eek…mixed feelings

so, now i am left with mixed feelings regarding CHALK.  i hate the texture, sound, and smell of all chalk.  however, when stumbling across this bedazzling creation, i am left with a back and forth of chalky feelings…

Contrail is a device that applies chalk to the rear tire of your bike, leaving a trail behind you. It leaves trails for motorists and other cyclists to see, enabling bikers to “reclaim this crucial shared space.” I’m not sure where you can get one or if it’s even been physically realized, but I like the idea. It’s like a cross between the prototype for the projected bike lane symbol and Bikes Against Bush, which sprayed chalk according to text messages.

department of eagles - phantom other

All right, we’ll do this your way
All right, we’ll make it anyway
Now’d be good time,
To send us all away there
So what would it take?
And what would it take to make you learn?
And what would it take?
And what would it take to make you listen? ah

Oh man, you’re not the only one
Oh boy, with that phantom other gone
Now’d be the right time
To send us all away
It’d be a good time
If you just go away there

What would it take?
What would it take to make you leave?
What would it take?
What would it take to make you listen?

My God, in heaven
What were we thinking?
My God, in heaven
What were we thinking of?

Look out, look out now
We gotta get out now
Look out, look out now
We gotta get out now
Wake up, wake up now
We gotta get out now
Wake up, wake up now
We gotta get out now

yeahyeahyeahs - porcelain

Baby im afraid of a lot of things
But i aint scared of loving you
Baby i know your afraid of a lot of things
But don’t be scared of love
Cause people will say all kinds of things
That don’t mean a dam to me
Cause all i see is what’s in front of me
And thats you

Well, ive been dragged all over the place
Ive taken hits time just don’t erase
And baby i can see you’ve been fucked with too
But that don’t mean your loving days are through
Cause people will say all kinds of things
That don’t mean a dam to me
Cause all i see is what’s in front of me
And thats you

Well i may be just a fool
But i know were just as cool
And cool kids…
they belong together

PASTA PIE!

I NEED TO AND MUST MAKE THIS MAGNIFICENT CREATION!

You will need:  Crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese and mozzarella.

Ground beef, rigatoni pasta, olive oil, butter, salt and pepper are also needed.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook 1 pound rigatoni pasta until slightly underdone (I cooked mine for 12 minutes when the box indicated 14 minutes).  One pound of pasta should be cooked in 6 quarts of water, make sure you are using a big enough pot so the pasta doesn’t stick together.  When done, rinse in cold water and drain again.  Toss pasta with 1 Tablespoon olive oil to coat.  Set aside

Heat remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add 1 pound ground beef.  Cook, stirring occasionally until browned.  Add 2 cloves crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Cook 2 minutes more.

Add 1 can good quality (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Toss pasta with 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese.

Butter a 9-inch springform pan.  Tightly pack pasta into pan, standing each piece on end.

Spread meat sauce on top of pasta.

Push the meat sauce into the pasta holes filling each one up.  Stuffing the meat into the holes is a weirdly satisfying task.  Enough said.

Place in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle 8 ounces mozzarella cheese on top and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.

Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes.  Run a knife around the edge to loosen and then unmold. 

Can you see the two craters?  That’s what will happen if you don’t get meat into the hole.  I think it looks cool.

Cut into wedges and serve with any remaining meat sauce you might have.

1 pound rigatoni
2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound ground beef (I used ground sirloin)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 can (28 ounces) good quality crushed tomatoes
Butter, for pan
Salt
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces coarsely grated mozzarella

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until slightly underdone (I cooked mine for 12 minutes when the box indicated 14 minutes).  One pound of pasta should be cooked in 6 quarts of water, make sure you are using a big enough pot so the pasta doesn’t stick together.  When done, rinse in cold water and drain again.  Toss pasta with 1 Tablespoon olive oil to coat.  Set aside.

Heat remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add ground beef.  Cook, stirring occasionally until browned.  Add garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper.  Cook 2 minutes more.

Add crushed tomatoes; simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Toss pasta with Parmesan cheese.  Butter a 9-inch springform pan.  Tightly pack pasta into pan, standing each piece on end.  Spread meat sauce on top of pasta.

Push the meat sauce into the pasta holes filling each one up.  Stuffing the meat into the holes is a weirdly satisfying task.  Enough said.

