Thursday, October 11, 2007
This morning I received a random but most awesome email, from a staff member at the high school I attended all those years ago:
Dear Ms. Morrow,
It has come our attention through the hard work and dedication of XXXXX that you have in your possession a copy of BASIC ENGLISH REVISITED; A STUDENT HANDBOOK.
Since we only have 396 copies of this classic reference book on hand waiting for XXXXX to use when he substitute teaches Language Arts once every two years, we must request its return. Since the book was featured on your Flickr image gallery, we are willing to wave[sic] the 96 billion dollar restocking fee, contingent on your willingness to drop off the book at South Campus under XXXXX’s supervision.
Well, you really don’t even need to return the book, but we would love to have you drop by the library for a short write up for the South Campus Web Site and a follow up picture for the Flickr gallery.
The South Campus Book Detectives
Serves me right. I do like one of the insightful comments on flickr, from over a year ago:
Was it Seinfeld that had an episode once featuring a “library detective”? This guy who hunted down people who had overdue books? Maybe that school system has a library detective and someone will tip off that person and….Anyway, imagine how your life would just totally fall apart without that h.s. diploma now.
I’ll report back after my visit.
Bonus: It’s that time of year again, for Spooky Sock Monkeys! And this time they are being auctioned off, rather than sold outright. Naturally I want the cephalopodic Zaloob.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I blame the lingering effects of the cold. I’ve had a migraine much of the day and a regular old headache much of the week, which makes it more challenging to string words together in a meaningful way. But that rarely stops me.
So maybe I shouldn’t have tried to savor series two of Life on Mars. Because it’s gone now. The clips have mostly been yanked down from YouTube. And the ones that were up were missing entire scenes. And the quality is crappy anyhow. I would very much like to buy the complete box set, but it’s about $100 (USD). Youch.
Also grumpy-making? Once again, there are a ton of happenings in the Twin Cities this weekend, stuff I’d really like to stick around for, but the lad and I are headed up to Duluth. It’s too late to cancel (well, to cancel and receive a refund). But I’ve a feeling it’ll go more smoothly than the Chicago trip. And hey, some friends are joining us for part of the weekend. And we get to see some other friends, Scott and V-Nick. It’s been too long and Duluth really is a cool city.
Bonus: The lad and I walked to the library yesterday, where I picked up A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez (I enjoyed his other two books as well). Nothing better than curling up with a good book, two cats and a cozy comforter, especially now that the Fall weather has kicked in for real.
Plus: Monday was International Cephalopod Awareness Day and I failed to blog about it until now. Where’s my cephalopodic pride? Oh well. Hopefully I’ll have an octopus tattoo by this time next year, to go with the squid.
And: Ever since we took the kid to Valleyfair he’s had a changed attitude about our morning commute. He pretends that the freeway on and off ramps are all part of a giant rollercoaster. I appreciate his positive vibe, but I could do without the early morning screaming.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
My body is finally on the mend but my brain has been busy all along. You lot didn’t exactly chime in with the requested distractions…so I had to seek some out on my own. In the case of Thursday that meant discovering Life on Mars, and watching all eight episodes of series one (I’m going to try to savor series two more slowly). And a dorky aside…at first I blamed the fever, for making me think of Simon Pegg as I watched lead actor John Simm. But then imdb came to the rescue. A sight gag I’d seen in an episode of Spaced hinged on the similarity of their appearances. So take that! Er, someone.
As for last night’s indiscretions, I blame Mr. Barrett Chase. After reading his pilot night post I watched both episodes of the new Bionic Woman. Though it should really be called the bionic women, plural. I know Michelle Ryan is supposed to be the main star, but it’s all about Katee Sackhoff for me. This might just tide me over until we get some new BSG.
Bonus: What did we do before YouTube? Shout outs to Nick and Dels for some love, The Things We Do For Love and The Hounds of Love respectively.
Plus: I had a perfectly sound topic to place here, but it fell out of my brain before I could type it. Instead I’ll post this tidbit…Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd comes out this Christmas. Yahoo movies has got the trailer.
