Long time since I last posted. We've been busy. Randi and Jesse's wedding was a ball, my first time to sing Hava Nagila! The following weekend we had out house-warming party. Lots of folks were there, but most fun was having Jeremy and Laura C. hanging out and *dancing*! It was a really nice reunion.
The following Monday, October 20th, my Aunt Margaret died. She was only 57 and it blew my mind. Since then I've been more or less trying to get my head back on straight. My nephews and nieces were around for a while and we spent Halloween together. We carved pumpkins and went trick-or-treating together. We spent Thanksgiving with Jared's family in Sugarland, outside of Houston. Jared's oral defense of his thesis is this Friday. Once he's done with that he's pretty much in the clear. We're ready to be a fully two-income family again! Wish him luck...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Update
The floors will be complete this weekend. We have to be moved in by Friday, so I'm taking some time off work next week. We've decided on and Ivy Green and a Chocolate Brown for the dining/living/kitchen, and a light, light green for the bedrooms. Bathrooms are yet to be determined.
I'm hosting Randi's bachelorette party next weekend during ACL. Should be a lot of fun. Jesse's 26th is this weekend, so we're celebrating with -what else- Mexican food. *the choice food of birthdays*
Jared's playing at the Double Wide in Dallas today. He gets to see Tim AND Trey. Dick.
The League's monthly program was standing-room-only last night. *rad*
I'm hosting Randi's bachelorette party next weekend during ACL. Should be a lot of fun. Jesse's 26th is this weekend, so we're celebrating with -what else- Mexican food. *the choice food of birthdays*
Jared's playing at the Double Wide in Dallas today. He gets to see Tim AND Trey. Dick.
The League's monthly program was standing-room-only last night. *rad*
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Closing
Jared and I close on the house Thursday. The seller installs the new water heater and range tomorrow. We have to buy a fridge. I think we're going with this one: Hotpoint HSS22GFT. It scored 2nd best on Consumer Reports and was half the price of the #1. We chose our range from Consumer Reports too, Hotpoint RGB745WEH. They're both black. We're thinking Daffodil for the living room and Celestial for the dining/kitchen/hallway. Jared wants a bright white for the bedroom but I'm leaning toward a white mint. We'll see.
We found a nice tile that picks up some of the light, light brown colors in the limestone of the fireplace.
We'd like to remove the popcorn from the ceiling, but I hear that it's a real bitch so we may delay it a bit.
We certainly need to think about painting the cabinets as they're pretty lame, but again, not as high a priority!
We're also putting in a tub with fancy-pants jets! It's gonna be standard size since we don't want to do a full remodel, but it'll be deeper and rad.
More updates to come...
We found a nice tile that picks up some of the light, light brown colors in the limestone of the fireplace.
We'd like to remove the popcorn from the ceiling, but I hear that it's a real bitch so we may delay it a bit.
We certainly need to think about painting the cabinets as they're pretty lame, but again, not as high a priority!
We're also putting in a tub with fancy-pants jets! It's gonna be standard size since we don't want to do a full remodel, but it'll be deeper and rad.
More updates to come...
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
My Birthday
I'll be 30 in less than a month which means I'll be undeniable adult and no one can fuck with me! Happy birthday me!
Additionally, it seems this is an opportune time for re-invention of self. Here are some options:
Hippie Kristy: buy more patchwork clothing and use Jared's crystal deodorant.
Academic Kristy: give up on working and just self-stem on campus.
Stimulant Kristy: athletic and lithe, stimulant Kristy can disco till dawn.
90's Kristy: Prozac and a black mani.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
House shopping
We've been looking at houses recently so I thought I'd share some cute pix of Jared on the hunt.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Serotonin Levels Determine Sense of Fairnes
People who have low serotonin are more apt to think that they were being given unfair treatment in an economic game.
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin govern the way people react to unfair offers when they play the game of life, a new study indicates.
Serotonin, which carries messages between neurons, is involved in emotional control. One recent study found that the expression of anger in women was affected by variations in a gene governing the receptors for serotonin in brain cells.
The new study, reported in the June 5 issue of Science, had people play what is called the Ultimate Game, which is being used widely in psychological and neurological studies. The game has one player proposing a way to split a pot of money. If the offer is accepted by the other player, both get paid. If it is refused, neither gets a payment.
The researchers had some players make deliberately unfair offers: "I get 80 percent, you get 20 percent." They found that players given a chemical that lowered serotonin levels were more likely to reject an unfair offer.
Serotonin levels have that effect, because the chemical is involved in the activity of the prefrontal region of the brain, explained study author Molly J. Crockett, a doctoral student at the University of Cambridge in England.
"One recent study on the Ultimate Game showed that when an unfair offer is accepted, you see activity in the prefrontal cortex," Crockett said. "Down-rating the emotional response makes it more unlikely that an unfair offer will be accepted."
