tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post594661865473497156..comments2024-03-29T02:07:08.222-05:00Comments on L.A.Times Crossword Corner: Friday September 18, 2009 Jack McInturffZhouqin (C.C.) Burnikelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12750267554729853785noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-9640116709510577822009-09-19T01:39:55.367-05:002009-09-19T01:39:55.367-05:00Sorry not to be clearer; yes, I did see a doctor w...Sorry not to be clearer; yes, I did see a doctor who performed many tests and didn't find anything too concerning. Nerves were tested and are intact; I have had some muscle wasting for months due to underlying bileduct disease, but nothing to explain the sudden lack of strength in the one hand (rest of arm works well), so the best guess is side effect of the diuretics and the remedy to keep better track of potassium levels. Can't switch diuretics or back off dose because those side effects would be worse, so as long as I keep the hand mostly functional, which it's getting to be, there's no cause for major alarm. Every day has gotten a little easier. <br />Thanks for your kind words and care. No doubt I will be back to my usual irreverance shortly....and armed with some good stories!<br />G'night all.PJB-Chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442942109541224252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-76550781559377248492009-09-19T01:17:33.309-05:002009-09-19T01:17:33.309-05:00@pjb-chicago Please do whatever you need to do to ...@pjb-chicago Please do whatever you need to do to get this behind you. Your input has been missed. Take care, friend.<br /><br />Peace.Crockett1947https://www.blogger.com/profile/06404431645533093707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-45460962414211387662009-09-19T00:09:41.797-05:002009-09-19T00:09:41.797-05:00Kazie, Thank you for the link to Edith Piaf's ...Kazie, Thank you for the link to Edith Piaf's Bio. She was completely unknown to me. <br /><br />PJB, I second Argyle's and Dennis' sentiments. I'm sending positive thoughts your way. But seeing a Dr. is a must.<br /><br />A Foucoult's Pendulum was/is in the Acadamy of Sciences in San Francisco. People would line up around the circle and watch as it gently swung back and forth. It was amazing to see. My girls didn't want to leave to look at other things when we were there.Chickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18116766478313653724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-38600421385580688532009-09-19T00:00:38.101-05:002009-09-19T00:00:38.101-05:00PJB - I ditto Argyle. Get this checked out. I miss...PJB - I ditto Argyle. Get this checked out. I miss the late night chuckles you were so good at providing so get this looked at soon, OK?JimmyBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05586278242399205933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-45707129249227663252009-09-18T23:54:28.484-05:002009-09-18T23:54:28.484-05:00Jeez, I second what Argyle said - get whatever tes...Jeez, I second what Argyle said - get whatever tests you need and let someone figure out what it is before it degrades further.Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476669744435495547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-70790103351310795352009-09-18T23:42:21.802-05:002009-09-18T23:42:21.802-05:00Did my best to hide the problem...
What were you ...<i>Did my best to hide the problem...</i><br /><br />What were you thinking? Please get help as soon as possible when something like that happens. We don't want to lose you!Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09472446316589207365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-81129741252545037982009-09-18T23:30:20.249-05:002009-09-18T23:30:20.249-05:00Am vey sorry to be out of touch for so long. Last ...Am vey sorry to be out of touch for so long. Last week my right hand began cramping up, moving involuntarily and forming a claw. Next day, I realized that I had lost approximately 75% of my grip strength, couldn't hold a pen or open a drawer or use a razor to shave. Since I'm right handed, this was a big deal. Knew I hadn't had a stroke because I had no other symptoms. Was hoping it was a temporary side effect of the diuretics ("water pills") I take for another health condition. Did my best to hide the problem at work. Woke up the next day with no change. Trying to eat was getting harder. Fast forward a few more days and the situation had gotten neither better, nor worse, so called the doctor who had his colleague see me. Performed numerous tests, all inconclusive. Not being able to type or scroll on line kept me from commenting here and elsewhere, which put a real damper on the week. <br /><br />My worst fear of course was that the myopathy (muscle damage) or neuropathy (nerve damage) would spread or become more pervasive. That hasn't happened, which is good news, and the strength has very gradually been coming back. I'm at about 50%. No