January 30, 2013

Yesterday was BBQ, Beer and Books with a Movie thrown in. James Spader was almost unrecognizable.John Hawkes from Deadwood was great. Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field were terrific as were Tommy Lee Jones and Hal Holbrook. An interesting movie with impact and thought.



Another tour of Turing: Turing's Cathedral: The Origins of the Digital Universe
by George Dyson.



A friend of mine visited Harper's Ferry after reading this book. Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz.



I used to play the Guitar. Maybe this will get me playing again. Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning by Gary Marcus.



Wildwood BBQ has some great Wings.



Their Brisket is really good. I ate it Naked style to appreciate the smoke flavor. The drink was Keegan's Mother's Milk Stout.

January 28, 2013

This is Awilda.

Created from the same white macael marble used in ancient Roman columns, Plensa created the “Awilda” and “Chloe” sculptures to appear to be in a dreamlike state, hoping to encourage the rushed world around them to pause and perhaps join the dream.

“Awilda” and “Chloe” are metaphors for the diversity and similarity of all people; people just trying to be happy where they are, when they are there,” according to Jaume Plensa. “Inspired by the thousands of people who pass through Grand Central Station and Grand Hyatt New York each day,” Awilda” and “Chloe”, pay homage to anonymous people in motion,” he added.



Back in 2011, this was Echo in Madison Square Park.

January 27, 2013

MIB 3 wasn't bad. I love the way the Movie uses the Chrysler Building as it's Time Jump platform.



My picture of the Chrysler Building from last December. The Chrysler Building was built between 1928 and 1930 and designed by architect William Van Alen. Stainless-steel eagle heads and Chrysler radiator caps were added to the design when Walter P. Chrysler bought the project before construction.

January 26, 2013

Had a $10 gift card from Best Buy, MIB 3 is the purchase. MIB 1 was great, MIB 2 was OK. Will see about this one.



Will go see Lincoln this week. I had read Team of Rivals back in 2005.



It is still Restaurant Week and it will be a return visit next week. I can't get enough of this place.

January 21, 2013

Pretty cool that the Holiday and Inauguration are the same day.

When Inauguration Day Falls on Sunday:
Only six times in the nation's history has the constitutionally-mandated date for a Presidential Inauguration fallen on a Sunday. January 20, 2013 will be the seventh time, and following historical precedent, the public ceremony will be held at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, January 21, 2013. In a tradition that dates back to 1917, the White House arranged a private swearing in before noon on January 20, 2013.



Bought Quicken because it Syncs well with the I-Pad. Didn't realize Microsoft Money no longer updates. Purchased it via Amazon and saved a bit.



Will be attending to financial matters, so can't forget taxes. I usually file early but this year I will get killed so I will wait for April 15th.



From the 95 Theses:
27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory].

28. It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice can be increased, but the result of the intercession of the Church is in the power of God alone.

January 19, 2013

Today will be the first memorial Mass for my wife, can't believe it has been over a month since she passed. Work has kept me busy and I am trying to navigate this new way of life. It will be interesting to see what the next few months will bring.



Been learning the I-Pad Mini. It has a million features. I think I will pick up a book to learn more. Barnes and Noble just sent me a 20% off coupon. At work, two women who I call the "I-Pad Queens" have tutored me on some features. They live and breathe their I-Phones and I-Pads. The NaturePix app is cool and it allows some great pictures to use as Wallpaper. The Queens showed me how to adjust the settings after I couldn't do it, even after some diligent researching.



Restaurant Week until February 8th. Went to Rosa Mexicano on First Avenue and 58th and it was great. The Waiter allowed us to order anything off the menu as part of Restaurant Week because two of four wanted to have different entrées.



Smith and Wollensky, the absolute best for Restaurant Week. They still give you the regular menu and regular Wine list and make you ask for the Restaurant Week menu. Part of the game. An Awesome deal, table of four with three bottles of wine came in under $400, when normally it would be around $800. Going back again next week.



Trying out the I-Pad Mini camera in Washington Square Park.



The guy playing was really good.



Next was a new BBQ place called Mighty Quinn's. It was the best Brisket I have ever had so far. I didn't get the sandwich, I ordered Brisket Naked.



The beans were good too and the slicer had just thrown Burnt ends in the Beans.



A great lunch. Cost $20.14. Worth it.



Beer selection was terrific, had the Greenport Duck Porter which went well with the Brisket.



On the way to the Greenmarket, I spot hundreds of San Francisco Giant Fans. The World Series trophy was on display at Finnerty's on Second Avenue and 13th Street.



An over-sized chess match.



The Dummies series are actually well-written and informative.



Read the NYT review about this book and it looked interesting. How to Think More About Sex, it is not a Sex manual, more of a self-help, philosophy book by Alain De Botton. Some fascinating observations about modern life.

January 12, 2013

Broke down and bought the I-Pad Mini. This one has the Cellular connection. Will use it mostly at home with the Wi-Fi but it could become handy later.



Will be playing B-Ball tonight in a memorial Alumni game from my old grammar school. I will again be the oldest player on the Court.

January 5, 2013

Going to see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. I was recommended to try the Regular 3-D. I used to travel by myself a lot in an old job, so I am used to dining and seeing Movies alone. Will be weird at first but I will get used to it.

January 1, 2013

2013, I sure this will be an interesting year. My life has taken a new turn, let's see where it takes me.



Trappist Beers from Chimay for New Year's Eve.



Samuel Smith's Taddy Porter for the day after.