31 March 2005
Look out -- your prude is showing
Perhaps watching years of TV has made me too critical of the plotlines. I watched Summerland on Tuesday with ABM and there was a scene in this episode that raised my mommy hackles. The teenage son, who has been trying to get his girlfriend to have sex with him, breaks down and shows his softer side after a difficult family dinner. This show of emotion convinces the girlfriend to have sex with him. Huh? This isn't the first time I have seen this played out in a movie or TV show, but I never thought of the ramifications until now. Will young girls take their cues from this or are today's teens more savvy than that? Will there be some poor kid out there who thinks that is the best way to comfort her boyfriend, or worse yet -- how many teenage guys saw that scene and said, "Hey, I haven't tried that yet?"
Interviewing myself . . . sort of
Most of you have probably seen the interview game that is going around the blog community. Someone asks you five questions, you answer them on your blog, then solicit others to be interviewed. Usually the interviewer knows the interviewee or has been reading her blog enough to customize the questions. Since I am fairly new to Blogland, I am taking Cari up on her invitation to snatch a few questions from her blog and interview myself. Here goes:
You’ve won the literary lottery! The New Yorker is going to publish one of your poems! Give us the first line of that poem.
It has been 15 years since I've written a poem, and it has been at least five years since I have reread my poetry notebook. I was excited to answer this question . . . until I opened the notebook. What dreck! I read through almost 50 poems before I found something that wouldn't embarrass me in front of my Blogland friends. Everything from 1980 -1984 was childish (I was in high school), and the late-80s stuff is all over the map because I was toying with the idea of writing a novel so I experimented with different styles in my poetry. Anyway, here is the first line of a poem that doesn't make me sound like a poseur:
Sundays are for Mary Travers and meditation,
Contemplating the "education" of the young man
Down the hall.
What did you absolutely believe to be true when you were younger that turned out to be quite false in adulthood?
I believed that I was only destined to live until I was 18. I wasn't suicidal or anything; I just thought I didn't have what it took to be a grown-up. Even though I've managed to make it 20 years past my imagined death, I still don't have the drive or ambition that most adults possess. One day I will be unmasked and everyone will figure out that mentally I never made it past 16.
What do you look like inside your head with your eyes closed? How do you picture yourself?
In my mind's eye, I am a curvy Jane Russell type who is light on her feet. The main reason that I am trying to lose weight has nothing to do with health -- I can't stand the labored walk and heavy breathing of an obese woman.
Congratulations! You’ve won that $100 drawing on KnitPicks. What do you buy with it?
I desperately want a Denise interchangeable needle set! There are projects that I avoid because I don't have the right needle size to meet gauge. Many needle sizes aren't available to me locally and my fear of spending keeps me from ordering online more than once every few years. If I had enough money left, I would probably get Stitch and Bitch Nation since I am the last knitter in the country to own it.
You can have one room of a house entirely for yourself. It doesn’t have to be your house, or a house that actually exists. What does the room look like, what do you put in it, and what will you do there?
I would turn the room into a dance studio. I'm talking wood floors, ballet barre, and mirrors. I would also have a large screen TV so that I could use dance DVDs. My poor tap shoes are gathering dust!
What was the worst date you ever went on?
This was when I was about 16. A guy I knew had a friend that he wanted to me to date. The friend and I talked every night on the phone for about a week. I was stretching to make conversation because we didn't really have anything in common. Finally, we met at a high school football game. I was not physically attracted to him but I was trying not to be picky because I didn't exactly have a full social calendar. After a dull evening of half-finished sentences and awkward silences, I let him kiss me. Big mistake! To say it was wet and sloppy is an understatement; I had so much of this guy's saliva pouring into my mouth that I became nauseated. That still stands out as the worst kiss I have ever had.
You’ve won the literary lottery! The New Yorker is going to publish one of your poems! Give us the first line of that poem.
It has been 15 years since I've written a poem, and it has been at least five years since I have reread my poetry notebook. I was excited to answer this question . . . until I opened the notebook. What dreck! I read through almost 50 poems before I found something that wouldn't embarrass me in front of my Blogland friends. Everything from 1980 -1984 was childish (I was in high school), and the late-80s stuff is all over the map because I was toying with the idea of writing a novel so I experimented with different styles in my poetry. Anyway, here is the first line of a poem that doesn't make me sound like a poseur:
Sundays are for Mary Travers and meditation,
Contemplating the "education" of the young man
Down the hall.
What did you absolutely believe to be true when you were younger that turned out to be quite false in adulthood?
I believed that I was only destined to live until I was 18. I wasn't suicidal or anything; I just thought I didn't have what it took to be a grown-up. Even though I've managed to make it 20 years past my imagined death, I still don't have the drive or ambition that most adults possess. One day I will be unmasked and everyone will figure out that mentally I never made it past 16.
What do you look like inside your head with your eyes closed? How do you picture yourself?
In my mind's eye, I am a curvy Jane Russell type who is light on her feet. The main reason that I am trying to lose weight has nothing to do with health -- I can't stand the labored walk and heavy breathing of an obese woman.
Congratulations! You’ve won that $100 drawing on KnitPicks. What do you buy with it?
I desperately want a Denise interchangeable needle set! There are projects that I avoid because I don't have the right needle size to meet gauge. Many needle sizes aren't available to me locally and my fear of spending keeps me from ordering online more than once every few years. If I had enough money left, I would probably get Stitch and Bitch Nation since I am the last knitter in the country to own it.
You can have one room of a house entirely for yourself. It doesn’t have to be your house, or a house that actually exists. What does the room look like, what do you put in it, and what will you do there?
I would turn the room into a dance studio. I'm talking wood floors, ballet barre, and mirrors. I would also have a large screen TV so that I could use dance DVDs. My poor tap shoes are gathering dust!
What was the worst date you ever went on?
