August 29, 2009
August 28, 2009
When you're down on your luck...
We're off to London tomorrow evening.
Back in a week.
I will be posting some photos and interesting tid-bits if I can think of any.
Ta.
Back in a week.
I will be posting some photos and interesting tid-bits if I can think of any.
Ta.
August 26, 2009
The Ghost and the Darkness
I just finished reading The Man-Eaters of Tsavo by J.H. Patterson. The main story occurs in 1898 in Tsavo where Patterson, a British Colonel who was responsible for building a railroad through Uganda. The workers were being eaten by two lions (The Ghost and the Darkness, of the movie). Patterson said about 40 workers were eaten. In a book by Phillip Caputo it is speculated that as many as 132 people were eaten.
Patterson's book is a view into a earlier time with different sensibilities. He kills all sorts of animals (including an ostrich!). Mostly for fun, very occasionally for meat.
If you can put the hunting in historical perspective, it is a very interesting book, and available, pretty much for free, on the Kindle.
Patterson's book is a view into a earlier time with different sensibilities. He kills all sorts of animals (including an ostrich!). Mostly for fun, very occasionally for meat.
If you can put the hunting in historical perspective, it is a very interesting book, and available, pretty much for free, on the Kindle.
August 24, 2009
Tyler, TX
Doreen and I drove up to Tyler this weekend to attend the funeral of a dear friend's mother. I should call her a dear friend as well. We had Thanksgiving dinner with her many times. She was the embodiment of old Texas grace. Always a pleasure to talk to, she was the most upbeat person I knew.
There were some great stories about her at the memorial service. When she was 84, she went to visit the Taj Mahal. She told Jim (her son) that she always heard that there are two types of people in the world. Those who have seen the Taj Mahal, and those who haven't. And she wanted to be in the first group.
These things are always sad, but it was a nice celebration of her life. She was 94.
It was an easy drive up and back to Tyler. It is about 220 miles, we made it in about 3 hours.
There were some great stories about her at the memorial service. When she was 84, she went to visit the Taj Mahal. She told Jim (her son) that she always heard that there are two types of people in the world. Those who have seen the Taj Mahal, and those who haven't. And she wanted to be in the first group.
These things are always sad, but it was a nice celebration of her life. She was 94.
It was an easy drive up and back to Tyler. It is about 220 miles, we made it in about 3 hours.
August 21, 2009
John McAfee
McAfee Responds - Economix Blog - NYTimes.com
Read the original article, too. You can link to it from the above article.
McAfee lost $96 million.
Read the original article, too. You can link to it from the above article.
McAfee lost $96 million.
August 20, 2009
The Shiloh Club hits Swamplot!
The Lease of Your Worries: What’s Happening to the Shiloh Club?: "
"
And now, an entirely unverified rumor concerning Heights watering hole the Shiloh Club, at 1321 Studewood. A tipster writes in:
Stopped in for a cold one yesterday and the word is the lease to Joe (the owner since the late 80’s?) is not being renewed.
Heard- two daytime locals are taking over the lease on September 1. No word what will become of the current bar.
Observed- Friday nights about 10:30 the bar is inundated with young hipsters grabbing cheap drinks on their way out to go clubbing.
Thanks for noticing!
Photo of Shiloh Club, 1321 Studewood St.: Heights Blog
August 19, 2009
August 18, 2009
August 17, 2009
Ree and Julia's Birthday
| Saturday, August 15th was Julia Child's birthday. Wednesday, August 19th is my sister Jeannette's birthday. So we decided to celebrate both with a Julia Child themed party on Sunday. The idea was to cook a meal from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I did not come up with the idea - it was in last month's Bon Appetit magazine, along with a suggested menu. We liked the menu enough that we cooked it without modification. Since this was also a birthday party, we invited all the family we have in town to participate:  |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
You may notice that we are all wearing identical aprons, with the flag of France boldly emblazoned on them. We thought it would be nice if we all had an apron in honor of Julia Child. Cute, eh?
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
Alex brought the makings of a salad with a vinaigrette dressing. I can tell you one thing - that boy can cook! He has just recently moved to Houston (he is working as an engineer for Exxon. Sound familiar?) and I was not familiar with his culinary acumen. I think that I would have asked him to do something more complicated had I known. He is getting married in a week, and was the calmest groom I believe that I have ever seen. We served the salad with the
Pissaladiè
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
 |
| From Julia Child Dinner, as well as DomiNate's Visit |
It was a great meal - thanks to everyone to help make it:
Alex
Josienne and Jared
Ree and Rex
Quinn (I think he mostly helped eat!)
