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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Moving Day
After months of procrastination, I'm finally moving this blog! All the old posts are available there and any new posts will be listed only there. Come on over and see what's new! http://vorpalblade1.blogspot.com/
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Things I Noticed on My Travels
Just back from the L'ville, Nashville, Birmingham loop. First thing: next time I'm in Nashville I'm going to the Vanderbilt medical library. I've read so many papers out of there this semester, and need to make the time to check it out.
On this trip, things that have come to my attention:
Drivers: yes, it is true I have become a Louisville driver for all the good-bad-and-ugly of it. We run red lights here--lights that haven't been yellow in ages and can hardly be called "orange." Pedestrians here come to corners with a haunted look in their eyes and a tremble in their thighs as they prepare to run for their lives.
Tennessee, or I should say, Nashville, drivers have taken that newly-refurbished Briley Pkwy and consider it their own little autobahn. The sound walls trap all the water on the roadway and it could be four inches deep and rising, but they will drive like Satan is on their asses and gaining fast.
Alabama: I now know why they have those "wrong way" signs on the offramps to the freeway. On a road that clearly went nowhere but the "wrong way" and I was coming off the ramp, a Mustang tootled past me and the driver looked at me as if to say "why are you on my side of the road?" As I watched in the rearview mirror from the top of the ramp, it was evident he finally realized all the cars were coming AT him, and he backed up quickly. Oh, and passing on the right? Not cool, people! Not cool!
All in all, a terrific drive and I'm glad to be back where we ignore red lights, and most cars evidently aren't purchased with turn signals.
On this trip, things that have come to my attention:
Drivers: yes, it is true I have become a Louisville driver for all the good-bad-and-ugly of it. We run red lights here--lights that haven't been yellow in ages and can hardly be called "orange." Pedestrians here come to corners with a haunted look in their eyes and a tremble in their thighs as they prepare to run for their lives.
Tennessee, or I should say, Nashville, drivers have taken that newly-refurbished Briley Pkwy and consider it their own little autobahn. The sound walls trap all the water on the roadway and it could be four inches deep and rising, but they will drive like Satan is on their asses and gaining fast.
Alabama: I now know why they have those "wrong way" signs on the offramps to the freeway. On a road that clearly went nowhere but the "wrong way" and I was coming off the ramp, a Mustang tootled past me and the driver looked at me as if to say "why are you on my side of the road?" As I watched in the rearview mirror from the top of the ramp, it was evident he finally realized all the cars were coming AT him, and he backed up quickly. Oh, and passing on the right? Not cool, people! Not cool!
All in all, a terrific drive and I'm glad to be back where we ignore red lights, and most cars evidently aren't purchased with turn signals.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Domestic violence as pre-existing condition? 8 states still allow it | McClatchy
I don't know if this is just people who haven't taken it off the books, or places where the insurance companies are still quite happy to take advantage of anyone they can. Either way, it's pretty ugly.
Domestic violence as pre-existing condition? 8 states still allow it | McClatchy
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Domestic violence as pre-existing condition? 8 states still allow it | McClatchy
Shared via AddThis
Friday, September 4, 2009
Yea Sushi and All Things Great, Small, and Edible!
No sushi in the South End you say? Nay! I say to you.
Anyway. Here are some pictures from Fuji in Dixie Manor, where we had some extremely fresh, and well-presented sushi for under $45. Remember, this is only a selection of what we had. The rest, I just horked down without pics. It was not only fresh, when I asked for deep fried shrimp with something still looking at me, I got it. Look at this, with raw tails with some sort of roe (?) and deep fried heads.
The shots below were of a special roll where the outside was done with cucumber. Kou (I think I spelled that correctly) started with a whole cucumber. Glad someone can do it.
Buen
o.Here are the before and after shots.
I can't tell y'all enough, if you can get there, go there! And you can get there!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Maido Meh
I've been meaning to post this since Thursday night when it happened... Maido is this terrific local restaurant and after many a hem and haw, we settled on it for dinner on Thursday. I walked in and was promptly told by the bartender (this restaurant has wonderful sushi but no sushi bar, when you walk in you are looking at a bar-bar), that "Nancy" (names have been changed to protect the guilt), would be right with me. Nancy was not right with me, in fact, another server asked if I had been helped and the aforementioned bartender told her Nancy would be with me when she came inside.
