I'll give you the password.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
I've moved
I've moved here. I'm password protected, but if you write to me and can prove you're not an insane criminal or a member of my family, 
I'll give you the password.
I'll give you the password.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Oh what a tangled web
You're a Spider!
It seems like you have eyes in the back of your head sometimes, and
you have an uncanny knack for creeping people out with that ability. You really
enjoy eating wraps, though you like them even more if you made them yourself. You
work tirelessly so that you can eat, but are good at getting rid of annoyances for
other people. There's always just a little more drama than necessary when you're
around. Oh, what tangled webs you weave!
Take the Animal Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Did I ever tell you about my pet, Tools??
You're Watership Down!
by Richard Adams
Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're
actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their
assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they
build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd
be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Test Result
I'm recently back from vacation -- my house needs cleaning, I'm a few thousand email messages behind, and about 100 blog posts behind. I also need to post much information on my own blog.
SOOOOOOO -- naturally I stop for a meme
The Which Lolcat Are You?
Your Score: Longcat
78% Affectionate, 27% Excitable, 37% Hungry
Protector of truth.Slayer of darkness.Loooooong.Longcat may seem like just a regular lengthy cat, but he is, in fact, looong. For proof, observe the longpic. It is prophesized that Longcat and his archnemesis Tacgnol will battle for supremacy on Caturday. The outcome will change the face of the world, and indeed the very fabric of lolcatdom, forever. Be grateful that the test has chosen you, and only you, to have this title. To see all possible results, checka dis. My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
You scored higher than 94% on Affection
You scored higher than 5% on Excitability
You scored higher than 22% on Hunger
You scored higher than 0% on Felinity
78% Affectionate, 27% Excitable, 37% Hungry
Protector of truth.Slayer of darkness.Loooooong.Longcat may seem like just a regular lengthy cat, but he is, in fact, looong. For proof, observe the longpic. It is prophesized that Longcat and his archnemesis Tacgnol will battle for supremacy on Caturday. The outcome will change the face of the world, and indeed the very fabric of lolcatdom, forever. Be grateful that the test has chosen you, and only you, to have this title. To see all possible results, checka dis. My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
You scored higher than 94% on Affection
You scored higher than 5% on Excitability
You scored higher than 22% on Hunger
You scored higher than 0% on Felinity
click here to find out Which Lolcat Are You?
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Vacation in the Minivan .....
Vacation in the minivan Day #1.
Wake uptoo bloody early. Finish packing, do laundry. Go into my office where I had a couple of small items to attend to. Get home, take shower, and dress in business casual type clothes (not what I normally wear to drive). Finish packing the minivan and drive to the movie theater. What?? That's not how you normally start a vacation.
Trade places with Spouse and kids in the line at the theater. Spouse takes kids off to feed them lunch, and I stand in line for an hour and 1/2. Am rejoined by Spouse and Chip, stand in line for another 1/2 hour, and then spend a very few minutes getting picture taken with, and talking to James and Oliver Phelps (more commonly known as The Weasley Twins). Pictures later.
Hop into Spouses sedan and "continue" on my road to vacation by driving to Golf Course Suburb for a baby shower. Niece #1 is having my first grandnephew, so we delayed the start of our vacation travels until after the shower. Chat with family and friends, and then a few hours later, Spouse, Chip, Princess, and GMA-W and GPA-W arrive in Golf Course Suburb. I hop in minivan with all except Spouse. He's not joining us on vacation, as he started a new job last week and (a) it's not really a good plan to take vacation right after starting a new gig and (b) since he's on contract he only gets paid for the time he works -- after a bit of time with no income, we can't afford a week with no pay when there's an option for a week WITH pay.
Drive for a bit and call spouse "where's the camera" (which was used to take pictures of Chip, Ramblingmom, and the Phelps twins)? "In my pocket" so you'll see no pictures from vacation until my return home (and my camera). Now, since we're travelling with GMA-W and GPA-W (a/k/a the inlaws) we can borrow their camera at times. We're also meeting SIL and BIL and their kids. BIL is a very avid photographer or so he pretends. We often see him posing people for pictures and taking pictures and doing all sorts of things with cameras, but we never actually see any of these photographs.
So we drive a few hours, get some dinner, and then drive a couple more hours and find a room with a pillow top mattress (and internet access).
We we're going there may not be Internet access, so you may get the rest of the trip much later.
Wake up
Trade places with Spouse and kids in the line at the theater. Spouse takes kids off to feed them lunch, and I stand in line for an hour and 1/2. Am rejoined by Spouse and Chip, stand in line for another 1/2 hour, and then spend a very few minutes getting picture taken with, and talking to James and Oliver Phelps (more commonly known as The Weasley Twins). Pictures later.
Hop into Spouses sedan and "continue" on my road to vacation by driving to Golf Course Suburb for a baby shower. Niece #1 is having my first grandnephew, so we delayed the start of our vacation travels until after the shower. Chat with family and friends, and then a few hours later, Spouse, Chip, Princess, and GMA-W and GPA-W arrive in Golf Course Suburb. I hop in minivan with all except Spouse. He's not joining us on vacation, as he started a new job last week and (a) it's not really a good plan to take vacation right after starting a new gig and (b) since he's on contract he only gets paid for the time he works -- after a bit of time with no income, we can't afford a week with no pay when there's an option for a week WITH pay.
Drive for a bit and call spouse "where's the camera" (which was used to take pictures of Chip, Ramblingmom, and the Phelps twins)? "In my pocket" so you'll see no pictures from vacation until my return home (and my camera). Now, since we're travelling with GMA-W and GPA-W (a/k/a the inlaws) we can borrow their camera at times. We're also meeting SIL and BIL and their kids. BIL is a very avid photographer or so he pretends. We often see him posing people for pictures and taking pictures and doing all sorts of things with cameras, but we never actually see any of these photographs.
So we drive a few hours, get some dinner, and then drive a couple more hours and find a room with a pillow top mattress (and internet access).
We we're going there may not be Internet access, so you may get the rest of the trip much later.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Order of the Phoenix -- impressions after 2 viewings
We saw the movie at the midnight release and then a day later Chip *WON* two tickets to another showing for Saturday so ---- I mean what else could we do??
Anyway, now that I've seen it twice I have a few impressions
One thing that always disappoints me about the movies is that they can never match the books. I understand that there's not enough time in 2+ hours to catch everything. They do sort of "fill in" the books for me. For instance, now I have a much better picture in my mind of Luna Lovegood. And let me say that I *LOVE* Evanna Lynch (I think Chip thinks I have a "girl crush" on her). She catches that dreamy/spacey quality of Luna so well. Don't worry, you're just as sane as me. Kudos to casting on THAT casting call.
No quidditch :^(. Didn't get to hear "Weasley is our King".
Jason Isaacs -- WOW -- I really hated him as Lucius Malfoy in this movie - I mean I LOVE the way that Jason Isaacs portrayed Lucius Malfoy and made me hate Lucius. Now lets everybody just calm down... shall we?
Now I might have disliked Mr. Malfoy -- but Umbridge really got my goat (or Centaur in this case). Pure evil. I kept trying to think that maybe if the Ministry really thought that Dumbledore was waging a war against the ministry that might excuse some of her behavior but I couldn't forget that (from the book) she had ordered the dementor attack on Harry. I can't find an excuse for that.
I'm thinking Tonks for Halloween.
What follows is a spoiler for those that have not seen movie 5 AND have not READ book 6.
Cornelius Fudge resigned as Minister of Magic (it was a headline of the Prophet that passed by). Book 6 starts with the introduction of the new Minister of Magic. I've loved Robert Hardy since he was Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small.
I'm going to miss him in the Potter movies.
BYE BYE Siegfried (though I wouldn't cry if somehow Peter Davison managed to get cast in an HP movie).
Anyway, now that I've seen it twice I have a few impressions
One thing that always disappoints me about the movies is that they can never match the books. I understand that there's not enough time in 2+ hours to catch everything. They do sort of "fill in" the books for me. For instance, now I have a much better picture in my mind of Luna Lovegood. And let me say that I *LOVE* Evanna Lynch (I think Chip thinks I have a "girl crush" on her). She catches that dreamy/spacey quality of Luna so well. Don't worry, you're just as sane as me. Kudos to casting on THAT casting call.
No quidditch :^(. Didn't get to hear "Weasley is our King".
Jason Isaacs -- WOW -- I really hated him as Lucius Malfoy in this movie - I mean I LOVE the way that Jason Isaacs portrayed Lucius Malfoy and made me hate Lucius. Now lets everybody just calm down... shall we?
Now I might have disliked Mr. Malfoy -- but Umbridge really got my goat (or Centaur in this case). Pure evil. I kept trying to think that maybe if the Ministry really thought that Dumbledore was waging a war against the ministry that might excuse some of her behavior but I couldn't forget that (from the book) she had ordered the dementor attack on Harry. I can't find an excuse for that.
I'm thinking Tonks for Halloween.
What follows is a spoiler for those that have not seen movie 5 AND have not READ book 6.
Cornelius Fudge resigned as Minister of Magic (it was a headline of the Prophet that passed by). Book 6 starts with the introduction of the new Minister of Magic. I've loved Robert Hardy since he was Siegfried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small.
I'm going to miss him in the Potter movies.
BYE BYE Siegfried (though I wouldn't cry if somehow Peter Davison managed to get cast in an HP movie).
Friday, July 13, 2007
nearest book meme
This has been going around. Since I have a lot of "closest books" to my computer (there's a 6 shelf bookshelf nearby -- which is the closest book? The one on the first shelf or the second or the third?). I did have Dora the Explorer Madlibs Junior ON the computer table -- that that doesnt' have the required number of pages.
So I decided that the next time a book lands on my computer table, I'd use that book for the closest book meme. (If you look at my last post - you may understand how this book came to be on my table)
And here goes ...
The game:
1. Grab the nearest book to you.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
From The Yale Book of Quotations edited by Fred R. Shapiro
David Byrne
Scottish-born U.S. Rock musician, 1952
1 And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house
With a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself
Well, how did I get here?
"Once in a Lifetime" (song) (1980). Cowritten with Brian Eno.
2 And you may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
(OKAY -- so that was a bit confusing as the punctuation is weird enough in a book of quotations so I just counted end of sentence punctuation marks and went from there).
So I decided that the next time a book lands on my computer table, I'd use that book for the closest book meme. (If you look at my last post - you may understand how this book came to be on my table)
And here goes ...
