1
Beer and Queso / Re: *IX question
« on: February 08, 2010, 02:57:54 pm »
Thanks, that did the trick!
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
2
Beer and Queso / *IX question
« on: February 08, 2010, 01:53:22 pm »
This is total nerdorama, so feel free to take whatever potshots are required for such a pencil-necked question. I've done what feels like an exhaustive search online, and can't quite come up with a solution, so for those familiar with working on the shell in *ix, how would you accomplish the following:
Trying to recursively locate all files which contain a pattern, and list the filenames. I have used the following to find whether there ARE files with a pattern, but haven't figured out how to modify it so that it tells me which file resulted in a match (the end result is it prints the line with the matching pattern to STDOUT, but doesn't prepend that with the name of the file, which WOULD be the case if I weren't running this through xargs):
find . -type f -name "*.*"| xargs -i grep pattern '{}'
Thanks
Trying to recursively locate all files which contain a pattern, and list the filenames. I have used the following to find whether there ARE files with a pattern, but haven't figured out how to modify it so that it tells me which file resulted in a match (the end result is it prints the line with the matching pattern to STDOUT, but doesn't prepend that with the name of the file, which WOULD be the case if I weren't running this through xargs):
find . -type f -name "*.*"| xargs -i grep pattern '{}'
Thanks
3
Beer and Queso / Re: PS3 game suggestions?
« on: January 05, 2010, 12:34:12 pm »I looked for some non-violent PS3 games, but there just aren't many among the top releases. But BUWebguy, if you can put aside the dislike for shooting games, you really ought to try the Call of Duty 4/Modern Warfare games, and Grand Theft Auto 4.
The best non-violent game for PS3 (and one of the best for that platform, period, IMO) is Little Big Planet. Best played in a group (or online, even). One violent one I'm looking forward to is the 3rd God of War game which last I heard was due out in March or so. Thankfully it's not a shooter -- I hate bothering with crosshairs in games.
4
Beer and Queso / Re: I just bought a boatload of audio and video equipment yesterday
« on: January 04, 2010, 01:03:49 pm »
I can't speak on the Canon, as for dSLR I'm a Nikon gal, but the Tamron's a good choice. In general, they make very nice lenses. One thing to be on the lookout for with dSLR photography is an overly-crispy bokeh. If you care about those kinds of things, even just a cheapy little UV filter can take some of the edge off.
Nice mic, btw. Not seen one of those types before.
Nice mic, btw. Not seen one of those types before.
5
Beer and Queso / Re: Mexican Police finally catch Carlos Beltran
« on: January 04, 2010, 12:59:42 pm »
Clearly they had a mole in place.
6
Talk Zone / Re: 2010 Free Agent Closer Market
« on: October 26, 2009, 03:45:52 pm »I disagree. There is no future in it.
I'm floored.
7
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 02:05:36 pm »
Yup, game was canceled because of the rain.
This wasn't random, and it wasn't for attention, just trying to see if someone had a glove they could lend out for awhile. If that's not you, then there really wasn't a reason to respond, especially not with a bulleted retort questioning why someone would sign up for something free when broke. Thanks to the one offer reply, I'll be in touch over the next few days to meet up somewhere.
Try to keep in mind that some folks like to do others favors, Andy. Like, oh, I dunno... lend out a glove, or make server space available for free for big file transfers. That kind of thing.
This wasn't random, and it wasn't for attention, just trying to see if someone had a glove they could lend out for awhile. If that's not you, then there really wasn't a reason to respond, especially not with a bulleted retort questioning why someone would sign up for something free when broke. Thanks to the one offer reply, I'll be in touch over the next few days to meet up somewhere.
Try to keep in mind that some folks like to do others favors, Andy. Like, oh, I dunno... lend out a glove, or make server space available for free for big file transfers. That kind of thing.
8
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 10:29:34 am »
We have 11 people and 8 gloves, apparently.
Enough with the piling on.
Enough with the piling on.
9
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 10:25:22 am »walmart has them for 18.88
Thanks. That's lower than I had seen elsewhere, but seriously... we are operating in the red in this household until next month sometime, so anything other than "free" is not affordable.
10
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 10:23:54 am »
*sigh* OK... a translated repost: "it wouldn't matter to me if it's a firstbaseman's or center fielder's glove"
I didn't think it was that obfuscated, so figured you were being a smartass asking what F3 and F8 meant, so I gave a smartass response about function keys (the F3 key, etc.) on a keyboard. Sorry to have replied like that. :/
I didn't think it was that obfuscated, so figured you were being a smartass asking what F3 and F8 meant, so I gave a smartass response about function keys (the F3 key, etc.) on a keyboard. Sorry to have replied like that. :/
11
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 10:10:09 am »Why not just buy one? They really aren't that expensive.
I would if I could, but I seriously do not have the money for that (husband laid off == me paying ALL the bills now).
HH: what joke? Seriously? F3 = first base. F8 = centerfield... the big gloves. Point being, it doesn't matter what type can be loaned out.
12
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 09:50:04 am »
The tiny little rectangular ones that fit over the function keys.
I'm not particular about the type of glove, whether it's a big ol basket for 1B/OF or a smaller SS glove.
I'm not particular about the type of glove, whether it's a big ol basket for 1B/OF or a smaller SS glove.
13
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 09:48:39 am »
rimshot
14
Beer and Queso / Anyone have a glove I can borrow?
« on: October 13, 2009, 09:37:10 am »
I guess at 39, it's the right "age" for these types of things, but... I joined a denial league at work, that's going to play for the next month or so. Thing is, I have no equipment. Anyone have a glove I could borrow? I seriously doubt we're going to assign permanent positions to everyone, so it wouldn't matter to me if it's an F3 or F8 glove (pretty sure I won't be catching... my knees can't handle that).
I'm working out around 290@Hollister, live in the Heights, games are on South Main. First game is tonight at 6:30 (yeah, I JUST realized the eq shortcomings this morning), so anywhere in those areas is cool.
Thanks
I'm working out around 290@Hollister, live in the Heights, games are on South Main. First game is tonight at 6:30 (yeah, I JUST realized the eq shortcomings this morning), so anywhere in those areas is cool.
Thanks
15
Beer and Queso / Re: Hey, HH (tech talk)
« on: October 08, 2009, 10:41:03 pm »
Don't know too much, other than the Frio is supposedly the next hot thing in deep gas. It's been a proven producer, with relatively high success rates, so expectations are high. I know even less about the Vicksburg, other than it's below the Frio. I work mostly Permian Basin stuff, so I don't know a whole lot about what's going on in the Gulf, especially the deepwater stuff. I know everyone is spending buttloads of cash on it though. The onshore stuff is dying, so offshore, especially deepwater, is the focus.
Gracias
I have an interview tomorrow with the controller of an E&P that's focussing on those areas, but I didn't know much about them. This helps, and gives me a couple talking points.
16
Beer and Queso / Hey, HH (tech talk)
« on: October 08, 2009, 03:15:26 pm »
It sounds like most of your work is out in West Texas, but I was wondering what you'd heard about prospects in the Frio and Vicksburg trends here on the Texas Coast and Miocene and Oligocene trends on the LA coast? I've audited a few E&P companies, but most are in West Texas/NM and the Barnett shale. One is in Louisiana, but it's SE (Vermillion, etc.).
Just curious. Thanks
Just curious. Thanks
17
Talk Zone / Re: Fitting end to the season
« on: September 28, 2009, 12:57:59 pm »And if you don't have access to medical care because you can't afford it, it can be deadly to a 22-year old.
Not in the TZ, please.
Paging Dr. McGrimm...
18
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 02:38:39 pm »http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2006-08-15-xray-report_x.htm
That's from 4 years ago. Technology has advanced, so I'm gonna call B(L)S on citing this as a reason for why scanning shoes or carryons is useless. Twice the BLS system has been waved over bottles of formula I've carried on, while traveling with the baby. It took a extra little time, but I'm glad they were checking even if in my case it was no threat.
19
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 02:27:51 pm »Also, damn near impossible to fly a train into a skyscraper.
Not to mention that other than cars (small), busses (unwieldy) and boats (slow), planes are the only mass transit vehicles which can be redirected from their intended original destination. Nobody hijacks a subway or train or stadium and demands to be taken to Cuba, or as Andy pointed out, redirects them into a skyscraper or anywhere there are huge masses of people.
20
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 11:43:14 am »
I think Taras has a good idea now about carryons.
Nice tip there, Lurch!
Nice tip there, Lurch!
21
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 11:15:57 am »The "since they are STILL making folks remove shoes" made me think it bothers you.
It doesn't. Just emphasizing that that practice is STILL in place, since I don't know how recently Taras has flown (not very recently, apparently, since he instigated this thread).
22
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 11:12:42 am »
Does taking your shoes off really bother you that much? Seriously, that little bit of safety bothers people?
Not sure why you think it bothers me. I'm just saying the process can be sped up by not wearing lace-up shoes.
23
Beer and Queso / Re: Air Travel Tips
« on: September 23, 2009, 10:58:24 am »
Take a look at seatguru.com to figure out where "best" to sit.
Packing tips... that's not changed much over the years. Carry on what you think you'll need or want during the flight, including a couple pens/pencils for filling out the crossword puzzles or sudoku in the in-flight magazines. Maybe even bring some earphones even if you don't normally use an MP3 player, in case they have a movie during the flight (that might save you having to "purchase" the headsets, but I'm not sure if American does that).
Wear shoes you can slip off... it'll save time in security, since they are STILL making folks remove shoes. It's also nice on the flight to wiggle the toes for relief from cramped quarters. Wear clean socks, please.
Packing tips... that's not changed much over the years. Carry on what you think you'll need or want during the flight, including a couple pens/pencils for filling out the crossword puzzles or sudoku in the in-flight magazines. Maybe even bring some earphones even if you don't normally use an MP3 player, in case they have a movie during the flight (that might save you having to "purchase" the headsets, but I'm not sure if American does that).
Wear shoes you can slip off... it'll save time in security, since they are STILL making folks remove shoes. It's also nice on the flight to wiggle the toes for relief from cramped quarters. Wear clean socks, please.
24
Beer and Queso / Video producer/editor
« on: September 18, 2009, 12:22:26 pm »
I hope this isn't against any posting rules.
My husband was effectively laid off as of last week (contract gig came to an abrupt end, about 3.5 months earlier than anticipated). He's looking for work, and his preferred field would be in video editing and production (including live TV). Tons of experience, including with NLEs. Anyone heard of or know anyone looking to hire or contract out some work along those lines?
Thanks.
My husband was effectively laid off as of last week (contract gig came to an abrupt end, about 3.5 months earlier than anticipated). He's looking for work, and his preferred field would be in video editing and production (including live TV). Tons of experience, including with NLEs. Anyone heard of or know anyone looking to hire or contract out some work along those lines?
Thanks.
25
Beer and Queso / Re: Not again?
« on: September 18, 2009, 11:34:38 am »count me among those who does not care if Miami never wins another game.
I'm in line with ya there.
26
Beer and Queso / I'm in IMDB
« on: September 18, 2009, 11:33:17 am »
Just stumbled onto this. My husband and I were extras in a music video a couple years ago, and apparently that's sufficient for IMDB listing. Cool.
Anyone else?
Anyone else?
27
Beer and Queso / Re: Little Big Planet
« on: September 17, 2009, 02:51:50 pm »Trying to figure out what you're talking about.
Challenges are "mini games" within the "levels" of Little Big Planet (a PS3 game).
28
Beer and Queso / Little Big Planet
« on: September 17, 2009, 02:44:50 pm »
Anyone else playing this? Man that is fun
I'm going to try making a survival challenge mini-game. What have your favorite challenges been?
I'm going to try making a survival challenge mini-game. What have your favorite challenges been?
30
Talk Zone / Re: Hampton to miss next season
« on: September 16, 2009, 01:37:56 pm »
I hear Hampton once got busy in the Shed's bathroom...
(Picturing him with the Graucho glasses and that hat on the mound is pretty amusing)
(Picturing him with the Graucho glasses and that hat on the mound is pretty amusing)
31
Talk Zone / Re: Back to the Apple in '10
« on: September 16, 2009, 12:17:26 pm »
I kinda like that non-word, stinch.
32
Beer and Queso / Re: AT&T Boosts Houston's 3G Coverage
« on: September 10, 2009, 11:04:49 am »So. I get into town an hour ago or so. I'm sitting here going through my mountain of mail and watching a great pitcher's duel. I get a call on my cell. I am in my apartment in downtown Houston. After about five minutes of conversation I suddenly realized that I was talking to myself. I look down at the phone and sure enough there are zero bars. Dropped call. THE FIRST FUCKING CALL. I just spent six weeks in a third world banana republic talking on my cell constantly and guess how many calls were dropped. Right. None.
I have a full four bars now. God knows what'll happen when someone calls, though.
Is "FML" (365) part of your phone number?
33
Talk Zone / Re: i didn't watch the game tonight, so tell me something
« on: September 10, 2009, 11:03:49 am »
Is that perhaps something Oswalt should listen to?
34
Beer and Queso / Re: Pain
« on: September 09, 2009, 10:55:44 am »I had gallstones. Labor pains aren't even close to comparable. I did the whole curled-up-in-a-fetal-position-on-my-bedroom-floor too. Holy mother.
Gotta agree on this. Two gallbladder attacks in my life. The first one was absolutely horrible, and I had to have my Mom drive down to my apartment at 2am and drive me to the ER which was 5 miles away. I couldn't have made that drive myself.
Second one wasn't as bad, but similar. At least I recognized it and knew about how long it would take to pass.
Labor wasn't too painful, but I owe that mainly to the epidural. Labor is mostly very very tiring when being induced (can't comment on natural labor), with some bouts of pain flung in here and there, and I'm sure I could happily endure that again. Gallstones? Never ever ever want to do that again. Ever.
35
Beer and Queso / Re: Houston TV question
« on: September 04, 2009, 09:46:36 am »We presumed that ABC/ESPN2/360/Channelsurfing/GamePackage wouldn't be showing the Golden Wave Marching Band at the half, so a number of us offered Pall Malls and Fighting Cock whiskey to entice Taras to come watch the game over here and perhaps regale us with his tails of Leakey Leadership Lab concepts gone wrong.
However, he seems more inclined to stay home, perhaps to test his newest bird guns or his hybrid clubs; either that or he's really hooked on this "spying on his neighbors" thing he volunteered recently. I'll bet if we had offered Lucky Stripes and Rebel Yell instead that we could have closed the sale.
In addition he made a rather odd inquiry about gathering soil samples from the ground beneath the urinal at the original Ragin' Cajun on Richmond.
"Not mother?!"
Well, that explains the cork on his fork.
You people are strange. Quit yelling Oklahoma, without first asking what time it is, and then tacking on "still sucks." Thanks.
36
Beer and Queso / Re: AT&T Boosts Houston's 3G Coverage
« on: September 02, 2009, 05:30:33 pm »I'm an inside the loop effete snob. Anywhere within the western half of the 610 Loop is fine. I don't travel outside of that.
Feh. Heights to Downtown. That's all you really need.
37
Beer and Queso / Re: Houston TV question
« on: September 02, 2009, 02:07:13 pm »
That made me spit my gum out laughing. Thanks.
38
Beer and Queso / Re: Deschanel's unite!
« on: August 28, 2009, 03:58:12 pm »
Zooey's quite a pretty one, but Emily always looked kind of skeletal to me. Pencil-necked, if she were a guy.
39
Beer and Queso / Re: Turn Around...
« on: August 27, 2009, 09:59:31 am »40
Beer and Queso / Re: Track athlete's gender questioned...
« on: August 20, 2009, 01:53:49 pm »
What gets me is the articles on that story say that it will take a few weeks to process test results. Seems like an xray or MRI or physical examination should provide pretty quick results.
41
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 19, 2009, 01:14:40 pm »
OK, so I went over to Best Buy (because it's right across from where I'm working at the moment) during lunch to see if my eye could pick out some feature differences. As I'm walking along looking at LCDs up close and from a normal viewing distance, I'm thinking "wow, disappointing... that stuff looks all lossy." Then I look in the back of the displays that aren't wall-mounted and see... they are feeding video in via a coax cable.
Idiotic, IMO. Why demo your high def TVs with a non-HD video source?
Well, they DID have some big-ass models on endcaps running demos straight from Blu-Ray discs that showed 240Hz split screen with 60hz (yeah, big difference on action sequences) and split against 120Hz (couldn't see the difference), but that was just one single monitor by itself at a time, and I couldn't compare monitors or brands that way, since they were a good 10 feet apart from one another.
So... for those who have done eyeball shopping, did you find that you COULD tell a difference in:
1. Refresh rates on LCDs
2. 720 vs 1080
3. Plasma vs LCD
I think I could see that 120Hz does show clearer pictures in high-motion sequences, than 60hz. Couldn't tell the difference when the scenes were fairly still. The demo I saw was showing the King Kong vs. T-Rex scenes from that Jack Black King Kong movie that came out a few years back. All the 720s were hooked up to coax sources, so I couldn't compare 720 to 1080 side by side in any meaningful way.
Cursory views I couldn't see a difference between the image quality of a plasma or LCD, though the reflective screen glare did show up some, so that's a factor.
As a side note: the 50-something" LED Samsung on display sure was a pretty picture, and the screen looked to have a matte finish, which is nice. Those things are waaaay too pricey for the same screen size, though.
Thanks. I'll hang up and listen.
Idiotic, IMO. Why demo your high def TVs with a non-HD video source?
Well, they DID have some big-ass models on endcaps running demos straight from Blu-Ray discs that showed 240Hz split screen with 60hz (yeah, big difference on action sequences) and split against 120Hz (couldn't see the difference), but that was just one single monitor by itself at a time, and I couldn't compare monitors or brands that way, since they were a good 10 feet apart from one another.
So... for those who have done eyeball shopping, did you find that you COULD tell a difference in:
1. Refresh rates on LCDs
2. 720 vs 1080
3. Plasma vs LCD
I think I could see that 120Hz does show clearer pictures in high-motion sequences, than 60hz. Couldn't tell the difference when the scenes were fairly still. The demo I saw was showing the King Kong vs. T-Rex scenes from that Jack Black King Kong movie that came out a few years back. All the 720s were hooked up to coax sources, so I couldn't compare 720 to 1080 side by side in any meaningful way.
Cursory views I couldn't see a difference between the image quality of a plasma or LCD, though the reflective screen glare did show up some, so that's a factor.
As a side note: the 50-something" LED Samsung on display sure was a pretty picture, and the screen looked to have a matte finish, which is nice. Those things are waaaay too pricey for the same screen size, though.
Thanks. I'll hang up and listen.
42
Beer and Queso / Re: Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 03:49:32 pm »See, you go out perambulating around, when you got the sweet honey at home, and this kind of thing can happen.
Just how sweet is that honey? Is it as sweet as Tupelo honey?
I have yet to lick honey off the ceiling, but when I get a chance, I'll let you know. That'll be a Wild Night, for sure.
43
Beer and Queso / Re: Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 03:31:02 pm »They were on work loan to other hives around the neighborhood?
Something like that, yeah.
44
Beer and Queso / Re: Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 03:20:49 pm »Didn't they have to open up the wall to get the hive out?
I don't know, as I haven't seen it in person. Mom was just griping to me about honey dripping from a hole in the ceiling, and wondering what all had to be done next.
stros: what's bad about it is that it attracts both other honeybees back (some were out on secondment when the hive was removed, according to the exterminators) and ants.
45
Beer and Queso / Re: Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 12:40:59 pm »You'll have to cut the drywall out, remove the mess, then patch the walls. It's not difficult, but will likely be messy.
Sounds like a cue for some (long overdue) remodeling then, while she's in there.
Thanks.
46
Beer and Queso / Re: Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 12:33:19 pm »
OK, well, never had to tear the walls of a house out and clean up something inside them. That sounds (?) simple enough, I guess.
47
Beer and Queso / Bees
« on: August 18, 2009, 12:12:47 pm »
Anyone have experience with removal of residual honeybee honey, from inside the walls of a house? My mother just had the comb removed, but has reported that honey is still dripping from the hole in the ceiling. Yech.
49
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 14, 2009, 12:08:55 pm »
I figured, with the fail URL. I'll eagerly check when I get home.
51
Beer and Queso / Re: USA v MEX
« on: August 12, 2009, 05:02:44 pm »Don't get me wrong, the USMNT looked like shit for a good portion of the game. But some of the calls and non-calls were flat out laughable.
I'll see if I can get my better half to zip through the TiVO and show me the high/low-lights. That choking by Castro sounds like should be seen to be believed.
52
Beer and Queso / Re: USA v MEX
« on: August 12, 2009, 04:56:57 pm »Whistle blows. Referees shake hands to congratulate each other on a job well done, 3 points delivered to the Tri.
That bad?
53
Talk Zone / Re: Pinwheel summarizes everything wrong with today's media
« on: August 12, 2009, 01:05:36 pm »
Re: subject line... he could have been extremely succinct and appropriate, and just said "me" or pointed to himself or put a pic of himself online for the column or something. His radio response involved far too many syllables.
54
Beer and Queso / Re: USA v MEX
« on: August 12, 2009, 09:55:20 am »
Not that I care about soccer especially, but my husband is getting into it, and has several Mexican friends he plays with... what time is the game?
55
Beer and Queso / Re: Trailer Park Denizens Everywhere, Unite! Miley Cyrus Has Slandered You!
« on: August 11, 2009, 02:49:37 pm »
I can't view that link because of work, but I looked on the wiki. Ugh. Could have done without that gross blob of information seeping into my head.
56
Beer and Queso / Re: In the Tradition of True Attention Whores Everywhere...
« on: August 10, 2009, 11:31:45 am »
Sorry I missed most of y'all, but it was good to see those who were there early.
57
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 02:13:18 pm »You really don't know how to translate that?
Not the last one, no. Got it up to that point.
58
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:55:13 pm »FF || m
What's this one - you peeking through some closet door slats about 10
59
Beer and Queso / Re: Astros Wives Gala
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:53:26 pm »Some of us have respectable specialties.
Quit muttering and get back to those 1120S's. Oh look... a sparkly new IFRS pronouncement! *toddles off*
60
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:43:49 pm »NTTWBAWWT
If there's going to be that kind of 3-way, I'd prefer it be MFM than MMF.
61
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:39:53 pm »but my partner wants to double up, of course. Puts his wife on the table. Or she put herself on the table, I'm not exactly sure which. But anyway, I'm looking at another month now.
Dude. I hope that bug-eyed look is because of the wife and not the er... "partner." Never woulda figured you for the MMF 3-way type.
62
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:24:12 pm »
Believe it or not, a projector is on MY wish list, but not until we are homeOWNERS and can have some say in room setup/configuration/mangling. Someone here in the Hill Country I think was showing stuff outdoors, and that looked like a blast. I'd love to do that, but I don't think converting the back yard and side of our storage barn to a drive-in theater would go over too well with the landlady.
63
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:12:48 pm »Not sure this is quite a no-brainer, unless you plan to watch a lot of blu-ray dvds.
