I believe I mentioned that I received this calendar from ML and the Doctor. So far, I'm enjoying it and have received lots of good hints about how to survive a plane crash and being locked in a walk-in freezer, but since there are only so many of those hints they can give out, they pepper the calendar with pages labeled, "This Day in Survival History."

I'm posting today's entry because I have a feeling Robbo will get a kick out of it.

On this day (January 17) in 1773, Captain James Cook completed his first crossing of the Antarctic Circle. On this expedition, only his second voyage, he also became the first person to circumnavigate the world in both directions. In his ship, the HMS Resolution, he crossed the Antarctic Circle two more times and sailed as far south as 71 degrees, 10' before being beset by ice. Although the ice prevented him from reaching Antarctica, he was able to establish that the continent must be largely uninhabitable and would not be a productive addition to the British Empire. Captain Cook was also noted for his attention to the cleanliness of ships and the diet of his sailors: Our of a crew of 118 on a voyage lasting more than three years, only one man died.

Now, I'm sure Robbo will expand on this and I'll update when he does. I'm sure he'll also let us know where in the Aubrey/Maturn series we can find the fictionalized adventures of Captain Cook.

UPDATE: I told you he'd do it.

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Awards season starts tonight!

Ahhhh... When all the celebrities come out to pat themselves on the back for doing such a good job whilst earning a 2007 IRS deduction for their most recent boob job simultaneously.

You gotta love it. And, like a Hollywood PR whore, I can't quite help myself.

Hence I will be liveblogging this momentous event.

The fun starts at 6pm CST, for the various pre-shows.

The snark tap will---undoubtedly---be fully open.

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And there's no wistfulness attached to that statement, but I've always thought the place must be pretty kitschy, given that it's home to Tony Soprano, Kevin Smith, Alfred Einstein and, last but not least, Fausta.

Turns out I was right:

TRENTON, N.J. - With curious officeworkers gawking and strip-bar standards playing in the background, several hundred people joined a handful of exotic dancers in front of the Statehouse on Thursday to rally against New Jersey's new indoor smoking ban.

About 20 of the women — who, to the disappointment of some in the crowd, didn't reveal anything more risque than their midriffs — said the ban will result in lost clients and lost money.

"It's going to murder our business," said Dominique Hernandez, 24, who dances at a lounge in Florence. "A lot of people want to get off of work, have a drink and a smoke and watch some pretty girls. There's nothing wrong with that."

Apparently not, judging by the looks Hernandez — in tight jeans and a revealing black T-shirt — received from onlookers.

"I'm just passing by on the way to the office," was the refrain from many men, and some women, in the crowd.

But many said they came to protest the smoking ban, saying it was a violation of their rights.

"I've been a smoker since I was 13 and it's really against our rights," said Allan Brophy, 24, of Union. "Pretty soon they're going to be outlawing it in our houses."

Brophy did admit that word of strippers at the rally had "piqued my interest."{...}

Strippers, who are being hit in the G-string by yet another smoking ban, are out there, fighting for their fiscal survival. God love 'em.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:34 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Oprah's codependent.

NEW YORK - Oprah Winfrey broke her silence about James Frey's disputed memoir of addiction, "A Million Little Pieces," dismissing allegations of falsehoods as "much ado about nothing" and urging readers who have been inspired by the book to "Keep holding on."

"What is relevant is that he was a drug addict ... and stepped out of that history to be the man he is today and to take that message to save other people and allow them to save themselves," Winfrey said Wednesday night in a surprise phone call to CNN's Larry King, who was interviewing Frey on his live television program.{...}

If Random House is offering people their money back, well, that just means like the Paris incident last summer, Oprah's once again having a momentary delusion of grandeur. And just like last summer, it's all about the delusion of what she thinks is happening in her world, while the rest of us see something entirely different.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:09 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Ok, since everyone else is doing it and I'm a sucker that way with the peer pressure, those of you who stop by on a regular basis but who don't comment and leave me wondering about who the hell you are when I troll through the referral logs, here's your golden opportunity to, for once, put me out of my misery.

It's time to delurk, my devoted Cake Eater readers.

Just click on the comments button below and say 'hi'. You don't have to leave an email address or a web address. Just a name. It can be a fake name, too, but I'll be happy so long as you leave that much.

And if you're one of my regular readers from Iceland (I was checking the super duper server stats today and there were a BOATLOAD of hits from Iceland!) say "hi" and tell me why you are here. Is it that boring there in the winter that you have to surf blogs to keep from going nuts? Do tell.

Posted by: Kathy at 09:33 PM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
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Muscle weighs more than fat.

Say it with me. Muscle weighs more than fat.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

And if you say it enough times, it might actually turn out to be true.

