Random (but not really)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Best Male Voice

Humph. The poll for best male voice is on the sidebar.

Before anyone pitches a fit that there favorite person isn’t on here, my criteria was not for singer songwriter or song choice, but whether they would sound awesome singing The Star Spangled Banner or Christmas carols some other random song. (If it was for Christmas songs only, I would have had Robert Goulet on the list–I love how he sings Christmas songs.)

I wanted voices that made me feel all warm inside regardless of what they were singing. A lot of the recommendations were for people who don’t have amazing voices but were good song-writers–not what I wanted. (Which is why neither Tom Waites not Tom Petty made the list.)

I wanted to make a post here so y’all could berate me for ignoring your favorite singer, and so you can argue vociferously for or against someone.

Me? I’m annoyed I couldn’t come up with more non-English singers.

Written by Michelle at 11:16 am    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  

Loot!

Assuming Michael can get away from work at lunch, loot will be going out today: requested loot, thank you loot, birthday loot, and our old cell phones to cell phones for soldiers.

This week more loot should be arriving, so I can wrap it up and have Michael to send that out as well.

Then I desperately need to start my Christmas cards. I picked my cards up last year after Christmas, when they were cheap, so I’ve got three boxes of new cards, and one box of the remainders from last year (which were actually the previous years cards.)

If only I could get motivated…

ADDENDUM the First:
The loot is in the mail.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Pepperoni Rolls

West Virginia Public radio had a recent piece of pepperoni rolls.

Having grown up here, pepperoni rolls are just a food you can get in some delis and convenience stores. However, they’re a local item that has only slowly spread, and at some point I discovered that people not from this area had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned them.

Different bakeries and individuals in the Fairmont/Clarksburg area claim to be the creator of the pepperoni roll, but no one particularly knows for sure. Nor, really, does it matter. They were a food created to take into the mines.

No, I haven’t eaten one for years, but sometimes when I come across one, I remember the soft bread and the spicy pepperoni and the cheese and just for a second I am tempted.

But only for a second.

(I’d link to the WV Public Radio article, but that site is unbelievable slow and I can rarely get it to come up. So, no radio link for you.)

Written by Michelle at 6:38 pm    

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Categories: Food  

7 December 1941

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounded determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

The Pearl Harbor attack kliied 2,403 and wounded 1,178. Twenty-one ships were sunk or damaged, including the USS Arizona, which remains on the harbor floor, and the USS West Virginia, which was eventually refloated, repaired, and rejoined the fleet towards the end of the war.

Information about the Pearl Harbor Attack.

Pearl Harbor Remembered, including survivor’s remembrances.

The USS West Virginia, including pictures of the ship from the 20s through the “mothballing” of the ship in the 1950s (She was later broken up and sold for scrap).

The USS Arizona, from the University of Arizona, including a brief history and online exhibits.

President Roosevelt’s speech in response to the other attacks that day.

USS West Virginia

Written by Michelle at 8:00 am    

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Categories: History  

Saturday, December 6, 2008

WVU vs USF

This is last home game of the 2008 season. They’ve designated this game a “white out” in honor of Pat White.

I hope they kick ass to finish Pat White’s career on a high note, because I have to say that of all my years following the Mountaineers, Pat White has been my all time favorite player–finally replacing Paul Woodside.

So for Pat White’s last game…

LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s OVER!

13 – 6 WVU! It’s a win for Patrick White’s last game!

Written by Michelle at 8:02 pm    

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Categories: West Virginia  

What the…?

I think that Nathan needs the first item in this list.

Written by Michelle at 12:21 pm    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  

Friday, December 5, 2008

Happiness is Contagious

That’s right folks, happiness is contagious.

Just remember, I’m here for your health.

Written by Michelle at 11:21 am    

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Categories: Depression,Science, Health & Nature  

Friday Cat Blogging

Cats_0004

I suppose this means the stereo is nice and warm.

Cats_0003

Don’t try to figure out what that look means. She was probably just tormented by the air molecules.

Kat_0001

A new form of kitty prison!

Written by Michelle at 8:00 am    

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Categories: Cats,Photos  

Today’s Word

As a fan of folk fore and folk tales, I’ve always been fond of golems. Even if they do tend to come to depressing ends.

golem \GOH-lum\ noun
1 : an artificial being in Hebrew folklore endowed with life
*2 : someone or something resembling a golem

Did you know?
The Hebrew ancestor of the word “golem” meant “shapeless mass,” and the original golems started as lumps of clay that were formed into figures and brought to life by means of a charm or a combination of letters forming a sacred word. In the Middle Ages, golems were thought to be the perfect servants; their only fault was that they were sometimes too literal or mechanical in fulfilling their masters’ orders. In the 16th century, the golem was thought of as a protector of the Jews in times of persecution. But by the late 1800s, “golem” had acquired a less friendly second sense, referring to a man-made monster that inspired many of the back-from-the-dead creations of classic horror fiction.

Written by Michelle at 7:28 am    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Personal Moon

Personal moon and stars.

(via io9)

Written by Michelle at 11:22 am    

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Categories: Photos  

Supporting WVU

The WVU student chapter of the Society of American Foresters is holding
its annual Christmas tree sale through Dec. 12 at the Seneca Center.
Hours are 5-8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends. Students
are selling locally grown and recently cut Canaan Fir – a Canaan Valley
Seed source originally researched by Franklin Cech. Trees are 6-7 feet
($35) or 7-8 feet ($45).

Looking for a greener gift for the holiday season? The WVU Organic
Research Project is selling blankets made with certified organic wool
from sheep raised on WVU’s Organic Farm. Queen-sized blankets are
available in blue, green, orange and red ($150). Twin-sized blankets and
lap robes are available in the same colors ($125 and $100). Blankets will also be available at the Plant and
Soil Sciences Greenhouse during its poinsettia sale, which began Monday
(Dec. 1).

Written by Michelle at 8:00 am    

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Categories: West Virginia  

More on Previous Post

So my problem in creating my list for best male singer, is that for some singers it’s hard to separate the singer from the songs, which is why on the second half of my list I have singer-songwriters.

What I want are voices that are inspiring no matter what they sing–which is how Paul Robeson ended up at the top of that list.

There are a couple other singers I forgot to look up last night–singers who don’t sing in English, but it doesn’t matter because just listening to the voice is pleasurable.

So please keep making recommendations.

Written by Michelle at 7:45 am    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Best Male Singer

I’m going to create a poll for best male voice, but I’d like some ideas of who to put on the list. (Beat female voice will come later)

Here’s who I am considering:
Paul Robeson
Leonard Cohen
Frank Sinatra
Bono
Johnny Cash

Singers on my personal list, (often because their songs are in my vocal range):
Billy Joel
Neil Finn
Tom Petty
David Lowery (Cracker)

I’ll add more as I think of them.

Written by Michelle at 12:11 pm    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  

Word Association

What is it about Wednesdays?

So let’s play word association! Maybe that will get my brain moving.

Today’s starter word:
Sweater

Written by Michelle at 8:00 am    

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Categories: Non-Sequiturs  
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