Gli "totes" to use italian-american slang.
TNP tries to force several people to amuse him or her at least once, preferably early, in the day. IRL, duh. In a non-coercive, non-threatening manner.
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Gli "totes" to use italian-american slang.
TNP tries to force several people to amuse him or her at least once, preferably early, in the day. IRL, duh. In a non-coercive, non-threatening manner.
Nope. If they do, they do, but not by "force," define it as you will.
TNP had a coworker talk to him much longer today than TNP would have preferred.
Haha every day is like that for me.
TNP has some niggling ailment/injury that isn't debilitating, but annoying as hell.
I can't say that I don't.
TNP likes reading about linguistics.
Sometimes, a little, yeah. Not that I'm an expert or anything.
TNP has a pet theory about a particular word or phrase.
Yeah, many, none very original.
TNP fucking hates it when some D-word ineptly tries to correct IRL
Yeah, I guess that's true.
TNP hates November.
False. Kinda depends on the weather. My eldest son's and niece's birthdays, Election Day and Thanksgiving are always highlights.
TNP is already looking forward to December.
Can't be worse than it is right now, so sure.
TNP refuses to do one thing to decorate for any holiday in his or her pad. Waste of time.
Not yet, yes, it's true. The Christmas season doesn't begin until after Thanksgiving - local retailers, advertisers and radio stations notwithstanding.
TNP has a favorite Thanksgiving dish.
Wild Turkey? I'd be happy with that, glass optional, and a foot-long hoagie from Subway.
TNP is going to spend time with some extended family these holidays coming up.
Not so much, actually. Not this year, the way everyone's schedule is looking.
TNP has a favorite pen.
Nope. Yes, Walt Benjamin used to say "a certain pedantic adherence to..." something about pens and papers, but I like those Pilot gels everyone uses. I do favor 0.5mm Bic disposable pencils, though. They have a way of getting lost, or when the clip breaks they somehow become like a creature from the attic, unworthy of my touch.
TNP thinks the plastic pocket-clips manufacturers put on disposable pens and pencils are abominably unsturdy; however, they are utterly indispensable, for many more uses than mere pocket-clipping-on-to.
I find them useless on a practical level, as I don't feel the need to clip pens onto things. But they do look kinda cool.
TNP was consciously grateful for something good in their life today (or yesterday if you just woke up).
Sure -- I saw a great movie and texted with an old friend who turned me onto it (*Alceste a bicyclette*)
TNP agrees that pencil and pen clips are good for (a) stopping pens or pencils from rolling off of various surfaces and (b) for clipping onto notebooks during moments of desired respite or imposed restiveness, or for changing pens (or perhaps colors of pens) and pencils, as one does when one uses paper as opposed to an iPhone or whatever.
All true, even though they can wear down the edges of my suit coat pockets over time.
TNP has worn a suit in the last week.
False. Too hot here to be wearing a freakin' suit.
TNP has seen/done/been recipient of a random act of kindness.
Sure, they are more common than you'd think.
TNP has seen a random act of jerkiness.
Every time I drive. Use your turn signals, people! Wave "thanks" when someone lets you cut in line! Don't run red lights and stop signs! Sheesh.
TNP has actually said "Sheesh" in the past 30 days.
I'm guessing "Jesus h fucking christ shithead!" doesn't count. So, I guess not.
TNP thinks very, very, very unflattering things about the mentality of most automobile gadget-people. But is resigned to the techno-fetishism of our age.
True on both counts, pretty much.
TNP is very fond of his or her current vehicle.
Ehh, it's fine, but I'm not given to fondness for vehicles.
TNP wishes McDonald's served breakfast all day.
I wish their normal menu was available at breakfast time >:-(
TNP can do some freaky trick with their eyes.
No, although a childhood friend could flip up his eyelids and leave them that way. Very unsettling.
TNP had a childhood friend with a similar trick.
Sure, I saw that one at least a few times. Don't know how long they could hold the lids that way, but it was a surprisingly popular stunt among my colleagues at that age -- those, that is, who could manage it, or dared to try. (aka not me -- stupid and gross trick).
TNP is listening to buttrock right now, involuntarily (Journey, "Don't stop believing")
Don't know if this qualifies, but this is what I was just listening to - my earworm du jour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cix5bX11xk
TNP likes that song.
What the bloody hell??? I was expecting some Vivaldi or Sousa or Canned Heat... I'd never heard that song before, and can't say my first listen really bonded with me :-/
TNP is weighing up holiday options.
Yes, a bit. Likely to stay home for Thanksgiving; might go to Vermont for Christmas.
TNP has been to Vermont in the past five years.
Never. Not once.
TNP knows at least one tune with "Vermont" in the title, though.
