January 06, 2014

Science: Today, "Blue Monday," Is the Most Miserable Day of the Year
— Ace

Oh yeah.

I was thinking about this lately, during the holiday season, and the old saw about the most suicides taking place after the Christmas/New Years holidays.

It really is a sad time of year, isn't it? It's cold as hell. The sun is the sky the fewest hours of the day. (Well, close enough: it's appearing a little more each day now that we've passed the solstice.)

The snow is no longer pretty and magical; instead, it's dirty gray soot-flecked slush and packed ice on the curbs and in the drive way. There's not much to look forward to, except the distant hope of spring.

It's a very empty time, isn't it? It's a time to just get through, to just bull through.

If you're feeling down on Monday, know this -- you're not alone.

Monday, January 6, 2014, is what some psychological researchers call "Blue Monday."

...

"Blue Monday," which is said to be the most miserable day of the year, was originally calculated to be at the end of the month.

But researchers analyzed tweets over the past few years and found that Monday, January 6, 2014 is the day the most people feel sad and guilty.

I can see that-- right now we're in the beginning of the Big Suck. It gnaws at you as it wears on. But today is the start of it.

So here's my personal plan for beating the Blue Months:

1. Work on self-improvement. It feels good to accomplish goals. Quit smoking (right now I'm in smoke-much-less mode) and start walking again. Start the language lessons up again.

2. Get as much ultraviolet light as I can. Seasonal Affective Disorder -- depression and lethargy, mainly -- is believed to be caused by the lack of ultraviolet sunlight during the winter months. So today I'm going outside to look indirectly towards the sun (glasses off) and see if I can get some light-based therapy going.

Another fix is a Light Box, a gadget that pumps out ultraviolet light that you can put on your desk or your night-stand.

I bought the Philips GoLight BLU a while back but haven't used it in a year. I'm putting it back on my desk to start that treatment again. I will say that it does seem to help. It wakes you up. (Daylight is a natural stimulant; the body reads daylight as Active Time and pumps out alertness hormones in response.) This could be a placebo effect, of course.

Oh, and I need to start taking Vitamin D again. Vitamin D is produced by the skin in reaction to sunlight, and when there's no sun, not much is produced. So back to the pills.

What about you guys? January got you down?

Oh and by the way: the "excessively high temperatures" we're experiencing are already causing widespread public harm, say the Warmites.


Posted by: Ace at 01:33 PM | Comments (308)
Post contains 501 words, total size 3 kb.

1 first?

Posted by: redc1c4 at January 06, 2014 01:37 PM (q+fqH)

2 Vitamin D works. Seriously, guys

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 06, 2014 01:38 PM (yz6yg)

3 Excessively high temps. Really? Those fuckers can come finish shoveling my driveway. Which is caked in from a record setting low! (It set the record for Jan. 6th, not the overall record.)

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:38 PM (GaqMa)

4 The roads are closed and my nose is froze.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (9W1fA)

5 faster reflexes from having been out in the 80* F weather in my backyard...

#ReasonsToLoveFailifornia

Posted by: redc1c4 at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (q+fqH)

6 As I've gotten older, I really find that I can't tolerate the grey days very well. One thing that is awesome about the mountain west is the sunshine during the winter. Even on days that it's in the 30s, the sun will heat up the house enough to have windows open for a couple of hours. Another thing to combat the blues at this time of year is to plan a getaway, even if it's just a long weekend in the Spring. Looking ahead helps with the daily gloom.

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (zDsvJ)

7 Vitamin D works. Seriously, guys Posted by: Sean Bannion at January 06, 2014 05:38 PM (yz6yg) The biochemist is skeptical. (No not really, unlikely the other multivitamins this one makes sense.)

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (GaqMa)

8
So here's my personal plan for beating the Blue Months:








Scalping and counting coup on leftist cockholsters needs to be in that list. You know, the multicultural thing, embracing the culture of our Native American brethren.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (TIIx5)

9 If you decide to use UV exposure on your skin, try to limit it to 15 minutes or so per day. Having the light shine on your back might be a good choice, as shortwave UV is not particularly good for the eyes.

Posted by: Arbalest at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (FlRtG)

10 Vitamin D is a good idea.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:39 PM (DhGW2)

11 I haven't resorted to an anti-SAD light yet, but Mr Y-not got me an alarm clock that gradually illuminates. Gotta set it up, but I think it'll be a nicer way to wake up.

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 01:40 PM (zDsvJ)

12 Cerebral endeavors and activities are also a good idea.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:41 PM (DhGW2)

13 Cerebral endeavors and activities are also a good idea. SoÂ….troll busting won't help then?

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 06, 2014 01:41 PM (yz6yg)

14 Considering that my director announced his retirement today, in advance of subpenas allegedly, it has been a fairly sucky day.

Posted by: Tobias Johnson at January 06, 2014 01:41 PM (QupBk)

15 Sun light. Fresh air. Exercise.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:41 PM (DhGW2)

16 test

Posted by: Typo Dynamofo at January 06, 2014 01:42 PM (FtCW+)

17 What about you guys? January got you down?

At the risk of sounding deliberately contrarian, there is something about this time of year that appeals to me, especially at night.  I'll walk outside, where Orion's penis will be hanging in the sky, and the bare trees are blowing back and forth, and it gives me a little mental charge. 


But then, I'm a filthy Skandi.

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 01:42 PM (6TB1Z)

18

the "excessively high temperatures" we're experiencing are already causing widespread public harm,

--------------

 

Ugh...  That means they're gonna *love* the pics from the BCS Championship today.  It's generally sunny around here this time of year.  But while the rest of the country is suffering from a cold spell, we're dealing with warmer than usual weather.

 

Posted by: junior at January 06, 2014 01:42 PM (UWFpX)

19 I don't know. This post is kind of depressing. :-P

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:42 PM (DhGW2)

20 Posted by: Sean Bannion at January 06, 2014 05:41 PM (yz6yg) I say we have an AoSHQ debate off to keep our brains flowing. I'll start Bannion: Vatican II, good Council or Best Council .

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:43 PM (GaqMa)

21 Polar Vortex... take me away.

Posted by: when Calgon just won't cut it at January 06, 2014 01:43 PM (Oeij3)

22 After tonight college football is over,that's depressing.

Posted by: steevy at January 06, 2014 01:43 PM (zqvg6)

23 10 Vitamin D is a good idea Boobies!

Posted by: Never too old for milk at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (tcK++)

24 Come on down to Texas. Snow? What snow. We laugh at your snow....no wait, I think that's sobbing at all the gray and brown. What was I saying? Oh I know, come on out to Colorado. Magical winter wonderland...just watch out for the gun grabbers.

Posted by: Lauren at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (hFL/3)

25 And here I was thinking that the reason I felt so shitty today was just the hangover.

Posted by: Adam at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (Aif/5)

26 Laugh more.

Posted by: m at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (omrQI)

27

The only reason I put up with California; it was 75° today.

This time of year is good for re-loading, putting fishing line on, re-stocking and organizing tackle, mounting scopes etc.  

Posted by: The Jackhole at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (nTgAI)

28 Thinking of going to an island to escape all these excessively warm temps.  I've never been off the mainland.  Does anyone have any good suggestions?  Something with nice beaches, warm, and not a tourist trap.  Also, any opinions on those all-inclusives?

Posted by: Havedash at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (G1XMn)

29 What about you guys? January got you down? Not particularly. It's always been "the quiet before" for me through school and work, sort of a time to recharge before plunging into the meat of the year. That, and I've never been much of a daylight person anyway.

Posted by: Brother Johnson at January 06, 2014 01:44 PM (naUcP)

30 Eh, I shoveled over a foot of global warming off the walk and away from the garage this morning.  But work was canceled because of the snow everywhere.

So I am not truly blue about this day.

Other than parts of my body upon application of the temperature upon my few exposed skin areas.  Those areas were blue.  Thank goodness for coffee.

Posted by: Mikey NTH -Have a Querulous New Year from the Outrage Outlet at January 06, 2014 01:45 PM (gmoEG)

31 I'll start Bannion: Vatican II, good Council or Best Council Trebuchet +5 holy terror, bitchez!

Posted by: Brother Johnson at January 06, 2014 01:45 PM (naUcP)

32 It's a very empty time, isn't it? It's a time to just get through, to just bull through. Hey, it's all right kid. Things will get better soon. How about stepping away from that window and sitting down here by this nice fire? *whispers into shoulder radio* We got a jumper here. Send back up.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 06, 2014 01:45 PM (oFCZn)

33

Before I moved to Houston,  I moved from NYC to Poughkeepsie and lived in Kingston across the Hudson.   As a southern boy I liked winter and the snow for about two weeks before I cursed it to hell.  I would gauge the season  every day going  over  the bridge by looking at the Hudson and visually measuring the ice .   It was always until  mid February before the ice cleared.  And then  until May before the pools opened. 

 

Its  no  wonder people in the NE have winter homes down south. 

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 01:45 PM (m2CN7)

34 I have decided to ignore things such as health, adverbs, tax planning, and hope. Should be an interesting year.

Posted by: Inspector Cussword at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (xJS2Q)

35 Bloody hell, banish on that sock...

Posted by: Brother Cavil at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (naUcP)

36 That's funny Ace I think if anything I have been happier this winter despite my acceptance we're probably fucked as a nation.

You close?

"Religious Zealotry the EPA and Obama are soaking in it"

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (TE35l)

37 Vatican II, good Council or Best Council

Illegitimi non carborundum

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (6TB1Z)

38 I have been blue since Jan. 20, 2009.

Posted by: dantesed at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (88xKn)

39 mounting scopes etc.

Posted by: The Jackhole

Sounds painful but what do I know.

Posted by: toaster fucker [/i] [/b] at January 06, 2014 01:46 PM (dwArK)

40

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 05:45 PM (m2CN7)

 

job moved to Poughkeepsie.  I moved to Kingston. 

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (m2CN7)

41 By the by, stared at my nonfunctional fireplace again and had a sad. Worst part is, since it's a giant brick fireplace it's also a giant heatsink for the house. Oh wellz....SOOON. (Depending on the employment situation.)