Place in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.  Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.  Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes.  Run a knife around the edge to loosen and then unmold. 

Cut into wedges and serve with any remaining meat sauce you might have.

a nightmare…

Miss-taken…words

Let’s get right to the point. Misusing words makes you look less intelligent than you really are. If you misuse words in your writing, it can damage your credibility and diminish the point you’re trying to make. Even worse, it could completely change the meaning of the sentence.

What follows is a list of the 32 most commonly misused words and phrases.

1. Accept/Except- Although these two words sound alike (they’re homophones), they have two completely different meanings. “Accept” means to willingly receive something (accept a present.) “Except” means to exclude something (I’ll take all of the books except the one with the red cover.)

2. Affect/Effect- The way you “affect” someone can have an “effect” on them. “Affect” is usually a verb and “Effect” is a noun.

3. Alright- If you use “alright,” go to the chalkboard and write “Alright is not a word” 100 times.

4. Capital/Capitol- “Capitol” generally refers to an official building. “Capital” can mean the city which serves as a seat of government or money or property owned by a company. “Capital” can also mean “punishable by death.”

5. Complement/Compliment- I often must compliment my wife on how her love for cooking perfectly complements my love for grocery shopping.

6. Comprise/Compose- The article I’m composing comprises 32 parts.

7. Could Of- Of the 32 mistakes on this list, this is the one that bothers me most. It’s “could have” not “could of.” When you hear people talking, they’re saying “could’ve.” Got it?

8. Desert/Dessert- A desert is a hot, dry patch of sand. Dessert, on the other hand, is the sweet, fatty substance you eat at the end of your meal.

9. Discreet/Discrete- We can break people into two discrete (separate) groups, the discreet (secretive) and indiscreet.

10. Emigrate/Immigrate- If I leave this country to move to Europe, the leaving is emigrating and the arriving is immigrating.

11. Elicit/Illicit- Some people post illicit things on message boards to elicit outrageous reactions from others.

12. Farther/Further- Farther is used for physical distance, whereas further means to a greater degree.

13. Fewer/Less- Use fewer when referring to something that can be counted one-by-one. Use less when it’s something that doesn’t lend itself to a simple numeric amount.

14. Flair/Flare- A flair is a talent, while a flare is a burst (of anger, fire, etc.)

15. i.e/e.g- I.e. is used to say “in other words.” E.g. is used in place of “for example.”

16. Inflammable- Don’t let the prefix confuse you, if something is inflammable it can catch on fire.

17. It’s/Its- It’s= it is. Its=a possessive pronoun meaning of it or belonging to. Whatever you do, please don’t use its’.

18. Imply/Infer- A reader infers what an author implies. In other words, when you imply something, you hint at it. When you infer something, you draw a conclusion based on clues.

19. Literally- If you say “His head literally exploded because he was so mad!” then we should see brains splattered on the ceiling.

20. Lose/Loose- If your pants are too loose you may lose them. That would be almost as embarrassing as misusing these two words.

21. Moral/Morale- Morals are something you want to teach your kids. If your team’s morale is low, you need to do something to boost their confidence.

22. Percent/Percentage- The word “percent” should only be used when a specific number is given. “Percentage” is more of a general term.

23. Stationary/Stationery- You are stationary when you aren’t moving. Stationery is something you write on.

24. Then/Than- “Then” is another word for “after.” Incidentally, the word “then” makes for boring writing. “Than” is a comparative word (e.g. I am smarter than you).

25. There/Their/They’re- There are few things as frustrating as when I look at my students’ writing and they’re misusing these words in their writing.

26. Unique- Something can’t be “kind of unique” or even “very unique.” It’s either one-of-a-kind or it isn’t. There is no in between when it comes to unique.

27. Your/You’re- If I had a nickel for every time I saw this one… yeah, you know the rest. “Your” shows ownership and you’re is a contraction meaning “you are.” Get it right.

28. To/Too/Two- Two is a number. “To” is used in instances such as, “I am going to the store.” If you are supposed to use the word “too,” try inserting the word “extra” or “also.” If one of those fits, you need to also add the extra “o” to make “too.”

29. Lie/Lay- After you lay the books on the table, go lie down on the couch.

30. Sit/Set- Set your drink on the table and sit in your chair. Got it?

31. Whose/Who’s- Whose is the possessive form of who. Who’s is a contraction meaning “who is.”

32. Allude/Elude- When someone alludes to something in conversation (indirectly references), if you aren’t paying attention the meaning may elude you (escape you).

