Monday, July 31, 2006

"Improving" Fells Point?

Yesterday, I came across this article in the Baltimore Sun. It talks about the wishes of a developer to "improve" the Broadway in Fells Point by basically taking all the local flavor out of the block and replacing it with Banana Republics and Restoration Hardware stores.

I will be so sad if a bunch of bullshit national chains move to Fells Point. I do all my Christmas shopping at the "ma and pa" stores here and in Hampden. Personally, I like the fact that this part of Baltimore does not look like every other part of America with its Best Buys and Gaps.

Can't we just leave those retailers in the Inner Harbor? Why does America WANT every part of their existence to look the same as their local shopping mall?

This makes me sick, and I really hope it doesn't happen.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Burgers I've Eaten - Part 3

The Red Star Naked Burger

The Red Star is this cozy place located on the edge of Fells Point. I recently ventured there for a taste of what my friends were calling "the best burger in town". I had high expectations for this place, especially since I think Friends makes the best tasting piece of ground beef I've ever eaten.

I ordered the Naked Burger, which comes sans roll, and topped with blue cheese. Personally, I found the burger to be a bit dry and flavorless. I ordered it prepared medium, and it seemed well done. I was not impressed.

I was even less impressed the last time we were there when all the beers on tap were out of order and the service was super slow and completely inattentive.

Apparently, I was supposed to order the Good Burger. Next time, I will. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a beer in a glass then too.

Almost Effortless Activity

From Jennine's blog:

1. Pick up any book.
2. Go to page 127.
3. Find third sentence
4. Post it on your blog (plus these instructions)
5. Don't choose the book, just pick up the one closest to you

From, The Molds and Man:

"In the olden days a mixture of wood ashes, cow dung, and putrified urine was used, the idea being that the worse the dressing smelled the better it would be."

The author is talking about what people used to use to dress the wounds of trees.

Fascinating.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

I can knit cables!

After much frogging, I FINALLY finished the "Hurry Up Spring" armwarmers. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

Currently, I'm working on finishing my very first sweater. It's not my favorite, but I think it'll make a fine Christmas present.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Sleater-Kinney


One of my favorite bands, Sleater-Kinney, is breaking up at the end of the summer. I am saddened by this news, but glad I get to go to one of their last shows!

Get your tickets for the August 1st show at the 930 club starting tomorrow at 10am.

Lucky for me, my friend picked me up some pre-sale tickets.

See you there!

Knitting is Fun...Until...

I recently decided I've been knitting long enough to begin more complicated projects, like lace and cables. My first lace scarf (that I blogged about previously) is going pretty well after a rough start.

So, with that firmly in progress, I started the "Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers" from the Stitch N Bitch Nation book. I finished the right armwarmer after starting it over only three times. Then, I began the left one.

(Note: It is not wise to knit when stressed)

After starting the left one over twice, I was on track. I was reversing the chart just like I was supposed to. Or so I thought. THE LEFT ONE LOOKS NOTHING LIKE THE RIGHT ONE!

Not to mention that there are 3 major things wrong with my pattern from typographic errors in the book. These books have so many errors! GET AN EDITOR, DEBBIE STOLLER!
I know it is my fault for not double checking first, but geez.

So, I also found out I am not reversing the pattern properly.

Maybe I should've just stuck with stockinette stitch.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Summer Albums

It's summer! Here are some of my favorite albums to listen to while I'm driving around in my car. These are in no particular order.

REM - Document and Green
10,000 Maniacs - Our Time in Eden
Grateful Dead - American Beauty
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Self Titled
Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend
Sleater Kinney - Call the Doctor (yes, I know they are breaking up and yes, I am super sad about it)
Muse - Absolution
Pixies - Surfer Rosa
Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
Paul Simon - Graceland
Wilco - Summerteeth
Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited
Modest Mouse - The Moon and Antarctica
David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust
Fugazi - 14 Songs
Pinback - Summer in Abaddon