This past Sunday, we went to see Mike Birbiglia in his solo off broadway show, Sleepwalk with Mike, which wasn't off broadway in the traditional sense, but more of an hour long standup routine recounting the trials and tribulations (all disturbingly hilarious) of Mike's experience with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder. In his case, this results in unconsciously acting out his dreams. Scary shit in real life, great material for a comedian.
I think Mike has one of the best deliveries behind a microphone. He talks like your fucked up but insanely funny buddy, telling zany stories rather than jokes. His humor hits just the right balance between wit and wry, it's intelligent yet not condescending and you just can't help laughing.
Sleepwalk with Mike was intensely entertaining and touching, the perfect blend of humor and heart. Despite having a cold, Mike put on a fantastic show and remains one of my favorite comedians. I went in already a fan, and watching this performance only confirmed his talent.
December 9, 2008
December 5, 2008
Book Review - Un Lun Dun
Un Lun Dun
By China Mieville
Published January 2008
See synopsis and editorial opinions on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I love China Mieville's writing and while this book doesn't match the complexity and innovation of Perdido Street Station or The Scar, it's a hugely enjoyable read. There's a dash of Alice in Wonderland and the playfulness of a Piers Anthony Xanth novel, held together by Mieville's sparkling language and vivid imagery.
The book follows the adventures of a young girl who finds herself in an alternate London and has to save its citizens from a nasty villain known as The Smog. It's a wonderful journey, filled with interesting characters and creative twists. At times it's almost too clever, but the wit is tempered with heart. While intended for a younger audience, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy, and the usual social commentary lurking in Mieville's work is only a light undercurrent, overshadowed by the general fun of the story. Definitely worth picking up!
By China Mieville
Published January 2008
See synopsis and editorial opinions on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I love China Mieville's writing and while this book doesn't match the complexity and innovation of Perdido Street Station or The Scar, it's a hugely enjoyable read. There's a dash of Alice in Wonderland and the playfulness of a Piers Anthony Xanth novel, held together by Mieville's sparkling language and vivid imagery.
The book follows the adventures of a young girl who finds herself in an alternate London and has to save its citizens from a nasty villain known as The Smog. It's a wonderful journey, filled with interesting characters and creative twists. At times it's almost too clever, but the wit is tempered with heart. While intended for a younger audience, there's plenty for everyone to enjoy, and the usual social commentary lurking in Mieville's work is only a light undercurrent, overshadowed by the general fun of the story. Definitely worth picking up!
November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Eats - Aftermath
So everything turned out delicious! We burned the stuffing a little, but it was still a thousand times better than any store bought box. Definitely something worth making from scratch. The gratin came out perfect, crispy on top and creamy in the middle. I think the gruyere cheese combined with the fennel gave it a really rich taste.
The ham came out great, not too sweet yet juicy. We had some glaze leftover (cherry preserves, orange juice, and Grand Marnier), I think we're going to use it as cheesecake topping.
It's always fun to cook new things, and even better when they come out tasty!
The ham came out great, not too sweet yet juicy. We had some glaze leftover (cherry preserves, orange juice, and Grand Marnier), I think we're going to use it as cheesecake topping.
It's always fun to cook new things, and even better when they come out tasty!
November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Eats
Instead of turkey, we're going to make ham tonight! The menu:
And now, back to the cookery!
* Ham baked in Dr. Pepper with cherry/orange glazeThere's a rustic vibe to the meal, and these are all dishes we haven't cooked before, so it should be interesting. It's the first time we've used fennel - I'm not really a licorice fan, but I think it'll add a tasty twist.
* Potato and Fennel gratin
* Bacon, Apple, Onion, and Fennel stuffing
* Roasted vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
And now, back to the cookery!
November 12, 2008
Book Review - The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book
By Neil Gaiman
Published September 2008
See synopsis and editorial opinions on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
As Neil Gaiman stories go, this one is pretty typical. A bit macabre yet light hearted, inventive and whimsical, and a main character with simple roots who grows into something more over the course of his adventures. I don't think it's his best work, but it's enjoyable, written with his usual concise, beautiful language and practical handling of fantasy. The Dave McKean pen and ink illustrations are lovely; it's nice to see his work in another medium.
The plot is relatively simple: a baby orphan of a murdered family is adopted and raised by a graveyard's inhabitants. As he tries to figure out his place between the living and dead, he makes many discoveries, including the friendship of a live girl and the need to avenge his family's deaths. But what makes Neil Gaiman a genius is how he reinvents werewolves and ghouls and tombs and haunts into interesting scenarios and personalities. Overall, it was a fun and short read, good for curling up in the couch on a fall afternoon.
