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October 27, 2004

iPod Special Edition and iPod Photo

Two new additions to Apple's Pod family:

Additional info @ Wired News

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October 25, 2004

I still love the old dog ...

... despite what she did to me.

A british man put an invitation to his former girlfriend's wedding on eBay, sparking a bidding frenzy that opened at a few pounds and then grew to several million. On the day of the wedding, the anonymous guest withdrew the offer and admitted he was not over his prior entanglement. "You know, I still love the old dog, despite what she did to me. I'm going to pull the auction, go to Aberdeen and see whether she'll put a stop to this sham of a wedding and marry me instead." - Reuters

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Feeding Time

When my brain signals overload and the mind just won't shut off, I grab some clothes, my all-weather hiking boots and my camera and head out of the city and into the woods. Since I'm not a stereotypical city dweller, (you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl,) I'm more comfortable and zen-like in other locales. Common sense would have it that I'd move out of the city once and for all, and though I'm seriously considering it, I've used up all of my common sense for this month. I digress.

One of the first things I do when I arrive at my appointed peace of mind destination is to fill a container with corn and sprinkle it out on the grass for the deer. Hours later, the bambis seem to sense when a meal is waiting and suddenly 5-10 of them show up to eat. This time around the feed supply had been depleted and replenishing it would have to wait until the next day.

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The next morning I was out the door at 6:15 a.m. hoping for a decent sunrise to photograph. A quick look out the window and the idea evaporated -- a dense fog greeted me instead of a gorgeous sunrise. I opened the door and went out on the deck, surveyed the lay of the land, looking out and into the surrounding woods. Some movement to my left caught my eye. It was a deer and I had no corn to feed it, but I remembered the leftover biscuits from last night's dinner. That will have to hold him over until I get to the feed store. Back into the house I went, grabbing the biscuits and my camera and then back outside.

I sat down on the steps of the deck very close to where I usually spread out the corn. Okay, so bread isn't exactly the ideal nourishment here, but is the deer going to protest? We'll see.

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Now the trick here was not so much getting the deer to fall for my biscuit bait but managing to snap the photograph. Common sense (remember, I'm all out for this month) would have had me using my left hand to feed the deer while using the right hand to take the picture. One-hand-only photos are a neat trick -- you have to balance the camera in your hand, make sure one digit is ready to press the shutter button and hope the camera is pointed in the right direction. It quickly became evident that the deer was really into the biscuits, and I was truly amazed that this particular deer had no qualms about approaching me. Deer are usually skittish and flee immediately when something they're unfamiliar with comes into view. This was a bit of a surprise to me, though based on how quickly this deer inhaled the biscuits, obviously it was quite hungry and tired of eating the local vegetation.

Now we can easily debate the supposed harm I'm doing by feeding the deer at all. I think the most common and frequent argument is that I'm disrupting nature's course. The feeding habit of deer is usually focused on local vegetation as well as any backyard garden that isn't enclosed by a fence. However, I've done the test numerous times when I haven't put any corn out at all, and the deer return to munching on leaves and branches. It's not as if the deer are standing there on their hind legs, arms crossed in front of their chests demanding to know where the corn is.

So yes, I'm guilty. I spoil them rotten. I feed them corn whenever I'm in the area. How often can you say that you've walked away from deer, only to turn around to see five of them following you? It's really funny when that happens. Two ten-pound bags of corn later, once again I've endeered myself to them. :-)

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October 22, 2004

Whirlwind Visits

Tuesday brought the unexpected and right out of left field visit from my childhood friend Billy who lives in Hawaii. The last time we saw each other was 1996, and we'd not been in contact since (an extreme oversight on both our parts, as neither one of us gave the other contact information. Duh!) It was really great to see him and catch up after all this time. Hopefully we'll be better about staying in touch in the future.

On Wednesday my friend Donald flew in from Austin, Texas for a brief trip to NYC. At the same time, I was on my way out of the city to plan a birthday fest for my mom's 75th. The timing couldn't be worse than it was because we didn't get to see each other at all.

