G+ Migration Blog

Going macaron shopping. Place your orders now, folks ;)

Glorious sunrise. No way was I going down those stairs and across the park in this cold to see it over the lake, though. Mm, hot tea. Probably ought to get dressed at some point.

We be here!

Takes a while to get there, but have another 12 Days of Christmas date appropriate link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLclchSYtN4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLclchSYtN4

Am now happily ensconced at Elaine's Coffee Call in Hotel Lincoln. Just down the road from party central. #rumpus

I R lunch! Charming section of River North. Only murrican in here, I have a can of sour cherry juice and just got handed fresh, free, hot black tea.

How sweet! They are delaying the El because crews are working on the tracks. An authentic experience :)

Hello Ohare I am in you. Now to figure out lunch and busses and Els oh my!

I love the smell of deicer in the morning. #rumpus #leavinonajetplane

Bored on a plane.

We shall soon board. At least they are playing good Cuban and Blues music in the terminal

Aw, the snow thought I would miss it so it stopped by to say good-bye. #rumpus #leavinonajetplane

TIL while listening to this that T.S. Eliot was anti-semitic. I mean, I only knew his stuff like "Old Possum's etc. Cats" and "Murder in the Cathedral", but apparently this is not news. http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2016/12/28/ts-eliot-poetry http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2016/12/28/ts-eliot-poetry

So I guess it doesn't make everybody hungry. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mysterious-illness-tied-to-marijuana-use-on-the-rise-in-states-with-legal-weed/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mysterious-illness-tied-to-marijuana-use-on-the-rise-in-states-with-legal-weed

Yes, by all means leave more people without the food to feed themselves and their children. They probably spend it all on doughnuts and fast food, anyway. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/12/28/fox-news-wonders-if-we-should-cancel-food-stamps-since-0-09-percent-of-spending-is-fraudulent/?utm_term=.943cba80c198 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/12/28/fox-news-wonders-if-we-should-cancel-food-stamps-since-0-09-percent-of-spending-is-fraudulent/?utm_term=.943cba80c198

Aaand my brother and SIL have proven once again that there is nothing they cannot unplan. Meanwhile, it's a damn good thing I am leaving tomorrow. Notwithstanding the psychologically disturbed individual who has made sure they will be the last person from here with whom I have contact prior to leaving. I am perilously close to wanting to borrow someone's clonazepam. 0.25 mg would be fine. Probably sleep for at least 12 hours. Yeah. This'll be great. Everything's great. We're all fine, here. Actually, we're not. But you knew that. Is 2016 over, yet?

Is it still gaslighting if the person doing it has convinced themselves it's real? Like, they really believe, at least consciously, that what they say happened, happened. Unbelievable. And it still messes with you. No matter how much you know you aren't "misremembering", it still messes you up. The manipulation, the control, the abuse. Jimminy christmas, it's amazing I have ever resembled a functional human.

I think some people just need to be regarded as gifted. Even if what they are gifted at is making other people miserable. If I could afford it I would hop a flight tonight. (My skin feels like electrical current or static electricity is crawling all over it, and not in any pleasant way. Generating localized atmospheric disturbances is a pretty impressive talent, as well.)

That was hard, but it's done. Hoping can relax over NYE :)

Today's 12 days of christmas appropriate posting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFnM8pSsyUU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFnM8pSsyUU

Oh, the chocolate manatee! But, you know, be safe, people. http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/12/25/semi-chocolate-rollover-i-494/ http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/12/25/semi-chocolate-rollover-i-494

TIL http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/pioneering-astronomer-vera-rubin-dies-88-44404876 http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/pioneering-astronomer-vera-rubin-dies-88-44404876

Obligatory for St. Stephen's Day. Fun Ren Faire kind of arrangement. No listening required ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5E8CXQwtrg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5E8CXQwtrg

Must. Adult.

