I had to laugh when I saw this ad...
It is my belief that guitars are neither Christian nor Buddhist nor Atheist. Guitars don't have souls. (Some would argue with me on that point.)
It's the guitar player that has a spiritual life. (And it's the guitar player that adds life to a guitar - or music.)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The all powerful hospital
I was greatly amused at this local hospital's claim - their ER can handle any injury or illness.
I have been expecting a swarm of terminal patients to arrive on their doorstep to be cured of that illness that has been plaguing them.
(Wouldn't the word "most" have worked better there? Where's any humility?)
I have been expecting a swarm of terminal patients to arrive on their doorstep to be cured of that illness that has been plaguing them.
(Wouldn't the word "most" have worked better there? Where's any humility?)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cheap coffee and trains
I took a train from Washington DC to New York City when I was in elementary school. The fun was intense enough to make it a very memorable experience, even these thousands of year later. We visited the UN, took a bus through Times Square - and just the train ride alone was great. It was a also a wonderful time with just my dad.
Cheap coffee? Well, my parents drank a lot of Chock full o' Nuts coffee when I was a kid. And I was amazed to see Chock full o' Nuts coffee shops on many corners when that bus zoomed through New York City. (Long before today, the vast majority must have have been replaced with Starbucks. Apparently there are still four left.)
Safeway had a sale on Chock full o' Nuts recently - $6 for a big tin that normally costs $12. I couldn't resist the opportunity to cut my better coffee with that for nostalgia's sake - and for budget's sake. The report? The blend is not bad. Way better than Folger's or its kin.
Cheap coffee? Well, my parents drank a lot of Chock full o' Nuts coffee when I was a kid. And I was amazed to see Chock full o' Nuts coffee shops on many corners when that bus zoomed through New York City. (Long before today, the vast majority must have have been replaced with Starbucks. Apparently there are still four left.)
Safeway had a sale on Chock full o' Nuts recently - $6 for a big tin that normally costs $12. I couldn't resist the opportunity to cut my better coffee with that for nostalgia's sake - and for budget's sake. The report? The blend is not bad. Way better than Folger's or its kin.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Fun watching
It's fun watching our kids grow and change.
Our daughter Rachel thinks so much like me. We go back and forth in arranging the rubber duckies and shampoo bottles on the back of our toilet. The pattern is constantly changing. This is a game we have never even discussed... we just do it.
I love seeing that strange part of me reflected in our child.
The takeaway for this post? If you are at a point in your life where you are considering whether or not to have kids - I'd say you should choose to expand your life. The costs are high, but the rewards are far higher.
Our daughter Rachel thinks so much like me. We go back and forth in arranging the rubber duckies and shampoo bottles on the back of our toilet. The pattern is constantly changing. This is a game we have never even discussed... we just do it.
I love seeing that strange part of me reflected in our child.
The takeaway for this post? If you are at a point in your life where you are considering whether or not to have kids - I'd say you should choose to expand your life. The costs are high, but the rewards are far higher.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Denver Art Museum - an outing
Saturday we went to the Denver Art Museum. It was great!
On the first Saturday of each month, Target is sponsoring Free Saturdays at the Museum. Yay Target!! (It would have cost us $41 if Target had not paid the bill.)
My favorite part of this visit was the western art section. Normally that isn't my cup of tea, but for some reason, this time it really hit me in a positive way. That collection was very well put together - and compelling.
Seeing real art up close and personal is unbeatable. You can look at prints of art in books, but nothing beats the intensity of seeing the real colors and scale of the works.
This was only my third time to visit the museum. The most recent time before this was maybe five years ago, so it was my first time in the new Libeskind addition.
(By the way, that's Jay, our oldest, next to the trumpet player.)
I took so many pictures that I have to share more with you later.
On the first Saturday of each month, Target is sponsoring Free Saturdays at the Museum. Yay Target!! (It would have cost us $41 if Target had not paid the bill.)
