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Mon, 01 Feb 2010
Today's topic for discussion is:
| We're getting old: Cleveland's Plain Dealer has posted an interview with Bill Watterson, on the 15th anniversary of the end of Calvin and Hobbes. |
| posted at: 14:31 | permanent link to this entry |
Fri, 22 Jan 2010
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Meteor hits doctor's office: lucky it didn't hit anybody, but at least you'd be close to treatment. (bonus: cool pictures of broken, complete meteorite). |
| posted at: 08:34 | permanent link to this entry |
Thu, 21 Jan 2010
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Spellcheck: tweeple or tweople? |
| posted at: 15:55 | permanent link to this entry |
Wed, 20 Jan 2010
If Scott Brown's election does kill the "Healthcare Reform" bill, that outcome will probably be a silver lining. The only semi-positive thing I've read was from 538 (no link atm) which described the new Senator as having a voting record "more liberal" than most GOPers. However, this news is completely secondary to the few clips I've seen of this person; dude is most likely a basic political psychopath, perfectly content to adopt whatever position he's paid to adopt. It may be that Brown is one of those northeastern Republicans who will antagonize the GOP base. This is just wishful thinking, however. Brown's complete lack of national GOP opposition indicates the new Senator is Klan-kin, or can at least act the part for future considerations and funding. |
| posted at: 22:15 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Performance isn't a concern. It may be an issue from time to time, but performance isn't a concern. |
| posted at: 22:14 | permanent link to this entry |
|
It's winter, and while Atlanta is finally thawed out from the (much-needed) deep-freeze of prior weeks, I am still in full-on "Mountain Man" mode - neither shave nor haircut since Thanksgiving, besides a moustache trim or two. I've also followed the traditional Southern method of dealing with cold -- pile up as many layers of whatever clothes you can find. Two t-shirts, pairs of socks, thermal undies, multiple sweaters and jackets. From this, I've recalled the purpose of current fashion trends and brands -- the people who shelled out $$$ for this year's fashion are more economically viable than people who haven't. This extends across a spectrum from the fashionistas, to mall-rats to hobos. So, I added a North Face fleece to the collection of layerable stuff. It's too early to tell whether this fleece will actually hold up, but my other fleece is starting to unravel. What I have done, though, is subtly screw with people's minds. Damn near everyone is wearing something with a North Face brand nowadays, and I'm collecting the "divide-by-zero" looks from people who use fashion (insomuch as the term applies to windbreakers and jackets) to recognize their own kind. It's heartwarming fun for the dark of winter. |
| posted at: 22:01 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 18 Jan 2010
Today's topic for discussion is:
| I picked up one of the Sweetwater 420 loaves from Whole Foods last week; I find it better than most of Sweetwater's beers (special/seasonal brews being the exceptions). It's really good. The loaf is good for breaking and sharing, and somewhat alls for a gooey dip -- at least a dip which can be scooped and spread later, with the collected crumbs. |
| posted at: 16:15 | permanent link to this entry |
I'm With Coco - The NBC Question
I've been following the latest phase in NBC's ongoing late-night comedy saga, and having not watched TV in years, I've identified the most relevant question pertaining to this issue: Why do I care? The answer: as stated above, I haven't watched TV in years. NBC's As such, it's gratifying to watch the these so-called executives and their zombie organization get spit-roasted. The larger question is: "How far will this revolt spread?" |
| posted at: 16:15 | permanent link to this entry |
Fri, 15 Jan 2010