We can't go out to see movies in the theaters as often now, with the baby, and we are movie people, so we rent a lot. Plenty of stuff out on BluRay, so yeah...
64
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 01:11:14 pm »Absolutely, positively get 1080p. Anything else, and you're handicapping your picture needlessly.
That's what I got out of user comments, eventually, after reading up on the technology. For some reason the article authors at cnet didn't seem to think it was a big deal, but the bulk of the comments following disagreed with that pretty strongly. I found that kind of odd, but whatever.
Which models did you get?
65
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 12:59:53 pm »
Lots of good info there at cnet, thanks. I had been going straight to their affiliate shopper.net and not quite finding the buyers' guides I was hoping to find. Those were at cnet itself, which was tremendously useful (including the readers' comments on the articles). Looking ahead, I think I'm leaning towards just going with a 1080p rather than a 720p/1080i... especially since this is going to be combined with a PS3, so the BluRay makes the 1080 a no-brainer. (Our DVD changer is a Sony, and has 1080i already, so why waste what we have and will get on a 720, is my thinking.)
Limey, thanks for the heads-up about 120hz. That makes total sense, and since my husband and I watch a lot of action movies and like video games, I think it makes sense to include that feature. I wish our house/TV room were larger, but at least the viewing distance won't "force" us to buying a larger TV. The 27" CRT hasn't felt too small, so a flat-panel even 5" larger will feel like a huge size increase.
Leaning towards probably a 32 - 37" LCD. This Samsung has particularly gotten my attention, though the XBR9 Sony equivalent looks awfully nice, as well. Abesofmaine.com has a good deal on it right now, but I am going to wait and see what comes up during Labor Day sales... and if anyone knows of retailers who bundle PS3s with HDTVs, lemme know! Where were y'all getting/hearing the 36monthssameascash?
My husband took a bye on Father's Day and birthday gifts this summer, saying how about we combine them and Christmas and get a PS3. I told him I could manage that, but only if we upgrade our TV as well. He didn't argue. Smart man.
Limey, thanks for the heads-up about 120hz. That makes total sense, and since my husband and I watch a lot of action movies and like video games, I think it makes sense to include that feature. I wish our house/TV room were larger, but at least the viewing distance won't "force" us to buying a larger TV. The 27" CRT hasn't felt too small, so a flat-panel even 5" larger will feel like a huge size increase.
Leaning towards probably a 32 - 37" LCD. This Samsung has particularly gotten my attention, though the XBR9 Sony equivalent looks awfully nice, as well. Abesofmaine.com has a good deal on it right now, but I am going to wait and see what comes up during Labor Day sales... and if anyone knows of retailers who bundle PS3s with HDTVs, lemme know! Where were y'all getting/hearing the 36monthssameascash?
My husband took a bye on Father's Day and birthday gifts this summer, saying how about we combine them and Christmas and get a PS3. I told him I could manage that, but only if we upgrade our TV as well. He didn't argue. Smart man.
66
Beer and Queso / Re: Astros Wives Gala
« on: August 07, 2009, 12:51:04 pm »Hey!!
Just remember, we're not accountants, we're auditors.
Oh, wait.
67
Beer and Queso / Re: Astros Wives Gala
« on: August 07, 2009, 11:55:06 am »
Lance seems to have lost his chin.
68
Beer and Queso / Re: TVs
« on: August 07, 2009, 09:25:14 am »
Thanks for the links, endorsements and ideas. Actually I like BudGirl's idea, and might see if anyone wants to take up that offer. The volunteer would get to pick the beer Off to edumacate myself.
Off to edumacate myself.
69
Beer and Queso / TVs
« on: August 06, 2009, 03:43:44 pm »
I am waaaay behind on TV technology. In fact, I don't think I've even laid eyes on a broadcast in HD yet. We have a 27" CRT that was a floor model unit when I bought it about 10 years ago. Since then, I've seen all sorts of terms related to non-CRT TVs fly by: plasma, LCD and now LED apparently.
Can someone recommend a good primer on sorting these out for a purchase?
Can someone recommend a good primer on sorting these out for a purchase?
70
Beer and Queso / Re: Surfing
« on: August 05, 2009, 10:55:13 am »Completely sure you missed the ENTIRE point of Death Proof.
Don't be so sure. The genre was crap exalted to start with (and I don't mean that in a bad way... it's just trashy fun). Death Proof, though, was a total bore, except for the 15 minute car chase scene at the end. All that female dialog was just a waste of celluloid. I like Tarantino's stuff, but not that one.
71
Beer and Queso / Re: Surfing
« on: August 05, 2009, 10:45:09 am »I agree. That is a genre that Tarantino needs to explore.
Oh gawd. Did you SEE Death Proof? That was crap on a stick. Please keep him away if that is indicative of what he'd come up with.
72
Beer and Queso / Re: Ten Great Texas Musicians
« on: August 04, 2009, 11:49:47 am »Which I paid for, so in 3% world, I am a published recording artist.
I'm sure the University of Allenville is pleased to count you among their published alumni.
73
Beer and Queso / Re: Ten Great Texas Musicians
« on: August 04, 2009, 11:38:21 am »I am not on the list, so I am receiving no critical acclaim during my time. My professors would be overjoyed.
Just because they record recitals...
74
Beer and Queso / Re: Ten Great Texas Musicians
« on: August 04, 2009, 10:50:20 am »
No way to agree on 10, since there are too many to chose from, but... man, I hadn't heard anyone mention Willis Alan Ramsey in awhile. His Ballad of Spider John still gives me goosebumps, and I dare anyone to sit still to Northeast Texas Women. Love his stuff. Anyone here a fan of Uncle Walt's Band? (I was exposed to a lot of 70s folky stuff about 15-20 years after the fact, while in Austin. That's really a treasure trove of a genre that doesn't get enough mainstream attention, IMO.)
75
Beer and Queso / Re: Limey: found you an understudy position
« on: August 04, 2009, 09:18:15 am »So it's pretty much a total ripoff of Bizarre Foods, which has been on the air for, what, four years now?
Yup, though I think it involves fewer Rocky Mountain Oysters, overall. Liquefied Bizarre Foods?
76
Beer and Queso / Re: In the Tradition of True Attention Whores Everywhere...
« on: August 04, 2009, 09:15:46 am »
That's the one right next to Joystix, right? And I think this is one of the two unlimited gameplay weekends there, too.
Might swing by with the kiddo and husband Which would you prefer, a mojito or an appletini? Maybe a wine cooler?
Might swing by with the kiddo and husband
Which would you prefer, a mojito or an appletini? Maybe a wine cooler?
77
Beer and Queso / Limey: found you an understudy position
« on: August 04, 2009, 09:14:00 am »
For this guy. Sounds like he was reading your mind. FLN is picking up some rather interesting programming lately. Between them and DYI Network, TV is more watchable now than it was a year ago, overall.
78
Talk Zone / Re: Tarp eats intern
« on: August 03, 2009, 10:50:41 am »Being a intern in the front office for a minor league ball team sounds like fun, until you have to help pull the tarp. (the fun starts at 1:20)
Can't see it at work, but I'm guessing that's something like a flag run at UT? That's more difficult than it looks.
79
Beer and Queso / Re: Schwan's?
« on: July 31, 2009, 05:35:58 pm »If you're getting the tip of a hooker, even if for free, your tastes run different than mine.
Oh barf.
Nominated.
80
Beer and Queso / Re: Schwan's?
« on: July 31, 2009, 04:31:26 pm »I used it some when I lived in Montana. When my son was very young he loved the single-serving pizzas. Some of their stuff is good and some isn't so hot. It's a more-expensive version of frozen entrees. It was a big deal when the Schwan's truck would come to town, but mainly for the variety, since we only had one tiny grocery store in town.
Looking at the descriptions, that's how it struck me, too: the more expensive version of frozen entrees. Looks like a bit more variety as well. Mostly, I'm looking ahead to handling food for multiple people in the family with teeth (assuming she ever GETS teeth -- a year and a week, and still just gummy) once work picks back up, and for when I just don't want to THINK about preparing a meal.
Thanks.
81
Beer and Queso / Re: Schwan's?
« on: July 31, 2009, 04:10:17 pm »http://www.schwans.com/
one of my sisters buys their baked goods to try and act like she can bake. we all know she can't.
it's not bad, just not homemade.
Is she using it just occasionally, then?
82
Beer and Queso / Schwan's?
« on: July 31, 2009, 04:03:11 pm »
Anyone here use this service? What's your opinion? "How" do you use it - for occasional use, frequent use, or total substitute of cooking yourself? Good?
83
Beer and Queso / Re: Oh my god...
« on: July 31, 2009, 01:39:10 pm »No one knows what the fuck you're doing here.
hth
Ain't that the truth.
84
Beer and Queso / Re: Oh my god...
« on: July 31, 2009, 01:13:35 pm »You know I was just thinking about this deeper and was kind of wondering....while this is all true and shit....isn't that what EVERYONE on this site is doing here?
Why else would anyone make up a faceless persona online and give their opinions to a group of people that only share one thing in common; the vision of a solitary BatGirl breast?
I'm pretty sure that's not what I'm doing here.
85
Beer and Queso / Re: Today is SysAdmin Appreciation Day
« on: July 31, 2009, 01:12:57 pm »Ok, here's today's admin question. My wife is down in San Antonio helping a friend whose father died suddenly. Nobody knows his password for his Windows box. Is there any chance of getting into that box?
Yeah. Burn a copy of Knoppix onto a CD, and boot from that CD. The Windows disks will show up as separate devices and you can browse through them from within Knoppix, save stuff as needed, etc.
86
Beer and Queso / Re: Oh my god...
« on: July 31, 2009, 12:33:58 pm »
This gives me hope that my career as an author is still alive and well. Never mind that I haven't written anything yet, apparently ANYTHING can get published.
87
Beer and Queso / Re: Today is SysAdmin Appreciation Day
« on: July 31, 2009, 11:43:06 am »I do think that we in the IT biz are some of the most under valued and under appreciated workers in the world. We need a union! Imagine if the IT guys went on strike--the whole world would grind to a complete halt.
Ultimate LART. Until the outsourcing, as Raup pointed out.
88
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 27, 2009, 01:51:51 pm »
Btw, just a cute photo of the birthday girl eating ice and rolling the watermelon in that new tub. Thanks for the help, y'all
89
Talk Zone / Re: Yet another new Astros fan
« on: July 24, 2009, 05:32:30 pm »
Yay, congratulations
90
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 24, 2009, 11:13:06 am »I just want to know if you've found a tub yet.
Yes, I got a large square one at C&D Hardware on 11th. They had other shapes and sizes, too. (cue Raising Arizona)
91
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 24, 2009, 10:52:35 am »Does that mean the start time is somewhere between 7:30 and 8:30, or is that the interval in which we are welcome...kinda like "Caddies Welcome: 4:00-4:15"?
No, I meant the thing is set to run about that time, in total. Bedtime for Ivy starts around 8:30, so we'll try to get stuff wrapped up by then.
As for location, if anyone wants, I'll provide it in PM... just not gonna plaster my address here on the interwebs.
92
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 23, 2009, 03:29:20 pm »I actually use them to wash things, dogs, children, whatever.
You don't want them.
Well, fine. Hoard them.
Btw, anyone wanting to drop by the birthday party on Saturday (7:30 - 8:30 or so) is welcome.
93
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 23, 2009, 03:20:42 pm »I have like four of these things in my shed. I've never struggled to find one.
So THAT'S where they all are. How much you askin'?
94
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 23, 2009, 02:29:25 pm »Try calling first, but Bering's seems to have them.
http://www.berings.com/ProductDetail.cfm/go/MainCategory=4/pn=1/Product=610232
Thanks! I'll try the Westheimer store if C&D Hardware on 11th is a bust. Or I could just lift one from an icehouse. Nah.
Appreciate it.
95
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 23, 2009, 02:07:03 pm »
OMG, this is retarded.
Walmart doesn't carry them. ACE does, but not in stores, so I'd have to order one ($20 or so). Home Depot only has round buckets. ACE recommended Quality Feed Store on North Main near Airline, but they want $75 for a 4x2x1 trough. Geez.
HH, do you remember where you got yours? I'm amazed this is proving so difficult to track down, and it's looking like I'll have to get just a stupid inflatable swimming pool or something like that instead.
Walmart doesn't carry them. ACE does, but not in stores, so I'd have to order one ($20 or so). Home Depot only has round buckets. ACE recommended Quality Feed Store on North Main near Airline, but they want $75 for a 4x2x1 trough. Geez.
HH, do you remember where you got yours? I'm amazed this is proving so difficult to track down, and it's looking like I'll have to get just a stupid inflatable swimming pool or something like that instead.
96
Beer and Queso / Re: The Summer Still Continues: Taco Bell Chihuahua Dies
« on: July 23, 2009, 01:11:52 pm »You want to be really bothered by it? Next time it comes on, watch and realize that it's not even that d-bag's voice. It's an overdubbed voiceover from someone else. Once you notice the clumsy syncing between his stupid mouth and the disembodied voice, you won't be able to un-notice it.
Then consider the fact that guy looks absolutely nothing at all like the typical person who would do that shit to their car. There is nothing – I mean not one fucking thing – that makes any fucking sense whatsoever in that commercial.
Anyone got a YouTube to this one? I haven't seen it at all and it sounds wonderfully horrid.
97
Beer and Queso / Re: One year ago today
« on: July 23, 2009, 11:38:59 am »I guess she must be crawling Ivy at this point, huh?
Anyway, congratulations! And like I always say, summer birthdays are best, 'cause you can always go to a game.
Creeping, crawling Ivy, almost standing and walking Ivy
Yup, and we are going to a game tomorrow!
98
Beer and Queso / One year ago today
« on: July 23, 2009, 11:13:32 am »
At 9:44pm this evening, my baby girl turns one year old Just wanted to give Ivy a shout-out here, and a happy birthday wish! Those new parents here - the first year is gonna just whizzzzz on past. Capture as much of it as you can
Just wanted to give Ivy a shout-out here, and a happy birthday wish! Those new parents here - the first year is gonna just whizzzzz on past. Capture as much of it as you can
99
Beer and Queso / Re: The Summer Still Continues: Taco Bell Chihuahua Dies
« on: July 22, 2009, 03:06:39 pm »Am I the only person who finds Chihuahua's disgusting?
I wouldn't say disgusting, but I don't think they are cute at all. Bug-eyed little yaps that look like chicken fetuses. OK, maybe that is disgusting.
100
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 22, 2009, 01:32:18 pm »
Thanks, y'all. Found the chafing dish "buffet" setup at Party City. That place is like crack!
I'll be in search of the galvanized tub after work.
I'll be in search of the galvanized tub after work.
101
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 22, 2009, 11:48:10 am »Yes, that is a wash tub. They are all over every Lowe's, Home Depot, Garden Ridge, Ace Hardware, etc, I've ever been too. I'm a little puzzled as to why you can't seem to find one. I have one in my garage.
I haven't gone out to look for them yet. That's on the list for after work on the drive home, and I wanted to target where to look for them. By "not seeing" I meant they weren't listed on the website. If they are everywhere, then, I won't worry. There are tons of those on the commute home from here. Thanks!
102
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 22, 2009, 11:33:27 am »
One of these kinds of things for the former. Looked at Ace Hardware and best they can say (without calling around a lot) is they can ship to a store for free. Not seen it at Lowes or Home Depot, or Garden Ridge or even Cornelius.
For the latter, a chafing dish would do the same thing (keep food warmer) but I'm thinking a much cheaper item, like a wire scaffolding thing over a sterno There is a restaurant supply place aorund 20th @ West Loop, so I'll see what they have there (if they let the public shop there).
Thanks!
For the latter, a chafing dish would do the same thing (keep food warmer) but I'm thinking a much cheaper item, like a wire scaffolding thing over a sterno
There is a restaurant supply place aorund 20th @ West Loop, so I'll see what they have there (if they let the public shop there).Thanks!
103
Beer and Queso / Anyone know where I can find?
« on: July 22, 2009, 11:22:19 am »
One of those galvanized steel tubs that can be used to house cold drinks in ice (or as a flower planter)? One of those setups where you have food in a big aluminum tray that's suspended over a heatsource (like a sterno or something)?
104
Beer and Queso / Re: I'm Drunk
« on: July 19, 2009, 03:10:34 pm »105
Beer and Queso / Re: Here's a beer post from me
« on: July 18, 2009, 01:35:27 am »FIFY (and, no)
Ah yeah. Forgot about those midlife Swedes.
106
Beer and Queso / Here's a beer post from me
« on: July 17, 2009, 04:52:19 pm »
Haven't found any PBR here yet, so I hope that's not disappointing.
However, have you ever wanted to drink while riding your bike around, but you were afraid you'd:
1. Spill your beer
2. Get too blitzed to drive?
Well, Germany has the solution (of course).
Not sure if y'all can tell, but the patrons at the "bar" there, all pedal, which is what makes the thing move. There was one tooling around the Heumarkt here in Cologne during dinner (which, btw, was 9:30pm and still full daylight out). Pretty funny. Presumably the driver does not partake.
However, have you ever wanted to drink while riding your bike around, but you were afraid you'd:
1. Spill your beer
2. Get too blitzed to drive?
Well, Germany has the solution (of course).
Not sure if y'all can tell, but the patrons at the "bar" there, all pedal, which is what makes the thing move. There was one tooling around the Heumarkt here in Cologne during dinner (which, btw, was 9:30pm and still full daylight out). Pretty funny. Presumably the driver does not partake.
107
Talk Zone / Re: 10 years ago today
« on: July 16, 2009, 02:58:57 pm »I have no memory of any interleague play ever in the dome. It seemed to begin with the new ballpark, but 1999 was the first year.
I remember seeing Bartolo Colon in the Dome. He struck me as a big ol fat Hideki-type slob. Until the radar gun flashed 99 on the screen. Then he seemed like a tub of goo with an arm. Yeah, that was interleague.
108
Talk Zone / Re: Home Run Derby
« on: July 14, 2009, 12:39:17 pm »He was also all over Dead Pool's jock as well. I think the dude just wants to be in some kind of comic related movie.
He was pretty frickin' funny opposite Parker Posey in that one Blade (3, I think?) film. About the only highlight of it, in fact.
109
Talk Zone / Re: Home Run Derby
« on: July 14, 2009, 10:35:17 am »I had assumed you spent the night watching the collected works of Ryan Reynolds.
Oh now, see... I would totally do that. He's a hottie. Y'all can have Scarlett, I'll take Ryan. Thanks.
110
Talk Zone / Re: So, I met Denny Walling yesterday...
« on: July 13, 2009, 11:46:58 am »Vorsicht. Wir wissen wo (und wer) Sie sind!
Na ja, aber ich lernte viele neue Kurzwoerter heute. Kennst Du "Vst"? Ich kenne!
111
Talk Zone / Re: So, I met Denny Walling yesterday...
« on: July 13, 2009, 11:02:21 am »
Heh. I take it you didn't ask him to sign a ball?
PS: German keyboards are all f'ed up. They switched the Y and Z keys around, and what the hell is / doing above the 7 key? Gah.
PS: German keyboards are all f'ed up. They switched the Y and Z keys around, and what the hell is / doing above the 7 key? Gah.
113
Beer and Queso / Re: Barack Obama caption contest?
« on: July 09, 2009, 10:46:18 pm »
"It's good to be the king."
115
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 08, 2009, 11:10:12 am »For $50 or less, you can find a bullet-style smoker (not of the quality and durability of a Weber) and tide yourself over. Indeed, you could probably smoking something on one tonight if you really wanted.
Perhaps when I get back from overseas (leaving Friday afternoon for 10 days). That is quite tempting.
116
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 08, 2009, 09:10:07 am »
You guys are killing me. I had to eat another half pound of brisket last night to feel better.
Damn.
Wish we had a smoker here. I even texted my brother, who has a small portable one and is in the market for a new house, that when his family gets their new place, I will help him build a smoker.
Damn.
Wish we had a smoker here. I even texted my brother, who has a small portable one and is in the market for a new house, that when his family gets their new place, I will help him build a smoker.
117
Talk Zone / Re: What's in a name? (A new game if you will)
« on: July 07, 2009, 05:31:06 pm »
My lefty specialist:
Porter Links (links being German for "left")
Porter Links (links being German for "left")
118
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 07, 2009, 04:38:23 pm »
Aside from the chassis element of it, how is this considered a pit and not a smoker?
119
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 07, 2009, 03:47:05 pm »Speaking of pecan, am I the only one who uses real wood to smoke, not charcoal? I typically use about 80/20 pecan to mesquite.
My brother uses wood. He gets these bags of wood chunks and tosses damp ones on top of embering ones, to increase the smoke.
120
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 07, 2009, 02:30:06 pm »
This is making me really wish I had a smoker. Dad built a brick smoker in the back yard in the late 70s. That was always the best brisket and Thanksgiving turkey. Ahhh.
Still, the pecan-smoked stuff from HEB is mighty tasty!
Still, the pecan-smoked stuff from HEB is mighty tasty!
121
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: July 04, 2009, 12:35:31 pm »
Just tried some of the HEB mesquite-smoked and it' great, so we will go with that! Thanks all!
122
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:21:47 pm »
Lazy. Still doesn't address how she can SEE the guitar, heh.
123
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:18:19 pm »
One finger power chords. Might as well tune to open E and play like Dolly Parton.
Fifths for everyone! (not THAT kind of fifth, Limey)
124
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:16:40 pm »
One finger power chords. Might as well tune to open E and play like Dolly Parton.
Or use some fingers and add little meat to an A tune. Can't say that I've watched Dolly Parton play. How can she hit the fretboard with those fingernails? (much less even SEE the guitar)
125
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:13:25 pm »It's sad for me because I know I'm going to have to play an F eventually.
Think of it as an E#
126
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:12:18 pm »
I like dropping the bottom E to a D and playing in "G" or "D" that way. Gives it a bit more depth, literally and aurally.
127
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: July 02, 2009, 04:10:59 pm »
And Dm is the saddest of all keys.
128
Talk Zone / Re: Yet Another New Astros Fan
« on: July 01, 2009, 01:03:09 pm »Thanks everybody. This parenting stuff is pretty easy from what I've seen so far. Just keep him fed and well-rested and you're done, right?
Haven't seen the meconium yet, have ya?
129
Beer and Queso / Re: Confederations Cup update
« on: June 30, 2009, 04:56:12 pm »
I don't give much of a flip about soccer, but found this to be an interesting read.
130
Talk Zone / Re: Yet Another New Astros Fan
« on: June 30, 2009, 03:20:25 pm »
That's terrific! Good looking little jumpstart you got there
131
Beer and Queso / Re: Micheladas?
« on: June 29, 2009, 12:30:38 pm »Considering you don't like beer by itself, I'd imagine that tarting it up with a bunch of strong flavors would appeal to you.
Even without the beer... that combination of cross-cultural flavors sounds kind of rank. Why not toss some curry in, too? Maybe a sprig of mint? blorf
132
Beer and Queso / Re: Micheladas?