So, we get seated outside and the weather is lovely and eventually our server asks if we would like something to drink. The water arrives promptly, but "I have to go all the way back to the kitchen to get your ice tea." We're now 15 minutes into this visit. The ice tea finally arrives and we place our order. Everything raw. This shouldn't be a big deal. You shouldn't have to fish before the prep. I also made it clear that I would be ordering more as the night wore merrily forward. We sat down at 8 PM, the food arrived at 8:50 PM. A plate of sashimi, and some sort of roll with avocado on the outside, which had been sitting so long it had kind of melted to the top of the roll.
In their defense: it was some of the best frickin' sashimi I ever put in my face, but when we weren't done, it was clear another hour of waiting was not an option. We went down the street to Osaka where our food was produced in a few minutes and where the waitress and all the staff were solicitous and polite. Oddly enough, that always makes the food taste better. Osaka has always been my go-to sushi bar and now I know why. I won't be making the same mistake again.
So, we get seated outside and the weather is lovely and eventually our server asks if we would like something to drink. The water arrives promptly, but "I have to go all the way back to the kitchen to get your ice tea." We're now 15 minutes into this visit. The ice tea finally arrives and we place our order. Everything raw. This shouldn't be a big deal. You shouldn't have to fish before the prep. I also made it clear that I would be ordering more as the night wore merrily forward. We sat down at 8 PM, the food arrived at 8:50 PM. A plate of sashimi, and some sort of roll with avocado on the outside, which had been sitting so long it had kind of melted to the top of the roll.
In their defense: it was some of the best frickin' sashimi I ever put in my face, but when we weren't done, it was clear another hour of waiting was not an option. We went down the street to Osaka where our food was produced in a few minutes and where the waitress and all the staff were solicitous and polite. Oddly enough, that always makes the food taste better. Osaka has always been my go-to sushi bar and now I know why. I won't be making the same mistake again.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ted
I was sitting in a cafe in Kinsale when I learned that Ted Kennedy had brain cancer. I didn't really understand how the Irish felt about the Kennedys until I saw an eight page story about Senator Kennedy and his diagnosis. Today, I can only imagine what the papers look like.
His was not a career I followed closely, and to be honest, when I hear his name I think "Chappaquiddick" but I guess if anyone worked to make up for a horrible mistake it was him. Listening to his grandkids speaking, it's clear they will follow in the family's political footsteps, but perhaps without his style. Few would have the balls to use their own funeral as a political gesture, and I think holding his funeral at a church that has been a home for every immigrant population is definitely a political gesture. A gesture that won't get him anything, but shows that he stood behind what he said.
He gave us a lot of bad punchlines, but he actually worked and asked other politicians some tough questions. Good work.
His was not a career I followed closely, and to be honest, when I hear his name I think "Chappaquiddick" but I guess if anyone worked to make up for a horrible mistake it was him. Listening to his grandkids speaking, it's clear they will follow in the family's political footsteps, but perhaps without his style. Few would have the balls to use their own funeral as a political gesture, and I think holding his funeral at a church that has been a home for every immigrant population is definitely a political gesture. A gesture that won't get him anything, but shows that he stood behind what he said.
He gave us a lot of bad punchlines, but he actually worked and asked other politicians some tough questions. Good work.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Damn You Foodies
OK, I do it. Some of you do it. You see a restaurant on TV and have to try it. All I will say is the last time I was in KC, the line at Oklahoma Joe's actually went around the shop and out the door. I couldn't wait, had to get home, but the smell made me tear up as I turned around and walked out.
Like flatiron steak, or your favorite band, it's wonderful to get there first but bittersweet when it makes it big. Recognition is good, but shouldn't there be some sort of wristband for the people who were there first?
Like flatiron steak, or your favorite band, it's wonderful to get there first but bittersweet when it makes it big. Recognition is good, but shouldn't there be some sort of wristband for the people who were there first?
Chicago
Ok, so this is quite a bit later, but let me tell you something most of you already know. Chicago rocks! The ALA conference in July was a real success on every level except comfortable footwear (which was fixed with a two dollar pair of flip flops from Walgreens). Their public transportation is great and I never had to wait more than a few minutes for a bus. Also, drivers there do not seem to run "pink" lights the way we do in Louisville. When I got home that was my resolution to myself--stop when the light is changing. You can guess how well that lasted...
Anyway, as for the conference, highlights were listening to Michael Connelly and Ari Weinzweig speak. I can hear you saying, "Michael Connelly I've heard of but who is this Ari fellow?" He runs a conglomerate of businesses up in Ann Arbor and has written a book about good bacon. Of the six producers he recommends, three are in Kentucky. Darnit, this state is starting to suck me in with the pork!
