docoflove1974

That happened to friends and I way back when. We went to this Thai place...note that of the 8 of us, 2 were white, the rest East Asian of a variety or another. My then-boyfriend (who is Burmese) asked for the hottest level possible for his dish, as did a couple of others. That day I happened to have a raging sore throat, so I wanted nothing to do with spice; I believe I ordered Basil Chicken, or some such mild thing. We got our dishes...and theirs wasn't even remotely hot. I could eat it without causing further damage to my throat. Needless to say, they either calmed it down for "us white folk," or they just simply suck in heat.

Well, I wasn't, only because I had seen both, and knew that Ratatouille would win. It was a fantastic movie, quite true...but I get the feeling that Animated Feature is pretty much going to be something lighter in mood. But Persepolis is one for the ages...very well done indeed.

Perhaps in Don Tomato's neck of the woods there's faux curry...but here in California, where there is a very high (East) Indian population, the genuine article is here, and quite tasty. As for the burgers...well, the Golden Arches, the King, and all their playmates cannot possibly represent the bliss that is experienced when consuming a true American burger (made at home, grilled on the Q). Amen.

I decided last night to go see "No Country For Old Men," seeing as how it was about to be in a double feature with "There Will Be Blood" (which I don't care to see right now). So, 9:35pm showing...and it was so worth it. Admittedly, I'm a big Coen Bros. fan. I love their work--"The Big Lebowski" is in permanent residence in my DVD collection, and "Fargo" is about to join it. I love how they can work the dark side of humanity into a central question of society: what is justice? At least, I feel that's their signature message. And they keep bringing different angles to that question. "No Country For Old Men" is another one in that vein. This time, the question is not only "What is justice?" but it also questions who's version of justice is the 'correct' one. Javier Bardem deserves most every award that he receives for his acting; I'm a huge fan of his. He takes the role of ultimate cerebral antagonist to a level not seen often; perhaps Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter is the only other one, or the one that comes to mind. It's very dark, perhaps darker than "Fargo," but it still riveting. The movie lasted about 2 hours, and I really didn't feel like I spent 2 hours in the theater. And Tommy Lee Jones...well, he's just good, but he's starting to play 'himself'...much like Jack Nicholson does. The other actors did a fine job, but it's truly amazing to watch Jones and Bardem. Sadly, they never share any scenes...oh how I'd love to see that! (By-the-by, if you're interested in another thought-provoking movie, watch "Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside)"--questions who gets to decide life or death. And again Javier Bardem is magnificent.) So...it's a great movie, and one that many will enjoy.

Don Tomato, may you continue to have your fanciful fantasies, and may you continue your goofy ways. Here's to you, dude

Don Tomato, you talk as if there's something wrong with fish n chips, curry, and sushi. My guess is that you've had entirely too many tomatos thrown at your head, and you're permanently stuck in Piccola Sicilia.

Now that I've viewed it...wow. So am I part of the global warming problem?????

I received it, yes, but haven't as of yet viewed it. Been a bit busy over here in the Golden State!

I'd love to know what it is that you ingest or imbibe that elicits these wonderful tales. Mostly, so that I know what to avoid in life.

Oh yes, happy birthday, Lost Warrior...enjoy the rest of the day!

Ah that's it...my female ESP was in the shop! Actually, it has been my entire life...I'm a fairly obvious person. It's clear to me when someone is interested, and when they're not. It's not ESP...it's body language! Either way, I had a good evening.

Sounds kinda like this morning. She first started her "oh shit!" bark (well, it sounds like a yip/bark), then I had her chillin' in the cage for about 15 minutes before we headed off. She yapped the whole way...I'm kinda glad my cat-English translator is broken. Anyway, after the vet (where she was pronounced healthy, but was given all of her shots), she's been quiet. The only time I got purrs was when I brushed her. But at least now she's on my lap, and almost normal. I guess when she's not so sore, she'll be right as rain! (But I'm not telling her that in 3 weeks she has to go back for a follow-up and booster shots!)

No wonder you English types think that the Welshmen are all nutters!

Indeed, happy birthday to you both!