« on: June 29, 2009, 12:22:16 pm »
Beer, hot sauce, Worcestershire... what's the appeal in that combination? Frankly, it sounds disgusting.
133
Beer and Queso / Re: friday night
« on: June 29, 2009, 09:46:55 am »hell, i'll bring the case of pbr if she were to only show up.
Crap. Looks like I missed out on a Lincoln. Oh well. Got to spend the day with my daughter. Not a bad tradeoff. Sounds like you guys had fun so the PBR Quest will have to happen some other time. Hey, maybe I can buy some in Germany and get a picture of me chugging it under a Munich city limits sign?
134
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 08:34:03 pm »
Got dinner at Pizzicola's tonight. Not impressed... the brisket was pretty dry, and there's a pretty heavy Aggie aura, too. They did give us a coupon for 1/2 lb of ribs on the next visit, though.
Might need to reacquaint myself with Goode, or finally try some Luling (never eaten there... or in the city, either).
Might need to reacquaint myself with Goode, or finally try some Luling (never eaten there... or in the city, either).
135
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 05:20:17 pm »There's a goat show, but that ain't it.
What if Garbage were the main act's stage name?
136
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 05:16:26 pm »That's like paying to watch a goat eat garbage.
Doesn't that count as high entertainment, out in West Texas? $5 sounds reasonable for dinner and a show.
138
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 04:44:13 pm »In that case, Hickory Hollow.
You're throwing a barbecue without beer? What are you, a communist?
Heh. Well, if it turns out being mostly a bunch of mommy friends, I don't think beer will be the first order of the day for drinks. I that case, we'll go with Appletinis. What kinda beer goes with BBQ? (not a beer drinker myself).
Hickory Hollow... yup, shoulda thought of them. They cater, though? I thought that was strictly a dine-in kinda place. Thanks for the reminder, though, regardless.
139
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 04:40:45 pm »Pizzatola's a good bet, then. Get some Ribs while you're at it.
I'll give them a sample run, then. Ribs sounds like a good idea! Probably also just fill a galvanized tub with ice, drop in a watermelon and some cold beverages as well, and pretend our back yard is somewhere near Gruene.
140
Beer and Queso / Re: Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 04:36:58 pm »What part of town?
Will there be beer?
Heights.
Beer, depends on whether you bring any
(might provide some, depending on who's showing up)
141
Beer and Queso / Catered brisket?
« on: June 26, 2009, 04:34:41 pm »
Looking to have some brisket available for guests at Ivy's first birthday party in about a month. No smoker at our place, otherwise I'd do it myself. Who would you chose to get brisket from?
142
Talk Zone / Re: The Kevin Brown Hall of Fame has a new member
« on: June 26, 2009, 03:54:20 pm »Banned for hitting .420? That's just not fair!
They were being kind.
143
Talk Zone / Re: The Kevin Brown Hall of Fame has a new member
« on: June 26, 2009, 02:38:03 pm »
Watercoolers everywhere just cringed a little bit sighed in relief.
144
Beer and Queso / Re: Michael Jackson... dead?
« on: June 25, 2009, 05:32:59 pm »
LA Times is citing TMZ as its source... that's not the most credible. Doesn't sound good, regardless.
145
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: June 25, 2009, 05:27:36 pm »I honestly didn't figure that out until I was 25 years old.
"Figure it out" or did a woman correct/rebuke you?
146
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: June 25, 2009, 05:22:45 pm »Yep, they're works of art in and of themselves...until I pick one up and start "playing."
Heh. Kinda like those seashell shaped soaps in the guest bathroom. Really, they should probably just be left alone.
Same aesthetic devaluation happens when I "play" as well.
147
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: June 25, 2009, 03:44:01 pm »
I remember being mesmerized by Ovations the first few times I saw them. The lack of soundhole and instead having those randomly placed holes up near the neck were really cool. They were WAY out of my price range. I did get a rounded back (composite plastic-y material of some kind) 12 string instead as a compromise, and the first time I played it, it (having two strings under each finger rather than one) just felt sooo smooth. Gave it away to a friend a few years later. Stupid me.
I have never tried a nylon string guitar.
That thing you linked to is a piece of art, and it has two of my past "crushes" combined (Ovation-weird body, and nearly-12-string setup). Love the no-frets, too (visually, I like an uncluttered neck... don't need intricate inlays or someone's name splashed up and down the ebony like a big ol' belt buckle equivalent).
Gotta admit though, that it re-ignited my curiosity about getting a Stick one day.
Ah, to dream.
I have never tried a nylon string guitar.
That thing you linked to is a piece of art, and it has two of my past "crushes" combined (Ovation-weird body, and nearly-12-string setup). Love the no-frets, too (visually, I like an uncluttered neck... don't need intricate inlays or someone's name splashed up and down the ebony like a big ol' belt buckle equivalent).
Gotta admit though, that it re-ignited my curiosity about getting a Stick one day.
Ah, to dream.
148
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: June 25, 2009, 02:40:38 pm »That *is* the bridge.
Like I said, brainfart. Bridge one end, neck on the other.
149
Beer and Queso / Re: Seagull Guitars (sort of semi-annual guitar thread)
« on: June 25, 2009, 01:48:18 pm »
Agreed with HH on both cedar tops and satin finishes. I don't have a Seagull, but mine (Alvarez Yairi) is a satin finish cedar top (with no pickguard - yikes), and had a warm tone right out of the box, that's only improved with time. It's got a couple small dents that make me cringe, even though I've been very careful with it since I got it in about 1990.
If you can't find one with onboard electronics that you like, I can heartily recommend a soundhole pickup by Bartolini (3A model). It's way better than the piezo chip ones that go under the (crap... not the bridge, the other end, where the pegs are... brainfart), which wind up being VERY heavy on the B string. The Bartolinis compensate for that. They are adjustable, easy to put in/take out, don't distract from the look of the guitar, and provide a little better defense against losing a pick down in the hole (once in, though, they tend to trap said pick in... double-edged sword, there).
I guess, really, I recommend shopping separately for instrument and pre-amp.
If you can't find one with onboard electronics that you like, I can heartily recommend a soundhole pickup by Bartolini (3A model). It's way better than the piezo chip ones that go under the (crap... not the bridge, the other end, where the pegs are... brainfart), which wind up being VERY heavy on the B string. The Bartolinis compensate for that. They are adjustable, easy to put in/take out, don't distract from the look of the guitar, and provide a little better defense against losing a pick down in the hole (once in, though, they tend to trap said pick in... double-edged sword, there).
I guess, really, I recommend shopping separately for instrument and pre-amp.
151
Beer and Queso / Re: Black Forest Hiking
« on: June 25, 2009, 09:32:25 am »
OK, so I'll take that as a collective "no" then. That forest y'all are talking about does sound pretty sweet, though! Still, I'll skip beer until I'm in Bavaria sometime, and try out the Kirschwasser in the area. It's probably alot more girly than beer, too.
152
Talk Zone / Re: The Astros' newest fan
« on: June 23, 2009, 05:51:38 pm »
Congratulations! Things change, permanently, now
153
Beer and Queso / Re: Jon & Kate
« on: June 23, 2009, 05:14:57 pm »If your husband was caring and attentive to your needs (aka did every crazy think you asked him to while not holding your crazy hormonal mood swings against you), then he earned the right to be pregnant with you, IMO. The longest ten months of my life...but WELL worth every minute of it in the long run.
I'm pretty sure my husband would never claim that he or "we" were pregnant. That was my claim exclusively. Totally worth it -- I'm with you on that
Current proof.
154
Beer and Queso / Re: Jon & Kate
« on: June 23, 2009, 03:43:05 pm »Some people seem themselves as a couple being pregnant, I guess I'm one of them.
And what does painting this forum pink and whatnot have to do with what I said?
Alkie was asking about lower calorie non-girly drinks to get sloshed on, and I came up with appletinis and midori sours. It was pointed out that those are girly drinks.
Couples are expecting, but the woman is the one pregnant, IMO
155
Beer and Queso / Re: Jon & Kate
« on: June 23, 2009, 03:30:55 pm »Jon & Kate did not get pregnant via IVF.
Well I dunno about Kate, but I certainly *hope* Jon didn't get pregnant by IVF.
156
Beer and Queso / Re: Black Forest Hiking
« on: June 23, 2009, 01:58:31 pm »no, but i have done some drinking in Bavaria.
Alas, wrong southern corner. If I were headed that way, I would probably actually try some beer, just to do it. Next time, I guess. (And no, no midori sours or appletinis)
157
Beer and Queso / Black Forest Hiking
« on: June 23, 2009, 01:42:31 pm »
Anyone here done hiking in the Black Forest? I'm going to be in Germany for a week for work, and plan to take advantage of the return weekend to hike the Black Forest. Probably the Westweg, if anyone's done any stages of that, in particular.
158
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 01:14:21 pm »
The list of the best rock drummers today starts and ends with Mike Portnoy. The rest line up for who's next best. I'm not sure what type of grip he uses, however.
Looks like over. That pointing thing is awesome.
159
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 01:10:45 pm »Only during the breakdown of In the Air Tonight. He'll also occassionally do drum duets in concert.
Dunno what he's doing these days, but I saw him on his jazz band tour about 10 years ago, and he was at the trap set the whole time.
160
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 01:10:06 pm »You no longer consider Peart great?
Sin of omission? That was just my starter list. I like the other guys better than Peart, is all. He's a great drummer, as well... I just can't stand Geddy Lee's voice, so never listened to much Rush.
161
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:57:08 pm »I'm far from a drumming expert, but didn't Vinny Caluita play on "Fields of Gold" by Sting? Hard to get simpler than that, yet I once had a very good drummer tell me, it's very hard to play something so simple perfectly. In other words, with great musicians, it's not always about showing off your chops, or shredding, or whatever. Playing simple when appropriate is part of what makes one good, perhaps...
Yup, that's him. But from the same album, you'll find him playing in "Seven Days", which is simple SOUNDING, but not simple at all, and "St. Augustine in Hell" which is and sounds complicated. He has a knack for making the complex stuff easy to listen to. He's got quite a "range" as they say.
162
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:18:26 pm »He was already famous in Liverpool for his drumming abilities. And again, I'm thinking of how well his style worked with the Beatles' music. Eddie Van Halen could outshred the Fab Four, but would he be the right choice for them?
Of course not, but your initial comment was that he was a great drummer. That's what I disagree with. He was *appropriate* for the Beatles, but "great" just doesn't line up with "Ringo Starr," IMO. I gave the current list as an example of what I'm basing "great" on (to solidify the descriptive opinion I offered up). Some could argue that sure, jazz fusion didn't exist in the early 60s, but each of those I've listed have pretty polymorphic styles over the years, ESPECIALLY Smith. Ringo stuck to the Beatles' style of drumming since it was first hung on him, so to me right there, that self-chosen limitation is exclusionary to the higher echelons of the craft. By no means is he sorry, but he's just not great, to me. For what very little that's worth (nothing).
163
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:14:15 pm »
Oh, and Ginger Baker wasn't too shabby back in those days. Nor was Keith Moon (though decidedly not the Beatles' style, either of them).
164
Beer and Queso / Re: Jon & Kate
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:09:42 pm »I agree 100%. I think most "serious" people find it more interesting than they are willing to admit.
I get those needs met through weekly doses of The Soup.
Enough of Speidi, though.
165
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:08:17 pm »Who was a great drummer in Liverpool in 1963? In any case, Ringo was in the band because he fit in with band which was important when you were dealing with John and Paul and George who were all ego-maniacs to some extent. Ringo played on a lot of the post-Beatle records of those guys, even when they could of hired anyone, because they liked him and they like the way he played.
Oh, I know why he was in the band. Being a "great drummer" isn't part of that reason.
166
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 12:01:38 pm »He has a nice simple style that fit the Beatles perfectly. He's not Neil Peart or John Bonham, but neither of those guys would have worked in the Beatles.
Part of what makes a great drummer is the ability to go beyond a simple style. Complexity is the measuring stick. Otherwise, a metronome would suffice. Current great drummer(s): (whee, here come the arguments/lists)
Steve Smith* (top of the list for me)
Terri Bozzio
Vinnie Colaiuta
Dave Weckl*
*plays with a traditional grip, btw
Eta: Ringo wasn't great, just legendary (by association/inclusion, IMO)
167
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 11:53:50 am »No, I believe that goes to this guy:
http://www.troys-drums.com/images/animal_drums.jpg
Traditional grip just doesn't WORK, when your arms are suspended on fishing wire. Animal had no choice. Ringo had a choice, and voila... genius over grip. Or something.
Nah, still fail.
168
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Ed McMahon
« on: June 23, 2009, 11:46:38 am »Ringo is a great drummer.
Only in the sense that he propelled the trend for BOTH hands being an over-the-top grip. Other than that... fail.
169
Beer and Queso / Re: An Alkie In New York June 21st Update
« on: June 23, 2009, 11:21:12 am »No, that guy actually lives in my building and he is a solid 25 pounds lighter than me. That ain't it.
Well, looks like the days of Kevin McDonald or Buddy Holly are long gone. The hair calmed down, eh?
170
Beer and Queso / Re: Los Angeles
« on: June 23, 2009, 11:01:52 am »and look for James and Sal while you're up there
*blink*
171
Beer and Queso / Re: The Greatest Commute Ever.
« on: June 23, 2009, 10:58:37 am »
Sounds great! My husband got me walking more in May, and it's grown on me. Woke up for no good reason at 4:30am a couple weeks ago, so I made an hour of it walking from Main/Cavalcade to Shepherd and back. Muggy as heck, but otherwise cool, and until the last half of the return portion, I didn't see but one other person. Nicer than a 7pm walk of the same route.
172
Beer and Queso / Re: Help Get My Ass Drunk
« on: June 23, 2009, 10:44:17 am »
LOL, OK It's all new to me.
It's all new to me.
173
Beer and Queso / Re: Help Get My Ass Drunk
« on: June 23, 2009, 10:39:56 am »
Not sure if these count as girly drinks, but they are the only ones I consistently like:
Apple Martini (235cal)
Midori Sour (220 cal)
Apple Martini (235cal)
Midori Sour (220 cal)
174
Beer and Queso / Re: Los Angeles
« on: June 23, 2009, 10:13:32 am »If you're going on actual taste, Carls whoops In-and-Out's scrawny ass. But of course, it isn't as "cool."
And if you're going to a Roscoe's, go to one with black people in it, not the one in Dena.
That's the only one I've been to. Not very black, for sure, but the menu is probably the same. Agreed, re: Carls vs I-A-O. Even though it's a chain, I like Tommy's better than Carls, even. Chili on everything!! Yeehaw. No shortage of eating joints, that's for sure. I'm jonesing for a boba, now, though.
175
Beer and Queso / Re: Los Angeles
« on: June 23, 2009, 10:05:34 am »Ok, I have one shot to get this right. 24 hour trip to LA. Landed at noon today and leave at noon tomorrow. I want to hit In-and-Out before heading back to the airport ... "animal style", etc. or just a regular burger to get the true experience?
Also, street signs hanging from freeway overpasses here are protected by barbed wire. The terrorists have won
I like Carl's Jr. better than In-And-Out, but I suppose the novelty can overrule. In-And-Out fries are like balsa wood, though. Just got back from LA myself (sister's wedding). If you can get there, take the hike up from the Griffith Observatory parking lot to Mt. Hollywood -- feels awesome up there, and it's a good workout. Also, see if you can get to Roscoe's in Pasadena (on Lake, a couple blocks north of Orange Grove, which is immediately parallel to 134/210).
Enjoy!
176
Talk Zone / Re: From Footer's Twitter...
« on: June 17, 2009, 04:13:05 pm »
"If you try to sink my battleship one more time..."
177
Beer and Queso / Re: They Might Be Giants
« on: June 17, 2009, 01:38:19 pm »Nominated. This also reminds me of a disturbing sex ed video from that 70's I watched in junior high health class where a kid is shamed by the size of an elephant's penis. Then the zookeeper talks about how animals aren't hung up on penis size, and how people would do well to be less self-conscious about this. Then I think the kid jerks off in the library bathroom stall after looking at prints of Renaissance art. Did anyone else watch this? I was disgusted/fascinated with that video for like a year afterwards. Oh, and a TMBG concert destroyed my hearing, but I still like them.
This suits your handle quite nicely.
*barf*
178
Beer and Queso / Re: Kwai Chang Caine Dead
« on: June 16, 2009, 02:20:41 pm »Quote
Your 1995 autobiography Endless Highway is a hugely entertaining read. At one point you describe being pecked in the balls by a parrot, Then, on another occasion, a huge dog bites your penis. What is the appeal of the Carradine nether regions to the animal kingdom?
Fortunately, it was just a gesture on the dog’s part. He wasn’t really trying to bite it off, he was just trying to show me who’s boss.
And then you punched him?
Yeah.
Got a little Norris going on there, sounds like. Interesting interview.
179
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LONG
« on: June 16, 2009, 12:20:00 pm »You mean to tell me girls don't get a running kick to the ass from one of their friends every few hours?
No, not really.
180
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LONG
« on: June 16, 2009, 12:18:23 pm »
Oh, and to keep more on topic about healthcare being fucked up in this country... in 1984 my dad had cancer. It took his life from a first misdiagnoses of prostatitis in April to death in mid-August of that year. He went through chemo twice, and was confined to a hospital bed towards the end because the cancer had spread to pinch the nerves in his back and he couldn't walk.
Mom had to take him to the emergency room for I don't even remember what, but it had to have been a sudden onset BAD event, and they REFUSED to admit him because they could not reach the insurance company on the phone. This is a man who had been in and out of the hospital for WEEKS at that point. He was 6' 2", probably 230 before getting sick, and here he was being hauled around by my mom who is all of 5' 5", maybe 140, and he probably weighed the same as she did at that point. It still really gets me terribly upset to think about it.
There is far more C.M.A. than CARE going on, and it's nothing new.
More recently (though certainly less dramatic), I went to my GP yesterday for, I was told, an appointment to follow up on an echocardiogram I had in May. I made my $20 copay, and was told the SAME thing they told me when I had the echo done. No new info at all about that. Oh, except that the cardiologist wants to look at the echo in conjunction with a stress test, which was scheduled for the end of July... and has been scheduled since my first visit with the echo, a month ago. I left there thinking "I just paid $20 to see a repeat of May's visit." Now it's not the $20 I was objecting to entirely, but to me, that seems to count as a completely unnecessary visit, and now my insurance will cover whatever rest of the bill is, and absolutely positively NOTHING was gained from that time.
The waste is tremendous.
Mom had to take him to the emergency room for I don't even remember what, but it had to have been a sudden onset BAD event, and they REFUSED to admit him because they could not reach the insurance company on the phone. This is a man who had been in and out of the hospital for WEEKS at that point. He was 6' 2", probably 230 before getting sick, and here he was being hauled around by my mom who is all of 5' 5", maybe 140, and he probably weighed the same as she did at that point. It still really gets me terribly upset to think about it.
There is far more C.M.A. than CARE going on, and it's nothing new.
More recently (though certainly less dramatic), I went to my GP yesterday for, I was told, an appointment to follow up on an echocardiogram I had in May. I made my $20 copay, and was told the SAME thing they told me when I had the echo done. No new info at all about that. Oh, except that the cardiologist wants to look at the echo in conjunction with a stress test, which was scheduled for the end of July... and has been scheduled since my first visit with the echo, a month ago. I left there thinking "I just paid $20 to see a repeat of May's visit." Now it's not the $20 I was objecting to entirely, but to me, that seems to count as a completely unnecessary visit, and now my insurance will cover whatever rest of the bill is, and absolutely positively NOTHING was gained from that time.
The waste is tremendous.
181
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LON
« on: June 16, 2009, 12:10:05 pm »Really. It cracked me up, and I don't know Joey (or his friend) one bit. Typical guy behavior.
Every once and awhile you just need a random "Fuck You" from a friend for no apparent reason. Keeps things in order.
I think this crosses that same Three Stooges line which was discussed awhile back. A big ol "wtf good does THAT do?" from me. Clearly, I don't get it.
182
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LONG
« on: June 16, 2009, 12:09:11 pm »You don't drink, so you've never passed out at a party. You would pray for a traffic cone to the shin as opposed to what's likely going to happen in that scenario.
Maybe I missed something there. Sounded like a random smack in the middle of a walk somewhere. What was avoided?
183
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LON
« on: June 16, 2009, 12:01:43 pm »oh my dearest holly, you're not a guy.
Yeah, had that conversation with my husband. He wants me to learn to "play" better, but honestly, I don't see a damn thing playful about that traffic cone shit. I mean, really? Come on.
184
Beer and Queso / Re: Our f'd-up health care system (been on the phone an hour and counting)-- LON
« on: June 16, 2009, 11:36:06 am »
no, but very late saturday night i was walking home from (or to-- i can't remember) a bar with a friend of mine. we were having an unassuming conversation and then, all of a sudden, my friend picks up an orange parking cone from the side of the street and throws it at me. one of those giant orange cones, and the bottom part hits me right on the bone on the side of my calf. "what the fuck is wrong with you? why did you do that?" i yell, hobbling around. my friend shrugs and giggles, "i don't know." "that fucking hurts!" i tell him, pulling up my pantleg to reveal my bleeding leg. "pussy," he says back to me.
I have no patience for that kind of retarded behavior (your friend's). That would have gotten a "fuck you" and me going somewhere else without him. Jerk.
185
Beer and Queso / Re: Happy BIrthday to me!
« on: June 16, 2009, 10:07:51 am »
Happy Birthday to you! Mine was last Friday, and it was spent in Vegas for my youngest sister's bachelorette party. I realized that I am too old for that shit now (39). No psyche wards for me, but the 40s lie immediately ahead, so we'll see what's in the wings.
186
Beer and Queso / Re: June 11th (June-venth In My Head) NYC Update
« on: June 11, 2009, 05:02:07 pm »Maybe eventually you'll start eating at normal urban hours rather than acting like an old lady who needs her Lu Anne platter.
You owe my employer a new laptop. I'm auditing Luby's 3Q right now.
187
Beer and Queso / Re: June 11th (June-venth In My Head) NYC Update
« on: June 11, 2009, 03:30:54 pm »Iraq, India, Turkey, Africa...the list is endless.
Dental care, forks in the royal family tree, space exploration...
188
Beer and Queso / Re: Question for the Dads here
« on: June 10, 2009, 09:22:59 am »Think of something he likes, and get him a nicer one of those. Males don't have much range, but they do like improvement.
Nicely summarized, thanks.
Thank you for your feedback everyone
189
Beer and Queso / Re: First Pix of TheTerrace
« on: June 09, 2009, 02:53:16 pm »Restaurant? Wow. That was a full lifetime ago. We sold that dump and left that silly ass lifestyle 8 years ago or so.
And that's not correct anyway, you knew damn well that I became a CPA. We talked about the exam before.
Sold the restaurant, went to grad school, got my CPA, started at a firm, hated it, went into financial advice (at the firm), left the firm to start my own place, that morphed into a biz where I was setting up advisory firms in house for CPAs around the nation, which morphed into my current biz of doing compliance consulting for investment advisory firms. We're something like the 3rd or 4th largest firm of its kind in the country now. Got lucky. Right place, right time sort of thing. No complaints.
