Month: October 2002

The birthday — a big one, my 35th, in fact — is in one month and one day, so I thought it would be a good time to update the Amazon Wish List. Of course, no one’s actually obliged to buy me anything — not even Mom and Dad, who’ve been so kind as to always give me more than enough stuff. However, if you’re in a gift-giving mood, I’m not going to stop you.

You’ll notice that the accordion books are pretty cheap — you’d think that the accordion wasn’t a popular instrument, judging by their prices.

Asking for flatware is part of the “Just Gay Enough” philosophy.

Remember, folks, it’s “Just Gay Enough“, so I’m countering the flatware with the quintessential cock rock album from the almighty AC/DC. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Hayseed Dixie (a hillbilly tribute to AC?DC) are also on my wish list.

And while you’re at it, you may want to check my pal George’s Amazon Wish List. His birthday is a few weeks after mine.

I’m a bit busy today, so today’s posting will appear later than expected. In the meantime, may I suggest the following for your reading pleasure?

Wordshark is a very addictive game. Beware!

Why Is It So Hard to Get a Cab in San Francisco? A cabbie explains. You’d think that a small city (it’s only seven by seven miles) and major tourism and convention destination would be covered in cabs, but you’d be wrong. I lived there last year, and know the frustration of looking for a cab in that city; apparently, when you call for a cab, it’s treated a more of a suggestion rather than an order. The only way to get anything approaching decent cab service in “Baghdad by the Bay” is to strike up a friendship with a cabbie and then get his cellphone number. [from BoingBoing]

Why I wear contact lenses and not glasses. Although some people really do look cute in glasses.

Nigella Lawson sings the praises of British Cuisine. “British Cuisine” may be an oxymoron, but Nigella is my goddess and I will gladly defend to the death anything she says. Now if she will only marry me… [from Plastic]

Stooping and scooping isn’t just for dog owners anymore. [via Fark]

The war will be won with kisses, not bullets. Popular Iranian actress Gowhar Kheirandish, when presenting director Ali Zamani with an award, kissed him on the forehead. It’s not a problem here in the decadent West, but in fundamentalist Iran, that’s a serious crime. Socializing between unrelated men and women — and especially touching, even a handshake — is haram (a “no-no”). They were detained, then let go, and now harliners want to punish the cultural official who let them go. [from Metafilter]

Prince William, could you do me a favour? I hear you’ve got a fancy new apartment in the must-live-there street of the university student neighbourhood. I think you should have a party, hire me as entertainment, and introduce me to your charming flatmate.

The proper way to hang toilet paper. Now you know. And knowing is half the battle.

Last night’s Thirsty People of Toronto gathering took place at Toronto’s grubby-but-oh-so-fun Sneaky Dee’s. A night of drinking, conversation, nachos and Scrabble are precisely what the doctor ordered.

I’d like to send a special shout-out to Bridget — she heard my plea for help in an earlier entry and PayPalled me some money to buy beer — you’re the best!