"Food Containing Hemp Remains Legal"
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 Posted: 12:24 PM EDT (1624 GMT)
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Food products made with hemp will remain legal after the Justice Department declined to challenge a ruling that overturned a Bush administration ban, lawyers for the hemp industry said.
Monday night was the deadline for the government to challenge a federal appeals court's February decision that the United States cannot ban the domestic sale of hemp foods.
The appeals court decision was a victory for more than 200 companies that make products including energy bars, waffles, milk-free cheese and veggie burgers with the plant that contains only trace amounts of THC, the key ingredient in marijuana.
***My secret fetish for veggie burgers has been exposed***
Patrick Goggin, a San Francisco lawyer representing the Hemp Industries Association, said the government had informed the group's legal team that it would let Monday's deadline expire.
"They don't see this as a battle they can win," Goggin said.
Justice Department spokesman Charles Miller declined comment.
The San Francisco-based appeals court said that although the Drug Enforcement Administration has regulatory authority over marijuana, the agency did not have the authority to ban foods derived from hemp. The court said it was not possible to get high from products with only trace amounts of the mind-altering chemical.
Hemp is an industrial plant related to marijuana. Fiber from the plant long has been used to make paper, clothing, rope and other products. Its oil is found in body-care products such as lotion, soap and cosmetics.
***That's right, whoever's out there smokin' their body lotion needs to be locked up.***
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Just Dandy
Like we need even more folks with nukes and a pissy, paranoid attitude toward the US:
Minister: N. Korea Has Nuclear Deterrent
By EDITH M. LEDERER
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - North Korea says it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons to serve as a deterrent against increasing U.S. nuclear threats and to prevent a nuclear war in northeast Asia.
Warning that the danger of war on the Korean peninsula ``is snowballing,'' Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon provided details Monday of the nuclear deterrent that he said North Korea has developed for self-defense.
He told the U.N. General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting that Pyongyang had ``no other option but to possess a nuclear deterrent'' because of U.S. policies that he claimed were designed to ``eliminate'' North Korea and make it ``a target of preemptive nuclear strikes.''
``Our deterrent is, in all its intents and purposes, the self-defensive means to cope with the ever increasing U.S. nuclear threats and further, prevent a nuclear war in northeast Asia,'' he told a news conference after his speech.
In Washington, a State Department official noted that Secretary of State Colin Powell has said repeatedly that the United States has no plans to attack the communist country.
But in his General Assembly speech and at the press conference with a small group of reporters, Choe blamed the United States for intensifying threats to attack the communist nation and destroying the basis for negotiations to resolve the dispute over Pyongyang's nuclear program.
Nonetheless, he said, North Korea is still ready to dismantle its nuclear program if Washington abandons its ``hostile policy'' and is prepared to coexist peacefully.
At the moment, however, he said ``the ever intensifying U.S. hostile policy and the clandestine nuclear-related experiments recently revealed in South Korea are constituting big stumbling blocks'' and make it impossible for North Korea to participate in the continuation of six-nation talks on its nuclear program.
North Korea said earlier this year that it had reprocessed the 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods and was increasing its ``nuclear deterrent'' but did not provide any details.
Choe was asked at the news conference what was included in the nuclear deterrent.
``We have already made clear that we have already reprocessed 8,000 wasted fuel rods and transformed them into arms,'' he said, without elaborating on the kinds or numbers.
Minister: N. Korea Has Nuclear Deterrent
By EDITH M. LEDERER
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - North Korea says it has turned the plutonium from 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods into nuclear weapons to serve as a deterrent against increasing U.S. nuclear threats and to prevent a nuclear war in northeast Asia.
Warning that the danger of war on the Korean peninsula ``is snowballing,'' Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon provided details Monday of the nuclear deterrent that he said North Korea has developed for self-defense.
He told the U.N. General Assembly's annual ministerial meeting that Pyongyang had ``no other option but to possess a nuclear deterrent'' because of U.S. policies that he claimed were designed to ``eliminate'' North Korea and make it ``a target of preemptive nuclear strikes.''
``Our deterrent is, in all its intents and purposes, the self-defensive means to cope with the ever increasing U.S. nuclear threats and further, prevent a nuclear war in northeast Asia,'' he told a news conference after his speech.
In Washington, a State Department official noted that Secretary of State Colin Powell has said repeatedly that the United States has no plans to attack the communist country.
But in his General Assembly speech and at the press conference with a small group of reporters, Choe blamed the United States for intensifying threats to attack the communist nation and destroying the basis for negotiations to resolve the dispute over Pyongyang's nuclear program.
Nonetheless, he said, North Korea is still ready to dismantle its nuclear program if Washington abandons its ``hostile policy'' and is prepared to coexist peacefully.
At the moment, however, he said ``the ever intensifying U.S. hostile policy and the clandestine nuclear-related experiments recently revealed in South Korea are constituting big stumbling blocks'' and make it impossible for North Korea to participate in the continuation of six-nation talks on its nuclear program.
North Korea said earlier this year that it had reprocessed the 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods and was increasing its ``nuclear deterrent'' but did not provide any details.
Choe was asked at the news conference what was included in the nuclear deterrent.
``We have already made clear that we have already reprocessed 8,000 wasted fuel rods and transformed them into arms,'' he said, without elaborating on the kinds or numbers.
Bring on the Booties
A big FAT Félicitations goes to my great friends across the pond. Ludo and Anne are having their first little one sometime in March. I hope the bébé is a little girl so I can have the opportunity to teach her how to be a real pain in the ass. Ludo only deserves the full "Parent" treatment.
Seriously, though, these two will be the best parents and I wish them the best.
Seriously, though, these two will be the best parents and I wish them the best.
Monday, September 27, 2004
This Time They Were Wrong
So weather people said yesterday and this morning that Jeanne would move to our east and we would only get about 1/2" of rain with some wind. W-R-O-N-G.
It has been downpouring since noon. This storm was supposed to take a NNE "jog" this morning and miss us. Now it is right over us and just starting it's "jog". I would think this will make for a nasty ride home, which I am about to try before the other 4 million people get on the road.
Since I listened to weather man this morning and didn't think Jeanne would be a problem, I left the windows at the house wide open.
I may need a mop tonight.
It has been downpouring since noon. This storm was supposed to take a NNE "jog" this morning and miss us. Now it is right over us and just starting it's "jog". I would think this will make for a nasty ride home, which I am about to try before the other 4 million people get on the road.
Since I listened to weather man this morning and didn't think Jeanne would be a problem, I left the windows at the house wide open.
I may need a mop tonight.
Is the Denial Period Over?
OK, so Colin Powell, who I've long considered the most sane and intellegent member of the current administration - yeah, yeah, that's not saying much - has "come out" on Fox News. Sec. of State Powell said yesterday that, "... the insurgency is only becoming more violent as planned January elections near." and on ABC's This Week, "It's getting worse," he said. "They are determined to disrupt the election. They do not want the Iraqi people to vote for their own leaders in a free, democratic election."
This on top of the fact that Georgie W. is defending his showboat bullshit last year where he gave the "Mission Accomplished" speech and told folks yesterday that he'd do it again. I bet there are about 900+ soldiers and even more family of soldiers that wished he didn't do "it" in the first place.
I cannot believe the vaccuum brain Republicans who still insist that the violence in Iraq is all because of irresponsible media hounds. One person even said to me today, "Well, 1,000 people a day die in car crashes and the media doesn't mention that". When I told him to check the violence/death/assault/rape stories in the AJC for today alone, his answer was, "Well, that's just print media and nobody reads print media". I then had to turn his attention to the morning news where today alone: "Ex-Bishop Indicted of Child Rape" and "Dog Owner Shot by Neigbour" and "Kidnapped Baby Returned" and "Retired APD cop Recovering from Gunshot after Car Theft"... This from a city that has almost as many people as the entire country of Iraq.
Please, give me a fuckin' break here. The media will always cover BAD NEWS, regardless of where the bad news is happening. Today, overwhelmingly, the really bad news is in IRAQ, Stupid.
I'm so tired of the Bush team and ignorant followers of the Bush team who want to shed the Divine Light on all that is ugly, inhumane, and wholly sadistic. What those barbarians did to Jack Hensley (Atlanta man who was recently beheaded) and others is pure evil - only propogated by another evil - the Bush Administration.
I just want to puke when I hear ignorant, backward thinking people say shit like, "Well, if Kerry were in office, Saddamm would still be in office". How the hell can anyone make such a half-ass, no-brain statement like that? Who the hell knows where this country would be if Kerry were in office instead of Bush? I know we wouldn't be the laughing stock of the entire civilized world. But if they insist on such illogic, I've got another one: If Kerry were in office: Daniel Pearl, Nick Berg, Eugene Armstrong, Jack Hensley* and about 1,000+ other people would be home with their families instead of six feet underground.
Do not hand me a load of horseshit and tell me that the War in Iraq was - IS - worth it. Worth what, exactly? Where is the United States today? We are the armpit of a miserably failed foreign policy, we are the shamed amongst the arrogant, ignorant and wholly greedy, and we are the disgrace that is personified by people who have no sense of honour, trust, nor humanity. So proud to be an American? Hack me up another furrball, Garfield.
