tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143074062011-11-10T14:37:20.905-05:00inane ramblings of an eye-rolling americanannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.comBlogger1891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-77141727982818179172011-08-28T11:33:00.000-04:002011-08-28T11:33:49.722-04:00

Quote from the Boston Globe: "From North Carolina to Pennsylvania, Hurricane Irene appeared to have fallen short of the doomsday predictions." Yeah, well stop scaring the shite out of everybody then! We've become a nation of ninnies thanks to the news. Even the stupid government, telling people to stay off the roads. They're just afraid of lawsuits, because we have so many idiots in this country

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-49475927665225082432011-06-17T13:55:00.000-04:002011-06-17T13:55:48.754-04:00

I never watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution program, but feel a bit guilty that it has been canceled. I admit that I'd rather watch Biggest Loser while munching junk food than think about how to solve America's obesity problem. Is it just laziness? An unwillingness to be lectured? A junk food addiction so strong that it mutes any good nutrition guidance? I'm sure it doesn't help that he's

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-8692938609582771942011-05-31T13:30:00.000-04:002011-05-31T13:30:59.822-04:00

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annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-89264759389977586582011-05-27T09:08:00.000-04:002011-05-27T09:08:41.581-04:00

Ok, Cambridge City Council, time to help my property value rise. Let's push this through.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-24313415528106180592011-04-25T18:50:00.001-04:002011-04-25T18:51:19.727-04:00

Flipping bastards. They never have enough trains going to Lechmere, and now NO trains to Lechmere for 6 months.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-15569136972027286852011-02-09T08:59:00.000-05:002011-02-09T08:59:11.474-05:00

Love this quote from Silvio Berlusconi, as he was charged today for his sexcapades: "I shall attempt to sue the state. I'm not worried about myself. I'm a rich gentleman who can go on to setting up hospitals for children around the world, as I have always wanted to."

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-77112313941695617242010-12-29T11:17:00.000-05:002010-12-29T11:17:58.152-05:00

Parking on our street is limited. We live in one of those rare Cambridge neighborhoods where street parking is only at a premium during the day, thanks to the trial courts. By 6pm, you typically have no problem finding a spot. So when Dumpstorm Blizzard of Christmas 2010 arrived, there were few cars on my street. Hence, snow has instead parked itself in any available parking spots. The few of us

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-74228104536318965972010-11-19T16:08:00.000-05:002010-11-19T16:08:55.424-05:00

I'm a reader. Love books. And I'm always interested in book services -- like Good Reads, where you can keep a list of books that you've read or want to read; Swap Tree, where you can trade books you've read for ones you want to read for the cost of postage; and of course, there's my favorite: the library, where you can "rent" books for free. I'm using dickquotes because I'm rounding up to make

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-60836788947505860282010-11-14T12:54:00.000-05:002010-11-14T12:54:30.591-05:00

Good rant from Louis CK. I especially like the line "you non-contributing zero." I've come across quite a few of those in my life.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-13360031102868600622010-11-07T17:02:00.000-05:002010-11-07T17:02:34.086-05:00

In true "that's a peach, hon" fashion, the Browns beat the Patriots today. Everything about the game was fantastic!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-18801829382364242472010-10-09T08:44:00.000-04:002010-10-09T08:44:56.051-04:00

Big week for Team Anne and Richard this week: went to the cinema to see two movies! And in both cases, we had "are we going to get there on time?" moments. Last Saturday, we thought we'd tie together an IKEA visit with seeing The Town. Traffic on the I-93 -- at 3 in the afternoon! -- was stupidly busy. We were aiming for the 3:30 showing and got there with 5 minutes to spare. Loved the movie.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-24208341044127190182010-10-03T16:46:00.002-04:002010-10-03T16:46:19.988-04:00

Browns won! Finally. Gorgeous cool day -- perfect for making roasted butternut squash and apple soup, with a pinch of curry powder. Mmm! Also made some turkey chili -- not as nice. Not as spicy as I would have liked, despite my having put two jalapeno peppers in it. Watching the afternoon games now and thinking of making some sort of baked apple and cinnamon dessert.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-34331560908351328532010-10-02T10:36:00.000-04:002010-10-02T10:36:08.599-04:00

It was the lovely side of cool this morning. A day when I needed a long-sleeve shirt and yet the sun is warm enough to dry a load of clothes on the line. It feels like the first day of autumn, and so I was inspired to get apples and squash at the farmers' market this morning. I was thinking this is the best time of the year, and yet I feel this way at the beginning of each season: the excitement

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-2899447678449614692010-09-03T12:06:00.000-04:002010-09-03T12:06:29.963-04:00