Friend Ken arrives tomorrow from Portland, Oregon and we'll catch up either Sunday and/or next week. Anyone else? I'm not complaining here -- I love seeing my friends, it just seems like there's never enough time to spend with them, or our schedules don't sync up. *sigh*

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October 19, 2004

Quote of the Minute

"There you are. I thought you'd left the country."
- Zoe @ MBIAT lets me know she misses me. :-)

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Men's Wear

"From our popular Husky Bastard collection, this stunning checked jacket is a must for the arrogant theater major on your list. Those checks aren't just for show - they're part of a metallic skeleton built right into the suit! When the jocks hold you down and beat the crap out of you, no doubt out of spite because they couldn't ever HOPE to perform in Oklahoma! the way you did last month, well, your jacket will hold its shape. Available in many colors - mud, blood, and hot snotty tears of shame." - LILEKS (James) The History of Dorcus Men's Wear.

You might also want to take a look at He-Skirts.

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Celery + Gravity = Art

My friend Ken in Portland, Oregon sent me the URL for this must-see web site, Celery + Gravity = Art.

The site features the illustrations of Art Frahm. From the site: "He did many that were much, much worse. (And better, too.) But the falling-panty theme is a staple of his work. These pictures aren't taken from a calendar he did when hungry and desperate, chafing against the dictates of some gnomish pervert who wanted a year's worth of falling-panty pictures. These date from throughout the 50s. It's a theme to which he returned again and again - and you have to wonder why."

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Falsies as Weapons

Long before suffragettes shackled themselves to railings and women's libbers burned their bras, female freedom fighters were waging a more covert war, using lipstick, mascara and false bosoms as weapons. Far from being instruments of oppression in a vast male conspiracy, such "beauty devices" were used by women to manipulate the judgmental masculine eye in an effort to control the uncontrollable, says feminist author Teresa Riordan.

Science, technology and commerce enabled all women in western society regardless of financial status to have access to gadgets and potions that improved their appearance. The tightly cinched Victorian corset, the rubber "Flapper Flattener" of the 1920s and the voluptuousness of the push-up bra and cone-shaped falsies of the 1940s and 50s are all ancestors of the modern bra. And, according to Riordan, the first false bosom was patented by New Yorker Anne McLean in 1858 -- a pair of sharply pointed wire cones inserted into the top half of a corset. Wire falsies were replaced by rubber ones but fell out of favor quickly. "They tended to distend and deflate, rendering the bust uneven or, worse, leaving the putative breasts pointing in improbable directions," Riordan writes. - Reuters

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October 12, 2004

Men Who Wear Clogs

There are three guys I know who wear clogs. Each one lives in a different U.S. state. None of them are nurses or doctors.

Clogs are comfortable and even provide terrific support for those with flat feet; however, I seem to be somewhat disturbed over the choice of footwear my male friends have made. I'm not sure exactly why this bothers me, but it does. It's not as if I don't own a couple of pairs myself -- I do, and I am well aware that fashion trends are cyclical (i.e., crocheted ponchos and capes, mini skirts, and the newest old thing, moon boots.) Perhaps I've always viewed clogs as either a girl thing or footwear for nurses and doctors. But men wearing clogs? Hmm. It's '70s hippie attire -- bell bottoms and Huckapoo button-down shirts and Afros and clogs and beads... maybe that's what this is.

Of the three guys, one is wearing his clogs along with his bell bottom jeans, beard and ponytail. The next one has been wearing his clogs with (gasp!) white socks and shorts, and I haven't asked the third guy. (Maybe a flannel shirt and jeans? I'm guessing since it would fit his neck o' the woods.) That nixes the '70s men's style resurgence possibility. So what's going on here?

