This is why I will never be more than a Large Mammal

If you haven't been there yet, you really should drop by Captain's Quarters and bear witness to Ed Morrisey's own version of the South Park movie, starring in the real life role of Kyle's mom (but he's no b*tch!). Update: looks like Kyle's Mom wins in this one!

Ed is single-handedly taking on the nation of Canada and their idiotic law which allows them to keep the proceedings of public hearings out of the media. How ironic it is that Canadians can't report the goings on, but an American can.

It's Friday

And I need to let people know I've moved over here, so here are 10 yummy links:

1. I love Rachel Lucas. This is exactly why I have a dog.

2. Dean's World turns 3 today. Pretty good longevity for the b'sphere. I wonder where I'll be at 2.5 years from now....

3. Blogbuddies the California Mafia are wondering who drops by their site. If you've been there before, drop by and leave a note telling them where you're at.

4. Speaking of blogbuddies, Da Goddess had a steroid injection to her spine (ouch, epidural steroids!) yesterday, and is slowly improving from the side effects of the treatment. Drop by and offer her some good wishes! While you're visiting in San Diego, go here and leave your best for Mrs. SMASH, who is recuperating from a serious back injury after being thrown from a horse earlier this week.

5. Cobb cartoons the MJ trial. I'll never see the glove the same way again.

6. Acidman has the winners of the annual Bulwer-Lytton "dark and stormy night" contest.

7. Gir is cat-blogging again.

8. Jay at Wizbang! has a new hood ornament...

9. Friday Wolf-blogging from the Laughing Wolf

10. Daisychick Angela has quite a shopping trip ahead of her.....

Down Under Carnival

The first ever Carnival of the Recipes from Australia!

Amanda of Aussie Wife hosts the 34th Carnival of the Recipes!

Everything looks so yummy!

On a related note, the CotR will be hosted by Drew of Conservative Friends next week, and it will be here in 3 weeks (April 29th)! Mark your calendars

South Park Republicans

Beth of My VRWC has begun a gallery of the real South Park Republicans.

Here's me:

To make your own South Park character go here.

To see the gallery, go here

today's stupid quiz

Today's stupid quiz:

Which Website are You?

an interesting quiz, for a change.

What kind of American English do you speak?

(h/t Jay and Deb)

Oh Yeah!

I win! Yay! I was one of four bloggers to get a nod for this week's Jawalicious caption contest!!!

WooHoo!!!

Links for you, time to read a book for me

These should keep you busy:

It's the Queen's blogiversary! Drop by and wish her well!

Fat: Bad or not? Wizbang, McGehee and the MUSC Tigers weigh in.

Middle East:
1. The Carnival of the Liberated was held yesterday at Dean's. Drop by for your weekly Iraq/Afghanistan blog update
2. Michael Totten and Spirit of America, live from Lebanon
3. Rusty Shackelford blogs part 2 of his interview with Susan Hallums (part 1 here)

Babalu contributor Julio Zangroniz has exciting news about a new park in Miami and a memorial to those who have lost their lives fighting communism in Cuba.

The Paladin's got Mexican Food on the brain (constantly)

Mrs. SMASH is back at it, at least, in a limited way. Yay!!

Humor for Dreaded Wednesdays from VW Bug. While you're there, check out the Karnival of the Kidz.

Speaking of Kids, check out Sadie's new talents: Splashing and Standing

Idol Chatter from Marie

Shocking News from the Laughing Wolf..... Congrats LW and Bou!

That's the lot for now. I'm going to go read my book and rest.

Welcome Back!

Two of my favorite bloggers-on-hiatus are back.

Drop by and welcome back Kelley of Suburban Blight and TopDawg of Two Nervous Dogs!

Speaking of Milestones

Go over to the Queen of All Evil's place and wish her a Happy Happy Birthday!

WooHoo!!!!

Visitor # 25,000 dropped in to the blogsplat page at 4:21:51 EDT from the MUSCTigers!

Yay!

Go on over there and meet Jeremy, Katie, and Jenks, three students at the Medical University of South Carolina, and enjoy a different perspective!

Do me a favor...

It is in fact painless.

Go over to Ben's place and tell him to get off his lazy butt and write something. Tell him I sent you.

Roy Hallums interview part 3

Rusty Shackelford is back with Part III of his interview with the family of American hostage (currently being held in Iraq) Roy Hallums.

Bracing....For...Instalanche

The link went up at 10:23... Let's see what happens....

Only 3/4??

How Republican are you?

From SWWBO

Update: My DH took the quiz and, well, it's pretty right on (much to his parent's liberal chagrin....):

No Sh*t

Especially that last bit.....

from Christina

Tag I'm It.

Rosemary tagged me with the If I could be.... meme. I promise I'll get to it tomorrow. Too busy today to think :)

In the mean time, go see Kung Fu Hustle. It rocked.

With great power comes great responsibility.... Why don't you speak Chinese???

Ok, I'm it

Rosemary tagged me with Ogre's If I could be... meme the other day, so here goes (while the scope runs...):

If I could be a scientist (with unlimited grant $$)... I'd set up a state of the art research facility in a little beach town and study how the human brain develops and take lots of breaks to walk in the sand...

If I could be a farmer... I'd raise all kinds of animals and have acres and acres of grapevines....

If I could be a musician... I'd be rich, dammit. RICH! And I would have the coolest tours, with special effects and bubbles and toys for the audience...

If I could be a doctor... I'd cure neurological disease

If I could be a painter... I'd fill my house with murals of things and people I love

If I could be a gardener... I'd have the perfect Southern garden: Wisteria, honeysuckle, roses, jasmine, dogwood, and azaleas, and it would be beautiful with minimal input from me..... Damn I'm going to miss the flowers....

If I could be a missionary... (OK, Rose and Bou both made the joke first, so I won't) I'd spread the Gospel of Dean Smith to the unwashed masses of dookie...

If I could be a chef... I'd be a pastry chef and open a bakery with my friend

If I could be an architect... I'd build my parents their dream house

If I could be a linguist... (again, the joke has already been made) I'd speak French, Armenian, Spanish, English and Polish fluently (I already know how to swear in all of those languages)

If I could be a psychologist... I'd tell people to grow up and quit whining.

If I could be a librarian... I'd be second in command to my mom, the greatest librarian I know :)

If I could be an athlete... I'd play Baseball in the summer and Hockey in the winter

If I could be a lawyer... I'd sue for the practice of common sense

If I could be an innkeeper... I'd run a victorian B&B on the central CA coast. That would be heaven.

If I could be a professor...I'd teach Neuroscience

If I could be a writer... I'd write novels I'd like to read

If I could be a backup dancer... Naah. Too many ex-Fresnans in the biz already....

If I could be a llama-rider... I'd break these guys' backs

If I could be a bonnie pirate... Arrgh. I'd sail the high seas with Ith and Nin and the Pirate before retiring to work in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride as an extra (Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A pirate's life for me.....)

If I could be a midget stripper... Wait, isn't that what moms do when their kids get messy??

If I could be a proctologist... I'd certainly try to remember the difference between brown-nosing and being a sh*t head: Depth Perception

If I could be a TV-Chat Show host... I'd beat Oprah's ratings, and still not be a smarmy arrogant condescencing b*tch as often as she is....

If I could be an actor... I'd make good movies. Not intelligent movies, or artsy movies. Movies people can actually watch!

If I could be a judge... I'd make a law requiring people to take responsibility for their own stupidity.

If I could be a Jedi... My lightsaber would be green, and I would have a purple Jedi robe. Oh, and I'd have Princess Leia hair, too.

Ok, that's it for me. Now I get to choose. Mwahahahahahaha.

Duck, Duck, Goose!
Eeny Meeny Miny Mo!
Ink, Pink, you (don't) stink!

In case you can't recognize your own links, that's Ben, Blogbaby Paul, and Ith! (all of whom, somehow, seem to have missed out on being tagged as of yet... and who should all have pretty interesting answers....)

LSB is conducting an experiment

I think I'll try it too, as I'm pretty curious, myself.

I've discussed American Idol many many times on this page. But we haven't discussed the American Idol controversy brewing over Corey Clark and his story that he had an affair with American Idol judge Paula Abdul and that she promised him a career and bought him gifts.

Here's LaShawn's experiment: Corey Clark is a cad

Here's mine: Corey Clark sucks. Also, Cory Clark sucks, and for those of you who can't spell into google: Corey Clark sux

If you came here looking for a story on the ABC "Primetime Live" special Fallen Idol with Corey Clark, go here for more info...

If you're a regular reader and want to weigh in, you know where the "comment" button is....

So quickly, too

Just 9 days after visitor #25,000 dropped by, we just hit 28,000 (thanks PuppyBlender), and the winning refer-er is PrincessCat of A Swift Kick and a Band-Aid.

Yay!!!

Spam recipes redux

Since I seem to be the only one with Spam recipes in my Gmail, I thought I'd share a screen cap so you can see what I'm talking about....

Click for a larger image!

Jawas Rock

Rusty Shackelford has done a good deed for humanity.

On a related note, why do we always say "F*cking-A"?? Isn't F*ck WAY higher up than a$s on the scale of naughty words? Shouldn't it be "F'ing A$s"???

Just a thought....

The biggest problem...

with setting up a blog for your husband is that all of a freakin' sudden, he wants to use the computer. Thank goodness that power cord arrived.

Do me a favor. Drop by, say hi, and make him feel special, ok?

Just go here... Did I mention he likes Star Wars?

More content and fun stuff to come in the next few days. After all, he's just getting started....

For those of you who dropped in at The Dark Side

I just want to say thanks for stopping in. You all made his day.

BTW, I just installed haloscan comments and trackbacks, so feel free to be as verbose as you like if you couldn't leave a comment earlier!

And for the record, it's just a set of bloggy training wheels!

A little linky-love before bedtime

First, Solomon has some interesting thoughts about marriage in general, based on Angela Winters' comments on marriage in the black community.

Second, Blog-God and Gracious Host Pixy Misa tears the MSM a new one for ridiculing the notion that bloggers are journalists. It's a good piece and well worth reading, even if it is a familiar topic.

Third, Paul has some really cool vintage video of some familair technology... from 1968!

Eat What You Want Day!

I wish....

According to this, today is Eat What You Want Day!

Yay! You can celebrate one of two ways:
1. Buy Steve-O's book
or (substantially cheaper a.k.a. free)...
2. Share what you would eat if you could eat everything you wanted.

Here's my list:
Tommy's Chili Double Cheeseburger and chili cheese fries
Double Double Animal Style, and a Strawberry shake
Waffle Cone double scoop Peppermint over Cookies-N-Cream from Fosselman's
Trader Joe's Taquitos
Aunt Mary's Boereg (Armenian cheese turnovers)
Beef Stroganoff (my grandmother's)
Amante's Shepherds Pie Pizza with Pepperoni
Fried Dill Pickles
Big Stick Popsicles (the red, orange, and yellow ones, you can't get them here)
Homemade tamales
Salami and ritz crackers
Caramel Apples
Garlic Bread
A&W Root Beer Float

There's more, I just felt sick looking at that much food. BTW, anyone notice a theme here?

(h/t Michele)

Mwahahahahaha

(h/t Gir)

Unfortunate Authors

I found this at Dean's World.

Drink and bathroom/body part humor warning!! Pretty much SFW, since it's from Amazon.

Follow the link for the funniest Amazon.com list EVER. EVER!

Why are you still here? Go. Laugh.

Toast of the Town

Have you seen Arianna's NEW blog???

Be sure to check out every person on her blogroll individually....

(h/t Babalu)

I am in fact a Star Wars GEEK

Emily posted this meme:

1. What's in your CD player right now?

2. What book is on your coffee table/night stand?

3. What's in your VCR?

4. What's in your DVD?

And these were my answers:

CD: SW Ep. III Soundtrack
Book: Revenge of the Sith
VCR: ROTJ (the original version, dammit)
DVD: Empire Strikes Back

What a geek-tard! Although, I must admit, the book is on GMT's nightstand, not mine...

So, how about you? What are you wasting time with, non-virtual media-wise?

Everyone else is doing it...

So I'll link this too. Go over to Ben's place if Ith or Deb haven't sent you already and read about his feelings for Star Wars, and his amazing kitsch collection. No kiddin'. Three sets. I'm not surprised. You should see some of the other cool 80's stuff in that house......

BTW the crazy fanatics he mentions at the end of the post are yours truly and my DH....

W

I am....

W... Tungsten You scored 54 Mass, 22 Electronegativity, 61 Metal, and 60 Radioactivity!

You may buy into the values of society, but you just can't seem to fit into it. You've always been a bit too prone to over-reacting. On the bright side you can withstand extremely high energy people and environments just as easily as you can low energy ones. You might do comparatively well hanging out with Phosphorous people as a result. In fact, you are probably the best suited person to try to shape their efforts into something constructive... unfortunately, that would require your actively involving yourself with someone, which you are generally loathe to do. The ideal job for you would be working within a nuclear power plant... alone.

(h/t Bill)

Cuba Nostalgia

Val Prieto is liveblogging the Cuba Nostalgia event this weekend in Miami, despite all the hack attempts fidel can muster....

Drop by, check it out, and perhaps share your own story of why fidel needs to go.

Don't forget to check out the webcams too!

SO the truth...

Another quiz, because it's Friday and I'm working at home, so I can procrastinate.

Dammit.

(h/t NuMu Pam of CHBF)

Caffeinated Quiz for Saturday

From the coffee-mistress herself, Cranky Beach:

You're a Cappuccino!


What Kind of Coffee are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

D&D quiz

From my Darling Husband:

You People REALLY suck!

I am #1 on Google for "You people suck"!

See here for proof!

This is even better

I'm #4 on Google for "things that make you happy"

Pretty cool!

The voice of dissent

Via Gay Patriot West comes this wonderful piece by Keith Thompson, a liberal activist who worked for Robert Kennedy and McGovern and who is now stepping away from "mainstream" liberalism and the liberal political machine.

He makes an important point: The left in this country has forgotten its roots in peace and human justice. They're so caught up in hating Bush and what they perceive him to represent, that they've lost sight of the big picture:

Nightfall, Jan. 30. Eight-million Iraqi voters have finished risking their lives to endorse freedom and defy fascism. Three things happen in rapid succession. The right cheers. The left demurs. I walk away from a long-term intimate relationship. I'm separating not from a person but a cause: the political philosophy that for more than three decades has shaped my character and consciousness, my sense of self and community, even my sense of cosmos.

I'm leaving the left -- more precisely, the American cultural left and what it has become during our time together.

I choose this day for my departure because I can no longer abide the simpering voices of self-styled progressives -- people who once championed solidarity with oppressed populations everywhere -- reciting all the ways Iraq's democratic experiment might yet implode.

My estrangement hasn't happened overnight. Out of the corner of my eye I watched what was coming for more than three decades, yet refused to truly see. Now it's all too obvious. Leading voices in America's "peace" movement are actually cheering against self-determination for a long-suffering Third World country because they hate George W. Bush more than they love freedom. emphasis mine

He goes on to say this: (see the extended entry)

Calling all classical music lovers...

Starting Tuesday, the BBC will be offering all 9 of Beethoven's symphonies for FREE AND LEGAL download!!!

Here's the schedule:
"Symphonies 1 & 3 will be broadcast on Monday 6th June, and available to download from Tuesday 7th June to Monday 13th June.
Symphonies 2, 4 & 5 will be broadcast on Tuesday 7th June, and available to download from Wednesday 8th June to Tuesday 14th June.
Symphony 6 will be broadcast on Monday 27th June, and available to download from Tuesday 28th June to Monday 4th July.
Symphony 7 will be broadcast on Tuesday 28th June, and available to download from Wednesday 29th June to Tuesday 5th July.
Symphony 8 will be broadcast on Wednesday 29th June, and available to download from Thursday 30th June to Wednesday 6th July.
Symphony 9 will be broadcast on Thursday 30th June, and available to download from Friday 1st July to Thursday 7th July."

Beethoven is my favorite classical composer, so I'm psyched. I don't actually have all of the symphonies.

Quick bit of trivia: Symphony #3 is entitled "Eroica" and was originally dedicated to Napoleon.... Of course, after Waterloo, Beethoven scratched Napoleon's name out the original score so hard that he ripped the page....

Drop by and indulge :)
(h/t VW and third world county)

I love the eighties!

Oh yeah. I love 80s music! Can't believe some of the ones I missed....INXS...sheesh....
(h/t: Beth)

For your amusement

I saw this over at the wonderful blog News From the Great Beyond, home of the lovely Songstress7, who coincidentally is hosting this week's Carnival of the Recipes.

This is one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time....

A visiting minister during the offertory prayer:

He would have continued, but...

Unfinished business....

You may recall that back in February I started a little pool about Deep Throat.

Well, we did have a winner.

kennnthomas predicted W. Mark Felt would claim to be Deep Throat, and he was correct. Congrats to you, sir! As I told you before, if you ever decide to share your unique perspective with the rest of us, I'll be more than happy to link you!

Thanks to everyone for playing, and for visiting my little corner of the blogosphere!

Oh yeah, and...

The New Blog Showcase moves HERE next Monday.

If you're a new blogger who wants some publicity, or know someone who is, direct them to the link above for information on how to join in for next week.

This week's Showcase is hosted by The Paladin.

Good News!!! (for a change)

Margi and Mitch, new parents of a VW Beetle, are also about to be NEW PARENTS!

No. Really.

Congratulations you guys, I hope your adorable grandson likes his birthday present :)

And Mitch, this is for you.....(right click and download, please)

I'm It

Brandon and his mommy tagged me with the childhood meme, so here goes:

Five things I miss from childhood:

1. Time to sit on my rear and do EXACTLY what I want. Read book after book, play with my Barbies or my paper dolls, ride my bike, whatever.

2. Summer Vacation. When I was a kid, I loved getting 3 months off. LOVED it. I would sleep in, go swimming at the neighbors' house EVERY day, ride my bike everywhere.... Grad School means you work all summer.

3. Sitting on my Dad's shoulders so I could see over the crowd wherever we went. I'm still short....

4. My grandmother. I used to talk to her every day on the phone, from when I was too small to dial for myself. I used swing on a tire in her back yard and play golf with her old clubs and wear her old shoes when I was younger....

5. Boundless energy. When I was younger I played softball and volleyball and tennis and golf (not well, mind you), and I used to go hiking and all kinds of things. In the last few years, that's really gone away.

Soooo... Who to tag..... Hmmmm.....

How about Paul, Ben, and Darling GMT

Happy Father's Day!

To my Dad, and to all of the blogger Dads out there, including

Dean

Jay

Rev. Sensing

Contagion

Prof. Taylor

HWNNL

Mitch

Acidman

Aaron

XRLQ

Patterico

Pinwheels (spending Father's Day far away from his kiddies)

John of Argghhh!

