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When my son was 3, I spent several months before Christmas desperately searching for a Buzz Lightyear action figure. My mother finally found one in new York (after standing on line for hours, as only a grandmother would), and Christmas was saved. While all of the hot gifts this year haven't been identified, one may be Dora Links, a doll that exists in both the physical and online world, She can be played with independently, but she also interacts in an online community. The interaction extends to her physical characteristics - change her eye color online, and it changes on the doll. I expect the stampede to begin soon.
My son is almost 17, and has moved far beyond Buzz Lightyear...but my memories of my mother's efforts to help me be what I thought was the perfect mother making the perfect Christmas...live on.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Do You Have a Conundrum?
Conundrum Wines, formerly Caymus Conundrum, has introduced a new twist to their marketing efforts. Conundrum has launched "Conundrumland" a question and answer community focused on addressing major (and not so major) dilemmas about life, ethics, and relationships, with a question or two about wine thrown in from time to time.
The questions range from the personal ("I need a vacation. How do I tell my husband I want to go alone?") to the practical ("Do plastic wine glasses change the flavor of wine?")
Check it out!
Related posts:
*A new form of indirect social networking
*ConundrumLand
The questions range from the personal ("I need a vacation. How do I tell my husband I want to go alone?") to the practical ("Do plastic wine glasses change the flavor of wine?")
Check it out!
Related posts:
*A new form of indirect social networking
*ConundrumLand
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Last Day of Summer
Today was an absolutely perfect day. I'd say it was Indian summer, but we haven't had a frost yet, so technically it was just an average fall day...but technically it's not fall yet, either. I've probably experienced many days just like this in my life, but haven't stopped to appreciate them. This summer was so cold and wet, however, that I was really ready to appreciate the sun on my shoulders, the bright flowers in the garden, watching Riley lay in a pool of sunlight on the lawn, and all the little things that maybe I hadn't noticed before. I'd say that's true of life in general - you need to pass through a dark period to realize how special the ordinary things are.
Although the calendar begins in January, fall has always felt like the time of fresh starts for me. As the world slows down, and mother nature prepares to hibernate, I feel invigorated. So today was a perfect day to bid goodbye to summer, and bid hello to whatever the next few months have in store for me and those I love.
Although the calendar begins in January, fall has always felt like the time of fresh starts for me. As the world slows down, and mother nature prepares to hibernate, I feel invigorated. So today was a perfect day to bid goodbye to summer, and bid hello to whatever the next few months have in store for me and those I love.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How Does Nicholas Cage Choose His Movies?
Have you ever wondered how Nick Cage picks his next picture? Dan Howard explains it all in this candid conversation between Nick Cage and his agent.
Check the whole conversation out at collegehumor.com
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Travel Musings...the Homogenization of American Dining
I've been doing a fair amount of travel around the country recently. I remember taking business trips years ago, and enjoying visiting new cities, and discovering local specialties in local restaurants. It seems no matter where I go these days, I'm greeted by the same chain restaurants we see at home. Lunch at Panera Bread. Dinner at Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse, or Olive Garden. I've dined at these same establishments in Nashua New Hampshire, Bangor Maine, Boulder Colorado, and Oklahoma City to name a few.
Last week in Boulder, I asked the gentleman at the desk in our hotel where the best place to get a steak was-- assuming there would be a local secret place he would point me to. He paused, and said: "The best place for steak around here is the Texas Roadhouse....or maybe the Outback." I asked him "Isn't there somewhere local--not a chain-- that you'd recommend?" He said "Nope. Those are the best places around."
I'm sure I missed out on some great local restaurants that I didn't know how to find. And I wonder if the little local "special places" are getting forced out by the giant chain restaurants, the way Walmart and Target are impacting local retailers.
Something to think about the next time I head out to Chilis.
Last week in Boulder, I asked the gentleman at the desk in our hotel where the best place to get a steak was-- assuming there would be a local secret place he would point me to. He paused, and said: "The best place for steak around here is the Texas Roadhouse....or maybe the Outback." I asked him "Isn't there somewhere local--not a chain-- that you'd recommend?" He said "Nope. Those are the best places around."