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (GaqMa)

42 The meme that today is the most miserable day of the year is quite depressing. It seems like a somewhat self-fulfilling meme. Perhaps people would be less depressed without it? Then again, it might prevent some people from killing themselves today.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (DhGW2)

43 >>> haven't resorted to an anti-SAD light yet, but Mr Y-not got me an alarm clock that gradually illuminates. Gotta set it up, but I think it'll be a nicer way to wake up. I have that one too. I kind of like it, but I haven't used it as anything but a reading light in a long time. I think the product has a couple of major flaws (mine is the Philips Wake Up light). There is no way to set the lamp to be used as a nightlight (or artificial sunset light) at a different light intensity than the wake-up light. The wake-up light should be at the highest intensity -- level 20. But that's uncomfortable at night. But if you attempt to change the light's intensity at night, it also changes it for the wake-up light. Another thing that's misconnected in the thing is its inability to play two different sound files at night and in the morning. At night, during the Artificial Sunsetting, obviously you want white noise. But you don't want white noise in the morning. You want something a bit more intrusive (though in a nice way). With the Philips, you can either set it up for a good Artificial Sunset to put you to sleep OR a good Artificial Sunrise to wake you up but not both.

Posted by: ace at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (/FnUH)

44 Eh, I'm not sure about the sun. Even here in California it's been sunny in the 60's and 70's the past month but being out exercising in this dry windy cold has been unbearable.

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (WdbF7)

45 I dunno. Now that I'm (much) older, winter seems to wear on me more than it used to.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy-Eared Vulcan at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (l2max)

46 I had no idea this was a thing. Mind you for like ten years I worked over the whole New Year's weekend and OT for the next couple of weeks. There wasn't a break. I just get sad when things are screwed up. That's my "bad day schedule."

Posted by: Merovign, Dark Lord of the Sith[/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (qyfb5)

47

"And then of course I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left side."

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 06, 2014 01:47 PM (kdS6q)

48 The other reason I like "Polar Vortexes" and Snow and Remote Isolation is you don't have a lot of crusading neighbors for the most part.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:48 PM (TE35l)

49

I think the Big Suck really starts at the end of the Super Bowl and continues until baseball's opening day. Two months with nothing but accursed basketball to watch. It's what the American Indians called the Squeaking Shoe Moons.

 

Posted by: Oldtimer at January 06, 2014 01:48 PM (PVpCn)

50 I suffer from depression, and January through March are killers for me. These months fill me with dread. Serious dread. The only way I get through them is by prayer, going to church, and reading the bible. Also paying careful attention to my meds, diet, and going tanning. Tanning helps. But mostly, God.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 01:48 PM (P6QsQ)

51 Y-Not, I've had that clock for about 2 years now. I love it. It's such a gentle way to wake up. I have my sound set on ocean waves. You lay there for about 2 minutes.....gotta pee, so you get up.

Posted by: Oklahomie at January 06, 2014 01:48 PM (ul+8R)

52 Re: Self-Improvement There's an app that I recently forced all my phone-having children to get---It's called Un-Fuck Your Habitat. It gives them a random cleaning/decluttering/improving challenge and sets a timer to go with. I love it; it's perfect for people (like me, and my offspring) who tend to overthink all the things we have to do and/or get carried away and then burned out (like meticulously organizing the linen closet and then becoming too exhausted to clean the rest of the house). Does anyone know of something like that for non-housekeeping shit that's got to be done, like work stuff, exercise, etc?

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (qHM3d)

53 Has our brilliant, infallible president issued an executive order yet to command that all citizens purchase Brawndo, for electrolytes to ward off the excessively high temperatures?

Posted by: Stu-22 at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (AiYlm)

54 The whole thing does seem like a symptom of Nihilism though. Of life as an excessively emotive experience.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (DhGW2)

55

Yeah, for sure, the warming is really a problem. It was about 57 at one point this morning (but drizzling heavily into the snow and mud). Now the sky is clear but temp is down to 33, and heading for 8 degrees by rush hour tomorrow. Wind is 20+ mph, will be 30 mph tomorrow. Normally 35 to 40 this time of year. Gotta hate that global warmup, I'm really in the mood for shared sacrifice right now.

 

Probably the worst thing is realizing that now, we're just getting going with the heavy part of winter with a couple of months to go at least.

 

And I have a friend(?) from southern CA who calls me from his convertible on the PCH during the winter. And another one from Phoenix who chuckles to me about which color golf shirt he's going to wear to work this time of year. Tough to like these guys about now!

Posted by: RM at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (fRppw)

56 I've never been off the mainland. Does anyone have any good suggestions? Something with nice beaches, warm, and not a tourist trap. -- I liked the Big Island for a less touristy version of Hawaii. Interesting variety to that island. Rent a condo on the water if you can. But if time is limited and you want to have an easy, relaxing beach vacation, I'd go Kanaapali Beach in Maui.

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (zDsvJ)

57 Nyah Nyah!  In retirement every day is Saturday.

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (kxSZr)

58 Don't forget to make sure you get essential fatty acids DHA and EPA too for brain health, Ace. Take three day-old sprouted chia seeds and blend for 30 seconds, or eat three day-old flax sprouts mixed with sesame sprouts.

But then again, you don't exactly strike me as a sprouting kinda guy.


Posted by: Commissioner Gordon at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (SE8wF)

59 This is why my years in Portland and Indiana were so miserable. Moved from there to Spokane and Colorado Springs, respectively, and my overall outlook skyrocketed. Not a sun-worshipper, but damn, I need it.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at January 06, 2014 01:49 PM (vgIRn)

60 “Imagine, for example, if you were in a nightclub and someone said to you, ‘Hello, I enjoy bloodshed, throat-slitting and the destruction of life.’ Well, I doubt if you’d want to exchange phone numbers.”

This situation will never happen to Morrissey. When thereÂ’s a club and if heÂ’d like to go, where he might meet someone who really loves him, all he does is go and stand on his own, then leave on his own. Then he goes home, cries and wants to die.

No phone numbers exchanged, meat-eater or not.

Posted by: Larry Flint at January 06, 2014 01:50 PM (e8kgV)

61 Emotions, of course, are for Gays.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:50 PM (DhGW2)

62 Another blue effect ...a lot of people die just after the holidays. Seems they often are able to make it through the holidays and then keel over. Possibly they heroically made it through. Possibly the stress is too much. Possibly winter bugs like the flu do them in. Not sure. But the longer you live, the more likely someone close to you dies around the holidays or shortly afterwards, which kind ads to the blueness of January. Actually have a relative who just learned about her terminal brain tumor right after Christmas. She's now in home hospice. She was trying to make it through the holidays, even though she was feeling "off". Going to the doctors earlier wouldn't have helped her, though. As they say, you know the kind of cancer where you take some chemo and have an operation and get better? Well, this isn't that kind of cancer.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 06, 2014 01:50 PM (ZPrif)

63
I was happy until I read abut Blue Monday.  Now its all dark, gray, suffocating and it smells really bad.



Wait, that was just the dog laying on my face.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 06, 2014 01:51 PM (MaP11)

64 55 RM at January 06, 2014 05:49 PM (fRppw)

Yeah we used to call that "Winter" when I was a kid...

there have always been 20-50 degree temperature swings in winter depending upon your latitude...

part of the baked in joy of the cake.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:51 PM (TE35l)

65 "What about you guys? January got you down?"

No. Well, not January itself technically.

D.C. and the fckuing Beltway Borg has me down, and it isn't seasonal other than it's always in season. Were it to simply not function for a year of reprieve and let the States collaborate to ameliorate acute issues, my outlook would improve.

It's the collective and endless cesspool of fraud, corruption, deceit, and lawlessness out of our Federal branch that has me mired in "depression."

Anyone have a magic light bulb for that?

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 01:51 PM (eHIJJ)

66 Or, at the very least, somewhat animalistic.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (DhGW2)

67 And another thing.  I almost enjoy the sheer masochistic delight of going to bed in the dark, and getting up in the dark, driving to work in the dark, and watching the sunrise from my office window. 

y the by, stared at my nonfunctional fireplace again and had a sad.
Worst part is, since it's a giant brick fireplace it's also a giant heatsink for the house.

The wife was after me for YEARS to buy a gas fireplace.  I finally caved, and man are those things great.  Now the only problem is moving her ass out of the chair in front of the fire. 

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (6TB1Z)

68 >>>I was happy until I read abut Blue Monday. Now its all dark, gray, suffocating and it smells really bad. Wait, that was just the dog laying on my face. ... hah

Posted by: ace at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (/FnUH)

69 As for me, I'm gonna go prime the bong.

Whatever works I guess.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (BZAd3)

70 57. In retirement every day is Saturday. In Hawaii every day is summer

Posted by: Navypopojoe at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (HQX6o)

71 It's been a bad day at work. I'm broke. I'm lonely.

I'll just go home and have a bowl of Kaboom for dinner.

Posted by: *sigh* at January 06, 2014 01:52 PM (ay6+/)

72 I was in Finland last winter on business. You wanna talk cold and dark, I give you Finland. Not the happiest people I've ever been around. Those happy happy joy joy lights were everywhere and those filthy Scandis swore by them. Who knows what evil things they would be up to without those lights.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 01:53 PM (g1DWB)

73 They're certainly not rational. Although people have a hard time grasping that for some reason. Mostly because they're quite emotional in their thinking, one supposes.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:53 PM (DhGW2)

74 I've read elsewhere that the light therapy lamps work best when they are above you -- idea is to simulate the sun, speculation even that certain receptors only react when the light is coming from above you. Many of the light therapy lamps are desk or even floor lamps.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 06, 2014 01:53 PM (ZPrif)

75 50 I suffer from depression, and January through March are killers for me. These months fill me with dread. Serious dread. The only way I get through them is by prayer, going to church, and reading the bible. Also paying careful attention to my meds, diet, and going tanning. Tanning helps. But mostly, God.

****************

Right there with you. Church three times a week, here. It's that or listening to my sobs echo throughout my empty shed...er..."house."