In other words, lower serotonin levels also meant a higher level of resentment, so that an offer that wasn't as good as it might be would be turned down. Conversely, higher serotonin levels would make it easier to live in an imperfect world.
It's hard to apply that knowledge directly, Crockett said.
"What we did was have people fast overnight," she said. "On some days of the study, they took either a pill with all amino acids or a placebo. On the experiment day, they took a pill with all the amino acids but tryptophan. Over the course of several hours, that would have been converted to serotonin."
Knowledge about the role of serotonin in the emotions already is being put to use, sometimes legally and sometimes not, said research team member Matthew D. Lieberman, an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Prescription medications such as antidepressants are known to affect serotonin levels, and the same is true of MDMA, the psychedelic drug whose street name is Ecstasy, Lieberman said. It is, he said, "a quick serotonin enhancer."
One everyday implication of the study is that brain chemistry "is going to affect how we judge other people and are treated by other people," Lieberman said.
A proposed experiment would have people play the Ultimate Game inside a magnetic resonance imaging machine that would produce images of brain activity, Lieberman said. "We could see, as we change serotonin levels, how the brain responds in an imaging study to fair and unfair offers," he said.
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin govern the way people react to unfair offers when they play the game of life, a new study indicates.
Serotonin, which carries messages between neurons, is involved in emotional control. One recent study found that the expression of anger in women was affected by variations in a gene governing the receptors for serotonin in brain cells.
The new study, reported in the June 5 issue of Science, had people play what is called the Ultimate Game, which is being used widely in psychological and neurological studies. The game has one player proposing a way to split a pot of money. If the offer is accepted by the other player, both get paid. If it is refused, neither gets a payment.
The researchers had some players make deliberately unfair offers: "I get 80 percent, you get 20 percent." They found that players given a chemical that lowered serotonin levels were more likely to reject an unfair offer.
Serotonin levels have that effect, because the chemical is involved in the activity of the prefrontal region of the brain, explained study author Molly J. Crockett, a doctoral student at the University of Cambridge in England.
"One recent study on the Ultimate Game showed that when an unfair offer is accepted, you see activity in the prefrontal cortex," Crockett said. "Down-rating the emotional response makes it more unlikely that an unfair offer will be accepted."
In other words, lower serotonin levels also meant a higher level of resentment, so that an offer that wasn't as good as it might be would be turned down. Conversely, higher serotonin levels would make it easier to live in an imperfect world.
It's hard to apply that knowledge directly, Crockett said.
"What we did was have people fast overnight," she said. "On some days of the study, they took either a pill with all amino acids or a placebo. On the experiment day, they took a pill with all the amino acids but tryptophan. Over the course of several hours, that would have been converted to serotonin."
Knowledge about the role of serotonin in the emotions already is being put to use, sometimes legally and sometimes not, said research team member Matthew D. Lieberman, an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Prescription medications such as antidepressants are known to affect serotonin levels, and the same is true of MDMA, the psychedelic drug whose street name is Ecstasy, Lieberman said. It is, he said, "a quick serotonin enhancer."
One everyday implication of the study is that brain chemistry "is going to affect how we judge other people and are treated by other people," Lieberman said.
A proposed experiment would have people play the Ultimate Game inside a magnetic resonance imaging machine that would produce images of brain activity, Lieberman said. "We could see, as we change serotonin levels, how the brain responds in an imaging study to fair and unfair offers," he said.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Golden Rule
CHRISTIANITY
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets." - Matthew 7:12
JUDAISM
"What is harmful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." - Talmud, Shabbat, 312
HINDUISM
"This is the turn of duty; do naught unto others which could cause you pain if done to you." - Mahabharata, 5, 1517
CONFUCIANISM
"Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto other that you would not have them do unto you." - Analects, 15, 23
TAOISM
"Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss." - T’sai Shang Kan Ying P’ien
BUDDHISM
"Hurt not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful." - Udana-Varga, 5, 18
ZOROASTRIANISM
"That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself." - Didistan-i-dinik, 94, 5
ISLAM
"No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." - Sunnah
SECULAR VIEW
"Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same." - George Bernard Shaw
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets." - Matthew 7:12
JUDAISM
"What is harmful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." - Talmud, Shabbat, 312
HINDUISM
"This is the turn of duty; do naught unto others which could cause you pain if done to you." - Mahabharata, 5, 1517
CONFUCIANISM
"Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto other that you would not have them do unto you." - Analects, 15, 23
TAOISM
"Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss." - T’sai Shang Kan Ying P’ien
BUDDHISM
"Hurt not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful." - Udana-Varga, 5, 18
ZOROASTRIANISM
"That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself." - Didistan-i-dinik, 94, 5
ISLAM
"No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." - Sunnah
SECULAR VIEW
"Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same." - George Bernard Shaw
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Books I want to read:
The City of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
The Parenthood Decision
Cheerfully Childless
MisConceptions by Naomi Wolfe
Survivor: A Novel
The Batille Reader
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Kite Runner
The Way of All Flesh By Samuel Butler
The White Plague by Frank Herbert
Independence Day by Richard Ford
American Pastoral by Philip Roth
The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bello
The Power and the Glory by Graham Green
The Most Of P.G. Wodehouse
The Mind Has No Sex?: Women in the Origins of Modern Science by Londa Schiebinger
Being There by Jerzy Kosinski
Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs by Pavel Tsatsouline
The WInd-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
The Parenthood Decision
Cheerfully Childless
MisConceptions by Naomi Wolfe
Survivor: A Novel
The Batille Reader
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Kite Runner
The Way of All Flesh By Samuel Butler
The White Plague by Frank Herbert
Independence Day by Richard Ford
American Pastoral by Philip Roth
The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bello
The Power and the Glory by Graham Green
The Most Of P.G. Wodehouse
The Mind Has No Sex?: Women in the Origins of Modern Science by Londa Schiebinger
Being There by Jerzy Kosinski
Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs by Pavel Tsatsouline
The WInd-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Free Lecture
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 7 P.M.