Parkway Jim

and all the others I forgot to mention, the dads who play such a big part in the Moms' stories of their kids and families, and the proud Dads of wonderful pets like my darling GMT and Gay Patriot.

New Blog Showcase!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, Welcome to the Second Greatest Show on Earth: The New Bloggers Showcase!

In Ring #1: Aggravated DocSurg, a general surgeon with a new blog, an interesting blogroll (already!), and great taste in music. And I don't blame him for his opinion on lawyers.....

In Ring #2: Dubious Profundity, a collection of stories, poetry, and other submissions all for your reading pleasure.

In Ring #3 (Fixed the wrong link!): Holly Aho, a Soldier's Angel who blogs on her life and her work with Soldier's Angels helping troops overseas

The Refreshment stand: Ray's Coffee Break, a NC blogger, Veteran, and has an interesting take on the Charles Jenkins story.

In the Sideshow: doodle-y-doo, the blog of sweet lisa jay, offers up fun stories, catblogging and really cool graphic images.....

Next week's showcase is hosted by VW Bug of One Happy Dog Speaks, so get those entries in to showcase(dot)carnival(at)gmail(dot)com (you know what to do with that....) or submit yourself via the Conservative Cat's Multi-Carnival Submissions Page

100 Years, 100 Movie Quotes

So AFI, the arbiter of all film worthyness has decided to rank movie quotes. This being a film quote house, I decided I'd watch and see how many of my favorites made the list....

The list of all 400 nominees is here. The final list will be released at 11pm EDT.

So far, not many, and one of my favorites, the "Life is a Banquet" line from Auntie Mame is in the 90s. Geez. Leo and Kate (in a movie I'm proud to say I have never seen....) were 100.

Abbott and Costello's Who's On First routine is number 91.

Somehow I'm guessing this is gonna be a long damn show....

What are your favorite movie quotes?

London Reaction Roundup

recent BFL addition Independent Sources has a nice round up of BFL reactions to the London bombings, including a link to Rusty's exhaustive efforts....(just keep scrolling)

While we're on the subject

Go here to help our friends at Babalu strengthen the Cuban people to make a change in their leadership!

To the folks on the island, I want you to say these three simple words: repeat them, believe them. Don't just say them. All of you on the island have to understand that despite the CDRs, despite the lack of electricity, despite the lack of fresh milk for your babies, despite the all of these things, you are still human beings, you have dignity and worth, you are God’s children like the rest of us. And when the frustration is too much, you have to rise up and yell, ¡Ya no mas! -- "I've had enough!"

Everything around us, that is created by man, was once just a thought. The power of the mind to create reality is beyond dispute. These words can empower the people of Cuba with the spirit of liberty. Despite all that the government can do to them, they can still say them and they can still think them. I hope they pass the meme along, paint the words on buildings, write them on the sidewalk, write them in their ration books. All they have to do is to believe them.

“I’ve had enough.�

Ya no mas.

I wish...

Take the Star Trek Quiz

(h/t: Mikey and Ith)

That does it.

This is why I will never be convinced that homeschooling is any better than public school for most kids.

(h/t Leopold "Butters" Stotch)

It's been a while...

so here are some posts that I thought were interesting/noteworthy/funny as hell over the last few weeks..... Check out some blogs you may not have read before...

First up, in the funny as hell category, Helen of Everyday Stranger sends a letter to that wonderful friend to every woman, the Period Fairy.

Next, Michele of ASV sets the record straight on the difference between VanHalen and VanHagar.

Speaking of Van Halen, Rusty Shackelford asks: Who's the bigger pimp, Yoda or David Lee?

Physics Geek bring you an '80s love letter and some fun for those boring days in the office.

Boudicca's got an acrophobic pyromaniac on her hands.....

Besides being a theater student, stage manager, and all around great person, Katie Mango is also quite handy. Who knew?

SMASH is on assignment, doing a training exercise deep in the land of Mabel. Check here for his latest update on the situation and some thoughts about whether the Navy needs an infantry.....

Sean Kinsell has some interesting thoughts on the latest Gay Marriage brouhaha in Canada.

Shrinkette has an interesting piece on the essence of Bullshit.

Jen takes on the phone call from hell....

Baldilocks takes on the uber clueless folks at PETA who STILL can't get it through their heads that maybe it might be wrong to equate animal cruelty and slavery.....

Drop in and congratulate Nin on her new job! Woot!

Speaking of jobs, Smiling Dynamite (aka Mrs. Bad Example) has the blondest co-worker EVER

Also, Don't forget to check out this week's Cotillion.

Project Valour-IT

The Fusileers are back, and this time we're looking for a few good $$s.

If you haven't seen this elsewhere, take a moment to read about Project Valour- IT (Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops), which helps to provide voice-activated software and laptops for soldiers who have lost the use of their arms and hands, to help them communicate with their loved ones.

Go here to read more about this project, which is being sponsored by Soldier's Angels, a terrific group that is dedicated to making sure every US soldier feels loved and cared for. Go here to contribute.

This button will be up on the sidebar... feel free to click and donate, even after this post has gone away.....

Today's must read...

Remember what I said about wanting to post something about that vile Sheehan woman? Ronald Griffin says it for me, and far more eloquently than I ever could.

Mr. Griffin is the father of Spc. Kyle Andrew Griffin, a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star, who was killed in a truck accident on a road between Mosul and Tikrit on May 30, 2003.

In today's WSJ, Mr. Griffin writes:

Maureen Dowd of the New York Times portrays Mrs. Sheehan as a distraught mom standing heroically outside the guarded gates of the most powerful and inhumane man on earth, President Bush. Ms. Dowd is so moved by Mrs. Sheehan's plight that she bestowed upon her and all grieving parents the title of "absolute moral authority." That characterization epitomizes the arrogance and condescension of anyone who would presume to understand and speak for all of us. How can we all possess "absolute moral authority" when we hold so many different perspectives?

I don't want that title. I haven't earned that title.

Although we all walk the same sad road of sorrow and agony, we walk it as individuals with all the refreshing uniqueness of our own thoughts shaped in large measure by the life and death of our own fallen hero. Over the past few days I have reached out to other parents and loved ones of fallen heroes in an attempt to find out their reactions to all the attention Mrs. Sheehan has attracted. What emerges from those conversations is an empathy for Mrs. Sheehan's suffering but a fundamental disagreement with her politics.
...
Karen Long is the mother of Spc. Zachariah Long, who died with my son Kyle on May 30, 2003. Zack and Kyle were inseparable friends as only soldiers can be, and Karen and I have become inseparable friends since their deaths. Karen's view is that what Mrs. Sheehan is doing she has every right to do, but she is dishonoring all soldiers, including Karen's son, Zack. Karen cannot comprehend why Mrs. Sheehan cannot seem to come to grips with the idea that her own son, Casey, was a soldier like Zack who had a mission to complete. Karen will tell you over and over again that Zack is not here and no one, but no one will dishonor her son.
...

We refuse to allow Cindy Sheehan to speak for all of us. Instead, we ask you to learn the individual stories. They are glorious. Honor their memories.

Honor their service. Never dishonor them by giving in. They never did.

Read the whole thing.

(h/t The Lovely QOAE and Dean)

F**k Yeah!

What curse word are you?

Your word is FUCK. You like to come across as rude
and rebellious, and often you do. You also are
intelligent and maybe surprisingly sensitive,
though God help anyone who said that in front
of your friends.


Which Swear (Curse) Word Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

In honor of this momentous result, an oldie but a goodie for your listening pleasure...(right click and save, please!)

(h/t Kate (who evidently is shit although I don't think so!))

43,000 and Counting

Sissy of And What Next... was visitor #43,000!

Yay!

You're not blind, you've just got blood in your eyes.

You're Mr. Orange!


Which Reservoir Dog Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

(h/t Margi, aka Mr. Orange....)

Today's must read

Patterico has been invited to write a second "Outside the Tent" piece, which appears in today's LA Times.

In this week's piece, Patterico takes on the Times' coverage of Cindy Sheehan and points out the blatant omissions in the Times' version of the story, and the questions it raises about journalistic objectivity and an editor's responsibility to present all of the facts in the case, no matter whether or not they agree with them.

Patrick writes, in part:

...in its apparent zeal to portray Sheehan as the Rosa Parks of the antiwar movement, the Los Angeles Times has omitted facts and perspectives that might undercut her message or explain the president's reluctance to meet with her again.

For example, The Times uncritically reported Sheehan's claim that the president had behaved callously in a June 2004 meeting with her and her husband, refusing to look at pictures of Casey or listen to stories about him. The Times claimed without qualification that Sheehan "came away from that meeting dissatisfied and angry."

But the article failed to mention that Sheehan had previously described Bush as sincere and sympathetic in the meeting. According to an interview with her hometown paper, the Vacaville Reporter, Sheehan had said that although she was upset about the war, she decided not to confront the president — who clearly left a favorable impression: "I now know he's sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis…. I know he's sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he's a man of faith."
...

Rational people can disagree whether the war in Iraq is justified. But a newspaper's job is to report all relevant facts and present different perspectives, not just those that suit one particular viewpoint.

By that measure, The Times has woefully failed its readers with its one-sided coverage of the Cindy Sheehan story.

There's much more, too. Don't miss blogger Mohammed's (of Iraq the Model) comments about the suffering of Iraqi mothers under the regime of Saddam Hussein.

Instalanche it ain't...

But somehow I made TTLB's top posts today! Three cheers for quirkiness.

Here's the proof....

Cool.

Today's must read

Crap-Master Laurence really hits it out of the park with this piece on having the courage to be a great American.

Comparing certain famous right-wing politicos to the Hollywood Political Intelligentsia, Laurence says:

Barbara Streisand has sold many times more albums than Sonny Bono. She's won Grammys and Oscars for her compositions where Bono had an empty shelf. But Sonny Bono is more of an American, in my opinion, than Barbara Streisand. He complained, he rolled up his sleeves, he got elected, and he did something about it on behalf of the people who elected him.

Barbara Streisand may not have brought in more box office than Arnold, but she's got Emmys and Oscars and Golden Globes out the wazoo for her performances on screen, silver and small, where Arnold only had joke MTV awards. But Arnold is more of an American, in my opinion, than Barbara Streisand. He complained, he rolled up his sleeves, he got elected, and he did something about it on behalf of the people who elected him.

Courage isn't running for office to see how many people who will vote for you. It's having the guts to run even though there's people who will vote against you and still serving the entire public to what you pray is the best of your ability.

Let me know when Barbara runs for something. Let me know when Danny Glover, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Alec Baldwin, and the rest of the celebrity punditsphere run for office.

Read the rest!

Definitely a 2 drawer...

a four drawer would be too tall....

I am: a file cabinet Reams and reams of information that just might need to be retrieved and looked up some day, stored in a convenient low-tech form that everybody can read or produce easily.

(h/t Songstress7)

Tomorrow is Blog for Katrina Day

Evil Glenn and TTLB have joined forces to promote a blogswarm for donations to Katrina.

Not Exactly Rocket Science is participating tomorrow, and is pleased to recommend the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a fine charity that we've been supporting all of our lives over here. UMCOR is unique in that it's major distribution center is already in the area, so they're able to mobilize quickly. Also, since UMCOR is a subsidiary of the United Methodist Church, 100% of your donation goes directly to the area you choose.

More tomorrow.

Today's must read

Gracie, posting at Da Goddess's site says somethings that I've been thinking about lately. All the people who are stranded because they had no means to leave or underestimated the storm. They're sitting out there now, waiting to be rescued, or expecting their services to come back because they can't get any news from the areas hardest hit.
Gracie says:

All I could think of was how arrogant those people were to expect that they could ride it out and then expect our public agencies to come and rescue them. Having lived in the south for an extended period of time, I feel comfortable in my "right" to say how things are there. The south is unlike anywhere else. The entitlement mindset is dominant. It's everywhere. The whole "you owe me" lifestyle is alive and well down there and it's as disgusting as you'd think. I saw it first hand everywhere I went. Sure, there are hard working, honest and decent folks, but there are an awful lot of people who go around with a tremendous chip on their shoulder for things that happened long before our grandparents were born and that we cannot undo today. The attitude extends to all people, not just those of a particular race or color. It is one of the biggest reasons I left the south. So with that in mind, as I said, I got angrier and angrier watching those helpless people be plucked one by one from their rooftops. I thought of how much danger the rescuers were in and how if these people had just done what they were ordered to do (LEAVE), they wouldn't be where they are.

I mentioned this last night at dinner to my Mom. She stopped me cold with these words. "Don't you remember what poverty looks like? Don't you remember all those stories you told me about people who were so downtrodden and unable to care for themselves because there are no jobs and no way to get to the cities where there are jobs? Don't you remember how you told me of their lack of what we consider basic essentials such as running water (yes, seriously...there are many without it in the rural areas), transportation and even a sound roof over their heads? Those people did not ignore orders...they could not obey them. They had NO WAY to get out. No money to get out. No car, no gas, nothing. Some may not have known what was coming. They stayed because they had no choice." Ouch. She's right. Not for everyone, but for many...I'd say a majority of those who stayed...they had no choice.

Coming full circle back to my friends who DID have a choice and chose to stay. I didn't sleep Monday night and was unable to eat for most of yesterday until the phone rang and finally, it was them. My relief at hearing her sweet voice was almost trumped by my anger with them for the foolishness that they showed. She assured me that while things are bad..really really bad, they're ok. Their house is untouched...and in fact, every inch of where she prayerwalked is also almost entirely damage free. A stray branch here and there but no catastrophic damage. Less than 10 feet from where she stopped...devastation. They have no water, no food and no power, but they're ok. She told me that from what she could see, Katrina was simply overhyped...so I had to tell her the truth. The stunned silence and sound of weeping confirmed what I already knew of my beautiful friend...she had no idea.

Read the whole thing here.

I remember the ice storm in NC. We had no power, and there were trees and power lines across our street for days. We had no idea whether the road to town was open or closed, what the rest of the area looked like, or even how much would have to be repaired before we got our power back..... I know that people in lesser hit areas are probably patting themselves on the back and just waiting for the power truck because they have no TV or radio, no newspaper, phone, or internet. They have no idea that even though they still have a house, they should probably evacuate....

Another worthy charity

Soldier's Angels has set up a fund specifically to help deployed soldiers and their families who live in the affected areas.

Operation Katrina Soldier's relief fund has been set up to

"help our soldiers and their families cope with and recover from this devastation. Your donation will help these families obtain essential personal items, temporary shelter and any other needs that can be met. Soldier's Angels will also work to provide information to the soldiers concerning their families whereabouts and needs. Now is the time to help protect those who have given up so much to protect us.

Click here for more info or to donate!

Today is Blog for Katrina Day

Have you given something?

Time?
Blood?
$$?

Thousands of people have lost their lives and as many as a million have lost EVERYTHING they had, including friends and family members.

But you can help, by making a donation.
See the extended entry for details:

Bloggers Rule

Yesterday's blog for Katrina was a smashing success, according to NZ Bear:

WooHoo!!!!

Keep up the good work!

Easy way to donate -- Comment -a -thon!

it doesn't cost you a dime!

RomeoCat of Cathouse Chat is donating $5 for each comment up to a maximum of $300 for each of these charities:

The Red Cross here

or

Soldiers' Angels Operation Katrina here.

Click through and leave her a comment on each post, it's for a good cause!

(h/t Bad Harvey)

Linked to rusty's fatwa-a-thon

From the NO SHIT department

Presented without comment:

From AP/ Yahoo!: Major Quake Could Be Worse Than Katrina

"As many as 18,000 people dead. More than $250 billion in damages. Hundreds of thousands of people left homeless. That's not the latest estimate of Hurricane Katrina's toll on the Gulf Coast. That's a worst-case scenario if a major earthquake were to hit Los Angeles. ... California has been hit by significant quakes about every 15 years over the past century. Experts say there's a better-than 60 percent chance that a quake with a magnitude around 6.7 will hit Southern California or the Bay Area within decades."

No shit...

Arrgh!

It be talk like a pirate day you scurvy dogs!

Afternoon Grumble

Yet another reason why Cuba must be freed from her opressors: cagastro's regime denies an education to children whose parents have been trying to flee. From Cubanet:

Four years ago the political police seized the identity card of Bárbara Lorenzo de Armas. Without this document, Lorenzo de Armas cannot obtain a minor's identify card which the Adolfo del Castillo school requires in order to register her daughter.

Even if the school allowed Jessica to register, her mother couldn't buy the required uniform because this comes from a government store that requires a document to buy there, which was also seized four years ago.

This is just beyond sick. Like Val, I'm just speechless. I'd like to see any of you little communistas out there defend this one.

An important week

Over at Vodkapundit, Steve posits that the NY Times is making a bad business decision, between laying off hundreds of employees and charging for access to their opinion pages.

To me, it signals the end of a long era in journalism. The layoffs and the desperate bids for increased revenue tell me that the Times is bleeding and is trying unsuccessfully to staunch the flow. Instead of looking seriously at the big knife stuck in their chest, they're trying to stitch around it.

Ok, enough with the blood metaphor. Clearly the growth of new media and the internet has taken a chunk out of their business, and they are scrambling to catch up. You could argue that these layoffs represent the first concrete evidence that "flammable" media is dying. The problem is that like most large corporations, those who are responsible for fixing the problems refuse to examine their own biases. A paradigm shift has taken place in the last 5 years. Media consumers now have multiple sources for news, and freely compare the information they get from each. They don't just accept the editorializing found at one source or another. Editors and publishers haven't (as yet) been able to look carefully at their own papers or broadcasts to see what it is that consumers are turning away from.

The Times will never be the same. It will never wield the same kind of authority that it did in days past. Why? Because as they lay off reporters they will lose the newsroom flexibility to cover breaking news, update older stories, and fact check pieces before publication. Forget editing, if you've even perused the Grey Lady over the last couple of years, you know that went out the window a long time ago.

Another step away from the "old media" also took place this week, though it was largely symbolic. During Sunday night's Emmy broadcast, Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, and the late Peter Jennings were honored for their contributions to network news over the last two decades. Although the segment was supposed to serve as a memorial to Jennings, and a recognition of the careers of Brokaw and Rather, it was also a tacit memorial to the role of network news in American culture. Since the birth of TV, the majority of Americans got their national and international news from the evening broadcasts of each of the three major networks. With the retirement of Brokaw, the "retirement" of Rather, and the death of Jennings, clearly an era has ended. What remains to be seen is whether the evening news will ever be as important in American culture as it was before.