False. Can't even imagine one.
TNP has tried Vegemite.
No, nor Marmite neither.
TNP is wondering why he/she got out of bed this morning.
No time to wonder that! Too damn much to do today.
TNP has been crazy busy today.
What may be true in theory, is not necessarily true in practice. Still, going to be a long day.
TNP had a pretty hairy weekend capped off by a pleasant Sunday dinner spent with family.
Sunday dinner with family was nice enough, but so was the rest of the weekend.
TNP wishes s/he'd been born someplace where it didn't snow.
That's always nice. Never understood quite the crowd who's always "I wish it would snow!"
TNP wishes he or she lived some place where blue skies, no matter the ice and mishegas, were the norm and not the exception.
Yes, that would be nice, too. A lot of gray days here other than in the summer.
TNP will be vacationing in warmer climes within 30 days.
God, I hope not. It's hot enough here.
TNP likes Jarlsberg.
No, not particularly.
TNP has had a button fall of a coat recently.
Oh, don't even start. Most recently one of those clip-on fasteners for men's pants came off. Sure, so I go and grab my pliers last minute but
TNP has a virtual ziggurat of clothes in need of buttons that he or she is far too lazy to sew back up.
Yeah, too lazy even to ask my wife to do it or to take them to the laundry to do it.
TNP is not usually lazy, just has some blind spots.
Generally true. I can procrastinate with the best of them when it's a task I ought to do sometime, but don't have to do now.
TNP has a hot beverage within arm's reach at this very moment.
Well, cold-to-room-temperature. So, no, I guess not. Some kind of beverage, though.
TNP knows someone with a so-called oral fixation.
I don't think so. Not sure I could diagnose it, though.
TNP has read any of Freud's writings.
True. But sometimes a writing is just a writing...
TNP has had the patience at some point to read Nietzsche.
Just a little. But I do like to quote him whenever I surprise my family and friends: "Nothing could be worse than to be completely understood."
TNP has surprised someone lately by doing something uncharacteristic.
I don't think I have. I'm pretty predictable.
TNP has a secret hobby too embarrassing to mention.
I have no idea whatsoever what that could possibly be. I suppose masturbation is a hobby of mine, but that doesn't seem embarrassing to me in se. So, false. ETA a colleague of mine sews complicated shirts and things out of printed fabrics -- I'd be very, very ashamed if I spent any amount of time doing that. But she's actually proud of that, for whatever reason.
TNP will reveal an embarrassing fetish he or she has.
My nipples become rock-hard when I see Dr. Feynman quoted online.
TNP has had rock-hard nipples in the past 30 days.
Can't say they've ever been glass-cutters. Not even in special moments.
TNP has now or has ever had several very overdue library books.
No, never more than a week or so. I'm pretty good about that.
TNP has been to a very large library in the past month.
Sheesh, christ, don't get me started. I know from libraries, and these ain't it, let me tell you.
TNP is a snob about some things.
I think everyone is...
TNP has mixed feelings about visiting the dentist
True, its a long way to go, it always feels up front like I could always do with missing it, but he's an excellent dentist.
TNP suffers from insomnia
Had a nice, amusing post that I deleted. Pissed off. In short you're damned right. Not probably statistically likely to be of etiology related to the diagnosis "insomnia," nor in my related experience among some acquaintances from more than a decade ago who have claimed to have had insomniac experiences.
I hardly ever suffer from insomnia, unless I'm feverish or nervous about something, which is fortunately rare.
TNP loved the last movie he or she saw.
Hmmm...Big Hero 6 ..."liked" not "loved"
TNP never goes to movies alone.
Pretty much never. I like to *listen* to the movies, and I find companions, not matter how amiable, to be a distraction.
TNP likes to *talk* about movies (presumably with other people, natch) though.
True. To the point where I like to hang out at The Dissolve
TNP likes okra.
Sure. I like pretty much all foods that can be cooked to a paste and "sweetened" with animal fat.
TNP has cooked rice+veggies that have been overseasoned in the past year (hint: don't do it).
Quote:
Originally posted by Rube E. Tewesday
That sounds like you often go to the movies alone - or would prefer to.Quote:
Originally posted by Jizzelbin
In play:
Nope. Not much of a cook.
TNP already has a Thanksgiving feast pretty much planned.
False - but then it's a USA thing anyway.
TNP already knows what they will be getting on Black Friday
I am trying to boycott Black Friday, as being un-Canadian and stupid. I may fail, but we'll see.
TNP works or has worked in retail.
Nope, never had the... pleasure.
TNP already has his or her eye on something for Christmas (or other gift-giving holiday).
