Leaderboard

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.

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. 🦃 🦃 🦃

Some sourdough za and a glass of red.

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.

Danny sure could sing.

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.

I do like me a go fast story...

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!

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

Confused because I think Michelle Trachtenberg died last year. She definitely missed this war. RIP Mr Sedaka. I'm pretty sure I was working at the Concord Pavilion the night he played there in 1977. My brother was the booking and marketing director and I had random jobs in the parking lot or handing out flyers for upcoming shows.

Let's fucking do this.

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

Sic semper tyrannis, inshallah.

^^ This is the similar feeling to a woman I know and with whom I used to work. She would always say she is from Persia, not Iran. And that's because the government there defined what Iran is today...and she's not a part of that. I reached out to her today, she is happy and relieved that the leader is gone. Like many, she hopes it's a beginning of more freedoms for the people (and she has family there still). But like above, she still worries about the future depending on how things progress, and what "fills the void." I hope that things will progress for a better future for the people. But with people like Trump and Netanyahu influencing things, not so sure....

Does this clinch next year's Nobel Peace Prize?

Al Fresco Friday Fish

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

Happy 50th Nate!!

Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Happy Birthday!

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).

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

"...look at Miko's pants...just...just the pants alone..."

The Green Knight, but fun.

No, not yet. I bet the Nobel Peace Prize will go to whoever stops Trump.

That whole concert is really good! I don't suppose any coke was in play here though

^^^ I've had a live version of that song for a couple decades, on CD-MP3 and now my iPhone. Not as good quality sound, but WHAT A FUCKING GOOD SONG! Even my (non-Stretch) son Andrew chased this down and has it on his playlist. That and Romeo were my favorites by them in the day.....

Heard this on the local college radio station the other day and kind of liked it. Need to look into them more.

Steve loves to smile for pictures

Last night. Absolutely delicious Birthday rib dinner at Al's place. Complete with chocolate cake and my favorite people!

Another one from a while back.