Wednesday, May 25
Time To Get Out the Blue Sponge
I weighed myself at the gym today and the total was 183 pounds. I figure I should be able to drop 18 pounds or more before the big day.
I plan to eat better and run more. I ran both yesterday and today. I'm getting back on track. I'm going to give it the old college try anyway. However, I still want to be able to enjoy the occasional Friday Night Cocktail. I'll just run farther those days. Wish me luck!
Yes, I know this photo is getting old. It is from the Air Force Marathon in September 2008.
Shane Goes to Tacoma's Glass Museum
Shane sent me the following photos from his visit. The first shows the rainy outside of the building and the next two are of the making of a bowl. He must have been impressed as he said he also bought some glass at a nearby shop.
Tuesday, May 24
New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #289
Monday, May 23
Where In the World Is Shane Now?
Sunday, May 22
My Review of The Illusionist
The Illusionist is based on a script by Jacques Tati written in 1956. Tati was a famous French comedic actor and director from the 50s and 60s. He is apparently considered a genius.
The Illusionist takes place in the 50s and is about a magician who finds it difficult to find work in France, so he travels to England and Scotland to find jobs. While on one of these jobs he befriends a young lady who follows him to his next job, and he takes the girl under his wing. He buys things for her and ends up having to find extra jobs to support this girl.
This is very little dialogue in this film, similarly to the The Triplets of Belleville. However, I have to say this story was not as interesting. The film is full of oddball characters, but I found myself dozing off at points. It was actually kind of depressing. All this illusionist could make disappear was my consciousness. I do have to say, however, the trailer (below) makes it look good.
Saturday, May 21
Both Elaine Stritch and I Are Still Here
So much for Judgement Day and the end of the world. Sorry faithful religious nuts. We're still here and Jebus still hasn't swept you away to Heaven. At least you can enjoy the great Elaine Stritch belt out "I'm Still Here" from Stephen Sondheim's Follies.
Friday, May 20
Friday Night Cocktails-Red Currant Diep 9 Genever
However, after dinner, we stopped in at the nearby liquor store to buy lottery tickets and there was a lovely young lady in there providing free samples of cocktails. The first and best of these was the red currant flavor of the Diep 9 Genever. We also tried the passion fruit and the apple flavors. Other flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and peaches & apricot
Genever (pronounced juh-nee-ver) has been Belgium's national spirit for more than 500 years. According to their website, Diep 9 Genever is "handcrafted from the finest grains and all natural ingredients in Belgium's smallest grain distillery. Each batch is infused with 9 botanicals, pure juice, or all-natural cream for a fresh taste and ultra smooth finish." BTW, it is 40 proof (20 percent alcohol).
We bought the red currant ($25) and it came with two shot glasses. You don't down it like a shot, though. It is meant to be sipped. I do have to say it is delicious. There are also mix recipes available on their website.
Thursday, May 19
Tweet of the Day-Megan Amram On the Raputure
"Postal Worker FAIL" from Failblog.org
I'm sorry, but this made me laugh. I really hope this guy didn't die.
Wednesday, May 18
Newt Gets Glittered at MN Family Council Event
Tuesday, May 17
New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #288
Monday, May 16
Where In the World Is Shane?
Shane is on another trip, but he didn't tell me where he was going. He just sent me this picture taken out his hotel window. Does anyone have any idea where Shane has gone? I know this was taken in mid-afternoon, but it looks rather dark. The only other clue I have is that he said he was disappointed that he was going to miss Former Ambassador Jon Huntsman's scheduled visit on Friday (Shane is only staying one night). Isn't Huntsman running for President?
Sunday, May 15
It's the End of the World as We Know It-May 21
Don't make any plans for next Sunday, because according to the Robert Fitzpatrick (above), it isn't going to come. Fitzpatrick spent his life savings, more than $140,000, on bus and subway ads in the New York City area claiming the world will end just before 6 pm Eastern time, on Saturday, May 21.
The ads say, "Global Earthquake: The Greatest Ever! Judgement Day May 21, 2011." Fitzpatrick also wrote and self-published a book, The Doomsday Code, saying the Bible offers sure-fire proof. He also has a website with lots more religious mumbo jumbo.