I really wish someone besides Powell could finally stand up and say, "Iraq was a mistake. We blindly and illegally invaded another country and we have absolutely no idea how to get out of it especially considering we've managed to piss off the rest of the world. And, oh yeah, because we are so thinly stretched we can't go to other countries (The Sudan, for example) and help them. Of course, they have no oil so why would the US bother?
* On a worthy note: Thank you, Marietta for your vigil to the late Jack Hensley. If you haven't heard, the leader of the local mosque called the head of the Baptist Church and asked if they could have a joint vigil in the Square. Some hundreds of people showed (including about 1/2 Muslims) to show their support for the family and their disdain for the type of Islam the monsters in Iraq are demonstrating. I think it took a lot of courage in the land of the KKK to join together to do something like this. Screw all you ball-less rednecks who said it was "too risky". It's just a shame that an Atlanta man had to go to Iraq to earn a living for his family. What does that say about the condition of this country?
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Some Folks Appreciate FEMA More Than Others
"They're doing a good job," one former FEMA executive says of the Bush administration. "And the reason why they're doing that job is because it's so close to the election, and they can't fuck it up. Otherwise they lose Florida -- and if they lose Florida, they might lose the election."
A quote from this week's Loaf. Interesting article, especially in light of all the trouble some places have had recently with hurricanes. I had no idea the Bush Administration changed so many fundamental policies at FEMA. I guess if Crawford, Texas or Washington DC were still realing over the triple hurricane whammy, things might be different.
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/cover.html
A quote from this week's Loaf. Interesting article, especially in light of all the trouble some places have had recently with hurricanes. I had no idea the Bush Administration changed so many fundamental policies at FEMA. I guess if Crawford, Texas or Washington DC were still realing over the triple hurricane whammy, things might be different.
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/cover.html
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Eating Etiquette --- Or Not and an Obit
So, Roomie and I head out for a quick bite at my former stomping hole of VA-HI (a.k.a. Virginia Highlands) or, more specifically, Neigbours. Beautiful day, sittin' on the porch, in comes a party of 16-18 folks. I'm facing them wearing my nuclear Ray-Bans (even SuperMan can't see through these things). Anyway, I had the unique priviledge of watching 16 men and 2 women eat and I must say, it was nonetheless interesting, if not unappetizing.
SO, just because I care how you look to others in public, I am offering up these little tidbits of advice when it comes to sitting at the table and consuming food. Of course, if you have no problem being confused with the latest Zoo primate at the dinner table, continue your barbaric, primordal habits - but don't blame me if you never get laid again.
1) I truly KNOW what food looks like after a whizz around the Cuisinart. Combined with personal saliva is an extra treat so... that's right Bubba, eat with you fucking mouth shut. Yeah, kinda seems difficult if you think about it so let me clarify - eat with your fucking lips shut and you can still chew/swallow.
2) Speaking of chewing - try putting into your mouth only that which you can chew with your lips shut. By this, I mean, don't stuff HALF the loaded burger into your puss just so I can see what you can swallow. I loved it when "Ape #1 stuffed half the sandwich into his mouth, only to open it two chews later to get a big swallow full of tea. I can't see how swallowing food whole is good for anyone unless you're a goddamn Great White.
3) Speaking of smaller bites and chewing with your lips shut - slow-the-fuck-down-when you eat!!! Nobody is in a contest. Case in point: I had a salad (medum sized) and Ape #2 had a pizza. Guess who finished their eats first? A general rule for eating and it was intended for people's health, not so much for etiquette (see if you can handle this one): Try putting your fork down between every bite. It really isn't easy if you're the typical Buffoon, but try it anyway. Also, try to eat what's in your mouth and swallow it, before endulging in that next morsel.
4) Napkins are on the table for a reason, Butthead. Please do NOT wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, then swipe it down the Duckheads. Oh my, I couldn't believe Ape #3 pulled this one, but if I only had a camera.
5) This point is a stickler with me and can be ignored if you know the company you keep and they don't mind... But, if your food comes first, try to wait until everyone else has been served before you attempt to stick the plate down your face. Really, people with a modicum of class don't want to be eating alone while you sit at the end of the table burping up leftovers and ordering dessert.
6) Please don't eat with your elbows on the table, much less upper arms, elbows, wrists, hands on the table. I mean, when you hover over your plate with your entire upper body, I get the impression you're a rabid dawg, lookin' to protect his meal from scavenger vultures. Emmett-The-Vaccuum-Brain eats like this. I assure you, it ain't pretty.
OK, enough rant... time for the obit portion of this message,
I had to say, "goodbye" to my favourite pair of RayBans today. Roomie gave them to me as a 18th birthday gift three years ago and I've worshipped these glasses since that day. Today, as I was going potty at Neighbours, I bent over to flush and the RayBans dropped into the "Great Swirl" before I had a chance to rescue them.
BAAHHHHHHH!! Like when Charlie Brown lost Snoopy on the "Great River Raft Race". Snoopy, come home - even after your trip through Atlanta city sewer system.
Alas, tomorrow I must succumb to another pair. Go figure - the first time the sun has been out for more than three days in a row... but hey, such is life.
SO, just because I care how you look to others in public, I am offering up these little tidbits of advice when it comes to sitting at the table and consuming food. Of course, if you have no problem being confused with the latest Zoo primate at the dinner table, continue your barbaric, primordal habits - but don't blame me if you never get laid again.
1) I truly KNOW what food looks like after a whizz around the Cuisinart. Combined with personal saliva is an extra treat so... that's right Bubba, eat with you fucking mouth shut. Yeah, kinda seems difficult if you think about it so let me clarify - eat with your fucking lips shut and you can still chew/swallow.
2) Speaking of chewing - try putting into your mouth only that which you can chew with your lips shut. By this, I mean, don't stuff HALF the loaded burger into your puss just so I can see what you can swallow. I loved it when "Ape #1 stuffed half the sandwich into his mouth, only to open it two chews later to get a big swallow full of tea. I can't see how swallowing food whole is good for anyone unless you're a goddamn Great White.
3) Speaking of smaller bites and chewing with your lips shut - slow-the-fuck-down-when you eat!!! Nobody is in a contest. Case in point: I had a salad (medum sized) and Ape #2 had a pizza. Guess who finished their eats first? A general rule for eating and it was intended for people's health, not so much for etiquette (see if you can handle this one): Try putting your fork down between every bite. It really isn't easy if you're the typical Buffoon, but try it anyway. Also, try to eat what's in your mouth and swallow it, before endulging in that next morsel.
4) Napkins are on the table for a reason, Butthead. Please do NOT wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, then swipe it down the Duckheads. Oh my, I couldn't believe Ape #3 pulled this one, but if I only had a camera.
5) This point is a stickler with me and can be ignored if you know the company you keep and they don't mind... But, if your food comes first, try to wait until everyone else has been served before you attempt to stick the plate down your face. Really, people with a modicum of class don't want to be eating alone while you sit at the end of the table burping up leftovers and ordering dessert.
6) Please don't eat with your elbows on the table, much less upper arms, elbows, wrists, hands on the table. I mean, when you hover over your plate with your entire upper body, I get the impression you're a rabid dawg, lookin' to protect his meal from scavenger vultures. Emmett-The-Vaccuum-Brain eats like this. I assure you, it ain't pretty.
OK, enough rant... time for the obit portion of this message,
I had to say, "goodbye" to my favourite pair of RayBans today. Roomie gave them to me as a 18th birthday gift three years ago and I've worshipped these glasses since that day. Today, as I was going potty at Neighbours, I bent over to flush and the RayBans dropped into the "Great Swirl" before I had a chance to rescue them.
BAAHHHHHHH!! Like when Charlie Brown lost Snoopy on the "Great River Raft Race". Snoopy, come home - even after your trip through Atlanta city sewer system.
Alas, tomorrow I must succumb to another pair. Go figure - the first time the sun has been out for more than three days in a row... but hey, such is life.
Autumn Equinox
Yessireee, in a mere 1 hour and 34 minutes, Autumn will officially be here. What does that mean for us in the Deep South?
1) No more 90+ degree days with 100% humidity!!!! Also, SMOG alert days are over until May.
2) Auburn Tiger FOOTBALL - We kicked the crap out of LSU on Saturday and that's just the beginning. Mark my words, we're going allllll the way to Sugar Land this year!
3) New Orleans Saints Football - OK, I've been a devoted fan of the 'anits for 20 years and I have yet to see them get past the playoffs, but hey, I can be an optimist!
4) North Georgia Mountains - I know, it doesn't even begin to compare to say the White or Green Mountains in New England, but it's all I got down here.
5) No more grass cutting (of course, the grass is dead from the summer heat).
6) The countdown to my trip to France is on FULL swing.
7) Great movies are coming - considering the Summer Movie fare left a lot to be desired.
More to come. It is absolutely beautiful here today and all week. My prayers go out to all those continually battling hurricanes and storms. Hang in there.
1) No more 90+ degree days with 100% humidity!!!! Also, SMOG alert days are over until May.
