"Hi" it's been awhile.
Haven't been up to too too much. Classes started earlier than I expected, I only have half my textbooks. I also found out that my midterm in my Systems Analysis class will be my last day in Budapest and I can't take it early. Or at least that request wasn't addressed. Annoying since once of the reasons I picked that class over another was because it is project based, and those usually don't have midterms. Plus I'm going to learn a lot... still my life this semester is going to look a lot more like IT than IS.
Speaking of Systems Analysis:
The Presbyterian Church, or rather the Presbytery of the New Covenant is now preparing for disaster. This comes two years after Katrina and almost two years after Rita. You know, when everyone that watched Fox News left town... and those that sat back and thought "28 feet above sea level and 50 miles inland, I think I'll stay home" were left with four days off work and no place to go (see mass evacuation that left the city without gas and the highways packed in all directions).
The Presbytery is collecting the names of two elders in each church to coordinate in case of a disaster. They added the caveat that these people should be able to "text" (which I can only now assume is a verb). Let us now see how this plan is a little bit silly:
1) Presbyterian elders are typically well over the age of 40. On my little Session I'm the youngest, the next youngest is 45, maybe even 50. They can't hear in Session, see this post, (Note: this month "Bill's" hearing aid was still ringing) much less hear their phones ring. Or heaven forbid "text." So... I'm guessing the pool of available ambassadors is fairly small.
2) This is the Presbyterian Church. It took us two years to find a minister, which was largely because of them (ok, and interventions of the Holy Spirit) but in a business sense it was totally their inefficiency. I think we would be more likely to be rescued from our rooftops by the federal government than by the P.C.U.S.A.
3) Most of the disaster relief funds in the Presbytery in last few years were embezzled (or misdirected anyway). If they did get all the sign offs to help (before or after) there isn't any money for it anyway.
Solution: In the event of an emergency become a Baptist, at least they know how to swim.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
AAA
Ok, it is an e-mail forward...
To: Mr. Clayton Yeutter
Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
My friends, Wayne and Janelle, over at Wichita Falls, Texas received a
check the other day for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs.
So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business myself next year.
What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best type of
farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to
raise?
I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all
government policies. I would prefer not to raise Razor hogs, but if
that is not a good breed not to raise, then I can just as easily not raise
Yorkshires or Durocs.
My friend Wayne is very excited about the future of this business. He has
been raising hogs for 20 years and the most he ever made was $420 in 1978,
until this year, when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.
If I can get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for
not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first,
holding myself down to not raising about 4,000 hogs, which will give me
$80,000 income the first year. Then I can buy an airplane to better keep
track of the hogs I'm not raising.
As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be keeping an
accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.
Now another thing: these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000
bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not
raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising
wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?
I want to get started not feeding as soon as possible, as this seems to be
a good time of the year to not raise hogs and grain and I don't want to
miss the best of the season.
I am also considering the "not milking cows" business, so please send me
any information on that also.
In view of these circumstances, I understand that the government will
consider me totally unemployed, so I plan to file for unemployment and
food stamps as well.
Be assured that you will have my vote in the coming elections.
Patriotically yours,
Otis Deal
PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free
cheese.
To: Mr. Clayton Yeutter
Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
My friends, Wayne and Janelle, over at Wichita Falls, Texas received a
check the other day for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs.
So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business myself next year.
What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best type of
farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to
raise?
I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all
government policies. I would prefer not to raise Razor hogs, but if
that is not a good breed not to raise, then I can just as easily not raise
Yorkshires or Durocs.
My friend Wayne is very excited about the future of this business. He has
been raising hogs for 20 years and the most he ever made was $420 in 1978,
until this year, when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.
If I can get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for
not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first,
holding myself down to not raising about 4,000 hogs, which will give me
$80,000 income the first year. Then I can buy an airplane to better keep
track of the hogs I'm not raising.
As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be keeping an
accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.
Now another thing: these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000
bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not
raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising
wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?
I want to get started not feeding as soon as possible, as this seems to be
a good time of the year to not raise hogs and grain and I don't want to
miss the best of the season.
I am also considering the "not milking cows" business, so please send me
any information on that also.
In view of these circumstances, I understand that the government will
consider me totally unemployed, so I plan to file for unemployment and
food stamps as well.
Be assured that you will have my vote in the coming elections.
Patriotically yours,
Otis Deal
PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free
cheese.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Missing it a bit
My friends the teachers are back at work today, or rather they have been for week now. Actually they might have the day off. I don't know. I've tried to keep up with the gossip.
