I have a small collection of wooden sea captains. Because I have this small collection and because I am trying to grow it, I have noticed that wooden sea captains only come in four distinct styles: The Foul Weather Gear, The Harpooner,  The Boat Captain in an orange coat, and the Ship Captain in a blue coat. I have tried to find others and research why this is, but can’t find any information. If you’ve seen another style of wooden sea captain or if you know why they only come in these four types, please let me know. -thanks.

I am about to read the complete works of H.P. Lovecraft for the sixth time.

I have been a fan of H.P. Lovecraft's writing for more than 25 years. For those of you who aren't familiar with his work, he was an American writer of weird horror and fiction who was active mainly during the 1920's until his sudden death from cancer in 1937. Just about all he wrote were short stories which were published in obscure horror and science fiction rags of the time. While he died nearly penniless and in virtual obscurity, his stories went on to gain appreciation over the decades following his death. Since 1937, his writing has gone on to influence generations of writers and film makers, although few movies have ever captured the essence of a Lovecraft story. What I like most about his stuff is that the more of the stories you read, the more you put together the underlying and terrifying story behind it all. I almost get the sense that I'm solving a mystery or discovering a horrible secret when I read his complete work. If you haven't read any of his stuff yet, try starting with the following "core" stories and then branch out.  While I'm sure other Lovecraft enthusiasts might have different opinions, I suggest:

The Call of Cthulhu

The Shadow over Innsmouth

The Dunwich Horror

At the Mountains of Madness

The Whisperer in the Darkness

 A few days ago, my friend introduced me to a girl he was hanging out with. We started talking about the neighborhood where she lived. She happens to live next to one of the only places in South Florida where one can procure an excellent bowl of New England clam chowder and I told her so. She said she knew that and then told me something that was to change my life forever. She asked if I had ever combined New England chowder with Manhattan chowder. I, of course, balked at the idea  for several reasons, first and foremost, one was milk based and the other tomato based. She said that the two actually mixed well into a kind of clam chowder bisque. It seemed fantastic, but I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. So, last night, I mixed a can of condensed Manhattan chowder with a can condensed New England chowder and added only the can of milk required for the New England chowder and heated it up on the stove(never microwave chowder). She was right, I am a bit of a chowder snob and very critical of chowders, but this is perhaps the best clam chowder I have ever tried. I suggest you give it a try and let me know what you think. I'm going to make some more right now.

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