And of course, my sweet ever lovin'
August 14, 2009
August 12, 2009
The Wire
Very sad day for us. We watched the last episode of The Wire this evening (on Netflix)
What a great show, with great writing, great acting, great stories, great characters.
We will probably start over again in a year or two.
I will be just as sad when Deadwood ends.
What a great show, with great writing, great acting, great stories, great characters.
We will probably start over again in a year or two.
I will be just as sad when Deadwood ends.
August 11, 2009
August 10, 2009
August 9, 2009
August 6, 2009
Health care suggestions from a friend
He is sort of right wing (Right Freddy?) but has some good suggestions:
He doesn't have a blog or I would link to it. If he wants full attribution he can add his name in the comments below.
I have several suggestions.
1. Break the monopoly the AMA has on medical schools and certification process for doctors. Allow more foreign doctors to practice in the US if they pass a reasonable test and internship program.
2. Allow companies to use software programs to help diagnose diseases. Currently the AMA forbids that. Really good software would eliminate a lot of the unnecessary medical procedures doctors currently use in diagnosis.
3. Let experienced nurses set up clinics to treat people with minor illnesses and injuries without having a doctor around to increase costs.
4. Drastically reform medical malpractice insurance and the legal system so that if you sue and lose, you pay the fees and the doctor.
I would love to see intelligent discussion on how to reform medical care in this country. It is not happening.
He doesn't have a blog or I would link to it. If he wants full attribution he can add his name in the comments below.
August 5, 2009
August 4, 2009
August 3, 2009
August 1, 2009
Vinoteca Poscol
sLast night as Doreen and I were thrashing about for a place to eat, we decided to go to the Vinoteca e Salumeria Poscol, a relatively new place in the neighborhood. (It replaced the horribile and not at all lamented Belgian restaurant Cafe Montrose. Much to my chagrin, Cafe Montrose has opened in another guise just down the street from us) It is owned by the same fellow (Marco Wiles) who runs an extremely expensive place just down the street (Da Marco) as well as our favorite pizza joint (Dolce Vida) also just down the street.
Poscol is run sort of like an Italian Tapas Bar. There are a number of small dishes (including homemade cured meats - Salumi) and you can order some great wines by the glass.
We started off with a glass of Pecorino and a glass of Soave - white Italian wines. The Pecorino was minerally and very, very, dry. The Soave was (true to its name) smooth an delightful.
We had the "5 meat" salumi platter, with everything from Mortadella and Prosciutto di San Daniele topork cheek sausage. It was all good, but Doreen didn't care for the Pork Cheek Sausage.
We also had some Beets in cartoccio or in a paper bag. Beets, goat cheese, hazelnuts, and something else I can't really remember roasted in a bag. Delicious! Fried spaghetti (better than it sounds) and the special - fried sardines.
The Fried sardines require a special mention. When we were in Lisbon a couple of years ago we ate plenty of grilled sardines. They were especially delicious. These were smaller, but just as good. They also had the added benefit of being boneless! I would recommend a trip here just to try them out.
Our second glasses of wines were an Anselmi and a special wine that I don't remember, but I think it was called a Gaia or something like that. We love trying new wines and really enjoyed these two as well.
A nice meal on a nice night out.
Poscol is run sort of like an Italian Tapas Bar. There are a number of small dishes (including homemade cured meats - Salumi) and you can order some great wines by the glass.
We started off with a glass of Pecorino and a glass of Soave - white Italian wines. The Pecorino was minerally and very, very, dry. The Soave was (true to its name) smooth an delightful.
We had the "5 meat" salumi platter, with everything from Mortadella and Prosciutto di San Daniele topork cheek sausage. It was all good, but Doreen didn't care for the Pork Cheek Sausage.
We also had some Beets in cartoccio or in a paper bag. Beets, goat cheese, hazelnuts, and something else I can't really remember roasted in a bag. Delicious! Fried spaghetti (better than it sounds) and the special - fried sardines.
The Fried sardines require a special mention. When we were in Lisbon a couple of years ago we ate plenty of grilled sardines. They were especially delicious. These were smaller, but just as good. They also had the added benefit of being boneless! I would recommend a trip here just to try them out.
