Tavie blogs i like:
amy
dave foley
mark mckinney
e.mail
archive
andrew
carl
barb cooking blog
boing boing
caroline
cartoon brew
chris
cityroom
consumerist
erin
gena/ deadly stealth frogs
gothamist
jim hill
kids in the hall lj
kithblog
matt k
mike t
nathan
post secret
rynn
sarah
sarah c
sean
tea rose
toby
tom
webcomics i read:
american elf
american stickman
elfquest
lolcats!
masque of the red death
the perry bible fellowship
toothpaste for dinner
ultrajoebot
xkcd
Other places to find me:
me on the tumblr
me on the flickr
me on the formspring
me on the twitter
me on the ravelry
me on the myspace
Subscribe in a reader
Kids in the Hall on Facebook
Tasty Morsels Bakery on Facebook
my 'currently-reading' shelf:
i want:
wish list
i've read:
goodreads list
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Two quotes from my father:
"L'shana tova tikatevu!" - Happy New Year!
and
"I have no trouble believing in myself, but sometime I have trouble believing in my subculture." -Fred Phillips, 2008
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:29 PM | shower me with attention
"L'shana tova tikatevu!" - Happy New Year!
and
"I have no trouble believing in myself, but sometime I have trouble believing in my subculture." -Fred Phillips, 2008
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:29 PM | shower me with attention
Monday, September 29, 2008
I finally went in and transferred my phone over to the Blackberry Andrew gave me ages ago. My cell phone use is now stunted and hesitant, like a blind newborn kitten. I can't figure out how things work or what to do, it takes me forever to enter text - the paradigm shift to a QWERTY on my phone is overwhelming my puny brain muscles.
I'm sure it'll be fun when I get used to it.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:04 PM | shower me with attention
I'm sure it'll be fun when I get used to it.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:04 PM | shower me with attention
Map of the Observable Universe via XKCD.
Awesomesauce.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:44 AM | shower me with attention
Awesomesauce.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:44 AM | shower me with attention
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Welcome back to Blogland, Cheryl!
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:25 PM | shower me with attention
Separated at birth: Guardian Angel from Disney's 1948 short, Johnny Appleseed and the late character actor Michael Jeter.
Separated at birth: character actor Kevin Tighe and John McCain.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:31 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:25 PM | shower me with attention
Friday, September 26, 2008
Separated at birth: Guardian Angel from Disney's 1948 short, Johnny Appleseed and the late character actor Michael Jeter.
Separated at birth: character actor Kevin Tighe and John McCain.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:31 PM | shower me with attention
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Posting here too, for thoroughness, and lack of original material in my own life...
Kids in the Hall* playing at the Comedy Festival in Las Vegas 11/21/2008 Fri 9:30PM Caesars Palace - Augustus Ballroom!
*Or, according to this page, "Canadian Improve Troupe" (sic). Heh.
More about festival here.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:00 AM | shower me with attention
Kids in the Hall* playing at the Comedy Festival in Las Vegas 11/21/2008 Fri 9:30PM Caesars Palace - Augustus Ballroom!
*Or, according to this page, "Canadian Improve Troupe" (sic). Heh.
More about festival here.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:00 AM | shower me with attention
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Dear Dad,
Please watch this film.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:07 PM | shower me with attention
Please watch this film.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:07 PM | shower me with attention
So, I think my doctor is crazy.
I mean, I knew she was kind of... off... the first time I went to see her. She's a drug-pusher, plain and simple. Psychopharmacologist equals drug-pusher. That's what I want, of course. I want someone who will continue to prescribe me the medication that I've been using to function in society for thelast 11 years, without bothering me with a lot of futile attempts at talk therapy, which has never, ever done a single thing for me. I don't mind the waiting room, consulting room and bathroom crammed with products from various drug companies; I don't mind the extensive questionnaire and video I was subjected to that seemed to assume that everyone is bi-polar and the unrelated assumption that all sleep disorders arise from the refusal to adopt a sleep-at-10, wake-at-6-am sleep routine (an assumption reinforced by the doctor's apparent refusal to accept appointments after 9 a.m. or so.)
I understand that, as a drug-pusher, she will need to see me in person every once in awhile to collect (and, I suppose, justify) her copays. I appreciate the fact that our visits never last more than 5 minutes, and that she will gladly hand me my scrip with a minimum of uncomfortable small-talk. I can even fill out a questionnaire about my mood, sleep and energy levels. In-and-out, one scrip in exchange for 3 months of not having to get up at 6 am to be on the Upper East Side at 8 in the morning for my five-minute, $35-dollar appointment.