The Haiti quake is a complete f'ing disaster; about to be squared by the looting, cannibalization, open fighting, and migration, conveniently encapsulated in the term "civil unrest", and cubed by the overall lack of resources to support that many people. To be blunt: I don't think the combined relief efforts of the world can actually support that many people for very long. Evacuations and dispersal of the survivors is basically the only mid- to long-term solution I can think of. With the port facilities destroyed and a sole airport, I'm thinking amphibious landing/beachhead tactics and sustained airdrops over the cities will actually be required for any nominal force. At first, i thought the timing of the quake (5pm local) was a blessing, as it gave people nominal time to get into the open. However, I fear the timing merely provides the difference between a quick death and a slow one. :/ I'm vaguely annoyed at the news coverage of this disaster, as the prospect that 2d4 x 10^5 casualties is some form of surprise a few days after the fact; use of the term "looting" as some form of problem; and I suppose, continued 'surprise' at the impending decline of order and civility. |
| posted at: 12:42 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Conan O'Brien is the highest-paid sidekick in TV history. |
| posted at: 12:01 | permanent link to this entry |
Tue, 12 Jan 2010
The Rotten Fruits of Illegitimacy
As real estate prices correct back toward their natural levels (roughly 45-55% off 2007 levels), and the resulting tax digests shrink, school systems are starting to receive scrutiny for their budgets and structures. [The above might just be the most understated use of the word 'scrutiny' I've seen in a long time, and shows uncharacteristic restraint on my part. I blame winter. ;)] As first highlighted by Atlanta Unfiltered, and further reported by AJC, Five metro Atlanta jurisdictions (City of Atlanta, Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Clayton) combine for at least $1.2 Million per year in compensation for their superintendents. Cobb County doesn't show up in either report. I can't really complain about these salaries, in a historical sense. It's like complaining about maggots -- they're gross, but they're only devouring dead economic flesh in the first place, so they serve a nominal purpose (Cumulative burden on rental rates notwithstanding, of course :). Dekalb School Board: Den of SnakesGoing forward, however, Dekalb County's response to this situation (coverd within the above AJC article) was to extend the superintendent's contract, restoring a minor pay cut enforced last year. From the linked article comes the obligatory dismissal of concern, which I've corrected (in bold) to illustrate the implied guilt: "This is not an unusual phenomenon. Whenever the state budget goes into crisis, we extend the superintendent's contract, at full rate. This happens all the time." I feel the larger problem at hand is that school boards, in the interest of "local control", are semi-autonomous, parallel governments. I can't really say anything good about them, and I'd probably type at windmills for the rest of my days if I attempted to enumerate the evil at hand. |
| posted at: 03:27 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Israel and Hamas are shooting at each other again; don't be surprised to see another large Gaza offensive. |
| posted at: 03:26 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 11 Jan 2010
The PlaceThis free-standing building has one of the best patios in the neighborhood, hands down. While succeptible to weather (including the deep freeze at time of this writing), the patio's wall is a planter, which remains full of herbs and other plants, year-round. The interior is modern and sparse, save for the tables. Dark colors are the theme, here. During my visit, the room was a nearly even mix of couples, families, and social groups. All in all, it's one of those neighborhood standout joints. The dark marble bar poses a bit of a problem, in that dishes (especially pizzas) served on the bar will rapidly cool. This problem becomes a wonderful thing around May, however. :) The Pie: Pizza GorgonzolaOsteria's pizzas are of the flat, neapolitan variety; thin toppings, and slightly-risen crust are the style here. I figure one pie and one appetizer (or salad) will make a good dinner for two. The Pizza Gorgonzola is somewhat of a study in variance: strong cheese, mostly bland tomato, and green (and ferrous) spinach. It all plays together well, although the presence of fresh tomato slices triggers my reflex to replace them with the sun-dried variety. Again, the firmer cheese melts into an enjoyably goopy synergy with the mozzerella. This is a white pizza, so the underlying flavor is more garlic than tomato. On a whim, I asked the bartender to pick a wine for the pie (Yes, I actually drank it, and yes, this is a New Year's Resolution). I settled on an Argentine Malbec. Flavor-wise, it was louder than necessary, but definitely in the right direction. This wine was spicy enough to bounce off the vegetables, and weighty enough to balance the gorgonzola's bite. Overall, I score it 3.5 NOMs (or, 3 NOMs and 1 OM). |