Well, I knew there was a CPA in there somewhere, but the timeline memory is all over the place. Compliance consulting... what, like due diligence on the side? Regardless, congrats. Sounds like you found a nice niche
190
Beer and Queso / Re: First Pix of TheTerrace
« on: June 09, 2009, 10:12:16 am »Wow, so many answers to that.
In what sense?
I meant your business. Last I was paying attention, you were running a restaurant. Then something happened (all I remember hearing about was the grease and the overhead oven vent). "What brought you to New York?"
191
Beer and Queso / Re: WWDC
« on: June 08, 2009, 02:45:17 pm »$299 for 32GB model, $199 for 16GB model and $99 for 8GB 3G (not 3GS).
Available June 19.
Dangit. My husband's contract with Alltel/Verizon was due to expire in July, and his phone just died, so he got a replacement (for free) with a 2-year contract extension with Verizon. Wish this had been announced earlier, because he'd have been just fine with the 8GB model and a switch to AT&T. Fooey.
192
Beer and Queso / Re: Question for the Dads here
« on: June 08, 2009, 10:55:54 am »i think maybe the Dad decides what he wants and tells you.
Heh, I guess that'll be "nothing" then.
193
Beer and Queso / Question for the Dads here
« on: June 08, 2009, 10:50:56 am »
Well it's the first official "Father's Day" in our household this year. My dad died long ago, so I have no idea what's typically "done" or "wanted" by Fathers on "their day" anymore, especially for a first one. Suggestions? (Daddy's got a girl, if that makes a difference.)
194
Beer and Queso / Re: First Pix of TheTerrace
« on: June 08, 2009, 10:42:19 am »I know you don't care. Click BACK on your browser. Do not click on this link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39164794@N03/?saved=1
Nice. What's it you do again?
195
Beer and Queso / Re: New Twitter Account
« on: June 08, 2009, 10:35:51 am »Blame otterjb.
http://twitter.com/astrosalkie
I have no idea how to use this fucking thing or if I even will. LOL. OMG. MVIOF.
I'm shaendra. Mostly, I just enjoy getting random tweets sent to my phone from a couple folks I've known online for about 11 years now, plus Adam Savage's tweets are hilarious. His last one: "Hey you, baseball cap in the Ocean Walgreens: that aisle-long fart bomb you laid while talking to your girlfriend RUINED my crouton-search." His are an interesting mix of comments and pix from on-set while they film shows, and then that kind of stuff. Heh. I follow (but don't have sent to my phone) Kirstie Alley (swears like a sailor, types a LOT) and Alyssa Milano (talks about baseball more than anything else) as well.
196
Beer and Queso / Re: IT Questions
« on: June 05, 2009, 02:20:25 pm »I learned a new phrase on textsfromlastnight the other day, "upper decking". "Palin, WFT?" is my upper deck contribution to this site.
Isn't that taking a crap in the tank rather than the bowl? I don't watch, but happened to walk by while my husband was watching one of those "reality UCF" shows, and one of the guys did that. Disgusting.
But funny.
197
Beer and Queso / Re: Finally In NYC (Notes From Last Leg of Trip)
« on: June 01, 2009, 09:50:08 am »
DH just the other day suggested that he skip going to my sister's wedding in California in 3 weeks, to save some money, so that he and I can make a trip to NYC this year. So, we may be up in your neck of the woods, Alkie. We'll be flying on SW (into Islip, I guess?) so we could smuggle in some goods, if ya want. I'll let you know.
198
Beer and Queso / Re: The puppy I'm fostering is going up for adoption :)
« on: June 01, 2009, 09:44:25 am »I've read this thread 16 times now. It's not?
If it were, then cats or turtles or one-legged hookers hollering about Boooone would be involved.
199
Talk Zone / Re: Scrap Iron on XM/Sirius
« on: May 29, 2009, 03:20:31 pm »Well, show's over. Nothing. Goddamnit, I just listened to 2 hours of Kevin Kennedy.
Sucker.
Maybe it's some other day?
200
Beer and Queso / Re: The puppy I'm fostering is going up for adoption :)
« on: May 29, 2009, 11:27:35 am »
Gack! That would be a rather expensive "meal."
201
Beer and Queso / The puppy I'm fostering is going up for adoption :)
« on: May 29, 2009, 11:09:43 am »
In case anyone here, or someone here who knows someone is interested, the rottweiler puppy I've fostered the last two weeks will be ready for adoption soon. Returning her to the HSPCA shelter tomorrow morning. Details on the Craigslist posting:
http://houston.craigslist.org/pet/1194866217.html
Just passing the word along
http://houston.craigslist.org/pet/1194866217.html
Just passing the word along
202
Talk Zone / Re: Official (non-official) SnS: "We're gonna miss you Footer!" thread
« on: May 29, 2009, 09:16:39 am »Blue-eyed soul fan from way back!
(ETA: Paul Young can lip sync too. Who knew!)
Aw, man. I gotta see that when I get home. I had Paul Young since No Parlez (ie: BEFORE covering H&O). Good good stuff. Wish he were still singing. His cover of "Wherever I Lay My Hat" is just terrific.
203
Beer and Queso / Re: Last 3 Hours As a Texan
« on: May 28, 2009, 10:26:54 am »
Please, nobody reference "hung like Florida."
Good luck, Alkie! Go pee on Shae for us all.
Good luck, Alkie! Go pee on Shae for us all.
204
Beer and Queso / Just wanted to share
« on: May 28, 2009, 09:49:07 am »
My daughter is a crawling master now (she finally "got it" at about 9.5 months of age... she's a hair over 10 months now). So, I've captured the mobility moments on video. Check out the links in the "Newfound Mobility" article on our family blog
http://www.theduttonfamily.com
http://www.theduttonfamily.com
205
Talk Zone / Re: picture of my groom's cake
« on: May 28, 2009, 09:33:02 am »http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=471306&l=d90de61ff8&id=1306124002
This cake is actually better than the team it represents!
Blocked at work, so I'll have to check from home. Look for a friend request (or send one to me... I'm under my maiden name) on FB
207
Talk Zone / Re: One man's view of where this team stands
« on: May 27, 2009, 01:45:37 pm »
What is Bill Spiers up to?
208
Talk Zone / Re: Cooper in the postgame - 5/26
« on: May 27, 2009, 11:27:58 am »
Time to musk up!
209
Talk Zone / Re: Cooper in the postgame - 5/26
« on: May 27, 2009, 11:02:09 am »Is he invited to the Pants Party?
There's a Pants Party??
211
Talk Zone / Re: Tejada Player of the Week
« on: May 26, 2009, 04:45:27 pm »So Cooper went against his very own words because I guess he felt Smith was going to give him nothing. Or something because he has not rested Tejada yet.
How much do you think that's contributing to his growing slowness? Man, Cooper is frustrating, even in tiny sporadic chunks.
212
Talk Zone / Re: Tejada Player of the Week
« on: May 26, 2009, 04:26:11 pm »It's Biggio in his last year type of slow and rangeless.
Postage stamp, eh? Ew.
213
Talk Zone / Re: One man's view of where this team stands
« on: May 26, 2009, 04:14:39 pm »Or get his photo on SI?
You have to have reached some kind of peak for that, and repercussions seem to lap over and affect others, even if they weren't on the cover. The Shed doesn't require anything outstanding, and consequences are aimed at the individual, rather than the team.
214
Talk Zone / Re: One man's view of where this team stands
« on: May 26, 2009, 03:42:05 pm »
Maybe suggest Cooper do some Signings At The Shed?
215
Talk Zone / Re: Tejada Player of the Week
« on: May 26, 2009, 02:56:00 pm »
I have been wholly unable to watch any more than a couple innings so far this year. I thought I remembered seeing some favorable (as in "pleasantly surprised") comments about Tejada's D earlier in the season. Has that proved to be the aberration, or is he injured or just... well, really THAT bad at fielding? Kinda glad I haven't been able to watch lately, just going on the fallout around here (and on Footer's tweets). Sounds pretty disgusting.
216
Talk Zone / RIP, Arnie the Peanut Guy
« on: May 19, 2009, 09:11:07 pm »
Heart disease, per Alyson Footer's latest tweet. Thoughts and prayers with his family. He always made a visit to the Astros' home that much more interesting and friendly.
217
Beer and Queso / Re: Lost finale (non-spoiler)
« on: May 14, 2009, 10:39:33 am »You shouldn't have edited your responses..."Whatever Happened, Happened."
Didn't edit, I unskipped the record... grabbed a rock and banged on something hard.
218
Beer and Queso / Re: Lost finale (non-spoiler)
« on: May 14, 2009, 10:33:58 am »Ummmm...I thought this was the NON SPOILER THREAD???
You know what, you're right. I'll delete/edit my responses. Kinda figured since the ep has aired already, that it's open season for discussing, but yeah... that belongs in another thread. Sorry.
219
Beer and Queso / Other Season Finales
« on: May 13, 2009, 04:53:21 pm »
OK, in light of the Lost discussions, what other season finales have folks found discussable?
For me, the House finale on Monday was just terrific. Hugh Laurie is sooo overdue for an Emmy that it's not even funny. The final 7 minutes of that episode were just brilliant, IMO. Five years and so much self-destructive behavior while teetering on the edge of full posession of one's sanity, and then to see that final realization on House's face that he had tipped over into the abyss was just... goodness, so sad to witness, but with a strong undercurrent of "finally! get some HELP!!"
For me, the House finale on Monday was just terrific. Hugh Laurie is sooo overdue for an Emmy that it's not even funny. The final 7 minutes of that episode were just brilliant, IMO. Five years and so much self-destructive behavior while teetering on the edge of full posession of one's sanity, and then to see that final realization on House's face that he had tipped over into the abyss was just... goodness, so sad to witness, but with a strong undercurrent of "finally! get some HELP!!"
220
Talk Zone / Re: It's over
« on: May 08, 2009, 03:30:22 pm »
Nice use of the two faces of Cooper Tinker.
221
Talk Zone / Re: Manny Ramirez to be suspended for PADs
« on: May 07, 2009, 04:43:02 pm »"Here, Manny. Pee on this stick and tell me if you see a blue line."
Yup, Dodger blue.
222
Talk Zone / Re: Manny Ramirez to be suspended for PADs
« on: May 07, 2009, 03:42:15 pm »So, according these sources it was human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).
HCG is a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.
Other interesting part of the story,
Last fall, Canseco pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of trying to bring HCG across the border from Mexico and was sentenced to 12 months' unsupervised probation. A self-admitted and longtime steroids user, Canseco said he sought the drug to try and restore his testosterone level.
So is this really legal, with a prescription?
That's the hormone which is monitored to determine pregnancy. It's also kind of a new "craze" for weight loss.
223
Talk Zone / Re: Manny Ramirez to be suspended for PADs
« on: May 07, 2009, 01:57:46 pm »So anyone sitting on the can is a roids suspect?
Ster- or hemorrh-?
224
Talk Zone / Was she the All-TZ Shortstop? Not quite OT
« on: May 07, 2009, 01:50:38 pm »
http://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano
Just sayin'. And if you wanna know what she is sayin', you know what to do. Like.. well, she's raggin' on Manny and Selig, heh.
Just sayin'. And if you wanna know what she is sayin', you know what to do. Like.. well, she's raggin' on Manny and Selig, heh.
225
Talk Zone / Re: Best of the Worst
« on: May 06, 2009, 12:57:28 pm »at least they are not listing him as the 4th worst pitcher.. oh wait that would be a good thing
Huh? How would that be good?
226
Beer and Queso / Re: video games
« on: May 06, 2009, 12:34:44 pm »That's pretty much me with every video game. I bought an old x-box to kill some time playing Madden a few years ago. I picked up Halo because a few of my buddies were always raving about it. Every time I tried it I spent three minutes spinning around in circles staring at the ceiling quickly running out of ammo until I was killed. Not particularly fun.
Me too, which is why I LOVED the Star Wars Lego games. Easy, no "precision" required, and amusing.
227
Beer and Queso / Re: video games
« on: May 05, 2009, 05:06:16 pm »Gauntlet Legacy. "RED WIZARD NEEDS FOOD BADLY!"
My favorite 4-player game was Power Stone 2. You can be a chef that turns into a pink dinosaur and beats people with trumpets or lightsabers...while you're running down the corridor in an ancient tomb trying not to get squashed by boulders (a la Indiana Jones). Damn, I might just have to get one of those on eBay just to play that again. Crazy Taxi was awesome too.
Thanks, that's it. Gauntlet.
Crazy Taxi, hah. That is the one and ONLY time I've seen my mother play a video game. She did donuts in reverse for about 30 seconds, and proclaimed she'd had enough.
228
Beer and Queso / Re: video games
« on: May 05, 2009, 11:09:28 am »So it looks like we found both people who ever purchased a Dreamcast, right here in this thread.
Bought one for my brother. What was that 4-player arcade game that came out for Dreamcast, with the cheesy voiceovers ("The YELLOW JESTER!!!" who, btw, flounced around like a Kansas City...)?
229
Beer and Queso / Re: video games
« on: May 01, 2009, 10:24:04 am »
I really liked Elder Scrolls IV (it was the reason I got a 360 in the first place). Totally agreed on BioShock. Amazing game.
My fun timesuck was always Lego Star Wars -- easy game, doesn't require precision shooting abilities at all (that's what frustrates me the most), and my husband's favorite on his PS2 was the Prince of Persia and God of War series. Also great games.
Anyone here tried out Little Big Planet? The previews I've seen look amazing, but we don't have a PS3. The 360 died a slow painful death about a year ago, so we haven't played much in awhile. LBP is pretty darned tempting to get a PS3 for...
My fun timesuck was always Lego Star Wars -- easy game, doesn't require precision shooting abilities at all (that's what frustrates me the most), and my husband's favorite on his PS2 was the Prince of Persia and God of War series. Also great games.
Anyone here tried out Little Big Planet? The previews I've seen look amazing, but we don't have a PS3. The 360 died a slow painful death about a year ago, so we haven't played much in awhile. LBP is pretty darned tempting to get a PS3 for...
230
Beer and Queso / Re: ACL '09
« on: April 29, 2009, 10:09:50 am »Who's the guy, and how is something like that even possible?
Well, I'll admit that I had to look him up. The name wasn't familiar. I read through his Wikipedia article, and didn't recognize a single title, and none of the soundtracks he was on were movies I'd seen. I've heard of The Replacements, but again didn't recognize any of their stuff (on paper, at least). Sounds like the guy who booked this stuff just wasn't/isn't in the alternative scene 25 years ago or now.
231
Talk Zone / Re: Why YouTube was invented
« on: April 23, 2009, 10:12:00 am »
Ah yeah. It acts all wonky at work, so I don't generally look at it. And, of course YouTube is verboten. Guess I'll have to check at home later. Duh me.
233
Beer and Queso / Made me laugh, anyhow
« on: April 22, 2009, 11:59:31 am »
http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Genesis_1
Exodus 1:19 - 21
"An they syad to him, lady Jews dont even need us fur babes. They iz liek, nah. (O, an BTW, ur lady Egyptianz iz laemerer.) Ceiling Cat wuz liek to babyladies, yu cann hav cheezburgers. An buckets."
Looks like Fredia is published!
Exodus 1:19 - 21
"An they syad to him, lady Jews dont even need us fur babes. They iz liek, nah. (O, an BTW, ur lady Egyptianz iz laemerer.) Ceiling Cat wuz liek to babyladies, yu cann hav cheezburgers. An buckets."
Looks like Fredia is published!
234
Talk Zone / Re: this years team
« on: April 22, 2009, 11:57:34 am »If only there was a coherent thought checker too.
Now you're getting greedy.
235
Talk Zone / Re: this years team
« on: April 22, 2009, 11:51:28 am »what took you so long to post this? they lost Opening Day.
She was trying out the spellchecker. Can't you see the improvement there?
237
Beer and Queso / Re: Lost (Spoilers...Potentially)
« on: April 17, 2009, 11:40:44 am »Well if you're going to reference Suddenly Suckfest...I don't know what Nestor Carbonal (sic) is. I'm reasonably certain that Richard Alpert (RA) is going to turn out to be from ancient Egypt.
Ah, I thought you were kidding. Ancient Egypt would be cool, and hey, good point about Ra.
238
Beer and Queso / Re: Lost (Spoilers...Potentially)
« on: April 17, 2009, 11:24:05 am »Richard is Egyptian. It's why he wears the eyeliner.
I thought he was a Cuban photographer?
239
Beer and Queso / Re: Lost (Spoilers...Potentially)
« on: April 17, 2009, 11:15:53 am »
Season 1 was fantastic. Season 2 was wretched. Season 3 was marginally better. Season 4 was as bad as Season 2. Season 5 is worse than Season 2 and Season 4 combined. I don't care if Kate's jealous of Juliette and Jack's jealous of Sawyer. The little love quadrilateral they're pimping makes me want to puke. I want to know the numbers mean and how Hurley got them to win the lottery. I want to know the connection between Hurley and the woman from the tail section that was in the mental hospital with him. I want to know what became of Bernard's wife's cancer. I want them to wrap up the storylines they've left open for 3 years now. They may have a plan, but they've dragged it out for so long now, that people have simply lost interest. A show like that cannot go on indefinitely, getting more and more complicated, adding more and more ancillary characters. They started with a great storyline, fascinating characters and brilliant writing. Then they completely fucked it up, and even if they somehow manage to cram 5 seasons worth of explanation and story wrapup into the last 20 episodes, they've fucked up what could have been an all time great.
Don't particularly care about that quadrilateral either. Kill off all of them except Sawyer and I'm fine with it. As for some of the others... well, Hurley heard the numbers from another patient who would just repeat them ad nauseum. I can't remember who he was, but I *think* I remember hearing that it was someone who had been out in the South Seas for awhile (on the island?). The girl from the tail section (Libby), I think her history was explained... or at least why she was in the hospital with Hurley. Bernard's wife (Rose)'s cancer was apparently cured, same as Locke's paralysis, by the island.
Myself, I'd like to know what lies in the shadow of the statue, and where the heck Claire is/went. I find it plenty interesting, with only a distractor when they bring up the longing/knowing glances between those four main characters. I'm also interested in knowing what brought Richard to the island, initially. Was that stint in the 50s his first time there, or did he predate that? Something is telling me he predated it.
Anyhow, the mythos is compelling enough to me, even if it seems like the producers are riding just barely ahead of their own wake.
240
Talk Zone / Re: Good article a SI
« on: April 16, 2009, 05:55:44 pm »
Which reminds me... I haven't seen too many hit-in-the-head moments, but what I have seen was some scary shit.
In person, the only one I've witnessed was Chris Holt in 2000, I believe it was? On TV, I've seen Wagner getting beaned on a comebacker up the middle (Arizona?), saw Thon in 1984, and saw Craig Counsell get hit by CJ Nitkowski on a very rainy game in Florida in 1998.
In person, the only one I've witnessed was Chris Holt in 2000, I believe it was? On TV, I've seen Wagner getting beaned on a comebacker up the middle (Arizona?), saw Thon in 1984, and saw Craig Counsell get hit by CJ Nitkowski on a very rainy game in Florida in 1998.
241
Talk Zone / Good article a SI
« on: April 16, 2009, 05:47:01 pm »
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/04/14/deadly.baseballs/index.html
Book sounds like a worthwhile purchase, as well. Heartbreaking cover.
Book sounds like a worthwhile purchase, as well. Heartbreaking cover.
242
Beer and Queso / Re: leaving for fla see you tuesday
« on: April 14, 2009, 12:47:04 pm »back safe and anyone who wants to claim their sand can come do my laundry.. carry on
OK, this is funny.
243
Talk Zone / Re: Denny Neagle Discovers Facebook
« on: April 14, 2009, 09:27:37 am »Dear Lord! It looks like he was schtupping Buffalo Bill!
It puts the lotion on its "basket"...
244
Talk Zone / Re: Denny Neagle Discovers Facebook
« on: April 14, 2009, 08:48:43 am »
Heh, did you read down through the comments on that blog article?
245
Talk Zone / Re: Dear Fox:
« on: April 07, 2009, 09:31:29 am »If by "info", you mean "unable to read the number of outs", then I agree.
Ah, I thought it was just our TV.
246
Beer and Queso / Totally OT
« on: April 06, 2009, 05:25:56 pm »
Just showing off my LO She got her first taste of a slice of orange yesterday (to that point, creamed peas were the least-bland flavored thing she's tasted in her life). Captured that hilarious moment on cellphone video. Also, entered a photo of her in a contest to be on the cover of the November Baby Talk magazine. First thing I did with the new Mac (while fussing around on it, and learning the programming interface), actually, was make a couple slideshow videos of photos taken of her a couple weeks ago. Amazingly easy process with iPhoto.
Links below.
First Easter
(there is a second slideshow, about 90 seconds long, on my Youtube profile... can't remember the URL, but it's listed in my profile, as Ivy in the Park)
First slice of orange
Photo for magazine contest
She got her first taste of a slice of orange yesterday (to that point, creamed peas were the least-bland flavored thing she's tasted in her life). Captured that hilarious moment on cellphone video. Also, entered a photo of her in a contest to be on the cover of the November Baby Talk magazine. First thing I did with the new Mac (while fussing around on it, and learning the programming interface), actually, was make a couple slideshow videos of photos taken of her a couple weeks ago. Amazingly easy process with iPhoto.Links below.
First Easter
(there is a second slideshow, about 90 seconds long, on my Youtube profile... can't remember the URL, but it's listed in my profile, as Ivy in the Park)
First slice of orange
Photo for magazine contest
247
Talk Zone / Re: Best Opening Day Memories
« on: April 06, 2009, 11:43:42 am »What are you more memorable experiences from Opening Day and (they don't have to be good ones)?
For me, it came when I attended the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day in 2003, my first season away from the Houston area. The game was delayed by snow. It made me miss Minute Maid Park even more.
The first day at "Enron Field" in 2000 was pretty special. I walked in at the CF entrance, since that's where my brick is, and took in the site from the farthest spot from home plate. It was quite breath-taking. Wish the game had turned out better, but oh well
248
Talk Zone / Re: 2 Runs?
« on: April 06, 2009, 09:59:06 am »
OK, this is creepy.
I need to buy my turtle an outfit.
I need to buy my turtle an outfit.
249
Beer and Queso / Re: Sheesh
« on: April 03, 2009, 12:12:30 pm »
Thanks.
Passed this along to Joey who txted back "Get one." Geez. I think Mr. Work-At-Home can go stand in line THIS time. I already took off 3 hours one day to get the original, heh.
Gracias, folks.
Passed this along to Joey who txted back "Get one." Geez. I think Mr. Work-At-Home can go stand in line THIS time. I already took off 3 hours one day to get the original, heh.
Gracias, folks.
