Toadfish Monastery

1. Who is your favorite comedian?
I don't have a single favorite: Jon Stewart, Lewis Black, Eddie Izzard. Used to be Dennis Miller and Bill Maher, but they love themselves so much anymore that they don't need my paltry fandom.

2. Silliest landmark you've ever been to (voluntarily or otherwise)?
Exact center of the northern half of the Western Hemisphere

3. Records, tapes, CDs or MP3s--which is your favorite format?
You left 8-tracks off this list! Alas, you never knew the joy of hearing your favorite song rudely interrupted by a ker-CHUNK! as the track changed. It added that certain je ne sais quoi.

I prefer cds because they are tangible goods, and you can make tapes or MP3s from them for other purposes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1. Iconoclast or iconographer?

2. Do you prefer 2D (paintings, prints, photographs) or 3D (sculpture, vahhhses, objets d'art) to personalize your space?

3. Piles of decorator pillows on couch and chairs: inviting and comfy or irritating and fussy?

1. Iconoclast or iconographer?

Iconoclast, of course   (and you made me look those words up, just to be sure what they meant--- I got the 2nd one right, but the first one I had all wrong.)  #2 in the definition would fit many of those people I admire. 

<sub>For the edification of those of us who did not previously know:  (from www.dictionary.com)

i·con·o·clast –noun
1.   a breaker or destroyer of images, esp. those set up for religious veneration.
2.   a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.

i·co·nog·ra·phy  –noun, plural -phies.
1.   symbolic representation, esp. the conventional meanings attached to an image or images.
2.   subject matter in the visual arts, esp. with reference to the conventions regarding the treatment of a subject in artistic representation.
3.   the study or analysis of subject matter and its meaning in the visual arts; iconology.
4.   a representation or a group of representations of a person, place, or thing, as a portrait or a collection of portraits.

—Related forms
i·con·o·graph, noun
i·co·nog·ra·pher, noun</sub>

2. Do you prefer 2D (paintings, prints, photographs) or 3D (sculpture, vahhhses, objets d'art) to personalize your space?

2D paintings.  Original, if possible, but photography is acceptable.  Don't have any posters anymore-- too commercial, I suppose.

3. Piles of decorator pillows on couch and chairs: inviting and comfy or irritating and fussy?  Neither.  I don't have any such things-- two chairs in the living room.  When company comes, I must get out folding chairs (which are quite comfortable, actually..... they are canvis, but have a lean to the back, not a "director's chair" style.  Not unlike a semi-recliner).

In other people's homes, I assume that pillows on sitting apparatus are for cushions and NOT for decor.   Furniture that is JUST for decor is an abomination-- a representation of Selfishness, a "look at what I have! Don't Sit!  It's for Bragging, Only!" This would include "decorator only" pillows that must be removed, in order to utilize the furniture.   Life's too short for such idiocy.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1) 4 wheels, doors and a roof, as an "A to B" apparatus, or your beloved car-car is an extension of YOU?  (or do you prefer some other number of wheels... like 2 or 10 or 1?)

2) Do you DO your job, or ARE you your job?

3) Is Life, a Means to an End, or is it that Life Itself IS the Means? 

1) 4 wheels, doors and a roof, as an "A to B" apparatus, or your beloved car-car is an extension of YOU?  (or do you prefer some other number of wheels... like 2 or 10 or 1?)
It was most definitely not an extension of me. Just a mode of transport.

2) Do you DO your job, or ARE you your job?
As much as I enjoy being a 'Bucks cog, I am not my job. I DO my job and I do it well, but this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life, so therefore, I am not it.

3) Is Life, a Means to an End, or is it that Life Itself IS the Means?
Life is a means. If I am wrong, and there IS some higher being, than I have no doubt we were placed here to learn, and life is that learning. I live like that regardless, but none the less, it's what I think.
__________________________________________________
1. What is the single most effective way to deal with terrorism?

2. Should the rest of the world recognize Kosovo?

3. What is the value of blogs in today's world?

1. What is the single most effective way to deal with terrorism?

For the long term, education and economic development.  Most terrorism is the result of ignorance and despair. 

2. Should the rest of the world recognize Kosovo?

At this point, yes.  I am not all that much in favor of countries breaking up, but I don't see any sort of peaceful resolution that would not have Kosovo going its own way.

3. What is the value of blogs in today's world?

An alternative to corporate news.  The big news outlets have to toe the corporate party line these days, and blogs dan give a different viewpoint.  Of course, one still needs to do some research to decide which viewpoint is correct, but seeing things from different angles is useful.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1)  Are you a dog person or a cat person (or something else)?

2)  What is your favorite dish to cook?

3)  With Castro stepping down, what will be the future of Cuba?