Isaiah 41:10.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at January 06, 2014 01:53 PM (vgIRn)

76 I'm disappointed in Ace for not linking this: http://youtu.be/fOFO1XOZXRM

Posted by: logprof at January 06, 2014 01:53 PM (X3GkB)

77 >>>Don't forget to make sure you get essential fatty acids DHA and EPA too for brain health, Ace. Take three day-old sprouted chia seeds and blend for 30 seconds, or eat three day-old flax sprouts mixed with sesame sprouts. But then again, you don't exactly strike me as a sprouting kinda guy. ... i'll look this up. This sounds a little involved, though. Maybe I'll find a pill.

Posted by: ace at January 06, 2014 01:54 PM (/FnUH)

78 >> Two months with nothing but accursed basketball to watch. That's why I watch golf. Also, Spring Training.

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 01:54 PM (zDsvJ)

79 Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 05:52 PM (6TB1Z) I have been informed by two people now that the flue would still need to be fixed for all but a ventless gas Fireplace. I haven't looked into those too much yet (there are very few sellers of that around here.)

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:54 PM (GaqMa)

80 65 AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 05:51 PM (eHIJJ)

Da....

http://youtu.be/aMYYEsKvHvk

//Andrei Sakharov

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:54 PM (TE35l)

81 72. The Scandis have a high suicide rate over there.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (P6QsQ)

82 Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 05:39 PM (GaqMa)

Not sure that the accepted normal levels of vitamin D are based on anything other than some casual observations.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (QFxY5)

83 12 Cerebral endeavors and activities are also a good idea.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 05:41 PM (DhGW2)

I spend these months working on:

"T's Plan To Dominate The Universe" (tm)

I've gotten to the point where I need more squirrels and some mauve paint.

//back to the white board

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (x3YFz)

84 Orgy - Blue Monday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8gVmD39AmI


Posted by: just gonna leave this here at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (Oeij3)

85 Almost 70 here in Phoenix. Have fun in the snow and put your god dam coat on!

Posted by: Hop Sing, cook and cattle rustler, babysitter and bottle washer. at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (m193R)

86 Fresh air and exercise help quite a lot. And (non-self-destructive) hobbies.

Posted by: Stu-22 at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (AiYlm)

87 Posted by: ace at January 06, 2014 05:54 PM (/FnUH) DHA is actually the latest thing to add to Prenatal vitamins, so it's pretty easy to find OTC (I haven't seen EPA, but it might be in the DHA ones.) More commonly it's sold as "fish Oil"

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (GaqMa)

88 Postmodernism doesn't really offer people a way to process or interact with their emotions.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:55 PM (DhGW2)

89 Vitamin D and energy. How about some milk and Kaboom? Fortified with 3 important minerals!

Posted by: Paid for by Citizens for Clyde the Orangutan at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (QF8uk)

90 My answer? Fire up this song and start dancing like an asshole. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYH8DsU2WCk Blue Monday--New Order (only the original will do.)

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (RJMhd)

91 winter is the greatest season of 'em all. if you are not enjoying winter you are doing it wrong.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (rDidD)

92 72 JackStraw at January 06, 2014 05:53 PM (g1DWB)

Your presence in the ancestral homelands is noted downlander.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (TE35l)

93 I'm excited about 2014. My husband went vegetarian a couple years ago, and he keeps getting more active. We've been running in the park, and I got some new workout gear, socks and underwear for Christmas. I need to drink more water, but not tap water. So, we are getting a water delivery system. My resolutions are more about time and money. Everything else is under control.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (Y92Nd)

94 One good thing is the Australian Open should be starting up soon. Nothing like watching professional tennis taking place in a part of the world where the players are collapsing from heat stroke while I sit in a cold, dark house surrounded by loaded firearms and half eaten bowls of Kaboom.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 06, 2014 01:56 PM (oFCZn)

95 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 06, 2014 05:55 PM (QFxY5) Perhaps. It's entirely possible it's a placebo effect, but it makes more sense then "I need more vitamin E because..uhh..centrum tells me so."

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (GaqMa)

96

OT early but can I rant about the IRS.   I posted previously that I got a notice 12/2/13  from   the IRS  that  said I had a deficiency in my 2012 tax return  and the amount  was due  1/2/14  or additional interest and penalties could apply. 

 

Anyway ,  I determined  on  1/2/14   they were correct  and because I  wanted to make the due date of 1/2/14,  I called and paid by credit card.   Afterwards I contacted the IRS ( on hold for 45 minutes) .  During the hold time,  they provided various pieces of information of which one was telling me that you had 90 days on deficiency notices.   WTF !!   The actual  notice  indicated no such thing  and repeated the due date of 1/2/14 at least three times.

 

Finally talked to an agent and brought this up and he said the notice was just a proposal and that once I signed the agreement to the proposal they would send a bill.   I told him I already paid by credit card at which time he told me that that payment would just be in limbo because they did not have my signed agreement.   He said I could fax the agreement and he would put note in system for the department that handles the payments. 

 

Now today,  I call my credit card company to see if the payment had been processed and they tell me they  have no record of any debit to  my card.   What a clusterfuck.  That's  what  I get for trying to be timely.    

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (m2CN7)

97 I have a friend(?) from southern CA who calls me from his convertible on the PCH during the winter. And another one from Phoenix who chuckles to me about which color golf shirt he's going to wear to work this time of year. Tough to like these guys about now!

They will never know the joy of being one of the hard ones who makes it through another winter. 

The flue would still need to be fixed for all but a ventless gas Fireplace. 
Ours is ventless, and that's what I recommend.

Those happy happy joy joy lights were everywhere and those filthy Scandis swore by them. Who knows what evil things they would be up to without those lights. Posted by: JackStraw

Making more little Skandis would be my guess.  Well, that or committing suicide.

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (6TB1Z)

98 I really wish I was more into winter sports.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (Y92Nd)

99 It's also the Monday after NFL Wild Card weekend, and the last day of college football. For the next 7 months, no more football.

Posted by: AMDG at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (t7OO0)

100 87 tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 05:55 PM (GaqMa)

Correct, look for the Fish Oil with Omega3 and Flaz Oil....

can't hurt and it is good for stabilizing Systolic blood pressure.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (TE35l)

101 Go on all protein diet, lean hobo meat only. You'll drop those pounds like a rock!

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 01:57 PM (0FSuD)

102 >>The Scandis have a high suicide rate over there. Some serious alcohol consumption as well. But they also seem to have a hockey rink on every corner so there is that.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 01:58 PM (g1DWB)

103 I know I'll make it through this grim period if FSU pummels Auburn. I harbor no hope for the Winnipeg Jets.

Posted by: logprof at January 06, 2014 01:58 PM (X3GkB)

104 I think it depressed me because I had to start signing checks with 2014 and realized I was that much closer to being 30, it's depressing.

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at January 06, 2014 01:58 PM (WdbF7)

105 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 06, 2014 05:55 PM (QFxY5) Although I suppose I forgot to add that Vitamin D is also in most milk .

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 01:58 PM (GaqMa)

106 I am no fan of scandis but I think it is primarily the finns that have the high suicide and alcoholism rates.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 01:59 PM (rDidD)

107 97 pep at January 06, 2014 05:57 PM (6TB1Z)

One of the great things about being one of the Lutefisk people is we do not have to commit suicide we have Sovi er Russians and the Wind to kill us.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 01:59 PM (TE35l)

108 Of course, from the perspective of Vulgar Darwinism, it's "better" for the gene pool if people just kill themselves. So there's that.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 01:59 PM (DhGW2)

109 Another blue effect ...a lot of people die just after the holidays.

This just happened to a former neighbor of mine.  Heart attack killed him on Saturday.  40 years old, wife and kids.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at January 06, 2014 01:59 PM (wSrLR)

110 Just do not, do not, for the love of God do not, buy DHA fortified eggs. I made that mistake during my last pregnancy. Boiled up a nice egg, sprinkled on some Lawry's....and FISH. BLECH BLECH BLECH FIIIIIISSSSSH. It was the worst thing ever in the history of the world. Seriously. Avoid like the freaking plague.

Posted by: Lauren at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (hFL/3)

111 I'm going to bench press 350 lbs by June 2014

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (q+zA9)

112 Good things about Winter. Bowl Games and playoffs and Super Bowls. The new gadget season. CES starts tomorrow. Several other big tech events in coming weeks. It gets sunnier every day.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (ZPrif)

113 It's also the Monday after NFL Wild Card weekendÂ… Kansas City fans have to be thinking blue thoughts right about now.

Posted by: Paid for by Citizens for Clyde the Orangutan at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (QF8uk)

114 I'm excited about 2014. My husband went vegetarian a couple years ago, and he keeps getting more active.

So, you're saying he has a vigorous stalk?

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (6TB1Z)

115 106 yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 05:59 PM (rDidD)

The cousins are a hardy folk who seem to have a built in understanding that life for a Fatalistic Warrior Culture probably has a built-in "use by" date....

they are rather more extreme in not choosing to go past it...we deaden it with Lutefisk and Abba.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (TE35l)

116 >>Your presence in the ancestral homelands is noted downlander Truth be told I like the Scandi countries a lot. I like them a lot more in summer but some beautiful countryside.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (g1DWB)

117 If I were serious about getting over being pissed and down all the time, I'd move back to Texas...

or Sicily where my wife is from.  Damn how I miss them both.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:00 PM (BZAd3)

118 Sheesh! Why not move to somewhere warm where you can frolic in the sunshine and not worry about light boxes and crap?

Posted by: Plaintiff Pug at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (Qev5V)

119 @75 bobs house I know. It's like - how many more days is it to church?! I'm dying here!! LOL

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (P6QsQ)

120 Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 06, 2014 05:57 PM (GaqMa)

It's fat soluble, so if there is an unhealthy level it will take a while for it to leave the body.

Unlike those idiots who take grams of vitamin C and just piss it out.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (QFxY5)

121 It gets sunnier every day.

This actually may be part of it.  Skandis tend to be forward thinking people because if they weren't, they'd be dead.  Ergo, if it really sucks, things will get better and you have something to look forward to.