| posted at: 13:58 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| The General Assembly starts its 2010 session today. Buckle up! |
| posted at: 09:25 | permanent link to this entry |
Interestingly enough, last week's snow and ice prompted the local yuppie population to drive halfway across town (relative to wherever they live) and hit the bars. The scene was stupid-packed. I speculate that the road conditions prompted slow driving in the first place, so it didn't matter as much if half the drivers were 3 sheets to the wind. The housing market is officially depressed enough for me to be turned off by combined mortgage, taxes, and insurance; instead of just the mortgage. :D Still, I'm starting to see a few deals that show what I'd consider legitimate pricing. Most of them involve in-flight (aka 'guttted') restoration projects which had their financing pulled, but that's fine by me. |
| posted at: 09:25 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 04 Jan 2010
The PlaceEverybody's has been around Emory for 30 years now, and this second of two stores occupies a small shop on the Virginia-Highland corner. The space is cramped, and is dominated by the two-story brick wall which separates this shop from the next one. The window seats are four of the best around; perfect for date night. The bar is tiny, but solid, serving a good variety of very cold beers (and full liquor complement). Everybody's shares a backdoor, 2nd-floor balcony with the other restaurants on the block. The Pie: Pizza Crisp (onion) +meatball +basil +fetaThe "Pizza Crisp" here is somewhat closer to the neapolitan pies, just thinner flatter, and wider than its 'official' cousins. There are several versions of the crisp which pile on the toppings(most notably: Thai), but usually, the dough is sparsely populated, and bits of sauce show through in places. I ordered extra meatball, feta and basil with my basic onion crisp, to see if anything would scorch. With nothing to hide behind, the meatball 8ths browned nicely, and the basil had started to shrivel. The feta had melted and blended nicely, and formed a nice, goopy layer over the pizza. The flavors blended together nicely; I found myself crumbling the meatball pieces a few times, to increase their flavor distribution. It was a very good meal for two. |
| posted at: 15:21 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Happy New Year! |
| posted at: 05:08 | permanent link to this entry |
So, I have started the new year, by purging a childhood demon: I have made quiche which tastes like something edible. Also, I had forgotten that quiche, (along with salad), is a very useful method of recycling leftovers. 
Actually, it's mostly a grease pie, with a bit of salt and other flavors to offset. :) This contains: eggs, milk, havarti, sun-dried tomato, onion, 3 strips of bacon, some lamb drippings from New Year's dinner, and some vege-sal. |
| posted at: 05:08 | permanent link to this entry |
Wed, 30 Dec 2009
The tour started with (and was inspired by) this trip for an individual pie from Savage. I started counting the pizza places I hadn't visited yet, as an subset of the impossible task that is complete experience of Atlanta's restaurant scene. I logged several neighborhood joints while waiting for my pizza; if the list ever reaches a useful depth, I'll post it here. The PlaceSavage is cramped up front, opens up a bit in the back (where most of the seating is placed), and has a shaded patio. 15" action figures and toys (including a Godzilla) hang from the ceiling, and large-scale 70's comic reprints --I've forgotten which one, but it's spacey-- hang on the walls. The room encourages talking with the neighbors, and I consider it an important part of your complete L5P scene. Overall, it's reminiscent of an old Mellow Mushroom joint (before Mel sold out). The Pie: Tomato-Basil +olives, +thin-crust.I skipped some of the more complex (and better, IMO) pies for this selection; and ordered the extra olives and thin-crust style on a whim. I can say the thin-crust size is a bit small for the oven, and the pizza was a touch overdone (browned) as a result. It was still flat, crunchy, and tasty, though; and is the ideal size for a pie/salad combo. Savage Pizza: Moreland Ave., Little Five Points |
| posted at: 16:19 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| In the future, new toothies will be grown from your own stem cells. |
| posted at: 16:12 | permanent link to this entry |
| Disclaimer: This is not a new year's resolution.