My friend David, who I haven't seen in quite a while, showed up for our lunch date yesterday wearing a fabulous navy blazer, polo shirt and cords, along with a pair of lace-up suede shoes. His short curly hair had suddenly grown well past his shoulders and had been blown dry, now metrosexually straight. It didn't go unnoticed. The new hair cut/hairstyle, coupled with the full beard he sported made him look like Jesus Christ. (Had I known ahead of time I would have dressed for the Last Supper.) Though momentarily surprised, I realized his new look fit quite well with his NYC and Montauk, New York film producer/surfer boy/spouse/father image. The look suited him for both business and pleasure. I didn't ask him if he wears clogs, but I plan on it.

Many women are aware of the trends in women's fashion, whether they opt for the attire of the moment or not. Men? Sure there are some out there who know a bit about men's fashion but overall, I don't expect a guy's knowledge base to be weighted heavily on the side of fashion. (And wow, doesn't that reek of stereotyping! Shame on me, I don't mean it that way.)

I'm digressing from my obvious dismay over what could be an emerging trend: men wearing clogs. Granted, knowing three guys who wear clogs does not a trend make, so I'm asking the guys: do you wear clogs? If you're not, why not? What are you wearing on your feet? If you are wearing them, is it the men's trend of the moment or is it just because clogs give you feet orgasms?

Inquiring minds want to know! By the way, I've heard that desert boots are making a comeback. :-)

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October 10, 2004

Testing the Film Camera

I have an old Canon A-1 35mm camera that hasn't been used for a long time. In addition to the 35mm lens, I have a Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm macro focusing auto zoom lens. It was time to take the film camera out of hibernation and make sure it was still operational. In went a new battery and a roll of 200 color film. I hoped for the best.

A recent excursion out of the city was a good excuse to take along the film camera and test it. After shooting whatever struck my fancy, I took the film to be developed, again hoping for the best (but concerned that this camera might be a goner.) To my relief, the camera still worked, as evidenced below:

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Though it is obvious I need to become comfortable again using the film camera (having been spoiled by the use of a digital camera,) I'm relieved that the Canon still works -- it's not a turkey. ;-)

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October 8, 2004

Podcasting

Wired News on podcasting.

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Daily Source Code and Trade Secrets

If you haven't listened to the Daily Source Code yet, you've no idea what you've been missing. Just head on over to the Daily Source Code and start listening. [Note: I was asked today if you need an iPod (or any other mp3 player) in order to listen -- you do not. You can hear them as you would accessing any other mp3 file, audioblog, audio post, whatever.) Adam Curry has a running list of a variety of podcasts he's come across that you can subscribe to on the iPodder.org site. I listen to the DSC as well as the show he's been doing with Dave Winer called Trade Secrets.

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iPodder X

I downloaded iPodder X and it's terrific. For those of you on Windows, there's iPodder1.0 software for you here. To date, there's software for Windows, Mac, Linux and PocketPC here.

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Pod People

Each time I read the term 'podcasting' it makes me think of the movies. I was trying to remember the name of the movie I had in mind and did a Google search on the words 'pod people.' Did you know that there was a Mystery Science Theater 3000 film titled Pod People in 1983? Here's the Amazon information. There are quotes from it as well as some amusing trivia at the bottom of the page. I continued my search for pod people and finally found the movie I was thinking of, the Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) (Sci-Fi.Com) Here's a snippet of the movie review:

Visually, this film is beautifully composed, with unforgettable scenes such as the assembly of the pod people in the town square to receive more pods for dispersal, and the discovery of the pods in the greenhouse, all seething with alien vitality.

Don't you just love that line, seething with alien vitality? I have visions of Steve Jobs at Apple inviting the podcasting people to assemble in Cupertino, dispersing more iPods via a scavenger hunt at Billy Gates' greenhouse (that's the part where the 'seething alien vitality' comes in.)