Posted by: Kathy at 02:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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So...I can't keep a lid on this one any longer.

I was hoping the urge to discuss it would pass me by, but it hasn't. Hence I'm going to submit to it and let the cards fall where they may.

This person I know---who shall remain anonymous---is receiving an unusual present for Christmas. I say "receiving" because they haven't actually gotten their present yet, but will be sometime in the near future.

You, my devoted Cake Eater readers, are undoubtedly wondering what this "unusual" Christmas present is.

Well, it's a boob job.

It's something that she wants, and her husband is quite happy with her the way she is, but has told her if this is what she really wants, she should go ahead with it and this will be her Christmas present.

What say you, my devoted Cake Eater readers? Would you be happy with a boob job for a Christmas present? Would you be happy, if you're one of my male Cake Eater readers, giving your wife this present, instead of, say, a nice piece of jewelry? Or is this just like giving money to your spouse to buy that bass fishing boat they've always wanted.

Discuss.

Posted by: Kathy at 09:57 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment
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Because he bought us, his favorite tenants, a gift card to this place for Christmas.

(CAN YOU FREAKIN' BELIEVE IT??? THERE ARE GOOD LANDLORDS OUT THERE! THEY'RE NOT AN EXTINCT SPECIES! HURRAH!)

The restaurant is large and airy and is, quite literally, within stumbling distance from the Cake Eater pad. The booze is good. The food is even better. The people watching is excellent.

The dessert rules as well. (Apple spice cake with creme anglaise. Mmmmm)

And they have quotes on the wall.

My favorite?

How can you not love a restaurant brave enough to quote Hannibal the Cannibal?

Posted by: Kathy at 08:48 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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1 What a lovely thing to do. Makes this cynical NY'er think you're paying too much in rent, however.

Posted by: Random Penseur at January 08, 2006 05:39 AM (fWrQ6)

2 I'm assuming they serve fava beans. And a nice chianti.

Posted by: The Random Yak at January 10, 2006 12:28 PM (dsGTv)

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You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

{hat tip: Cal Tech Girl}

Posted by: Kathy at 12:03 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Same here, though it was pretty easy to figure out the answers they wanted.

Posted by: Paula at January 08, 2006 08:11 AM (gOF1b)

2 Ooooh I'm so swiping this.

Posted by: agent bedhead at January 08, 2006 02:50 PM (xV63t)

3 It's odd, I know, but I apparently understand men well too! Except that, um, sometimes, even when we're looking right at you, we're still not paying attention.

Posted by: andy at January 08, 2006 10:08 PM (llVZH)

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Damned if you don't.

CHARLES Kennedy put his political life on the line last night, admitting to a serious drink problem and calling an election, in a gamble that could see him sacked as Liberal Democrat leader.

After weeks of damaging speculation about his position, he was forced into an unprecedented public confession after the emergence of hard evidence that he had received medical treatment for alcohol misuse.

The scale of his colleagues' unhappiness with Mr Kennedy also became clear. Some 11 members of his front-bench have signed a letter calling for him to resign, and had planned to present it to him on Monday.

The twin revelations forced the Lib Dem leader into a desperate gamble, when he admitted he had repeatedly lied about his problem.

"Over the past 18 months, I have been coming to terms with, and seeking to cope with, a drink problem," Mr Kennedy said in a statement at his party's London headquarters. "I've sought professional help, and I believe today that this issue is essentially resolved.

"People close to me know that this has been a struggle," he said, insisting he had not had a drink for the past two months.

Within hours, several senior MPs who had been seen as possible challengers praised their leader's bravery and honesty in making his statement and said they would not stand against him.

But for all its dignity, Mr Kennedy's admission exposes him to grave political risk. Until yesterday, he had always denied having a drink problem and disputed suggestions that he'd had to seek medical help as a result. Now, he has admitted lying about his condition and offered opponents several opportunities to attack his character and integrity. {...}

Welcome to the Wide, Wonderful World of Alcoholism, my devoted Cake Eater Readers.

Mr. Kennedy's problems, woeful though they may be, are the same as any other alcoholic's, but with a bigger plot twist. Most alcoholics do try to keep their problem a secret; they try to hide it from the world, but in Mr. Kennedy's case, well, he's a politician: you can't hide things from the world. As a politician, you don't receive any measure of privacy, so people who don't buy your story about not having a drink problem deliberately seek to out you to the world---a world they know won't approve of you and your problem. Then they label you a "liar" because you tried to keep your problem private---because you know the stigma your problem carries---and you think telling the truth isn't an option.

Is the word "Ouroborous" ringing a bell here, kids?

No one can win in such a situation. No one. And we're all the worse for it.

