Not only was Christmas great in general, but I did VERY well when it came to my predictions!
OXO® Silicone Oven Mitt with Magnet
1/1 or 2/1: I will get an oven mitt (hence the first set of odds), I am less confident that I will get the exact one I requested.
I got this one exactly right.
Microwaveable covered dish
3/2: I will be shocked, shocked, if I do not receive this gift.
I did not get this, but I did get a cover that can be used to cover a dish in the microwave, so I'm calling this one a "push."
iPod “Shuffle” (2G)
100/1: Not a chance.
I got it, and I couldn't be happier to be wrong!
GPS for my car
500/1: Even less of a chance than the iPod.
Got it- from my brother no less!- and, again, I'm glad to be wrong.
Age of Empires “Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack”
50/1: Slim chance.
Didn't get it, so I'm right.
FIFA '09 for PlayStation 3
10/1: Much easier to find than the previous game. If I do get this, my brother will be responsible for it, whether giving it directly, or getting it so my Mom can give it to me.
My brother got it for me.
Hoover SS220 Flair bagless, upright stick vacuum with power nozzle
2/1: Much like the humidifier I asked for last year, this one is pretty much a lock- practical, reasonably priced, and I actually want it. That being said, it doesn't cost any more than the iPod, which I'd rather have!
As I said, "a lock."
Victorinox Swiss Army Knives: A “Mini-Champ” and any one of the following: Nomad, Mountaineer, Trailmaster, Picknicker, Hunter, Outrider, or Rucksack.
3/1 or 10/1: I will probably get one of these knives, and I'm pretty certain it will be the "Mini-Champ."
I'm almost frightened by how perfectly I got this one.
Fleece duvet/comforter cover- flannel would be my 2nd choice
4/1 or 10/1: I will get a duvet cover...but probably not a fleece one. Maybe not even a flannel one. I probably should include a third set of odds, but I'm not going to.
Missed this one completely.
George Foreman Next Grilleration 4-Burger Grill w/ Removable Plates
20/1: If I'm wrong about any gift on this list, it will probably be this one. It might be too practical for my family to pass on.
I'm going to call this one a push as well- the odds were longish and my Mom told me she got me the iPod instead...which is the way I would have wanted it!
A wood/glass case for the flag that covered my grandfather's casket
1/1: This one is almost unfair. Not expensive and super sentimental. I almost feel bad for putting any odds on it at all.
As I was saying- unfair. It's already got the flag inside it and proudly displayed.
Small iPod compatible clock/radio
50/1: Even though I specifically suggested two different models, I will likely get neither.
I was right, I didn't get either one- but I got one, so I'm wrong. Make sense?
Alright, let's total things up:
Right: 6
Wrong: 4
Push: 2
Not "great," but much better than last year's predictions!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Partial Vindication
Once again*, somebody has independently supported my position as a "culture snob."**
Virginia Heffernan's review of Sarah Vowell's new book (click to title of this post if you'd like to read it) has reassured me that I'm not the only one who finds Ms. Vowell and her ilk to be annoying. Allow me to illustrate "her ilk" by taking a look at one of her stomping grounds- NPR.
First off, I don't mind their news coverage. Really. "All Things Considered" and "Weekend Edition" are better than 99% of the other news programs on the radio. That being said...
"It's Only A Game": A "not bad" sports show. It could be a "good" sports show if they never, ever had Charlie Pierce on again. His faux indignation/surprise/anger are truly exasperating.
"Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me": The world's easiest and least funny quiz show. The host (I'm too disinterested to look up his name) is just not funny and his quasi-psuedo-famous panel of the has-been, never-was, who's-that-agains? are no better. The announcer will record my voice mail message if I win?! Shoot me.
"A Prarie Home Companion": Well, well, aren't you all very droll. At his VERY best, Garrison Kellior can be mildly amusing. And yet, his 45 and over audience reacts to his each and every utterance as though they have just seen Han Moleman's Man Getting Hit by Football for the very first time. I just happen to work with two Minnesotans, and you know what? Not only do they both have actual personalities (the jury is out on Mr. Kellior in this regard), but they are funny people- laugh out loud, unselfconscious, funny.