Anne Waldman discusses her life as a Beat poet with Harry Ransom Center Curator of British and American Literature Molly Schwartzburg. This free lecture occurs at the Harry Ransom Center.
Waldman co-founded with Allen Ginsberg the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University, where she serves as the Artistic Director of the Summer Writing Program. She has published dozens of books of poetry, and her work has been translated into several languages.
This program is presented in conjunction with the Ransom Center's current exhibition On the Road with the Beats.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Recording
Looks like recording will start in June for the new Sweet Lee Morrow album. There are plans to record with Grammy-nominated producer John Congleton
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Toxic Cleanse
Sometimes exit is the best option. Some people stay far too long in toxic relationships, exploitative jobs, and other horrific situations. Anger is the good friend that urges us to leave these situations, that won't let us feel comfortable enduring mistreatment. When you see the sign that says exit, head for it. Sometimes exit entails physically leaving a person or organization. More often, though, it means detaching at a deep emotional level by acknowledging that you are on different wavelengths.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
C.S. Lewis - the "Virgin Mary" of the Church of Christ
It’s hard to defend the idea that Lewis really is writing for nonbelievers — or even intended to. It’s more plausible that he was writing for believers and that the ridicule of nonbelievers helps create a sense of “us vs. them” solidarity among believers who have faith but don't realize that they have reason behind them as well. They can join together in pitying the poor, benighted atheists.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Sweet Lee Morrow
April 3, 2008
Austinist Show Preview: The Fever Dreams, Haunting Oboe Music, Visitors, & Sweet Lee Morrow @ Antone's
If you’re in the mood to delve into the music of some fine local acts, you will not want to miss SureFire Media + Promotion’s latest event at Antone’s tonight. When we last checked in with them, we learnt of their plans to bring fresh faces to the historic venue on 5th St. Thursday’s bill features four exciting bands primed for their moment of glory in the Live Music Capital. Haunting Oboe Music has been ubiquitous in the past year, playing everywhere, from The Parlor up north to the Do512 Compound down south, and almost every Red River venue in between. The ambitious band plans to drop an EP every month this year; you can read our review for January’s h here and buy it, along with the February, March, and April releases at Waterloo Records or via iTunes. The Fever Dreams’ experimental psychedelic concoctions are intriguing to the say the least, with numerous twists and turns throughout. The outfit’s versatile creations can be found on last year’s Tregan of Polycorns, also available at Waterloo Records, as well as End of an Ear and Cheapo Discs....
Austinist Show Preview: The Fever Dreams, Haunting Oboe Music, Visitors, & Sweet Lee Morrow @ Antone's
If you’re in the mood to delve into the music of some fine local acts, you will not want to miss SureFire Media + Promotion’s latest event at Antone’s tonight. When we last checked in with them, we learnt of their plans to bring fresh faces to the historic venue on 5th St. Thursday’s bill features four exciting bands primed for their moment of glory in the Live Music Capital. Haunting Oboe Music has been ubiquitous in the past year, playing everywhere, from The Parlor up north to the Do512 Compound down south, and almost every Red River venue in between. The ambitious band plans to drop an EP every month this year; you can read our review for January’s h here and buy it, along with the February, March, and April releases at Waterloo Records or via iTunes. The Fever Dreams’ experimental psychedelic concoctions are intriguing to the say the least, with numerous twists and turns throughout. The outfit’s versatile creations can be found on last year’s Tregan of Polycorns, also available at Waterloo Records, as well as End of an Ear and Cheapo Discs....
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Anti SXSW
Dolphins and Whales 3D
Dive into a new immersive and highly emotional "must sea" adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean.