numbness and minimal tingling, which is good but it's still slow going. <br />I can sort of hold a pen and guide it with the left hand to write almost legibly, but navigating is still sort of random hit or m miss and the hand tires quickly. Still, I'm relieved to get back here and sorry not to have chimed in on the joys and sorrows of my puzzlefriends. What a week....Havent been able to chime in but I do read every word and you all are never far from my mind. <br /><br />Puzzles have seemed watered down this week. I wonder if Mr Norris is under pressure to make them easier? <br /><br />Will write more when I'm able. Also have a couple local volunteers (friends) to lend a hand if need be. <br />Be well!PJB-Chicagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18442942109541224252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-71320356955914721572009-09-18T19:00:12.650-05:002009-09-18T19:00:12.650-05:00Like so many others, I'm surprised at the ease...Like so many others, I'm surprised at the ease of this Friday puzzle. We did enjoy breezing through it, however.<br /><br />And we really enjoyed our visit with Andrea and Kazie. Anyone coming into Madison who wants an excellent lunch should visits Andrea's Brasserie V on Monroe St.<br />It's too bad you can't hear Kazie's Australian accent when she is giving us her linguistic analyses!<br /><br />DotAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-16758661040932119772009-09-18T18:18:14.320-05:002009-09-18T18:18:14.320-05:00Dennis,
I forgot--Loose Parts was cute.Dennis,<br />I forgot--Loose Parts was cute.kaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761801803016465459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-69170569531073072042009-09-18T18:17:30.490-05:002009-09-18T18:17:30.490-05:00I'm back. I see Andrea and Dot haven't ch...I'm back. I see Andrea and Dot haven't checked in, but my DH is still not home, and I'm filling in time until supper.<br /><br />We had a great time learning more about each other, and I have sent the photo to c.c.<br /><br />Chickie,<br /><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/edith-piaf" rel="nofollow">Edith Piaf</a> was the French singer who made <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1dlz2_edith-piaf-la-vie-en-rose_music" rel="nofollow">"La Vie en Rose"</a> famous.kaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06761801803016465459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-67160274867447162792009-09-18T17:56:25.685-05:002009-09-18T17:56:25.685-05:00Wow,
Two shout outs from CC this morning. Thanks. ...Wow,<br />Two shout outs from CC this morning. Thanks. I<br />also find myself in 4D, 45A, 40D and 13D. Worked the puzzle early but didn't have time to check the blog till now. <br /><br />Dennis:<br />I mistrust Churchill's advice. If the British had not run away at Verdun, they would have had nothing left to fight with later. The first rule is to survive.windhoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09185847697518005172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-91996148702193530262009-09-18T17:43:16.128-05:002009-09-18T17:43:16.128-05:00Hello All--I finished the entire puzzle with only ...Hello All--I finished the entire puzzle with only one error, and I think I'll have to eat worms, as I put in Rawi instead of Ravi. That made Evan ,Ewan. I'll remember it next time as I've seen it several times and it just didn't stick.<br /><br />I liked the theme, but didn't get the "L" placement until I came here. Thank you once again, C.C.<br /><br />I liked the Navigators and Explorers clue as well as "Cool" rap artist. With the quotation marks around cool it was a give away.<br /><br />I didn't know a few of the names, but got the rest with perps. Edith Piaf was one in particular I didn't know.<br /><br />Hatool, the Honey cake was mentioned in our paper today. A Rabbi in the area visits local offices and he takes a honey cake with him to share. Such a nice gesture. The cake sounds delicious.<br /><br />C.C. Chicken Kiev is tasty, but rich, so I stay away from it if possible. <br /><br />Dennis, Thank you for the Loose Parts link and the WOW for today.Chickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18116766478313653724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-4808667989218758922009-09-18T17:31:06.265-05:002009-09-18T17:31:06.265-05:00Bill G,
