Category: words mean things (Page 151 of 223)

On my trip to Florida I began reading “The Fellowship of the Ring,” in preparation for the movie coming out at the end of the year. I never read these books in high school or any other time, and I’m enjoying it immensely. Tolkien’s writing is spare and beautiful, and he has an uncanny ability to create a sense of magic in his world. I even started marking pages when I found passages I particularly liked. Here’s one that reminded me of a certain Texas governor – Frodo tells Gandalf that Gollum deserves death, and Gandalf responds:

“Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.”

I will be in West Palm Beach visiting my brother until Sunday night, with very little chance of getting near a computer. This is both good and bad, of course. Until then, why not visit Monique? Tell her I sent you.

Pop culture confession: I watched both the “80s TV” Weakest Link and the “Star Trek” Weakest Link shows. I was struck by how generally smart the Star Trek crew seemed, even though the questions were incredibly easy. And I was shocked at how dumb most of the 80s TV people were, with the exception of “The Love Boat”‘s Jill Whelan (who knew?). Fred “Rerun” Berry (who is 50!) and Erin Moran were especially dumb. If you had asked Erin Moran her name, I think she would have gotten it wrong. And Wil Wheaton, Mr. A-List Weblogger, was trying to be hip and interesting but just came off as pathetic. I bet any of those other Star Trek people would be interesting to sit around a dinner table with, though. Not that they’re making plans to come over any time soon.

Pop culture koan
If Carrie-Anne Moss and Owen Wilson had a child, what would its nose look like?
(from an original idea by Xkot)

The whole poster story thing reminded me again of “A Man for All Seasons,” probably the best-written movie ever. I’ve been meaning to post this dialogue since the whole Patriot Act flap (Russ Feingold for President!). It’s so appropriate for the times it’s eerie. Thomas More and his son-in-law, Will Roper, are discussing the slimy Richard Rich:

More: And go he should, if he were the devil himself, until he broke the law.
Roper: So now you’d give the devil benefit of law!
More: Yes. What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get to the devil?
Roper: Yes! I’d cut down every law in England to do that.
More: Oh? And when the last law was down and the devil turned round on you – where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, man’s laws, not God’s, and if you cut them down – and you’re just the man to do it – do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I’d give the devil benefit of law – for my own safety’s sake.

Things that annoy me

1. Movie theaters where the automated projection systems mean the movies are just slightly out of focus most of the time. And when you ask them to check the focus, they rarely do.

2. Bookstores with “free” gift wrapping staffed by high school students using “tips” gathered by guilty patrons of the wrapping table to finance their school activities.

3. Salvation Army bell ringers. I have no problem with charities raising money. But if “Need Has No Season,” why are you cynically using holiday shopping guilt to fill your coffers?

4. The fact that “fresh turkey” actually apparently means “already defrosted turkey.” No one explained this to me beforehand.

“Hitler shot himself in the bonker.”
I laughed out loud. But it was a sad laugh. (via Haidi)

Everyone has left. The house smells of cinnamon and garlic and sage and apples. (I really should cook more.) I have a ton of dishes to do, and the dishwasher isn’t working particularly well at the moment. But I don’t care. We spent the afternoon and early evening talking, laughing and eating good food. Few things are better than that.

I am so thankful for my family. To a person they are intelligent, funny, wonderful people, and I am extremely lucky to have wandered into their midst.

I am thankful for my friends, both in person and online. Friends know all your faults and still like you. This is a miracle, and not to be taken lightly.

I am thankful for those who take some time to read these insane ramblings. The web and weblogs in particular have changed my life, greatly for the better. Thank you all so much.

I am thankful for the web, which connects me to people in ways I could have never imagined, and gives me a living I love.

There’s so much more. But that’s a good start.

Happy Thanksgiving

(no, that is not my turkey.)

I have made the stuffing (cornbread with sausage and apples). I have made the cranberry chutney. I have made the crab appetizer. I have made the roasted red onion vinaigrette to go on the green beans. I have made the apple crisp. I have ironed the tablecloth and set the table. I have done the dishes – 34 times. I have stocked the refrigerator with every conceivable type of beverage. I have checked to make sure that my fresh turkey will be at the store tomorrow morning for me to pick up.

Can I go to bed now?