Today I learned that my mad skills as a total klutz will rear their ugly heads at the oddest moments. I broke something I'd never broken before, which you know is a real first since I am pushing 30.
I totaled a power cable at the Cameron Village library. Tripped over it and unplugged it, and then realized that I'd ended the life of the prongs permanently.
Ooops?
The librarian was super nice about it, though. Not so much the cranky hagster sitting at the table powering her laptop on the suddenly defunct socket. Definitely got the hairy eyeball from that one. But the librarian simply checked things over, popped up an out of order sign, and made sure I was okay. Total sweetheart.
Still feel rotten about it, though.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tetris Improves Brain Function
I love it when I discover things that prove that my wasted youth may not have been so wasted after all. Neuroscientist Richard Haier and the BBC have done a study and interview sharing that the game increases cells and connections in the cerebral cortex.
The cerebral cortex is responsible for planning complex activity and coordinating sensory information. That seems useful, and according to the number of hours I used to play that game, I should be able to plan a camping trip to the moon in about 15 minutes without breaking a sweat. Or at least find my keys. One of the two.
The cerebral cortex is responsible for planning complex activity and coordinating sensory information. That seems useful, and according to the number of hours I used to play that game, I should be able to plan a camping trip to the moon in about 15 minutes without breaking a sweat. Or at least find my keys. One of the two.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Helios Coffee Company: I Love/Hate It Here
I'm having a work day at Helios Coffee Company, and as usual, mid-way through I am struck by the love-hate dichotomy I have going on with this place.
On the love side, I adore working out among the bamboo. On the hate side, they cut down a lot of it the other week to make the cafe more visible. Visible to what, people? You have a monster sign on the top of the building. You think seeing the patio is going to be the difference maker to people driving down Glenwood trying to dodge traffic?
On the love side, they serve decent sandwiches, chai, and hot chocolate. On the hate side . . . the food is only decent, and the service kind of sucks. More than a couple of times my order has been forgotten and I've had to come back multiple times to get the drink, and then the meal. All the while the three people on staff are messing around with the ipod of music or just not paying attention. It's frustrating.
They air condition the heck out of the place, too. Not a win. On the other hand, they do have wi-fi. All a girl really needs is wi-fi, right? Wi-fi, decent service, and whoever picked the emo 80's crap they are playing today to please, please get off work so someone else can run the music.
On the love side, I adore working out among the bamboo. On the hate side, they cut down a lot of it the other week to make the cafe more visible. Visible to what, people? You have a monster sign on the top of the building. You think seeing the patio is going to be the difference maker to people driving down Glenwood trying to dodge traffic?
On the love side, they serve decent sandwiches, chai, and hot chocolate. On the hate side . . . the food is only decent, and the service kind of sucks. More than a couple of times my order has been forgotten and I've had to come back multiple times to get the drink, and then the meal. All the while the three people on staff are messing around with the ipod of music or just not paying attention. It's frustrating.
They air condition the heck out of the place, too. Not a win. On the other hand, they do have wi-fi. All a girl really needs is wi-fi, right? Wi-fi, decent service, and whoever picked the emo 80's crap they are playing today to please, please get off work so someone else can run the music.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Rain or Drought
Today I am completely buried in deadlines (which is why I'm blogging, natch). Seems like it always runs as a deluge or an absolute drought! Trying to take on a new team member SS from JAA over in the UK, but not entirely sure I am comfortable with a 3rd party in the middle of the madness. We'll find out!
The same thing with work is also translating to personal. Either I have nothing going on socially, or there are more things than I can honestly get done. Know that I am skipping the glass works tour next week, and debating skipping the conference call tonight for NE Huskers. Really think I was a moron for getting on any committees over there--they are not going in a direction I am interested in at all with the Alumni Club. I just want to watch football and be happy--I don't need to impress the leaders over at the University or found any scholarships at this point in my life.
The same thing with work is also translating to personal. Either I have nothing going on socially, or there are more things than I can honestly get done. Know that I am skipping the glass works tour next week, and debating skipping the conference call tonight for NE Huskers. Really think I was a moron for getting on any committees over there--they are not going in a direction I am interested in at all with the Alumni Club. I just want to watch football and be happy--I don't need to impress the leaders over at the University or found any scholarships at this point in my life.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Yay for the 4th!