250
Beer and Queso / Sheesh
« on: April 03, 2009, 11:12:00 am »
My husband just got pulled over driving our pickup for having an expired registration tag. Fortunately when the cop ran the check he saw that the registration was current, just the tag hadn't been replaced on the truck itself. I picked that up a few weeks ago, and brought it home (was driving the other vehicle, so couldn't replace it immediately). My husband called to ask where it was and I said I dunno, I thought he had put it on the truck when I brought it home. Soo.... good chance he just tossed it away as another piece of paper lying around. Grr. Anyhow... anyone know the process for getting a replacement registration sticker? I'm sure it'll cost, but the truck IS registered, so hopefully not cost a full second registration.
Thanks.
Thanks.
251
Beer and Queso / Re: Houston Restaurants
« on: April 02, 2009, 01:21:13 pm »It actually reached House of Pies before his bar mitzvah.
House of Pies? I heard Chuy's.
252
Beer and Queso / Re: AstroDoom
« on: April 02, 2009, 12:49:14 pm »That's all news to me. But if they use the same crew who built the new Wembley, it'll be ready in 2022.
Threadjack:
Limey, what's your take on the royal embrace yesterday? Apparently, tongues are wagging saying it was a terrible breach of protocol! I'm wondering if she didn't think it was Diana returned with an awesome tan or something along those lines...
253
Beer and Queso / Re: Guitar Hero: Arcade at Joystix
« on: April 02, 2009, 12:47:40 pm »
Dangit, I keep forgetting about that place. We used to living walking distance from it. They have 'free play' Fridays (first and last Friday of the month) - $15 gets you unlimited access to all of the arcades they have in the place, from 9pm - 2am. There's a bar there, too, I think.
Anyone want to watch an 8-month-old sleep at our house tomorrow, while we go play video games for an hour or two? Seriously... she goes to bed around 8:30-9 and stays asleep all night
Anyone want to watch an 8-month-old sleep at our house tomorrow, while we go play video games for an hour or two? Seriously... she goes to bed around 8:30-9 and stays asleep all night
254
Talk Zone / Re: I Rod gets his man
« on: April 02, 2009, 10:59:52 am »I felt the same way (about DoRay being generic and hard to tell apart) until this offseason. After listening to JD & Dave's Excellent Offseason Adventure, Dave Raymond sort of grew on me. I haven't been able to listen to any of the spring training games, so we'll see come Opening Day if I can now tell them apart.
That said, I definitely prefer them to Milo. Road games are so much easier to listen to and follow than the home games. And of course, Brown/Deshaies beats them all.
Going out on a limb here, but has anyone yet dropped the moniker of DoRayME on the trio of radio announcers?
255
Beer and Queso / Re: My first Mother's Day as a Mommy
« on: April 02, 2009, 10:19:01 am »That is really cool. Definititely a worthwile cause.
That's an um... well, a typo, I hope.
256
Beer and Queso / My first Mother's Day as a Mommy
« on: April 01, 2009, 10:21:27 am »
I'm looking forward to spending part of it in a crowded restaurant, wearing some kind of over-sized carnation, probably
However, I'll start the day off with something a bit more important than browsing the menu at Outback. I'll be participating in a 3-mile "Walk to empower" as part of the Breast Cancer Network Of Strength's primary fund raising effort. If anyone here is interested in participating (it will take probably an hour or so of your time, that morning of Mother's Day) or would like to donate to this wonderful organization (which provides immediate emotional support via 24/7 telephone counseling, screenings, wigs/prostheses provisions, etc. to those affected by breast cancer), please visit my web page at the charity's site:
http://walk.networkofstrength.org/hollydutton
There is lots more information there, about what BCNS does, and about the walks (which are being held around the country) as well.
Thanks, all!
However, I'll start the day off with something a bit more important than browsing the menu at Outback. I'll be participating in a 3-mile "Walk to empower" as part of the Breast Cancer Network Of Strength's primary fund raising effort. If anyone here is interested in participating (it will take probably an hour or so of your time, that morning of Mother's Day) or would like to donate to this wonderful organization (which provides immediate emotional support via 24/7 telephone counseling, screenings, wigs/prostheses provisions, etc. to those affected by breast cancer), please visit my web page at the charity's site:
http://walk.networkofstrength.org/hollydutton
There is lots more information there, about what BCNS does, and about the walks (which are being held around the country) as well.
Thanks, all!
257
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 31, 2009, 02:53:11 pm »Might also be driven by a desire to shift stock prior to a new model coming out in July...which will be locked down and thus the wailing and gnashing of teeth will resume.
Oh I'm sure that's what drove Apple's decision to do this. Out with the old, in with the new!
258
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 31, 2009, 12:29:18 pm »
Well lookee here:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/apple_stores_now_selling_iphone_3g_without_a_contract.html
Frickin' expensive, still, but for those who didn't want to have to switch carriers... at least there's a "legal" option now.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/apple_stores_now_selling_iphone_3g_without_a_contract.html
Frickin' expensive, still, but for those who didn't want to have to switch carriers... at least there's a "legal" option now.
259
Beer and Queso / Re: Houston Restaurants
« on: March 31, 2009, 12:07:46 pm »not to derail the texmex express or anything
but has anyone been to the house of blues sunday gospel brunch?
Not I, but to further derail... my brother's band is playing there on Thursday
(Band name => Southern Backtones)
260
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 30, 2009, 03:26:46 pm »Kris tried this out over the weekend. It froze whlle she was trying to enter the lineup, and never unfroze. She's got a relatively old I-phone, so maybe it would work on a newer model. I'm still delaying the purchase of the I-Pod touch until Holly's scoresheet gets beta tested by the knowledgeable folks here at SnS.
I'll do my best to not make one that permanently freezes!
261
Beer and Queso / Re: More Movie News
« on: March 27, 2009, 04:42:04 pm »Not sure if it counts, but when I was about 7 my sister who is 9 years older than I said "If you hurry up and take your bath, I'll teach you a new card game called 52 card pickup." So I hauled ass. Sister shows the deck of 52 cards and sprays them on the floor and tells me to pick them up. I was pissed. Mom even made me pick them up. That made me more pissed off. I've spent the remainder of my life getting even with my sister. Not like like I nurse a grudge or anything.
That's pretty funny.
262
Beer and Queso / Re: More Movie News
« on: March 27, 2009, 04:26:24 pm »Oh well, I lose. That does help explain why men like the Three Stooges.
Heh. I understand why men do. I was just wondering if there were any a-typicals among the female readership here who do, as well
263
Beer and Queso / Re: More Movie News
« on: March 27, 2009, 03:36:34 pm »How about Airplane or The Naked Gun? Dumb and Dumber? Those are easily in my top 50 favorites. Then again I also think The Three Amigos is a comic masterpiece, which I should probably not admit to.
Dumb and Dumber, yes. A favorite (even saw the sequel). The others... eh. Kinda shoulder-shrugging on some of Zucker's stuff, though I do laugh at the parody aspects of Airplane.
264
Beer and Queso / Re: More Movie News
« on: March 27, 2009, 03:05:02 pm »So with you on this one. The appeal of the stooges is completely lost to me.
On paper, I *should.* I mean, I like fart jokes and generally base humor as much as the next *guy.* But pure all-out slapstick is just... well... not funny, IMO.
265
Beer and Queso / Re: More Movie News
« on: March 27, 2009, 02:19:17 pm »
Just curious, but do any of the women here at SnS "get" the Three Stooges? In general, I think we do not (I certainly don't). Just wondering if we have a different dynamic here, wrt.
267
Beer and Queso / Re: For those who want to beta...
« on: March 20, 2009, 11:16:36 pm »Sent mine. Do we need to leave the app installed after we send the UDID?
Nope, you can remove it. All it did was easily locate the UDID, instead of you having to figure out (or have explained to you) where it is.
Thanks
268
Beer and Queso / Re: For those who want to beta...
« on: March 20, 2009, 04:54:06 pm »Sent mine too
Got it!
Anyone else: I'll just email you in response to let you know it arrived, rather than clog the boards here.
269
Beer and Queso / Re: Refurbished Macs
« on: March 20, 2009, 04:08:19 pm »
So, uh... got any experience or recommendations about refurbished Macs?
270
Beer and Queso / Re: For those who want to beta...
« on: March 20, 2009, 02:51:42 pm »
Gracias. They've been received
The first few passes through will probably just be to collect feedback on look-n-feel and UI aspects. Thanks in advance, folks!
The first few passes through will probably just be to collect feedback on look-n-feel and UI aspects. Thanks in advance, folks!
271
Beer and Queso / For those who want to beta...
« on: March 20, 2009, 02:31:51 pm »
Just looking ahead here... there's some information I will need about the devices on which the beta versions will run. Not everyone knows what a UDID is or where to get it, so there's a free little utility in the App Store which will email the information I (the developer) would need about your device to me.
Do a search for a utility app called "Ad Hoc Helper" - it's free, and the icon for it is a black box that says "UDID" on it. Just punch in my email address and it'll send the required information to me (namely, your device's UDID), provided you can hit a wifi that lets you out into the net. I can beta up to 100 folks, so don't go knocking down the door to get to me, heh. You can use [email protected] -- thanks!
Do a search for a utility app called "Ad Hoc Helper" - it's free, and the icon for it is a black box that says "UDID" on it. Just punch in my email address and it'll send the required information to me (namely, your device's UDID), provided you can hit a wifi that lets you out into the net. I can beta up to 100 folks, so don't go knocking down the door to get to me, heh. You can use [email protected] -- thanks!
272
Beer and Queso / Re: Refurbished Macs
« on: March 20, 2009, 01:31:39 pm »
My Mom got a refurbished mini a couple years ago and has had ZERO issues with it. I bought and have a refurbished Touch and will soon received the Intel-based mini. No issues at all with the Touch.
Essentially, refurbished means that defective/incorrect/broken parts are replaced with NEW ones, so essentially you receive a machine that's made up of new (and working) parts. In my experience, the quality is just fine, and it seems like a good way to go. Unless you need the longer default warranty that comes with an unfurbished Mac (refurb is 1 year), I can't think of a reason to buy new, honestly.
As for the model to get... well, the iMacs are all-in-one machines now. Minis can be hooked up to existing mouse/keyboard/monitors but they are not as expandable and it requires some cringe-worthy uses of putty knives to open the case for a simple memory upgrade (I'd rather do that kind of thing myself than pay a tech something ridiculous for the labor). I'd recommend a desktop model of some kind for family use (as opposed to a laptop... especially if kids are involved, or even pets... much easier to knock a laptop off a counter than a desktop machine).
Essentially, refurbished means that defective/incorrect/broken parts are replaced with NEW ones, so essentially you receive a machine that's made up of new (and working) parts. In my experience, the quality is just fine, and it seems like a good way to go. Unless you need the longer default warranty that comes with an unfurbished Mac (refurb is 1 year), I can't think of a reason to buy new, honestly.
As for the model to get... well, the iMacs are all-in-one machines now. Minis can be hooked up to existing mouse/keyboard/monitors but they are not as expandable and it requires some cringe-worthy uses of putty knives to open the case for a simple memory upgrade (I'd rather do that kind of thing myself than pay a tech something ridiculous for the labor). I'd recommend a desktop model of some kind for family use (as opposed to a laptop... especially if kids are involved, or even pets... much easier to knock a laptop off a counter than a desktop machine).
273
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 20, 2009, 11:58:18 am »Nah, they've been Intel for over 3 years. There are refurbs available currently, starting at $419:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_mini
Man, gotta be quick with those. The 1.83Ghz one you saw there was sold out within a couple hours. A 2.0Ghz one showed up at 10:45 for $469, so I grabbed that. It just sold out. Almost Ebay-like.
Anyhow, thanks for the heads-up. I should have one by the end of next week and can finally get things done in a much easier environment than what I'd been rigging up, to date.
274
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 20, 2009, 11:13:48 am »I score because 1) it's enjoyable to do while watching the game, 2) it gives me a running in-game box score without looking anything up, and 3) it gives me a keepsake of sorts from the games I've been to. But I do see your point about the details it offers; not really something I need, but I can see where others would want that. Thanks.
Yup, same here
And I'm sure that's what the majority use it for, as well. In my head, it's sounding like a lite vs. bells and whistles version is forming... one for those who just want to score, and aren't interested in other peoples' scorecards, and those who see a benefit or use in tapping into a community of others' scorecards.
275
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 20, 2009, 09:27:16 am »Apple made it very clear that, despite now allowing for in-app charges, any free app stays free. It's a bit annoying because it doesn't allow for full previews of apps before buying but then, if it made perfect sense, it wouldn't be Apple.
Some developers are getting around this by selling a "lite" version of their app, and then a full-blown version with more features/bells/whistles... I'm kind of leaning in that direction, myself.
276
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 19, 2009, 01:51:26 pm »I'm just curious -- the browsing aspect pre-sale makes sense, but would y'all really want to download other people's scorecards from games you didn't attend? I score every game I go to in person (college or pro) and keep them for posterity, but I don't really care about having scorecards from other games. If I'm curious about what happened in a previous game, it's just as easy (and probably more dependable) to pull up the box from the team's website. Or am I missing something?
Box scores don't really have the details you can find in a scorecard. Otherwise, why would folks score at all?
277
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 19, 2009, 12:46:21 pm »I work with a pretty big developer on some web extensions to their apps, and I can tell you that integrating your app with scripting on a web server is a great way to go. It scales well, and there are unlimited possibilities for what you can do. At the very least, saving your scorecard data to an account on the app's website for later recall and printing is ideal.
Another approach is to have a dedicated app for the desktop, which syncs with the iPhone version of the app for saving, printing, etc. Cultured Code does this with Things, though it's a Mac app only. Not sure what the feasibility is of doing a single iPhone app that integrates with Windows and Mac desktop versions, but there are probably examples I don't know of.
Yup, that's my thinking as well. An added bonus of "oh come on just one little taste..." would be to demonstrate to non-users that hey, this is a useful app! If folks can view what OTHERS have done, and voluntarily made available through the web interface, it might induce additional sales which would otherwise have passed, just on what was at the iTunes store's description. Maybe even convince someone to get a Touch or whatever. Say you're curious about a handheld scorecard app, and come across the website... you can view PDFs of scorecards for real games, submitted by real users. "Looks useful and tidy, and I could download scorecards for all the games that have happened so far this year, which I didn't score myself because I didn't have this handy dandy app."
That kinda thing.
278
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 19, 2009, 12:02:50 pm »You could push "missing" scorecards for selected teams to users. So if you miss an Astros game, you will automatically get someone else's card from that game pushed to your iPhone. One downside would be that scallywags might upload fake cards just for a laugh...
Perhaps a better idea than just pushing everything (by date, team, whatever), would be allowing folks to review scorecards online, and then mobile users only accept scorecards above a certain rating level. Not sure if that makes things too complicated, but it might discourage scallywags, or at least help weed them out
279
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 19, 2009, 11:17:47 am »Just an idea for you: the A2DP support means that you could add some peer-to-peer functionality to your app. Maybe something as simple as being able to send a scorecard to another iPhone, or perhaps being able to save the cards to a desktop. What about printing the scorecard now?
The ability to copy and paste just made it easier for a user to enter the starting line-ups at least.
That's actually something I intend to include. Probably not in the first version of the app, but yeah, sharing would be quite useful. I have looked into printing, and unless that's changed in the v 3.0 of the OS, some kind of intermediate stage will be required (ie: generate a PDF, mail/send the PDF to something attached to a printer, and print).
One other aspect I thought would be cool is to add the ability to share the database driving the scorecard/game results with others. A central repository of user-documented PBP, so to speak, over the web. I'm pretty OpenSource-minded, and thought "wouldn't it be cool if the app could connect to a website online and download Joe Blow's scorecard from a game I couldn't attend myself?"
280
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 19, 2009, 10:28:57 am »Nah, they've been Intel for over 3 years. There are refurbs available currently, starting at $419:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_mini
Ah, good deal. Didn't see that yesterday, and that's better pricing than just about everything "used" I've seen on CL or Ebay, etc.
Thanks!
281
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 11:54:14 am »I believe the new iteration of the OS will be Intel only.
A little further. OK. You may feel a little pressure or a pinch...
282
Beer and Queso / Re: kevin youkilis can soak my cork
« on: March 18, 2009, 11:53:16 am »
I'm totally out of the loop on the WBC, but... where were the games played, again?
283
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 11:04:33 am »I think the mini has only just gone to Intel, so it may take a while for refurbs to filter through.
I think you're right. "Fortunately" Apple has had pretty brisk updates in the entry-level specs, so I'm hoping that a few drop to the bargain level soon. I'm not the only one a bit miffed at the "requirement" that Intel-based machines be used for development. Makes the otherwise perfectly good G4s and G5s a little less useful. *bend over a bit... good...*
284
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 10:49:33 am »I highly recommend a refurb. I have no idea why anyone buys a brand new one.
Yup, been eyeballing the Apple store, but refurbished minis in the Intel flavor don't seem to come up. Also looking through Craigslist and similar. The G4 I've been "using" is a refurb, and so's my Touch. Got no problem going that route, but supply is sporadic.
285
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 10:32:39 am »I'll give it a whirl for you too. As a registered developer, did you download 3.0 beta yet?
Nope, not yet. That's on my to-do list. I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and purchase an intel-based Mac. Been slogging through things on a remote machine, and that's just torturously slow :/
286
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 10:16:33 am »None that I can think of right off hand, but I can tell you that I'm a big fan of ScorePad. They've done a very nice job with that program.
Yeah, I am too, and used it on my Palm back in 2000 and 2001. Very nicely done. Surprised they haven't jumped into the iPhone arena!
287
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 09:54:08 am »I'll test it for you. If I don't have to jailbreak my iPhone.
Btw, meanwhile, if you have any general pet peeves or "love it"s about UI on the iPhone, lemme know. I'm pretty new to it as a user, myself.
288
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 09:51:18 am »I'll test it for you. If I don't have to jailbreak my iPhone.
You won't. I'm registered with the official developer program. Thanks
289
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 18, 2009, 09:19:12 am »Hopefully with a much better UI.
Cerainly less gimmicky/cartoonish. Lots of real estate chewed up by large icons there. If anyone here would like to (eventually) beta test it, lemme know Either an iPhone or an iPod Touch will work for beta testing.
Unfortunately, the realization of writing this app, combined with heavy workload the first 4 months of the year for me means this will definitely be an "after the season begins" release. Shitty timing, I know. But if that's the only competition...
290
Beer and Queso / Re: apple scorecard
« on: March 17, 2009, 09:56:47 pm »
I'll be working on a competing product, heh.
291
Beer and Queso / Re: New Avatar Suggestions
« on: March 17, 2009, 05:03:42 pm »
OMG. And we would often joke about Ivy making her "old man face" because she has no teeth. That face looks EXACTLY like Jim. Dude.
292
Talk Zone / Re: The smoking syringes?
« on: March 11, 2009, 10:56:19 am »tell me how you know that based on what we know from published reports.
Sounds more like an independence issue than chain of custody. Not that I'm biased towards seeing independence issues, or anything...
293
Talk Zone / Re: The smoking syringes?
« on: March 11, 2009, 10:36:34 am »Yeah, yeah, but do they have Rogers DNA stained on McNamees blue dress? That there would be some evidence. Pettitte probably sent all his clothing to the dry cleaners when this story broke.
Just his underwear.
296
Talk Zone / Re: MLB At Bat
« on: March 04, 2009, 11:31:37 am »
Thanks! Huh, a useful response from a noob.
297
Talk Zone / Re: MLB At Bat
« on: March 03, 2009, 10:27:04 am »Goes live on April 2. For now, there's only the "Lite" service, which is results and box scores only, but it's free. Half season cost last year was $10, so this year it should be $20+.
ETA: I presume that streaming audio will be available for the Touch over WiFi, as are the video clips. The app is probably less useful to Touch owners, though, because if you are in a WiFi hotspot, you probably have access to a computer and/or TV anyway. FWIW, I believe MMPUS is a hotspot, but I think there's a subscription charge.
Yeah, I was going to actually look into that (hotspots at the various MLB parks). Thanks.
298
Talk Zone / Re: MLB At Bat
« on: March 03, 2009, 08:56:21 am »This year, the app is adding streaming PBP, with the option to listen to either team's broadcast.
Nice.
That's pretty cool. Are they covering Spring Training, as well? Figuring the streaming audio isn't designed for Touch users... or will it be accessible over a TCP/IP/WiFi network?
299
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone dealt with STATS?
« on: February 27, 2009, 09:30:58 pm »
Just testing a post from my Touch. Pretty cool device!
300
Beer and Queso / Anyone dealt with STATS?
« on: February 27, 2009, 03:09:18 pm »
Has anyone here had business dealings with STATS? If so, could you please PM me? Thanks!
301
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 25, 2009, 10:50:09 am »Can you make a function with an annoying noise that only teens can hear and will run away from?
Well, I could make something that you'd install on a throw-away... it would show Chipper Jones puckering his lips and shaking his bootie. Toss that over the railroad tracks, and flocks of trailertrash girls will exit the stadium.
302
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 25, 2009, 10:42:45 am »
Well, I'm set to get started on it. The Touch should be here tomorrow.
So, if y'all have features you'd think are useful or would like to see, lemme know! (I think I'll pass on incorporating a fart noise EXCEPT for maybe as a rare Easter egg kind of thing).
So, if y'all have features you'd think are useful or would like to see, lemme know! (I think I'll pass on incorporating a fart noise EXCEPT for maybe as a rare Easter egg kind of thing).
303
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 12:38:56 pm »One thing you're going to have to figure out is how to get the scorecard off the iPhone and onto paper, as I presume people will want to keep a hard copy of the games they score.
There's an app that can basically transfer files between the iP* and a Mac, called "Air Share" -- get it to your laptop/desktop and print from there. Or, supposedly, you can print directly "through" Air Share... according to here, anyhow. So, probably just make a PDF of the scorecard and use Air Share, or perhaps email the PDF. Something along those lines. It's a first-pass suggestion, anyhow.
304
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 11:07:00 am »One thing you're going to have to figure out is how to get the scorecard off the iPhone and onto paper, as I presume people will want to keep a hard copy of the games they score.
Yup. Digging around in documentation for the SDK now. The ability to produce hard copy is indeed important. I've got lots of nifty things in mind, and just need to see what provisions for accomplishing them are available in the SDK. Unrelated to a scorecard app, but I have been reading that the SDK doesn't allow for much interaction with iTunes itself, for non-Apple-developed apps. Presumably the reasoning behind that is that Apple doesn't want developers writing apps that will allow the iPod/iPhone to access some other kind of storefront, like Amazon, for adding music files to the devices. So, there may be some snafus hidden in there. I don't anticipate that kind of thing for what I've got in mind, but it's good to know about speedbumps like that up front.
Feel free to toss features into the ring here. I'm all ears (and eyes).
305
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 10:51:41 am »I was just clarifying what I was looking for in case others wanted to give me a suggestion. I currently have a laptop, but would like to purchase a handheld device with a stylus or touchscreen. Not an iPhone or any other phone device.
OK, well I'll stick by my recommendation of a Palm + Scorepad
http://www.scorepad.comMaybe after I get this thing written and available you would be interested in an iPod Touch (iPhone without the phone elements)
If you try out other programs, let me know what you think of them! I found Scorepad right off the bat, so didn't mess with anything else, back then.
