To everyone who wrote (in comments or email) about the health of my daughter, I thank you.

She is perfectly healthy and bounced back from the exploratory surgery in an amazing way. Her first words upon coming back from general anesthesia were, "Can I see the pictures of the inside of my body?"

Maybe she has a future in medicine, or at least in science (she currently wants to be a paleontologist). My family has many more doctors than lawyers, so that would be appropriate.

Her surgeon basically said that we don't need to worry if she has another bleeding episode, unless it happens more frequently, in greater force, or with new symptoms. We would have liked a somewhat more definitive answer, but being told that your child is in perfect health is never a bad thing.

Thanks again.

Posted by: JohnL at 10:38 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 143 words, total size 1 kb.

I spent the better part of today at Children's Medical Center with my wife and our 6-year-old daughter. Our daughter was undergoing a colonoscopy to try and find out why she has infrequent, asymptomatic rectal bleeding.

Good news: she has a perfectly healthy colon.

"Bad" news: she has a perfectly healthy colon.

The best news would have been a benign and easily-fixed abnormality that would explain the occasional bleeding. Now, we are just as mystified as after the first episode four years ago and its prior recurrence two years ago.

We're of course extremely relieved that there is nothing really badly wrong with her. But we're still puzzled.

In addition to the stress of worrying about my daughter's condition and surgical procedure, work's been hard recently and our second son has been home with laryngitis and a high fever for several days. This blog has been the last thing on my mind.

I'm taking a one-week break (maybe posting a few more times beforehand) and hope to have some fresh inspiration after.

I appreciate everyone who drops in here. Don't worry, I will be back.

Posted by: JohnL at 08:31 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 193 words, total size 1 kb.

The best thing I read on the Internet today, by RP:

Amen, brother.

Update: Clarification! We are not expecting another baby. Just read "Good thing we have young kids" where RP says "Good thing we're having another baby."

Posted by: JohnL at 10:42 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 88 words, total size 1 kb.

Here's a fun little parody: The Elements of Spam.

Via Geekpress.

(If you don't have Strunk and White, get it!)

Posted by: JohnL at 10:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 30 words, total size 1 kb.

The pace has been slow around here, and will continue to be so, as I am spending most of my blogging time transferring home videos to the computer, editing them, rendering them, and burning them to DVD.

So far, I have covered the months December 2003 through July 2004. I have about 30 hours of old VHS tapes to digitally encode (1995 through 2003) and about 9 hours of MiniDV video dating from mid-2004 to the present.

The transfer process is one-to-one. I.e., for every hour of raw video, it takes an hour to dump to the hard drive.

Then, it takes about 3 hours of editing per hour of raw video.

The rendering process is about 2:1, but is something the computer can do when I go to bed. Same for the burning process (1:1).

After I've burned the DVD from the top-quality DV master, I save the project as an mpg file (which can be backed up on a couple of different hard drives and used to recreate the DVD in the future).

You can understand why I fell so far behind, and why I am now spending as much time as possible to catch up.

Oh, and to counter any "helpful" suggestions, I have looked into paying someone to do this. But having seen the overpriced and kitschy output of most video-transfer companies, that is not an option. (And, like blogging, it's a creative and relaxing outlet for me, much like scrapbooking is for my wife).

Posted by: JohnL at 09:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 255 words, total size 1 kb.

Unlike most, I don't consider 13 an unlucky number, as I was born on the 13th (of April). Here are 13 items that have caught my eye recently:

Mixolydian Don has an Anime SF Babe poll up at his site. I voted for Priss. More from Don about the poll here.

Ted has posted the first two chapters of his [unfinished] NaNoWriMo story and is soliciting input on a title for the novel. His excerpt has one of the best opening lines I've read in a long time. Until you get to the big surprise in the second chapter, it reads like a perfectly normal coming-of-age young adult novel. I don't know where he's taking the story from here, but I can't wait to read the rest.

Here's an interesting analysis of some recent Mozart recordings (hat tip: Bart at The Well-Tempered Blog).

Allah returns to the blogosphere today with a link-blog entitled Link Mecca (At Least 5 Times A Day).

The Commissar lampoons the Hajj and radical leftists in this hilarious illustrated parody.

Michael Crichton (whose novels I'm not too snobbish to enjoy) gave a speech in November 2005 on environmental alarmism. Here's the text, with nice graphs, quotes, and statistics. He admits that he used to be a run-of-the-mill environmentalist until he had a kind of Bjorn Lomberg moment when researching a new novel and realized that his suppositions about environmental disasters were not supported by the evidence.

Virginia Postrel blogged on the theme of the dumbing-down of American Protestantism (and graciously linked to my related thoughts in this matter). This led to my discovery of the new-to-me blog Impacted Wisdom Truth, who commented on both Ms. Postrel's and my posts on the subject.

Zoe Brain wonders where the feminists are with regard to Iran and its fundamentalist justice system.