There are many good reasons for having a third political party. And although I personally disagree with the Tea Party's agenda, I love that they have angered and scared the Republicans.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-29794254135457085802010-09-02T13:53:00.000-04:002010-09-02T13:53:17.243-04:00

I am afraid to know what company is worried about a 1.5% loss in employee productivity.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-20067124367812450942010-07-01T09:04:00.000-04:002010-07-01T09:04:31.308-04:00

Oh happy July! Nature is doing what I've been coaxing it to do: produce! I've got small bunches of green tomatoes on the vines, some jalapeno peppers starting to dangle from branches, cucumber blossoms blossoming, and little bursts of peppers from their blooms. I'm asking these same good forces of nature to be kind and allow something to ripen enough for me to eat by the end of this month.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-53819136863778021432010-06-19T20:49:00.002-04:002010-06-19T21:06:24.794-04:00

Thanks to the grey fox Eric Ripert (and let me tell you, I'm shocked. Shocked! to learn he is only 44 years old. He's practically the same age as me! Sorry, Eric, but you look much older -- and I am totally fine with that. You will always be the grey fox to me.) today at the farmers' market I bought beets. I've been insisting for decades that I don't like them, but when Eric spoke of fresh beets

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-19470491105422352762010-06-07T19:08:00.000-04:002010-06-07T19:08:04.310-04:00

I'm not too embarrassed to write that both Richard and I could use one of these stink-less blankets. However, I am posting this on my blog, which no one reads, as opposed to Facebook. So there is a slight level of shame involved...

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-53402099285571246762010-05-24T16:27:00.001-04:002010-05-24T16:31:41.840-04:00

This big old building is technically 2 doors down from our house. OK, that includes crossing a street, so 2 doors & a street. It's full of asbestos and overcrowded with prisoners on the top floors. They had hoped to sell it, but now it looks like demolition will be the resolution. I'm torn:On the one hand: Hurray for better use and/or a better-looking building.On the other: Better use, better

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-6698216869257184682010-04-26T09:17:00.001-04:002010-05-24T16:32:00.351-04:00

Not that we ever really had a rock-n-roll lifestyle. But I had to laugh about how the day of our 14th wedding anniversary started: Richard was up at 3:30 am. Couldn't sleep because we splurged on pizza last night and the salt did him in. I was awake at 5 am, rolled out of bed at 5:15.  We separately, on different floors of our house, drank our coffee and had a small breakfast, got dressed. We sat

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-89702901218712154312010-03-26T12:02:00.001-04:002010-03-26T12:23:48.093-04:00

I gave up on Natalie Merchant several years ago, right about when her disc "Motherland" came out and she suddenly sounded like she had become a 50-a-day smoker. I just read on Wikipedia that apparently Rolling Stone magazine liked this new sound to her voice, calling it "deep and gritty." Of course, my dislike for her had already started to build before that album. Like when she chose a Welsh

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-41038497071702564862010-03-23T15:09:00.002-04:002010-03-23T15:11:44.161-04:00

I feel like a bit of a freak these past few days. On Friday, my left ear felt a bit swollen and I thought I might be getting an ear infection. On Saturday, I noticed a lump on my head and berated myself for not remembering what I bumped into -- as is often my case. By Sunday, I was developing 2 more lumps: one on my eyebrow and another on my head.  And on Monday, I had 3 more -- in the neck,

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-61499292831219519162010-02-11T14:31:00.001-05:002010-02-11T14:34:39.652-05:00

This news is nearly a year old, but I've just stumbled across it today: RIP: Helene Hodge She was a batty lady, but she gave me a chance in editing when no other publishing house in London would. I'll never forget her patience with me, explaining British culture so I could better edit stories and gently coaching my writing for a Brit audience. 

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-38537403941547823532010-02-05T15:19:00.002-05:002010-02-11T14:35:26.897-05:00

Two things I love -- space travel and Yorkshire -- are to be combined this Sunday morning, as Yorkshire-born astronaut Nicholas Patrick flies off to the International Space Station aboard shuttle Endeavour. I'll be in Cleveland and so will miss the grand event, as well as my own bit of Yorkshireman, who will be back home in Boston.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-22204592201611704762010-01-28T16:29:00.001-05:002010-02-11T14:36:04.164-05:00

I don't know why I'm constantly surprised by the stupidity that arises from fear. And how that stupidity engenders further ignorance. Two recent developments at my work building: This little tissue dispenser is installed next to the inside door of the ladies' bathroom. I hear the men have one, too. Does this excuse people from washing their hands after they've used the toilet? And today, this

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-69861405623172318572010-01-22T12:57:00.002-05:002010-02-11T15:01:12.488-05:00