Our second glasses of wines were an Anselmi and a special wine that I don't remember, but I think it was called a Gaia or something like that. We love trying new wines and really enjoyed these two as well.
A nice meal on a nice night out.
July 31, 2009
July 29, 2009
Houston Mayoral Race
I know this won't be of interest to everyone, but it is a good article about our Mayoral race.
White Elephant: Texas Monthly August 2009
White Elephant: Texas Monthly August 2009
July 28, 2009
Shuttle and the ISS
We saw the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station pass over Houston this evening about 9:15. They had recently undocked, and were visible as very distinct bright stars, moving very quickly in the sky.
We have seen the ISS in the past I think that this is the first time we have seen teh Shuttle.
It was very nice!
We have seen the ISS in the past I think that this is the first time we have seen teh Shuttle.
It was very nice!
July 27, 2009
July 24, 2009
Dinner at RDG
Tonight we ate at Robert Del Grande's new restaurant named (guess from where?) RDG. It is in a brand new, purpose built space on Post Oak Blvd, right close up to Las Americas, beside the Hermes boutique.
The valet was prompt in attending to the car, but if it was not a Rolls, a Bentley, an AMG Mercedes, an Aston Martin, or a Ferrari, don't expect to see you car parked out front.
The space is fantastic - you enter downstairs where there are several tables where you can wait to be seated while you have a drink. Or you can ascend the very wide staircase to get into the Bar Annie space at the top - which has a large communal table, several bar tables, and an outside seating area as well.
Now THIS is the scene to be seen in Houston. I mean, there were more Prada bags and Manolo Blaniks than you will see anywhere on this side of the Mississippi before you reach California. The "Blond" hair was flowing and the perfume was overwhelming. As this is an expensive place, there was also a ton of what we might call "recreational" relationships.
But we were lead directly to out table (Not such a good one, but we were there to eat, not to be seen) and the service was truly impeccable.
We had a bottle on 2002 Alexe Corton Burgundy at a reasonable price, and all the food (from fried oysters to octopus with sausage, to quail and guinea hen.) was just tremendous (I will do a real food posting later. Sorry about that!)
But the best part was really the people watching. A table behind us started off with two couples and grew throughout the evening as additional chairs and women were added.
The bar, by the time we left was overflowing and looked like quite the place to be.
I recommend the place heartily.
The valet was prompt in attending to the car, but if it was not a Rolls, a Bentley, an AMG Mercedes, an Aston Martin, or a Ferrari, don't expect to see you car parked out front.
The space is fantastic - you enter downstairs where there are several tables where you can wait to be seated while you have a drink. Or you can ascend the very wide staircase to get into the Bar Annie space at the top - which has a large communal table, several bar tables, and an outside seating area as well.
Now THIS is the scene to be seen in Houston. I mean, there were more Prada bags and Manolo Blaniks than you will see anywhere on this side of the Mississippi before you reach California. The "Blond" hair was flowing and the perfume was overwhelming. As this is an expensive place, there was also a ton of what we might call "recreational" relationships.
But we were lead directly to out table (Not such a good one, but we were there to eat, not to be seen) and the service was truly impeccable.
We had a bottle on 2002 Alexe Corton Burgundy at a reasonable price, and all the food (from fried oysters to octopus with sausage, to quail and guinea hen.) was just tremendous (I will do a real food posting later. Sorry about that!)
But the best part was really the people watching. A table behind us started off with two couples and grew throughout the evening as additional chairs and women were added.
The bar, by the time we left was overflowing and looked like quite the place to be.
I recommend the place heartily.
July 23, 2009
I know things
I think that my sweet ever lovin' sometimes thinks of me as a dilettante. The truth is far from that, though I will admit that given the choice between manual labor, and looking at a Picasso, I will take the Picasso (even his later, throw away art) 99 times out of 100.
So when events conspired to have me fix my sweet ever lovin's car this afternoon, I think that she was surprised that I could do so.
It all started because of some tremendous thunderstorms in Houston. It started raining about 3:30 this afternoon, and the storms continued through the rush hour. Now, I only live about 15 miles from work, but the Transtar website was telling me that it would be at least an hour and a half drive home if I when my usual route.
So I plotted my alternate route, which takes me up US 90 through the Medical Center, past my sister Ree's neighborhood, and right past Hermann Park where MSEL works.