Well, last appointment, she tried to prescribe me a new med called Pristiq. It is, she explained, a more "refined" version of my current medication, and I could switch to it without tapering off and should experience no side-effects. It's, she explained, "basically the same thing [I'm] already taking, with 'unnecessary' chemical elements removed." And it's new. Reading between the lines, it is clear that she is being courted by the drug manufacturer to push this product, which, according to a little Googling, is a patent-extender because Effexor's about to lose its patent.
Well, okay. I took 6 weeks worth of samples home with me and then immediately logged on to check my coverage. My company's insurance plan, it turns out, will charge me $65 per prescription for Pristiq, and only $30 for Effexor. I called my doc's office straight away to have her phone in a new prescription for Effexor, explaining that my insurance didn't cover Pristiq. I got 2 refills, changed my appointment for 3 months later, and that was that.
Today was 3 months later, so I went in for my new Effexor scrip, and was given the third degree by Dr Looneybird. How did I find out that it wasn't covered? Websites are never updated, websites can't be trusted, did I call? I must call, and I must ask what needs to be done to GET it covered. I must be firm, I must ask to speak to a supervisor. I must speak to them in person, I must make them understand. She will be able to give me discount cards for Pristiq, but not for Effexor. I must come back to her in one month so we can see "where we are".
Why am I being enlisted to get this new drug covered by my insurance carrier?
Why can't I just get my frickety-frackin' medication so I can live my frickety-frackin' life?
Whaddo I do?
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:51 AM | shower me with attention
I mean, I knew she was kind of... off... the first time I went to see her. She's a drug-pusher, plain and simple. Psychopharmacologist equals drug-pusher. That's what I want, of course. I want someone who will continue to prescribe me the medication that I've been using to function in society for thelast 11 years, without bothering me with a lot of futile attempts at talk therapy, which has never, ever done a single thing for me. I don't mind the waiting room, consulting room and bathroom crammed with products from various drug companies; I don't mind the extensive questionnaire and video I was subjected to that seemed to assume that everyone is bi-polar and the unrelated assumption that all sleep disorders arise from the refusal to adopt a sleep-at-10, wake-at-6-am sleep routine (an assumption reinforced by the doctor's apparent refusal to accept appointments after 9 a.m. or so.)
I understand that, as a drug-pusher, she will need to see me in person every once in awhile to collect (and, I suppose, justify) her copays. I appreciate the fact that our visits never last more than 5 minutes, and that she will gladly hand me my scrip with a minimum of uncomfortable small-talk. I can even fill out a questionnaire about my mood, sleep and energy levels. In-and-out, one scrip in exchange for 3 months of not having to get up at 6 am to be on the Upper East Side at 8 in the morning for my five-minute, $35-dollar appointment.
Well, last appointment, she tried to prescribe me a new med called Pristiq. It is, she explained, a more "refined" version of my current medication, and I could switch to it without tapering off and should experience no side-effects. It's, she explained, "basically the same thing [I'm] already taking, with 'unnecessary' chemical elements removed." And it's new. Reading between the lines, it is clear that she is being courted by the drug manufacturer to push this product, which, according to a little Googling, is a patent-extender because Effexor's about to lose its patent.
Well, okay. I took 6 weeks worth of samples home with me and then immediately logged on to check my coverage. My company's insurance plan, it turns out, will charge me $65 per prescription for Pristiq, and only $30 for Effexor. I called my doc's office straight away to have her phone in a new prescription for Effexor, explaining that my insurance didn't cover Pristiq. I got 2 refills, changed my appointment for 3 months later, and that was that.
Today was 3 months later, so I went in for my new Effexor scrip, and was given the third degree by Dr Looneybird. How did I find out that it wasn't covered? Websites are never updated, websites can't be trusted, did I call? I must call, and I must ask what needs to be done to GET it covered. I must be firm, I must ask to speak to a supervisor. I must speak to them in person, I must make them understand. She will be able to give me discount cards for Pristiq, but not for Effexor. I must come back to her in one month so we can see "where we are".
Why am I being enlisted to get this new drug covered by my insurance carrier?
Why can't I just get my frickety-frackin' medication so I can live my frickety-frackin' life?
Whaddo I do?
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:51 AM | shower me with attention
Monday, September 22, 2008
I heard about this website on the radio. It helps people who don't make enough money to qualify for assistance, who are living just one accident or expensive medical bill away from the poverty line. They apply for grants and you can pledge to various applications, by type of need or location or closest to reaching their goal. It's pretty cool. I donated some money to a single mom in the Bronx whose daughter needs dental work that isn't covered by her insurance.
Check it out and pass it on. I think it's a great idea. I'm not far from being one of these people myself, and I'm glad to know organizations like this exist in case I ever get in trouble.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:34 PM | shower me with attention
Check it out and pass it on. I think it's a great idea. I'm not far from being one of these people myself, and I'm glad to know organizations like this exist in case I ever get in trouble.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:34 PM | shower me with attention
The Dylanator has a blog! Welcome to the blogosphere, new guy!