My favorite part of this visit was the western art section. Normally that isn't my cup of tea, but for some reason, this time it really hit me in a positive way. That collection was very well put together - and compelling.
Seeing real art up close and personal is unbeatable. You can look at prints of art in books, but nothing beats the intensity of seeing the real colors and scale of the works.
This was only my third time to visit the museum. The most recent time before this was maybe five years ago, so it was my first time in the new Libeskind addition.
(By the way, that's Jay, our oldest, next to the trumpet player.)
I took so many pictures that I have to share more with you later.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Average shoes
I had the rare thrill recently of buying a new pair of shoes. Puma. (On sale, of course.) I found out that this is their 60th anniversary. Even though they have been around for a long while, Puma has re-done themselves to appeal to Gen X and Gen Y by producing an ever-changing line with extremely varied styles and colors. (Good job, Puma!)
I was amused by this little note on the box: "Average contents: 2".
Was that a joke? Do people buy shoes without checking to see if there is a left and right in the box? What's your take on this?
I was amused by this little note on the box: "Average contents: 2".
Was that a joke? Do people buy shoes without checking to see if there is a left and right in the box? What's your take on this?
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Spam patterns
Ah, just one of those minor observation posts...
Every once in a while, when I'm about to delete all the spam in one of our email's spam boxes, I look at what's in there (the titles, anyhow). I noticed this pattern I had never seen before - there were huge numbers of spam emails sent at exactly the same time! Several clumps of them at different times, in fact.
When I think of those spam creators, over in Nigeria, I guess a few must think, "Maybe one of them will get read by somebody," in a lonely sort of way.
Every once in a while, when I'm about to delete all the spam in one of our email's spam boxes, I look at what's in there (the titles, anyhow). I noticed this pattern I had never seen before - there were huge numbers of spam emails sent at exactly the same time! Several clumps of them at different times, in fact.
When I think of those spam creators, over in Nigeria, I guess a few must think, "Maybe one of them will get read by somebody," in a lonely sort of way.
I had to say goodbye
Well, I didn't have to say goodbye - I wanted to.
A week or so ago, I sold about 80% of my vinyl records. My collection represented years of careful selections and purchases. It spanned genres of all types and had some rare releases not available digitally. Many audio purists say records' sound quality is far superior to CDs (or even higher-resolution digital recordings).
Sadly, I sold the collection for way less than what it was worth - but I did get my asking price. I didn't want to hassle with listing each record on eBay. The cost of doing it that way would have yielded about 50c per hour, if that!
But it all had to go. Some I hadn't listened to in ten or more years. The vast majority I would never listen to again. Space? I didn't have room. In fact, I feel like even CDs take too much room now. I rarely buy music on CD anymore (even though it can be cheaper that way - if less instantaneous).
You can't take it with you. I'm glad my Craigslist buyer did.
A week or so ago, I sold about 80% of my vinyl records. My collection represented years of careful selections and purchases. It spanned genres of all types and had some rare releases not available digitally. Many audio purists say records' sound quality is far superior to CDs (or even higher-resolution digital recordings).
Sadly, I sold the collection for way less than what it was worth - but I did get my asking price. I didn't want to hassle with listing each record on eBay. The cost of doing it that way would have yielded about 50c per hour, if that!
But it all had to go. Some I hadn't listened to in ten or more years. The vast majority I would never listen to again. Space? I didn't have room. In fact, I feel like even CDs take too much room now. I rarely buy music on CD anymore (even though it can be cheaper that way - if less instantaneous).
You can't take it with you. I'm glad my Craigslist buyer did.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
The Denny's Superbowl Giveaway
Denny's ran an ad during the Superbowl touting a free Grand Slam breakfast on Tuesday.
