Scooter Chronicles

Nigel’s Hearing Test …
… after months of waiting, finally happened yesterday. The results were very good, even if it took a long time to get them. After using a sonar (I think) type devise to see how the ear drum was registering, they asked either Marcia or I to go into a soundproof booth with Nigel and one of the specialist to play. It didn’t take Nigel long to discover that he was scared of the place.

Marcia went in first, then I relieved her. At one point we gave him his blanket hoping that would help. On the contrary, he buried his face in it. Considering they are looking for facial reactions to the sounds they project into the booth, it turned out to be a struggle. But like I said, the results were very good, once they got them.

They wanted to test each individual ear with headphones, but considering the way Nigel was acting, it would have been futile to try. Given the results though, it appeared that neither is worse off then the other.

The Links Page …
… has been updated thanks to David. It now shows the descriptions I had entered for each one. In the meantime, I have updated a few, and deleted a few. I plan on updating more over the course of the next week or so.

And Speaking of New Links …
… I find a bit amazing these days is that a popular author doesn’t have his own web site. I am referring to China Mieville. (At least he is popular in fantasy circles.) The only site that came close was something labeled as “unofficial” and that hadn’t been updated since 2003. Of course Mr. Mieville is not only an author of fiction, he has written a few books about government (he has very socialist beliefs), and has run for election in the House of Commons in England. With all that going on, I am sure he doesn’t have time to keep up a web site.

Favorite Album Series …
… as I am sure you saw yesterday, has now reached part 70. The strange thing is that in the last few days I have realized so many that can be added to the series, yet I haven’t heard them in well over a year.

Because I have had some time to kill during the day, I have been cataloging my CD collection on a web site called Listal. It allows you to list, rate, and review books, music, and DVD’s, along with movies and TV shows. (I am currently adding my books to my account, moving them from LibraryThing.) While rummaging through my mind of CD’s that I have, I have been reminded of all these great CD’s that got packed away before we moved in with my Mother-in-Law. That should be changing in April, or at least early May. Most of these missing CD’s are jazz, whether classic, fusion, or even smooth jazz (it’s a weakness).

Baseball Season …
… is fast approaching! Pitchers and catchers reported last week, and by now all the teams have their full compliments working out. I am looking forward to this season. Both “my teams” should have exciting seasons, even if they don’t make the playoffs.

The Phillies obvious weakness of pitching didn’t improve. But the excitement of winning the NL East last year should carry over. The team is well equipped in the infield with the last two NL MVP’s (Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins), Chase Utley, and Pedro Feliz. They also have Shane Victorino moving to center. Now if Pat Burrell can have a big year, they should give the rest of the division (especially the Mets) a run for their money.

Obviously the Tigers will grab a lot of attention this season. They now have one of the most potent offensive line-ups the Bigs has seen in years! They could be setting all kind of run records this year. But as with any team though, the pitching has to see the team through. If Rogers, Bonderman, and Verlander can return to their 2006 form, and Willis gets his groove on like he did in 2005, then the Red Sox and Yankees better watch out!

My reading will soon include a couple of baseball novels, as I have tried to do in the recent past. I have “Summerland” by Michael Chabon, though not totally about baseball, and “The Dixie Association” by Donald Hays on the slate.