2) Auburn Tiger FOOTBALL - We kicked the crap out of LSU on Saturday and that's just the beginning. Mark my words, we're going allllll the way to Sugar Land this year!
3) New Orleans Saints Football - OK, I've been a devoted fan of the 'anits for 20 years and I have yet to see them get past the playoffs, but hey, I can be an optimist!
4) North Georgia Mountains - I know, it doesn't even begin to compare to say the White or Green Mountains in New England, but it's all I got down here.
5) No more grass cutting (of course, the grass is dead from the summer heat).
6) The countdown to my trip to France is on FULL swing.
7) Great movies are coming - considering the Summer Movie fare left a lot to be desired.
More to come. It is absolutely beautiful here today and all week. My prayers go out to all those continually battling hurricanes and storms. Hang in there.
Monday, September 20, 2004
My Picks from the 2004 Emmys...
Coolest Guy His Age...
Most Obvious Surgical Recipient (take your pick, but I'm thinking the one on the left)...
The Award for: And You Did WHAT to Get Here??
These are the two 'Survivor' geeks.
My Comedic Hero
My Screenplay Hero
This is the award winning, Tony Kushner, who wrote the brilliant, "Angels in America".
What I Would Wear if I Were 20 Again (and I don't mean the flophead to her left)
Voted Most in Need of a Sandwich
Who I Want to Be When I Grow Up
Elaine Stritch
Most Obvious Surgical Recipient (take your pick, but I'm thinking the one on the left)...
The Award for: And You Did WHAT to Get Here??
These are the two 'Survivor' geeks.
My Comedic Hero
My Screenplay Hero
This is the award winning, Tony Kushner, who wrote the brilliant, "Angels in America".
What I Would Wear if I Were 20 Again (and I don't mean the flophead to her left)
Voted Most in Need of a Sandwich
Who I Want to Be When I Grow Up
Elaine Stritch
Friday, September 17, 2004
Which One Are You?
When you go to the doctor and have to have blood drawn, which type of person are you? Do you have to look away when the needle goes into your arm or do you have to watch it go in?
I am definately a watcher. Roomie is definately NOT a watcher.
Yesterday afternoon, Tropical Storm Ivan came through downtown Atlanta with an attitude and an agenda. Winds were blowing around 40 MPH with gusts over 55 MPH. Not fun when you live in a little wooden house that sits under trees that are easily 150 feet tall. I, being the "watcher" type, sat glued in front of the southwest facing windows as the bands came through (Roomie sat in the back room with the blinds closed). It truly is awesome to see how flexible these trees are. The wind was blowing the tops of these trees -almost- horizontally for most of the day and the rain came down in buckets. Hartsfield airport recorded 5", but they usually get the least amount of rain compared to the burbs. The rain was also scary since Frances really eroded a lot of soil around the trees and they were getting uprooted all over the city.
Roomie, being a non-watcher, said he didn't want to know when the tree fell through the house. I'm the type that wants to know exactly where, when, and how the tree falls through the house. That way, I can appropriately gauge my panic mode.
We also managed to be probably the only neigbourhood in the city that didn't lose power (at least not for long periods of time). This meant we could watch the weather radar (thanks to WSBTV for awesome radar) and we could tell when another band would come in or where the tornados were. Apparently, there were a bunch of twisters all around the Metro area which is the really scary thing.
And the Dumbass Award this morning goes to: All those fucking morons who decided to go home from work just as Ivan was really showing his teeth. Not only was the weather horrible, but the flooding started around 2PM. Two million people driving on the road in that kind of weather made a fucking mess of the city and really put a strain on the fire/police folks. I mean, it's not like the weather folks didn't fucking tell us that the storm would be here by noon. Check out this moe-ron who though he could drive through this puddle on Scott Blvd.
It was too dark this morning to do any real yard survey. I'm anxious to see how much damage we sustained. I guess I'm thankful we don't live near the famous Peachtree Creek which rose to record levels this morning, flooding out a whole bunch of really, filthy rich pricks. Now, the filthy rich pricks want the Corps of Engineers to re-route the creek. I say, move the filthy rich pricks, keep the creek. It has been there a lot longer.
Should continue to lightly rain today, but tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be beautiful. Not sure if we'll do a yard clean or wait to see what Jeanne will do. Oh yeah, and Karl is swirling off the African coast, too.
I am definately a watcher. Roomie is definately NOT a watcher.
Yesterday afternoon, Tropical Storm Ivan came through downtown Atlanta with an attitude and an agenda. Winds were blowing around 40 MPH with gusts over 55 MPH. Not fun when you live in a little wooden house that sits under trees that are easily 150 feet tall. I, being the "watcher" type, sat glued in front of the southwest facing windows as the bands came through (Roomie sat in the back room with the blinds closed). It truly is awesome to see how flexible these trees are. The wind was blowing the tops of these trees -almost- horizontally for most of the day and the rain came down in buckets. Hartsfield airport recorded 5", but they usually get the least amount of rain compared to the burbs. The rain was also scary since Frances really eroded a lot of soil around the trees and they were getting uprooted all over the city.
Roomie, being a non-watcher, said he didn't want to know when the tree fell through the house. I'm the type that wants to know exactly where, when, and how the tree falls through the house. That way, I can appropriately gauge my panic mode.
We also managed to be probably the only neigbourhood in the city that didn't lose power (at least not for long periods of time). This meant we could watch the weather radar (thanks to WSBTV for awesome radar) and we could tell when another band would come in or where the tornados were. Apparently, there were a bunch of twisters all around the Metro area which is the really scary thing.
And the Dumbass Award this morning goes to: All those fucking morons who decided to go home from work just as Ivan was really showing his teeth. Not only was the weather horrible, but the flooding started around 2PM. Two million people driving on the road in that kind of weather made a fucking mess of the city and really put a strain on the fire/police folks. I mean, it's not like the weather folks didn't fucking tell us that the storm would be here by noon. Check out this moe-ron who though he could drive through this puddle on Scott Blvd.
It was too dark this morning to do any real yard survey. I'm anxious to see how much damage we sustained. I guess I'm thankful we don't live near the famous Peachtree Creek which rose to record levels this morning, flooding out a whole bunch of really, filthy rich pricks. Now, the filthy rich pricks want the Corps of Engineers to re-route the creek. I say, move the filthy rich pricks, keep the creek. It has been there a lot longer.
Should continue to lightly rain today, but tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be beautiful. Not sure if we'll do a yard clean or wait to see what Jeanne will do. Oh yeah, and Karl is swirling off the African coast, too.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Here Comes Ivan
Granted, we won't get nearly as bad as Florida and Alabama, but Ivan is knocking. It's now 11:11 in the morning and we are in our last "lull". Going home in 20 minutes. Pray for Spanky. God, how I hate tornados.
I Didn't Even Get Kissed
This absolutely must be the week for me to get screwed. First, I find out that the $1,000 duckies I spent fixing my piece of shit auto should have only cost me about half that. Never use D&H Automotive, they will rip you off.
Second, my local phone company has had me cut off from the outside world for one solid week as they continue to tell me:
1) There is no problem with your phone line
2) the problem with your phone is from Frances and
3) the problem with your phone is in your house (even though we haven't actually been in your house to prove that).
Now, to get my phone repaired, I have to be home at noon - get this - every, fucking day at 12:00 until MONDAY to wait for the repairman. They said this morning -after a week of me calling them - that is the best they could do because they didn't know what was going to happen with Ivan. I had to explain that
1) my phone worked just fine for several days after Frances and
2) if they had come out a fucking week ago when I first called, Ivan wouldn't be an issue today. I mean, is it my fucking fault that a hurricane hit the goddamn coast?
Would you like to know the real kicker to this one?? When I was finishing the call with them this morning, the customer no-service lady said, "You know, when this gets repaired, you really should call back and ask for a credit adjustment to your account. You shouldn't have to pay for a service you aren't getting." Oh shit! I never thought to do that. Stupid ass has no idea who she was talking to this morning.
Oh yeah, I'll be calling.
Then, once I get the credit, I'm going straight back to Ma Bell. Never use AT&T for local service. I had Bell South for 10 years and never had a problem, but stupid me switched to get SkyMiles (for an airline that will probably file Chapter 11 soon). I guess that's what you get when you try to fix something that ain't broke.
Speaking of Ivan, folks here say it will be worse than Frances in terms of the wind and rain. We're actually supposed to have a tropical storm. I've been in a tropical storm in St. Thomas, but those houses are designed to withstand winds over 50 MPH. Old Southern homes are not. Besides, Frances probably knocked loose some branches that haven't fallen yet so a nice gust of about 50 MPH should bring them down. The rain is a problem also. I heard a statistic once that Atlanta has the second worst sewer system in the world (after Mexico City - and that's only because Mexico City was hit by a huge earthquake a few years ago). Needless to say, if we get 5-10" of rain like some folks are predicting, getting to and from the house will be tricky. Roomie and I plotted different ways to get home if the streets start flooding like they did during Frances. As I said, it will be tricky.
Well, it's time for a cup of coffee (just starting to drink coffee again after giving up the stoggies) and a read of the papers. Then head home to wait for the phone guy. I have to train my brain not to sit here and devise ways to abuse him when he finally gets to the house.