This was when I was about 16. A guy I knew had a friend that he wanted to me to date. The friend and I talked every night on the phone for about a week. I was stretching to make conversation because we didn't really have anything in common. Finally, we met at a high school football game. I was not physically attracted to him but I was trying not to be picky because I didn't exactly have a full social calendar. After a dull evening of half-finished sentences and awkward silences, I let him kiss me. Big mistake! To say it was wet and sloppy is an understatement; I had so much of this guy's saliva pouring into my mouth that I became nauseated. That still stands out as the worst kiss I have ever had.
30 March 2005
Podcast Review: Geeks On
"When you said you needed space
I didn't think it was for him."
Unbelievable by The Dotted Line
Before I get into this week's podcast review, I want to say one more thing about Coverville. Have you checked it out yet? If you are overwhelmed by the archive and don't know where to start, here are a couple suggestions. I haven't made it all the way through the archives yet, but right now I would recommend shows #10 and #19. The first show has a killer cover of "Dirty Deeds" by Leslie Gore (!) and the second one is full of covers from TV shows.
Today I would like to suggest Geeks On. This podcast is a talk show about sci-fi/fantasy films and TV shows, computers, video games, board games, and anything else of interest to those of the geeky persuasion. The format is a round table discussion, and the five guys on the panel each have some sort of connection to the entertainment industry. Although the sound quality isn't the best, the content itself is more polished than your average podcast (probably influenced by the presenters' day jobs). They can get into the minutiae of a game without losing my interest, even if it is a game that I have never played before. Geeks On is produced once a week and the website has links to things discussed in the show.
I didn't think it was for him."
Unbelievable by The Dotted Line
Before I get into this week's podcast review, I want to say one more thing about Coverville. Have you checked it out yet? If you are overwhelmed by the archive and don't know where to start, here are a couple suggestions. I haven't made it all the way through the archives yet, but right now I would recommend shows #10 and #19. The first show has a killer cover of "Dirty Deeds" by Leslie Gore (!) and the second one is full of covers from TV shows.
Today I would like to suggest Geeks On. This podcast is a talk show about sci-fi/fantasy films and TV shows, computers, video games, board games, and anything else of interest to those of the geeky persuasion. The format is a round table discussion, and the five guys on the panel each have some sort of connection to the entertainment industry. Although the sound quality isn't the best, the content itself is more polished than your average podcast (probably influenced by the presenters' day jobs). They can get into the minutiae of a game without losing my interest, even if it is a game that I have never played before. Geeks On is produced once a week and the website has links to things discussed in the show.
29 March 2005
Did I say it wasn't a knot?
It is time to eat my words. That cream-colored bucket hat is giving me fits! I'm having a terrible time frogging it. I started from the cast-on edge, but I forgot about all those K2tog stitches in the brim of the hat so I couldn't figure out why it wasn't just unraveling smoothly. Also, I split the cotton in a couple places so the stitch on the next row is in the middle of a strand on the current row and I can't seem to get that out without cutting it. Instead of one big ball of yarn, I am going to have 20 little balls of yarn. I'm very tempted to abandon Fix-It February and start on something else that is less bothersome! Of course, the upside is now I know that something I knit is going to stay knit :-).
This puts me right back where I was on Sunday. What to knit, what to knit? The two half-finished afghans aren't striking my fancy, the MIL's scarf is awaiting a trip to Wal-Mart for more black and grey WoolEase, and it is too close to summer to think about knitting the MIL's Gifted mittens. Perhaps I should do a bit more stash reductions. My main objective, above the afghan goal for the year, is to stitch up or give away as much of my current stash as possible so that I can partake of all the new yarn goodness that I see all over the internet. I have several yarns that I have bagged up and earmarked for certain projects. These aren't items for anyone in particular; I just picked the projects because they suit the yarn. I guess I could pick one of those while I am waiting for inspiration to strike.
This puts me right back where I was on Sunday. What to knit, what to knit? The two half-finished afghans aren't striking my fancy, the MIL's scarf is awaiting a trip to Wal-Mart for more black and grey WoolEase, and it is too close to summer to think about knitting the MIL's Gifted mittens. Perhaps I should do a bit more stash reductions. My main objective, above the afghan goal for the year, is to stitch up or give away as much of my current stash as possible so that I can partake of all the new yarn goodness that I see all over the internet. I have several yarns that I have bagged up and earmarked for certain projects. These aren't items for anyone in particular; I just picked the projects because they suit the yarn. I guess I could pick one of those while I am waiting for inspiration to strike.
28 March 2005
If you can't be original, at least fake it
Exercise: 30 minutes (dance video)
How much copycatting will you accept in your entertainment? We watched Love Don't Cost a Thing this weekend, which is practically a scene-for-scene remake of Can't Buy Me Love, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So why am I perturbed by the fact that the TV series Kojak has been remade? I can't say which movies/shows/songs are fair game and which should be left untouched, but I know 'em when I see 'em. Love Don't Cost a Thing made a few changes out of necessity (the original is almost 20 years old, after all) but I think they would have messed up if they hadn't kept all the scenes that made the original a cult favorite. With cover songs, on the other hand, if the cover artist sticks to closely to the original then they suffer from the comparison. I just heard Amy Grant's cover of Carole King's song It's Too Late; it isn't bad, but it sounds thin next to the original. Ultimately, I think an artist should be pretty sure that she has something of her own to bring to the table or else don't bother. A well-worn plot can still be enjoyed if the dressing is pretty.
How much copycatting will you accept in your entertainment? We watched Love Don't Cost a Thing this weekend, which is practically a scene-for-scene remake of Can't Buy Me Love, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So why am I perturbed by the fact that the TV series Kojak has been remade? I can't say which movies/shows/songs are fair game and which should be left untouched, but I know 'em when I see 'em. Love Don't Cost a Thing made a few changes out of necessity (the original is almost 20 years old, after all) but I think they would have messed up if they hadn't kept all the scenes that made the original a cult favorite. With cover songs, on the other hand, if the cover artist sticks to closely to the original then they suffer from the comparison. I just heard Amy Grant's cover of Carole King's song It's Too Late; it isn't bad, but it sounds thin next to the original. Ultimately, I think an artist should be pretty sure that she has something of her own to bring to the table or else don't bother. A well-worn plot can still be enjoyed if the dressing is pretty.
