Everybody Knows That The World Is Full Of Stupid People

...and those people are the ones who weren't at the State Theatre Thursday night. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers put on a fantastic show. Although there was a pretty good sized crowd there, it seems that people around here don't quite understand how awesome this band is. I think many people are skeptical because they think RCPM is a country band, and while there is an element of country to some their songs, RCPM is a rock band too. The rock part is the driving beats and the sharp hooks and the country part is how you can dance to just about every song.

Roger Clyne is a fabulous performer live. He puts more into his performances that most performers I've seen. He has a good heart and a good demeanor and that comes through in his music and in his interactions with the audience. The man does tequila shots with the audience throughout the show and actually plays requests when people ask. The people at the show Thursday night were all clearly from the band's fiercely loyal fan base, singing along to every song. I know I'm a little hoarse this morning.

I'll leave you with a little YouTube video so that you know what you missed Thursday night if you weren't there. The video is actually from the show that RCPM did at the State Theatre back in April. That thing Roger throws behind him at the beginning of the video is a cup that was just seconds before filled with tequila. Enjoy!

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 43 (23 Oktober - 29 Oktober)

The name days for Week 43 (October 23 - October 29) are:

Monday, October 23 = Severin, Soren
Tuesday, October 24 = Evert, Ellert
Wednesday, October 25 = Inga, Ingalill
Thursday, October 26 = Amanda, Rasmus
Friday, October 27 = Sabina
Saturday, October 28 = Simon, Simone
Sunday, October 29 = Viola

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 42 (16 Oktober - 22 Oktober)

The name days for Week 42 (October 16 - October 22) are:

Monday, October 16 = Finn
Tuesday, October 17 = Antonia, Toini
Wednesday, October 18 = Lukas
Thursday, October 19 = Tore, Tor
Friday, October 20 = Sibylla
Saturday, October 21 = Ursula, Yrsa
Sunday, October 22 = Marika, Marita

Why are people so dumb? Resurrected!

You may recall that last fall I wrote of a number of posts entitled "Why are people so dumb?" After reading the following story this morning, I decided to resurrect the series...

ERIE, Pa. - A woman used her 4-week-old baby as a weapon in a domestic dispute, swinging the infant through the air and striking her boyfriend with the child, authorities said.

The boy was in serious but stable condition Monday at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, police said.

"Never, never, never. I can never remember anything like this," District Attorney Bradley Foulk told the Erie Times-News.

Chytoria Graham, 27, of Erie, was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and simple assault. She was held Monday in the Erie County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

The infant, whose name was not released, suffered a fractured skull and some bleeding in the brain, authorities said. His head hit Graham's boyfriend, the baby's father, police Lt. Dan Spizarny said.

Authorities removed four other children from Graham's home and placed them with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Foulk said.

Some peolpe should not be allowed to have children!

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 41 (9 Oktober - 15 Oktober)

The name days for Week 41 (October 9 - October 15) are:

Monday, October 9 = Ingrid, Inger
Tuesday, October 10 = Harry, Harriet
Wednesday, October 11 = Erling, Jarl
Thursday, October 12 = Valfrid, Manfred
Friday, October 13 = Berit, Birgit
Saturday, October 14 = Stellan
Sunday, October 15 = Hedvig, Hillevi

Kanelbullens Dag

In Sweden, today is Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day). Apparently this is the seventh year it has been celebrated. Swedish cinnamon buns are very good, a little less sticky than your average American cinnamon bun. Not that I am complaining about American ones, they are just different. Sometimes the Swedes even add a little cardamom. My grandmother makes bullar all the time. We generally have them when we fika. Fika is a Swedish verb that roughly means "coffee break". The exact meaning, however, is generally hard to translate to any other language. One of my favortie places to fika is at Vete-Katten in Stockholm. We always go there every time we are in Stockholm. Anyway, if you live near a bakery or a Cinabon, go get yourself a cinnamon bun and celebrate!

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 40 (2 Oktober - 8 Oktober)

The name days for Week 40 (October 2 - October 8) are:

Monday, October 2 = Ludvig, Love
Tuesday, October 3 = Evald, Osvald
Wednesday, October 4 = Frans, Frank
Thursday, October 5 = Bror
Friday, October 6 = Jenny, Jennifer
Saturday, October 7 = Birgitta, Britta
Sunday, October 8 = Nils

Left Handers Unite!