The game:
1. Grab the nearest book to you.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
From The Yale Book of Quotations edited by Fred R. Shapiro
David Byrne
Scottish-born U.S. Rock musician, 1952
1 And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house
With a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself
Well, how did I get here?
"Once in a Lifetime" (song) (1980). Cowritten with Brian Eno.
2 And you may ask yourself
What is that beautiful house?
(OKAY -- so that was a bit confusing as the punctuation is weird enough in a book of quotations so I just counted end of sentence punctuation marks and went from there).
What was I gonna say???
Ran across the following on Reuters.
What about the folks between 30 and 50? What do they remember? (Or did the pollsters forget to poll those folks??)
I believe (though I can't verify) that Einstein was quoted as saying that he didn't memorize his phone number because he wouldn't be bothered to memorize something that he can look up.
(I use that philosophy often in my work doing income taxes - no I bloody well don't have the tax tables memorized).
Remember your home phone number? Forget it!
LONDON (Reuters) - Can't remember life before mobiles? Chances are you'll also struggle to recall your home phone number and family birthdays.
According to a survey released Friday, the boom in mobiles and portable devices that store reams of personal information has created a generation incapable of memorizing simple things.
A quarter of those polled said they couldn't remember their landline number, while two-thirds couldn't recall the birthdays of more than three friends or family members.
The tech-savvy young fared worse than older people. The under-30s could remember fewer birthdays and numbers than the over-50s, according to the survey.
Two-thirds said they relied on their phone or electronic organizer to remember key dates.
"People have more to remember these days and they are relying on technology more for their memory," said Ian Robertson, professor of psychology at Trinity College, Dublin.
© Reuters 2006. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
What about the folks between 30 and 50? What do they remember? (Or did the pollsters forget to poll those folks??)
I believe (though I can't verify) that Einstein was quoted as saying that he didn't memorize his phone number because he wouldn't be bothered to memorize something that he can look up.
(I use that philosophy often in my work doing income taxes - no I bloody well don't have the tax tables memorized).
Monday, July 09, 2007
Another predictions quiz -- feel free to copy and keep score
1. Will Harry die and stay dead at the end of HPDH? (3 points)
NO
2. Will Voldemort die and stay dead at the end of HPDH? (3 points)
YES
3. Excluding Harry and Voldemort, who will be the most prominent character to die and stay dead? (3 points)
Hagrid
4. From HBP (p125, American Hardcover), in the shop while the trio were listening with Extendable Ears, what did Draco show Borgin that scared him? (3 points)
Draco has the Dark Mark
5. Assuming Hogwarts reopens as a school, who will return as a student, which means enrolled in classes whether or not they attend the classes (answer yes or no for 1 point each):
a. Harry?
Yes
b. Draco?
No
c. Hermione?
Yes
d. Luna?
NO
e. Ron?
Yes
f. Neville?
Yes
g. Ginny?
Yes
6. Which will be the most prominent couple to marry, if any, during the time period covered in DH, excluding any epilogue? (3 points)
Bill and Fleur
7. Who will be the unusual person who performs magic for the first time "very late in life?" (3 points)
Aunt Petunia
8. Assuming Hogwarts reopens as a school, who will be the: (1 point each)
a. Head Boy?
Neville
b. Head Girl?
Hermoine
c. DADA Instructor?
Shacklebolt
d. Potions Master or Mistress?
Aberforth (hey -- how far is a barkeep from a potions master??)
e. Headmaster or -mistress?
McGonagall (interim)
9. Where do Snape's ultimate loyalties lie? (3 points)
I say he's a free agent, trying to figure which side will end up on top.
10. Identify the six Horcruxes (asuming 7th soul fragment is in Voldemort's body) (1 point each)
a. The Diary (given)
b. The Ring (given)
c. The Locket (highly suspect)
d. Nagini
e. Helga's Cup
f. The Scar
11. What are Snape's a) patronus and b) boggert? (1 point each)
A cauldron
Harry
12. What is behind the locked door at the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic? (2 points)
Love Love Love (I'm not sure HOW that's behind the door??? Maybe an old Beatles recording :} ).
13. True or False? R.A.B. is Regalus Black (2 points)
Yes
Make up to 10 predictions not covered in the Compulsory Question section. (Up to five points each, depending on accuracy and creativity. Avoid overly obvious (Snape will have greasy hair, Herminone will answer a question correctly)
Neville will do something Incredibly Significant in the upcoming battle (like kill 13 death eaters at once or something).
Molly Weasley will die in order to save one (or more) of her children -- possibly the git (Percy)
And I realize I don't get ANY points for this one -- but somewhere, sometime in the book Jo is going to have Fred and George cause us all to be rolling on the floor laughing.
Dumbledore's inclusiveness is going to be significant, all the "good" magical folk are going to need to work together.
Harry will have a son -- who will look just like his father (BUT -- if he get Ginny Weasley pregnant -- the child will look "just like his father" but have "his other's hair")
AND -- I keep thinking that both Hagrid *AND* Arthur Weasley will die -- every time Harry gets a father figure ...
NO
2. Will Voldemort die and stay dead at the end of HPDH? (3 points)
YES
3. Excluding Harry and Voldemort, who will be the most prominent character to die and stay dead? (3 points)
Hagrid
4. From HBP (p125, American Hardcover), in the shop while the trio were listening with Extendable Ears, what did Draco show Borgin that scared him? (3 points)
Draco has the Dark Mark
5. Assuming Hogwarts reopens as a school, who will return as a student, which means enrolled in classes whether or not they attend the classes (answer yes or no for 1 point each):
a. Harry?
Yes
b. Draco?
No
c. Hermione?
Yes
d. Luna?
NO
e. Ron?
Yes
f. Neville?
Yes
g. Ginny?
Yes
6. Which will be the most prominent couple to marry, if any, during the time period covered in DH, excluding any epilogue? (3 points)
Bill and Fleur
7. Who will be the unusual person who performs magic for the first time "very late in life?" (3 points)
Aunt Petunia
8. Assuming Hogwarts reopens as a school, who will be the: (1 point each)
a. Head Boy?
Neville
b. Head Girl?
Hermoine
c. DADA Instructor?
Shacklebolt
d. Potions Master or Mistress?
Aberforth (hey -- how far is a barkeep from a potions master??)
e. Headmaster or -mistress?
McGonagall (interim)
9. Where do Snape's ultimate loyalties lie? (3 points)
I say he's a free agent, trying to figure which side will end up on top.
10. Identify the six Horcruxes (asuming 7th soul fragment is in Voldemort's body) (1 point each)
a. The Diary (given)
b. The Ring (given)
c. The Locket (highly suspect)
d. Nagini
e. Helga's Cup
f. The Scar
11. What are Snape's a) patronus and b) boggert? (1 point each)
A cauldron
Harry
12. What is behind the locked door at the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic? (2 points)
Love Love Love (I'm not sure HOW that's behind the door??? Maybe an old Beatles recording :} ).
13. True or False? R.A.B. is Regalus Black (2 points)
Yes
Make up to 10 predictions not covered in the Compulsory Question section. (Up to five points each, depending on accuracy and creativity. Avoid overly obvious (Snape will have greasy hair, Herminone will answer a question correctly)
Neville will do something Incredibly Significant in the upcoming battle (like kill 13 death eaters at once or something).
Molly Weasley will die in order to save one (or more) of her children -- possibly the git (Percy)
And I realize I don't get ANY points for this one -- but somewhere, sometime in the book Jo is going to have Fred and George cause us all to be rolling on the floor laughing.
Dumbledore's inclusiveness is going to be significant, all the "good" magical folk are going to need to work together.
Harry will have a son -- who will look just like his father (BUT -- if he get Ginny Weasley pregnant -- the child will look "just like his father" but have "his other's hair")
AND -- I keep thinking that both Hagrid *AND* Arthur Weasley will die -- every time Harry gets a father figure ...
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Predictions quiz #1
Anyone who wishes is welcome to play along. Keep track when Book 7 comes out. NOTE - some of these contradict others, and some contradict ones from another predictions quiz I'll post. Oh well - tough I don't know what's really going to happen.
1. Hogwarts will be closed for the entire year.
False
2. Harry will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
3. Ron will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
4. Hermione will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
5. Harry will take N.E.W.T. exams.
True
6. Ron will take N.E.W.T. exams.
False
7. Hermione will take N.E.W.T. exams.
True WHAT -- Hermione will pass on taking an exam?? Even if she doesn't go to Hogwarts she'll probably wander by just to have a chance to take an exam.
8. Harry will be Head Boy at Hogwarts.
False
9. Ron will be Head Boy at Hogwarts.
False
10. Hermione will be Head Girl at Hogwarts.
True - will drive the Slytherin's CRAZY -- a MUGGLE as Head Girl!!!!
11. Harry will teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.
Eventually
12. The DADA teacher at Hogwarts will be ________________________. (fill in the blank)
Shacklebolt
13. Harry's scar is a Horcrux.
True
14. Nagini is a Horcrux.
False
15. Slytherin's locket is a Horcrux.
True
16. Hufflepuff's cup is a Horcrux.
True
17. The locket that nobody could open at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place is a Horcrux.
True
18. Harry will keep his Horcrux quest secret from the Order of the Phoenix.
For the first 1/2 of the book. He'll find he needs help from one (or
more) members of the Order. After all these years he'll finally
figure out that it's really OKAY to ask for help from a grownup
19. R.A.B. = Regulus A. Black.
True
20. R.A.B. has already destroyed the locket-Horcrux.
True
21. Voldemort already knows (by the end of Half-Blood Prince) that R.A.B. took the locket-Horcrux from the cave.
False
22. Voldemort already knows (by the end of Half-Blood Prince) that Harry is seeking his Horcruxes.
False (but suspects)
23. Albus Dumbledore is really dead.
He's not only merely dead, he's really most sincerely dead.
24. On top of the "Lightening-Struck Tower," Dumbledore was asking Snape to kill him.
TRUE
25. Dumbledore gave Snape the DADA position because he knew Snape would be leaving Hogwarts at the end of the school year.