And there ya have it. Evidence that my imagination is on overload today. :-)

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Lapping it Up

It's amazing that one comment from Kat @ Mostly Fluff about me lapdancing has sent y'all into a tizzy. Contrary to popular disbelief and for the record, I did NOT lapdance in Texas even though Kat and I joked that I did. (a joke... J - O - K - E.) HOWEVER... the last time I was on anyone's lap (outside of those moments in my romantic life that are best left where I put them -- buried under the rock) was at the wedding of a colleague. I was not lapdancing when this photo was taken. How do I explain why I was on this gentleman's lap? Uh, er, I think I was pulled in so I could be in the frame -- yeah, that's it.

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We both look a helluva lot better now than we did back then. That photograph was taken in 1998. As far as the remarks about my bum ankle are concerned, I actually never fell into that pothole while walking with Oz when he was visiting NYC. I really hurt it after draping myself upside down from the pole in the club where I strip. How else did you think I made a living? And if you actually believe that, I have a bridge I can sell you. :-)

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Vegetable Spam

Eduardo writes in the subject line of a recent piece of spam:

"fill me with your carrot."

You know, I just couldn't help it. I laughed. I laughed out loud when I read that. I wonder about the people who think up subject lines and copy for spam, and what I'd say (or do, for that matter) if I met one of them face-to-face.

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October 6, 2004

No Additional Bang for the Bean

According to this article in Slate, the cost of becoming one with the Starbucks bean will increase by an average of 11 cents. You'll pay more due to sharp increases in the costs of sugar and coffee, but there won't be an increase in the amount of bean juice. (I'll just assume the 'bucks' in Starbucks stands for $$$$ dollar signs.)

A Starbucks grande contains 550 mgs of caffeine, which is more caffeine than one NoDoz or one Vivarin (each only 200 mgs caffeine.) I do not Starbuck. I'm not one with their bean but have many friends who worship the place. I think 11 cents more is a ripoff. There's no increase in the amount of caffeine, so I ask you - is this an outrage or not?

Just curious. :-)

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For the Stripper in Me

Oh this is handy in case I need more practice -- a portable stripper pole.
- found @ New Yorkish

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October 4, 2004

Get the Presidential Debate

... via Apple's iTunes

Free download of the Bush/Kerry debate for users of Apple's U.S. iTune's Music Store.
- via MacCentral

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Reminder to Change the URL!

Please, please, PLEASE change your bookmarks and links for this blog -- PLEASE DO NOT rely on the redirect to get you here, as it will be removed soon. Change your bookmarks and links to http://dustingmybrain.com -- p.s. the word 'weblog' is NOT in the URL address. Many thanks!

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Hippo in a Thong

Kozo's Thong Song from 103.5 The Beat Miami.
- via Daisy @ Chasing Daisy

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Quotes

"...I went out and bought those itsy-bitsy wax strips, applied them either side of my upper lip and yanked. Holy fucking christ - did that hurt." - Zoe @ MBIAT: Hormones and 'taches...

"To say I don't like the city of Washington DC is an understatement. I believe that if they were to give Uncle Sam an enema, the nozzle would be inserted in DC." - Ted @ Rocket Jones: Smithsonian Trip

"Sometimes, I stun myself with the self-important shit that spills out of my mouth." - Paul @ It is Not Within me to be Silent: Crimes we Commit, Lies we Forget, Lovers we Acquit

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Sexy Tough Guy

Photographs of Tom ( HeadCleaner) at the Tough Guy Challenge. Hmm... maybe he has a twin brother. ;-)

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Girl Scout Cookies

Isabella, Rob's daughter, is selling Girl Scout Cookies. Here's the selection at a mere $3.50 [U.S.] per box:

All cookies contain no preservatives, no artificial colors and are made with 100% vegetable shortening. All cookies are Kosher. Each Girl Scout Council sets their own selling price (The average cost of cookies in surrounding areas range from $3.00 to $4.00 per box). But the price is still less than most mass marketed, machine-made cookies.