They've been in the dreaded SLC meetings for two days straight... the thought of which hasn't made me miss teaching. I think I am going to miss it though, once school starts. So I thought I'd get a fix. Sorry for the subtitles... maybe you can learn Spanish while you're at it.
They've been in the dreaded SLC meetings for two days straight... the thought of which hasn't made me miss teaching. I think I am going to miss it though, once school starts. So I thought I'd get a fix. Sorry for the subtitles... maybe you can learn Spanish while you're at it.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Erin
For those of you who are not in Houston I would like to provide you with the following image.
This is what you call "the dirty side of the storm." All reports on a radio would indicate that the storm was hitting Corpus and South Padre. While technically true it would leave out for the fact that this is my errand day.
Today I... went to the bank (actually three banks, after making phone calls to indicate they would indeed have a notary available... apparently there is a conspiracy to not give bank notaries their stamps in a timely manner and all the other managers are new), I went to the post office where I mailed said notarized package and where they did not have the stamps I wanted (this will be delayed). I also went to pick up a package and sign my lease because the rain had let up. By the time I actually got to sign the lease, however, the rain was coming down in torrents and the puddles in the parking lot were turning from lakes to seas.
At two I have to be at the museum, site of all the flooding in 2001. Joy of joys. Oh, and then to the Dikeman's and to the Gordon's. I've been stranded at all of those before.
I'm pretty sick of the rain, pretty sick of the lakes turning into seas and the rivers turning to straits. But it didn't rain when we were camping. So I don't feel totally smited.
This is what you call "the dirty side of the storm." All reports on a radio would indicate that the storm was hitting Corpus and South Padre. While technically true it would leave out for the fact that this is my errand day.
Today I... went to the bank (actually three banks, after making phone calls to indicate they would indeed have a notary available... apparently there is a conspiracy to not give bank notaries their stamps in a timely manner and all the other managers are new), I went to the post office where I mailed said notarized package and where they did not have the stamps I wanted (this will be delayed). I also went to pick up a package and sign my lease because the rain had let up. By the time I actually got to sign the lease, however, the rain was coming down in torrents and the puddles in the parking lot were turning from lakes to seas.
At two I have to be at the museum, site of all the flooding in 2001. Joy of joys. Oh, and then to the Dikeman's and to the Gordon's. I've been stranded at all of those before.
I'm pretty sick of the rain, pretty sick of the lakes turning into seas and the rivers turning to straits. But it didn't rain when we were camping. So I don't feel totally smited.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Online learning
I looked up my grades today. Seems in one class (previously known as the bull shit class) they posted my final without actually giving me credit for writing my final or turning it in. At all. Awesome.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Censorship?
I read the comics online... yesterday this came from the Houston Chronicle:
But is a repeat, from maybe two weeks ago. This is what went out in Google Reader (by the way Google thinks "Google" is mistyped). Anyway, this is what came out in Google Reader:
Why would you censor that?
But is a repeat, from maybe two weeks ago. This is what went out in Google Reader (by the way Google thinks "Google" is mistyped). Anyway, this is what came out in Google Reader:
Why would you censor that?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Endless summer...
I have three (hopefully two) days left on my classes. I took three this summer (actually 12, but that's another story) all in the name of an easier fall. I think my lowest grade is going to come from what I'm calling the "bull shit class" which I knew would be "easy" but well, didn't think would be total bull shit. Seems they care if a colon comes after my name or not... or at least I think thats what they care about cause I never get back any feedback than a number. Bleh. So thats almost over... Whatever. Blogs are meant to bring delight so I'll spare you from the bitching.
Folks at church keep asking when school starts. I'm not really sure what they are asking, since memories (if they had them) are short. Their questions rarely match what is actually going on in my life. This school starting thing is a complicated subject. Texas, in its infinite wisdom, voted to push back the start of school till the last week of summer. Something about saving money on the air conditioning. Actually I'm pretty sure they had this vote when I was in high school. So the vote was actually not to have as many waivers for school districts wanting that early start.
Doesn't matter, they will have turned on everything in HISD two weeks before... thats when the teachers have to report to not miss a paycheck. Other teachers are going back the week after (and not missing a paycheck, funny how that works). I'm going back labor day weekend... but that isn't the question they are asking.
I would also like to introduce you to the concept of niche marketing.