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (6TB1Z)

122 The cousins are a hardy folk who seem to have a built in understanding that life for a Fatalistic Warrior Culture probably has a built-in "use by" date.... they are rather more extreme in not choosing to go past it...we deaden it with Lutefisk and Abba. Posted by: Sven 10077 at January ah, fish jello.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (rDidD)

123 But they also seem to have a hockey rink on every corner so there is that.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 05:58 PM (g1DWB)

Wicked porn too.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (BZAd3)

124 Looking forward to watching last round of Tournament of Champions tonight.

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (m2CN7)

125  I like them a lot more in summer but some beautiful countryside.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 06:00 PM (g1DWB)

 

they are no so pretty with all the islamo immigrants carving out no go areas though

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:02 PM (q+zA9)

126 I need to drink more water, but not tap water.

I would go get a big cup of tap water right now out of spite but I don't want to dilute my rum.

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (kxSZr)

127 >>>>> Vitamin D What about the argument that vitamins are nearly ineffective? I have a few doctor friends that I comsider brilliant and each has said that so little of the vitamin is absorbed that the net positive effect is close to nothing.

Posted by: L, elle at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (0xqKe)

128 Sheesh! Why not move to somewhere warm where you can frolic in the sunshine and not worry about light boxes and crap?

And what then would happen to our sense of manly superiority I ask you?

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (6TB1Z)

129
Shukhov felt pleased with life as he went to sleep.  A lot of good things had happened that day.  He hadn't been thrown in the hole.  The gang hadn't been dragged off to Sotsgorodok.  He'd swiped the extra gruel at dinnertime.  The foreman had got a good rate for the job.  He'd enjoyed working on the wall.  He hadn't been caught with the blade at the search point.  He'd earned a bit from Tsezar that evening.  And he'd bought his tobacco.

The end of an unclouded day.  Almost a happy one.  Just one of the 3,653 days of his sentence, from bell to bell.

The extra three were for leap years.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (kdS6q)

130 I spend the month of January fine tuning my hate. For instance, right now I'm picturing Dana PeRINO slipping and falling into a dhark tank. 

Posted by: GOP at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (Cs2tJ)

131 Eggs naturally contain a fair amount of DHA, don't they? I remember the DHA-fortified baby food I used to buy---It had a big "Contains Eggs" allergy warning. Most did not have the "contains fish" warning; I had to be careful of that one since my husband is ridiculously allergic to fish.

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (qHM3d)

132 A depression epidemic might, of course, be a symptom of a degenerate culture. So, there's also that. Later, all. God bless. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (DhGW2)

133 If I were serious about getting over being pissed and down all the time, I'd move back to TexasÂ… This was our first Christmas in Texas (Round Rock). Colder than San Diego for that Holiday feel, but no blustery winds or ice-covered driveways to reduce life expectancy. Very nice, especially with a Duraflame in the fireplace.

Posted by: Paid for by Citizens for Clyde the Orangutan at January 06, 2014 02:03 PM (QF8uk)

134 Now today, I call my credit card company to see if the payment had been processed and they tell me they have no record of any debit to my card. What a clusterfuck. That's what I get for trying to be timely. IRS or 404Care payment? (I know you said IRS. Just think, the IRS has had 70+ years to get their shit straight.......)

Posted by: rickb223 at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (XCfYI)

135 Scandis? What country is Henrik Lundqvist from? I'll take my Scandis HOT!! Holy Hell.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (RJMhd)

136

Self-improvement?  Worth a try. 

 

Drinking and fapping pass the time, though. 

 

 

Posted by: Frumious Bandersnatch at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (A0sHn)

137 5 HTP (a supplement) actually works. 

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (BZAd3)

138 I'd probably stay away from the DHA fortified milk too. I mean, I have no experience with it because of the aforementioned egg debacle, but I would imagine fishy milk would be most unpleasant as well.

Posted by: Lauren at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (hFL/3)

139 When I had my blood test for cholesterol this past Fall, the only bad number was super low Vitamin D, 13ng/ml.

Posted by: Serious Cat at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (d2QQ4)

140

You could always set out to insult the blogsphere.

 

In alphabetical order.

Posted by: Wowbagger in Infinitely Prolonged at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (Hj9yW)

141 Sven 10077@80,

According to Alien Protocol, it'd be the only way to be sure.

Not an explicit endorsement, of course. [* [i]Hi, NSA! *]

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (eHIJJ)

142 Goodbye Blue Monday--Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut/Kilgore Trout, in regards to an advertizing slogan for an automatic washing machine, I semi remember

Posted by: Semilitterate at January 06, 2014 02:04 PM (C89tF)

143
>>>>Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 05:57 PM (m2CN7)<<<<

These are the people that will decide your healthcare.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 06, 2014 02:05 PM (MaP11)

144 129
Shukhov felt pleased with life as he went to sleep. A lot of good things had happened that day. He hadn't been thrown in the hole. The gang hadn't been dragged off to Sotsgorodok. He'd swiped the extra gruel at dinnertime. The foreman had got a good rate for the job. He'd enjoyed working on the wall. He hadn't been caught with the blade at the search point. He'd earned a bit from Tsezar that evening. And he'd bought his tobacco.

The end of an unclouded day. Almost a happy one. Just one of the 3,653 days of his sentence, from bell to bell.

The extra three were for leap years.
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix

Ivan was a true Skandi.

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:05 PM (6TB1Z)

145 if you are not enjoying winter you do not have a girl. you are sposed 'a be outside for several hours and spend several hours recovering on a couch with some warm, soft, cute girl. nothing better than whiling away the winter in bed with someone soft and warm. no scotch necessary.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:05 PM (rDidD)

146 If you've got the SCOLA channel, you can alleviate your woes by tuning into Peruvia's national television network. Tonight's schedule according to SCOLA: 7-8: Jew Knew? with Peruvia's only Jew Gelb Goldstein. It's a call in show for financial advice. 8-9: Flow Foods with Margarethe Klapp. Traditional Peruvian cooking show where Klapp whips up a dish containing her own menstrual fluids. Blood pudding on the menu tonight. 9-10: Screaming.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (oFCZn)

147 117 If I were serious about getting over being pissed and down all the time, I'd move back to Texas...

or Sicily where my wife is from. Damn how I miss them both.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 06:00 PM (BZAd3)

Good places, both.

What's that saying?  "If life gives you lemons you place claymores and man-traps, clear fields of fire, zero your weapons and laugh maniacally."

something like that.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (x3YFz)

148 I was stationed on Adak Alaska for 4 years with the Navy back in 86.....talk about some sucky long A$$ winters.  We had a tremendous suicide rate there that was not talked about openly.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (AiKJm)

149 fishy milk would be most unpleasant as well.

Posted by: Lauren at January 06, 2014 06:04 PM (hFL/3)

Getting the scales off their nipples to milk them is a bitch.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (QFxY5)

150 no scotch necessary.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 06:05 PM (rDidD)

 

Aquvit, ja!

 

its gud

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (q+zA9)

151 In the horse business, every morning is a Monday morning, but every night is a Saturday night. Weekends and days off are for people who don't like horses. Winter is for people who don't live in Palm Beach County. Although they did say it might be in the 40s tonight for a few hours. Down from 83 this afternoon. Ooooohhh, a cold front.

Posted by: dr kill at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (7AyPg)

152 I haven't had time to be depressed today. And just I. Case I was, I had a pedicure.

Posted by: Gingy @GingyNorth at January 06, 2014 02:06 PM (N/cFh)

153 9-10: Screaming.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 06, 2014 06:06 PM (oFCZn)

Bah!  Reruns.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:07 PM (x3YFz)

154 141 AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 06:04 PM (eHIJJ)

Yeah I get really confused...

he hard left democrats now known as "moderates" actively sought out weakening our national defense in the face of a nuclear threat...

Now the FBI drops "Law Enforcement" from its mission statement and is "national security" where "security" is defined as "clap for dear reader 'til your hands bleed"

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:07 PM (TE35l)

155 What about the argument that vitamins are nearly ineffective? I have a few doctor friends that I comsider brilliant and each has said that so little of the vitamin is absorbed that the net positive effect is close to nothing. Ask if they mean manufactured vitamins vs. natural.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 06, 2014 02:07 PM (XCfYI)

156 I was stationed on Adak Alaska for 4 years with the Navy back in 86.....talk about some sucky long A$$ winters. We had a tremendous suicide rate there that wasnot talked about openly.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 06:06 PM (AiKJm)

 

Did you happen to serve  with a guy who liked to watch the Penguins?

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:07 PM (m2CN7)

157 (sigh) Fine, I'll let you into my garbage can if it'll cheer you up.

Posted by: Marco Rubio at January 06, 2014 02:07 PM (9F2c1)

158 So it is (-15 F wind chill) now, nd I went to walk the dog. Told mom. Went to come in, the door would not open. I called her phone. It rang and rang. She was watching The Five, could not be bothered to see if I was out there, ala "The Little Match Girl"... She is also deaf and mentally ill (narcissistic  pers disorder, among other things). I made it in, and she was not troubled in the least that I almost went to the other side... LOL

Posted by: Baldy at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (2bql3)

159 Chocolate.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (RJMhd)

160 You think the snow is sad now? Wait till it's snowing in friggin May, like it always does here, THEN get back to me. (By May at least you have flowers poking up to make things a little cheerful, and spring is imminent, so not so bad. February, though, is killer.)

I had my doctor do blood tests on my Vitamin D levels, to see where they were. My results came back shockingly low; no surprise as we get little light in the winter here, and because of aggressive melanoma in the fam always lather on the sunscreen like a vampire in summer. I take 5000 IU a day, doctor's recommendation, and it really does wonders. But you have to take D3, not D alone, to get it to absorb properly. I hate swallowing pills so I buy the gummies; pop a handful and am good for the day.

Posted by: LizLem at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (BF+2f)

161 something like that.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 06:06 PM (x3YFz)


That would raise anyone's spirits!

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (BZAd3)

162

Also:

 

Blue light for seasonal affective disorder

 

UV light and/or time outdoors, plus supplements for vitamin D.

 

Seriously, in my practice, almost everyone I test for vitamin D level is low or low-normal.  Granted, I'm in the winter HELL that is the Pacific NW, but your level is probably lower than you think.

 

Plus exercise and expensive soap for that gray-green luster in your skin.