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:24 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 12:24 PM | shower me with attention
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Every month, my parents' old friend Tom Byro hosts a gathering of assorted science fiction fans at his apartment up in Inwood. This ongoing event is the highlight of my father's existence, his chance to hold forth on any variety of nerdtastic subjects in the company of his fellow geeks. Uncle Tom usually cooks up something odd but flavorful and some DVD or other is usually shown, as well.
This month's fell a couple days after my dad's birthday, so he begged Kirsten and me to attend. Normally, we stay away from these gatherings - the crowd is too far removed from our generation, the trip to Inwood too lengthy. But for Dad's birthday we made an exception. It helped that our brotherinallbutblood Andrew was there, as well as our other brotherinallbutblood Adam and his charming fiance. The five of us hid in Andrew's dark cave of a room, watching old cartoons projected on his wall like a movie screen. We performed feats of strength, such as cracking walnuts with our bare hands, and "made popcorn", too. I think it's the first time the four of us had been together in many years.
K and I ended up crashing on Andrew's futon and then wandering around the city today, reluctant to head back to Hoboken and inside from the gorgeous late-summer-early-fall weather. I brought my camera to amuse myself.
The walnut-crushing was particularly fascinating to me. Because of the "popcorn", I was far too lazy to go search for a proper nutcracker, and, impressed by Andrew's brute strength, was determined to learn the trick for myself. I also found that a walnut shell fits perfectly at the end of my nose, and I think I'll paint one black, put my hair up in Mrs Lovett-style buns and go as a koala bear for Halloween this year.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 7:17 PM | shower me with attention
This month's fell a couple days after my dad's birthday, so he begged Kirsten and me to attend. Normally, we stay away from these gatherings - the crowd is too far removed from our generation, the trip to Inwood too lengthy. But for Dad's birthday we made an exception. It helped that our brotherinallbutblood Andrew was there, as well as our other brotherinallbutblood Adam and his charming fiance. The five of us hid in Andrew's dark cave of a room, watching old cartoons projected on his wall like a movie screen. We performed feats of strength, such as cracking walnuts with our bare hands, and "made popcorn", too. I think it's the first time the four of us had been together in many years.
K and I ended up crashing on Andrew's futon and then wandering around the city today, reluctant to head back to Hoboken and inside from the gorgeous late-summer-early-fall weather. I brought my camera to amuse myself.
The walnut-crushing was particularly fascinating to me. Because of the "popcorn", I was far too lazy to go search for a proper nutcracker, and, impressed by Andrew's brute strength, was determined to learn the trick for myself. I also found that a walnut shell fits perfectly at the end of my nose, and I think I'll paint one black, put my hair up in Mrs Lovett-style buns and go as a koala bear for Halloween this year.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 7:17 PM | shower me with attention
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Kirsten and I are getting ready to go to Manhattan for Dad's birthday party, up at Uncle Tom's place in Inwood. All his nerdy, middle-aged science-fiction fan friends will be there. That is, if the subway behaves. I'm hearing rumors about the A line not behaving properly.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:45 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:45 PM | shower me with attention
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Drusilla likes to burrow into my side, stretch out her front arms and gently knead me with her paws, her little pink tongue stuck pathetically out. No matter how often I push her face away from me to discourage her suckling, the little pink tongue remains a-wagging, hopefully, sadly, adorably.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:38 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:38 PM | shower me with attention
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
There is an article of some sort about KITH in the latest issue of Geek Monthly, so I'm told, but I do not know where to find a copy.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:07 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:07 PM | shower me with attention
Cory linked my lamp gallery on the Boing!
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:29 AM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:29 AM | shower me with attention
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Rode the front of the monorail. Saw a rainbow as we glided into the Contemporary. Arrived at the panoramic-windowed restaurant just at sunset. Got seated by a window. Watched the fireworks while we drank our wine and ate our appetizers. Meal featured goat cheese polenta.
Best ending to a Disney trip ever.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:50 PM | shower me with attention
Best ending to a Disney trip ever.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:50 PM | shower me with attention
Monday, September 15, 2008
Yes, that was pretty durn nifty.
We got lots and lots of good lamp photos. When I have time I'll add 'em to the collection.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:48 PM | shower me with attention
We got lots and lots of good lamp photos. When I have time I'll add 'em to the collection.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:48 PM | shower me with attention
Friday, September 12, 2008
WDW, take 29! I am averaging one trip per year.