In other news I got the wedding invitation for Granddad's wedding. Kate spells Catherine the way I spell Katharine. The wright way. Yuck yuck yuck.
Oh... if I asked you what did James Wright invent as a substitute for rubber during World War II would you know it?
Or what state do you have to visit to see the Grand Canyon?
Or what actor married his long time girlfriend Anne Stringfield on July 22nd?
What was Wendy in Peter Pan's last name?
Shakespeare: What was Juliet's family name?
What is the GDP per capita of Mexico?
Who was the first European to lead an over land expedition to the Pacific?
Music/FEMA: which city is too close to New Orleans?
What year did Henry of Navarre become Henry IV of France?
Who was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1974, played for the Clippers and finished with the Celtics?
Who had his mural removed in New York over a controversy that it had a portrait of Lenin?
And finally... If Indiana is the 19th state, and California is the 31st. Name seven states that fell in between.
Folks at church keep asking when school starts. I'm not really sure what they are asking, since memories (if they had them) are short. Their questions rarely match what is actually going on in my life. This school starting thing is a complicated subject. Texas, in its infinite wisdom, voted to push back the start of school till the last week of summer. Something about saving money on the air conditioning. Actually I'm pretty sure they had this vote when I was in high school. So the vote was actually not to have as many waivers for school districts wanting that early start.
Doesn't matter, they will have turned on everything in HISD two weeks before... thats when the teachers have to report to not miss a paycheck. Other teachers are going back the week after (and not missing a paycheck, funny how that works). I'm going back labor day weekend... but that isn't the question they are asking.
I would also like to introduce you to the concept of niche marketing.
In other news I got the wedding invitation for Granddad's wedding. Kate spells Catherine the way I spell Katharine. The wright way. Yuck yuck yuck.
Oh... if I asked you what did James Wright invent as a substitute for rubber during World War II would you know it?
Or what state do you have to visit to see the Grand Canyon?
Or what actor married his long time girlfriend Anne Stringfield on July 22nd?
What was Wendy in Peter Pan's last name?
Shakespeare: What was Juliet's family name?
What is the GDP per capita of Mexico?
Who was the first European to lead an over land expedition to the Pacific?
Music/FEMA: which city is too close to New Orleans?
What year did Henry of Navarre become Henry IV of France?
Who was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1974, played for the Clippers and finished with the Celtics?
Who had his mural removed in New York over a controversy that it had a portrait of Lenin?
And finally... If Indiana is the 19th state, and California is the 31st. Name seven states that fell in between.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Budapest is for lovers?
So I was reading today about Budapest... long walks along the river, the best places to see the sunset. Oooolala good thing Bethany's going.
Ohh... and there's a bar called "Paris, Texas" cheers to hoping I can go line dancing in Hungary.
Ohh... and there's a bar called "Paris, Texas" cheers to hoping I can go line dancing in Hungary.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Simpsonize Me
I'm really just posting in response to Bethany these days. I'm a bit of a follower... cause I've found that as a leader... I don't often have sheep. I'd tried the Simpsonizing business when it first came out, when the servers were too small to facilitate the demand for Simpsonizing. Then I forgot about it. Here though, is the newest picture.
I kinda wish they could have me posing next to Milhouse. Cause that would be awesome.
I kinda wish they could have me posing next to Milhouse. Cause that would be awesome.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
COBRA
If you ever apply for insurance with Cobra I suggest you apply and then leave the house for a couple of days. Cause they'll keep on calling you... a lot. What is your deductable? What is your co-pay? What kind of rate would you get on drugs? What is the maximum out of pocket expense? You already know that company is in network with your doctor? Oh, we can't give you a better deal than that... I'll e-mail you an application...
So if you want to talk to me don't call the house line... or you can, but leave a message. I'm screening my calls.
So if you want to talk to me don't call the house line... or you can, but leave a message. I'm screening my calls.
The Big Review
Ok, this is a little late, but here's the review of The Simpsons' Big Movie.
First I'll say if you aren't already a Simpsons fan, if you don't already like a sarcastic, dry humor you can stop reading now. I don't think that will actually eliminate any of my fair readers, since well... thats the company I keep. Kind of.
I went to Bible study (actually not Bible study these days but Lewis study) before the show. I wore my "Someone in Springfield Loves Me" shirt (it's Milhouse) and much to my chagrin my friends asked me where Springfield is. I don't know... from the state line you can see Ohio, Arizona, Maine, and Kentucky... it's within hours drive of Knoxville and South Florida...