Heather and I decided to check it out. I knew the line would be long - but not quite this long. We were just about to leave when Heather said we should ask how long the wait was. So as we were walking to restaurant entrance, I asked a lady who was leaving how long the wait was. She said "About 45 minutes" and then told us we could get a rain check from the checkout counter. We went there and were given five coupons for free breakfasts, even though there were just two of us!
That whole experience left us with very good feelings for Denny's.
Heather and I decided to check it out. I knew the line would be long - but not quite this long. We were just about to leave when Heather said we should ask how long the wait was. So as we were walking to restaurant entrance, I asked a lady who was leaving how long the wait was. She said "About 45 minutes" and then told us we could get a rain check from the checkout counter. We went there and were given five coupons for free breakfasts, even though there were just two of us!
That whole experience left us with very good feelings for Denny's.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Appreciation of niceness
Sunday afternoon we went for a family walk along a very posh section of The Highline Canal. That's a trail that runs through Denver and its suburbs. We love walking or riding our bikes along various sections as a refreshing exercise and change of pace from normal life.
This particular portion has homes with 5+ acre lots and views like this shot I took. I would put forward the thought that we appreciate that view more than some who live in those homes do. Why? We don't see it every day.
I don't say this to put those home owners down. Many have worked very hard to get to that pinnacle of achievement. And I wouldn't want to trade places... vacuuming alone would take the better part of one day each week.
Taking my idea to its extreme would mean choosing to live in the worst possible place so you could appreciate a few occasional moments of pleasure. So instead, do everything in balance. But you know that already.
This particular portion has homes with 5+ acre lots and views like this shot I took. I would put forward the thought that we appreciate that view more than some who live in those homes do. Why? We don't see it every day.
I don't say this to put those home owners down. Many have worked very hard to get to that pinnacle of achievement. And I wouldn't want to trade places... vacuuming alone would take the better part of one day each week.
Taking my idea to its extreme would mean choosing to live in the worst possible place so you could appreciate a few occasional moments of pleasure. So instead, do everything in balance. But you know that already.
Monday, February 02, 2009
It goes something like this.
When Paul asked me to write about things that give me joy, the first to pop into my head were naturally my kids. Followed closely by Keith Richards, puffy Cheetos and Jesus, not necessarily in that order.
My day was spent waking up lazy, letting Samuel mix the pancake batter while Lilly watched cartoons. By noon the house was clean - well, clean enough if you overlook the ketchup stain on the drapes, which I've been able to do for much longer than most in my social circle. Eric, my husband, fixed the washing machine while I took the kids to the retro movie theater on our corner - one of the few remaining neighborhood theaters, and the same one I used to see matinees at with my grandma. She's gone now, but the theater is pretty much unchanged, homemade popcorn and all.
After the movie, Lilly and I went to get the car washed - it was covered in bird poop from being parked under the ancient tree in the backyard. She was so embarrassed to be seen in it that she slouched way down in her seat the whole way there afraid that, gasp, we'd be seen in the poop car by someone we knew.
Eric made fried chicken, biscuits and Spiderman macaroni and cheese for dinner. We laid out a big blanket on the living room floor and ate picnic style. We talked like southerners while we ate and during a brief silence Samuel said, "Ahhh... I just love the peace and quiet". This is not something often heard from a 4-year old so it was equal parts charming and hilarious.
After baths, I put Samuel to bed. The smell of his shampooed hair makes me smile. Aha...that's what brings me joy. Contentment. There it is. I've learned in some hard ways the meaning of enough. I've learned to love that word... it's what I aspire to. And now that Samuel is asleep, I'm sitting next to Lilly writing this while she's lost in a book. Okay, it's not a book, it's her Nintendo DS - I never said we were "The Waltons". She'll be asleep soon and I'll have a glass of wine and watch a stupid late-night movie with Eric. We are old, we are content and that's enough to bring me joy.
This is a guest post by Chris Thomas, of Minneapolis. We have only met virtually. A long-time friend, Alan, made the connection. (She works for Alan's company, Cue.) I have always enjoyed her writing, and now you have too!
