Read more online (SF Chronicle)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Mother's Cookies Gone!
Mother's Cookies, a CA-based company for 92 years, has suddenly ceased operations. The company is most known for it's icing-covered circus animal cookies. The pink ones were best but the most fun was trying to decipher just which animal shape you were eating!
Read more online (SF Chronicle)
Read more online (SF Chronicle)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mmm Cookies
It's Mother's birthday this weekend, or would've been. I baked up some cookies this morning to satisfy my chocolate needs. It's been a couple months since I made any.
I've been skeptical of the characterization of The Joker in "Dark Knight" since the early teasers and I find the hype around Ledger to be nauseating. One site had a report that 94% of opening screenings have been sold in pre-sales. I know Mother and I would've gone since she was a fan of the darker, more menacing Batman from her younger years but I bristle at the crass reverence being shown. Heath should not be treated like some Messiah. There's a bit of that hero worship going around these days in the States. It's creepy, it's wild-eyed televangelist creepy.
I'm considering taking kitty to the vet for a once over. She'll be the equivalent of 80 human years next month.
No ComiCon for me and the niece this year. Brother got back to me too late with an answer and all four days are sold out. I kicked myself for not being more aggressive and making the arrangements and paying without an answer in hand but others suggested I shouldn't take it out on myself. One of my Canadians was upset since it reminded him how is family treats him and makes use of his resources and monies. I wouldn't disagree; there are parallels. It's something we're both trying to work on.
This week my dreams have ranged from the bizarre, tsunami survival, to the pleasant, a fun buddy dream.
I've been skeptical of the characterization of The Joker in "Dark Knight" since the early teasers and I find the hype around Ledger to be nauseating. One site had a report that 94% of opening screenings have been sold in pre-sales. I know Mother and I would've gone since she was a fan of the darker, more menacing Batman from her younger years but I bristle at the crass reverence being shown. Heath should not be treated like some Messiah. There's a bit of that hero worship going around these days in the States. It's creepy, it's wild-eyed televangelist creepy.
I'm considering taking kitty to the vet for a once over. She'll be the equivalent of 80 human years next month.
No ComiCon for me and the niece this year. Brother got back to me too late with an answer and all four days are sold out. I kicked myself for not being more aggressive and making the arrangements and paying without an answer in hand but others suggested I shouldn't take it out on myself. One of my Canadians was upset since it reminded him how is family treats him and makes use of his resources and monies. I wouldn't disagree; there are parallels. It's something we're both trying to work on.
This week my dreams have ranged from the bizarre, tsunami survival, to the pleasant, a fun buddy dream.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Word for the Day
obdurate |ˈäbd(y)ərit| adjective - stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. "Obdurate usually connotes a stubborn resistance marked by harshness and lack of feeling (: obdurate in ignoring their pleas)…"
- New Oxford American Dictionary
- New Oxford American Dictionary
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
JHud is Fabulous!
"Spotlight" is Jennifer Hudson's debut from her upcoming album. She looks good, sound great and the song, shocking, doesn't suck! I love it. Congrats, girl! See the video:
Catching Up...
They never did find the lost rent check for June. Since I habitually pay early and get signed photocopies made when I had checks in they knew it was their error. I wrote a new check today after I called in a stop payment. The bank fee was reimbursed by a discount on July rent. Felt good to take care of something for a change.
Kitty has been acting weird, not that my bizarre hours have helped either of us. She'll adjust.
I've been having a bumpy ride lately.
Weather on the weekend was awful with extreme heat breaking 100F (40C). I ran the AC to keep it about 20 degrees cooler.
Kitty has been acting weird, not that my bizarre hours have helped either of us. She'll adjust.
I've been having a bumpy ride lately.
Weather on the weekend was awful with extreme heat breaking 100F (40C). I ran the AC to keep it about 20 degrees cooler.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Ax Falls
Blake Lewis has been cut from Arista. No surprise. His fellow AI6 alum, Chris Sligh, posts about it here.
I definitely agree with Chris' remark about "Know My Name" being a better lead single but I don't know why "Break Another" didn't do well. I often noticed on his promo appearances trying to sell the singles, Blake was just not the performer he was on Idol. It didn't excite me about his music although the album isn't half bad.
For now, Blake still has his record deal with 19 and is trying to find a new label.
I definitely agree with Chris' remark about "Know My Name" being a better lead single but I don't know why "Break Another" didn't do well. I often noticed on his promo appearances trying to sell the singles, Blake was just not the performer he was on Idol. It didn't excite me about his music although the album isn't half bad.
