G+ Migration Blog

At some point, the idea of a family gathering became an exercise in horror and misery. I think this has mostly to do with the forced removal of the fantasy barriers that in some sense became self-preserving. They made everything seem so much more pleasant, but not only were they false, they were really rather destructive so they had to go. Reality sucks, y'all.

So, like, you've all posted yer thoughts about THE END of the AGOT season, and I had a few, thus ... H e r e B e S p o i l e r s 1. You really do not want the women in this show smiling their little Mona Lisa smiles at you, or anywhere in your vicinity, really. It's not healthy. Also, it's a little scary that that many actresses can do that that well. Sadness that one of the best smilers shall no longer be with us. 2. It's like Shakespeare and Wagner had a love child. Or a distant cousin in common. Or somebody was familiar with the work of both of them. Or Greek tragedy. 3. Is it just me, or has the production literally gotten darker - darker lighting, darker clothing - Sansa, Cersei, and Daenerys were all wearing black with silver epaulets (silver fox fur, in Sansa's case) and some kind of silver chain or clasp the last time you saw them. If I"m not imagining it, kudos to the production designers for such subtle visual clues to Winter's arrival and the to...

Great. I got up to do one thing and I found a hornet's nest. An actual hanging in a cluster hornet's nest. Fortunately, I saw it before I got close to it. If this is a metaphor, I want a rewrite.

- locked - I feel like a bucket of lead.

Well, that's good news, then. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/africa/helium-discovery-tanzania/ http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/28/africa/helium-discovery-tanzania

Apropos of nothing, and barring some future trip to Quebec, this is still the best poutine I have had: http://www.fritzeuropeanfryhouse.com/location.html http://www.fritzeuropeanfryhouse.com/location.html

Oh, John Oliver, if only you weren't so right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ikd7A2VuHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ikd7A2VuHs

I'm just amused by the inspiration poster at the bottom of the article: "Never wake a sleeping woman, because then she'll be awake." (It's too late; you've awakened the woman.) http://www.sunnyskyz.com/blog/1547/Women-Need-More-Sleep-Than-Men-Because-They-Use-More-Of-Their-Brain-According-To-Science http://www.sunnyskyz.com/blog/1547/Women-Need-More-Sleep-Than-Men-Because-They-Use-More-Of-Their-Brain-According-To-Science

So there's anti-Polish sentiment, then ... http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-36633388 http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-36633388

Might I request your chicken salad recipe? plz & 10q

I may love Powdermilk Biscuits and Be-bop-a-re-bop Rhubarb Pie (and pie filling), but this is still probably my favorite Lake Wobegon routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSB9ptsDzw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSB9ptsDzw

Really the end of an era. Too bad I'm not closer to Tanglewood, I'd totally have gone. http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_30054048/garrison-keillor-host-final-live-prairie-broadcast-at http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_30054048/garrison-keillor-host-final-live-prairie-broadcast-at

In case you couldn't get tickets in Chicago ... http://zap2it.com/2016/06/hamilton-hillary-clinton-fundraiser/ http://zap2it.com/2016/06/hamilton-hillary-clinton-fundraiser

I can haz a/c.

Too soon? #brexitbands #EUtunes   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1NrQYXjLU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1NrQYXjLU

I feel like there's a theme in here, somewhere, today. #brexitbands   #EUtunes   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c

Trying again. Vox had this in an article about the Brexit. Too little too late? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGIFublvDes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGIFublvDes

So, we're supporting the people with the bad hair, now. This bodes ill in re: Trump.

+ locked + I will be getting up very early tomorrow morning to spend several hours with my dad, who is getting a full body PET scan. #fsckcancer That is all.

Aw, bummer, they decided to wrap up the sit in. (Not that I think there was any useful way to continue it indefinitely, but it was fun to watch.)  Now we're going to have to listen to Trump speeches and Trump coverage, again.