This bed warming thing is not something I would choose to have at a hotel, but I feel very fortunate to have one in my own home -- in the form of my warm-bodied, British husband.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-55831677680341740872010-01-20T12:29:00.002-05:002010-02-11T15:06:30.588-05:00

About a year ago, walking through Cambridgeside Galleria (a true hellhole of a mall), Richard and I saw a gaggle of teenagers wearing the crap clothes they wear these days, saying the insane things they say. Richard turned to me and said: "Those are the kids who will one day look after us when we're in the nursing home." My reply: "No, darling. By the time we're ready for the nursing home,

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-42926577967830498572010-01-14T20:57:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:01:00.094-05:00

Adorable kitten falling asleep. Found this via Boing Boing, but am linking to the original site.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-4339041395179234172010-01-13T10:20:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:01:46.131-05:00

Sad story on the Guardian website today about a man being eaten by a shark. However, this quote is super good: "Holy shit. We just saw a gigantic shark eat what looked like a person in front of our house," witness Gregg Coppen posted on Twitter. "That shark was huge. Like dinosaur huge."

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-55744664205736204032010-01-04T11:48:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:01:57.901-05:00

They cancelled my favorite morning radio show "The Sandbox." Now I'm going to have to get that damn iPhone integration.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-45498841996466856652010-01-03T18:57:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:02:14.173-05:00

The seals have left San Francisco. Apparently, they're hungry.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-50028596124457184072009-12-23T19:43:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:02:28.504-05:00

Well, it's nearly time to take off on our whirlwind family holiday traveling fiesta. First stop is Cleveland for my side of the family Christmas. Oh there will be turkey, stuffing, potatoes and a somewhat passing excuse for a vegetable (canned green beans swimming in cream of mushroom soup with fried onions). But the good stuff will be there too: pierogi, halushki, kolachies. We'll waddle

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-77961741072356855082009-12-15T14:50:00.001-05:002010-02-11T15:02:46.543-05:00

Early this morning, I received a text message from my favorite friend, Jeffrey, recounting a story my mom used to recount to me on this day every year. I love that he remembers! On my way to work this morning, my favorite radio station played one of my favorite songs. Too bad that it doesn't add to our iTunes playcount! Today, my favorite work tradition took place. Our company has 400+

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-78786623903672566602009-12-11T10:23:00.000-05:002009-12-11T10:23:55.570-05:00

All wrong: Roethlisberger sacked eight times! I'll be honest: I cried last night on the final play of the Pittsburgh v Cleveland game, when a swarm of Browns players jumped on Santonio Holmes to halt any chance the Steelers had of winning the game. The tears expressed sheer relief from an awful year that started with the announcement of Eric Mangini as head coach for the Browns. I can't

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-49271534317138667612009-12-08T16:35:00.000-05:002009-12-08T16:35:36.947-05:00

The story of the cat rescued from a fire in Cambridge has been circling the local news for the past few days. But this story has a cute photo of the cat getting a bit of oxygen from a nice-looking firefighter.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-65982384361715387152009-12-06T08:29:00.000-05:002009-12-06T08:29:09.810-05:00

Our first snow at our new house.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-40229081442422690122009-11-30T12:52:00.000-05:002009-11-30T12:52:19.818-05:00

If you like kittens, you'll like this video.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-7449291719839179282009-11-26T10:00:00.003-05:002009-11-26T10:14:04.604-05:00

I'm going to try to limit the eye rolls today -- in honor of my fellow Americans who will be digging into the spirit of Giving Thanks and mountains of fattening food in this country of obesity, where a tool like Sarah Palin has the top-selling book this week...Look, I recognize the difficulties here. Opportunities will surely present themselves. Like at the artsy-fartsy restaurant where we're

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-81322193785206866012009-11-23T15:38:00.004-05:002009-11-23T15:41:48.996-05:00

The referee in this match is a douche. Looks like I won't be cheering for Croatia in the World Cup. Wait, did Croatia even make it to the World Cup? Whatever.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-75149189329642929712009-11-12T14:39:00.003-05:002009-11-12T14:51:13.665-05:00

Go Spain!I'm sure someone will say I don't have a right to say anything about this because I don't have children. But I think I do, because I'm nearly positive I pay more taxes than childbearers who get all those deductions for breeding. If parents did a better job of talking to their kids about sex, there would be no need for this campaign.Maybe I'm just jealous. I would have loved to see the

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-64865089477177860922009-11-08T16:18:00.004-05:002009-11-08T16:25:18.907-05:00