False
26. Dumbledore will communicate with Harry through his portrait in the Headmaster's office.
Somewhat (yes -- but not CLEARLY)
27. Dumbledore will communicate with Harry through the Pensieve.
Harry will use the Pensieve
28. Harry will use the Sorcerer's Stone.
False
29. Harry will return to the Chamber of Secrets.
False
30. Harry will be a Prisoner of Azkaban (or at least go there).
False
31. Harry will use the Goblet of Fire.
False
32. Harry will join the Order of the Phoenix.
True
33. Harry will (intentionally) join forces with the Half-Blood Prince.
True
34. Harry will visit a place called the Deathly Hallows.
True
35. One of the Dursleys will learn to do magic.
True
36. Petunia will (intentionally) give Harry vital information before he leaves Privet Drive.
True
37. Ron and Hermione will be a couple.
Absolutely
38. Harry and Hermione will be a couple.
NOPE (They're like Luke and Leia -- brother and sister -- not by blood
but in spirit)
39. Harry and Ginny will get back together.
Yeah
40. Ron and Hermione have already kissed "off-screen" by the end of Half-Blood Prince.
True
41. Sybill Trelawney will make another real prophecy.
True
42. Rufus Scrimgeour will be Minister of Magic at the end of Deathly Hallows.
False
43. Harry will use the Mirror of Erised again.
False
44. Harry will use the sword of Godric Gryffindor again.
False
45. Harry will use the Sorting Hat.
False
46. Harry will use a Time-Turner.
False
47. Harry will use the two-way mirror that Sirius gave him.
True
48. Harry's knowledge of Muggle artifacts will save him from imminent danger.
True
49. Grawp will (intentionally) save Harry/Ron/Hermione from danger.
True
50. The Weasleys' - now wild - flying Ford Anglia will play a significant role in saving and/or transporting Harry/Ron/Hermione.
True
51. Aside from James, Lily, Harry, and Voldemort, there was at least one other person present at the Potters' house the night James and Lily died.
True
52. Bill Weasley will become a full werewolf.
True
53. How did James and Lily Potter acquire their small fortune? _________________________________ (fill in the blank)
They borrowed the Sorcerer's Stone from Flamel
54. Snape is an Animagus.
False
55. We will learn more about the relationship between Lily and Snape.
True
56. A current member of the Order of the Phoenix will betray Harry.
True
57. The Death Eaters will attack Privet Drive.
True
58. The Death Eaters will attack The Burrow.
False
59. The Death Eaters will attack during Bill and Fleur's wedding.
True
60. The Death Eaters will attack Hogwarts.
False
61. The Death Eaters will attack Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
False
62. Draco will abandon the Death Eaters.
True -- but not until almost the end
63. Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail, will abandon the Death Eaters.
False
64. Snape will be openly allowed back into the Order of the Phoenix.
False
65. Snape is truly loyal to:
(a) Dumbledore
(b) Voldemort
(c) Neither
(c) Snape
66. Dumbledore trusts Snape because:
(a) Snape made a heartfelt apology
(b) Snape made an Unbreakable Vow
(c) Snape passed crucial secret information to the Order about Voldemort/Death Eaters
(d) Dumbledore had no hard evidence, he just wanted to give Snape the benefit of the doubt
(e) None of these, but we'll find out in Deathly Hallows
(f) We'll never know
(E)
67. Snape began working as a double agent for the Order:
(a) Before the prophecy was made
(b) After the prophecy was made, but before James and Lily died
(c) The night James and Lily died
(d) After James and Lily died
(A)
68. Harry will use, or attempt to use, an Unforgivable Curse.
True
69. Harry will use, or attempt to use, the Avada Kedavra Curse on Voldemort.
True
70. Someone other than Harry will actually finish-off Voldemort, even though Harry will have done most of the work. (i.e. Darth tosses the Emperor, Gollum falls in with the ring.)
True
71. The U.S. edition cover-art for Deathly Hallows, portrays the final showdown.
True
72. The U.S. edition cover-art for Deathly Hallows, portrays Harry and Voldemort reaching for a Horcrux.
False
73. Harry will destroy at least one Horcrux by sending it through the Veil.
True
74. The Deathly Hallows is: (a) at Hogwarts
(b) in Godric's Hollow
(c) a graveyard
(d) beyond the Veil
(e) another name for Horcruxes
(f) none of these, but depicted on the US cover
(B)
75. The final showdown will be at:
(a) the Deathly Hallows
(b) Hogwarts
(c) Azkaban
(d) Veil/Minitry of Magic
(e) Godric's Hollow
(f) The Underground Lake/Gringotts
(g) somewhere else
(B)
76. Harry will survive.
TRUE
77. Ron will survive.
True
78. Hermione will survive.
True
79. Ginny will survive.
True
80. Neville will survive.
False
81. Luna will survive.
True
82. Hagrid will survive.
False
83. Lupin will survive.
False
84. Tonks will survive.
True
85. Molly and Arthur will survive.
False/True
86. Fred and George will survive.
True/True
87. Bill and Fleur will survive.
True
88. Percy will survive.
True (unfortunately -- the Git I say Molly will die to save him.)
89. Voldemort will survive.
False
90. Snape will survive.
False
91. Peter Pettigrew will survive.
True -- and he'll get to go to Azkaban
92. Bellatrix will survive.
False
93. Lucius Malfoy will survive.
False (thank goodness)
94. Narcissa Malfoy will survive.
True
95. Draco Malfoy will survive.
True
96. Harry will become an Auror.
True
97. Harry will become a professor at Hogwarts.
False
98. Ron will become a professor at Hogwarts.
False -- Ron has had ENOUGH of school
99. Hermione will become a professor at Hogwarts.
True
100. Neville will become a professor at Hogwarts.
True (yeah -- I know this contradicts where I said he wouldn't survive)
101. The final word of Deathly Hallows will be "scar."
FALSE
But -- before I heard about the interview the other day I wrote ...
1. Hogwarts will be closed for the entire year.
False
2. Harry will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
3. Ron will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
4. Hermione will enroll in Year 7 classes at Hogwarts.
True
5. Harry will take N.E.W.T. exams.
True
6. Ron will take N.E.W.T. exams.
False
7. Hermione will take N.E.W.T. exams.
True WHAT -- Hermione will pass on taking an exam?? Even if she doesn't go to Hogwarts she'll probably wander by just to have a chance to take an exam.
8. Harry will be Head Boy at Hogwarts.
False
9. Ron will be Head Boy at Hogwarts.
False
10. Hermione will be Head Girl at Hogwarts.
True - will drive the Slytherin's CRAZY -- a MUGGLE as Head Girl!!!!
11. Harry will teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.
Eventually
12. The DADA teacher at Hogwarts will be ________________________. (fill in the blank)
Shacklebolt
13. Harry's scar is a Horcrux.
True
14. Nagini is a Horcrux.
False
15. Slytherin's locket is a Horcrux.
True
16. Hufflepuff's cup is a Horcrux.
True
17. The locket that nobody could open at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place is a Horcrux.
True
18. Harry will keep his Horcrux quest secret from the Order of the Phoenix.
For the first 1/2 of the book. He'll find he needs help from one (or
more) members of the Order. After all these years he'll finally
figure out that it's really OKAY to ask for help from a grownup
19. R.A.B. = Regulus A. Black.
True
20. R.A.B. has already destroyed the locket-Horcrux.
True
21. Voldemort already knows (by the end of Half-Blood Prince) that R.A.B. took the locket-Horcrux from the cave.
False
22. Voldemort already knows (by the end of Half-Blood Prince) that Harry is seeking his Horcruxes.
False (but suspects)
23. Albus Dumbledore is really dead.
He's not only merely dead, he's really most sincerely dead.
24. On top of the "Lightening-Struck Tower," Dumbledore was asking Snape to kill him.
TRUE
25. Dumbledore gave Snape the DADA position because he knew Snape would be leaving Hogwarts at the end of the school year.
False
26. Dumbledore will communicate with Harry through his portrait in the Headmaster's office.
Somewhat (yes -- but not CLEARLY)
27. Dumbledore will communicate with Harry through the Pensieve.
Harry will use the Pensieve
28. Harry will use the Sorcerer's Stone.
False
29. Harry will return to the Chamber of Secrets.
False
30. Harry will be a Prisoner of Azkaban (or at least go there).
False
31. Harry will use the Goblet of Fire.
False
32. Harry will join the Order of the Phoenix.
True
33. Harry will (intentionally) join forces with the Half-Blood Prince.
True
34. Harry will visit a place called the Deathly Hallows.
True
35. One of the Dursleys will learn to do magic.
True
36. Petunia will (intentionally) give Harry vital information before he leaves Privet Drive.
True
37. Ron and Hermione will be a couple.
Absolutely
38. Harry and Hermione will be a couple.
NOPE (They're like Luke and Leia -- brother and sister -- not by blood
but in spirit)
39. Harry and Ginny will get back together.
Yeah
40. Ron and Hermione have already kissed "off-screen" by the end of Half-Blood Prince.
True
41. Sybill Trelawney will make another real prophecy.
True
42. Rufus Scrimgeour will be Minister of Magic at the end of Deathly Hallows.
False
43. Harry will use the Mirror of Erised again.
False
44. Harry will use the sword of Godric Gryffindor again.
False
45. Harry will use the Sorting Hat.
False
46. Harry will use a Time-Turner.
False
47. Harry will use the two-way mirror that Sirius gave him.
True
48. Harry's knowledge of Muggle artifacts will save him from imminent danger.
True
49. Grawp will (intentionally) save Harry/Ron/Hermione from danger.
True
50. The Weasleys' - now wild - flying Ford Anglia will play a significant role in saving and/or transporting Harry/Ron/Hermione.
True
51. Aside from James, Lily, Harry, and Voldemort, there was at least one other person present at the Potters' house the night James and Lily died.
True
52. Bill Weasley will become a full werewolf.
True
53. How did James and Lily Potter acquire their small fortune? _________________________________ (fill in the blank)
They borrowed the Sorcerer's Stone from Flamel
54. Snape is an Animagus.
False
55. We will learn more about the relationship between Lily and Snape.
True
56. A current member of the Order of the Phoenix will betray Harry.
True
57. The Death Eaters will attack Privet Drive.
True
58. The Death Eaters will attack The Burrow.
False
59. The Death Eaters will attack during Bill and Fleur's wedding.
True
60. The Death Eaters will attack Hogwarts.
False
61. The Death Eaters will attack Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
False
62. Draco will abandon the Death Eaters.
True -- but not until almost the end
63. Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail, will abandon the Death Eaters.