Connelly was great because he didn't talk about the writing until people asked questions about it, instead he focused on how libraries have been important in his life. A really refreshing approach and it became a mutual appreciation society--him explaining our value and we returning the favor with questions about his writing.
The other conference highlight was definitely the scholarship bash at the Chicago Art Institute. Holy moly! That place has everything! American Gothic? Check. Nighthawks? Check. Terrific small pen and paint by Pollock? Check. You get the idea. When I arrived I thought there was absolutely no way I could spend four hours, especially after a full day of events. Four hours flew by. If you haven't gone. Go. I plan on going back and giving it a full day. One complaint here. While this was a catered affair (simple sandwiches, cheese and fruit) and the bar was "open" if you had collected some "bash cash" earlier in the day, it was slightly embarrassing to see a herd of librarians muscle through the collections and straight to the food. It was more embarrassing to see most people were not tipping the bartenders. Doh! You're representing here, cough up a buck and pretend you care about culture a bit.
The final note is about a little bar I found by the hotel. OK, this place has no signage outside and while I was told it had a name, I can't remember what it was. It used to be a funeral home and still has a casket they trot out for special occasions or when someone needs to sleep it off. So there I am in this old funeral home, having a beer with the locals (hi everyone!) when several well-dressed women come in and proceed to hold a "candle party," you know, where they sell candles and knick-knacks out of a catalog. Surreal.
Everyone in town was wonderfully friendly and I can't wait to go back.
Anyway, as for the conference, highlights were listening to Michael Connelly and Ari Weinzweig speak. I can hear you saying, "Michael Connelly I've heard of but who is this Ari fellow?" He runs a conglomerate of businesses up in Ann Arbor and has written a book about good bacon. Of the six producers he recommends, three are in Kentucky. Darnit, this state is starting to suck me in with the pork!
Connelly was great because he didn't talk about the writing until people asked questions about it, instead he focused on how libraries have been important in his life. A really refreshing approach and it became a mutual appreciation society--him explaining our value and we returning the favor with questions about his writing.
The other conference highlight was definitely the scholarship bash at the Chicago Art Institute. Holy moly! That place has everything! American Gothic? Check. Nighthawks? Check. Terrific small pen and paint by Pollock? Check. You get the idea. When I arrived I thought there was absolutely no way I could spend four hours, especially after a full day of events. Four hours flew by. If you haven't gone. Go. I plan on going back and giving it a full day. One complaint here. While this was a catered affair (simple sandwiches, cheese and fruit) and the bar was "open" if you had collected some "bash cash" earlier in the day, it was slightly embarrassing to see a herd of librarians muscle through the collections and straight to the food. It was more embarrassing to see most people were not tipping the bartenders. Doh! You're representing here, cough up a buck and pretend you care about culture a bit.
The final note is about a little bar I found by the hotel. OK, this place has no signage outside and while I was told it had a name, I can't remember what it was. It used to be a funeral home and still has a casket they trot out for special occasions or when someone needs to sleep it off. So there I am in this old funeral home, having a beer with the locals (hi everyone!) when several well-dressed women come in and proceed to hold a "candle party," you know, where they sell candles and knick-knacks out of a catalog. Surreal.
Everyone in town was wonderfully friendly and I can't wait to go back.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Ohio Libraries
Here's my rant to the Ohio Governor, whose new budget cuts public library spending by 50%:
Closing libraries is a downward spiral. In a few years when there is more crime and gang activity, and more money has to be spent on prisons, libraries will lose again.
Only by thinking in the long term and realizing the value of a safe place for children, teenagers, immigrants, and people from all walks of life to congregate in a positive atmosphere that engenders understanding and good will, will you do a service to your state.
Paying a corporation to open a Chuck E.Cheese? Kroger needs your money? or the NFL? You can find these funds.
You don't have to be a resident to voice your opinion. Think of what your library has done for you. Here's how to contact Gov. Strickland. And here's a nice article for another good cause which explains where those funds can be found.
Public education, a tenant of this democracy, is going the way of the dodo bird. Don't let them take away the last place we can all obtain an equal education if we want to--and if you've been to your local library, you know we do. If you haven't been recently--Go!
Closing libraries is a downward spiral. In a few years when there is more crime and gang activity, and more money has to be spent on prisons, libraries will lose again.
