Men: Chad Moston

Name: Chad Wesley Moston
Best Known For: Fitness Model
Year of Birth: 1976
Status: ?
Height: 6'1"
Fun Fact: He's really a business account executive.

That fun fact is courtesy of this blog entry of, you guessed it, a guy. I really don't know that much more about him. He's heaven to look at, though, isn't he? I put two pics up because I really like the sunglasses picture (quality), but it doesn't show his eyes. There aren't very many pictures of him out there at all, but if he only does fitness modeling on the side it seems reasonable. Probably means he's out there somewhere posing as a regular Joe. Hmmm...

Chocolate: Rocky Road Fudge

I'm taking the easy way out of my chocolate post this time. One of my favorite fudges or chocolate dessert squares are Rocky Road. There are complicated recipes out there involving real fudge like you buy at fudge stores and there are easy, not quite fudge as much as chocolate, marshmallows and nuts, recipes. I searched and found links. No, I haven't tried them, but I have a relative who makes some variation of Rocky Road candy every year. It's my favorite. Enjoy!

That's My Home
Food Network
Ghirardelli
Kraft and Baker's

Books: The Broken Window

Tied up in work and holidays, I haven't had much time to read. I'm hoping to get caught up on that during the holidays. Anyway, I did manage to read The Broken Window, one of Jeffery Deaver's books featuring Lincoln Rhyme. I've mentioned this author and character before.

I'm usually fit to be tied while reading all the twists and turns at the end of the story. While this one had a few tricks up its sleeve, it wasn't with the "jaw drop" I usually associate with Rhyme books. I've actually seen someone complaining about his end of book weirdness, so maybe he's trying to please his fans.

What actually had me floored was the basis for his book. Data mining. The murderer in the book used it to frame others for his crimes. It was really quite frightening.

Still I liked all the detective work and trying to figure out who the killer was. You might too.

TV: Comedy Central Roasts

Comedy Centrals Roasts are funnier than all and so not suitable for children.

I have never seen such a collection of put downs that have me rolling than these. A quick run down of the show is here. You can view video clips here. Type "roasts" in the search box.

I've seen Flava Flav's, William Shatner's, and Bob Saget's. Completely adult entertainment, but worth mentioning.

'Nuff said.

Quotes of 2008

• Everything is funny as long as it is happening to someone else –- Will Rogers JANUARY 2008


• Love is like and hourglass, with the heart filling up as the brain empties. -- Jules Renard FEBUARY 2008
• It’s hard to detect good luck – it looks so much like something you’ve earned. Frank A. Clark MARCH 2008
• I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three. -- Elayne Boosler APRIL 2008
• Milton Berle if evolution works how come mothers only have two hands. MAY 2008
• Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning? -– George W. Bush JULY 2008
• Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. –- Oscar Wilde JUNE 2008
• Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you. -– Erma Bombeck AUGUST 2008
• Time is a great teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all its pupils. -– Hector Berlioz SEPTEMBER 2008
• There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin. -- Linus Van Pelt in “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” OCTOBER 2008
• Inside every older person is a younger person - wondering what the hell happened. -- Cora Harvey Armstrong NOVEMBER 2008
• The one thing women don’t want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband. -- Joan Rivers DECEMBER 2008

Men: Honorable Mentions, Models

I've got three models for you this time. They caught my eye ;o) Pictures of them are all over the net and easy to find. If you do a search for them, beware. Apparently they are eye candy for all.

In order, left to right:

Name: Nicholas Lemons

Birth Year: 1981
Height: 6'1"

Name: Ramirez Allender

Birth Year: 1981
Height: 6'1"

Name: Ryan Vigilant
Birth Year: 1983
Height: 6'1"

Chocolate: Lindt Excellence 85%

Okay. It snaps, it's got good color, it's melty. But, man, it's strong. B likes dark chocolate and even he found this one bitter. I didn't detect too much of anything other than the real chocolate - which is good. Some of the other dark chocolates had a more burnt taste. However, this dark was just too much for this milk chocolate gal. I chased it down with a bar of Lindt Filled. ;o)

Other reviewers here and here liked the dark taste. So if it's your thing - I mean really your thing - give it a try.

Books: Book Clubs

I've always wanted to start or be a part of a book club. Oprah's highly publicized book club is part of her show and is carried through online. Oprah's book of the moment is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. She posts information about the book, the author, and provides a community for discussion. Even A is doing one every week at her school. So why can't I have one?