I am super excited for the 4th of July. Not because I have amazing plans, or because I am at home at the lake like usual, but just because I love the holiday. Something about the fireworks, the grilling out, and the sitting around just enjoying being where you are and who you are really appeals to me.
So whatever your plans may be and whatever you may be doing . . .Happy 4th of July!
So whatever your plans may be and whatever you may be doing . . .Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Damn You, Twilight Snark
I will confess that I read all of the Twilight books. They were okay. The real problem is the pure, unadulterated genius that is the Twilight snark universe.
It's like crack. I can't stop finding it and reading more . . . and more . . . and more. I've laughed so hard I've cried. I've forwarded to friends. It's keeping me from doing real work, and making me research how to get "I seriously doubt your commitment to SparkleMotion" icons for my computer.
I'm a grown adult, and totally in love with:
Update: All of this is over at Admittedly Obsessed, which is Twilight Central for updates, photos, and snarky comments.
It's like crack. I can't stop finding it and reading more . . . and more . . . and more. I've laughed so hard I've cried. I've forwarded to friends. It's keeping me from doing real work, and making me research how to get "I seriously doubt your commitment to SparkleMotion" icons for my computer.
I'm a grown adult, and totally in love with:
- Cleolinda's Twilight Breakdown because the chapter-by-chapter recaps are hysterical
- Letters To Twilight, who admit that's its totally uncool but really, we can't help it
- TwiCrackAddict, because how can you not love a place with "Set-Stalking Central"?
Update: All of this is over at Admittedly Obsessed, which is Twilight Central for updates, photos, and snarky comments.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Tool To Bargain Hunt
Just discovered FreshBargains, a new search tool to look for sales on the web. Essentially, it functions like Google for sales. Quite entertaining!
I looked for a few of my favorite things. Airfare turned up the JetAirways $9 fare deal, while netbooks pulled up computer websites I'd never heard of before. Blew about 40 minutes clicking through different sales postings and was very pleased with what I learned.
It does take a minute to get a feel for the format. To read something in depth, you need to click into it. I'd recommend opening it in a new window or tab to preserve your original list.
I looked for a few of my favorite things. Airfare turned up the JetAirways $9 fare deal, while netbooks pulled up computer websites I'd never heard of before. Blew about 40 minutes clicking through different sales postings and was very pleased with what I learned.
It does take a minute to get a feel for the format. To read something in depth, you need to click into it. I'd recommend opening it in a new window or tab to preserve your original list.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Amore Victoria
Had a fantastic lunch at Amore Victoria in Uptown Minneapolis yesterday. I've loved this restaurant every time I've eaten there over the last several years. Near the lake, it offers a cozy ambiance and some smashing Italian. It's the flavor that really sets it apart from other restaurants.
The focus isn't on the pasta in the dish per se, but rather on all the other things in the dish that make the pasta taste amazing. Any of their dishes with Italian sausage are flat out fabulous--a rich blend of savoury with a kick of spice. The sauces aren't heavy, but they are full. There's onion, garlic, tomato, peppers, muchrooms . . .whatever they mention, it's there as a real food item to enjoy.
Desserts: Pass on everything but the chocolate cake. Eat the cake. Eat the tiramasu if you must. The mango cheesecake is BORING! Don't bother with that. Oh, and the after dinner coffee is served by the stein, which is interesting.
The focus isn't on the pasta in the dish per se, but rather on all the other things in the dish that make the pasta taste amazing. Any of their dishes with Italian sausage are flat out fabulous--a rich blend of savoury with a kick of spice. The sauces aren't heavy, but they are full. There's onion, garlic, tomato, peppers, muchrooms . . .whatever they mention, it's there as a real food item to enjoy.
Desserts: Pass on everything but the chocolate cake. Eat the cake. Eat the tiramasu if you must. The mango cheesecake is BORING! Don't bother with that. Oh, and the after dinner coffee is served by the stein, which is interesting.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Three Bar Night + 1
Adventures in the bar scene in Raleigh: 2 from downtown Raleigh and 2 from the Glenwood South area. Three of them I hit in one night . . .what was I thinking? Oh wait . . .nothing in Raleigh is that far from my house!
