Not much going on around here I guess.  I've had some vacation time, been working too hard, and have generally had nothing to say.  So what did I do on my summer vacations?  Mostly went to western North Carolina (twice) to enjoy the splendor the mountains.  While there, I saw:

The hippest, fanciest duck ever.

 

An Octopus wandering the streets of Asheville

 

The tallest point (in the United States) east of the Mississippi (Mt. Mitchell)

 

Grandfather Mountain

 

A crazy Llama

 

And a new Sheriff in Town

 

Overall, the summer of 2011 was a lot of fun. Now, if I can only find a way to make fall that much fun too.

 

 

I have a toddler and he has rekindled my love of LEGOs. Even though he is playing with DUPLOs (their larger cousin), the idea of dumping out blocks and building something crazy or interesting or different has brought back great feelings from my own childhood. I always knew they were cool but I forgot just how cool LEGOs are. Today I found (thanks to the New York Times' Abstract City blog), a great use of LEGOs.  I LEGO N.Y.  Go check it out, it's one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. I guess LEGOs are on the brain for me lately. There was even mention of them in the book I'm reading by Michael Chabon (Manhood for Amateurs). 

There is a specific brand of smart-ass, sarcasm, ball busting that makes a Molloy.  Case in point last night at the hockey game. My dad, uncle, and I were watching the pre-game skate when a puck hit a man and his female companion in the head (one puck two heads). While they were rubbing their heads, my dad picks up the puck (laughing) and says, "I could give you the puck, but I don't think I will." My uncle and I start laughing and the puckhead gets angry. My dad's response? "I'm sorry you got hit in the head, but don't act like I shot the god damn puck at your head." 

The Maestro...