From the great Guy Fieri, the first Next Food Network Star who actually has made it big. Highly entertaining, and a good cook too.
3/4-ounce vodka
3/4-ounce melon
3/4-ounce peach schnapps
Splash orange juice
Splash grenadine
Ginger ale
In a bucket glass, fill with ice, add liquids, shake, and serve.
Sparky's Notes
I was using a shot glass to measure, so it was one shot of melon, peach schnapps and vodka. A splash of OJ and grenadine, shake with ice and serve.
I have given my fair share to Presidential politics this past year, giving my small little amounts to both John Edwards and Barack Obama, hoping that I backed the right horse when it comes to the Presidency.
Now, though, I will be throwing my small measly weekly change into the local political ring, since I got a nice little message from Rep Patrick Murphy. It was not a personalized message or anything, there was no mention of my wedding anniversary or me helping out in a different office. So its obvious that the Murphy people do not read this blog. However, I will not let that deter me from sharing with my faithful readers.
Dear Supporter,
Over Memorial Day weekend, the right-wing, pro-war group Freedom's Watch blanketed my district with phone calls questioning my commitment to the welfare of American soldiers.
The call was insulting and inaccurate, but sadly, not surprising.
This type of baseless attack is typical of groups like Freedom's Watch, since they have unlimited funding and answer to no one. Using lies to viciously smear public servants is the sole reason these groups exist – they do the dirty work for the same old, status quo style of Washington politics that I am trying to change.
It's a simple formula that has worked before. In 2004, outside groups spent millions of dollars "swift boating" and broadcasting lies about John Kerry. With lots of money and a fabricated message, they distorted the service of a decorated war veteran. Now it looks like they're going to try the same dirty tricks in my district and they're starting early.
That's why I'm writing you today. I want to send these groups a message but I need your help. When candidates across the country file their financial reports on June 30, these fringe groups will use the fundraising numbers to identify those they view as "vulnerable" and decide where and how to empty their war chest. Using the same old underhanded tactics, they will descend on these districts to vilify anyone who stands up to President Bush and fights for change.
If we make a strong showing on June 30, we can send a clear message to those groups: stay out. If we can post a large enough number, we might just convince those on the far-right to take their millions elsewhere. Please, join me today and let these folks know you're not going to stand for their divisive and damaging political games.
Thank you for your continued support,
Patrick J. Murphy
When, I was little, I would play arcade games that made little to no sense. Really, who is Pac-Man and why would I want him to be eating up ghosts. And Galactica? Please, there is no way I am a space pilot.
But, as I got older, the games also matured and while Donkey Kong was all about animal conservation and at least in Zelda, I was attempting to save a princess and a kingdom. And now adays we play games that have high minded goals like defeating terrorists in Las Vegas or getting Northwestern back to the Rose Bowl.
There are still games that make no sense though and that is what I have found in Dead or Alive Extreme 2. Visually stunning, it has no real goal in mind. Obstensibly, its about a resort where scantily clad pixelated women play party games and interact with each other to try and find and keep the correct volleyball partner. But in the end it is just an excuse to see chicks naked.
Gameplay was fairly simple to figure out, it was a game that you could pretty much just pick up and with a little bit of practice, get the hang of, but even after 2 hours of playing, I could not ascertain what the real point was. I guess to get my character that i controlled and then other characters as close to naked as possible.
I can see who the game was angled towards, hormonal young men, except for the fact that the game is rated M for Mature, which means it should be harder for the girlfriendless types to get and by the time you are 18, you should be able to find other ways of stimulating your mind.
Overall, I would say pass, and just try to figure out Rainbow 6 Vegas a little bit more. Now thats a game that needs practice.
The Songbird was nice last week, seeing that my brain was full of porridge and figured I needed some blogging help. So, she reached out and tagged me with the 6 boring/quirky things about me meme. What a fine desert friend! So, this feathery blogger obliged, even though it was later then need be.
) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other bloggers by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.
And now, I am sure, more then you ever wanted to know...