Hope everyone in LA is OK (in the South, LA stands for Lower Alabama).
Second, my local phone company has had me cut off from the outside world for one solid week as they continue to tell me:
1) There is no problem with your phone line
2) the problem with your phone is from Frances and
3) the problem with your phone is in your house (even though we haven't actually been in your house to prove that).
Now, to get my phone repaired, I have to be home at noon - get this - every, fucking day at 12:00 until MONDAY to wait for the repairman. They said this morning -after a week of me calling them - that is the best they could do because they didn't know what was going to happen with Ivan. I had to explain that
1) my phone worked just fine for several days after Frances and
2) if they had come out a fucking week ago when I first called, Ivan wouldn't be an issue today. I mean, is it my fucking fault that a hurricane hit the goddamn coast?
Would you like to know the real kicker to this one?? When I was finishing the call with them this morning, the customer no-service lady said, "You know, when this gets repaired, you really should call back and ask for a credit adjustment to your account. You shouldn't have to pay for a service you aren't getting." Oh shit! I never thought to do that. Stupid ass has no idea who she was talking to this morning.
Oh yeah, I'll be calling.
Then, once I get the credit, I'm going straight back to Ma Bell. Never use AT&T for local service. I had Bell South for 10 years and never had a problem, but stupid me switched to get SkyMiles (for an airline that will probably file Chapter 11 soon). I guess that's what you get when you try to fix something that ain't broke.
Speaking of Ivan, folks here say it will be worse than Frances in terms of the wind and rain. We're actually supposed to have a tropical storm. I've been in a tropical storm in St. Thomas, but those houses are designed to withstand winds over 50 MPH. Old Southern homes are not. Besides, Frances probably knocked loose some branches that haven't fallen yet so a nice gust of about 50 MPH should bring them down. The rain is a problem also. I heard a statistic once that Atlanta has the second worst sewer system in the world (after Mexico City - and that's only because Mexico City was hit by a huge earthquake a few years ago). Needless to say, if we get 5-10" of rain like some folks are predicting, getting to and from the house will be tricky. Roomie and I plotted different ways to get home if the streets start flooding like they did during Frances. As I said, it will be tricky.
Well, it's time for a cup of coffee (just starting to drink coffee again after giving up the stoggies) and a read of the papers. Then head home to wait for the phone guy. I have to train my brain not to sit here and devise ways to abuse him when he finally gets to the house.
Hope everyone in LA is OK (in the South, LA stands for Lower Alabama).
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
This Just Sucks...
ARRRRGGGGG! This one hits home. Hopefully, Uncle J and his Misses are doing OK since they are probably getting pounded with this one.
Why Vote for Bush?
Courtesy "The Daily Show"
Check out "George W. Bush: Words Speak Louder than Actions". (Click on the picture of our Grand Leader in the middle of the screen.)
http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/thedailyshowwithjonstewart/
Check out "George W. Bush: Words Speak Louder than Actions". (Click on the picture of our Grand Leader in the middle of the screen.)
http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/thedailyshowwithjonstewart/
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Hopefully, Kerry's Coup de Grâce
Just lovely. Last night at midnight, the assult weapons ban expired. For most of you that might not mean much, but as I said in earlier posts, I live in the 'hood. As a matter of fact, I had to call 911 last night around 1 AM because some dipshit, fucking moron decided to fire off a few rounds down the street. I guess I should be grateful that it wasn't an AK-47, but since the ban expired at midnight, he probably didn't have a chance to go to his gun store that early.
In the three + years of living in the 'hood, it hasn't been 100% wonderful. Now, any dipshit without a known record can go into a gun store or a gun show and buy one of these guns? How the fuck do you think that make us - and the POLICE who bust their ass to protect us, feel?? FUCK all you whiny asses who claim you have 2nd amendment rights. When the founding fathers talked about your right to bear arms, they had no idea 21st century "arms" would include automatic weapons.
Why does anyone need an assault rifle?
So they can ASSAULT people, THAT'S WHY!!
For Christ's sake, this country really has gone to shit if people believe they have a right to own anything they want to. And, any fucking moron that believes they are entitled to assault weapons, needs to spend a couple of nights in my neighbourhood glaring through the crosshairs of an RPG being held by a pissed off crack dealer.
The only advantage to this is that it will hopefully wake up some of those idiot stupid Democrats that didn't fight to renew the law. Kerry had a good point: in a time of "War of Terrorism", we just lifted the ban for assault weapons. It will be just like Russia or even Iraq, where you can trade a fucking goat in for an RPG! Great timing there, Georgie. You blatently stupid, fucking, pinhead, PUTZ. Hopefully, your days are numbered and the first thing Kerry will do is re-inact the law.
In the three + years of living in the 'hood, it hasn't been 100% wonderful. Now, any dipshit without a known record can go into a gun store or a gun show and buy one of these guns? How the fuck do you think that make us - and the POLICE who bust their ass to protect us, feel?? FUCK all you whiny asses who claim you have 2nd amendment rights. When the founding fathers talked about your right to bear arms, they had no idea 21st century "arms" would include automatic weapons.
Why does anyone need an assault rifle?
So they can ASSAULT people, THAT'S WHY!!
For Christ's sake, this country really has gone to shit if people believe they have a right to own anything they want to. And, any fucking moron that believes they are entitled to assault weapons, needs to spend a couple of nights in my neighbourhood glaring through the crosshairs of an RPG being held by a pissed off crack dealer.
The only advantage to this is that it will hopefully wake up some of those idiot stupid Democrats that didn't fight to renew the law. Kerry had a good point: in a time of "War of Terrorism", we just lifted the ban for assault weapons. It will be just like Russia or even Iraq, where you can trade a fucking goat in for an RPG! Great timing there, Georgie. You blatently stupid, fucking, pinhead, PUTZ. Hopefully, your days are numbered and the first thing Kerry will do is re-inact the law.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Comestibili Part 2
So, we go to the Farmer's Market last week and buy all these incredible foodstuffs for next to nothing, but I notice they're starting to go stinky in the fridge, 'cause I haven't been cooking. Needless to say, I did some power cooking this weekend. For starters, check out the ABSOLUTE BEST SALMON CAKES:
INGREDIENTS
1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3/4 cup crumbled Ritz crackers
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges for garnish
Note: I guess you can use canned salmon, but the Ghetto-Kroger has fresh salmon on sale sometimes and if you cook it that evening, it's better than the canned stuff. Roomie likes to grilled the salmon for a few minutes before putting it in the cakes because the thought of raw fish makes him puke. I like the charcoal taste it gives the cakes. Don't skip the "fry" section unless you have to. The "frying" gives it a real crisp crust. YUMMMY and so easy.
Preheat the oven to 350°. Combine the salmon, cracker crumbs, cream, onion, dill, mustard, egg, garlic, Tabasco sauce and salt in a medium bowl. Gently form into 4 patties, using 1/2 cup of the salmon mixture for each. Spread the flour on a plate and lightly coat each patty, shaking off excess.
Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, until hot but not smoking. Add the salmon patties and cook, turning once, 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve on a bun with lettuce or tomato slices, if desired.
We also made "Leek and Potato au Gratin", "Sweetcorn and Feta Cheese Pastries", and a "Chocolate Cheesecake with Pecan Crust". No, we didn't eat it all at once, but the au Gratin dish went fast and I had to bring the cheesecake into work or else pass out from dessert overload. Those recipes are at Spanky, but until they come out to fix the phone, we don't have Internet. I'll post these during the next session of Comestibili.
Bon Appetit
INGREDIENTS
1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3/4 cup crumbled Ritz crackers
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges for garnish
Note: I guess you can use canned salmon, but the Ghetto-Kroger has fresh salmon on sale sometimes and if you cook it that evening, it's better than the canned stuff. Roomie likes to grilled the salmon for a few minutes before putting it in the cakes because the thought of raw fish makes him puke. I like the charcoal taste it gives the cakes. Don't skip the "fry" section unless you have to. The "frying" gives it a real crisp crust. YUMMMY and so easy.
Preheat the oven to 350°. Combine the salmon, cracker crumbs, cream, onion, dill, mustard, egg, garlic, Tabasco sauce and salt in a medium bowl. Gently form into 4 patties, using 1/2 cup of the salmon mixture for each. Spread the flour on a plate and lightly coat each patty, shaking off excess.
Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, until hot but not smoking. Add the salmon patties and cook, turning once, 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve on a bun with lettuce or tomato slices, if desired.
We also made "Leek and Potato au Gratin", "Sweetcorn and Feta Cheese Pastries", and a "Chocolate Cheesecake with Pecan Crust". No, we didn't eat it all at once, but the au Gratin dish went fast and I had to bring the cheesecake into work or else pass out from dessert overload. Those recipes are at Spanky, but until they come out to fix the phone, we don't have Internet. I'll post these during the next session of Comestibili.
Bon Appetit
You are Forgiven, My Son
So yesterday, we head out to the Braves/Expos game at the Ted.