So imagine my surprise when I get a call from her as I am about 2 miles from her park. Her car won't start. She describes the circumstances to me, and I immediately diagnose a dead battery. Well, we'll see, she says.
I get to the park after more terrible traffic (2 miles? 20 minutes) and pull up next to her car. I turn the crank and get some juking noises. Bummer.
So, I just happen to have jumper cables in my trunk (Oddly enough, I was going to pull them out this weekend. Fate! Twice!). We connected the cars (both cars have their batteries in the trunks. So you have to find the little + terminals under the hoods) and still nothing.
Going back to my ill spent youth, I wanted to make sure we had spark. Touch the jumper cables together and what? Nothing. Re-attache the jumpers and touch them again.
Spark!
We got juice, and guess what? The car starts right up.
I know things.
So when events conspired to have me fix my sweet ever lovin's car this afternoon, I think that she was surprised that I could do so.
It all started because of some tremendous thunderstorms in Houston. It started raining about 3:30 this afternoon, and the storms continued through the rush hour. Now, I only live about 15 miles from work, but the Transtar website was telling me that it would be at least an hour and a half drive home if I when my usual route.
So I plotted my alternate route, which takes me up US 90 through the Medical Center, past my sister Ree's neighborhood, and right past Hermann Park where MSEL works.
So imagine my surprise when I get a call from her as I am about 2 miles from her park. Her car won't start. She describes the circumstances to me, and I immediately diagnose a dead battery. Well, we'll see, she says.
I get to the park after more terrible traffic (2 miles? 20 minutes) and pull up next to her car. I turn the crank and get some juking noises. Bummer.
So, I just happen to have jumper cables in my trunk (Oddly enough, I was going to pull them out this weekend. Fate! Twice!). We connected the cars (both cars have their batteries in the trunks. So you have to find the little + terminals under the hoods) and still nothing.
Going back to my ill spent youth, I wanted to make sure we had spark. Touch the jumper cables together and what? Nothing. Re-attache the jumpers and touch them again.
Spark!
We got juice, and guess what? The car starts right up.
I know things.
July 19, 2009
The Art of Manliness
You probably want to turn of your speakers (I can't figure out why some websites insist on having sound turned on by default) but this site:
The Art of Manliness
Has some good tips.
The Art of Manliness
Has some good tips.
July 18, 2009
Reunions, Rainbows, and Thunderstorms
Doreen went to her High School reunion this evening. (Houston Memorial High School)
She was very gracious, and asked if I would like to go, but was very clear that she would not be upset if I said "no".
Which I did.
Sadly for her, but good for the rest of us, we had some tremendous thunderstorms here this evening. She had to drive over to the reunion, but I was here eating peanuts and potato chips for supper. But as the thunder became nigh on continuous, I went outside with Blaze to see what the heck was going on.
I was rewarded with a spectacular double rainbow and a delightful light show from the sky. The lightning was just non-stop. You could not even count the seconds (five to the mile) to see how far away the strikes were. The other interesting thing is that most of the lightning was "cloud to cloud" lightning. As you can see below (I think it is about 26 seconds into the video) the lightning never touches the ground.
What a great thing to see.
She was very gracious, and asked if I would like to go, but was very clear that she would not be upset if I said "no".
Which I did.
Sadly for her, but good for the rest of us, we had some tremendous thunderstorms here this evening. She had to drive over to the reunion, but I was here eating peanuts and potato chips for supper. But as the thunder became nigh on continuous, I went outside with Blaze to see what the heck was going on.
I was rewarded with a spectacular double rainbow and a delightful light show from the sky. The lightning was just non-stop. You could not even count the seconds (five to the mile) to see how far away the strikes were. The other interesting thing is that most of the lightning was "cloud to cloud" lightning. As you can see below (I think it is about 26 seconds into the video) the lightning never touches the ground.
What a great thing to see.
July 17, 2009
Flying to Denver
But here I am. Looking out at that other plane going somewhere else.
Is the photo good enough to see that old CO logo on the tail of the plane behind that plane?
On to thw Queen City of the Plains,
July 13, 2009
July 12, 2009
Grand Torino
Doreen and I watched Grand Torino this afternoon. We have had it in house for a while (netflix) but have not been in the mood for it.
The movie is very, very good. Hard to watch on a number of different levels (racial, social, religious) but it draws you into a world that you (or we, at least) have no familiarity with.