Anyway... to answer my friends' t-shirt question... "it's the movie." "What movie? That movie you are living for is coming out in November." "Oh you mean Hairspray?" Some of my friends are uh... different these days. That's why they weren't invited.
I promised a review though. I'll say, if you are still reading... go see it. Remember in college when you used to gather around the twelve inch television and watch it on the futon? Remember how it it was just better back then? That's what you are paying for. To watch it with other people who love the Simpsons, but on a much larger screen, with much better colors... the reception is good, no static and only one commercial. It isn't the same watching it by yourself.
The script feels like it was written back then as well, which should get rid of any worry that it is just "weird."
It does play out like an extended episode, and unfortunately most of the focus is on the nuclear family. There is a reset... and all is well (I think, this could be debated). Oh, and FOX and the FCC didn't get to it. Not to say that it is "raw and uncut" by any means. This isn't South Park...
First I'll say if you aren't already a Simpsons fan, if you don't already like a sarcastic, dry humor you can stop reading now. I don't think that will actually eliminate any of my fair readers, since well... thats the company I keep. Kind of.
I went to Bible study (actually not Bible study these days but Lewis study) before the show. I wore my "Someone in Springfield Loves Me" shirt (it's Milhouse) and much to my chagrin my friends asked me where Springfield is. I don't know... from the state line you can see Ohio, Arizona, Maine, and Kentucky... it's within hours drive of Knoxville and South Florida...
Anyway... to answer my friends' t-shirt question... "it's the movie." "What movie? That movie you are living for is coming out in November." "Oh you mean Hairspray?" Some of my friends are uh... different these days. That's why they weren't invited.
I promised a review though. I'll say, if you are still reading... go see it. Remember in college when you used to gather around the twelve inch television and watch it on the futon? Remember how it it was just better back then? That's what you are paying for. To watch it with other people who love the Simpsons, but on a much larger screen, with much better colors... the reception is good, no static and only one commercial. It isn't the same watching it by yourself.
The script feels like it was written back then as well, which should get rid of any worry that it is just "weird."
It does play out like an extended episode, and unfortunately most of the focus is on the nuclear family. There is a reset... and all is well (I think, this could be debated). Oh, and FOX and the FCC didn't get to it. Not to say that it is "raw and uncut" by any means. This isn't South Park...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Awesomeness...
It is a word if you say its a word. It is indeed official, and given that I'm lazy I'll just refer you here. I'll have to spend an hour in Paris to get there, and a couple of hours to get back... but it is all good.
I didn't get to see the Gummy Bears with my dad this weekend, but I do get to see the Simpsons' movie in 26 hours. Spider pig...
I didn't get to see the Gummy Bears with my dad this weekend, but I do get to see the Simpsons' movie in 26 hours. Spider pig...
Monday, July 23, 2007
Update
Hello all you crazy cats out there.
I'm sure you missed me. Unless of course you actually see me. I've been busy. Seems taking three classes during summer school and working on an internship was exactly what I thought it would be and no less. But alas, I can do just about anything for a couple of weeks, and in a couple of weeks at least some of that will be over. I'll have one fewer class to take in the fall too, which will be nice.
We won't mention the other things I've been up to, save to say it hasn't been all work and no play. That would make a dull boy.
Some things have come up though, so I'll invite your thoughts on the matters.
1) In an Ode Magazine article "The Case of the Alphabet" (June 2007) they cited research (kind of bothers me when they mention there is research but don't actually say what the research is... guess that's why I'd buy the book they are hocking) anyway... they cited research that said that readers, specifically whole cultures that read, are more violent than those that do not. There were historical references, the highlights being: Religions of The Book, vs. oral traditions, Sparta v. Athens, Middle Ages v. Reformation (the turning point of course the printing press), and the coincidence of the advent of television and the civil rights movement. Mixed up in the argument is not only the prevalence of war and peace but also the presence of equality of the sexes in minimally literate societies. The scientific argument is that the brain is much more passive watching television than reading a book: alpha and theta vs. beta brain waves. I've heard these arguments before, tying historical periods and literacy to war and peace (but also sensual cultures to be prone to takeover), but the division where male=war and female=peace seems to be a bit of a jump. Brings up new questions about all those fights caused by video games huh? And what about graphic novels?
