Let's Go On A Cruise

Video from the Pacific Sun, as she hits rough weather. It's tempting to say it's a funny video, but one woman really gets walloped at :50. Also, the guy at 1:30 just narrowly avoids getting killed.

I can't get over how much is left unsecured on these ships. I'm guessing that because these ships resemble hotels their operators forget they're on the sea.

Be sure to check out the rest of the blog. This guy has the most extensive analysis of the Concordia crash I've seen.

Rough Weather

A 36" Tree

In a This is Spinal Tap moment, I accidentally ordered a 36" tree when I wanted a 36' one. Just as well. I have no idea how I would have gotten a 36-foot tree in here anyway.

Ba-dump.




The big snowflakes are new this year. Also, I added a string of white bulbs hanging from the railing. Like the snowflakes they're LED's so they should last a long time.

I looked around, and I seem to be the only one in the complex who has hung icicle lights. I have them hanging at the edges of the balcony, and over my sliding-glass doors.

Anyway it's not too bad of a decorating job, considering I didn't even start until 4 pm today. (I watched the Bucs lose their ninth straight. Aargh!)

As with last year, I figured I'd post "In Hoc Anno Domini," which the Wall Street Journal has published every Christmas Eve since 1949. It's not exactly cheerful, but it gives a good idea (I think) of what Christmas is all about.


In Hoc Anno Domini

So, I have presents to wrap. Also, like I do every year, I'm going to watch the midnight mass from St. Peter's. (No, I'm not Catholic, but they do this stuff up right.)

So, Merry Christmas!

Worst Since '87...

Cowboys @ Bucs


Well, the Bucs are enduring their worst single-season slide since '87. However, if there's something to be learned from the win that the 1-13 Colts got over the Titans, it's that if you hold out long enough, things will turn around. (In a statement of faith, I went and bought a season ticket for next year.)

Anyway, I toyed with the idea of wearing a bag over my head at the game. I'm glad I didn't, as Bucs fans were outnumbered about 2-1 by Cowboys fans. I didn't want to pile-on, especially as many Cowboys fans seem uniquely obnoxious.

That said, some others are wearing bags.

Return of the Bag





It's kind of funny, but with all the Cowboys fans there, I didn't see any of them wearing an actual cowboy hat. It's as if the thought never occurred to them.

Buccaneers Anonymous

"I have wept openly when the Bucs have lost. I have wept openly when the Bucs have won. I have wept openly when the Bucs have had a bye week. I do a lot of weeping, for I am a Bucs fan."


I guess this is as good a time as any to admit to buying a season ticket to the Bucs this year. They're blacked-out again this year (same as last) so it's the only way to see them. (Well, it's either that, or drive down to Fort Meyers, the closest market that's not blacked-out. But seeing as the driving distance is the same, why not just go see the damn game in person?)

By a strange coincidence, one of the HR reps where I work is involved with the "Bucs Bus" pictured above. Though I walk by this bus on the way into every game I haven't seen her at any of them yet. I hear she messed up her knee so that might be the problem; she's been out of work for all this month.

They have a website, with more pics. I don't quite see the point of having such a set-up. When I tailgate, I literally sit on the tailgate of my truck. But to each his own.

Me, I'm wondering if they can even watch the game on their t.v.

http://bucnraysbus.webs.com/

Wrote page 200...considering MFA

Well, I finally wrote page 200 in my novel. I started working on this thing probably five years ago, but had to take a break from it when I was going to school.

Having accomplished this, it has made me seriously think about getting a Master in Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing. It's not like I'm doing anything else interesting in my life. I've been working the same shitty, waiting-to-get-laid-off factory job for the past twelve years. I know my bachelor's in technical writing is worthless (they promote only young people at work), so I might as well pursue something I'm interested in.

Okay, each course will cost about $1200. Maybe I'll just take one or two courses, see if it's worth the money. But still, at least it's a plan.

There can't be too many 44 year-old machinists looking to get into the MFA program. So maybe I can get in on sheer "diversity" alone. ;-)

LHC Rap

Yell for Cadel!

Yell for Cadel

First time I've ever heard the anthem of Australia. I have no idea who the girl is, but she sings it well. She starts in around 2:45.