May 26, 2015

I found a fun way to shave and support local businesses at the same time: artisanal shaving soap.

I got a disc of shaving soap as a gift, even though I haven't used shaving soap in over twenty years. I dug out my old shaving mug and starting doing an old-fashioned brush-and-razor shave on the weekends and otherwise when I have time. (During the week, I only have time for a cream-shave before work.

Well, that gift soap started running out, so I found the local place that makes it and ordered a bunch more. They are local, family-owned, and make their soap from all-organic ingredients.

It smells great, and makes a prosaic task like shaving fun.

May 23, 2015

Saturday, May 23rd. The Weekend Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.

"...a filthy piece of work."

Timon Of Athens, Act I, Scene 1, Line 199.

May 23, 2015

Three glasses of Shiraz down the hatch so far. What's everybody else drinking tonight?

Crazy day at the clinic today.

Up: a patient of mine (female) told my assistant on her way out: "He's really hot!" Strange. I never knew bald fringe and a scowl of overwork could be considered hot.

Down: I was notified that a patient of mine died today. Respiratory failure. I was shocked, but not exactly surprised. He had severely advanced COPD and was still smoking. Every visit, he'd come in with an oxygen saturation of 89% or so. I'd tell him to quit smoking. He'd laugh and promise to quit. And he'd keep right on like before. He was a neat guy. I'll miss him.

Anyway. Time to drown my sorrows in a pool made of fermented grapes.

Join me?...

May 22, 2015

Will is back from Stratford. Having some drinks and dinner. Ask us anything.

May 18, 2015

For those who remember that Mrs. Aristus (R-WA) voted for Barack Obama in 2012:

I have no doubt in my mind that she will vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

It's not something we've discussed, not the least of which reasons is, it's too early to really be discussing candidates with someone who hates politics as much as my wife does.

I've been very slowly winning her over. She only very grudgingly voted for McCain in 2008. She despised Sarah Palin so much that she was -----> <----- this close to voting against the Republican ticket. Her pen actually hovered over the Obama-Biden box for a minute (I watched her fill out her ballot), and I think the main reason she voted -R- was not just her history and force of habit, but because Joe Biden is Catholic.

And of course, the greatest victory of all in 2012: she voted for Barack Obama over Mitt Rmoney!

She hates to admit it, but she admires Bill Clinton for his intellect and ability to speak cogently about complex issues. And she knows Hillary is immensely qualified for the office. And she rolls her eyes at the endless parade of feckless clowns piling into the Republican campaign car. So 2016 will be another small victory (Washington State will carry the Democratic candidate easily...) but every victory brings us closer to a Blue Nation.

May 16, 2015

Saturday, May 16th. The Weekend Edition of William Shakespeare's Thought For The Day.

"That such a crafty devil as his mother should yield the
world this ass!"

Cymbeline, Act II, Scene 1, LInes 54-55

This quote was first used for WSTFTD in 2006 in reference to Dubya. Seems fitting to pass the legacy on to his dipshit baby brother...