Thursday
On the whole, today was a pretty good day. Indeed.

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks.

NPR and PRI Stories
Talk of the Nation
All Things Considered

There was sabre-rattling news today, but the story that sticks out the most was not about Iraq or North Korea. It wasn’t about stem cells. It wasn’t even about corporate scandals and misdoings.

It was about a man. The man was Fred Rogers, more commonly known simply as “Mr. Rogers.” He died today at the age of 74. Like many others in my age group, I spent many afternoons in his neighborhood. Some called him corny or out of touch. I wouldn’t go that far. Think about it: There had to be something behind what he said – the show did run for over 30 years. And, as popular as it was with kids, I know a few kids-at-heart who would tune in every once in a while, too.

Tomorrow, Fresh Air will rebroadcast Terry Gross’ interview with Mr. Rogers; check your local NPR station for the time.

Fred Rogers
1928 – 2003

‘Bye, neighbor.

Songs of the Day

  • Oval Cast as Circle by 33.3, from “Plays Music”
  • Oval River by Licorice Roots, from “Melodeon”
  • Oval Office by Third Bass, from “Cactus Album”

Stray Toasters
Just one thing. Before I left work, I was trying to decide what to have for dinner tonight. I considered cooking (steak) versus going out. I came home and still hadn’t figured it out. Fortunately, I had the wherewithal to look in the refrigerator. And there I saw it: Leftovers from Macaroni Grill. My hunger would be sated! But I was still tempted by the prospect of the steaks…

What did I do?

I cooked both. I ate the Macaroni Grill food and wrapped the steaks for dinner at a later date. I can easily deal with 0:05 of reheating versus 0:30 when all that I have to do is prepare vegetables to go with the steak. And, when prepared properly, reheated steak does not have the consistency of beef jerky or shoe leather.

Quotes of the Day:

  • From yesterday’s coffee with :
    It’s a good thing we’re not professional. I’d have to kill people.

  • From work today: I was working on a network problem and had to check behind a desk where a mini-vacuum was standing against the wall. I placed the vacuum on the floor…

    Me (to vacuum): Just lie there and look pretty.
    Erin: I bet you say that to all the girls.
    Me: No, just the ones who… (looking down… )
    And it was at this point that I realized that there was no good way out of this… and so I shut up. Until we both burst out in laughter.

And now, it’s time for bed.

Namaste.