27 March 2005
Lazy, Hazy Day
We didn't go to church today. I know, what kind of Christian doesn't go to church on Easter? ABM and I have just been so worn out lately that we didn't feel like facing the fashion show that awaits you at a black church on Easter Sunday. We didn't make Easter baskets or dye Easter eggs or take the kids to the Easter egg hunt, either. We laid around the house playing video games and watching TV with occasional breaks to hug one another and do just enough housework to keep the health inpector at bay.
When I've done this in the past, I have always felt guilty by the end of the weekend. This time, however, I feel great. I'm thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to spend a relaxed weekend with my husband and kids. I'm grateful that I had one weekend where I could put all those voices in my head to rest and that the most worrisome thought in my head was whether to knit a halter top or a hat. May God grant me the ability to carry the peace with me as long as possible.
When I've done this in the past, I have always felt guilty by the end of the weekend. This time, however, I feel great. I'm thankful to God for giving me this opportunity to spend a relaxed weekend with my husband and kids. I'm grateful that I had one weekend where I could put all those voices in my head to rest and that the most worrisome thought in my head was whether to knit a halter top or a hat. May God grant me the ability to carry the peace with me as long as possible.
26 March 2005
Health Update
Starting weight: 260 lbs.
Last week: 258 lbs.
This week: 255 lbs.
Total: -5 lbs.
Yes, I've lost another three pounds. I don't think I can take full credit for that, though. Although I exercised three times this week, I've also been fighting a cold so my appetite has been less voracious than usual. Hopefully I will do this well next week when my appetite is back to normal.
Thus far, my biggest temptation has been the evenings. Snacking after the kids go to bed has been part of my relaxation routine. I am trying to save some of my snacks from earlier in the day to help with that. My plan calls for more food before lunch than I can really stomach; I am not terribly hungry before 12n.
Yesterday, I tried out a new DVD: Molly and Roni's Dance Party -- 1970s Disco Mania. What I didn't realize when I rented it was that this is a kids' video. Apparently, the presenters have been teaching dance to kids in LA for over 12 years from their own studio. I have to say that the video is fun and high-energy. Molly and Roni went the extra mile with a whole room full of dancers (ages 6 - 12) who are all in '70s costume. They show the steps more slowly than in a video aimed for adults without losing the momentum. This DVD would be a great purchase for anyone who wants a fun way to exercise and get their kids off the couch without making it seem like a chore. I've tried it with one kid and I can't wait to spring it on the other three. I plan to rent the 1950s sock hop version next.
Last week: 258 lbs.
This week: 255 lbs.
Total: -5 lbs.
Yes, I've lost another three pounds. I don't think I can take full credit for that, though. Although I exercised three times this week, I've also been fighting a cold so my appetite has been less voracious than usual. Hopefully I will do this well next week when my appetite is back to normal.
Thus far, my biggest temptation has been the evenings. Snacking after the kids go to bed has been part of my relaxation routine. I am trying to save some of my snacks from earlier in the day to help with that. My plan calls for more food before lunch than I can really stomach; I am not terribly hungry before 12n.
Yesterday, I tried out a new DVD: Molly and Roni's Dance Party -- 1970s Disco Mania. What I didn't realize when I rented it was that this is a kids' video. Apparently, the presenters have been teaching dance to kids in LA for over 12 years from their own studio. I have to say that the video is fun and high-energy. Molly and Roni went the extra mile with a whole room full of dancers (ages 6 - 12) who are all in '70s costume. They show the steps more slowly than in a video aimed for adults without losing the momentum. This DVD would be a great purchase for anyone who wants a fun way to exercise and get their kids off the couch without making it seem like a chore. I've tried it with one kid and I can't wait to spring it on the other three. I plan to rent the 1950s sock hop version next.
25 March 2005
Not a Knot
Exercise: 30 minutes (dance video)
Christie mentioned the knot at the end of my bucket hat. Actually, it's not a knot; I just had C1 hold up the end of the yarn to show that I have started unraveling the hat. I'm a month late on my Fix-It February stuff, so I am trying to show some sort of progress. BTW, thanks for the compliment on my little one, Christie -- she is a cutie!
Christie mentioned the knot at the end of my bucket hat. Actually, it's not a knot; I just had C1 hold up the end of the yarn to show that I have started unraveling the hat. I'm a month late on my Fix-It February stuff, so I am trying to show some sort of progress. BTW, thanks for the compliment on my little one, Christie -- she is a cutie!
Knitting update
If you visited this blog between 4p and 6:50p EST, I apologize for the mess. I had to stop in the middle of posting my photos to take care of household stuff. Let's sally forth, shall we?
This is the Tennis, Anyone? vest from Minnowknits. I am not happy with the way the armholes stick up. They looked like that in the book as well, but the vest was baggy around the midsection as well so I just thought it was just too big for the model. After knitting it, I now realize that it is because the armholes are not shaped. Why didn't I notice this while I was knitting? DJ likes it, though, so I will not be frogging it.
This is one of my Fix-It February projects. I knit this bucket hat in Takhi Cotton Twist last summer. It came out way too big but I still tried it on everyone I know, hoping in vain that it would fit somebody. I even washed it to see if any shrinkage would occur, with no luck. I should know better than to knit with 100% cotton. It hurts my hands so much that my gauge loosens up halfway through the project. Still, I keep trying because I love the crisp look and soft feel of the fiber. Perhaps a cotton-blend yarn would be less painful.
Remember the loden green monstrosity that was also on my Fix-It February list (see the 08 Feb 05 entry to jog your memory)? Well, I have almost finished frogging it but I couldn't figure out what to make with it. The Grace sweater from Knitty was my top choice but I wasn't totally satisfied with that because I think that Grace deserves a softer yarn. Most of the modern patterns I found that called for sport weight were soft, fluffy creations. So I took a dip into my small vintage pattern collection. This sweater has already met with M's approval, so I will probably cast on some time this weekend.