Note: The Bravos are doing pretty well this year - as usual - but most likely won't get past the playoffs - as usual. My money is on the fact that if the Bravos make it to the Big Seven, Bobby Cox will finally retire. Speaking of Bobby Cox, I heard him on a radio interview last week and he sounded like the sweetest old man in the world. For those who don't know the real Bobby, he has a potty-mouth worse than IbeJO and the MLB loves to fine him for some of his more colourful, choice phrases.
Anyway, as we were walking in, I asked Roomie if Rafael Furcal would be playing. If you didn't know, Raffie got his second DUI last week (with only a couple of weeks left from his first probation, too - OUCH!) I guess I just assumed he'd still be in the pokie on game day, but I forgot that he works for the Ted. So as Raffie goes up to bat, the crowd gives a light-hearted applause and I figure, hmmmmm, Atlanta is still pissed about him screwing around with another DUI, but then he hits the ball flat out of the park and the crowd goes wild. We forgive ya, Raffie.
But we do have very short memories in Atlanta, especially for our Bravos. A couple of years ago, Chipper Jones got busted when the media found out their darling, married, Bible-thumpin' Baby-Chipper was poking a Hooter's chick and had an illegitimate kid with her. Granted, Chipper took it in the shorts when his wife sued for divorce and I'm sure the Bravos fined the shit out of him, but ask anyone now how they feel about Chipper, and they'll say, "What Hooter's chick".
Regardless, it was a beautiful day and a great game. We (and a bunch of others) left in the bottom of the 7th thinking that the Bravos had the game in hand. By the time we got home (and we live 5 minutes from the Ted), Montreal jumped up and bit us in the butt. Bravos finally pulled it out in the 12th inning.
Note: The Bravos are doing pretty well this year - as usual - but most likely won't get past the playoffs - as usual. My money is on the fact that if the Bravos make it to the Big Seven, Bobby Cox will finally retire. Speaking of Bobby Cox, I heard him on a radio interview last week and he sounded like the sweetest old man in the world. For those who don't know the real Bobby, he has a potty-mouth worse than IbeJO and the MLB loves to fine him for some of his more colourful, choice phrases.
Anyway, as we were walking in, I asked Roomie if Rafael Furcal would be playing. If you didn't know, Raffie got his second DUI last week (with only a couple of weeks left from his first probation, too - OUCH!) I guess I just assumed he'd still be in the pokie on game day, but I forgot that he works for the Ted. So as Raffie goes up to bat, the crowd gives a light-hearted applause and I figure, hmmmmm, Atlanta is still pissed about him screwing around with another DUI, but then he hits the ball flat out of the park and the crowd goes wild. We forgive ya, Raffie.
But we do have very short memories in Atlanta, especially for our Bravos. A couple of years ago, Chipper Jones got busted when the media found out their darling, married, Bible-thumpin' Baby-Chipper was poking a Hooter's chick and had an illegitimate kid with her. Granted, Chipper took it in the shorts when his wife sued for divorce and I'm sure the Bravos fined the shit out of him, but ask anyone now how they feel about Chipper, and they'll say, "What Hooter's chick".
Regardless, it was a beautiful day and a great game. We (and a bunch of others) left in the bottom of the 7th thinking that the Bravos had the game in hand. By the time we got home (and we live 5 minutes from the Ted), Montreal jumped up and bit us in the butt. Bravos finally pulled it out in the 12th inning.
Friday, September 10, 2004
La Casa Nueva
Today's Good Luck Charm goes to Baby Bro and his soon-to-be-misses. They will attempt to close on their first house together. Since Baby Bro and I bought our house in Atlanta together, he's an old hat at closing, but good luck anyway!!!!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
To All You Vick Fans...
I had to listen to this debate all morning on local radio. How stupid can you be, though? I mean, if the boy ain't playin' good, don't play him. Mora is a greedy, little man. Vick doesn't even sound like he's ready to play.
AJC:
Flowery Branch -- Michael Vick didn't look much like himself in the Falcons' preseason, but even if he's sub-par when Atlanta opens the regular season Sunday at San Francisco, he's not going anywhere other than back on the field.
Coach Jim Mora said No. 7 will not get the hook. The coach, in fact, seemed surprised by the question.
"Absolutely, there is zero percent chance of that happening. Zero," Mora said, chuckling while forming a "0" with his thumb and forefinger. "Let me ask you this, would you pull Michael Jordan? Well, I won't pull Mike Vick. I absolutely will not pull Mike Vick. He could be 0-for-100, and he's going to throw pass number 101."
In 29 snaps, Vick rarely appeared comfortable in a new offensive system, completing five of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception, also losing a fumble.
In a league where two-time MVP Kurt Warner can lose his job to former Falcons practice squad quarterback Marc Bulger, how crazy can this question be after Vick mustered a preseason passer rating of 14.6 to backup Matt Schaub's 99.7?
His shortage of playing time and lack of effectiveness have created a buzz, and a national football reporter said on the radio Tuesday that Vick would be the NFL's least-prepared starting quarterback this week.
He and his best friend, injured safety Keion Carpenter, chatted about this.
"We just laugh at that, use it as motivation," Vick said. "It fuels my fire, and I like to show and prove. I know what I can do. Why shouldn't people be confident? Last year, I did everything I could to come back [from a broken right fibula] . . . and I come out this year and don't play [much] in the preseason, and people start dogging me."
A few things have driven the chatter, including the feeling that Vick and his coaches have been pre-occupied, even obsessed, by the prospect of re-injury.
"I thought about avoiding injury [in the preseason]," Vick said. "I had a bad experience last year, and I was just trying to protect myself. I guess I just got my mind set [that] preseason games don't count. It's hard for me to get up for a preseason game."
Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said, "Our first priority [this summer] was making sure Mike stayed healthy."
Mora's apparently tired of being asked if Vick fits in a West Coast offensive scheme. Wednesday, he tried to put some distance between that question, or even change it.
"We don't run the West Coast offense," Mora said. "We're going to put an end to that right now. It's not the West Coast offense because we're not in the West, and it's a completely different scheme than what you would think of a West Coast scheme. Now, maybe the verbiage is the same, but . . . the running game is completely different.
"The play-action pass game is completely different. The movement game [where Vick throws on the run] is completely different. There are some elements of the dropback game that are the same, but other than that, it's not the West Coast offense."
AJC:
Flowery Branch -- Michael Vick didn't look much like himself in the Falcons' preseason, but even if he's sub-par when Atlanta opens the regular season Sunday at San Francisco, he's not going anywhere other than back on the field.
Coach Jim Mora said No. 7 will not get the hook. The coach, in fact, seemed surprised by the question.
"Absolutely, there is zero percent chance of that happening. Zero," Mora said, chuckling while forming a "0" with his thumb and forefinger. "Let me ask you this, would you pull Michael Jordan? Well, I won't pull Mike Vick. I absolutely will not pull Mike Vick. He could be 0-for-100, and he's going to throw pass number 101."
In 29 snaps, Vick rarely appeared comfortable in a new offensive system, completing five of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception, also losing a fumble.
In a league where two-time MVP Kurt Warner can lose his job to former Falcons practice squad quarterback Marc Bulger, how crazy can this question be after Vick mustered a preseason passer rating of 14.6 to backup Matt Schaub's 99.7?
His shortage of playing time and lack of effectiveness have created a buzz, and a national football reporter said on the radio Tuesday that Vick would be the NFL's least-prepared starting quarterback this week.
He and his best friend, injured safety Keion Carpenter, chatted about this.
"We just laugh at that, use it as motivation," Vick said. "It fuels my fire, and I like to show and prove. I know what I can do. Why shouldn't people be confident? Last year, I did everything I could to come back [from a broken right fibula] . . . and I come out this year and don't play [much] in the preseason, and people start dogging me."
A few things have driven the chatter, including the feeling that Vick and his coaches have been pre-occupied, even obsessed, by the prospect of re-injury.
"I thought about avoiding injury [in the preseason]," Vick said. "I had a bad experience last year, and I was just trying to protect myself. I guess I just got my mind set [that] preseason games don't count. It's hard for me to get up for a preseason game."
Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said, "Our first priority [this summer] was making sure Mike stayed healthy."
Mora's apparently tired of being asked if Vick fits in a West Coast offensive scheme. Wednesday, he tried to put some distance between that question, or even change it.
"We don't run the West Coast offense," Mora said. "We're going to put an end to that right now. It's not the West Coast offense because we're not in the West, and it's a completely different scheme than what you would think of a West Coast scheme. Now, maybe the verbiage is the same, but . . . the running game is completely different.
"The play-action pass game is completely different. The movement game [where Vick throws on the run] is completely different. There are some elements of the dropback game that are the same, but other than that, it's not the West Coast offense."
Stupid Mutt Missed...
should have popped the asshole between the eyes:
From CNN:
Pup shoots man, saves litter mates
Thursday, September 9, 2004 Posted: 7:03 AM EDT (1103 GMT)
PENSACOLA, Florida (AP) -- Nice shootin', Rex!
A man who tried to shoot seven puppies was shot himself when one of the dogs put its paw on the revolver's trigger.
Jerry Allen Bradford, 37, was charged with felony animal cruelty, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. He was being treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound to his wrist.
