Friday, 20 November, 2009

1. By Bisbonian. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @01:40pm:

   Firtstest!
2. By Jon Anderson. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @01:45pm:

   Seconder.
3. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @01:45pm:

   Has Curtis reached the end of his bacon of the month subscription? I would chip in ten bucks to keep those reviews coming.
4. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:04pm:

   embrangle - today I received my last BOTMC shipment. Review to follow.
   
   RE: today's masthead - I wonder if he actually likes being a fly on the wall.
5. By L.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:05pm:

   I don't think I've ever posted to a weekend open mic before. I probably don't have anything to say really. I'm not sure that I've even ever read one so I don't know what goes on in here. Is it like Skull and Bones or the Masons? Is there a secret knock?
6. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:12pm:

   This Fresh Air Sy Hersh interview is not to be missed. The first 10 minutes or so are particularly notable in that they cover new developments.
   
   also, this interview proves that Gordon Gecko is alive and well.
7. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:20pm:

   Dallas is gray and rainy today. The pre-turkey list making has begun.
8. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:38pm:

   HADLEY
   The tea
   Just got thrown
   Into the sea
   AGW Doublethink
   Will shrink I think
   No party hardy
   At Copenhagen
   AlGore lost
   His rhythm
   Obama lost
   His wallet
   HADLEY
9. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:47pm:

   I don't think you can assume that a fly on a wall isn't satisfied with things as they are. Until he flies away.
10. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:47pm:

    ByL. :
    I'm not sure that I've even ever read one so I don't know what goes on in here. Is it like Skull and Bones or the Masons? Is there a secret knock?
    
    The rule around here is that new people have to send a bottle of expensive single malt scotch to each of the top twenty five commentors.
11. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:48pm:

    It's a beautiful day on the Western coast of Florida. I can see my hubby in his boat off the shore, but he just called to say the fish aren't biting. So it's bacon and eggs for supper. If I wasn't stuck inside trying to fix a Vista problem so I can install my printer I would be out on the water too. Visa is the pits!
12. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:50pm:

    That is Vista is the pits!
13. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:50pm:

    Musician's Friend The Week In Review for November 19, 2009
14. By Minderbinder. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @02:54pm:

    L., just put on the hood and grab yer socks and give it up for ol' Eli. You never know where OM will go, I check in regularly* just to see if someone drops a turd in the punchbowl. *Until it's time for my week-ending 3 happy hour greyhounds. (Right Coasters are already home sipping a nice cabernet with dinner.)
    
    Thanks for the links Curtis, can't wait for my boss to leave so I can check 'em out.
15. By Bisbonian. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:13pm:

    L. , decibelcat is only partially correct. The bottle actually goes to the commenter who posts first on the OM thread. That's why I was so excited about being first...I've never made it before.
16. By Schmittenhammer. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:20pm:

    Pic taken just south of Conway, New Hampshire. I believe it is Upper Pequawket Pond.
    
17. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:22pm:

    2nd time up... before Thanksgiving.
    
    
18. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:33pm:

    My daughter is starting her preparations for a third season in Antarctica. She will be blogging about the research and experiences, as in the past. First entry for the new season has been posted, but she won't be 'on the ice' until mid-December. Polar Soils Blog
19. By Shel-tone. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:44pm:

    My band is playing tonite. I'm about to start loading up the truck in a few minutes. I'm so nervous I could pass out.
20. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:55pm:

    Shel-tone.
    You don't strike me as the nervous type... what's up?
21. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @03:59pm:

    Schmittenhammer
    Have you seen a movie called:
    Schultze Gets The Blues
    What's really cool in among a very simple story line is the way the film maker stages him shots... Very much like a photograph. It's quite remarkable
22. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:01pm:

    I liked the movie.
    Wife found it too long and too DDR-esque.
23. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:04pm:

    J-walk must be snoozing behind the wheel.. either that or he's linked to #20 and is busy.
24. By Shel-tone. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:06pm:

    The longer it's been between shows, the more nervous I get. It's been about 3 1/2 months since our last one, so I'm pretty jittery right now.
    
