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shadowkatI'm horribly behind on the Question a Day - April - Meme - so, I'm just going to finish out the month while I have the opportunity. I was going to read more of "This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me" but the vagus nerve associated with my neck is bothering me today - and I'd need to well bend over the book? Had troubles reading on the train for the same reason. It's the weather - which is turning again, and as a result my arthritis is flaring up. (I may go back to audio books - actually, that was why Masq (from ATPOBTVS) started on audio books, back and neck issues.)
22. If you took part in a quiz, what would be your specialist subject?
Probably movies, television, theater and fictional books. I have an insane amount of trivia knowledge in that arena. For some reason or other, my brain holds onto that sort of data? When I played Jeopardy on my phone - every time it did that category - I won. Same with Trivia pursuit.
23. In 1895, Ngaio Marsh, New Zealand detective writer and producer, was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Have you ever read any of her detective novels? If not, who is your favourite detective novelist?
Yes, a couple. It's been a long time since I read them though - and I get her confused with PD James (who I prefer and have read more of). Neither are my favorite. My favorite is the Master - Agatha Christie. I read all of her books. I did find Peters Vicky Bliss mysteries up to and including The Night Train to Memphis - to be fun and memorable. I always wished those novels had been adapted in a series or movies. But alas, no.
I also loved Minette Walters, another British mystery writer - whose first novel was adapted. Not sure any others were. She would be a close second to Agatha Christie.
24. It’s Barbara Streisand’s birthday – are you a fan of her music or movies?
I didn't realize she was born in April. So is my niece and brother. Fan? Not really? I'm not sure I'd call myself a fan exactly? I enjoy her music and her movies. Like her music better - she has an amazing range. One of the original belters. Her movies are a mixed bag, unfortunately. But I have enjoyed several of them. Her better ones were when she was younger...
She's the same age as my mother and Harrison Ford.
25. When’s the last time you had to use a plumber?
I can't remember? I always call the Super, and they tend to fix the problem if I can't.
26. Do you still have a landline, or do you only use your mobile phone/cellphone?
Yes. Although not sure why - since it's not really a landline but through a cable bundle? Phone, cable and internet. It does make the other two cheaper, but it would probably be cheaper just to have the internet. I just don't want to deal with figuring out how to return the equipment.
27. What sweets/candies do you remember from your childhood? When was the last time you ate some?
Butterfingers, Kit Kats, 3 Musketeers, Big Chew Gum, those sour balls that you can suck for hours and they change flavors and colors, sweet tarts, colored sugar in straws (can't remember the name of it)...
I had a 3 Musketeers about a year ago. The rest, I can't eat any longer - too much sugar or they have gluten. Kit Kats are a thing of the past - I can't have them at all. Butterfingers are possible - but high in sugar, as are all the rest.
I don't know what I did? But sugar got angry at me. So did gluten. And here we are.
28. In 2004, Shrek the sheep from Tarras, Central Otago, New Zealand, was finally shorn live on TV after 6 years of avoidance; the fleece weighed 27 kg (60 lb). Do you own, or have you made anything from sheep’s wool?
There's a sheep named Shrek? Oh that's hilarious. Did they name it after the movie Shrek?
Yes, I have wool - not a lot, I find it itchy. But I have wool sweaters. I even have a knitted wool blanket. At least I think it is wool - it might be alpaca.
29. When was the last time you received a letter (not junk mail)?
God knows. I've no clue. I miss letters. I think it might have been five years ago - from my mother? She has sent me cards - do those count? The rest of the family uses Facebook or Texts.
And my penpals are on social media now.
30. In 2018, Sweden's official Twitter account confirmed that Swedish meatballs actually originated in Turkey. Do you like Swedish meatballs? Ever had them in IKEA?
Yes. My mother used to make them a lot - with rice. But I can't have them now - because they contain gluten. I suppose you could make them without?
But I've also kind of limited red meat intake - because it doesn't agree with me any longer. So, I eat it sparingly, if at all.
***
I should have put that under a cut, but I didn't feel like it. It's been one of those days.