Yesterday morning, I finally got around to watching a couple episodes of The French Chef. I'd never watched the show, but after reading My Life in France, I was taken in by Julia Child -- impressed by her scientific and passionate approach to cooking and total love for food.In just the three episodes I watched yesterday, I learned so much and realized I've got to go kitchen utensil shopping!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-2177135424171194302009-10-31T20:25:00.003-04:002009-10-31T20:33:05.422-04:00

Counter to Richard's sage foresight, I went ahead and bought 4 bags of candy this morning for the "100 kids" my neighbor said we'd get. Another neighbor told me he went through 3 bags last year.So you know what's coming. If we got 20 kids tonight, I'd be surprised. For two reasons we got through half the candy: 1. when she thought I wasn't looking, one kid (dressed as a clown) scooped two

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-88009875358369002372009-10-28T16:37:00.004-04:002009-10-28T16:45:41.520-04:00

Just watched this docu trailer on Boing Boing about "crazy cat ladies." I often say that if Richard were to die before me, then I'd probably become a crazy cat lady with 11 cats. But seeing this, I hope I'm wrong. One woman especially caught my attention when she said: "I think a lot of people don't know that I'm as lonely as I am." Oh, how heartbreaking.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-87671840450373728832009-10-28T11:24:00.005-04:002009-10-28T11:41:16.926-04:00

I'm listening to the NASA live stream, waiting for the launch of Ares 1-X, a test flight for a new rocket and exploration program.I gotta say, even the weather people for NASA are full of it. This chick is such a buzzkill, coming in every 5 minutes to say "well, we're not quite green (good for launch) yet, but we think it might be green in 5 minutes." The guy at NASA then asks "what's the

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-24644022204341866802009-10-26T10:16:00.006-04:002009-10-26T11:03:35.824-04:00

This weekend was a bookish kind of weekend. Went to the Boston Book Festival in Copley to hear John Hodgman in a Q&A with Tom Perrota. John, as usual, was sharp and witty. Embarrassingly, I'd never heard of Tom before. Worse, I'd only heard of the films that had been adapted from his books. Both authors were entertaining. After the session, we slogged our way through the rain to gander at the

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-56177046703420459392009-09-30T15:19:00.001-04:002009-09-30T15:20:22.365-04:00

My dear parents visited with us last week. I swear, by the time they left, I felt like I was their age. My stubborn (he's a Taurus through and through), 83-year-old father refused to let up on the house work. He not only scrubbed our deck, but got on his hands and knees to stain it! He would only let me get new rags for him, or a deck chair to sit for a moment. Then, he insisted on pruning each

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-29706312286983281322009-09-19T18:29:00.005-04:002009-09-19T18:35:35.891-04:00

So we have started to stumble our way into what home ownership is all about: Home Depot, fixing things, grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, doing laundry, cooking dinner, sitting around. I am absolutely, completely and utterly happy. Long may this blissful brand of homeownership remain, and never may we have to deal with leaking toilets, non-working furnaces, felled trees or any

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-31541224143613670332009-09-12T06:15:00.005-04:002009-09-12T06:27:37.417-04:00

Woke up at 5:30 this morning. Mostly because the pouring rain was making a racket, but also because today is the big day: we move to our new home!Even though today will be tiring and a wet mess, I think the bigger challenge took place last night: trying to get tv, internet and cable working at the new house. It was a nerve-wracking time (and I wasn't even doing the hooking up!) because tomorrow

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-35773261883011236922009-09-08T12:11:00.004-04:002009-09-08T12:19:36.887-04:00

This article (warning: very bad language and one stupid photo at the top of the piece) aptly captures the anger and misery associated with being a Cleveland Browns fan today. I know my team is shitty but unfortunately, I can't stop being a fan. Not too deep inside, I have optimism that I will see a championship Browns team in my lifetime. I just hope that when that time comes, I'm sane enough to

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-73390289226695600072009-09-08T06:45:00.003-04:002009-09-08T06:50:16.956-04:00

Was thinking yesterday that, for the past 24 years, I have lived in multi-unit/tenant buildings. I haven't lived in a single dwelling since I left Cleveland when I was 18. That run comes to an end this Saturday.Thanks to this past long holiday weekend, we got a heck of lot done. I'd say the apartment is three-fourths packed and we've managed to take quite a few things over to the new house.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-8686784686325418402009-09-04T13:57:00.003-04:002009-09-04T14:00:07.178-04:00

When the seller of our home told us we had a pear tree in our backyard, I was pretty excited.It did occur to me that, being the only one in the house who eats fruit, it might be a problem. Not to mention potentially pissing off our backyard neighbors, when some of the fruit falls in their yard.But alas, it doesn't matter. Turns out that we have is a fruitless, flowering pear tree. Bummer. Or as