It is likely that in years to come we will look back at this week as highly significant in the history of media in that the events of this week represent the emerging importance of "new media" and the effect that internet journalism and blogging have on the bottom line of older media outlets.

Meow! It's a hurri-cat!

Lair Simon and one of the kitties who lets him live in the house bring you a new way to measure hurricanes, or at least a way to tell if you're about to get swiped with a paw.....

The Piper Scale

Meow!

Yay!!!

Just Yay!!

It's a Boy!

Congrats Margi and Koolaid!

Too weird

Saw this loony quiz at Boudicca's and I knew I had to post it:

Which Historical Lunatic Are You?

Born in England sometime in the second decade of the nineteenth century, you carved a notable business career, in South Africa and later San Francisco, until an entry into the rice market wiped out your fortune in 1854. After this, you became quite different. The first sign of this came on September 17, 1859, when you expressed your dissatisfaction with the political situation in America by declaring yourself Norton I, Emperor of the USA. You remained as such, unchallenged, for twenty-one years.

Within a month you had decreed the dissolution of Congress. When this was largely ignored, you summoned all interested parties to discuss the matter in a music hall, and then summoned the army to quell the rebellious leaders in Washington. This did not work. Magnanimously, you decreed (eventually) that Congress could remain for the time being. However, you disbanded both major political parties in 1869, as well as instituting a fine of $25 for using the abominable nickname "Frisco" for your home city.

Your days consisted of parading around your domain - the San Francisco streets - in a uniform of royal blue with gold epaulettes. This was set off by a beaver hat and umbrella. You dispensed philosophy and inspected the state of sidewalks and the police with equal aplomb. You were a great ally of the maligned Chinese of the city, and once dispersed a riot by standing between the Chinese and their would-be assailants and reciting the Lord's Prayer quietly, head bowed.

Once arrested, you were swiftly pardoned by the Police Chief with all apologies, after which all policemen were ordered to salute you on the street. Your renown grew. Proprietors of respectable establishments fixed brass plaques to their walls proclaiming your patronage; musical and theatrical performances invariably reserved seats for you and your two dogs. (As an aside, you were a good friend of Mark Twain, who wrote an epitaph for one of your faithful hounds, Bummer.) The Census of 1870 listed your occupation as "Emperor".

The Board of Supervisors of San Francisco, upon noticing the slightly delapidated state of your attire, replaced it at their own expense. You responded graciously by granting a patent of nobility to each member. Your death, collapsing on the street on January 8, 1880, made front page news under the headline "Le Roi est Mort". Aside from what you had on your person, your possessions amounted to a single sovereign, a collection of walking sticks, an old sabre, your correspondence with Queen Victoria and 1,098,235 shares of stock in a worthless gold mine. Your funeral cortege was of 30,000 people and over two miles long.

The burial was marked by a total eclipse of the sun.

Child of the '80s?

Remember Lite Brite? I loved it. Used to have all the picture cards, too. And extra pegs in special colors.

Now, you can play with Lite Brite without fear of stepping on the pegs.

Just go here for an online version.

(h/t Pam)

It's National De-Lurker Day!

At least, according to the Commissar. I know you're there. Only half of my traffic is due to google!

Drop me a comment and let me know who you are!

Help for Feisty

Formerly "Feisty" Christina is asking for your help. Her mom lives between Lake Charles, LA and Houston, and may be without power for quite a while. Chrissy may need to go get her and needs some specific information about the availability of gas and clearness of roads. If you've been in that area recently, or are in contact with someone who is or has been, please leave Chrissy a comment here.

In the mean time, please keep this family in your prayers and thoughts.

Thanks.

Today's goofy quiz

From SarahK:

You are Proverbs.


Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Do you hate automated phone systems as much as I do?

Well, bookmark this page, because it's the answer to your prayers. Courtesy of fellow MuNuvian Physics Geek, this site has the instructions for how to get to a REAL HUMAN BEING when you call in, from credit companies to airlines.

Kudos to Amazon for directly connecting you to a human every time you call!

This time it's a Girl!

For Jay and Deb, and a little sister for Sadie!

and she's sucking her thumb too.....

Meet my new buddy

Click on the box to give him treats. Double click to drop them!

(h/t Gir)

I'd like a can of tuna, and then a nap

You are HOBBES! My personal favorite. You like to
eat, sleep, and live a good life. Me too.


Which CALVIN & HOBBES character YOU?
brought to you by Quizilla

Yay! Hobbes!
(h/t VW)

Happy Birthday!

To two very special people in the b'sphere, Jay and Deb's very precious and precocious Sadie Rose, who is celebrating her very first birthday, and the lovely Mrs. Smash, who isn't.

I'll bet this woman donates to Peta too...

JimK over at Right Thoughts needs your help finding a home for a beautiful kitty in the New Haven, CT area.

I don't usually do this, but her story is pretty compelling. She definitely used up one of her 9 lives, but not in the way you might think.

Jim says:

Here’s her story: She’s a ten year-old very healthy, VERY friendly Siamese, she’s mostly dark chocolate with darker points and pale blue eyes…she’s fat and happy. Her previous owner brought her to my vet to be euthanized. Why? Because the new poodles the woman got don’t like her. She’s had the cat for ten years. TEN YEARS. And she wanted this perfectly healthy animal put down because she didn’t want to be bothered having to keep them separate all the time.

My vet said no way. They’re keeping her and looking for a home. If I didn’t already have five cats, she’d be with me now. She’s so sweet I can’t stand it. Just a big fluffy sweetheart of a cat. And she’s beautiful in person, my crappy phone pic did not do her justice. She’s had all her bloodwork done, shots, she’s fixed…she’s as ready to go as any cat could be.

If you are within driving distance of New Haven, CT and you’d like to meet her…let me know via email, stark23x at gmail dot com and I’ll get you the contact info.

Can you imagine the gall of that woman? Just because she doesn't want the cat anymore, she thinks she can throw it away like an old toy. Folks, owning a pet means that you are responsible for them for their whole life, or at least until you can find them a more suitable owner, it doesn't give you the right to end their lives on a whim. Would you do that to your kids? Thank goodness for people like Jim and his vet, who aren't willing to let a selfish woman have her way.

(h/t Lair, whose kitties are getting extra treats tonight)

Kitty Update

Jim has more of the Kitty's story and several adorable (and sad) pictures up at Right Thoughts.

The cat’s name is Tagitha. So named because her former owners got her as a baby kitten at a tag sale, ten years ago. And raised her. how she turned out so sweet with these jerks in beyond me…but anyway back to the neck thing. They had a collar on her for years. The same one. She grew. The collar stayed. She grew and gained weight. THEY NEVER LOOSENED THE COLLAR. It had to be cut off it was on so tight. Her fur grew around the damned collar.

Grr. Some people should not be allowed to have pets.

What a (expletive deleted) I can't even say the words that come to my mind. What kind of sick fucks do this? This must be the nicest cat ever, since she's a Siamese and was mistreated so badly and she still likes to snuggle.

Anyway, if you're within driving distance to New Haven, CT and would like a friendly, snuggly female older cat with all her shots, spayed, and with a clean bill of health, email Jim.

At least we have virtual fall....

...evoked by Punctilious' wonderful fall-themed Carnival of the Recipes this week!

See into my mind...

I've been doing these anonymously for months, but today I'm bored so I'll share:
This week's Unconscious Mutterings:

1. Quaint::
2. Rind::
3. Disease::
4. Queer::
5. Pork::
6. Soaked::
7. Skeleton::
8. Mold::
9. Finished::
10. Buffalo::

My answers in the extended.....

You can play along too. Cut and paste and leave your answers in the comments!

Many thanks to Jenna for getting me started on these.

Are you a Republican or a Democrat?

The Pirate has a new and improved quiz to help you determine your political persuasion. What you are depends on the answer you choose to the following (one) question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a middle eastern looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges. You are carrying a Glock .40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?

Go here to choose among the answers.

My answer?? Here's a hint: never bring a knife to a gunfight.

A good reason to give a kid a cell phone...

I have long been on record saying any kid of mine doesn't get a cell phone until they get a driver's license. I just don't think that there's any reason to have one until you can drive.

Well, I may be wrong. Christina (co-blogging at fistful of fortnights) demonstrates how a Mom can use the kid's cell phone to her advantage. Every morning.

Heh. Well done.

This brings the number of Nobel Laureates I've met personally to 8

Bob Grubbs of Caltech shares the 2005 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Grubbs shares the prize equally with Yves Chauvin of Institut Francais du Petrole and Richard Schrock of the OIT (that's MIT, for the unaware) for the development of metathesis in Organic Chemistry.

From the Nobel website:
The word metathesis means 'change-places'. In metathesis reactions, double bonds are broken and made between carbon atoms in ways that cause atom groups to change places. This happens with the assistance of special catalyst molecules. Metathesis can be compared to a dance in which the couples change partners.

Metathesis is used daily in the chemical industry, mainly in the development of pharmaceuticals and of advanced plastic materials. Thanks to the Laureates' contributions, synthesis methods have been developed that are

* more efficient (fewer reaction steps, fewer resources required, less wastage),
* simpler to use (stable in air, at normal temperatures and pressures) and
* environmentally friendlier (non-injurious solvents, less hazardous waste products).

This represents a great step forward for "green chemistry", reducing potentially hazardous waste through smarter production. Metathesis is an example of how important basic science has been applied for the benefit of man, society and the environment.

I met Grubbs when I worked in the Chemistry department as a freshman and sophomore. I remember his labs as remarkable because one ALWAYS had to wear safety goggles inside since there had been a number of interesting explosions at odd times, but that's what you get with metal catalysts....

This brings the number of Caltech Nobels to 32 prizes awarded to 31 alumni and/or faculty. Can you name the Caltech Nobel Laureate who won TWO prizes?? Hint: The prizes were for Chemistry and Peace.

Other Nobel Laureates I've met (not that any of them would remember me):
Rudy Marcus
Ed Lewis
Ahmed Zewail
HD Politzer (who was my friend's freshman advisor)
Richard Axel
Linda Buck
Paul Greengard

By the Way...

Jay of Accidental Verbosity was commenter #1000 on my Mu.Nu site.

Yay!

Of course, it was for this post, which I think also set my personal comment record at 14.

Happy Birthday!

To baby Xrlq, who is celebrating his first today.

Many People have asked...

What is my opinion on the whole creation/darwin/ID debate?

Here's my answer, courtesy of the greatest beer in the world.

(h/t Cake Eater Kathy)

Unconscious Mutterings

Your weekly dose of free association. Play along in the comments. My answers below the fold.

1. Quirk::
2. Crystal::
3. Pet Peeve::
4. Cuban::
5. Breasts::
6. Whispers::
7. Complicated::
8. Promise me::
9. Murder::
10. Filament::

It's that time of year again...

It's Halloweenie Time!

Via Ith and the Solos

weird quiz of the day...

Happy Birthday

To Blogger Anita of Fighting Inertia! (it's her first 39th)

Stop by and wish her well

Happy Belated Birthday!

To two of the best, Parkway Jim and Zonker, each celebrating a birthday yesterday.

Unconscious Mutterings

This week's free dose of free association:

1. On the verge::
2. Tempestuous::
3. Coherent::
4. Near death::
5. Illiterate::
6. Why not?::
7. Period::
8. Long lost::
9. Torrid::
10. Nail::

As always my answers in the extended.... Feel free to play along in the comments!

Also Appearing

Acidman is going into the hospital for a few weeks to get his strength back. He's left the keys to a few of us with red toenails, and we promise we won't let him down. Starting tomorrow after Rob leaves, you'll see a lot of estrogen and maybe a few cats over at Acidman's place. And maybe just maybe some cranky rants of the vintage Rob style....

Drop by Gut Rumbles and see what's new.

She's got her hands full with this one....

More of the adventures of Chrissy's Wee One here.

This for some reason reminded me of an awful geek story I know. My freshman chemistry professor (Yes, you Techers know who I mean) had a young son who was 4 when I was a frosh, so he must be in 8th or 9th grade now. Or higher. You'll see what I mean.

Well, a little background, Daddy is an inorganic chemist and Mommy is a mathematician, I believe. Anyway, they took junior on his first trip to San Francisco around the age of 2.5 or so. As they're driving across a bridge, I forget which now, but either the Bay or the Golden Gate, with the suspension cables, from the backseat comes a sweet little voice: "Oh Mommy and Daddy, look at the nice parabolas."

Scott Adams or Dogbert?

Scott Adams posts these thoughts on his new blog today:

"I spend way too much time thinking of excellent crimes I could commit if I were a crime committing sort of person. Every time I read about hurricane-related looting, I wonder about the best way to do it."

As HWNNL would say, Heh. Read the rest.

An important link

Chrissy's recent post reminded me that I wanted to put up this link last week.

It's a free nationwide search for the addresses and photographs of sexual predators. Enter your address, and you'll get a map of your neighborhhod with links at the places where predators live. Click each link on the map and it gives you the offender's photo and a description of what he/she was convicted for and when.

(h/t Beth of My VRWC)

Oh the torture!

Just in time for Halloween....

You are a Tortured Conceptual Artist. Your fellow
postmodernists call you an anachronism, but
you've never cared much about the opinions of
others. After all, most of them are far too
simple-minded to appreciate the nuances of your
work. They talk, while you are part of a lived
tradition.


What kind of postmodernist are you!?
brought to you by Quizilla

from LMA

Now this is twisted

Wonder if this portrait of Slick Willie came out of Hogwarts?

Clearly, he likes them young!

I gots to get one of these...

Aaron's got another Blogger get.... a deck of blogger cards. He's taking nominations....

Ladies are the queens and hearts, milbloggers get the Clubs. He's right, the competition for Queen of Clubs should be interestng to say the least.

I myself would love a card, since I've been a Large Mammal for 10 months, give or take a few TTLB tweaks..... any low number will do. I don't have any aspirations to a face card....

So what about it Aaron?

What do guests and fish have in common?

According to Ben Franklin, the ever wise, both begin to smell after three days.

Too bad, 'cause you're going to have to put up with it.

While I hang out with the family and take care of things with Dad in the hospital, a whole slew of fabulous folks have volunteered to take care of things around here. I've told them that they're free to say whatever they like, so knowing them, it ought to be an interesting week....

I'll pop in a couple of times, probably just with updates, or if I see something interesting, but otherwise I leave you in the capable hands of Christina, Ben, Jay, Deb, Margi, and Amanda.

Be nice, leave them many, many comments, have interesting conversations, and don't forget to vote for me in the deck o' bloggers :)

Oh, and go give my little blogbaby congratulations on his first birthday!

2005 Weblog awards

The 2005 Weblog Awards are open for nominations, so long as you have or don't mind getting a Typekey identity so Kevin can keep the spammers at bay. Voting will be open to anyone. Last day for nominations is the 26th.

Too cute to resist

One more from Jenna:

You are Rerun!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

UCABF, baby

That is, University in California, Anywhere But Fresno. Or, what DH used to say in high school about where he was headed next.

Bill points out this article lamenting the fact that Fresno's best and brightest are leaving town in DROVES.

Let me 'splain. Real easy so's you Fresnans can understand:
Fresno sucks.

It's a town of more than 450,000 people that still thinks of itself as a small town. Raleigh, by comparison, and yes, even though it is the State Capital, has fewer people and a larger mindset. Raleigh has 12 airlines with jet service anywhere in the world. Fresno has 3 airlines, and last I checked, jet service only on American. To Dallas. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Fresno is boring. There is no culture. Sure, there's the Tower District, but only if you're gay or into art and coffee. There are no clubs. When I had my bachelorette party, the hottest place in town was a college bar that had nightly wet t-shirt contests. And, not surprisingly is out of business....

Fresno is anti-intellectual. The people running the show haven't changed in my lifetime. Sure the names change, but the families and the string-pullers are the same. And they know they made it on mediocrity. So they shut out the best and brightest. Including me, DH, Ben, and basically my entire graduating class. Until some of them went broke and moved home with Mom and Dad, but that's another story...

That sums it up. Fresno is MEDIOCRE. And it will never change.

So why did I leave, you ask? That's easy. My only college option for staying was Fresno State, and to me, going there would have been a personal failure. I had scholarship offers from 2 of the top Universities (my alma mater Caltech, and the OIT) in the country, and another in the top 25 (USC). Why in hell would I go to Joe Stupid U? After I left, it was easier to stay out. Can't get a PhD at Fresno State. The only job I could get in town would be teaching there, and frankly, it ain't worth it.

Furthermore, as screwed up as the schools are here in SoCal, I wuldn't let DH take a job in Fresno Unified. No Way. Clovis neither. Talk about your good-old-boy (Cowboy, BTW) network....

Being in Fresno all last week really crystallized this for me. Maybe it was the shitty drivers, maybe it was being talked down to by mediocre doctors and nurses who thought I was a sheeple like most Fresnans until they ASKED ME WHAT I DID FOR A LIVING. Or maybe it was the unbelievable fucking hype over the FSU/USC game. Like it was the second coming.

Yeah, that was it. Fuckers.

Small town, small minds. They can't get it that there's more to life, that Fresno really isn't so f*cking special. (bonus points to the music lovers who get that one)

So chime in folks, what's your take on your hometown? Especially Ben, DH, Deb, and any other Fresnans or ex-Fresnans. Hell, even Britney's welcome to comment, she's a Fresnan-in-law.

Did I mention that I went to school with the chick her husband was engaged to first (before Shar)? That's the kind of town Fresno is, folks.

READ THIS BEFORE COMMENTING:
Rather than defend myself against each of you who have pointed out something interesting or cultural about Fresno, my whole point was to demonstrate that a lot of things in town are shit, and they're not improving, and that's why people leave. It's not about culture, honestly, except that the overall mindset in town seems to be against growth or openmindedness or embracing diversity.

Yes, Fresno has some good things, so does every town or city, ok? The point is, unless things change I will never live there again, and I find that utterly sad. And I'm not alone. So if that's all you have to say, fine. How about you read the post rather than someone else's characterization of it as pure "flame"?

Since none of you has been anything but insulting in the last several hours, comments are now closed. I don't have to take your shit, especially personal attacks. Would you come into my home and say this shit to my face?

This kind of sh*t is exactly why blogging will never be a business to me.

If even half of what Dennis the Peasant has to say is true, then I would be extremely wary of Pajamas Media/OSM/WhateverTF it's called now. No, I won't link them.

Shady underhanded crap gets you nowhere. Except exposed.

The whole thing sounded like a mess to me from the beginning. I listened to both sides and made the decision to sit this one out. I don't do blog ads. If the good and gracious Pixy ever asks us to pay for MuNuvia, I will do so happily out of my own pocket. This is my hobby. It is not my home business. If it was, it would look a hell of a lot more professional, and you wouldn't drop by anyway because it would be even more boring.