UPDATED: And he quit. Go freakin' figure.

Posted by: Kathy at 09:57 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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The Elder is looking for some dinero to help some Mexican orphans.

Go and help if you can.

Posted by: Kathy at 10:20 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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These guys apparently took that mantra to heart.

{Hat Tip: Cal Tech Girl}

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Sadie, in an effort to keep everyone confused, has switched blogs.

Again.

You can find her now at Agent Bedhead.

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HOOK 'EM HORNS!

UPDATE: Can you say "Squeaker," boys and girls?

What a great football game! That it was the national championship just made it even better. It's about time the BCS delivered what it promised years ago when it was established---an actual, undisputed National Championship game, wherein the football would be, you know, good. Good football for me has never been a seventy-point demolition of the opposing team; it's a squeaker that has you shouting at the tee vee set. Tonight's game definitely qualified as good football.

Congratulations to the Longhorns!

UPDATE DEUX:

"F@#$ You, Heisman Voters"

And because I can...

Mmmmm. Tasty.

Posted by: Kathy at 01:05 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 I'm with ya, but I fear there's a reason UT is ranked #2.

Posted by: Bob at January 04, 2006 01:44 PM (yMzz+)

2 From a strictly Machiavellian standpoint, I'm cheering for the 'horns as well. If Vince Young can lead Texas to a national championship, there's a pretty good chance he'll go pro and skip his senior season. Considering that ISU plays AT Texas this coming fall, I think that would be a good thing.

Posted by: Russ from Winterset at January 04, 2006 06:04 PM (6krEN)

3 Russ, I've got one nephew who graduated from UT last year, and his little brother is a student currently. I'm rooting for reasons other than those related to the ISU program. Besides, they're a Big XII school. You have to root for them. It would be a big boost to the conference if they won the National Championship!

Posted by: Kathy at January 04, 2006 07:59 PM (hbcMs)

4 Of course, that is a perfectly good reason to root for the 'Horns. Conference solidarity is a good thing in small doses. When I think about it, the best reason to root for the 'horns is the blind lovefest the national media is laying on USC. Anything that has the possibility to make guys like Skip Bayless, Jim Rome and Michael Wilbon look like schmucks is good in my book.

Posted by: Russ from Winterset at January 04, 2006 09:24 PM (6krEN)

5 Vince Young just claimed the title of "Dude who SHOULD have won the Heisman". 200 yards on the ground, 267 in the air, and three rushing touchdowns (including one ab-so-freakin-lutely wonderful scoring play where he bowled over a couple of Trojans on his way to the corner of the endzone)? Vince was a one man wrecking crew last night.

Posted by: Russ from Winterset at January 05, 2006 06:02 AM (6krEN)

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Happy New Year to you, my devoted Cake Eater readers!

I hope the hangover was worth it!

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Well, no sooner do I get home from Christmas vacation than it becomes all too apparent that I spend little or no time with children on a regular basis.

In other words one of my darling nieces or nephews got me sick.

Chest cold has morphed into a horrible sore throat and a head cold. Don't ask me why it went backwards, but it did. It's been quite the fortnight for the husband and myself as far as illness is concerned: he had a cold last week; he got a stomach bug earlier this week when we were in Omaha and I now have a cold. We can usually go all winter without seeing this much illness action. Alas, however, this winter is different as we're trying hard to have a life. It's a toss up, you know. You can either sign up for the patented Hermit Defense System (TM) and never get out and about. Or you can get out and about and pay the price for it.

Have no fear, my devoted Cake Eater readers, for I have goodies for you and I shall unload them right now whilst I'm feeling particularly alert.

• Leon Spinks, who beat Muhammed Ali and is now working as a janitor at the Columbus, Nebraska YMCA for $5.15/hr. and fighting off dementia and all other assorted ills tells you "it ain't what you do, it's how you do it."
• 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, 1001 horsepower, to bury the needle you have to go 253 mph, and it smokes its maker's grand prix model.

  Have I mentioned that you can actually purchase this fine automobile?

  If you have the means---one point two million before taxes---I highly recommend picking one up.

• Sheila---the lucky wench---got to see Notorious on the big screen. (I'm green with envy)
• Have I mentioned that I'm a grandma?--- a blog grandma.
• This game had some of the worst officiating I've ever seen.
• In one of my very few examples of follow-up, via this post from St. Patrick's Day it turns out Fausta was right when she postulated that The Manolo is Day By Day Jan's super fantastic papa.

  See here, here and here and tell me she's not right.

And there's your cheap thrills for the day, babycakes.

