originally posted 8/27/07 at www.myspace.com/marquiscut

"Starbooks Down the Espresso Hole"

Starbooks down the Espresso Hole
There is something delicious about wandering the aisles of a bookstore. I'm in my element and feel so at home amongst the shelves of authors writing about a plethora of subjects; admiring their ability to take me into a another world of creativity, enhance my knowledge or simply pique my interest on something I haven't yet encountered.

A real treat is in finding book sellers that cater to old publications. There is sensual pleasure in deeply inhaling the scent of old books, especially those bound in leather. Slowly dragging my fingertips down the spines of literary works; curious of their contents I grasp the book, pull it off the shelf and gingerly open the front cover. The feel of the pages differ from each selection, some smooth like tissue paper, others course and fiberous. The look and smell of the book is just the beginning, it is the contents, the anticipation of reading, that draws me in to the experience.

I want to read it all, and sadly I know I won't. However, I read often and thoroughly and am pleased with the ever growing and ever depleting pile of books in my home. With a recent Amazon order, I just added 14 related books to that pile. Learning and unlearning is my objective, and somehow, I predict Amazon's stock to rise in direct proportion to my orders ;)

As a child, I fell in love with the local village library; our primary source for attaining reading material. Thanks to a keen interest and the assistance of my mom, I learned to read early. I had simple stories mastered prior to kindergarten. I vividly recall often choosing books over toys when allowed to select something for myself at the store. It wasn't an easy choice (can't I have both?), but the book often won out. Words fed my imagination and eventually my imagination produced words. I began writing stories at an early age as well, complete with illustration. How simple, darling and profound those early stories; if they are still around, I would very much like to excavate them. Through reading, writing and drawing, the pictures and words took me places that I could feel in the same sense as though it were tangibly real. More words were eventually produced with the advent of the "diary", later re termed, "journal"; a medium that would serve me well from the age of nine to current, a few weeks shy of 32.

Its been several years since I've checked out a selection from the library. I much prefer to buy books and read them at my leisure and have them to refer back to forever more.

In this love and pursuit of ever expanding knowledge and creative expression, it was with pleasure to accompany my best bud, Dana, to one of the local and larger booksellers, Barnes and Noble earlier today. It never fails that my reaction is that of building anticipation. I edge towards the entrance and pass over the threshold, I am suddenly exposed to books and media in the form of new fiction, best sellers, non fiction, business, religion, philosophy, biographies, summer reading, local authors, magazines, physics, science fiction, bargains, nature and so much more. It used to be that I would feel overwhelmed upon entering- unsure of where to start, who to read, what subjects to pursue, etc. I feel more confident and in control now that I have made a dent, so to speak, even though as soon as I make a dent, it is quickly filled with new material. What is diffent now, from say 15 or even 9 years ago, is that I walk down the aisles and can point to multiple familiar authors and subjects. I've read a lot, but I have a lot to go. Today, I refrained from purchasing, but I did write down a few titles I would like to have in my possession. In short, reading and learning is a constant of mine.

And when combined with caffeine and good company, it is all good.

I like that this Barnes&Noble has a Starbucks situated inside. I've mentioned previously that while I derive pleasure in supporting local business, I will gravitate towards whichever demonstrates quality and consistency- Starbucks wins out for all other coffee offerings in the Western New York area; and this one happens to be next to aisles and aisles of books. As of today, I call that location, "Starbooks". Actually, there are two other Starbucks in the same plaza. With three to choose from- Dana and I pondered where the invisible phase line intersects the three and is there a Burmuda Triangle phenomenon? If found, would we suddenly be sucked into a caffeinated abyss? A black hole? no, more appropriate would be an Espresso Vortex. I tried calling it a "Black Affagotto" but she said it sounded dirty; like that has ever stopped us before. Hello, what other 4th graders were administratively separated from being in same class for 5th grade due to our penchance for all things perverted? hmmm? "U.S. Male" 9 year old typo? I think not.. hahaha

Which just reminded me a decidedly hilarious remark I made today while snickering down the "christianity" aisle holding a book with an expressive Pope on the back cover; and I will stop there. Apologies in advance for any offense I may have caused, but please know, that *everything* is open territory for my sense of humor to explore.