    Actually, I'm about to start seeing a doctor for an anxiety problem. Ahh!
25. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:09pm:

    I probably don't have anything to say really
    You see how it is, L. You don't need "something" to say, you can just say a lot. That's how Curtis keep his post count so high :) the key is quantity, not quality.
26. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:12pm:

    L. having nothing to say should never stop you. It hasn't me.
27. By Chris J.. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:16pm:

    Good luck on the gig tonight Shel-tone. I'm sure the jitters will subside after the first couple of notes. Let us know how it went.
28. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:21pm:

    Break a sweat, Shel-tone (that's "have a good show" for the anxious).
29. By concertinist. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:25pm:

    Retraction:
    
    A few days ago I gave an early favorable review of a book of 26 "dining alone" essays called Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant. I had read the first ten. Sadly, the most of the remaining 16 were well below that standard. Lector emptor. On to Oaxaca Journal, which someone here recommended.
30. By meg_mac. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:30pm:

    Shel-tone... everyone knows being on the edge makes you a much better performer. I am sure you will knock them dead (pardon the pun) :)
31. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:35pm:

    I had lunch at a Carrow's today, and couldn't keep from laughing at their Holiday Pie order forms by the Cashier Station. I pointed it out to the cashier and asked her what the pie was made of. Reminded me of Hansel & Gretel... RUN, little boy RUNNNNN!!!
    
    
32. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:37pm:

    So the Nook is sold out. Is Amazon ready to supply avid holiday shoppers?
33. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:53pm:

    By Bisbonian:
    The bottle actually goes to the commenter who posts first on the OM thread. That's why I was so excited about being first...I've never made it before.
    
    I would have thought that you had been first before. Enjoy!
34. By Toad. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @04:58pm:

    Thirty-fourth!
35. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:08pm:

    Pic taken just south of Conway, New Hampshire. I believe it is Upper Pequawket Pond

    
    
    My Mom lived near Conway. Thanks for the memories.
    
    
    LOL on the Boys 'n' berry pies :)
36. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:28pm:

    Damn I missed out on the free scotch by 11 posts.
    
    In other news, I'm thinking of changing my name to Cruella.
37. By Toad. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:28pm:

    I'm listening to the Zombie's Greatest Hits album right now. Very groovy. I think I'd really like to hear it from an old transistor radio, though.
    
    Time of the Season is such a great freaking song. "What's your name? Who's your daddy?"
38. By Doug. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:31pm:

    Praise the Lord!
    Only 22 more months of Oprah.
39. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:34pm:

    Time of the Season takes me back to a very specific time. I was home from school, sick, for a week. The song puts me right back in my bed with my Dad's transistor radio, about 3"x5" with a black leather cover with a grid of tiny holes over the speaker.
40. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:46pm:

    I love Cruella.
41. By Patrick Facefork. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:50pm:

    Praise the Lord!
    Only 22 more months of Oprah.
    
    Don't get too celebratory there Doug
    
    I bet there is an Oprah 2.0 done up in lace..done up in rubber...
    
    Yet to be unleashed
42. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:54pm:

    I love you, too, MJ.
43. By Gary. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:55pm:

    The Zombies were a cool band. I saw them in concert in the 60s, I think it was one of those Dick Clark Caravan of Stars shows. Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent still do occasional concerts.
44. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @05:56pm:

    I'm curious, is that Ross Bagdasarian holding the mic tonight?
45. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @06:01pm:

    Have a great gig, Shel-tone - it'll be terrific - don't fret.
    
    
    

    Praise the Lord!
    Only 22 more months of Oprah

    
    As if anyone's every forced you to watch Oprah. There's nothing to be concerned about, though - Ellen will take over for her.
46. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @06:04pm:

    Hubby managed to get fish after all. We had fish for dinner! Yeah.
47. By Bisbonian. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @06:59pm:

    - don't fret.

    
    Good advice for a fretless banjo player. Shel, do you play a fretless banjo?
48. By ReWoven. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:29pm:

    Forty-eighteth
49. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:29pm:

    enjoy the show folks!
    
50. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:32pm:

    fiftieth!
    