And: This weekend is FallCon but I’m no collector. I just like picking up random comics that catch my eye, then following the writers/artists who impressed me. A visit to Big Brain is in order (or to the library, which would be much cheaper).
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
C’mon people, I’m still sick. Throw me a bone. Or something. Seeking out my own diversions has been exhausting. Though reading a post by James led me to look up the release date for Control (October 10th, limited) which led to the Landmark site which has finally been reskinned after all these years but viewing the source code shows that it is still done in frames and tables. Ack. Also, I kinda sorta want to see Kontroll again now as well (and not just because it’s a homophone of Control). But I’d really like to see a movie I haven’t seen before. One like the upcoming Michel Gondry movie, Be Kind Rewind, which looks most awesome. Or heck, even Die Hard 4. I am that bored and lacking in energy. I am even having wistful thoughts of the gym. Somebody help me out. Book recommendations, movie recommendations, YouTube clips, that sort of thing. Thanks.
Bonus: Working from home today would’ve been somewhat restful, but for Freddy who a) chewed through my Sennheiser headphones, right in front of me, rendering them useless and b) ate my soup.
Plus: J returns tonight from a week long business trip. We’ve missed him.
And: Amanda makes me smile. We are so much alike.
I’m sick. And tired. And frustrated. And lacking decent distractions. Distract me? Please?
Bonus: Looking forward to the next Coen Brothers film, No Country For Old Men. Opens next month.
Plus: Last night’s second episode of Heroes - season two - was so much better than the first.
And: The little man is still on his Superfriends kick, and way into Robin in particular. I’d love to get these Batman and Robin paintings for his room, but I’ve dropped enough cash lately.
Friday, September 28, 2007
This EconoLodge isn’t exactly scenic, but I knew a change of scenery would do me good. Driving all the way to Chicago last night would’ve been too much for the little man - and for me. Madison was an excellent stopping point. And our trip had an auspicious start. Last night we left St. Paul in a light rain, and drove East, under a giant double rainbow. It was with us for the first 45 minutes of our journey. Then, when it became dark, the almost full moon rode shotgun.
Bonus: We don’t have cable at home, so I was mightily tempted by Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. Especially Death Notes. But I resisted, only because I wanted the lad to get a good night’s sleep.
Plus: I already listed some of the things I’ll be missing in the Twin Cities this weekend, but add to that list - The Blow. Somehow I’ve never seen Khaela Maricich perform, but I’d sure like to. Doh. Still Chicago will be worth it.
And: “Jiffy-Pop Presents: Wonder Woman” - Ha! I love both Bjork, and the ladies of fug, so this made me smile.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Editor’s note: I attempted to post this last night, but WordPress choked and I opted to go to bed. Five good things to combat the Monday malaise:
- This Classic Mojo shirt. After I purchased it I was rewarded with this great graphic. It’s the little things.
- I’d considered heading to First Ave, for The Clientele/Peter Bjorn and John show tonight. But the thought of a quiet night in, watching the Heroes season premiere, was too appealing. I was just barely able to get NBC tuned in. Now would be a good time for some basic cable.
- A friend made me another mix, this time the theme seems to be ridiculous and random. It’s got everything from Lil Mama to Menomena, Hall & Oates to Justin Timberlake, Justice, Out Hud, The Blow, Spoon, Vitalic and then some. It’s fabulous.
- Bedtime with the little man. He now declares “no kissing!” before our bedtime hug. Last night I couldn’t help myself and planted a big sloppy one on his cheek. He shouted “you’re fired!” - thankfully he had a big smile on his face while he said it.
- Also last night, the little man’s Dad stopped over to reconnect our gas stove. I can cook again, for reals! And an added bonus? He brought along some vegan carrot cake cupcakes he’d made. I’ve gotta say, I’ve got some damned nice exes.
Bonus: Two tasty tidbits from the NY Times. 1) Don’t Even Think of Touching That Cupcake and 2) Please Don’t Marry Our Daughters.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
We’ve been hella busy ’round these parts. Some good times. Others…not so much. Dinner at Midori’s with friends was fun - despite getting caught in a big storm on the way. Then there was the little man’s annual physical - something we both would’ve rather skipped. And I’ve had a lot on my mind, pondering some heavy parenting-type issues. But for now? Let’s have some fun!