1)  Are you a dog person or a cat person (or something else)?

Dog person with strong cat person leanings. The ideal situation would be some of both, as I am a fan of multiple critter households, but we're not able to support and properly care for more that one fuzzy family member at a time. (I inherited/rescued Spencer and Preston together, and worked hard to be able to afford both of them. Still paying off vet bills from the chinaberry incident.)

2)  What is your favorite dish to cook?

Red beans and rice with sausage?
Shrimp etouffe?
Chicken fried steak?
Chicken enchilada casserole?
Pasta Primavera used to top the list.

I used to love cooking. Still do, just have some problems.

3)  With Castro stepping down, what will be the future of Cuba?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEufacF1bRA


?

1. If Cuba opens up to US travellers, would you (assuming you're a US citizen) go there, even if the State Department is going to be stupid about it?

2. Can you swim well enough to make it to shore from a half mile out?

3. What is the longest train trip you've ever taken?

Quote from: Sibling Chatty on February 23, 2008, 05:15:04 AM
3)  With Castro stepping down, what will be the future of Cuba?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEufacF1bRA

(literally laughing out loud at the punchline..)

Thanks, I needed that!

1. If Cuba opens up to US travellers, would you (assuming you're a US citizen) go there, even if the State Department is going to be stupid about it?

Not that I could afford it, but if I could, I would. It is a place with a rich culture and a certain mystique. It would probably be quite interesting to visit.

2. Can you swim well enough to make it to shore from a half mile out?

I don't think I'm a strong enough swimmer to fight the current easily.

3. What is the longest train trip you've ever taken?

Across the northern United States from Washington D.C. to Seattle, Washington in the late 1970's. It took a couple of days, but it was very cool. We were in one of those trains with the observation deck on top. (Do they still have those?) I really loved the dining cars, just sitting and eating meals with strangers going other places (especially old people with lots of stories) while watching the scenery go by. I would definitely do it again. Much more relaxing than the plane.

**************************************

1) Planes, trains, automobiles or boats: what's your fave for a long voyage and why?

2) If someone yells "Hey! There's a rainbow!" or "Look at this sunset!", do you drop everything and go to look?

3) If you wind up at a friend's child's birthday party, do you participate?

1) Planes, trains, automobiles or boats: what's your fave for a long voyage and why?

Bullet train.  Quiet, smooth, fast, you can see the countryside up close but the scenery changes quickly, and they sell beer.

2) If someone yells "Hey! There's a rainbow!" or "Look at this sunset!", do you drop everything and go to look?

Absolutely!

3) If you wind up at a friend's child's birthday party, do you participate?

Heck yeah.  Last time I think I even brought the coolest present (model rocket kit for a 11 y.o. boy; even got some Grandma stink-eye for Most Dangerous Gift ).

----------------

1)  What's the biggest / weirdest rainbow you've ever seen?

2)  What is/was your favorite type of sprinkler to run through on a hot summer day?

3)  18 complete seasons of the Simpsons on DVD - heaven or hell?*


*_{praise be to Chinese  's}

1)  What's the biggest / weirdest rainbow you've ever seen?

A double rainbow - 2nd one above and slightly to the left of the first (don't ask how I knew which was first!)

2)  What is/was your favorite type of sprinkler to run through on a hot summer day?

I don't. The water would blunt my rapier.

3)  18 complete seasons of the Simpsons on DVD - heaven or hell?*

Heaven, but I'd prefer it on HD as I have to get up to change DVD's.

=================================================

1.  Should all advertising aimed at children be banned?

2.  What do you think it would have been like to live next door to Sherlock Holmes?

3.  If you have to sleep in a bunk bed do you prefer upper or lower berth and why?

Quote from: Griffin NoName on February 25, 2008, 11:33:18 PM
3)  18 complete seasons of the Simpsons on DVD - heaven or hell?*

Heaven, but I'd prefer it on HD as I have to get up to change DVD's.

It's 2 seasons per disc and very definitely not HD - most of it appears to be recorded from TV. 

1.  Should all advertising aimed at children be banned?

Absofriggin'lutely.  Children lack the skeptical-mindset to truly understand that they are being manipulated.  ^{(okay, so do most adults, but Children are defined as "innocent" and should be protected from themselves.  I'm a huge fan of NOT protecting ADULTS from the consequences of their own stupidity.)}

2.  What do you think it would have been like to live next door to Sherlock Holmes?

Most interesting, initially.  After some time, probabily frustrating as all heck.   On the other hand, if EVER I lost something, and I was on good, friendly neighborly terms, I bet I could figure out how to interest him in applying his considerable skills in helping me find it....    

A reason to ALWAYS invite him to the backyard BarBQ... 