Nah. I really dislike giving and receiving gifts on holidays. If I want to give someone something, I just do it. Of course, for me, xmas is really for the kids, so I try to find something cute for the nephews, and to be polite, I'll go along with some nonce gifts if, as this year, spending with family (parents, sister, bro-in-law, nephews, uncle, some friends of the family, maybe a cousin or two). Always bring a hostess gift, though! Although one year my mother was none too pleased that I brought a bottle of Night Train as my "offering" (it was unopened!). I basically hate the whole thing -- the non-Catholic rituals, the decorations, the MUSIC (omfg), just hate everything about xmas in a protestant-work-ethic country.
TNP bought some food for a hobo this past few days.
No, it's been a few months.
TNP has listened to a movie soundtrack recently.
Wow. I've paid attention to, most recently, Herbie's for Antonioni's *Blow-Up* (I don't know why I was watching that again -- not my favorite MA, but it's fun to have on in the background while one thinks about sewing on buttons and shit like that). But that was just watching/listening to the movie. The last soundtrack I bought, for the purpose of decontextualized scrutiny, was Dex's *'Round Midnight*. Stone groove. Still have it on disc from, what, five or six years ago.
TNP doesn't think much of the fad for home-theater "surround" sound.
Hmm...since I don't think about it at all, I guess I don't think much of it.
TNP has, within the past week, broken out laughing over something that was meant seriously. (In my case, a co-worker who never seems to do anything complaining about how she was burnt out and needed a break. I think I got out of here earshot before I started to laugh)
No. I can usually contain myself when I see the person who uttered an absurdity meant it to be taken seriously.
TNP is celebrating Thanksgiving today.
Yeah, eventually. I'm more concerned about getting a few uni library books due yesterday, but that might not happen. Looking forward to perving over my brother-in-law's brother's wife, though. Discreetly. And maybe getting all hopped up on white lightning and "entertaining" the crew on big pops's baby grand over there.
TNP fuck, what's some good Thanksgiving day music? I guess "Turkey in the straw," but that's not really something I can pull off solo on piano. Got it. "Mexican Hat Dance" medleyed with "Hava, Nagilah."! Damned it I am good!
TNP can't think of a good Thanksgiving song for the life of him or her.
Well, me neither, besides "Turkey in the Straw." My youngest nephew got the cover off the grand (in execrable state) and started banging around, then his brother started taking the high notes and babbling "happy birthday to you!" doing the song. I couldn't resist joining them and playing happy birthday the way I like to do it (just get the melody, and make the fills in blues/gospel style in between melody with some gospel chords underneath it. Finally I got bored and just played "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," because it was the first thing that came into my head. The hostess was none too pleased with my encouraging the boys, I don't think.
TNP's thanksgiving was a circus, and will not be attending next year.
Well, going back a month to Canadian Thanksgiving, no. Took my little family and mother-in-law to Thanksgiving dinner at a nice steakhouse, one of the better events I've had in a while.
TNP could stand eating turkey more often.
Yes. I like it, and I hear it's better for you than red meat, at least.
TNP is a vegetarian.
False. I like meat and I cannot lie.
TNP likes gravy on most everything short of ice cream.
Depends. White gravy on chicken-fried steak. That about ends my love of gravy. Unless one has had a few and is eating mashed potatoes.
TNP has a sweet tooth (not the same as a dead tooth or advanced periodontium)
Oh, definitely. Cake, pie and cookies are always welcome here, and I like lots o' sugar in my coffee.
TNP is a coffee junkie.
Yeah, I drink a lot of coffee -- I only drink the cheapest though. I'm not "into" coffee like a lot of 'junkies' -- but I appreciate a good cup! Just too lazy to put in the effort to make a good cup myself. I buy those giant cans of pre-ground, dump some in a french press, or just use instant. Plus, I despise the sound and mess coffee grinders make.
TNP likes tea a lot.
Yes; Earl Grey and English Breakfast are my favorites, both with lots of sugar, no cream. That probably makes me a barbarian.
TNP likes a little barbarism now and then.
Yup. I both like the sense of "strangerliness" (whence my fondness for gloryholes message boards) and crudeness of a certain kind when it doesn't disrupt my senses (any five will do)
TNP has seen the kick-ass HBO docu re James Brown, or will see it.
Nah, just can't get into it.
TNP, would, all the same, dearly love to have a nickname as cool as any one of Brown's.
What the hell, sure. I wouldn't mind.
TNP had a childhood nickname that he or she hated.
Oh, man, I have the mother of all horrible nicknames. "Scooter"! I guess "Jack" is better, but I only tolerate that into adulthood because it's reasonable as a nickname for my Christian name, and it's pretty common among the Irish distaff side of my family as just being a diminutive.
People who call me by either of those names are either (a) fucking with me or (b) fucking with me or (c) don't know any better
TNP has tasted something horrible in the past 24 hours.