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-91483772794798282882009-09-04T13:37:00.002-04:002009-09-04T13:39:52.412-04:00

Things are ticking along with the new house. Had a minor setback this morning when our cable provider told us we need an electrician to install additional power points & cable hookups to put our TVs where we want them. Queue another person to find, another appointment to schedule.Today is all about waiting. Cable guy, window/blind guy, cleaning lady and mattress delivery have come and gone.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-31150728647399221692009-08-27T16:41:00.004-04:002009-08-27T16:44:56.959-04:00

Not sure why I'm surprised such a thing as this (Atheists who'll take in your pets after the Rapture) exists, but I love that it does.In other news, we're officially homeowners!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-72542646119320803122009-08-19T21:39:00.004-04:002009-08-19T21:44:59.554-04:00

Every year, the Cambridge Public Library chooses a book and encourages the entire city to read it, in a well-publicized program called Cambridge Reads. They invite the author to speak and there are mini-discussions at schools, libraries, etc. Usually the book is by a local author, although we've had international bestsellers like Greg Mortensen, whose experiences bringing schools for girls to

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-76149763795485696092009-08-19T11:02:00.001-04:002009-08-19T11:03:08.482-04:00

Police hunt for Cambridge foot lickerMaybe he was pretending to be Jesus and was washing her feet with his tongue?

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-61627219218922739212009-08-14T14:54:00.005-04:002009-08-14T15:12:57.638-04:00

In this Extended Wait for Home Loan Approval interlude, some thoughts from the previous week:San Francisco is my kind of town. I don't know how anyone can be unhappy there. Though I flew in & out in a matter of hours last weekend, I had a fantastic time strolling through Golden Gate Park; lounging in my best friend's airy loft; drinking magnifique cocktails (vodka, guava puree, housemade citrus

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-11564271085763015732009-08-06T08:29:00.003-04:002009-08-06T08:37:22.522-04:00

Happy birthday Richard! You've come a long way in the years I've known you. Eating black beans, listening to Zepp, occasionally answering the phone, owning a business and, hopefully today, becoming a homeowner. So much, so young, so adorable! I love you!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-60969298941251854732009-08-03T13:49:00.010-04:002009-08-03T13:56:43.392-04:00

As Richard wrote on his blog, this past weekend was a hurried one, thanks to a cancelled Friday night flight that made Saturday more hectic.However, we had a fantastic time at my nephew Brian's wedding. Richard and I made a dazzling pair, had a few too many drinks, and I even got him out on the dance floor a couple times. Coming back to Boston yesterday, I felt like I was carrying 100-pound

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-8672870683909041142009-07-27T19:32:00.004-04:002009-07-27T19:39:30.536-04:00

This is simply amazing. It's the Space Shuttle Endeavor attached to the International Space Station, moving across the sun:Photo by Thierry Legault. Check out his website at: http://www.astrophoto.fr/

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-33835480194658862112009-07-26T16:59:00.004-04:002009-07-26T17:14:59.705-04:00

The only thing I'm going to say about this whole Henry Louis Gates/Cambridge police thing is this: why isn't the media talking about the white neighbor who reported him to the police? Why doesn't she even know her own neighbor for pete's sake? And therein is today's society. We sequester ourselves in our homes with internet and tv. We don't take the time to get to know our neighbors anymore. So,

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-57884162929535943272009-07-17T09:51:00.005-04:002009-07-17T09:55:46.201-04:00

So, I think I have a cyst in my neck. For the past 6 weeks, I've felt like there's a piece of food stuck in my throat. My mom has had cysts in her neck and they've always been benign, so I'm not worried. But I decided to have it checked out. My doc did a blood/thyroid test, which came back negative, so she ordered a CT scan.And this morning was the scan. Now, I know people, including my dear

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-77741460413302696432009-07-14T06:40:00.000-04:002009-07-14T06:41:13.251-04:00

And who said cats are stupid? Cats 'exploit' humans by purring

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-79918983723835832012009-07-05T09:24:00.005-04:002009-07-05T09:35:26.256-04:00

Scanning my RSS feeds this morning, I came across this headline:"Cambridge celebrates Lead Poisoning Prevention Week"My first thought was, what the hell is there to celebrate about lead poisoning prevention? Shoot the copyeditor!But on reading the story, there are indeed celebratory activities, including a Lead-Free Kids Jamboree with Davey the Clown. As I think this through, I guess we should

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-44740480320066633222009-07-03T09:04:00.001-04:002009-07-03T09:05:50.041-04:00