I'm sure I missed out on some great local restaurants that I didn't know how to find. And I wonder if the little local "special places" are getting forced out by the giant chain restaurants, the way Walmart and Target are impacting local retailers.
Something to think about the next time I head out to Chilis.
New Blog Launched!
I've been writing pages for Mahalo for just about 2 years now, and am fairly proud of the most of the thousands of pages I've produced. The How To pages have been a way to archive my knowledge on everything from How to Write a Living Will to How to Can Tomatoes. I'm starting a new blog that will showcase that work, starting today with the group of pages I did on pancakes. Now, you may view pancakes as a fairly ordinary topic...but if you've ever wanted to know how to make sure that yours were light fluffy, that your blueberries didn't bleed, or that your chocolate didn't burn, you'll want to check out Good to Know's first post on Perfect Pancake Recipes.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson's Death: Overdose, Suicide, or Just a Tragedy?
After the media got over the initial shock of Michael Jackson's death, the spinners began spinning theories trying to make sense of his sudden death. The autopsy was inconclusive, so inquiring minds will need to wait for their answers until further tests come back. The man lived a unique life, his success and money making it possible for him to indulge his peculiarities in the way ordinary working folk never get a chance to. In the weeks to come the press will examine and dissect every detail.
There are three children, involved, however-- and is the public's need to indulge in reading salacious details worth the consequences that having all these details rehashed will have on them? At what point can a public death be allowed to remain a private tragedy?
Why not just focus on his art?
There are three children, involved, however-- and is the public's need to indulge in reading salacious details worth the consequences that having all these details rehashed will have on them? At what point can a public death be allowed to remain a private tragedy?
Why not just focus on his art?
How to Moonwalk
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What's Your Favorite Cupcake Recipe?
I'm managing a page devoted to cupcakes over at Mahalo, and am wondering if your favorite cupcake variety is included? Check the page out and let me know!
Cupcakes
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How to Decorate Cupcakes
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Sunday, June 7, 2009
16 year old Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper, the catcher for the Las Vegas High School Wildcats is featured on the cover of ''Sports Illustrated'' tomorrow. He's a 16 year old who has reported hit a 570 foot home run, and has been watched by scouts since his freshman year. His parents are reportedly working with agent Scott Boras on a plan to circumvent the MLB's requirement that he needs to have exhausted his high school eligibility before the draft by having him get a GED this summer, and enroll in a community college in the fall. This would have him eligible for the draft in 2010 instead of 2011.
Bryce Harper
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Changeling Killer - Gordon Stewart Northcutt and Walter Collins
Gordon Stewart Northcutt was a serial killer who has been credited with the murder of Walter Collins, the boy whose disappearance prompted the movie ''Changeling'', which tells the story of his mother, Christine Collins, and her struggle to find out the truth about what happened to him. These videos, by James Jeffrey Paul, the author of a biography of Northcutt, provide a chilling look into the life of a serial killer.
Wineville Chicken Murders
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Robo-Calls
I had my fill of robo-calls last election. So imagine my horror this week when they started again. I live in a small town of about 8,000 people, with maybe 4,000 registered voters. One selectman seat is up for grabs. One candidate has made 3 robo-calls to me, the last an hour ago, urging me to the polls. (I already voted). The other has also reached out to me 3 times - but each call has been a personal call, made by someone I know, who was ready to engage me in a discussion of the issues and answer any questions.
Guess which candidate I voted for?
Guess which candidate I voted for?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Shadow of 1918
I grew up under the shadow of the 1918 flu pandemic. My grandmother was orphaned at age 7 when her mother, Amelia Yurkewich, died on October 14, 1918 at the age of 33. Gram was shuttled off to live with relatives, and with money scarce, was considered to be lucky to have a roof over her head. Her mother's death was a defining moment in her life--and the shadow followed my mother, as well. It was rarely spoken of, as the deepest family tragedies are usually dealt with - always there, but never discussed. The shadow was passed on to me...and whenever I hear the word "influenza", I think of Amelia, and that horrendous flu pandemic that killed 50 million young adults.