51. By Schmittenhammer. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:39pm:

    Chris J
    Haven't seen the movie, but will check it out. Funny you mention it, there are certain movies I watch that I like because of how it's shot or the scenery.
52. By RickHap. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:44pm:

    We named the Norwegian Forest cat this week: Thaddeus aka Uncle Ted
    
    Thanks to all for the suggestions!
    
    Presenting Uncle Ted and kT
    
    
53. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @07:53pm:

    i'm drunk.....it's simple.....just add vodka
54. By Bisbonian. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:08pm:

    there are certain movies I watch that I like because of how it's shot or the scenery.

    
    Taylor, too. And then talk about it afterward :) I joke about it, but it's fun seeing things from her perspective.
55. By wally the duck. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:19pm:

    caveat lector
    
    Yes, I know: picky, picky. Sorry.
56. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:31pm:

    Speaking of drunk, whatever happened to William Tell?
57. By dude. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:39pm:

    A little heavy Bluegrass
58. By concertinist. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:40pm:

    Don't be sorry. I can't believe I screwed that up. If one is going to be pretentious, he should at least be careful.
59. By Dar. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @08:45pm:

    MJ, maybe he died. J-Walk, maybe you should make a link pointing to posthumous commenters who would appreciate being acknowledged as being "here", and not forgotten.
60. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @09:02pm:

    I'm listening to the Zombie's Greatest Hits album right now. Very groovy. I think I'd really like to hear it from an old transistor radio, though.
    

    
    
    Toad!
    
    The Standard SR G24 (1958) has a speaker jack. I have used it to listen to the Zombies – though more often I use it to listen to old Jean Shepherd shows. You can find ‘em on eBay from time to time. It’s weird jacking an iPod into one and getting such a powerful nostalgia buzz. Great Japanese transistor radio.
    
    
    
    
    
    That’s the speaker jack on the lower back of the case beneath the heat fins.
    
    These photos are copied from the great Radio Wallah site.
61. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @09:37pm:

    Tell Her No?
62. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @09:40pm:

    Curtis,
    
    Excelsior! Flick lives!
    
    Nice radios. I have a friend who had one of the finest radio collections in the country. Part of it was late 1950's to mid 1960's pocket transistor radios. When a model came in several colors, he made a point to collect them all. I don't remember the make and model of the ones he had, as I am more interested in hi-fi gear from the same period. His collection of that was stellar and every time I visited and went into his museum, I spent my time looking at the stereo stuff, and his Atwater Kents.
    
    His wife asked for a divorce and he was forced to liquidate his collection because they split everything down the middle. His radio collection was worth several times more than the house.
63. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @10:11pm:

    My collection is all stored in its crates, with only three radios out that I use. I have that Standard in every color because Standard is my favorite. I've got some pretty good stuff (Toshibas, Crowns, Realtones, etc) - My Sony collection, though far from complete has one major rarity that elevates the whole collection. But I stopped collecting; it was too consuming. If the economy ever picks up, I'm going to sell it off and get some of the recumbents I most want.
64. By Curtis. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @10:28pm:

    BTW - The Brass Figlagee Podcast on iTunes has a lot of Shep. A few months ago they had about 1300 separate shows covering the full span of his original AM show. Right now it appears to just cover his late career.
65. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @10:30pm:

    My first transistor radio was a Realtone.
    
    My friend had one of the first Sonys but he didn't have one of the shirts to go with it (do you know the story about them?).
66. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @10:32pm:

    The Bahnfrei Polka by Eduard Strauss was Shep's theme song.
67. By . Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @10:59pm:

    @ Norm (#44):
    Your choice:
    a) Ross Bagdasarian Sr.
    b) David Seville
    c) his doppelgänger (note the mirror image flip)
68. By gdm IV. Comment posted 20-Nov-2009 @11:57pm:

    I'm going to sell it off and get some of the recumbents I most want.