2) I'm not really "up" on the gaming world. Some of my friends are, so I asked them about the virtual world Second Life. They thought it was kind of weird too. I'll link to it here, but not as an endorsement. Someone will have to explain what it is beyond a tremendous waste of time AND money. If the numbers are true, in a 24 hour period $1.7 million was traded on the site...so people could buy and sell virtual land and virtual products. My take on it is that the ones profiting are the ones that built the site, and therefore own the land, which can be expanded at a total profit to them. This isn't Manhattan, this is Houston... where when land prices go up we just start commuting... or in virtual world don't go to work. Yet there seems to be a contingent of librarians out there that think this is a great tool for advancing libraries. Which I don't get either. So we'll chalk this one up to a what-the-hell-are-people-thinking-???? category and move on.
3) Insha'Allah. If God wills. It seems a noble thing "thy will be done." At the end of the day that might be the only prayer worth praying. Except if you can change God's mind. For better or for worse... it's been done before. Insha'Allah. It takes a lot of faith perhaps, but it could also be an excuse for procrastination.
I'm sure you missed me. Unless of course you actually see me. I've been busy. Seems taking three classes during summer school and working on an internship was exactly what I thought it would be and no less. But alas, I can do just about anything for a couple of weeks, and in a couple of weeks at least some of that will be over. I'll have one fewer class to take in the fall too, which will be nice.
We won't mention the other things I've been up to, save to say it hasn't been all work and no play. That would make a dull boy.
Some things have come up though, so I'll invite your thoughts on the matters.
1) In an Ode Magazine article "The Case of the Alphabet" (June 2007) they cited research (kind of bothers me when they mention there is research but don't actually say what the research is... guess that's why I'd buy the book they are hocking) anyway... they cited research that said that readers, specifically whole cultures that read, are more violent than those that do not. There were historical references, the highlights being: Religions of The Book, vs. oral traditions, Sparta v. Athens, Middle Ages v. Reformation (the turning point of course the printing press), and the coincidence of the advent of television and the civil rights movement. Mixed up in the argument is not only the prevalence of war and peace but also the presence of equality of the sexes in minimally literate societies. The scientific argument is that the brain is much more passive watching television than reading a book: alpha and theta vs. beta brain waves. I've heard these arguments before, tying historical periods and literacy to war and peace (but also sensual cultures to be prone to takeover), but the division where male=war and female=peace seems to be a bit of a jump. Brings up new questions about all those fights caused by video games huh? And what about graphic novels?
2) I'm not really "up" on the gaming world. Some of my friends are, so I asked them about the virtual world Second Life. They thought it was kind of weird too. I'll link to it here, but not as an endorsement. Someone will have to explain what it is beyond a tremendous waste of time AND money. If the numbers are true, in a 24 hour period $1.7 million was traded on the site...so people could buy and sell virtual land and virtual products. My take on it is that the ones profiting are the ones that built the site, and therefore own the land, which can be expanded at a total profit to them. This isn't Manhattan, this is Houston... where when land prices go up we just start commuting... or in virtual world don't go to work. Yet there seems to be a contingent of librarians out there that think this is a great tool for advancing libraries. Which I don't get either. So we'll chalk this one up to a what-the-hell-are-people-thinking-???? category and move on.
3) Insha'Allah. If God wills. It seems a noble thing "thy will be done." At the end of the day that might be the only prayer worth praying. Except if you can change God's mind. For better or for worse... it's been done before. Insha'Allah. It takes a lot of faith perhaps, but it could also be an excuse for procrastination.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?
There is a new character greeting me when I walk into the museum these days. As I walk past the two um... fat silver track stars that are just asking for weggies I meet Mr. Pointy. Who I will link to here... but the link won't work so go there and then go to images and then he's on the second row third one over... it will be obvious.
I kind of wish I'd won him at a Crawfish Festival or something, or that I could snatch him up in the mechanical arm at Pizza Hut. Not that I have to bring him home, but those guards are around all the time. I can't touch him without consequences. Cause he's just... provocative.
I kind of wish I'd won him at a Crawfish Festival or something, or that I could snatch him up in the mechanical arm at Pizza Hut. Not that I have to bring him home, but those guards are around all the time. I can't touch him without consequences. Cause he's just... provocative.
We finally have it...
Sometime last spring I mentioned Bethany and I were going to Europe. Three checked out library guides, a few interviews, and a spreadsheet of airfares later we've figured it out: Budapest in October. Probably a little Prague too, since there's the astronomical clock and the torture museum.