So, when I hear the reports from Mexico, and hear that this flu is affecting primarily young adults, I feel the shadow of 1918.
So, when I hear the reports from Mexico, and hear that this flu is affecting primarily young adults, I feel the shadow of 1918.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Patriot's Day Reflections
Patriot's Day, for the uninitiated, is the anniversary of the day the day the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord. Although it's celebrated on the third day in April, the actual event occurred on April 19, 1775...234 years ago today.
I sit here in my kitchen, 16 miles west of Lexington Green, enjoying the freedoms that were purchased when the farmers and townspeople of Littleton, Acton, Bedford, Lexington, Concord, and all the other small towns in the area, marched to meet the British on the April morning. Their goal was simple, to be able to live their lives in peace, free from government making decisions for them. The consequences of their outrage have affected almost every citizen of the plant over the last two centuries. That's not what they were thinking of that morning, however...it wasn't about a grand dream, or building a world super power...it was about being left alone to live their lives in peace and, hopefully, prosperity.
Individuals coming together because they worried about their families and their future, standing their ground, and taking courageous actions - changed the world.
So for me, the "take away" from Patriot's Day this year is this: Courage.
I sit here in my kitchen, 16 miles west of Lexington Green, enjoying the freedoms that were purchased when the farmers and townspeople of Littleton, Acton, Bedford, Lexington, Concord, and all the other small towns in the area, marched to meet the British on the April morning. Their goal was simple, to be able to live their lives in peace, free from government making decisions for them. The consequences of their outrage have affected almost every citizen of the plant over the last two centuries. That's not what they were thinking of that morning, however...it wasn't about a grand dream, or building a world super power...it was about being left alone to live their lives in peace and, hopefully, prosperity.
Individuals coming together because they worried about their families and their future, standing their ground, and taking courageous actions - changed the world.
So for me, the "take away" from Patriot's Day this year is this: Courage.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
2009 Worcester City Meet : Women's Discus
Katie MacDowell crushes it at the Worcester City Meet.
The images say it all. Three years after last touching a discus, she's still got it!
The images say it all. Three years after last touching a discus, she's still got it!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Absolute Best Corned Beef and Cabbage
While corned beef and cabbage, also known as NEBD, or New England Boiled Dinner, is a St. Patrick's Day staple, I generally make it several times a year. While contemplating the hash I'm going to make from the leftovers tomorrow, I thought I'd share my fool proof method for corned beef and cabbage.
*What You Need:
*4-5 pounds of flat cut ( more expensive but much leaner and easier to carve than point cut) corned beef brisket
*6 onions
*2 large celery ribs, with leaves, sliced into 2 inch chunks
*16 cloves
*1 bay leaf
*6 peppercorns
*Several springs of parsley
*1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, or a sprig of fresh
*2 large garlic cloves, peeled
*8 potatoes
*6 carrots
*1 medium head of cabbage
*Step 1: Cook the beef with seasonings
1.Remove the meet from the package and rinse.
2.Discard the seasoning packet the manufacturer included.
3.Place the meat in a large pot.
4.Take 2 of the onions, peel them, and cut into quarters. Stud each onion quarter with 4 cloves, and add to the pot. Do not worry if they fall apart.
5.Add the celery, bay leave, peppercorns, parsley, rosemary and garlic to the pot.
6.Cover all with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
7.Remove the meat to a second large pot. Strain the liquid over the meat, and discard the vegetables and seasonings.
8.You can stop and refrigerate the meat over night at this point, or continue.
*Step 2: Add the vegetables
1. Peel the remaining 4 onions and the potatoes and add them to the pot.
2. Bring everything back to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Peel the carrots, cut into 2 inch chunks, and add them to the pot. Adjust the heat if needed to keep it simmering.
4. Cook for 30 minutes.
5. Core and quarter the cabbage, and add it to the pot.
6.Bring everything back to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes more, or until everything is tender.
*Step 3: Serve and enjoy
1.Slice the meat across the grain and place on a platter, surrounded by the vegetables.
2.Serve with brown mustard, Irish Soda bread, fresh butter, and plenty of Guinness.