For now, Blake still has his record deal with 19 and is trying to find a new label.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
FireFox 3 and Marriages
Legal gay weddings begin today in California. Will there be riots or will Californians shrug and go about their daily lives? Clan of Al Gore's old friend Fred Phelps, he of the "godhates..." websites, is going to be in San Francisco protesting.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
CA State Supreme Court Strikes Down Marriage Limit
The California State Supreme Court has struck down Prop 22 which defined marriage as between one man and one woman. That law was passed by CA voters in 2000. Out of 7.5 million votes cast, 61% voted in favor.
Yahoo story
"The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage."
Full text decision (PDF)
This November, the issue will be back before the voters in the form of a initiative. The proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage, once again, as between one man and one woman.
Yahoo story
"The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage."
Full text decision (PDF)
This November, the issue will be back before the voters in the form of a initiative. The proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage, once again, as between one man and one woman.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Idol Top 4 Results
It's about time Castro left the show after he seemed so disinterested while performing on stage. He still has a very good recording voice and I like the singer-songwriter vibe. He just looks very weird.
Syesha may just be the contestant to make the most appearances in the bottom two/three and survive. She's earned it though, improving week upon week.
I'm going to speculate Simon will pick the song for David Cook and Randy the song for Syesha. We'll know soon enough. Archuleta had a pleasantly surprising good week in the Top 4 although I'm not a fan of Elvis' "Love Me Tender." It was the studio recording released on iTunes rather than the more up-beat "Stand By Me." I still think David Cook will squeak out the win in two weeks.
Clay Aiken released his fourth studio album of new material on Tuesday. None of the songs really grab me. It's mostly slow-mid tempo stuff about overcoming adversity and so forth.
Syesha may just be the contestant to make the most appearances in the bottom two/three and survive. She's earned it though, improving week upon week.
I'm going to speculate Simon will pick the song for David Cook and Randy the song for Syesha. We'll know soon enough. Archuleta had a pleasantly surprising good week in the Top 4 although I'm not a fan of Elvis' "Love Me Tender." It was the studio recording released on iTunes rather than the more up-beat "Stand By Me." I still think David Cook will squeak out the win in two weeks.
Clay Aiken released his fourth studio album of new material on Tuesday. None of the songs really grab me. It's mostly slow-mid tempo stuff about overcoming adversity and so forth.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Progress?
Congratulations to Van Hansis for his Daytime Emmy nomination. He plays Luke Snyder, a gay college student on "As The World Turns."
My credit card expired last month and I've been looking for the replacement. I thought maybe I'd accidentally thrown it out because of the mall ads, grocery ads, services ads, and political junk mail. Since it's May Day, I called dreading having to learn a new card number only to find out the card was mailed within this week. It's still in transit. Nice of them to tell customers there'd been a delay!
To add to my freak-out level, there was a letter stating I was two months delinquent on my health coverage payments and as of today I'd be cancelled. I looked at my checkbook and saw the checks registered so I called. The automated service was reassuring, telling me I was paid up until May but to make sure I talked to a live person. She confirmed that indeed, my coverage was not at risk and my next payment was due by May 10th.
I haven't slept in 22 hrs. I've been busy or distracted. I made a batch of cookies last night and ate them all. This is why I don't make them often. I binged much like when I have ice cream. It's something I need to work on and puzzle out the causes.
Idol is terminally boring this year. I expect David Cook to win with probably the other David as runner up. I skipped GRΣΣK this week since it's become so repetitious with the "love triangle" story.
My credit card expired last month and I've been looking for the replacement. I thought maybe I'd accidentally thrown it out because of the mall ads, grocery ads, services ads, and political junk mail. Since it's May Day, I called dreading having to learn a new card number only to find out the card was mailed within this week. It's still in transit. Nice of them to tell customers there'd been a delay!
To add to my freak-out level, there was a letter stating I was two months delinquent on my health coverage payments and as of today I'd be cancelled. I looked at my checkbook and saw the checks registered so I called. The automated service was reassuring, telling me I was paid up until May but to make sure I talked to a live person. She confirmed that indeed, my coverage was not at risk and my next payment was due by May 10th.
I haven't slept in 22 hrs. I've been busy or distracted. I made a batch of cookies last night and ate them all. This is why I don't make them often. I binged much like when I have ice cream. It's something I need to work on and puzzle out the causes.
Idol is terminally boring this year. I expect David Cook to win with probably the other David as runner up. I skipped GRΣΣK this week since it's become so repetitious with the "love triangle" story.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Idol Top 8 (Added Results)
OK:
Jason Castro — Somewhere Over The Rainbow
David Archuleta — Angels
Syesha Mercado — I Believe
Fair:
Carly Smithson — The Show Must Go On
David Cook — Innocent
Kristy Lee Cook — Anyway
Michael Johns — Dream On
Awful:
Brooke White — You’ve Got a Friend
UPDATE: Aussie Michael Johns was eliminated this week. Syesha and Carly rounded out the bottom three. Syesha and Kristy Lee Cook really need to go home. I'm not surprised Michael Johns got cut. As a rocker-type he's been overshadowed by David Cook primarily because of song choice and Cooks shameless cribbing over other's arrangements. The finally three will probably be Castro and the Davids.