Basically, Fitzpatrick is claiming that there will be a giant earthquake that will leave the Earth uninhabitable. Apparently, he is a follower of Harold Camping, a radio host who has been wrong before about his end-of-the-world predictions. Fitzpatrick, a retired engineer, is betting big time Camping isn't wrong this time.
I, for one, will be relaxing on Saturday and, perhaps, enjoying a cocktail.
Saturday, May 14
Maude Video: Bird Watching In Bed
Maudie gets very excited and shivers, whips her tail, clicks, barks, and grunts. This video is a mild example of this. Of course when I get the camera out, she tones it down.
Shane worries that bird watching upsets her too much, but I think it gives her something exciting to do during the day. And before anyone comments, yes, we finally removed the flannel sheets. They were getting rather furry.
Friday, May 13
My Newt Post Is Gone-Who Hacked My Website?
Newt Loves America (Unless It Gets Cancer)
Friday Night Cocktail--Hawaiian Sea Breeze
This is a home-made cocktail. The description from the recipe says it is similar to a Bay Breeze, only it is a short, not long, drink. I don't know what that means.
It is fairly simple: 1 and 1/3 ounces vodka, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of cranberry juice. Just combine them in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a cocktail glass. It also says you should garnish it with a wedge of pineapple, but I didn't bother with it.
It's not bad, but not great. Maybe it needed the pineapple wedge.
Thursday, May 12
NPR Streams the "Book of Mormon" Soundtrack
National Public Radio (NPR) is streaming the audio to the hit Broadway show, The Book of Mormon, for free for a limited time. How long of a limited time is anyone's guess. Shane is taking me to New York for my birthday in August and already got tickets to see this show.
Previous to releasing the soundtrack on NPR, the show was very limited to what they would release. There were no video clips as far as I saw, which was unusual--just photos. The word of mouth, however, was very positive. It also got 14 Tony nominations recently, the most of any other show for the year.
NPR warns the audio is filthy, but streams the total content uncensored. The GOP is threatening to take away NPR's funding, but they aren't bowing to any pressure by restricting anything that may be controversial. Case in point, listen to the fourth track on the album, "Casa Diga Eebowai," a funny parody of The Lion King's "Hakuna Matada."
Also, if you are looking for the audio of the actual Book of Mormon, click here.
Coincidentally, while I was up at my mom's on Mother's Day this past Sunday, two actual Mormons came to the door to promote the Book of Mormon--not the Broadway show.
Wednesday, May 11
Starbucks Happy Hour Gets Me In the Door
Photo from Starbucks' website. |
There are at least two Starbucks within 100 yards of where I work. I don't usually frequent Starbucks, since I don't like coffee. However, my co-worker, Sara, coersed me into going over to get a Frappuccino®. They have a special running through Sunday where Frappuccinos are half priced during Happy Hour (3 p.m to 5 p.m.). I ran home last night and ran at the gym today at lunch. I thought I could afford a little treat, so I gave in.
When we arrived, the line was very long. But, we didn't let that stop us (though we considered walking across the street to the other Starbucks to see if the line was shorter. I ordered the smallest size (a tall) Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino.
They only had three people behind the counter--one taking orders and the other two frantically making a variety of Frappuccinos. After a long wait and some prodding from Sara, we finally got our drinks.
My 12 oz cup of chocolate milk with ice and chocolate bits covered in whipped cream and syrup was good, but I can't imagine paying full price for it ($3.75). Half price was pushing it. The size I had contained 290 calories, 13 grams of fat (including 7 grams of saturated), and 38 grams of sugar. Totally not worth it. If I'm going to consume some empty calories, I'd much rather go for the McDonalds' hot fudge sundae, which only cost $1.
Tuesday, May 10
The Daily Show Gives "Santorum" a Google Boost
Monday, May 9
New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #287
Sunday, May 8
Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Saturday, May 7
DC House Makeover--The Garden Clean-Up
Friday, May 6
Friday Night Cocktail--Fusion Martini
Shane and I are eating at Fusion on 8th Street in South East DC. It is a modern Asian restaurant. For a starter cocktail, I got the Fusion Martini. It is made with Smirnoff Vodka, Peach Brandy, Peach Schnapps, and Cranberry Juice. I'm not crazy about the short martini glass, but the drink is very good and definitely worth the $10.