WOOD you bathe here??

Natural wood is the focus of these wonderful wooden bathroom looks from Francoceccotti. They are so striking due to the rarity of wood within the bathroom context. Incredibly, this Italian company embraces the organic beauty of wood to make all its bathroom furniture elements. ‘The Natural Range’ includes sinks, bathtubs, and a collection of smart accessories to pull the look together. Each piece has its own unique personality, with the natural grain of wood meaning no two pieces will ever be the same. There are two tubs available: sharply-styled Limpha bathtub has ‘strong lines emphasised by inlay work’ while the designer Agua bathtub is ‘heir of the old-fashioned tub’. The three very different sinks include the shallow Petal, the abstract, bowl-shaped Thalia and the curvy Wave. The accessory collection includes Pedra, an unusual and handy clothes stand; the Tail multi-function bench; the Ligeira chair; the Deck shower tray and the Bridge bath tray. Enjoy the natural warmth of Larch and Teak wood within your bathroom with the stunning range from Francoceccotti.

Another warm, wooden bath here…

dogz!

Good Boy! The World’s Ten Smartest Dogs

By: PetMD (View Profile)

We’ve gathered a wide sample of dog breeds, sharpened their No. 2 pencils (you know, no opposable thumbs), and asked them to fill out a simple intelligence questionnaire.

Okay, maybe not.

But PetMD did come up a list of the top ten smartest canine breeds in the world. See if your dog’s breed makes the grade.

#10 Australian Cattle Dog
Yes, that Australian Cattle Dog from Down Under. A working dog that is traditionally occupied with controlling and herding cattle, its qualities are exceptional intelligence, alertness, resourcefulness, and a fiercely protective loyalty over its property and people. They are agile, strong, active dogs, both physically and mentally, which revel in new experiences. The flip side is that they bore easily and will unintentionally find trouble while looking for activities to occupy themselves with. The Cattle Dog is very organized; many are known for putting their own toys away after playing.

#9 Rottweiler
Another herding dog, the Rottweiler began in Germany as a true work companion. They are still primarily used for work as guard dogs and as police dogs. They are well known for their stoicism, keen perception, courage, and unflagging loyalty. They make an excellent addition to the family.

#8 Papillon
This deceptively cute, butterfly-eared dog is smarter, tougher, and stronger than it appears (it’s like the bionic dog). Often described as big dogs in little bodies, they have the athletic stamina to keep up on long walks, and the bravura of a canine ten times its size. The Papillon is a true companion and watchdog. Although they can be ferociously protective over what belongs to them, their keen intelligence makes it possible to take them anywhere. Let’s not forget they can be litter trained, a big plus.

#7 Labrador Retriever
The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is the most popular breed chosen by families. Another member of the working class of dogs, the Lab is best known for its intelligence, affection, patience, and gentility, making them perfect companions for households with kids. They are easily trained, and, in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the disabled, and police work. They are also known to self-train, observing behaviors in humans and repeating them—a great asset in emergency situations.

#6 Shetland Sheepdog
Another herding dog, the Shetland takes this ability into the home, showing the same commitment and protectiveness over its human “herd” as the farm raised version does. Highly intelligent, the Sheltie handles life with great efficiency and diligence, learning new commands with little repetition, and making sure that all of the family is safe, sound, and in place. They show great devotion to their families, and are happy to live just about anywhere.

#5 Doberman Pinscher
Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Doberman’s great additions to the family.

#4 Golden Retriever
A very affectionate and popular breed, the Golden Retriever is highly regarded for its intelligence. They can learn well over 200 commands, making them indispensable companions, both in the home and in the workplace. Loyal, loving, and patient, with a willingness to please and a love of learning, this is a fabulous companion pet to bring into your family.

#3 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was originally bred specifically for intelligence. Smart, courageous, and protective, the Shepherd is one of the most dependable of companions. They learn tasks after only a few repetitions, and obey first commands nearly always the first time it is given. They are eager to learn new tasks, as this gives them direction and purpose—very important for a Shepherd. Besides being used for herding animals, they are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and have even been trained by the military for parachute jumps.