Fortunately no. I can't remember the last time I did.
(And I actually like the nickname "Scooter," although I don't doubt your hatred of it).
TNP will probably have an alcoholic drink in the next hour.
Waiting until the algebra course is over until dipping into my whiskey which is in my coat pocket.
TNP is totally a problem drinker but manages to say and do remarkable things IRL and manages to hold his or her tongue when some differently-abled people try to speak. Therefore rules.
Nope. I sometimes go weeks and weeks without drinking, and have only been out-and-out drunk once in my life, I think (in college, at a cast party).
TNP was in a play or musical in college.
No, didn't join much.
TNP kinds wishes they'd had more fun when they were young.
Now and again, yes, but all in all I think I had a pretty good youth. If I had much more fun I might've gotten into some serious trouble, which would've then put my life on a very different (and probably bad, longterm) path.
TNP thinks now and then about that special someone who got away.
No way. Never. Ever. Good riddance to bad rubbish. I bet they all think that way about me, though; they're just in denial.
TNP sometimes has a hard time resisting the urge to stay in bed all day. Of course, resists the powerful urge (mostly!)
Yes, sometimes. But I get to sleep in on Saturdays, usually, and take full advantage of that.
TNP has to get up early too often on Saturdays.
Occasionally, sure. I don't have a 9-5 job, plus school shit, but you never know. Often times I plan to do something *early* on the weekends for a few boon companions, just because it's often more convenient for me to do "week-end"-type stuff like get in some tennis, take my mom for a woodsy walk for when she wants some exercise, or even just get out of the house for recreation on a weekend.
TNP relishes weekend evenings AND despises neighbors who make a bunch of noise on the weekend evenings. Sure, most every Sunday I crank up the Hammond and amp and get my freak on, but that's mid-morning, and it's usually just me by myself, and I know for a fact it doesn't disturb the neighbors (because I've asked, by the by). Hate going out on weekend nights -- that's amateur hour IMHO.
Yes, but my neighbors are usually pretty quiet, fortunately.
TNP will be going to a Christmas concert in the next few weeks.
Not since Janice Scroggins, a WC pianist died. No reason.
TNP admires ecumenically xian xmas music, and is looking forward to hearing more.
Not quite sure what that means, but I like all kinds of music, so... probably yes.
TNP will probably hear Handel's Messiah performed live before the end of the year.
Not likely, no.
TNP is going away for Christmas.
Nope. Staying home this year.
TNP prefers baths to showers.
False. Definite shower dude.
TNP is buying a major appliance soon.
I sure hope not. Everything has been working fine lately.
TNP could not live without A/C in the summer.
Don't like to live without it, when AC is warranted.
TNP laughs at people who complain about humidity + heat (ie, sweat dripping off u 24/7, with no respite) when it's only a few days, rather than a few months straight. Actually TNP does not only laugh, but thinks it's hilarious.
Yeah. well, whatever. Yeah, I think people are giant pusses if they can't deal with sweat pouring off them at every second of every day. That's fucking life, dude.
But *new* TNP -- TNP probably cockblocked the treasurer of their HOA in the past 24 hrs. I don't know what the woman thing of cockblock is, but you can easily substitute "retard man-child mongo" for "treasurer"
Nah, can't say I did that, although it sounds interesting.
TNP hasn't put up their Christmas tree yet.
Bwahhahahahahah xmas tree nerd!!!!!!!! Well, I think you have kid(s), so that's actually a good thing. What did you, like cut it down yourself or go pick one up and strap it to the roof of your car, Clark Griswold? All right, enough mocking you. Holidays are important for kids, so they can have something concrete to associate with the passage of time. It's a good thing.
TNP is grateful when he or she was a kid his or her close family (including whatever aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents) did the big show for the big holidays. but now that older, it's super annoying -- debbie downer out
Yes, my grandparents usually treated us to a very nice Christmas Eve dinner in their cozy old house. I always enjoyed that.
TNP will be with his or her grandparents on Christmas Eve.
Only if I die by then.
TNP has been going through a run of strange events.
No. Things are pretty normal around here.
TNP would rather be relatively healthy than filthy rich.
Hmmm...I guess so, since my money doesn't do me much good if I can't enjoy it.
TNP would like to be both healthy and rich.
Well, duh!
TNP likes asking questions with obvious answers.
No, it's the lowest form of verbal communication.
TNP has a few weeks off this xmas/whatever and is kind of not looking forward to staying at home all day, every day (minus breaks for fresh air).
No, I have five days off, but it should be enough.
TNP still has some Christmas or other holiday shopping to do.
True, but not much. Our family vacation is our big present to each other.
