New Year Linkage
New Year's Resolution Generator
by Monica Velarde
via swissmiss
Lifehacker DIY
most popular do-it-yourself projects of 2009
via Miss Cellania
Happy 2010!
31 December 2009
30 December 2009
Linkage, Volume 84
Linkage returns after the holiday hiatus!
Family Rules Canvas
what an awesome way to display your family's house rules
via Rocks In My Dryer
Lego Card
can't believe I never thought of this - punch holes in paper shapes to attach to Lego
via Parent Hacks
Slideshow of Radioactive Gifts
watch out for vintage red Fiesta dishes
via Plime
Worst Gadgets Gallery
the fifty worst gadgets ever created - I only owned the Memory Stick, but I remember wanting several of these when they first came out
via Gizmodo
1000 Awesome Things
counting down the one thousand most awesome things
via The J-Walk Blog
16 November 2009
Lessons
There is no better feeling than holding a sleeping baby.
Speak truthfully.
Listen actively.
Admit when you are wrong.
Be kind when you are right.
Everything tastes better with cheese. (Seriously - can you think of any food that can not be paired with cheese?)
No matter how bad things seem, you have got it pretty good.
Say thank-you - and mean it.
When you are sick, stay home - others do not want your germs.
Do not speak ill of former employers in a job interview.
Prioritize your budget.
Have a career.
Trust must be earned.
Learn to forgive.
Do not try to drink anything when you are lying down - sit up first.
Tell the people you love that you love them as often as you can.
Have one goal for every day.
Accept when your plans do not pan out - God's plans are better than yours anyway.
Naps are good.
Smile.
Inspired by Wendy.
Speak truthfully.
Listen actively.
Admit when you are wrong.
Be kind when you are right.
Everything tastes better with cheese. (Seriously - can you think of any food that can not be paired with cheese?)
No matter how bad things seem, you have got it pretty good.
Say thank-you - and mean it.
When you are sick, stay home - others do not want your germs.
Do not speak ill of former employers in a job interview.
Prioritize your budget.
Have a career.
Trust must be earned.
Learn to forgive.
Do not try to drink anything when you are lying down - sit up first.
Tell the people you love that you love them as often as you can.
Have one goal for every day.
Accept when your plans do not pan out - God's plans are better than yours anyway.
Naps are good.
Smile.
Inspired by Wendy.
10 October 2009
Spare Room Project
I have been brainstorming ideas for turning my under-used office/storage room into an actual spare bedroom, incorporating a small computer desk, a craft station, and possibly a wardrobe. Storage is always an issue in my tiny house, so I will be trying to pack as much as I can into this small room.
Craft Station Inspiration:
Monica at Craftynest incorporates a bench vice on a metal tool cart and uses a salvaged railing for wall organization.
I have linked to Megan's Craft Room before, but it is worth mentioning again. My favorite details are the ribbon holder, jars for everything, and lighting under each shelf.
Craft Station Inspiration:
Monica at Craftynest incorporates a bench vice on a metal tool cart and uses a salvaged railing for wall organization.
I have linked to Megan's Craft Room before, but it is worth mentioning again. My favorite details are the ribbon holder, jars for everything, and lighting under each shelf.
08 October 2009
Linkage, Volume 83
What the Kids Are Eating
"Three-star chef hits the school cafeteria"
via Serious Eats
New Literacy
young people are writing more than ever, but most of it is informal
"...technology isn't killing our ability to write. It's reviving it—and pushing our literacy in bold new directions."
via Miss Cellania
Neil Armstrong
parent-teacher group recommended removing him from Texas textbooks "because he was not
a scientist." He was an engineer.
via Plime
Tuscan Kale
how Michelle Obama shops for produce
via Plime
Unruly Children
even God had trouble raising them
via Miss Cellania
"Three-star chef hits the school cafeteria"
via Serious Eats
New Literacy
young people are writing more than ever, but most of it is informal
"...technology isn't killing our ability to write. It's reviving it—and pushing our literacy in bold new directions."
via Miss Cellania
Neil Armstrong
parent-teacher group recommended removing him from Texas textbooks "because he was not
a scientist." He was an engineer.
via Plime
Tuscan Kale
how Michelle Obama shops for produce
via Plime
Unruly Children
even God had trouble raising them
via Miss Cellania
05 October 2009
Stone Hearth Restaurant
I learned two important lessons about dining out tonight:
1. On Monday, the restaurant has run out of anything that was popular on the weekend and has not yet gotten this week's supplies in.
2. Speedy service is not always a given, even when you arrive one hour from closing time.
Stone Hearth Restaurant has been a fixture in Elizabethtown for over thirty years. The supper-club exterior opens into a elegant but cozy dining area that is divided for a more intimate feeling. We were seated in a booth next to the bar, across from a comfortable sitting area with plush couches and wide coffee tables. Each booth was divided by a high wall of dark wood, completely separating each table group. Lovely prints on the wall over each table complete the look.
Each entree comes with Stone Hearth's soup and salad bar. The salad bar had wonderfully fresh fixings and several mixed salad dishes to choose from.
I chose the French Onion soup, which was mostly broth and lacked an expected flavor depth. I really had to hunt in the bottom of the soup pot to find a few pieces of onion. Croutons and grated parmesan were provided for topping, but that is not an equal substitute for the crust that usually tops a crock of French Onion soup.
My dining companion had Ham and Bean soup, which was warm and comforting. It was not outstanding, but "how would you do 'wow' with bean soup?" It was good for the cold evening.
When we returned from the salad bar, we were served warm, crusty rolls with butter and strawberry butter.
I ordered the Sea Bass: "The king of fish, pan sauteed and presented with jasmine rice and grilled asparagus and lemon Beurre Blanc." The fish was very good, the rice was not overcooked, and the sauce was wonderfully creamy. The dish as a whole, however, lacked flavor - it was all very bland. But that was not my biggest annoyance. This dish was served with three of the most pitiful-looking spears of asparagus I have ever seen - they appeared to have been boiled last week and were most certainly not grilled. The stems were stuck under the mound of rice and the ends were draped over the side of the plate, so that they hung straight down. That poor limp vegetable should not have left the kitchen. (I tried one piece, and it was not good.) I chose the Pecan Glazed Baby Carrots as my side item. They were spiced with nutmeg and cloyingly sweet. The pecans were plentiful, but were simply sprinkled raw on top of the dish instead of being cooked into the glaze as was implied.
My dining companion wanted the spicy island snapper, but they were out. She settled for the Seafood Stuffed Tilapia: "Mild flaky Tilapia stuffed with a rich crab meat stuffing. Served on wilted spinach with a shrimp Beurre Blanc sauce." This dish had a surprising bite to it, as she was not expecting it to be spicy. She had the Stuffed Potato Casserole as her side, which was essentially the mashed stuffing for a twice-baked potato, scooped into a bowl and topped with bacon bits.
The entrees were served with large, flaky popovers.
Our server presented us with a tray of delicious-looking dessert options, so we ended our meal with a generous slice of German chocolate cake and coffee. The cake was nice and moist with a bit of coconut and a thick layer of milk chocolate icing.
Although we arrived a full hour before closing, the service was so slow that we were not given the check until a half-hour past closing time. The so-so sides, bland entree, and slow service, added to the multiple items that they were out of, did not make for an impressive dinner. I would be willing to try the restaurant again, but definitely not on a Monday.
Stone Hearth Restaurant: Not recommended, based on this experience. I would like to give it another try.
1001 N. Mulberry St.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
1. On Monday, the restaurant has run out of anything that was popular on the weekend and has not yet gotten this week's supplies in.