So, my sister and I were at the Georgetown University Bookstore the other morning and I found the coolest thing...a left handed notebook (see below). Where was this when I was still in lecture furiously taking note and always having the spiral binding get in my way?

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 39 (25 September - 1 Oktober)

The name days for Week 39 (September 25 - October 1) are:

Monday, September 25 = Tryggve
Tuesday, September 26 = Enar, Einar
Wednesday, September 27 = Dagmar, Rigmor
Thursday, September 28 = Lennart, Leonard
Friday, September 29 = Mikael, Mikaela
Saturday, September 30 = Helge
Sunday, October 1 = Ragnar, Ragna

Congratulations Ann and Nik!!

I went to Minnesota this past weekend for my cousin Ann's wedding. The wedding was beautiful and I had a wonderful time at the reception. It was really great to see so many of my relatives that I hadn't seen in such a long time.

Speech Accent Archive

I came across this website today which I thought was very very cool. It for a project called the Speech Accent Archive. I think it confirms that I am a dork, but I don't really care. It is hosted by a professor, Steven Weinberger, from the Linguistics program at George Mason University here in Northern Virginia. This is a little description about the website:

The speech accent archive uniformly presents a large set of speech samples from a variety of language backgrounds. Native and non-native speakers of English read the same paragraph and are carefully transcribed. The archive is used by people who wish to compare and analyze the accents of different English speakers.

They have 576 recorded samples, some from people whose native language I have never even heard of. There are 177 samples for native English speakers alone, covering accents for people from the US, Canada, the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, various Carribean locations, and more. They point out that the archive may be useful not only for teachers, linguists, phoneticians, and speech pathologists, but also for actors who need to learn an accent. Check it out!!!

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 38 (18 September - 24 September)

The name days for Week 38 (September 18 - September 24) are:

Monday, September 18 = Orvar
Tuesday, September 19 = Fredrika
Wednesday, September 20 = Elise, Lisa
Thursday, September 21 = Matteus
Friday, September 22 = Maruits, Moritz
Saturday, September 23 = Tekla, Tea
Sunday, September 24 = Gerhard, Gert

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 37 (11 September - 17 September)

The name days for Week 37 (September 11 - September 17) are:

Monday, September 11 = Dagny, Helny
Tuesday, September 12 = Åsa, Åslög
Wednesday, September 13 = Sture
Thursday, September 14 = Ida
Friday, September 15 = Sigrid, Siri
Saturday, September 16 = Dag, Daga
Sunday, September 17 = Hildegard, Magnhild

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 36 (4 September - 10 September)

The name days for Week 36 (September 4 - September 10) are:

Monday, September 4 = Gisela
Tuesday, September 5 = Adela, Heidi
Wednesday, September 6 = Lillian, Lily
Thursday, September 7 = Regina, Roy
Friday, September 8 = Alma, Hulda
Saturday, September 9 = Anita, Annette
Sunday, September 10 = Tord, Turid

Serial Pics

While following links, I came across this great photo blog. It is called Serial Pics and is by a Swedish woman, Ilva, living in Tuscany. Her photos are rather artistic and of a varied number of subjects. I, at least, think she is very talented! Check it out!

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 35 (28 Augusti - 3 September)

The name days for Week 35 (August 28 - September 3) are:

Monday, August 28 = Gurli, Leila
Tuesday, August 29 = Hans, Hampus
Wednesday, August 30 = Albert, Albertina
Thursday, August 31 = Arvid, Vidar
Friday, September 1 = Samuel
Saturday, September 2 = Justus, Justina
Sunday, September 3 = Alfhild, Alva

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 34 (21 Augusti - 27 Augusti)

The name days for Week 34 (August 21 - August 27) are:

Monday, August 21 = Jon, Jonna
Tuesday, August 22 = Henrietta, Henrika
Wednesday, August 23 = Signe, Signhild
Thursday, August 24 = Bartolomeus
Friday, August 25 = Lovisa, Louise
Saturday, August 26 = Östen
Sunday, August 27 = Rolf, Raoul

Superfoods

A while back the Washington Post had an article about superfoods. What are superfoods? Well, compared to ordinary food, super foods contain a relatively high nutrient or phytochemical density for the amount of calories. Among other things, they can: prevent or reduce inflammation, help regulate metabolism and burn body fat, lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure, help protect against heart disease, help protect against cancer, help protect organs from toxins, and promote digestive health. Listed below are some recommended superfoods and their benefits. Wild Oats Natural Marketplace has a pdf-brochure about superfoods and a recipe section with recipes made from superfoods. Check it out!