TNP is wondering where the years go.
Sort of. I know where they went, but the past nine years, they didn't go anywhere good.
TNP agrees that experiencing, and therefore having discovered, the finitude of human time phenomenally, is impossible for children (including kids in their twenties). And that is why no child has ever written a good novel.
Well, that and an overall lack of maturity, discretion and writing skills, yes.
TNP thinks he or she could, with sufficient time and effort, write a decent novel.
Yeah. But, see, having experienced time, one reconfronts old idioms and recollected speech patterns with renewed vigor. Also, never trust anyone under thirty.
TNP thinks most old farts are just waxing carnauba off their boards. And going nowhere fast.
Nope. Hardly any, from what I've seen.
TNP buys carnauba in bulk.
No. I don't even know what carnuba is, except something surfers use.
TNP has many uses for beeswax, though. seriously, it's great -- spot-tune a Wurlitzer electric piano, jerry-rig a loose pipe stem, and I guess hippies make candles or whatever with it
Nah, don't think I've ever used beeswax for anything.
TNP has been stung by a bee more than once.
Yes, most recently this summer, when I was trying to gently splash a struggling bee out of a swimming pool. No good deed goes unpunished!
TNP firmly believes that no good deed goes unpunished.
It's pretty much my motto.
TNP believes that blessed are they that expect nothing, for they shall receive it.
Yep. Don't expect nothing from nobody. Be damned glad if, at the end of the day, the only drool on your clothes is your own. I thought old-timers were supposed to be all tranquil and serene and shit -- you two are downright cynical.
TNP has beaten Forty Thieves solitaire (card) game exactly once.
Nope. Never played that game at all.
(Who you callin' an old-timer? Harrumph).
TNP loves UNO.
nm
I think I played it sometime in the past year or two -- a childhood staple for large gatherings with cousins and stuff. It's OK. Probably spoons has more legs, though. I definitely played that one in July (gratuitous Orson Welles reference) -- I was the boldest bluffer in the bunch.
TNP has learned something in the past few days about a film/tv-type person. In my case it was about the David Lynch-associated actor, Jack Nance, via the excellent documentary I Don't Know Jack, available on YouTube. Always like to hear about how others made it through the mire.
No, can't say as I have. But I always like that behind-the-curtain stuff.
TNP is a big David Lynch fan.
Huge. David Lynch's dialogue is among the best I've ever heard or read, anywhere. His manner of organizing disparate idioms, habits, tics, references is unique, charming, and speaks to his irenic disposition. He did some stuff with the visual stuff too, and that may be how his work is organized, the principle of his work, but what lasts is not just the verbal and the plastic, but their brilliant combination.
TNP will name one or several movies he or she has been wanting to see for a while, but just hasn't gotten around to it.
Sure, "Frank" for one just off the top of my head. And "Under the Skin".
TNP doesn't have Netflix.
No. I think I had the Blockbuster equivalent back when they sent u DVDs in the mail for a while. My TV is now occupying that corner of my bedroom where huge duffel bags of unsorted papers are -- I just can't feature having a big screen in my front room. In fact, I prefer the smaller screen of the computer, so I can pretend to multitask.
TNP was reminded today of how annoying and disruptive sound pressure waves can be. Indeed, TNP can hardly text or have a conversation when even something as simple as a TV in the background is on.
No, rarely a problem for me.
TNP has a relative whose voice is really annoying.
You know, not really. Speaking as someone who is easily annoyed, it just surprises me to say, eh, not really. OTOH I did get to ride in car with my younger nephew with his gramma or whatever, and it was basically intolerable, how loud the music was. Fucking A, the nephew doesn't even know what day it is -- god dammit, just turn the music down so we dont all further damage our ears.
SPL, baybee,
TNP is at right with the world.
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good. Plenty of things that are right with my life; not so many that aren't.
TNP has taken part in a raffle in the past month.
Hmmm....guess not, come to think of it.
TNP often buys lottery tickets.
I think u meant to write "TNP occasionally gets stuck behind somebody who buys lottery tickets at the corner store"
No as to buying, yes as to occasionally stuck.
TNP sometimes daydreams about winning the lottery.
Sometimes, yeah. I could stand retiring.
TNP doesn't actually expect to retire.
Correct. I like my work too much. I might take longer and longer vacations (and travel more), but I doubt I'll ever fully retire.
TNP likes Fats Waller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0M6...B5E10&index=16
Yep. I think there was no better technician in straight-up stride piano than Fats. (If you consider Tatum to be a special case -- I think AT is kind of sui generis, not really a straight stride piano player). That, combined with his unusually prolific, short life, his hilarious sense of humor, and the fact that a great many of his recordings have been preserved with pretty good sound, leads me to think they should do one of those biopics about him, and do it up right, with, I don't know, some really good younger actor doing the whole Christian Bale/Robert De Niro/Vincent d'Onofrio "gain a bunch of weight" thing, if they have the balls.