This awe-inspiring film, narrated by Daryl Hannah, will take you from the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the warm depths of the waters of the exotic Kingdom of Tonga for a close encounter with the surviving tribes of the ocean.
call (512) 936-4649
There is no late seating in the IMAX® Theatre. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled show time.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Recurring Dream
I have a recurring dream that the creek next to my childhood home is either dammed or has such extensive erosion that it loses its form.The creek intersects a river at a right angle and the house is bounded by both. In my dream the river is periodically walled, canal-style and the water is filthy and highly traveled. Frequently my (childhood) home is unchanged but the neighboring homes have a sort of City of Lost Children, surrealist vibe with lots of mill wheels and rickety boardwalks.
Friday, March 7, 2008
B scene
Friday, March 7, 6–11 PM
Art is feminine.
Join us for B scene, the Blanton's monthly art party. In March celebrate Women's History Month with a special Ladies Night* and a live performance by retro darlings The Carrots. Plus, move and groove to tunes by DJ Honeycomb, explore the artistic expression of women in the Blanton's collection, and enjoy libations from our cash bar and free appetizers courtesy of Catering by Rosemary. Cost: $5 for members; $10 for non–members. Tickets available at the museum.
Ongoing
DJ Honeycomb spins tunes by all of your favorite ladies of rock, pop, and soul.
Enjoy beer, wine, and Blantinis at the cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres in the Atrium. (Drink tickets available for purchase at each bar. Drink tickets will not be served after 10:30 PM.)
Make a magnet using images of women and works by women artists from the Blanton's collection.
6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30 PM
Art Briefs tours will examine representations of women throughout the ages, as well as works by women in the collection. Space is limited. Look for free tickets at the Art Briefs sign near the Visitor Services Desk.
9:30 PM
Enjoy the ‘60s girl group–inspired sounds of The Carrots.
* Ladies will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes. Regular admission still applies.
Learn Something Awesome! (for free)
"Friday, March 7, 7pm
Learn Something Awesome! is tonight. Come by and bring your friends!
Here's the schedule:
- Chinese medicine and acupuncture (as well as a few practical things that
don't necesarrily fit into those categories.) - Laura Farb
- Yoga with a radical perspective. Bring a small blanket? - Devin
- How to make a basic web site in Dreamweaver - taught by myself :-)
- How to create a blog that may eventually earn money - taught by my
sister, Zara
- Crocheting plastic bags into useful items - Cristen Andrews
MonkeyWrench is located at 110 E. North Loop. As always, call us at
407.6925 for directions to the store."
Learn Something Awesome! is tonight. Come by and bring your friends!
Here's the schedule:
- Chinese medicine and acupuncture (as well as a few practical things that
don't necesarrily fit into those categories.) - Laura Farb
- Yoga with a radical perspective. Bring a small blanket? - Devin
- How to make a basic web site in Dreamweaver - taught by myself :-)
- How to create a blog that may eventually earn money - taught by my
sister, Zara
- Crocheting plastic bags into useful items - Cristen Andrews
MonkeyWrench is located at 110 E. North Loop. As always, call us at
407.6925 for directions to the store."
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fantasy Prone Personality
"A small percentage of the population has retained from childhood a great deal of their ability to "live" their fantasies. What they fantasize is much more vivid and real than for most other people.
Characteristics of a "fantasy prone personality" include vivid waking dreams, susceptibility for hypnosis, possessing imaginary friends as a child, having psychic experiences, having out-of-body or floating experiences, encountering apparitions, visions or hallucinations and receipt of special messages. Many believe that reports of paranormal events or experiences are more likely from such individuals."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A Lovely Sign
"I know of no good reason to believe, so I do not. I await new evidence to the contrary. After several thousand years, I tend to think it may not be forthcoming".
Monday, March 3, 2008
Visible Indicators of Heart Health
Corneal arcus appears as a whitish ring on the peripheral cornea with a clear zone between it and the limbus. The white ring is an accumulation of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Arcus affects over 60% of the population between 40 and 60 years of age and can be associated with abnormal serum lipid profiles. Although bilateral arcus is a common finding, when it presents unilaterally a carotid workup is indicated to check for plaque deposits.
And another...
Scientists at Liverpool University have established a link between the length of baby boys' fingers and their chances of going on to have a heart attack at an unusually young age.
The longer your ring finger, the more protected you are against heart attack. This is because these boys tend to have lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, which is known to protect against heart attack.
And another...
Scientists at Liverpool University have established a link between the length of baby boys' fingers and their chances of going on to have a heart attack at an unusually young age.
The longer your ring finger, the more protected you are against heart attack. This is because these boys tend to have lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, which is known to protect against heart attack.
The 1st Annual Austin Regional Grilled Cheese Invitational!
March 22, 2008
The Austin Grilled Cheese Invitational is the first regional Grilled Cheese Invitational in Texas. The winners of this regional will be offered places to compete in the National Invitational in Los Angeles in April, and the winner of the Best in Show will win a plane ticket to sunny southern California for the event. There will be trophies. There will be cheese. It will be amazing.