Friday Night Cocktail is going to be a new feature each week on Running With Blue Sponge.
Wednesday, May 4
New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #286
Tuesday, May 3
Florida House Update--The Outside Makeover
Monday, May 2
Happy Anniversary to Us!!!
Sunday, May 1
Presenting Alfred Hitchcock's The Lovebugs
Saturday, April 30
WTF Happened to Our Florida View?
dumping ground. We got down here late last night and found this barge
parked next door ruining our beautiful view. We are hoping this is
very temporary.
Friday, April 29
AirTran Party Plane to Fort Myers, FL
of Baltimore. We managed to get to the airport, though the traffic
was crazy. It took us about 2 hours for a trip that usually take 45
minutes. Luckily, we built in plenty of time.
Our plane was scheduled to depart at 7:20 pm. We got on the plane
with some pretzel bites from Aunt Annie's (an airport restaurant) and
the flight attendant made a comment about whether we bought her some.
So I gave her one. It seemed to make her day.
She came back a bit later and asked, "What are you drinking?" I
misunderstood. I thought she was thirsty from the pretzel. I thought
she was asking for a drink of something. I said I just had water, but
she could have some. Actually, she was offering us a free drink.
After everyone got on the plane, they made an announcement. There was
a problem with the co-pilot's seat. It was broken. They were trying
to fix it, but they decided everyone had to get off the plane. Once
we were back in the airport, they said the seat needed a part, which
they were going to fly up from Atlanta. We wouldn't be leaving until
after 11. That means we wouldn't get to our house until around 3 am!
We were given the option of getting a credit for the flight and just
driving back to DC. While we were thinking about what do, they made
an announcement that everyone that goes on the flight would get a free
round-trip ticket on AirTran. Oh, we are so on that flight.
Amazingly, shortly after they announced we would get the free tix,
they fixed the seat. Everyone got back on the plane and now we would
only be about 2 hours late. And, we still get the free ticket!
Then, as we are rolling away from the gate, when everyone was required
to be in their seat, this young woman got up to use the bathroom. The
flight attendant made her get back in her seat, but a minute later,
she ran back to the bathroom and we could all hear her puking.
There was another brief delay discussing whether the sick woman was
going to be able to fly. She seemed to feel better after getting
sick, so finally, we were off.
We not only got a free ticket, but our flight attendant friend gave us
each two little bottles of wine and lots or AirTran pretzels. Our ETA
to Punta Gorda is 1 am. We just had a little turbulence and I spilled
wine all over my shirt. It has been a fun evening!
Off to Florida for the Weekend
We originally had not planned to go back to Florida until Memorial Day Weekend. However, we just couldn't wait. I found a semi-reasonable airfare that leaves Friday night from Baltimore and returns Sunday night. I was able to use some of my AirTran air miles.
One tiny detail I forgot when I was booking this trip was that Friday night was supposed to be my final Crystal City 5K Friday. I guess I will miss another one. If you are keeping score, I signed up for five races and only managed to run one. Oh well. A day at the beach will be some consolation.
Thursday, April 28
What's All this Fuss I Hear about a Royal Wedding?
The royal wedding hullabaloo going on is hard to avoid. Hundreds of people got killed by tornados in the U.S., but all the news channels still have to squeeze in coverage about the color of the wedding dress, how long the kiss will last on balcony, and hundreds of other trivial things.
I'm a good gay, but I just can't understand why either people care about this or the media thinks we care so much they have to cover it constantly. I am not setting my DVR and I will not be waking up early (coverage starts here at 4 a.m.), unless I have one of my periodic bouts of insomnia. Even then, I won't have the telly on.
I hope they have a wonderful wedding and a long and happy marriage. But it really doesn't matter to me one way or the other.
Wednesday, April 27
Is Donald Trump Completely Insane?
What is wrong with Donald Trump? Does he really think he could be a serious presidential candidate? Shame on America if he gets nominated. He has absolutely no shame. He will apparently do anything to get attention. Shame on me for giving him attention.
I loved how they cut away from Trump's news conference on CNN this morning to President Obama describing Trump silliness over the birther issue as a Carnival act. You know Obama is hoping that Trump gets the nomination, because he is such a lightweight. I think Obama may be underestimating the stupidity of the American people. Remember who elected George W. Bush to two terms?