False
64. Snape will be openly allowed back into the Order of the Phoenix.
False
65. Snape is truly loyal to:
(a) Dumbledore
(b) Voldemort
(c) Neither
(c) Snape
66. Dumbledore trusts Snape because:
(a) Snape made a heartfelt apology
(b) Snape made an Unbreakable Vow
(c) Snape passed crucial secret information to the Order about Voldemort/Death Eaters
(d) Dumbledore had no hard evidence, he just wanted to give Snape the benefit of the doubt
(e) None of these, but we'll find out in Deathly Hallows
(f) We'll never know
(E)
67. Snape began working as a double agent for the Order:
(a) Before the prophecy was made
(b) After the prophecy was made, but before James and Lily died
(c) The night James and Lily died
(d) After James and Lily died
(A)
68. Harry will use, or attempt to use, an Unforgivable Curse.
True
69. Harry will use, or attempt to use, the Avada Kedavra Curse on Voldemort.
True
70. Someone other than Harry will actually finish-off Voldemort, even though Harry will have done most of the work. (i.e. Darth tosses the Emperor, Gollum falls in with the ring.)
True
71. The U.S. edition cover-art for Deathly Hallows, portrays the final showdown.
True
72. The U.S. edition cover-art for Deathly Hallows, portrays Harry and Voldemort reaching for a Horcrux.
False
73. Harry will destroy at least one Horcrux by sending it through the Veil.
True
74. The Deathly Hallows is: (a) at Hogwarts
(b) in Godric's Hollow
(c) a graveyard
(d) beyond the Veil
(e) another name for Horcruxes
(f) none of these, but depicted on the US cover
(B)
75. The final showdown will be at:
(a) the Deathly Hallows
(b) Hogwarts
(c) Azkaban
(d) Veil/Minitry of Magic
(e) Godric's Hollow
(f) The Underground Lake/Gringotts
(g) somewhere else
(B)
76. Harry will survive.
TRUE
77. Ron will survive.
True
78. Hermione will survive.
True
79. Ginny will survive.
True
80. Neville will survive.
False
81. Luna will survive.
True
82. Hagrid will survive.
False
83. Lupin will survive.
False
84. Tonks will survive.
True
85. Molly and Arthur will survive.
False/True
86. Fred and George will survive.
True/True
87. Bill and Fleur will survive.
True
88. Percy will survive.
True (unfortunately -- the Git I say Molly will die to save him.)
89. Voldemort will survive.
False
90. Snape will survive.
False
91. Peter Pettigrew will survive.
True -- and he'll get to go to Azkaban
92. Bellatrix will survive.
False
93. Lucius Malfoy will survive.
False (thank goodness)
94. Narcissa Malfoy will survive.
True
95. Draco Malfoy will survive.
True
96. Harry will become an Auror.
True
97. Harry will become a professor at Hogwarts.
False
98. Ron will become a professor at Hogwarts.
False -- Ron has had ENOUGH of school
99. Hermione will become a professor at Hogwarts.
True
100. Neville will become a professor at Hogwarts.
True (yeah -- I know this contradicts where I said he wouldn't survive)
101. The final word of Deathly Hallows will be "scar."
FALSE
But -- before I heard about the interview the other day I wrote ...
True. (this contradicts what I said about Harry surviving). Harry
will die -- but not before he gets Ginny pregnant. In the epilogue we
will discover that Ginny had a baby boy. Everyone says .....
You look just like your mother -- except you have your father's scar.
This could be true
| What Your Latte Says About You |
 You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious. Intense and energetic, you aren't completely happy unless you are bouncing off the walls. You're addicted to caffeine. There's no denying it. You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are deep and thoughtful, but you are never withdrawn. |
This could be true -- but then I never bounce off walls (my kids do enough of that)
Thursday, July 05, 2007
But they've never been seen together now, have they???
= 
Rita Skeeter = Ann Coulter
Just a thought I had earlier today while listening to HP and the Goblet of Fire.
From Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
"Don't you dare blame your father for what that wretched Skeeter woman wrote!" said Mrs. Weasley, flaring up at once.
"If Dad hadn't said anything, old Rita would have just said it was disgraceful that nobody from the Ministry had commented," said Bill,
Guess there's some folks out there that just never learned the old adage ....
"If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say nothing at all."
Heard it in a love song
Chip is taking guitar lessons. A few months ago I ask him about piano lessons and he told me that you can't play rock and roll on piano. Goodness gracious great balls of fire, I thought as it became obvious that my childn's musical knowledge was lacking.
So I did a little about that .... made some introductions
Then, last night while we were at Naperville's we listened to
and now Chip knows -- that you can even play rock and roll on a flute.
So I did a little about that .... made some introductions
Then, last night while we were at Naperville's we listened to
and now Chip knows -- that you can even play rock and roll on a flute.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
The Great Flooring Project of 2007 -- TM version
I often send text messages to Crem -- hey what's a best friend for other than to bother with the mundane details of my life.
Anyway -- I thought it might be interesting to look at the flooring project from the perspective of my text messages.
06/15/07 11:40 a.m
RM: I emailed a picture to [your work] and [other address]. If you have time I'd like a phone consult.
We were having trouble trying to figure out how to fit the flooring under the door jam. We did eventually figure it out. Also, while doing the dining room, we learned a lot of tricks to use when we got to the living room. Crem actually had a grand idea -- but we used a different idea (that didn't involve purchase of a power tool).
06/16/07 4:19 p.m.
RM: You know that puzzle with the 15 pieces and the 16 slots, well we are trying to get the 16th piece in
I think Crem sent a message (that I didn't save) about cutting of the tongue and groove stuff and using glue.
06/16/07 5:01 p.m.
RM: Hey it's true what they say great minds think alike, that's what *I* said. But I also pointed out that a box of flooring was still much cheaper than an install.
06/16/07 5:02 p.m.
RM: I said even if he tries something and screws it up *I* won't be mad.
06/16/07 6:20 p.m.
RM: He shoulda oughta done the thing with the glue. But I said I wouldn't get mad cause he is doing enough of that for the both of us.
06/16/07 6:23 p.m.
RM: Need to go to [grandma's] so tune in tomorrow for the next episode of "As the Floor Installs." hopefully it will be the last dining room episode.
(that was the end of the dining room episode).
06/24/07 4:27 p.m.
RM: I would love to show you my coffee table and see if you have inexpen$ive restoration ideas.
I've had this coffee table since 1982 -- I got it from someone who had it for a few years, and SHE got it second hand. So it's been around awhile and it's STURDY. But it's also been throught the mill and I'm trying to figure a way to make it look pretty again. I had a picture of it on my camera (that I showed Crem that day when the families went out to dinner) but AMAZINGLY enough, I erased the picture from my camera before downloading it. I mean who'd think that I wouldn't have a picture of the damage to a 30 year old coffee table.
07/04/2007 5:52 p.m.
RM: Bloody git. "me: there is the problem" "him: lets try this & this & this" 20 min later "OH there is the problem" ya think? Bloody stubborn git.
OKAY - so sometimes Spouse takes a while to see thingsmy way the right way. And I can vent to Spouse -- but sometimes we just need to not talk about it and I can vent in other directions.
With any luck, tomorrow should be the final "install"ment of the living room version. Then it's move all the furniture back into the living room, and do the same thing all over again with the family room.
Christina -- PLEASE tell me how much I'll love it when it's all done.
Anyway -- I thought it might be interesting to look at the flooring project from the perspective of my text messages.
06/15/07 11:40 a.m
RM: I emailed a picture to [your work] and [other address]. If you have time I'd like a phone consult.
We were having trouble trying to figure out how to fit the flooring under the door jam. We did eventually figure it out. Also, while doing the dining room, we learned a lot of tricks to use when we got to the living room. Crem actually had a grand idea -- but we used a different idea (that didn't involve purchase of a power tool).
06/16/07 4:19 p.m.
RM: You know that puzzle with the 15 pieces and the 16 slots, well we are trying to get the 16th piece in
I think Crem sent a message (that I didn't save) about cutting of the tongue and groove stuff and using glue.
06/16/07 5:01 p.m.
RM: Hey it's true what they say great minds think alike, that's what *I* said. But I also pointed out that a box of flooring was still much cheaper than an install.
06/16/07 5:02 p.m.
RM: I said even if he tries something and screws it up *I* won't be mad.
06/16/07 6:20 p.m.
RM: He shoulda oughta done the thing with the glue. But I said I wouldn't get mad cause he is doing enough of that for the both of us.
06/16/07 6:23 p.m.
RM: Need to go to [grandma's] so tune in tomorrow for the next episode of "As the Floor Installs." hopefully it will be the last dining room episode.
(that was the end of the dining room episode).
06/24/07 4:27 p.m.
RM: I would love to show you my coffee table and see if you have inexpen$ive restoration ideas.
I've had this coffee table since 1982 -- I got it from someone who had it for a few years, and SHE got it second hand. So it's been around awhile and it's STURDY. But it's also been throught the mill and I'm trying to figure a way to make it look pretty again. I had a picture of it on my camera (that I showed Crem that day when the families went out to dinner) but AMAZINGLY enough, I erased the picture from my camera before downloading it. I mean who'd think that I wouldn't have a picture of the damage to a 30 year old coffee table.
07/04/2007 5:52 p.m.
RM: Bloody git. "me: there is the problem" "him: lets try this & this & this" 20 min later "OH there is the problem" ya think? Bloody stubborn git.
OKAY - so sometimes Spouse takes a while to see things
With any luck, tomorrow should be the final "install"ment of the living room version. Then it's move all the furniture back into the living room, and do the same thing all over again with the family room.
Christina -- PLEASE tell me how much I'll love it when it's all done.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Universal truths (or at least planetary truths)
You MUST check this webcomic, which I read daily. It's about a group of geeks that work for a fictional ISP. I know some about computers, and some about geeks so I find it entertaining most days.
However, TODAY J.D. Frazer had me laughing out loud. Why ????
Funny thing is, I looked about and can't find any references to him having children. I mean, from that comic I'd SWEAR his kids just started summer vacation.
However, TODAY J.D. Frazer had me laughing out loud. Why ????
Funny thing is, I looked about and can't find any references to him having children. I mean, from that comic I'd SWEAR his kids just started summer vacation.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
THAT explains it ...
NOW I get it -- while I was cleaning out the house I found some R.O.U.S.'s hanging around.
| Your Love Life is Like The Princess Bride |
 "Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind." For you, love is like a fairy tale - albeit a fairly twisted one. You believe romance is all about loyalty, fate, and a good big of goofy fun. Your love style: Idealistic yet quirky Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Perfectly romantic |
Don't blame me -- it's innate
So -- after the Great Flooring (and redecorating) Project of 2007 is done, if you don't like it, remember it's not inconsistent, it's CREATIVE!!
| You Are 86% Creative |
 You are an incredibly creative person. For you, there are no bounds or limits to your creativity. Your next creation could be something very great... Or at least very cool! |
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Great Flooring Project of 2007
We are in the process of installing flooring over the first floor of my house. Spouse and I are installing. A while ago we learned that we don't work well together, and if we're working together we have to have one person in charge and one person only doing exactly what he or she is told. I'm much better at taking direction than Spouse. Which is not to say that I'm exactly stellar at taking directions, but I suppose an oak tree is slightly more pliable than a brick wall.
