Dinner with the Doc and Other Assorted Ramblings

I'm not really sure what prompted my spate of posts today. Perhaps it's because of the remarks from you guys telling me to get off of my ass and do something other than moping about, perhaps it's because I never managed to fall asleep last night and have been up for 32 hours and am in a manic mood, or perhaps it's because I made a pan of strawberry jello mixed with fruit cocktail, and who doesn't feel better after a jiggly treat?

Dinner tonight was orecchiette pasta with broccoli, fresh tomato, sausage, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. 

*****

Say, do you guys remember me mentioning the handsome hunks on the HBO show True Blood, the series created from the Sookie Stackhouse novels? (See the side bar ---> for a book sample.) I had wanted to put up some photos of several of the male actors, but never got around to doing it. Well, it turns out that the September issue of Rolling Stone features two of the guys and the actress who plays Sookie, and I stumbled across a photo of the cover just a few minutes ago.

Tadah!

 

 

Admittedly, the red punch concentrate rolling down their bodies is somewhat off putting, but you can still see that the guys are seriously fit. Oh yeah, and Ana Paquin is there too. Meh.

And on a final note, I am not actually afflicted with multiple personalities, though I do appreciate the email from a reader who was concerned about my welfare. That was just a silly joke on my part; well, at least I thought it was funny. Perhaps it lost something in the translation. And by translation, I mean going from my mind to the electronic page.

;^)

Ok, Who Edits These Things?

I am currently reading 3 books at the moment. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking. How can you read 3 books at once, Dr Mandragora? I can barely finish a single book within a reasonable amount of time. Or you may be thinking, 3 books, Dr Mandragora? How do you keep the three stories separate in your head?

The answer is simple, dear reader. I suffer from multiple personality disorder, and 3 different personalities are reading their own story.  The only one not reading anything at the moment is Pierre, but he's dyslexic and it's like pulling teeth to get him to pick up a book.

Anyway, within the space of a few hours, I found two glaring errors in two different books. The first error comes from a book I ordered on Amazon.com a while back. It's titled The Ankh of Isis.(And forgive my pasty white hand; the book wouldn't lay flat.)

In this passage, a teen has just hit his father over the head with a small statue to render him unconscious. Oh no, don't worry, this is not a case of parental abuse. His dad was about to decapitate one of his friends with a saber. (Don't ask.)

If you will look at the paragraph that begins with the name Diedrich (I know, what person in their right mind would think Diedrich is a good character name?), you will see that the sentence says, "Diedrich stepped into the light and stood over his father's prostate form..."

He stepped over his dad's prostate? Yes, I know what you are thinking. Just how much force did the kid use if his dad's prostate came out. Considering the prostate's role in male reproduction, I think it's safe to bet that Diedrich will not be getting a new sibling anytime in the future.

Now, admittedly, prostate and prostrate could be easily missed by an editor's or a print setter's eyes. The second editting error is a bit more egregious.

This one comes from an e-book (hence the screenshot) I downloaded to my iPhone. It's titled The Magickers Chronicles: Book 1.

If you read the page, you will see that the character of Jason refers to the saying, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." However, the author, through the voice of Jason, attributes the quote to Winston Churchill. Hello! McFly? Is anybody in there? Everyone knows that it was Franklin D. Roosevelt who uttered those words during one of his inaugural speeches. Though I like Winston, especially when he makes an appearance on Dr. Who, it was not he who said that. Credit should be given where credit is due.

Ok, so not only did the author not know this, neither the editor nor anyone else caught that? Who are these people that they don't know basic history? Sheesh. I could go on and on about this, but Pierre is knocking at the door in my mind. I think he is muttering something about his morning crepes. Of course, with his dyslexia, he could be saying something about his morning crap, and I do not need another accident in bed, so I'd best be signing out.

Have a great day!

The Doctor Told Them Both...

 

...to stay away from salt.

Shameful

I am so sorry. I had planned a post regarding the Republican-made controversy over President Obama's remarks regarding the mosque planned in the Ground Zero area. It was going to be one of my Republitard joke posts; however, I simply cannot get my mind to focus. I am starting to think that my depression is coming back again and that is what is interfering with my thoughts. I am also sleeping a great deal. In a 24 period, I realized today that I spend between 16-18 of those hours asleep and another couple of hours awake but still in bed. I am up and about very little these days.

