Month: December 2004

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Taking a week off while my Mum is visiting us here in New Mexico.

The Christmas Eve farolito walk up a freezing and snowy Canyon Road was beautiful. Everyone had paper lanterns (ingredients: brown paper bag, sand, candle) in ranks on roofs and walls and all over:

And the bright sun throughout Christmas was such a change from Britain and Ireland, where you may as well keep the curtains closed this time of year.

More later, when I’m back to work next Monday. Hope everyone has a great time over this great time.

(Photo credit: Bill Belknap)

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

I caught part of a strange interview with Brian Williams, the journalist who’s taking over from Tom Brokaw as anchor for NBC’s evening news show. It was just a puff piece on an entertainment news show.

Ditsy interviewer: ‘That’s some big shoes you’re filling.’

Williams: ‘Oh absolutely.’

Dits: ‘And do you try and wear those shoes?’

Williams (looking surprised at such a ridiculously stretched metaphor): ‘Er, well, I think you just wear the ones you bring.’

A good save from Brian, but bizarre nonetheless.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

A while ago I mentioned I was working on a business site for myself, to promote the web consultancy and development I’ve been doing.

I forgot to put a link in from here, to let folks know about it. I’m still working out a few of its kinks, but it’s more or less presentable.

The Moore Consulting site is at www.moore-consulting.net, so feel free to swing by for a look, and to check up on some of what I’ve been up to when I’ve not been writing about cycling down the Mississippi.

And of course, feel free to get in touch if you think I can help you with some web work.

Tuesday, December 07, 2004

Standing in the queue at the busy supermarket the other day, I noticed a curious thing (aside from the weird stuff that everyone else seemed to be buying – it was like they were in a different shop).

The shopping trolleys here (or ‘carts’ as they call them) have cupholders. Right behind the handle are two wire receptacles for the beverage of your choice.

This is getting ridiculous.

German automotive engineers have been known to weep like babies when they get the feedback from testing their new ultimate driving machines in the US: ‘handling, safety, engine management, transmission . . . all that stuff is fine. But there’s nowhere to put my 50-ounce Big Gulp cup of Dr Pepper.’

But now it seems some Americans can’t be driving any sort of wheeled vehicle without access to a sugary soda or a grande double decaf soy mocha latte.

The supermarkets often have juice and coffee counters, so you can get smoothies or your cup of joe. I thought it was mainly for takeaway, but now I see that people refuel while they’re shopping.

Not exactly cafe society.