2. Speedy service is not always a given, even when you arrive one hour from closing time.
Stone Hearth Restaurant has been a fixture in Elizabethtown for over thirty years. The supper-club exterior opens into a elegant but cozy dining area that is divided for a more intimate feeling. We were seated in a booth next to the bar, across from a comfortable sitting area with plush couches and wide coffee tables. Each booth was divided by a high wall of dark wood, completely separating each table group. Lovely prints on the wall over each table complete the look.
Each entree comes with Stone Hearth's soup and salad bar. The salad bar had wonderfully fresh fixings and several mixed salad dishes to choose from.
I chose the French Onion soup, which was mostly broth and lacked an expected flavor depth. I really had to hunt in the bottom of the soup pot to find a few pieces of onion. Croutons and grated parmesan were provided for topping, but that is not an equal substitute for the crust that usually tops a crock of French Onion soup.
My dining companion had Ham and Bean soup, which was warm and comforting. It was not outstanding, but "how would you do 'wow' with bean soup?" It was good for the cold evening.
When we returned from the salad bar, we were served warm, crusty rolls with butter and strawberry butter.
I ordered the Sea Bass: "The king of fish, pan sauteed and presented with jasmine rice and grilled asparagus and lemon Beurre Blanc." The fish was very good, the rice was not overcooked, and the sauce was wonderfully creamy. The dish as a whole, however, lacked flavor - it was all very bland. But that was not my biggest annoyance. This dish was served with three of the most pitiful-looking spears of asparagus I have ever seen - they appeared to have been boiled last week and were most certainly not grilled. The stems were stuck under the mound of rice and the ends were draped over the side of the plate, so that they hung straight down. That poor limp vegetable should not have left the kitchen. (I tried one piece, and it was not good.) I chose the Pecan Glazed Baby Carrots as my side item. They were spiced with nutmeg and cloyingly sweet. The pecans were plentiful, but were simply sprinkled raw on top of the dish instead of being cooked into the glaze as was implied.
My dining companion wanted the spicy island snapper, but they were out. She settled for the Seafood Stuffed Tilapia: "Mild flaky Tilapia stuffed with a rich crab meat stuffing. Served on wilted spinach with a shrimp Beurre Blanc sauce." This dish had a surprising bite to it, as she was not expecting it to be spicy. She had the Stuffed Potato Casserole as her side, which was essentially the mashed stuffing for a twice-baked potato, scooped into a bowl and topped with bacon bits.
The entrees were served with large, flaky popovers.
Our server presented us with a tray of delicious-looking dessert options, so we ended our meal with a generous slice of German chocolate cake and coffee. The cake was nice and moist with a bit of coconut and a thick layer of milk chocolate icing.
Although we arrived a full hour before closing, the service was so slow that we were not given the check until a half-hour past closing time. The so-so sides, bland entree, and slow service, added to the multiple items that they were out of, did not make for an impressive dinner. I would be willing to try the restaurant again, but definitely not on a Monday.
Stone Hearth Restaurant: Not recommended, based on this experience. I would like to give it another try.
1001 N. Mulberry St.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
29 September 2009
Fat Lorenzo's
Supper tonight was at Fat Lorenzo's near Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. The amazing murals inside and outside of this restaurant set the stage for the quality service and food we recieved at Fat's. See the photo gallery on the restaurant's website.
I ordered 2 slices of Pizza by the Slice: "Fat's - Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black and green olives." I had no idea that at $3.75/slice, just one slice would be enough to fill me up. The waiter set down my two slices in front of me on two dinner plates, each slice hanging over the edges of its oversized plate. He chuckled at my wide-eyed reaction to the enormous amount of food! Fat Lorenzo's is generous with the toppings, making the slice impossible to pick up. All of the veggies were thickly cut and the top of the pizza was covered in pepperoni. There were way too many olives, in my opinion - I ate as many as I picked off, and I had a good handful-sized pile of them on my plate at the end. The crust was crisp and brown, but it was soggy in the middle. I guess ordering by-the-slice means that it may have been sitting around a little longer than ordering a whole pizza fresh. My second slice got boxed up for lunch the next day.
I had a bottle of Ace Perry Cider. In spite of the pear on the label, it turned out to be pear-flavored apple cider and was much sweeter than regular apple cider.
My dining companion ordered "Lorenzo's Lasagna - Our scrumptious combination of meats, cheeses and vegetables sandwiched between layers of pasta and a zesty red sauce." The lasagna's meat combination included ham, pepperoni, and sausage - "the whole pig," he commented - which left a pool of flavorful oil in the bottom of the plate. The dish was really rich and had a nicely sweet sauce. His dinner was served with half a loaf of crusty Italian bread, slathered in butter and garlic, and toasted. It was quite enough food for him to take leftovers for next-day lunch as well.
He tried two beers tonight.
Pere Jacques 2009 Belgian Style Ale had a strong, crisp flavor. The beer contains active yeast, which results in a bit of sediment in the bottle. The bottle itself had a simple, sophisticated label, much like a wine bottle label.
New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale had an unusual flavor with a chocolate finish, making it a good dessert beer. The menu described the 1554 as having a "bright" flavor. I tasted it and declared it to be "awful." In my dining companion's words, the beer-makers must have been messing around with recipes one day and figured that since this beer didn't kill them, they might as well bottle it and see if anyone would buy it. I guarantee you I won't buy it.
On the way out, the gelato counter caught my eye. Their dozen or so flavors are all made fresh in-house. Since this was my first gelato, it was suggested that I try a fruit flavor and a cream flavor. The raspberry was rich and sweet, with seeds indicating that it was made with lots of real raspberries. The chocolate was thick and dark, not too sweet. I would have gotten chocolate had I not just eaten a big heavy meal, so the raspberry won out. Gelato is thicker than ice cream with a wonderfully smooth texture and a very, very rich flavor.
Fat Lorenzo's: Highly Recommended
5600 Cedar Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
28 September 2009
Claddagh Irish Pub
Claddagh Irish Pubs have a varied menu with some classic Irish dishes and other popular pub food and comfort food.
I had the Waterford Pasta:
"Grilled chicken, mushrooms, red peppers, goat cheese & rigatoni pasta in a lobster Alfredo sauce."
My pasta was delicious and comforting. I was surprised at how much the cream sauce tasted like lobster and how well it worked with the chicken and red peppers. Goat cheese was a decadent addition.
My dining companion chose the Guinness® Beef Stew:
"Slowly cooked chunks of choice beef stewed with onions, parsnips, carrots & red skin potatoes in a rich beef gravy with fresh herbs & Guinness® stout served on a large toasted bread roll."
I had the beef stew on another visit, and it was served in a bread bowl with mashed potatoes. Our server said that the change to a large roll was made because patrons kept asking for additional bread to eat with the stew. The stew was also much thicker than I remember.
Claddagh Irish Pubs: Recommended
Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
7890 Main Street North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
I had the Waterford Pasta:
"Grilled chicken, mushrooms, red peppers, goat cheese & rigatoni pasta in a lobster Alfredo sauce."
My pasta was delicious and comforting. I was surprised at how much the cream sauce tasted like lobster and how well it worked with the chicken and red peppers. Goat cheese was a decadent addition.
My dining companion chose the Guinness® Beef Stew:
"Slowly cooked chunks of choice beef stewed with onions, parsnips, carrots & red skin potatoes in a rich beef gravy with fresh herbs & Guinness® stout served on a large toasted bread roll."
I had the beef stew on another visit, and it was served in a bread bowl with mashed potatoes. Our server said that the change to a large roll was made because patrons kept asking for additional bread to eat with the stew. The stew was also much thicker than I remember.