***
Today I finally "attempted" to schedule my X-rays, only to be reminded of why I was procrastinating?
So I call the Trinity location in Manhattan.
Me: I'd like to schedule X-rays at Trinity. It's about a block from my work place. I need to schedule between 4-5pm, I work from 8-4.
Scheduler: Can I put you on hold to check availability?
Me: Yes. (Do I have a choice? No.) (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: Ah, I have an appointment at 4pm in Brooklyn.
Me: Brooklyn, where in Brooklyn?
Scheduler: Diane and Joseph Steinberg Ambulatory -
Me: on 70 Atlantic? Can I do 4:15?
Scheduler: Yes. Let me put you on hold. (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: Okay, The address is 143, Victory Blvd in Brooklyn -
Me (WTF? I have no idea where this is?): No, no. I can only do 70 Atlantic in Brooklyn or Trinity in Manhattan. I can't go there.
Scheduler: So what do you want? Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Me: I want either the 70 Atlantic or Trinity in Manhattan.
Scheduler: Let me put you on hold. (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: I have a 7:15 am in Cobble Hill.
Me: No, I need after 4pm, unless you have anything at Trinity - and I can maybe do 12 noon.
Scheduler: I have a 7:45 pm on the 7th at Cobble Hill.
Me: Do you have anything after 4?
Scheduler: I have a 5 pm in Cobble Hill on the 30th.
Me: What about Trinity in Manhattan.
Scheduler: Hold on let me look. (Another 15 minutes)
Scheduler: You don't need to make an appointment, just walk in.
Me: Can I make an appointment?
Scheduler: Hold on, let me check. (Another 15 minutes)
Scheduler: No, you don't make any appointment. It's walk in only. They don't make appointments. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: No.
Oh well, if it doesn't work - I'll try Lennox Hill in Cobble Hill, which has openings on weekends. I just hate their portal and it's difficult to share with other doctors.
I'm worried about my vagus nerve - which apparently affects the gut and the head, and causes all sorts of issues if out of wack.
***
So, I gave up on Firebird and went over to Scalzi's Locked-In (I may go back to Firebird, not sure yet.) John Scalzi is kind of the Stephen King of Sci-Fi writing. Popular, nerdy, and an adept commercial writer - who specializes in nerdy guys in taxing scenarios. Will Wheaton narrates the audio versions. I've read three of his books so far - all stand-a-lones: Red Shirts (read), Starter Villain (listened to), Kazju Preservation Society (listened to). Now reading "Locked-In" which is a sci-fi murder mystery - Scalzi leans into satire, and is a comedic writer. Usually first person, and rather tongue in cheek.
His writing style is rather casual and clean - which is easier for me to read. The closer the writing style is to how I think - the easier it is for me to process. And since I'm used to reading construction contracts, technical specifications, and financial documents - I kind of need a writing style that doesn't require all that much on my commute and down time. (I suppose I should just go full throttle into audio books? But what's the fun in that?)
Book Instagram is odd? Very young. And kind of whiny? Apparently book reviews and book blogging has been replaced with book podcasting?? Where everybody and their mother gives book reviews via podcasts. Some of them are paid to do this? Why? One guy named Kenny - makes a living, and a rather good one from being on the internet and talking about books. I'm in the wrong occupation. Although - I hate being on video, so this would not work for me. I can't watch them on video. I just listen to them and look at the books. It's made me aware that there are a lot of books out there - and Romantasy is having its moment. Also, a lot of these books are exactly alike? Publishing world? Do better? One podcaster complained about that.
Another one listed a bunch of books she refused to read because her mother kept recommending them or insisting she read them? The list? Rebecca by Dauphine Du Maurier, Watership Down, Lady of the Hay, The House on the Strand by DuMarier, Shogun...
I felt the need to inform her that several of these had been made into rather good films or television series, and she could just watch those.
And DuMaurier had actually written two excellent short stories - also turned into films: The Birds (see Hitchcock - the short story is creepier, believe it or not?) - I thought she did Lennigen Vs. the Ants (which became The Naked Jungle - but that was somebody else), but she did write Don't Look Now. She was a great horror/thriller writer. I liked her short stories better actually. I couldn't get through Rebecca. I read both Lennigen and the Birds in Honors Social Studies. I was good at social studies in school - I got A's and was in honors.