Never enough reading about this (see sarcasm rating scale): http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/fat-and-sugar-part-1-1.3635209 http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/fat-and-sugar-part-2-1.3645937 http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/fat-and-sugar-part-2-1.3645937

Uh, a person speaking on CNN, I think they said he was a rep of the NRA, claimed that Slate published a piece on a CDC study done under an Obama executive order that showed that increased gun ownership led to decreased (mass) shootings? I must have misheard some part of that, because I can't find anything even remotely like that. And he wouldn't respond to the interviewer repeatedly saying, yes, but Congress prevented the CDC from doing gun research, so what research are you referencing? He just kept saying there was an executive order. I'm quite confused.

Hm. House Dems still at it, House apparently officially in recess until July 5. While this is getting some news coverage, I'm not sure how long they will be able to sustain public interest. 2 weeks is way past when most people and media outlets get bored. I'm guessing that's what Ryan is counting on - ignore 'em and wait 'em out.

O Hai, Congress. #sitdownsitinstandup

I did all the things today! Well, I didn't do one very important and doable thing, and one very important but daunting thing. But I did at least 10 other things! This included getting very annoyed with Target for having some problem with their computers for the second time in as many weeks where they could not/would not take their own gift cards and credit cards. Didn't warn anybody this was happening, waited until you had stood in line and they rang everything up to tell you. That was the quickest "Thanks, I'm not buying anything, then" I've ever given anybody. Seriously, you are not getting me to spend more money I don't have because you can't get your stuff to work. If you've had the problem for quite a while already, then you really need to post a sign up front, or something. What a huge waste of time for your customers. Or you are hoping to salvage some business because they'll be too frustrated to leave without buying stuff. Which is a lo...

Hm. We don't usually get Midwestern type thunderstorms, but we're gettin' one now. Almost constant lightning, both through the clouds and cloud to ground. So far no rain, but there is a hail warning (see: things we could do without), and high winds. I mean, we kind of need rain, so that would be good, if it decided to show up. The incessant lightning, though, is a bit disconcerting.

I'm guessing I will not be seeing the Strawberry Solstice moon tonight, as it appears those thunderstorms might be happening after all.

I think I have discovered the sound of the death rattle of a window air conditioning unit. It's very loud.

I did three things!

I think my mcl does not like me.

I did one thing. It's just one thing, but I did it. I really need to start being able to focus on doing a thing is positive, not look at everything you didn't do is negative. (Realistically, I've done more than one thing, but not much, and not on the List of Doom. Just one doom list thing so far.)

Today has gotten off to a roaring start of #nope.

What is the cost of a human life? What is the value? http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/20/481936195/baby-boomers-with-hemophilia-didnt-expect-to-grow-old http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/20/481936195/baby-boomers-with-hemophilia-didnt-expect-to-grow-old

It's probably wrong that I'm more surprised that they even started a prosecution and less surprised that they won't pursue one. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/06/17/482531127/justice-department-drops-fraud-case-against-countrywides-mozilo http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/06/17/482531127/justice-department-drops-fraud-case-against-countrywides-mozilo

Goodbye, Chekhov.  :`( http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/19/entertainment/actor-anton-yelchin-killed/ http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/19/entertainment/actor-anton-yelchin-killed

I know some of you will understand this, but I went somewhere with my parents yesterday and someone was taking pictures. I VERY SPECIFICALLY told this person I did NOT want my picture taken, in any way, shape, or form. Oh, ha ha, sure, no one is taking your picture. What shows up today? A picture of me tagged on Facebook. Now, I can remove the tag, but not the photo. What the heck is wrong with people? I don't give a hoot about what you think is ok or not ok. It's not up to you to decide that there should be pictures of people who specifically asked you not to take them. I don't care if you think that's weird or have some other judgment you'd like to pass. Plus, it's on the internet, which means it can never disappear. No matter how weird they seem to you, if someone tells you they have a boundary, just freaking respect it. My hate for this right now is absolutely huge.

Happy Fathers Day to all and sundry.