Claddagh Irish Pubs: Recommended
Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
7890 Main Street North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
18 September 2009
Linkage, Volume 82
HEMA
really cool Dutch store with a really cool website
via Sycamore Stirrings
White House Farmers Market
D.C. Approves Plan for Weekly Farmers Market of About 20 Vendors by White House
via Serious Eats
My Son and His Knife
why children of a certain age should be entrusted with a pocketknife
via Babble
Marshmallow Test
Psychological Experiments in Self-Control
via Eat Me Daily
MP Change
still portrait animator
via Miss Cellania
really cool Dutch store with a really cool website
via Sycamore Stirrings
White House Farmers Market
D.C. Approves Plan for Weekly Farmers Market of About 20 Vendors by White House
via Serious Eats
My Son and His Knife
why children of a certain age should be entrusted with a pocketknife
via Babble
Marshmallow Test
Psychological Experiments in Self-Control
via Eat Me Daily
MP Change
still portrait animator
via Miss Cellania
16 September 2009
Chili's Too
Tonight's dinner adventure was chili's too in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.
I had Fire-Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadillas, and my dining companion had the Bacon Burger with homestyle fries. The airport location had a much smaller menu than a regular Chili's, but the service was much faster the usual sit-down place.
Chili's Too: Recommended
MN/St. Paul Airport
St. Paul, MN 55111-3010
It's good to be home.
I had Fire-Grilled Chicken Fajita Quesadillas, and my dining companion had the Bacon Burger with homestyle fries. The airport location had a much smaller menu than a regular Chili's, but the service was much faster the usual sit-down place.
Chili's Too: Recommended
MN/St. Paul Airport
St. Paul, MN 55111-3010
It's good to be home.
15 September 2009
Al Vento
Al Vento is a neighborhood favorite in South Minneapolis. The restaurant has a small dining room and outdoor dining patio and a delightful Italian menu that changes daily.
We started with the bruschetta sample, which allowed us to try one each of their four varieties of crostini:
Tomato and Pesto
Caponata (cooked and marinated eggplant)
Olive Tapenade and Goat Cheese
Corn and Herbs
I had Gnocchi (potato-pasta dumplings, pronounced nyoh-kee) with a thick tomato sauce, spinach, and aged pecorino cheese.
Lemoncello is a tasty after-dinner digestivo that packed a punch which made my ears warm.
My dining companion had Radiatore pasta with black tiger shrimp and artichoke hearts.
Rush River BubbleJack was "very hoppy - too hoppy."
Lake Superior Oatmeal Stout had "hints of chocolate" and was "thick like a milkshake - thick enough to chew".
Al Vento: Highly recommended. Would like to go back often to try the constantly changing menu offerings.
5001 34th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
We started with the bruschetta sample, which allowed us to try one each of their four varieties of crostini:
Tomato and Pesto
Caponata (cooked and marinated eggplant)
Olive Tapenade and Goat Cheese
Corn and Herbs
I had Gnocchi (potato-pasta dumplings, pronounced nyoh-kee) with a thick tomato sauce, spinach, and aged pecorino cheese.
Lemoncello is a tasty after-dinner digestivo that packed a punch which made my ears warm.
My dining companion had Radiatore pasta with black tiger shrimp and artichoke hearts.
Rush River BubbleJack was "very hoppy - too hoppy."
Lake Superior Oatmeal Stout had "hints of chocolate" and was "thick like a milkshake - thick enough to chew".
Al Vento: Highly recommended. Would like to go back often to try the constantly changing menu offerings.
5001 34th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
14 September 2009
3 Squares
3 Squares Restaurant
"Sophisticated comfort food with a flair"
I had the Fish Tacos:
"Warm flour tortillas stuffed with blackened fresh tilapia, guacamole, black bean & charred corn salsa, Napa cabbage and chili lime sour cream."
My dining companion had the Stuffed Chicken:
"Chicken breast stuffed with roasted red peppers & creamy herbed Boursin cheese, red pepper sherry cream, sauteed asparagus and Asiago mashed potatoes."
Both entrees were delicious.
3 Squares Restaurant: Recommended.
12690 Arbor Lakes Parkway
Maple Grove MN, 55369
"Sophisticated comfort food with a flair"
I had the Fish Tacos:
"Warm flour tortillas stuffed with blackened fresh tilapia, guacamole, black bean & charred corn salsa, Napa cabbage and chili lime sour cream."
My dining companion had the Stuffed Chicken:
"Chicken breast stuffed with roasted red peppers & creamy herbed Boursin cheese, red pepper sherry cream, sauteed asparagus and Asiago mashed potatoes."
Both entrees were delicious.
3 Squares Restaurant: Recommended.
12690 Arbor Lakes Parkway
Maple Grove MN, 55369
13 September 2009
Operation Irene VII
This weekend, I participated in Operation Irene.
OP Irene is an annual Airsoft event produced by OP Lion Claws to recreate the events of the Battle of Mogadishu that inspired the book and movie Black Hawk Down and to honor the troops who served as Task Force Rangers. A big thanks to John Liu, Col. Danny McKnight, MSG Howard 'Mad Max' Mullen, MSG Matt Eversman, and SGT Kenn Miller for putting this event together and leading the way.
OP Irene is an annual Airsoft event produced by OP Lion Claws to recreate the events of the Battle of Mogadishu that inspired the book and movie Black Hawk Down and to honor the troops who served as Task Force Rangers. A big thanks to John Liu, Col. Danny McKnight, MSG Howard 'Mad Max' Mullen, MSG Matt Eversman, and SGT Kenn Miller for putting this event together and leading the way.
08 September 2009
Linkage, Volume 81
Homo sapiens
non-endangered species at the Bristol Zoo
via Neatorama
Being Bad
bad habits can be good for your health
via Daily Mail
Aquarium Fire
Rube Goldberg would be proud
via Plime
non-endangered species at the Bristol Zoo
via Neatorama
Being Bad
bad habits can be good for your health
via Daily Mail
Aquarium Fire
Rube Goldberg would be proud
via Plime
29 August 2009
Weekend Crafts
A couple of crafts I would like to make some day:
Picnic Blanket
how to make a double sided picnic blanket
via Skip to my Lou
Felt Tea Bag
another felt food tutorial
via One Pretty Thing
Picnic Blanket
how to make a double sided picnic blanket
via Skip to my Lou
Felt Tea Bag
another felt food tutorial
via One Pretty Thing
26 August 2009
Linkage, Volume 80
FD - Failure with Dishonesty
B.C. university introduces grade worse than F
via Plime
Thorpe Park
theme park bans visitors from raising their arms after complaints of body odor
via Plime
Bake and Release
PSA alerting viewers to a terrible cookie epidemic
via Serious Eats
B.C. university introduces grade worse than F
via Plime
Thorpe Park
theme park bans visitors from raising their arms after complaints of body odor
via Plime
Bake and Release
PSA alerting viewers to a terrible cookie epidemic
via Serious Eats
25 August 2009
Farmers Market Recipes
Here is some of the yummy food I have made with this year's wonderful produce:
Farfalle with Zucchini
I used this recipe as inspiration rather than follow it strictly, such as substituting romano for the blue cheese and adding roasted turkey breast.
via Serious Eats
Tomato Pie
I made two of these for church lunch, and they were a big hit.
Zucchini and Corn Fritters
via Serious Eats
Very highly recommed this recipe - so easy and so delicious.
Tomato & Thyme Jam
via Slashfood
This has such a wonderfully unusual mix of flavors that I just can't stop eating it!