If you were wondering it is also cheaper than other places to go to Madrid and to Dublin this fall... and there is a spreadsheet to prove it.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Disappointing
I got my bacteria in the mail yesterday. I was kind of hoping the outside of the box would be stamped all over with the words "Live Bacteria." It was disappointedly absent of such markings.
Yesterday I spent almost the whole afternoon working on a paper, er... a bibliography of recommended titles. None of them were to be over five years old. I think my course notes were written over five years ago so all of the tools I was supposed to use were from 2001 (or before). Which means I couldn't use the tools they told me to use unless I could find a later edition. When there was a later edition it wasn't available through the libraries I can go to. Which means I couldn't use the materials that I was supposed to. Except for the ones I could get free trials for, which have a three business day waiting period while they find out if I'm leggit or not. Which means I learned a whole lot about ways you can be set up for failure before you even begin.
Yesterday I spent almost the whole afternoon working on a paper, er... a bibliography of recommended titles. None of them were to be over five years old. I think my course notes were written over five years ago so all of the tools I was supposed to use were from 2001 (or before). Which means I couldn't use the tools they told me to use unless I could find a later edition. When there was a later edition it wasn't available through the libraries I can go to. Which means I couldn't use the materials that I was supposed to. Except for the ones I could get free trials for, which have a three business day waiting period while they find out if I'm leggit or not. Which means I learned a whole lot about ways you can be set up for failure before you even begin.
Honey Bees
Somehow I missed this in the news over the last few months. I'm told it will be a question in trivia next week so that means it is important.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Hitting Close to Home
The other day I saw an eight year old with a Bluetooth. I'm assuming he was eight... plus or minus a few years due to the fact that I just don't hang around that many eight years. But that's not the point.
He's eight... he had one of those contraptions that keeps you permanently wired and always distracted. He's one of those people in the airport that you think are talking to you... until you realize they aren't.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Huhhhhhhhhhhsssshhhhh...
I'm a little over half of the way through my internship at the MFA. I finished the last of my projects today. Done and done.
In case you were wondering how cool it is to be a librarian I thought I'd direct you to these recent postings and articles:
A Hipper Crowd of Sushers
Spectacles
and the reason for all the attention: Hollywood Librarian
In case you were wondering how cool it is to be a librarian I thought I'd direct you to these recent postings and articles:
A Hipper Crowd of Sushers
Spectacles
and the reason for all the attention: Hollywood Librarian
Monday, July 09, 2007
I'm not getting evicted!
In the ever continuing mount of complaints against my landlord...
Friday I got a phone call. From Sam, mind you, that we hadn't paid rent. This wouldn't be the first phone call, and given that we're probably not moving any time soon it probably won't be the last.
One: Sam isn't on the lease, he's an "occupant."
Two: The other phone call went to my mom, who most certainly isn't on the lease either.
Three: I've changed my phone number with them at least half a dozen times in the last four years. They've never written it down or put it in the computer...
Anyway, rumor had it I hadn't paid rent. I most certainly had. Two days early because the 1st fell on a Sunday. The check had CLEARED.
I went to the office. They close at 6PM. Except for on Fridays when it rains when they close at 5PM... since they all live an hour away and it was flooding (they are all supposed to live on site). I know this now cause the guy that works there told me as he went out to walk his dog.
So I called Saturday. No one there to actually help me (only the guy that can find keys and MAYBE find my package... the one that was walking his dog). He told me to call back Monday. So I did.
So they found my check, she'd "cashed it with like five or six others but like oh my gawd some reason didn't post them." Beh.
I miss Sunshine and the sunshine.
Friday I got a phone call. From Sam, mind you, that we hadn't paid rent. This wouldn't be the first phone call, and given that we're probably not moving any time soon it probably won't be the last.
One: Sam isn't on the lease, he's an "occupant."
Two: The other phone call went to my mom, who most certainly isn't on the lease either.
Three: I've changed my phone number with them at least half a dozen times in the last four years. They've never written it down or put it in the computer...
Anyway, rumor had it I hadn't paid rent. I most certainly had. Two days early because the 1st fell on a Sunday. The check had CLEARED.
I went to the office. They close at 6PM. Except for on Fridays when it rains when they close at 5PM... since they all live an hour away and it was flooding (they are all supposed to live on site). I know this now cause the guy that works there told me as he went out to walk his dog.
So I called Saturday. No one there to actually help me (only the guy that can find keys and MAYBE find my package... the one that was walking his dog). He told me to call back Monday. So I did.