306
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 10:42:49 am »What I am looking for is an in-game scorekeeping program that I can take to the game instead of keeping a paper scorebook. Sorry I was not more descriptive earlier.
Well what would you be doing the scorekeeping ON? A laptop? Treo? Palm? iPhone? WinCE device? Scorepad exists for Windows and PalmOS.
307
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 10:33:57 am »Speaking of, I would like to buy a scorekeeping/stats program for baseball. Any suggestions?
Scorepad now exists for non-Palm platforms. If it's anything like it was 9 years ago, I can recommend it heartily!
308
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 19, 2009, 10:20:07 am »I have looked for a scorekeeping app, and I've never found one either. Seems to me that the iPhone is ideally suited for this application because: (a) it has an infinitely customisable touch screen GUI; and (b) the screen is impervious to Shiner and queso.
That seem like something you'd drop a little cash on?
309
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 18, 2009, 01:37:49 pm »I have looked for a scorekeeping app, and I've never found one either. Seems to me that the iPhone is ideally suited for this application because: (a) it has an infinitely customisable touch screen GUI; and (b) the screen is impervious to Shiner and queso.
I agree. I had Scorepad for my Palm a few years ago and loved using it.
The gears in my brain are starting to crank.
310
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 18, 2009, 01:27:27 pm »
This isn't what I had in mind intially, but... unless I'm mistaken, there doesn't appear to be a scorekeeping app in the iTunes store. Anyone run across one, even in beta?? I'm surprised. Also, anyone who's coached or played at a fairly organized level either basketball or football, would you send me a PM? I'd like to pick your brain(s) Thanks!!
Thanks!!
311
Beer and Queso / Re: Rugby question for Limey (or anyone else who cares)
« on: February 17, 2009, 02:52:01 pm »My sister is inexplicably interested in rugby. She just told me that Ireland was "top of the table in the six nations". Should I be concerned?
That's (Six Nations) a big tournament this time of year, over in Europe. I remember riding on trains south out of London loaded with rugby fans last year this time, and they were all lit and happy. Quite entertaining, just watching the fan aftermaths, even if I know nothing about the game.
312
Beer and Queso / Re: So how do you Texas fans feel about this?
« on: February 17, 2009, 02:47:53 pm »I wish I hadn't clicked on that link. Anyone who thinks Rick Barnes needs to be fired, is a fool. Anyone who'd make a web page about that is a shit stain on the fabric of society.
Not that one has to do with the other but I found the following from basketball-reference.com, interesting.
Twenty-three Longhorns have played in the NBA, in it's entire history. Eleven have played for Rick Barnes. He recruited all those but Chris Mihm, and maybe Chris Owens--I can't remember.
I'll go with Mihm, then.
Anyone who wants to fire Barnes never watched UT basketball prior to 1987. I caught the last year of Weltlich in person (literally... was in the basketball band). That was pretty un-fun.
314
Beer and Queso / Re: Fandango
« on: February 13, 2009, 03:18:35 pm »"Gimme three chili dogs and a malt."
I loved that movie so much I went out and bought five Pat Metheney albums trying to find the wedding music.
And I decided never to try popping a clutch with a freight train.
315
Beer and Queso / Re: Fandango
« on: February 12, 2009, 09:09:57 am »Good/Great movie. Saw it for the first time tonight. I'm pretty sure that the first 45 seconds of the second link is my favorite part of the whole thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J6UgV_ZzJQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8F5MkP484E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Ptr6Mddk8&feature=related
Yup, and agreed with Taras
Been a fan of the movie for quite awhile. The skydiving scenes are classic, and I loved the stone soup wedding.
316
Beer and Queso / Re: Another Spanish question :)
« on: February 10, 2009, 04:44:25 pm »According to Yahoo Answers:
Te quiero" and "Te amo" are both phrases that serve to say "I love you."
"Te quiero", however is a flexible phrase. It has a direct translation of "I want you" and therefore has more of a sexual flair than "Te amo." At the same time, "Te quiero" can also be used amongst family and friends.
(Ex. as a closing for a Mother's Day card or on a friend's birthday card)
"Te amo" always means "I love you" in a romantic manner which is meant to be used between couples or people that have romantic feelings for one another.
Source(s):
Native Spanish speaker (Castillian Spanish)
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080709235411AA2xXgg
So... basically, depends on the speaker and audience. K. Thanks.
317
Beer and Queso / Another Spanish question :)
« on: February 10, 2009, 04:36:01 pm »
What's the difference between "te amo" and "te quiero"? Is one a more romantic/SO type thing and the other buddy-buddy?
318
Beer and Queso / Re: what is the shortest way to alexanderia la
« on: February 10, 2009, 10:28:44 am »from austin, even i can find my way from zwolle to alexanderia
Well, I was being serious. Shoulda mentioned that you meant from Austin.
319
Beer and Queso / Re: what is the shortest way to alexanderia la
« on: February 09, 2009, 07:00:25 pm »
Mapquest looks pretty useful for this route, actually. Southeast outta Zwolle on 171, left (northeast) on 6, to I-49, and follow that south to Alexandria. OR... stay on 171 southeast til you hit Leesville, then turn left on state hiway 8, and follow that into Alexandria (you'll be on the west side of town).
320
Talk Zone / Re: Does Fertitta still own Landry's?
« on: February 09, 2009, 12:48:06 pm »I found an article on yahoo this am. I was surprised by this entry from the businesses near bankruptcy based on default rate of corporate bonds. I am familiar with some of the companies on the list, not so for all. Interesting read, sort of baseball related in that so many of the "Drayton is cheap" crowd have wet dreams about Fertitta buying the Astros:
Landry's Restaurants. (LNY; about 17,000 employees; stock down 66%). This restaurant chain, which operates Chart House, Rainforest Café, and other eateries, needs $400 million in new financing to finalize a buyout deal dating to last June. If lenders come through, the company should have enough cash to ride out the recession. But at least two banks have already balked, leading to downgrades of the company's debt and the prospect of a cash-flow crunch.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-Companies-That-Might-Not-usnews-14279875.html
My apologies if this should go in the B&Q section.
Hmmm. I'll check with the senior and manager on Landry's (the are a client of my employer) and see what they say. I'm the senior for Luby's (same manager) but hadn't heard about THAT kind of pending buyout.
321
Talk Zone / Re: Ladies, rejoice
« on: February 06, 2009, 05:34:28 pm »If they can make a movie from "Fast Food Nation", they can make one from "Moneyball". And I'm ok if they go "Under the Tuscan Sun" with it, as long as this time Diane Lane gets her norks out.
Norks. There's a new one.
322
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 12:27:53 pm »Use an iPod Touch. You can pick up a refurbished one from Apple starting at $179.
Yes, and it's very helpful. You still want to test the app on an actual device, though, to be able to fully test the freakiness that can occur with memory usage and conflict with other apps. The emulator can cruise along through scenarios that crash an actual iPhone.
No, you definitely can. It's how beta testing is done.
Yes.
Thanks so much, Steve Guttenberg! Looks like I'll need to add a fart noise, if y'all are any indication.
323
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 11:50:47 am »FWIW, I do not have the Pull My Finger" app on my iPhone.
Looks like your av does, though.
324
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 11:44:00 am »It's a huge market, but there's a vast number and array of apps available now. Getting yourself noticed in the crowd is somewhat of a bugbear for many independent developers.
I suggest adding fart noises to whatever it is you're developing. Or maybe a spirit level. But I think fart noises would be better.
A man after my own heart.
325
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 11:04:58 am »
Good deal, thanks all. Now I just need to find me an OSX box to do this on. Mom's got one, so I may just use hers remotely, with TightVNC... which is always fun to freak her out and take over her cursor, heh. Limey: yikes, I had no idea it was THAT huge of a market. Well, maybe some of y'all would be interested in testing it via the emulator, then? Hacking an iPhone probably isn't too terribly difficult, but that's a bit more than I want to put on my plate at the moment.
326
Beer and Queso / Re: iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 10:44:16 am »
Not sure. I am in the process of downloading the SDK right now, though
327
Beer and Queso / iPhone question
« on: February 04, 2009, 10:39:04 am »
Hey folks. I have an idea for an iPhone app, but I am not an iPhone owner right now. I'm wondering if they are "usable" if you don't activate them for AT&T (or whoever else uses them as actual phones). Also, would anyone here be interested in being a tester, once I get the app in a testable state?
328
Talk Zone / Re: Childbirth: the ultimate voidbuster
« on: January 30, 2009, 05:13:29 pm »So... no pitch-count?
I'd say do whatever possible to avoid that, yeah.
329
Talk Zone / Re: Childbirth: the ultimate voidbuster
« on: January 30, 2009, 04:55:05 pm »Of course, there's always a chance that Caesar will pinch-hit.
I think we're going on 14 hours so far.
Try to convince them to hold off on bringing in Caesar just because of the time taken. Of course, if there's a medical threat, sure, but I staved off my OB wrt a CSection, and I am sooo glad I did. They were 15 minutes away from cutting her out, and we got her out the usual way, just under the wire. Btw, I was stuck at 9.5cm for about 8 hours, so it happens. If they keep/start stripping her membranes or anything like that, be kind. It was the most unpleasant part of birth, honestly. (Epidurals are godsends, too.) Total labor was 45 hours (18 the first induction, which failed, and 27 the second, starting with the cervidil and ending with the baby). Hang in there!!!
330
Talk Zone / Re: Childbirth: the ultimate voidbuster
« on: January 30, 2009, 04:00:56 pm »"Looks like pitocin isn’t going to be necessary."
Is Pitocin the situational lefty?
Swingman. Usually the starter is Cervidil, followed by Pitocin once things pick up. The closer is Aaaauuuughhhhh. He's from somewhere down south, though you wouldn't guess it from the name. The whole thing usually ends with a smack on the ass, and then if all's lucky, no stitches. I wound up with Episiotomy in mop-up duty, and I would NOT recommend him. At all.
331
Beer and Queso / Re: Dan Akroyd's Crystal Skull Vodka
« on: January 30, 2009, 03:30:58 pm »It's not filtered through diamonds, it's filtered through "Hermiker diamonds", better known as quartz, commonly known in the bottling industry as "glass". Quartz crystals are very popular on the mystic and metaphysical scene though, so I don't know what supernatural powers they may hold. Other vodkas, including Diaka, are also filtered through real diamonds, which supposedly is a super fancy form of carbon filtration. I can't imagine it would make much difference, as only activated carbon has the surface area to do much in the way of actually absorbing chemicals. Filtering through diamonds has about the same effect as filtering it through, well, glass.
Isn't "filtering it through glass" another way of saying "pouring it"?
332
Beer and Queso / Re: Set Condition One throughout the fleet
« on: January 16, 2009, 09:27:51 pm »
I smell nerds.
Oh wait. That was just one of Craig's farts wafting down from the STL airport.
Oh wait. That was just one of Craig's farts wafting down from the STL airport.
333
Beer and Queso / Re: Richard Justice On Crack
« on: January 10, 2009, 05:17:38 pm »I will never purchase your cast-offs from Half Price Books. Sorry.
I also tend to take a cursory thhhhhhhb through a potential buy wary of bodily excretions. So I assume that rules out quite a number of the rest of you, too.
OK, gross.
DH doesn't get rid of books, so no worry about lowering their resale value.
334
Beer and Queso / Re: The Final AP Poll
« on: January 09, 2009, 03:24:09 pm »I almost went to USC... I was admitted to their business school but not their school of music, so I opted for UT.
It's unbelievable what an oasis that campus is in the middle of South Central.
Quite right. My youngest sister is an SC alum (and current grad student). A couple miles down Figueroa or Vermont and you're locking the car doors at 40mph.
335
Beer and Queso / Re: The Final AP Poll
« on: January 09, 2009, 02:59:04 pm »Shut the fuck up, Donnie. The world does not start and stop at your convenience.
[hijack]Speaking of the Dude...[/hijack]
336
Beer and Queso / Re: The Final AP Poll
« on: January 09, 2009, 11:40:45 am »What's wrong with that? There are quite a few folks who think that USC is a much better club.
I'm just not one of those folks. *shrug*
337
Beer and Queso / Re: The Final AP Poll
« on: January 09, 2009, 11:12:39 am »
Yeah, but not so much the pretty even ranking with USC.
338
Beer and Queso / Re: Richard Justice On Crack
« on: January 09, 2009, 10:54:41 am »Yes, you can highlight (I know for certain) and make notes (I think).
Ah, very cool... especially if so about making notes!
339
Beer and Queso / Re: Richard Justice On Crack
« on: January 09, 2009, 10:54:19 am »What does he write?
Thoughts, ideas, comments. He scribbles in the margins a lot (I do too).
340
Beer and Queso / Re: Richard Justice On Crack
« on: January 09, 2009, 09:19:21 am »Mrs. MM got one for Christmas - she loves it.
Do those things have any means of um... "writing" on them? My husband would probably dig one, but I know he writes in all of his books...
341
Talk Zone / Re: Smoltz set to sign with Red Sox
« on: January 08, 2009, 12:49:33 pm »It's an old reference. 50 is the new 40.
Thank goodness. I wasn't quite ready to assume that "stage" of life yet (not that it applies to married folks, I guess). Kim Cattrall and I need never be in the same demographic.
342
Talk Zone / Re: Smoltz set to sign with Red Sox
« on: January 08, 2009, 11:58:22 am »In London, a common equivalent to the term "cougar", is "Billy Bonds". This is in reference to the West Ham Utd player who had a long career at the top level of the game. The rationale is that Bonds was "over 40 and still playing".
Aw crap. Is the inference there that cougardom starts at 40?
344
Beer and Queso / No reselling of kids' stuff
« on: January 05, 2009, 02:46:19 pm »
For those of you who are looking to sell or buy used children's things:
http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/2009/01/govt-says-sorry-no-more-reselling-your.html
Bleah. Consumer protectionism taken to the extreme. Look for black helicopters over yard sales, soon.
http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/2009/01/govt-says-sorry-no-more-reselling-your.html
Bleah. Consumer protectionism taken to the extreme. Look for black helicopters over yard sales, soon.
345
Beer and Queso / Re: 2008 Music
« on: December 22, 2008, 07:43:32 pm »George Lowell was briefly in the Mothers of Invention. One day he played for Frank a song he'd been working on called Willin' and Frank proceeded to kicked him out of the band. Frank said he had been planing on kicking Lowell out of the band anyway because of his cocaine use, but when he realized what a creative force he was dealing with, he knew it was time for Lowell George to find a format for his own music.
Lowell George was a force to be reckoned with. Too bad he couldn't reckon with his OWN forces. Have you heard his only solo album (Thanks I'll Eat It Here)? Even the covers (What Do You Want The Girl To Do and especially Can't Stand The Rain) were terrific. Little Feat lost a great front man in him (their live Waiting For Columbus is at the top of my desert island disc list)... got the "sound" back with Craig Fuller in the late 80s (a dead ringer, vocally) but the soul never quite made it all the way back.
346
Beer and Queso / Re: What do blondes and the Bermuda Triangle have in common?
« on: December 05, 2008, 10:54:06 am »
Anyone else thinking of Schwetty balls?
348
Beer and Queso / Need a translation
« on: November 24, 2008, 02:27:01 pm »
I'm learning Spanish and picked up some pulpy books to learn more colloquial manners of speech than what the textbooks teach. I've come across a passage though that's kinda unclear, and Babelfish isn't of much assistance, what with pronoun intentions getting muddled. Is there someone here who's fairly fluent and wouldn't mind looking it over to see if you can translate? Send me a PM please
Thanks!
Thanks!
349
Talk Zone / Re: Brad Penny?
« on: November 06, 2008, 03:46:08 pm »She preferred Zito's slower delivery.
Something about knuckleballs is coming to mind.
350
Talk Zone / Re: SAD, SHOCKING NEWS
« on: October 31, 2008, 03:43:14 pm »
I met Michael a couple of times, including some pretty sweet seats down behind the Diamond Club boxes, back in the first year of Enron Field. Got to help his son learn how to keep score, too. A tremendous loss down here on Earth. We're all better for having known him, no matter the venue or format. My prayers are with his family.
351
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone dressing up/partying up for Halloween?
« on: October 31, 2008, 02:31:03 pm »
We're going to whatever is going on at Discovery Green. Not terribly party-ish, but when you can't find a babysitter for a 3mo-old, the options are somewhat limited. Should be fun, though! DH and I plan to dress up as scarecrows, so I just need to get some plaid oversized clothing, a bit of twine, a little facepaint and go beat the crap out of a couple strawhats. Typical shopping list for WalMart.
352
Beer and Queso / Re: sacramento math rock
« on: October 29, 2008, 10:54:59 am »My bad, switching back to 4/4.
Thank God, back to common time.
354
Talk Zone / Re: Dipping Dirt
« on: October 22, 2008, 06:01:10 pm »http://www.aolhealth.com/health/mysterious-illnesses?icid=100214839x1211643398x1200744520
problem solved
I see where the House writers got some of their subjects, now.
355
Beer and Queso / Re: What a game!!!
« on: October 20, 2008, 11:39:52 pm »I once saw a screencap of the Bo Jackson sign... I'll scour the internets for it.
I have way too many pictures of the head, including the son of the subject getting his shitty diaper changed on his Dad's enormous cardboard face at a tailgate. What little remains of my appropriateness filter - and certain federal statutes - require that I not post that picture. Here's one of my kids holding it instead, craftily maintaining his online anonymity, just like his old man taught him.
That whole thing is just beautiful, man. I find myself simultaneously not wanting to run into your crowd in a dark alley, and thinking it'd be cool to hang out sometime.
356
Beer and Queso / Re: What a game!!!
« on: October 17, 2008, 11:02:05 pm »Apropos of not much, if anyone has a chance to go to Gameday tomorrow, make the biggest, stupidest sign you can, and park your ass in front of the cameras. It's pointless but wonderful. At the Texas/Ohio St. game, we brought a sign that was nothing more than the giant head of one of our friends professing his love for another of our friends, and it was roughly 1000x more wonderful than I could have imagined. After 45 minutes of camera time, dozens and dozens of phone calls from people we hadn't talked to in forever, the utter befuddlement of Chris Fowler, the drunken support of 100's of random people, and a tremendous bonding experience with a guy who had inside information on Bo Jackson's pregame eating habits, I truly felt complete as a person. Completely drunk. Try it, it's liberating.
OMG are you serious? That's frickin' hilarious.
357
Talk Zone / Re: Japanese Baseball
« on: October 17, 2008, 05:03:32 pm »Maybe it's because i have daughters but i find that whole schoolgirl thing a little disturbing.
Definitely 10'll-getcha-20. It's more than a little disturbing, IMO.
358
Talk Zone / Re: Japanese Baseball
« on: October 17, 2008, 04:30:53 pm »I was in Tokyo this past January and all the women wore short skirts or shorts in 35 degree weather. It was astounding. Next time I go back I want to go during their baseball season to catch a game as it sounds very interesting.
Tokyo must import their girls from Woking, in Surrey. In the dead of winter, the teens come out at night, wearing micro minis and little else. I was hoping they'd freeze, but apparently it's booze in their veins rather than blood, so no such luck.
360
Talk Zone / Re: Brad Lidge
« on: October 16, 2008, 11:07:56 am »Along with Eric the Red or Trever Miller.
Didn't Miller pick one up with the Red Sox?
361
Talk Zone / Re: Dipping Dirt
« on: October 16, 2008, 11:05:51 am »When my jaw gives way, will just stick it between my toes (old college trick, NCAA does not allow tobacco products...gotta do what you gotta do). I think that lays to rest any image questions that may have been lingering
That.
Is disgusting.
362
Beer and Queso / Re: Austin(ish) Watch Party: UT Game, Sat @ 7
« on: October 15, 2008, 10:32:35 pm »Huh? I'd live there if your meter weren't broken.
It got sucked into The Void. Sorry about that!
363
Beer and Queso / Re: Austin(ish) Watch Party: UT Game, Sat @ 7
« on: October 15, 2008, 10:25:59 pm »What a horrible atmosphere....
Huh?
I'd go if I were within driving distance. I'd leave both Palin AND income taxes at home
364
Beer and Queso / Mail Goggles
« on: October 15, 2008, 04:58:24 pm »
Might could use something like this in the GZ occasionally.
365
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 14, 2008, 11:07:00 am »So you agree that the point is $30-40M have no cumulative expense for their annual taxes? That's all I'm surprised about. I can care less when someone makes their tax payments (through payroll withholdings, quarterly payments, etc.) ... this group owes nothing at all, ever.
No, I don't agree with that. I have been in that tax group, and owed taxes and PAID them through withholdings, throughout the year. My Mom is below that group, and owes and pays throughout the year. There's not enough information there to make a broad statement, because so much more than only what your gross earnings are, goes into determining income taxes.
366
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 14, 2008, 10:40:10 am »Where do you get "at filing time"? I've not seen that anywhere.
Well, right here:
the growing number of Americans who pay zero federal income tax after taking advantage of deductions and credits.
Taking advantage of credits and deductions is a filing-time activity. "After", to me, suggests the authors are looking at the year-end liability. The wording in the article is a bit lazy with the use of "liability" IMO. Sentences like this:
Why do many single filers face zero tax liability?
SHOULD be talking about "owing" nothing at the end of the year (ie: a true liability discussion) but it's in the midst of discussing not having to pay anything in over the course of the year (ie: a cumulative expense discussion). I think that's the difference in what you and I are back-and-forth over.
367
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 14, 2008, 10:05:14 am »Sorry, but you're still wrong. This has nothing to do with "year-end" liability. This is liability for the year. Completely different.
Well then I don't know what you're defending against me anymore, because I'm talking about that article at the Tax Foundation website, which is focussing on zero or negative liabilities at filing time, which is year-end. If you want, feel to explain what you perceive as the difference between "year-end liability" and "liability for the year." The first (which I'm talking about) is a snapshot term, and go up or down depending on when you take the snapshop (ie: balance sheet account). The second, I suspect you mean, is a cumulative term, and can really only go up, over the course of the year (ie: income statement account... an expense, not a liability). Those, indeed, are different terms and mean different things.
368
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 14, 2008, 09:30:53 am »You're missing the Earned Income Tax Credit. Calculator
That alone is worth $3100 for this family. Since the basic tax table suggested the tax for $25k would be $3358 ($7825@10% + $17175@15%) once you deduct child credits then the EITC, this person would have actually received a check from the IRS
And I bet they had withholdings going into the filing deadline. Those withholdings would affect the amount refunded (it's line 64 on the most recent 1040, which affects the calculation of line 73 for a refund [negative liability], or line 76 for amounts still owed [liability]). Withholdings DO affect the year-end liability, just like I said, in the credit card analogy earlier.
One problem also with that breakdown by earning ranges is that the homogeneity among the groups is far from guaranteed. Obviously not everyone or even necessarily a majority of folks in a given quintile has the right to the same credits or deductions, and that will result in far different year-end liabilities, even though earnings are the same.
