It’s an extremely cool little book: In Other Words, by Christopher J. Moore. David bought it for me because he thought I would like it, being addicted to words and also to nicely bound books like this one. It’s a book of nearly-untranslatable but wonderful worlds from languages all over the world, and one of my very favorites is on the front cover: duende [dwen-day][adjective] This wonderful word captures an entire world of passino, energy, and artistic excellence and describes a climactic show of spirit in a performance or work of art. Duende originally meant “imp” or “goblin” and came…
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Which Firefly character are you? – Quizilla Hah! David took this quiz, and guess who he turned out to be? You are Captain Malcolm Reynolds, aka. Mal orCaptain Tightpants. You saw most of your mendie in a war you lost and now you seek solitudewith a small crew that you are fiercely devotedto. You have no problems being naked. Which Firefly character are you? brought to you by Quizilla This is so my husband David! And of course, I had to go in and re-cast myself, because the first time, I came out as Book. You are Zoe. While most…
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This week’s show opens on a black screen, where plain white text informs you that the episode you are about to see was filmed in Sri Lanka before the December 26 tsunami. And there’s not much to say about that except that making the world a little smaller and more familiar is always a good thing, even when it’s a sad thing. That blackscreen announcement was nicely done, and added a much needed grace note to the proceedings. Yes, it’s another recap by Miss Alli – and this week, don’t miss the Amazing Monkey Edit! Sadly, it’s bye-bye Bolo and…
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Pirates of PensacolaThe first modern, major, general pirate book in a long time comes out April Fool’s Day. I have to get this pre-ordered later – we’re on our way out now. Pirates of Pensacola is also available to pre-order on Amazon. Anyone who’s anyone knows that it was actually written by Gus Openshaw, ex-revenge seeking former whale-killer journaler. Currently, Gus is caught up in an entirely land-locked adventure, trying to get his writing stooge, Keith, rescued from some bad guys who kidnapped him, and also the only disk that contains Gus’ completed book. He kind of needs it back…
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Humorist Adam Felbers noted that at the recent commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Vice President Cheney represented this country by dressing for a winter duck hunt in Wyoming. All the other heads of state and dignitaries were wearing somber, dark overcoats suitable for wearing to funerals or other sad memorials. Besides, if those high and mighty mucky-mucks had been suddenly attacked by a flock of particularly ornery ducks, only one amongst ’em would’ve been dressed appropriately to do anything about it. And then who’d be the “embarrassment?” Huh? Are vicious, freedom-hating terrorducks going to wait…
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I ran across the following ad in the local newspaper, the Daily Herald: Who’s your favorite handy heartthrob on TV? Good-looking and handy? What a package. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we are planning a just-for-fun story on carpenters who are also heartthrobs on reality television. We’re not talking beefcake or cheesecake, but looks are a definite part of the toolbox. Check out our nominees and imagine the projects the two of you could get done around the house. Tell us who is your favorite and why. You can vote for one man and one woman online at www.dailyherald.com/homes/favoritehandyperson/ through…
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Boing Boing: Disguise your vacuum cleaner as an (inconspicous) giant rat in gingham In spite of our conversation last night about much-mourned pets, I don’t think the answer is getting a giant rat or cat or bunny costume for the vacuum cleaner. Or bear, for that matter. I think BoingBoing confused the cat with the rat. Apparently there’s a “maid” option available. I wonder if Leah would like that to go with Rhett, her poseable wooden butler that holds towels and wears seasonal outfits?
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I’ve been so busy lately I got out of the habit of checking TWOP for new recaps. So tonight I’ve got two to catch up on: Television Without Pity » The Amazing Race » Recaps & Extras » Season 6 Episode 9 … in which our long international nightmare finally came to an end on a beautifully woven rug with the Amazing Race logo in Ethiopia. She gripes most tellingly: So to sum up, of the six episodes preceding the one you are about to watch, two resulted in eliminations. You want to know why the season is dragging like…
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AAR is broadcasting live from Washington DC today. Their website notes: Bush Approval Rating Lowest Since Nixon Amid the most biggest (Ed.: hee!) security lockdown ever for an inauguration, a new CBS/New York Times poll shows that President Bush has the lowest approval rating at the start of a second term since Richard Nixon. Bush’s 49 percent approval is below Nixon’s rating of 51 percent in January 1973 and Bush trails Bill Clinton’s 60 percent and Ronald Reagan’s 62 percent at similar points. Every time an administration official repeats the words “mandate” and “majority” let’s just remember that approval rating,…
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At last! Jonathan and Victoria were eliminated through their own failure to read the clue, and in spite of getting Adam and Rebecca to Yield Freddy and Kendra. That’s the last ugly hat we’ll ever see, and the last time Jonathan will strip his shirt off for no reason. Unfortunately, he stripped down to his bright red bike shorts for a mud-related task. And that was way too much man package than I ever wanted to see, frankly. Just HOW many ugly hats did this guy pack? He had a new one every week! And this week he busted out…