Here are the pictures I had gathered for the post and some brief commentary:

People seem to have forgotten that the attack on September 11th were carried out by terrorists, not Muslim clerics.  It was an act of evil done by people who had twisted their religion into one of intolerance and hate; the terrorists should learn to be tolerant and loving as this young woman is demonstrating.

The mosque will be housed in an old Burlington Coat Factory. People are acting like it is going to be a shrine to bin Laden, which it most certainly is not.

I was disappointed to see the Republican hierarchy attacking President Obama over his remarks that private citizens using private funds have the right to build their community center. Freedom of religion is one of the fundamental rights upon which the country is founded; for one of our political parties to step all over that to garner clout amongst the ignorant is shameful.

And Now A Word From Our Sponsors

Since I watch very little television, this commercial is new to me. For those of you who are regular television watchers, you may have seen this already. I think it is extremely cute and rather funny.

Weeeeeeeeeee! Wee wee weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

What?

I found this on one of the chans I frequent and thought it was very witty.

Randomness

I have had several ideas for posts the last week or so and even two ideas for short stories. For some reason, though, I have been unable to gather my thoughts, or perhaps my energy/strength, to sit down at my computer and type out my ideas.

So, instead of putting up the actual posts, I will put up the outlines of the posts instead. As you read through them, imagine that I am being witty and interesting.

*****

1.  I bought the DVD to Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp a few weeks back, and I loved it!  Of course, truth be told, I don't think I can recall a Johnny Depp film that I've disliked. His interpretation of the Mad Hatter was really fun, and Helena Bonham Cater's Red Queen was great. The idea that Alice is a warrior destined to save Wonderland was certainly  different take on the original tale, and the battle scene of armored Alice versus the Jabberwocky was well done. The only complaint I have is Crispin Glover as the Red Queen's guard captain. All I could envision was him as the uber nerd George McFly from Back to the Future. I simply could not take him seriously as a villain. My post plan here was to discuss my childhood obsession with Disney cartoons. And perhaps my secret crushes on the animated male heroes. On second thought, perhaps I should save that for my therapist. ;)

2.  In case you have not noticed on the sidebar, my new guilty pleasure is Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series. The books are set in a world where vampires, werewolves, witches, and fairies exist alongside human beings. Sookie is a waitress in a small Louisiana bar, is 1/8 fairy, and has the ability to read minds. As the books move along, Sookie has relationships with vampires and a werewolf. She becomes important to the vampires due to her mind reading ability and so, gets dragged into plot after plot. In this way, she becomes involved in murders, bombings, hiding bodies, wars, etc. To be honest, the story lines have become very convoluted and over the top. I recently became aware that there is an HBO series called True Blood that is based upon the novels. I don't have any premium channels, but have watched many episodes online. The books and series are clearly made for a female audience, so I am not sure why I like them. Except for the fact that I am gay....lol! Anyway, I had meant to put up several photos of the (handsome) actors, but after finding this one, I just pooped out and wasn't up to finding anymore. I've held out for 4 days already, trying to gather the gumption to look around for more pictures, but I just can't. So, enjoy this one at least.

3.  I have been somewhat not myself lately, as I believe I've commented. Apparently the people around me have noticed as well. Well, my godson, who I pretty much raised since he was 3, must have noticed because he surprised me with a gift a few weeks back. My intention was to post about it immediately, but ..... you know. Anyway, he surprised my with the one thing that was guaranteed to cheer me up..a new electronic device! He works for Radio Shack part time since he is still attending college and was able to get me an iPhone 4 on the day of their release. Yea Me! The plan was to post a couple of pictures of my hand holding the phone in silly situations, kind of in a Thing sort of vibe, and talk about my favorite 5 apps. Meh.

4. The final two post ideas are really more short story ideas. The first idea features a spider that is actually a spy. I figured that could be fun. And the other idea is a Dr Mandragora/Greek mythology story where he meets the hero Theseus. I even found this cool picture to illustrate the tale. Of course, I suppose I still could, if I can gather all of my loose threads together.