369
Beer and Queso / Re: What a game!!!
« on: October 13, 2008, 05:08:59 pm »
Wow. You Austinites are getting hosed. I pd. $2.99 last nite in suburban Dallas.
It's inconsistent around town here. $2.97 around the corner from home. $3.28 a couple miles away on 45, $3.38 at the "crack" gas station 3 blocks from Minute Maid.
370
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 13, 2008, 05:07:41 pm »Alright, we need an arbitrator. I'm pretty sure liability has no relation to withholdings. Those with $0 liability either paid nothing in withholdings and owe nothing, or paid something and will get 100% of it back in a tax return.
Heh. Zero liability just means you owe nothing. Period. Just like a credit card. I could have a current zero balance, but that doesn't mean I never paid anything on it during the year. Withholdings reduce your liability (just like your payments reduce your credit card liability), so they are related. It does include those who paid during the year, which is my point
371
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 13, 2008, 04:48:38 pm »One of us is misunderstanding my link (and I think it's you!) ...
It could be, but if this is indicative of what you are basing "never paid in" on:
the growing number of Americans who pay zero federal income tax after taking advantage of deductions and credits.
Then you could be off. That sentence (<Worrell>right there, that one right there</Worrell>) is referring to paying in zero additional taxes after deductions and credits which are part of the income tax form filing process -- ie: after you've gone through the year, having taxes withheld (for W2-flavored workers).
Quote
My understanding is that these filers had $0 liability.
The word liability is key here. "Tax liability" is what you'd expect to owe to the government on top of what you paid already through withholdings or quarterly tax payments. Having zero liability is not interchangable with paying zero taxes.
Quote
So yes, you paid $8000 and thus you're not in that 33% who pay no taxes. These are people who either pay no withholdings or get every cent they did pay back.
That second sentence falls into the category of not paying taxes (the first example being absolutely not never paid in, and the second being a "wash" at the end of the year), but the article you posted refers to zero liability, which covers both those two scenarios AND those whose withholdings matched or exceeded their taxes owed. And, per my first quote from the article above, it seems to me they are addressing the liability which refers the amount owed/refunded AFTER paying in some amount. Basically, I take "zero tax liability" to mean not "never give the feds any income taxes" but rather "don't give the feds any MORE income taxes, come April 15th." Apparently, YMMV.
Quote
Furthermore, the link Biz provided suggests that Obama's credits will payout regardless of liability. So, if they had $1 deducted, they they get their $1 back AND a $4000 check for their college tuition, a check worth 10% of their mortgate interest, $3000 for childcare expenses, etc. This is not tax credits, it is wellfare.
Pretty unpalatable, IMO. Oh wait... he could just have the treasury print up more bills, right?
372
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 13, 2008, 03:07:51 pm »That is not my understanding. Any federal taxes withheld, they're getting back in a refund.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/1410.html
Getting back a refund isn't the same as paying zero taxes. It just means they "overpaid" -- had too much withheld. There's a big difference between not owing additional taxes or getting a refund back, and paying in zero taxes. Anywhere in that article they reference liabilities (whether "zero" liability, or "negative" liability), it's talking about filing a tax return -- which happens AFTER withholdings. The only ways I can think of to actually pay no federal income taxes are:
1. have zero withheld and know that you have sufficient credits/deductions to cover what would have been withheld
2. get a refund for exactly what you had withheld
If I had $10,000 withheld throughout the year, and when I filed my tax liability came to $8,000, sure I'm getting a $2,000 refund check, but that doesn't mean I paid no taxes. I still "paid" that $8,000.
373
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 13, 2008, 02:54:38 pm »Need to find a source, but I believe I've heard that 1/3rd of US citizens that submitted a tax return last year did not pay ANY tax at all. If true, the wealthy, therefor, could not possibly pay less proportionally than the vast majority of the population.
Limey can correct me if I'm reading him wrong, but I think he's referring to total taxes paid out over the course of a year, from withholdings, and NOT just what is paid above and beyond that to meet any liabilities that arise when it comes time to file. Saying that the vast majority of citizens who filed paid no taxes is wrong. They didn't pay any MORE than what had already been withheld.
374
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 08, 2008, 04:24:10 pm »They glossed over this from para 4?
The breakroom's got a TV in it, which is always tuned to either CNN or the Travel Channel. I suspect the person who left it behind was using it as a visual aid in a political discussion, since the phrase "pressure from the Clinton Administration" was boldly underlined. They didn't mark up paragraph 4, for reasons that shall just remain a mystery. I'm trying desperately to insert an Alice's Restaraunt reset here, but can't think of how to fit circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of the printout, explaining what each one was, to be used as evidence against my co-worker, into a post, without it being totally gratuitous.
375
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 08, 2008, 03:49:03 pm »
Seems like this might fit in on this thread OK.
Anyhow, in the breakroom, I found a copy of this NYT archived article printed out, with various passages highlighted and underlined. No idea who left it there, but it's an interesting historical/foreshadowing read. (Check out the date, as well as the 3rd, 7th and 8th paragraphs, in particular)
Anyhow, in the breakroom, I found a copy of this NYT archived article printed out, with various passages highlighted and underlined. No idea who left it there, but it's an interesting historical/foreshadowing read. (Check out the date, as well as the 3rd, 7th and 8th paragraphs, in particular)
376
Beer and Queso / Re: The more things change. . .
« on: October 07, 2008, 05:22:33 pm »Ten years ago. Many of us are still here. Time flies.
Bring it strong!
Holy crap, it's been that long? Geez.
My fondest memories were the Gordito consumption record, and that short-lived huge-ass (redundant) multi-story "statue" of Scott, out in LCF where the highrises were supposed to have been built, within a year of ER opening. (This was a graphic burned into my head.) What was that one gizmo... Yackball?
377
Beer and Queso / The cool jobs are in LA
« on: October 07, 2008, 03:45:45 pm »
My youngest sister sent me this link, in an email titled simply "My dream job":
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tfr/869493083.html
Zulu?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tfr/869493083.html
Zulu?
378
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 07, 2008, 11:32:49 am »Wrong. "What's taxable?" or "what's income?"
Wrong. "Can you translate that from Lithuanian?"
379
Beer and Queso / Re: Spanish texting
« on: October 07, 2008, 09:29:55 am »"Oh, sorry... who are you then? - Your hansome man" (the last part is loosely translated. "Guapito" or "Guapo" is usually what is said about a man by a woman to mean in paraphrase "He's handsome" or "He's hot", that sort of thing.
Thanks, Noe
How would I write "Nobody you know. This is the wrong number to send txts to."?
380
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:58:35 pm »Correct. Also, if you give your kid a long name, don't get all worked up when people shorten it for ease of use.
My philosophy was to give the kid an out with the middle name, if I found I was just compelled to go with something long or um... "interesting" as a first name. Moot point, though, as I think with "Ivy" we picked a name that's very difficult to mess up or mispronounce. Minimal brush/keystrokes, as well.
381
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:56:31 pm »I should've saved you a lot of typing by clarifying that I know what it is, I just don't get it.
"I need another word for face, for some reason. What rhymes with face?"
"Leather case? Car chase? Boat race?"
"Boat race. Boat. Yeah. That makes no sense at all. That's good. Use it in a sentence?"
"I will administer approximately two closed hand strikes to your boat."
"Oh, that's gold. Let's tell everyone."
Is POTW still going on? Nominated, regardless.
382
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:10:13 pm »If you know cockney rhyming slang, her knocked-up daughter being called "Bristol" is fucking hilarious.
Trying to figure out CRS in real time makes my head hurt, but you're right. That's pretty fricking funny.
383
Beer and Queso / Re: Spanish texting
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:08:45 pm »Hopefully it doesn't mean "Thanks for confirming this as a live account. Please do not check you next bill."
Rule of thumb is: never respond to random texts or spam emails. All you do is confirm that someone is on the other end, and the best thing that can then happen is that your number/email gets sold on to many, many more spammers. They pay higher prices for anything that's recently been confirmed as live.
Same person called my cellphone earlier this afternoon, but my reception in this building is crappy, so I called back from the office landline, and got someone who clearly does not speak English. Spam emails I delete on sight. Probably should have done the same with this. Oh well. At least I don't have a cap on texts.
384
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:06:02 pm »I think all four candidates are atrocious, so I'm not biased by any particular political affiliation. Palin's children's names are individually among the most ridiculous I have ever seen and collectively are just mind-blowing. Track, Trig, Bristol, Willow, Piper. Forget anything about how experienced she is vs. Obama or Biden - this is a terrifying display of judgment.
One of my favorite blogs (check out the one about placentas)
385
Beer and Queso / Spanish texting
« on: October 06, 2008, 04:00:46 pm »
I've been getting these random texts on my cellphone from a number I don't know, and they are in Spanish... but in shorthand text format. I texted back in normal Spanish (which I don't really speak or read well) telling the person they have the wrong phone number, and asking who they are. Got this in response.
Oh perdon entos kien eres. - Tu guapito.
Can someone translate? Can't run it through babelfish because things are mostly likely spelled wrong/lazily.
Thanks.
Oh perdon entos kien eres. - Tu guapito.
Can someone translate? Can't run it through babelfish because things are mostly likely spelled wrong/lazily.
Thanks.
386
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 03:52:30 pm »Not a big fan of Palin but I feel she is taking heat on this matter because she is a mom and not the dad. If the baby was brought on stage after the dad debated, it wouldn't even hit the radar.
I tend to agree, here, and I'm saying that without any kind of "feminist" agenda. We can't all be SAHMs, and so unless there's a SAHD, someone else will be tending the child most of the day. I doubt Palin has anything but the best care (whether it's herself, her husband or a paid caretaker) for her son (and the rest of her kids, for that matter).
Quote
On the other hand, am I the only one who finds it cruel that she has named a developmentally delayed child Trig?
Probably some regulars here couldn't be named "Add"
"Track" is a really odd name, as well. Not a big fan of those kinds of odd names, myself, but, at least it's memorable.
387
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 03:36:56 pm »I'm not a mom (yet, fingers crossed) so I'll let someone else opine. Warning: Huffington Post
Ivy's just a little older than the author of that article (she's almost 11 weeks), and I start getting her ready for bed around 9 (feeding, rocking, etc.) She's asleep 75% of the time by 10pm. Sometimes it goes as late as 11pm. However, she's up every morning around 5:30 for "breakfast" (which means that *I* am up, as well). So, she's been getting about 7.5 - 8 hours sleep per night. That's about what an adult gets/needs... granted, she's on this schedule earlier than most (the sleeping through the night thing), but as for WHEN she falls asleep... I start the process out of a matter of convenience for myself. She'd get her same 8 hours if I put her to bed at 7pm, but I have diminished enthusiasm for a baby wide awake and ready to start the day at 3am.
5-month olds probably have similar night-time sleep "needs", so I don't see being awake late as a big deal. WHEN they go to sleep is up to the parents. HOW MUCH they sleep is dictated by the child's needs (well, and also by whether someone wakes them up early). So, calling someone on the carpet because their infant is up late is kind of weak, IMO. The "prop" angle is speculation. None of us know... just some might THINK they know.
388
Beer and Queso / Re: Palin. WTF?
« on: October 06, 2008, 03:18:05 pm »I can't for the life of me come up with a reason that doesn't seem like the kid is a prop. I think that baby should be with a babysitter in his crib.
Lots of folks do. Clearly, this is a personal choice. I'd bring my daughter with me, if that were me, given her temperament (she can blissfully sleep through the pre-sermon [loud] worship music or just enjoy looking around at the lights and stuff at Lakewood on a weekly basis, and has since she first went at 2 weeks old). It's a sharing experience for the whole family, and unless your kid's the type that doesn't like loud or sudden noises, I don't see the problem.
As for being a prop, IF that's the sole reasoning, then shame on her. However, I have a difficult time believing that a parent would only view their child as a prop. In this setting, at least.
389
Beer and Queso / Re: Changing avatar
« on: October 06, 2008, 02:33:22 pm »
Ah thanks. I didn't think of the cache
390
Beer and Queso / Changing avatar
« on: October 06, 2008, 02:17:40 pm »
How do I change my avatar? I'm trying to upload a different picture, and while there's a Browse button and textbox to select the image, there's no Upload button, and the Save button at the bottom of my profile settings doesn't seem to replace what's there already (my dachshund as a puppy). The new image is sized to 99x83px. and is just 2KB. Are there dimension restrictions?
391
Talk Zone / Re: Brandon Backe
« on: October 06, 2008, 11:57:25 am »FIFY.
Some of the comments on the first linked article claim that Backe may have a broken jaw and that the kid who was at the centre of it all is in ICU with possible brain damage.
(tacky reset:) It'll have to come out!
392
Talk Zone / RIP, Ray Miller
« on: September 27, 2008, 06:17:41 pm »
Great native resource, tremendous loss to Texans everywhere. The Eyes of Texas was and still is a treasure of a show, thanks to Miller's time, personality, work and eye for uniquely Texas stories, from the pastoral to the historic. He'll be missed.
393
Beer and Queso / Re: BCS
« on: September 26, 2008, 09:46:04 am »USC is getting pretty good at letting shitty unranked teams ruin their season.
My youngest sister is a current PT grad student and alum of USC. The text message response I got from her late last night was full of non-alphanumeric characters. Made this Longhorn smile.
394
Beer and Queso / Re: Somebody in Houston like Whataburger and cigarettes
« on: September 25, 2008, 09:29:00 pm »The ironing board is awesome.
I like the spray bottle of Febreeze in the counter right above it.
395
Did you purposefully omit the Governor of Illinois from your 'searing-hot hatred' list?
Zambrano is an "Illinois hero"? Lincoln is spinning in his grave.
396
Talk Zone / on the road (OT)
« on: September 13, 2008, 10:25:07 pm »
My husband and daughter and I decided to head to a friend's place in Dallas, rather than "sweat it out" at home, and I'm glad we did, from what we've heard so far about CenterPoint taking "weeks" to restore all power. We are at a rest stop north of Streetman, TX on 45. The first place we saw electricity was Centerville. Yoiks. Hope everyone is safe and dry and COOL, one way or another. This sucks.
397
Beer and Queso / Re: NOAA/NWS/NHC updates
« on: September 11, 2008, 07:58:32 pm »Wow, I'm impressed. That said, I have no idea what you do.
No Beowulf, mostly just vanilla HP DL585's with Linux. Lots of 'em. I'm not much in the modelling side of the shop though so I don't get to see the toys too often. Really cool stuff like the FSU superensemble runs on a neural net to handle its non-linear statistical data modeling toolset. For BizidyDizidy, that how they handle the model relationship between data input, expected output (vs. what actually happens -- yes, we actually look out the widow sometimes to see what happens) and to find data patterns. We like repeatable patterns.
My current incarnation is as a CPA/auditor*. The immediate past life was in IT where I spent enough time in the *IX cowds (including kernel testing whn linux kernels started with a zero) to know about Beowulf when parallel computing was new to the masses. The dual BBA in Accounting and MIS doesn't hurt, either
Found out recently that a former Alpha Phi Omega brother from my UT days is the current director at the TACC, and head of the "Ranger" project. Cool stuff. Glad to see you work with Linux. If modelling's not your bag, what is? Tanks. I'll hang up and listen.* ETA: and a milk cow to a 7-week old
398
Beer and Queso / Re: NOAA/NWS/NHC updates
« on: September 11, 2008, 07:00:52 pm »10 years ago, maybe. Cray then IBM and very cheap multi-node server arrays changed that a while ago.
Beowulf clusters? Or is that too open-source for this kind of thing?
399
Beer and Queso / Re: NOAA/NWS/NHC updates
« on: September 11, 2008, 05:25:48 pm »Man, that fucker is going to hit Arkansas too. You didn't hear much about it on the news, but Gustav fucked up Arkansas pretty bad. We got 11 inches of rain and when the ground got saturated, the trees started falling. All our Entergy crews got sent to Louisiana before Gustav hit, then when our lines went down there was no one here to fix them. Now the ground is still saturated and it looks like Ike is coming right up I-30.
But I realize it's nowhere near what you guys are facing down there. Good luck everyone.
Thanks. My husband flew to Little Rock just ahead of Gustav, and was in Clinton for 4 days. Most he said was "it's still raining" and that it felt nice and cool like autumn. Here's to hoping Ike peters out shortly after hitting land.
401
Beer and Queso / Re: IB Programme?
« on: September 10, 2008, 05:43:39 pm »Maybe they should of called it 8th Street school then!
Should "OF"?
402
Beer and Queso / Re: Continental Changes
« on: September 06, 2008, 11:18:33 pm »
Thanks for bringing this up. I'm going to be flying again soon, and wasn't aware of these changes. I was surprised at consistency in checking, too, when this past January I flew Houston to Gatwick RT. On the way over there, I was able to check 2 and carry on one. On the way back, I got charged $150 for the second checked luggage. This was literally the same plane, just with a different crew, on the return flight. WTF? Nice if we were told that ahead of time. I was just glad this was a business flight, because that would have pissed me off, it were a personal trip.
403
Talk Zone / Re: DQ Jr.
« on: September 04, 2008, 01:57:06 am »A disturbance in a diner? I feel a Walter Sobchak reset coming on...
Koby: "Shut the fuck up, Jimmy."
Best I could manage, given the names of his buddies.
Man, I need to rewatch that movie. It's been too long.
404
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone here live in "SW" Houston?
« on: August 25, 2008, 12:16:53 pm »
Thanks, all! Turns out that address was zoned to Westbury (quarter mile north, and it's Bellaire). Moot point, however, as we actually found a house in the Heights for lease which we really like, and just got approved for the lease today. Yay!
405
Beer and Queso / Re: IB Programme?
« on: August 25, 2008, 11:22:32 am »
No, not me, my nephews, who are older than Ivy I'll wait at least until she isn't pooping on herself before looking at schools.
I'll wait at least until she isn't pooping on herself before looking at schools.
406
Beer and Queso / IB Programme?
« on: August 25, 2008, 11:16:15 am »
Anyone here have direct or significant indirect experience with the IB Programme? Apparently it can start as young as 3!
407
Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's jersey
« on: August 13, 2008, 12:55:57 pm »
The band I used to work for had one of their songs chosen as the "wakeup" tune for a shuttle mission a few years back. A couple CDs of theirs made the trip, too. (I designed the layout for "Big Trouble" years ago)
408
Beer and Queso / Re: Anyone here live in "SW" Houston?
« on: August 12, 2008, 05:39:39 pm »
Thanks, guys. Yeah, I know which schools are to be avoided, but we have 4 years before that is an issue, and while that's not really our current concern, the elementary school I mentioned is an exemplary school that feeds to either Pin Oak (Bellaire) or Westbury, so if for some reason we are still there when Milo retires, at least the grade school is good.
Anyone familiar with South Loop commuting?
Anyone familiar with South Loop commuting?
409
Beer and Queso / Anyone here live in "SW" Houston?
« on: August 12, 2008, 02:32:11 pm »
My husband and I are looking at a house to rent, off Stella Link about a mile south of the Loop. Not sure if this is considered south Bellaire (thumbs-up), or far east Westbury/Meyerland/Sharpstown (ew). For those with specific knowledge, it's the little area just south of Shearn Elementary (called Westwood, I believe). We drove around, and it looked nice enough -- mostly 1950s ranches, with some new construction) -- and there's certainly no shortage of retail access in that corner of the city (as opposed to living downtown like we do now ... it's a "trip" to just get groceries, from here).
Anyone live down there, who can comment on the commute to/from downtown (either car commute or rail/Metro bus), safeness, etc.?
Thanks!
Anyone live down there, who can comment on the commute to/from downtown (either car commute or rail/Metro bus), safeness, etc.?
Thanks!
410
Talk Zone / Re: Newest Astro Fan
« on: August 11, 2008, 05:47:53 am »
Congratulations! What a beautiful little girl
411
Talk Zone / Re: Introducing: Ivy Sommer Dutton :)
« on: July 27, 2008, 02:48:46 pm »
Thanks, all
Rather than repost everything here, I'll provide a link to where I put some photos online of our new addition.
Photos of Ivy
Rather than repost everything here, I'll provide a link to where I put some photos online of our new addition.
Photos of Ivy
412
Talk Zone / Introducing: Ivy Sommer Dutton :)
« on: July 24, 2008, 07:16:22 pm »
As of 9:44pm last night, Astros fandom just got a little bigger (and I got a LOT smaller), when Ivy Sommer Dutton entered the world, at 7lb 8.8oz and 20 1/2 inches I'll post a few photos later, after we get the camera's cable to transfer.
Just wanted to share the good news
I'll post a few photos later, after we get the camera's cable to transfer.Just wanted to share the good news
413
Talk Zone / Re: Astros batting stances, past and present
« on: July 17, 2008, 03:19:28 pm »
Ausmus looking back at 3B for signs made me laugh out loud.
414
Talk Zone / Re: Noe and Waldo
« on: July 14, 2008, 02:40:42 pm »Are they on the same cycle?
Shhhh. They're a little snappy.
416
Talk Zone / Re: I need a ticket to Philly, ASAP
« on: July 11, 2008, 10:55:16 am »
I'd like to see Hellboy today, but I'm not sure I can sit still in those seats for that long anymore. That, and The Dark Knight next Friday (but no way I'll see the Batman flick... probably be in the hospital).
417
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 11, 2008, 09:45:09 am »Do we want to have political discussions on this board or not?
Personally, no. Certainly not in THIS section of the board. Should be over floating in rancid beer and queso.
418
Talk Zone / Re: I need a ticket to Philly, ASAP
« on: July 10, 2008, 04:07:34 pm »I cant get teh picture to come up...is it of Bones?? Is it a good one??? Something about that square jaw that makes me want to work in her lab
I always thought those looked rather manly, on a woman.
419
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 10, 2008, 11:32:07 am »In the UK, flavours of crisps (chips) are all over the place. My fav. was prawn cocktail.
I saw a bag in that flavor at a bakery across the street from the client in Woking this past January. Had to explain to my co-worker what a prawn is (she's from Baytown, but only knew "shrimp".) We never deigned to sample that bag. That's just gross
421
Talk Zone / Re: Compare and contrast
« on: July 09, 2008, 10:25:24 pm »Chickity china, the Chinese Chicken
Into Maddona, A-Rod will be stickin...
Watchin' Evita with no lights on, with no pants on
Call the CDC on that one.
It's been... one week since you divorced me
Kabbalah in your head, trainer swore on his pinky
Five days since you brainwashed me
Material girl says she still loves Guy Ritchie
Three days til the A.S.G.
Where I'll hit whatever moves, whether balls or pussy
422
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 09, 2008, 10:26:51 am »Not to defend anyone, but even if the story is true about A-Rod trying to get to Vegas, it doesn't necessarily mean he was going there to gamble. Maybe he was going to see Pete Rose (if you saw the recent espn.com story of the unusual friendship between Rose and Rod).
The reason doesn't matter to me, just the attitude.
423
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 07, 2008, 04:51:11 pm »
Limey:
Sorry about the tone change, but in response to your new av and sig... "It'll have to come out." Got any anesthetic? I'm thinking a big tank of laughing gas shoved up A-Rod's back end might do the trick (with the nozzle hanging OUT, not IN).