22. If you took part in a quiz, what would be your specialist subject?
Probably movies, television, theater and fictional books. I have an insane amount of trivia knowledge in that arena. For some reason or other, my brain holds onto that sort of data? When I played Jeopardy on my phone - every time it did that category - I won. Same with Trivia pursuit.
23. In 1895, Ngaio Marsh, New Zealand detective writer and producer, was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Have you ever read any of her detective novels? If not, who is your favourite detective novelist?
Yes, a couple. It's been a long time since I read them though - and I get her confused with PD James (who I prefer and have read more of). Neither are my favorite. My favorite is the Master - Agatha Christie. I read all of her books. I did find Peters Vicky Bliss mysteries up to and including The Night Train to Memphis - to be fun and memorable. I always wished those novels had been adapted in a series or movies. But alas, no.
I also loved Minette Walters, another British mystery writer - whose first novel was adapted. Not sure any others were. She would be a close second to Agatha Christie.
24. It’s Barbara Streisand’s birthday – are you a fan of her music or movies?
I didn't realize she was born in April. So is my niece and brother. Fan? Not really? I'm not sure I'd call myself a fan exactly? I enjoy her music and her movies. Like her music better - she has an amazing range. One of the original belters. Her movies are a mixed bag, unfortunately. But I have enjoyed several of them. Her better ones were when she was younger...
She's the same age as my mother and Harrison Ford.
25. When’s the last time you had to use a plumber?
I can't remember? I always call the Super, and they tend to fix the problem if I can't.
26. Do you still have a landline, or do you only use your mobile phone/cellphone?
Yes. Although not sure why - since it's not really a landline but through a cable bundle? Phone, cable and internet. It does make the other two cheaper, but it would probably be cheaper just to have the internet. I just don't want to deal with figuring out how to return the equipment.
27. What sweets/candies do you remember from your childhood? When was the last time you ate some?
Butterfingers, Kit Kats, 3 Musketeers, Big Chew Gum, those sour balls that you can suck for hours and they change flavors and colors, sweet tarts, colored sugar in straws (can't remember the name of it)...
I had a 3 Musketeers about a year ago. The rest, I can't eat any longer - too much sugar or they have gluten. Kit Kats are a thing of the past - I can't have them at all. Butterfingers are possible - but high in sugar, as are all the rest.
I don't know what I did? But sugar got angry at me. So did gluten. And here we are.
28. In 2004, Shrek the sheep from Tarras, Central Otago, New Zealand, was finally shorn live on TV after 6 years of avoidance; the fleece weighed 27 kg (60 lb). Do you own, or have you made anything from sheep’s wool?
There's a sheep named Shrek? Oh that's hilarious. Did they name it after the movie Shrek?
Yes, I have wool - not a lot, I find it itchy. But I have wool sweaters. I even have a knitted wool blanket. At least I think it is wool - it might be alpaca.
29. When was the last time you received a letter (not junk mail)?
God knows. I've no clue. I miss letters. I think it might have been five years ago - from my mother? She has sent me cards - do those count? The rest of the family uses Facebook or Texts.
And my penpals are on social media now.
30. In 2018, Sweden's official Twitter account confirmed that Swedish meatballs actually originated in Turkey. Do you like Swedish meatballs? Ever had them in IKEA?
Yes. My mother used to make them a lot - with rice. But I can't have them now - because they contain gluten. I suppose you could make them without?
But I've also kind of limited red meat intake - because it doesn't agree with me any longer. So, I eat it sparingly, if at all.
***
I should have put that under a cut, but I didn't feel like it. It's been one of those days.
***
Today I finally "attempted" to schedule my X-rays, only to be reminded of why I was procrastinating?
So I call the Trinity location in Manhattan.
Me: I'd like to schedule X-rays at Trinity. It's about a block from my work place. I need to schedule between 4-5pm, I work from 8-4.