Oh, and by the way, I received a letter in the mail. My new date is October 11, so, another countdown is underway. Lovely...

Trees

A Tree

The world a blur to most Most see a tree as a tree The day you actually see When the world is not the same world A tree is no longer a tree A tree is something that bears fruit A tree is something beautiful Even in the harshest winds A tree stands its ground A tree with leaves of majestic green No longer just a tree But a tree that is a work of art That is the day you see the world That is the day the world comes into focus That is the day you truly see the tree

by Laura Green

Dessert with the Doc

My brother and nephew came by today for lunch. 

My nephew wanted a chocolate pie, so I made him one.

*****

On another note, I just read the post below this one regarding the Cyber Seduction film and am very embarrassed. I recall watching the film last night, but do not recall making the post. Not a good sign. I almost deleted the post, in fact, but finally decided against it. I really need to stop drinking in the evenings. Lol.

Cyber Seduction

I was having trouble sleeping tonight and so found myself watching a really bad film called His Cyber Seduction starring Jeremy Sumpter.

The film was really really bad. The acting was even worse.

I am fairly drunk and so have no intelligent responses to make.

Jeremy is cute but can't act his way out of a paper bag.

The Womens Channel sucks ass and is a joke of a channel that is,ostensibly, trying to help women.

And I am, apparently, a misogynist.

Whatever.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lunch with the Doc

It's been rainy and dreary here the last few days and my mom decided that she wanted some menudo for lunch. Now, as you may know, menudo is generally eaten when it is cold and not when the temperature is 90 degrees, but I made it for her nonetheless.

Menudo is made with beef tripe in a heavily seasoned broth and is boiled for hours to get soft.

It is finished my hominy and boiled pigs feet.

( I know it sounds gross, but it is a staple in Mexican cuisine.)

Wizard's Staff

I had a old high school buddy contact me a few days ago. I was very surprised to get an email from him since I haven't seen him in years. At first, I was hesitant to read the email since most of my interactions the last couple of years with old friends have not been pleasant. But I eventually opened it.

I won't repeat his exact words, but he pretty much said that he wasn't concerned with the drama swirling around me, that he's known me since junior high school and knows who I am, and that he was behind me. That was good to hear.

Anyway, after talking about mutual friends, he related that our buddy Mark has become a Wiccan and had been carving wands as a hobby. That reminded me that I have a hand carved wizard staff that I purchased from a company that specializes in weapons recreations. Though they primarily sell period armor, swords, maces, daggers, etc., for a few months they offered these carved staves. Being a fantasy loving geek, I purchased one before they stopped carrying them.  I've had the staff now for about 16 years and had forgotten about it. I sent my friend some photos of it and decided to share them here as well.

Very Odd

Something rather odd occurred today and I can't quite seem to figure out what could be happening.

I was sweeping the den and kitchen this afternoon to make the house presentable. My sister and nephew were coming by for lunch and I didn't want to be embarrassed by having dust bunnies join us at the table. Besides, those little buggers eat more than you realize!

Anyway, as I was sweeping dust into the dustpan, I heard the doorbell ring. I knew it could not be my family since they were not due yet for another half hour or so. I looked out the den glass door, but I did not recognize the car that was parked by the curb or the young man that was sitting in the driver's seat.

The doorbell rang again.

I walked into the kitchen and looked out the window. Lo and behold, standing on the porch was one of my ex school district schoolboard members. I have to say I was very surprised to see her standing there. While I was still employed, I was a supporter of hers. Once my downfall began, she was the first to call for my head on a platter, which infuriated me, to be honest. And now, here she stood at my door, ringing the bell.

I chose not to answer the door and she eventually left. I am curious, though, as to what she wanted. Truth be told, I know enough about her political dealings, and other board members' dealings as well, that if I told what I know, several of them would be in hot water. Yet, I don't think that is why she was here.

Since I have no intention of ever speaking to any of those people again, I suspect I will never know what she wanted. It just seemed very strange that she would come over here now.

By the way, from now on, if I post from my phone, I will not be adding in a photo. It seems when I do so from this app, the picture gets posted in some weird folder that doesn't let you enlarge it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Trying To Settle Down

Sheesh.