I made the comment earlier on SWWBO's blog that it seemed to me that a lot of the PJM/OSM brouhaha was about skewed relationships and perceived slights as the "older bloggers" took sides on whether or not they would join up with the new behemoth media. Those who chose not to join took a lot of flak from the joiners and vice versa. For some, "friendships", whether real or perceived, became mercenary and twisted.

And now this. Sure every business in the country does it. You work up the new product and then some other fanboy gets the glory, what's new? Well, in this case, the screwee has a voice. Just as loud as the screwer.

We'll be watching to see what happens with this venture, and whether it flops sooner or later.

(h/t new bloggy find Zeuswood of Harshly Mellow)

Speaking of New Bloggy Goodness...

Here are a couple of great new blogs I discovered recently:

Cardinal Martini
A 5th generation Trojan with an interesting perspective. Lots of good stuff on politics, USC, and other things. Check out Kipper's thoughtful piece on the Dennis vs. Roger snit.

Harshly Mellow
Can't figure out if these are two ex-hippies or just digging on the tie-dye. Anyway, lots of interesting spew with a libertarian (small l) bent and views on all topics. Also a lot of great links to other bloggers. Zeuswood and Stingflower do the reading so you don't have to!

Subliminal Messages

Here's this week's dose of unconscious fun:

1. Heads up::
   
2. Kicker ::
   
3. Aggressive::
   
4. Getting ugly::
   
5. To be continued::
   
6. Twist::
   
7. Form::
   
8. On the road::
   
9. Import::
   
10. Flowers::
    

My answers in the extended, play along in the comments if you like!

Linky Love!

One last before I get back to work. Here's what made me laugh today:

Chrissy's got a little problem of the ATM kind

Contagion is addicted, and it's worse than you think.

Kathy finds the best use I've ever seen for a Mac

Two Words: Karma Police (hey, it's Radiohead, you can't go wrong), via INDC

Gir gets an interesting spam comment

VW needs a break (and some better luck)

Corporate Mommy has just returned from a whirlwind trip to Paris, and an interesting side trip to Belgium..... (PS Happy Late Birthday!)

Finally, Jay Tea renews his man card

Open Source means it belongs to everyone, right?

Paraphrasing the words of the terrorist in Cairo to Gary Johnston:

Don Surber, I like your balls.

(h/t The Commissar)

WTF??!!??

I'm a Crunchy Crustacean????? I was a Large Mammal an HOUR ago.

Ummm, yeah. As if.

Yummy Meme-age

With Thanksgiving so recently behind us, it almost seems too soon for a food meme, but what the hell...

01. CHEESE or CHOCOLATE?
02. BLUEBERRIES or STRAWBERRIES?
03. COFFEE or TEA? Both. Depends on my mood.
04. CORN MUFFIN or ENGLISH MUFFIN?
05. PANCAKES or FRENCH TOAST? Neither. Waffles.
06. YOGURT or CREAM CHEESE?
07. RICE or PASTA?
08. CAKE or PIE?
09. GROUND BEEF or GROUND TURKEY?
10. HOT DOGS or HAMBURGERS?
11. JELLY or MARMALADE? Ewwwwww Marmalade SUCKS
12. AMERICAN CHEESE or SWISS CHEESE? Can I pick smoked Gouda?
13. DIET SODA or NO SODA? My mom's diabetic. Diet soda is soda.
14. LEMONADE or ICED TEA? 5M Sweet Tea, please.
15. CHERRIES or GRAPES?
16. CHOCOLATE QUIK or STRAWBERRY QUIK? Strawberry is sacrilege.
17. WAFFLES or PANCAKES? See above.
18. WHITE BREAD or WHOLE-GRAIN/WHEAT BREAD? I hate bread with things in it. It's a texture thing....
19. PEAS or CARROTS? I. Hate. Peas.
20. PUDDING or FRUIT-FLAVORED GELATIN? Jello Pudding pops, please.
21. COLD CEREAL or HOT CEREAL? Sadly enough, I love bran flakes.
22. KETCHUP or MUSTARD?
23. MUSTARD or MAYONNAISE? It's not a sandwich (usually) without Mayo. Just enough to taste (about a tsp).
24. MAYONNAISE or KETCHUP? DUH!
25. BLACK OLIVES or GREEN OLIVES? NEITHER!!!!! Olives make me sick.
26. ONION or GARLIC? Hello? I'm Armenian.
27. PLAIN BARBECUE or BARBECUE WITH SAUCE? Actually, it's called "dip" in NC.
28. SCRAMBLED EGGS or FRIED EGGS? Ewwww. Fried eggs are nasty.
29. EGGS or EGG REPLACEMENTS? As if.
30. MEAT or VEGETABLES? Depends on the Veg. Is it green beans?
31. CHINESE TAKE-OUT or PIZZA?
32. SUSHI or DELI SANDWICH? yeccch. Will. Not. Eat. Sushi.
33. WHITE CLAM CHOWDER or RED CLAM CHOWDER? Who in hell eats red clam chowder?
34. KEY LIME PIE or LEMON MERANGUE PIE? Mmmmmmm. Pie.
35. PIE & ICE CREAM or CAKE & ICE CREAM? Yay! Birthdays!
36. WHIPPED CREAM or CAKE FROSTING? Love whipped cream frosting, too.
37. HONEY or MAPLE SYRUP? Both, please. But maybe not together.

From Deb.

Of course I had to post this one...

You are mRNA. You're brilliant, full of important,
interesting information and you're a great
friend to the people you care about. You may
have sides to you that no one understands. But
while you understand more than most people,
you're only half-there most of the time.


Which Biological Molecule Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

from the lovely Michele

Subliminal Goodness

This week's dose of the unconscious. As always, cut and paste to play along in the comments, my answers in the extended.

1. Stuffed::
2. Armstrong::
3. Bruise::
4. Content::
5. Musical::
6. Assistance::
7. Scrambling::
8. Battle::
9. Extended::
10. Discount::

Today's quiz

Which Fantasy/SciFi character are you?

from Yoda

I would be remiss if I didn't point out...

Acidman has been sprung from rehab. Welcome back!

Like, Groovy, Ram.

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna

From another hippy sheep, Zeuswood

But it's not an awful book...

take the WHAT BAD BOOK ARE YOU test.


and go to mewing.net. not as good as reading a good book, but way better than a bad one.

stolen from Heart of Darkness (YML)

Like a Lightbulb!

I'm Rudolph!

You Are "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, You would even say it glows. For you, Christmas is a mix of tradition and fun. You're not above strapping on a red blinking nose for a laugh.

I own such a nose. I have worn it on MANY occasions :)

From Joy (to the World)

More Meme-age (since I can't concentrate)

Stolen from Jen, who was nice enough to not tag anyone, so I won't. Feel free to pick this one up if you like, or not.

1. Seven things to do before I die
Live at the beach
Visit New Zealand
Travel without a schedule (anywhere, anytime)
Pay off all my debts (working on that!)
Own my own home
Retire comfortably
Go to a championship game and see my team win

2. Seven things I cannot do
Run (RA makes impact exercise a no-no)
Pee standing up (without making a mess) ;)
one thing for a long time without getting distracted
let someone hurt if I can help
stop worrying and let go
accept defeat gracefully
stick to a diet

3. Seven things that attract me to my DH
cute
goofy
snuggly
strong
the only person who can get me to shut up
sweet
funny

4. Seven things I say most often:
dude
excellent (frequently followed by ....Smithers)
y'all
rock on!
No! (usually directed at the dog)
Stop it! (usually directed at the dog)
I love you

5. Seven books (or series) I love
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Shipping News
the Anne of Green Gables series
the Little House books
the Harry Potter books
the Dark Tower series
A Series of Unfortunate Events

6. Seven movies I watch over and over again (or would if I had the time)
White Christmas
Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring
Blazing Saddles
The Blues Brothers
A Christmas Story
The Return of the Jedi
The Princess Bride

7. Seven people I want to join in, too
I won’t tag anyone, like I said up top, but feel free to join in or leave me a comment.

'Tis the Season

Advent is my favorite part of the church calendar. Maybe because we get to sing Christmas Carols.

Anyway, the BBC has a great online advent calendar you should check out!

h/t ith

Sad But True

At first I thought this was another fine piece of Harvey's IMAO humor. Wrong.

Amazon.com is deleting bad reviews of Cindy Sheehan's upcoming screed, in which she pretty much wipes her ass on her son's grave. Several, according to IMAO's count.

I understand that they may have done this when Michelle Malkin's latest came out as well, and that after some complaints the practice was stopped.

Let's see if some complaints from the other side stop the deletions in this case.

Either way, it sucks. Let people read all the opinions and decide for themselves.

The Bloggies

We don't do the Weblog Awards around here. Too much of a popularity contest for our liking, and without any significant bonus (such as a nifty graphic), as in Aaron's contests.

We don't nominate, endorse, or vote, but if you want to, please do. You'll make another blogger very happy.

So, just a reminder that if you're interested, the final voting starts today, and you should click over and vote for your favorites.

A Very Beazley Christmas

Poor Barney. His little sister Miss Beazley is such a star, it's almost ruining Christmas for him, even in the White House.

Check out this year's WH Christmas video here.

Holiday funnies bunnies

The 30 second version of A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life, by Bunnies

And if you're not in a Christmasy mood, click here for more! Especially my favorite.

h/t Kathy

But, of course

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few. But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

h/t another Classic

In honor of my friends and former co-workers

Stolen wholesale from the lovely Pamibe:

CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE PSYCHIATRICALLY CHALLENGED

Schizophrenia -Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personality Disorder -We Three Kings Disoriented Are

Amnesia -I Don’t Know if I’ll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic -Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic -Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and…

Paranoid -Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me

Borderline Personality Disorder -Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire

Personality Disorder -You Better Watch Out, I’m Gonna Cry, I’m Gonna Pout, Maybe I’ll tell You Why

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells…

Agoraphobia -I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn’t Leave My House

Autistic -Jingle Bell Rock and Rock and Rock and Rock …

Senile Dementia -Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My House In My Slippers and Robe

Oppositional Defiant Disorder -I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

Social Anxiety Disorder -Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

So, which one are you?

Why am I not surprised?

You're a scientific intellectual.


What Sort of Intellectual Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

from The Pirate

Give credit where credit is due

A photograph taken by blogger/journalist/truth teller Michael Yon, which originally was published in Time magazine in May is now up for "People's Choice" photo of the year.

As of this morning, he leads with 52% of the vote, but I'm sure he could use some more.

Michael's story of the moment and the photo is here, and you can view all the nominees and vote here.

h/t Greyhawk

I'm nice! Well, mostly nice....

Christmas Naughty or Nice List I am on the The Nice List After checking the North Pole database I had : 1,659 nice entries 439 naughty entries Check your name on the Christmas Naughty or Nice List at JokesUnlimited.com

At least with my real name.... Since that's the one Santa has on his list....

h/t another nice kid

Just Like Hermione Granger

You scored as Gryffindor. You have been sorted into Gryffindor! You're brave, loyal, and perhaps a little short tempered- if someone says or does something you don't like, you'll make sure they know- and everyone else too- regardless of the consequences. Gryffindor 80% Ravenclaw 70% Hufflepuff 60% Slytherin 45% The Hogwarts Sorting Hat! created with QuizFarm.com

WooHoo! Griffyndor!

From a Ravenclaw

"Mighty Morphin' Pajama Rangers"

I don't care if Steve-O won't say it, I will. Heh.

It's time to face facts: The launch of Pajamas Media was a complete COCK UP.

When you launch something with that much fanfare, you better be damn sure all your ducks are in a row, your party line is clear to all the mouthpieces, and all your ad code is working and distributed.

Not to mention a copyright check on your proposed name.....

Too twisted for color TV

How evil are you?

from the ever-so-angelic Margi

**Bonus Points for anyone who gets the title reference**

Christmas Quizzes

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

Your Elf Name Is...

Giggles Fluffernutter

Your Christmas Song Is

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light From now on, Our troubles will be out of sight From baking cookies to giving gifts to everyone... You enjoy brightening up the season for those you know

You Are a Fruitcake!

You taste like nothing else in this world. And get ready, you're about to get tossed!

All lifted from Jay and Deb

Geek on your Christmas list?

Here's a great little tool to help you decide what to get them....

h/t the Commissar

Listen up, kid

If you're searching for this:
"how does 8th grader 1,530 SAT score compare with other 8th graders in 2005"

Ummm, it blows them away. And the 11th and 12th graders too.

you're pretty f*cking smart, ok? Now go play outside and quit being such a frigging nerd. Get some real life friends, ok?

I've been there. It ain't pretty.

More Christmas Meme-age

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate.  Definitely.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? If Santa is me, then yes.  When I was a kid (and even some years since I've been "growed up") Santa even used to leave me a map to a special present.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Multi-colored on the tree, same outside.  This year we have loops on the patio fence and lights wrapped around the balcony railing upstairs.  White lights are boring.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but my Mom has a kissing ball hanging year round in her dining room.

5. When do you put your decorations up? ASAP after thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My stuffing or cranberry sauce.  Hard to decide.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Santa Maps (see above).

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth?  You mean that he is the embodiment of the spirit of giving?  A long time ago.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes.  My family generally gets together (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.) and we open those presents on Christmas Eve

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? It varies.  Anything from homemade fudge to popcorn to Oreos.  Whatever Santa wants ;)

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it!!!!  Especially how quiet it is outside when it is snowing.

12. Can you ice skate? Oh hell no.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift as a child? Barbie.  Preferably with a fancy dress.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being together with the family, seeing everyone enjoy their gifts.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, fudge, and cookies.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas Eve with the family, opening one gift at a time on Christmas Day.  Yes, we even take turns.

17. What tops your tree? A big Winnie the Pooh Angel

18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Both

19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? I have several: We Three Kings, Oh Holy Night, O Come Emmanuel, and Adeste Fideles

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUMMY!  but Peppermint only, please.

What about you?
Found here and here

Awwww.....

But the Princess wouldn't like it very much....

Your Christmas Stocking Will Be Filled With a Puppy

Well - one cute, soft, cuddly puppy... And a very soiled Christmas stocking.

Stolen from the soon-to-be-rich Deb

Not for the kiddies

An oldie but a goodie, Foamy the Squirrel and the War on Christmas.  NSFW unless you have headphones....

Congratulations are in order!

For Vodkapundit Stephen Green and his wife Melissa, on the birth of their son, Preston Davis.

Just adorable :)

Thinking Pink...

As you requested, Kelley, sweets.

So excited for you and Pete and Spidey and numbah one son!

Happy New Year indeed!

On a related note....

Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary to my Blogparents, Jay and Deb of Accidental Verbosity!!
Jay says,

"Two years have seemed like no time and a lifetime.  It's easy to imagine looking back from thirty years out and saying "has it really been that long? And was what came before really as long or longer?""

Somehow I think that's exactly why it's right, and exactly how it works.

Congratulations you two crazy kids, on finding your soulmate and being smart enough to snap them up, no matter how insane and improbable the circumstances were!

This is Exactly why I don't drink....

You're A Crazy Drunk

When you drink, you get wrecked - and it ain't pretty.

Another weird quiz...

Your Love Element Is Metal

In love, you inspire and respect your partner. For you, love is all about fusing together for one incredible life experience. You attract others with wit and a bit of flash. Your flirting style is defined by making others want and value you. Greatness and optimism are the cornerstones of your love life. You may let go too easily, but you never get weighed down by your past. You connect best with: Earth Avoid: Fire You and another Metal element: will control and smother each other

An academic's guide to Hollywood

Or, how to get paid for being a nerd.  Hollywood producer Kate Coe writes this interesting and informative piece on academic consultants and their role in production.

You might have a named chair at Hallowed Halls U, but on a film set,
status is measured by the size of your budget -- and you don't have
one. With no budget, there's not much reason for the camera operators,
set designers, or props department to take you too seriously. On the
other hand, an adviser does have access to the director and to the
star. (You have access to the writer, too, but writers don't have much
status, as they will be quick to complain.) So work with decorum, be
collegial, and go through channels.

Fight called on account of Hockey

Best.  Hockey.  Fight.  EVER.

The only thing missing was a Roy/Osgood style goalie throwdown....

h/t The Pirate

MeWeirdMe

So Margi's crazy in the head and she thought that not only could she tag me with this silly meme, but that her pregnant ass could outrun me! ;)

So, here we go, 5 weird things about me:
1.  I love acting like an idiot.  If you read this blog, you know that I love to use colloquialisms and Southern language (like ain't) and I'm a closet valley girl.  Like totally.  Dude.  I think it tends to disarm people.  When people (even my friends) hear I have a PhD, they tend to back off.  When they find out that I'm a goofball, it thaws them out.

2.  I have this OCD thing about even numbers.  Like when I eat M&Ms or Reese's Pieces, I have to eat them two at a time, both of the same color.  And yes, sometimes one goes on either side of my mouth.  When I was a kid, I used to be like this with everything, but I've managed to get it down to candy, for the most part.  I also count things compulsively.

3.  I am the remote control queen.  Most people think guys have the flipping itch, but I'm WAY worse than DH with it.  I also yell back to the TV.  Especially during football and hockey, at which point the language level falls to the gutter.

4.  I get really damn impatient with my entertainment.  I hate getting into a book or a movie and then finding it has a crap ending.  I fast forward parts of movies that I consider tiresome or embarassing (to the characters), and I can't stand poorly done situation comedy or pratfalls.  Not there aren't some great comedies and even some fabulous physical comedians, but if it makes me uncomfortable I hit the fast forward button.  It makes me really frigging grumpy.

5.  Ummmm... not sure what else.  I know I'm weirder than this. Huh.  Well, maybe more later when I think of something.

PostGame Show

Well, more like PostGame blogmeet.

This lovely lady and her husband and some friends were parked outside of our house during the game, and they were nice enough to drop in and say hello after the game.  Then we all went out and had some food since they had been at the stadium all day.

Despite differences in allegiance, a good time was had by all and I was pleased to see so many SC fans congratulate the UT fans on their win.  In fact, the folks at the next table were the family and friends of the UT placekicker.  Not a great night for him, but his mom was so happy.

They had an early flight, so I hope they're well on their way back home.

Stolen from Ken

This is an interesting little Meme, especially as folks of different ages have different memories of the same events....

Stolen from Ken, who in turn took it from Wunderkraut

Where Were You, What Were You Doing And How Did You Feel When…:

You found out about 9/11
The start of the FIRST Gulf War - When we began combat operations.
The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded
The Space Shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry
Reagan was shot
John Lennon was shot
The Pope was shot
Berlin Wall came down
President Clinton was acquitted of impeachment
Election night 2000
When Kennedy was shot (for my more mature readers)

My answers in the extended....