Lastly, this is like the Cake Wrecks for amazing gingerbread. If you follow through the links, there are more pictures from the Grove Park Inn. These creations are just mind-blowing. Item #5: Gingerbread Inn http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/21/505833639/these-elaborate-gingerbread-creations-prove-that-baking-is-an-art http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/21/505833639/these-elaborate-gingerbread-creations-prove-that-baking-is-an-art

This is definitely some of the most tasty deliciousness you will ever have. It is not like the sticky sweet marzipan we usually get here. Item #4: Spanish Nuts. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/22/506345750/marzipan-the-sweet-taste-of-the-holidays-in-madrid http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/22/506345750/marzipan-the-sweet-taste-of-the-holidays-in-madrid

Some final Officially On The Holiday postings (at least for today). Because food is delicious. Item #3: In honor of George Michael, some Tasty Buns. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/23/506448946/in-sun-starved-sweden-bright-yellow-saffron-spices-up-winter http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/23/506448946/in-sun-starved-sweden-bright-yellow-saffron-spices-up-winter

Some final Officially On The Holiday postings (at least for today). Because food is delicious. Item #2: A Toast to Britain and some carbalicious food history. (Apparently, we can thank the French for gravy.) http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/23/505741097/eat-ye-bread-sauce-while-ye-may-brits-go-medieval-on-christmas-day http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/23/505741097/eat-ye-bread-sauce-while-ye-may-brits-go-medieval-on-christmas-day

Some final Officially On The Holiday postings (at least for today). Because food is delicious. Item #1: Does fried butter count? http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/24/505595021/beyond-latkes-8-nights-of-fried-delights-from-around-the-world http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/24/505595021/beyond-latkes-8-nights-of-fried-delights-from-around-the-world

Merry Spacemas! http://www.space.com/35123-christmas-on-space-station-astronauts-celebrate.html http://www.space.com/35123-christmas-on-space-station-astronauts-celebrate.html

All of a sudden, it's supposed to be in the mid+ 50's tomorrow, but just tomorrow. Go home, weather, you're drunk.

A Christmas Necessity - That's enough for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSB9ptsDzw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSB9ptsDzw

Stephen Colbert did an interview on Face the Nation again, this year. A lot of good stuff. One of the things John Dickerson asked him was what 3 things from this year gave him joy. The very last thing he said, after explaining it related to learning a very good friend had cancer, was that "the most joyful moment you could hear is that this person who you love will be with you so you can love them." I'm probably taking that a little personally, right now, but I think that's a good thought. I wish some other people around here could hear it.

I got a box of those "Santa's Favorites" cookies, which are the current version of those "Jingles" cookies I remember from my yout. They are a sad imitation of the original. They are tiny, like, almost dollhouse tiny. This is not, I think, separable from their texture, which is dry and crumbly. They disintegrate when you bite them. There is no, for lack of a better term, snap when you bite; they just crumble. Lastly, the anise flavor is somewhat faint. It's there, but not a lot, and I think there is something about the underlying cookie that is wrapped up into that taste thing, as well. Who knows. Maybe the original recipe contained lard. Anyway, I have tried and been disappointed and now nostalgia has likely increased my butt. In fact, I think a large portion of my butt is made of nostalgia. Oh, well. Guess I'll just go hipster and make my own cookies anymore. From my own hand-milked cows, and my own hand-churned butter, and my own hand-extracted, sun-d...

It's not about someone needing to explain or justify themselves, it's about communication. You know, that thing that keeps relationships together. You don't have to agree with or support everything that someone else does, but the someone else doesn't get to hold you hostage over it, either. Meaning, they don't get to make supporting them a qualification of the relationship. Unless they don't want to be in the relationship for other reasons unrelated. In which case, don't use the one thing as en excuse to end the relationship, have an honest discussion and make an honest decision about whether or not to continue the relationship. Better yet, if everyone is drawing lines in the sand, try listening to and understanding each other. Work out a compromise where you each respect the other person and can both live with the solution. If you prioritize the thing outside the relationship over the person in the relationship, that is a choice and an answer. You don't...

Shades of "Stomp" https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_709575&feature=iv&src_vid=SXh7JR9oKVE&v=4AnMlQNw1M8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_709575&feature=iv&src_vid=SXh7JR9oKVE&v=4AnMlQNw1M8

Realized I have been walking around subconsciously whistling "Kidnap the Sandy Claws". Finally figured out it has turned into my "mom is cray cray" theme. Oops. Time to put the subconscious back in its box. #schroedingerssubconscious