So they found my check, she'd "cashed it with like five or six others but like oh my gawd some reason didn't post them." Beh.
I miss Sunshine and the sunshine.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Receptions
Apparently more people got married today than any other day that's been recorded... 7-7-7.
In our world it was the third and fourth shindigs of the Waitman-Dikeman aka Dike-man wedding. Which begs the question: was this the first keg party to be thrown at Dr. and Mrs. Dikeman's house?
It was, at least to their knowledge.
In our world it was the third and fourth shindigs of the Waitman-Dikeman aka Dike-man wedding. Which begs the question: was this the first keg party to be thrown at Dr. and Mrs. Dikeman's house?
It was, at least to their knowledge.
Sicko
I hadn't been eagerly anticipating the newest Michael Moore movie. I didn't actually know it existed until one of my dear friends, Rufus (not her real name, but she knows who she is), proposed that we go. You know, cause everyone else in the little Bible study was out of town.
Rufus's husband calls me Kate McArtle. It is, his thing. Rufus thought my name was McArtle until she was watching reruns on cable and said "hey, she's got the same name as Kate!" It is totally understandable.
Anyway. We went to see Sicko. I won't waste my time dissecting the problems of Moore's "random sampling" or trying to identify who the actual villain was or try to explain why Hillary Clinton would promoted as the lone ranger in a fight for universal health care in America. Nor will I postulate what Moore would say if his hero did become president and tabled the issue in favor of spending political capital on more easily won fights.
What I will bring up is this notion that "until me becomes we" the problem won't be solved. Then again, isn't that the fundamental problem of all public policy? Er wait... the cause of misery, strife, and warfare everywhere?
Rufus's husband calls me Kate McArtle. It is, his thing. Rufus thought my name was McArtle until she was watching reruns on cable and said "hey, she's got the same name as Kate!" It is totally understandable.
Anyway. We went to see Sicko. I won't waste my time dissecting the problems of Moore's "random sampling" or trying to identify who the actual villain was or try to explain why Hillary Clinton would promoted as the lone ranger in a fight for universal health care in America. Nor will I postulate what Moore would say if his hero did become president and tabled the issue in favor of spending political capital on more easily won fights.
What I will bring up is this notion that "until me becomes we" the problem won't be solved. Then again, isn't that the fundamental problem of all public policy? Er wait... the cause of misery, strife, and warfare everywhere?
Monday, July 02, 2007
Cheeeeesssy
I tried to make mozzarella today. First draft... not so great. Me and my brain said citric acid was well... citric acid and I put 1.5 tsp of lime juice in there. Turns out citric acid is sold in the vitamin aisle at *some* pharmacies (er not any actually) and at in the bulk section of a restaurant I used to eat at with Emily(1)
(1) I don't think anyone that reads this blog, save Sam... er... and maybe Greg if he's reading... knows Emily. Anyway update... she's in California being Berkley. Something about feminist literature, Italian, and a PhD. I've never known what's been going on since '99.
Anyway, the second batch worked and I have some lovely mozzerella balls in the *clean*(2) fridge.
(2) Sam and I cleaned out the fridge. Mostly Sam, but you know. I even relabeled the glass yogurt containter in the back with its true contents "cooking grease." I think we'd scared people with the previous label. I can't find my labels so I used name badges I used in history roll plays. So now there is a yellowish orange substance in the back labeled "Hello my name is cooking grease." Stop by to say "hi."
So they said to reserve the whey. I did. I don't have hogs to feed it to... so oh say can you say, what do you do with whey?
In other news, if anyone wants any ricotta let me know. Otherwise I'll throw a Roman/Mafia(3) party. Anyone know how to fry a lasagna?
(3) I'm aware of the historical inaccuracies of attributing pasta to the Roman Empire. But how else do I get lasagna AND togas?
(1) I don't think anyone that reads this blog, save Sam... er... and maybe Greg if he's reading... knows Emily. Anyway update... she's in California being Berkley. Something about feminist literature, Italian, and a PhD. I've never known what's been going on since '99.
Anyway, the second batch worked and I have some lovely mozzerella balls in the *clean*(2) fridge.
(2) Sam and I cleaned out the fridge. Mostly Sam, but you know. I even relabeled the glass yogurt containter in the back with its true contents "cooking grease." I think we'd scared people with the previous label. I can't find my labels so I used name badges I used in history roll plays. So now there is a yellowish orange substance in the back labeled "Hello my name is cooking grease." Stop by to say "hi."