This is the Tennis, Anyone? vest from Minnowknits. I am not happy with the way the armholes stick up. They looked like that in the book as well, but the vest was baggy around the midsection as well so I just thought it was just too big for the model. After knitting it, I now realize that it is because the armholes are not shaped. Why didn't I notice this while I was knitting? DJ likes it, though, so I will not be frogging it.
This is one of my Fix-It February projects. I knit this bucket hat in Takhi Cotton Twist last summer. It came out way too big but I still tried it on everyone I know, hoping in vain that it would fit somebody. I even washed it to see if any shrinkage would occur, with no luck. I should know better than to knit with 100% cotton. It hurts my hands so much that my gauge loosens up halfway through the project. Still, I keep trying because I love the crisp look and soft feel of the fiber. Perhaps a cotton-blend yarn would be less painful.
Remember the loden green monstrosity that was also on my Fix-It February list (see the 08 Feb 05 entry to jog your memory)? Well, I have almost finished frogging it but I couldn't figure out what to make with it. The Grace sweater from Knitty was my top choice but I wasn't totally satisfied with that because I think that Grace deserves a softer yarn. Most of the modern patterns I found that called for sport weight were soft, fluffy creations. So I took a dip into my small vintage pattern collection. This sweater has already met with M's approval, so I will probably cast on some time this weekend.
24 March 2005
Donde esta mi mariposa?
I just noticed that my blog template has changed all by itself. There once was a butterfly on the left side of the banner and now there are some lollipop flowers. I'm not sure that I like these flowers. I want my butterfly back!
A Rather Un-feminist Music List
Exercise: none (still sick)
"Maybe I Know" by Lesley Gore, 1964
"Every Little Bit Hurts" by Brenda Holloway, 1964
"Oh No, Not My Baby" by Maxine Brown, 1967
"Anyone Who Had a Heart" by Dionne Warwick, 1968
Can you see where my head has been at this week? Yes, I've been tuning into the "Hey Hey We're the Sixties" channel at Accuradio.com again. It has a subchannel that is all female singers. Sometimes I get tired of the aggressive girl-power singers and I want to hear from a woman who knows she's in a mess. For that kind of un-PC singing, you have to reach back a few decades. Take the words of the first song, "Maybe I Know":
Deep down inside he loves me
Though he may run around
Deep down inside he loves me
Some day he'll settle down
Ohhh Maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
If Kelly Clarkson sang that, there would be music reviews all over the country bashing her for promoting an unhealthy relationship to her young fans. I don't think that there has been a great wallow-in-my-relationship-misery song on the Top 40 charts in the past several years. Please feel free to correct me and make recommendations -- I'm always open to new music!
"Maybe I Know" by Lesley Gore, 1964
"Every Little Bit Hurts" by Brenda Holloway, 1964
"Oh No, Not My Baby" by Maxine Brown, 1967
"Anyone Who Had a Heart" by Dionne Warwick, 1968
Can you see where my head has been at this week? Yes, I've been tuning into the "Hey Hey We're the Sixties" channel at Accuradio.com again. It has a subchannel that is all female singers. Sometimes I get tired of the aggressive girl-power singers and I want to hear from a woman who knows she's in a mess. For that kind of un-PC singing, you have to reach back a few decades. Take the words of the first song, "Maybe I Know":
Deep down inside he loves me
Though he may run around
Deep down inside he loves me
Some day he'll settle down
Ohhh Maybe I know that he's been a cheatin'
Maybe I know that he's been untrue
But what can I do
If Kelly Clarkson sang that, there would be music reviews all over the country bashing her for promoting an unhealthy relationship to her young fans. I don't think that there has been a great wallow-in-my-relationship-misery song on the Top 40 charts in the past several years. Please feel free to correct me and make recommendations -- I'm always open to new music!
23 March 2005
Podcast review: Coverville
Exercise: none
Since most of my readers are not only knitters/crocheters but also fairly competent with computers, I'm sure all of you know what a podcast is. For the two of you who don't, a podcast is like a home-brewed radio show. From what I understand, anyone with the right software can plug a microphone into her computer, record some content in mp3 format (comedy, music, whatever), and post it on her website for the masses to access. These files are called podcasts because they are designed to be downloaded to an iPod or similar portable audio device, but you can also listen to them on your computer with Windows Media Player or any program that plays mp3s. This is how I keep myself awake while doing my day job.
Usually I listen to talk show-style podcasts, but today I found a cool music show called Coverville, hosted by Brian Ibbott. I listened to three of the March podcasts for this review and I was quite impressed. This is a 30-minute show featuring bands covering songs by others. Some of the songs being covered are well-known (I heard a couple great Beatles covers) and others are deep cuts from albums by popular artists. Many of the covers are done by independent artists. Although there is a bit of new metal, most of it is bluesy-folksy and pop-rock stuff. If you can watch VH1 without wincing, then you will probably like this. The show is broadcast two to three times a week. Sundays are for requests , while the other shows are centered around a theme such as men's songs covered by women.
One thing that I noticed quickly when sampling podcasts is that they vary widely in sound quality. As I said before the minimum recording requirements are a computer and a microphone, but it quickly becomes obvious which podcasters have carved out a quiet spot for recording and spent a few extra bucks on good microphones and mixing equipment. Coverville sounds like it was recorded at a local public radio station. There's no weird hissing noises, the host's voice isn't muffled, and nobody's cell phone is ringing in the background.
Another thing that I look for is the design of the podcast's home website. Although many people use a podcast aggregator to subscribe to the RSS feeds for their favorite shows (similar to using Bloglines for your favorite blogs), that method isn't practical for me. I listen at work so I can't download the shows; I need to listen to them in a streaming format. This means that I must go directly to each show's website to access their content. Some sites do not have a very convenient layout for this purpose, probably because they think that most people are using an aggregator. Coverville's layout is great for me. The show links are right in the blog entries instead of on a separate download page. The site also has one of my favorite blog features: a calendar with hot links for the days when an entry was made.
All in all, I say give Coverville a visit. Mr. Ibbott has created 64 shows so far, but he will be removing some of the older ones soon to make space so get over there quick.