TNP thinks the decade the 2000s was pretty much shit in the US -- two wars, Katrina, recession, the fetishization of gadgetry (balanced by the growth of a robust worldwide web, which is good), the absence of all significant youth counterculture, an increase in municipal control over public spaces, cultural conservatism of the youth, kneejerk political reactionism. This decade seems OK, though, TNP guesses.
Yes, the 2000s were pretty sucky. On the other hand, our third son was born, The Lord of the Rings trilogy came out, and Barack Obama was elected President. So it wasn't a total loss.
TNP will make three predictions about the 2020s.
US culture is going to continue to stink, not unpleasantly, of warm milk, tapioca, and beef bouillon cubes.
Jazz and classical music will perish worldwide.
Global politics will continue to burble -- nothing much will come of anything.
TNP has not heard of a present-day cultural critic worth reading.
I'd have to agree. I like Jeffrey Toobin for commentary on the law, Joe Klein for politics, and Connie Schultz for contemporary society, but I can't think of a cultural critic, as such, who I love.
TNP has big plans for Christmas Eve.
Not really. Spend it with my crazy, aggro parents, my sister's very nice family, and my genuinely stupid asshole uncle. I might just not go. After Thanksgiving with the same crew, I was reminded just how unpleasant these gatherings, in sum, are, largely because my parents, the hosts for such events, are incompetent at serving dinners correctly, and superb at making their guests feel unwelcome, harried, and uncomfortable. I'm looking forward to having a glass of water, affecting a rictus, and waiting for it to be over.
TNP thinks four hours is about the good amount of time to spend in the morning reading, contemplating, having a coffee (and/or breakfast if you do that), having a pipe. In fact, TNP thinks anything less is uncivilized. TNP adheres to this practice even if it means waking up very early and going to bed very early.
Agree in principle, not in practice.
TNP likes staying in hotels.
Actually, I do. For instance, I stayed in a Drury Plaza Hotel in Franklin, Tenn. this fall, and it was fantastic. Modern, clean, comfortable, beautiful architecture and interior; a helpful staff and good price, too.
TNP's last hotel stay was a downer.
Meh. They all kind of suck. It's been a while I flew/drove somewhere where someone didn't put me up on a couch or in a spare room, though -- don't travel for work/school conferences now, and don't sightsee (out of principle! if it's not within at most an overnight train ride away, not worth going to).
TNP has made an unorthodox chili, whenever.
http://i.imgur.com/gr71J7A.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FerP0Ke.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/t7gIifM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BnuGkuw.jpg
Really, not that great. But rock hard dessicated 1.8 lbs of black beans cooked in 1.5 hours. Didn't have any cumin, so I just grabbed some garam masala. Doesn't taste right. But, about 6 oz. dry weight of dried anaheim and chiles pequins -- it's very spicy. Probably good over rice. Bachelor food! Put it in a pan, stick it in the fridge, and make a giant mess! Oh yeah that one in the oblong AllClad is freezer-burned leeks, onion, 12 oz. of tomato "sauce" (canned) and the chilis after 0.5 hours cooking on low -- carmelize onion-things first, then get all that nasty water out of the tomato -- supposed to be for color. Turns out the chiles added a *lot* of color -- would not bother with tomato again. Didn't want to waste my nice garlics I spent like forever rummaging in the bin at WinCo to find the biggest ones for. I cook often beans, but rarely season during preparation except for salt or bouillon -- I think that's going to remain my mo from now on. Best to season on the fly, when ready to eat. More versatile.
No. I'm not much of a cook, and I don't particularly care for chili.
TNP still has at least five gifts to wrap for the year-end holidays.
Probably. For this year, I guess.
TNP has been ejected or refused service from....let's just say at least one....bar/tavern.
Does being told it's closing time count? Otherwise , no.
TNP owns a handgun.
False. Never have (although I had a replica Civil War rifled musket when I was a reenactor).
TNP has fired a handgun in the past 90 days.
No, actually. I've decided it probably isn't a great idea for me to own even a modest 0.40 or 0.45ACP sidearm. I guess I can afford it, and the CCW "permit" and some rounds, but I don't think it's a great idea, given that I've discovered I have kind of a hair-trigger IRL.