#2 Poodle
Easily trainable, steadfast, and sharp-minded, Poodles flourish in human company. Even with the frou-frou hairdos, Poodles are sometimes made to endure and can be quite effective as guard dogs, especially the standard sized Poodles. In fact, the “poodle clip,” was created specifically for the working Poodle, so that it could swim more effectively, while still having fur to protect its organs as it went about the business of hunting and retrieving. The Poodle excels at training and obedience, and also loves creative play time. This is what made them so popular as circus performers. But, this can be a drawback as well. If left alone to boredom, Poodles can be creative about finding ways to amuse themselves, sometimes finding trouble along the way.

#1 Border Collie
The Border Collie comes in at number one. Because of their extraordinary intelligence and high energy, it is essential to give Border Collies an occupation or purpose, or you may well find your home wrecked upon your return from a long day at work. They have an intense connection with humans, making them ideal work and home companions. However, keep this in mind: Border Collies invariably will not do well unless they are with people who are as high energy as they are; they do best with humans who can participate in dog sports with them. Also, because of their background as herding dogs, they may be frustrated by small children, as their inability to herd the children as they deem fit is confounded. For the right human, the Border Collie is well behaved, exceptionally good at learning, and a true-blue companion.

GIGA-PLEX

Location : Woodland, Utah
Area : 1,800 SF
Program : Residence
Completion : August, 2006

A cozy home to accommodate single man (errr OR WOMAN) and weekend guests, including grandchildren, next to Provo River. Two linked corrugated metal grain silos arranged to allow the largest (27’ diameter) to have the most proximate visual and aural access to the Provo River, and the southern exposure to ensure passive solar heat gain during the winter.  An electric mesh is embedded into the slabs of the lower floor as a first auxiliary heat source, and a propane-burning stove (manageable by internet) will provide the back-up.  The metal grating and guard rail of the second level deck will provide shading into this great-room space during the summer months. Includes a “Bed in a Box” concept, each one complete with stereo sound and flat screen monitor.

it’s a new year…

Cancer (Born July 2 to 12) - 10 to 20 degrees Cancer:

2009: Cancer Horoscope: Love, Career, & General Trends

2009 Overview. In 2009, your major focus is on private matters and close personal relationships, dear Cancer. Getting family and home life into order figures strongly. New levels or depths of intimacy are uncovered in 2009. Sexual opportunities are likely to abound, or your focus on one partner becomes more expansive, warm, and intimate. Some of you will be taking a casual romance to an entirely new level this year and in coming years. Money from others or from outside sources is much improved this year. Non-tangible support is also abundant—assistance from others comes easily. You could be involved in some heavy research and digging on the job. Deep personal changes are ahead for all Cancers, but particularly those born from June 21-25. Your attitude towards close relationships and partnering undergoes transformations. Depth of experience will be sought. Many of you will deepen your commitment to a significant other. Over the next few years, you will be ridding your life of superficiality in your close relationships. Lessons learned may not always be easy, but empowering in the end. Power struggles are possible in close personal relationships for many Cancers. Your relationships tend to have distinct themes revolving around personal power, jealousy, manipulation, or self-will. Your biggest enemy now is resentment, which can act to eat away your confidence and healthy state of mind. In 2009, your eyes are opened to new experiences and belief systems. Some of you (mostly those born July 11-19) are enjoying a period of unique self-expression, insightfulness, and sense of freedom. Those born July 14-19 are likely to struggle with drawing personal boundaries with a partner.

2009 Details. Jupiter is  moving through your solar eighth house from February forward, and you are likely to see benefits in the areas of joint finances, shared resources, loans, taxes, sexuality, intimacy, healing, personal transformation, research, investigation, and psychological matters. This is a time of increased psychological understanding, intimacy, and perhaps accumulation of wealth if you manage your resources well. You are more capable of helping friends and loved ones who are dealing with a crisis—you can be leaned upon. Any type of in-depth study or research is likely to go well. An insurance settlement, tax rebate, or an inheritance could come your way, and this is an excellent time to work on financial planning and strategy. Financial gains may come through a partnership or there may be an increase in a spouse’s income. Sexual opportunities are likely to abound, or your focus on one partner becomes more expansive,  warm, and intimate. Benefit can come through jointly held resources, loans, or taxes. These positive circumstances won’t necessarily fall into your lap, and are unlikely to come all at once. You need to keep your eyes open for opportunities in these areas of life.