Bradford said he decided to shoot the 3-month-old shepherd-mix dogs in the head because he couldn't find them a home, according to the sheriff's office.
On Monday, Bradford was holding two puppies -- one in his arms and another in his left hand -- when the dog in his hand wiggled and put its paw on the trigger of the .38-caliber revolver. The gun then discharged, the sheriff's report said.
Deputies found three of the puppies in a shallow grave outside Bradford's home, said sheriff's Sgt. Ted Roy.
The other four appeared to be in good health and were taken by Escambia County Animal Control, which planned to make them available for adoption.
From CNN:
Pup shoots man, saves litter mates
Thursday, September 9, 2004 Posted: 7:03 AM EDT (1103 GMT)
PENSACOLA, Florida (AP) -- Nice shootin', Rex!
A man who tried to shoot seven puppies was shot himself when one of the dogs put its paw on the revolver's trigger.
Jerry Allen Bradford, 37, was charged with felony animal cruelty, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. He was being treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound to his wrist.
Bradford said he decided to shoot the 3-month-old shepherd-mix dogs in the head because he couldn't find them a home, according to the sheriff's office.
On Monday, Bradford was holding two puppies -- one in his arms and another in his left hand -- when the dog in his hand wiggled and put its paw on the trigger of the .38-caliber revolver. The gun then discharged, the sheriff's report said.
Deputies found three of the puppies in a shallow grave outside Bradford's home, said sheriff's Sgt. Ted Roy.
The other four appeared to be in good health and were taken by Escambia County Animal Control, which planned to make them available for adoption.
"Zell's Final Zag"
Fresh off the presses: From this week's "Loaf":
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/news_feature.html
Hmmm, I intentionally didn't watch Zell's speech at the GOP convention and now I'm doubly glad. Apparently, Zell got a bit overZELLous in his speech (I just had to do that) and he actually managed to scare the Republicans. I love the bit about how he and his wife were moved from their seating next to Bush to somewhere in a vast audience. Why not put a bag over his head before you send him out? I also like the liberal use of the word, "bonkers".
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/news_feature.html
Hmmm, I intentionally didn't watch Zell's speech at the GOP convention and now I'm doubly glad. Apparently, Zell got a bit overZELLous in his speech (I just had to do that) and he actually managed to scare the Republicans. I love the bit about how he and his wife were moved from their seating next to Bush to somewhere in a vast audience. Why not put a bag over his head before you send him out? I also like the liberal use of the word, "bonkers".
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Awesome Photos of Frances
Check this awesome shot...
Go to www.weather.com and click on the link of "slideshow of Frances". There are about 30 or so incredible pictures on this link. After looking at these, you have to wonder how more people didn't die.
Go to www.weather.com and click on the link of "slideshow of Frances". There are about 30 or so incredible pictures on this link. After looking at these, you have to wonder how more people didn't die.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Commestibili...
means "foodstuffs" in Italian. As some of you know, I love to cook. Even more, I LOVE to eat. I mean, I didn't get this fat by accident. In any event, I figured I'd begin a post of some of the best recipes I have found in case anyone wanted to cook something that was 1) vegetarian 2) easy to make even if it looks difficult and 3) tastes great. I made this first number for our camping trip because it travels well and tastes better after it has been sitting, chilled, for a long while:
Note: I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years. When I chose to become vegetarian, I took the Church's idea of "no meat" during Lent. This means we can only eat fish that swim. Yeah, I've heard the joke about calamari and lobster since they don't swim, but they are still considered no-no. Obviously, we don't eat red meat, chicken, pork or shellfish, but you'll see salmon, halibut, and my all-time favourite - tuna. Below is the best tuna sandwich (and vinegarette) on the planet...
Pan Bagnato
In Italy, this sandwich is called pan bagnato, in Provence pan bagna. Either way, it means "soaked bread" and that's the secret: to let the flavours soak into the bread. Wrap in parchment paper to carry; the unfolded paper makes a portable placemat.
1 baguette
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good olive oil
Pepper
2 (6-ounce) cans good-quality tuna in water, drained
3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
Minced red onion, to taste
1/4 cup chopped, pitted meaty black olives, such as Kalamata
4 thin slices tomato, halved to create half moons
Several large basil leaves
Slice baguette in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise in two, making bottom halves larger. Pull out and discard the insides so you have hollow bread shells. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together vinegar and mustard. Whisk in olive oil until emulsified, then season with pepper. Brush some of the vinaigrette over the insides of the bread shells.
In a bowl, stir together the tuna, capers, onion, and olives; stir in the remaining vinaigrette until well combined. Mound tuna evenly in the bread shell bottoms. Arrange tomatoes and basil leaves over tuna, then put tops of bread on. Squish down to compress ingredients: you want the bread to get soaked with the flavours. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and parchment to transport. If made ahead, refrigerate up to 4 hours, wrapped.
Note: I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years. When I chose to become vegetarian, I took the Church's idea of "no meat" during Lent. This means we can only eat fish that swim. Yeah, I've heard the joke about calamari and lobster since they don't swim, but they are still considered no-no. Obviously, we don't eat red meat, chicken, pork or shellfish, but you'll see salmon, halibut, and my all-time favourite - tuna. Below is the best tuna sandwich (and vinegarette) on the planet...
Pan Bagnato
In Italy, this sandwich is called pan bagnato, in Provence pan bagna. Either way, it means "soaked bread" and that's the secret: to let the flavours soak into the bread. Wrap in parchment paper to carry; the unfolded paper makes a portable placemat.
1 baguette
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good olive oil
Pepper
2 (6-ounce) cans good-quality tuna in water, drained
3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
Minced red onion, to taste
1/4 cup chopped, pitted meaty black olives, such as Kalamata
4 thin slices tomato, halved to create half moons
Several large basil leaves
Slice baguette in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise in two, making bottom halves larger. Pull out and discard the insides so you have hollow bread shells. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together vinegar and mustard. Whisk in olive oil until emulsified, then season with pepper. Brush some of the vinaigrette over the insides of the bread shells.
In a bowl, stir together the tuna, capers, onion, and olives; stir in the remaining vinaigrette until well combined. Mound tuna evenly in the bread shell bottoms. Arrange tomatoes and basil leaves over tuna, then put tops of bread on. Squish down to compress ingredients: you want the bread to get soaked with the flavours. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and parchment to transport. If made ahead, refrigerate up to 4 hours, wrapped.
Stay Out of It
Atlanta City Council will vote tonight on whether or not to inact a smoking ban in the City. I can honestly say that I don't think it should be decided by government on whether or not people can smoke a cigarrette in a resturant. When I did smoke, I would always check the places we were going to make sure they allowed smoking. If they didn't, either we went somewhere else or we had a very short meal. Now, when we go out, it doesn't matter, because I can sit in the 'no smoking' section. But to tell a place they don't have a choice - and to tell certain people they don't have a choice - is bullshit.
Leave it up to the resturant to decide.
Leave it up to the resturant to decide.
Another Rub on Zell
From "The Loaf" this week...
A few interesting issues that the Great Zig-Zag-Zell has brought to light:
On the lottery ...
ZIG: Miller may best be remembered locally as the governor who created the Georgia Lottery, which was the centerpiece of his 1990 gubernatorial campaign and his proudest legacy. In a 1989 stump speech, he said, "The lottery is something whose time has come."
ZAG: But believe it or not, Miller once opposed the lottery. A few weeks before adopting it (which he did because political consultant James Carville said it would get him elected), Miller told church-goers he opposed a lottery on the grounds it would open the door to gambling and organized crime. And before that, Miller served two years on the board of the Council on Civic and Moral Concerns, the state's leading anti-lottery group.
On civil rights ...
ZIG: In his January 1993 State of the State address, then-Gov. Miller took a courageous stand against bigotry, asking legislators to change the state flag: "It is clear the flag was changed in 1956 to identify Georgia with the dark side of the Confederacy -- that desire to deprive some Americans of the equal rights that are the birthright of all Americans."
ZAG: In the 1960s, however, Miller ran for Congress as an opponent of civil rights for blacks, infamously calling Lyndon Johnson "a Southerner who sold his birthright for a mess of dark pottage."
On abortion ...
ZIG: Zell now claims to be ardently pro-life, as he revealed in his recent book, A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat. "I know it is wrong to take these lives," Miller writes. "I hope someday Roe v. Wade will be reversed." He even likens a woman's right to choose to a plantation owner's right to own slaves: "The elite, arrogant plantation owner believed his own self-interest to be more important than the slaves' self-interest. A woman who favors abortion believes her self-interest comes before the unborn's self-interest."
ZAG: But that's a serious 180 from his stance on abortion during most of his political career. "When you get down to the ultimate decision of whether or not to have an abortion, the decision ought to be in the hands of a woman, her pastor, her doctor and her family -- and not in the hands of the state," Miller said during his 1989 gubernatorial race. Months later, he added, "I am completely committed to a woman's right to choose."
On John Kerry ...