Anyone is welcome to attend this event and you do not have to compete in order to sample a sammich. All voting is done by audience ballot and each competitor must prepare at least 16 samples of their sammich for the gathered audience members to judge.
On March 22nd, we will all bear witness, but only the true, only the strongest, only proudest and most twisted ponies will earn the sacred right to hold a glimmering, golden trophy aloft for all to see and scream to the malignant heavens above: "I AM A FUCKING GRILLED CHEESE CHAMPION™!
Yours in bread, butter, cheese and victory.
The Austin Grilled Cheese Invitational is the first regional Grilled Cheese Invitational in Texas. The winners of this regional will be offered places to compete in the National Invitational in Los Angeles in April, and the winner of the Best in Show will win a plane ticket to sunny southern California for the event. There will be trophies. There will be cheese. It will be amazing.
Anyone is welcome to attend this event and you do not have to compete in order to sample a sammich. All voting is done by audience ballot and each competitor must prepare at least 16 samples of their sammich for the gathered audience members to judge.
On March 22nd, we will all bear witness, but only the true, only the strongest, only proudest and most twisted ponies will earn the sacred right to hold a glimmering, golden trophy aloft for all to see and scream to the malignant heavens above: "I AM A FUCKING GRILLED CHEESE CHAMPION™!
Yours in bread, butter, cheese and victory.
Fredericksburg Knap-In
April 9-13, Pedernales Knap-in, Fredericksburg, Texas. On the grounds of historic Ft. Martin Scott. We focus on helping beginners get a start, and the Pedernales river is just a mile away. Come on down and collect a few buckets of rock while you're here. The city of Fredericksburg is full of antique stores and shops for the family. Dry camping available on site, or there is an RV park just across the road. For more information contact Michael Roegner 469-371-4422 or Bill Metcalfe 254-634-3264.
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4th Annaul Art Outside
At the Austin Enchanted Forest
TIMES: Fri, March 7 - Sun, March 16 at 7 p.m.; Sun, March 9 - Sun, March 16 from 12-5 p.m.; Sun, March 16 from 12-5 p.m.
COST: $5 day $10 night
You know what art is, right? You visit a quiet, white space, comment on esoteric art pieces, and exchange neutral, respectful remarks with your high-minded peers – sound familiar? Prepare for the gallery opening that wants to completely banish that idea of “art,” and offer something a little more off-the-wall. From March 6th through 16th the Austin Enchanted Forest will attempt to change your mind about art by, first and foremost, taking it outside. The result? The 4th Annual Art Outside event.
Austin Enchanted Forest * 1412 W. Oltorf * Austin, Texas 78704 * 512.743.9031 www.austinenhcantedforest.com www.artoutside.org
Ken's Amazing Work
Here are a few of flint knapper meet-up Ken's pieces. He had a beautiful point made from a television screen.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Flint Knapping Meetup
"When you find yourself alone in nature with no way out, will you be the hunter or food? We will learn the ways passed on for thousands of years.
Before HEB humans used stone and wood to create food and a home. This group of old and young is a hands on study and practice of stone tool making. As long as man walks this earth we will make and use stone tools.
Make time to visit with us,it will change the way you view your life today.
check out the flint knapping meetup."
80th Annual Kite Festival at Zilker Park
The Kite Festival was created by the Exchange Club of Austin in 1929 with a mission to encourage creativity in children. The day is “magical” and beautiful as a wonderful array of kites fill the skies over Austin!
Most importantly, the Exchange Club uses revenue from concessions, kite and t shirt sales to help Austin kids who are in abusive situations and to prevent child abuse.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Guess who I saw walkin' at Town Lake?
Ole' Barry Obama himself! I was just chillin' at the lake on a rock and we walked right by me. Yea!
What's left out of my story:
I was driving to a work event and I saw the secret service cars watching the lake and I figured it was a good bet that either Hilary or Barry was walking so I did a U-turn and parked and walked briskly toward the lake. Saw Barry and crossed his path far in front of him leaving myself enough time to look unimpressed when he walked past me.
I'm cool like Coltrane.
What's left out of my story:
I was driving to a work event and I saw the secret service cars watching the lake and I figured it was a good bet that either Hilary or Barry was walking so I did a U-turn and parked and walked briskly toward the lake. Saw Barry and crossed his path far in front of him leaving myself enough time to look unimpressed when he walked past me.
I'm cool like Coltrane.
What to do in Wimberley
I lived in Wimberley from '80 'till '87 and my mother lives there now.
Here are my insider tips:
The easiest way to get there from Austin is to take 290 West to Dripping Springs then turn left onto Rance Road 12. You know you're nearing RR 12 cuz you'll see a Dairy Queen on the right. (PS this DQ sucks. wait 'till you get to Wimberley)
Quick story: The DQ was the first place to have a tall, plastic sign in Wimberley (this is '86) and the sign was shot three times and replaced three times in the first months it was up.