Ted Kennedy, Historical scholar

WaPo's Dana Milbank notes this scholarly gem from Massachussetts' favorite drunken driver:

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), hosting a morning roundtable with reporters, had nothing nice to say about Alito. "We here in the United States are not going to stand for monarchial tyranny," he said, protesting Alito's support for "unfettered, unlimited power of the executive." He faulted Alito for belonging to a group that was "anti-black and also anti-women." Kennedy wondered if "the average person is going to be able to get a fair shake" under Alito.

Briefly, Kennedy rewrote the outcome of the 1964 election. "This nominee was influenced by the Goldwater presidency," he said. "The Goldwater battles of those times were the battles against the civil rights laws." Only then did Kennedy acknowledge that "Judge Alito at that time was 14 years old."

For the interested among you....

The California Mafia is back from blogging hiatus!

As is He Who Is Not Dale Gribble!

Welcome back both of you!

Osama Been Dyin?

In the National Review, Michael Ledeen sends:

"...according to Iranians I trust, Osama bin Laden finally departed this world in mid-December. The al Qaeda leader died of kidney failure and was buried in Iran, where he had spent most of his time since the destruction of al Qaeda in Afghanistan. The Iranians who reported this note that this year's message in conjunction with the Muslim Haj came from his number two, Ayman al-Zawahiri, for the first time."

Veddy Interesting, but perhaps another instance of crying wolf? I won't believe it until I see the DNA results from his corpse.

h/t Greyhawk and Not Dale Gribble

More Kennedy Follies

Methinks Ol' Ted should just pack it in while he's ahead.  Between his opening statements this morning, this misrememberation (See, Dubya isn't the only one!) and this, he's about lost it, I think:

"Meet the latest children's author, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and his Portuguese Water Dog, Splash, his co-protagonist in "My Senator and Me: A Dogs-Eye View of Washington, D.C."

Scholastic Inc. will release the book in May."

It's National De-lurking Week

At least, according to this lovely lady (from whom I stoleborrowed this graphic).

Survivor 12: Panama - Exile Island

CBS released the information on the new crop of Survivors who will return to Panama for the 12th season of the hit reality show (that I am evidently obsessed with...)

Seems as if this time, those voted out will be sent off to "exile island" to fend for themselves during the rest of the run of the show.  As a twist (since it worked so well last season, right Gary??) an immunity idol will be hidden on Exile Island, and any of the voted-out players who finds it may return to the game.

That's kinda dumb.

Anyway, click here for the info and bios of the Season 12 castaways.

Odds and Ends

Not much going on with me today.  Half listening to the Alito confirmation hearing, and he's dancing around the senators quite nicely.  Go Sam!

So here's what's up with the rest of the bloggy-web:

AWTM is without blog access as her computers have died.  Not to worry, she's got plenty of help (Mwahahahahahahahhha!  Look out, Mom!)....

SGT Hook has a story you won't see in the MSM: Iraqi troops on patrol caused some terrorist scumbag kidnappers to flee, and the French hostage they were holding ran to safety at a checkpoint manned by US soldiers.

Trajectory over at TBX reports on some interesting new methods in contraception for deer...

Tammi pays off her bet at last weekend's FritzFest. Check out the dude in the kilt!

Dash has an excellent way to avoid those long Post Office lines this week.

Too bad Anita hasn't seen it.....

Dave has some thoughts on the new Ecosystem system

Lair has an idea for solving Houston's crime problem

Tolkien Geek is almost done.  Follow along with ROTK Bk 5, Ch9

Got a problem with Wet Foot/Dry Foot?  email Homeland Security and tell them why it's a pile of crap.  Babalu already has.

Jay needs your help deciding on a gadget for mobile email etc.

Ith is home from vacation, and Jen and Beau have returned from their honeymoon.  Nice pictures!

Gordon has the story of an early entrant in this year's Darwin Awards.

That's enough for now, don'tcha think? Go on. Read.

Getting Geological on his ass

I wanna see the rest of the Alito Hearings in Frank J's world:

A large gray thing hit Biden in the face and knocked him to the ground.

"We agreed that Alito was not allowed to bring any rocks to these hearings!" Schumer exclaimed.

"That was a chunk of concrete!" Alito said defensively.

"It's the same thing!"

"Oh yeah?" Alito scoffed. "If a chunk of concrete is a rock, tell me whether it's igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?"

"He's getting geological on your ass!" Bush laughed. "No wonder people call him and his friends 'wiseguys.'"

Better than I thought (Updated!)

Wow, the trip we took this summer really filled in my map.....If we had taken I-94 instead of I-90, we would have driven through ND too....

Interestingly, I've been within 5 miles of two of the states I have not visited (MS and NH), and really, the only time I was in AL was in the Birmingham airport on the way home from New Orleans once.



create your own personalized map of the USA

Sweeet. Planning on going to MI for a conference in May, and I guess I'll have to do a tour of the Northeast sometime soon....
h/t Gay Patriot

In case you're interested how most of the map gets filled out, various major trips are included below the fold...

So wrong I had to post it

Not surprisingly, lifted from a couple of llamas.....

Knight Rider Hasselhoff You are Knight Rider Hasselhoff. You kick ass, you're dead sexy, AND you are the proud owner (or perhaps life partner) of a talking black Trans-Am. What else could one ask for? Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

Agreed

We are bloggers with boatloads of opinions, and none of us come close to agreeing with any other one of us all of the time. But we do agree on this: The new leadership in the House of Representatives needs to be thoroughly and transparently free of the taint of the Jack Abramoff scandals, and beyond that, of undue influence of K Street.

We are not naive about lobbying, and we know it can and has in fact advanced crucial issues and has often served to inform rather than simply influence Members.

But we are certain that the public is disgusted with excess and with privilege. We hope the Hastert-Dreier effort leads to sweeping reforms including the end of subsidized travel and other obvious influence operations. Just as importantly, we call for major changes to increase openness, transparency and accountability in Congressional operations and in the appropriations process.

As for the Republican leadership elections, we hope to see more candidates who will support these goals, and we therefore welcome the entry of Congressman John Shadegg to the race for Majority Leader. We hope every Congressman who is committed to ethical and transparent conduct supports a reform agenda and a reform candidate. And we hope all would-be members of the leadership make themselves available to new media to answer questions now and on a regular basis in the future.

Signed,

N.Z. Bear, The Truth Laid Bear
Hugh Hewitt, HughHewitt.com
Glenn Reynolds, Instapundit.com
Kevin Aylward, Wizbang!
La Shawn Barber, La Shawn Barber's Corner
Lorie Byrd, Polipundit
Beth Cleaver, MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Jeff Goldstein, Protein Wisdom
Stephen Green, Vodkapundit
John Hawkins, Right Wing News
John Hinderaker, Power Line
Jon Henke / McQ / Dale Franks, QandO
James Joyner, Outside The Beltway
Mike Krempasky, Redstate.org
Michelle Malkin, MichelleMalkin.com
Ed Morrissey, Captain's Quarters
Scott Ott, Scrappleface
John Donovan / Bill Tuttle, Castle Argghhh!!!

and Me, Caltechgirl, Not Exactly Rocket Science

And many many others!

Won't you join too?

I've been trying to avoid the abortion issue, but I had to post this

This post from Wizbang! set me off...

I consider myself a pro-choice conservative.  Mostly because I resent like hell the idea that the government can have the authority to tell me what to do with my body.  They can't even run the country properly, why in heck would I let them decide what's best for me and my body?  Honestly.

However, that being said, did anyone else catch that woman from NARAL testifying at the end of the Alito hearing?  About how she never thought (as a married Catholic) that she'd ever want an abortion, let alone "need" one, but that after her husband (also, presumably a devout Catholic) left her and their 3 children and she found out she was pregnant, she was humiliated because in her state in the days before Roe, a married woman needed her husband's permission to get an abortion?  Did you catch her sanctimonious bellyaching about having to stand before a panel of doctors to admit the failure of her marriage and her inability to care for a 4th child and then getting to the clinic, only to be told that she needed her Ex to sign off, so she had to chase him down too? And yet she still chose to have a legal abortion, even in the face of all of that humiliation.

Oh please, lady.  So you were humiliated.  Wasn't that the point?  Shouldn't most women be humiliated for being in a situation where they "need" an abortion?  I understand that your situation was less of your own making than most, seeing as how your husband walked out on you and 3 small kids, but didn't you have other options?  I notice you didn't choose adoption or seek out the vaunted "back alley"....

Your weakness is telling.  That you LET YOURSELF be humiliated to the point that changed the entire focus of your life, that 30+ years later you are still cowed by the men that you presumed were in charge of your body makes me sick.  Stand up for yourself and take some responsibility.  They didn't humiliate you, you let yourself be treated that way.

So I guess this really isn't about abortion after all, it's about the pathetic martyr/victim nature of the left:  Poor Me.  Look at me.  Pity me.  Fix me.

Yeah?  Well screw you.

That's why I love these guys....

If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know there's no love lost between me and the VA Tech (c)Hokeys.  They are a dirty football team, and their fans are the single rudest group of people I have ever encountered, and I've been to any number of games in multiple sports.  The Trojans on the other hand, well, they couldn't be more classy and sportsmanlike.  Especially off the field.

Looks like I'm not alone in my opinion.

h/t Kipper

Yummy!

Oh Yeah!

You Are a Boston Creme Donut

You have a tough exterior. No one wants to mess with you. But on the inside, you're a total pushover and completely soft. You're a traditionalist, and you don't change easily. You're likely to eat the same doughnut every morning, and pout if it's sold out.

One more, because it was right....

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

One last quiz

Sadly enough, this is 100% on the money.  100%.  No idea I was so frigging predictable.

You Have a Choleric Temperament

You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things. Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life. You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation. You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon. Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall. You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others. At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults. Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion. A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.

Welcome to the Family....

As of yesterday, I've been adopted.  I'm now officially Contagion's adopted blog-sis, so that makes Bou, Grau (recently declared dead), and Harvey my adopted blog-parents.  No offense if I still love my real Mom and Dad, though, right?
This will soon proudly display in place of the current "Annoying Neighbor" graphic:

Things to remember...

Acidman has some dos and don'ts for job seekers during their interviews.... Good advice, in his own inimitable style.

Rob, I'm so glad you decided to live :)

Sweet.

Sweeet.  Score one for the snipers!

h/t Master of None

I thought they were PROUD of their country

Seems Canada's star athletes haven't learned that there is no "I" in team.  From CTV News:

A number of Canada's star athletes have refused to carry the country's flag at the opening ceremonies for the Turin Olympics, saying they prefer to focus on their performance instead of taking on extra work.

According to the Toronto Star, cross-country skier Beckie Scott, speed skaters Clara Hughes and Cindy Klassen and bobsledder Pierre Lueders have asked their associations not to nominate them for the revered role.

The Star also reports the freestyle ski team chose not to nominate moguls skiing champion Jennifer Heil for the job because she is scheduled to compete the day after the ceremony.

Am I really this predictable? Sheesh!

Notice I scored 100% on Biology and Psychology.... Pretty much Neurobiology, I'd say...

An unlooked for milestone

Visitor # 75,000 arrived here this afternoon at 3:40pm looking for news about Mikey.

Thanks to Mr./Ms. Anonymous from Thousand Oaks, CA using Adelphia high speed internet!

Whoever you are, if you make yourself known and you have a blog, linky love will be forthcoming!

MeMeMeMe

Or, the Meme of Fours, tagged by my buddy Kipper at CardMart:

Four jobs you've had in your life:
Student assistant in the Alumni relations office at Caltech.  Fish feeder.  Graduate Student.  Professor.

Four movies you could [and do] watch over and over:
White Christmas, Blazing Saddles, Fellowship of the Ring, Return of the Jedi

Four places you've lived:
Fresno, CA; Pasadena, CA; Carrboro, NC; Chapel Hill, NC

Four fiction books you can't live without:
The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas; The Shipping News, Annie Proulx; The Rainmaker, John Grisham; Eyes of the Dragon, Stephen King.

Four non-fiction books you consider essential:
Principles of Neural Science, Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel; Devil in the White City, Erik Larson; How the Irish Became White, Noel Ignatiev; and City of Quartz, Mike Davis.

Four TV shows you love to watch:
House, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Survivor, The Amazing Race (bonus 4 favorite shows of all time: The Pretender, Quincy, Hart to Hart, The A-Team)

Four places you've been on vacation:
Cayucos, CA; Disneyland; Boston, MA; Outer Banks (Kitty Hawk, NC)

Four websitesblogs you visit daily (there are way more):
Jay and Deb, Margi, Helen, Bou

Four of your favorite foods:
Pizza, Chinese, Bacon, See's Scotchmallows

Four places you'd rather be:
Cayucos, CA; Chapel Hill, NC; Disneyland; an alternate universe where SC won the Rose Bowl...

Four albums you can't live without:
Simon and Garfunkel, Collected Works; Barenaked Ladies, Greatest Hits; Indigo Girls, Rites of Passage; Queen Greatest Hits Vol 1 and 2

And I'm tagging two people, too:  Ben and Darling Hubby

For Ben

Because (as you may find out from this meme) Ben was a telemarketer in a former life.

The telemarketing counterscript, or how to screw with telemarketers.

h/t Lex Communis

Happily Ever After?

Disney's OTHER Desperate Housewives (or would that be "Castle"wives?):

If you haven't seen it.....

Here's South Park's "Trapped in the Closet" episode featuring Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and R. Kelly.

h/t Emily

BTW: Matt and Trey do not mind when fans download their episodes off the Internet; they feel that it's good when people watch the show no matter how they do it." Visit www.southparkstudios.com for more info.

UPDATE: Emily sez, "By the by, I would appreciate it if as many of you with blogs link to the "South Park" episode as possible. Couchy McBrainwashed is trying to keep us from seeing it and that's just plain censorship as far as I'm concerned. Thousands of celebrities have had the piss taken out of them over the years by "South Park" and nearly all of them have handled it in good spirits. There's no reason why Tom Snooze shouldn't do the same, other than his ego and an attempt to protect his "church.""

Rusty Shackleford to the rescue!

Our friends at the Jawa Report have actually helped nab a terrorist!

A dumb terrorist, but a terrorist nonetheless.

Excellent Job Rusty!

BTW, it's also the Jawa's 2nd Bloggyversary!

More Good News!

Smash has a fabulous AAR from his visit in the hospital with Mikey.
Mikey is definitely in there, responding to touch and to words, and fighting hard to get better and come back to us as the Mikey we all know.
Keep praying folks, he's a long way from out of the woods...... And keep hitting the PayPal button (on the sidebar here), almost $1000 donated so far!

Memo to the Moms to be out there...

Specifically those of you close to the finish line (Deb, Dana, Mrs. Phin, etc.)...

Don't let this give you any ideas about bringing another blog-baby into the world this week :)

Welcome to the world, Barrett Elijah (Paladin)!  You must have been in a real hurry, to come out after only 7 hours!

On a completely unrelated note...

Congratulations. You are the "Kiss my Ass" happy
bunny. You don't care about anyone or anything.
You must be so proud

which happy bunny are you?

h/t Thirdee of Code Red

Sometimes I just have to laugh

Lair Simon is a Master of Spanglish:

"hombre baggo de la scum grande"

Happy Birthday!

Two two of my favorite bloggers, Matty O'Blackfive, and Robbo Llamabutcher!

My Spidey Sense is tingling....

You know, except for that whole being a GIRL thing, I could agree with this one:

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man 95% Green Lantern 65% Robin 60% Supergirl 60% Superman 60% Wonder Woman 55% Hulk 55% Iron Man 50% Catwoman 40% The Flash 35% Batman 20%

You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.

Bill Whittle is back!

If only to say he'll be back soon....  Tease!

I want to be in the Bad Example Clan because....

Harvey is really my (blog)father and he won't recognize me otherwise.

Quote: "That's not MY nose..."

My mama and my brothers and sisters love me and accept me, (blog)Dad, so why won't you?  Please?

Don't leave me out here in the cold.  It's so lonely and scary... *sniff, sniff*...

Here Kitty Kitty.....

you're an evil kitty! O_o wow you are crazy. your sole purpose is to rule the world but no one can really take you seriously. i dont blame them

^^

o_O What weird creature are you? O_o
from a sweet and somewhat unexpected Llama. Not one of these, though

Yeah, I know it's Wednesday

But any day is a good day for 24...

For Bou, Ben, Jen, and the rest of the 24 crew:  Top 60 Facts about Jack Bauer
(yeah, I know it should really be just 24, but I didn't make it up... Think of it as each minute in one hour.  That ought to work)

My personal favorites (hmmm.... there are 12, read 'em twice and you'll have that list of 24):

"If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he'd shoot Nina twice."

"Guns dont kill people, Jack Bauer kills people."

"Upon hearing that he was played by Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland.  Jack Bauer gets played by no man."

"Killing Jack Bauer doesn't make him dead. It just makes him angry."

"When you open a can of whoop-ass, Jack Bauer jumps out."

"Jesus died and rose from the dead in 3 days. It took Jack Bauer less than an hour. And he's done it twice."

"What color is Jack Bauer's blood?  Trick question.  Jack Bauer does not bleed."

"Superman's only weakness is Kryptonite. Jack Bauer laughs at Superman for having a weakness."

"1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight."

"Lets get one thing straight, the only reason you are conscious right now is because Jack Bauer does not feel like carrying you."

"Your attraction to Jack Bauer in no way affects your sexual orientation."

And finally: "Jack Bauer doesn't miss. If he didn't hit you it's because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away."

And for more random facts about Jack Bauer, go here.  You can also rate the Jack Facts.

h/t robbo

An alternative SOTU

From recent bloggy find Aaron of Subject To Change:

"The state of our union could not be stronger. In the year 2001, this nation was brutally attacked by an organization bent on the destruction of our way of life. Yet, just a few short years later the average American is mostly concerned with what's on the TV, especially since it's Oscar season. This demonstrates the strength of the American people. Even the most tragic of events can't stop us from pursuing our dreams.

We have kept ourselves safe by fighting terrorism at its source: Walmart. Walmart's low-low prices are increasing individual's buying power and creating a critical mass of useless crap in every household. Unless this menace is stopped, all of our natural resources will be turned into excessive packaging and landfilled out of existence. So long as we remain focused on fighting the evil empire that is destroying our culture from the inside, we have nothing to fear."

Friday Quizzy Thingy

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You.....

I laughed, I cried, I wiped soda off the screen...

BrokeBack To the Future!

h/t Prof. Puppyblender

My Hubby ought to appreciate this...

A quick perusal of the referrals to my site shows that I am #1 on Google for "my DH".