And apologies for being the cause of Dana tearing out a post surgical staple on her belly from uncontrollable laughter. I should come packaged with a warning label.

And so, although I left the bookstore empty-handed, I was pleased to have had the chance to wander around for hours- thinking about what I have read, the books I am currently reading, the ones I have lined up to read next and the ones I have yet to know about..

..and thinking, its time to put all that writing to good use-- I really felt the connection to that thought today, and it felt.. right...

________________________________________________

original (e:strip) post 8/26/07, "WOOT.com"

I laugh easily, find humor in most things, but this had me in tears. I can really appreciate a good write up, especially in places you don't quite expect it. I've been sniffing around Woot lately, hoping there is nothing I need, right then and there, cause its so cheap, and i need one NOW. No, yesterday. So far so good; amusing stuff, but nothing that has gotten me spastic. Anyway, the following item was yesterdays I think. Initially I ignored the product description since I have no intentions to go TiVo (although tempting), despite that the product would be free. Realizing I never closed out of the page, I went to do so and something caught my eye. I proceeded to read the whole page. I thought I would share with you, perhaps make you giggle too. They are usually kinda quirky with what they write, but oh oh oh, this got me. Funny, huh? especially when read out loud with dramatic voice inflection. No seriously.


[box] Practically FreeVo

Sign up for a year of TiVo service and receive a $170 rebate - the equivalent of getting this TiVo free, plus $35 towards your service contract.

Look, it's time we had a talk. We're worried about you, and we can't just sit here while you destroy yourself, while you waste your life trapped in a squalid cycle of degradation. Please, for the sake of those who love you: stop watching TV commercials.

The average American watches about 2.5 hours of television every day. About 40 of those minutes are taken up by TV commercials. Multiply that by 50 years, and commercials will have destroyed over 500 days of your adult life. Remember that when you're on your deathbed wishing you could spend one more day with your grandkids.

There is a way out. You're not alone. To fight this epidemic of slow TV death, Woot and TiVo have teamed up to make a limited number of TiVo R54080 Series2 80 Hour Digital Video Recorders available to victims of TV commercial syndrome, for a special sufferer's price. And if you buy one and sign up for a year of TiVo service, you're eligible for a $170 rebate, which will pay for the TiVo itself plus two month's worth of service. We just wish we could do more.

And we haven't even mentioned the time you waste sitting through one show because you're waiting for the next one, or watching some random garbage on TV because nothing good is on. Perhaps it's best that no statistics are available about this more insidious form of time-drain - the full horror would be too overwhelming.

We dream of a world where anyone can dial up the latest episode of Age of Love or UFC Unleashed any time, day or night...where a handicapped child can watch an entire episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody in 22 minutes...where agonized Chicago Cubs fans can process their pain by repeated slo-mo viewings of whatever bizarre misplay keeps them out of the World Series next time. We say to that lonely adolescent boy in the heartland, struggling with new, unfamiliar feelings: "Never again will you miss a Cinemax After Hours feature presentation." We say, to those still scarred by the "smunchy" disaster: "Never again."

You will watch what you want to watch, when you want to watch it, and nothing more. But we can't do it alone. You have to want help. The road back will be long and rough and littered with those who didn't make it. But with TiVo and Woot by your side, hope is more than just a currently unfashionable girl's name. Together, we can beat this thing.[/box]


Someone on here has a woot-like page set up-- outdoor equipment or something? that could be dangerous for me..


PS Confessions of Matchmaker tonight, 11pm A&E channel 42. See previous post for more info!

I wrote about this before: (e:theecarey,39775)

I've been watching Confessions of a Matchmaker on and off since its debut back in May, I think. There are a few I need to catch up on, but (e:pyrcedgrrl) has them recorded. yay!