One quibble - Construction work in Detroit? Not now.
I recommend it highly.
(and you need to listen to the end to hear Clint singing the title song. I think the last time he sang was in Paint Your Wagon)
The movie is very, very good. Hard to watch on a number of different levels (racial, social, religious) but it draws you into a world that you (or we, at least) have no familiarity with.
One quibble - Construction work in Detroit? Not now.
I recommend it highly.
(and you need to listen to the end to hear Clint singing the title song. I think the last time he sang was in Paint Your Wagon)
July 11, 2009
Golden Gate Jumpers
398 – Bridge to Nowhere: a Map of Golden Gate Jumpers « Strange Maps
Brother Chas lived in San Francisco a while back. He always said that more people jump off the bay side than the ocean side because "They all want to catch a glimpse of heaven before they die"
Brother Chas lived in San Francisco a while back. He always said that more people jump off the bay side than the ocean side because "They all want to catch a glimpse of heaven before they die"
42nd Street
Doreen mentioned this morning that she would sure like to see 42nd Street, a musical that was playing at Miller Theatre in Hermann Park.
I told her I would love to as well, and it was too bad that the tickets were sold out.
But is is a free outdoor show, so of course the tickets weren't sold out. So sad to be me.
Doreen works with the guy who runs the guy who runs the facility at Miller, and they do each other favors. So she called him up, and we had covered seat tickets (All tickets to Miller Theatre are free. Sometimes they are easy to get, sometimes not so easy) waiting for us when we showed up.
I saw two people that I knew at the show, amazingly enough, Doreen saw nobody!
It was really a lot of fun. You have not lived until you have seen 20 people tap dancing to We're in the Money on stage!
Oh, and Loretta Swit played the lead! She looks good, but she is 71 years old! Holy Mackerel!
I told her I would love to as well, and it was too bad that the tickets were sold out.
But is is a free outdoor show, so of course the tickets weren't sold out. So sad to be me.
Doreen works with the guy who runs the guy who runs the facility at Miller, and they do each other favors. So she called him up, and we had covered seat tickets (All tickets to Miller Theatre are free. Sometimes they are easy to get, sometimes not so easy) waiting for us when we showed up.
I saw two people that I knew at the show, amazingly enough, Doreen saw nobody!
It was really a lot of fun. You have not lived until you have seen 20 people tap dancing to We're in the Money on stage!
Oh, and Loretta Swit played the lead! She looks good, but she is 71 years old! Holy Mackerel!
July 6, 2009
July 5, 2009
Matt and Ducks
As I mention below, my old Geocities website is being shut down. I am moving some files to my Harold Stanford domain.
Harold Standford was a Texan famous during the Texas War of Independence. I will write more about him later.
In the meantime, I submit this for your entertainment.
Harold Standford was a Texan famous during the Texas War of Independence. I will write more about him later.
In the meantime, I submit this for your entertainment.
July 4, 2009
The Grand Tour
IN 2000, Doreen and I ran away from home for almost four months.
We blogged about it before we knew what blogging was.
The website I used (Geocities) is shutting down, so I have to move all the stories and photos. I will be using Blogger to link to the new site. You can click here and I will eventually have everything there.
You can also click here to see the original site, until it shuts down in September sometime.
We blogged about it before we knew what blogging was.
The website I used (Geocities) is shutting down, so I have to move all the stories and photos. I will be using Blogger to link to the new site. You can click here and I will eventually have everything there.
You can also click here to see the original site, until it shuts down in September sometime.
June 30, 2009
June 25, 2009
June 20, 2009
Swan Lake
Last night Doreen and I were invited to attend the Houston Ballet's most recent production of Swan Lake. It got really good reviews, so when Eddie invited us to go with him and Charles, Doreen eagerly accepted.
I, on the other hand, was not so impressed.
But the whole thing got me thinking about time, cultural literacy, and opportunity costs.
We live in a shared world, and within your cohort there is an expectation of common experiences. For example, if someone says "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle" you would be expected to reply "than a rich man to get into heaven"
Or with some of my friends, if you say "It was inevitable:" you will hear back "the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love"
The point being, that we use this common heritage, this cultural literacy as a sort of shorthand in our communications.
So where do you acquire such commonality, and what should it all include? Many people say that Swan Lake is the best ballet for dancers. It is certainly not a ballet where the dancers just stand around. But what importance is it to have attended the ballet? To see the four little signets dancing with hands clasped together? To see the evil Rothbart trick the good prince Siegfried with the beautiful Odelle?
