Author Archives

Nick

Nineteen.

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That’s how many hour long Zimbra training sessions I’ve taught between July 22nd and today. Three is the number of five hour long Blackboard Open Labs I participated in this week, too. It’s training season at Washington College and I’m exhausted. Glad to have new services going live, so very tired of supporting them already.

In other news, sometimes a photo opportunity presents itself on the roadside that just has to be taken. Mine appeared the other day on the way out of Chestertown. Colonial Chevy closed its doors as part of the autopocalypse, leaving behind a dreadful 70s store front and the wonderful slogan “Our Country. Our Truck.” emblazoned on the windows. Of course I had to take my Audi hatchback and park it on the grass-eaten pavement.

I give you “It’s my country, too.”

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Kate is away and the weekend is promising to be nearly 100º. Lockdown at this house!

Chinchilli Day

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Three years ago(ish,) my very own chinchilla, Lola, went to the ash bath in the sky. This video that Kate just found on TV makes a fitting tribute to a remarkable creature:

Listen: The Bachelor by Patrick Wolf

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As promised, here’s my review of Patrick Wolf’s newest release. I noticed that there was such a thing while Kate was leafing through Vogue UK or somesuch and saw his picture. In a flurry of excitement, I listened as Kate read Mr. Wolf’s description of his latest album as music for both soccer moms and Goth kids. Perfect – time to run to the computer at 1:30 am.

And I did. Which I’m glad for, because it’s wonderful.

It’s certainly no The Magic Position. A few tracks get close – “Hard Times,” “Vulture” and “Messenger” in particular – but overall, it’s a real departure into something more sonically lush. And it broods as much as Pat’s asymmetrical hair would lead you to believe it might. Think Lycanthropy or Wind in the Wires with the polish they deserved (not that they were bad albums.) At times, I had to be sure my iPhone hadn’t gone on to shuffle: “Oblivion” could be AFI, “The Bachelor” could be a clever classic rock remix, “Battle” wouldn’t be out of place at a skate park. Great to see some exploration of new directions, though it does make this album feel a bit like a playlist. “Count of Casualty,” my personal favorite, would sell you even if everything else was terrible.

Did I mention SWINTON is on the album, too? See? Amazing.

What an excellent publicity stunt

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James May – Captain Slow for the Top Gear fans – will be building a Lego house out of 3 million bricks at a winery in Dorking. As Jalopnik made sure to emphasize, a town called Dorking. It’s too perfect and I wish I could be there to see it. And take part in the building, since there will be a public building session as well.

I love James May. I love how he gets lost just about anywhere he drives. How he lives alone with his cat, as you’d expect. How he hosts a show about toys when not driving race cars (or racing cars turned into boats across the English Channel.) I loved how he drank half a bottle of wine while cooking in a challenge with Gordon Ramsey. And how he derives joy out of doing mental calculations of his fuel efficiency. Kate can attest to the last one, believe me. So this really takes the admiration to a profound new plane.

Car news of the day

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Been busy as a busy person at work getting ready for Zimbra training (12 sessions in three days this week, thank you very much) so I haven’t had much time to scour for interesting things to post – or inclination to do so after work. However, here are a few car related links to tide you over.

  1. World Car Fans has done a delightful video edit of Jaguar’s press footage for the all-new XJ. I melt every time I see those magical LCD dials pop to life or animate the changing of gears. Old school elegance meets Starship Enterprise. Bella and I need to cruise in such a fast cat, no?
  2. Jalopnik lists five (snarktastic) reasons why roundabouts will never work in America. Having driven in them all throughout Maryland, I think I may agree. I also think that Jalopnik really could benefit from a copy editor. Dang. (In response to this piece from Slate.)
  3. The best auto show on the planet, Top Gear, will be making its return this season in glorious HD. Thank you, BBC America, for FINALLY bringing me your Britshows in the resolution they deserve. You Are What You Eat not withstanding.

Hot Slut of Yesterday

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While taking a load of sandy whatsits to my car yesterday afternoon, Kate and I happened to be party to the most awesome display of dickitude ever. A seagull on a mission from god divebombed the crap out of a meth-faced beach beauty, sending her fries tumbling to the wooden walkway. As the ketchup exploded from its little plastic reservoir, the victim’s only utterance was “You little son of a bitch.” As if, perhaps, she had been bullied by this seagull in the past. Considering his balls to the walls performance, it seems likely.

Artist’s rendering follows:

Frysplosion!

Evil seagull, you are our “hot slut of the day” for yesterday, no matter what Michael K. says.