TNP had a funny exchange with the hot-deli counter dude just now or recently. yeah so I guess I saw the dude yesterday or a few days ago and [eta today] he's all like "what's up, bra!" and i'm like 'let me get a full pound of fried potato wedges,' so he goes and does that, and "anything else?" and I noticed they had a real cunt who was all hassling them about some sandwich or egg salad while i was in line, and I knew he knew me, "hey, not trying to razz you, but is that fried chicken pretty fresh?" He had the classic, just shakes his head and draws his index finger across his chest. "No, I guess that's good! Have a good night, man!" See? That's why you got to be nice to service people! Little bitch only gave me 0.25 pounds, though, but whatever, that was my bad
eta of for fucking christ. "hot-deli" means it's a deli counter where they serve fucking hot "food." shit some of you people got dirty minds.
No. It's been awhile since I noticed an attractive counter dude (or dudette).
TNP has read A Brief History of Time.
Heh, like everyone else I started it and gave up.
TNP generally finishes books they start.
True, although in recent years, if an author hasn't hooked me in the first 50 pages, I give up. I figure if he or she hasn't done so by then, the author never will. Before that I'd forced myself to the end of far too many books I didn't care for.
TNP has more than five books on his or her bedside table.
Sure. Granted they are books I've read a million times, in the five-count, but there are a few hundred in my "want to sell" pile that sort-of count. My bedroom is the place where old books/old TVs/VHS tapes go to die. It's my junk room that happens to have a Queen bed in it. It's a mess. All I care about is that there's a bed in there, and it has my bedclothes just where I want it. Decor doesn't concern me. Is a sleep room and that's it.
TNP is happy to "decorate" his or her own home to his or her own stufff
Yup. I like being in a place that looks the way I want it to.
TNP has a Post-It notepad within arm's reach.
Hah! Only one? Well am not at my desk now, but even still, I have one. At my desk? Dozens, in neat colors.
TNP doesn't actually "post" in different places the slips of paper, but still thinks they are great.
Not all that often, but they can be useful.
TNP has a coworker he or she cannot abide.
That deserves its own thread! I have a professor I literally get sick when I think about her. Disgustingly disrespectful of theoretical computer science. She is, I suppose, a colleague.
TNP learned a number of years ago to just suck it up and deal with the annoyances of one's colleagues, however one can. in my case it's putting on a brave face and spitting bile every day in private or to friends, or even e-friends eta yeah, it is convenient -- I do stick the post-its occasionally on surfaces -- computer monitor, even a desktop -- but the sticky part is great for keeping the pads organized and it's nice to have the option
Definitely true. No one I hate, but some I wouldn't mind never seeing again.
TNP has had a cheeseburger in the past month.
No. Ever since I read this a few days ago, though, I have half a mind (full stop!) wait, to go make a wicked homeburger, cheese-style. I don't want to buy a big thing of cheese, though -- I'd probably eat it in one sitting and hate myself in the morning.
TNP did eat some pretty good cow within the past few days, though.
No, although I did have some good chicken hummus at a Middle Eastern restaurant for lunch today.
TNP loves hummus.
Actually, I think it's the perfect food. Also, my favorite. If I had the ability to bake some kind of bread, and the fixings for hummus, that would be my diet, no question. That's not hyperbole, either -- this is what I eat, provided I have enough time to prepare a civilized meal. Beans, fat, and grains.
TNP forgot how good falafel is.....and is hungry!
No, I never forgot - I love falafel too. Didn't have any yesterday, though.
TNP is watching the new season of Downton Abbey.
No, my wife's a fan, but I can't find the time.
TNP likes making ice cream.
Kind of. We do it at least once every summer at my in-laws' house.
TNP prefers eating ice cream.
Prefers to what? Eating a dried-out mammoth uterus? Yeah, I guess. Ice cream is good for once in a while, when doing a big blow-out-style sweet frenzy, complete with Maraschinos, fudge, caramel, peanuts, and the works. I hate myself in the morning, though, because I pig out once every year or two on an ice-cream frenzy.
TNP recently had a kick-ass haircut. ten minutes ago. Not a good picture, but it's half Duchovny-in-Californication and half McLachlen (sp?)-in-Twin-Peaks. And the haircutter was cool -- she was fast and didn't ask me questions except "this? shorter?" and was happy when I said invariably "You tell me -- I'm not a fashion guy"
Nah, can't say I've had a great cut of my few remaining hairs lately.
TNP suffers from muscles spasms.
Very, very rarely, in the morning in my legs just as I'm waking up.
TNP thinks the spleen is the funniest internal organ.
Nah, I'm an appendix guy.
TNP has played paintball.
No, but I'd like to sometime! I played some pretty elaborate games of Capture the Flag as a kid.
TNP owns more than three flags.
Not sure I even have one.
TNP wishes winter were over already.
Not just yet, but ask me in another month or so.
TNP wonders about the influx of new members this week.
Not especially. I only pay attention to things people say to me, generally.