 

Posted by: Wowbagger in Infinitely Prolonged at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (Hj9yW)

163 In my twenties was trying to get a support staff job at mcmurdo, no luck. I would have stayed over winter if it was available.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (rDidD)

164 148 I was stationed on Adak Alaska for 4 years with the Navy back in 86.....talk about some sucky long A$$ winters. We had a tremendous suicide rate there that wasnot talked about openly.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 06:06 PM (AiKJm)

We used to send the dirtbags in the Wing to ShitMeA AK.

Gulag.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (x3YFz)

165 AMDG: "For the next 7 months, no more football."

My rooting interest has been the Allas Cowboys. Alas, what you note I consider a blessing.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 02:08 PM (eHIJJ)

166 In addition to excessively high temperatures, we are going to have excessively high heating oil bills. Others will have high gas or electric, depending on how you heat your home.

Posted by: Carol at January 06, 2014 02:09 PM (z4WKX)

167 Nah. Its easier for me to focus now than when Spring rolls around. I'm presently not working but the beginning of the year has always seemed like a fresh start, so I enjoy it. It always helped that the office was almost empty during the holidays and business was slow so I started the new year organized, with clean files and a clean email inbox.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 06, 2014 02:09 PM (DmNpO)

168 I bought a handle of Kessler whiskey and hit the CD player loop button on "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me" from Tom Wait's album "Bone Machine," if that doesn't snap me out of an early winter funk, what will?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdLXhgxXguk

Posted by: 13times at January 06, 2014 02:09 PM (fGPLK)

169 Yep, January's got me down. I'm kind of a down person anyway but the additional suckitude isn't helping. Work is sucking ass and it's not looking like things are going to get any better anytime soon. Ugh. This on top of a divorce. It's like an El Niño of suck.

Posted by: Insomniac at January 06, 2014 02:10 PM (UAMVq)

170 "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me" ******* omg... LOL! Off to follow your link.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:10 PM (RJMhd)

171 By the way, I had a horrible flu over Christmas holiday and one symptom was a depressed mind, felt very flat and non-excitable. Turns out one side effect of immune response is your body will cease making seratonin. It was like a sponge had sopped it all out if my brain.

Posted by: Serious Cat at January 06, 2014 02:10 PM (Kqtqx)

172 The snow is no longer pretty and magical; instead, it's dirty gray soot-flecked slush and packed ice on the curbs and in the drive way.

The happy, moaning faces in the bowl of Kaboom are dimmed, and their smiles seem forced and unhealthy.

Posted by: Null at January 06, 2014 02:10 PM (xjpRj)

173 Booze helps. Here's a tip. When it's 29 below zero WITHOUT windchill as it will be here tonight. Make sure you don't forget to bring the beer inside or you will have a mess on your hands in the morning.

Posted by: Minnfidel at January 06, 2014 02:11 PM (FciyD)

174

stationed on Adak Alaska for 4 years with the Navy back in
86.....

 

my dad was there in 62-63

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:11 PM (q+zA9)

175 I always went to Arizona in February to visit my parents and to keep from killing myself, but they moved back here this fall, so I'm going to need another plan.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (P6QsQ)

176 man, it reads like the disclaimers for a pharmaceutical advertising convention in here disease, depression, sheesh.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (rDidD)

177 Eveyone could cheer up by watching a good movie.  Maybe Leaving Las Vegas or Requiem for a Dream or Moon. 

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (m2CN7)

178 My recommendation is to FLEE. 

I haven't even used a heater yet in Palm Beach.  No snow yet.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/s] at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (/8Opk)

179 Oh my gosh. I just realized why I like this time of year so much. I'm done with all the required gift knitting and can make stuff FOR MYSELF. Or for pay if a commission comes along. Sweet.

Posted by: Gingy @GingyNorth at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (N/cFh)

180 I feel great now that our heat is back on and I'm not shivering in a drafty old house where the temperature was 52 degrees. I have used a SAD lamp in the past and that along with Vitamin D has helped.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (7kkQJ)

181 13times Damn it. It won't load--that might be a good thing considering the mood o' da thread.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:12 PM (RJMhd)

182 Sven I'm feeling the blues, I just post here.

Posted by: garrett at January 06, 2014 02:13 PM (RzDX3)

183 177 Eveyone could cheer up by watching a good movie. Maybe Leaving Las Vegas or Requiem for a Dream or Moon. Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 06:12 PM (m2CN7) Great idea. You have a razor blade I can borrow after watching one of those flicks?

Posted by: Insomniac at January 06, 2014 02:13 PM (UAMVq)

184 The snow is no longer pretty and magical; instead, it's dirty gray soot-flecked slush and packed ice on the curbs and in the drive way. yeah, for future reference, "snert / snirt" is the word for dirty snow.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:13 PM (rDidD)

185 Its bad here in KY since I am a florida girl, but I did have one bright side today, I bought a couple dying orchids last summer and they bloomed. Now for seed catalogs to arrive, soon I hope!

Posted by: FCF at January 06, 2014 02:14 PM (Khja4)

186 True Science Fact : Hitting the Tip Jar helps to increase Vitamin D levels in certain mammals.

Posted by: garrett at January 06, 2014 02:14 PM (RzDX3)

187 Fenelon Did you get your furnace fixed?

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 02:14 PM (P6QsQ)

188 If you're truly down - I mean going-into-dark-places down - this piece posted by "Doctor Zero" in 2010 (in February, natch) always helps me. Makes me cry, but helps.

http://tinyurl.com/ybaaqkv

Posted by: Just Some Guy at January 06, 2014 02:14 PM (vgIRn)

189 108 Of course, from the perspective of Vulgar Darwinism, it's "better" for the gene pool if people just kill themselves. So there's that. And, it reduces PIV!

Posted by: Da Dykes at January 06, 2014 02:14 PM (0FSuD)

190 In a moment of sheer honesty and no sarcasm:  this is my favorite time of year. 

I'm a bird guy.  Just love birds.  Don't ask, I can't explain.  (looks at The Chicken... "not that way man, you're safe.")

So spring brings in all the finches, the doves from last year, sparrows.  And we've been living here long enough that we're a stop off point for entire herds (yes, I meant to say "herds") of different birds.

I can actually identify who makes it back every year, I know these little monsters each individually.

It's pretty cool.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:15 PM (x3YFz)

191 I take vitamins because I don't always eat well. Despite being sick, I have managed to gain a few pounds. I've been eating two blueberry scones almost every morning since November 1.

Posted by: Carol at January 06, 2014 02:15 PM (z4WKX)

192 My father passed away a week before Christmas, so, although I'm usually somewhat depressed after New Year's, it's especially brutal this year.

So to cope, I'm making extra efforts to throw myself into religion. Traditionalist Catholics are still celebrating Christmas and will continue to do so until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.

So that's what I'm doing, too, and hopefully that will mitigate some of the misery.

Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 02:15 PM (H84UO)

193 186 108 Of course, from the perspective of Vulgar Darwinism, it's "better" for the gene pool if people just kill themselves. So there's that. And, it reduces PIV! A little PIV would probably do me some good. Unfortunately the likelihood at this point is somewhere between slim and none, and slim just left town.

Posted by: Insomniac at January 06, 2014 02:16 PM (UAMVq)

194 Hey, ace sing a song and think positive! http://tinyurl.com/3jcyxz

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:16 PM (0FSuD)

195 I always used to read "A Day In the Life of Ivan Denisovich" when my crappy job was getting me down. Worked like a champ. Soon, though, we'll all have 3,653 days in the Gulag to look forward to. Joy.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 06, 2014 02:16 PM (SwHqo)

196

>>Did you happen to serve with a guy who liked to watch the Penguins?

.

.

.No Penguins there.  However there were some sort of Puffin with an orange beak that lived there that I never saw.  Bald Eagles all over the place and you had better not touch them.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 02:16 PM (AiKJm)

197 Sounds like a good plan Kensington. I'm sorry about your dad.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 02:17 PM (P6QsQ)

198 *waves at Kensington*

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 02:17 PM (zDsvJ)

199 Jenny, thanks for the tip on unfuck your habitat, I'll have to look that up.

Posted by: Lauren at January 06, 2014 02:17 PM (hFL/3)

200 179 garrett at January 06, 2014 06:13 PM (RzDX3)

I'm not mocking people who do.  My wife is more prone to her limbs reacting to the cold than am I.  As such she does not have quite my zeal for the land of the midnight sun and noonday dark.

Part of my anger at the other side is they are happy to try to restrict people's ease of movement.

The United States may well be better served in this era of telecommuting and "30 hour full time jobs" in developing an equivalent to the Canadian Snowbird culture.

Find happiness, and where happiness is beyond reach find your best coping mechanism that is not self-destructive.

Hope things get better Garrett for soon: the sun comes back, the ground warms, and Goreons start with their mating calls.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:17 PM (TE35l)

201 Also, a little PIV will warm up a room!

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:18 PM (0FSuD)

202 Get a simple test for Vitamin D. If your levels are too low, take a supplement. Easy to be Vitamin D deficient in winter.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 06, 2014 02:18 PM (ZPrif)

203 189 My father passed away a week before Christmas, so, although I'm usually somewhat depressed after New Year's, it's especially brutal this year.

So to cope, I'm making extra efforts to throw myself into religion. Traditionalist Catholics are still celebrating Christmas and will continue to do so until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.

So that's what I'm doing, too, and hopefully that will mitigate some of the misery.

Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:15 PM (H84UO)

So sorry.  Man it's tough enough without it happening during the holidays.  Online platitudes from people you never met aren't any help, but there's a prayer headed your way.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (x3YFz)

204 Only pleasant memories Kensington.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (BZAd3)

205 It's been beautiful weather here in S TX as long as you can avoid the wind. I have a heater on my citrus trees, but they haven't really needed it since they're close to the house and it's only gotten down to 26 degrees. I love it when it's finally cold enough to cook stew, enchiladas, chili etc., and use some firewood. It's a nice cozy time now that the hectic holidays are over. Jan 6 is the feast of Epiphany, so the last day of Christmas decorations for us. I have to take down all that crap tomorrow. Self-improvement project for me is getting the house back in order, both in tidiness and repair. it's a g-damn mess. I already started with new shower heads in 3 bathrooms--don't forget to remove the flow restricter! It makes all the difference. Other project is to write thank you notes for the year end gifts to the org I'm on the board of. When I feel really down, I buy a gun. I need (want) a .45, so that's what I'll do if I get depressed in the next few weeks.