Or is it more important to know that in Russia, when the communists were in charge that the ending was changed so that the swan (Odette) did NOT die and she and the prince lived happily ever after? Does that tell us more about communism or about the way the ballet was originally written?
In spite of my reluctance to attend this ballet, I enjoyed it tremendously. I have always enjoyed the music. Tchaikovsky is one of my favorites, and the theme you think of when you think of Swan Lake is really beautiful.
I am not one to cry at Operas (though I have teared up while watching movies on airplanes) but I must admit that I got chills the first time the Prince saw Odette, and then the evil Rothbart and his evil Black Swans come flying by.
(A brief aside about the music, which is related to the whole cultural literacy thing. I cannot listen to the theme from Swan Lake (click and then listen at about 33 second) without thinking of West Side Story (click and listen at about 42 seconds. Did Leo life from Pyotr? I think so)
SO the question is, do we go to things like this to have gone to them and to gain the shared experience, or do we go to them to enjoy the three hours there?
And that can't be answered unless you think about the opportunity cost. In this case I must admit the opportunity case was very low. We had no other plans, as I have been traveling for quite some time. (I have not had a full weekend at home for over a month) So I was giving up a quiet evening with a nice home cooked meal and a bottle of wine for this ballet.
In this case, I believe it was worth it.
And I will never trust anyone named Rothbart again.
I, on the other hand, was not so impressed.
But the whole thing got me thinking about time, cultural literacy, and opportunity costs.
We live in a shared world, and within your cohort there is an expectation of common experiences. For example, if someone says "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle" you would be expected to reply "than a rich man to get into heaven"
Or with some of my friends, if you say "It was inevitable:" you will hear back "the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love"
The point being, that we use this common heritage, this cultural literacy as a sort of shorthand in our communications.
So where do you acquire such commonality, and what should it all include? Many people say that Swan Lake is the best ballet for dancers. It is certainly not a ballet where the dancers just stand around. But what importance is it to have attended the ballet? To see the four little signets dancing with hands clasped together? To see the evil Rothbart trick the good prince Siegfried with the beautiful Odelle?
Or is it more important to know that in Russia, when the communists were in charge that the ending was changed so that the swan (Odette) did NOT die and she and the prince lived happily ever after? Does that tell us more about communism or about the way the ballet was originally written?
In spite of my reluctance to attend this ballet, I enjoyed it tremendously. I have always enjoyed the music. Tchaikovsky is one of my favorites, and the theme you think of when you think of Swan Lake is really beautiful.
I am not one to cry at Operas (though I have teared up while watching movies on airplanes) but I must admit that I got chills the first time the Prince saw Odette, and then the evil Rothbart and his evil Black Swans come flying by.
(A brief aside about the music, which is related to the whole cultural literacy thing. I cannot listen to the theme from Swan Lake (click and then listen at about 33 second) without thinking of West Side Story (click and listen at about 42 seconds. Did Leo life from Pyotr? I think so)
SO the question is, do we go to things like this to have gone to them and to gain the shared experience, or do we go to them to enjoy the three hours there?
And that can't be answered unless you think about the opportunity cost. In this case I must admit the opportunity case was very low. We had no other plans, as I have been traveling for quite some time. (I have not had a full weekend at home for over a month) So I was giving up a quiet evening with a nice home cooked meal and a bottle of wine for this ballet.
In this case, I believe it was worth it.
And I will never trust anyone named Rothbart again.
June 17, 2009
June 16, 2009
June 15, 2009
Summertime
It is almost 9:00 PM. The temperature is 86 degrees, and the relative humidity is 63%. (from our Mighty Weather Station)
This is the best time of year in Houston. The air is so thick that you can almost see it. The sun has set, but you can still see the light from tomorrow's sun in the sky. It is cool enough (only 86!) to sit on the porch until the mosquitoes drive you in. And since we have had no rain in weeks there are few mosquitoes.
The airconditioners hum and the neighbors all say "hi" when they walk by.
Summer in Houston. Summer on the Gulf Coast.
What a great time.
This is the best time of year in Houston. The air is so thick that you can almost see it. The sun has set, but you can still see the light from tomorrow's sun in the sky. It is cool enough (only 86!) to sit on the porch until the mosquitoes drive you in. And since we have had no rain in weeks there are few mosquitoes.