With a half-dozen universities, an on-the-run culture, and recent competition in the business, Atlanta probably eats more pizza, per capita, than the rest of the Southeast.So, until I get tired of doing so, I'll periodically report on various pizza joints in town (and occasionally, elsewhere). I could probably write half these entries from memory by now, but I'll generally avoid filler this time around. I'll give preference to praise, and will attempt to venture into the side menus. I'm also as interested in the pizza variety as pizza joint variety, so I'll post results from multiple visits to my current favorite places. And because I'm not a Marketing guy, this series is titled A Tour of Pies, instead of the Request for Sycophants that is "Tour de Pies". |
| posted at: 16:08 | permanent link to this entry |
Wed, 23 Dec 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Favorite music: Blues, Swing, or Jazz? |
| posted at: 15:38 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 21 Dec 2009
Hi, y'all. I'm hanging out in Oxford, MS this afternoon; partly to avoid Birmingham traffic on the way home. It's nice day here in town, with much better weather than the weekend's 28-degree fog. A good sign: the recent construction (think: "mixed-use" shenanigans) on the north end of the town square still hold a vibrant business occupancy, though some turnover has taken place since I was last out this way. It's been a fun test-driving weekend; I'll post reviews later this week or next. Suffice to say, "they don't make 'em like they used to." And, the CD changer is getting a workout until I return the rental. :) I've also laid hands on the highly capable Martin D-18V, a guitar which plays much smoother than I expected. The Mighty Boosh is...booshy. What passes for 'pop rock' nowadays is mostly digital noise. With that said, it's time to hit the road. |
| posted at: 16:03 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Macbooks aren't particularly useful against .308 rounds. |
| posted at: 15:27 | permanent link to this entry |
Fri, 18 Dec 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
Something to watch over the weekend, while avoiding this weekend's 40-degree, 20-mph rainy weather: a 70-minute review and critique of The Phantom Menace. Update: NSFW language, it's completely on point, and contains its own demonstration of (creepy) character-building. Wonderfully done. |
| posted at: 04:34 | permanent link to this entry |
Wed, 16 Dec 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| [politics] Echo Four to base: We have mixed caps and boldface...Repeat: mixed caps and boldface. Shift power to forward shields; energize moonbat insanity deflectors. |
| posted at: 13:48 | permanent link to this entry |
Sun, 13 Dec 2009
Our Way of Life(tm) is Under Attack
|
Last week, the Georgia GOP delegation convened downtown, to discuss the ongoing meltdown under the Gold Dome. Apparently, they will elect a new speaker this week, and that event will eventually happen. I detect in the relative lack of statements, and the somewhat muted calls for "he's been through enough," a simmering hatred for the ex-Mrs. Richardson and her exposure and spoiling of this preferred way of life (mentioned as "Our way of life" of stump speeches). They are angrier about the disruption than they are about their leadership screwing glorified (or not) hookers for influence. Some of the few reports we got from the meeting indicate fractures and caucus-wrangling, but the bottom line is that the caucus must find one of its members who are simultaneously affiliated with The Family, and not tainted by prior (or ongoing) corruption. The exercise is partially, if not mostly self-contradictory. How far under the gun are our taliban? They aren't even offering false apologies, and that fact is quite refreshing. So, what should happen next legislative session? The GOP will likely show up in January looking to take out their frustrations on what is Not Them(tm). This means blowback, over whatever blowback we're already receiving for the Presidency. I expect last sessions' overwhelming "do-nothing" (that isn't paid for) aspect to be replaced with something of a 'headhunting' theme. |
| posted at: 03:55 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| try{} catch{} finally{} is still the most disgusting syntactic abomination in use today. |
| posted at: 03:45 | permanent link to this entry |
Fri, 11 Dec 2009
While I'm on a roll, I'll go ahead and state that as a result of their (likely successful) attempt to set race relations back 40 years in Atlanta, I won't be donating to a single Democratic candidate, for at least next year. The bed-wetters at Democratic Party of Georgia can all go jump in the river, starting with Jane Kidd. |
| posted at: 21:49 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| posted at: 21:37 | permanent link to this entry |
I rented a new Ram last week, and that experience was something akin to a carnival ride. The first thing I noticed: you must stand at least 5'10" to drive this ride. Seriously. Crown Victoria is my regular ride, and it felt like a skateboard after driving this truck. It's like GM hired Fisher-Price toy for kids, except... ...modern-day Rams are built with that beastly engine+transmission. I really just wanted to drive over the traffic in my way, cut through construction sites, and tow that dumbass who illegally parked in the handicap spot, and I would have gotten away with it, if it weren't for those darn kids! Ram drives...like a big-ass truck, just smoother. Being both a Dodge and work vehicle, plastic takes a leading role inside. In the Ram, the surfaces are textured; probably for better grip while navigating to/from jobsites. A modern feature was the in-dash instrument display, which included radio station selection, and vehicle operating levels (including tire pressures). Bottom line: it's been held for quite some time that Dodge makes a better truck, and I can confirm this is true, at least for non-work purposes. |