Once I learn a little more html, I will make a list of some of my favorite podcasts. Even though podcasting is relatively new, there are hundreds of them out there and I've only heard a few. Expect to see more reviews as I make the rounds :-).
Since most of my readers are not only knitters/crocheters but also fairly competent with computers, I'm sure all of you know what a podcast is. For the two of you who don't, a podcast is like a home-brewed radio show. From what I understand, anyone with the right software can plug a microphone into her computer, record some content in mp3 format (comedy, music, whatever), and post it on her website for the masses to access. These files are called podcasts because they are designed to be downloaded to an iPod or similar portable audio device, but you can also listen to them on your computer with Windows Media Player or any program that plays mp3s. This is how I keep myself awake while doing my day job.
Usually I listen to talk show-style podcasts, but today I found a cool music show called Coverville, hosted by Brian Ibbott. I listened to three of the March podcasts for this review and I was quite impressed. This is a 30-minute show featuring bands covering songs by others. Some of the songs being covered are well-known (I heard a couple great Beatles covers) and others are deep cuts from albums by popular artists. Many of the covers are done by independent artists. Although there is a bit of new metal, most of it is bluesy-folksy and pop-rock stuff. If you can watch VH1 without wincing, then you will probably like this. The show is broadcast two to three times a week. Sundays are for requests , while the other shows are centered around a theme such as men's songs covered by women.
One thing that I noticed quickly when sampling podcasts is that they vary widely in sound quality. As I said before the minimum recording requirements are a computer and a microphone, but it quickly becomes obvious which podcasters have carved out a quiet spot for recording and spent a few extra bucks on good microphones and mixing equipment. Coverville sounds like it was recorded at a local public radio station. There's no weird hissing noises, the host's voice isn't muffled, and nobody's cell phone is ringing in the background.
Another thing that I look for is the design of the podcast's home website. Although many people use a podcast aggregator to subscribe to the RSS feeds for their favorite shows (similar to using Bloglines for your favorite blogs), that method isn't practical for me. I listen at work so I can't download the shows; I need to listen to them in a streaming format. This means that I must go directly to each show's website to access their content. Some sites do not have a very convenient layout for this purpose, probably because they think that most people are using an aggregator. Coverville's layout is great for me. The show links are right in the blog entries instead of on a separate download page. The site also has one of my favorite blog features: a calendar with hot links for the days when an entry was made.
All in all, I say give Coverville a visit. Mr. Ibbott has created 64 shows so far, but he will be removing some of the older ones soon to make space so get over there quick.
Once I learn a little more html, I will make a list of some of my favorite podcasts. Even though podcasting is relatively new, there are hundreds of them out there and I've only heard a few. Expect to see more reviews as I make the rounds :-).
22 March 2005
This should tide you over
Exercise: 15 minutes (walking, glutes)
No time to post much today because I am trying to finish seaming DJ's vest as well as figure out what to work on next, so I took a quiz to give myself some quick content. After taking the test and looking at the possible results, I thought I would have been Betty Grable. However, I think that deep inside of me I do have that "little girl lost" aspect to my personality.
You're Brigitte Bardot!
What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
No time to post much today because I am trying to finish seaming DJ's vest as well as figure out what to work on next, so I took a quiz to give myself some quick content. After taking the test and looking at the possible results, I thought I would have been Betty Grable. However, I think that deep inside of me I do have that "little girl lost" aspect to my personality.
You're Brigitte Bardot!
What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
20 March 2005
Why do I knit what I knit?
Over at Moth Heaven, the author posted a list of reasons why she picks some of the sweaters that she knits. It was a very interesting post (see 18 Mar) but I don't identify with any of her reasons. Since I don't have a large stash or access to a real yarn shop, I guess I am not tempted as easily by new projects. Until recently I hadn't bought a knitting book or magazine in almost two years, so when I run across a knit-along online I usually don't have access to the pattern they are using. I do read Knitty.com and love most of the patterns, but I rarely have the right yarn or needles on hand.
One thing that I am guilty of is knitting projects to impress others. Much of my knitting is done in public, so I tend to pick projects that will make the non-knitters watching me go "Wow!" I like to knit at home until the project has a recognizable pattern or shape to it, and then I take it to work so the passersby can admire it. I admit it -- I like to have my ego stroked every once in a while :-).
One thing that I am guilty of is knitting projects to impress others. Much of my knitting is done in public, so I tend to pick projects that will make the non-knitters watching me go "Wow!" I like to knit at home until the project has a recognizable pattern or shape to it, and then I take it to work so the passersby can admire it. I admit it -- I like to have my ego stroked every once in a while :-).
19 March 2005
Moving in the right direction
Starting weight: 260 lbs.
This week's weight: 258 lbs.
As you can see from my two-pound weight loss, I stuck to my eDiets plan this week. I had originally planned to use the Heart Smart option, but I decided that the Slim-Fast option is more realistic for me. Some people may think that Slim-Fast or liquid diets in general are not a good option because they aren't using "real" food. My reality is that if I didn't drink a Slim-Fast shake for breakfast, I would be drinking two cups of some fancy high-calorie coffee drink and then eating whatever cake/doughnuts/candy is available on the "help yourself" table at work. eDiets is also very good about providing you with the nutritional information for every item they have put on your meal plan, so I can make substitutions if I run out of Slim-Fast.
The bad news is that I didn't exercise at all this week. I didn't get my DVD from NetFlix and I haven't been too happy with what I have available at home. So I am going to try something different. The school system has decided that they will not pick M up in front of the house; she has to go up the street to catch the bus. In light of recent events in the news, this makes ABM and I uncomfortable because we can't see her from the house. On Monday I am going to start walking her to the bus stop and then walking back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop until she leaves. The sidewalk is on an incline so I think I should get a bit of a workout. It will only be for 10-15 minutes a day but I'm hoping this will push me toward doing more.
Can you catch a cold via Bloglines? I have been visiting some germy blogs where the authors have been posting about their miserable week-long illnesses and I think I caught something. So those of you reading this might want to take some echinacea :-). Meanwhile, I am going back to bed because I am finding it difficult to sit up in my computer chair.