So they said to reserve the whey. I did. I don't have hogs to feed it to... so oh say can you say, what do you do with whey?
In other news, if anyone wants any ricotta let me know. Otherwise I'll throw a Roman/Mafia(3) party. Anyone know how to fry a lasagna?
(3) I'm aware of the historical inaccuracies of attributing pasta to the Roman Empire. But how else do I get lasagna AND togas?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Harry V
I went to one of those Midnight Magic parties a few years ago. I watched the affair, fascinated with the face painting and magic tricks my friends working at Barnes and Noble were putting on. Once everyone got in line for the book sale I left. Heather and I went to Wal-Mart to run an errand on our way home. There was a entire pallet of untouched books. They were 20% off the cover price you'd pay if you stood in line. I bought one. Heather bought one.
Four years after starting it I finally finished Harry Potter V. I started and stopped so many times I can't count. Other things to read, other things to do... and it is just so slow. After losing my bookmark, I think I read the middle hundred pages twice on accident.
Someone told me it was the best book they ever read; that I just had to wait till the end... er... um...
Four years after starting it I finally finished Harry Potter V. I started and stopped so many times I can't count. Other things to read, other things to do... and it is just so slow. After losing my bookmark, I think I read the middle hundred pages twice on accident.
Someone told me it was the best book they ever read; that I just had to wait till the end... er... um...
Friday, June 29, 2007
From the mixed up files of...
I've been there for six days. I'm getting the dynamics down.
One lady finds dirty books and walks around asking who bought it. They blamed it on the guy that was out of town. She also calls every week to complain about the elevator.
One guy takes the dirty pictures (oil refinery workers and interesting pictures from 1970s Vegas) around and shows everyone.
One girl checks in the gifts. Today it was a book of photographs of Japanese sex hotels in a pink wooden box with a pillow.
I don't think five of them can actually speak. Everyone's car keeps breaking down (or the TV or the fridge). They start work at 9AM and end at 5PM. Exactly.
I'm learning to read French auction catalogs. Wonder when that skill will come in handy next?
One lady finds dirty books and walks around asking who bought it. They blamed it on the guy that was out of town. She also calls every week to complain about the elevator.
One guy takes the dirty pictures (oil refinery workers and interesting pictures from 1970s Vegas) around and shows everyone.
One girl checks in the gifts. Today it was a book of photographs of Japanese sex hotels in a pink wooden box with a pillow.
I don't think five of them can actually speak. Everyone's car keeps breaking down (or the TV or the fridge). They start work at 9AM and end at 5PM. Exactly.
I'm learning to read French auction catalogs. Wonder when that skill will come in handy next?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Biggio
Congrats to him! Well played game (all things considered).
And good for you if you kept watching to see Lee's walk-off grand slam in the 11th.
And good for you if you kept watching to see Lee's walk-off grand slam in the 11th.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Luke and Caleb
Tonight I had the unique (now anyway) pleasure of hangin' out with two of my favorite boys of all time Caleb and Luke. Gosh they are cute.
I learned a bunch of monster jokes:
What king of dog does the vampire have?
A Blood Hound
Why does Frankenstein have a nice lawn?
He has a green thumb
A bunch of space jokes:
What planet goes up in the summer and down in the winter?
Mercury
What is in the middle of Jupiter?
I
What do comets and Wishbone (the terrier) have in common?
They are both stars with tails
and a bunch of mad scientist jokes, none of which are worth repeating.
Then I realized... Luke is five. Luke is reading these jokes to me. Gosh that kid is smart.
Dear readers, I thought you too would appreciate Luke's jokes.
I learned a bunch of monster jokes:
What king of dog does the vampire have?
A Blood Hound
Why does Frankenstein have a nice lawn?
He has a green thumb
A bunch of space jokes:
What planet goes up in the summer and down in the winter?
Mercury
What is in the middle of Jupiter?
I
What do comets and Wishbone (the terrier) have in common?
They are both stars with tails
and a bunch of mad scientist jokes, none of which are worth repeating.
Then I realized... Luke is five. Luke is reading these jokes to me. Gosh that kid is smart.
Dear readers, I thought you too would appreciate Luke's jokes.
Who said the library wasn't dangerous?
Today I was almost crushed by the moving shelves in the basement. Ok, not almost... but the did get turned on to crush me if I hadn't stopped it with my foot.
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