    
    Which bents are you looking at, Curtis?
69. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @03:04am:

    Thanks 12 stringer,good job,interesting link, answered my own question by right clicking on the photo and saving.
70. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @07:51am:

    Did Shel-tone survive the show?
71. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @07:52am:

    Thanks, 12-stringer, agree with Norm. Great link. I read it all the way through and looked around some.
72. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @08:44am:

    Shel-tone. Wake up and show us photos.
73. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @08:51am:

    #52: Those cats are posing for the camera, RickHap! Excellent shot. I don't remember Thaddeus/Uncle Ted being a suggestion. It must've just come to you as an inspiration. I think it's perfect though.
74. By Onecos. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @09:05am:

    
    I think I'll have the Mix Crap Stick and Salmon today! It's probably better than the Crap Stick with Wasabi...
75. By Swifty55. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @09:13am:

    Caption for Open Mike Photo
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    "Aaaaaallllvin!"
76. By Toad. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @09:41am:

    So, I go to Amazon this morning. As always, they have their "recommendations" for me. The first three items are all albums by The Zombies.
    
    Obviously, they tracked me last night when I linked to the CD here in the comments. Still, it's a bit unnerving to see that happen.
77. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @09:51am:

    That's nothing. Yesterday I was reading a review of Sarah Palin's book, and I threw up a little in my mouth. Today, Amazon has these recommendation for me:
    
    
    
    They're good!
78. By Guy. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @10:08am:

    Time of the Season on a $300.00 banjo:
    
    Time of the Banjo
    
    Thanks for the idea, Toad!
79. By Rance. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:03am:

    Been a cold week here in southcentral AK. 20 below 5 days runnin. The local river yesterday morning. There is an eagle perched on that leaning spruce tree.
    
    
80. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:07am:

    That was excellent, Guy. Enjoyment!
81. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:11am:

    My friend had one of the first Sonys but he didn't have one of the shirts to go with it (do you know the story about them?).

    
    
    I do. They were supposed to be the newest thing, "shirtpocket radios," but the first model was a little bigger than a standard shirt pocket. So sales reps were outfitted with dress shirts with slightly larger pockets.
82. By Shel-tone. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:13am:

    My show went well. I was in a strange mental state for the evening. It rained outside the entire time, which hurt the attendance. It was mostly a brand new crowd there for us, so their reaction was kind of weird, which I think also threw me off a little bit. I blanked out a couple of times on the song lyrics.
    
    Otherwise, a famous friend of mine was there and gave us a great critique on how to improve as well as complimented us on our strengths.
83. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:19am:

    Which bents are you looking at, Curtis?
    

    
    
    @gdm IV
    
    
    Velotechnik Scorpion FS
    
    
    
84. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:20am:

    Toxy ZR
    
    
85. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:23am:

    Catrike 700
    
    
    
    I haven't had a ride on this, I may not be able to get in and out of it.
86. By Evil Klown. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @12:40pm:

    The back-rest on that last one doesn't look too comfy.
87. By Schmittenhammer. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @12:46pm:

    Great pictures Chris J. and Rance. Don't think I would want to live there though. Can't believe I am still in Northeast Ohio. Can't stand all the cloudy days.
88. By gdm IV. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @01:01pm:

    The Scorpion is on my list too. I also like Velotechnik's Street Machine. What bent sites do you use Curtis? I assume you're aware of http://hostelshoppe.com, but you've apparently got some other resources.
89. By meg_mac. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @01:45pm:

    Anyboody watching the ridiculous 'debate'?
90. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @02:31pm:

    Rance #79: There is an eagle perched on that leaning spruce tree.
    
    Are we supposed to take your word for it? If Schmittenheimer had taken the shot, that eagle would be popping out of my screen in technicolor!
    ,
91. By Eenie Meenie. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @04:34pm:

    RickHap
    Those two are some posers for sure.
    
    Great picture, Rance. And, um...keep your cold up there.
92. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @04:46pm:

    The good, bad and the ugly-- Ukulele style.
    
    

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gp7B8WC4Q&feature=player_embedded#
93. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @04:47pm:

    i guess I don't know how to imbed an IP addy. Little help?
94. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @05:04pm:

    David -- Very good, thanks! I don't know how to imbed either, but copy & paste worked just fine.
95. By Bisbonian. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @05:26pm:

    Good thing Ennio Morricone isn't dead yet, because he would be turning over in his dusty, windblown grave. Thanks David.
96. By . Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @06:02pm:

    sfsue, Bisbonian, glad you liked too. I found it on http://bitsandpieces.us/ (Bits & Pieces blog).
97. By Gee.... Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @10:02pm:

    That was great David!
98. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @10:41pm:

    What bent sites do you use Curtis?
    