My day was spent waking up lazy, letting Samuel mix the pancake batter while Lilly watched cartoons. By noon the house was clean - well, clean enough if you overlook the ketchup stain on the drapes, which I've been able to do for much longer than most in my social circle. Eric, my husband, fixed the washing machine while I took the kids to the retro movie theater on our corner - one of the few remaining neighborhood theaters, and the same one I used to see matinees at with my grandma. She's gone now, but the theater is pretty much unchanged, homemade popcorn and all.
After the movie, Lilly and I went to get the car washed - it was covered in bird poop from being parked under the ancient tree in the backyard. She was so embarrassed to be seen in it that she slouched way down in her seat the whole way there afraid that, gasp, we'd be seen in the poop car by someone we knew.
Eric made fried chicken, biscuits and Spiderman macaroni and cheese for dinner. We laid out a big blanket on the living room floor and ate picnic style. We talked like southerners while we ate and during a brief silence Samuel said, "Ahhh... I just love the peace and quiet". This is not something often heard from a 4-year old so it was equal parts charming and hilarious.
After baths, I put Samuel to bed. The smell of his shampooed hair makes me smile. Aha...that's what brings me joy. Contentment. There it is. I've learned in some hard ways the meaning of enough. I've learned to love that word... it's what I aspire to. And now that Samuel is asleep, I'm sitting next to Lilly writing this while she's lost in a book. Okay, it's not a book, it's her Nintendo DS - I never said we were "The Waltons". She'll be asleep soon and I'll have a glass of wine and watch a stupid late-night movie with Eric. We are old, we are content and that's enough to bring me joy.
This is a guest post by Chris Thomas, of Minneapolis. We have only met virtually. A long-time friend, Alan, made the connection. (She works for Alan's company, Cue.) I have always enjoyed her writing, and now you have too!
Friday, January 30, 2009
The 1-second ad
You gotta go here.
I guarantee these will be the most talked-about ads on Superbowl Sunday.
Special thanks to Chris for pointing me there.
Update: I was wrong - no splash at all. I watched most of the Superbowl and only saw one of the 1-second ads. There is not much way for them to make an impact with just one tiny ad! (Did anyone else out there see any more than one?)
I guarantee these will be the most talked-about ads on Superbowl Sunday.
Special thanks to Chris for pointing me there.
Update: I was wrong - no splash at all. I watched most of the Superbowl and only saw one of the 1-second ads. There is not much way for them to make an impact with just one tiny ad! (Did anyone else out there see any more than one?)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The mining cabin
Andrew Hyde, Boulder entrepreneur, has a mining cabin office. In fact, if you google "mining cabin", his comes up as the top entry. (I guess mining cabins are old enough that they're not on the internet much.)
His office is part of skinnycorp, the host for Blogcamp Boulder last weekend. If you're ever in Boulder, I'm sure they would welcome a visit. And you don't need to be skinny to enter.
Anyhow, I thought it was a very creative approach to office-ness. (How can you make your office space more interesting?)
His office is part of skinnycorp, the host for Blogcamp Boulder last weekend. If you're ever in Boulder, I'm sure they would welcome a visit. And you don't need to be skinny to enter.
Anyhow, I thought it was a very creative approach to office-ness. (How can you make your office space more interesting?)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bad icons and good communication
For Christmas I received an item that came in a carrying case with this little tag inside.
What in the world are these little icons trying to tell me? I don't have the smallest clue.
And that brings me to the question - what are some things that you assume that others know when you're giving a message that they may not understand? Often we can be blind to the bad icons we are putting out there. So it's worth asking others if that "icon" we made communicates what we intended it to. The best "others" to ask might be those outside of our working realm.
What in the world are these little icons trying to tell me? I don't have the smallest clue.