The Cypress Creek Cafe on the square is the better of the cafes. "The Cafe" has a nice bucolic feel at night when they open the bar in the back and have rootsy/bluesy/country type tunes. They have a big fire pit thing in the back which I like.
INOZ is on the square too and has a better view but it's sports bar food. Maybe have a drink at INOZ for the view and enjoy the access to the river bank.
There's a wine bar called Clifford's on RR12 on your way from "Dripping". It's got a nice patio area surrounded by oaks and is pretty private.
I LOVE Pioneer Town but you have to bring your sense of humor and irony. They have these great (read:terrible) set ups of mannequins playing cards and other household activities and an 8 foot stuffed "jackalope". There's never anyone there since the liability insurance forced the closure of the fort and the train so it's really desolate and rad. There's also an arcade and an ice cream parlor. Did I mention that it had it's heyday in the 60's?
There is a coffee shop across the street from the grocery store.
Bella Vista is the Olive grove. It's not TERRIBLY exciting but it's pretty cool to see. I like Wimberley Glass Works and the Bonsai museum. This last one sounds dull but it's pretty cool.
The Old Mill store next to the Cypress Creek Cafe has the best candy.
This link has a map to Old Baldy which is a "Texas mountain" with a great view. A great place to picnic or just get away.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Recipe to try
My new years resolution *last year* was to learn to cook tofu so here I am, a year and 2 months later, making plans to make my first tofu-based meal.
"Scrambled Tofu
Submitted by Isa
prep time: 5 minutes | cooking time: 30 minutes | makes 4-ish
Tofu was meant to be scrambled. I think I'll make a t-shirt that says that because it's so darn true. I make many variations on this but this is the one I made this morning. The most important thing is that you get the texture right, you want it to be crumbled but chunky, because as you cook it it will crumble more, so just give it a squeeze and crumble through your fingers right into the pan when you're ready to cook it.
Equipment:
Skillet, I prefer cast iron but use what you've got
Firm wooden spatula
Ingredients
1 lb. extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium chopped white onion (about a cup)
2 cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
juice of 1/2 a lime
1 carrot (this is optional, I grate it in at the end, mostly for color)
spice blend:
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon thyme, crushed with your fingers
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Saute onions 3 minutes, until softened. Add mushrooms, saute 5 minutes more. Add garlic, saute 2 minutes more. Add spice blend and mix it up for 15 seconds or so. Add 1/4 cup water and deglaze the pan, scrapingthe bottom to get all the garlic and spices.
Crumble in tofu and mix well. Don't crush the tofu, just kind of lift it and mix it around. You want it to remain chunky. Let cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding splashes of water if necesary to keep it from sticking too much. Lower the heat a bit if you find that it is sticking. Add lime juice. Add nutritional yeast and mix it up. If it seems too dry add splashes of water. The moistness really depends on how much water the tofu was retaining before you added it.
Grate the carrot into it and fold. Serve with guacamole and salsa and potatoes and toast and tempeh bacon. Then rub your tummy till well into the afternoon."
Monday, February 18, 2008
What to do in Austin for the eclipse?
Public Lecture: The Possibility of Life Elsewhere in the Universe
Chris Chyba, Professor of astrophysical sciences and international affairs at Princeton University, will deliver the lecture "The Possibility of Life Elsewhere in the Universe," Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30PM in room 2.224 of Welch Hall (map). The talk is free and open to the public. Like his mentor, Carl Sagan, Dr. Chyba was long associated with the SETI Institute, which searches for intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. Weather permitting, public viewing of the evening's total lunar eclipse will follow, on the 17th floor of RLM (map). Totality begins at 9:00PM.
Enjoy a spectacular view of the full moon rise and the lunar eclipse from the overlook of Wild Basin. Learn about the different moon phases, science, legends, and lore with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. You may want to bring a small flashlight, water, and a cushion. $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and ages 5-12. Reservations required.
There's always Mount Bonnell or the overlook at the 360 bridge.
Chris Chyba, Professor of astrophysical sciences and international affairs at Princeton University, will deliver the lecture "The Possibility of Life Elsewhere in the Universe," Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30PM in room 2.224 of Welch Hall (map). The talk is free and open to the public. Like his mentor, Carl Sagan, Dr. Chyba was long associated with the SETI Institute, which searches for intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe. Weather permitting, public viewing of the evening's total lunar eclipse will follow, on the 17th floor of RLM (map). Totality begins at 9:00PM.
or
Enjoy a spectacular view of the full moon rise and the lunar eclipse from the overlook of Wild Basin. Learn about the different moon phases, science, legends, and lore with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. You may want to bring a small flashlight, water, and a cushion. $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and ages 5-12. Reservations required.
or
There's always Mount Bonnell or the overlook at the 360 bridge.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Women’s Sexual Assault Prevention Seminar
"Learning Self-Defense begins with not thinking of yourself as a victim. Looking strong, alert, confident and healthy is the first line of defense against a violent or sexual assault. But if the unthinkable happens, recent events have PROVEN that fighting back WORKS! If it comes down to it, learn the system Law Enforcement agencies use to protect their Officers, that system is Krav Maga.