The airconditioners hum and the neighbors all say "hi" when they walk by.
Summer in Houston. Summer on the Gulf Coast.
What a great time.
June 13, 2009
June 12, 2009
Data integration
It would probably be more fun selling weapon systems than data integration frameworks.
June 11, 2009
June 10, 2009
June 6, 2009
June 4, 2009
June 2, 2009
A package from Turkey
Yesterday (Monday) was my first day in the office for three weeks. It is always good to be back home, but it was sort of sad not being on vacation anymore.
So when I received this package from Turkey:
I was pleased.
While it may LOOK like a package of something that would ordinarily not be sent via DHL, we all know that you have to hid those sorts of things inside of table legs or ceramic Buddhas. So I knew that this was nothing more exciting than antique rugs.
This makes it look even more suspicious:
But once I opened them up, the great rugs that we bought came tumbling out:
It is fun buying rugs. It is amazing that there are so many rugs to buy in the world. I would guess that in some places, all people ever do is weave rugs:
That little one with the diamond patterns was really interesting. It is more like needlepoint than anything else. I will try and find a way to get a better photo of it online.
So when I received this package from Turkey:
I was pleased.
While it may LOOK like a package of something that would ordinarily not be sent via DHL, we all know that you have to hid those sorts of things inside of table legs or ceramic Buddhas. So I knew that this was nothing more exciting than antique rugs.
This makes it look even more suspicious:
But once I opened them up, the great rugs that we bought came tumbling out:
It is fun buying rugs. It is amazing that there are so many rugs to buy in the world. I would guess that in some places, all people ever do is weave rugs:
That little one with the diamond patterns was really interesting. It is more like needlepoint than anything else. I will try and find a way to get a better photo of it online.
May 31, 2009
Expats at work | The Economist
Travel and creativity: Expats at work | The Economist
Having lived overseas for four years, I can support those conclusions.
Having lived overseas for four years, I can support those conclusions.
May 13, 2009
What Makes Us Happy? - The Atlantic (June 2009)
This is a great article about a horizontal study that followed a cohort of Harvard men ('42, '43, '44) throughout their lives.
Well worth the time it takes to read it:
What Makes Us Happy? - The Atlantic (June 2009)
Well worth the time it takes to read it:
What Makes Us Happy? - The Atlantic (June 2009)
May 11, 2009
To Oslo! To Turkey!
I will be taking off in the morning for Oslo. Then to Turkey. I will be blogging at a new address for this trip - you can find it here. (It also has an RSS feed)
I am uncertain of the Internet access on the Anatolian Plains. But I will do my best.
I am uncertain of the Internet access on the Anatolian Plains. But I will do my best.
May 10, 2009
Passing a subway station
Passing a subway station from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.
That is the station where I get out in Oslo to go to my hotel.
I did not, of course, make that video, but I recognized the station when I saw it.
May 7, 2009
Oh God, what am I doing here?
Tonight Doreen was off discussing Out Stealing Horses with some old friends. I was left alone with some old friends as well.
After Doreen was whisked away by her friend in a Mini-Cooper, I sat on the front porch reading my Kindle about Turkey. When it started to get dark, I went in. I don't yet have a light for the Kindle.
Then I made supper. 1/2 of a cold bratwurst (you can see the rest of it here) with some home made sauerkraut. I had a couple of bottles of Rio Blanco Pale Ale with the wurst and kraut.
While eating, I read in the New York Times Magazine how horrible it is to live in a socialist country like The Netherlands.
Then I came upstairs and put on some music.
No videos, no reading, just alone listening to some tunes.
I started with the Holy Modal Rounder's disc "Last Round"
My baby don't bother to wear,
none of that pink underwear.
She's so slick and sleazy,
She just don't care.
There is plenty more that would not be appropriate for a family blog.
Then I moved onto Graham Parsons' disc "The Grievous Angel"
I remember something you once told me
I'll be damned if it did not come true
20,000 roads I've been down, down, down.
They all bring me straight back home to you.
What is it about artists and Heroin?
Then I turned on Tom Waits and "A Foreign Affair"
Trains and planes and boats and buses
Characteristically
Evoke a common attitude of Blue
Unless you have a suitcase, a ticket and a passport
and the cargo that their carrying is You.
and David Bromberg's dual disc that included "Bandit in a Bathing Suit". I think he is the only heroin free artist this evening
As you read this letter that I write to you
Sweetheart, I hope you understand.