Some of the episodes are really quite hilarious funny. For those that don't know, Confessions is a Buffalo based "reality" show. Auditions then taping occurred earlier this year. My friend, (e:inspiraysean) is on the show, and will be finally making his episode appearance this Sunday, August 26th at 11pm on A&E. Look for "Sean K"

I do believe this is the last episode of the season.

haha, he's been touted as Patti's most difficult case yet. ;)

A little more info about the show taken from their website:

Set in Buffalo, New York, CONFESSIONS OF A MATCHMAKER follows singles desperate for Patti's help, from their initial interview, through the date, and finally, to the often painfully honest follow-up where Patti assesses their performance and reveals whether or not a match has been made. The series goes inside the real world of dating, where people are flawed and sometimes just need a good swift kick. And Patti is not afraid to give it to them. The Simon Cowell of dating, Patti's brutal honesty and gut instincts are like nothing you've ever seen. They may not end up in a hot-tub at the end of every episode...in fact, more than likely, they'll end up in hot water with Patti for not following her advice!

I really think that Angela, who appeared on episode three was one of our peeps, (e:angelal) ?-- not that she has been on here in a long long time, to ask.

So anyways, watch it. Its funny. Its Buffalo..

I'm more apt to have various rums on hand, yet I've recently taken to making a refreshing glass of vodka with pomegranate juice, lime and club soda over ice. I normally don't care what kind of vodka, as it usually blends in with whatever its being mixed with, but with this concoction, I can really tell the difference between a smooth vodka and one that is bottom of shelf pushed way back, covered in dust variety.

So my question is, what, in your opinion is the better/best vodka brand?

..and not crazy expensive.

Thanks :)

The weekend is officially here! What are you going to do? Looking no further, here are a few activities I've highlighted that are going on this weekend:


Festivals this weekend:
* Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts
* Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival
* Buffalo Beer Fest
(yes, a festival devoted to BEER!)
* Polish Harvest Festival
* Tomato Festival
* Buffalo Irish Festival

Nice thing about festivals is that they can be squeaked in among all the other going ons in your weekend plans.


Elmwood Avenue Festiival of the Arts 25th and 26th

• 180 Artist booths:
  
• Lots of music: (entertainment roster)
  
• Food--ofcourse!! (list of participants):

• Cultural and Environmental Row:

[box]Westerrn New York is rich in arts and cultural organizations that only
enhance our community experience. Cultural/Environmental Row at the
Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts will be showcasing over 35
community organizations. At Environmental Row on Auburn Ave., learn how to decrease energy consumption while lowering your utility bills! Local Theaters, Art Galleries, small community choruses, children's arts and sports organizations will be on hand to share information at Cultural Row on Breckenridge Street. The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts Environmental Row will be partially powered by The Sunweaver
Renewable Energy Show for the fourth year! Wind Action Group, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, and Buffalo Blue Bicycle(Buffalo's latest alternative to the combustion engine) will all be on Environmental Row[/box]






Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival is this weekend, 24,25,&26th

Its FREE!!

• 30 musicians

---Music schedule/locations:

• Antique Show
  
• Vintage Car Show
  
• Kid Stuff

probably food/wine and other nice add ons :)

[box]Jazz Musicians will perform throughout the village of Lewiston, NY in numerous restaurants and lounges -- as well as at a variety of outdoor sites along Center Street -- on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday. All jazz performances are free to the public.

In addition enjoying jazz played by world-class musicians, attendees at the free event can browse for treasures at a premier antique show, view Jaguars and other classic cars at a vintage car show, and sample a wide array of culinary delights provided by local restaurants and regional wine producers. The Festival is presented by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the event's founding sponsor, The Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Lewiston, and the Town of Lewiston.[/box]





Buffalo Brewfest - August 25 2007, 2-6pm - "Come spend the afternoon tasting beer from local breweries, food, entertainment and more". ((ok!))
495 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo 14212


^^director's pick, hehe




Polish Harvest Festival -Sat. Aug 25 to Sun. Aug 26
11:30A.M. - 8:00P.M.
"Festival that celebrates Polish "Thanksgiving." Features Polish foods & beer, live music, farmers' market,crafts, theme baskets, Polish folk Mass (8/26 at 11:00A.M.)"
199 Clark St., Buffalo 14212



