A walk around Shaw
So several months ago, I moved my TV to a better viewing position. What this meant, however, was that it was separated from my building's master antenna line -- so no more TV, just DVDs. Which has been, for the most part, OK, because I mostly rely on Netflix for my viewing indulgences anyway (both movies and TV series, such as Freaks and Geeks, The Wire, Arrested Development, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, can be had via Netflix). But anyway, the bottom line is that I've been without TV since spring, with the exception of when I travel, and then it's usually CNN and BBC anyway.
Anyway, yesterday I finally ran a coaxial cable line to the TV's new location, so once again I am hooked up. I had been avoiding this because it was a huge pain -- as evidenced by the bruise on my finger where I banged myself repeatedly while hammering in cable tacks -- and there's no way it's not aesthetically ugly. Last night I watched Saturday Night Live, and I tell ya, what a difference being away from TV for a long time makes -- the show seemed funny (and some of it actually was, such as a funny skit involving a Fake Lou Reed and Patty Smith reminiscing about CBGB's), even the commercials were engaging. And I saw my first political attack ads of the season, something most people are probably sick of. The other striking thing was the feeling that I'd been cut off from civilization and had just re-engaged. I know it's illusionary, but TV gives you the impression that you've been tied into a huge global family. A family that doesn't listen to you, of course.
One other thing I should mention is that I occasionally like to take a swig of Tabasco sauce, or something similar, and DL Jardine's Texas Champagne cayenne pepper sauce is a particularly good sauce to swig. And last night it struck me that it would be even better mixed up as a shot with a little bit of vodka, so I found a bottle of Stolichnaya in the freezer, mixed it up with chili sauce, and lo and behold, it made for an excellent drink.
Last night also featured a trip to the Fox & Hounds for dinner (Penne Putanesca, yum). It was a perfect Fox & Hounds night, not too crowded, not too many revellers from outside the neighborhood, a few familiar faces talking about familiar things. To my disappointment, I learned from the experts assembled at the bar that the chili-sauce-and-vodka drink I had created is not a new invention, but instead is known as a "Prairie Dog."
As for today... today was a perfect day for a walk around Shaw. The link takes you to some photos.
Anyway, yesterday I finally ran a coaxial cable line to the TV's new location, so once again I am hooked up. I had been avoiding this because it was a huge pain -- as evidenced by the bruise on my finger where I banged myself repeatedly while hammering in cable tacks -- and there's no way it's not aesthetically ugly. Last night I watched Saturday Night Live, and I tell ya, what a difference being away from TV for a long time makes -- the show seemed funny (and some of it actually was, such as a funny skit involving a Fake Lou Reed and Patty Smith reminiscing about CBGB's), even the commercials were engaging. And I saw my first political attack ads of the season, something most people are probably sick of. The other striking thing was the feeling that I'd been cut off from civilization and had just re-engaged. I know it's illusionary, but TV gives you the impression that you've been tied into a huge global family. A family that doesn't listen to you, of course.
One other thing I should mention is that I occasionally like to take a swig of Tabasco sauce, or something similar, and DL Jardine's Texas Champagne cayenne pepper sauce is a particularly good sauce to swig. And last night it struck me that it would be even better mixed up as a shot with a little bit of vodka, so I found a bottle of Stolichnaya in the freezer, mixed it up with chili sauce, and lo and behold, it made for an excellent drink.
Last night also featured a trip to the Fox & Hounds for dinner (Penne Putanesca, yum). It was a perfect Fox & Hounds night, not too crowded, not too many revellers from outside the neighborhood, a few familiar faces talking about familiar things. To my disappointment, I learned from the experts assembled at the bar that the chili-sauce-and-vodka drink I had created is not a new invention, but instead is known as a "Prairie Dog."
As for today... today was a perfect day for a walk around Shaw. The link takes you to some photos.
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