    @gdmIV
    
    I hang at these two sites:
    
    BentRider Online
    
    The Recumbent Blog
    
    My Greenspeed is from the Hostelshoppe!

99. By Curtis. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @10:43pm:

    
100. By Onecos. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @10:56pm:

     
     The bridge over the river Kwai, Thailand. Do you remember the sacrifice British, Australian, American, Thai, and other soldiers made in WWII to make you free? I'm married to a Japanese young lady. This and many atrocities are omitted from the history books in Japan. Most people remember the movie. This picture is the bridge. It was rebuilt after the war. Semper fi... Jus givn Y'all a bit of Hstry!!!!
101. By Onecos. Comment posted 21-Nov-2009 @11:04pm:

     Sorry.. Photo of River Kwai above was taken in November 2008...
102. By . Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @01:52am:

     RickHap,
     
     Those are some fine looking cats.
103. By Snag. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @03:50am:

     Went to Sydney for the weekend ... here's the view from our room.
     
104. By Snag. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @04:16am:

     A wider daylight shot ......
     
     .. and from the other side of the bridge ..
     
     
     Best part of the break was a meal at my favourite German restaurant (Löwenbräu Keller in "The Rocks", Sydney Aus) on Sat evening. I had Knuspriger Schweinebauch (crackling roast pork belly with Löwenbräu bier sauce, sautéed potatoes & red cabbage schlachtplatte) with a litre of Hofbrau dunkel (dark malty Munich beer) finished with a real strudel ..... bbbuuuuurrrrrpppp !
105. By Snag. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @04:36am:

     Onecos #74 .. this is from an actual Greek menu. We still chuckle over this ! The dish in question is actually lamb, and was quite enjoyable in those configurations we tried.
     
     
     
     My apologies to any Greeks who read this .. in practice, the proprietor's English was actually far better than my tourist Greek.
106. By Schmittenhammer. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @04:55am:

     Snag,
     Really like that night shot. Australia is one place I would like to visit, or maybe stay.
107. By Mean Jean. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @07:55am:

     Garfield was all about open mic in today's cartoon.
108. By Rance. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @10:22am:

     Tom you mean like this?
     
     
     
     Great night shot Snag!
109. By Dar. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @10:44am:

     Today's Garfield
     
110. By . Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @01:57pm:

     
     Onecos #100: I'm married to a Japanese young lady. This and many atrocities...
     

     
     If you feel that way about it, why don't you just get divorced?
     
     Rance #108: That's much better.
111. By . Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @05:22pm:

     Onecos #100: I'm married to a Japanese young lady

     
     I thought you said you were married for 28 years?
112. By Eenie Meenie. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @10:27pm:

     Our computer is dying. As we speak. I've never watched a computer die before.
     
     I wonder if it's saved.
113. By gdm IV. Comment posted 22-Nov-2009 @11:19pm:

     Thanks for the links, Curtis! Your Greenspeed is a good looking machine. Have you ever had a recumbent bike? I ride a Vision R40 SWB w/ USS that I really enjoy. I'm really excited about the high seat option for the 2010 Scorpion. I'd probably have to sell the R40 to get the Scorpion, though. Any advice?
114. By Snag. Comment posted 23-Nov-2009 @01:51am:

     Schmittenhammer and Rance .. praise from Caesar indeed, what with the quality shots you guys post .. like that eagle. Thank you.
     
     The night shot is a 15 sec exposure, with a suction-cup camera-mount (as used on the outside of race-cars) on the inside of the hotel window. I closed the drapes behind it to minimise reflections and used the timer to minimise vibrations. This was around midnight, so many city lights were already off, unfortunately. Our family watched Australia's bicentenary fireworks from a room one floor higher in 1988 .. now THAT was a spectacle !
     
     The welcome mat is always out for visitors to Australia. The question is where to go to get the full experience (Australia is a BIG place). Sydney is a good introduction. Both it and Melbourne are surprisingly cosmopolitan to first-time visitors.

Original content © 2010, John Walkenbach