Jason Castro — Somewhere Over The Rainbow
David Archuleta — Angels
Syesha Mercado — I Believe
Fair:
Carly Smithson — The Show Must Go On
David Cook — Innocent
Kristy Lee Cook — Anyway
Michael Johns — Dream On
Awful:
Brooke White — You’ve Got a Friend
UPDATE: Aussie Michael Johns was eliminated this week. Syesha and Carly rounded out the bottom three. Syesha and Kristy Lee Cook really need to go home. I'm not surprised Michael Johns got cut. As a rocker-type he's been overshadowed by David Cook primarily because of song choice and Cooks shameless cribbing over other's arrangements. The finally three will probably be Castro and the Davids.
Ryan White, Eighteen Years Later
It's been 18 years since Ryan White lost his battle with HIV/AIDS in 1990. Ryan is above, left, his growth stunted by HIV.
A young hemophiliac, Ryan became infected with HIV through contaminated blood products. He was diagnosed in 1984. When he attempted to return to school, he was shunned and harassed. Parents and teachers rallied against him.
A legal battle against the school brought his plight to national attention and humanized the HIV/AIDS crisis. He had hoped if he could live until he was 18, a cure would be found. Another eighteen years on and sadly HIV/AIDS is still just a treatable illness, there's no vaccine or cure.
Three years his junior, as a fresh-faced high schooler I found Ryan's story personally touching. It influenced my volunteer efforts in college, working to create a safer atmosphere for gays and others through education. Years on, I was a bit gratified learning the organization we formed continued doing that important work. I was fortunate enough to meet Ryan's mom during those years and so, waking today, I noted the anniversary and knew I wanted to blog about it.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
25 Years Ago
Marvel Comics released "Alpha Flight" Volume 1, #1.
Guardian: James MacDonald Hudson is a scientist from Ottawa who wears a suit of battle-armor allowing him to fly and manipulate Earth's magnetic field. Guardian is sometimes the team leader, and wears a stylized maple leaf flag on his costume.
Northstar: Jean-Paul Beaubier is a mutant with powers of super-speed and light generation. He was the first openly homosexual superhero in the Marvel Universe.
Aurora: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier is Northstar's schizophrenic twin sister. Like her brother, she is also a mutant with powers of super-speed, flight, light generation.
Puck: Eugene Milton Judd is a dwarf bouncer from Saskatoon with enhanced strength and extraordinary acrobatic abilities.
Sasquatch: Walter Langkowski is a former American football player and wealthy scientist from British Columbia. Following a gamma radiation experiment, inspired by The Hulk, he can transform into a giant fur-covered beast resembling the mythical sasquatch.
Shaman: Michael Twoyoungmen is a First Nations medicine man from Calgary. He is both a skilled medical doctor and sorcerer.
Snowbird: Also known as Narya, is an Inuit demi-goddess from Yellowknife who can transform into animals of the north.
Guardian: James MacDonald Hudson is a scientist from Ottawa who wears a suit of battle-armor allowing him to fly and manipulate Earth's magnetic field. Guardian is sometimes the team leader, and wears a stylized maple leaf flag on his costume.
Northstar: Jean-Paul Beaubier is a mutant with powers of super-speed and light generation. He was the first openly homosexual superhero in the Marvel Universe.
Aurora: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier is Northstar's schizophrenic twin sister. Like her brother, she is also a mutant with powers of super-speed, flight, light generation.
Puck: Eugene Milton Judd is a dwarf bouncer from Saskatoon with enhanced strength and extraordinary acrobatic abilities.
Sasquatch: Walter Langkowski is a former American football player and wealthy scientist from British Columbia. Following a gamma radiation experiment, inspired by The Hulk, he can transform into a giant fur-covered beast resembling the mythical sasquatch.
Shaman: Michael Twoyoungmen is a First Nations medicine man from Calgary. He is both a skilled medical doctor and sorcerer.
Snowbird: Also known as Narya, is an Inuit demi-goddess from Yellowknife who can transform into animals of the north.
April First
"GRΣΣK" was better this week. They held a flapper/speak-easy party. It was amusing but I did end up flipping over to "House" where an ill couple ended up being half-siblings.
It's Idol Top 9 tonight featuring Dolly Parton. I'll try to contain my horror until I see who is destroying what song this week.
Happy Birthday to Apple, Inc. Do you miss the gay apple?
It's Idol Top 9 tonight featuring Dolly Parton. I'll try to contain my horror until I see who is destroying what song this week.
Happy Birthday to Apple, Inc. Do you miss the gay apple?
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