You're the only love I've even known
So please forgive me if you can.
and rounding the evening out with Warren Zevon's first (self titled) disk.
Don't the sun look angry through the trees
Don't the trees look like crucified leaves
Don't you feel like desperados under the eves
Heaven help the one who weeps.
All the lyrics are from memory.
Which is the best, don't you think?
So long Norman.
She said: "So long, Norman"
After Doreen was whisked away by her friend in a Mini-Cooper, I sat on the front porch reading my Kindle about Turkey. When it started to get dark, I went in. I don't yet have a light for the Kindle.
Then I made supper. 1/2 of a cold bratwurst (you can see the rest of it here) with some home made sauerkraut. I had a couple of bottles of Rio Blanco Pale Ale with the wurst and kraut.
While eating, I read in the New York Times Magazine how horrible it is to live in a socialist country like The Netherlands.
Then I came upstairs and put on some music.
No videos, no reading, just alone listening to some tunes.
I started with the Holy Modal Rounder's disc "Last Round"
My baby don't bother to wear,
none of that pink underwear.
She's so slick and sleazy,
She just don't care.
There is plenty more that would not be appropriate for a family blog.
Then I moved onto Graham Parsons' disc "The Grievous Angel"
I remember something you once told me
I'll be damned if it did not come true
20,000 roads I've been down, down, down.
They all bring me straight back home to you.
What is it about artists and Heroin?
Then I turned on Tom Waits and "A Foreign Affair"
Trains and planes and boats and buses
Characteristically
Evoke a common attitude of Blue
Unless you have a suitcase, a ticket and a passport
and the cargo that their carrying is You.
and David Bromberg's dual disc that included "Bandit in a Bathing Suit". I think he is the only heroin free artist this evening
As you read this letter that I write to you
Sweetheart, I hope you understand.
You're the only love I've even known
So please forgive me if you can.
and rounding the evening out with Warren Zevon's first (self titled) disk.
Don't the sun look angry through the trees
Don't the trees look like crucified leaves
Don't you feel like desperados under the eves
Heaven help the one who weeps.
All the lyrics are from memory.
Which is the best, don't you think?
So long Norman.
She said: "So long, Norman"
May 6, 2009
Dylan Thomas
DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
May 5, 2009
May 4, 2009
Jung Center Gala
Doreen was invited to the Jung Center's gala (ie, big fund-raiser) this evening.
I had to go, too.
They had Cokie Roberts as the main attraction.
The speakers started off painfully. Did you know that Jungian psychology consists of new age platitudes and pretensions? Well, according to what the director of the Jung center here said, that is exactly what it consists of.
But it got better once we got past the tributes and self aggrandizement.
Cokie Roberts, to no surprise, is an excellent speaker.
She talked about her books, and her mother (who lives on Bourbon Street! Across from Pat O'Brien's!) and her great aunts (4 women, 9 husbands between them)
Her theme was “Untold Stories” (which I guess is a Jungian thing. I certainly wish that the director of the center had left his stories untold) and she was focusing on the stories of women in the course of the development of the country. All very good.
For you Brownies, she spoke of the current president of Brown, Ruth Simmons. A Texan, who lived for some time here in Houston. Also the first African American president of an Ivy League school.
Her comments, when she was invested in the position, resonate true:
“...a job is a job is a job. But, a life is something that is just too short. Live a life that you can be happy with.”
Can people tell pate from dog food?
AAWE_WP36.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Money quote:
Conclusions
Subjects significantly disliked the taste of dog food compared to a range of comestible meat products with similar ingredients. Subjects were not better than random at identifying dog food among five unlabeled samples. These two results would seem to be paradoxical. Why did the 72% of subjects who ranked sample C as worst in terms of taste not guess that sample C was dog food?
Money quote:
Conclusions
Subjects significantly disliked the taste of dog food compared to a range of comestible meat products with similar ingredients. Subjects were not better than random at identifying dog food among five unlabeled samples. These two results would seem to be paradoxical. Why did the 72% of subjects who ranked sample C as worst in terms of taste not guess that sample C was dog food?
May 3, 2009
May 2, 2009
Cities
From the book _False Economy_:
...of America's sixteen biggest cities in 1959, only four have a larger population today then then, even thought the national population has double.
!
Brats for supper
May 1, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)