This week's weight: 258 lbs.
As you can see from my two-pound weight loss, I stuck to my eDiets plan this week. I had originally planned to use the Heart Smart option, but I decided that the Slim-Fast option is more realistic for me. Some people may think that Slim-Fast or liquid diets in general are not a good option because they aren't using "real" food. My reality is that if I didn't drink a Slim-Fast shake for breakfast, I would be drinking two cups of some fancy high-calorie coffee drink and then eating whatever cake/doughnuts/candy is available on the "help yourself" table at work. eDiets is also very good about providing you with the nutritional information for every item they have put on your meal plan, so I can make substitutions if I run out of Slim-Fast.
The bad news is that I didn't exercise at all this week. I didn't get my DVD from NetFlix and I haven't been too happy with what I have available at home. So I am going to try something different. The school system has decided that they will not pick M up in front of the house; she has to go up the street to catch the bus. In light of recent events in the news, this makes ABM and I uncomfortable because we can't see her from the house. On Monday I am going to start walking her to the bus stop and then walking back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the bus stop until she leaves. The sidewalk is on an incline so I think I should get a bit of a workout. It will only be for 10-15 minutes a day but I'm hoping this will push me toward doing more.
Can you catch a cold via Bloglines? I have been visiting some germy blogs where the authors have been posting about their miserable week-long illnesses and I think I caught something. So those of you reading this might want to take some echinacea :-). Meanwhile, I am going back to bed because I am finding it difficult to sit up in my computer chair.
18 March 2005
Release that belly!
Did anyone see The View today? Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who will be delivering her baby in about 11 days, was wearing a black tunic that practically strangled her belly. Where is that classic maternity look that Laura Petrie and Samantha Stevens wore? I understand that some women want to express pride in their bodies and being pregnant, but sometimes you can take it too far. Wearing a top that fits snugly around the entire belly looks ridiculous, especially if tucks under the belly and then flares out. The funny thing is that these same women wouldn't dare wear skirts that cupped their butts so tightly. What makes them think it looks any better on their stomachs?
This is not attractive!
This is not attractive!
14 March 2005
Quick Post
This is going to be a hit-and-run post. I am trying to avoid spending too much time on the computer on weeknights so that I can actually live my life and have something to blog about!
Frogging the loden green monstrosity was giving me a problem until I figured out that I should start at the bottom instead of the top :-P. I should have it wound into little balls by Friday. I don't think that I am going to turn it into the Grace sweater just yet, though. For me, it was Fix-It and Finish It February; since the knit-along is still going on, I want to focus on the Finish It part. Here are the UFOs that I can list from memory:
--Grey and black crocheted scarf for the MIL
--Purple and aqua Ghetto G scarf
--DJ's loden green non-monstrosity tennis vest
--Gaudy Rambling Rows afghan
DJ's vest is at the top of the list because it is so close to completion. I just have to pick stitches for the neckline, then sew the side seams. I put it down because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get the kids' Christmas knitting done on time. If I don't finish it now, DJ may not get a chance to wear it. I have a sneaky feeling that he is going have a growth spurt over the summer.
The one thing that could distract me from working on the vest is this. For the past several months I have had a growing desire to knit stuffed animals and dolls. As a kid, I didn't even like that kind of stuff. Why on earth would I want to knit it? Who knows? All I know is that I want to make soft, squishy stuff. At least I might be able to make a dent in my stashette with this stuff.
Frogging the loden green monstrosity was giving me a problem until I figured out that I should start at the bottom instead of the top :-P. I should have it wound into little balls by Friday. I don't think that I am going to turn it into the Grace sweater just yet, though. For me, it was Fix-It and Finish It February; since the knit-along is still going on, I want to focus on the Finish It part. Here are the UFOs that I can list from memory:
--Grey and black crocheted scarf for the MIL
--Purple and aqua Ghetto G scarf
--DJ's loden green non-monstrosity tennis vest
--Gaudy Rambling Rows afghan
DJ's vest is at the top of the list because it is so close to completion. I just have to pick stitches for the neckline, then sew the side seams. I put it down because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get the kids' Christmas knitting done on time. If I don't finish it now, DJ may not get a chance to wear it. I have a sneaky feeling that he is going have a growth spurt over the summer.
The one thing that could distract me from working on the vest is this. For the past several months I have had a growing desire to knit stuffed animals and dolls. As a kid, I didn't even like that kind of stuff. Why on earth would I want to knit it? Who knows? All I know is that I want to make soft, squishy stuff. At least I might be able to make a dent in my stashette with this stuff.
13 March 2005
Lazy Day; Am I Delusional?
We didn't go to church this morning because ABM wasn't feeling well (he said he is having problems with his blood pressure and burning in his stomach). There was already a volunteer lined up for Youth Worship, so I called her and told her to just make today a movie day with the two brand-new Veggie Tales DVDs that I left on the shelf. With our only obligation covered, we proceeded to have a guilt-free lazy day. The kids played outside. ABM spent the whole day on the couch watching the first season of Soul Food. Maia and I watched episodes from the third season of Degrassi: The Next Generation, which is my way of gently educating her about sex and other icky stuff. It has been great, even if I didn't get any knitting done. We even get to have pizza delivered for dinner!
Lately, I seem to be immersed in fashion. Project Runway was must-see TV for the girls and I. The SpongeBob blanket involved me pulling together elements from several different sources. The new wannabe-funky magazine knit.1 made its way into my shopping cart. I even watched an episode of Faking It where they turned a drill sergeant into a fashionista. All of this exposure to how clothing is created has given me the delusional thought that I could design something. Me, the girl who has always thought of herself as more verbal than visual. I'm having fantasies of designing clothes for my girls. I must divest myself of this delusion immediately. Of course, ABM isn't helping the situation; when I told him about me designing clothes, he said, "Why not?" If the man knew his wife at all, he would realize that she is not creative enough to design anything. Where has he been for the past 15 years?