5th Annual Tomato Fest Fri. Aug 24 to Sun. Aug 26
8-24-07 12P-9P, 8-25-07 & 8-26-07 10A-8P
"Festival includes delicious daily food, beer garden, farmer's market, Chinese auction, rides, games, crafts, live bands. Tomato Contests: Biggest,Best Dressed,Eating,& Sauce. Fri. - Ms Tomato Pageant.
Sat. - Car & Motorcycle Show. Sat/Sun - Disc Golf Tourney.
Sun. - 5-K race/walk"
Old Lake Shore Rd. & Evangola Parkway, Brant 14081




Buffalo Irish Festival Fri. Aug 24 to Sun. Aug 26
Fri-5p-11p, Sat-noon-11p, Sun-noon-9p
"The 25th Annual Buffalo Irish Festival featuring foods from Ireland & US, including Irish bangers,corned beef & cabbage, potato chowder, scones, soda bread,Irish stew, & a variety of beers. Goods & Craft vendors, Irish Step-Dancing, & live music."
5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg 14075



more activities info for WNY area:


Not sure yet what I am up for; any one or all of them sound good. Beerfest is at the top of my list, I think.. I could just open my fridge for a nice selection.

Anyway, have fun whatever you choose! :)

~Carey

I'm looking to pick up a back up storage device. bad things can happen when you don't-- and it needs to be done regularly! I have a load of crap on various disks and such, but it becomes bulky and redundant; and not really safe in the long run. I want to be able to schedule back up, adding incrementally as I go. So yeh, thats on my wish list.

Also am sniffing around purchasing a new desk top. My needs are not being met with a laptop, although, I can't live without one of those either. Just need different stuff for different needs. My current desk top serves as the hub for mobility with my laptops. It is approximately 9 years old- a gateway dinosaur that has been really good to me and I have no intentions of ditching it-- but I do need something updated, that can multi task and have enormous amount of storage, etc. My intention for old desk top is to do something fun with it-- make it a server; make it connect every other computer together-- keep it part of the 'family'. My hands have been inside its tower too many times to abandon it completely. I have ideas, just not sure which i will follow through on.

I also need a new monitor for that desk top. The current one is crackling-- probably a lot of dust deep inside. Dust is a culprit of many malfunction. Keep all of it clean, clean it inside and out.. and your comp will be happy. Your comp might not be dead.. just dirty.

As for a new desk top, I entertain thoughts of building from scratch- something I always said I would do when I was ready for a new desktop. Or do I purchase from factory? The prices are pretty decent now- -although, the more I look, the more discerning and greedy I get, upping the price well over what it rightly should be for a desk top. Now that CompUSA is closed, where do i go to buy my parts?? I like to be somewhere that i can stand in front of the physical parts and drool while I contemplate all that goes into the end product. I began searching for pther places to go, with out much luck. Any ideas??

Computer stores where are you????

if I buy factory-- Gateway (eMachines ?)has always served me very very very well. Not sure what has changed over time, but I'd consider going to them to see what they have to offer.
Dell , HP , Acer (I don't know anything about this brand) and emachine seems to be the immediate PC companies.

I'm still skeptical of Windows Vista

24 inch screen monitors are neat.

And so, thats where I am at. Ooh, the replacement ac adapter power cord I recently ordered for my Toshiba Tecra came in-- laptop is working, so far so good. yay! no jack soldering for me!

and damn, if I don't need to learn more about my Cingular 8125 PocketPC Ive been real lazy on getting a few things going on that. Atleast I am now remembering that if I don't have an actual notepad and pen to write with, I have my PocketPC notepad and sytlus-- although my writing kinda sucks with it..

one of my book shipments came in, The Elegant Universe by Brian Green. I know I have read parts of it before, but don't have it in my posession. Now I do!

Have I mentioned how freakin great, Discipline by Paco Ahlgren is? I really need to do a more formal write up, since I will just otherwise keep yammering about it, without saying anything about it.

Hurray, almost Friday!