The very best times for realizing the positive potentials of this Jupiter transit occur when Jupiter is direct and in your eighth house: from February 17 through June 14, and then from October 14 through December. If you are looking for support or backing—financial or otherwise—it’s best to do so during the first of these windows (during the second window, Mars could be causing some trouble with personal finances). These are times when you could get a mortgage or other property- and home-related financial backing.

Saturn continues to move through your third house this year. You are more productive, with a responsible and sometimes even somber outlook. Although you have a desire to make contacts, you are now rather preoccupied with learning or producing, and you may view idle chit-chat as a waste of time. You could feel an unusual pressure to structure your time and effort, and to cut out communication that seems unnecessary. Bouncing ideas off a special person in your life will produce great benefits. You are more able to accomplish something solid this year.  By the end of the transit, you will have ideally gained a greater depth of understanding, having focused on information and communication that you really can use to feel more effective in the world.

Jupiter conjuncts Neptune in your eighth house three times this year—May 27, July 10, and December 21. A spirit of altruism and generosity, making connections with others from a different background, widening your mind through unusual or different experiences, expanded faith, and a feeling that anything is possible if you set your sights high enough are all themes. With the ruler of your sixth house and the ruler of your ninth house aligned, many of you will be developing a real work ethic as part of your belief system. Some of you will be travelling in connection with your job. Work could be associated with teaching, publishing, self-promotion, or advertising. Intimacy is delightfully complicated this year, as you incorporate fantasy and acceptance into this part of your life. You are likely to feel more confident about yourself on an intimate level, and perhaps put more faith into a partner. The only real danger of this transit is putting too much faith in shared resources—you could be setting yourself up for deceptions and even fraud if you are not careful.

The influences of Uranus and Neptune are not new to you (they have been part of your life for several years). If you do get a chance to travel, which could come up quite unexpectedly, unusual, eye-opening experiences may be in store for you. The people that you meet this year tend to stir you into new ways of thinking. You are less inclined towards a personal philosophy that is traditional now. You may encounter some challenges regarding shared finances or property. A loan or other form of support may come through unexpectedly, even in a mysterious fashion. Intimate relationships can be highly colorful, perhaps with spiritual undercurrents, but also a little confusing. The boundaries that are normally drawn between what is yours and what is mine may be blurred somewhat this year. A partner could have unsettled finances, and this could impact your own finances. Do be wary of anything that even slightly resembles fraud. Lending others money may be a lesson in frustration this year.

January’s Solar Eclipse falls in your solar seventh house. In the first half of 2009, circumstances will alert you to the need to interact with others—either the public, or through a close partnership. For some, marriage or divorce will be an issue. For most, carving out a personal identity that includes a significant other who furthers their own personal growth will come into focus. This eclipse should give you a push towards a stronger identity or sense of purposefulness through close partnership. February’s Lunar Eclipse falls in your solar second house, and you may get a cosmic push to make necessary financial changes in your life. Sharing issues come into focus, as do issues of power—what’s yours and what’s mine. Your comfort zones matter, and now is the time to take care of your own needs without eclipsing the needs of others.

July’s Solar and Lunar Eclipses fall in your first and seventh houses respectively. Issues of personal courage, confidence, and independence come to the fore in the second half of the year. You may, for example, receive a cosmic push towards expressing yourself more creatively and experience an increased drive to take charge of your life. Issues surrounding personal appearance, the body, and your image become especially important and, in some cases, critical. Basically, you will be learning to stand on your own two feet! Partnerships may be tested, but there is nothing to fear if the relationship is strong. The seventh house represents an important one-to-one relationship—a marriage partner, significant other, business partner, or an adversary. It’s time to strike a balance between your own needs and those of another. It’s time to compromise and negotiate.

The August Lunar Eclipse falls in your solar eighth house, and some drama with regards to a spouse’s income, or your taxes and investments may occur on a mundane level. It may be time to settle some of your debts, financial or otherwise. What makes you feel comfortable and secure needs to be balanced with attention to other people’s needs and comfort levels.

Your strongest financial periods in 2009 occur from August 2-12 and September 4-12. Watch for overspending especially from November 7 forward. Mars turns retrograde in your financial sector from December 20/2009 to March 10/2010, signaling a need to review and backtrack with personal finances.