Only by thinking in the long term and realizing the value of a safe place for children, teenagers, immigrants, and people from all walks of life to congregate in a positive atmosphere that engenders understanding and good will, will you do a service to your state.
Paying a corporation to open a Chuck E.Cheese? Kroger needs your money? or the NFL? You can find these funds.
You don't have to be a resident to voice your opinion. Think of what your library has done for you. Here's how to contact Gov. Strickland. And here's a nice article for another good cause which explains where those funds can be found.
Public education, a tenant of this democracy, is going the way of the dodo bird. Don't let them take away the last place we can all obtain an equal education if we want to--and if you've been to your local library, you know we do. If you haven't been recently--Go!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Sunday
Cooking unknown greens from Mr. Brodbeck's garden, which I think are going to be fabulous.
Another burner is working on the German potato salad. Never having made it before--I didn't think I would ever say these words--there is such a thing as too much bacon fat. I'm removing extra grease in increments, adding flour to some of it in a slury and then reintroducing. Keeping my fingers crossed.
If you're intrested in breaking into my house, I'll be leaving for Kansas City on Thursday, back on Sunday and then off to Chicago the 9th to the 12th of July. If you decide to break in, please clean up my work area as it is a mess. I think I need another filing cabinet. Cookie dough is in the freezer, the jacuzzi bathtub is working and there's plenty of music on the harddrive. You know what they say, leave it cleaner than you found it, or something like that.
I'm seriously considering a new smart phone and plan so I can keep up with everything while away.
Another burner is working on the German potato salad. Never having made it before--I didn't think I would ever say these words--there is such a thing as too much bacon fat. I'm removing extra grease in increments, adding flour to some of it in a slury and then reintroducing. Keeping my fingers crossed.
If you're intrested in breaking into my house, I'll be leaving for Kansas City on Thursday, back on Sunday and then off to Chicago the 9th to the 12th of July. If you decide to break in, please clean up my work area as it is a mess. I think I need another filing cabinet. Cookie dough is in the freezer, the jacuzzi bathtub is working and there's plenty of music on the harddrive. You know what they say, leave it cleaner than you found it, or something like that.
I'm seriously considering a new smart phone and plan so I can keep up with everything while away.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Betty Crocker, Scaring Kids Since 1936
I don't know what started me down my Betty Crocker hunt today, but hunt I did, and this Web site with its images of the "official" Betty Crocker scared the bejeezus out of me. I think I started because it was about one of the first cookbooks I owned as a teenager and while basic, it served a good introductory purpose, but if someone had put this lady on the cover, I would have thought twice. No I wouldn't have needed twice to walk away from this Arsenic and Old Lace school of cookery.
The chick from 1955...maybe I would have let her cook for me, or even write a recipe, but the others look like Nazi dominatrixes or Stepford Wives. Vould you like your beating now or avter the peach melba?
But overall, my favorite is the 1996 "subtely multiethnic" Betty...what I like to think of as "Botox Betty."
Oh yes, you can darken her brows and eyes, and take away that Teutonic I vill cook for you but I vill never enjoy it!-look, but it seems that every Betty embodies the shame of her generation. Even here you can see her wanting to frown, or possibly drop a brow, but alas, it is not to be.
The chick from 1955...maybe I would have let her cook for me, or even write a recipe, but the others look like Nazi dominatrixes or Stepford Wives. Vould you like your beating now or avter the peach melba?
But overall, my favorite is the 1996 "subtely multiethnic" Betty...what I like to think of as "Botox Betty."
Oh yes, you can darken her brows and eyes, and take away that Teutonic I vill cook for you but I vill never enjoy it!-look, but it seems that every Betty embodies the shame of her generation. Even here you can see her wanting to frown, or possibly drop a brow, but alas, it is not to be.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Calling all Roomies
Anyone going to the ALA conference next month interested in a roommate to split costs?
I'll be there the 9th through the 12th and while I don't have a room yet I'd be willing to bunk with someone or get the room myself and have someone bunk with me.
Pass it on y'all!
I'll be there the 9th through the 12th and while I don't have a room yet I'd be willing to bunk with someone or get the room myself and have someone bunk with me.
Pass it on y'all!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
It's Your Job
If you are a horse race announcer, you know you are going to see Spanish names, both from riders and horses, so I find it unacceptable that the Monmouth announcer repeatedly called Hermosillo, Her-mo-sil-o.