Posted by: stace at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (9PXzx)

206 As someone who deals with depression on a fairly regular basis, I would advise everyone to consider a martial art.  Generally something with a sparring aspect built in (Judo, Kendo, etc) where you are not just practicing forms.  I do judo-- It gets the blood flowing, gets the brain working, and keeps you humble because there is always someone who's gonna dump you on your can.  It gets you out of the house, away from a glowing screen, and widens your social circle in ways you would never expect.  The constant drive of others to be better forces you to do the same, and I find myself lifting weights and running multiple times per week just to keep up. 

As far as self improvement goes, don't try to lose weight or something stupid.  Change the entirety of who you are, and make yourself better.  Strive to be stronger, faster in body, quicker of mind, and brutally honest in spirit.

Life is still gonna throw everything it can at you, but there are definite techniques available to ride it out.

Would recommend anyone dealing with depression reads "The President's Melancholy" about Lincoln and his depression.  Probably the best book I have read on the subject... reminds me that I am in good company!

Posted by: whtaft at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (d2FFC)

207 189 Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:15 PM (H84UO)

Kensington I am sorry for your loss.  My grandfather, whom I idolized, passed during the yule as well.  It hurt badly enough I quit celebrating the holiday until the boy was born.

I hope you find comfort, and have as good a New Year as one can after facing such a monumental loss.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (TE35l)

208 I actually like this time of year. Yea, 30 below isn't fun, but we'll be back in the 20's by Sat. which will feel like summer. I like winter. This weekend I will be doing some snowshoeing. A little snowmobiling and maybe some ice fishing. I'll go back to the cabin and enjoy a good book and some good bourbon. (Bulleit is very nice) sitting by a roaring fire. I love the silence of the winter woods. It's invigorating and although I am probably in the minority I actually like it. What I actually can't stand is around mid March or so to around the end of April. It's not winter anymore but it's really not spring. The snow goes in April usually and everything is dead. But you can't do any of the things I listed above and you really can't do anything outside except wait for actual spring. If it's going to be winter, let it be winter.

Posted by: Minnfidel at January 06, 2014 02:19 PM (FciyD)

209 You could always hire someone to bitch slap you. Till you get some fight back in ya.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (RJMhd)

210 178 

Aww! Maybe another day, then?

Posted by: 13times at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (fGPLK)

211 145 if you are not enjoying winter you do not have a girl.  Gee, thanks for the reminder, Y5. That helps with the depression a lot. That, and the drinking.

Posted by: shredded chi, a little happier than last year at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (xnkrD)

212 Even though there were days I didn't feel like baking cookies I decided to tough out my "12 days of Christmas cookies" for the 12 days between Christmas and today because I didn't want to fail at a goal right at the beginning of the year. Am just pulling the last cookies out of the oven now.

Posted by: Paranoidgirlinseattle at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (RZ8pf)

213 Cold in Florida. Much warmer at Rose Bowl. Win big, FSU!

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Garnet and Gold at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (baL2B)

214 I've done the warm (to hot) year-round thing and I missed the seasons. I could do it again, but I like having four seasons. One great thing about living where there is a cold winter is there are all sorts of foods that are best cooked and eaten in cold weather. Fall and winter are for roasting meats and veggies, making soups and stews, and drinking cocoa. Those don't satisfy the same way in warm climates imo.

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (zDsvJ)

215 "The President's Melancholy" Excellent book. Have read it several times.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (7kkQJ)

216 174 Eveyone could cheer up by watching a good movie. Maybe Leaving Las Vegas or Requiem for a Dream or Moon. Posted by: polynikes

Mickey Rourke's Barfly has to be the most depressing movie I've ever seen. Why anyone ever paid to see that in a theater is utterly beyond me. 

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:20 PM (6TB1Z)

217 I missed this yesterday, Peter King is being a dick,again, to Rand Paul. I think he said he doesn't deserve to be a senator.

Posted by: Carol at January 06, 2014 02:21 PM (z4WKX)

218 No Penguins there. However there were some sort of Puffin with an orange beakthatlived there that I never saw. Bald Eagles all over the place and you had better not touch them.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 06:16 PM (AiKJm)

 

sorry,  that was a reference to a frequent troll who claimed he was in the Navy stationed in the artic circle area and mentioned all of the penguins he observed.   As you can imagine,  he was not able  to post anything without   a mention of these non existent,  Southern hemisphere birds. 

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:21 PM (m2CN7)

219 191 Hey, ace sing a song and think positive!


http://tinyurl.com/3jcyxz

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 06:16 PM (0FSuD)

No way I follow that link.  If that includes the lyrics "Sing a song that makes you happy," I will personally track you, capture you, waterboard you, and make you listen to Hannah Montana until you gouge out your own eyeballs.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:22 PM (x3YFz)

220 Do know when I get depressed? When I have time to think. Best way to stave off depression is to stay busy busy busy.

Posted by: Bjorn10077 at January 06, 2014 02:22 PM (KrfRJ)

221 meh. high of 57 so far today, but I'm depressed every day of the year here in Clownifornia....

Posted by: the Butcher at January 06, 2014 02:22 PM (8g9qq)

222 Would recommend anyone dealing with depression reads "The President's Melancholy" about Lincoln and his depression. Probably the best book I have read on the subject... reminds me that I am in good company!

Not to mention Winston Churchill and Julius Caesar. 

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 02:22 PM (6TB1Z)

223 I was just punning on the name, Sven. But thanks. I find I feel depressed less once the steelhead start heading upriver.

Posted by: garrett at January 06, 2014 02:23 PM (RzDX3)

224 Pep, Did Mickey Rourke make a movie that was not depressing? There was 9 1/2 weeks, but I don't remember the ending.

Posted by: Carol at January 06, 2014 02:23 PM (z4WKX)

225 Mickey Rourke's Barfly has to be the most depressing movie I've ever seen. Why anyone ever paid to see that in a theater is utterly beyond me.

Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 06:20 PM (6TB1Z)

 

Speaking of Mickey Rourke  and I really liked the movie,   but I have to admit that The Wrestler was pretty damn depressing. 

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:23 PM (m2CN7)

226 Thanks, everybody.

*waves back at Y-not*

Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 02:23 PM (H84UO)

227 213 pep at January 06, 2014 06:20 PM (6TB1Z)

Another "wonderful, spiritually uplifting film" is Looking for Mister Goodbar although I must admit I would in all likelihood view the ending as being more uplifting than it had been when I first watched.....

Ms Keaton is truly an abominable woman

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (TE35l)

228 @209 PGS - what kind today?

Posted by: grammie winger at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (P6QsQ)

229 Gee, thanks for the reminder, Y5. That helps with the depression a lot. That, and the drinking. Posted by: shredded chi, a little happier than last year at January well go get someone, everyone is looking for someone to prevent hypothermia with this time of year, whore yourself out as a heat source.

Posted by: yankeefifth at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (rDidD)

230 A little JJ Cale has been known to lift a spirit or two:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9pS_cc_qJI

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (BZAd3)

231 Speaking of Mickey Rourke and I really liked the movie, but I have to admit that The Wrestler was pretty damn depressing. Yes, another movie that should come with a razor blade.

Posted by: Insomniac at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (UAMVq)

232 That Fucking Guy gave an Executive Order to fix the weather? We row in the morning.

Posted by: Harald Bluetooth at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (Ua6T/)

233 OK, here is a nice positive song, sung before any of us were born. EVEN Vic. http://tinyurl.com/54vul6

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (0FSuD)

234 207 178 Aww! Maybe another day, then? Posted by: 13times at January 06, 2014 06:20 PM (fGPLK) ****** Ya--the title is intriguing.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:24 PM (RJMhd)

235 I was going to flash you some boobehs, Kensington, but I'm a real classy broad! *wink*

Posted by: Y-not at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (zDsvJ)

236 222 Mickey Rourke's Barfly has to be the most depressing movie I've ever seen. Why anyone ever paid to see that in a theater is utterly beyond me.
Posted by: pep at January 06, 2014 06:20 PM (6TB1Z)

Speaking of Mickey Rourke and I really liked the movie, but I have to admit that The Wrestler was pretty damn depressing.

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 06:23 PM (m2CN7)

Is he the actor who's face is like a claymation horror picture?

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (x3YFz)

237

Every day is better than the next...

Posted by: phreshone at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (Pr6hk)

238 Barfly was my model for my lifestyle..., until I discovered the ONT.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (aDwsi)

239 174 Eveyone could cheer up by watching a good movie. Maybe Leaving Las Vegas or Requiem for a Dream or Moon.


Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 06:12 PM (m2CN7)


Maybe "I Stand Alone." Or, "Grave of the Fireflies." I haven't seen "Platoon" in a while.


I was scheduled to come back to work today but I put in for an additional day of leave last night via e-mail. If I went back to work today then I would've likely just resigned. I really, really hate my fucking job but I know that, given the shitpipe that is the Obameconomy, I need to keep it together long enough to arrange for getting another one FIRST before leaving my current one.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (M5T54)

240 Consider astronomy as a hobby. Winter nights are cold, but they're clear too. Take up a new hobby of any kind, for that matter. Glass blowing, ceramics, indoor gardening and harvesting, whatever lights your fire.

Posted by: CAC at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (NQ84T)

241 "There was 9 1/2 weeks, but I don't remember the ending."
==========

It's depressing well before the ending. Guy's got full access to Kim Basinger at her hottest, and he still feels compelled to pour gross sticky food on her!?!

Putz.

Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 02:25 PM (H84UO)

242 A malignant icy wind howls through the bare winter oaks . 28 F and falling . I struggle to find meaning in the cold desolation . Wait , it's duck season . I'll just kill some woodies and take comfort from the smell of burnt powder and a warm 12 gauge . Nothing banishes the winter doldrums like killing and eating wild game . Fin

Posted by: awkward davies at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (WK8VM)

243 Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:15 PM (H84UO) So sorry about the death of your dad. Holidays are very, very when hard that happens. May Christ's grace and eace be with you. I am throwing myself into traditional religion. I went to church on New Year's Eve, New Year's day and had an Epiphany service on Sunday. I find the famiilar readings particularly now about light in the darkness very helpful. Also, I say the Divine Mercy Chaplet and am in silent meditation quite a bit.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (7kkQJ)

244 >>>Is he the actor who's face is like a claymation horror picture?<<<



Yeah. He's pretty bad.

Posted by: John Frankenstein Kerry at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (Oeij3)

245 You know, if you're trying to cheer up a friend, it's a great time to talk to them about the Affordable Health Care Act! Grab some cocoa and start the consoling!

Posted by: Minnfidel at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (FciyD)

246 233 tangonine at January 06, 2014 06:25 PM (x3YFz)

Da...plastic surgery has not really been his friend...

he and Kim Bassinger in a love scene would make a vase.

234 phreshone at January 06, 2014 06:25 PM (Pr6hk)

Russian Optimism comrade?

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (TE35l)

247 Howabout Ironweed. Not so cheerful. But it has Tom Waits, so there's that.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (aDwsi)

248 Is he the actor who's face is like a claymation horror picture? Pretty much. He was Marv in Sin City. I don't think they had to make him up that extensively.

Posted by: Insomniac at January 06, 2014 02:26 PM (UAMVq)

249 >>Speaking of Mickey Rourke and I really liked the movie, but I have to admit that The Wrestler was pretty damn depressing. Rumble Fish. Depressing.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 06, 2014 02:27 PM (g1DWB)

250 I dunno, I had my first day of real work back, and it was ok. A little disappointed in my lot at work, but that makes me a whiny bitch now doesn't it? Everything else in my life is fantastic.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at January 06, 2014 02:28 PM (E8IHS)

251

hey the Olympics in Russia start in a bit.

 

We can root for the USA to win Gold and the Russians to put some lead into some islamic crazies

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:28 PM (q+zA9)

252 235 Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 06:25 PM (aDwsi)

the nice thing about the ONT is it is a lot like being drunk without the lack of coordination, psychotic rage, bar bill, legal fees, or having to cope with bar noise....

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:28 PM (TE35l)

253 You sure it isn't situational--like the people around you? Like most of NaYC is full of type A--arholes?

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:28 PM (RJMhd)

254 Spiiritually uplifting film about how grace and love changes people-Babette's Feast-one of my favorites. I wanted to get "The Bishops Wife" with Loretta Young and Cary Grant, and David Niven but it was out

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at January 06, 2014 02:28 PM (7kkQJ)

255 I'm writing a book.  It's alternately satisfying and oppressive.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at January 06, 2014 02:29 PM (BZAd3)

256 Christmas is usually a bad time for me. Not this year.
(November '13 was very depressing.)
but I've started writing a book, and imaginary world, with characters I like. It may never be published, but hey, there is always Amazon. So I live in a fantasy world now. Why not, the liberal/progressives all do. If you can't beat'm, build your own fantasy.


Posted by: Paperback Writer at January 06, 2014 02:29 PM (Nn4Jn)

257 Oh, I signed up for gym membership last month. Been going about twice a week, hitting the treadmill so far.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at January 06, 2014 02:29 PM (E8IHS)

258 nood

Posted by: Hans at January 06, 2014 02:29 PM (q+zA9)

259 Mickey Rourke's Russian accent in Ironman--that's always good for a laugh.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:29 PM (RJMhd)

260 Just training season for spring. And if you look at it that way, prep for spring, the time starts looking pretty short.

Posted by: Axe at January 06, 2014 02:30 PM (e/xsA)

261 Long Winter days here Ewok need Vitamin D Some UV Treatment

Posted by: garrett at January 06, 2014 02:30 PM (RzDX3)

262 237 Consider astronomy as a hobby. Winter nights are cold, but they're clear too.


Take up a new hobby of any kind, for that matter.

Glass blowing, ceramics, indoor gardening and harvesting, whatever lights your fire.

Posted by: CAC at January 06, 2014 06:25 PM (NQ84T)

a solo hobby.  We have a "14 at my university, but firing it up and mashing the keyboard while wearing so much wool the sheep are mailing their congressmen is... tricky.

Thermos.  Coffee.  Watch cap.  Ear muffs.  Small children to throw onto the fire.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:30 PM (x3YFz)

263 Wait , it's duck season . I'll just kill some woodies and take comfort from the smell of burnt powder and a warm 12 gauge . Nothing banishes the winter doldrums like killing and eating wild game . Fin Posted by: awkward davies at January 06, 2014 06:26 PM (WK8VM) I am still pissed I quit my hunt club two years ago. My sons are off to Arkansas this weekend to shot some ducks. Assholes didn't invite me.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:30 PM (0FSuD)

264 I'm a bird guy. Just love birds. Don't ask, I can't explain. (looks at The Chicken... "not that way man, you're safe.") Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 06:15 PM (x3YFz) I love seeing that in a tough gun guy like you. I like teh birdies too, and was just out in the mountains of west texas for New Year's. I could ID 10 species in just a few minutes sitting by the window with a drink looking out at the little pool. It was gorgeous weather and good birding except for the first night when there was a bitter wind.

Posted by: stace at January 06, 2014 02:30 PM (9PXzx)

265 Glass blowing Heh heh. Heh heh heh.

Posted by: Beavis at January 06, 2014 02:32 PM (UAMVq)

266 262 Beavis at January 06, 2014 06:32 PM (UAMVq)

http://tinyurl.com/mm5rvqf

Safe for work pic

How Ya Doing?

//Glass Man

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 06, 2014 02:34 PM (TE35l)

267 200 189
My father passed away a week before Christmas, so, although I'm usually
somewhat depressed after New Year's, it's especially brutal this year.

So to cope, I'm making extra efforts to throw myself into religion. Traditionalist Catholics are still celebrating Christmas and will continue to do so until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.

So that's what I'm doing, too, and hopefully that will mitigate some of the misery.


Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:15 PM (H84UO)


So sorry. Man it's tough enough without it happening during the holidays. Online platitudes from people you never met aren't any help, but there's a prayer headed your way.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 06:19 PM (x3YFz)


Kensington, my condolences and prayers for your comfort.


My own father died five years ago on January 3rd after a long illness, and a week or so of someone always at his bedside. I now remember that New Year's Eve with my hand in his, which is bittersweet every year now. I miss him every day of my life but am so grateful for having him as my father. Please remember the good times with him when the sadness creeps in, and knowing you will see him again.

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, Garnet and Gold at January 06, 2014 02:34 PM (baL2B)

268 Nip - Cold: headed your way 3.4 deg now.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 02:34 PM (aDwsi)

269 Chocolate crinkle cookies. My son said they were delicious and I went out with a bang.

Posted by: Paranoidgirlinseattle at January 06, 2014 02:35 PM (RZ8pf)

270 Cut 'em out of your will Nip Sip .

Posted by: awkward davies at January 06, 2014 02:36 PM (WK8VM)

271 I went out with a bang. Pics...

Posted by: garrett at January 06, 2014 02:36 PM (RzDX3)

272

Uplifting films

 

The Right Stuff

 

Breaking Away

 

Despicable Me

 

Ben Hur

 

Sgt York

 

Rudy

 

Invincible

Posted by: polynikes at January 06, 2014 02:36 PM (m2CN7)

273 The thought of no days off (besides weekends) for six months puts a damper on my mood. Not to mention that I get very excited for the holiday season and seeing my family and it seems it's over before I blink. Yeah, it's pretty much a bummer.

Posted by: DangerGirl at January 06, 2014 02:37 PM (GrtrJ)

274 265 Nip - Cold: headed your way 3.4 deg now. Yeah, it's 26 now, down 10 pts in two hours. I got a fireplace and a football game, I am good. Wish I could drink, but on a fucking diet. Should of made Chili.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:37 PM (0FSuD)

275 Best ways to beat SAD are friends, light, exercise, pray/meditate, music, projects, PIV et al, not burning bridges just at the moment, making plans for the future, and perhaps most of all... GIVING. Giving without an expectation, helping without any expectation, doing for those that are not yours - this not only MATTERS, it also reaffirms you as you and your purpose here. GIVE. Not money. Give TIME. Give yourself. You will get back infinity more than you give. As noted by a fellow Moron, you can't unfuck the goat. Don't make life changing decisions in the midst of SAD. Hanging here is always good, because if you need a hug and/or a prayer or even a phone call all you have to do is ask... good people here. Except for the filthy Polynesian Skandis - Can't trust 'em because they are SO dual personality schizo...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at January 06, 2014 02:37 PM (vHRtU)

276 267 Cut 'em out of your will Nip Sip . Posted by: awkward davies at January 06, 2014 06:36 PM (WK8VM) It's youngest son's bachelor party, so I guess I should just STFU. A duck hunt for a bachelor party, got to love that shit.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:38 PM (0FSuD)

277 You want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a winter prediction:

It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life.

Posted by: Phil Connors [/i] [/b] at January 06, 2014 02:39 PM (5ikDv)

278 Actually, things will be better tomorrow.

Justified starts up again.


(no, I'm not Nick Searcy in disguise)

Hi, Nick.

Posted by: Hate Miser at January 06, 2014 02:41 PM (Oeij3)

279 Take up a new hobby of any kind, for that matter. Glass blowing, ceramics, indoor gardening and harvesting, whatever lights your fire. Posted by: CAC at January 06, 2014 06:25 PM (NQ84T) Or writing articles for The Federalist.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 06, 2014 02:42 PM (oFCZn)

280 I now remember that New Year's Eve with my hand in his, which is bittersweet every year now. I miss him every day of my life but am so grateful for having him as my father. Please remember the good times with him when the sadness creeps in, and knowing you will see him again.
===============

I'm so sorry about your dad, and I'll say prayers for both you and him tonight.

My father suffered terribly in his last months, and his last two weeks in particular were a nightmare. By the end, he was in full-blown dementia, didn't recognize me and would throw punches and kicks at anyone who tried to clean him up or change his bedding.

