I haven't left my room.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Consumer Advice
In lieu of blogging about my gorgeous trip to the Morton Arboretum, or the stained glass Museum at Navy Pier, or the Murray Perahia concert I went to last Sunday, I'm going to share a few items out there that give me a bit of delight (I might come back some day and tell you about my above mentioned adventures).
First however, I'd like to share with you my delight with Kashi Frozen Meals. I just had the lemongrass coconut chicken with quinoa. It has 18g of protein and 7g of fiber and tastes terrific! And only four minutes in the microwave? Score!
Also, not new to the market, but new to me is the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner. Not only is it so very cool for cleaning your shower for you, but it has its own domain name! How hip is that?! [Warning - according to my step-mom, you should not open the shower door or curtain while the shower cleaner is operating.]
And in the spirit of being helpful, here is a link for how best to use Halloween candy.
In other news: Doll-housing crisis set to worsen, mean older brother says (the onion), while Sales of existing US homes fell by 8% in September, the biggest decline in 16 years; Britney Spears is a model parent; Twenty One candidates in Columbia for positions such as governor, mayor, regional assembly members and municipal officials have been murdered in attacks along the campaign trail; And the Museum of Broken Relationships is a hit in Berlin!
First however, I'd like to share with you my delight with Kashi Frozen Meals. I just had the lemongrass coconut chicken with quinoa. It has 18g of protein and 7g of fiber and tastes terrific! And only four minutes in the microwave? Score!
Also, not new to the market, but new to me is the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner. Not only is it so very cool for cleaning your shower for you, but it has its own domain name! How hip is that?! [Warning - according to my step-mom, you should not open the shower door or curtain while the shower cleaner is operating.]
And in the spirit of being helpful, here is a link for how best to use Halloween candy.
In other news: Doll-housing crisis set to worsen, mean older brother says (the onion), while Sales of existing US homes fell by 8% in September, the biggest decline in 16 years; Britney Spears is a model parent; Twenty One candidates in Columbia for positions such as governor, mayor, regional assembly members and municipal officials have been murdered in attacks along the campaign trail; And the Museum of Broken Relationships is a hit in Berlin!
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