- Last night’s Freaks and Geeks viewing party, part one, was a complete success. I love you Judd Apatow!
- Considered going to see The Bothersome Man Friday night but saw David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises instead. Ebert gave it four stars and I can see why. Though I didn’t actually see all of the movie. There were a few scenes where I felt compelled to whip off my glasses. If you see it, you’ll understand why. Lemme just say, I’ve always been creeped out by straight razors.
- If I wore these bouncy stilts, I could be just like an anime character! Or crack my head open on something.
- My friend Craig made my day. He unearthed a favorite childhood book and promptly took photos of it. Batman and Robin - From Alfred to Zowie!
- This is so last week, but I never got around to posting it - the intersection of postsecret and lolcats, it’s lolsecretz!
- All Girl Brass Band Covers Dragonball-Z Theme - Tokyo Brass Style
- Neil Gaiman has quite the life. First he was in China, experiencing utter happiness, induced by getting to hold a panda on his lap. Now he’s hanging out in Japan, with Hayao Miyazaki, among others. So jealous.
- If you like gorillas, Phil Collins, and chocolate, watch this. It made me laugh.
- More human than human. Blade Runner: The Final Cut.
- Looking forward to our Chicago trip next weekend.
Monday, September 17, 2007
My “plan” was a success. For this year’s birthday party, we distributed the little man’s invites at the last minute, and to far fewer folks, and guess what? We had about 1/5 as many attendees as last year! And that is a-ok. Last year was way way over the top. But this time around some of our favorite regulars couldn’t make it, which was a downer. Though I think the lad had a decent birthday overall. And how could he not, when his Dad showed up in costume as Captain Hook? Oh yeah, we wound up going with the Peter Pan theme after all. Saving Super Mario Bros for next year. Maybe I should swing by Nintendo World before then, like Emily did.
Some other junk:
- I’m cranky because I didn’t get to go out last weekend and it’s left me feeling like a surly, grounded teenager. Hoping to rectify that this coming weekend by going to a party Friday night, and hosting my own Freaks and Geeks party on Saturday.
- This is a little mean-spirited, but it makes me oh so happy.
- I’m so desperate for a little break from my reality that I may have agreed to see Dragon Wars tomorrow night. I’d prefer to see Once or Shoot ‘Em Up, but D-War with a group of people? Could be some so-bad-it’s-good kinda fun. And I need summathat. Desperately.
- Speaking of fun, the new cat is racing around as the little man shines a flashlight on the walls. It’s the simple pleasures for those two.
Bonus: Long time vegan that I am, there are still recipes that pop up for food combos I would’ve never dreamed of. Like this watermelon steak. Weird.
Plus: It’s Rollergirls season again! We missed the bout Saturday night (I totally spaced it, because of so much else going on that I couldn’t get to) and we’ll be out of town for the next one, but hopefully we’ll hit up the bout after that.
And: The little man and I have been kicking back, watching episodes of the SuperFriends on YouTube. Almost an antidote for my foul mood.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Eight years ago on this day I was having my abdomen sliced open so that I could meet my son. Happy Birthday little man! I’m glad you made it out into this crazy world. I can’t begin to imagine what my life would be like without you in it.
Speaking of crazy, for years a piece of trivia was eluding me. Every time my brain tried to grab a hold of it I was denied and it irked me to no end. But finally, right before bed the other night, the lightning bolt struck. I’d been trying to recall what Hard Times Cafe had been called in its previous incarnation. It was the Urban Peasant. Which we all dubbed the Urban Unpleasant. The food was good but the service was less than enthusiastic. Not much has changed.
Bonus: Mohammed Rafi, Bollywood Star. That man had the moves. I could watch this all day long.
Plus: Yesterday I was introduced to thingpart. It was life-changing.
And: On the rare occasion that I get out of town, there will invariably be something awesome going on here while I am elsewhere. I’m taking the lad to Chicago the weekend of the 28th, and will be missing the “Get a Clue - Girls Rock the U!” scavenger hunt concert and a flickr photowalk in one of my fave neighborhoods, the Summit Avenue/Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul. Oh wells.