Even the new announcer at Churchill has some problems along this line (although Johnson is probably following that British tradition of ignoring pronunciation if it isn't English. I notice that even Gordon Ramsey makes Pie-ella). Luke prided himself on getting the names right. Let's get back to that shall we?
Even the new announcer at Churchill has some problems along this line (although Johnson is probably following that British tradition of ignoring pronunciation if it isn't English. I notice that even Gordon Ramsey makes Pie-ella). Luke prided himself on getting the names right. Let's get back to that shall we?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More Reasons Librarians Rawk!
Wandered down to the library last evening to pick up some of the books I have scheduled for the summer. Had on my Ozomatli tee and this librarian asks if it is, in fact, an Ozomatli tee. She not only knew who they were, but gave me the names of a couple of other artists I might enjoy and still tried to rope me into the Saturday language cafe. Multitasking at its best.
Forgot to ask her name, but wherever you are cool librarian, thanks! Hope I turn out half as well as you did.
PS: been walking home from work and really enjoying the weather.
Forgot to ask her name, but wherever you are cool librarian, thanks! Hope I turn out half as well as you did.
PS: been walking home from work and really enjoying the weather.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
ALA bits
Two things. A new collaborative called In the Library with the Lead Pipe looks like an interesting resource for librarians and provides some overview and review of library-centric matters. One word of warning and praise, it is text intensive. After so long reading short articles with a plethora of hyperlinks, you'll have to turn on a couple of extra brain cells. This weeks article is a review of ALAConnect, a new ALA site that looks like it can work on several social levels for current members.
Second, my excitement about attending the annual ALA conference has been tempered by the fact that I will miss Sherman Alexie on Monday afternoon. Quandry.
Second, my excitement about attending the annual ALA conference has been tempered by the fact that I will miss Sherman Alexie on Monday afternoon. Quandry.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Back to The Regularly Scheduled Madness
So, my 636 class is over--library technology? computer use in libraries? I don't know, something like that--and I can return to blogs about things I really care about, like meat cards. These are the kinds of people I really want to meet. I'm sure with enough liquor and time we could rule the world. I would hand out my meat cards with a side of bacconaise (yeah it's kosher and vegetarian but I can overlook that).
I used to put these up on MySpace, but really, how many social networking sites can one undermotivated chick keep up with? Well, if you're this undermotivated lump o' female, the answer is one.
I used to put these up on MySpace, but really, how many social networking sites can one undermotivated chick keep up with? Well, if you're this undermotivated lump o' female, the answer is one.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Mooshu
My baby had a pituitary tumor and after a couple of weeks of hand feeding and watering she finally gave in on Monday night. I think this picture says it all. What a good girl.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Library Geeks Unite
It's not library technology, it's technology about librarians.
Maureen Clements has some links in her Library Week article that might prove fruitful, but will definitely prove fun for that librarian in your life.
That's right, get out there and be a Shover and Maker!
Maureen Clements has some links in her Library Week article that might prove fruitful, but will definitely prove fun for that librarian in your life.
That's right, get out there and be a Shover and Maker!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Eeeekkk!
If you're ever in need of something to keep you awake at night, aside from normal anxiety attacks, try this...http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/blog/
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Better Than It Was Before. Better, Stronger, Faster.
Ah the continuing image problem of the public library. Once again, when I've told friends about how badly our public libraries have it right now, the inevitable response is "I just saw something on the news that says more people are using the library than ever." Yes, the bad economy means more people are in the library, but that doesn't create funding. Our public libraries are now all closed on Sunday. The mayor put out this brilliant piece of spin when it first occurred.
The real tragedy is that just as libraries are really at a point where they can use interactive technology to make the library more and more relevant, there are fewer and fewer funds available to do it. First we rejected a new tax, which regardless of the politics surrounding it, would have provided funds. Those who said we didn't need the tax claimed that a bond proposal would take up the slack. Of course after the tax didn't pass no one heard another word about a bond.
We hear about tax revolts...well maybe it is time for the librarians to revolt. That's right, let's see what happens if we go Lysistrata on the public's ass.
The real tragedy is that just as libraries are really at a point where they can use interactive technology to make the library more and more relevant, there are fewer and fewer funds available to do it. First we rejected a new tax, which regardless of the politics surrounding it, would have provided funds. Those who said we didn't need the tax claimed that a bond proposal would take up the slack. Of course after the tax didn't pass no one heard another word about a bond.
We hear about tax revolts...well maybe it is time for the librarians to revolt. That's right, let's see what happens if we go Lysistrata on the public's ass.
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