Farfalle with Zucchini
I used this recipe as inspiration rather than follow it strictly, such as substituting romano for the blue cheese and adding roasted turkey breast.
via Serious Eats
Tomato Pie
I made two of these for church lunch, and they were a big hit.
Zucchini and Corn Fritters
via Serious Eats
Very highly recommed this recipe - so easy and so delicious.
Tomato & Thyme Jam
via Slashfood
This has such a wonderfully unusual mix of flavors that I just can't stop eating it!
13 August 2009
Kentucky Farmers' Markets
This past weekend, I went to my local farmers' market and bought the most delicious peaches I have ever eaten. Their sweet yellow flesh was so juicy that they were impossible to eat without getting messy. I also picked up zucchini squash (that I made into sauce for pasta, similar to this recipe), roma tomatoes (that I made into tomato pie), and baked goods from a local natural bakery.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of farmers' markets for 2009. The list of registered farmers' markets is organized by county. Support local agriculture!
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has compiled a list of farmers' markets for 2009. The list of registered farmers' markets is organized by county. Support local agriculture!
12 August 2009
Linkage, Volume 79
CDC Camp
where kids learn to be disease detectives
via Plime
Drumsticks
how to make customized ice cream drumsticks at home
via Serious Eats
Epic Fail
How Fail Went from Verb to Interjection
via Plime
Incredible Product
Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device, otherwise known as the BOOK!
where kids learn to be disease detectives
via Plime
Drumsticks
how to make customized ice cream drumsticks at home
via Serious Eats
Epic Fail
How Fail Went from Verb to Interjection
via Plime
Incredible Product
Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device, otherwise known as the BOOK!
06 August 2009
127 Sale
Today marks the beginning of the annual World's Longest Yard Sale. The sale runs 654 miles along the US-127 corridor, from West Unity, OH, to Gadsden, AL. Happy hunting!
04 August 2009
Linkage, Volume 78
How to Behave
New Rules for Highly Evolved Humans
via Swissmiss
Morse Code Typo
how do you spell Pittsburgh?
via Neatorama
Questions from a Muslim Friend
a response to a question on the core beliefs about Christianity
via Plime
Foil Hats
51 Conspiracy Theories That Don't Exist But Should
number 7 is my personal favorite
via Plime
New Rules for Highly Evolved Humans
via Swissmiss
Morse Code Typo
how do you spell Pittsburgh?
via Neatorama
Questions from a Muslim Friend
a response to a question on the core beliefs about Christianity
via Plime
Foil Hats
51 Conspiracy Theories That Don't Exist But Should
number 7 is my personal favorite
via Plime
02 August 2009
Almighty
"28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and His understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31 (New International Version)
29 July 2009
Linkage, Volume 77
The Neuroscience of McGriddles
because calories taste delicious
via Serious Eats
Not Fooling Anybody
a chronicle of bad conversions and storefronts past
via Serious Eats
Pain Relief
now-illegal drugs that used to be legal
via Miss Cellania
Pie Lollipops
a perfect combination
via CakeSpy
because calories taste delicious
via Serious Eats
Not Fooling Anybody
a chronicle of bad conversions and storefronts past
via Serious Eats
Pain Relief
now-illegal drugs that used to be legal
via Miss Cellania
Pie Lollipops
a perfect combination
via CakeSpy
26 July 2009
Overheard in the Back Seat
"This road is going to be swibbally." (squiggly)
"It tastes yucky when I burp."
"Please stop. That's getting ignoring." (annoying)
"I am going to make it ignoringer." (more annoying)
10 July 2009
Linkage, Volume 76
There, I Fixed It
do not attempt these "adventures in home pwnership"
via Miss Cellania
Science Kits
Popular Mechanics bought 8 science kits and researched online instructions to do the experiments at home without the fancy kit
via Neatorama
Bacon Explosion
now you can order your very own bacon-stuffed, bacon-wrapped Italian sausage
via Eat Me Daily
United Breaks Guitars
airline baggage handlers broke $3,500 guitar, prompting the owner to compose this
music video
full story here
do not attempt these "adventures in home pwnership"
via Miss Cellania
Science Kits
Popular Mechanics bought 8 science kits and researched online instructions to do the experiments at home without the fancy kit
via Neatorama
Bacon Explosion
now you can order your very own bacon-stuffed, bacon-wrapped Italian sausage
via Eat Me Daily
United Breaks Guitars
airline baggage handlers broke $3,500 guitar, prompting the owner to compose this
music video
full story here
04 July 2009
Weekend Crafts
Some things I want to try...
Surprise Balls
perfect for a scavenger hunt!
Crayon Cupcakes
great way to recycle broken crayons
This project reminds me of how my Mom used to melt old crayons in tins and pour the colored wax into candy molds to make cute shaped crayons (like this story). I may try this with silicone ice molds, since they are heat proof - melt the crayons in the oven right in the mold instead of having to deal with pouring hot liquid wax.
Surprise Balls
perfect for a scavenger hunt!
Crayon Cupcakes
great way to recycle broken crayons
This project reminds me of how my Mom used to melt old crayons in tins and pour the colored wax into candy molds to make cute shaped crayons (like this story). I may try this with silicone ice molds, since they are heat proof - melt the crayons in the oven right in the mold instead of having to deal with pouring hot liquid wax.
30 June 2009
Linkage, Volume 75
Food Mysteries
like, "How do they get the olives in olive loaf?"
via Serious Eats
Wimbledon
10 Things You Didn't Know
via Daily Mail Online
Sunnygram
a service that prints out paper copies of electronic communication and delivers it through regular mail in newsletter format weekly, for a $9.95 per month
Article about Sunnygram on Time.com
via Flexible Dreams
Falkirk Wheel
monstrous rotating boat lift connecting two waterways in Scotland
via Neatorama
like, "How do they get the olives in olive loaf?"
via Serious Eats
Wimbledon
10 Things You Didn't Know
via Daily Mail Online
Sunnygram
a service that prints out paper copies of electronic communication and delivers it through regular mail in newsletter format weekly, for a $9.95 per month
Article about Sunnygram on Time.com
via Flexible Dreams
Falkirk Wheel
monstrous rotating boat lift connecting two waterways in Scotland
via Neatorama
29 June 2009
Recipe: South-of-the-Border Rice & Beans
Several people have asked for my cheesy rice and beans recipe. Here it is, from the January 27, 2004, issue of Woman's World. It is always fantastic and is so fast and easy. Enjoy!
South-of-the-Border Rice & Beans
{from the January 27, 2004, issue of Woman's World}
Lots of Cheddar, veggies and black beans turn ordinary rice into a mouthwatering south-of-the-border dish!
Makes 6 servings. Per serving:
271 cals.; 11 g. protein; 9 g. fat (4 g. saturated); 20 mg. chol.; 39 g. carbs.; 618 mg. sodium; 5 g. fiber; 2 g. sugar
Your time in the kitchen: 20 minutes; ready to serve in 50 minutes
South-of-the-Border Rice & Beans
{from the January 27, 2004, issue of Woman's World}
Lots of Cheddar, veggies and black beans turn ordinary rice into a mouthwatering south-of-the-border dish!