We decided to get some new flooring because our wonderful puppy caused the need in one room (he had some dietary issues),lucky for you unfortunately for you guys - we don't have before pictures of the carpet. And it's also unfortunate I didn't get pictures of the carpet padding while I was painting, nobody will ever get to see how well the carpet padding went with the blue 3M painting tape.
This is taking longer than we expected. I will give kudos to the folks at iFLOOR. They sell both flooring and installation. The salesman we bought our stuff from comes from an installing background. We were having trouble, we went back to the store, and got a "hands on" demonstration. And I'm sure that it will continue to take a while. But I'm trying to remember the "mommy mantra" this too shall pass and eventually it will be done.
After all, myself, my Spouse, hammers, and power tools is not a really great combination.
Spouse at work
we sent this shot to Crem for a phone consult as to what to do with the doorjam.
We're not suppose to "need" to tape the floor, but we discovered it works better.
I'm looking forward to sending the after pictures.
We decided to get some new flooring because our wonderful puppy caused the need in one room (he had some dietary issues),
This is taking longer than we expected. I will give kudos to the folks at iFLOOR. They sell both flooring and installation. The salesman we bought our stuff from comes from an installing background. We were having trouble, we went back to the store, and got a "hands on" demonstration. And I'm sure that it will continue to take a while. But I'm trying to remember the "mommy mantra" this too shall pass and eventually it will be done.
After all, myself, my Spouse, hammers, and power tools is not a really great combination.
Spouse at work
we sent this shot to Crem for a phone consult as to what to do with the doorjam.
We're not suppose to "need" to tape the floor, but we discovered it works better.I'm looking forward to sending the after pictures.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Magicicada
Ah yes, another 17 years have come and gone and Magiciciada is back. You can find Ciciadas in the Chicagoland area by following this map
We have not been blessed with the cicidas in my neighborhood. I understand it's because of the use of grubix? or something when our development went in.
Today however, Chip, Princess, and I went to the annual Pignic (guinea pig pignic) for The Critter Corral, A Guinea Pig Rescue.
The Pignic was held at a forest preserve in a nearby town. As we were driving every now and then I'd open my car window and say "THAT sound is the cicadas." We hadn't really heard them yet. Little did we realize that once we arrived at the Pignic we would besubjected to the noise for 2.5 hours able to hear the lovely songs of Magicicada.
And now that I got to do that, I'm more then willing to wait 17 years toput up with hear that sound again.
For those of you on the other side of the Mississippi that will never experience it, and want a taste of it, go find a very old gas powered lawn mower. Fire it up. Forget about your hearing protectors. Now get about another dozen or so lawn mowers and fire them up. Then play that sound endlessly for the next 6 weeks.
We have not been blessed with the cicidas in my neighborhood. I understand it's because of the use of grubix? or something when our development went in.
Today however, Chip, Princess, and I went to the annual Pignic (guinea pig pignic) for The Critter Corral, A Guinea Pig Rescue.
The Pignic was held at a forest preserve in a nearby town. As we were driving every now and then I'd open my car window and say "THAT sound is the cicadas." We hadn't really heard them yet. Little did we realize that once we arrived at the Pignic we would be
And now that I got to do that, I'm more then willing to wait 17 years to
For those of you on the other side of the Mississippi that will never experience it, and want a taste of it, go find a very old gas powered lawn mower. Fire it up. Forget about your hearing protectors. Now get about another dozen or so lawn mowers and fire them up. Then play that sound endlessly for the next 6 weeks.
Interesting California Bill
Was reading news today and ran across this article about the possibility of a law in California that requires people to spay and neuter their pets. It's passed the Assembly, and now moves to the Senate and then the Governor's desk. There are exemptions for breeders and owners of guide dogs (and some others -- I think there's like 20+ exemptions). Some Republicans consider this bill "micro-managing." Governor Arnie will not disclose whether his dogs are neutered.
There could be a fine for up to $500 for each unneutered animal.
A couple of things stick out in my mind when I'm looking at this ... First of all, I've read between $250 MILLION and $300 MILLION dollars (of taxpayer money) is spend on caring for unwanted animals in California per year.
But hey -- it's the state budget of California -- so really whats a couple of hundred million -- I mean who cares?? right???
OH - and another thing that sticks out in my mind. One common comment is that if this bill passes there will be NO more shelter animals in California for people to adopt. People in CA will have to go out and spend really big money on purebred animals because all the shelters will close down.
To the people of the great state of California ..... If this bill passes, I will personally make you two promises.
1) while there may be a reduction of unwanted animals in California, there will never be complete compliance with this bill and there will still be plenty of mixed breed animals to adopt.
2) even if by some really odd circumstance there are *NO* unwanted animals left in California, I assure you there are enough idiots in the other 47 contiguous states that will be having enough unneutered strays running around, there will be no shortage of unwanted animals.
I've looked at some of the articles and discussion on this bill (I find it far more interesting that whether or not Paris Hilton is in jail and whether or not she's eating) and HAD to laugh at the following quote from The San Jose Mercury News ...
Spaying and neutering legislators ...... hmmmmmmmmmmm
There could be a fine for up to $500 for each unneutered animal.
A couple of things stick out in my mind when I'm looking at this ... First of all, I've read between $250 MILLION and $300 MILLION dollars (of taxpayer money) is spend on caring for unwanted animals in California per year.
But hey -- it's the state budget of California -- so really whats a couple of hundred million -- I mean who cares?? right???
OH - and another thing that sticks out in my mind. One common comment is that if this bill passes there will be NO more shelter animals in California for people to adopt. People in CA will have to go out and spend really big money on purebred animals because all the shelters will close down.
To the people of the great state of California ..... If this bill passes, I will personally make you two promises.
1) while there may be a reduction of unwanted animals in California, there will never be complete compliance with this bill and there will still be plenty of mixed breed animals to adopt.
2) even if by some really odd circumstance there are *NO* unwanted animals left in California, I assure you there are enough idiots in the other 47 contiguous states that will be having enough unneutered strays running around, there will be no shortage of unwanted animals.
I've looked at some of the articles and discussion on this bill (I find it far more interesting that whether or not Paris Hilton is in jail and whether or not she's eating) and HAD to laugh at the following quote from The San Jose Mercury News ...
(Assemblyman Plescia, R- Sandiego) said the Assembly should stop crafting legislation in the "crazy bill factory" before Californians pass a ballot initiative "mandating the spaying and neutering of legislators."
Spaying and neutering legislators ...... hmmmmmmmmmmm
Thursday, June 07, 2007
What's in a name .....
My day in reverse.
The last stop of the day was interesting. We had stopped at a teacher supply store to get a "graduation" present for Nephew1, who just "graduated" from Kindergarten. I'mwondering why I'm getting a graduation present for Kindergarten for chrissake and am determined not to spend too much money sure the party won't be too bad.
One of the things I looked at was a trivia/fact book for Illinois. (Who Wants to be a Millionaire Illinois Edition or some such) I thought this might be fun for him, Niece4, Chip, and Princess. So I open up the book to a random page and see the following question ....
Which of the following skyscrapers is not in Chicago
1. Sears Tower
2. Empire State Building
3. John Hancock Building
4. Amoco Building
Now, for those that don't live in Illinois (or don't care) the Amoco Building changed names in Jan. 2001 to the Aon Building. (Incidentally, the book was copyrighted in 2001, which means that was after the name change. I'm reading this going ummm I count two buildings that aren't in Illinois. We ended up getting him a Mad Libs book.
This was not the first glaring error I had experienced this evening -- nope not even. The family and I went out to dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise. I may very well becorrupting my children raising two little parrotheads.
Anyway - it being Thursday night there was live music. Some guy was singing. He did some Elvis, Bob Dylan, Eagles, finally he did some Jimmy Buffett and
MESSED UP THE WORDS
On CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE
His mamma didn't raise him right -- at least MY kids know the words.
I hope they didn't pay him too much. He certainly wasn't worth all that.
The last stop of the day was interesting. We had stopped at a teacher supply store to get a "graduation" present for Nephew1, who just "graduated" from Kindergarten. I'm
One of the things I looked at was a trivia/fact book for Illinois. (Who Wants to be a Millionaire Illinois Edition or some such) I thought this might be fun for him, Niece4, Chip, and Princess. So I open up the book to a random page and see the following question ....
Which of the following skyscrapers is not in Chicago
1. Sears Tower
2. Empire State Building
3. John Hancock Building
4. Amoco Building
Now, for those that don't live in Illinois (or don't care) the Amoco Building changed names in Jan. 2001 to the Aon Building. (Incidentally, the book was copyrighted in 2001, which means that was after the name change. I'm reading this going ummm I count two buildings that aren't in Illinois. We ended up getting him a Mad Libs book.
This was not the first glaring error I had experienced this evening -- nope not even. The family and I went out to dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise. I may very well be
Anyway - it being Thursday night there was live music. Some guy was singing. He did some Elvis, Bob Dylan, Eagles, finally he did some Jimmy Buffett and
MESSED UP THE WORDS
On CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE
His mamma didn't raise him right -- at least MY kids know the words.
I hope they didn't pay him too much. He certainly wasn't worth all that.
He might have sounded better if I was in the bar, and had had a few boat drinks.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Fuzzy takes the hit
We have neighbors (GreenThumb and CopGuy) that throw two wonderful parties per year. They invite all their friends, and ALL their neighbors (taking the theory that the neighbors can't complain about the party if they're all at the party).
This weekend they had an outdoor party and the weather was lovely. GreenThumb's "baby" TinyPup is similar to this ....
an entire 8 pounds of love. TinyPup is a very social dog, but spent most of the afternoon in hiding. After a while GreenThumb brough TinyPup out and the young girls (I think ranging in age from like 5-8) had a GRAND time playing with her. A few times adult intervention was necessary. I suggested to GreenThumb that I might bring Fuzzybutt by and give TinyPup a break. She said she'd take TinyPup in after a bit and Fuzzybutt could come by. A little after that, GreenThumb was talking to friends or relations, and I looked over and saw the girls, TinyPup wrapped in a blanket and stuffed in a stroller. Needless to say, THAT was the end of that.