And that brings me to the question - what are some things that you assume that others know when you're giving a message that they may not understand? Often we can be blind to the bad icons we are putting out there. So it's worth asking others if that "icon" we made communicates what we intended it to. The best "others" to ask might be those outside of our working realm.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A bit of blogging cynicism
Questionable space
In contrast to yesterday's post, I was amused (in a critical way) of this section that added another foot to my supermarket checkout receipt... a credit card application form!!
I thought the "credit crunch" was real - we have received about 90% less mail from credit card companies asking us to apply for another card lately. And then this receipt comes my way.
Credit companies take note: doling out applications every which way is not going to help the world economy - at least in the long run.
I thought the "credit crunch" was real - we have received about 90% less mail from credit card companies asking us to apply for another card lately. And then this receipt comes my way.
Credit companies take note: doling out applications every which way is not going to help the world economy - at least in the long run.
Monday, January 26, 2009
PodCamp Boulder
I went to PodCamp Boulder over the weekend. It was excellent. Rather than rewrite the book, you can go here for a great review.
Wasted space
Dunno if you have been to Taco Bell in the last year or so. They have a "feel good" micro-campaign on their hot sauce packets - cute little phrases in that space.
This particular phrase always bothers me - I think they should use that little area for advertising. I'd suggest they sell that space to companies for putting only a website address. (I'll take 5% of the profits for coming up with the idea.)
I guess it's a Monk-like trait I have - wanting to optimize everything. I do get offended by advertising appearing everywhere, so I'm not sure why I am OK with it appearing on Taco Bell packets.
This particular phrase always bothers me - I think they should use that little area for advertising. I'd suggest they sell that space to companies for putting only a website address. (I'll take 5% of the profits for coming up with the idea.)
I guess it's a Monk-like trait I have - wanting to optimize everything. I do get offended by advertising appearing everywhere, so I'm not sure why I am OK with it appearing on Taco Bell packets.
Friday, January 23, 2009
300 Words
300 Words is a new blog that Jon Swanson created. Check it out!
Yours truly is the guest writer for today.
Yours truly is the guest writer for today.
Connections, part 2
I just finished skimming a totally boring book: Social Networks and the Semantic Web, by Peter Mika. It might be great if you're into academic language and maybe have a PhD. I don't, so it was not riveting.
The one concept that was sort of new to me is the idea that you can be a unique bridge between various spheres of interest. You might be the only person on this planet that could make an important connection between someone you know and someone they need to know! So the area of social media does have payoffs. Some are financial but the most important ones are relational.
The one concept that was sort of new to me is the idea that you can be a unique bridge between various spheres of interest. You might be the only person on this planet that could make an important connection between someone you know and someone they need to know! So the area of social media does have payoffs. Some are financial but the most important ones are relational.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Kenya and Obama
Kenya has embraced Obama almost as if he is their president. (And I know some who wish he was!) So a big thrill awaited us on inauguration day - this lovely fabric kanga arrived in the mail - sent to us from Kenya by our friends Josh and Audra! What fun!!
A kanga is a piece of cloth that is often worn as a wrap-skirt or a dress. Or used as a baby backpack.
So, the translation: "Congratulations Barack Obama. Love and peace have been given to us by God." (That comes courtesy of Pernille.)
I was amused to see the same kanga in this video.
Finally, here is a perspective from Kenya on life after the party.
A kanga is a piece of cloth that is often worn as a wrap-skirt or a dress. Or used as a baby backpack.
So, the translation: "Congratulations Barack Obama. Love and peace have been given to us by God." (That comes courtesy of Pernille.)
I was amused to see the same kanga in this video.
Finally, here is a perspective from Kenya on life after the party.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Do you make connections?
As I was walking across the Target parking lot, I saw this little connector on the ground. And it got me thinking about connections.
It's always good when we can help others to connect with others. Our lives are so fractured these days that any connections that can be created or encouraged are good.
What ways are you connecting others to others in your life? Professionally? Personally? Are you making any steps to increase the amount of connection you have with others?