1-I feel a little bit guilty when I am playing my Xbox 360. Not because it is childish or immature, but because it is set up in the living room and it bores the heck out of Mrs Duck. So I feel like I am kicking her out of her relaxation zone.
2-I twirl my hair when I am tired or bored. Not exactly something that odd, except for the fact that I find myself doing it at work.
3-I collect horse racing glasses. Now there is nothing wrong with the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness, plenty of people collect those. But I have searched EBay for glasses from the Blue Grass Stakes and the Travers. Not exactly big name races. Mrs Duck is not amused.
4-I love to cook, but hate to grill. I have a fear that the propane will somehow get loose and I will explode in a firey blast of gas and hamburger.
5-I just do not get the appeal of the TV Show, Lost.
6-I used to feel bad for stuffed animals, especially the last ones on a shelf, so I would buy them so they did not feel all alone.
6a-I still do #6 occasionally now if my mood is just right.
There, six more reasons why yours truly should probably be committed. And now, who to tag, who to tag.
a-Dragon
b-Sognatrice
c-SaS
d-Ali
e-Jeff
f-One Gal
Its 11:58 and still Sunday
Today, of course, was the first real Meet The Press without Tim Russert. And I honestly hope that until thy decide on one of the young turks or turkettes to replace him, that Brian Williams and Tom Brokaw switch off and share duties on one of the most important political shows on TV. At least until the election, because both sides, Republican and Democratic, are going to do there best spin jobs and these two anchors have the gravitas to say hey hold on a moment.
Today, it was Senator Joe Biden of Delaware and Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina that graced us with there presence at 10:30 am Philadelphia time. And, it was not that bad a program. Biden was Biden, which means he said some smart witty things and also sort of stumbled and bumbled a bit as he spoke. Classic Biden. Senator Graham had a pretty clean show, smartly letting Biden take up alot of the hot air.
Until (and you knew there had to be an until, its the Sparky Duck blog) the discussion turned to drilling for oil off the coasts of the United States. Now, I am not sure if Biden's point about land in the ocean already leased and not used by oil companies already not being drilled, why do they need more, point was spot on. It sounded a bit like a talking point that could be skewered eventually. But Senator Graham botched one moment for sure. Briam Williams brought up two quotes from two South Carolina newspapers that pointed the Senator, and co chairman of McCains national committee, towards being against the drilling off the shores of the United States. Specifically because tourism would probably suffer, which besides tobacco and two major Universities, is one of the biggest money makers for the Palmetto state. To quote Williams, "so Senator Graham, what changed your mind?" 4 dollars a gallon, so speaketh Mr Graham.
Does anyone realize how short sighted an answer that was? How the logic is all askew? Sure, approve drilling off the coast, the oil companies get what they want and then gas prices reduce. Until, the oil companies or maybe a pharmaceutical, or heck dairy farmers what something else, and then they race the price on the commodity to get something else they want. Senator Graham kind of just said that the government is held hostage to prices and corporations. This was smart how??
Of work today, so my brain is mush. Nothing really witty to say here. Hell I am stunned I am awake.
So, there is this brewhaha from the a stronghold on Hillary Clinton supporters, who are so hurt by the media's treatment of there candidate and the entire inevitability of Hillary Clinton that was flushed down the toilet, that they will ignore every single thing about John McCain, because he is not black and he is not the person that stole there thunder.
So, while John McCain has no ties to this quote, and the fact that this is a quote from the 80s, when Clayton Williams lost to Ann Richards, lets still focus on the fact that as on 11 PM eastern time, McCain did not give the money back, that Clayton raised for him.
I shall put the quote in big bold colorful letters...
"Claytie" Williams made about women and rape nearly 20 years ago. While running unsuccessfully against Ann Richards for governor, the Texan was overheard comparing rape to the weather: "As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it."
Unfortunately, technology screwed me today, since my phone beeped to let me know that Tiger Woods had defeated Rocco Mediate in a 19 hole playoff today. I did my best to stay away from any news, keeping the radio off and not skipping off to the Action News website to make sure Philadelphia had not imploded today, and yet, I could not avoid it.