Geekpress points us to some hopeful news that Serenity may have a sequel.

The Officers' Club linked to this great collection of color photos from the 1930s and 1940s in America.

NasaWatch asks what your standard little GPS transmitter would look like if NASA designed it.

Fred found a Hooters calendar that even my gay friend Owlish would like.

Jonathan Rowe at Positive Liberty points to some [excessively] academic writings on the quasi-libertarian and -Randian rock group Rush.

Posted by: JohnL at 09:15 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 386 words, total size 4 kb.

Since I went on holiday hours around here, I have turned out very little original content, have neglected the Carnival of Music, Aircraft Cheesecake, and SF Babe poll features, and have generally been lazy.

How does the blogosphere reward me? How about these 1000 words:

Not only that, but I'm now a Large Mammal (finally) in TTLB's Ecosystem.

I swear, if all y'all had wanted me to JUST SHUT UP all along, I could have saved myself a lot of time and effort over the last 2 and a half years.

What else have I gained? I've listened to a lot of new-to-me music (check out Nick Drake), started to catch up on my reading, finished another disc from my Buck Rogers in the 25th Century DVD set, and edited a few hours' worth of home movies for DVD.

At this rate, I may never blog again...

Posted by: JohnL at 11:25 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 157 words, total size 1 kb.

In the absence of fresh material here, go check out the 16th edition of the Carnival of Tomorrow at The Ministry of Minor Perfidy.

Posted by: JohnL at 03:55 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 30 words, total size 1 kb.

Here is wishing you and yours the joy and peace of the season.

Merry Christmas... and Happy New Year!

Posted by: JohnL at 08:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 29 words, total size 1 kb.

Many thanks to Life Or Something Like It for naming me "Best Texas Blog" in the 2005 LOSLI Blog Awards.

Posted by: JohnL at 10:42 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 26 words, total size 1 kb.

Should I be afraid that I ken the subconscious mind of LDH, proprietor of Impenetrable Prose and Poesy? Grok this:

Had a dream a few nights back where I was about seven years old and Johnny Cash's son. He and I were in a 50's-style diner; he was still kinda young looking, but with obvious signs of premature aging from his amphetamine addiction showing in his face. After we'd gotten our food, he shyly whispered to me that he didn't have any money on him. I pulled out my current-real-life-adult wallet and showed him I had three $20 bills, asking him if he wanted to borrow any. He shook his head no and said, "I got a better idea."

Next thing I know, we're running out of the diner and down the street, busting up every sign along the way that has any kind of neon tubes or light bulbs attached. We somehow wind up in the Batcave, where Johnny changes into the Joker [stop and picture that for a minute -- Johnny Cash wearing the makeup and clothes of the 60's TV series Joker -- small wonder I still remember this one...], Jessica Simpson shows up in the Yvonne Craig Batgirl suit, and we all pile into the Batmobile with still-seven-year-old me behind the wheel, where I realize I'm now wearing a cowboy hat and boots and a Darth Vader mask [yes, my subconscious stole a punchline from an old copy of Reader's Digest and dressed me up as -- wait for it -- "Darth Brooks"...]

I wish I could remember more of my dreams. The ones I have are weird, but I haven't had any like that since my college days.

Posted by: JohnL at 09:36 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 234 words, total size 2 kb.

Upon Stephen Green's recommendation, I'm happy to add The Officers' Club MilBlog to my sidebar.

If I had written something appropriate to commemorate today's historical significance, I would hope it would have looked like this piece on the USS Arizona.

As Steve says, start at the top and just scroll to the end. Good stuff.

Posted by: JohnL at 10:45 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 61 words, total size 1 kb.

We're currently experiencing temps in the low 20s, and suffered through a few hours of freezing rain and sleet this evening. I may be going into work a little late tomorrow.

(Am I really blogging about the weather? Might as well just quit).

Posted by: JohnL at 10:36 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 53 words, total size 1 kb.

Check out Annika's list of Greatest Old TV Themes.

Posted by: JohnL at 06:57 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 15 words, total size 1 kb.

The new Llamabutcher merchandise is is not doing so well across the pond:

On the other hand, this picture speaks for itself:

Posted by: JohnL at 11:30 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 28 words, total size 1 kb.

Sorry for the sparse posting schedule of late. Here's what I've been doing in lieu of blogging:

• Dug up several well-established (but ugly) bushes and replaced them with smaller, more attractive shrubs. Also put in some pansies and rosemary (the Texas growing season is nice and long).


• Enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast at my parents' house, except for the part where the Dallas Cowboys lost in OT.


• Put up the Christmas lights outdoors while listening to my UT Longhorns [barely] beating the Aggies.


• Purchased the new R30 DVD set. Viewed it multiple times.


• Entertained some close family friends in town from Iowa.


• Read a fair amount of Neal Stephenson's The Confusion.


• Got some sleep.