By the way, this is one of those posts based on an obvious concept. I know you know my point. I'm just reminding you about it. And asking you to consider doing something about it.
It's always good when we can help others to connect with others. Our lives are so fractured these days that any connections that can be created or encouraged are good.
What ways are you connecting others to others in your life? Professionally? Personally? Are you making any steps to increase the amount of connection you have with others?
By the way, this is one of those posts based on an obvious concept. I know you know my point. I'm just reminding you about it. And asking you to consider doing something about it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Welcome, President Obama
Monday, January 19, 2009
Black is the new platinum
Mercedes has a new model: the SL 65 AMG Black. It comes in at a cool $320,000. The "standard" SL model is a mere $100,000. So you pay an additional $220,000 for the 661 horsepower engine and trick suspension, etc.
American Express? This card is so exclusive that you can't even find it on their site. I'm sure it's available "by invitation only".
At some point, the ultra-rich will start wearing black jewelry to keep current.
What price exclusivity? A high price for sure. I'd suggest that you can be exclusive in your humility. Be proud of shopping at "The Big Department Store" (as my aunt and dad used to call The Goodwill). Be proud of re-using something that most people would throw away. Be proud of... ooops, when you're proud, you're no longer humble (as C.S. Lewis once said).
American Express? This card is so exclusive that you can't even find it on their site. I'm sure it's available "by invitation only".
At some point, the ultra-rich will start wearing black jewelry to keep current.
What price exclusivity? A high price for sure. I'd suggest that you can be exclusive in your humility. Be proud of shopping at "The Big Department Store" (as my aunt and dad used to call The Goodwill). Be proud of re-using something that most people would throw away. Be proud of... ooops, when you're proud, you're no longer humble (as C.S. Lewis once said).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Remember - and be thankful
I was clearing out emails late this afternoon. I came across a message from October 6th - just over three months ago. I noted that the cheapest gas outlet in my neighborhood had a gallon for $3.43.
Today, the same place is selling for about $1.50. Though it has gone up some lately, we have much to be thankful for, at least when it comes to filling our tanks!
Just a little reminder for your weekend...
Today, the same place is selling for about $1.50. Though it has gone up some lately, we have much to be thankful for, at least when it comes to filling our tanks!
Just a little reminder for your weekend...
Cold weather health tip
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Blogapalooza!
Robert Hruzek offers you the opportunity to join in a blogging extravaganza extrordinaire.
Go here.
I'm doing it and so can you (peer pressure).
Go here.
I'm doing it and so can you (peer pressure).
Get rid of the penny
Yes, the penny should no longer be part of American life. Did you know that it costs more than a penny to produce one? (Heather and the kids did a tour of the Denver Mint last year and found this out.) Since this extra money comes out of the government, somewhere, it would save some money to not make them anymore.
My suggestion would be to round down 2c and under to zero and up 3c and over to 5c. Electronic transactions could continue to use non-zero and 5 cent increments.
My suggestion would be to round down 2c and under to zero and up 3c and over to 5c. Electronic transactions could continue to use non-zero and 5 cent increments.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
If you love Starbucks...
Yes, they have a new club. You can join for just $25.
I didn't join because I'm just too cheap. But if you're an extreme fan of Starbucks, it sounds like the way to go... 10% discounts on every purchase, a free "surprise indulgence" on your birthday - and more. It will pay for itself after about 100 grande coffees. (At the rate I visit Starbucks, I'd pay it off in about five years.)
I didn't join because I'm just too cheap. But if you're an extreme fan of Starbucks, it sounds like the way to go... 10% discounts on every purchase, a free "surprise indulgence" on your birthday - and more. It will pay for itself after about 100 grande coffees. (At the rate I visit Starbucks, I'd pay it off in about five years.)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Songsmith
Microsoft came out with a hilarious new program: Songsmith.
If I had a Windows computer, I'd give it a try!