Downtown Raleigh Bars:
First, a general comment on the downtown Raleigh bar scene. It's not that big. Like many of the other activities in the city, things tend to clump. All of the "hip" downtown areas are within a 6 block square. Street parking is problematic, but garage parking is not bad. The Blount street garage raises the bar after midnight, so if you stay a little later downtown after parking there it is effectively free.
TirNaNog: Lovely, without a shred of air conditioning to its name. Oh, they promise air conditioning, but what they deliver is cold drinks, plenty of tables, and good live music. It's like air conditioning, but different somehow . . . . ladies note that the bathroom was not intelligently designed. Also on busy night don't look right as you walk to the ladies room--any open door into the men's room gives a full view!
Rum Runners: Bonus is that it is a piano bar. Unbonus? Watching the staff dance, my date remarked that he felt like he should have brought dollars with him to tip. The atmosphere is lively with a heavy sprinkling of risque humor. Good for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette bashes and debauched night out. Not so good for family outings!
Glenwood South:
This is the newest, hottest area of Raleigh. It's a veritable legend . . . in its own mind. True, there are a lot of crowds and several solid choices for bars. Don't think for a second you will find on-street parking here. However, there are a few sorts who are trying too hard, and I will be curious to see if all of the high-end places make it to the fall. The Ruropean Coffee house only made it about a month before they shut down again . . .funding issues or business, the doors were firmly shut.
Solas: I will recommend the rooftop at Solas as an excellent happy hour destination. Good space, lovely snacks (truffle fries, quesadillas, cheese platters) and yummy sangrias. There is an oddity with plastic glasses caused by the second floor. They have a glass dance floor, and shortly after they opened someone dropped a glass glass on it and cracked it. So the whole place switched over to plastic. Very tasteful plastic, however . . . .it took the 6 of us several minutes to notice!
Office Tavern: As the bartender says, "That and $2.75 will get you a beer." Dry humor, darts and dive bar fashion make this a fun getaway from the preppies on Glenwood main. This bar sits a block back from the main strip of Glenwood. They have the oldest beer license in Raleigh.
They also have the honky-tonk ambience that takes years of regulars bellying up to the bar to create. The new bars on Glenwood South may get more novelty foot traffic, but if you want a real bar this is where you should go. Don't forget dollars for the jukebox--this bar lets you have a soundtrack all your own.
Downtown Raleigh Bars:
First, a general comment on the downtown Raleigh bar scene. It's not that big. Like many of the other activities in the city, things tend to clump. All of the "hip" downtown areas are within a 6 block square. Street parking is problematic, but garage parking is not bad. The Blount street garage raises the bar after midnight, so if you stay a little later downtown after parking there it is effectively free.
TirNaNog: Lovely, without a shred of air conditioning to its name. Oh, they promise air conditioning, but what they deliver is cold drinks, plenty of tables, and good live music. It's like air conditioning, but different somehow . . . . ladies note that the bathroom was not intelligently designed. Also on busy night don't look right as you walk to the ladies room--any open door into the men's room gives a full view!
Rum Runners: Bonus is that it is a piano bar. Unbonus? Watching the staff dance, my date remarked that he felt like he should have brought dollars with him to tip. The atmosphere is lively with a heavy sprinkling of risque humor. Good for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette bashes and debauched night out. Not so good for family outings!
Glenwood South:
This is the newest, hottest area of Raleigh. It's a veritable legend . . . in its own mind. True, there are a lot of crowds and several solid choices for bars. Don't think for a second you will find on-street parking here. However, there are a few sorts who are trying too hard, and I will be curious to see if all of the high-end places make it to the fall. The Ruropean Coffee house only made it about a month before they shut down again . . .funding issues or business, the doors were firmly shut.
Solas: I will recommend the rooftop at Solas as an excellent happy hour destination. Good space, lovely snacks (truffle fries, quesadillas, cheese platters) and yummy sangrias. There is an oddity with plastic glasses caused by the second floor. They have a glass dance floor, and shortly after they opened someone dropped a glass glass on it and cracked it. So the whole place switched over to plastic. Very tasteful plastic, however . . . .it took the 6 of us several minutes to notice!