So while Mrs Duck and I half watch our TiVo, there is a part of me that is glad to know. Because, the Duck Family was pulling for Mediate, not only because he was born in Pennsylvania, but because he was a normal guy.
Subway told us a story while we were at the Heritage. He was outside his shop, setting up for the morning, when he saw Rocco Mediate having a conversation about what wine to buy across the parking lot in Hilton Head. I've done that, you've done that, we have all done that, which is why Rocco was just a regular guy.
So to see him lose in Sudden Death, without knowing it ahead of time might have ruined my night.
Ok, maybe I am not like Mickelson, since he went to college on a golf scholarship in Arizona and has won millions upon millions of dollars. Sparky on the other hand had to pay to go Delaware and is still buying powerball tickets. Yes, the title is an overstatement.
Yet for one brief moment, Phil and I were alike. Mickelson hit a 9 on a hole on the back nine, which was a quadruple bogey I think. I hit 9's all the time!! Phil and I are simpatico. Just remind me not to compare bank books.
As of 7:30, it was still Rocco Mediate, though Tiger and Davis Love III were in the US Open hunt.
When I go to another office, sometimes it feels like a little vacation. The trauma of having to deal with the inner workings and dramatic wanderings of my staff can be taxing. Hence, when I do not have to deal with it, its a blessing, even when I have to deal marginally with the dramatic wanderings of another staff. Plus, I actually had things to do, which meant I did not have to look busy. A nice touch. Who knows how long this working vacation will last, but I will try and enjoy it while I can.
John McCain was not on the Today show today, saying that getting the troops out was not really important, was he?
Oh wait, maybe he did, as seen here with Matt Lauer.
Nothing like the former veteran standing up for the Brotherhood of Brothers. Lets never mind that a poll came out today that said 63% of the countries Latinos would vote for Obama, even though McCain is more on there side with immigration.
Mrs Duck and I went away this weekend in celebration of our 2 year anniversary and hot damn, we almost dropped in the street from the heat. Its about 85 now, with an 80% humidity and its not that much more comfortable then it was last night.
But, there is no such thing as global warming. Nevermind the fact that houses in Wisconsin and Iowa are falling into rivers that never existed before. Nevermind that its 100 on June 9th, and it is not even summer.
Life was good, but goddamn it was hot this weekend
On he one hand, I have never seen a Triple Crown winner. Yes, techinically I was alive for a few of them, including Seattle Slew and Secratariat, but I did not see them with my own eyes. So, the Big Brown story would be a good one. Its what horse racing needs in America and the horse is really a sweet, beautiful horse.
On the other hand, I have a nice little hatred for Rick Dutrow. I think he is a bit too arrogant for what a horse trainer should be, and I also think he maybe a cheater. I certainly would not put the pain killers/steroids rumors past him at all, because in the end he is a businessman and he also has a Daddy Complex.
So, where do I go? Smarty Jones and Real Quiet (sidenote, I adore Real Quiet, I mean, I will be sad when he finally passes, adore him) were more deserving Triple Crown winners. Yet, Big Brown is the man of 2008 horses and really, would you want a Japanese trained horse to take another feather away? I think not. So, I will be in front of a TV at 5:30 or so tomorrow, rooting but not. If Icabad Crane manages to come through, this Duck will be alot happier.
On a side note, I will be donating 10% of whatever I win tomorrow to the Another Chance for Horses ranch, because these animals are beautiful and do not deserve to be on the auction block for Asian Cuisine.
At lunchtime today, I made some of my typical stops. I do not actually eat during lunch, but even if I have no place to really go, I find an excuse to get out of the office so I can not be called back for one reason or another. The quarter tank of gas wasted is worth the sanity.
I made one of my usual stops, a place I go to at least once a week, which will remain nameless. Lets just say there are Celtic fans. Anyway, as I was browsing about, the manager/shift supervisor/shift person in charge gathered some of her workers around. First mistake on there part, talking too loudly.