I suppose getting up is the adult thing to do. #feelintheblerch

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/photos-of-the-worlds-most-unique-and-beautiful-airports?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=c574d4b1c5-Newsletter_12_12_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f36db9c480-c574d4b1c5-62987481&ct=t%28Newsletter_12_12_16%29&mc_cid=c574d4b1c5&mc_eid=909c76c469 http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/photos-of-the-worlds-most-unique-and-beautiful-airports?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=c574d4b1c5-Newsletter_12_12_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f36db9c480-c574d4b1c5-62987481&ct=t%28Newsletter_12_12_16%29&mc_cid=c574d4b1c5&mc_eid=909c76c469

Oo, oo, I have a good thing for today! I was unexpectedly mauled by two Bichon Frises who were visiting a neighbor. If you know Bichons, you know that basically means I got licked a lot and asked for ear and tail scratches. Yep. Two calf-high white blurs streaked out of the darkness (it was well after dark) and accosted me in our driveway. Sad when you aren't even safe in your own driveway.

Jez tribell Just got the best Christmas card ever. You rock :)

Finally found a recording of this (on utub) I liked: "O Magnum Mysterium" #flashbackfriday   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FoLCZYNaA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FoLCZYNaA

"Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" #flashbackfriday   No fancy arrangements, no bells and whistles, just clean, pure, beautiful sound. This is the way to do this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7y05TrzeHo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7y05TrzeHo

Next up a neat a cappella arr of "Noël Nouvelet" #flashbackfriday   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGsYIBW38PQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGsYIBW38PQ

So I figure I'll post a series of some of my favorite seasonal favorites for #flashbackfriday Up first, "Ríu Ríu Chíu". Neither related to a chia pet, nor a villain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJl6nSVVrlg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJl6nSVVrlg

Well, it's not Cake Wrecks, or anything ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h1nNWLlz8w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h1nNWLlz8w

Is this true?!? I mean, seriously, Congress? Like, it could be true, or it could be false, but ... You have to sign disclosure agreements to be on the faculty or staff at major university associated hospitals and medical schools and research institutions. They actually require you to give up certain investments or not be involved in certain work. Also, kudos for the perfect ironic picture. http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/12/22/trump_s_hhs_pick_invested_in_health_stocks_while_writing_laws_in_congress.html http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/12/22/trump_s_hhs_pick_invested_in_health_stocks_while_writing_laws_in_congress.html

#shockednotshocked http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-winery-add-foreign-workers/story?id=44345340 http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-winery-add-foreign-workers/story?id=44345340

The train and model of Hogwarts is a nice touch. Kinda wonder what the FAA had to say about those roof lights, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzwclkfsYSM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzwclkfsYSM

Oh. Mygod. They've been here just over half an hour and my sister in law has brought up marijuana (because since we don't live in California, we don't know about these things), o.O and my brother has brought up politics. O.O ... ... ... MPA (messianic primate abuse)

When you've been long since disabused of the happy family scenario, it's really hard to be around people who are still pushing it. #family #waronchristmas #happyfreakingholidays

There isn't just "a guy" who makes ice instruments in Norway, it's a whole festival! https://www.icemusicfestival.no/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al5jRHjYgrY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAG3cjBdta8 https://www.icemusicfestival.no

Physics, man. #pewpew   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC7_zpyqCrU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC7_zpyqCrU

Heard part of a public radio thing where Terry Gross ( I think) was interviewing Anne Applebaum (reporter) who, among other things, has written a book about the Iron Curtain. Possibly in response to her writing critical things about the invasion of Crimea, she was targeted with some deliberate internet stuff that got spread by bots in addition to humans. What was interesting about this is that they were talking about how Russia (or certain entities) have been honing their expertise in disinformation for many, many decades (I'd say almost 100 years). The only difference now is that there's the internet and social media and so forth. From which I took that we are continuing to not get how things work in the world and that your principles mean diddly squat if you can't get a grip on this sort of stuff and figure out how to counter it. Leading me to skip a bit, brother to the part where we are screwed with the administration that's about to take office.

Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar. Holder Katze im lockigen Fell, |: Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh! :| https://twitter.com/revkatebottley/status/809075761458122752/photo/1 https://twitter.com/revkatebottley/status/809075761458122752/photo/1

Have not seen this in any of the major news sources, but has been covered elsewhere. This link does seem to be from their own website. Is this as scary as it looks? Because it looks pretty scary for a list of asks from a group of supposed civil law enforcement. https://fop.net/CmsDocument/Doc/TrumpFirst100Days.pdf https://fop.net/CmsDocument/Doc/TrumpFirst100Days.pdf

AUGH. GOOGLE PLUS, NO ! (Its forced "Featured Collections" thing is putting a "Donald John Trump" group with a big old picture of his face right on my screen. Make it go away. This is worse than when it put up whatever collection that was with the close up of a spider's eyes.)