Office Tavern: As the bartender says, "That and $2.75 will get you a beer." Dry humor, darts and dive bar fashion make this a fun getaway from the preppies on Glenwood main. This bar sits a block back from the main strip of Glenwood. They have the oldest beer license in Raleigh.
They also have the honky-tonk ambience that takes years of regulars bellying up to the bar to create. The new bars on Glenwood South may get more novelty foot traffic, but if you want a real bar this is where you should go. Don't forget dollars for the jukebox--this bar lets you have a soundtrack all your own.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I think I'm supposed to be tired . . .
Hmmm. Just finishing up a project I have now officially been working on for 28 hours straight. But I am not really tired. It was an interesting project.
It's funny, sometimes you set a project off into the world and it becomes like a little child that you get to see walking away on its own for the first time. You hope it will be all right, worry that it won't, and hope that it comes back to you will something nice to say.
It's nap or Germany, I can't decide.
It's funny, sometimes you set a project off into the world and it becomes like a little child that you get to see walking away on its own for the first time. You hope it will be all right, worry that it won't, and hope that it comes back to you will something nice to say.
It's nap or Germany, I can't decide.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Moliere on writing
I stumbled across this quote today from Moliere on writing: "Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, then for money."
It was part of a forum discussion on Elance about "Why do you write?" and I loved it! It does seem to sum it up . . .the love of words grows into a strong desire to do nothing but write them and get paid for it.
It was part of a forum discussion on Elance about "Why do you write?" and I loved it! It does seem to sum it up . . .the love of words grows into a strong desire to do nothing but write them and get paid for it.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Back in Raleigh and Eli Snuggs
It feels strange to be back in Raleigh after the last 6 weeks of traveling--3 continents, 5 countries and 4 states. What was I thinking? Mmmm--maybe I'm a little bit in love with being on the road.
Each place had its own special charms, and I'll probably blog about them at some point. For tonight, I just wanted to share a bit of special charm that I've stumbled over at my local coffee house. It's an unexpected joy, so why keep it to myself?
The joy is a small-town acoustical guitar player named Eli Snuggs. He does a 2 hour set at the Caribou Coffee on Maynard in Cary Fridays from 6:30 - 8:30. Good acoustical talent with a rich singing voice. Young, not quite perfect, but highly enjoyable nevertheless. I've certainly been pleasantly surprised.
You can check him out for yourself at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/elisnuggs
Each place had its own special charms, and I'll probably blog about them at some point. For tonight, I just wanted to share a bit of special charm that I've stumbled over at my local coffee house. It's an unexpected joy, so why keep it to myself?
The joy is a small-town acoustical guitar player named Eli Snuggs. He does a 2 hour set at the Caribou Coffee on Maynard in Cary Fridays from 6:30 - 8:30. Good acoustical talent with a rich singing voice. Young, not quite perfect, but highly enjoyable nevertheless. I've certainly been pleasantly surprised.
You can check him out for yourself at his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/elisnuggs
Friday, January 16, 2009
Jazz at the Prime Smokehouse
Tucked away at the end of small shopping center in Garner, NC, is the Friday and Saturday night home of live local jazz. The Prime Smokehouse is not a dedicated jazz club, but rather a brisket and BBQ bar with an Ethiopian twist and performing space for local musicians. Performances are very interactive--tonight I was treated to Brian Miller's exquisitely unexpected rendition of Happy Birthday on the saxophone. His performance was excellent, as was his ensemble, and guest appearances by a pair of extremely talented trumpet players added greatly to the overall show.
Upcoming Smokehouse events include a Smooth Jazz Valentine's Day courtesy of www.djsmoothjazz.com, and ongoing appearances by local groups and national stars including Ed Wiley, Jr. and Tom Browne.
For more about the venue and to get directions, visit www.primesmokehouse.com. The prices are reasonable, the food quality good, and the jazz is very, very worth the trip.
Upcoming Smokehouse events include a Smooth Jazz Valentine's Day courtesy of www.djsmoothjazz.com, and ongoing appearances by local groups and national stars including Ed Wiley, Jr. and Tom Browne.
For more about the venue and to get directions, visit www.primesmokehouse.com. The prices are reasonable, the food quality good, and the jazz is very, very worth the trip.
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