TinyPup went inside, I called Spouse (he'd gone home already -- he's not a party animal) and he sent Chip down with Fuzzybutt. Unlike Spouse, Fuzzybutt enjoyed being a party animal, and getting great deals of attention. He didn't even mind the girls fawning all over him (but even put together he outweighed the girls).
Fuzzybutt then went home, where hewas subjected to even more torture enjoyed a grooming.
This weekend they had an outdoor party and the weather was lovely. GreenThumb's "baby" TinyPup is similar to this ....
an entire 8 pounds of love. TinyPup is a very social dog, but spent most of the afternoon in hiding. After a while GreenThumb brough TinyPup out and the young girls (I think ranging in age from like 5-8) had a GRAND time playing with her. A few times adult intervention was necessary. I suggested to GreenThumb that I might bring Fuzzybutt by and give TinyPup a break. She said she'd take TinyPup in after a bit and Fuzzybutt could come by. A little after that, GreenThumb was talking to friends or relations, and I looked over and saw the girls, TinyPup wrapped in a blanket and stuffed in a stroller. Needless to say, THAT was the end of that.
TinyPup went inside, I called Spouse (he'd gone home already -- he's not a party animal) and he sent Chip down with Fuzzybutt. Unlike Spouse, Fuzzybutt enjoyed being a party animal, and getting great deals of attention. He didn't even mind the girls fawning all over him (but even put together he outweighed the girls).
Fuzzybutt then went home, where he
I forget ......
I wish I knew how to embed music -- I'd insert "Baby Elephant Walk" here. Last night I had a dream that I got a pet elephant and his (or her) entire family. I think I had 7 elephants. I think there were three other young elephants and three adult elephants, and I was walking around with them.
I remember waking up from the dream thinking MAN I must be bloody wealthy to afford the upkeep on those babies
So this morning (realizing that I'm not Freud and looking things up by one word on the Internet is not going to solve all my life's problems I look up elephant in a few dream dictionaries.
This interpretation states:
I'm sure there's a few people who'd agree that I need to be more patient and understanding. Funny thing though -- it seems like that's 1/2 a sentence it should read suggests that you either need to be more patient or understanding of others or it could state suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others and/or. I'm so impatient of incomplete sentences. I simply don't understand it at all.
This same definition goes on to say that:
Hmmmm, and I powerful, strong, and intellectual? Most days I don't so much think so.
Now, I am so liking this interpretation: ...
Did I mention they were gifts? And there were 7 elephants? And 3 of them were babies?? 7 times the abundance or prosperity and 3 times the good luck or fortune.
This dream dictionary and this dream dictionary both say the exact same thing:
Now what was I thinking????? I forget.
I remember waking up from the dream thinking MAN I must be bloody wealthy to afford the upkeep on those babies
So this morning (realizing that I'm not Freud and looking things up by one word on the Internet is not going to solve all my life's problems I look up elephant in a few dream dictionaries.
This interpretation states:
To see an elephant in your dream, suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others.
I'm sure there's a few people who'd agree that I need to be more patient and understanding. Funny thing though -- it seems like that's 1/2 a sentence it should read suggests that you either need to be more patient or understanding of others or it could state suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others and/or. I'm so impatient of incomplete sentences. I simply don't understand it at all.
This same definition goes on to say that:
The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, and intellect.
Hmmmm, and I powerful, strong, and intellectual? Most days I don't so much think so.
Now, I am so liking this interpretation: ...
elephant - As a gift: Sense of abundance or prosperity coming. Baby: Good luck or fortune.
Did I mention they were gifts? And there were 7 elephants? And 3 of them were babies?? 7 times the abundance or prosperity and 3 times the good luck or fortune.
This dream dictionary and this dream dictionary both say the exact same thing:
Elephant Dreams
Elephants in dreams may represent knowledge, power, and strength. They are also associated with long memory and "thick skin." However, depending on the dream’s details, the elephant may be a symbol of a large burden. Additionally, in the dream you may be making efforts to remember something important and of great magnitude.
Now what was I thinking????? I forget.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Of course I'm a Goddess
| Which God or Goddess are you like? Your Result: Goddess Bast You are the Goddess Bast. You are quiet and calm, but when need be, you are firm and fierce. You are full of love, and you always care. People often come to you for advise or guidance, and you willingly give it. Congatulations!! You are Goddess!! | |
| Goddess Sekhemet | |
| Budha | |
| The Christian God | |
| You are your own God or Goddess | |
| Jesus | |
| God Zeus | |
| Satan | |
| Which God or Goddess are you like? Make Your Own Quiz | |
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
To Christina
From this site comes my favorite from the vast collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Before kids I was a member for years and year and years. Actually, I was a member when I did NOT live in Chicago (it was cheap to be a National Associate, and I was in town often enough that it was worth it).
Picasso -- Crazy Woman with Cats (hey - it's been the story of my life at times).
Picasso -- Crazy Woman with Cats (hey - it's been the story of my life at times).
HELP (not)
We need to replace the flooring in the dining room. I decided before we do the floors we I might as well paint the walls. They haven't been done since we moved into the house, and I've been wanting to paint for a while. The way I figure it, might as well paint over the old -- about to be discarded -- carpet. Doesn't matter if I splash paint all over that now does it.
I'm sure many of you have seen TV shows or commercials or print ads with the lovely couple bonding over redecorating their lovely suburban home. Ah yes, the perfect married couple bonding over cooperative job efforts.
Well, as Bob Dylan would say "It Ain't Me Babe." Spouse and I figured out a long time ago that we don't work well together. I'm not saying that like it's necessarily a bad thing - it's just a fact of our relationship.
SO -- over the past two days I've been doing all the "painting stuff." Prepping the walls, washing, taping, painting, cleaning up, putting on the faux stuff.
I've had some help from both Princess and Spouse.
I'd probably be able to work twice as fast with less than half the help.
I'm just saying. OR -- as Helen Reddy said
I'm sure many of you have seen TV shows or commercials or print ads with the lovely couple bonding over redecorating their lovely suburban home. Ah yes, the perfect married couple bonding over cooperative job efforts.
Well, as Bob Dylan would say "It Ain't Me Babe." Spouse and I figured out a long time ago that we don't work well together. I'm not saying that like it's necessarily a bad thing - it's just a fact of our relationship.
SO -- over the past two days I've been doing all the "painting stuff." Prepping the walls, washing, taping, painting, cleaning up, putting on the faux stuff.
I've had some help from both Princess and Spouse.
I'd probably be able to work twice as fast with less than half the help.
I'm just saying. OR -- as Helen Reddy said
Leave me alone won't you leave me alone
Please leave me alone, no leave me alone
Leave me alone, just leave me alone, oh leave me
Can I play too?? Edited (thanks MLL)
One Feather Tail did this and I was going to but forgot, then it popped up again on Doc Thelma's House (which is private so you might not be able to link to it) and A Squib's Life. I figure it's my turn to play.
What I have done
Those that I have done are in italics, my comments are bold.
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you” and meant it!
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea WAY COOL
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise I'm not good at getting up early, but I am good at staying up late.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game I guess that depends on your definition? A Cubs game? Yes. A World Series Game, no?
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables Yeah, but going to Farmer's Market is much more convenient.
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Drunk tequila In a margarita
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster see number 31.
35. Scored a winning goal
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Visited all 5 continents
40. Taken care of someone who was drunk Hmmm, maybe part of the reason my ex-husband is my EX-husband.
41. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
42. Watched wild whales
43. Stolen a sign
44. Backpacked
45. Taken a road-trip
46. Gone rock climbing
47. Midnight walk on the beach
45. Gone sky diving
49. Taken a train through Europe
50. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
51. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table, and had a meal with them
52. Milked a cow
53. Alphabetized your CDs
54. Sung karaoke
55. Lounged around in bed all day BEFORE number 93.
56. Gone scuba diving
57. Kissed in the rain
58. Gone to a drive-in theatre
59. Started a business
60. Taken a martial arts class
61. Been in a movie
62. Crashed a party
63. Gone without food for 5 days
64. Gotten a tattoo
65. Got flowers for no reason and given
66. Performed on stage
67. Been to Las Vegas
68. Recorded music
69. Eaten shark
70. Buried one/both of your parents
71. Been on a cruise ship
72. Spoken more than one language fluently
73. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over Well, a job was involved.
74. Walked a famous bridge
75. Had plastic surgery
76. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
78. Wrote articles for a large publication
79. Tried to lose weight seriously
80. Piloted an airplane
80. Petted a stingray
81. Broken someone’s heart
82. Broken a bone Hmmm, does it count if someone else actually broke the bone for me??
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Parasailed
86. Skipped all your school reunions
87. Shaved your head
88. Caused a car accident
89. Pretended to be “sick”
90. Swam in the Pacific Ocean
91. Saved someone’s life No, but saved someone's eyesight.
92. Fainted
93. Been in the room while someone is giving birth (Self only)
94. Hitchhiked No -- but taken rides with strangers.
95. Adopted a child
96. Been caught daydreaming
97. Been to the Painted Desert
98. Called off a wedding engagement
99. Donated your blood
100. Had an out-of-body experience
Edited
What I have done
Those that I have done are in italics, my comments are bold.
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you” and meant it!
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea WAY COOL
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise I'm not good at getting up early, but I am good at staying up late.
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game I guess that depends on your definition? A Cubs game? Yes. A World Series Game, no?
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables Yeah, but going to Farmer's Market is much more convenient.
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Drunk tequila In a margarita
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster see number 31.
35. Scored a winning goal
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Visited all 5 continents
40. Taken care of someone who was drunk Hmmm, maybe part of the reason my ex-husband is my EX-husband.
41. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
42. Watched wild whales
43. Stolen a sign
44. Backpacked
45. Taken a road-trip
46. Gone rock climbing
47. Midnight walk on the beach
45. Gone sky diving
49. Taken a train through Europe
50. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
51. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table, and had a meal with them
52. Milked a cow
53. Alphabetized your CDs
54. Sung karaoke
55. Lounged around in bed all day BEFORE number 93.
56. Gone scuba diving
57. Kissed in the rain
58. Gone to a drive-in theatre
59. Started a business
60. Taken a martial arts class
61. Been in a movie
62. Crashed a party
63. Gone without food for 5 days
64. Gotten a tattoo
65. Got flowers for no reason and given
66. Performed on stage
67. Been to Las Vegas
68. Recorded music
69. Eaten shark
70. Buried one/both of your parents
71. Been on a cruise ship
72. Spoken more than one language fluently
73. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over Well, a job was involved.