Beans
Beans are an excellent source of hearty, low-fat plant protein. Simmered in soups or blended into tangy spreads, beans are a versatile and delicious introduction to the power of food. Soluble fiber from foods such as beans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of beans and lentils supplies at least 4 grams of soluble fiber.

Lentils
Red, yellow and French varieties supply complex carbohydrates and good (healthy) amounts of thiamin, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and potassium. Particularly rich in folate, an essential B vitamin, these low fat, high protein legumes support heart health. Simmered until creamy, pureed and flavored with garam masala, sautéd onions, tomatoes and toasted cumin and mustard seeds; lentils shine in spicy East Indian dal.

Blueberries
Considered a nutritional powerhouse, blueberries are loaded with antioxidant compounds that travel through your body reducing free radicals. Bursting with anthocyanin, an antioxidant that also gives these berries their deep indigo color, blueberries register at the top of the phytonutrient scale. Add one cup of these mighty berries to smoothies, fruit salad and reap the sweet healthy benefits.

General Berries
Whether your favorites are blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or a combination, your body benefits from these nutrition packed gems. Deliciously sweet and full of antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, which reduce free radicals in the body. Free radicals have been shown to accelerate aging processes in the body, so hold back the hands of time and enjoy berry filled pancakes, smoothies and fruit salads.

Cranberries
Tart, tangy and a good source of vitamin C, cranberries deserve a permanent spot in your pantry. Full of antioxidants and low in calories, cranberries contain procyanidins, which support the health of the urinary tract. When Thanksgiving rolls around, freeze extra bags of fresh cranberries to enjoy year round. Top grilled chicken with zesty cranberry-orange relish, simmer into a sauce and quench your thirst with a cranberry spritzer.

Citrus fruit
Citrus fruit, such as oranges, tangerines and grapefruit, contain flavonoids unique to the citrus family. Naringin produced in grapefruits and hesperidin found in oranges are both important antioxidants. Sweet, juicy and versatile, citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Portable and easy to eat; peel an orange for an afternoon snack, toss grapefruit sections in a spinach salad or squeeze lemon over grilled salmon.

Cruciferous vegetables
Vibrant and crisp, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale are members of the Brassica oleracea italica family. Named for their resemblance to the Greek cross, cruciferous vegetables not only taste great steamed and sautéd, they are also a good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. Some studies show that low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Cultured dairy products
Creamy and cool, cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir and buttermilk, contain probiotics. Also known as “friendly bacteria” - probiotics support the intestinal tract. Boost the overall health of your immune system and enjoy a cup of fruited yogurt, chug a tangy raspberry kefir or stir some rich buttermilk into roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Eggs
Simply folded into an omelet or whipped into a grand soufflé, eggs provide an inexpensive source of high quality protein. A good, bioavailable source of cartenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, eggs are not only low in carbohydrates and sodium; they also support eye health. Whether you prefer brown or white eggs; be kind to your fine-feathered friends and always choose cage-free, organic eggs.

Green foods
It’s easy being green! Spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass and barley grass add extra bounce to your step. Not quite familiar with green foods? These concentrated supplements are rich in protein and bursting with carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Easily absorbed and available in tablet or powder form, support your health with these vital nutrients everyday. Available in tablets, powders and even as a wheat grass shot.

Green leafy vegetables
The “eyes” have it! Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce and Swiss chard all contain beta-carotene and carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, working synergistically to support eye health. Enjoy a variety of leafy greens and reap all the healthy benefits. A good source of vitamin B and many minerals, eat your way to good health with a crispy Romaine salad or delicately steamed rainbow chard.

Nuts
Roasted, raw or toasted, nuts are a delicious source of protein and fiber. A nutritious snack, nuts nourish our bodies with heart-healthy monounsaturated oils and many vitamins and minerals. Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Oats
Stick to your ribs nutrition! Simmered into a warm, creamy cereal, oatmeal provides a prime source of complex carbohydrates. Full of soluable fiber, eating oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. A delicious serving of oats supplies 9 grams of fiber necessary per day to have this effect. Top with sliced almonds, blueberries and soymilk - your stomach won’t growl until lunch.