- 1 Tbs. oil, preferably canola
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 4 oz., divided
- 1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
- Hot pepper sauce, optional
Makes 6 servings. Per serving:
271 cals.; 11 g. protein; 9 g. fat (4 g. saturated); 20 mg. chol.; 39 g. carbs.; 618 mg. sodium; 5 g. fiber; 2 g. sugar
Your time in the kitchen: 20 minutes; ready to serve in 50 minutes
19 June 2009
Linkage, Volume 74
Fast Food Fun
dessert made to look like burgers and fries
via Flexible Dreams
Color Snap
free iPhone app to match Sherwin-Williams paint colors to any photo
via Design Vagabond
Light Breakfast
traditional English breakfast made of balloons
via Serious Eats
Bathroom Song
"the bathroom is the room where the bath is..."
via Neatorama
Up
Pixar gave California girl a private in-home screening of 'Up' just before she died of cancer
via Neatorama
dessert made to look like burgers and fries
via Flexible Dreams
Color Snap
free iPhone app to match Sherwin-Williams paint colors to any photo
via Design Vagabond
Light Breakfast
traditional English breakfast made of balloons
via Serious Eats
Bathroom Song
"the bathroom is the room where the bath is..."
via Neatorama
Up
Pixar gave California girl a private in-home screening of 'Up' just before she died of cancer
via Neatorama
17 June 2009
Linkage, Volume 73
Smaller Spoons
Headline: Airlines Reduce Size of Spoons to Save Fuel During Recession, Says IATA
via Serious Eats
Koogle
Headline: Orthodox Jews Launch "Kosher" Search Engine
via Neatorama
Family Photo
Headline: Missouri Family Christmas Photo Turns Up in Czech Ad
Danielle's blog posts about the ad: Dear Social Media and Stolen Picture
via Neatorama
Million-dollar Mattress
Headline: Tel Aviv Search for Mattress Containing $1M Life Savings
via Neatorama
Tone Matrix
addictive sound lab
via Neatorama
Headline: Airlines Reduce Size of Spoons to Save Fuel During Recession, Says IATA
via Serious Eats
Koogle
Headline: Orthodox Jews Launch "Kosher" Search Engine
via Neatorama
Family Photo
Headline: Missouri Family Christmas Photo Turns Up in Czech Ad
Danielle's blog posts about the ad: Dear Social Media and Stolen Picture
via Neatorama
Million-dollar Mattress
Headline: Tel Aviv Search for Mattress Containing $1M Life Savings
via Neatorama
Tone Matrix
addictive sound lab
via Neatorama
14 June 2009
Ichthus Adventures
Ichthus Music Festival
Four days of Christian rock and alternative concerts near Wilmore, KY. Bands I saw:
Me in Motion
Philmont
Abandon
Wisdom's Call
After Edmund
Decypher Down
House of Heroes
Fireflight
Afterglow
Remedy Drive
EleventySeven
Skillet
Disciple
Corpus Christi
A Plea for Purging
Flatfoot 56
Four days of Christian rock and alternative concerts near Wilmore, KY. Bands I saw:
Me in Motion
Philmont
Abandon
Wisdom's Call
After Edmund
Decypher Down
House of Heroes
Fireflight
Afterglow
Remedy Drive
EleventySeven
Skillet
Disciple
Corpus Christi
A Plea for Purging
Flatfoot 56
08 June 2009
Linkage, Volume 72
Cozy Coupe
Little Tykes toy car outsold every other car model in 2008
Free Lunch
restaurant manager in Kyoto offers free food in exchange for dish washing
Runway
4 of the World's Strangest Airport Runways
Slug Bug
official rules as written by one mom
Little Tykes toy car outsold every other car model in 2008
Free Lunch
restaurant manager in Kyoto offers free food in exchange for dish washing
Runway
4 of the World's Strangest Airport Runways
Slug Bug
official rules as written by one mom
03 June 2009
Linkage, Volume 71
Cemetery Squirrels
clever rodents stole American flags to make a soft nest
19 Reasons to Take a Nap
because you needed another excuse
Surprise Wedding Reception
Improv Everywhere gave a random couple a great party
Facebook Ad Quiz Scam
do not enter your phone number to get quiz results - it could cost you
clever rodents stole American flags to make a soft nest
19 Reasons to Take a Nap
because you needed another excuse
Surprise Wedding Reception
Improv Everywhere gave a random couple a great party
Facebook Ad Quiz Scam
do not enter your phone number to get quiz results - it could cost you
01 June 2009
Happy Birthday, Kentucky!
My Fellow Kentuckians, our state was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1792 as the 15th State.
Kentucky.gov: Early History of Kentucky
Wikipedia entry on Kentucky
Kentucky.gov: Early History of Kentucky
Wikipedia entry on Kentucky
29 May 2009
Linkage, Volume 70
Don't forget to check Michele's World Race Blog!
Storm Drain Art
legal graffiti in Brazil
No Goat Flu
free goat with every ute
Awkward Family Photos
submit your own awkwardness
Alien Caterpillars
larvae that appear rather otherworldly
Global Fizz
I have personally tasted Calpis and Ramune.
Has anyone else tried (or even heard of) any of these sodas?
Storm Drain Art
legal graffiti in Brazil
No Goat Flu
free goat with every ute
Awkward Family Photos
submit your own awkwardness
Alien Caterpillars
larvae that appear rather otherworldly
Global Fizz
I have personally tasted Calpis and Ramune.
Has anyone else tried (or even heard of) any of these sodas?
21 May 2009
Michele in The World Race
My friend Michele will be going on a year-long mission trip in 2010. She will be going to 11 countries in 11 months through a program called The World Race. Michele is keeping a blog about preparing for her "year of intense discipleship training and serving people in each country to the glory of God."Visit Michele's blog
Please pray for Michele as she saves money and physically prepares for her journey.
14 May 2009
13 May 2009
Linkage, Volume 69
Dyson Brilliance
Cubist kitchen could stem gadget invasion
Kelsey Ladt
a University of Kentucky graduate at age 14
Tea Time
Prince William makes surprise visit to apologise to 109-year-old who complained about the Queen's birthday cards
Freedom Kentucky
wiki launched by The Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions to focus on communities, schools and elected officials in Kentucky
Cubist kitchen could stem gadget invasion
Kelsey Ladt
a University of Kentucky graduate at age 14
Tea Time
Prince William makes surprise visit to apologise to 109-year-old who complained about the Queen's birthday cards
Freedom Kentucky
wiki launched by The Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions to focus on communities, schools and elected officials in Kentucky
10 May 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Thanks for everything, Mom!
Here is a link in honor of six famous moms:
6 Unforgettable Movie Mothers
and the Real Moms They Depicted
07 May 2009
Phillip and Karina in Zambia
Two friends of mine have gone across the world to live, learn, and work in Zambia for the summer.
Follow their adventures on the Phillip in Zambia blog or in the Facebook group titled "Phillip's African Adventure".
Keep Phillip and Karina in your prayers.
Follow their adventures on the Phillip in Zambia blog or in the Facebook group titled "Phillip's African Adventure".
Keep Phillip and Karina in your prayers.
04 May 2009
Linkage, Volume 68
The Dread Tomato Addiction
tomato statistics are dangerous
Heavy Boots
why didn't astronauts float off the moon?
Ego-surfing
Why Google Wants You to Google Yourself
1984
Pop Up Guide titled _Inside the Personal Computer_
tomato statistics are dangerous
Heavy Boots
why didn't astronauts float off the moon?
Ego-surfing
Why Google Wants You to Google Yourself
1984
Pop Up Guide titled _Inside the Personal Computer_
02 May 2009
Weekend Crafts
More crafts that inspire me...
Calendar
perpetual photo wall calendar
Ice Wreaths
winter weather craft
Upcycle
how to turn a phone book into a desk organizer
Craft Room
amazing how much organization she fits into a tiny room!