| posted at: 21:02 | permanent link to this entry |
A few years ago, I wrote up a review of New Mustang. Over the holiday, I test-drove its GM counterpart. It was fun, like the Mustang. It was zippy, like the Mustang. It was shrunken-down...yeah, it's basically a new-Mustang knockoff, with a slightly better interior, and slightly different body panels. It's difficult to distinguish between the two at a glance or three. I also note that the engine sounds emphesemic, likely due to the alloy(s) used in it's construction. Don't let the sound fool you; this car can giddyup. Camaro also handles quite well, though I didn't push very much at all. And if you're looking for the classic GM 'feel', find a late-model Monte Carlo or maybe an Impala. The door interiors employ metallic-finish plastic panels, and the instrument panel lights extend to backlight the seams between these panels and the door. The result is the douchebaggiest (it's a word now!) interior I've ever driven. I half-expected to find complementary hair gel and fuzzy dice in the glovebox. Bottom line: I grew up in the back seat of an original Camaro, so this test drive was a slightly depressing experience. On reflection, I suppose GM needed a car for the sterotypical Corvette drivers, after GM turned the 'vette into a road beast. Camaro seems to be the recipient of that market segment. |
| posted at: 21:00 | permanent link to this entry |
Tue, 08 Dec 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| Mobius bagel, FTW. (aka "How I became the least-favorite customer at the local bakery :-). |
| posted at: 13:10 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 07 Dec 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| "To help kick off Geography Awareness Week, National Geographic invited all 100 U.S. Senators to draw a map of their home state from memory, and to label at least three important places." |
| posted at: 21:51 | permanent link to this entry |
Citizen, you have exceeded your Security Clearance.
Georgia politics have decended into a game of Paranoia. Friday, the Speaker resigned after being outed as (a) carrying an affair with an AGL lobbyist in exchange for legislative influence, and (b) recently attempting to kill himself as some ploy against his ex-wife. The ex-wife responded by handing his email archives over to a TV reporter, and granting an interview. (link to Live Apartment Fire for the honest reaction to the competitor's scoop :-) Today, simmering rumors about the Lt. Governor (a) getting busted receiving a blowjob from a staffer and (b) being driven from next year's governor's race in exchange for silence on the matter, are now back in play. I'd forgotten all about this episode, and didn't identify this as the true cause for Cagle's dropping from the race. While the connection between the two is a revelation, I don't quite understand the shock about this revalations. Both cases relate, at minimum, to a quorum of senior GOP State Senators, and perhaps the Governor. At this point, any existing silence agreements are either void or under stress, and the Klan ranks are in various stages of hostility and abandonment. ...and the latest: Rep. Mark Burkhalter, chosen to assume the Speakership, has opted for his new role to be temporary. This, after he withdrew his name for the Georgia World Congress Center head post, ostensibly to claim the Speakership. I feel that all of the above is somewhat of an iceberg tip, and involves neither the recent municipal runoffs, nor today's sad/inspirational announcement from Rep. Johnson that his political career is part of a Hepatitis-C induced bucket list. Frankly, it's all a wonderful sight to behold. The Computer will be pleased. |
| posted at: 21:48 | permanent link to this entry |
Mon, 23 Nov 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| [NSFW] - I've recently discovered behance, and it's quickly growing on me. Here's a portfolio of fantasy and scifi art from Eva Widermann. |
| posted at: 07:29 | permanent link to this entry |
Fri, 20 Nov 2009
Today's topic for discussion is:
| A leopard seal attempts to teach a cameraman how to catch (and eat) penguins ... I wonder if dude realized the seal probably saw its reflection in the ginormous lens cover? |
| posted at: 10:20 | permanent link to this entry |
AJC has a story in today's print and web, regarding the politically active District 6 (my current residence and walking ground). The story's ok, but if you catch the print version, you'll see a table which lists vote totals for all the precincts in the district -- for the top three candidates. There is no mention of Brownlowe, Keyser, or Spikes. For that omission, I borrow a neighbor's cane to shake at AJC's editors. |
| posted at: 10:19 | permanent link to this entry |
Tue, 17 Nov 2009
 |
| posted at: 04:17 | permanent link to this entry |
Today's topic for discussion is:
| I often joke about "being Shrinky-Dinked" on summer days. However, a scientist has used the genuine article as a hack for manufacturing microfluidic dies (of a sort) for lab use. |
| posted at: 03:45 | permanent link to this entry |
