Shaken, Not Stirred

Tofu girl was kind enough to dress up and attend a cocktail party at the National Constitution Center.  It was a spy-themed party held in connection with the Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America exhibition.  The exhibition was part of our entrance fee and was provided by the Spy Museum in Washington DC.

It was good to see many folks decided to dress the part.  We enjoyed the themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.  A James Bond trivia game was part of the entertainment and a virtual photographer who would take shots with whatever background you desired. I'd love to show you those pictures but for some reason they never posted ours online.  I guess we were just too good looking.

Unlike Bond, we had to take the train home but we could pretend it was the Orient Express and assassins were about to strike.  My Aston Martin was waiting for me once I got off the train.  Did I tell you the drinks were very good?

Flower Show 2011

Every beast has a soft spot.  No, I'm not talking about one on top of my head or between the scales over my heart.  I'm referring to flowers; thousands of them creatively displayed in amazing ways.  The theme this year was Springtime in Paris.

I've been to Paris twice but not in the Spring.  The city does have beauty and charm.  It's also got quite a history.  The artists were meant to capture some of this in their displays.  I believe most of them hit the mark.

It is a difficult decision on which pictures to show.  I'll post some of them for you to enjoy.  If you want to see more, send me an email and I'll give you a link.

Part of going to the Flower Show is to celebrate Mom's birthday.  Dad goes along to so he can see all the orchids.  This year I invited Crabby along for company.  We all had a great time regardless of the crowds.  Of course don't get Crabby started on the price of a sandwich at the event.  These things don't come cheap when you are a captive audience.

The other half of the show is vendors.  This year we avoided that section and were better off for it.  The main event is tiring by itself.  Walking through rows of vendors can be the nail in the coffin.  Figuratively of course, my folks are old but let's not rush things.

Soothing the Beast

I enjoy seeing the bands I like live.  It gives a good perspective on their talents and how well the songs translate from CD to stage.  No one does stage shows anymore so it really becomes all about the music more than visual entertainment.  Which means the band had better be good.  You don't get to fix anything in the mix.

A couple months ago, I picked up tickets for Flyleaf.  A friend had introduced me to the first CD and I really liked it.  Yes, they are a Christian band but they seem to be on a more secular path through the music business.  No, this is not the first Christian band I've enjoyed.  I list Mortal, Grammatrain, and Rain Children as favorites but haven't really been into that scene in recent years.  Flyleaf impressed me enough to buy tickets and go by myself.  Of course, I don't mind attending events alone.

I really wanted to see the lead singer scream.  She has a beautiful voice and I enjoy her singing but I really like when she just lets loose.  It puts a big stupid grin on my face.  I've made women scream before, for good and bad reasons, but that's not what I'm talking about here.  It adds something primal to the song.  But I don't have to explain why I like it.  Let's just go with that.

The crowd was quite young so I retreated the bar upstairs.  At least everyone up there was over 21.  A very nice couple sat down next to me and we started a conversation.  They are both just getting out of the military and taking time to travel the country they've served.  Meet Billy and Sara.  They are very cool and I wish them a safe journey.  My advice to them - instead of figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, don't bother growing up.

Edit:  I'm paraphrasing Lacey (the singer) - We are all going to die.  This shouldn't be a surprise to you.  What should surprise you is that you are alive.

Geektastic

I received a link today from a friend. Most times they are just something funny or ironic but this one was all shiny. (We covered shiny objects already.) I didn't get much work done because I had to read all the stuff.

Geekadelphia

We are actually having a Teslafest here in town! You don't know Tesla? Read a book! No, I'm not talking about the legendary 80's rock band. (yes, they rock) This is the actual man, man. So now I have plans for weekend. No, it won't get me laid but should be interesting.

That site then led me to this one - MakePhilly. A local site of folks who consider themselves Makers. She-who-shall-not-be-named got me a subscription to Make magazine for Christmas. It's a great mag full of some amazing projects and ideas. You don't actually own something until you take it apart. You probably can't apply that to people or pets so be careful.

Happy 4th!!!!

There is no better place to be on Independence Day than Philadelphia, PA. This is where it happened. The signing, our first capital and our first president. Visit the Constitution Center when you get the chance and see if it doesn't get your American blood moving. Makes me want to run out and rebel. I hope that doesn't change no matter how old I get.

Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday America!!