Posted by: Kathy at 06:07 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Two things for rabid commenter, and all around Cake Eater Fan, Russ from Winterset:

1. The husband and I looked south yesterday when we passed the sign demarcating the beginning of Madison County, IA, as if just by glancing to the southeast we could catch a glimpse of the MASSIVE Winterset skyline. We thought of you. Briefly. And then we kept going.

Sorry about that. Our bad.

2. When the hell is Iowa State playing? I'm too lazy to go looking and I know you'll know.

Posted by: Kathy at 11:12 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I simply cannot believe y'all stuck around this long without any fresh content.

Either I'm really pathetic. Or....{insert drumroll here} you, my devoted Cake Eater readers, are pathetic.

And, really, my devoted Cake Eater Readers, do we really want to go there?

On either count.

I think not.

I'm freakin' exhausted right now, but blogging will resume shortly.

Like later in the day.

Cheap thrills will be available for all and sundry at that time.

In the meantime, I'm going to go and load some eggnog up with cheap brandy.

Cheers!

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Dearest Jonathan wants to know about our Top Ten Movies.

Twist my arm.

1. Casablanca I can't add anything remotely interesting to the discussion regarding this film. It simply is the best movie ever made and if you have issues with that, well, you're a nutter. Sorry, but you'll just have to live with your diagnosis.

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark How can you not love this movie? It is, yet again, proof that Lucas can come up with the story, but it's best left to the professionals, namely Lawrence Kasdan and Stephen Spielberg, to tell it. And boy can they tell a good story!

3. Rear Window Back when I was in eighth grade, this was one of five Hitchcock films---Rope, The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Trouble with Harry and Vertigo---- that were re-released to movie theaters. This was the first Hitchcock film I ever saw and it will always be my favorite. I still want to be Grace Kelly when I grow up (and, more importantly, I want her clothes from that movie!).

This, of course, says nothing about how wonderful this film is in its own right.

4. Godfather II: You'll have noticed that The Godfather wasn't on this list. My, what sharp little eyes you've got. There's a reason and I can give it to you in one word, two syllables: De Niro.

5. The English Patient: I love this book and I love this movie. Although, it's not because of my well documented Colin Firth crush. No, I love this movie because of Ralph Fiennes eyes, Juliette Binoche's smile and Naveen Andrew's calm ("Comma.") I love the book because Ondaatje's one of the true masters of bringing a memory to life. You can smell a scene when he's done with it, and he's never tiresome in his description---which is a problem I have with much of literary fiction. Anthony Minghella brought this book to life---and it's wonderful.

6. It Happened One Night: If you've ever wondered what it is about Clark Gable that, once upon a time, drove women mad, this is the film to watch. Trust me on this one.

7. Grand Illusion: Most people won't be familiar with this movie, because not only is it old, but it's foreign. It's a masterwork of director Jean Renoir and it's well worth seeing.

8. Bridge Over the River Kwai and

9. Lawrence of Arabia

Oh, dear. I had a hard time narrowing it down which David Lean films are my favorites, because, quite frankly, I love this man's movies. First and foremost, I love how they look. I love how you get a sense of magisterial scope with Lean's films, but how the background never seems too unwieldy for the character's to manage, even when it is. All that breathtaking scenery that the characters seem impervious to, it's like it's a reminder to look around and see what sort of magisterial scope there is to your own surroundings. Second, these two films had the most memorable acting jobs. Alec Guinness especially, in Bridge Over the River Kwai was incredible, as was Peter O'Toole in Lawrence: they held up to the scenery.

I could go on, but I think we can move along.

10. L.A. Confidential: What's not to like about this movie? The story is incredible. The acting is phenomenal, particularly from Kim Basinger. Who knew? Surely 9 1/2 Weeks never tipped anyone off to her talents. Russell Crowe's Bud White strains at the leash; Guy Pearce's Ed Exley is so icily ambitious and controlled until he isn't, but James Cromwell's Dudley Smith, well, he takes the cake with that Irish accent and his casual acceptance of corruption.

Ahhhh....now that's a movie.

Posted by: Kathy at 12:01 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Hello all,

This is Christi, the Cake Eater Sister. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and you are not going too crazy getting ready. On that note, I just wanted you to know that I will be very busy in the next few days cleaning and baking for my sister, Kathy the Cake Eater. You see, she and the Cake Eater husband will be coming to stay with us for Christmas. There is much to get ready, since I have put off any cleaning for over three weeks. I just won't have the time to read this blog. So, Kathy, don't blog about anything exciting, as I don't want to miss much.

We are very excited to have the Cake Eaters to visit. It is not often that they are able to travel and we are so happy they chose to stay at our humble abode. We'll see how happy they are when the children wake them up nice and early on Christmas morning!

Merry Christmas!

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