"This American Life": Egad. I'm going to skip the obvious "When do we think Ira Glass is going to hit vocal puberty?" question and move right on to wondering how one can take stories about people who are generally very interesting and suck the life out of them? It's a hell of an accomplishment. Here's a tip though: if the story is interesting/compelling/emotional, the voiceover doesn't need to be precious/ironic/quirky. I'm looking directly at you Sarah Vowell.
And, on a non-NPR related note, Husker Du will always be better than Nirvana, always.
*see previous post about "hipsters."
**not the kind that is an elitist about things like opera and classical music, but rather, the kind that knows that most fiction since 1950 has been self-indulgent crap or that, in many ways, the movies lost something when they started to use color.
Virginia Heffernan's review of Sarah Vowell's new book (click to title of this post if you'd like to read it) has reassured me that I'm not the only one who finds Ms. Vowell and her ilk to be annoying. Allow me to illustrate "her ilk" by taking a look at one of her stomping grounds- NPR.
First off, I don't mind their news coverage. Really. "All Things Considered" and "Weekend Edition" are better than 99% of the other news programs on the radio. That being said...
"It's Only A Game": A "not bad" sports show. It could be a "good" sports show if they never, ever had Charlie Pierce on again. His faux indignation/surprise/anger are truly exasperating.
"Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me": The world's easiest and least funny quiz show. The host (I'm too disinterested to look up his name) is just not funny and his quasi-psuedo-famous panel of the has-been, never-was, who's-that-agains? are no better. The announcer will record my voice mail message if I win?! Shoot me.
"A Prarie Home Companion": Well, well, aren't you all very droll. At his VERY best, Garrison Kellior can be mildly amusing. And yet, his 45 and over audience reacts to his each and every utterance as though they have just seen Han Moleman's Man Getting Hit by Football for the very first time. I just happen to work with two Minnesotans, and you know what? Not only do they both have actual personalities (the jury is out on Mr. Kellior in this regard), but they are funny people- laugh out loud, unselfconscious, funny.
"This American Life": Egad. I'm going to skip the obvious "When do we think Ira Glass is going to hit vocal puberty?" question and move right on to wondering how one can take stories about people who are generally very interesting and suck the life out of them? It's a hell of an accomplishment. Here's a tip though: if the story is interesting/compelling/emotional, the voiceover doesn't need to be precious/ironic/quirky. I'm looking directly at you Sarah Vowell.
And, on a non-NPR related note, Husker Du will always be better than Nirvana, always.
*see previous post about "hipsters."
**not the kind that is an elitist about things like opera and classical music, but rather, the kind that knows that most fiction since 1950 has been self-indulgent crap or that, in many ways, the movies lost something when they started to use color.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Once again proving I do not learn from experience
Yesterday I chose to "do the right thing."
And today, like clockwork, it came back and bit me in the ass.
Sheesh, you'd think I'd know better by now.
And today, like clockwork, it came back and bit me in the ass.
Sheesh, you'd think I'd know better by now.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Christmas Betting Line
Last year I started a tradition of "handicapping" the gifts I requested on my Christmas list. I got about half of them right. Which basically means that I could have skipped all of the "analysis" and just based each of my predictions on a coin flip. This year I hope to do better. Remember, "success" is not getting all of these items, it's being right about whether I receive them or not. Let's begin!
OXO® Silicone Oven Mitt with Magnet
1/1 or 2/1: I will get an oven mitt (hence the first set of odds), I am less confident that I will get the exact one I requested.
Microwaveable covered dish
3/2: I will be shocked, shocked, if I do not receive this gift.
iPod “Shuffle” (2G)
100/1: Not a chance.
GPS for my car
500/1: Even less of a chance than the iPod.
Age of Empires “Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack”
50/1: Slim chance.
FIFA '09 for PlayStation 3
10/1: Much easier to find than the previous game. If I do get this, my brother will be responsible for it, whether giving it directly, or getting it so my Mom can give it to me.
Hoover SS220 Flair bagless, upright stick vacuum with power nozzle
2/1: Much like the humidifier I asked for last year, this one is pretty much a lock- practical, reasonably priced, and I actually want it. That being said, it doesn't cost any more than the iPod, which I'd rather have!
Victorinox (not “Wenger”) Swiss Army Knives: A “Mini-Champ” and any one of the following: Nomad, Mountaineer, Trailmaster, Picknicker, Hunter, Outrider, or Rucksack.
3/1 or 10/1: I will probably get one of these knives, and I'm pretty certain it will be the "Mini-Champ."
