Re: Prepared!

1

I am totally that guy's lazy brother.


Posted by: SomeCallMeTim | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 10:45 AM
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About bike paths: dear Americans, please do not stroll three abreast and block them. Thank you.


Posted by: slolernr | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 10:46 AM
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3

There are bike paths in America????


Posted by: Cryptic Ned | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 10:55 AM
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About bike paths: dear Americans, please do not stroll three abreast and block them. Thank you.

Also: Do not walk in the middle of the path while listening to music on your ipod at a volume that prevents you from hearing warnings shouted by approaching bicyclists.


Posted by: NickS | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 11:22 AM
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5


It isn't totally crazy
, you know.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 11:38 AM
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6

This movie is about a Finnish electronic music pioneer who is now documenting ever moment of his life in preparation for the eventual complete transfer of his mind into the digital domain.

You see a lot of that these days.


Posted by: rob helpy-chalk | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 11:46 AM
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7

Kinda makes you wonder what else he records on a daily basis.


Posted by: profgrrrrl | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 11:46 AM
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8

It isn't totally crazy, you know.

No, it's not, but it is pretty weird to actually do it.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 11:56 AM
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9

Yes, it is crazy. The whole mindset seems to be 'if I get hit, I'll have proof to ruin someone's life', which seems to betray some messed-up priorities.


Posted by: Cala | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 12:49 PM
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'if I get hit, I'll have proof to ruin someone's life'

If you get hit on a motorcycle, the chances of getting crippled and having lifelong exorbitant medical bills is not insignificant.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 12:51 PM
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I have a friend who survived a motorcycle accident; I know there's a significant risk. It just seems a little weird, that's all, especially because as ogged says, it's going to be pretty funny if the camera isn't in the right position to capture useful action.


Posted by: Cala | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 12:54 PM
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My parents videotaped me and my brothers every three months, wearing the same type of outfit, standing against the same wall, for 24 years - (my brother was born in '71, until I graduated high school in '95).

After I graduated, they spliced it all together, so that they have us growing up in time-lapse photography.


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 1:01 PM
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13

That must be cool to see. Reminds me of that guy who took a photo of himself every day for 6 years.


Posted by: Matt F | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 1:05 PM
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14

It is cool. It's set to honky-tonk music. It's a wee bit embarrassing, too. There's several awkward years where I'm just standing there...in my leotard...


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 1:13 PM
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15

I thought of doing this on a day-by-day or week-by-week basis with my babies for the first six months or so, but never got around to it. I don't take pictures.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 1:14 PM
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16

Also, you have to keep buying new leotards as they grow up.


Posted by: mrh | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 2:03 PM
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17

No, leotards can just stretch unflatteringly as you "blossom".


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:42 PM
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18

Ain't that the truth.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:44 PM
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19

Boy, do I hope there isn't a log of how often I click on a link that the netnanny blocks as adult content.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:46 PM
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20

I knew I didn't want to see 18 before I clicked on it, but I didn't know how badly I wouldn't want to see it.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:48 PM
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21

18 is horrible.


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:56 PM
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22

So, you're saying I should be grateful to the netnanny?


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 3:58 PM
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23

22: yes, a thousand times (or at least two times) yes.


Posted by: arthegall | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:00 PM
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The whole mindset seems to be 'if I get hit, I'll have proof to ruin someone's life'

Given the number of idiots out on the road chatting on their cellphones it doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Of course, I'd have to start riding sanely. Never mind.


Posted by: Biohazard | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:10 PM
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25

You people are weak.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:12 PM
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26

Shouldn't you be working or something, apostropher? Instead of posting links to pictures that are now seared into my brain?


Posted by: arthegall | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:25 PM
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22: !!! You should sacrifice something precious in gratitude if your netnanny prevented you from seeing that picture.


Posted by: Biohazard | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:37 PM
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28

True story: the first time I saw that picture, it was emailed to me by w-lfs-n.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 4:45 PM
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29
a tape of him getting hit from behind which goes from scenic to concrete

Ogged actually stole this from the blurb for my first film, Tell me when your reaches rock: the Mark Foley story.