First...I find it a necessity, nay, a duty, to inform the public on this evil that has been brought forth. Click here, if you can stomach (and liver) it Yes, that's a combination of Budweiser and Clamato, being sold in one can, for general consumption and pleasure. For those who don't know, or have never heard of, Clamato: it is a mix of tomato juice and clam juice (as the name implies), often used in Bloody Marys. Now, I admit that I despise tomato juice. I hate it with a passion. In fact, I don't like tomato soup. But I digress. Regardless of my feelings on the subject, this combination of tomato juice and clam spit (well, that's kinda what clam juice is) is being added to beer. I admit to a further note: Budweiser is not my normal beer of choice. Sure, if I'm attending or am planning on attending a social and public function (say, a BBQ), it's a fine general beer. You probably won't offend anyone with it. I would much rather drink it than the other "macro-brews" of the US (Miller and Coors). However, you won't tend to find it in my fridge...just my personal tastes. But I seriously want to meet the people who decided that this was a good idea...and smack them upside the head with a cast iron skillet. Their beer privileges have been revoked. I also want to meet the taste testers who said to these eejit marketing dopes, "Yes, this does taste good!"...and smack them all upside the head with the same cast iron skillet. Their beer privileges have been revoked, as well. Perhaps also their tasting licenses. I mean, for Crissakes, who in their right bleeding minds would green light this project???????

A ha! Danke!

Don't forget the captain's following line: Folks, smoke if you got'em!

They said on the news last night that the next one is in 2010...maybe it's the next one viewable to us here on the West Coast of America?

Sadly, another storm is on its way, so we could see it here in San Fran, but through the filter of clouds. But still...an awesome sight to see!

HAH! She's so incredibly skittish...doesn't like the sound of plastic bags, nor any loud noise. And she freaks out in her cage...this Saturday is the first time we go to a new vet, who's 5 minutes away (versus the old one, which is now 35+ minutes away). I don't think she's gonna do this one well, either!

Well, yes, that's part of why it's a member of the Afro-Asiatic language family. It's a large branch which includes the Aramaic group (Central Semitic), the various Arabic, Hebrew/Caananite dialects and languages (Southern Aramaic Semitic), and Ethiopian and the Arabic languages of Yemen and Oman (Southern Semitic). The Berber, Chadic, Cushtic, Egyptian, and Omotic families make up the other branches of Afro-Asiatic.

Good point, Ramses, and one that we've made on here in a few occasions. The only thing that can be said is that the Ancient Egyptian language is linguistically part of the Afro-Asiatic family, of a different branch but still similar to the Semitic languages (Hebrew, Arabic, etc.) and the Hamitic (Kushtic, etc.) languages. Ancient Egypt.org has a pretty informative and accessible sight about the language, for those interested. But, that's as far as I would go to describe the 'Egyptian' people. It seems like that area truly was a confluence--the river brought people from all over. The ethnic groups in Ancient Egypt could be varied; I would venture to say that the 'original' base is of the same group as the Semitic and Hamitic peoples, since the languages are so closely related...but beyond that? Who is to say? Interesting note: the language of the Nubians...I don't know if the sources I'm finding are right, but if so, it may not be a Semitic language (but I could be wrong). Either way, the examples that exist on the language (Old Nubian) are from the Christian era, written using the Greek alphabet with some additions. Wikipedia has a decent bibliography on the subject. The other urls that I'm getting from Google I don't quite trust yet, so maybe someone else can add information here.

I was just thinking the same thing, GPM!

Aw, thanks! The movie experience started to creep me out. Now, I've been on a date where we were the only ones in the house...but at least I wasn't completely alone for 90ish minutes. Creepy!

Ok, let's get things starting off correctly: I'm not the type of girl who sits at home moping around. I could give a bleep less that I don't have a date on Valentine's night...I'm still going out! I mean, hell, if you're sitting in a full restaurant, then you're not eating alone, right? So last night's plan: take the light rail 'downtown' (aka 15 blocks), go to dinner around 7, watch a bit of hockey at the bar of the restaurant, and then go to my movie (as I mentioned in the latest movie thread, I saw "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show," which got good reviews from me). Dinner: once I found out that the Sharks (NHL team here in San Jos