Ha ha, lol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw8qLiqu01w https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw8qLiqu01w

Once a year, I go back and take out my seasonal aggressions with this animated snowglobe. http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/snowglobe http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/snowglobe

I did a thing! Technically, I also did a second thing, but old houses suck and you should never buy one. Unless it's been ripped back to the outer walls and had all the mechanicals redone. Oh, and the actual walls and structure ought to be completely fixed up, too. Anyway, I did the thing and the house fought back and fine, don't have thousands of dollars and not risking my health to fix this any further. So it's staying until it really falls apart and I don't know what happens then.

#WaybackWednesday In the spirit of several posts, have a cheery little number from the 70's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjaPXihbORk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjaPXihbORk

So, I was thinking about this. Because it's terribly important. If my flight arrives on time, I will be in Chicago in time for lunch and 3 hours before the opening of La Place de le Rumpus. Preface: Arriving at O'Hare Item 1: Do I want to drag around my suitcase and backpack, or just find the nearest place to get a snack and wait? (Probably the Hotel Lincoln?) Item 2: If I decide to drag around my suitcase, there are all these neat places to eat. Do I try to go to any of them? Item 2a: Here's a list. Has anyone eaten at any of them, or heard of any of them, and do you have any opinions? (I tried to make a map and share it, which gives some sort of idea of where these places are.) Birrieria Zaragoza - Mexican regional goat (stew?). Located right near Midway. Jibek Jolu - Kyrgyz. I think there's two locations, with slightly different menus. Pretty sure both have a form of manti. Among other things. Located in Lincoln Square and Near North Side? Bai Cafe - Kyrgyz (or Uzbek...

The doodle is cute and entirely too accurate.

What I get from this is: 1) The system can be gamed, if you want to . 2) Children, or just generally a lot of humans, are pretty credulous. Especially if they are overwhelmed with more stuff than you can reasonably logically process, like the contents of the entire internet. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-38379453 http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-38379453

They have been airing "The Hollow Crown" part 2 on PBS. It's Shakespeare's plays about the Wars of the Roses. This half is the Henry VI ones and Richard III. It's really very good with an incredible cast (Okonedo, Cumberbatch, etc.) Unfortunately, I started watching and found I kind of couldn't. Don't know why, but it started to stir up all the recent ick about our politics and current situation. They're totally unrelated, and yet. Somehow, there feel like a few too many easy Shakespearean/operatic potentials in this election and our bleak future.

Sometimes, you just need some Havarti.

Today was productive. Then it was crummy. Go figure.

If someone feels like buying me a sports car, I will accept one of these. http://www.scarab-motorsports.com/index.php http://www.scarab-motorsports.com/index.php

This is what I think of every time someone mentions fish sauce. I'm completely certain that this was never intended as a children's song. I'm also pretty sure that this was one of those things camp counselors thought was fun to teach kids, who like this kind of stuff in total innocence. Which is probably why at some point in our yout my sister and I would randomly sing this at each other for no reason. And sometimes now if something brings it to mind. Like fish sauce. Anyway, this is not the original video, which is there, but I had never watched it and when I went to get a link I did and, uh, needs to be on drugs. There is an interesting story to the song, which I only partly knew - Bill Murray, Bill Paxton, etc. Feel free to check it out, but the original video is a seriously trippy and creepy in places type deal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKDtUzRIG6I #manicmonday   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKDtUzRIG6I

Darwin is giving these people the side-eye. https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=r6vlE6TF0UQ https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=r6vlE6TF0UQ

Kitty hungry. https://www.facebook.com/OlympicNPS/videos/1187774491276686/ https://www.facebook.com/OlympicNPS/videos/1187774491276686

So that's how you get job security. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/offbeat/library-cat-outlasts-councilman-that-wanted-him-gone/ar-AAlF8VW https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/offbeat/library-cat-outlasts-councilman-that-wanted-him-gone/ar-AAlF8VW

Suggestion for future chartered Sky Rumpus? https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/offbeat/pilot-congratulates-passengers-for-consuming-all-alcohol-on-the-plane/ar-AAlE71A https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/offbeat/pilot-congratulates-passengers-for-consuming-all-alcohol-on-the-plane/ar-AAlE71A

I don't recall hearing about this? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mountain-valley-pipeline-appalachian-trail_us_5855aaa4e4b0b3ddfd8d265e http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mountain-valley-pipeline-appalachian-trail_us_5855aaa4e4b0b3ddfd8d265e

2016 is really not done with us, is it. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38351903 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38351903

Hello? Weather customer service department? What is this "freezing fog" thing? I don't recall requesting that.