3.  If you have to sleep in a bunk bed do you prefer upper or lower berth and why?

Top.  I'm a light sleeper, most times, and ANY noise, movement, etc will wake me up.  The creak of the springs as the upper bunk turns over (EVERYone, unless they are physically unable, rolls in their sleep) would keep me awake.

Plus I have a touch of claustrophobia, and for some reason, bottom bunks seem to aggravate that.



1) a) Do It Yourself, if at all possible?  b) Or enlist the aid of someone else? (friend, relative, etc)  c) Or, take it to a professional?

Or, some combination of the above-- like, a) first, then b) and if all else fails, c)

2) Home made bread or pre-packaged store-bought (aka, Wonder Bread) or Artisan Bread (as available in many bakeries, now)

3) What's your favorite brand/flavor/style of Donut? (now, be honest-- who doesn't at least like those little fat bombs?  )

1) a) Do It Yourself, if at all possible?  b) Or enlist the aid of someone else? (friend, relative, etc)  c) Or, take it to a professional?

Or, some combination of the above-- like, a) first, then b) and if all else fails, c)

Step 1: Invite a friend, buy a lot of beer. Drink some beer, see that it doesn't work.
Step 2: Invite another friend, buy more beer. Drink beer, see that it doesn't work.
Step 3: Invite more friends, buy even more beer. Drink beer, try to do it, see it doesn't work.
Step 4: Buy more beer, drink beer.
Step 5: Wake up with hang-over, take some aspirin, call professional.

The number of steps can vary, depending on the amount of beer/friends.

2) Home made bread or pre-packaged store-bought (aka, Wonder Bread) or Artisan Bread (as available in many bakeries, now)

Home made, vbut no time to bake it...

3) What's your favorite brand/flavor/style of Donut? (now, be honest-- who doesn't at least like those little fat bombs?  Cheesy )

Donuts filled with vanilla pudding... Mmmmmmm...


12345678900987654321123456789009876543211234567890098765432112345678900987654321

1. Evening out with friends: restaurant, pub, club, or go home, watch TV and fall asleep at 9Pm?

2. Favourite pub/restaurant?

3. If I go to your country/city, what would you recommend me to do/visit?


Bonus: Did you miss me?

1. Evening out with friends: restaurant, pub, club, or go home, watch TV and fall asleep at 9Pm?

restaurant 1st(used to be big on cooking at home but not so much any more, then home but not necessarily to sleep (movies, games, etc)

2. Favourite pub/restaurant?

I really like this place across from the university called Van-Lang(fusion of Asian styles-homestyle, very heavy on veggies and fruit with minimal fuss and it is very inexpensive). Chains---- I like waffle House because they are open 24/7 and have good coffee

3. If I go to your country/city, what would you recommend me to do/visit?
Ok USA--- you must at some point in your life visit the state of Arizona-- the entire state- stay a while-- must see the Grand Canyon of the Colorado   and Kartchner Caverns before you die. Arizona is the best!
Ok in the state of Arkansas-----
You gotta see "the big damn bridge", visit Pinnacle Mountain state park, and come to my house and we'll go on a city/state tour AB style, there is alot to see in AR as well.

Bonus: Did you miss me?
oh silly ---- of course we/I did.....


/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*4242424242424242424242424242424242424/*/*/*/*/

1) If I visit your local area what should I see/do-- not miss?

2) Do you like popcorn-- what kind, what do you put on it?

3) What is your first memory?

1) If I visit your local area what should I see/do-- not miss?

Let's see.  Tulsa is in Green Country, basically the NE corner of the state, and is (mostly) green-- lots of interesting geology, not so flat, streams, etc.

Lakes?  Yes there are a number of lakes around her-- Tenkiller is the clearest water; it's a deep-water lake, with mostly limestone and flint as it's base.  Often you'll see scuba dive flags on it.   But, there's other lakes, too.

Tulsa itself?  Well, we have the William's Tower downtown.  It's an actual 1-2 scale replica of the World Trade Center towers, except that the space between floors is the usual 10-12 feet.  But, it has 55 floors instead of 100+ that the trade center had.  The same architect, as I recall, designed it.

We have a world-class golf course, if you're into that.  It's a *hoidy-toidy* members only, though.  Something-or-other country club (I forget).  But, it regularly hosts national golf tournaments.

There's a world-class University in mid-town.  Tulsa University.  There's also a world-class FUNDIE "university" too.... Queer-Bob-U I mean Oral Roberts University.   You ought to drive by, at least, and see the giant bronze hands out front.... worth a laugh, at least.

Let's see.  There's the old IPE (International Petroleum Exposition) building, with a giant statue of an oil man out front.  It USED to house the annual IPE events, until that was moved to Houston because of our antiquated liquor laws (since repealed).