So, nearly a week later and I'm still in love with my new iPhone. And I still "slide to unlock" every hour or so, just to see if anything has happened since the last time I checked. Nothing ever has.But the device does make me feel like a complete tool some times. Like when I couldn't figure out how to play the iPod (I was looking in applications rather than in the main bar at the bottom), or

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-15368335064140466112009-06-27T20:26:00.001-04:002009-06-28T08:40:16.316-04:00

I took a leap into gadget geek today with my first iPhone. I resisted for months with the excuse that I hardly use my cellphone. But when my iPod started dying, and when I realized how much extra I'm paying for text messages on my Sprint plan, it became easier to persuade me. Of course, I will never be the cool, sophisticated iPhone user that Richard is -- deftly switching between apps, knowing

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-36380999341623030462009-06-26T11:46:00.001-04:002009-06-26T11:47:56.367-04:00

I want them!!!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-74016785897731198522009-06-17T14:38:00.004-04:002009-06-17T14:43:52.699-04:00

I can easily be distracted by stupidity, and then led down a cynical path of emotional gloom and doom. Some days I despair for our future, and then other days I think: I don't have any kids to pass this crap on to or who will have to deal with our dying planet, so who the hell cares? Today I was distracted by this stupid story, which got my eyes rolling -- a sure first sign of cynicism. I find it

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-59272757157975337692009-06-07T16:10:00.004-04:002009-06-07T16:15:37.696-04:00

I love our new clothesline that Richard strung up yesterday in our back garden. I've already managed to get 2 loads of laundry to dry au naturel (that bit of itals is for you Richard!), and I'm feeling quite eco-proud.Bought way too much lettuce at the farmers' market yesterday. I noticed this morning that the arugula is already wilting. I won't get through it fast enough. I'm so happy the

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-75929864673288057792009-05-31T17:14:00.003-04:002009-05-31T17:18:01.552-04:00

Saturday: moths. Sunday: dead squirrels in rain barrel; Richard's bike chain came off during bike ride, walked back home in thunderstormTuesday: 2 siding contractors give cost estimates, one refuses the job as being too risky. We say official goodbye to that house. My boss resigns, chaos among team.Thursday: Notice that shower didn't get hot. (feeling damn lucky I got that shower in!) At night,

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-53019390487952202222009-05-23T20:01:00.004-04:002009-05-23T20:23:45.313-04:00

It has been a busy week. Work has been very busy (thanks in part to all the layoffs, but also because things are starting to turn around), and then there's this whole house thing.The short of it is: We saw a house in Cambridge that we really really like. Went back a couple times, put in an offer, then had the inspection. Inspection comes back not-so-good. We're in limbo right now, figuring out if

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-6320679632612307052009-05-23T19:59:00.004-04:002009-05-23T20:01:18.827-04:00

Who knew that big cats like pumpkins?

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-73210521624458176252009-05-18T21:09:00.002-04:002009-05-18T21:11:38.374-04:00

Anyone is better than Kornheiser, but this sounds especially promising. Hey, if Gruden can't coach the Browns, at least he can criticize them with a bit of knowledge.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-12337401334812436262009-05-18T20:46:00.004-04:002009-05-18T20:49:49.835-04:00

The web is such a wonderful thing. Other people weed through the crap on Tv, radio, blogs, and the internet itself to find the most important things, like this cute little 9-yr-old japanese kid playing Ozzy Osbourne.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-85127925651092376042009-04-26T12:32:00.005-04:002009-04-26T12:47:54.146-04:00

A good friend of mine, several years ago, said that all my maternal instincts were directed at baby animals. It's either that or I just enjoy being like a little girl, filled with the glee of little things and worlds of cute. And so I was thrilled yesterday to be temporarily 6 years old when I saw these adorable 9-day-old goats at the Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place in Waltham. Indeed, the

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-50808764265925599982009-04-03T16:25:00.002-04:002009-04-03T16:34:30.215-04:00

At the same time that Richard was sitting to take his US citizenship test this morning in Boston, 12 people taking the same test in Binghamton, NY, were shot to death by some idiot, who thankfully shot himself, too.Having quizzed Richard last night, I find it rather ironic that one of the questions on this test is: Name 2 rights in the Bill of Rights. Seems this NY gunman really took the 2nd

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-27469610880440755372009-03-30T10:11:00.005-04:002009-03-30T10:18:54.679-04:00

via BoingBoing. I have no desire to see this film, but I love the titles (both the European/Japanese and the US versions). Also, I don't see any cats in the trailer, just bunnies. What's up with that? Is the cat the man?