(via another Amy)
01 May 2009
Linkage, Volume 67
Sugar Stacks
visualise the amount of sugar in common foods
Reclaiming the Swine
10 Pigs We Will Always Love
Kazakhstan
home of the first alien embassy on Earth
Dani
from the One Sentence archive
Career Choice
How to be a Successful Evil Overlord
(via another Amy)
visualise the amount of sugar in common foods
Reclaiming the Swine
10 Pigs We Will Always Love
Kazakhstan
home of the first alien embassy on Earth
Dani
from the One Sentence archive
Career Choice
How to be a Successful Evil Overlord
(via another Amy)
28 April 2009
Tuesday Adventures
Baxter Station Bar & Grill
We shared...
Potato Puffs: Mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese & green chilies, breaded & lightly fried. Served with horseradish sauce.
I ate...
Grilled Portabella Sandwich: Grilled marinated portabella cap topped with our spicy hummus, pepper jack cheese, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato & garlic aioli.
Others in my party ate...
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: Portabella, spinach & whole wheat penne tossed with sun-dried tomato, pistachio & basil pesto.
Fajita Burrito: A large flour tortilla filled with mesquite seasoned peppers, onions & cheese with chicken. Served with a side of sour cream & sweet chili sauce.
Basa: not on their online menu so I will have to write my own description... grilled white fish topped with a spicy fruit (pineapple or mango) chutney, served with mixed vegetables.
We shared...
Potato Puffs: Mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese & green chilies, breaded & lightly fried. Served with horseradish sauce.
I ate...
Grilled Portabella Sandwich: Grilled marinated portabella cap topped with our spicy hummus, pepper jack cheese, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato & garlic aioli.
Others in my party ate...
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: Portabella, spinach & whole wheat penne tossed with sun-dried tomato, pistachio & basil pesto.
Fajita Burrito: A large flour tortilla filled with mesquite seasoned peppers, onions & cheese with chicken. Served with a side of sour cream & sweet chili sauce.
Basa: not on their online menu so I will have to write my own description... grilled white fish topped with a spicy fruit (pineapple or mango) chutney, served with mixed vegetables.
Linkage, Volume 66
Marian Manners and Prudence Penny
the first celebrity cooks were actually teams of food writers
Grossly Compelling
dried spaghetti threaded through sausages and boiled
Cool Magnet Tricks
seventeen favorite magnet tricks, projects, and demos
27 April 2009
Back to Blogger
Ugh! Turns out I didn't like WordPress as much as I thought I would, so I am back on user-friendly Blogger!
24 April 2009
WordPress
I have moved!
No, I didn't buy a new house...
My blog has moved from Blogger to WordPress.
The domain is still polymathamy.com
See you there!
No, I didn't buy a new house...
My blog has moved from Blogger to WordPress.
The domain is still polymathamy.com
See you there!
22 April 2009
Linkage, Volume 65
Guacamole Ice Cream
Elle's avocado ice cream looks just like guacamole
Tweeting Cookbook
The Challenge of Recipes on Twitter
Incredible Globes
compilation of amazing earths in honor of Earth Day
Elle's avocado ice cream looks just like guacamole
Tweeting Cookbook
The Challenge of Recipes on Twitter
Incredible Globes
compilation of amazing earths in honor of Earth Day
19 April 2009
Worth
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (New International Version)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
15 April 2009
Linkage, Volume 64
Rodenator Pro
Spokane parks to detonate squirrels
Turkey
amorous bird crashes Easter celebration
Truck Spills
gallery of things spilled from trucks
Japanese Bird Cooking Spaghetti
exactly what it says
20 Reasons to Love Penguins
8. They'd make great punk rockers
Fast Food Folk Song
two guys order at Taco Bell with a folk song
Spokane parks to detonate squirrels
Turkey
amorous bird crashes Easter celebration
Truck Spills
gallery of things spilled from trucks
Japanese Bird Cooking Spaghetti
exactly what it says
20 Reasons to Love Penguins
8. They'd make great punk rockers
Fast Food Folk Song
two guys order at Taco Bell with a folk song
13 April 2009
Linkage, Volume 63
Stair Slide
every house needs one
Canine Element
Honda unveils dog-friendly car
Teeny Tiny Science
UC Berkeley uses puppets to explain nanotechnology
Apple a Day
10 Old Wives' Tales Debunked
every house needs one
Canine Element
Honda unveils dog-friendly car
Teeny Tiny Science
UC Berkeley uses puppets to explain nanotechnology
Apple a Day
10 Old Wives' Tales Debunked
12 April 2009
He is not here; He has risen!
Luke 24:1-8 (New International Version)
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" 8 Then they remembered His words.
09 April 2009
08 April 2009
Spring Break Adventures
On the way to Great Wolf Lodge...
Cookie: They have a lazy river. SweetPea is going to stay in there for like three hours. But sometimes they go really fast, but they still call it a lazy river.
SweetPea: That's crazy. They should call it a roller coaster river.
07 April 2009
Linkage, Volume 62
Math Homework
boy calls 911 for help with his take-aways
Star Trek
theater patrons get a surprise showing of new movie
Tauntaun Sleeping Bag
originally an April Fool's joke; now may become real due to overwhelming popularity
GM + Segway = PUMA
of all the ridiculous things for GM to be spending money on right now...
boy calls 911 for help with his take-aways
Star Trek
theater patrons get a surprise showing of new movie
Tauntaun Sleeping Bag
originally an April Fool's joke; now may become real due to overwhelming popularity
GM + Segway = PUMA
of all the ridiculous things for GM to be spending money on right now...
05 April 2009
Tortato
(Left Grandma's house just as a storm was coming in and a tornado watch was in effect.)
Me: Bye, Cookie! I'm going home now.
Cookie: What if you have a tortato???
Me: I will drive carefully!
Cookie: But you don't have a basement! What will you do if you have a tortato?
Me: Ummm, my neighbors have a basement, so maybe I can go to their house.
Me: Bye, Cousin! See you soon!
Cookie: Yeah, if you don't have a tortato...
Me: Bye, Cookie! I'm going home now.
Cookie: What if you have a tortato???
Me: I will drive carefully!
Cookie: But you don't have a basement! What will you do if you have a tortato?
Me: Ummm, my neighbors have a basement, so maybe I can go to their house.
Me: Bye, Cousin! See you soon!
Cookie: Yeah, if you don't have a tortato...
31 March 2009
Tuesday Adventures
Obento-ya
Maguro Nigiri (Tuna Sushi)
Yakiniku Classic Bento:
- steamed white rice
- spring greens with house dressing
- Japanese creamy potato salad
- sauteed beef slices with miso-garlic sauce
Miso soup
Hot green tea
I was looking forward to trying this place. I have been to several sushi-focused Japanese restaurants in the Twin Cities
Obento-ya, however, is focused on bento.
According to Wikipedia,
Bentō (弁当 or べんとう) is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.
Shōkadō bentō (松花堂弁当) is a traditional black-lacquered Japanese bento box.I started with hot tea and a pair of nigiri. Since I was seated at the sushi bar, I was able to watch the sushi chef prepare my nigiri. She sliced the tuna and hand-formed the rice into an oblong ball; then she added a smear of wasabi before pressing the fish and rice together.
When I had finished my sushi, the waitress brought my bento box, along with a bowl of miso soup. The sushi chef continued to work quickly and efficiently, filling additional orders from the dining room part of the restaurant. When I was nearly 
finished, she asked me if I had ever been to Japan. I replied that I had, about a year ago. She smiled broadly and then told me what had tipped her off: "Americans don't hold the bottom of the bowl!"
finished, she asked me if I had ever been to Japan. I replied that I had, about a year ago. She smiled broadly and then told me what had tipped her off: "Americans don't hold the bottom of the bowl!".