By Neil Gaiman
Published September 2008
See synopsis and editorial opinions on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
As Neil Gaiman stories go, this one is pretty typical. A bit macabre yet light hearted, inventive and whimsical, and a main character with simple roots who grows into something more over the course of his adventures. I don't think it's his best work, but it's enjoyable, written with his usual concise, beautiful language and practical handling of fantasy. The Dave McKean pen and ink illustrations are lovely; it's nice to see his work in another medium.
The plot is relatively simple: a baby orphan of a murdered family is adopted and raised by a graveyard's inhabitants. As he tries to figure out his place between the living and dead, he makes many discoveries, including the friendship of a live girl and the need to avenge his family's deaths. But what makes Neil Gaiman a genius is how he reinvents werewolves and ghouls and tombs and haunts into interesting scenarios and personalities. Overall, it was a fun and short read, good for curling up in the couch on a fall afternoon.
November 6, 2008
Bringing Sci-Fi to the Masses
I'm deeply saddened by the death of Michael Crichton. He was a great bridge between the science fiction masters of old and the modern reader. His execution of the genre was spot on, exploring the impact of science gone awry, of how technology reveals the essence of the human spirit. I always liked his ideas and his writing had just enough technical jargon balanced with swift and interesting plot. With the popularity of Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain, I view him as crucial to bringing serious sci-fi to mass media, along the lines of Alien and The Terminator. His gift for suspense and story were evident in some of my favorites, like Sphere and Congo.
His non-sci-fi novels were enjoyable too. I really liked Rising Sun (my first real exposure to Japanese culture) and Disclosure, and though I was never a fan of ER, the long term success of that show is more evidence of his talent.
I have dog-eared copies of many of his novels. He left behind few published works compared to other authors of his stature. But the quality of his legacy is simply amazing and he will definitely be missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Crichton, and may all your writings stay fiction and never come to pass!
His non-sci-fi novels were enjoyable too. I really liked Rising Sun (my first real exposure to Japanese culture) and Disclosure, and though I was never a fan of ER, the long term success of that show is more evidence of his talent.
I have dog-eared copies of many of his novels. He left behind few published works compared to other authors of his stature. But the quality of his legacy is simply amazing and he will definitely be missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Crichton, and may all your writings stay fiction and never come to pass!
November 5, 2008
President Obama
There's not much to say that hasn't been said already. So I will only add one little personal statement: I do not envy Obama. He just got one of the toughest, most stressful jobs in the world, with woes lining every corner and a whole lot of high expectations. I hope he's ready!
October 28, 2008
Financial PMS
That's it, the market should only be open between 3 PM and 4 PM EST. Apparently that's when the trading hormones are activated.
** I will not look at my 401K, I will not look at my 401K....
** I will not look at my 401K, I will not look at my 401K....
October 18, 2008
A Little Break
Got away from it all last weekend. We rented a cabin from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club out by Harrisburg PA. No electricity or running water, but there was a campfire, wood burning stove, and fireplace, so it ended up nice and cozy.
Milesburn cabin is literally a few steps from the Appalachian Trail. A bunch of hikers passed by during our stay.
The wood buring stove worked quite well!
Bacon!
It was beautiful weather. The first touch of fall.
On the trail!
There was a reservoir nearby, very pretty.
Campfire cooking can yield tasty results. You pretty much wrap anything in tin foil and it comes out great. By the last dinner, we were getting the hang of it - made a delicious spinach pasta with pine nuts and roasted onion/dill potatoes. Yum!
Sometimes it's nice to be in the middle of nowhere. No market indices, user requests, cell phones, reports. Just good company and fire!
Milesburn cabin is literally a few steps from the Appalachian Trail. A bunch of hikers passed by during our stay.
The wood buring stove worked quite well!
Bacon!
It was beautiful weather. The first touch of fall.
On the trail!
There was a reservoir nearby, very pretty.
Campfire cooking can yield tasty results. You pretty much wrap anything in tin foil and it comes out great. By the last dinner, we were getting the hang of it - made a delicious spinach pasta with pine nuts and roasted onion/dill potatoes. Yum!
Sometimes it's nice to be in the middle of nowhere. No market indices, user requests, cell phones, reports. Just good company and fire!
October 6, 2008
All Banks Merge into OmniBank!
The JPM integration is in full swing, so things have been insane at work. It doesn't help that we're merging all of WaMu's systems as well. Damn ambitious managing two large acquisitions in a year, but when the price is right...
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