A few months' ago, I was all enthusiastic about writing a novel. I was convinced that I was going to write a best-seller that would have me working the talk show circuit. The problem was, I didn't have an idea in my head. Months before that, I was ga-ga over jewelry making. I get so excited about a new idea that sometimes it scares me. Luckily, I am mature enough now not to run off and invest money into every flight of fancy that I have. I wish I could be more grounded like those people who have one hobby for 30 years and are very prolific. Those folks are known for something among their family and friends and people will have great things to say about their work when they die.
Lately, I seem to be immersed in fashion. Project Runway was must-see TV for the girls and I. The SpongeBob blanket involved me pulling together elements from several different sources. The new wannabe-funky magazine knit.1 made its way into my shopping cart. I even watched an episode of Faking It where they turned a drill sergeant into a fashionista. All of this exposure to how clothing is created has given me the delusional thought that I could design something. Me, the girl who has always thought of herself as more verbal than visual. I'm having fantasies of designing clothes for my girls. I must divest myself of this delusion immediately. Of course, ABM isn't helping the situation; when I told him about me designing clothes, he said, "Why not?" If the man knew his wife at all, he would realize that she is not creative enough to design anything. Where has he been for the past 15 years?
A few months' ago, I was all enthusiastic about writing a novel. I was convinced that I was going to write a best-seller that would have me working the talk show circuit. The problem was, I didn't have an idea in my head. Months before that, I was ga-ga over jewelry making. I get so excited about a new idea that sometimes it scares me. Luckily, I am mature enough now not to run off and invest money into every flight of fancy that I have. I wish I could be more grounded like those people who have one hobby for 30 years and are very prolific. Those folks are known for something among their family and friends and people will have great things to say about their work when they die.
12 March 2005
Health Update
Weight: 260 lbs.
Things are going a little better this week. I exercised four times, but I only managed about 15-20 minutes per session. To see any changes, I know that I will have to step that up to 30 minutes. Also, very little of that exercise was aerobic. It was mostly stretching with a little weight-lifting thrown in. The next DVD in my next queue is Molly and Roni's Dance Party, Vol. 2, so I hope to bust a move and break a sweat next week.
My diet has changed very little. The high-calorie coffee is still calling to me and Friday was the only day where I succeeded in drinking water instead of sweet iced tea with my lunch. That is about to end, however, because I signed up for eDiets on Thursday. The minute I hit the order button I felt guilty because I know most of the plan from my previous subscription to the service, and they don't even include the support groups in the $2.99/week fee anymore. Still, I've already paid the $38.87 (non-refundable) for the next 13 weeks so I am not going to waste it by not following the plan. This time around, I am going to print out my menus and such so that when I cancel in three months I will have the info to keep me going.
Things are going a little better this week. I exercised four times, but I only managed about 15-20 minutes per session. To see any changes, I know that I will have to step that up to 30 minutes. Also, very little of that exercise was aerobic. It was mostly stretching with a little weight-lifting thrown in. The next DVD in my next queue is Molly and Roni's Dance Party, Vol. 2, so I hope to bust a move and break a sweat next week.
My diet has changed very little. The high-calorie coffee is still calling to me and Friday was the only day where I succeeded in drinking water instead of sweet iced tea with my lunch. That is about to end, however, because I signed up for eDiets on Thursday. The minute I hit the order button I felt guilty because I know most of the plan from my previous subscription to the service, and they don't even include the support groups in the $2.99/week fee anymore. Still, I've already paid the $38.87 (non-refundable) for the next 13 weeks so I am not going to waste it by not following the plan. This time around, I am going to print out my menus and such so that when I cancel in three months I will have the info to keep me going.
11 March 2005
09 March 2005
Despite encouragement from Alison at the blue blog (the home of Fix-It February), I still haven't frogged the front of my disaster sweater. I pondered the possibility of turning it into a cardigan, but I don't really know how. Although I put a bit of work into it, I think I would rather just frog the whole thing and knit the yarn into something else. I am thinking about making Grace from the Spring '04 issue of Knitty. My yarn isn't mohair, but it is sport weight and I think it would make a cute casual top for my 12-year-old.
You may be asking, "When is she going to get to the afghans? Isn't her blog called the Year of the Afghan?" Yes, it is and I know I need to get back in line if I am going to meet this year's goal. My mini-goal for this week is to dig out the Rambling Rows afghan that I started oh-so-long ago and see what size needles I was using. I know I was using long straights which made the project too awkward to carry around. If I can get it onto circulars, I'll be cookin' with gas!
You may be asking, "When is she going to get to the afghans? Isn't her blog called the Year of the Afghan?" Yes, it is and I know I need to get back in line if I am going to meet this year's goal. My mini-goal for this week is to dig out the Rambling Rows afghan that I started oh-so-long ago and see what size needles I was using. I know I was using long straights which made the project too awkward to carry around. If I can get it onto circulars, I'll be cookin' with gas!
05 March 2005
Enough is enough is enough
"Enough is enough is enough
I can't go on, I can't go on no more, no!"
Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer, "No More Tears"
This is one of my favorite Barbra Streisand song and it is from the end of the disco era (1979). I'm sure that true Barbra fans think this song was a low point in her career but it is a great song to shout along with, especially if your husband is getting on your nerves. BTW, did you know that for a 20-year span Barbra Streisand did an album a year and sometimes two? Talk about work ethic!
It's time for this week's health and exercise report. Sadly, I must report that I have gained another five lbs. I am officially at my "this is it!" weight limit of 260 lbs. I definitely have to step up my game. The cafe at work is my downfall. I've been going for the hot sandwich and fries with dessert every day. There are better choices available like a salad bar and a meat-and-two-veg option so I don't have a good excuse for not eating healthy.
Last Saturday, I vowed before my comrades over at Poor Miss Finch that I would do two things this week: buy a Walk Away the Pounds DVD and sign up for eDiets. I failed on both counts. The closest I got to eDiets was looking at the site twice this week. My bill juggling went awry and I had to pay something earlier than I planned, so I don't think I have the money for the sign-up fee right now. I'm going to check the site again and see if they are running any kind of special.
