Memes

Generally, I do not do "memes". Those odd stepchildren of blogging where someone comes up with an idea to torture fellow bloggers. (I did once tag The Anchoress with one, though, so I suppose paybacks are in order.) So Phil, from Brandywine Books decided I needed to be tagged, though I am not sure why he hates me. So the rules he sent are these:

In which each player lists eight facts/habits about themselves, the rules of the game being posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed, eight people tagged at the end of the post, listing their names. The player then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read his blog.

I am supposed to list eight facts or habits about myself. I am not entirely sure I have eight that I wish to share, but I'll give it a go.

1. I tinker with things. At the moment there are four computers in my office, two online right now, one disconnected and sitting forlornly looking sad and another with a questionable power supply that is daring me to try to fix it. I have bits and pieces of computer hardware stuffed in various locations waiting for me to get around to sticking them into various computer boxes. They are patient, but I can sense them watching me, waiting for their moment in the sun, so to speak.

2. I write some things in full hyperbolic mode. See #1.

3. For someone who spends as much time as I do writing about the Animal Uprising™, I have a lot of animals about the place. Well, not a lot, I suppose, but a dog and a cat. There are some fish, too. But no bird.

4. The bird, who for whatever reason was my bird from the moment he laid eyes on me, died a short while ago. He was a cockatiel named Carter (He had that name when he was given to us – has nothing to do with politics). He died while I was on vacation a while ago. My son, who was watching him for us, felt awful. I felt worse. I had to bury him.

5. I hate having pets. Because I always have to bury them. Every time. Except the pony, thank heavens. (Not hyperbole).

6. I am a very good cook. Seriously. Not the "throw something on the grill" variety but a really good cook. Oh, I can throw things on the grill with the best of them. But I can also make a gourmet meal. (Not hyperbole).

7. I watch almost no television at all – especially the news. This is, I think, a bit surprising considering that I grew up watching it almost every free moment. (Wasn't it Harlan Ellison who called it "The Glass Teat?") I grew tired of the television  – especially the news – a long time ago. I still catch a few shows – but not regularly. The news is right out, especially the broadcast network stuff.

8. I'm not a huge fan of professional sports. I watch the occasional football game during the season, but never pay any attention to baseball or any other sports. It was never a big deal for me. I suppose that is a bit odd these days.

I'll not tag anyone with this, despite the rules. I can be contrary at times.

• 

  By Sylvia, July 18, 2007 @ 11:23 am

  So, any good salmon recipes?

• 

  By Gaius, July 18, 2007 @ 11:47 am

  Poached salmon with capers

  Using a smallish skillet with a cover, add 1/3 cup of water, 1 Tbs lemon juice and 1 chicken bouillon cube. Heat to boil breaking up and dissolving cube. reduce heat to a simmer. Add two salmon fillets (6-7 ounce). Cover tightly, let simmer 5 minutes. Turn salmon over, recover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove salmon to individual serving plates. Raise burner temp to high, bring liquid to boil, reduce by about 1/2. Add 1/3 stick of butter. when melted add ~2 Tbs capers (or to taste). Remove from heat, pour over salmon. Eat. Serves 2 normal humans or one teenage boy. (Trust me).

  (Heart attacks at your own risk.)

• 

  By Sylvia, July 18, 2007 @ 12:53 pm

  Looks perfect. I’ve been buying extra salmon each week and fixing some for my grandparents. So far I’ve only grilled it (marinated in grated ginger root and a bit of tamari), so this will be a nice change. Thanks!

• 

  By Gaius, July 18, 2007 @ 1:33 pm

  I think you’ll like it. It is very tasty.

• 

  By wheels, July 18, 2007 @ 3:18 pm

  I don’t know if Harlan Ellison was the first to refer to television by that name, but he did have a weekly television review column by that name. The columns were collected in the books “The Glass Teat,” and “The Other Glass Teat.”

  Quite interesting to read. Interesting perspectives on 1960s-era television and society.

Other Links to this Post

1. Blue Crab Boulevard » We Stand Corrected — July 19, 2007 @ 11:32 am