Sorry about the tone change, but in response to your new av and sig... "It'll have to come out." Got any anesthetic? I'm thinking a big tank of laughing gas shoved up A-Rod's back end might do the trick (with the nozzle hanging OUT, not IN).
424
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 07, 2008, 04:47:17 pm »Congrats Holly!
Thanks. Less than a month to go. A-Rod's more of a slut than I am, and he doesn't have a physical vagina.
425
Talk Zone / Re: A-Rod a Slut
« on: July 07, 2008, 04:41:43 pm »
Mom and I (and my now-husband) were in the air flying back from Alaska when that happened. Mom and I got sent back to Seattle, Joey landed in Salt Lake City. We rented a car the next day and drove to straight to Los Angeles and flew back to Houston a week later. Joey got on the first bus he could and rode that back to NW Arkansas. Anyone concerned more with making it to Vegas than in the lives and peril of the situation can kiss my fat, pregnant, grouchy @ss.
426
Talk Zone / Re: I know you're sick of this but I had one last thought
« on: June 28, 2008, 12:15:55 pm »
<Maricopa County parole board>OK, then.</Maricopa County parole board>
Not that you'll see this, since I think you have me on ignore.
Not that you'll see this, since I think you have me on ignore.
427
Beer and Queso / Re: Best Parent Ever Blog
« on: June 28, 2008, 11:05:25 am »
You're welcome, Clark. (Odd reason to register for a first post... welcome aboard.)
428
Talk Zone / Re: Chacon Suspended
« on: June 28, 2008, 11:04:14 am »I'd like to know what you think a PR person is if not a corporate yes-man.
If you think that's the purpose of PR, you have no idea what PR is for.
429
Beer and Queso / Best Parent Ever Blog
« on: June 27, 2008, 05:01:54 pm »
Discovered this gem about 2 weeks ago. It's been a real treasure to read, while I'm getting ready for the little one to make her debut in early August:
http://bestparentever.com/
The current one (#43) is pretty freaking funny. First one I read was #41, which is disgusting but also freaking funny.
http://bestparentever.com/
The current one (#43) is pretty freaking funny. First one I read was #41, which is disgusting but also freaking funny.
430
Talk Zone / Re: The element of surprise
« on: June 27, 2008, 03:38:18 pm »
My brother had to join one once, just to get a temporary gig with the Symphony. I think his dues to join were more than the one-gig paycheck he got. Bleah. Good to hear you're not a Teamster or Longshoreman
431
Talk Zone / Re: The element of surprise
« on: June 27, 2008, 03:27:12 pm »Don't lump the common labor unions in with the MLBPA, please.
Yeah, sorry, that was pretty bad of me. That quote reminded me of something you might hear from a defense attorney about a burglary client who got injured escaping and wanted to sue the homeowners.
Oops, now I've lumped lawyers together...
432
Talk Zone / Re: The element of surprise
« on: June 27, 2008, 03:18:04 pm »"Based on the information we have to date, we believe the Astros' response violates the basic agreement," union general counsel Michael Weiner said.
Good example of form over substance, there. No offense to mihoba, but: ugh, unions.
433
Talk Zone / Re: The element of surprise
« on: June 27, 2008, 02:49:59 pm »
Limey, is that Rimmer in your av? If so, LOL. Best episode of Red Dwarf Little Person.
434
Talk Zone / Re: The element of surprise
« on: June 27, 2008, 02:05:15 pm »[Wade] knew full well that Chacon wasn't going to do what he asked.
So, why do it? Why not just leave it alone? Wouldn't that have been a better decision?
Yeah, OK and how would the rotation look today? Who's in the pen, who's starting? How long do you let Chacon dictate what role he plays on the team? Do Wade and company just maintain a polite and repetitive stance until Chacon cools off?
As much as supposedly the Astros "should have known" that Chacon would "refuse" to do anything but start, Chacon's camp "should have known" that his position was mutable, going in.
435
Talk Zone / Re: Chacon Suspended
« on: June 27, 2008, 09:06:41 am »Jeter vouches for Chacon:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/sports/baseball/27pins.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=baseball&adxnnlx=1214574799-IqfPzjfAOrN0cdLxJ0wQQA
Did you notice what is at the top of that page?
436
Talk Zone / Re: Be Careful in Baltimore if You Are Going to the Games
« on: June 23, 2008, 04:16:52 pm »Better than being Mitch Melusky, a one-time prospect that was given a chance to excel in the bigs, but found himself floudering a little, had to leave and made a comeback in the minors and eventually a September comeback with the Astros.
And I'm sure that whoever is Mieske would probably kick my ass, in that case. Plus, my shoulders don't pop out.
437
Talk Zone / Re: Be Careful in Baltimore if You Are Going to the Games
« on: June 23, 2008, 04:13:32 pm »On the plus side, Milo isn't leering at you. (Which is really just an excuse for me to state how absolutely disgusted I was when Milo was droning on about his date today with Yvette. Yeeeeeech!)
Oh gross. Yeah, being spared that makes life in the indy leagues a bit more bearable. (Cheito, eh? OK, I can deal with that, heh.)
438
Talk Zone / Re: Be Careful in Baltimore if You Are Going to the Games
« on: June 23, 2008, 04:08:32 pm »me either.
Make that three of us. Shit, I'm probably not even in the system.
439
Talk Zone / Re: Seven Words You Can't Say at a Funeral
« on: June 23, 2008, 09:55:17 am »
Baseball and Football was one of the all-time classic routines.
RIP, George Carlin.
RIP, George Carlin.
440
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 20, 2008, 01:21:45 pm »I got my tats in Austin, but I have about 20 friends that have been very very pleased with SH.
Gracias.
441
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 20, 2008, 10:20:27 am »wait, so you're not talking about your dog?
No. The dog already has a tattoo... or at least some kind of permanent ballpoint pen marking that came home with her from the shelter 9 months ago.
442
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 04:39:38 pm »
Heh, darned married people having S-E-X.
Anyhow. Thanks for the one shop suggestion, folks (Andy, have you actually used them?) I'll pass it along to him to check out.
Anyhow. Thanks for the one shop suggestion, folks (Andy, have you actually used them?) I'll pass it along to him to check out.
443
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 04:21:07 pm »you offended my sensibilities also.
Can't tip-toe around everybody.
444
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 03:46:36 pm »WAY, WAY TMI
Ya, well... being knocked up is sort of a giveaway there! Didn't mean to offend your delicate sensibilities... at least not any more than would the idea of a penile tat.
445
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 12:01:53 pm »Next what?
Smart-as comment, of course! Got it with the tramp stamp below. Well-played!
My hope is that the Onion finds out and gives him the proper accolades for being so heroic in doing this. Oh and FTR, I'm already all over his weiner, so putting my name there would be pretty redundant.
447
Talk Zone / Re: Your standard, spot-on analysis from the Worldwide Leader
« on: June 19, 2008, 11:48:50 am »I friggin cannot stand dogs being in the house...
The one in my avatar has no problem look up at people cutely, from outside at the pool.
448
Talk Zone / Re: Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 11:47:34 am »
Sorry, but getting a rose on your shoulder or Frosty the Snowman on you left butt cheek doesn't qualify as a "real" tatoo.
What did you get?
449
Talk Zone / Tattoo shops in town? (non-bb)
« on: June 19, 2008, 11:11:41 am »
Can anyone recommend some tattoo shops in town? My husband has decided he'd like to get a tattoo for his birthday. I have one, but got it in Austin almost 20 years ago. He's not figured out a design yet, so we may need to employ an "artist" as opposed to someone who just copies a design we walk in with.
Thanks
Thanks
450
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: June 18, 2008 - Live from the Zombie Birdhouse
« on: June 18, 2008, 11:59:09 pm »I've been to Tuscon, Tehachapi and Tonopah. Tucumcari is on my list if I can find a way. One of my favorite Feat songs.
Ditto. Time to scare up Waiting For Columbus (best ever recording of Mercenary Territory and Fat Man In The Bathtub).
451
You can be sure that Milo will try to sing at least Celebrate and maybe Jungle Boogie.
Thank goodness it's a road game, then, so he'd only be doing that in the shower.
Oh, ew. The visual. *claws at mental eyeballs*
452
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Tejada's present @ Tejada's past, 6/17/08
« on: June 17, 2008, 07:15:13 pm »
What's with the (lack of) up-the-middle defense?
453
Talk Zone / Re: Ensberg signs minor league deal with Indians
« on: June 17, 2008, 03:47:30 pm »She's never proofread her posts previously, why would she start now?
That just seemed... especially egregious, is all.
454
Talk Zone / Re: Ensberg signs minor league deal with Indians
« on: June 17, 2008, 03:42:37 pm »some of the great ones have a\fallen low this year
WTF? Did you even read that before you pressed "Post"?
455
Talk Zone / Re: One change
« on: June 17, 2008, 01:53:50 pm »
Quentin Tarantino and Judd Apatow plugged their ears.
456
Talk Zone / Re: June 27
« on: June 16, 2008, 10:09:49 am »Are you asking if the face value of the tickets is going to drop in the next week?
Either that, or whether scalpers will start paying people to take tickets. I hope, either way, that it was a purely rhetorical question.
457
Talk Zone / Re: my opinbon only
« on: June 16, 2008, 09:59:39 am »"...it's just that when you're regulars are not in, it seems like there's not as high intensity of play."
Especially from your SP, eh? Geez. STFU indeed. (and I don't think, much less SAY that, very often)
458
Talk Zone / Re: Footer defines "rumor"
« on: June 13, 2008, 01:32:12 pm »
Burgers are on a wheat bun, which is really good. But they're nothing to go crazy over. But try one with Swiss cheese and spicy mustard. It's pretty good.
I'll do that next time DH and I go there (tried to get him to pick me up for lunch and go there today, but got a raincheck). The chicken sandwich is on that sweet whitebread bun they use. Not quite Hawaiin bread sweet, but close to it (though they look like ciabatta, it's much softer).
459
Talk Zone / Re: Footer defines "rumor"
« on: June 13, 2008, 01:17:33 pm »
Lankford Grocery isn't as good as Beck's Prime, IMO. Never had Christian's Totem. Folks at the office rave about District 7, but while their burgers are OK, they're nothing spectacular. I can walk there for lunch though (and I can just as easily walk to Beck's Prime in the tunnel).
Haven't had the hamburger there yet, but I love their romano crusted chicken sandwich, especially with pesto. Yummy!
460
Talk Zone / Re: For the love of Scott Baio!
« on: June 13, 2008, 11:35:41 am »I hope that the shit includes more pictures of various celebrities with their arms around me. Can't wait.
What, like this? Or did you have something else in mind?
461
Talk Zone / Re: 5 years ago today
« on: June 12, 2008, 10:31:03 am »No Munro, Saarloos, Lidge, Dotel or Wagner in the bullpen anymore and no Biggio, Bagwell, Kent, Hidalgo, Merced, Vizcaino or Everett in the lineup seems like a good place to start...
Three closers in a row there, and all three have since departed the franchise.
462
Talk Zone / Re: Footer defines "rumor"
« on: June 11, 2008, 09:51:10 am »The "problem" with Houston, is there's really nothing interesting here for visitors.
Agreed. That's probably the single biggest "lack" for a city this size. However, my youngest sister has lived in Los Angeles since 1999, and I've been out there frequently enough and long enough to see how completely unappealing it would be living in an area with a more or less steady stream of tourists and "visitors." No thanks. When we have out of town guests, we ask what they would like to do, and short of geographic impossibilities (snow skiing, mountain climbing) we can generally find it in town, or within 90 minutes of town. So, not a personal issue, for me at least.
463
Talk Zone / Re: Footer defines "rumor"
« on: June 11, 2008, 09:44:17 am »Native Houstonian here...can't stand Goode Co. Never have liked it.
Of course, I like Pizzatola's and Luling City Market, so what do I know?
Had Goode for the first time last weekend (weren't no such thang where I grew up/lived in town before now). The beef brisket was good, but I think I still prefer Hickory Hollow over anything else I've had in town.
464
Talk Zone / Re: Footer defines "rumor"
« on: June 09, 2008, 04:05:23 pm »never have been able to listen to Palilo's show...his voice drives me insane. How the hell do you get on radio with a voice like that???
Well, he's no Carl Dukes!
(almost made it through without the gag reflex kicking in)
465
Talk Zone / RIP, Jim McKay
« on: June 07, 2008, 09:45:06 am »
Some of my earliest sports memories were ABC's Wild World of Sports. He was always a quality listen during the Olympics, and provided poignant commentary outside of pure sports coverage as well (ie: the Munich massacre).
Thoughts go out to his family.
Thoughts go out to his family.
466
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: No place like home: Turds vs Good guys 6/608
« on: June 06, 2008, 07:20:52 pm »
Erstad lines out to 3rd, making Glaus jump a bit. So far, looks like a lot of Looper's stuff is up, and around 91mph. I'm thinking righties should do well if they keep on it.
467
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: No place like home: Turds vs Good guys 6/608
« on: June 06, 2008, 07:19:05 pm »
Pence lines out on a sharp eye-level shot to SS.
Matsui strikes out swinging on an up-and-out fastball.
Matsui strikes out swinging on an up-and-out fastball.
468
Talk Zone / Re: How is "gua" pronounced?
« on: June 04, 2008, 12:01:15 pm »No shit. Was at a winery in Johnson City and they make a 5-blend that they call "Cinque". Now, I (used to) speak a little French, so I pronounced it "Sank". Of course, they make Italian wines, so they pronounced it "Chin-qway". How do you pronounce "D'oh" in Italian?
I think it's pronounced "gua"
See, the italian pronunciation came to mind for me first. Of course, my luck I woulda pronounced it italian and find out it's a French wine, and then been taunted. BB gun woulda gotten me out of that situation, though (with hostages).
470
Talk Zone / Re: Off Day...
« on: June 03, 2008, 10:07:25 am »
Wasn't that one of the guys dancing on the field between innings on the last road trip?
471
Talk Zone / Backe's bat gets some props
« on: May 29, 2008, 12:30:51 pm »
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/05/29/bp.hittingpitchers/1.html
SPHPS, though? Huh?
Had no idea D-Train was that handy with the stick, either.
SPHPS, though? Huh?
Had no idea D-Train was that handy with the stick, either.
472
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes, 5/27/08
« on: May 27, 2008, 07:27:30 pm »
I guess he thought the mascot would try tagging out a runner?
473
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes, 5/27/08
« on: May 27, 2008, 07:18:18 pm »Bourn off to a nice start with a bloop single.
Pujols taking his time trotting back to the bag in front of Bourn while the ball's in play.
474
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Ron Stone (non-baseball)
« on: May 13, 2008, 10:16:08 pm »
Thanks for posting this, as I was heading over here to do the same. I grew up listening to/watching him on Channel 2 here, and I loved his work with the Eyes of Texas. His color pieces were easy-going works of art without any sense of pretentiousness, and anyone who listened to his work could tell that he really cared about what he did, and was doing his best to bring everyday stories into his viewers' everyday lives.
Legend seems a little bombastic of a term, but for lack of a better one, his is the passing of a legend, IMO. RIP, indeed.
For those who are not familiar with his work, the NBC affiliate in town has a very good summary article on their website:
http://www.click2houston.com/news/15925957/detail.html
Legend seems a little bombastic of a term, but for lack of a better one, his is the passing of a legend, IMO. RIP, indeed.
For those who are not familiar with his work, the NBC affiliate in town has a very good summary article on their website:
http://www.click2houston.com/news/15925957/detail.html
475
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros at Jakes, 4/27/2008
« on: April 27, 2008, 01:46:48 pm »
I haven't had the chance to see many games this year, but man... it is NICE watching Bourn out there! After years of having CF fill-ins, my gut was saying "that falls in" on Glaus' drive. Nope. Bourn got there in good time without having to make a last minute dive or anything. Nice.
476
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:53:26 pm »
Doh! Lee took his eye off the ball, and it rolls through from mid-depth left field. Schumaker knocks in the winning run. 4-3.
477
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:46:51 pm »
Ryan knocks one into CF, runners on 1st & 2nd. Izturis in to PR for Wainwright. Borkowski muttering to himself on the mound.
HH: Yup, Dread's got wheels.
HH: Yup, Dread's got wheels.
478
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:44:33 pm »
Nice job by Berkman to get the force at 2nd on a bunt up the line. One out, one one first.
479
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:41:21 pm »
OT: but anyone know if Metro or anyone else is shuttling to the International Festival?
480
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:39:17 pm »
Bleah, swung over one. Onto the bottom of 9th, knotted at 3.
481
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:38:11 pm »
Full count up and out, Pence pops into the first row behind the 1B dugout.
482
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:36:58 pm »
Lee walked, as well. Pence isn't biting on the way-outside stuff, but those middle-low ones must look like candy to him.
483
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:30:47 pm »so why are you complaining about it, then?
Because you brought it here? Dunno. Wondering though how someone knows it's the most self-aggrandizing thing without having seen it, however, heh.
Berkman walks. 2 out bottom of the 9th.
484
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:13:51 pm »We're gonna need a bigger sack.
Tradeja a Whataburger store for one of those Braum's up there.
485
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08
« on: April 26, 2008, 02:11:56 pm »Great drinks with the best ice. Food is horrible.
Right on the drinks but I'll take issue with the food comment. The foot long chili cheese dog is good, the tots are outstanding, and they have Frito Pie Wraps.
Semi-related, but I found out there's a Whataburger underground, catty corner from the client building I'm in now... in freaking downtown (Lamar @ Main). Had me a good reliable cheeseburger and the thickest vanilla shake I've had in YEARS, for lunch yesterday. Gotta love discovering little gems in the tunnel system
486
Talk Zone / Re: Borowski (no k) to DL
« on: April 15, 2008, 04:56:12 pm »Villarreal's 4HR/9IP looks better and better.
Ew. No, it does not.
487
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: 4/13/08: FLA @ HOU
« on: April 13, 2008, 01:16:44 pm »Where are they playing? I don't recognize the daytime backdrop behind home plate.
Um, at MMP?
And yeah, it's LOVELY here. Too bad DH didn't want to go, and I have a presentation to put together today :/
488
Talk Zone / Re: If this is your wallet, Mr Mclane, how much money is in it?
« on: April 11, 2008, 11:22:53 pm »489
Talk Zone / Re: If this is your wallet, Mr Mclane, how much money is in it?
« on: April 11, 2008, 02:59:58 pm »must be the vig
Maybe it's preggo brains, but... "vig"?
490
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros @ Cubs, 4-4-08
« on: April 04, 2008, 03:18:24 pm »"Berkman - who, let's face it, has been a running at the mouth machine..."
When did you think you'd hear that phrase?
FIFT?
491
Talk Zone / "A Boston-NYY-Free Guide"
« on: March 31, 2008, 06:04:35 pm »
Ugh, they used the dreaded "Houston..." sublead, but hey, at least they started out with "New York and Boston may be located in the Northeast, but together they invariably suck up all the oxygen of the baseball world."
Time article.
ETA:
Ew wait. Lost a few other big points, even though it's in the PHI section: "Philadelphia's wild card is new closer Brad Lidge, the former Houston Astros All-Star who hasn't been the same pitcher since Albert Pujols launched his slider into space during the 2005 playoffs."
Oh well. At least it started out amusingly.
Time article.
ETA:
Ew wait. Lost a few other big points, even though it's in the PHI section: "Philadelphia's wild card is new closer Brad Lidge, the former Houston Astros All-Star who hasn't been the same pitcher since Albert Pujols launched his slider into space during the 2005 playoffs."
Oh well. At least it started out amusingly.
492
Talk Zone / Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: New Forum Roll Out!
« on: March 31, 2008, 03:12:27 pm »
Nice call on WordPress, too.
Keep it up, y'all.
Keep it up, y'all.
493
Talk Zone / Re: Play Ball
« on: March 31, 2008, 03:00:42 pm »So explain to me again why MLB is not using Houston as an opening day city?
When did MLB abandon the tradition of starting out in Cincinnati? Was it when they decided it was better to start the season overseas?
494
Beer and Queso / Re: Financial Calculations (non-bb)
« on: March 25, 2008, 01:32:03 pm »
I guess I'm just old school. Of course, I'm not a product of the lackey bushneck public schools in Texas, so perhaps my learning multiplication *before* grad school was out of the ordinary.
I bet you do your reserve reports with just pen(cil?) and paper
495
Talk Zone / Re: We'll be using pink bats (non-BB)
« on: March 19, 2008, 01:06:59 pm »All split tails at my house. Good going, Holly.
Not sure what this means, but hey... blame (or congratulate) the other half's swimmers! I had nothing to do with whether a stem showed up on the apple.
Thanks to everyone else, and mihoba: 17? Egads. I guess that was what, 8 years ago? Geez. Hopefully he's kept up on his scorekeeping skillz
496
Talk Zone / We'll be using pink bats (non-BB)
« on: March 18, 2008, 12:46:27 pm »
Just a little announcement: got back from the big 20-week ultrasound today, and my husband and I are happy to announce that we are expecting a little girl So, looks like pink bats in our future!
Carry on
So, looks like pink bats in our future!Carry on
497
Talk Zone / Re: Shiner 99
« on: March 11, 2008, 11:37:16 am »On an unrelated note...I hear that the Dave Clark Five are being inducted into the Rock n Roll HOF. That's like Bob Horner getting into Cooperstown.
And Madonna, too. What "rock" has she recorded?
498
Talk Zone / Re: Raise your hand if you think Milo will outlive you...
« on: February 29, 2008, 04:01:51 pm »
I didn't get to hear any of the game, but caught the pregame while on my way back from lunch. His summary of the pregame interview with Ausmus was shockingly lucid, until at the end, he wrapped it up with "So there's what you missed with Oswalt. Maybe not straight from the horse's mouth, but close enough."
The funny thing was, he ended his "recap" with a quote from Ausmus saying he'd place Oswalt in the top 5 in the game, which given his wrapup made it sound like Oswalt had been talking about himself in 3rd person and placed himself in the top 5.
Messed up enough to sound messed up when retelling it. Quite a talent that guy has.
The funny thing was, he ended his "recap" with a quote from Ausmus saying he'd place Oswalt in the top 5 in the game, which given his wrapup made it sound like Oswalt had been talking about himself in 3rd person and placed himself in the top 5.
Messed up enough to sound messed up when retelling it. Quite a talent that guy has.
499
Talk Zone / Re: Shiner 99
« on: February 29, 2008, 12:29:24 pm »Das weiß ich schon. Und da können die wirklich gutes Bier brauen. Hoffentlich ist ‚,Shiner Helles“ solches.
Five points for using the "correct" quotemarks there, too
500
Talk Zone / Re: Shiner 99
« on: February 29, 2008, 10:15:15 am »Helles is actually German for "bright" not "light"
Well, light in the same sense of light-colored/pale, rather than essentially "diet." Ask for a Bier in Germany and you'll usually be asked to clarify "Dunkel, Hell oder Bock?" (Dark, light or bock?)