Fear the Cow (and the stinging insects): http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/17/health/animal-attacks-statistics/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/17/health/animal-attacks-statistics/index.html

We should definitely be providing healthcare and following Astronauts' health for their lifetime. http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/17/health/astronaut-health-congressional-hearing-scott-kelly/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/17/health/astronaut-health-congressional-hearing-scott-kelly/index.html

I wonder if they are going to apply this standard to every company that promotes their products as Made in the USA. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ftc-takes-major-action-against-shinola-demands-where-american-is-made-slogan-to-be-dropped-immediately https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ftc-takes-major-action-against-shinola-demands-where-american-is-made-slogan-to-be-dropped-immediately

I haven't been to Portland in 2 years. I disapprove.

Today, we are feeling deeply negative. Maybe that will change later.

Oh, ye who ride of the bicycles and know wot of - what accessories, accoutrements, or appurtenances might you recommend to the recreational/casual rider? I might do some light errand running (groceries, or take-out) or picnic spotting, but otherwise this is just about being physically active for my own health. No commuting, no off-roading, no bicycle bro-ing. The bike I'm getting is a step-through frame. I'm getting a helmet, obs, although I'd rather not spend limbs on one. From what I've read unless I decide to do more than casual or recreational road riding, the main issue is fit. If you have any thoughts on that it would be useful. I also wouldn't mind if there was some sort of sun visor-ish type deal to shade my vision a bit, but I haven't seen any helmet/hat combos. How do you deal with that? Various thoughts re: tool kit or tire patch thing to have and if that exists in a form you attach to the bike, or if this becomes a thing to put into a basket/pouch? S...

I guess he doesn't just make good documentaries. Somebody should hire him as a speechwriter. P.S. Possibly one of the greatest alliterative statements, ever: "... the troubling, unfiltered Tourettes of his tribalism." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-burns/ken-burnss-commencement_b_10430204.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-burns/ken-burnss-commencement_b_10430204.html

#dunwanna

You know that thing where you yawn so hard it hurts your jaw?

Some relentless old photos because of this weekend. It's hard to see, but the second photo is tilted because there were actually 2 rainbows and I tried to get a picture of both. This was at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. P.S. It's snowing. In July.

In response to the likely to get ever more heated rhetoric of the season, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpWmlRNfLck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpWmlRNfLck

Old, but fun. Also, Lactase Hotspots has good band name potential. http://www.nature.com/news/archaeology-the-milk-revolution-1.13471 http://www.nature.com/news/archaeology-the-milk-revolution-1.13471

Super sore and tired from: - digging up large hunks of brick from under the ground and tree roots, maybe picture later. Large for values of 6 inches by 2 feet +/-, maybe 20+ lbs each? - digging down to and hacking off a ridiculous number of suckers from the fruit tree roots. - removing rivets and old drain pipe bits, drilling out new drain pipe bits and riveting together. P.S. Please tell me there is an automatic/power tool somewhere for pop rivets? Because, man, that is serious work by hand. I'm sure I did some other stuff, but that is the larger set of reasons for my pain and discomfort.

Ion, approve of James Corden and opening of Tony's.

In re: nostalgia movies and other stuff elsewhere, was shopping at Target and they had a $5 DVD rack (presumably to clear their remaining inventory before the technology becomes obsolete) and on it was the movie "Short Circuit". So who knows, maybe there is a $5 DVD copy of "Willow" somewhere out there.

Yesterday, we were supposed to get thunderstorms today. Now, we are not even going to get rain. I do not like these new weather patterns. P.S. hot & humid

Home safely. Thank you so much, you guys.

I had a really nice evening yesterday, and then I had a really awful nightmare this morning. What is up with that, brain?

#waybackwednesday   Heard this in a radio thing on music rivalries today. Sorry this was the only sort of video of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8uYxTJ530 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8uYxTJ530

Future Reference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbmeOgWsqE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbmeOgWsqE

Exercise music? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnAIO_Z89x0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnAIO_Z89x0

I intend to try to be there tomorrow. Esp pertinent to #willicking. Also, though, if that does happen, will be staying for at least weekend.

Trapped in 80's/90's dance club music at the DMV.