Which of course means that he is #1!

Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake

It's been a looooooong time since I posted a recipe, so it's about time, and in honor of this weekend's Chocolate-Fest at Amy's, I give you a tried and true personal favorite:

Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes Ready In: 9 Hours 20 Minutes
Yields: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (Crushed Oreo or similar)
1/3 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup butter, to be melted
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (yes, same as above, you need it twice)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur (love that Bailey's)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, confectioners' sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa powder. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at medium speed until well blended and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed. Pour filling over baked crust.

3. Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C), and continue baking for 60 minutes.

4. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill before serving. If your cake cracks, a helpful tip is to dampen a spatula and smooth the top, then sprinkle with some chocolate wafer crumbs.

TIPS:
If the top of your cheesecake cools too fast and cracks, you can also cover those unsightly blemishes with fruit (like strawberries or raspberries) or a chocolate whipped cream (use real whipped cream, you'll taste the difference)

This also makes a YUMMY cheesecake if you substitute Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur) or Grand Marnier (any good Triple Sec will do, I suppose) for the Irish Cream. Amaretto or Frangelico might also be nice, but I haven't tried them.

Enjoy!

The Terrorist's Thesaurus

My goodness, I had no idea there were really THAT MANY words for "mass death" in the English Language... 

Just keep scrolling down, starting with the 4th photo.  Anyone else notice a pattern?

Catching up...

I know I have been lax in linking them lately, but the current edition of the Carnival of the Recipes is up at Prochien Amy, including a recipe from yours truly.

Go Steelers!

Peanut had his first bath, complete with documentary photographs :)

And speaking of babies, no news is good news here and here.  Keep on baking Lindsey and Valerie!

And last, but certainly not least:
Best News I've heard in months:  Mikey's coming back. He pulled out the vent tube and he's trying to get his voice back!  Smash has the details right from the horse's mouth (although Mrs. Mikey is far too lovely to be called a horse)

Heh. Indeed.

John McCain lays the smackdown on Barack Obama:

Dear Senator Obama:

I would like to apologize to you for assuming that your private assurances to me regarding your desire to cooperate in our efforts to negotiate bipartisan lobbying reform legislation were sincere. When you approached me and insisted that despite your leadership's preference to use the issue to gain a political advantage in the 2006 elections, you were personally committed to achieving a result that would reflect credit on the entire Senate and offer the country a better example of political leadership, I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions with your letter to me dated February 2, 2006, which explained your decision to withdraw from our bipartisan discussions. I'm embarrassed to admit that after all these years in politics I failed to interpret your previous assurances as typical rhetorical gloss routinely used in politics to make self-interested partisan posturing appear more noble. Again, sorry for the confusion, but please be assured I won't make the same mistake again."

You're Kelo-ing me!

The Weekly Standard updates on the progress of  Logan Clements, the dot-com-millionaire cum documentarist who seeks to expose the absurdity of the Kelo decision by "eminent domaining" Justice David Souter's family homestead in Weare, NH to turn the property into a bed and breakfast that will be known as the "Lost Liberty Hotel".  From the article:

"Clements likens himself to firefighters who, to combat a raging blaze in the forest, will sometimes set small fires in its path to starve the original fire of fuel before it can become an all-consuming wildfire, thus "fighting fire with fire." His numerous critics suggest that he's engaging in vigilantism, and that this is tantamount to protesting capital punishment by killing the guy who throws the switch on the electric chair. But that's a hard sell. Vigilantes operate outside the law, and it's illegal to kill the executioner. By contrast, Clements is operating inside the law, illustrating its absurdity by using the law against itself. "Why," he asks, "should the law be beyond its own reach?""

Good News for a change....

Chuck Z. posts his account of the Sooper Bowl here.  Thanks indeed to the wonderful folks from Soldiers Angels who made it possible for Chuck to watch his beloved "Stillers" beat the Seahawks!

Tagged by Tige

Well, ok, not really tagged, but I am a sucker for a Meme, especially when I am trying to work but I need a mental break.... So here goes:

below the fold. Just because :)

Fatwas accepted here

We, the undersigned, agree that:

Liberty to express and discuss any issue including religion is a basic principle of a free society and human dignity.

Accepting free speech is an essential quality of free people.

Fear of free speech is the mark of one whose beliefs are weak or based on force.

...Because we so despise those who would use violence to silence others, and because we laugh at the thought that their voices speak for any power beyond their own weakness and fear of open talk, we hereby:

Request, invite, and laugh at the issue of a FATWA, CURSE, SPELL, or any other fancied ignominy that any enemy of human liberty may choose to place upon us.

h/t the original Fatwa-worthy one, and while you're there, read this too.

Marching Band anyone?

Ooh, the white ones are my favorites!

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

Duh. What else would I be?

Tom and Katie: Best News I've Heard in a While!

Gratuitous Link Love

Because Jimbo made me laugh on a rotten day.

Go check out the New Winter Olympic events!

Master of None has some too

Happy Birthday!

To the King of Crapblogging, Aciddude!

And many more, my friend.

To the morons who hacked Flap's Blog

YAAFM! 

Just so you know.

Glad you're back, Flap.

Hugh vs. Helen

Maybe I should start listening to Hugh Hewitt.

The other H-dawg takes on the grand dame of the WH press corps, Helen Thomas, in a sometimes barely-coherent conversation on Dick Cheney, media bias, and why Hugh Hewitt is completely forgettable....   Hilarity ensues.  Here's a quick clip (FYI: this is at least halfway through the conversation, HH is Hugh, HT is Ms. Thomas):

HT: Who are you?

HH: I...

HT: Who am I talking to?

HH: Hugh Hewitt.

HT: Am I talking to a journalist?

HH: Yes. Yes, for a long time. I'm just curious about what's gone wrong...

HT: Tell me about your career. What have you really done?

HH: Well, it's not nearly as impressive as you.

HT: Where did...yes, it's...it's very important to me. Where did you work?

HH: PBS for ten years.

HT: PBS?

HH: Yes.

HT: Well, that's a good credential.

HH: There you have it. See? I'm...

HT: But then you decided to switch over?

HH: To switch over to what?

HT: God knows what you are.

Running away like all her ilk, I suppose.

Read the rest at Radio Blogger.  Or hear it here.

h/t Rusty and the Jawa band

Roses really smell like...

Yeah, you know the song.

In Iran, evidently one can no longer purchase a Danish Pastry, but now, for a limited time only, you can get a fresh "Rose of the Prophet Muhammad" for the same price.

Sheesh.  First they hate us, then they steal from us.  Get it straight people, you can't have your cakedanish and eat it too!

h/t Flap, and apologies to OutKast.

Tartan Day is Coming!

Get ready for it.

If it's not Scottish, it's crap! 

Even us (part)Scots-Irish, dammit.

If you're interested in joining the Gathering of the Blogs, you can get more info here.

For the clan-challenged, here's a great Tartan Generator so you can pretend you're not crap. 

Ok, here's my creepy map

Some of you may find yourselves on here already.  Thanks for signing up ahead of time.

Go here to sign the map!

Here's a sport I could set the World Record in...

The new Olympic sport of Cursing.

As some of you know, I can hold my own with sailors in more than one language.  I'm sure I'd at least qualify to represent my country proudly.

Uncertainly funny

but I laughed!

What was the biggest failure since the Edsel?
The Heisenbergmobile. The problem was that when you looked at the speedometer you got lost.

A cop stops Heisenberg for speeding on the Autobahn. The cop comes up and asks, "Do you know how fast you were going?" Heisenberg responds, "No, but I know where I am."

Shamelessly lifted from beth of And then I woke up...; there are more good ones in the comments!
btw, if you don't get the joke, go here.

Deja Vu All Over Again...

All the cool kids are doing it:

Your past life diagnosis:
I don't know how you feel about it, but you were female in your last earthly incarnation.
You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Korea around the year 1100
Your profession was that of an entertainer, musician, poet or temple-dancer.
Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
You were a sane, practical person, a materialist with no spiritual consciousness. Your simple wisdom helped the weaker and the poor.
The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
You should develop your talent for love, happiness and enthusiasm and you should distribute these feelings to all people.

Do you remember now?

Home Sweet Home

You Are Los Angeles

Young and fun, you always know where the best parties are. And while you tend to keep things carefree and casual... You certainly can glam it up when you need to. Famous people from Los Angeles: Tyra Banks, Jake Gyllenhall, Freddie Prinze Jr.

On the subject of Dancing

I've joined the Cotillion, so watch this space for lots of Conservative female fun and a new blogroll...  Yeah, maybe I should revamp the way this place looks.....

A five year old's world

Thirdee of Code Red interviews her five year old about life and current events.  With some surprising answers...

2.    Who is the President? George Washington-Bush.
3.    Who is the Vice President? My teacher didn't tell me that.
10.  Are you a Conservative or a Liberal? A liberal.
13.  Are guns good or bad? Good.
20.  Is President Bush a good President? Yes.

One for Mikey

Chris Muir Rocks!



Thanks Chris!

Mikey has been moved to a rehab facility, and as usual, he's impatient to go home. To help out Mikey and his family, click the button on the sidebar or go here.

I've been Memed!

Tagged by Oddybobo with this one:

1) Two favorite colors: Green and Purple

2) Two least favorite colors: Orange and Olive

3) Favorite fast food restaurant: In CA:Original Tommy's and In'N'Out; In NC: Chick-Fil-A and Bojangles

4) Favorite day of the week: Friday

5) Least favorite day of the week: Sunday

6) Best thing about your significant other: Hugs and Kisses

7) Least favorite thing about your significant other: He loses things a lot.

8) Your significant others favorite thing about you (without asking them): my chestal area and/or my hair

9) Your significant others least favorite thing about you (again, without asking them): That I always AM right.

10) Black or white? Grey

11) Red or blue? Purple

12) Day or night? Night

13) Favorite part of your body: My hair

14) Least favorite part about your body. My tummy

15) Do you like walking in the rain at times? Anytime

16) Do you have a tattoo? Nope. Terrified of needles

17) “Short and sweet� or “long and hard�. It depends. What are you asking about **wink**

18) Favorite kind of car: small, sporty, FAST.

19) Favorite kind of ice cream: B and J Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie.

20) Trix or Lucky Charms? Neither. Wasn't allowed to have sugar cereal as a kid. Love Bran Flakes, though.

Tagging Bou, VW, and Amanda, Just for the heck of it :)

I'm a Pepper... You're a Pepper....

You Are Dr. Pepper

You're very unique and funky, yet you still have a bit of traditionalism to you. People who like you think they have great taste... and they usually do. Your best soda match: Root Beer Stay away from: 7 Up

Oh yeah. Love me some Dr. P.

h/t Cokehead Deb

Ain't it the truth!

Your Luck Quotient: 62%

You have a high luck quotient. More often than not, you've felt very lucky in your life. You may be randomly lucky, but it's probably more than that. Optimistic and open minded, you take advantage of all the luck that comes your way.

Green with....

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.

Yum.

You Are Guinness

You know beer well, and you'll only drink the best beers in the world. Watered down beers disgust you, as do the people who drink them. When you drink, you tend to become a bit of a know it all - especially about subjects you don't know well. But your friends tolerate your drunken ways, because you introduce them to the best beers around.

Fisking of the Day

Dan Riehl takes apart George Clooney:

"The fear of been (sic) criticized can be paralyzing. Just look at the way so many Democrats caved in the run up to the war. In 2003, a lot of us were saying, where is the link between Saddam and bin Laden? What does Iraq have to do with 9/11? We knew it was bullshit. Which is why it drives me crazy to hear all these Democrats saying, "We were misled." It makes me want to shout, "Fuck you, you weren't misled. You were afraid of being called unpatriotic."

Incorrect. Go back and review the record and speeches, George. We didn't go to war in Iraq as a direct result of 9/11. That's just more of the big lie tactic of the left desperately trying to couch today's political issues in your favor when they are not. We went to war in Iraq to eliminate a growing threat. We accomplished that and are working hard to leave behind a state with some stability and with the adherence to the very values you appear to profess - liberty, freedom and equality. Apparently those values are only good for you and yours, not the Iraqis. Congratulations George, you made it from demagogue to racist in one paragraph."

Read it all here.

Reliapundit also aims to set George straight here.

"HEY GEORGE (regarding the Civil Rights Movement and Rosa Parks): a higher percentage of GOP members of Congress voted for the US Civil Rights Act then Democrats did - FACT!"

Now go read the rest, but put down your drink first! (h/t to Vodka Steve for the Reliapundit article)

Stolen Wholesale

DRINK WARNING!!

This was too good not to rip off:

This comes from a Catholic elementary school test. The kids were asked questions about the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Here are some of their answers.

1. IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, GUINESSIS. GOD GOT TIRED OF CREATING THE WORLD SO HE TOOK THE SABBATH OFF.

2. ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AND ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

3. LOTS WIFE WAS A PILLAR OF SALT DURING THE DAY, BUT A BALL OF FIRE DURING THE NIGHT.

4. THE JEWS WERE A PROUD PEOPLE AND THROUGHOUT HISTORY THEY HAD TROUBLE WITH UNSYMPATHETIC GENITALS.

5. SAMPSON WAS A STRONGMAN WHO LET HIMSELF BE LED ASTRAY BY A JEZEBEL LIKE DELILAH.

6. SAMSON SLAYED THE PHILISTINES WITH THE AXE OF THE APOSTLES.

7. MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.

8. THE EGYPTIANS WERE ALL DROWNED IN THE DESSERT. AFTERWARDS, MOSES WENT UP TO MOUNT CYANIDE TO GET THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

9. THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

10. THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

11. MOSES DIED BEFORE HE EVER REACHED CANADA. THEN JOSHUA LED THE HEBREWS IN THE BATTLE OF GERITOL.

12. THE GREATEST MIRICLE IN THE BIBLE IS WHEN JOSHUA TOLD HIS SON TO STAND STILL AND HE OBEYED HIM.

13. DAVID WAS A HEBREW KING WHO WAS SKILLED AT PLAYING THE LIAR. HE FOUGHT THE FINKELSTEINS, A RACE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES.

14. SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

15. WHEN MARY HEARD SHE WAS THE MOTHER OF JESUS, SHE SANG THE MAGNA CARTA.

16. WHEN THE THREE WISE GUYS FROM THE EAST SIDE ARRIVED THEY FOUND JESUS IN THE MANAGER.

17. JESUS WAS BORN BECAUSE MARY HAD AN IMMACULATE CONTRAPTION.

18. ST. JOHN THE BLACKSMITH DUMPED WATER ON HIS HEAD.

19. JESUS ENUNCIATED THE GOLDEN RULE, WHICH SAYS TO DO UNTO OTHERS BEFORE THEY DO ONE TO YOU. HE ALSO EXPLAINED A MAN DOTH NOT LIVE BY SWEAT ALONE.

20. IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.

21. THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LORD WERE CALLED THE 12 DECIBELS.

22. THE EPISTELS WERE THE WIVES OF THE APOSTLES.

23. ONE OF THE OPPOSSUMS WAS ST. MATTHEW WHO WAS ALSO A TAXIMAN.

24. ST. PAUL CAVORTED TO CHRISTIANITY, HE PREACHED HOLY ACRIMONY WHICH IS ANOTHER NAME FOR MARRAIGE.

25. CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

stolen from Dash

Ok, something interesting to post about

Prof. Reynolds laments a fellow law professor who is getting grief for banning laptops from his class.

He points out that several of his colleagues are fed up with them too, mostly because they encourage goofing off and can be a major disruption if the students don't have the volume off.

Not to mention that a million keys clicking is HIGHLY disconcerting when you're trying to talk.

Our school has a unique solution to this problem.  We have two classrooms equipped with computer consoles for each student and this technology.

SMART Board also incorporates a functionality that allows the user at the front of the classroom to LOCK OUT the other consoles, forcing the students to follow along with the lecturer, although it allows them to use the software to make notes, which can be emailed to the user or printed at the end of the class.

We love our SMART Boards, and we have them in every classroom.

Your Government at Work

Duck and Cover!

More Amusement

You Are Cindy Brady

Warm hearted and sweet, you have a childlike innocence that lets you see the good in everyone. But you're also a bit of a baby. You stick your nose where it doesn't belong... and cry when you get caught!

Help a Sister Out

Dana of The Origin of Soul has been fighting her own personal war with Dell since THEY ruined her still-under-warranty computer.

She's tried just about everything to get this resolved.  Methinks she needs a lawyer to call them up and threaten.

Anybody got some advice for her?  Drop by here.  (Come on you BFLers.  I know we have a ton of lawyers, somebody should be able to give her some good advice!)

Two things

I haven't spoken about this yet, but my own thoughts and prayers are with Abdul Rahman, the Christian scheduled to be executed in Afghanistan simply because he is not a Muslim.  Efforts from the United States and others may keep this man from from being killed, but that isn't yet certain.

Also (and more this weekend) Guillermo Farinas is past day 50 of a hunger strike protesting the lack of something you're using right now (internet access) for Cubans under the regime of fidel castro

Blogburst for Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez

Senor Fariñas has rejected food and water for 57 days to protest the lack of freely available, uncensored internet access to the people of Cuba.

57 days.  The latest updates indicate that he will die soon.

Join the Blogburst.  Spread the word.  Read More.  Speak Out.  Sign the Petition.

You can.  You're reading this now, after all.

(technorati tag Guillermo Fariñas, Internet, )

Ha Ha, Fooled You!

Your Quirk Factor: 52%

You're a pretty quirky person, but you're just normal enough to hide it. Congratulations - you've fooled other people into thinking you're just like them!

Weird Quiz

Somewhat accurate, but definitely weird.
Found here.

An interesting proposition

T1G asks, if you were building a house for the Almighty, what would you include?

"Last night, I watched that house makeover show. I don't remember the name of it, but it's host is way too wired, or slightly insane. They go around destroying people's houses, and then remodelling, or rebuilding them. It was alright...

Anyway, during one of the commercial breaks, it looked as if they were going to rebuild a church, which got me thinking. How would they hide their project from Him... do they make some special bus? And, if Gott were to have a house built, what special appliances, or features, would he desire?"

Weird Quiz O' the Day

YOU ARE THE NILE

At 4145 miles from your furthest extremity to the Mediterranean Sea, you outdo the Amazon to become the world's longest river. The piranhas hate you.

Beneath you lies an underground river with six times your volume. You kept this remarkably quiet for several thousand years. In fact, you're full of mystery; your source wasn't discovered until 1862. You're also full of water. And crocodiles. And nuclear pharaoh machines that run on light and can see through time.

found here

While I'm busy...

Michael Yon is in the UAE preparing to return to Iraq.  And he has some interesting things to say.