I was particularly amused that the main computers they used in the demo were Macs. (I guess they were running Windows on them. That's something I refuse to do - I just don't want to hassle with virus software.)
If I had a Windows computer, I'd give it a try!
I was particularly amused that the main computers they used in the demo were Macs. (I guess they were running Windows on them. That's something I refuse to do - I just don't want to hassle with virus software.)
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Willie Nelson Museum
If you are driving from Dallas to Austin (or points south), you will pass the Willie Nelson Museum. You may not even know it - there are no signs letting you know of its existence. So, my traveler's tip - if you reach Carl's Corner, exit. Tip number two - fill up with fuel elsewhere.
My kids knew Willie from his appearance on the TV show "Monk". I knew Willie from living in Texas for 14 years.
So - the museum is not very exciting, but the price is right (free). And the restrooms are clean. My brother asked the sales clerk if she got tired of hearing Willie Nelson. She said that his songs were never repeated there, because he has so many albums. She didn't really address the issue of whether she was tired of his music.
Willie staged one of his early "Farm Aid" concerts at Carl's Corner maybe ten or fifteen years ago.
The guy to the left of Willie? That's Carl, looking like a character out of "King of the Hill". (The painting is on the floor.) The album shown? Willie pays homage to an herb he loves so well. I can't say that I have heard the album, or that I'm sorry I haven't.
The dancing frogs? Carl bought them from the Dallas nightclub "Tango" back in the early 80s. He displayed them on the roof of his complex for a few years. Now they are dancing in obscurity - almost around the back of the building.
My kids knew Willie from his appearance on the TV show "Monk". I knew Willie from living in Texas for 14 years.
So - the museum is not very exciting, but the price is right (free). And the restrooms are clean. My brother asked the sales clerk if she got tired of hearing Willie Nelson. She said that his songs were never repeated there, because he has so many albums. She didn't really address the issue of whether she was tired of his music.
Willie staged one of his early "Farm Aid" concerts at Carl's Corner maybe ten or fifteen years ago.
The guy to the left of Willie? That's Carl, looking like a character out of "King of the Hill". (The painting is on the floor.) The album shown? Willie pays homage to an herb he loves so well. I can't say that I have heard the album, or that I'm sorry I haven't.
The dancing frogs? Carl bought them from the Dallas nightclub "Tango" back in the early 80s. He displayed them on the roof of his complex for a few years. Now they are dancing in obscurity - almost around the back of the building.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Texas within Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas. And smaller.
The Gaylord Texan Hotel is pretty close to where my sister lives. One morning we enjoyed a walk over to tour the lobby. Amazing! They have their own indoor riverwalk. The fabulous ice sculpture show was too pricey for us. But it was fun to see the Christmas display above the cliffs.
It was incredible to learn that they are expanding the number of rooms. 6,000 just isn't enough.
The Gaylord Texan Hotel is pretty close to where my sister lives. One morning we enjoyed a walk over to tour the lobby. Amazing! They have their own indoor riverwalk. The fabulous ice sculpture show was too pricey for us. But it was fun to see the Christmas display above the cliffs.
It was incredible to learn that they are expanding the number of rooms. 6,000 just isn't enough.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
17" MacBook Pro Review
So, Apple released a new top-of-the-line laptop computer. And they're touting the battery as its outstanding feature! I guess that either shows that they are running out of areas to innovate within or they are betting super-power-users really care about that.
If you go here, you can see an interesting video about the battery and its advantages. If you don't want to watch the video, here are the highlights: it has an 8-hour charge life, 3 times the lifespan of a regular laptop battery and is not user-replaceable. There was no mention of how much the replacement cost is when it finally dies. My guess is that if you can afford the laptop, you can afford the replacement of its battery. (Update: it costs $179 in the U.S. and £139 in the UK.)