I found this site with the Jonesin puzzle...Bill G,<br /><br />I found <a href="http://www.fleetingimage.com/wij/xyzzy/09-jo-puz.html" rel="nofollow">this</a> site with the Jonesin puzzles to do the Across Lite version. If you want to do the Java Version, <a href="http://www.jonesincrosswords.com/" rel="nofollow">here</a> is another site. I depends on how you like to complete online.<br /><br />His puzzles are only on Thursday's. The Cruciverb.com site said in their forum that they made a link, but I could not find it. Possibly it only shows up on Thursdays? Fred? Do you know the answer?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-37918995459729175122009-09-18T17:07:07.364-05:002009-09-18T17:07:07.364-05:00A funnel cloud was seen hovering over the land nea...A funnel cloud was seen hovering over the land near my office this afternoon. It apparently didn't touch ground. Heavy rain accompanied the phenomenon.<br /><br />Warren, I hope you enjoy the cake.Hahtoolahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439791473590708547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-71890930030942791342009-09-18T16:08:31.199-05:002009-09-18T16:08:31.199-05:00Holy Blood, Holy Grail was an interesting, but fru...<b>Holy Blood, Holy Grail</b> was an interesting, but frustrating book that presented a lot of factoids as proof of the authors hypotheses. The book has been described as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/" rel="nofollow">Pseudohistory</a>. <i>"The authors maintain that only through speculative "synthesis can one discern the underlying continuity, the unified and coherent fabric, which lies at the core of any historical problem." To do so, one must realize that "it is not sufficient to confine oneself exclusively to facts."</i> That puts the book squarely in the not-really-non-fiction category.<br /><br />The DaVinci Code was an amusing mystery novel which obviously took a major chunk of background from Holy Blood, Holy Grail. It didn't asume to be anything else but fiction.<br /><br />Jazzbumpa's right. Foucault's Pendulum is a much better book.<br /><br />Dennis, LOL at the Loose Parts cartoon.Clear Ayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14463641770718104835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-38850601709034512892009-09-18T15:53:15.609-05:002009-09-18T15:53:15.609-05:00Hey Fred or anybody.
I finally got registered at...Hey Fred or anybody. <br /><br />I finally got registered at Cruciverb and went down the right-hand column looking for Jonesin' but couldn't find it. What am I doing wrong?Bill G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04142837879175561312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-31869439912485026902009-09-18T15:19:40.685-05:002009-09-18T15:19:40.685-05:00Just received a cute joke from my sister:
Father ...Just received a cute joke from my sister:<br /><br />Father O'Malley answers his phone:<br /><br />'Hello,is this Father O'Malley?'<br />'It is!'<br />'This is the IRS. Will you help us?'<br />'I will!'<br />'Do you know a Ted Houlihan?'<br />'I do!'<br />'Is he a member of your congregation?'<br />'He is!'<br />'Did he donate $10,000 to the church?'<br />'He will!'carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01863837914353193182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-24657095562518900512009-09-18T14:54:29.392-05:002009-09-18T14:54:29.392-05:00Hi C.C. and all -
Is this really Friday??? Am I g...Hi C.C. and all - <br />Is this really Friday??? Am I getting smarter??? Normally I do not like 'punny' fills but these were cute.<br /><br />We were with WAMU as well - it was Washington Mutual, but some idiot decided that WAMU sounded better (?!!?) Go figure on that one!! Maybe they were thinking of 'wazoo'. Anyway the ol'wazoo changed to Chase and I am reserving my opinion. <br /><br />CA - I love that poem (and all of Robert Stevenson's works). My Dad read poems to me from the old Childcraft books. His poems are in vol 1 (Poems of Early Childhood). <br /><br />Kazie - be sure to get pictures of you, Dot and Andrea so you can share them with us.<br /><br />Dennis - (2:00) re: Loose Parts - LOLcarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01863837914353193182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-48506170445386317582009-09-18T14:47:20.784-05:002009-09-18T14:47:20.784-05:00Youse guys busted my bubble. I thought I was reall...Youse guys busted my bubble. I thought I was really progressing by only needing help with Ravi (51d) and WAMU (57a). Well I did have a little trouble with Avia(25d), but the cross would have taken care of that if I hadn't misspelled Neil. <br /><br />All in all though, I'm happy. At least, I know two or three words that I didn't know six months ago.<br />I even caught the theme.(After I finished the puzzle)!!!!<br /><br />Bet tomorrow will be a "Whammy".<br /><br />Vaya con DiosJIMBOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934491040910020956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-21445230876330220352009-09-18T14:46:17.265-05:002009-09-18T14:46:17.265-05:00Greetings all,
CA, thanks for the poem. As I beg...Greetings all,<br /><br />CA, thanks for the poem. As I began to read it, I suddenly realized that I must have memorized it as a child, as I could almost recite it. I have not thought about it or read it since. Isn't it amazing how the brain can retain such things, hidden away, but not forgotten.<br /><br />Bless you all.tfrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16067745487778322519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-89559365179102322932009-09-18T14:36:26.672-05:002009-09-18T14:36:26.672-05:00Hi C.C. & gang, I agree it was the easiest LAT...Hi C.C. & gang, I agree it was the easiest LAT Friday puzzle we've had yet. Best clue for us was the atheists.<br /><br />For Hahtool: I printed out your recipe and we decided to try it out. My wife thought it was unusual not to have any salt in it? The loaves just came out of the oven and are too hot yet to taste. We'll bring them to our potluck dinner tomorrow night after our pottery and jam sale.Warrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05071851300251199505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-66399736089470626552009-09-18T14:22:47.748-05:002009-09-18T14:22:47.748-05:00We had a lovely teasing rain last weekend, but the...We had a lovely teasing rain last weekend, but then nature blew us a "raspberry". Out patio thermometer reads 100 degrees right now. <br /><br />Although you couldn't tell from going out our front door, summer is almost over. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote this poem that seems to take place where the summer weather is not so extreme. He grew up in Scotland, so maybe that is where the children's boats are drifting. It sounds so relaxing and pleasant.<br /><br /><b>Where Go the Boats?</b><br /><br />Dark brown is the river,<br /> Golden is the sand.<br />It flows along for ever,<br /> With trees on either hand.<br /><br />Green leaves a-floating,<br /> Castles of the foam,<br />Boats of mine a-boating--<br /> Where will all come home?<br /><br />On goes the river<br /> And out past the mill,<br />Away down the valley,<br /> Away down the hill.<br /><br />Away down the river,<br /> A hundred miles or more,<br />Other little children<br /> Shall bring my boats ashore.<br /><br />- Robert L. StevensonClear Ayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14463641770718104835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-64887247621337587002009-09-18T14:04:16.117-05:002009-09-18T14:04:16.117-05:00Hi Gang -
Pleasant puzzle today. Clever theme, g...Hi Gang -<br /><br />Pleasant puzzle today. Clever theme, good long fills, and a minimum of crosswordese.<br /><br />LIMA BELIEVER snugged up against NEIL is a nice touch.<br /><br />There needs to be a song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhA2mFbdw3I&feature=related" rel="nofollow">Leeza with two E's, not Liza with an I</a><br />."<br /><br /><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foucault%27s_Pendulum" rel="nofollow">Foucault's Pendulum<br /></a></b> is also a novel by Umberto Eco. Like Dan Brown's <b>The daVinci Code</b> it draws heavily on the Templar lore,complex conspiracies, secret codes, and the Holy Blood conundrum portrayed in <b>Holy Blood, Holy Grail</b>, a speculative non-fiction book by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. Unlike Brown, though, Eco, who's novel precedes Brown's by over a decade, is a thoughtful writer, not a hack. <br /><br />The LW is a HUGE NEIL Diamond fan. I am not.<br /><br />Any reference to WAMU gets me RAVIng. When my identity was stolen, WAMU let the theives open accounts on line with deposits of a few pennies. When I started getting statements from them - after the accounts were overdrawn bu several hundred dollars - I didn't know what the hell to think, since I had never heard of WAMU (which actually sounds like a joke - WAMU? Really?) And they were profoundly unhelpful throughout the whole ordeal. Thoroughly third-rate organization.<br /><br />But that's all in the past. We got out of it relatively unscathed.<br /><br />Cheers!<br />JzB the somebody-really-wanted-to-be-me? trombonistJazzbumpahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07337490817307473659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-18843838224042561222009-09-18T14:00:47.632-05:002009-09-18T14:00:47.632-05:00Had to share this with the group:
LoosePartsHad to share this with the group:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gocomics.com/looseparts/2009/09/17" rel="nofollow">LooseParts</a>Dennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05476669744435495547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5995532066584316410.post-40670261643108132502009-09-18T14:00:35.145-05:002009-09-18T14:00:35.145-05:00Here I thought that my couple weeks of not complet...Here I thought that my couple weeks of not completing the puzzle actually helped my solving skills. Now I read that everyone thinks these have gotten easier. Oh well, I still feel good for completing them this last part of the week without anything other that perp help. Today’s included Graz, Allis, and Hegal.<br /><br />BarbB congrats on your newest addition to the family.<br /><br />Col G, very nice looking group and I love the ladies attire.<br /><br />Hahtool that honey cake sounds scrumptious. To all my Jewish friends enjoy your holiday.Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14901963533031920633noreply@blogger.com