Ion, I seem to have messed up my piriformis, or my SI joint, or something else that has been causing issues I cannot seem to make go away. Pain is not my best look and I actually do not like taking nsaids all the time. Too aware of potential long term consequences, I guess. Meanwhile, the other leg/butt has been having issues with irritated fascia and occasional complaints from the calf and hamstrings. And some other stuff. Most of which I am reasonably sure relate to the yoga doing. I have been trying to be very careful and moderate and I certainly don't do this stuff every day. However, I am clearly doin' it wrong. As it is the only physical activity I have managed to keep doing due to life, the universe, and everything, I'm sure there's also some areas where general conditioning would have helped but, yeah, no. So now I may have to stop doing the yoga for a while and try to actually make myself do the PT and other stuff I really do know to do, but then I have to do i...

Very winter maps. So weather. http://www.weather.gov/forecastmaps http://www.weather.gov/forecastmaps

Oh, gods, my brother. I only have to survive two actual days of contact coming up in the next two weeks before I can run for the safety of the rumpus. #helpme

Not A Christmas Story (but I really wanted to quote that line). http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ups-delivery-assault-rifle-instead-of-toy-airplane-christmas-gift/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ups-delivery-assault-rifle-instead-of-toy-airplane-christmas-gift

Teenaged female eagle hunter. Very cool. http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38227689 http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38227689

Not good. https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/12/trouble-in-polar-bear-capital/510839/ https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/12/trouble-in-polar-bear-capital/510839

G+ is a bit off schedule, but cute is always apropos.

The cute! New local zoo denizen - click on the lengthy video link for ded of cute. http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/12/16/126997/buffalo-zoo-welcomes-red-panda https://video-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t43.1792-2/15569395_1217911691620125_826157278875877376_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTU0MiwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ%3D%3D&rl=1500&vabr=920&oh=ef96077c1c5e8f88ea8fe3d393b9fa7a&oe=5854C743 http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/12/16/126997/buffalo-zoo-welcomes-red-panda

While checking our own weather, checked random other places I may be in future. Uh, Chicago? Ur doin' it wrong. You're supposed to warm up, not go down to zero for your predicted high temp. It's warmer in Svalbard. I suppose that means the polar bears ought to move to Chicago?

I am apparently not the only person who remembers these from childhood. Last year I made my own anise sugar cookies, and they were pretty good. But something close to the original cookies is back? It's an insane and convoluted story, and why I didn't find any of this last year searching online, I don't know, but there are some seriously obsessed people out there. For which I am grateful, because now I know that there is probably something in the cookies (one site posited nutmeg) in addition to the anise that gave them their flavor. It seems the cookies are not exactly the same as the ones from decades past? For one thing, they seem to lack ridges, which was a key design element. Plus, now I look at ingredients and they have HFCS and bad for you oils (but no trans fats! - sad advertising). However, they may be sold in this area, so I may have to get some, anyway. If I can find them. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20101211/ISSUE01/312119982/tis-the-season-for-santas-f...

Not just fun for parties! Seriously, this would be such a cool school science project. Originally shared by Make: These juicy dots are a fun addition to drinks or to eat on their own. http://ow.ly/PHUO307adLd http://ow.ly/PHUO307adLd

Well, at least we don't have to worry about this. (It says they lick the road salt off the cars like a big convenient salt lick. Car for scale.) #moosenom #adaptation http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mobile/only-in-canada-moose-warning-for-kananaskis-country-1.3203175 http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mobile/only-in-canada-moose-warning-for-kananaskis-country-1.3203175

Woo-hoo! Double negative digit wind chills! Joking in my yoga class today how you never see shows about storm chasers chasing lake effect snowstorms. 'Cuz they can't handle this weather! Upside of snowstorm - buried neighbor's christmas laser projector. Hah!