74. Walked a famous bridge
75. Had plastic surgery
76. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
78. Wrote articles for a large publication
79. Tried to lose weight seriously
80. Piloted an airplane
80. Petted a stingray
81. Broken someone’s heart
82. Broken a bone Hmmm, does it count if someone else actually broke the bone for me??
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Parasailed
86. Skipped all your school reunions
87. Shaved your head
88. Caused a car accident
89. Pretended to be “sick”
90. Swam in the Pacific Ocean
91. Saved someone’s life No, but saved someone's eyesight.
92. Fainted
93. Been in the room while someone is giving birth (Self only)
94. Hitchhiked No -- but taken rides with strangers.
95. Adopted a child
96. Been caught daydreaming
97. Been to the Painted Desert
98. Called off a wedding engagement
99. Donated your blood
100. Had an out-of-body experience
Edited
Monday, May 28, 2007
Bye Bye Waitress
There are quite a number of blogs I read on a regular basis (see list to the right, under the Deathly Hallows countdown). Three of these blogs are "servers" of sorts, every one's favorite waiter, the lady that gives us something to go with our caffeine fix, and a good old barmaid. The good old barmaid is retiring from blogging, and I'll miss her insights and commentary on humans.
I'm not sure if these three have improved my tipping practices (I think I've been pretty good all along) but they've certainly made me more aware of my practices. They've also (jointly) reminded me (what I already knew) that "folks is folks" and it's interesting how humans everywhere are the same.
One that that totally amuses me though, these three (wonderful) writers have all had encounters with and commented aboutcheap mother fuck3rs the more frugal members of our society.
I run a tax business (anyone want to buy it) The thing that I have found to be of interest, is when thecheap mother fuck3rs more frugal folks, is that sometimes the people that whine and moan and complain are apt to try to strike a deal are often loaded not those in the most need.
When the folks go into a restaurant and ask for hot water and lemon (while having brought their own tea bags), or gentlemen go and sit and have "one" beer at Waitress' bar, or have Barista Brat make multiple bar drinks because the first (and second and third) were wrong (and then try to walk out with the extras for free) the folks serving them don't know something that I get to find out....
When these same folks come into my shop and try to finagle their way to get discounts on my services (my friend paid "$x.xx at the competition") ("can't I use this coupon AND this coupon AND this coupon") ("but I got a quote of $x.xx on the phone" when I make the policy and know dang well exactly what quotes are given over the phone) they forget...
I'm doing your taxes honey -- I know exactly what you make, what your mortgage payments are, where you live, what your property taxes are, how much you've made (or lost) this year on capital gains.
So Waitress, Brat, Waiter, the next time someone comes in and tries to pull one over on you -- yeah, you could think that they might need a break, but that could also be the person that makes $180,000 a year and LOSES (yea that's right loses) over $10,000 per year gambling.
At the end of this tax season when my manager and I were looking back and realized, the people that bitched the MOST were also the people that MADE the most.
Surprised??
(NOTE -- there were also a number of people that were wonderful, salt of the earth, and treated us as fairly as we treated them).
I'm not sure if these three have improved my tipping practices (I think I've been pretty good all along) but they've certainly made me more aware of my practices. They've also (jointly) reminded me (what I already knew) that "folks is folks" and it's interesting how humans everywhere are the same.
One that that totally amuses me though, these three (wonderful) writers have all had encounters with and commented about
I run a tax business (anyone want to buy it) The thing that I have found to be of interest, is when the
When the folks go into a restaurant and ask for hot water and lemon (while having brought their own tea bags), or gentlemen go and sit and have "one" beer at Waitress' bar, or have Barista Brat make multiple bar drinks because the first (and second and third) were wrong (and then try to walk out with the extras for free) the folks serving them don't know something that I get to find out....
When these same folks come into my shop and try to finagle their way to get discounts on my services (my friend paid "$x.xx at the competition") ("can't I use this coupon AND this coupon AND this coupon") ("but I got a quote of $x.xx on the phone" when I make the policy and know dang well exactly what quotes are given over the phone) they forget...
I'm doing your taxes honey -- I know exactly what you make, what your mortgage payments are, where you live, what your property taxes are, how much you've made (or lost) this year on capital gains.
So Waitress, Brat, Waiter, the next time someone comes in and tries to pull one over on you -- yeah, you could think that they might need a break, but that could also be the person that makes $180,000 a year and LOSES (yea that's right loses) over $10,000 per year gambling.
At the end of this tax season when my manager and I were looking back and realized, the people that bitched the MOST were also the people that MADE the most.
Surprised??
(NOTE -- there were also a number of people that were wonderful, salt of the earth, and treated us as fairly as we treated them).
Thursday, May 24, 2007
It's not my fault man
Excerpts from this article are below ...
Is Shrek bad for your kid's health?
May 24, 2007
By MIKE MITCHELL Staff Writer
Shrek might be making your children fat.
Shrek can be seen on boxes of sugary cereals, pops, juice drinks, M&Ms, McDonald's Happy Meals and even Cheetos that make your tongue turn green - all foods that nutrition experts consider major contributors to obesity in America.
The article goes on to talking about kids begging mom for (non nutritional) Shrek cereal.
Now, I don't know about where you go grocery shopping, but where I shop most of the products have nutritional information on labels, which I'm capable of reading. Also, when I get to the check out counter, I am pulling out my credit and spending my money. Shrek ain't there buying my groceries.
So -- I guess what I'm saying is that if it's MY money that's going to buy the groceries (or the Happy Meals or whatever), well then I guess
"the buck stops here."
Dear George, Make up your freaking mind!!!!!
THIS from a speech George W. gave in April .....
THIS from AP newswire
*IF* the war is so important to the "security of our country" why are you discharging VALUABLE specialists? It takes a couple of weeks to learn how to point and shoot a rifle, it takes *YEARS* to learn how to be a specialist in a language.
The way I see it, if these folks are not necessary to the conflict, well than it can't be all that important to begin with and
QUIT WASTING MY TAX MONEY!!!!!
President Bush Visits East Grand Rapids, Discusses Global War on Terror
"So no matter how frustrating the fight in Iraq can be, no matter how much we wish the war was over, the security of our country depends directly on the outcome of Iraq. The price of giving up there would be paid in American lives for years to come. ... Success in Iraq would bring something powerful and new -- a democracy at the heart of the Middle East, a nation that fights terrorists instead of harboring them, and a powerful example for others of the power of liberty to overcome an ideology of hate."
President George W. Bush
April 20, 2007
THIS from AP newswire
Gay Arab linguists continue to be discharged
Congressmen seek hearing on specialists dismissed under ‘don’t ask’ policy
By Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 23, 2007 21:14:27 EDT
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers who say the military has kicked out 58 Arabic linguists because they were gay want the Pentagon to explain how it can afford to let the valuable language specialists go.
Seizing on the latest discharges, involving three specialists, members of the House of Representatives wrote the House Armed Services Committee chairman that the continued loss of such “capable, highly skilled Arabic linguists continues to compromise our national security during time of war.”
*IF* the war is so important to the "security of our country" why are you discharging VALUABLE specialists? It takes a couple of weeks to learn how to point and shoot a rifle, it takes *YEARS* to learn how to be a specialist in a language.
The way I see it, if these folks are not necessary to the conflict, well than it can't be all that important to begin with and
QUIT WASTING MY TAX MONEY!!!!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
I always liked big cats
What is Your Patronus? Version 1
Your Patronus is the Cougar! The cougar is a symbol of power, swiftness and balance. He is one of the most beautiful creatures in North America and will protect you with his powerful claws. Congratulations!That your Patronus is a cougar says that you are a quick thinker who leads a very balanced life. This quick thinking and balance cause you to often be chosen as a leader. Be careful not to let that power go to your head and you will be an excellent witch or wizard!
Take this quiz!
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V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N
One of the things I love about my friend Crem is that I often ask his opinion on topics, and then completely ignore anything that he says. 
Anyway, during the week of July 16 the minivan will be heading to Branson, Missouri. Branson is a great vacation for the rest of family. There's amusement parks for the kiddies, and shows for the grandparents.
Anyone who has travelled with their family, and anyone who stays in a condo (or other house type unit - you know with a full kitchen and everything) knows that, really it's more of a change of scene for mom than a real vacation. Not that a change of scene is bad, but it's still not vacation. While I'mstuck in Branson there's going to be what I consider an event of epic proportions. The release of the long awaited final book in the Harry Potter series.
Now, I don't want anyone to think that this is significant only to Chip -- I mean it is but it's also something that Ramblingmom is waiting for.
There was a plan. The plan was that the morning after the release the grandparents would wander down to Walmart and get a copy of the book. Then I would spend the rest of the trip sneaking whatever peeks I can at the book. But I started thinking (and we all know how dangerous THAT can be)
I don't WANT to wait, and one thought I had was to find a nearby midnight release party and go with Chip. Well, in this case (as far as I can tell) "nearby" means an hour away in Springfield, MO.
So I asked Crem's opinion "what do you think if Chip and I go on a mini road trip of our own." I don't recall his exact response but it was something along the lines of "it's JUST a book."
Yeah, sure, right, and Guinness is "JUST a beer."
So, I guess the new plan is that Chip and I will be driving to a release party, he's then ordered to read to me in the car on the trip back to Branson. The next day I'm not quite sure what exactly the plan is, but I'm thinking that might be a great day to hit the water park. Ramblingmom can find an umbrella and well hopefully Spouse will make sure the kids don't drown.
SIL is the family trip organizer (have fun honey -- it's that important to you go all out) and she was planning what shows the family would go to on what days. The original plan was for the family to go to some show on Saturday. My response
Oh yeah, we're buying two copies of the book. I'm sure others will want to read them when we're done so we'll sell off a used copy. But I don't think it would be in good taste for Chip to come back from vacation bruised because mom keeps beating him up to get hold of the book again.
Anyway, during the week of July 16 the minivan will be heading to Branson, Missouri. Branson is a great vacation for the Anyone who has travelled with their family, and anyone who stays in a condo (or other house type unit - you know with a full kitchen and everything) knows that, really it's more of a change of scene for mom than a real vacation. Not that a change of scene is bad, but it's still not vacation. While I'm
Now, I don't want anyone to think that this is significant only to Chip -- I mean it is but it's also something that Ramblingmom is waiting for.