It's Tartan Day!

The day to celebrate one's own Scots Heritage!
As for myself, we're Scots and Scots Irish in my maternal grandfather's line, and are evidently from Clan MacDuff, and this is the MacDuff hunting tartan

Here are this year's participants:


(Mmm, Haggis! denotes a new post!)

If it's not Scottish, it's crap!

Hell Officially Frozen Over!

I agree with something said on Kos and Atrios....
From this article:

"Sitting in the oncology ward at Children's National Medical Center on Jan. 19, retired Adm. Joe Sestak and his wife, Susan, awaited the doctors' verdict about the condition of their 5-year-old daughter, Alexandra.

She had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor last summer and given three to nine months to live. The Sestaks lived for four months in the ward. They watched as their daughter survived three surgeries, and as she endured chemotherapy.

But that winter day, doctors told the Sestaks that Alexandra had done remarkably well and that, although the cancer could reemerge, she could resume living like a healthy girl.

Relieved and grateful, Sestak, who retired as a three-star admiral Jan. 1, after 31 years in the Navy, began thinking about what he wanted to do next.

...

"He's running because he has a personal ax to grind with the Navy leadership," [Rep. Curt] Weldon [(R), PA] said. "When you treat people like dirt, that's an issue."

Weldon [also] attacked Sestak's decision to continue owning a home in Virginia while only renting in Pennsylvania and questioned why Sestak did not move back to Pennsylvania when he was working at the Pentagon. Weldon commutes from Pennsylvania each day.

Weldon also suggested Sestak should have sent his daughter to a hospital in Philadelphia or Delaware, rather than the Washington hospital. Sestak said that as soon as doctors give his daughter the all-clear, he'll buy in Pennsylvania."[emphasis mine - Ed.]

Blue Monday....

Your Lucky Underwear is Blue

You are caring and extroverted. You've made relationships your number one focus, and your lucky blue underwear can bring some balance to them. You thrive in one-on-one situations. You are a good listener and a natural born therapist. Sometimes you let the concerns of others become too important in your life, leading to stress and worry. If you want more balance, put on your blue underpants. They'll help you take care of yourself first.

That's Reassuring...

From Disappearing Ben

Round-Up

Evidently Miller's Time is just a metaphor for time on your hands.....

From Miller's Time, a Bear Flag League roundup....

Happy Birthday!

To Velocidude!

Feel better soon, my friend!

Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask....

...about the Super Adventure Club, according to Tommy Boy himself!

Be sure to turn up the sound and click ALL the links.

Courtesy of Samantha B.

Revenge: a dish best served scampi-style

Don't screw with Ellison... or his friends:

It was early 1977, and my friend Mel was getting ready to move away.

Mel was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Sweat City in 1974, there to begin my career at the Great Corporate Salt Mine. He, like I, worked in Baytown, at a research facility set in the fringes of a monstrous oil refinery and chemical plant. He, like I, was a Jew from the Northeast, adrift in this land of Texans.

[...]

But put all this aside for the moment. Mel lived in an apartment complex in what was then considered West Houston - a hellacious commute to Baytown, in fact even more hellacious than my own. And it was the fashion, back in those days, to have Asshole Neighbors.....

Would you rather....?

Found here

*Barefoot or Shoes? BAREFOOT.  And I wear Birkies when I can get away with it.  MUST be able to take my shoes off under my desk or a table

*Tea- Sweet or Unsweetened? SWEET!  I was always a no-sweetner girl until I moved to NC where you pretty much can't get it without sugar.  The sweeter the better, I say.

*Clothes- fitted or loose? Loose.  PJs and no bra if I can get away with it.

*Fish- fresh water or salt water? Not the biggest fish fan, but that which I will eat is all salt-water: Tuna steaks, Salmon, Scallops, Clam Chowder...

*Gravy or plain? Pass the gravy.  I usually get it on the side because I like the taste of my food and I can dip in or add it as I please.  For mashed taters, I usually go without and add cheese and sour cream instead

*House- spotless or lived in? Lived in.  I only lose things when I tidy up.

*Solitude or people? I would have to say people. But there are definitely moments when I need to be alone

*Beer or alcohol? I can't drink except on rare occasions thanks to my wonderful medication, but when I do it's almost ALWAYS a floofy girly drink.  With an umbrella or a fruit garnish.  So yeah, alcohol.

*Fiction or non-fiction? Fiction.  I love mysteries and interesting characters

*Weather- hot or cold?  Cold.  Definitely cold.  I love it when it rains or snows.  I love walking in the snow.  I love sleeping under a pile of blankets with the window open for some fresh air.

Better than a Hobby

Go here.  Scroll down.  Laugh.  Refresh.

Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

note:  The management apologizes if you actually agree with this stoopid moonbattery and wish to add a sincere message of your own.  NOT!!!

P.S.  Look for Mohammed....
h/t Beth

Friday Dumb Meme

Do you have:

      (X) your own cell phone... DUH.  Since 1996.  10 years of being in touch.
(X) a television in your bedroom....Oh HELL YES.  Can't sleep without it.
(X) an MP3 player...I am attached at the hip to my iPod shuffle.
(X) a photo printer...Yes, but it's still in the box.
() your own phone line....  Nope, one house, two peoples
( ) TiVo or a generic digital video recorder...Working on it
(X) high-speed internet access...Can't live without it
( ) a surround sound system in bedroom...No.  Too cheap.
(X ) DVD player in bedroom...See above.  Can you say White Christmas?
( X) at least a hundred DVDs...Cheaper than going to the Movies.
(X) a childfree bathroom...Unless the dog-child counts.
(X ) your own in-house office...Where my printers and my sewing machine live.
() a pool...  I wish
( ) a guest house...As if
( ) a game room...  If we had another room.  Does the living room count?
( X) a queen-size bed or larger...Oh yeah, King size. Of course, it's for two people and a stretchy dog...
( ) a stocked bar...Only if that means 2 bottles of wine, and a full bottle each of rum, Kahlua, and Baileys.....
(X) a working dishwasher...Oh, Hell yes.
( ) an icemaker...I used to.  Until we moved here.  First freezer I've had without one.
( X) a working washer and dryer...Couldn't Live without them
(X ) more than 20 pairs of shoes.. DUH
( ) at least ten things from a designer store...Designers don't make clothes that fit me.
(X ) expensive sunglasses... Prescription only.
() framed original art (not lithographs or prints)..
(X ) Egyptian cotton sheets or towels....Wedding presents are nice.
(X) a multi-speed bike...Two actually.
( ) a gym membership...I refuse to spend money to kick my own ass.
( X) large exercise equipment at home...Me and my elliptical.
( X) your own set of golf clubs...In my Dad's garage.
( ) a pool table...I wish.
( ) a tennis court...The first place we lived after we were married had one.
(X ) local access to a lake, large pond, or the sea...Hello, this is LA. The beach is right here.
( ) your own pair of skis...I fucking hate skiing.
(X) enough camping gear for a weekend trip in an isolated area...Yes, if you like sleeping outside a tent.  The army was good to us.
( ) a boat....When I'm rich.  Until then, I'll use Bill's :)
( ) a jet ski...no way
( ) a neighborhood committee membership...My landlord does.
( ) a beach house or a vacation house/cabin...When I retire.
(X) wealthy family members...Yep.  Both of us.
( ) two or more family cars...No.  Does the bike count?
(X) a walk-in closet or pantry...My closet is bigger than some bedrooms.
( ) a yard...Nope, but a nice balcony.
( ) a hammock...No.  No trees.
( ) a personal trainer...See above regarding Gym memberships
(X ) good credit...I rock.
(X ) expensive jewelry...I'm married to a geologist.  Need I say more?
( ) a designer bag that required being on a waiting list to get...As if.  Fuck No
( ) at least $100 cash in your possession right now...HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA
(X) more than two credit cards bearing your name (not counting gas cards or debit cards)...Oh yeah.  A lot.
(X) a stock portfolio...Yes, whatever is in the retirement fund....
() a passport... getting there.
( ) a horse...No.  My niece does, though.
( ) a trust fund (either for you or created by you)...No
(X) private medical insurance...Thank You Jesus!.
() a college degree, and no outstanding student loans ...Give me a month.  Just one more month.

Do you:
( X) shop for non-needed items for yourself (like clothes, jewelry, electronics) at least once a week... Doesn't mean I buy them, though.  Shopping is fun.
(X ) do your regular grocery shopping at high-end or specialty stores...Yes.  Trader Joes ROCKS
( ) pay someone else to clean your house, do dishes, or launder your clothes (not counting dry-cleaning)...does my Husband count?
(X) go on weekend mini-vacations...Those are the only kind I can afford.
( ) send dinners back with every flaw...That's my mother, not me...
( X) wear perfume or cologne (not body spray)...Yummy smelling=GOOD.
(X ) regularly get your hair styled or nails done in a salon...Starting next week, it's coming off.
( ) have a job but don't need the money OR
( ) stay at home with little financial sacrifice...Again, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
( ) pay someone else to cook your meals...No
( ) pay someone else to watch your children or walk your dogs...I wish.
( ) regularly pay someone else to drive you taxis...Hell no.
( ) expect a gift after you fight with your partner...The fact that he remembers what we were fighting about is a miracle

Are you:
(x) an only child..Thank Jesus!
( ) married/partnered to a wealthy person...Nope, and I could care less.
(X) baffled/surprised when you don't get your way...I ALWAYS get my way.  Dammit.  Respect my Authoritah!

Have you:
( ) been on a cruise...No
(X) traveled out of the country...Canada.
(X) met a celebrity...Several of them.
( ) been to the Caribbean...Not yet
( ) been to Europe...It's on the list.
( ) been to Hawaii...DH wants to go.  Maybe I'll go meet Dog....
(X ) been to New York...Loved it.
( ) eaten at the space needle in Seattle...No, didn't make it to Seattle
( ) been to the Mall of America...No.  Skipped that on PURPOSE
( ) been on the Eiffel tower in Paris...No.  See above.
( ) been on the Statue of Liberty in New York...It was still closed when I was in NYC.
( X) moved more than three times because you wanted to...Fresno to Pasadena to Fresno (briefly) to Carrboro to Chapel Hill, across town, and back here to Pasadena.
(X) dined with local political figures. In Fresno, at USC, and at Caltech.
(X) been to both the Atlantic coast and the Pacific coast...I've lived near both, too!
Did you:
( ) go to another country for your honeymoon...Nope, but we went to the ocean.
(X ) hire a professional photographer for your wedding or party ...The bastard.
(X) take riding or swimming lessons as a child...When I was allowed to swim....
(X ) attend private school...In college.
( ) have a Sweet 16 birthday party thrown for you....Fuck that.

Better Late Than Never

From Peep Boy:

You Are an Easter Egg

You're so sweet, you don't need candy. You much prefer the taste of artificial coloring instead.

A Thought Provoking Read

If you have never read the sometimes insane, always insightful blog of my one and only blog-child, Let The Finder Beware, you could do worse than to start reading it today.

Paul some interesting musings on the decades of our lives, and the moral and cultural changes that define them to us.  Part I is here, and Part II here.  Drop by and share your thoughts!

Memo to Keith Olbermann: Go back to ESPN. Now.

I used to like Keith Olbermann.  I thought he was really funny, and some of the stunts that he pulled with his SportsCenter colleagues (especially Dan Patrick) are classics in TV history.

Then he decided to be a serious journalist.  Or something like that.  And got his own show on msnbc (the conflicted network).

Now he votes Michelle Malkin as "The Worst Person in the World".  I'll admit she's often over the top and takes positions that even her fellow Conservatives sometimes scratch their heads at, but NONE of this qualifies her as the "worst person in the world".

Michelle and I don't always agree, but there's no doubt she is a loving and devoted Mom and Wife, a thoughtful intellect, and above all a law-abiding tax-payer.  Sure, she broadcast some phone numbers, THAT WERE ON A PRESS RELEASE.  It's not like she used some clandestine cabal to obtain them.  They were published and publicly available.  Who did she rape or murder?  When did she plot a terrorist attack?

This Guy, now, he might merit "world's worst", or This Guy  or This Guy.

Yet another example of the "Unhinged" left, throwing words around like they don't mean anything.  Or maybe Olbermann is simply too ashamed to admit that he doesn't ever look outside his own backyard.

Expose the Left has the video.  Flap has the press release in question.

Say Anything... about WalMart

One of my favorite "original content" bloggers, Rob of Say Anything, was one of two bloggers to take part in this year's Wal-Mart media conference, and he has some interesting things to say about what wasn't reported by the "big media outlets" that were also present.

I'm no fan of Wal-Mart, but I think they deserve a fair shake in the press for what they actually do and don't do, as any corporation should.

Start at the top and scroll on down.

BTW the other blogger at the conference was Tom Forbes of Palousitics, and you can find his wal-mart blogging here.  Again, just scroll down for more!
h/t Jawa Mike

The National Anthem of the South

PLAY FREEBIRD!!!!!!!

A question for the readers

The ladies of The Cotillion have been having an interesting discussion about the internet and pRonoRgaphy (being hyper vigilant about assholes looking for smut here, sorry).

Several recent articles seem to indicate that because of the free availability of otherwise taboo sex (like child r@pe) on the internet and the anonymous ability to set up a liason, otherwise "normal" (whatever that means) men (and women) are doing things that they would never otherwise dream of.

Has the internet increased sexual perversion or merely made this kind of thing more visible?   Has internet availability caused men (and some women, to be honest) to pursue sexual gratification in ways that they would otherwise not? (and I'm not talking about Cybersex with another consenting adult here, or Cybercheating or anything like that)

What about censorship?  Does censorship of pornography impact the rest of the net?  Do you think that pRon has actually improved the internet (supposedly pRon was behind the development of modern chat rooms, user groups, hi-speed vid capabilities)?

I'm interested to hear your views, especially from the guys.  Clearly men and women view pRonoRgaphy and sexual issues differently...

Gee. what a surprise...

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

Bow before Steve-O!

Cook and Brew-meister extraordinaire Steve-O displays another talent: Brilliant criticism.

He links this fabulous Ann Coulter column, then synthesizes it into something beautiful of his own. Especially with regard to the oft heard cry of "hypocrisy!":

"Ann is right about hypocrisy, too. We live in a country where mouth-breathers and slackjaws accuse people of hypocrisy whenever they criticize any action they themselves have taken in the past. It's sad that the average person has a tiny brain, and that such stupidity passes for logic. Ann tears that argument apart pretty well this week.

An accusation of hypocrisy is a tool a sub-par mind uses to excuse bad or stupid behavior. If I jumped off the Empire State Building, does that mean I lose the right to tell other people not to jump? Of course not. It may seem otherwise to you, if you move your lips when you read and you find butterfly ballots confusing, but to an intelligent person, it's obvious that it's ALWAYS okay for ANYONE to advise you to avoid stupid behavior.
...
True hypocrisy involves an element of dishonesty. Falling short of perfection does not make you a hypocrite.

If you want to do something stupid or immoral, don't be a whiny little boy and say, "You're not perfect, either." Be a man and say, "I know I shouldn't do this, but I'm doing it anyway, because I don't care if it's right." Or "because I'm weak." Or "because I'm an addict." Don't hide behind a child's favorite lame argument."

If Michelle Malkin and Allahpundit had a love child...

It would be the first "full-service conservative Internet broadcast network": Hot Air!

Drop on by to see what the buzz is all about.

What's the difference...

...between and Brown Noser and a Sh*thead?

Depth Perception

So weird I had to post it...

Big Time!

RightWingSparkle just got a huge "promotion". Check out TexasSparkle, hosted by the Houston Chronicle.

And you thought Jack Bauer was special....

Alton Brown doesn't reduce sauces. He demoralizes sauces.

Alton Brown's cakes don't rise. They ascend.

read all of of them!

found here

Guess I soaked up the culture like a biscuit in butter....

from the Displaced Southerner..

Meme-Stealing: The new, fun sport everyone is trying!

1. Were you named after anyone?
Yes. For My father and my mother's friend who died

2. Do you wish on stars?
Absolutely.  When I see them.

3. Do you like your hand writing?
Hell yeah.  I'm the only one who can read it.  That's cool.

4. What is your favorite meat?
Pig: barbecue (Eastern NC, please) or roasted or carnitas

5. What is the most embarrassing CD on your shelf?
Hmmm, I don't know about the CDs, but I do have Backstreet Boys and N*Sync on my iPod

6. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you?
Yep.  I give nice presents

7. Are you a daredevil?
As if.

8. When was the last time you cried?
This morning, reading this.

9. Did you ever tell a secret you weren't supposed to?
Yeah, but only good secrets, like if somebody is pregnant or has a great new job.

10. How do you release anger?
Turning up the volume, flinging inanimate objects.

11. Where is your second home?
At my Mommy's house

12. Do you trust others easily?
Yes. Unless I feel creepy about people.  I generally have a pretty good radar for assholes and thugs.

13. What class in college do you think is totally useless?
Useless for me:  Game Theory.  UGH.   Useless in general?  PE.  Christ, if you aren't physically active by the time you graduate HS, why bother?

14. Have you ever been in a mosh pit?
Not in a "real" one

15. What do you look for in a guy?
Consideration, Good sense of humor, loyalty, cute ass

16. Would you do a bungee jump?
HAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA.  No.  or parachute either.  But I would go parasailing or hang-gliding....

17. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Peppermint or Cookies and Cream.  Both together is even better.

18. What is your least favorite thing?
Snakes.

19. How many people do you have a crush on right now?
Just one.  He knows who he is.

20. What do you miss most right now?
Free time.

21. What are you listening to right now?
The lab tech running some experiments in the main lab

22. What is the weather like right now?
Cloudy and 65.  Probably gonna rain

23. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Our business manager

24. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Eyes and Smile

25.Favorite drink non-alcoholic?
Dr. Pepper

26.Favorite alcoholic drink?
Cosmopolitan.  I'm a big cranberry fan

27. Haircolor?
Brown, tending to Auburn

28. Eyecolor?
Brown/Green Hazel

29. Wear contacts?
Yep.  24/7/365

30. Last movie you watched?
South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut

31. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas!

32. How many people have a crush on you right now?
At least one.  At least he better :)

33. Scary movies or happy endings?
Happy endings.   I don't have time to waste on downers.  I have been known to throw a novel across a room when I dislike the ending or the character I like best gets killed off.

34. Summer or winter?
Fall.  But I love winter.  Bring  on the cold.

35. What book/magazine are you reading at the moment?
Trying to start Freakonomics

36. What's on your mouse pad?
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger

37. What did you watch on TV last night?
Dog the Bounty Hunter, TAR, Top Chef

37.Favorite Smell?
Baby powder, Chanel 22, roses, orange blossoms, freash baked bread

38. Do you regret ever breaking up with someone?
Maybe a little.  Only because I should have done it sooner.

39.Favorite actor/actress?
Hmmm.... I don't have one where I go "I must see X because so-and-so is in it"...

found here

We want you...