Scheduler: Can I put you on hold to check availability?
Me: Yes. (Do I have a choice? No.) (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: Ah, I have an appointment at 4pm in Brooklyn.
Me: Brooklyn, where in Brooklyn?
Scheduler: Diane and Joseph Steinberg Ambulatory -
Me: on 70 Atlantic? Can I do 4:15?
Scheduler: Yes. Let me put you on hold. (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: Okay, The address is 143, Victory Blvd in Brooklyn -
Me (WTF? I have no idea where this is?): No, no. I can only do 70 Atlantic in Brooklyn or Trinity in Manhattan. I can't go there.
Scheduler: So what do you want? Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Me: I want either the 70 Atlantic or Trinity in Manhattan.
Scheduler: Let me put you on hold. (10-15 minutes later)
Scheduler: I have a 7:15 am in Cobble Hill.
Me: No, I need after 4pm, unless you have anything at Trinity - and I can maybe do 12 noon.
Scheduler: I have a 7:45 pm on the 7th at Cobble Hill.
Me: Do you have anything after 4?
Scheduler: I have a 5 pm in Cobble Hill on the 30th.
Me: What about Trinity in Manhattan.
Scheduler: Hold on let me look. (Another 15 minutes)
Scheduler: You don't need to make an appointment, just walk in.
Me: Can I make an appointment?
Scheduler: Hold on, let me check. (Another 15 minutes)
Scheduler: No, you don't make any appointment. It's walk in only. They don't make appointments. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: No.
Oh well, if it doesn't work - I'll try Lennox Hill in Cobble Hill, which has openings on weekends. I just hate their portal and it's difficult to share with other doctors.
I'm worried about my vagus nerve - which apparently affects the gut and the head, and causes all sorts of issues if out of wack.
***
So, I gave up on Firebird and went over to Scalzi's Locked-In (I may go back to Firebird, not sure yet.) John Scalzi is kind of the Stephen King of Sci-Fi writing. Popular, nerdy, and an adept commercial writer - who specializes in nerdy guys in taxing scenarios. Will Wheaton narrates the audio versions. I've read three of his books so far - all stand-a-lones: Red Shirts (read), Starter Villain (listened to), Kazju Preservation Society (listened to). Now reading "Locked-In" which is a sci-fi murder mystery - Scalzi leans into satire, and is a comedic writer. Usually first person, and rather tongue in cheek.
His writing style is rather casual and clean - which is easier for me to read. The closer the writing style is to how I think - the easier it is for me to process. And since I'm used to reading construction contracts, technical specifications, and financial documents - I kind of need a writing style that doesn't require all that much on my commute and down time. (I suppose I should just go full throttle into audio books? But what's the fun in that?)
Book Instagram is odd? Very young. And kind of whiny? Apparently book reviews and book blogging has been replaced with book podcasting?? Where everybody and their mother gives book reviews via podcasts. Some of them are paid to do this? Why? One guy named Kenny - makes a living, and a rather good one from being on the internet and talking about books. I'm in the wrong occupation. Although - I hate being on video, so this would not work for me. I can't watch them on video. I just listen to them and look at the books. It's made me aware that there are a lot of books out there - and Romantasy is having its moment. Also, a lot of these books are exactly alike? Publishing world? Do better? One podcaster complained about that.
Another one listed a bunch of books she refused to read because her mother kept recommending them or insisting she read them? The list? Rebecca by Dauphine Du Maurier, Watership Down, Lady of the Hay, The House on the Strand by DuMarier, Shogun...
I felt the need to inform her that several of these had been made into rather good films or television series, and she could just watch those.
And DuMaurier had actually written two excellent short stories - also turned into films: The Birds (see Hitchcock - the short story is creepier, believe it or not?) - I thought she did Lennigen Vs. the Ants (which became The Naked Jungle - but that was somebody else), but she did write Don't Look Now. She was a great horror/thriller writer. I liked her short stories better actually. I couldn't get through Rebecca. I read both Lennigen and the Birds in Honors Social Studies. I was good at social studies in school - I got A's and was in honors.