The night he passed away, I sat with his body for a long time before the funeral home came for him, and I held his hand. He was already gone, but it was the first time I'd been able to touch him in weeks without him flinching or punching. It might sound awful, but it's actually a very nice, bittersweet memory now.

Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 02:42 PM (H84UO)

281 It's youngest son's bachelor party.... -------------------- I assume you have issued all of the standard warnings?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 02:43 PM (aDwsi)

282 Hot Damn, found a can of Trader Joe's Chicken Chili in pantry. "Good if used by Jan 2014". Wonder how long it's been in there? Heating that shit up now!

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:44 PM (0FSuD)

283 My father split when I was 10 years old - on Thanksgiving Day. That's what is known as a 'negative anchor' and I always worked TGD as a way to avoid it, until I had kids of my own. Beat it by always hosting a TGD blowout for all and sundry. Now that I'm alone again I either work it, or volunteer at a shelter to cook and serve - which is way more fun the working. Which led me to volunteering any old time, because I can. Giving Heals.

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at January 06, 2014 02:44 PM (vHRtU)

284 I like teh birdies too, and was just out in the mountains of west texas for New Year's. I could ID 10 species in just a few minutes sitting by the window with a drink looking out at the little pool. It was gorgeous weather and good birding except for the first night when there was a bitter wind.

Posted by: stace at January 06, 2014 06:30 PM (9PXzx)

We have 3 dove pairs that have settled in around the house we built here.  We have 37 acres of desert, basically.  Few pines.  It's eastern CO so, quite dry.

But we started a few birdhouses for shelter for the finches, then graduated to placing full bowls of food and water out... around 3 years back.  Birds don't forget.

So now, the larger species always make it back.  We fledge finches and flycatchers, but I haven't been able to track who's who in their flocks.  The doves, though, have the temerity to eat my food and nest in my neighbor's trees.  I guess our accommodations don't meet the standards.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 02:44 PM (x3YFz)

285 I assume you have issued all of the standard warnings? Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 06:43 PM (aDwsi) Yeah, they all got duck stamps, ha ha. They will be in the middle of nowhere.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 06, 2014 02:45 PM (0FSuD)

286 Holding the hand of a dying friend or relative is something that stays with you. It is never forgotten.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 06, 2014 02:46 PM (aDwsi)

287 I'm so sorry about your dad, and I'll say prayers for both you and him tonight. My father suffered terribly in his last months, and his last two weeks in particular were a nightmare. By the end, he was in full-blown dementia, didn't recognize me and would throw punches and kicks at anyone who tried to clean him up or change his bedding. The night he passed away, I sat with his body for a long time before the funeral home came for him, and I held his hand. He was already gone, but it was the first time I'd been able to touch him in weeks without him flinching or punching. It might sound awful, but it's actually a very nice, bittersweet memory now. Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:42 PM (H84UO) ********** Holy gawd. Kensington--sounds to me like your father was very lucky to have you for a son.

Posted by: Yahoo! News Editor at January 06, 2014 02:46 PM (RJMhd)

288 Kensington... I am glad you had time with your father at the end to hold his hand. Bittersweet to be sure, but it will be one of your treasures in years to come, and a lesson you can pass on to others.

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at January 06, 2014 02:47 PM (vHRtU)

289 After the melanoma last year, I'm still wearing the upf 50 shirts. Even in the dead of winter.

Posted by: gm at January 06, 2014 02:48 PM (/kBoL)

290 (Daylight is a natural stimulant; the body reads daylight as Active Time and pumps out alertness hormones in response.)


*snicker*

Posted by: Portnoy at January 06, 2014 02:56 PM (8N1kd)

291 Not really a usual first Monday situation. A lot of people only got Wednesday off, if at all, so they had to go back to work last week.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 06, 2014 02:57 PM (zfY+H)

292 Kensington, I am so sorry to hear about your dad.

Posted by: DangerGirl at January 06, 2014 02:58 PM (GrtrJ)

293

>>sorry, that was a reference to a frequent troll who claimed he was in the Navy stationed in the artic circle area and mentioned all of the penguins he observed. As you can imagine, he was not able to post anything without a mention of these non existent, Southern hemisphere birds.

.

.

.Oh OK, must have been before my time here. 

 

Barring the non-existent Northern hemisphere Penguins, we did have an unusually large number of Sea Otters in the waters around Adak.  My son who was 4 at the time called them dogs in the water.

Posted by: Registered voter at January 06, 2014 03:00 PM (O3fFG)

294 287 (Daylight is a natural stimulant; the body reads daylight as Active Time and pumps out alertness hormones in response.)


*snicker*

Posted by: Portnoy at January 06, 2014 06:56 PM (8N1kd)

So *this* is why we're at full mast every morning.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 03:07 PM (x3YFz)

295 One of my favorite scientists, Ben Goldacre, says that the science behind "Blue Monday" is BS. http://www.badscience.net/category/blue-monday/

Posted by: Hal at January 06, 2014 03:07 PM (2wZs/)

296 The night he passed away, I sat with his body for a long time before the funeral home came for him, and I held his hand. He was already gone, but it was the first time I'd been able to touch him in weeks without him flinching or punching. It might sound awful, but it's actually a very nice, bittersweet memory now.
Posted by: Kensington at January 06, 2014 06:42 PM (H84UO)

Man. 

I'd provide some heartfelt condolences or words of wisdom but I just don't have any.

That had to be brutal.  No witty commentary here, brother.  Empathy is all I can offer.

Posted by: tangonine at January 06, 2014 03:11 PM (x3YFz)

297 any recommendations on Vitamin D supplements?
(I don't drink a lot of milk, actually)

Posted by: chemjeff at January 06, 2014 03:19 PM (9GG/0)

298 Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 06, 2014 05:51 PM (eHIJJ) We had those nice lightbulbs but congress banned them.

Posted by: Madamex at January 06, 2014 03:28 PM (IfQ5H)

299 How I'm getting through the winter? Lots of Vitamin D, Diet Mountain Dew, and Marvel Heroes online. I just pretend all the villains are hippies, progressives and members of the White House staff and cabinet. VERY cathartic.

Posted by: Captain Whitebread knows it's Clobberin' Time at January 06, 2014 03:33 PM (5J54Q)

300 Yeah this time of year pretty much sucks here on the wrong side of the Mason-Dixon line, so I 've been adding to the self-defense stable. Got a couple kickass stun guns today for my elderly parents and have picked out a new home defense shotgun - it's going to be a Mossberg Model 500 12 Ga 20" Tactical set up for night fighting. 8 rounds in the tube, 1 in the chamber, 6 on a side saddle, and 25 in the sling. Can't wait for the druggies who have been burglarizing the neighbors to come by for a visit.

Kensington, my sympathy.

Posted by: Xavier at January 06, 2014 03:35 PM (3K05Z)

301 How bad can it be? Monday, 06 Jan 2014 happens only once in the entire history of time. 06 January falls on a Monday only 28 times in the next two centuries and only 13 times in the past 100 years (6-5-6-11 year pattern). I suppose they actually meant a certain number of days after New Years?

Posted by: H. L. King at January 06, 2014 03:48 PM (GIZ27)

302 Kensington, I hope time will heal. My granny, the family matriarch, passed away years ago on Texas Independence day when the bluebonnets were just starting to bloom. It wasn't nearly as stressful for me as what you had to go through, but wandering through the wildflowers that day was my solace. I think of her now when the bluebonnets bloom, in a good way, forgetting the weakness of her last days.

Posted by: stace at January 06, 2014 03:53 PM (9PXzx)

303 tangonine, you are really blessed to have that lovely property. Desert is where the best birds and the coolest plants and other animals are.

Posted by: stace at January 06, 2014 04:05 PM (9PXzx)

304 any recommendations on Vitamin D supplements? (I don't drink a lot of milk, actually) Posted by: chemjeff at January 06, 2014 07:19 PM (9GG/0) Don't take them. Meta-analyses of clinical trials have shown that vitamin D is likely a lagging indicator of illness. That is to say, dropping vitamin D levels are not the cause of illness, but an effect. For all the conditions a vitamin D deficiency is attributed to, supplements do little to reverse the effects. (I had a reference for that info this morning. Unfortunately, that's the browser at work. I'll see if I can't still find it.)

Posted by: Hal at January 06, 2014 04:05 PM (2wZs/)

305 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4I-b_GJ4ltk Try not to feel good watching the above clip.

Posted by: Madamex at January 06, 2014 05:07 PM (IfQ5H)

306 If you have a record low temperature where you are at, get their broadcast on tape.  Two month from now they'll be back on the global warming band wagon and they will deny that this day ever existed.

Posted by: burt at January 06, 2014 05:29 PM (1+kJ5)

307 Living in the Great Swamp of the World (Loozyana), I have Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, or R-SAD.  Ten months (March-December) of sticky yellow sunlight and temps that send tropical tree frogs hopping for the Sears Coldspot controls -- plus humidity that would gag a maggot -- drives me bonkers.  Only when the air cools and dries do I feel like a human being.

So I bought a new(er) car to celebrate the coolness!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at January 07, 2014 05:30 AM (BDU/a)

308 I discovered (painfully) that too much vitamin D can cause kidney stones.  I went from mega-dosing to a over-59 vitamin supplement, and have had no recurring feeling of being beaten in the kidney with a pipe.

Posted by: leelu at January 09, 2014 02:15 PM (Qd6CS)

Hide Comments | Add Comment | Refresh | Top

Comments are disabled. Post is locked.
237kb generated in CPU 0.1128, elapsed 0.2874 seconds.
64 queries taking 0.2377 seconds, 436 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.

Support





Donate to Ace of Spades HQ!


Contact

Change the At to "@" and the DOT to "."




Intermarkets' Privacy Policy
Support


Donate to Ace of Spades HQ!


Search Thingy



Archives

Monthly Traffic

  • Pages: 36347
  • Files: 380
  • Bytes: 961.9M
  • CPU Time: 44:20
  • Queries: 1058864

Content

  • Posts: 22824
  • Comments: 5953260

Feeds


RSS 2.0 Atom 1.0