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-40215837920378735292009-03-25T13:17:00.004-04:002009-03-25T13:26:16.038-04:00

Just got back last night from a wonderful, but very short, trip to England. One of the highlights was seeing young lambs prancing in the countryside, so when I saw this piece on the Guardian today, I had to post the photo (especially seeing as how we didn't manage to take any such photos ourselves!):photo by Charm 1

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-38028941069923734272009-03-12T11:39:00.004-04:002009-03-12T11:41:39.177-04:00

From the AP:Madoff denied bail and ordered to jail

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-87281399552673813922009-03-12T11:37:00.002-04:002009-03-12T11:39:44.471-04:00

From the AP:Alaska Gov. Palin's daughter, fiance break up

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-71736516501477458732009-03-09T16:34:00.005-04:002009-03-09T16:48:12.616-04:00

Via Gawker. GOP to revamp their website (now that the Intertubes are all the rage!) Love this:Chairman Steele made his tech priorities clear... "bottom line is if we haven't done it — let's do it. If we haven't thought of it — think of it. If it hasn't been tried — why not? If it's going to be 'outside the box' — then not only keep it outside the box, but take it to someplace the box hasn't even

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-43380357929446189642009-03-09T16:26:00.000-04:002009-03-09T16:27:35.133-04:00

I've been cat sitting for over a year now, and been around cats since I was 4 or 5 years old. In all that time, I've never met a cat who didn't like being talked to. Until this weekend.I'm getting this cat's food ready and talking to him about it. He starts talking back, then walks over and nips me. I thought it was just a "get me my damn food" sort of thing.But after he ate, I'm giving him a

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-72342394717869210332009-02-18T08:44:00.003-05:002009-02-18T08:54:33.454-05:00

Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is never boring. She imagines concepts outside of the "best-selling" schmuck that is shoved down our throats, and writes so cleanly, sharply and beautifully. Now she's taking a stand for freedom of speech, pulling out of a book festival that has censored a fellow author's work. Another reason to admire Atwood.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-48908652254574982272009-02-16T09:40:00.002-05:002009-02-16T09:44:32.636-05:00

Scanning stories this morning and read this first line of a story from The Guardian:A two-year-old girl died after she and her eight-month-old brother fell into the sea in their double pushchair in Folkestone, Kent, yesterday afternoon.Terribly sad.But it immediately sent me back nearly 15 years to the time I cocked up the pronunciation of that city in Kent. It was in the course of planning my

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-56133789095270942072009-02-15T17:45:00.001-05:002009-02-15T17:48:15.311-05:00

I’m not typically a nap sort of person, though after a rough night’s sleep last night, coupled by a pint of Sam Adams beer and a “chef’s favorite” burger for lunch today, I felt sleepy this afternoon. I’m hoping the ultra-fresh feeling I have now doesn’t cause problems tonight! But then, who the heck cares because I don't have to work tomorrow!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-84479484551781865562009-02-14T16:32:00.001-05:002009-02-15T17:42:28.629-05:00

Walking around Central Square this morning, saw Jim Braude illegally cross Mass Ave and hold up several cars that had the right of way. What was worse was that he was limping, causing him to walk even more slowly than usual, so a couple of cars didn’t make the light thanks to him. Douche. But then he seems to have a history of doucebaggery and because he held “office”, I’m sure he feels some

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-27472679921213841232009-02-12T20:28:00.002-05:002009-02-12T20:31:42.330-05:00

The good folks over at Gallop must've read about my desire to see how the Americans would match up against the Brits on the theme of evolution. They carried out their own little survey, though with slightly different questions.Now, I did take statistics in college, but because the class started at 8am, coupled with the fact there's a fair amount of math involved, I rarely attended. But I did

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-84227686540400743022009-02-02T16:26:00.002-05:002009-02-02T16:34:43.676-05:00

I realize it's not fair to pick on the Brits, but they have provided the latest example of why this four-fifths theory may be a good one.A recent survey has found that only 25% of the British believe that evolution is true. To ease this pain a little bit, another 25% say evolution is "probably true."So we're really only dealing with half a population of nitwits over there. I suspect that if that

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-1894194438750168262009-01-28T11:02:00.003-05:002009-01-28T11:05:02.405-05:00

With all the damn snow falling AGAIN, I needed a cute pick-me-up. Got in the form of this video.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-90827621301493269042009-01-27T14:14:00.004-05:002009-01-27T14:42:52.753-05:00

OK, so I'm not impressed with our new GM, who was freakin finally officially announced yesterday, even though all the main sports press were saying it was a done deal last week. As per usual, the Browns dropped the ball in terms of making decisions. Granted, I'm basing my impression of George Kokinis on a 1:29 minute clip, but the guy lacks spark, passion and confidence. Add this dull bastard to

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-35572225115404548982009-01-08T15:52:00.006-05:002009-01-08T16:11:29.265-05:00