After several extremely tense days, being given a "reprieve", if you will, has left me shaky and physically tired. Perhaps it's a natural reaction to high levels of adrenaline pumping through me for so long. Of course, that would be a first for me, since it's rare for anything to be pumping through my sedentary veins or arteries. Well, not counting the alcohol, of course. Lol.


To help me return to a sense of peace/normalcy (for a couple of months at least), I will try to return to my usual posts.

And so I present, Wallpaper Wednesday! And not on Wednesday, as per usual.

And, by the way, I appreciate all of you guys for your kind words and emails. They mean a lot.

Since I am NOT a resident of Arizona, let me say, "Muchas gracias."  ;-)

Good Grief...

Needless to say, I have been a complete and total wreck all week. Meetings with lawyers, their inevitable request for more money (bloodsuckers), and surprising phone calls from friends past and present. If I had made a list of which friends/family members would/would not stand behind me, I would have been correct about 30% of the time.

I had meant to put up a very detailed post with asides and witty remarks, but I find I am simply too mentally and emotionally tired to do so. So, I will simply say, I do not have court on Monday after all.

The judge contacted my "Dream Team" and informed them that she was unable to handle the case right now, so she is resetting it. Though there is no concrete date yet, she was making noises that she would be moving it to November.

 Now, I would be lying if I said that I am unhappy about being put off again. And besides, maybe something good will transpire between now and then.

I shall keep you guys informed.

In the meantime, I am playing with some story ideas to place here on the blog.  Sine Logicum has been a dark and unpleasant place of late, and I think that needs to change.

Update

Thanks to those of you who have emailed me asking what is happening with me.

I know that I have mentioned my well known and expensive legal team. I have come to the conclusion that these two guys are fucking clowns with big reputations. They have repeatedly related to me conversations they have had with the DA. But in all of these tales, they seem to be groveling and rolling over.

I am not sure if any of you guys are familiar with how the legal give actually works, but it is not what you think. It apparently is like a poker game. There is no concern given to right or wrong, true or false, guilty or not guilty. It's all a game. Who blinks first, who holds a greater hand.

Well, my clowns feel that the DA will present a case that will paint me as a monster, the jury's worst nightmare of a creep working around their kids. And so, they are pressuring me to take a plea deal. At first, the deal was a 15 year cap on the charges. Now, they are offering a 40 year cap.

As I have also mentioned, the judge in my case is a very political creature. She has confided to my lawyers off the record that she is planning on looking good in the media on my case. So, what ever the cap is, I will get that plus more and with probably no chance of parole.

In short, guys, I suspect I am going to be completely fucked in court next week.

I am still praying for justice, but I don't think I will be getting it.

I meet with my idiot lawyers tomorrow. Hopefully they will have some positive news, but I don't expect any. They are clearly not interested in me and are ready to just cash out the 50 grand I placed in their accounts.

Well, I will try to keep you guys in the loop. Thanks for your kind thoughts and positive energy.

Dr M

Poetic Justice

I'm not sure how many of you have been watching the World Cup, but if you have, you must have noticed the incessant buzzing sound that plays throughout each and every match. That lovely sound is due to the fans blowing a plastic horn known as a vuvuzela. Now, apparently, those dang horns have not only been irritating me, they have been hurting the people blowing them as well.

And though I am not one who revels in schadenfreude, I did chuckle at the article above.

It's Not Sour Grapes...

...I'm just saying.

Male Hygiene

Now, not to suggest that any of the gentle readers of Sine Logicum would have need of grooming and personal hygiene tips, but I stumbled across this graphic recently and found it interesting.

And for those who have emailed, there has been no good news. I still have a court date of July 19. My legal team still thinks the DA has built a powerful case and are still suggesting I take a plea deal even though I have never done anything wrong or immoral or illegal in my life. So yeah, happy days, and an even rosier future ahead of me.

Starship Comparisons

I found this graphic a couple of days ago and have been looking at it ever since. Have you ever wondered how the USS Enterprise measures up to an Empire Battlecruiser? Or how a V Mothership compares to the Battlestar Galactica?

Oh.....no?

Well, perhaps it's just me.

;-)