They go on to say, the periwinkles are non negotiable. I was very disappointed yesterday that the periwinkles were not completed and that we were not able to periwinkle. That is unacceptable and it will not happen again today. (Periwinkle replaces the real word, just so I don't get anyone in any kind of trouble.) As I turn to leave the establishment, Head Person has disappeared into an office and the rest of the staff is rolling there eyes and laughing.
In my opinion two mistakes here. Number one, yes the periwinkles will get done, but they will not get done with any gusto. It will be more like I am doing this because they are making me and no value will come out of the time spent. Plus, customers dont really want periwinkles, they want to get in and out and off on the rest of there errands, chores, tasks, napping. Why do businesses insist on slowing them down. Plus, giving your underlings a bit of a dress down in public, not the best idea.
And now I am off to go yell about some periwinkles!
We live in an apartment complex that is run by a well known development company, whose name sounds alot like the second word in the title to this post. Its really not an apartment, more of a townhome, but we still rent. And trust me, the rent is not cheap, especially for the size of the place.
And of course, this spring has been like a monsoon, raining almost every other day in one way or another. I was thinking the other night, man when was the last time these gutters were cleaned out. I was thinking this because the pool of water on my sidewalk and the waterfall cascade outside my living room window from where one of the gutters on the roof was clogged up, while pretty, was not exactly the kind of thing you wanted to look out on. Now, this duck is not going up on the roof, firstly because I do not have wings or a ladder that can get me up there, but secondly, the townhome association takes care of things out side, not little old me.
So, imagine my double chagrin when Mrs Duck mentioned to our neighbors that she was going to go down to the office to tell them to clean out the gutters and our neighbors just laughed and laughed, like she was a cuter version of Letterman. Oh and also imagine my double chagrin as we now sit in a tornado watch until 8 pm tonight. Anyone for surfing??
***Its Our Anniversary, so this is a repost, but I figure good people need some credit***
Ok, this review was all mine. Mrs Duck always said that the DJ's were my job for the reception and that would mean I have to go all the way by finishing up with the review. As some of you may know from all my posts about it, Music is a very important thing in my life. I always thought I could be a wedding DJ, except for the fact that my voice sounds like Mickey Mouse when it goes through the microphone. But, I could never ever do as good a job as Synergetic Sounds did.
From the first meeting up until the start of the reception, they were extremely professional. Jason Weldon was our MC and Dan was the one behind the turntables, at least I think he was. The best part about Synergetic is that you have as much or as little control as you want. I had a healthy list of requests that I wished to hear, and they played everyone of them that they could find. Plus they were able to read the crowd. I had requested Poison by Bell Biv Devoe and also some Kayne West. The dj's were able to realize that if the dance floor is filled when you hear some BBD and Kayne, then the crowd would love Hip Hop Hooray! And they were right, it was one of the best dance portions of the night.
Plus, they were able to dig up things. Chasing Cars had just been featured on Grey's Anatomy a few weeks before and we both fell in love with it once we heard it. But, it had not even hit the airwaves. One of the last songs played before the dance floor was opened up? Chasing Cars. It just made me smile, well, smile more then I had been since it was our wedding day finally.
I think on the bride and grooms wedding day, they should be treated like kings and queens of the ball. Jason and Dan helped to make sure that was possible, making sure that we enjoyed the music, had any requests or checking the volume. Plus, they were both just really nice guys. Plus, we had a ban on line dances and hokey party favors, and they followed up with that ban, no questions asked. Even turning down a cute little 8 year old nephew. Now thats what I call customer service :)
In the end, Synergetic Sounds would be a company that I highly reccomend, and have done so time and time again when anyone asks questions about our DJs.
Love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are
All my instincts, they return
and the grand façade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside
In your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes
Love, I don't like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for out survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive
And all my instincts, they return
and the grand façade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside
In your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
Happy Anniversary Baby
All aboard the Poetry Train.
