ducks from the Antique Market

ducks from the Antique Market
Originally uploaded by wereldmuis.

I bought a pair of ducks at the Cambridge Antique Market when I visited there today. Here they are, sitting on the cover to Radiohead's "In Rainbows" album.

Cambridge Antique Market

Cambridge Antique Market
Originally uploaded by wereldmuis.

I was at the Cambridge Antique Market today. It was an amusing way to spend some time.

There's a big mural on the side of the building depicting various animals: farm (food) animals like chickens, cows, and pigs; pets, like dogs and cats; and lab animals - mice, guinea pigs, monkeys. Various personages are depicted as well, presumably famed, but I would be hard put to name them. The mural reads "We speak for those who can't."

According to CityGuide, the mural is entitled "A Wall of Respect for Animals":

The creation of Somerville artist Be Sargent, the mural depicts 29 leaders and well-known supporters of the animal rights movement. Where else will you find the portraits of Victor Hugo, Gandhi, Brigitte Bardot, Mark Twain, Bob Barker and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in such close proximity to one another?

Lunar eclipse

lunar eclipse
Originally uploaded by wereldmuis.

This was taken near the beginning of the total lunar eclipse this evening, while the moon was partially obscured and partially lit.

Tank forty

Total miles: 14939. Trip miles: 336.7. Gallons: 7.504. Price per gallon: $2.999.

Screen mileage: 47.9 mpg. Tank mileage: 44.9 mpg. Long trip, cold weather. This was done at a full-service station; I think the guy topped it off.

Tank thirty-nine

Total miles: 14602. Trip miles: 354.6. Gallons: 7.236. Price per gallon: $3.099.

Screen mileage: 52.2 mpg. Tank mileage: 49.0 mpg. Long and short trips.

A review of "How I Became Stupid"

How I Became Stupid

by Martin Page

I am not sure why this book is a “cult favorite.” Yes, it is mildly funny. But the target of its humor – modern life in all of its absurdities and shallowness – is a bit too obvious by now, and has been done to death; this book doesn’t add much verve to the backlash. The story’s saving grace is that it was quirky and short enough not to grate on my patience.

Does anyone else get the feeling that the author was hoping to get his book picked up by Hollywood with the inconsistent, tacked-on, falsely upbeat last chapter? Or are we supposed to interpret it as a meta-symptom of our shallow culture?

See more about How I Became Stupid

Hopkinton State Park

Hopkinton State Park
Originally uploaded by wereldmuis.

This is a view of a little island in the reservoir at Hopkinton State Park. You see this from along the Reservoir Trail, where I hiked today.

Trail at Callahan

Trail at Callahan
Originally uploaded by wereldmuis.

I went for a short hike at Callahan State Park. It was a warm day and it had rained yesterday. Nevertheless, the trail was still thick with ice in most places. I didn't go very far... but I did collect my first letterbox in Massachusetts!

Why I want to consume "How I Became Stupid"

How I Became Stupid

by Martin Page

The cover of How I Became Stupid declares it an “International Cult Favorite”! Who can resist?

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