ZIG: Miller earned the enmity of the Democratic Party when he began trashing its slate of presidential candidates in a November 2003 Wall Street Journal editorial. "[T]he Democratic candidates who want to be president in the worst way are running for office in the worst way," Miller is quoted as saying. "They don't want us to stay the course in this fight between tyranny and freedom. This is our best chance to change the course of history in the Middle East. So I cannot vote for a candidate who wants us to cut and run with our shirttails at half-mast."
ZAG: And yet Miller had nothing but praise for a certain fellow senator he introduced at the 2001 Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Atlanta: "My job tonight is an easy one: to present to you one of this nation's authentic heroes, one of this party's best-known and greatest leaders -- and a good friend. ... In his 16 years in the Senate, John Kerry ... has worked to strengthen our military, reform public education, boost the economy and protect the environment."
On the Bush family ...
ZIG: Obviously, Zell's biggest zigzag has been his unofficial party switch and his endorsement of the current president. We're guessing that he'll use the occasion of his keynote address at the Republican Convention to repeat this notorious quotation from last year: "I have come to believe that George Bush is the right man in the right place at the right time."
ZAG: But Miller wasn't always so solicitous toward the GOP, as evidenced by his remarks from a previous speaking engagement at New York City's Madison Square Garden -- during the 1992 Democratic National Convention, where he also delivered the keynote address and introduced then-nominee Bill Clinton. We'll give Zell the last word:
"We can't all be born rich and handsome and lucky. That's why we have a Democratic Party. ... I am a Democrat because we are the party of hope. For 12 dark years, the Republicans have dealt in cynicism and skepticism. They've mastered the art of division and diversion, and they have robbed us of our hope. ... Let's face facts: George Bush just doesn't get it. He doesn't see it; he doesn't feel it, and he's done nothing about it. That's why we cannot afford four more years."
A few interesting issues that the Great Zig-Zag-Zell has brought to light:
On the lottery ...
ZIG: Miller may best be remembered locally as the governor who created the Georgia Lottery, which was the centerpiece of his 1990 gubernatorial campaign and his proudest legacy. In a 1989 stump speech, he said, "The lottery is something whose time has come."
ZAG: But believe it or not, Miller once opposed the lottery. A few weeks before adopting it (which he did because political consultant James Carville said it would get him elected), Miller told church-goers he opposed a lottery on the grounds it would open the door to gambling and organized crime. And before that, Miller served two years on the board of the Council on Civic and Moral Concerns, the state's leading anti-lottery group.
On civil rights ...
ZIG: In his January 1993 State of the State address, then-Gov. Miller took a courageous stand against bigotry, asking legislators to change the state flag: "It is clear the flag was changed in 1956 to identify Georgia with the dark side of the Confederacy -- that desire to deprive some Americans of the equal rights that are the birthright of all Americans."
ZAG: In the 1960s, however, Miller ran for Congress as an opponent of civil rights for blacks, infamously calling Lyndon Johnson "a Southerner who sold his birthright for a mess of dark pottage."
On abortion ...
ZIG: Zell now claims to be ardently pro-life, as he revealed in his recent book, A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat. "I know it is wrong to take these lives," Miller writes. "I hope someday Roe v. Wade will be reversed." He even likens a woman's right to choose to a plantation owner's right to own slaves: "The elite, arrogant plantation owner believed his own self-interest to be more important than the slaves' self-interest. A woman who favors abortion believes her self-interest comes before the unborn's self-interest."
ZAG: But that's a serious 180 from his stance on abortion during most of his political career. "When you get down to the ultimate decision of whether or not to have an abortion, the decision ought to be in the hands of a woman, her pastor, her doctor and her family -- and not in the hands of the state," Miller said during his 1989 gubernatorial race. Months later, he added, "I am completely committed to a woman's right to choose."
On John Kerry ...
ZIG: Miller earned the enmity of the Democratic Party when he began trashing its slate of presidential candidates in a November 2003 Wall Street Journal editorial. "[T]he Democratic candidates who want to be president in the worst way are running for office in the worst way," Miller is quoted as saying. "They don't want us to stay the course in this fight between tyranny and freedom. This is our best chance to change the course of history in the Middle East. So I cannot vote for a candidate who wants us to cut and run with our shirttails at half-mast."
ZAG: And yet Miller had nothing but praise for a certain fellow senator he introduced at the 2001 Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Atlanta: "My job tonight is an easy one: to present to you one of this nation's authentic heroes, one of this party's best-known and greatest leaders -- and a good friend. ... In his 16 years in the Senate, John Kerry ... has worked to strengthen our military, reform public education, boost the economy and protect the environment."
On the Bush family ...
ZIG: Obviously, Zell's biggest zigzag has been his unofficial party switch and his endorsement of the current president. We're guessing that he'll use the occasion of his keynote address at the Republican Convention to repeat this notorious quotation from last year: "I have come to believe that George Bush is the right man in the right place at the right time."
ZAG: But Miller wasn't always so solicitous toward the GOP, as evidenced by his remarks from a previous speaking engagement at New York City's Madison Square Garden -- during the 1992 Democratic National Convention, where he also delivered the keynote address and introduced then-nominee Bill Clinton. We'll give Zell the last word:
"We can't all be born rich and handsome and lucky. That's why we have a Democratic Party. ... I am a Democrat because we are the party of hope. For 12 dark years, the Republicans have dealt in cynicism and skepticism. They've mastered the art of division and diversion, and they have robbed us of our hope. ... Let's face facts: George Bush just doesn't get it. He doesn't see it; he doesn't feel it, and he's done nothing about it. That's why we cannot afford four more years."
The Boss Must Really Hate You When...
you work for the Weather Channel and they send you out to cover a hurricane. Sunday, they sent this chick (who might weigh 105 pounds, soaking wet) Stephanie Abrams, to New Smyrna Beach. Check out how badly Frances kicks Stephie's ass.
http://www.weather.com/activities/verticalvideo/newscentervideo.html?clip=1030
I tell you what, if my boss did this shit to me, he'd be paying BIG bucks.
http://www.weather.com/activities/verticalvideo/newscentervideo.html?clip=1030
I tell you what, if my boss did this shit to me, he'd be paying BIG bucks.
Pecan Trees
As I sit here and watch it P-O-U-R down rain, I thought to educate everyone on a couple of interesting facts about pecan trees. Since we have 4 very large, 100 year old trees in our yard, I figured the impending wind storm would warrant this little learning session.
First, you can only harvest pecans every other year. Lsst year, we had an awesome harvest, but all we get this year are green, fetal nuts that even the squirrels won't eat. These babynuts come off the tree gradually through the autumn and winter, UNLESS, you get winds of around 40 mph. When the wind "helps" these little nuts off the tree, they come flying like a round from a 12-gauge, especially when they hit the copper roof on the garage.
Second, pecan trees are what some folks call "self-pruners". That means that they grow tall and lanky and when the wind blows, the weaker limbs snap and fall on their own. Again, this is a gradual process unless they get help from Mamma Nature. Most of last night was spent staring up a the ceiling wondering if and where one of these wooden spears would pierce the roof. Paranoid, you say? Not when it's happened before. We haven't had the ceiling fixed for more than a year so it's about time for another branch to come through.
Actually, I shouldn't joke considering the hell that Floridians went through on Saturday. My best to everyone.
As for any good news from the 4 inches of rain we got, it looks like we might have won the War of Water at the house. The basement was dry for the first time ever!! YIPPIE!
First, you can only harvest pecans every other year. Lsst year, we had an awesome harvest, but all we get this year are green, fetal nuts that even the squirrels won't eat. These babynuts come off the tree gradually through the autumn and winter, UNLESS, you get winds of around 40 mph. When the wind "helps" these little nuts off the tree, they come flying like a round from a 12-gauge, especially when they hit the copper roof on the garage.
Second, pecan trees are what some folks call "self-pruners". That means that they grow tall and lanky and when the wind blows, the weaker limbs snap and fall on their own. Again, this is a gradual process unless they get help from Mamma Nature. Most of last night was spent staring up a the ceiling wondering if and where one of these wooden spears would pierce the roof. Paranoid, you say? Not when it's happened before. We haven't had the ceiling fixed for more than a year so it's about time for another branch to come through.
Actually, I shouldn't joke considering the hell that Floridians went through on Saturday. My best to everyone.
As for any good news from the 4 inches of rain we got, it looks like we might have won the War of Water at the house. The basement was dry for the first time ever!! YIPPIE!
Friday, September 03, 2004
Another Retraction
The last retraction of one of my bloggers was about the dipshit and the banyon tree.
This one is about Little Bro and me being the only single people on the planet.
I want to retract that.
It should now read, "I'm the only fucking loser single person on the planet". (Maybe I shouldn't use the term "loser", but the "single" part sure is on the money).
That's right, MY BABY BRO IS GETTIN' HITCHED! Besides the party I'm going to throw for him, that's really cool that he has settled with someone so awesome. Little J. is beautiful, brillant and has such a kind heart... wait a minute, does he deserve her? Kidding.
Congratulations to Baby Bro. Guess he ain't a baby no mo'.
mi amore
This one is about Little Bro and me being the only single people on the planet.
I want to retract that.
It should now read, "I'm the only fucking loser single person on the planet". (Maybe I shouldn't use the term "loser", but the "single" part sure is on the money).