The hard part about making white chicken chili - shredding the chicken. Don't know why, but that part bores me to tears and feels repetitive and tedious. Considering that I often roast my chiles, you'd think I'd mind that part more, but nope.

Where Fahrenheit proves useful: encouraging the delusion that there are two (positive) digits worth of temperature. #weebitnippy

Critically important: I need a new hand blender. Please to be offering opinions and usage experiences. Kenneth Cavness , Jessica Musinski , Mike Bruce , Maggie Brazeau , Christina L Brainard , and all you other people who eat and cook and have opinions.

Hello, polar vortex. #weebitnippy

After a promising start, this day has ground to a halt.

The moon is very pretty, but it's too darn cold to stay outside. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/december-supermoon-geminid-meteors-explained-space-science/ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/december-supermoon-geminid-meteors-explained-space-science

Whatever was left before is probably gone now :( http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/12/middleeast/palmyra-syria-isis-russia/ http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/12/middleeast/palmyra-syria-isis-russia

Well, so much for that. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/west-virginia-racism-michelle-obama_us_584e1a3be4b0e05aded46e05 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/west-virginia-racism-michelle-obama_us_584e1a3be4b0e05aded46e05

This is so cool. I had never heard of him. http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/living/washington-phillips/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/living/washington-phillips/index.html

Who will pull Santa's sleigh!? http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38297464 http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38297464

I'm sure this will go well. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-38297927 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-38297927

Oops. I guess there's two bridges of death, now. What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color?  ... http://bc.ctvnews.ca/bridge-closures-possible-as-b-c-works-to-avoid-ice-bomb-repeat-1.3195294 http://bc.ctvnews.ca/bridge-closures-possible-as-b-c-works-to-avoid-ice-bomb-repeat-1.3195294

We had the first really real snow of the year, today. A relatively brief period of flurries that did not accumulate. Of course they were the beautiful kind of snowflakes, and of course I did not have my fancy, schmancy lenses with me to get a super awesome snowflake picture. I think you can see how lovely they were anyway.

Only linking this because every time I hear that someone 'voted for Trump but is now reconsidering' or the equivalent, I ricochet among speechless, incoherent, and wanting to slap something. The quote in question: "Abdel Hammad, owner of neighboring Besta Pizza, said he has also received threats amid allegations his business is also involved in child trafficking, and he told NPR member station WAMU that even though he voted for Trump, he is now rethinking that decision." The man hasn't even taken office and you are already reconsidering. Why? Because you didn't take him literally? Because you thought all the violence and horror and bullying that surrounded him and was inherent in his own behavior and that of some of his staff were just part of the campaign? What are you suddenly seeing now that you were incapable of seeing before? Because I have to tell you, this was all there. It was right there, on the TV, on the internet, at the rallies and on the streets. ...

I don't know if it's possible to have the energy to keep fighting this nonsense for 4 years. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/us/politics/donald-trump-twitter-carrier-chuck-jones.html?ribbon-ad-idx=3&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/us/politics/donald-trump-twitter-carrier-chuck-jones.html?ribbon-ad-idx=3&rref=politics&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Politics&pgtype=article

Eru, gods, and mortals, there are so many things that trip alarm bells and worry wires in this article it's truly shock and awe. As in awful. Being anti minimum wage is the least of the issues this guy has. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/us/politics/andrew-puzder-labor-secretary-trump.html?action=click&contentCollection=Health&module=Trending&version=Full&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/us/politics/andrew-puzder-labor-secretary-trump.html?action=click&contentCollection=Health&module=Trending&version=Full&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

You know those home projector laser light show things they have been promoting more and more each year as the Best Thing Ever instead of the usual christmas lights? Usually referred to as "star projectors/lasers" or "christmas projectors/lasers". Invented by HGM, promoted by HGM, and sold by HGM. The gentle readers here likely do not need the whole laser light and how it works explained, but I'm just going to note that one of our neighbors, who for years has put up lovely life-sized creches, frequently made by himself, and an assortment of the usual lights, seems to have decided to go a simpler route this year. To wit, one of those stupid laser light show things. It's even a small one. To all appearances unidirectionally aimed at the front of his house. Except that's the outside can of the light. The inside projector scatters the light over the entire front of the house in a sort of conical projection. These being laser lights, if they haven't hit a ...