3.Any leftovers should be stored in the broth, and reheated in the liquid.
*What You Need:
*4-5 pounds of flat cut ( more expensive but much leaner and easier to carve than point cut) corned beef brisket
*6 onions
*2 large celery ribs, with leaves, sliced into 2 inch chunks
*16 cloves
*1 bay leaf
*6 peppercorns
*Several springs of parsley
*1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, or a sprig of fresh
*2 large garlic cloves, peeled
*8 potatoes
*6 carrots
*1 medium head of cabbage
*Step 1: Cook the beef with seasonings
1.Remove the meet from the package and rinse.
2.Discard the seasoning packet the manufacturer included.
3.Place the meat in a large pot.
4.Take 2 of the onions, peel them, and cut into quarters. Stud each onion quarter with 4 cloves, and add to the pot. Do not worry if they fall apart.
5.Add the celery, bay leave, peppercorns, parsley, rosemary and garlic to the pot.
6.Cover all with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
7.Remove the meat to a second large pot. Strain the liquid over the meat, and discard the vegetables and seasonings.
8.You can stop and refrigerate the meat over night at this point, or continue.
*Step 2: Add the vegetables
1. Peel the remaining 4 onions and the potatoes and add them to the pot.
2. Bring everything back to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Peel the carrots, cut into 2 inch chunks, and add them to the pot. Adjust the heat if needed to keep it simmering.
4. Cook for 30 minutes.
5. Core and quarter the cabbage, and add it to the pot.
6.Bring everything back to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes more, or until everything is tender.
*Step 3: Serve and enjoy
1.Slice the meat across the grain and place on a platter, surrounded by the vegetables.
2.Serve with brown mustard, Irish Soda bread, fresh butter, and plenty of Guinness.
3.Any leftovers should be stored in the broth, and reheated in the liquid.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Home Affordable Refinance and Modification -Not!
I think that home ownership is a good thing. I think that helping people avoid foreclosure is a good thing. I realize that sometimes life throws you curveballs, and we all should be prepared to help people out.
However, after spending several days going through the provisions of the Home Affordable Refinance and Modification Plans, I am concerned about several provisions. I am not supportive of using my tax dollars to lower interest rates to 2%. I am not in favor of forgiving debt for mortgages that are underwater.
I would have thought a better situation would be to lower rates to market, and then to extend the length of the loan to lower the payments to reach the 31% threshold that the plan seems to consider bearable. While in some cases this might produce very long term mortgages, I think its a more equitable solution in the long run. It allows people who are having trouble stay in there homes and allows people who can't refinance at lower rates because they are underwater to refinance. It does not reward people who assumed excessive amounts of debt by letting them out of their obligations.
However, after spending several days going through the provisions of the Home Affordable Refinance and Modification Plans, I am concerned about several provisions. I am not supportive of using my tax dollars to lower interest rates to 2%. I am not in favor of forgiving debt for mortgages that are underwater.
I would have thought a better situation would be to lower rates to market, and then to extend the length of the loan to lower the payments to reach the 31% threshold that the plan seems to consider bearable. While in some cases this might produce very long term mortgages, I think its a more equitable solution in the long run. It allows people who are having trouble stay in there homes and allows people who can't refinance at lower rates because they are underwater to refinance. It does not reward people who assumed excessive amounts of debt by letting them out of their obligations.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
How to Become a Mystery Shopper
Are you looking for factual, non-spammy, accurate information on how to get started in Mystery Shopping? This How To guide from Mahalo lays out the basics. You could be filling your car with free gas, getting paid to test drive a luxury car, or eating a free lunch...as early as tomorrow !
Sunday, March 8, 2009
How to Become an Architect
How to Become an Architect
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Here's another how to I've written for Mahalo! How to Become an Architect walks you through the process of what you need to do to become an RA.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Watchmen - Creating Dr. Manhattan
I was invited to ''Watchmen'' tonight by my son--as he needed an adult escort. We both thought that the movie didn't live up to the hype. Although the movie left me flat, the special effects used to create Dr. Manhattan were pretty amazing.
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