Downtown is being renovated....again.   They seem to have money for that, but still can't fix the friggin' potholes in the major streets.... *bleah*   What else? 

We have one of the best Zoos in the Midwest, according to people who rate those things.

Plenty to eat, too.  We have a sizable Mexican population, so it's easy to locate REAL Mexican food.  We have TexMex, too of course.   

There's enough Asians around, that we have any number of good Asian (Chinese/Japanese/Thai/etc) places.  There's even a place that serves India-style food, but I haven't been to it yet.  Am saving up.   Once a year, there's a Native American Green Onion Fest.  Worth the 30-50 minute wait in line.  But, it's a "you have to know" kinda thing.  I must remember to ask around, for this year, where it's being held.

2) Do you like popcorn-- what kind, what do you put on it?

Nowadays, microwave.  I buy the "extra fat" 'butter' kind.  On it?  Fresh ground black pepper-- generous.  Powdered garlic.  Seasoned salt.  Onion powder.  Cajun spice mix.  Drizzle olive oil (if I can't find the "extra butter" variety). Combinations of these.    Once in a while, I sacrifice a box of Mac&Cheese and use the powdered cheese from that.  Makes a quite tasty cheesey popcorn.   The leftover mac gets plain ol' red sauce instead (no waste, no want).

3) What is your first memory?

Being blown out the door of a house trailer by a near-tornado wind.  Was 2-ish at the time.  Was made over so much, is why I imagine I still remember.  It was in Hays, Kansas and the area was all rural.  Nowadays, it's all urban-- we stopped by not long ago, and ate at the restaurant that the old church had become.  My dad built that building as a Church, back then. Lasted for years and years.  Many, many years later, the church sold the land/building at a nice profit, and was able to purchase outright a newer, larger building for themselves.

                    

1) If you're in a big hurry, but need to eat, what do you resort to?   Skipping the meal entirely?  A quick pass through McD's (or equivalent) drive up?   Quick-nuke of a TV 'dinner?'  Stop and eat anyway, even if you're late...?

3) In a conversation with others, when you detect an error in their speech, do you point it out right away?  Or, point it out later, in private?  Or try your best to just ignore it...?

2) Do you keep your kitchen [food, spices, edibles] organized, with everything in it's place, or do you just stuff things where they will fit, at the time of bringing them home?

1) If you're in a big hurry, but need to eat, what do you resort to?   Skipping the meal entirely?  A quick pass through McD's (or equivalent) drive up?   Quick-nuke of a TV 'dinner?'  Stop and eat anyway, even if you're late...?

First option NOW is stop and eat. The ignore it option bought me an ulcer... Fast food is--a problem. It's also, for me, "fast passage" food, so no MickeyD's. I can do MAYBE a Whataburger (issues with pre-prepped foods and an enzyme that's created as they sit--makes eating an adventure) but best is a sit-down place where I can get specific info on the food, the prep and the timing. [Sounds picky, but I can literally be incapacitated by eating something that's been sitting out for a short time, then refrigerated, heated up and served. Carcinoid sucks.] Option otherwise?? Get one of the generic poptart packages out of my med bag. Gotta carry them, or cheese crackers, or a jar of peanut butter everywhere.

3) In a conversation with others, when you detect an error in their speech, do you point it out right away?  Or, point it out later, in private?  Or try your best to just ignore it...?

Depends on who it is. Generally, just ignore it. Someone who is trying to learn better grammar/speech patterns? I'll save and teach when not in 'company' or correct gently if one-on-one. Someone who is trying to push themselves as an authority on something, as the 'guy in charge' because he WANTS to be?? Bust 'em right then, in front of Zeus and everybody.

2) Do you keep your kitchen [food, spices, edibles] organized, with everything in it's place, or do you just stuff things where they will fit, at the time of bringing them home?

My kitchen is too--disjointed--to organize well. The house is almost 100 years old, and there's nowhere near enough storage space in the kitchen. We don't have a fully functional kitchen, either...assorted small appliances stand in for an oven and cooktop. (I need gas service to the house. I need a plumber, some re-piping and money for the deposit.)

It all gets put on a shelf by Dan when we get home (I have to go crash) and later on, I attempt to bring order out of chaos that includes a bookshelf instead of a pantry, and a shelf that's too high for me to reach fol some stuff.

I gotta clean out that damnable refrigerator. There's a bottle of ancient eggnog hiding in a back corner...




1) Would you rather read a book or watch a movie?

2) What color attracts you attention most when shopping? (This may not be your favorite color, just the one that gets you to look at things.)

3. Crisps/chips and dip or crackers and cheese?