Posted by: FL | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:05 PM
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Regarding netnannies: I have recently learned that when shopping for a pearl necklace online, it is a good idea always to include "jewelry" as one of your search terms.

Related: does anyone know a good place to get a pearl necklace?


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:24 PM
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FWIW, I don't know much about jewelry, but I have a belief that Mikimoto is a respectably serious name in pearls. Cultured, not natural, but I have a similarly unexamined belief that no one I'm likely to run across is going to be able to afford natural pearls.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:29 PM
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32

I found 18 amusing.


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:34 PM
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33

LB- they're pretty much the only name in pearls. And most people seem to say that you're paying an absurd markup just for the name. And their clasps are ugly, says Mrs. Landers. OTOH, since they're basically the only "name-brand" around, and everyone seems to acknowledge that there are a lot of frauds in the market, it's a little hard to know where else to turn.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:34 PM
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34

Have you poked around eBay? I know it seems declasse, but I've heard (and again, I know very little about jewelry, because I lose stuff, so I don't buy for myself and dissuade Buck from jewelry-type gifts) that prices run remarkably better than retail, and that if you're cautious about sellers with a good record, your odds of getting taken aren't high.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:45 PM
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35

Vintage, if you can find it.


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 5:56 PM
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36

I'm not sure I know what 35 means, exactly. Just buy old, used pearls, instead of new ones?

I'm not at all sure my wife's even going to want a pearl necklace now, with a snatchy six-month-old baby always hanging around her neck, but she used to want one, and lord knows I've no idea what else to get her. The only thing I know for sure that she wants is an adopted child from China, and she's not getting that.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:02 PM
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37

30: I've bought a couple of things from friends of ours who make pearl jewelry. I know nothing about jewelry, but their stuff is pretty.


Posted by: DaveL | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:03 PM
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38

Oh, very pretty indeed, and thanks for the recommendation Dave. I think she's interested in a traditional white strand, though.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:05 PM
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35: Well, the thing with pearls is that if they're not worn supposedly they lose their lustre. But yeah, vintage or estate jewelry might have prettier clasps, at least, if it's in good condition.

Alternatively, a month at a really lovely spa somewhere in New Mexico or Hawaii. Or, you know, instead of *adopting* a baby from China, you could buy a water buffalo for a family in China... (okay, probably not).


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:06 PM
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40

Eh, the baby's only snatchy for a year or so, and who wears a pearl necklace around the house except June Cleaver. If she wants the necklace, get the necklace.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:08 PM
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41

It was just a metaphor.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:10 PM
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42

the baby's only snatchy for a year or so

???? LB, you must have lovely children. Mine is still snatchy, at 6.


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:10 PM
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43

There are spas in New Mexico?


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:11 PM
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44

I hear circumcision does wonders for snatchiness.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:11 PM
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45

Haircuts, too.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:14 PM
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46

I'll take this thread to 50 by myself if need be.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:14 PM
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47

A need should not seem, but be.


Posted by: arthegall | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:18 PM
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48

44: Let's not go there.


Posted by: DaveL | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:25 PM
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43: http://www.tenthousandwaves.com/


Posted by: Michael H Schneider | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:31 PM
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50

Well I'll be.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:34 PM
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51

Actually, I think I had heard of that place before. The name sounds familiar.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:35 PM
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52

There's a new Mexico?


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:38 PM
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53

If you haven't seen it, it's new to you.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 6:46 PM
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54

So what would really be helpful would be for one of you New Yorkers to trot on over to 576 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1102, and tell me if the showroom of American Pearl looks more reputable than disreputable. Because their website is a bit chinsy, and I don't like the way they use the word "FLAWLESS" so many times. And how they offer an escrow service that I've never heard of (i-escrow) and who's website seems to be nonfunctioning. But they seem to have what I'm looking for, and no one else does...

