Peyton and I discussed it...

Not since the Samuel L. Jackson/Snakes on a Plane voice mails have I seen a personalized marketing message that made me laugh this hard.

Send some advice from you and Peyton to someone you love--or even someone you don't like.

The process puke in me especially loves Peyton's blocking in the video so that the variable words can run against one single video thread. Priceless indeed.

Fast fingers make for great typos.

We have an instant messaging system at work to aid in collaboration across departments and locations. As a championship multi-tasker this is a tool I love; I can have four little blinking screens going at once resolving four different questions or hunting down data.

But with increased WIP and speed, quality suffers but not without a chuckle. Here are the top three typos of the week including intended word and a definition for the new derivative.

• Antidepresents (intended word: antidepressants)
  noun: these are gifts that actually make the recipient sad/depressed.
• Retarted (intended word: retarded)
  adjective: mildly deficient dessert in the tart family.
• Brasiest (intended word: busiest)
  adjective: the fastest bra around

That last typo was the most indicative of the week.

This Week in Pumpkin: Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale

Courtesy of the fine people at the Blue Moon Brewing Company (their website is worth the click) I have been gluttonously indulging in their autumn brew, Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale. This drinks quite simply like a frosty fall symphony in a glass.

The flavors are so subtle and complex I am almost compelled to describe them with the pretentious alternate spelling--flavour. Warm pumpkin, earthy fall spices, the tiniest whiff of sweetness all with without sacrificing a hearty heaping helping of rich beer flavor.

In the event you prefer something closer to a traditional, eastern European Oktoberfest fair try Affligem. Slightly less interesting on the palate but no less delicious. By the way... the history of the beer is equally delightful.

No recipe required here campers... just sit, sip and savor.

This is not a NAMBLA joke*

November is National Blog Posting Month, abbreviated ever so succinctly as NaBloPoMo, and I am committing to get on board and aspiring toward success.

This means one blog entry a day, everyday, for the month of November. Today is the fourth and I should have four on the books. And even though I just found out about it today (putting me behind by one for those of you keeping score) I am committing to wrap the month with 30 posts to show for it.

Comment early and often; Blogging is much like Field of Dreams--if you write it they will come.


For those who follow The Daily Show the NAMBLA joke is for you. :)

Is it wrong?

Is it wrong that the election coverage I am most anticipating this evening is the Stewart/Colbert coverage? I mean I'm plenty interested it's just that I prefer my coverage with a little more levity.

Close your PC and get out and use your voice today... Vote.

This Week in Pumpkin: Caribbean Pumpkin and Black Bean Soup

An easy soup I whipped on a chilly Sunday for a visit from my Madagascar travel buddy and favorite vegetarian Joanna. Super easy and uniquely tasty.

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1 14-ounce can light unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup canned vegetable broth
4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon grated lime peel

Preparation:
Stir cumin in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat 30 seconds. Add pumpkin, beans, coconut milk, broth and 3 tablespoons cilantro. Bring soup to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes to blend flavors. Mix in lime juice and lime peel. Season soup with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro.