URBivore

Green tea

teapot, originally uploaded by BKMD.

I usually make a pot of green tea after eating lunch.

3 lbs. Kimchi

3 lbs. Kim chi, originally uploaded by BKMD.

This is at the Han Ah Keum Mart on 32nd Street in Manhattan, aka Korea town.

I'll be setting aside this blog for awhile and concentrating on my tech blog WirelessDoc for the time being. It's not only about the medical application of wireless technology, but also uses of smartphones and other wireless devices for what I call the "digital lifestyle."

Heath Ledger troubled by role in "Dark Knight"

This will be a hard film to watch for many movie-goers because of today's death of Health Ledger.

This is posted on the trivia section of IMDB.com, but who knows what bearing it had:

The Joker's character is based on his first two appearances in the comic books, as well as his portrayal in the graphic novel "The Killing Joke." To prepare for the role, Heath Ledger lived alone in a hotel room for a month researching the character and developing his performance, which he claims is based upon Sid Vicious and the character of Alex in A Clockwork Orange (1971). Ledger found the role extremely difficult, and suffered insomnia as a result.

This was also posted as a quote by the director of the film:

When asked, "Why Heath Ledger as the Joker?" Christopher Nolan said, "Because he's fearless."

Oscar nominations announced

Looks like "No Country..." and "...Blood" lead with 8 each. I saw the former, and will not have to catch the latter.

I think I'll pick up some of Cormac McCarthy's works, probably starting with "The Road."

"Atonement" and "Michael Clayton" both got 7. Keira Knightly and James McAvoy both got snubbed for acting noms. I didn't see "Atonement," and I don't think I will since I listened to the audiobook.

Cate Blanchett gets two nominations, one as best actress for "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and supporting actress for the Bob Dylan tale "I'm Not There." This probably sets the record for range of roles.

"Sicko" gets a nod, but I don't know if Moore should win again. I didn't think much of the film since it seemed to work on an entirely emotional basis with little serious consideration of a possible solution for health care in the US.

Mapping Find815

Mapping Find815, originally uploaded by BKMD.

Section of a world map created by http://mappinglost.blogspot.com/

Nevermind "Austrailia."

Chart Plotter puzzle walkthrough

Chart Plotter puzzle, originally uploaded by BKMD.

Line 1: Either Z or 7 is correct, but neither is in the right position

Line 2: I guessed Z, and put it in another position which turned out to be correct. E is also correct, but I'm not sure which position is right.

Line 3: E is in the wrong position (white dot), 8 is eliminated.

Line 4: I've nailed E and Z, one of the S's is in the right position.

Line 5: S, E, and Z are in the right positions, either F is in the right position.

Line 6: (SEZFJ) I tried the J now, in the last position. I now know that I have all the correct letters/numbers, and I know that F in the last position must be correct.

Line 7: Bingo!

Purple onion

Purple onion, originally uploaded by BKMD.

I don't know if this is very appetizing but the color contrast caught my eye along with the textures.

Paula at Rigoletto restaurant

Paula at Rigoletto restaurant, originally uploaded by BKMD.

This is where ny niece had her 21st birthday celebration. There were 11 of us and Paula went out of her way to make the night special.

I had the shiitake mushrooms with polenta, and then the New Zealand rack of lamb with black cherries.

Paula's background includes 2 years as the chef for the Springsteen family, and 7 years as a food stylist for the Martha Stewart test kitchen.

I would have given 5 stars, but I was hoping for the shrimp over polenta appetizer mentioned in the NY Times review, but it was not on the menu which seemed a little sparse in variety.

It's a short hop from Manhattan (5 minutes from our own special Port Authority). And it's the best place to host a party in a very comfortable setting. The service was personalized. Even though this 40-seat restaurant was crowded that night, the wait staff did a good job.

I think I'll go back for brunch.

Pearl River store in SoHo, NYC

red hat, originally uploaded by BKMD.

I dropped here last night to pick up a birthday gift for my niece Sarah.

Christiane I

Christiane I, originally uploaded by BKMD.

This is the current tracking of the vessel Christiane I off the coast of Java, near Christmas Island.

According to Wikipedia, Java is the 13th largest island in the world, but the most populated with 124 million inhabitants.

Christmas Island looks like an inviting place to visit.