Come participate in this valuable three-hour class at our Penn Field location March 15, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The class is $29, a small price to feel confident in your ability to defend yourself.
Get the tools that you need. To sign up or for more information, call 441-KRAV or visit www.fitandfearless.com."
Come participate in this valuable three-hour class at our Penn Field location March 15, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The class is $29, a small price to feel confident in your ability to defend yourself.
Get the tools that you need. To sign up or for more information, call 441-KRAV or visit www.fitandfearless.com."
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bas Rutten
I took a class on a mixed martial arts that's new to me called Bas Rutten. This guy: 
It kicked my ass. We started with punching and ducking which is all good. Then we were to head-butt our partner and grab them from behind the knees, dropping them to the ground. Then we were to pin them and more or less lie on them. When you're falling backward you have to stretch out your arms at a 45 degree angle from your body with hands flat to disperse your weight. You can't put them out too early, though, or you'll end up bracing yourself with your wrists which is a very, very bad thing to do.
It kicked my ass. We started with punching and ducking which is all good. Then we were to head-butt our partner and grab them from behind the knees, dropping them to the ground. Then we were to pin them and more or less lie on them. When you're falling backward you have to stretch out your arms at a 45 degree angle from your body with hands flat to disperse your weight. You can't put them out too early, though, or you'll end up bracing yourself with your wrists which is a very, very bad thing to do.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I got robbed in the office!
Some guy came in while I was visiting my coworker's office and stole $13 out of my purse. Turns out he pushed a lady next door down and took her whole purse so I got off pretty easy! And the cops came -- at least 10 or 15 of them -- and they searched all the rooms in the building. And they pulled out their guns one time. And one of them had an iPhone.
so many heros so little time
"For me, it is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." - Carl Sagan
Monday, February 11, 2008
National Karaoke League
"If you’ve ever belted out Journey at the top of your lungs or totally owned on a group version of Sweet Caroline, then the National Karaoke League is for you! The National Karaoke League (or NKL) is competitive coed team-based karaoke for adults who love to have some fun and rock the mic.
The inaugural division is open for registration in Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas. But you don't have to be a world class musician to have a great time in the National Karaoke League! Our league encourages everyone to sing and meet new people over the silliest "sport" in the world.
The season starts Wednesday, March 5th at 8pm with a Get-To-Know-Your-Team Night, and continues every Wednesday in March and April, concluding with the Finals and End of Season Party on April 30th. Our league home is the Bennigan's Grill and Tavern at 301 Barton Springs Dr. and they're providing league members with some great specials:
-$2 domestics
-$2 margaritas
-$2 long islands
-$2 cosmos
-$3 select appetizers
...but only for people in their NKL league t-shirt!
Check out our website at http://www.nationalkaraokeleague.com and get registered today! Our first division will be capped at 48 members, so sign up soon and start singing in your shower, because you won't want to miss your chance to join the National Karaoke League! "
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Trans-Atlantic Cables Cut
Arthur C. Clark's Songs of Distant Earth has a sub-plot in which intelligent lobster-like creatures cut the undersea communication cables with their claws. Then they wrap them around their wrists and wear them as trophy-jewelry.
The photo below shows a similar lobster-like creature attempting to consume a Volkswagen Beetle while a family watches, unable to stop the creature.
The photo below shows a similar lobster-like creature attempting to consume a Volkswagen Beetle while a family watches, unable to stop the creature.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
My new Faith
With millions, if not thousands, of devout worshippers, the Church of the FSM is widely considered a legitimate religion, even by its opponents - mostly fundamentalist Christians, who have accepted that our God has larger balls than theirs.
Some claim that the church is purely a thought experiment, satire, illustrating that Intelligent Design is not science, but rather a pseudoscience manufactured by Christians to push Creationism into public schools. These people are mistaken. The Church of FSM is real, totally legit, and backed by hard science. Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental."
Some claim that the church is purely a thought experiment, satire, illustrating that Intelligent Design is not science, but rather a pseudoscience manufactured by Christians to push Creationism into public schools. These people are mistaken. The Church of FSM is real, totally legit, and backed by hard science. Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental."
Monday, February 4, 2008
Wild Basin, Austin
February 16 , Saturday
Flintknapping 10 am-12 pm
Make your first arrowhead with J. C. Pollard. Learn how to safely work stone into points of varying styles. Tools, safety glasses and knapping materials provided. Ages 13+; $6 per person.