The lowest entry point is $2800. Options include a $900 256 gb solid state hard drive. Or if you want an old-style anti-glare display, that is now an option for an extra $50. Finally, a screaming 2.93 ghz dual-processor is now available (at a mere extra $900).
My buddy Jim is a 17" user. He and his wife have two. I know what he wants for his birthday. But 17" is just too big for me. I love the 15" size, so I'll just have to stick with my old MacBook Pro and my home-use external monitor. Sigh.
On another Apple tech note: iLife '09 has an incredible feature - iMovie has an image stabilization feature! That is completely amazing to me - and well worth the $79 price of admission.
Amazon is selling them for about $100 off.
And finally, go here for a hilarious look at Apple's even newer laptop.
If you go here, you can see an interesting video about the battery and its advantages. If you don't want to watch the video, here are the highlights: it has an 8-hour charge life, 3 times the lifespan of a regular laptop battery and is not user-replaceable. There was no mention of how much the replacement cost is when it finally dies. My guess is that if you can afford the laptop, you can afford the replacement of its battery. (Update: it costs $179 in the U.S. and £139 in the UK.)
The lowest entry point is $2800. Options include a $900 256 gb solid state hard drive. Or if you want an old-style anti-glare display, that is now an option for an extra $50. Finally, a screaming 2.93 ghz dual-processor is now available (at a mere extra $900).
My buddy Jim is a 17" user. He and his wife have two. I know what he wants for his birthday. But 17" is just too big for me. I love the 15" size, so I'll just have to stick with my old MacBook Pro and my home-use external monitor. Sigh.
On another Apple tech note: iLife '09 has an incredible feature - iMovie has an image stabilization feature! That is completely amazing to me - and well worth the $79 price of admission.
Amazon is selling them for about $100 off.
And finally, go here for a hilarious look at Apple's even newer laptop.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Sports on the curb
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Texas and The West
Colorado is part of the American west. But somehow cowboy culture is not as much a part of Colorado as it is part of Texas, even though we have quite a few ranchers and the National Western Stock Show. Ronald MacDonald is not sitting on any horses in Colorado. Maybe he should be.
(I spotted this particular Ronald in Amarillo. We didn't eat at his restaurant.)
(I spotted this particular Ronald in Amarillo. We didn't eat at his restaurant.)
Monday, January 05, 2009
10 best albums of all time
Over Christmas, we visited my brother in San Antonio. He challenged me to think of my favorite 10 best albums of all time. I thought a lot - and by the end our our long drive back to Colorado, I had my list. Before reading, skip to the end for all my disclaimers & notes.
These are not in order. I didn't want to narrow my choices by ranking them.
Disclaimers & notes:
These are not in order. I didn't want to narrow my choices by ranking them.
- Mozart 40 & 41 Symphonies: George Szell with the Cleveland Philharmonic
- Beatles: Abbey Road
- Bach, Vivaldi - Concerti for 2 Violins: Stern & Zukerman
- Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
- Radiohead: The Bends
- Pat Metheny Group: First Circle
- Talking Heads: Speaking in Tongues
- Elton John: Goodbye Yellowbrick Road
- Quasi: Featuring Birds
- Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac
Disclaimers & notes:
- Nothing later than 1998 is listed, even though I love a lot of music created since then. I just couldn't come up with anything from that category that I felt was worthy of this list.
- Lyrics: I am not into lyrics. Some of the lyrics in some of these songs may be offensive (particularly Quasi!) - so if you listen to any of this music and find the words offensive, please don't think that I consider what's sung as my worldview! Nor do I advocate the lifestyles of some of the musicians. I'm just into melodies. (And I know some out there can argue with this point.)
- I like music from other genres than rock, classical/baroque and jazz (such as bluegrass), but again, I didn't like anything there enough to add it to my list.
- I am tired of some of these albums to the level that I can't hear them again for a long time. But each has provided more pleasurable listens than albums that are not on this list.
- Taste is a personal thing - your list would or should look different than mine!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Smoking allowed
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