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Some sourdough za and a glass of red.

Thanks everyone! We were away for a long weekend of eating and drinking. Our son lives in the NE of the UK, so we spent a couple of days with him. Then we spent two days at The Black Swan at Olstead https://www.blackswanoldstead.co.uk/ , a two michelin star restaurant. That was quite an experience. 7 courses in the tasting menu with a glass of matching wines with each course. This is really in the middle of nowhere down a single track road. As it got narrower and narrower we honestly wondered if we were on the right road. Got back a few hours ago - and I feel as if I've put on quite a bit of weight! Cheers all!

Thanks all. It's a bit difficult to comprehend (at times anyway) where the time goes. I remember a lot of what's happened in the last 25 years or so but at the same time don't. But I think I'll continue Operation Ostrich and try not to have today feel like much more than any other day. That said, minus work it was a great day of catching up with some friends and family and having good food at home and now breaking my no-drinking-till Thursday rule to enjoy a wee dram of the good stuff.

Breakfast at the Mayberry compound. I made homemade biscuits while Al manned the flattop. He cooked bacon, hashbrowns and a scramble w/sautéed onion, bell pepper and cheese. We had honey peppered smoked salmon, which a few of us mixed into our scramble. Mmmmm! Now I don't see this as a bad thing, but I tend to cook just slightly more than needed. Is 18 eggs, 15 biscuits and a pound and a half of bacon really too much for 5 people? 😀 I believe that there should be leftovers for everyone to take home.

Jazz in the Movies: Chet Baker Performing (which he only does on seven of the 18 tracks). This Italian release is under various titles and various track listings, so whatever you find, may or may not be the same album, but this version is a good listen as you wind down the work week (yes, I'm mentally winding down at 9am). Also not to be confused with the Jazz on Film: Italian series, which is much more comprehensive and I probably need to buy next. Ex. EDIT: Just bought.

From All Sides by Vince Guaraldi (1964) https://open.qobuz.com/album/v8c45tsbx2ekb Example: Ah Bola.. Not super fidelity on this album, but a very nice listen.

Cable Managed / Mangled "Streamer Edition", with passing turkeys. 🦃 🦃 🦃

I do like me a go fast story...

"I think I found a market for these old SCSI cables."

In the UK we get hardly any fossil fuels from Iraq, <1%. The the thing that hits global oil prices, and hence fuel prices - is the cost per barrel of Brent Crude. So it hits everyone globally - including the US. Most energy supply companies hedge by buying ahead, usually at least 6 months and up to a year. So there is a lot of intertia in the price of fuel and gas. The fuel taps don't just turn off overnight.

I've missed this thread until now, but been a fan of The Charismatic Voice for a while. I enjoyed this episode a lot. In a similar vein, I go on bents of Drumeo's "For the first time" series, which can be pretty analytic depending the drummer.

^^ in my queue, looking forward to it. The Magnificent Moodies by The Moody Blues (1965) https://open.qobuz.com/album/urxbgzj4qgepc Example:

Not a standard TV show, but a YouTube channel. Armistead Maupin was a young conservative Viet Nam vet. Who moved to San Fransisco in 1971. He moved there for a job with the Associated Press. He was a closeted gay man who learned quickly once in SF to be honest with himself and others about who he was. He made friends with many people, including Harvey Milk and Rock Hudson. He started a weekly story in the SF Chronicle, which turned into the 'Tales of the City' series of books. I've run into him a few times in my life. First in a bar in Seattle, not long after reading the first book. And a few years back in the Castro, as well as the Pride Parade I attended with Colin and Brent. One of the early jobs I did after moving back here in 2017, was to remodel his old house after he sold it to a Yuppy Tech. A-hole. Claire's chase lounge that Al and I built several years back is built from the primary bedroom deck boards the new owner had me dismantle. He now lives in London with his partner, and has been doing these 'fireside chats' on YouTube that are just amazing. He and his generation paved the way for me and subsequent generations. He talks about having to be completely closeted, the AIDS epidemic, Rock's friendship, Harvey and his assassination... It's history coming straight from a man that lived it, and it's fascinating to me. Look up Armistead Maupin on YouTube if you may have any interest. And for those not familiar with the Tales of the City books or TV series, you certainly don't need to be gay to thoroughly enjoy them. They're a fun romp through time, with lots of then current events tossed in for good measure.

Added lights to the patio. Previously Now with lights That work! And are automated!

Making a chicken filé gumbo

A lovely Sunday drive...

It's proportional to my head.

Not sure if this is widely known, but I only found out about it today on The Norman Bates Memorial Soundtrack Show. Seems the first three Space: 1999 episodes were stitched together and released theatrically in Italy. And they got Ennio Morricone to do the soundtrack! It's very different than Barry Gray's. Import CD purchased, below is a sample, and the whole thing is streaming on some Hungarian site. Fun! Ex. (put on your seat belts)

Not great, but Barry Manilow charting in 2026 wasn’t on my bingo card, so adding here. No critical endorsement implied.

I like the new Gorillaz album. Qobuz link Feeling this one tonight.

As it was mentioned a bit back, just letting everyone know the Nodus Obscura (Sunny 16) is back. Course the Sunny 16 Rule is designed to be easy to remember. I just never can. https://www.noduswatches.com/obscura

After my Niche Zero grinder started having issues with lighter espresso beans I reached out to Niche. They first recommended a cleaning...same same. Then, when they realized I've had mine for 6 years and it was obtained via their Indegogo campaign, they recommended I purchase a new motor and board. $41 for the parts, $40 shipping from the UK, and duties $21... Duties were charged on shipping...LOL. All buttoned back up and working like a champ. I ordered a Zerno Z2 grinder, but it'll be a loooong while before it shows up. HS

One of the better guitar riffs of the last 20 years.

Happy Birthday Nate! (last years prompts, but this years images, has AI / Nano Banana 2 improved?)

I hope you have a great day and don't feel like this by tonight! Happy 50th Mr DIYer! Cheers!

Such fun!

^^ support original content.

You need a turkey crossing sign. Maybe. It's not like they're in your way or anything, so maybe not.

Yorgos Lanthimos Steps Back From the Movie Camera, and Picks Up Another One https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/arts/design/yorgos-lanthimos-photography-athens.html?unlocked_article_code=1.QFA.lpn0.ZIMYDk_kueUe&smid=nytcore-ios-share (gift article) https://www.onassis.org/whats-on/yorgos-lanthimos-photographs

Edit: Sorry - I didn't see this was posted already in the Hot Garbage thread....

Sic semper tyrannis, inshallah.

I read an article about the best breakfast burrito in the Bay Area and the winner had cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, beef tallow tater tots, crema and avocado. I didn't have tots so I heated up some fries and then fried them in the bacon fat. Adding a bit of salsa as I eat. It's almost too decadent and I'm considering going back to bed.

Happy Birthday to the heart of Head-Case! Have an incredible day Nate!

Happy Birthday Nate!!

Happy birthday!

Wishing you a great birthday Nate -- cheers -

Happy Birthday!

Damn it! How did I miss this? Happy belated Birthday Renato!

Sounds pretty good! Good germans, playing their "hitler horns", as my twin brother calls them (rotary valve trumpets).

Petaluma (West) Acme Burger 'n Acme Larger, Fish 'n Chips, Chocolate Shake

Al Fresco Friday Fish

Another one from a while back.