30 March 2009
27 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 60
Object Graveyards
The Afterlife of Everyday Things
Spiderman
rescues autistic boy from ledge
Dreams
of kindness, of making a difference, and of NBA contracts
More New Math
Brunch = Breakfast + Lunch + Cantaloupe
The Afterlife of Everyday Things
Spiderman
rescues autistic boy from ledge
Dreams
of kindness, of making a difference, and of NBA contracts
More New Math
Brunch = Breakfast + Lunch + Cantaloupe
23 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 59
AnnualCreditReport.com
FTC's response to the "free" sites that aren't really free after all
Double Modal
Y'all might could oughta read this
FTC's response to the "free" sites that aren't really free after all
Double Modal
Y'all might could oughta read this
22 March 2009
Impossible!
Acts 2:22-24 (New International Version)
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
20 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 58
SyFy
SciFi Channel is expanding from aliens to other forms of adventure
All Right, not alright
The 32 Most Commonly Misused Words and Phrases
Carmen Sandiego
this one cracked me up
SciFi Channel is expanding from aliens to other forms of adventure
All Right, not alright
The 32 Most Commonly Misused Words and Phrases
Carmen Sandiego
this one cracked me up
18 March 2009
I Think I Overwatered
I started seeds for this year's vegetable garden. About two weeks ago, I carefully organized and counted out my seeds and planted them in little peat pots. I labeled each one and placed them carefully in a little indoor greenhouse.
I should note that I tried this last year, twice. The first time, I forgot to water them. The second time, when I transfered the seedlings outside, they got sunburned and withered up right away.
So in an effort to not repeat last year's mistakes, I put the greenhouse right in sunny window and gave the plants plenty of water. I watered them every two days. Then on Sunday, I noticed that the peat pots right in the middle were covered in mold and the whole greenhouse smelled like a mildewy basement. I stopped watering and opened the top of the greenhouse so that the plants could get some fresh air. I will give them more water when the tops look dried out, just like the instructions say. So far, they're all still quite wet.
I hope they recover.
I should note that I tried this last year, twice. The first time, I forgot to water them. The second time, when I transfered the seedlings outside, they got sunburned and withered up right away.
So in an effort to not repeat last year's mistakes, I put the greenhouse right in sunny window and gave the plants plenty of water. I watered them every two days. Then on Sunday, I noticed that the peat pots right in the middle were covered in mold and the whole greenhouse smelled like a mildewy basement. I stopped watering and opened the top of the greenhouse so that the plants could get some fresh air. I will give them more water when the tops look dried out, just like the instructions say. So far, they're all still quite wet.
I hope they recover.
17 March 2009
13 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 57
War Message
found inside President Lincoln's watch
Air Force One
news photographer shares his stories
Con Artists
10 Greatest Imposters in History
Pluto a Planet Again
in the state of Illinois, for one day, on the anniversary of its discovery
found inside President Lincoln's watch
Air Force One
news photographer shares his stories
Con Artists
10 Greatest Imposters in History
Pluto a Planet Again
in the state of Illinois, for one day, on the anniversary of its discovery
11 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 56
Confusing Words
we have such a bewildering language
Circuit City
employees have a little fun with the discount sign
Retarded
visions of breakfast in the future past
Two-part article from Reader's Digest online:
13 Things Your Pizza Guy Won't Tell You
and
17 More Things Your Pizza Delivery Guy Won't Tell You
(from Slice)
we have such a bewildering language
Circuit City
employees have a little fun with the discount sign
Retarded
visions of breakfast in the future past
Two-part article from Reader's Digest online:
13 Things Your Pizza Guy Won't Tell You
and
17 More Things Your Pizza Delivery Guy Won't Tell You
(from Slice)
06 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 55
Seeq Pod
playable web search. search for songs (or videos, slideshows, flash...) and create your personalized playlist, like this
Library Specialization
15 unique library collections
Venice from Above
aerial photography of Venice, Italy
Decision Strategies
pamphlet, "How to Make a Decision"
playable web search. search for songs (or videos, slideshows, flash...) and create your personalized playlist, like this
Library Specialization
15 unique library collections
Venice from Above
aerial photography of Venice, Italy
Decision Strategies
pamphlet, "How to Make a Decision"
05 March 2009
Linkage, Volume 54
Sliding House
the whole timber-clad exterior slides open like a giant sunroof
Idiot Tax
Cincinnati judge fines man $2500 'idiot tax' along with probation and community service
Dump Truck
raised dump truck hits overhead highway sign
Dead Technology
twelve 'dead technology' advertisements
Dalek
a Dalek from Doctor Who was found submerged in a pond
the whole timber-clad exterior slides open like a giant sunroof
Idiot Tax
Cincinnati judge fines man $2500 'idiot tax' along with probation and community service
Dump Truck
raised dump truck hits overhead highway sign
Dead Technology
twelve 'dead technology' advertisements
Dalek
a Dalek from Doctor Who was found submerged in a pond
28 February 2009
Linkage, Volume 53
Flight Status
check flight delay info by airport
Photographic Dictionary
defining words through photography
check flight delay info by airport
Photographic Dictionary
defining words through photography
27 February 2009
Friday Adventures
Got 4-8 inches of snow around the area. I love snow! It's so beautiful! If it just weren't so cold...
Going home.
(beautiful photo from kmemav8r)
Going home.
(beautiful photo from kmemav8r)
26 February 2009
Thursday Adventures
Worked late and walked out to about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Took me about twice as long to leave work as usual. More snow expected over night.
Had leftovers from Santorini for dinner.
Had leftovers from Santorini for dinner.
25 February 2009
Wednesday Adventures
Kabuki Restaurant
Osaka Sushi Combo Dinner:
Salad
Miso Soup
California roll
Nigiri Sushi (Salmon, Bonito, Tuna)
Breaded Shrimp
Tonkatsu
Hot Green Tea
Osaka Sushi Combo Dinner:
Salad
Miso Soup
California roll
Nigiri Sushi (Salmon, Bonito, Tuna)
Breaded Shrimp
Tonkatsu
Hot Green Tea
24 February 2009
Tuesday Adventures
Santorini Taverna
Their own website ( http://santorinitaverna.com/ ) is down for now.
Greek Salata
Lamb Moussaka
Lamb Chops
Pastichio
Potatoes & Vegetables
Their own website ( http://santorinitaverna.com/ ) is down for now.
Greek Salata
Lamb Moussaka
Lamb Chops
Pastichio
Potatoes & Vegetables
Linkage, Volume 52
Prawo Jazdy
the mystery of Ireland's worst driver
Skin Suit
muscle cycling suit
Low-Tech Fixes
...for High-Tech Problems
Woddles
penguins + waffles
the mystery of Ireland's worst driver
Skin Suit
muscle cycling suit
Low-Tech Fixes
...for High-Tech Problems
Woddles
penguins + waffles
23 February 2009
21 February 2009
20 February 2009
Linkage, Volume 50
Interactive linkage...
Line Rider
flash sledding game
View from Satellite
see the earth from satellites
Public Domain
100 free online books
Snowflake
create your own 3d snowflake
Line Rider
flash sledding game
View from Satellite
see the earth from satellites
Public Domain
100 free online books
Snowflake
create your own 3d snowflake
16 February 2009
George Clothes
Shortcake: Why are we at home today?
Me: It's a holiday. Today is President's Day. It's also Washington's birthday.
Candy: Where is Washington's house?
Me: In Washington, D.C.
Cookie: Do they celebrate it in Washington D.C.?
Me: Yep.
Cookie: Did they celebrate Lincoln's birthday last Thursday?
Me: Yep.
Cookie: We should dress up like George today.