I don't have a good feeling about Eric Mangini as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Here are my thoughts:1. Why couldn't owner Lerner delay his decision and interview some of the coaches and coordinators from teams that are now in the playoffs? Four teams will get knocked out this weekend alone! And the draft is not until the end of April. By hiring Mangini now, we lost the chance to

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-1155252490475343122009-01-01T13:16:00.004-05:002009-01-01T13:24:19.836-05:00

It's strange how, as you get older, the passing of each year and celebrating the New Year's Eve and Day, takes on less meaning. Maybe because we now realize just how fast time goes.Went out for Indian food last night, and as ever, India Castle did not disappoint, right down to the waiter who hates everybody. Though we did catch him singing as he carried our plates away. Maybe he has something to

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-7380119982210116432008-12-23T11:05:00.005-05:002008-12-23T11:14:33.268-05:00

Seems appropo that, as I type this, the background photo on my computer is one of our little Isobelle. It's this one of her, taken mid-yawn, by our good friend Didier:Seeing it breaks my heart again, and yet I can't remove the photo from my file. We had to put our dear kitten to sleep last Wednesday. Only 9 years old, but turns out she had a very rare heart disease. It had been well masked for a

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-5659935662315453142008-12-15T13:33:00.007-05:002008-12-15T20:28:25.231-05:00

It's my birthday! Wonderful gifts from family, including unique items from around the world from Richard, including one of the funkiest presents I've ever received: In case you aren't sure, that's a garlic crusher. Never seen anything like it in all my 42 years.Another happy event: my company's chairman of the board walked around this morning, handing out Xmas bonuses. Cash. I'm plotting how to "

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-48576362808752059332008-12-09T06:52:00.003-05:002008-12-09T07:00:36.674-05:00

For most people, this might be silly, but for the first time since I started playing (three years ago) my team, the Screaming Meemies, is No. 1 in my Yahoo fantasy football league. Going to the playoffs, baby!PS: I'm in second place in my other fantasy league (NFL Fantasy), but it's a crappy system with a suspect points system, so I'm not so proud of that one.

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-3672231475585836462008-12-07T22:03:00.004-05:002008-12-07T22:21:24.813-05:00

A nearly perfect December day:It snowed!I watched football all day long.Our pretty Christmas lights were on all day!Caught some of The Cutting Edge (although it was on the Family Channel and they cut the word "ass" when she says she wants to kick some ass, as in she wants to compete and win. Because kids still up at 10pm might be offended by that!)And now Ice Castles is on! Now, this is what teen

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-25089396003659482662008-11-30T20:56:00.002-05:002008-11-30T21:00:02.403-05:00

In the past 4 days, we've had:turkey dinnerturkey sandwichesturkey pot pieturkey rice soupOther turkey thoughts:The Cleveland Browns are a bunch of Turkey AssesMy weekly picks for the company football pool are loser turkeysWhy do I keep thinking turnkey?

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-5472815715234371482008-11-17T18:38:00.006-05:002008-11-17T19:03:19.487-05:00

I've been quite proud that my car is 7 years old and still running well. The exterior isn't so nice anymore (lots of dings and scratches), but the engine only has 50,000 miles on it, largely thanks to 2 years of working from home.Now that I'm trekking to Framingham every day, I guess I wasn't too surprised when I started hearing a clunking/rattling noise under the hood. I didn't worry about it

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-81848409241850215072008-11-17T12:52:00.005-05:002008-11-17T13:05:58.613-05:00

Richard and I were just talking about Christopher Hitchens, a relatively conservative journalist whom we admire. Indeed, we agree that the wit and intelligence exhibited by Hitchens is such that he could change our minds on certain subjects because his arguments are so well-founded. I haven't read much Hitchens lately. The run-up to the election had been so contentious, overwrought and hateful,

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-19217930538286112632008-11-16T17:30:00.000-05:002008-11-16T17:31:42.377-05:00

...means football and cooking. There's nothing better than a cold day, a batch of soup on the stove, a big roast or casserole in the oven. The bonuses today: * I baked some oatmeal raisin bars * it's snowing in Pittsburgh for the Steelers v Chargers game -- now that's football baby!

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14307406.post-61829358147780930512008-11-04T07:43:00.002-05:002008-11-04T07:48:17.221-05:00

I just voted. Waited about a half hour, but as I left, the lines were even longer, snaking in rounds inside the building and outside around the block. But to show just how important this election is, as I made my way out, I saw my 84- and 80-year-old neighbors. She had a heart attack a few months ago, colon surgery last month, and just yesterday was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis. She showed

annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16233035725236678628noreply@blogger.com0