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is starting a boycott against all things Trump for his stance against gay marriage and civil unions. It asks supporters to stop patronizing Trump establishments and TV shows, including many New York City buildings, casinos in Atlantic City, Fox News' show Fox and Friends, and NBC's Celebrity Apprentice.
Trump nemesis Rosie O'Donnell has joined GLAAD in promoting the boycott. Visit GLAAD for more info on joining the boycott. It won't be hard for me to boycott Trump, cause I don't even watch his lame-ass show.
Tuesday, April 26
Where In the World Is Shane?
Shane is traveling again, so it is time to guess where in the world he went. As usual, the prize is a brand new car. Good luck!
Monday, April 25
New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #285
Sunday, April 24
Happy Easter!!!
This is not our cat, Maude. This is a copy of an Easter card we got from our friend Elaine. It looks a lot like Maudie, and I would love to have this costume for Maude, but this is the next best thing. We are going to my sister's for Easter dinner today. Hope the Easter Bunny (Cat) is good to you!
Saturday, April 23
He's Alive! by Dolly Parton - Again
I've posted this before at Easter and though I'm not a religious person, it is one of my favorite Dolly tunes--so here it is again. This is from one of those country music awards shows in 1989. I remember seeing this live on TV and also remember seeing the shots of the audience after the song giving a prolonged standing ovation and close-ups of audience members wiping away tears. This version cuts off at the beginning of the ovation. I have to admit that the song gives me goosebumps. It is very theatrical.
Happy Easter!
Friday, April 22
Missing Another Crystal City 5K Fridays In April
People that know me know that I am rather a thrifty person. OK, I'm cheap. Anyway, I liked the idea of signing up for five 5K races for $75. A single one of these races costs $20, so I thought I was getting quite a deal.
The first week went off without a hitch. I ran it in under 24 minutes and it was fun, although the weather was very chilly for April. Then I got sick. That knocked me out of weeks 2 and 3. I had a bad cold that kicked my butt. I'm pretty much over the cold, and I started running again at the gym this week, but the weather today is horrible. I just didn't think it was wise to run in the freezing cold and pouring rain when I'm barely over this cold. The race is starting as I type this and it is currently 45 degrees.
So, I decided to still run a 5K today, but I did it at lunch and inside--on the treadmill at the gym. I finished faster than my pre-cold Crystal City 5K. I don't know my exact time, but it was less than 23 minutes 30 seconds. I tried to take a picture of my finish time with my iPhone as I was running, but I found out it is hard to hold a camera still while your running. It came out blurry.
As you can see, the gym is dead at lunchtime on Fridays. I got my co-worker, Karlye, to take a picture of me as I started my 5K today. The light in the gym is not great for taking photos of moving objects. Thanks Karlye. I took a picture of her working out after I finished, but I'm sure I would be murdered if I posted it.
Thursday, April 21
Wednesday, April 20
I Have No Spine - Bidding on the 1975 Volvo
I posted the other day about denying Shane the above car that was for sale on eBay. I thought buying a 36-year-old car was a little crazy. It is a 1975 Volvo 245. Shane said cars like this are rare in such good condition. He went on and on about what a great deal it would be. I finally caved and told him I would not object to him getting it. It might even be fun driving it from San Diego to our home in Florida.
Anyway, last night the car had gone from a starting bid of only $500 to about $5,200. Shane thought it would sell for about $7,500, but he would just try and get it for $5,700. I told him that it didn't make any sense to bid until the very last minute, but he thought we'd put in the minimum bid to see if the high bidder would automatically outbid him. He tried a bid only $100 higher and it was outbid. He tried another hundred and his limit of $5,700 was quickly reached.
He finally decided that the maximum he was willing to pay was $7,000, which he agreed to wait to put in at the last minute. With 30 seconds before the end of the auction, we bid $7,111 (I threw in a few extra bucks just in case), but sadly it was not enough. In the last seconds, there were two other bidders and the winning bid was $9,330. At least he can't blame me for not trying.
Tuesday, April 19
The Power of Words - Cool Video
I saw this from a tweet from Suze Orman (@SuzeOrmanShow). It is very moving short video.