Candy: We don't have any George clothes. >>sigh<<
08 February 2009
Prayer and Plans
Philippians 4:6,19 (New International Version)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 14:24,27 (NIV)
24 The Lord Almighty has sworn,
"Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,
And as I have purposed, so it will stand."
27 For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
04 February 2009
Linkage, Volume 49
Compassion
six kids who made the world a better place
Long Exposure
fifteen examples of long exposure photography
Elephant Polo
U.S. team took silver, despite never having ridden elephants
Emergency Yodel
just in case
Koala Cuteness
little koala seeks some relief from the heat
six kids who made the world a better place
Long Exposure
fifteen examples of long exposure photography
Elephant Polo
U.S. team took silver, despite never having ridden elephants
Emergency Yodel
just in case
Koala Cuteness
little koala seeks some relief from the heat
01 February 2009
I Can't, but God Can
Today's lesson came from Genesis chapter 41. In this chapter, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had two dreams. No one in his court could interpret them, so he sent for a young Hebrew servant who was known to have interpreted dreams. Through Joseph, God instructed Pharaoh to store up food during years of abundant harvest so that there would be plenty to eat during the coming famine.
God Owns...
Psalm 50:9-11 (New International Version)
9 "I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine."
We Manage...
Proverbs 28:19 (NIV)
19 He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)
20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
but a foolish man devours all he has.
Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
I Can't, but God Can...
Genesis 41:15-16 (NIV)
15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."
16 "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
God Owns...
Psalm 50:9-11 (New International Version)
9 "I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine."
We Manage...
Proverbs 28:19 (NIV)
19 He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)
20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil,
but a foolish man devours all he has.
Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
I Can't, but God Can...
Genesis 41:15-16 (NIV)
15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."
16 "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
29 January 2009
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter product recall has been expanded once again. Search this site for foods in your family's pantry.
28 January 2009
Snowed In
Ice. Snow. More ice.
No power at my house. Some friends of mine down the street have power so I'm hanging out at their house.
This is the house across the street from me. Trees broke and fell and took power lines down with them. Several other lines are down on my street as well.
My back yard. Very sad little pine trees.
My car that I so carefully uncovered an shoveled out yesterday...
No power at my house. Some friends of mine down the street have power so I'm hanging out at their house.
This is the house across the street from me. Trees broke and fell and took power lines down with them. Several other lines are down on my street as well.
My back yard. Very sad little pine trees.
My car that I so carefully uncovered an shoveled out yesterday...
24 January 2009
Linkage, Volume 48
Seuss
stories behind 10 famous Dr. Seuss stories
Zombies Ahead
how to hack a roadside sign, not that you should...
Spider
interactive arachnid
Eyebrow Dance
funny commercial
stories behind 10 famous Dr. Seuss stories
Zombies Ahead
how to hack a roadside sign, not that you should...
Spider
interactive arachnid
Eyebrow Dance
funny commercial
13 January 2009
Cantaloupe Fairy
At dinner a few nights ago...
Cookie: "Hey! This just appeared!" (pointing to the piece of cantaloupe in her fruit bowl)
Me: "That has been there the whole time..."
Cookie: "No, it wasn't! I didn't have any of that kind!"
Me: "Yeah, the Cantaloupe Fairy must have come to deliver that to you..." (eye roll)
Cookie: "Really, she did! It wasn't there before!"
Cookie: "Hey! This just appeared!" (pointing to the piece of cantaloupe in her fruit bowl)
Me: "That has been there the whole time..."
Cookie: "No, it wasn't! I didn't have any of that kind!"
Me: "Yeah, the Cantaloupe Fairy must have come to deliver that to you..." (eye roll)
Cookie: "Really, she did! It wasn't there before!"
12 January 2009
Princess Candy
The birthday party was a smashing success! All of the princesses and knights looked adorable in their costumes and had a lot of fun with the crafts and games. My appearance as Queen Amy had to be cut short when I realized that one little princess was frightened to tears of my costume. The kids were most intrigued by the wig - "Is that your real hair?" "Where is your real hair?" "Why are you wearing that on your head?"
Candy's birthday cake had a picture printed on it of Candy dressed up as Sleeping Beauty last year. Our cousin showed it to her and said, "Look at your pretty picture on your cake!" Candy's eyes gleamed and she exclaimed, "Maybe I'll get to eat my face!"
Candy's birthday cake had a picture printed on it of Candy dressed up as Sleeping Beauty last year. Our cousin showed it to her and said, "Look at your pretty picture on your cake!" Candy's eyes gleamed and she exclaimed, "Maybe I'll get to eat my face!"
08 January 2009
Linkage, Volume 47
The Cab Ride I'll Never Forget
take a moment to read this touching story
Wolf Poster
shepherd herds his flock with a *picture* of a wolf
Pet Fox
dog hard to train? could be a fox
Playground
tin man - private commission
take a moment to read this touching story
Wolf Poster
shepherd herds his flock with a *picture* of a wolf
Pet Fox
dog hard to train? could be a fox
Playground
tin man - private commission
07 January 2009
I Did My One Thing
So I accomplished my One Thing for Monday, although it took me two days. I found a dress for Mom and a queen costume for me. Then at another store on Tuesday, I acquired a surprisingly cheap white curly wig that will work just great! I also found a 5-foot-tall castle wall decoration and an adorable little crystal-studded silver tiara for the birthday princes.
One odd thing - while the party supply stores are overrun with pink princess supplies, I couldn't find prince or knight themed items anywhere! I guess the boys will just have to make do with the inflatable swords and foam shields that Mom ordered, while the girls are dressing up in their princess costumes.
And if you're wondering, no, I am NOT going to post my One Thing goal on my blog every day. It would be terrible to have all of the internet on my back to get things done. I don't need that kind of guilt!
One odd thing - while the party supply stores are overrun with pink princess supplies, I couldn't find prince or knight themed items anywhere! I guess the boys will just have to make do with the inflatable swords and foam shields that Mom ordered, while the girls are dressing up in their princess costumes.
And if you're wondering, no, I am NOT going to post my One Thing goal on my blog every day. It would be terrible to have all of the internet on my back to get things done. I don't need that kind of guilt!
05 January 2009
I Will Do One Thing Today
...and that thing is acquiring a queen costume.
My motto lately has been just that. Focusing on one thing to do each day that is outside of my normal routine. It may be grocery shopping, or doing a load of laundry, or putting the Christmas decorations in storage. When I look at my To Do list, I get overwhelmed at all the stuff that needs to be done. So I determine each morning to Do One Thing Today.
Today my goal is to find a queen costume to wear to Candy's princesses-and-knights themed birthday party. Mom wants me to dress up as a queen and "knight" the boys as they arrive. I will try thrift stores first and work my way up to the party supply stores. I am hoping to find a long velvet prom dress castoff, but I may have to go with a packaged costume. Also hoping to find a powdered wig with ringlets and some big costume jewelry to complete the royal look.
My motto lately has been just that. Focusing on one thing to do each day that is outside of my normal routine. It may be grocery shopping, or doing a load of laundry, or putting the Christmas decorations in storage. When I look at my To Do list, I get overwhelmed at all the stuff that needs to be done. So I determine each morning to Do One Thing Today.
Today my goal is to find a queen costume to wear to Candy's princesses-and-knights themed birthday party. Mom wants me to dress up as a queen and "knight" the boys as they arrive. I will try thrift stores first and work my way up to the party supply stores. I am hoping to find a long velvet prom dress castoff, but I may have to go with a packaged costume. Also hoping to find a powdered wig with ringlets and some big costume jewelry to complete the royal look.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)