Nope, no conflicts here. Move along. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ivanka-trump-japan-business-deal-donald-trump-shinzo-abe-prime-minister-a7457161.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ivanka-trump-japan-business-deal-donald-trump-shinzo-abe-prime-minister-a7457161.html

Quick, somebody write a beloved children's book about a giraffe. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38240760 http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38240760

I'm gonna guess their working conditions are not so awesome. Their pay works out to $4,800 to $60,000 annually. They are asking for $41,040 to $112,800. While I don't know what the economy in Kenya is like, I kind of doubt they are asking for something completely ridiculous. Plus, if that's what the doctors get paid, I can't imagine how little the nurses get. http://www.voanews.com/a/kenya-doctors-nurses-strike-for-better-pay/3623644.html http://www.voanews.com/a/kenya-doctors-nurses-strike-for-better-pay/3623644.html

Basically, pizza is of the devil. It was brought to the US by catholic immigrants (who were probably illegal) as a plot to replace christianity with devil-worship. Also, it is meant to destroy the health of good people by addicting them to its carbalisciousness. It is particularly used to lure children to "birthday parties" where pedophiles prey on them. Parties sponsored by the Clintons, who, as we know, are incarnations of beelzebub and his familiars. STOP SUBJECTING YOUR CHILDREN TO THE CORRUPTION AND DECEPTION OF PIZZA. Only you can save the children. Disclaimer: this is a spontaneous commentary composed entirely of satire. Which means it is not true; I MADE IT UP. Also is not a reference to Satan, but if you already think that kind of stuff you don't believe it's untrue, anyway. May the bringer of light enlighten you. Yes, that was a reference to "lucifer" because that's what the word means. Yes, it's latin. Which obviously connects it back to ...

The man is an idiot. An ignorant, capricious idiot. Any further comment on my part would descend into undignified diatribe. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/us/politics/trump-air-force-one-boeing.html?_r=0 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38236404 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/us/politics/trump-air-force-one-boeing.html?_r=0

#nevernormalize http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38245278 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38245278

I guess it is none of my business, but I would say there's still a concern about the programming and inherent bias that read this as closed eyes. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38241833 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38241833

Do not taunt Happy Fun Year. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/peter-vaughan-venerated-character-actor-of-british-stage-tv-and-film-dies-at-93/2016/12/06/878c9d06-bbd1-11e6-91ee-1adddfe36cbe_story.html?utm_term=.bde02a0f9797 https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/peter-vaughan-venerated-character-actor-of-british-stage-tv-and-film-dies-at-93/2016/12/06/878c9d06-bbd1-11e6-91ee-1adddfe36cbe_story.html?utm_term=.bde02a0f9797

Aw. http://www.blastr.com/2016-12-6/rip-green-hornet-star-van-williams-has-died-82 http://www.blastr.com/2016-12-6/rip-green-hornet-star-van-williams-has-died-82

Well, I don't have anything from '96 to hand on this machine, so here's '03, '07, and '16.

I haz a sad. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/12/07/montana-snow-geese-searching-for-pond-land-in-toxic-mine-pit-thousands-die/?utm_term=.935539ce94be https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/12/07/montana-snow-geese-searching-for-pond-land-in-toxic-mine-pit-thousands-die/?utm_term=.935539ce94be

Maybe one of those groups on the donations to support lists should be the ADL. P.S. Why is it, again, that our law enforcement agencies seem so helpless with the online problems? https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/12/01/a-photo-of-a-4-year-old-with-hillary-clinton-was-used-as-a-disgusting-meme-her-mom-fought-back/?tid=hybrid_experimentrandom_2_na&utm_term=.4ed390da407b https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/12/01/a-photo-of-a-4-year-old-with-hillary-clinton-was-used-as-a-disgusting-meme-her-mom-fought-back/?tid=hybrid_experimentrandom_2_na&utm_term=.4ed390da407b

Shock, surprise. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/12/06/he-got-up-there-and-lied-his-a-off-carrier-union-leader-on-trumps-big-deal/?utm_term=.83df45fad069 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/12/06/he-got-up-there-and-lied-his-a-off-carrier-union-leader-on-trumps-big-deal/?utm_term=.83df45fad069