I hate the internet.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:13 PM
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What you should do is buy her all the pieces for an oyster tank, because then you'll have given her more than a necklace, you'll have given her a hobby, too. Just think how much she'll treasure the pearl necklace that she cultured herself.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:20 PM
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56

Mine is still snatchy, at 6.

I thought you had a boy.


Posted by: ben w-lfs-n | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:32 PM
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57

Or you could just see whether oysters alone are enough to get you laid without shelling out for the pearls.


Posted by: DaveL | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:32 PM
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56: Yeah, and he snatches at things. Luckily, however, my snatch is not one of them.


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:32 PM
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59

Why buy the oyster, when you can get the pearls for ... nevermind, that doesn't work.


Posted by: arthegall | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:33 PM
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60

18 isn't so bad, people. Nut up.


Posted by: ben w-lfs-n | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:33 PM
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61

60 "Nut" s/b "Nuts"


Posted by: arthegall | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:35 PM
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62

And "up" should be "down." Or possibly "out."


Posted by: bitchphd | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:36 PM
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63

18 makes me happy. I'd like to send that guy a check.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:39 PM
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64

It was me. How much?


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:40 PM
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65

64 is undercut by 21.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:43 PM
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66

...bly embarrassing.

I'm just a very slow typer.


Posted by: heebie-geebie | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 7:46 PM
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67

54.--Brock, I'm sorry to say that even were I to visit your fifth avenue pearl broker, real pearls would look to me like lacquered plastic. (I'm good at visually distinguishing gold purities, though!)

However: a lot of the decent NYC jewellers have appalling customer-service interfaces. The famous Diamond District--really just one block of 51st Ave.--looks almost exactly like the lower West 30s--where there's a high concentration of recent-immigrant-run electronic shops--except that the shoddy window display-cases in the Diamond District contain sparkly rocks instead of stereo systems.

Seriously, if I were you, I'd find a local jeweller. Maybe you'll pay more in the markup, but if you build a relationship with them, they'll be more inclined to clean your jewelry for free, waive service charges for watch batteries replacements or ring resizing, help you evaluate pieces, etc. My uncle was a jeweller, so I may have some bias here, but even in my very limited experience with jewellers, I've found that they will cut deals to retain a customer.


Posted by: Jackmormon | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 8:11 PM
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67: ...really just one block of 51st Ave.

uh, isn't that 51st Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues? Has NYC been renumbered to confuse terrorists and tourists since 9/11, or is my memory gone again?


Posted by: Michael H Schneider | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 8:59 PM
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Street, avenue.


Posted by: Jackmormon | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 9:24 PM
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70

{Shrug!}


Posted by: Jackmormon | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 9:24 PM
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And, yeah, you're right, and I'm pretending not to feel embarrassed.


Posted by: Jackmormon | Link to this comment | 01-29-07 9:25 PM
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67- thanks, JM, I wasn't actually asking anyone to go out of the way to go down there. But I appreciate it. The local-jeweler option, while theoretically preferable, is complicated by the fact that (1) I haven't been able to find what I'm looking for at the few jewelers I've checked, and (2) I don't have time to scour dozens of jewelry shops in person searching.

The oyster tank is not a bad call. I *love* to eat raw oysters though, which prevent pearl-growth.


Posted by: Brock Landers | Link to this comment | 01-30-07 5:13 AM
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I hope he's recording front and back, because a tape of him getting hit from behind which goes from scenic to concrete in an instant won't be much use.

I disagree. What if someone's adapting a J.G. Ballard novel for the screen?


Posted by: Alex | Link to this comment | 01-30-07 7:57 AM
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Sorry JM, didn't mean to embarrass. I love that block. Full of sharks. I went there with my partner a few years back, and managed to get a $50 gold ring for only $200!. She was looking for a garnet in rose gold, so she picked a diamond/ruby in yellow. Crappy stones, too. But she really likes the ring, and it was a memorable retail experience. It's fun being a tourist.

/s/ Rube in the City
p.s. I don't mean to imply that *ALL* jewelry dealers are sharks.


Posted by: Michael H Schneider | Link to this comment | 01-30-07 9:30 AM
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