There was a plan. The plan was that the morning after the release the grandparents would wander down to Walmart and get a copy of the book. Then I would spend the rest of the trip sneaking whatever peeks I can at the book. But I started thinking (and we all know how dangerous THAT can be)
I don't WANT to wait, and one thought I had was to find a nearby midnight release party and go with Chip. Well, in this case (as far as I can tell) "nearby" means an hour away in Springfield, MO.So I asked Crem's opinion "what do you think if Chip and I go on a mini road trip of our own." I don't recall his exact response but it was something along the lines of "it's JUST a book."
Yeah, sure, right, and Guinness is "JUST a beer."
So, I guess the new plan is that Chip and I will be driving to a release party, he's then ordered to read to me in the car on the trip back to Branson. The next day I'm not quite sure what exactly the plan is, but I'm thinking that might be a great day to hit the water park. Ramblingmom can find an umbrella and well hopefully Spouse will make sure the kids don't drown.
SIL is the family trip organizer (have fun honey -- it's that important to you go all out) and she was planning what shows the family would go to on what days. The original plan was for the family to go to some show on Saturday. My response
I think of all the shows the only one that would really interest
Chip is the one you have scheduled for Saturday morning. Could
that be scheduled for EARLIER in the week, as I expect Saturday
morning both Chip and I will have our respective noses buried in a
book.
Oh yeah, we're buying two copies of the book. I'm sure others will want to read them when we're done so we'll sell off a used copy. But I don't think it would be in good taste for Chip to come back from vacation bruised because mom keeps beating him up to get hold of the book again.
personal to the guy I was talking to on Sunday
Like I was sayin ....
I'm not yet ready to rule out the possibility of being a grandparent.
I'm not yet ready to rule out the possibility of being a grandparent.
I invite you to copy this.
Some questions for us to ponder while awaiting the book!
Which would you prefer for a pet: Hedwig, Crookshanks, Trevor, Fang or Fawkes?
Crookshanks
What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?
A peaceful, well organized home.
What subject would be your favorite at Hogwarts? (assume a nice and competent teacher): Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Divination, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures or Defense Against the Dark Arts?
Divination
Which woud be your least favorite?
History of Magic (yeah I know it's not listed)
In which House would the Sorting Hat place you?
Well, I'm not bright (Ravenclaw), I'm not "unafraid of toil" (Hufflepuff), I'm certainly not power hungry (Slytherin), and I am rather strong so I must be Gryffindor.
Could you see Thestrals?
yes
Which Quidditch position would you prefer to play: Keeper, Beater,
Chaser, or Seeker?
Beater.
Which magical object would be most useful to you, Sneak-o-scope, Foe
Glass, Time-turner, Remembrall, or Pensieve?
Remembrall
What would be your preferred Hogwarts sweet: Chocolate Frogs, Bertie's
Every Flavor Beans, Acid pops, Cockroach cluster?
CHOCOLATE FROGS
Pumpkin juice, butterbeer, or elf-made wine?
elf-made wine
Is your best friend more like Ron, Herimone, Luna, Neville, Ginny or Hagrid?
Hmmm, as he reads this I best be careful. Neville -- he's quiet, he seemlingly hangs out in the background, and the depth of his knowledge is often surprising. He would also stand up to his friends if they were wrong.
Is the most toxic person in your life more like Lockhart, Snape, Umbridge, Malfoy, Filch or Fudge?
Snape
Is your most embarrassing relative most like Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon,
Dudley, or Percy Weasley?
I'm not related to Uncle Vernon. The rest of them ... well, I understand the characters, I'm just sayin'
What shape would your patronus take?
Dog
Which would you prefer for a pet: Hedwig, Crookshanks, Trevor, Fang or Fawkes?
Crookshanks
What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?
A peaceful, well organized home.
What subject would be your favorite at Hogwarts? (assume a nice and competent teacher): Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Divination, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures or Defense Against the Dark Arts?
Divination
Which woud be your least favorite?
History of Magic (yeah I know it's not listed)
In which House would the Sorting Hat place you?
Well, I'm not bright (Ravenclaw), I'm not "unafraid of toil" (Hufflepuff), I'm certainly not power hungry (Slytherin), and I am rather strong so I must be Gryffindor.
Could you see Thestrals?
yes
Which Quidditch position would you prefer to play: Keeper, Beater,
Chaser, or Seeker?
Beater.
Which magical object would be most useful to you, Sneak-o-scope, Foe
Glass, Time-turner, Remembrall, or Pensieve?
Remembrall
What would be your preferred Hogwarts sweet: Chocolate Frogs, Bertie's
Every Flavor Beans, Acid pops, Cockroach cluster?
CHOCOLATE FROGS
Pumpkin juice, butterbeer, or elf-made wine?
elf-made wine
Is your best friend more like Ron, Herimone, Luna, Neville, Ginny or Hagrid?
Hmmm, as he reads this I best be careful. Neville -- he's quiet, he seemlingly hangs out in the background, and the depth of his knowledge is often surprising. He would also stand up to his friends if they were wrong.
Is the most toxic person in your life more like Lockhart, Snape, Umbridge, Malfoy, Filch or Fudge?
Snape
Is your most embarrassing relative most like Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon,
Dudley, or Percy Weasley?
I'm not related to Uncle Vernon. The rest of them ... well, I understand the characters, I'm just sayin'
What shape would your patronus take?
Dog
Monday, May 21, 2007
This never happened when I lived in the city.
I grew up in Chicago. Within the city limits. I was living in downstate Illinois for (too) many years, and while I was there people would often ask "so where are you from," "Chicago," "what suburb?" I finally took to saying that I was from "Chicago, city of." Okay, I guess if you look at the population of Chicago and look at the population of the collar counties, odds are that more people come from the Chicago area than Chicago itself. But with around 3 million people there, SOMEBODY has to come from there.
When I lived in the city, I didn't live in one of the really BAD neighborhoods, nor one of the really GOOD neighborhoods. I had issues at times, and places where cars broke down where I'd rather NOT have had a car break down (dang Camaro) but I (obviously) lived to tell about it.
So, the other day I'm in white collar suburb and I'm in my minivan. Cars in front of me are not moving, cars behind me are not moving, there's a line of cars to my right that are not moving, and there are construction cones to my left. So three burly guys come up to Minivan, open the back, and proceed to take about 3 computers, a monitor, and a printer.
And all I could think to myself was ...
"well, now that I'm done at the recycling center, it's time to go to the hazarodous waste drop off."
When I lived in the city I NEVER had people come up and take stuff out of my car.
Of course, when I lived in the city these guys would regularly come and just wander to my basement and remove stuff. OKAY OKAY so it was the boy scouts collecting newspapers.
Sheltie (with brains of a fruit fly) would sit and watch them.
When I lived in the city, I didn't live in one of the really BAD neighborhoods, nor one of the really GOOD neighborhoods. I had issues at times, and places where cars broke down where I'd rather NOT have had a car break down (dang Camaro) but I (obviously) lived to tell about it.
So, the other day I'm in white collar suburb and I'm in my minivan. Cars in front of me are not moving, cars behind me are not moving, there's a line of cars to my right that are not moving, and there are construction cones to my left. So three burly guys come up to Minivan, open the back, and proceed to take about 3 computers, a monitor, and a printer.
And all I could think to myself was ...
"well, now that I'm done at the recycling center, it's time to go to the hazarodous waste drop off."
When I lived in the city I NEVER had people come up and take stuff out of my car.
Of course, when I lived in the city these guys would regularly come and just wander to my basement and remove stuff. OKAY OKAY so it was the boy scouts collecting newspapers.
Sheltie (with brains of a fruit fly) would sit and watch them.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
click
Cute picture, huh?
This is a picture from Easter, it's Chip and his "Grandpa" Y. Grandpa Y isn't technically a parent of a parent of Chip - but we call him Grandpa and we love him dearly.
Grandpa Y is INTO origami. Seriously this guy leaves a trail or origami in his wake.
I like this picture, I like "watching" the people I love when they don't know I'm watching. I love watching my children interact with other loving adults. THIS is a picture Crem took that same day.
great minds think alike huh.
Today I have a similar picture -- but unfortunately at the time I didn't have a camera so it's only a picture in my mind.
Chip was in a ice show at the local rink. Crem actually came to watch day 3 of the show. Spouse and Princess went day 1 (when Princess lost her tooth), Princess and I went day 2, we decided that Princess didn't need to go again, so today I went and Uncle Crem (who is as much of an "Uncle" as "Grandpa" Y is a Grandpa) came to watch.
After the show, we had told Chip that he could choose to go someplace for dinner since he had done all the "work" of being in the show. He liked that idea and decided where dinner would be. I asked if he wanted to ride in ye old minivan but he choose to ride with Uncle C. Crem has an electric vehicle and I was following them. (Princess and Spouse did meet us for dinner). We were stopped at a light and I could see Crem talking to Chip and pointing out various and sundry things about his car. I know Crem loves talking about his EV (any EV owner loves to talk about his EV) and it seemed quite like Chip was very interested in the car. Chip is taking after yours truly in his interest in the environment.
Maybe, just maybe someday I'll get Chip and Crem to build me an EV. HEY gas prices being what they are.
This is a picture from Easter, it's Chip and his "Grandpa" Y. Grandpa Y isn't technically a parent of a parent of Chip - but we call him Grandpa and we love him dearly.
Grandpa Y is INTO origami. Seriously this guy leaves a trail or origami in his wake.
I like this picture, I like "watching" the people I love when they don't know I'm watching. I love watching my children interact with other loving adults. THIS is a picture Crem took that same day.
great minds think alike huh.
Today I have a similar picture -- but unfortunately at the time I didn't have a camera so it's only a picture in my mind.
Chip was in a ice show at the local rink. Crem actually came to watch day 3 of the show. Spouse and Princess went day 1 (when Princess lost her tooth), Princess and I went day 2, we decided that Princess didn't need to go again, so today I went and Uncle Crem (who is as much of an "Uncle" as "Grandpa" Y is a Grandpa) came to watch.
After the show, we had told Chip that he could choose to go someplace for dinner since he had done all the "work" of being in the show. He liked that idea and decided where dinner would be. I asked if he wanted to ride in ye old minivan but he choose to ride with Uncle C. Crem has an electric vehicle and I was following them. (Princess and Spouse did meet us for dinner). We were stopped at a light and I could see Crem talking to Chip and pointing out various and sundry things about his car. I know Crem loves talking about his EV (any EV owner loves to talk about his EV) and it seemed quite like Chip was very interested in the car. Chip is taking after yours truly in his interest in the environment.
Maybe, just maybe someday I'll get Chip and Crem to build me an EV. HEY gas prices being what they are.
Friday, May 18, 2007
News closer to home
Um, does anyone have the email address for the tooth fairy??? Or her pager number?
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