Anyone who wants to pre-order from within the U.S. can do so by emailing Rob with the details of their order (i.e., 3 boxes of thin mints) -- if you live in the U.S., shipping is free. International orders are accepted also - though there will be a charge for shipping (ask Rob for details.) Right now this is pre-ordering, so no money needs to be sent at this time. Send your email pre-order to Rob at robdesign [at[ gmail [dot] com !

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October 1, 2004

Mother Nature's Hissy Fit

Every so often I allow my overactive imagination to run wild and I take a stab at creative writing. I wrote this a couple of days ago, weary from reading U.S. weather reports that all seem to read the same way with the same exact words. (Surely some talented journalist out there could spin a better tale when discussing the weather.) Anyway, this is what came out of my head. It needs fune-tuning, but if I go that route right now it will be weeks before I post it. Therefore, here it is... my moment of absolute insanity that prompted a friend of mine to inquire if it was harvest season in the woods. Yup, that's me. I've been eating wild mushrooms again. Uh huh. ;-)

News alert: Weather. It's a-happenin'.

Mother Nature roused from her sleep early one morning. With rollers in her hair, night cream slathered on her face, and stuffed into a two sizes-too small bathrobe salvaged from wilder times, she dragged her flaming red, ostrich-plumed lounging slippers across the hall and into the kitchen. She flung open the cupboard and suddenly alarm bells sounded in her cobweb-covered brain: she was out of coffee.

With the grace of a gazelle and the speed of a linebacker, she lifted her right arm over her head, waved it in the air back and forth, back and forth, and spun around three times until the earth beneath her began to shake. Who the hell drank ALL the goddamn coffee?!?, she bellowed to the heavens. It was only 5 in the morning, and Mother was already in a snit. Someone's going to PAY! she cried, and pay they did. It wasn't long before irate mamma began chanting and dreaming up wicked little somethings to bestow upon the masses. Yes! She thought. I'll just hit every damn state across the U.S. that has a Starbucks or two... how DARE they have caffeine when I have none!? I'll fix them!

Mother Nature's snit went on, her brain cells churning away, pondering dastardly deeds, then she hit upon the first of many light bulb moments. She stopped, took a seat near the window, looked out over the world and zoomed in on the U.S. Then her eyes locked onto... wait... she's talking again. Let's choose one state first. One that is infamous. A state that is responsible for that ridiculous hanging chad incident from years ago. Scene of the crime, It was an outrage, I tell you! Yes, yes, that's the ticket. I'll deposit my wrath on Florida. Home of alligators, and oranges, and South Beach and, and.... well nevermind what else. Oh right, I remember now. Gloria Estefan. Haha! We'll see who'll be singing Oye Mi Canto now. Hear YOUR voice? Sweetie, now you're going to hear MINE. And off Mother Nature went, back to her bedroom, sans caffeine, plotting and scheming and waving her arms in the air ... they don't call it a hurricane for nothing, you know.

After an hour and weary from all her arm waving, Mother Nature got to work. She called upon some of her nearest and dearest to do the nasty deed -- Jeanne, Ivan and Frances were ready to party, and she decided to keep Lisa on standby, just in case she was needed for backup. With the East Coast done, she turned to the West Coast, home of movie stars and Billy Gates AND Starbucks. Ah hah! She mused. An earthquake for L.A. will ruffle their feathers a bit, and I can always count on my pal St. Helen, who's been PMSing big time anyway, to shake things up at a moment's notice. And so it was done. Mother Nature climbed back into her bed, satisfied that the masses would get their due, their comeuppance.

Now that her wrath had been unleased, Mother Nature thought about extracurricular activities... at least until the gods replenish her caffeine supply. Without hesitation, she reached out into the air and grabbed thunder, quickly depositing him next to her and pulled the bed covers over both of them. Underneath the blankets, she teased and taunted him, ruffled his hair, tickled his underarms, and a bolt of lightning struck, followed by intense canoodling. Around the same time, Jeanne found Ivan in bed with Frances, and well, all hell broke loose.

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