Fleece duvet/comforter cover- flannel would be my 2nd choice
4/1 or 10/1: I will get a duvet cover...but probably not a fleece one. Maybe not even a flannel one. I probably should include a third set of odds, but I'm not going to.
George Foreman Next Grilleration 4-Burger Grill w/ Removable Plates
20/1: If I'm wrong about any gift on this list, it will probably be this one. It might be too practical for my family to pass on.
A wood/glass case for the flag that covered my grandfather's casket
1/1: This one is almost unfair. Not expensive and super sentimental. I almost feel bad for putting any odds on it at all.
Small iPod compatible clock/radio
50/1: Even though I specifically suggested two different models, I will likely get neither.
Alright, I'll be back after the holidays for a recap!
OXO® Silicone Oven Mitt with Magnet
1/1 or 2/1: I will get an oven mitt (hence the first set of odds), I am less confident that I will get the exact one I requested.
Microwaveable covered dish
3/2: I will be shocked, shocked, if I do not receive this gift.
iPod “Shuffle” (2G)
100/1: Not a chance.
GPS for my car
500/1: Even less of a chance than the iPod.
Age of Empires “Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack”
50/1: Slim chance.
FIFA '09 for PlayStation 3
10/1: Much easier to find than the previous game. If I do get this, my brother will be responsible for it, whether giving it directly, or getting it so my Mom can give it to me.
Hoover SS220 Flair bagless, upright stick vacuum with power nozzle
2/1: Much like the humidifier I asked for last year, this one is pretty much a lock- practical, reasonably priced, and I actually want it. That being said, it doesn't cost any more than the iPod, which I'd rather have!
Victorinox (not “Wenger”) Swiss Army Knives: A “Mini-Champ” and any one of the following: Nomad, Mountaineer, Trailmaster, Picknicker, Hunter, Outrider, or Rucksack.
3/1 or 10/1: I will probably get one of these knives, and I'm pretty certain it will be the "Mini-Champ."
Fleece duvet/comforter cover- flannel would be my 2nd choice
4/1 or 10/1: I will get a duvet cover...but probably not a fleece one. Maybe not even a flannel one. I probably should include a third set of odds, but I'm not going to.
George Foreman Next Grilleration 4-Burger Grill w/ Removable Plates
20/1: If I'm wrong about any gift on this list, it will probably be this one. It might be too practical for my family to pass on.
A wood/glass case for the flag that covered my grandfather's casket
1/1: This one is almost unfair. Not expensive and super sentimental. I almost feel bad for putting any odds on it at all.
Small iPod compatible clock/radio
50/1: Even though I specifically suggested two different models, I will likely get neither.
Alright, I'll be back after the holidays for a recap!
Friday, December 12, 2008
And speaking of new uniforms...
Yesterday the Red Sox unveiled a new "away" uniform and a new "alternate away" uniform and cap. I could have cut and pasted some pictures of each into this post, but you're big boys and girls and I'm sure you know how to use Google, so if you want to see them for yourselves, get to work.
I actually approve of the new away uniform- they got rid of the red piping (which I never liked) and used a lettering style that, while not exactly the same, is reminiscent of the one they used in the 1930s.
As for the new alternate away top and cap...nonsense. It is nothing but a shameless money grab on the part of the Sox. The new shirt and cap are not ugly, in fact, they would look great in a souvenir shop, but they do not belong on the players.
Then again, if these new uniforms generate enough revenue to bring home another World Series trophy, well...
I actually approve of the new away uniform- they got rid of the red piping (which I never liked) and used a lettering style that, while not exactly the same, is reminiscent of the one they used in the 1930s.
As for the new alternate away top and cap...nonsense. It is nothing but a shameless money grab on the part of the Sox. The new shirt and cap are not ugly, in fact, they would look great in a souvenir shop, but they do not belong on the players.
Then again, if these new uniforms generate enough revenue to bring home another World Series trophy, well...
U-G-L-Y
This is the new Atlanta Thrashers home uniform top.I believe, even without making an exhaustive search fo the internet, that this may be the single, ugliest, professional uniform being worn. Not even the laced neck closure can save it.
Yikes.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
This won't mean ANYTHING to anyone, BUT...
...Allan Havey was a guest on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" tonight.
Who is he?
He's probably the funniest late night talk show host you've never heard of.