Because, and maybe I'm overthinking things, it seems like it would be a hard thing to do. First, I'd have to find others who like reading the kinds of books I do. Second, the kinds of books I like to read do not lend themselves well to heartfelt, deep discussions like Oprah's books. She likes to bookmark and quote feelings, events, actions. Third, these people have to find time to meet, which is even difficult for friends of mine I've known for years, much less strangers. Fourth, I'd actually have to keep a schedule of reading so I come prepared. Sometimes I'm too busy to read (I know, unheard of!)

So I'm thinking maybe this is a summer activity. I'm thinking of someplace to put up info like Oprah. I'm thinking maybe I'm nuts. Is there someone who is part of a book club, knows about one through a friend, or has resources for successful ones?

TV: Medium, Monk, and Psych - A medley

I checked out Medium's site at NBC eagerly anticipating the episodes rumored to be showing in January. There's no date listed. NBC plans to use it to replace episodes of new shows with low ratings. Lots of fans are upset with the loose attitude NBC seems to have with Medium's scheduling. Why mess with a good thing?

USA has just aired the Christmas episodes of Monk and Psych, which as of earlier this week were still available for viewing online. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Shawn: That may or may not have to do with the stray cat that I took in. But they cannot blame me for infesting the entire building.
Gus and Joy in unison: One adult female flea lays thousands of eggs.
Shawn: That’s a little bit frightening.

Joy: Are you having a vision?
Shawn: It’s it’s a sm-sm-tiny vision.
Joy: Umm.
Shawn: Cold shower, baseball stats,watching my grandmother eat meatloaf.
Gus: Shawn!

To see for yourself...
USA Network > Psych > Video > Full Episodes
Episode 309: Christmas Joy

Julie: Is that your tree?
Monk: Uh huh.
Julie: It’s cardboard.
Monk:Right. No muss, no fuss. A lot of people are doing it.
Julie:Who?
Monk:People, you know, who are me.

Natalie: What is that?
Disher: What?
Natalie: What is that on your face? On your lip?
Monk: It looks a little bit like a mustache.
Disher: Well, I’m in charge. It comes with the job.
Monk and Natalie examine the mustache veerrry closely.
Disher: Okay, you’re making me a little uncomfortable.
Natalie: You’re making ME a little uncomfortable.

To see for yourself...
USA Network > Monk > Video > Full Episodes
Episode 709: Mr. Monk and the Miracle

Sad news for other Monk fans. Next season will be the last with 16 episodes. See more info here.

Miscellaneous: Sudoku

I promise, no puzzles next Miscellaneous. Let me just get this one more puzzle out of my system. Sudoku.

If you haven't heard of it, I can't even guess where you've been hiding. The puzzle is a nine by nine grid which must be filled in with the numbers 1 through 9 in every row, column, and section. Some of the numbers are filled in to get started. The amount of numbers and their placement determine the skill needed to complete them. I used to do these in my Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazines a looong time ago, before they were so popular. There are so many versions now. To see the variety I've included the Wiki link here.

I stick with the basics, the plain grid, and get them from several places. The first source is my local newspaper which puts a Sudoku in the entertainment section with the comics. At the beginning of the week they start with one star Sudoku and add a star each day. The most difficult ones are on Saturday.

Another source are the cheap books at places like Walmart and Target. Friends and family give me these. They are nice when commercials come on and I haven't pre-recorded the show I'm watching. A third source is a hand held game my MIL bought for me. There are many different types out there differing solving help features. I like the kind that let you place more than one number in each box. It helps with elimination.

That brings me to my fourth source...the Internet. There are so many online Sudoku that it's impossible not to find one. I have one set up on MyYahoo from BrainBashers. I like it because there is a new one each day, I can vary the level of difficulty by going to the site (MyYahoo page always displays the easy one), and I can fill in the boxes with more than one number if I need to. The online ones are often timed if you need more of a challenge.

It is easy to get hooked and fun to do when you're waiting for something...meeting to start, car repairs, appointment, etc. Anyone else Sudoku?

Christmas?

That time of the year again. Ignore the fact that your decorations weren't up at midnight on Thanksgiving. Get those Christmas cards out and don't forget anyone because you know they'll remember the slight next year. Peruse several recipes to decide which ones to cook or take with you on whatever date the party falls on. Don't forget the white elephant gift. While you're at it, beg for or demand emphatically those Christmas lists. Brave the horrible crowds at the stores or order online early. Avoid shopping for yourself, but remember that you need a Christmas outfit to wear. And for the folks like me, take deep breaths and relax even though this is a high stress period at work.

I get one wonderful perk this month that will make everything else worth while. I still have the parties, gifts, and cards, but I will not have to put up decorations this year. That itself will make New Year's truly a happy one.

Happy Birthday B!