Olives and olive oil
Rich and fruity, olive oil stands out as a culinary staple in Mediterranean cultures. High in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, consumption of olive oil and olives is linked to a lower risk of chronic disease. Eat like an Italian; skip the butter and dip your bread in golden olive oil drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Favolosamente!

Omega fish
Cold-water fish like wild salmon, trout and tuna contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Supportive, but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. While amount may vary by species, origin and season, one serving of omega fish provides at least 0.5 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. There’s nothing fishy about that!

Orange vegetables
Mo? better – Mo? beta! Vibrant orange vegetables, such as pumpkins, butternut squash, carrots and sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene. A beneficial nutrient found in fruits and vegetables, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, giving the body an antioxidant boost. Enjoy roasted squash, curried pumpkin soup or lightly steamed carrots - cooking makes the nutrients more bioavailable or easier to absorb.

Sea vegetables
Dulse, hijiki, kombu, nori and wakame. No translator is needed to enjoy the health benefits of these nutrient rich sea vegetables. Commonly sold dried, in sheets, strips and strands, it's easy to add essential minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine to soups, stews and sushi. Roll fresh tekka-maki in toasted nori sheets and add layers of flavor to miso soup.

Seeds
Good things do come in small packages and seeds are no exception! Flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds pack a powerful nutrition packed punch. The best source of lignans, a phytoestrogen, seeds can have a balancing effect on hormones and also exhibit strong antioxidant activity. Full of protein, iron, phosphorus, vitamin E and flavor enjoy a small handful of seeds everyday.

Soy
Somewhat of a miracle bean, soy’s superstar status stems from its culinary adaptability and health properties. According to the FDA, enjoying 25 grams of soy protein each day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Versatile and delicious, enjoy soy in its many forms including tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame and soymilk.

Tea
Sip your way to good health with a calming cup of tea. True teas, whether they are black, green or white originate from the Camellia sinensis plant. Only processing techniques differentiate the different types of tea. With high levels of healthful flavonoids shown to have many health benefits and only two calories per cup - drinking tea is a great way to support your health.

Tomatoes
Naturally delicious and full of nutrients, tomatoes contain an abundance of lycopene. A health promoting plant pigment, lycopene not only gives tomatoes their ruby red color but may also help support prostate health for men and the immune system for everyone. Cooked tomatoes found in pasta sauce, salsa, and tomato paste enhance the absorption of lycopene into your system.

Turkey
A lean, mean, protein machine! Versatile and low fat, turkey breast is a great protein choice. Juicy, delicious and rich in zinc, enjoy roasted turkey in soups, salads and sandwiches. Eating a healthful diet low in fat may help reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Development of cancer is associated with many factors, including a family history, cigarette smoking and what you eat.

Wholegrains
Rich in complex carbohydrates, whole grains add beneficial phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Packed with nutrition, the germ or “heart” of the kernel adds essential B-vitamins, iron and zinc to your plate. Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Concord grapes
Blue-black, sweet and tangy, concord grapes are delicious squeezed into juice, simmered into jams or popped directly into one’s mouth! A good source of potassium and vitamin C, grapes are also an excellent source of flavonoids and anthocyanidins - which support the health of blood vessels.

Pomegranates
Sometimes referred to as nature’s most labor-intensive fruit, the pomegranate rewards hard work with juicy, ruby red “berries.” Bursting with effervescent sweetness, pomegranates are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Even the sweet, edible flesh around the seeds provides vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium. Pomegranates may have two to three times the antioxidant power of equal quantities of green tea or red wine.

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 33 (14 Augusti - 20 Augusti)

The name days for Week 33 (August 14 - August 20) are:

Monday, August 14 = Uno
Tuesday, August 15 = Stella, Estelle
Wednesday, August 16 = Brynolf
Thursday, August 17 = Verner, Valter
Friday, August 18 = Ellen, Lena
Saturday, August 19 = Magnus, Måns
Sunday, August 20 = Bernhard, Bernt

Dagens Namn -- Vecka 32 (7 Augusti - 13 Augusti)

The name days for Week 32 (August 7 - August 13) are:

Monday, August 7 = Dennis, Denise
Tuesday, August 8 = Silvia, Sylvia
Wednesday, August 9 = Roland
Thursday, August 10 = Lars
Friday, August 11 = Susanna
Saturday, August 12 = Klara
Sunday, August 13 = Kaj