And, yes, I ended that last sentence with a preposition.
Who is he?
He's probably the funniest late night talk show host you've never heard of.
And, yes, I ended that last sentence with a preposition.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
I'm conflicted
A while back I bemoaned the fact that the music of many of the groups and individuals I most admire (The Clash, The Jam, The Ramones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, etc.) was showing up in television advertisements for, well, products and companies which with they shouldn't be associated. That's my opinion, of course.
Jump forward to this evening as I'm preparing my dinner.
I find myself humming along to Bob Mould's "See A Little Light" until I realize it's coming from the television! It was being used as the background music in a commercial for TIAA-CREF.
And here's the conflict: While I don't like the idea of Bob's music showing up in a commercial, it happens to be a commercial for the company that handles my retirement fund (as well as those of thousands of other educators and researchers)!
I'm just not sure what to think about this.
Jump forward to this evening as I'm preparing my dinner.
I find myself humming along to Bob Mould's "See A Little Light" until I realize it's coming from the television! It was being used as the background music in a commercial for TIAA-CREF.
And here's the conflict: While I don't like the idea of Bob's music showing up in a commercial, it happens to be a commercial for the company that handles my retirement fund (as well as those of thousands of other educators and researchers)!
I'm just not sure what to think about this.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Speaking of 1939
I'm not sure there were many better years for movies...
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
At the Circus (Marx Brothers)
Beau Geste
Dark Victory
Destry Rides Again
Drums Along the Mohawk
Each Dawn I Die
Gone With the Wind
Gunga Din
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Invisible Stripes
It's a Wonderful World
Jamaica Inn
Made for Each Other
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Oklahoma Kid
The Roaring Twenties
Stagecoach
They Made Me a Criminal
The Wizard of Oz
Young Mr. Lincoln
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
At the Circus (Marx Brothers)
Beau Geste
Dark Victory
Destry Rides Again
Drums Along the Mohawk
Each Dawn I Die
Gone With the Wind
Gunga Din
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Invisible Stripes
It's a Wonderful World
Jamaica Inn
Made for Each Other
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Oklahoma Kid
The Roaring Twenties
Stagecoach
They Made Me a Criminal
The Wizard of Oz
Young Mr. Lincoln
The Movies
So, I'm sitting here watching Only Angels Have Wings and the following things have come to mind:
Jean Arthur- Smart, sassy, and beautiful. Not a bad combination.
Cary Grant- I can't explain it, but I just plain don't like him.
Rita Hayworth- Supposedly she's in this movie...still waiting. (Ah, there she is- 52 minutes into the film!)
Over and above these things, there's Thomas Mitchell. The minute he came on screen I had one of those, “Hey! I know that guy!” moments- he was in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jean Arthur. Not only that, but they're kind of playing the same roles in this movie. In any case, Thomas Mitchell- who kind of floated back and forth between lead man and “character” roles ust have had a hell of an agent to go along with his talent! These are just some of his roles:
1939 was a pretty good year, no?
Mitchell was also the first person to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony.
I for one, am impressed.
Jean Arthur- Smart, sassy, and beautiful. Not a bad combination.
Cary Grant- I can't explain it, but I just plain don't like him.
Rita Hayworth- Supposedly she's in this movie...still waiting. (Ah, there she is- 52 minutes into the film!)
Over and above these things, there's Thomas Mitchell. The minute he came on screen I had one of those, “Hey! I know that guy!” moments- he was in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington with Jean Arthur. Not only that, but they're kind of playing the same roles in this movie. In any case, Thomas Mitchell- who kind of floated back and forth between lead man and “character” roles ust have had a hell of an agent to go along with his talent! These are just some of his roles:
- Lost Horizon (1937)
- Stagecoach (1939)
- Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
- Gone with the Wind (1939)
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
- Our Town (1940)
- The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)
- It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
- High Noon (1952)
1939 was a pretty good year, no?
Mitchell was also the first person to win an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony.
I for one, am impressed.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Windows Mojave
I'm not one to get to caught up in the "platform wars," but if the word of mouth on your new OS is so bad that you have to trick people into using it and then saturate the market with ads to convince people to basically give you a "second chance," you might have some problems.
Nice work, MicroSoft.
PS: MACS RULE!!
Nice work, MicroSoft.
PS: MACS RULE!!
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