As for the DVD, I didn't totally screw up. When I got to FYE, I remembered that I was also interested in Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease DVD so I bought that instead. Now you may ask, why would a nice Christian girl be interested in an exercise routine that is only a couple steps' above soft-core porn? Well, this nice Christian girl ain't stupid; as they say, if your man can't get his jelly at home, he'll check out the jam across the street :-). Anyway, I used this DVD twice this week. It is fun but I really had to add my own energy to get any sort of workout from it. Some workouts are strenuous enough that you break a sweat just trying to learn the moves and keep up with the pace, but this isn't one of those. There are three routines on this disc and after a few run-throughs of the first one I feel like I can keep up with the pace, so my workout is coming from exaggerating the movements and adding the flair. To mix things up, I also did a 15-minute bun workout on Tuesday that I recorded a while back from FitTV. That routine kept me sore for the rest of the week!
I can't go on, I can't go on no more, no!"
Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer, "No More Tears"
This is one of my favorite Barbra Streisand song and it is from the end of the disco era (1979). I'm sure that true Barbra fans think this song was a low point in her career but it is a great song to shout along with, especially if your husband is getting on your nerves. BTW, did you know that for a 20-year span Barbra Streisand did an album a year and sometimes two? Talk about work ethic!
It's time for this week's health and exercise report. Sadly, I must report that I have gained another five lbs. I am officially at my "this is it!" weight limit of 260 lbs. I definitely have to step up my game. The cafe at work is my downfall. I've been going for the hot sandwich and fries with dessert every day. There are better choices available like a salad bar and a meat-and-two-veg option so I don't have a good excuse for not eating healthy.
Last Saturday, I vowed before my comrades over at Poor Miss Finch that I would do two things this week: buy a Walk Away the Pounds DVD and sign up for eDiets. I failed on both counts. The closest I got to eDiets was looking at the site twice this week. My bill juggling went awry and I had to pay something earlier than I planned, so I don't think I have the money for the sign-up fee right now. I'm going to check the site again and see if they are running any kind of special.
As for the DVD, I didn't totally screw up. When I got to FYE, I remembered that I was also interested in Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease DVD so I bought that instead. Now you may ask, why would a nice Christian girl be interested in an exercise routine that is only a couple steps' above soft-core porn? Well, this nice Christian girl ain't stupid; as they say, if your man can't get his jelly at home, he'll check out the jam across the street :-). Anyway, I used this DVD twice this week. It is fun but I really had to add my own energy to get any sort of workout from it. Some workouts are strenuous enough that you break a sweat just trying to learn the moves and keep up with the pace, but this isn't one of those. There are three routines on this disc and after a few run-throughs of the first one I feel like I can keep up with the pace, so my workout is coming from exaggerating the movements and adding the flair. To mix things up, I also did a 15-minute bun workout on Tuesday that I recorded a while back from FitTV. That routine kept me sore for the rest of the week!
02 March 2005
No time to linger, no time to linger
I was going to post about some of the interesting music I've been hearing on various podcasts, but my TiVo is screaming at me because it is too full. My bedside table is about to collapse under the weight of unread magazines, and the MIL won't wait forever for that scarf that she suggested I should make to go with the hat and socks I alread made her. See you guys tomorrow if I can dig myself out from under all this stuff!
01 March 2005
I've still got time!
I hopped on over to Alison's blog to see how everyone else did with Fix-It February and found that the deadline had been extended. I guess that means I should come up with a plan for fixing that pullover. Originally, I was just going to frog the whole thing, but now I am wondering if it would be possible just to frog the front and reknit it in two pieces to make a cardigan. Hmm, I must ponder this while I am finishing Ghetto G.
Thanks!
Thanks for all the comments on SpongeBob! I had no idea that some of you visited my little blog. I guess I'll have to up my game to keep you around, huh?
Tuesday Night Knitting Roundup
First order of business: I must confess that I failed miserably at the Fix-It February thing. When I didn't finish SpongeBob by the 31 Jan deadline, I should have realized that I wouldn't have time to work on anything else. If I mention another knit-along, remind me of this failure. My 2005 afghan goal should be the center of my attention, anyway.
Speaking of that goal, am I working on a blanket or afghan right now? Heck, no! This is what I am currently knitting:
I'm hot stuff now -- I figured out how to crop my faded bedsheets out of the picture!
This is the Ghetto G scarf that I mentioned a while back. The free pattern is on Mayflwr's blog, in one of her Sep 2004 posts. Can I justify working on this instead of my goal? Well, I'll try. It was already started, I know the pattern by heart, and I needed a project that I could grab without thinking when I was heading out to work on Monday morning. The CEO has become accustomed to seeing me sitting in a rocking chair at the cafeteria entrance when he passes me at 7:55a on his way to starting group devotions. I didn't want to disappoint the man!
Even though I don't have a recipient in mind for this scarf, I feel the need to finish it simply because ABM has commented that he rarely sees me complete any of my needlework projects. Next on the list is probably Isaac's tennis vest since it is so close to completion. I doubt that I will post a photo of that, though, unless I can figure out how to take a decent picture of dark green yarn.
Speaking of that goal, am I working on a blanket or afghan right now? Heck, no! This is what I am currently knitting:
I'm hot stuff now -- I figured out how to crop my faded bedsheets out of the picture!
This is the Ghetto G scarf that I mentioned a while back. The free pattern is on Mayflwr's blog, in one of her Sep 2004 posts. Can I justify working on this instead of my goal? Well, I'll try. It was already started, I know the pattern by heart, and I needed a project that I could grab without thinking when I was heading out to work on Monday morning. The CEO has become accustomed to seeing me sitting in a rocking chair at the cafeteria entrance when he passes me at 7:55a on his way to starting group devotions. I didn't want to disappoint the man!
Even though I don't have a recipient in mind for this scarf, I feel the need to finish it simply because ABM has commented that he rarely sees me complete any of my needlework projects. Next on the list is probably Isaac's tennis vest since it is so close to completion. I doubt that I will post a photo of that, though, unless I can figure out how to take a decent picture of dark green yarn.
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