Are you a Conservative blogger?
Support the War on Terror?
Support the Troops but are unable to serve in the Armed Forces?
Tired of being called a Chickenhawk?

Embrace your talons, and join the 101st Fighting Keyboardists!


The Chickenhawks are here, and we're ready to chew up all the Liberal Chickens!

For more information see IMAO, Captain's Quarters, and Freedom Dogs

This says it all...

The self-titled "Bubba of Bombast" sums up yesterday's bullshit demonstrations more succinctly than anyone else I've seen:

"I don't believe that you further your cause if you fling shit in the faces of those that you need on your side. Americans really are a pretty tolerant bunch, but they tend to become angry when somebody tries to push them around. Ask Osama bin Laden if you don't believe me.

A slogan such as "I'm Black and I'm PROUD" resonated during the civil rights movement, even among whites, because blacks WERE American citizens asking only for equal treatment under the law. They had a legitimate bitch about the way they were being treated and their cause was just. Even Joe Sixpack could sympathize with their plight.

But we rebel against "I'm illegal-- so what?" That's a lot like jumping up and screaming "Fuck YOU!" to every law-abiding citizen in this country. That kind of slogan resonates, all right, but the wrong way. It pisses a lot of people off. And that AIN'T the way to win friends and influence people.
...

Bejus! Government hassles the hell out of it's legitimate citizens at airports in the name of Homeland Security, while it blithely allows illegals to stream unmolested across our borders. Something is really fucked up in THAT picture. "

ok, i guess....

You Can Hang With the Guys and the Girls

You've struck a good balance between girly and laid back.  You can keep it casual but when you dress up, you are as girly as the next girl.

Why I will not be seeing United 93

I don't need a movie to remind me how I felt on 9/11. 
I don't need to see it on a screen to feel the pain and the horror of that morning again. 
I don't need actor portrayals to remember the bravery of the men and women who scrificed themselves to crash a plane into a field in Pennsylvania, rather than allow it to be crashed into the Capitol Dome or the White House.

I don't need their sacrifice shoved in my face for the bargain price of $8.50.

It's in my heart.  And I will never forget.

Like...Totally.... Dood...Like....

My "stoner" name is: Finger Lickin' THC

found here

The Cotillion is back!

With a linkfest dedicated to United 93. Reviews, thoughts, and why some of us (including yours truly) aren't going to see it.

The new and improved Hamster dance

Aaron has a gift for the bastards that hacked his site....

and if it's down there, you can see it here!

Of Note:

First, there's a new Milblog in town. New Blog, Old Bloggers! Check out Milblogs a group blog featuring the contributions of some of the most amazing people you'd ever wish to know.

Second, for those of you who are interested, Polipundit suffered a major malfunction yesterday and autocratically cut off the group blog...
Lorie Byrd says:

"The fact is that I believe this is the last time I will be blogging at Polipundit.

I received a lengthy email from Polipundit tonight alerting us to an editorial policy change that included the following: "From now on, every blogger at PoliPundit.com will either agree with me completely on the immigration issue, or not blog at PoliPundit.com." I would provide additional context, but Polipundit has asked that the contents of our emails not be disclosed publicly and I think that is a fair request. There has been plenty written in the posts over the past week alone to let readers figure out what happened. Polipundit ended a later email with this: "It's over. The group-blogging experiment was nice while it lasted, but we have different priorities now. It's time to go our own separate ways."...

It would have been nice to have been able to tell friends and family before publicly saying goodbye, but things just didn't work out that way."

Beth of MVRWC has some choice words for PP, and The Anchoress has some very thoughtful words on blogging, dissent, and immigration. There are many more TB's at Lorie's site too, for other people's takes on the issue.

Whaaa? Oh. Yeah. Sure. Well, It is Friday....

You Are Dublin Mudslide Ice Cream

You won't remember any of this in the morning

h/t brownie batter beth

Slowly, Slowly

Coming back to life, that is. Been glued to a keyboard for 3 weeks now, trying to get the grants out. One is off my plate, in more capable hands than my own, and the other needs all the TLC I can give it between now and tomorrow afternoon.

It will go out then. Oh yes, it will go out.

Spent the weekend in Fresberg, helping my mother pick paint colors and playing with the kiddies when I wasn't stuck in front of yet another computer. A much needed break, let me tell you.

Two things made me laugh: Christina muses the future, and puts me (ME!?!!?!?!?!??) in charge on an intergalactic women's retreat and fat farm. Although the working with Bou thing is about right. I suspect the two of us would work together pretty well....

Also, sarahk finally posts her 24 finale recap. Involuntary snorting ensued. You have been warned.

Drink warning!

Unless your extra little sack works like a camel hump....

I don't know how Bou gets through her days without crashing the car!

Because I feel like being silly...

The other 5s meme:
5 things in my fridge:
-Trader Joe's Milk.  It keeps up to 2 months past its expiration date.  No, we don't drink a lot of milk, why do you ask?
-Costco tamales.  Mexican food is ALWAYS on the menu here.  Tamales are my favorite.
-Kraft Italian 4 cheese lo-fat shredded cheese blend.  It's not that much more expensive, and I don't have to shred it.  And what's better than Asiago, Parmesan, Romano, and Mozzarella mixed together?
-Leftovers.  When you cook for two or you eat smart when you eat out, there's always a container of something or other in the fridge.
-cold French Fries.  Also known as "FF's" in our house since someone knows what "French Fries" means.  Yes, they are for her.

5 items in my closet:
-My academic regalia.  It came yesterday and I am sooooo excited.  I get to dress up like a real professor for the first time on Saturday at graduation!
-My computer bag.  It was a graduation present and it has wheels and a handle so I don't have to carry it.  A very thoughtful gift.
-Favors from my friend's wedding last summer.  They came out of my purse and got put on the shelf, and there they have been sitting.
-My friend A's birthday and Christmas presents.  Her birthday was in January.  I am SUCH a good friend.
-My bathroom.  You have to walk through the closet to get to the master bath.

5 items in my car:
-my cell phone charger. The damn thing dies at the drop of a hat anymore, so I keep it "hooked up" in the car.
-water bottles.  We drove to Fresno last weekend and I haven't cleaned out all of the debris
-dog leash.  You'd be surprised how often I realized we had left the house without the leash until I started leaving one in the car...
-Mini hockey player.  There's a Carolina Hurricanes mini doll keychain hanging from my rearview mirror.
-Shoes.  There's at least one pair of my shoes in the back.  I like to keep comfy shoes around in case my feet reject the heels.  I think my Dansko clogs are in there...

5 items in my purse:
-my iPod.  The headphones live there too.  Gotta have it at work.
-my digital camera.  You never know when you're gonna want it.
-my card case.  DH gave me a lovely gold filigree card case to carry my business cards in for Christmas, and you'd be surprised how often I hand them out.
-lip gloss.  Tutti Dolci by Bath and Body Works, Apple Tart or Cinnamon Frosting
-My pain pills.  S'posed to take them with food and  I eat in the office.

5 people to tag:
Randomly choosing....
Oddybobo
Rachel
Richmond
Rave
Amy

from Marie

Those crazy Bad Example kids

They've gone and spawned again!

Courtesy of Adopted Blog-Mom Bou, we have a new blog-sis, Mrs. Who of House of Zathras.

And true to the formula that the Bad Example family tree is often more of a stick than a tree, adopted blog-sis VW contributes a new blog sis/niece, her real life sister Tink of Tink's Tribulations.

Blowing it away!

Christina finishes up the blog novella with a bang.  Literally.  And more twists than a pretzel.

If you haven't been keeping up with this project, and you're a fan of thriller/spy/suspense fiction, take a few minutes and read through the whole thing.  Each chapter is just 1,000 words, so it takes just a few minutes to get through the whole story.  Perfect for a coffee break!

Chapter 1:  The Reluctant Assassin
Chapter 2:  The Cleaner
Chapter 3:  House of Cards
Chapter 4:  Beautiful Death
Chapter 5:  Deal Killer

Yummy Yum!

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting. You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

Being a Parent means being an adult, mm'kay?

I'm not a parent, but I don't think that means I've given up the right to complain about how other people's kids behave in public.

After all, I was a kid once, and certain things were expected of me.  I needed to be quiet, not silent, mind you, but quiet.  I was required to keep my food on the table, refrain from spilling if at all possible, and I had to say "Please" and "Thank You" to the wait staff.  Even to the person behind the counter at McDonald's

So it irks the holy crap out of me when people these days refuse to discipline their children for acting out in a restaurant.

It's pretty simple:
--If you can't trust your young child to behave acceptably in public, don't take them out.  Even a normally well-behaved child who is tired. 
--If your child gets loud, take them out.  The waitstaff will be more than happy to watch your belongings while you're outside if you have to leave the table altogether for a few minutes.  There's a big difference between a 30 second outburst and a 10 minute screaming jag.
--Make sure your kids know what is expected of them and be willing to give them consequences.  I knew I sure as hell was gonna sit in the car if I acted out.
--Manners start at home.  Use your everyday dining experience to teach "please" and "thank you" and how to use utensils properly.

In this op-ed piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, mother of 2 Wendy Heath takes the manager of a "family" restaurant to task for asking them to leave after her 2 year old pitched a fit.

The response has been huge.  And nearly all of it siding with the manager.  This prompted another column in the AJ-C, defending Ms. Heath's outrage.  Read the column, and the responses to it.

Some people will just never understand.
h/t McGehee

It's Beastly!

The date being 6/6/6, which is of course the "biblical number of the Beast", The Pirate brings you some lesser known numbers relating to "The Beast"... well, you'll see.

Drink warning for some of them....

The Curse of the Doxies

Or why bathing the dogs is more trouble than it's worth.  4 little dogs (one blind) vs one woman and a bottle of wine....

Complete with funny illustrations!

A great way to ruin a laptop....

Claws + Screen = OUCH

But the kitty seems to be enjoying himself!

h/t Dean

It's Friday and I feel like crap

So, here are some more funny kitties!

h/t Rosemary

Who are these Cotillion Gals, anyway?

For this week's Cotillion, some of your favorite conservative ladies will tell you a little about themselves:

1. What time did you get up this morning?  8:30 AM
2. Diamonds or pearls?  Both, dahlink.  Diamond ring and bracelet, pearl necklace and earrings
3. What was the last film you saw at the movie house? The Chronicles of Narnia
4. What is your favorite TV show?
Currently on? House, Ever? The Pretender
5. What did you have for breakfast? Nothing yet.  Probably will have some cold pizza, though.
6. What is your middle name?  Bitch
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Armenian
8. What foods do you dislike? Brussel Sprouts, Olives, Canned Tuna, Sweet Pickles, Anchovies
9. What kind of car do you drive? a Ford Escape
10. Favorite Sandwich? Monte Cristo, no powdered sugar
11. What characteristic do you despise? Arrogance
12. Favorite item of clothing? My jeans!
13. If you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday where would you go? New Zealand
14. What color is your bathroom? White and blue, with Winnie the Pooh accents
15. Favorite brand of clothing? Any brand that fits.
16. Where would you like to retire? California's Central Coast
17. Favorite time of the day? Evening
18. What was your most memorable birthday? My 17th.  My friends threw me a surprise party.
19. Where were you born? Fresno, CA
20. Favorite sport to watch? Hockey and Football
21. What are you wearing right now? Jammies
22. What star sign are you? Scorpio
23. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide with Bleach
24. Pepsi or Coke? Dr. Pepper
25. Are you a morning person or a night owl? NIGHT OWL. What is this morning of which you speak?
26. What is your shoe size? 9.5 wide
27. Do you have any pets? The Princess
28. Any new exciting news you\'d like to share with your readers? I have a cold.
29. What did you want to be when you were little? a Radiologist.
30. What are you meant to be doing today? Working. I took a sick day.

For more about me, see my Eleventy-One things about me page here.

In honor of Alberto...

... and the first hurricane warning of the season:

An oldie but a goodie, the Piper-Kitty Scale

That's longer than a bad TV show....

According to news reports, Zarqawi lived 52 minutes after the bombing.

So I'm wondering, what were the commercials like?  And what took him so long to croak?

We could use a cat like that here, too

After the recent rash of local bear-in-swimming-pool stories, I bet some people would be happy to have Jack the Tabby around:

A black bear got more than it bargained for after straying into a family garden in the US state of New Jersey.

The unwelcome intruder was forced up a tree - twice - by the family pet, a tabby cat called Jack.

The terrified bear was only able to make its escape when owner Donna Dickey called the hissing cat into the house.

Everything you ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...

About the ladies of the Cotillion!

Check out 30 things about each of these brilliant ladies, as compiled by Cassandra

Now hear this!

Most of you probably have seen this story about the ring tone that supposedly only teens can hear.

It's an ultra-high frequency tone, around 17-18 kHz, and most adults lose the ability to distinguish such tones as we age and the hair cells in our inner ears are damaged, either from getting older, or excess exposure to loud noises, including music.  Teens, however, should be able to hear it just fine...

As can most dogs and cats....

Anyway, Steve-O has the link here.  Turn up the volume and click the player.  I can hear it just fine, thanks, as annoying as it is.

Trust me, any of the little f*ckers show up in my class with that, I will own their cell phone for the rest of the day.

Experience Bij!*

Way too many links to Klingon Language Sites from Harvey.

* Bij is the Klingon word for pain

I'd Rather Not

Seems Old Dan has finally gotten the boot at CBS....

CBS executives have decided there is no future role at the network for Dan Rather, making it certain that the man who sat in the anchor chair for 24 years will depart by this fall.

Some people may think it's really because they didn't believe him.....

Why God never received a PhD:

1. He had only one major publication.
2. It was in Hebrew.
3. It had no references.
4. It wasn't published in a refereed journal.
5. Some even doubt he wrote it by himself.
6. It may be true that he created the world, but what has he done since then?
7. His cooperative efforts have been quite limited.
8. The scientific community has had a hard time replicating his results.
9. He never applied to the ethics board for permission to use human subjects.
10. When one experiment went awry he tried to cover it by drowning his subjects.
11. When subjects didn't behave as predicted, he deleted them from the sample.
12. He rarely came to class, just told students to read the book.
13. Some say he had his son teach the class.
14. He expelled his first two students for learning.
15. Although there were only 10 requirements, most of his students failed his tests.
16. His office hours were infrequent and usually held on a mountain top.
17. No record of working well with colleagues.

h/t Lisa

Pretty Much, Yeah.

Your Bumper Sticker Should Be

I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to!

This is pretty accurate....

You Are 56% Lady

You're part lady, part modern woman. Etiquette is important to you, but you brush aside rules that are outdated or silly.

Gnarly!

Not only do these guys sound pretty good, they have a cool name and awesome taste in costumery:

You know, when I was a kid, I always thought Darth Vader would be black under the mask....
h/t Dean

Good Advice!

Fifteen Ways To Avoid A Good Southern Ass Whuppin -

(Issued by the Southern Tourism Bureau to ALL visiting Northerners And Northeastern Urbanites)

1) Don’t order filet mignon or pasta primavera at Waffle House. It’s just a diner. They serve breakfast 24 hours a day. Let them cook something they know.  If you confuse them, they’ll kick your ass.

2) Don’t laugh at our Southern names (Merlene, Bodie, Ovine, Luther Ray, Tammy Lynn, Darla Beth, Laura Jo Inez, Billy Joe, Sissy, Clovis, Perky, Becky Sue, etc.). Or we will just HAVE to kick your ass.

3) Don’t order a bottle of pop or a can of soda down here.  Down here it’s called Coke. Nobody gives a flying damn whether it’s Pepsi, RC, Dr. Pepper, 7-Up or whatever-  it’s still a Coke. Accept it. Doing otherwise can lead to an ass kicking.

4) We know our heritage. Most of us are more literate than you (e.g.,Welty, Williams, Faulkner). We are also better educated and generally a lot nicer. Don’t refer to us as a bunch of hillbillies, or we’ll kick your ass.

5) We have plenty of business sense (e.g., Fred Smith of Fed Ex, Turner Broadcasting, MCI WorldCom, MTV, Netscape). Naturally, we do, sometimes, have small lapses in judgment (e.g., Carter, Edwards, Duke, Barnes, Clinton). We don’t care if you think we are dumb. We are not dumb enough to let someone move to our state in order to run for the Senate. If someone tried to do that, we would kick their ass.

6) Don’t laugh at our Civil War monuments. If Lee had listened to Longstreet and flanked Meade at Gettysburg instead of sending Pickett up the middle, you’d be paying taxes to Richmond instead of Washington. If you visit Stone Mountain and complain about the carving, we’ll kick your ass.

7) We are fully aware of how high the humidity is, so shut the hell up. Just spend your money and get the hell out of here, or we’ll kick your ass.

8) Don’t order wheat toast at Cracker Barrel. Everyone will instantly know that you’re a Yankee. Eat your biscuits like God intended - with gravy. And don’t EVER put sugar on your grits, or we’ll kick your ass.

9) Don’t fake a Southern accent. This will incite a riot, and you will get your ass kicked.

10) Don’t talk about how much better things are at home because we know better. Many of us have visited Northern shitholes like Detroit, Chicago , and DC, and we have the scars to prove it. If you don’t like it here, Delta is ready when you are. Move your ass on home before it gets kicked.

11) Yes, we know how to speak proper English. We talk this way because we don’t want to sound like you. We don’t care if you don’t understand what we are saying. All other Southerners understand what we are saying,  and that’s all that matters. Now, go away and leave us alone, or we’ll kick your ass.

12) Don’t complain that the South is dirty and polluted.  None of OUR lakes or rivers have caught fire recently. If you whine about OUR scenic beauty, we’ll kick your ass all the way back to Boston Harbor.

13) Don’t ridicule our Southern manners. We say sir and ma’am. We hold doors open for others. We offer our seats to old folks because such things are expected of civilized people. Behave yourselves around our sweet little gray-haired grandmothers or they’ll kick some manners into your ass just like they did ours.

14) So you think we’re quaint or losers because most of us live in the countryside? That’s because we have enough sense to not live in filthy, smelly, crime-infested cesspools like New York or Baltimore. Make fun of our fresh air, and we’ll kick your ass.

15) Last, but not least, DO NOT DARE to come down here and tell us how to cook barbecue. This will get your ass shot (right after it is kicked).  You’re lucky we let you come down here at all. Criticize our barbecue, and you will go home in a pine box.. . . Minus your ass.

Behind the times as usual...