I'm hoping to get some more stuff up soon. I will be updating the Carnival of Music page to reflect our latest volunteer to host the next edition.

Check back soon, and thanks for your patience through this latest round of writers' block/burnout.

Posted by: JohnL at 11:07 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 160 words, total size 1 kb.

I've been in a bit of a dry spell. I have writer's block, extending even to contracts, which have been painfully difficult for me to draft recently.

So, I'll just point you to some good reading elsewhere:

First, as an antidote to recently-dyspeptic Peggy Noonan, I heartily recommend some optimistic Frank Martin. (Reminds me a bit of the upbeat 1993 report out of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, entitled These Are the Good Old Days).

Second, check out Stephen Green's musings on the current state of the war on fundamentalist Islamic fascism.

Finally, until I can get a new SF Babe poll up, check out what had to be last week's most-linked site featuring many pics of the ultra-hot French news anchor Melissa Theuriau (videos here).

Posted by: JohnL at 11:56 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 130 words, total size 1 kb.

Patrick Hughes relates a fantASStically funny account of his colorectal health.

Via the Velociman.

Posted by: JohnL at 10:38 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 20 words, total size 1 kb.

I got back into Dallas late last night after a busy, productive, highly-educational, and fun legal education conference in Washington D.C.

While on the road, my Internet access was limited-to-non-existent, so today is the first chance I've had to post a recap of Saturday's blog meet in Old Town Alexandria.

I can't really add anything to what's already been said by Steve (Buckethead), Mike, Princess Cat, Rob, Ted, or Dawn, so go read their excellent accounts of the evening. Also, big thank you's go to Lysander for making time out of his extremely busy solo law practice (I understand your posting rate, now) to visit with us and to Princess Cat's friend Matt the non-blogger for being such a good sport in meeting up with a bunch of unfamiliar bloggers.

This was the first time I had ever met people in real life who were only "virtual" friends beforehand. It's nice to see the living people match up to their online personas. And it was especially nice to make the acquaintance of two bloggers who -- until now -- hadn't been on my blogroll (Steve and Dawn).

The one thing I can add to the previous accounts is pictures, which you can see in the extended entry. Unfortunately my group shot is very blurry (the waiter had trouble operating my camera), but the others came out really well. One of the other attendees also took one, so please let me know when you post it.
more...

Posted by: JohnL at 08:54 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 300 words, total size 3 kb.

On the very small chance that any of my DC-based readers do not also read the Llama Butchers or A Swift Kick and a Band Aid, the aforementioned will be meeting with Rocket Jones, The Maximum Leader, yours truly (and a couple of extras) on Saturday night, October 15, in Old Town Alexandria at the Union Street Public House at 6:00 PM.

I am traveling to Washington for an in-house lawyer education conference taking place Monday through Wednesday. Whenever one of these boondoggles education opportunities arises, I try to travel a couple of days early for some sightseeing. Having gone to law school in DC, I am familiar with all the sights and know my way around. Union Street Pub was one of my wife's and my favorite places to go with our married friends back in law school, so I'm looking forward to returning and getting to know some of my virtual friends face-to-face.

If you want to meet up with us, head on down: we are calling ourselves the "Llama party" (no kidding).

Posted by: JohnL at 09:44 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 181 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Sounds like fun, wish I could come. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Or maybe, don't do anything I haven't done.

Posted by: owlish at October 13, 2005 10:53 PM (bJF7u)

2 As I said over on the LLamas site, I'll be there. Maybe I can get an answer to the question I've had all year: "Howinthehell can I do this and have time to blog?!?"

Posted by: Lysander at October 14, 2005 04:30 PM (ShW/G)

3 Owlish, no worries. I'll be good. Lysander, I can't speak for Rob (who blogs on Uncle Sam's time), but you have to be ready to sacrifice a couple hours of sleep a day to blog like I do. You can tell when I'm sleeping better when the frequency of posts declines! Look forward to meeting you tomorrow!

Posted by: JohnL at October 14, 2005 10:59 PM (dYzx6)

4 Problem #1: I'm two days late checking your blog. Bad Boyd! Problem #2: The sister-in-law is coming to visit, and while that might make me want to get out even more, it wouldn't be the smartest play 'round the homestead. Have fun!

Posted by: Boyd at October 15, 2005 04:25 PM (7lQ54)

5 John, great meeting you - and thanks for being the motivating force behind a great blogmeet.

Posted by: buckethead at October 17, 2005 02:55 PM (ztNrs)

6 Buckethead, It was great meeting you, too. I'm adding you to the blogroll. Just to make sure I read you. (Same with Dawn).

Posted by: JohnL at October 17, 2005 06:11 PM (J1nCk)

7 Ted always told me how fabulous you are; I absolutely, wholeheartedly concur. Thanks for organizing the meetup, and I look forward to checking in with you frequently.

Posted by: dawn at October 17, 2005 07:27 PM (Dh1V0)

Hide Comments | Add Comment