TNP played a fun game yesterday (some dude at the bar was up for a game of 8-ball). Haven't done that in a while -- best sport evah!
Nah, no games for me lately.
TNP is going somewhere this weekend.
Hah. Well, I might go to library Sat and Sun to write a couple of bullshit C and C++ programs.
TNP is going somewhere actually good, for fun.
Doesn't look like it. Mock trial practice and a library visit tomorrow; church on Sun. morning.
TNP goes to a worship service once in a blue moon.
Not in a long time, the last time I participated in a mass was maybe a decade ago, and I think I had a cheeseburger or a gyro sandwich before hand, so celebrating the eucharist was not really an option, strictly speaking. Mock trial, with judge reinhold! Mock trial, with judge reinhold!
TNP got to test drive a new piece of apparel recently (fairly heavy rain today, got to use my new raincoat -- seemed fine for ~30 minutes in the elements). Dale Cooper's rain coat was too long to be practical for me, but mine is just right! (Except for from the knees down).
Yes, actually, wore my new winter coat, replacing the one that a charity would reject as unfit for hobos -- quite nice.
TNP has been to a hockey game lately.
No, it's been at least six or seven years.
TNP loves to play ice hockey.
Can't skate, so no.
TNP likes to watch some good hockey though, and even roots for a team.
Nope. Couldn't really care less.
TNP prefers roller skating to ice skating.
Wait, I can't answer that. I guess the ice skating -- I've done it a few times, and I like the way the ladies dress up. And also the blades are sharp, so it seems virile and life-threatening.
TNP prefers pool to billiards.
Much of a muchness to me, so no.
TNP likes steak and kidney pie.
Never had one, tbh. Like steak, like kidney done right. So, yeah, by default, I like it.
TNP loves Jamaican meat patties -- or, for inclusiveness's sake, any regular food that is astonishingly underavailable to his or her own locale.
I'll go with pad thai, and say "yes."
TNP has had pad thai in the past 30 days.
No. Most pad thai in these parts is basically noodles with ketchup, so screw it.
TNP is in an especially crabby mood, and is wondering why things just can't work like they're supposed to, damn it.
No, I'm feeling pretty good today.
TNP has a conference call scheduled sometime in the next week.
no, thank God.
TNP is a notary public.
Not me, but I bet EH is.
TNP has had great need of a notary in the past year or so.
No, not in particular, even if I weren't one myself (which I indeed am).
TNP used the word "indeed" in conversation in the past week.
Not that I can remember.
TNP believes that this is indeed a disturbing universe.
Fucking A damned right. Even in my own fucking neighborhood people are going apeshit. Some ped hit by a car, somebody's car got jacked, i was lured into a strange lady's apartment to see if she plugged her dishwasher in right, and i think she stole my phone.
TNP thinks George Jones had some good tunes.
Yes. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is probably my favorite.
TNP has heard that song before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubKUP8c0FHE
Wow. Surprised anybody knew who I was talking about. I hoped, otherwise I would have just been trolling, which I don't do.
TNP likes, somehow, people knowing what they're talking about.
Yes, it's a good feeling.
TNP had a BB gun as a kid.
Not personally, but my dad did, and I did some target shooting on tin cans now and then. He used it on raccoons, skunks and neighborhood dogs that couldn't otherwise be shooed away.
TNP has fired a modern pistol.
No, handguns are hard to come by in Canada.
TNP was inspired by the George Jones discussion to buy a Jones song.
No. I listen to far more on YouTube than I buy these days.
TNP looks at YouTube at least three times a week.
Hmmm...probably not that much, no.
TNP has watched a feature-length movie on YouTube.
No. I'm more of a DVD-and-big-screen-TV-in-my-easy-chair kinda guy.
TNP owns more than two dozen DVDs.
Yeah, I guess. Especially if one includes VHS tapes. One of those things I never bothered to count.
TNP's private library (whatever medium, doesn't matter) is sort-of organized. Not really, but it makes sense, sort of, in some planet. oh i hope it was Geo Jones singing "Things Have Gone to Pieces" -- that was the tune I was thinking about. The ultimate sad-sack tune. I think Pig Robbins might have been on piano too, which is good. Not sure.
Only in my mind. To anyone else, it's a mess.
TNP would like to be more organized.
Yeah, but after all these years, let's face it, it's not gonna happen.
TNP likes Modern Art better than the Classics.
(Oh, and Jizz -- it was "Open Pit Mine", kind of a legendary Jones song, but one I hadn't been able to track down until the digital age. Didn't quite live up to its reputation, but I was maybe spoiled by how much better Jones sounded as he aged.)
No, I like the old time rock and roll. Roll over Beethoven.
TNP has a NY resolution to get a bit more organized, otoh.