That's right, MY BABY BRO IS GETTIN' HITCHED! Besides the party I'm going to throw for him, that's really cool that he has settled with someone so awesome. Little J. is beautiful, brillant and has such a kind heart... wait a minute, does he deserve her? Kidding.
Congratulations to Baby Bro. Guess he ain't a baby no mo'.
mi amore
The Owl and the Pussycat
Most folks probably won't get the reference, but I remember that the Owl and the Pussycat sang to each other in the story. That being said, I can't remember a better show than the one last night. If anybody gets the chance to see Annie Lenox and Sting on the "Sacred Heart" tour, don't miss it. Annie Lenox must be about 50, but she looks like she might be 35 and - sit down, Christina - Annie can still belt them out like no other. As for Sting, he's simply a magician with his music.
Day-day and I were wondering who was opening for whom. The tickets seem to show Annie was opening for Sting, but apparently, both of them were "promoting" a new album out by Sting's guitarist (of 15 years), Dominic Miller. He was the opening act and if you're into acoustic guitar, get the album, "Shape". It really is amazing to hear such beautiful music and he is a phenom player in my book.
Something personally odd: After Dominic opened, there was an intermission and we took the opportunity to go to the bathroom and get beer. When we got out the door to the concourse, I noticed all these people headed outside the arena. It took a minute to realize they were filing out to smoke cigarrettes. This, being just shy of my seven months tobacco free, was somewhat enlightening. I like to keep a working mental list of the good vs. bad when it comes to starting smoking and this certainly went on the "good" list.
Anyway, back to the show - Annie came out and did a set of all her stuff, even Eurythmics stuff which was cool as hell (makes me wonder if she has to pay Dave Stewart royalties when she plays it). Then Sting played a long, awesome set of all of his stuff, of course including "Police" stuff. Annie Lenox popped out and did two songs with Sting. "We'll be Together Tonight" was an incredible collaboration between the two. Like I said, Annie Lenox can B-E-L-T out the tunes.
Another personal note: The arena was packed and, when Day-day and I got a chance to look around, we noticed we were in the majority in terms of our age group. I mean, I'm 35 and he's 41. I guess the term for us would be "seasoning". We're seasoning, not getting old. It's comforting to know that you aren't that 18-year-old, stumbling-down-drunk who hasn't got a clue that Annie and Sting were around before they had MTV. It's also one-up for me because I know all the lyrics and can sing my heart out at these shows. When Usher comes to the arena next month (not that I would consider going), I wouldn't have a clue what would come out of his mouth.
As I said, get Dominic Miller's album "Shape" if you like acoustic guitar (some of it is classical, some of the songs are Sting's ballads, some are new) and go see the show if you can.
As for the morning after, it looks like Frances has slowed down so it might buy me some time on the waterproofing of the house. I hate procrastinating in the summer. I mean, it's 71 degrees right now. If I got my fat ass out there and started digging, you'd think it would be easier than at 12 o'clock when it's closer to 90.
Oh yeah, one more note about the show: Phillips Arena (the venue for the show) is a very cool venue. The "Ted" has done an awesome job with it. It connects the Omni Hotel, CNN Center and Phillips together. Lots of food options besides what's in the arena. The arena itself is cool, but neither of us like the stairs. Like most arenas the stairs are very steep and at the arena they are particularly narrow. You slip on these puppies and a tumblin' you will go. Still, it's one of the best indoor venues in the city. Coolest outdoor venue - in my opinion is Lakewood 'cause you can plant your ass in the grass on a hill and see the show. Some folks say, "Chastain", but unless you got the duckies for a table seat, you gotta sit on rock. Just a quick note in case anyone comes to town to see a show.
Signing off - Must begin the Big Dig.
Day-day and I were wondering who was opening for whom. The tickets seem to show Annie was opening for Sting, but apparently, both of them were "promoting" a new album out by Sting's guitarist (of 15 years), Dominic Miller. He was the opening act and if you're into acoustic guitar, get the album, "Shape". It really is amazing to hear such beautiful music and he is a phenom player in my book.
Something personally odd: After Dominic opened, there was an intermission and we took the opportunity to go to the bathroom and get beer. When we got out the door to the concourse, I noticed all these people headed outside the arena. It took a minute to realize they were filing out to smoke cigarrettes. This, being just shy of my seven months tobacco free, was somewhat enlightening. I like to keep a working mental list of the good vs. bad when it comes to starting smoking and this certainly went on the "good" list.
Anyway, back to the show - Annie came out and did a set of all her stuff, even Eurythmics stuff which was cool as hell (makes me wonder if she has to pay Dave Stewart royalties when she plays it). Then Sting played a long, awesome set of all of his stuff, of course including "Police" stuff. Annie Lenox popped out and did two songs with Sting. "We'll be Together Tonight" was an incredible collaboration between the two. Like I said, Annie Lenox can B-E-L-T out the tunes.
Another personal note: The arena was packed and, when Day-day and I got a chance to look around, we noticed we were in the majority in terms of our age group. I mean, I'm 35 and he's 41. I guess the term for us would be "seasoning". We're seasoning, not getting old. It's comforting to know that you aren't that 18-year-old, stumbling-down-drunk who hasn't got a clue that Annie and Sting were around before they had MTV. It's also one-up for me because I know all the lyrics and can sing my heart out at these shows. When Usher comes to the arena next month (not that I would consider going), I wouldn't have a clue what would come out of his mouth.
As I said, get Dominic Miller's album "Shape" if you like acoustic guitar (some of it is classical, some of the songs are Sting's ballads, some are new) and go see the show if you can.
As for the morning after, it looks like Frances has slowed down so it might buy me some time on the waterproofing of the house. I hate procrastinating in the summer. I mean, it's 71 degrees right now. If I got my fat ass out there and started digging, you'd think it would be easier than at 12 o'clock when it's closer to 90.
Oh yeah, one more note about the show: Phillips Arena (the venue for the show) is a very cool venue. The "Ted" has done an awesome job with it. It connects the Omni Hotel, CNN Center and Phillips together. Lots of food options besides what's in the arena. The arena itself is cool, but neither of us like the stairs. Like most arenas the stairs are very steep and at the arena they are particularly narrow. You slip on these puppies and a tumblin' you will go. Still, it's one of the best indoor venues in the city. Coolest outdoor venue - in my opinion is Lakewood 'cause you can plant your ass in the grass on a hill and see the show. Some folks say, "Chastain", but unless you got the duckies for a table seat, you gotta sit on rock. Just a quick note in case anyone comes to town to see a show.
Signing off - Must begin the Big Dig.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
The Floridians are Coming
Man, you should see all the Florida license plates showing up here in Atlanta. We were told earlier that we should expect more traffic congestion. And, I just got a notice from the Weather Channel that Frances has taken a southerly turn and it's now expected to make landfall near Jupiter which isn't too far away from my Gram. Apparently, the old folks home will bus up all the old folks and take them to a Holiday Inn somewhere inland. If they take Mrs. M to the hotel, hopefully they'll let her take her Absolute with her. She'll be just fine, then. I just worry about my mum's place in Ft. Lauderdale. In June she dropped over $5K to renovate the condo and there is nobody there to put up the hurricane shutters. I just saw there are still seats on planes to and from Ft. Lauderdale. I have to see if she wants me to go down in the morning.
As for me, Day-day and I are off to see Sting and Anne Lennox at Phillips Arena tonight. Two of my all time favourites. Nose-bleed seats were $50 bucks, so I'm not the only one in Atlanta who's a fan.
Tomorrow, I get to dig out the north side of my house. After the torrential downpour yesterday, I found out that we did a great job waterproofing the south and east side of the house, but that northside became Niagra Falls. Since they're saying there's a good chance we'll get a bunch of Frances' rain, I figure I've got until Saturday afternoon to get it done or say goodbye to all the materials we bought last week to finish the basement. Fun fun stuff planned for the weekend.
Gotta run as a long weekend is about to commence.
My prayers are with you, Florida.
As for me, Day-day and I are off to see Sting and Anne Lennox at Phillips Arena tonight. Two of my all time favourites. Nose-bleed seats were $50 bucks, so I'm not the only one in Atlanta who's a fan.
Tomorrow, I get to dig out the north side of my house. After the torrential downpour yesterday, I found out that we did a great job waterproofing the south and east side of the house, but that northside became Niagra Falls. Since they're saying there's a good chance we'll get a bunch of Frances' rain, I figure I've got until Saturday afternoon to get it done or say goodbye to all the materials we bought last week to finish the basement. Fun fun stuff planned for the weekend.
Gotta run as a long weekend is about to commence.
My prayers are with you, Florida.
Frances - Wind Predictions
Interesting picture theorizing Frances' winds. This from the Palm Beach Post where they've begun manditory evacs. They closed Port Everglades this morning. Those folks in Ft. Lauderdale know this one's gonna be a doozie. Unfortunately, though, some of those poor folks that are just now leaving won't have any gas. I can't imagine spending 12 hours in a CAT 4 hurricane, sitting in my car on Alligator Alley, but I'm sure there'll be a bunch of people in that boat (pardon the pun).
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