February 20 , Wednesday
Moonlighting with Total Lunar Eclipse 8-10 pm
Enjoy a spectacular view of the full moon rise and the lunar eclipse from the overlook of Wild Basin. Learn about the different moon phases, science, legends, and lore with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. You may want to bring a small flashlight, water, and a cushion. $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and ages 5-12. Reservations required.
http://www.wildbasin.org/index.lasso?ref=calender
Flintknapping 10 am-12 pm
Make your first arrowhead with J. C. Pollard. Learn how to safely work stone into points of varying styles. Tools, safety glasses and knapping materials provided. Ages 13+; $6 per person.
February 20 , Wednesday
Moonlighting with Total Lunar Eclipse 8-10 pm
Enjoy a spectacular view of the full moon rise and the lunar eclipse from the overlook of Wild Basin. Learn about the different moon phases, science, legends, and lore with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. You may want to bring a small flashlight, water, and a cushion. $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and ages 5-12. Reservations required.
http://www.wildbasin.org/index.lasso?ref=calender
Hack your Wine
A metal hanger works (poorly) as a corkscrew. Unwind the hanger and use the coiled part to screw into the cork. Pull. pull more. Ask a friend to help pull. Fall down, laugh, etc., etc., etc.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Tipsy Texan
My new favorite blog, The Tipsy Texan
We got together at David's place and played G-Dub BINGO on Tuesday. I got the second BINGO which isn't really winning but isn't losing either.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Idle Brain
I suspect that this thread will change my life in a subtle breath-of-air and a relaxing-of-shoulders kind of way.
Check it Out
Check it Out
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Dog Pee in Yo Carpet
Black lights let you see where your dog peed if it has dried.
1. Mix a solution of fifty percent white vinegar and fifty percent water. You must use a liberal amount of this solution to reach the carpet fibers deep down. Work the solution in with a scrubbing brush to ensure it penetrates the carpet fibers below. Now blot the area again using the paper towel method above. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia in the dog urine. This area must now be allowed to dry which you can assist by using a fan or opening the windows. If you own a wet and dry vacuum extractor use that to remove excess moisture.
2. When the area has dried sprinkle a good handful of baking soda over the soiled area. Mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of detergent. Ordinary dish washing detergent works. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and slowly pour the hydrogen peroxide and detergent mixture over the baking powder. Work the dissolving baking soda well into the carpet, first with your fingers and then with a scrubbing brush.
Once again allow the area to dry completely and then vacuum thoroughly.
If yo dog pees a lot in da house you may have to repeat the process.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Re-Post
Hello,
I am organizing a nude yoga class in Round Rock. We are still getting everything together, but would greatly appreciate it if you'd visit our meetup site at http://yoga.meetup.com/631/. Please look it over and determine if this is something you'd like to join and/or recommend to your members.
The fee will be $10 per session. This will go to pay the rent for the facilities and compensate the instructor for her time.
Let me know what you think.
Thank you for your time,
Chris
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Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Fever Trivia
to quote:
"What is fever, you ask? What is a normal temperature, I reply. And like every fool, you respond, "Why it's 98.6". Save me. I wish I had a nickel for every patient that said "My normal temperature is 96, so 98.6 is a fever for me." ARRRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. You know, my mind remains boggled by the number of medical people who do not know what normal temperature is, and therefore do not know what constitutes a fever. The worst thing (well, not really) that ever happened to doctors is the red line on the mercury thermometers at 98.6.
98.6 is derived from 19th century readings with miscalibrated foot long axillary thermometers. Recent studies with modern thermometers (and every health care provider should read Mackowiak et al JAMA, 1992:268 pg 1578) reveal the following:
The maximal temperature varies from a low of 37.2°C (98.9°F) at 6 AM to a high of 37.7°C (99.9°F) at 4 PM. Please note the diurnal variation. Ovulating women (but not ovulating men) have the early morning relative hyperthermia.
Age does not significantly influence temperature.
Women have a slightly higher average oral temperature than men 36.9°C (98.4°F) versus 36.7°C (98.1°F). (are men cooler or women hotter? I'll let others decide)
Oral temperature of smokers does not differ nonsmokers.
No single temperature can be designated as the upper limit of normal.
37.2°C (98.9°F) was the maximal oral temperature (i.e., the 99th percentile) recorded at 6 AM, at 4 PM, the maximal oral temperature observed reached 37.7°C (99.9°F).
Fever is defined as an early-morning temperature of 37.2°C (99.0°F) or greater OR a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) or greater at any time during the day.
So there."
Skeptics Guide to the Universe
I'm solidly in love with podcasts. I find shopping and walking are now pleasurable and worthy of anticipation!
Some of my favorites are:
Science Talk
Philosophy Talk
The Naked Scientist
Harvard Business Review (HBR) Ideacast
and
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe which is easily my favorite.
Some of my favorites are:
Science Talk
Philosophy Talk
The Naked Scientist
Harvard Business Review (HBR) Ideacast
and
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe which is easily my favorite.
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