This is pretty damn nifty.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 7:46 PM | shower me with attention
This is pretty damn nifty.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 7:46 PM | shower me with attention
Thursday, September 11, 2008
As per tradition, I'm linking to the post I wrote on 9/11/01. That's pretty much all I want to do in terms of dwelling on that day. To be honest, my mind is elsewhere in happy ways, and I'd prefer to keep it that way.
No, I'll never forget. I just won't wallow, either.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:47 AM | shower me with attention
No, I'll never forget. I just won't wallow, either.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:47 AM | shower me with attention
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
My sister and I are watching our DVD of the 1982 Broadway production of Alice in Wonderland starring Kate Burton, which we loved as children; and I am, for the moment, perfectly content.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:56 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:56 PM | shower me with attention
Monday, September 08, 2008
My aunt sent us some photos she took over Labor Day Weekend of our family trip to the Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This is my favorite one - me, K and G.B.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:26 PM | shower me with attention
Why are you in Tavie's head? 9:26 PM | shower me with attention
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Michael Palin for president, anyone?
(I've been waiting for that to show up since McGeezer made his announcement. 'Bout time.)
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:43 PM | shower me with attention
(I've been waiting for that to show up since McGeezer made his announcement. 'Bout time.)
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:43 PM | shower me with attention
Saturday, September 06, 2008
This article about "ambient awareness" via computer-mediated-communication (particular 2.0 microblogging/newsfeed webtools) is exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to study in college, the kind of stuff I wish I was smart, rich and industrious enough to go to grad school to study, and exactly the kind of article I wish I could write.
Oh, well, back to my Scrabble.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:04 PM | shower me with attention
Oh, well, back to my Scrabble.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:04 PM | shower me with attention
The roomie, the sister and I just got caught in the start of Tropical Storm Hannah (not to be confused with Tropical Storm Goose) to get sukiyaki makin's and expensive Japanese essentials for the Japanese transplant.
I'm munching iwashi senbei (dried, preserved sardines, sweet and salty and covered in sesame seeds) and waiting to be called for bull cook duties. It's raining like a mother out there.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:40 PM | shower me with attention
I'm munching iwashi senbei (dried, preserved sardines, sweet and salty and covered in sesame seeds) and waiting to be called for bull cook duties. It's raining like a mother out there.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 4:40 PM | shower me with attention
My DSPS is a pain. I am grateful for weekends.
Weird, a wikipedia page about my youthful school experiences. Who knew?
Why are you in Tavie's head? 2:14 AM | shower me with attention
Weird, a wikipedia page about my youthful school experiences. Who knew?
Why are you in Tavie's head? 2:14 AM | shower me with attention
Friday, September 05, 2008
I can't let today pass without acknowledging the anniversary of the birth of my dear friend, Rynn. She is a sweet and snuggly soul.
(Also, happy birthday Ade, if you're out there somewhere!)
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:05 AM | shower me with attention
(Also, happy birthday Ade, if you're out there somewhere!)
Why are you in Tavie's head? 10:05 AM | shower me with attention
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! Progo, my friend and Chinese box turtle of 13 years, is eating a strawberry. My gloomy mood is incredibly lightened by this little miracle. As long as I've known him, I've been having anxiety dreams about the little monster, who has until now turned his nose up at strawberries and other good-for-him nourishment in favor of a steady and limited diet of cat food, bananas and hamburger meat (and water spiked with liquid vitamins.)
I don't know what possessed me to drop the strawberry in there, but it sure paid off. My little dinosaur done good today.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:50 PM | shower me with attention
I don't know what possessed me to drop the strawberry in there, but it sure paid off. My little dinosaur done good today.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 8:50 PM | shower me with attention
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
When I shake the sand out of my eyes and ears and look around, I am capable of being truly sickened by my country. I can't believe we have become a police state. And over shit like this. They say the streets of St. Paul right now are worse than the streets of NYC after 9/11. Freedom of speech doesn't exist anymore. The right to peacefully protest doesn't exist.
Why are things like this going on? Why are people being pepper-sprayed at close range for gathering peacefully? Why are homes being invaded and "conspiracy to riot" charges invented against journalists attempting to do their jobs?
Why do I bury my head in the sand and watch old cartoons and sitcoms on the internet and play Scrabble and read Jane Austen in my free time? Because of things like this.
Back to my cartoons.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:41 PM | shower me with attention
Why are things like this going on? Why are people being pepper-sprayed at close range for gathering peacefully? Why are homes being invaded and "conspiracy to riot" charges invented against journalists attempting to do their jobs?
Why do I bury my head in the sand and watch old cartoons and sitcoms on the internet and play Scrabble and read Jane Austen in my free time? Because of things like this.
Back to my cartoons.
Why are you in Tavie's head? 11:41 PM | shower me with attention
